"You're very good with babies, " she remarked.
"Mrs. Summers? Would you mind asking Grace Winthrop to come out on
the porch? " The intrusion of Marshal Ryan's voice startled her.
"Yes, of course, " she stammered.
"Is it Mrs. Summers? " Cole asked her. "Or Miss? " "It's Jessica, "
she answered as she turned away. "Grace is in the kitchen. If you
like, you could go on in and sit at the table while you question her.
" "That would be fine, " Daniel answered. He moved ahead to open the
door for her, and Cole followed behind with Caleb. He transferred the
sleepy baby to Jessica's arms when they reached the stairs.
"The kitchen's at the end of the hallway, " she said.
While Daniel went on ahead, Cole stood in the entry and watched Jessica
go up the steps. He liked the way she moved. It was sexy and
feminine, and very alluring. He liked her voice too. It was a rich,
husky bedroom voice.
He told himself it was all right to notice how good she looked and
sounded. There wasn't any harm in appreciating such an attractive
woman.
It certainly didn't mean he was going to get involved with her. He was
a lawman now, and that probably meant that he couldn't and shouldn't
dally with a potential witness. It just wouldn't be right. Besides,
Jessica Summers came with strings attached. She was carrying one of
them up to bed. Any man who became involved with her would have to
make a lifetime commitment. Forever. The notion didn't sit well with
him. He liked to move around, and no one was going to tie him down.
She was also innocent, and he had adopted a hands-off policy with
inexperienced women. Their expectations were different. Jessica was
definitely the marrying kind. He wasn't.
It was as simple as that.
"Cole, you coming? " With a nod, he caught up with Daniel at the end
of the hallway. "What was that all about? " Daniel whispered with a
nod toward the entry.
Cole knew what he was asking. He shrugged in response. "Just
noticing.
That's all." c Li arace Winthrop was standing at the stove. She
turned when they entered the kitchen. Daniel stopped cold, then took
an involuntary step back, bumping Cole.
He quickly recovered. "Jessica didn't think you would mind if we .
.
. " "Oh, please come in, " she said. "I'm brewing tea. Would you and
Marshal Clayborne like a cup? " "That sounds fine, " Daniel said,
pulling out a chair at the table. Cole took the seat across from him,
facing the door.
"Have you gentlemen had your supper yet? " she asked.
"No, ma'am, we haven't, " Cole answered.
"We aren't hungry, " Daniel said at the same time.
"Yes, we are, " Cole argued.
Grace went to the counter and returned with a plate of leftover ham.
She placed it on the table next to a basket of freshly baked bread and