Aaron's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) Read Online Free Page B

to stand so close to Aaron after what Jude had just done.
    Arabin seemed to be considering what to say. Eva glanced up at Aaron and saw that his eyes were locked on Arabin's face, waiting patiently for the other man's reply.
    "Well? What you got to say for yourself, Jude? Look's like a cat's got your tongue," Aaron said firmly.
    Jude looked at Eva and she felt something twist inside her. The man's eyes were filled with what could only be described as the purest anger and deepest frustration.
    "Can I ask you to give some consideration to what I asked you, Miss. Gillespie?" Arabin urged.
    Eva sighed. "I told you once, Jude. My mind is made up. What you suggested is entirely out of the question."
    Eva thought about Mr. Dunn and what he'd told her. Could it be that Arabin already knew about the contents of her father's will? Surely not. Then again, Arabin and her father had spent a lot of time together. Eva couldn't be sure what they'd discussed when she wasn't around.
    Eva looked at Aaron and saw the puzzled expression on his face.
    Arabin sighed and took a step toward her. Eva leaned in closer to Aaron and Arabin paused. He looked back and forth from Eva to Aaron. He nodded. "I see. I get the picture."
    "What're you talking about Jude?" she asked.
    Arabin shook his head. "Never mind. Some things are plain. Even if the people involved can't see what's in front of their faces," he said.
    Eva frowned at Arabin. His words hardly made sense. She turned and looked at Aaron. His face was blank and unreadable.
    Arabin lowered his head in a mocking, insincere gesture. "I apologize Miss Gillespie. I lost my head for a moment. It won't happen again," he said.
    "It surely won't," Eva agreed with an emphatic nod.
    Aaron placed a gentle hand against Eva's arm. Arabin eyes widened when he saw the gesture. His thin lips creased into an ironic smile. "Once again, my condolences on your loss, Miss. Gillespie," Arabin said. And then he turned quickly and strode off in the direction of the bunkhouse.
    Eva felt the tension drain out of her body as she watched Arabin head off across the yard.
    "Are you okay?" Aaron said. Eva looked into his eyes and saw the genuine concern there.
    "I'm fine. Now that he's gone," she said.
    Eva closed the door. She stood in the hallway and faced Aaron. He gazed down at her. She saw the hesitation in his eyes. He was clearly wondering what to say next. Aaron had always had a way of finding just the right words, had used that ability to maintain the awkward peace between her father and himself over the years. Even if at times it had meant that disagreements had ended up being resolved in favor of her father.
    Eventually Aaron spoke. His voice was low and steady in the silence of the hallway. "I don't know what got into him. He sure seemed riled about something," Aaron said.
    Eva turned away from him. "You know how he can be sometimes. He's always been a hothead," she tried to explain.
    Aaron nodded and she knew he wasn't going to pry into her affairs any longer. But, the truth was, she wanted to tell him about Arabin's ridiculous proposal, needed to share the outrageous suggestion with someone, even if it was only so she could comprehend just how unacceptable the whole idea was.
    "It's strange. Your father had so much faith in him. As a foreman," Aaron said.
    "And that was about all," Eva said firmly. "He's just a foreman. And that's what he needs to understand."
    Aaron frowned. "What do you mean, Eva?"
    She loved how her name sounded on his lips. Always had liked how those two syllables sounded in his deep, vibrant voice. Right now, she savored it, even more so, here in the peace and quiet of the ranch house, on a day which had been one of the most difficult of her life.
    Eva shook her head. "I don't want to talk about it, Aaron."
    Eva suddenly felt light headed. She felt herself sway and Aaron reached over, holding her by the elbow, steadying her.
    "Eva. Are feeling unwell?" he asked.
    Eva leaned away from his touch,