Harmony Read Online Free Page A

down on the street level, Tom went for his cigarettes and lit one while he stood on the boardwalk. As he waved out a match, Miss Huntington exited the building. She gave him a quick gaze, then proceeded. He had to go in her direction, so he trailed her. At the corner, they were forced to wait before crossing while the Harmony Fire Department backed its No. 1 engine into the firehouse.
    He stood behind her. In height, he had at least ten inches on her, so he had an aerial view of the top of her hat. The air was as fresh as it could get out here, yet she started up with the handkerchief routine again. Then the reason hit him, dragging his pride down a notch. She thought he stunk. Hell, he knew he did. No wonder she’d had Stykem open the window.
    On the toes of her proper shoes, Miss Huntington inched her way toward the curb. What did she think he was? A pig? He didn’t like to be this in need of a bath, but when had there been time to put on his coattails before delivering himself to her presence?
    Now that he realized she was bothered by him, he cut the distance between them. His chest nearly pressed against her shoulder blades. He would have gone in even further if his jaw hadn’t been in jeopardy of being run through by the lethal pin sticking out of her hat.
    When she moved again, she went a bit too far and teetered. He grabbed her by the elbow before she could fall into the street.
    â€œWhat’s the matter, Miss Huntington?”
    â€œNothing.” She’d swung her body halfway around so that she could gaze at his face. Exotic green eyes held onto him as physically as his hand held onto her arm. It was a damn shame such pretty eyes belonged to a guardian of morality.
    The silkiness of her dress felt good beneath his fingertips,so he didn’t readily release her. Because he’d been so bogged down in his business, it had been a while since he’d held a woman and explored the delights of perfumed skin. He wouldn’t have guessed that by touching her elbow he could become aroused. But damn if he wasn’t.
    What had started out as teasing her was teasing him.
    He let her go, then took a deep pull on his cigarette.
    â€œWhat are you going to do with your side?”
    Her voice intruded in his head. Regaining a sense of indifference, he replied, “Sell sporting goods.”
    Speculation filled her gaze. “Oh . . .”
    He felt obligated—not that he wasn’t curious—to ask, “What are you going to do with your side?”
    â€œOpen a finishing school for ladies.”
    â€œWhat for?”
    â€œTo educate them in the rules, usages, and ceremonies of good society.”
    â€œYou mean to make them like you.”
    Her chin lifted, and for a minute he thought she might jab him with the point of her unopened parasol. “I should hope.”
    The boardwalk traffic began to move, but Miss Huntington stayed. “By the way, I hope you aren’t allergic.” She said the word as if she wished he was. “I’ll be bringing my cat.”
    After giving her an uneven smile, he crossed the street and called over his shoulder, “No problem. I have a dog who loves cats.”
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    Edwina stood on the corner watching Mr. Wolcott disappear from her view. She made a mental list of all his offenses in the presence of her company.
    Number one: Not removing his hat.
    Number two: Reaching for cigarettes.
    Number three: Not practicing personal hygiene.
    Number four: Openly staring at her without her invitation.
    Number five: Using a swear word.
    And number six: Verbally insulting her good character.
    A half-dozen demerits. She would have counted touching her if his gesture hadn’t been somewhat of a valiant attempt to keep her from falling into the street. But then he’d forced her into moving too far off the boardwalk.
    Number seven: Unacceptable bodily contact.
    In spite of herself, faint tingles rushed to