In Your Arms (Montana Romance) Read Online Free Page A

drive these children every day independently of the school, for their sakes.”
    “But you don’t live anywhere near here,” Christian countered, then added, “Do you?”
    There was too much curiosity in his eyes, too great a hint of a grin.
    “What are you doing here?” she asked instead of answering.
    Brook clasped her hands around Lily’s neck and plopped her head against Lily’s shoulder.
    Christian opened his mouth, but no explanation followed. His gaze was fixed on her and Brook. The tension in his face relaxed. The faintest hint of a smile touched his lips.
    At last he swallowed and said, “I came to talk to Sturdy Oak, to convince him to keep Red Sun Boy and the others from coming back to the school.”
    Lily ’s temper flared. “Why would you do that?”
    “ Like I said before, it’s in their best interest. Red Sun Boy was the target of a vicious attack by Grover Turner and his pals at school today,” he added for Snow In Her Hair.
    “It was not an attack,” Lily contradicted him.
    “What do you call it when a boy ends up with a bloody nose?” Christian took a step toward her, planting his hands on his hips.
    “It was a schoolyard fight that got out of hand. I’m not saying it was right,” she rushed on before Christian could interrupt her. “It was unfortunate and the boys involved have been punished.”
    “Punished or no, it will happen again the second the opportunity arises,” Christian said. “Which is why it would be better for all of the Flathead children,” he glanced to Snow In Her Hair, “not to attend the school.”
    “Better for whom, Mr. Avery?” Lily demanded.
    He bristled. “You aren’t listening to a word I say. Today it’s a schoolyard fight, tomorrow someone gets shot in the back.”
    “That is ridiculous hyperbole, Mr. Avery.”
    “And another thing—”
    “ Did you speak to my father?” Snow In Her Hair asked.
    Christian’s bravado melted. “I did. He disagrees with me,” he grumbled.
    Lily sagged with relief.
    “But I still think it will lead to nothing but trouble,” he added.
    “We’ll see.” Lily turned away from Christian to set Brook down then crossed the room to fetch her coat. “It’s time for me to be on my way,” she said. “I want to check on Red Sun Boy before heading home.”
    “Did you walk all the way out here from town?” Christian gaped at her as though she were crazy.
    “ No, I rode. My horse is in Sturdy Oak’s stable.” She put her coat on and fastened the buttons.
    Christian fitted his hat back on his head. “Well, it looks like we’re about to get some more snow. I borrowed Michael’s wagon to come out here. Why don’t you ride back with me?”
    Her heart rose in her chest at the intriguing possibility of a ride alone with Christian. It fell back again just as quickly.
    “I can take care of myself, Mr. Avery.” She wrapped her scarf around her neck and tucked her hat over her ears. “I’ll see you next week,” she told the children.
    “Good-bye, Miss Lily.”
    Meadow rushed forward to hug her. A burst of self-consciousness hit her as Christian and Snow In Her Hair watched. She kissed Meadow on the head then turned toward the door without meeting their eyes.
    “Singing Bird.” Snow In Her Hair stopped her.
    Cheeks flushed red, Lily darted the briefest of glances to Christian before facing Snow In Her Hair.
    “You dropped your mittens.” Snow In Her Hair bent to get them, pain sharp on her face.
    “No, no. I’ll get them,” Christian stopped her. He scooped the mittens off of the floor and handed them to Lily. “Wouldn’t want you to get cold now, would we, Singing Bird .”
    Anger eclipsed the swirl of emotions in Lily’s chest. She snatched her mittens from Christian and threw open the door, marching out into the cold.
     
    Christian tipped his hat to Snow In Her Hair and hopped out of the cozy house and into the frigid evening. The wind had picked up and now cut through the wool of his long coat as if