Just After Midnight: Historical Romance Read Online Free Page A

closer to observe the confrontation.
    Megan drew herself up to her full five feet eight inches, though she no doubt looked like a dwarf next to Queen and McMurphy. “How can I help you, sir?” She made her voice as cold as she’d heard the Yukon turned in December.
    The shadow of a smile played around his lips before he spoke. “Well, missy, had my eye on this place for a long time now. I don’t have a dance hall and I’ve decided I want one. Your father wasn’t much, but he knew how to start a business.”
    Megan bristled at the insult but attempted to keep the confrontation civil. “The Celebration isn’t for sale, Mr. McMurphy. I am perfectly capable of taking care of the place myself.”
    Ian glanced at her clenched fists, and this time the smile he turned upon her was genuine. “So, you’re a fighter. That’s good. I haven’t had to fight for what I wanted in a long, long time. This should be interesting.”
    “Leave the child alone,” Queen said. “Go pick on someone your own size.”
    “Like you?” His face softened and he laughed, the sound something between a chuckle and a growl. “I’d be delighted.”
    McMurphy made a move toward Queen; but before he could complete his intent, a voice from the doorway halted him in midstride. “McMurphy, you’ve been warned to stay out of trouble.”
    A shiver of awareness ran down Megan's spine as she met the angry blue eyes of Alex Carson.
    “Carson, why is it you always show up where you’re not wanted?” McMurphy swung his immense body across the room and jammed his face close to the Mountie’s. “I’m getting a mite tired of you pesterin’ me.”
    With admirable calm, the lieutenant stepped forward and jabbed his forefinger against the man’s massive chest. “Pestering is my job. Especially when it involves bullies who delight in snatching others’ hard-earned property. What are you doing here? This place belongs to Miss Daily now.”
    The lieutenant never glanced at Megan, and her name came off his lips sounding as if he found the taste of the words sour. Nevertheless, she was impressed with the way he stood up to the mountainous man. Ian McMurphy scared her witless, though her years of dealing with rough men had schooled her not to show any fear in their presence.
    After several seconds of tense silence, McMurphy bowed stiffly to Megan and Queen. “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure. I’ll be back when things are less stifling.” McMurphy brushed past Alex without a glance, and the crowd parted in a backward rush as he marched to the door.
    “He’s a nasty one.” Alex had moved so close his breath brushed Megan’s neck and she started. “You should stay clear of him.”
    Megan trembled at the sensation and stared into the lieutenant’s eyes. For a moment she glimpsed something akin to concern in the blue depths before they became shuttered and cold once again. “If you’re smart, you’ll sell your time to anyone but Big Ian.”
    If he wanted to believe the worst of her, she wouldn’t disappoint him. Smiling coyly as she’d observed other women do when they dealt with men, Megan ran her fingertip down the side of Alex Carson’s face. “I have no need to sell my time. But if I did, perhaps you’d be interested, Lieutenant Carson.”
    Her finger tingled from the warmth of his face and the stubble shading his jaw. Their eyes met and suddenly she no longer felt like teasing the man. Something hot and dangerous had come to life there.  Megan jerked her finger away from his face.
    Alex continued to stare at her for a moment. Then he turned on his shiny-booted heel and left without another word.
    “I don’t think you should tease the poor boy. Unless, of course, you’re interested in what your teasing might give rise to.” Queen cackled and slapped Megan on the back so hard she stumbled foreword. The woman caught her arm. “Sorry. I forget my own strength sometimes, and you’re such a skinny, little thing. You know that