Love Lasts Forever Read Online Free

fine. At least, I think I am. Miss…?”
    Her eyes widened at that. She then quickly lowered her lashes and moved down the trail that Thor thought he used earlier. Struggling with the full pails, she took great pains to sidestep him. He ignored her apprehension and moved quickly to reach her. His right hand shot out to take the bucket. Their fingers brushed. The initial contact was startling.
    Electricity sizzled from the single touch. The pail dropped from their hands. Water splashed. Thor jumped to avoid it.
    “I’m so sorry, Mr. Anders, sir.”
    “It wasn’t your fault.” She looked primed to bolt. His hands on her shoulders stopped her. “Please, I’m the one to blame. I scared you and I apologize.”
    “You apologize?” Disbelief lit up her eyes. “To me ?”
    “Yes,” he said with a warm smile as he reluctantly dropped his hands. “I have better manners. I should have offered to carry them both in the first place.”
    “Mr. Anders—”
    “Why do you keep calling me that? My name is Magnusen. Thor Magnusen to be exact.”
    “You sure do favor him,” she murmured mostly to herself. Her head tilted. Large eyes squinted at him. “I can see now that you’re not Mr. Anders.”
    “No, I’m not,” he agreed with a ready smile. “So what’s your name?”
    “It’s Willow, sir.” A small smile touched her full lips before slowly fading away.
    “Nice to meet you, Willow.” He took her hand and shook it gently. He then bent forward to grab the handle on the forgotten bucket at their feet. “May I?”
    He extended his hand for the pail she still kept a firm hold on. Another quizzical expression crossed her face before she gave him the pail. “Show me where you’re camped out. Maybe I can help you and your pregnant friend.”
    Willow gave him another look that said she questioned his sanity. Instead of voicing her thoughts, she nodded once and said, “It is this way, sir.”

Chapter Two
    Willow Elkridge walked with her head held high, her back straight, and her thoughts on the man who walked quietly beside her.
    He said his name was Magnusen. Thor Magnusen. Thor. God of Thunder. According to Viking history, Thor was the strongest of all the Norse gods and defended them against the forces of evil. Lightning flashed whenever he wielded his ax-hammer. A quick temper warned all who crossed his path. She shuddered. Now that ’ s a strong title to live up to.
    Glancing surreptitiously out of the corner of her eyes, she decided that he was far too beautiful to be a deity of violence, pain, and destruction. His hands, clutching the handles of the buckets, were sturdy, long-fingered, and comely. Worn Kentucky jeans molded to his muscular thighs like a second skin. The matching shirt hung loosely on him but did little to hide the breadth of his shoulders and chest. His rolled sleeves revealed the strength of his corded forearms and the faint dusting of baby-fine light brown hair.
    Her heart pounded under her breast. Heat coursed through her. Surely, it was indecent to mark his form so closely. Common sense prevailed. He was Mr. Anders’s kin after all. A woman of color knew better than to fall for the charm and fancy of a white man, no matter how comely or friendly he seemed. Whether slave or free, succumbing to such an attraction only led to heartbreak and quite possibly death. Her urges would be best held in check lest she forget her place or her aspirations.
    The lesson from the impromptu lecture did not sit well in her head. Against her better judgment, she stole another glimpse. This time, his face captivated her.
    What a magnificent face it was! Compelling blue eyes set off his ruggedly handsome features. His skin, darkened by the sun, had been surprisingly soft to the touch. His lips were full and curved into a generous, warm smile upon her blatant perusal. Shame overtook her, and she stumbled on the path.
    “Are you okay?” The rich timbre of his voice wrapped around her like a velvet