The Outlaws Read Online Free Page B

McSween’s teaching me. But Ezra says I need to learn how to shoot and that men don’t play the piano.”
    Mark got up and walked to the piano, spinning the stool so Jules faced him. “Every man needs to know how to shoot. That doesn’t mean a man can’t also play the piano. I’m sure Mr. McSween knows how to shoot and he plays the piano, doesn’t he? “
    Jules gave a reluctant nod. “But Ezra says boys who play the piano are sissies. That only girls play.”
    “Do I look like a girl?” Jules shook his head.
    “Well, I took piano lessons when I was a boy and I can play.”
    Jules slid off the stool. “Show me.”
    Mark glanced over his shoulder. Damn. Now he’d done it. Reluctantly, he sat on the stool and poised his hands over the keys. He didn’t want to play. Not only because he was at the McSween’s piano without their permission, but because he didn’t want to be reminded of the past. He saw Jules’ mouth tighten, saw doubt gather in his eyes, eyes grayer than Tessa’s, but black-lashed the same as hers. Behind Jules he noticed a fat red candle flickering in a silver holder on the mantel.
    It was the Christmas season.
    Mark brought his fingers down on the keys for the first chorus of “God Rest You, Merry Gentlemen.” As he played he was aware of Jules getting closer until finally the boy leaned against him. When the last notes died away, the boy straightened.
    “I know that song.” he said. “Papa used to sing it at Christmas. Will you teach me to play it?”
    Mark nodded and offered the stool to the boy. Soon Jules was picking out the melody with one hand.
    “You’ve got a good ear for music,” Mark told him.
    “I heard you playing.” Tessa’s voice came from behind them.
    Mark whirled around. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you come in. I hope my playing won’t upset Mrs. McSween.”
    Tessa smiled. “If I know Jules, he wheedled you into it.”
    His heart leaped at her smile. She looked especially lovely in a high-necked cream-colored wool dress with a hint of bustle. He was about to tell her so when Susie swept into the room. She wore a gown of bright green, pointing up the red of her hair. It had an elaborate train over the bustle and the neckline dipped to show the tops of her breasts--a stunning woman.
    “Why Mr., Halloran, she exclaimed, taking his hand, “you’re a man of hidden talent, aren’t you?”
    Still holding his hand, she turned to Tessa. “Be a dear and ask Rosalita to bring in some wine and cake.”
    As Tessa left the room, Susie said to Jules, “Run along now. You’ve practiced enough for one day. Rosalita will give you your cake in the kitchen.” “He’s a dear boy,” she said after Jules hurried away. “But children can be tiring. My sister has five and I swear I don’t know how she manages. “ She drew Mark toward a settee, seated herself and patted the place beside her. “Right here. We can have a cozy little chat.”
    Mark sat down, but protested, “I came to see Tessa--that is, Miss Nesbitt.”
    “Of course. But Tessa simply insists on helping Rosalita—she’s so concerned about paying her way—so we might as well talk until she returns.” Susie leaned toward Mark , her bodice gaping slightly so that he could almost see her nipples.
    The scent of jasmine surrounded him. Susie looked up at him through her lashes. “It’s a shame we didn’t meet before now,” she murmured as her hand brushed along his thigh, as if by accident.
    Mark swallowed. He’d been a long time without a woman; Susie might be obvious, but she was tempting. He wondered how much was teasing and how much she meant.
    “I only hope you’ll stop by to see me after we return from St. Louis,” she said. “We’re going there for Christmas. You and I have music in common already.” She ran her tongue along her lips. “I wonder what else we might find to share an interest in?”
    Damn it, her nearness was having its effect. He smiled at her. “I’ll keep your invitation