The Ranger Takes a Bride Read Online Free Page B

duelen?"

 
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
    If he'd turned into a horse in front of her, Alejandra may not have been any more surprised. He spoke Spanish? His accent wasn't perfect, but it wasn't bad. He'd obviously heard the language spoken quite a bit.
    "¿Sí?" He took another step forward, creases lining his forehead. The action jerked Alejandra from her shock. What had he asked? If she'd been hurt?
    She took her own step…backward. "No. No estoy dolido." Even if she were hurt, she sure wouldn't tell this man. She raised her chin a notch, but the action pulled at the tender skin on her cheek where the renegades had struck her.
    "Eso es bueno. ¿Puedo ayudar a que llegue a casa?" He wanted to help her get home? If only that were possible. Alejandra's heart squeezed at the thought.
    But maybe he could help her get the things she needed. Dare she trust him? She would have to take a chance on someone. And there was something about this man that seemed safe. But she'd make sure to keep her distance.
    She met his gaze and answered in her native Spanish. "I’m looking for the mercantile. Can you direct me?"
    His mouth quirked into a light smile. Not the scary kind that sent chills down to her toes, but a happy smile. Like he was glad she'd given him a chance to help.
    He touched the brim of his hat and spoke again in perfect Spanish. "Sí, Señorita. I'd be honored to take you there."
    Turning, he extended a hand in the direction from which she'd come. Had she passed the mercantile on her way into town? If that was the case, she really did need help, at least finding the building. With a wary eye on the man, Alejandra stepped forward and walked beside him on the boardwalk.
    He seemed even taller now that he walked close. But his size was more comforting than unnerving. What was it about him that spoke confidence?
    "Are you new to this area?" His Spanish was slow but easy to understand.
    Her gaze shot to his face, and found him watching her. She jerked her focus back to the street in front of them. He kept to a leisurely stroll, but she still had to take long steps to keep up.
    "Sí." Should she say anything more? No. It couldn't be safe to give any more details than necessary.
    He seemed to accept her silence without resentment, though, and they walked past a few more buildings. Stopping in front of a tall, two-story structure, he opened the door and motioned for her to walk in.
    "What are you looking for?" he asked in a low voice.
    "La comida," she whispered back. The place was filled with shelves and displays and tables covered with more than Alejandra could have imagined. Boxes and bags and barrels lined one empty wall. And a table in the far corner held stacked rows of fabrics—more colors and designs than she'd seen in years.
    The man motioned toward the other side of the large room. Jars lined a bookcase, and more large sacks sat on the floor. A small table draped with a bright red table cloth held loaves of bread and round containers that looked like they held cornbread cakes.
    Alejandra's stomach rumbled. Loud enough for the whole store to hear, especially the cowboy standing mere feet away. Don't look at him. Pretend nothing happened. But her wayward gaze found his face—and the hint of a smile there.
    "Sounds like we should head to the café for lunch after we leave here." His eyes twinkled. Was he laughing at her?
    Alejandra tore her gaze away and strode forward to examine the bread on the table. "No. I have to get back to Mama Sarita."
    He stood patiently while she examined each of the foods. Everything looked so good and just made her hungrier. Finally, she selected a loaf of bread, some dried meat, and cans of corn and tomatoes. Hopefully she would still have enough money to rent a horse, but they had to have food until they reached the town of Seguin and found Mama Sarita's sister. Mama had said it was still two or three days walk from this city.
    She carried her parcels to the counter where the cowboy waited.