At the sight, Madeline turned her gaze to him and blinked. Two lecherous miscreants in one day?
She recalled noticing him when she had entered the coach. He sat on the aisle side of the second bench from the front. A few years older than her, but probably not older than her brother, Will, she took note of his dark hair atop handsome facial features blanketed with proof he spent time in the sun. Although he appeared to have the physique of one who performed physical labor, she noticed he dressed in an expensive suit like a business professional―different than the more casual clothing worn by her male instructors at the college. As she studied him while making her way toward the rear of the coach, he tilted his head back and their gazes connected long enough for her to have noticed his hazel eyes speckled with green. Just because his appearance sent her heart racing was no reason to lower her guard. Giving herself a mental shake, she quickly broke off her gaze and searched the seats before her.
A glance at the scowling face of the man blocking her egress from the bench told Madeline she must make a choice of who to trust. The newcomer might be as much of an opportunist, preying on women traveling alone, but at least he was sober. “Um, yes. I didn’t see you, either.” She forced a fleeting smile. Upon seeing the hint of a smirk on his face, she bit her lip and turned her head aside. She knew he was just as aware as she was they had noticed each other earlier. I should not have outright lied.
“Sir, I can see by looking at you that you could use some rest before reaching your destination. I see an empty bench just a little farther back. Let me help you there.” Although the newcomer spoke in a friendly manner, his expression communicated he would tolerate no resistance.
“Not going anywhere. I’m fine with this little lady right here.”
“No, sir, you’re not. My client and I have business to discuss, and we have no intention of you being privy to the matter at hand. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m James Hennessy, Esquire. Now, let’s get you situated where you can be more comfortable.” Without giving Madeline’s unwelcome seatmate a choice, James Hennessy slid one hand beneath the armpit closest to the aisle and, grabbing the man’s upper arm with the other, physically pulled him to his feet. “Here, let me give you my calling card.” Using his left forearm now around the man’s upper arm to wedge him against his chest, James reached into his coat pocket. He pulled out a wallet. Opening it one-handed, he transferred it to the hand on the arm supporting the other man. From it, he pulled out a card and stuffed it in the other man’s pocket. “Here, miss, in case you’ve misplaced your card.” He handed a second card to Madeline.
Madeline glanced at the card which read, James P. Hennessy, Attorney-at-Law. By appointment only, contact by telegraph. Offices in Sonora, Angel’s Camp, and Oak Dale, California. She returned her attention to the scene still taking place in the aisle. She felt the heat rise in her face as she realized the three of them now held the attention of practically everyone else in the passenger car. She quickly sat and lowered her head.
My second Cupids and Cowboys book, Madeline, is now available for both purchase and on Kindle Unlimited. It will soon be available in print.
You may find the book description and purchase link by CLICKING HERE.
A Bride for Devlin is now available in both ebook and print formats. To find the book description and purchase link, please
All of the books in The Sheriff's Mail Order Bride series have been published. Please CLICK HERE to find the series page on Amazon.
I will be revealing the cover and book description of my final book for the year. It will be a Christmas novella. Please watch this blog as well as the Sweet Historical Romance group on Facebook.
My Old Timey Holiday Kitchen romance,
will publish on November 22, 2021. It is available for preorder. Please CLICK HERE
To find the Old Timey Holiday Kitchen series page on Amazon, please CLICK HERE.
Lighthouse Escape is now available for sale or for no additional cost with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
It is also available in print format.
You may find the book description by CLICKING HERE.
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