The Blushing Bride. Judith Stacy

evidence that she was still here for a good reason. “And I’ll be leaving shortly.”

      He stood in the doorway, blocking her way. “Just as long as you understand that this brides notion is over with.”

      “What I understand, Mr. Kruger, is that you’re a stubborn man.” Amanda nearly gasped aloud when she heard the words slip through her lips. Good gracious, she’d called him another name. What came over her when she got around this man?

      “Stubborn? Me?” Jason stepped inside and pushed the door shut. “You’re the most hardheaded woman I’ve ever met. And pushy, too.”

      “Pushy!”

      “Yeah, pushy. You keep sticking your nose in where it doesn’t belong and isn’t wanted.”

      Amanda drew herself up to her greatest height, though it was woefully short of his. “Somebody on this mountain wrote that letter to me, Mr. Kruger. Somebody wants brides up here. You’d better face that fact.”

      He pointed his finger at her. “I can tell you this, Miss Pierce, when I find out who wrote that letter I’m going to fire that man so fast he won’t know what hit him.”

      “Oh! You pigheaded man!” Amanda jerked her chin. “Don’t worry. I’m leaving for good. I won’t be back, and you’ll never hear from me again. You’ll have your precious mountain all to yourself. I hope it keeps you warm at night.”

      A little mewl slipped from Amanda’s lips as she realized what she’d said. Her gaze locked with Jason’s. He gulped.

      They both stood motionless for a long moment, visions of heating up the nights on the mountain spinning between them.

      Jason inched forward. Amanda backed up. He had that same fiery look in his eye he’d had earlier when he’d kissed her. Was he going to kiss her again? Should she let him?

      Jason stopped. Amanda stepped toward him.

      The door burst open behind them and a breathless young man rushed into the room.

      “Mr. Kruger! Mr. Kruger!” The tall, skinny boy pressed one hand to his heaving chest.

      Jason caught his arm. “What’s wrong with you, boy?”

      “My pa…my pa’s the postmaster down in Beaumont. He said you’d been expecting this.” The boy waved a large, rumpled envelope. “He told me to get up the mountain with it right away. I rode fast as I could.”

      Jason pulled the envelope from the boy’s hand. “Go get my brother. He’s at the sawmill.”

      “Yes, sir.” Chest still heaving, the boy ran out the door.

      Jason tore the envelope open and yanked out its contents. He scanned it, then clenched his fist. A smile bloomed on his face. Not a grin or a snicker, but a genuine smile so wide it showed his teeth.

      He whirled toward Amanda. “I got it!”