Trailing Home

Lynn Coppersmith

Description

Sometimes, the long and winding trail is the one that leads to love. Selena Darcy thought she would never marry. Her stepfather's abuse has left her wary of men. She wants only to get as far from her stepfather as possible by joining her sister in Oregon. But when she meets a handsome stranger who can help her travel across the dangerous Oregon Trail, she realizes that he might be the one man she can trust with her heart.

When Liam McKenzie agrees to help Selena, he doesn't realize she will turn his world upside down. He is sorely tempted by her beauty, but he isn't ready to be tied down to a wife. But as they make the grueling trek over more than two thousand miles in a covered wagon, he can't help but fall in love with his travelling companion. Now, if he can only convince her that he is the husband she needs before they reach the end of the trail.

Publisher's Note: This historical western romance contains steamy, graphic scenes and a theme of power exchange.

Sujets

• Horses
• Rival
• Brothel
• Ranch
• Ménage
• Western

Informations

• Publié par: Blushing Books Publications
• Date de parution: 04 juillet 2020
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781645634447
• Langue: English

Extrait

Trailing Home
The McKenzies - Liam’s Bride


Lynn Coopersmith
Published by Blushing Books
An Imprint of
ABCD Graphics and Design, Inc.
A Virginia Corporation
977 Seminole Trail #233
Charlottesville, VA 22901

©2020
All rights reserved.

No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The trademark Blushing Books is pending in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Lynn Coppersmith
Trailing Home

EBook ISBN: 978-1-64563-444-7
Print ISBN: 978-1-64563-445-4
Audio ISBN: 978-1-64563-446-1
v2

Cover Art by ABCD Graphics & Design
This book contains fantasy themes appropriate for mature readers only. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as Blushing Books' or the author's advocating any non-consensual sexual activity.
Contents



Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15


Lynn Coppersmith

Blushing Books

Blushing Books Newsletter
For my wonderful family. Thank you all for helping me find my way along the winding trail of life.
LC
Chapter 1

St. Louis, April 14, 1855
L iam McKenzie took a long sip of ale while he casually wondered how the little wench was managing to fool all the other patrons. He seemed to be the only one who had noticed that she was a fine bit of woman disguised as a run of the mill barmaid.
On casual inspection, there was nothing about her appearance to give her away. Her gown was nondescript grey calico, with no adorning lace or trim, and it was buttoned primly all the way to her throat and wrists. Because the dress appeared to be several sizes too large, it was difficult to determine what manner of figure the garment concealed. She wore a large white apron over the dress that hung from her neck and was tied loosely at the waist, providing further camouflage for any feminine charms she might possess.
Even her shoes were designed for functionality rather than fashion, and they made a strange clopping noise as she rushed around to serve the patrons their food and drink. Her black hair was pulled into a severe knot at the back of her head, but Liam noticed that several strands had been pulled forward to fall over her brow and cheeks, and they provided a screen for her delicate features.
He had yet to determine the color or shape of her eyes, because she never looked up. All he had been able to tell from her downcast gaze was that her eyelashes were exceptionally thick, long and sooty black.
In a subtle way, she made it obvious to the patrons that if they desired a quick romp with a willing woman, they would be well advised to choose the redheaded barmaid. That one displayed her generous bosom and shapely legs for all to enjoy and exchanged bawdy jests with an apparent lack of shame. Liam had been at the saloon less than an hour, but during that time, he had seen the redhead go upstairs with two separate men and return a short while later to drum up further business. It was obvious that the bulk of her income came from her upstairs activities rather than her tips as a waitress.
It looked as if no one but Liam was interested in the dark-haired one. He gave a wry grin as he noticed that there were rarely any groping hands or ogling stares directed at her. And the few that were came from patrons who were so intoxicated that they likely didn't know what they were doing.
The maid had developed the ability to firmly rebuff any advances without drawing unwanted attention, and Liam grinned as he watched her employ the technique to good effect. It was obvious that she didn't like being pawed.
Liam might not have noticed her either, if it hadn't been for the way she smelled. When she had served him his meal, she leaned over to set his food before him, and the most enticing scent of wildflowers, soap, and clean, fresh woman had wafted up to his nostrils.
She was not the typical, sweaty, dirty barmaid, but a woman who recognized the advantages of good hygiene. Liam was intrigued. Without meeting his eye, she had inquired whether he wanted a second glass of beer, and her voice had been as smooth as warm honey. Liam had accepted a refill just to have the opportunity to observe her at close range for a bit longer.
As he ate, he watched her movements around the room, and he noticed that her walk was an odd mixture of fluid grace and boyish swagger. She was obviously accustomed to hard work, but she carried herself like a lady. The contrast was fascinating. She moved with understated poise and confidence, smoothly negotiating her way between the crowded tables while managing not to spill a drop of the beer on her tray. Liam straightened in his chair as the she approached his table once again.
"Could I offer you anything else, sir?" she inquired while she gathered his empty plate and utensils.
Liam knew she wasn't referring to herself, but he couldn't resist the temptation to tease her a bit just to see how she would respond. He hooked an arm around her waist and whisked her onto his lap, nearly causing her to drop the dishes.
"Well, that is a truly tempting offer, ma'am. I just might accept." His warm breath feathered the side of her jaw as he leaned close to whisper in her ear, and he was acutely aware of his fingers brushing the outer curve of one soft breast. "I'm sure you would be well worth the price. What do you say?"
His eyes twinkled with humor as he watched for her reaction, and he was intrigued further when a glimmer of the girl's spirit showed. She went totally still for a split second before she scrambled off his lap like a scalded cat and stepped back out of his reach.
"I meant food or drink, sir," she stated evenly, her eyes piercing his for the briefest moment as twin spots of indignant color appeared in her cheeks. "I certainly wasn't offering anything else."
Liam's flashed a roguish grin and heaved a regretful sigh. "Now that is a shame, since I'm not likely to meet another girl as pretty as you for some time to come."
He realized as he said the words that they were true. He was more than a little disappointed that he wouldn't have the opportunity to get to know this woman better. She was momentarily flustered by the compliment, but then her shrug indicated her skepticism.
"I doubt that, mister. There are plenty of ladies who are much prettier than I am in this city." She surreptitiously scanned his features from beneath her brows, carefully concealing her reaction, for although she hated to admit it, he was a magnificent looking man. "I'm sure any number of them would be willing to," she gestured vaguely with her free hand, "entertain you, if that's what you're looking for."
"Perhaps," he replied as he counted out coins for the meal and added a generous tip. "But I will likely never know, since I'm leaving in the morning."
The girl scooped up the money and dropped it in her pocket. Reluctant curiosity imbued her tone as she inquired, "So you are just passing through?"
"Yes, I'm heading for Oregon."
He was surprised when her gaze met his fully for the first time, keen interest in her eyes. His curiosity was finally appeased when he saw that her eyes were the deepest, clearest blue.
"You're getting ready to cross the Oregon Trail?" At his nod, her face turned thoughtful, obviously weighing what she would say next. "Will you be traveling with your family then?"
Liam noticed her knuckles turning white as she gripped the dirty plate she still held. "No, I'll be traveling alone," he stated carefully, wondering what had piqued her interest enough to make her so inquisitive. "Why do you ask?"
The girl bit her bottom lip between small white teeth and glanced around furtively before slipping into the chair opposite him. She remained mute for several moments before taking a deep, steadying breath and meeting his eyes once more. When she spoke, her voice was even but held an undercurrent of excitement.
"Would you be interested in letting me travel with you?" She didn't wait for his reaction before rushing on, "I could cook and clean during the trip and I'm handy with a rifle. I wouldn't be a burden."
Liam's amazement was evident. "Ma'am, do you have any idea what you are asking?" As he voiced the question, he imagined the two of them traveling alone across two thousand miles of prairie and mountain and his astonishment grew. "You can't seriously be suggesting such a thing. You don't even know me!"
The girl's jaw was set at an obstinate angle. "I assure you I am quite serious, sir."
Liam's grin vanished as he leaned back in his chair and subjected her to a thorough inspection. "Ma'am, don't you know that, by your request, you are inviting danger?" He ignored her frown and continued, "By all appearances this evening, you are not some hussy who sells herself casually to men, so why would you proposition a tot