Tempest (Old West, #3)

by Beverly Jenkins

“What do you think I should put on my list for Miss Regan?” she asked. “What list?” “My getting dirty list.” He chuckled and inwardly thanked God for the adventure-loving Miss Carmichael.

Dr. Alexander T. Augusta, the first Colored man to be commissioned a major in the Union Army and the first man of the race to teach at a U.S. medical school.

“You ever going to stop surprising me?” he asked. “I hope not.” For a moment, he studied her silently. “Beautiful women aren’t supposed to be as intelligent as you seem to be.” “And handsome doctors aren’t supposed to be as plumb dumb about women as you seem to be.”

The two men stepped outside and an amused Colt asked, “Scared to be alone with her?” “After the look she gave me? You bet. And, she’s wearing a gun belt. We both know how good a shot she is.”

In spite of his inner battle, he was becoming ensnared by her exuberant charm and wasn’t sure what to do about it.

She was changing him and he wasn’t sure where to stand.

“You’re determined to be my personal temptress, aren’t you?” “It’s either that or find a job delivering the mail,” she whispered.

Two years ago, the Supreme Court handed down an 8–1 decision that found the 1875 Civil Rights unconstitutional. Not only did the ruling forbid Congress from enacting measures to address discrimination, it allowed states to legally overlook such practices.

“I have a surprise for you.” “Animal, vegetable, or mineral?” “What?” he asked smiling. “Animal, mineral, or vegetable? Those are the three questions you ask when someone says they have a surprise.” He viewed her with amused skepticism.

“I’m surprised. A woman with your beauty would make a man spill everything he knows.” “Stop flirting with my wife.” Regan saw humor and warning in the look Colt had trained on his friend. Ed told Regan, “He tends to be a grouch at times.” “I’ve noticed that.”

“Good, but try not to scare me into my grave, would you, please?” “Yes, sir, and thanks so much for the surprise.” “You’re welcome.” “I enjoyed meeting Ed.” “He enjoyed meeting you, too. In fact, once we got over the shock of you clearing that fence and could breathe again, he asked if it was okay to kill me, so he could marry you.”

“I’m not sure what to cook for dinner. Is there anything special you’d like?” He mounted his horse. “Besides you?” She laughed. “Didn’t you get enough last night?” “No and neither did you.”