Page 48 of Willing to Wed the Rancher
Franz was the first to break away. He rolled back, releasing the kiss and his hold on her body.
Her pulse began to tap with dread. She’d put Clementine completely from her mind since yesterday—hadn’t thoughtabout her since Franz had admitted in the barn that he hadn’t enjoyed the dinner.
Maybe those hadn’t been his exact words. But he’d made it clear that he hadn’t fallen under Clementine’s spell, that her charm hadn’t worked on him, that he had no intention of being with her again.
When he’d said as much in the barn, Clarabelle had been almost giddy with the realization that Franz hadn’t fallen for Clementine.
But... that didn’t change the fact that Clementine had fallen for Franz. And now what would she think to find them in bed together, not just resting but kissing passionately?
“What exactly is going on?” Clementine’s tone held confusion... and hurt. “I came to see if you needed help getting the children ready for church, and this is what I find.”
Clarabelle didn’t want to turn over and face her sister. She wanted instead to bury her face into the pillow and hide.
However, Franz was sitting up and gently assisting her up too. She could feel him looking at her, probably wanting to assure her that everything would be all right. But the dread inside was turning into an avalanche—like the one that had killed her pa—sliding down and growing more intense with every passing moment.
“This is my fault,” Franz said as he stood. “I should have remained on the sofa instead of coming in here.”
Clarabelle pushed up from the bed as well. “And I shouldn’t have sat down on the bed that last time I came in.”
Clementine, in her best Sunday gown, was frozen in the doorway, her gaze bouncing between them before landing upon Clarabelle and staying there.
Clarabelle smoothed down her skirt, trying not to think that only moments ago, Franz’s leg had been tangled in it. Just like his hand had been tangled in her hair. She rapidly brushed along strand out of her face, the mass falling around her as if announcing her guilt.
The guilt was probably written all over her face. Guilt at having been caught in an improper situation with Franz, but also guilt because she hadn’t talked with Clementine first before letting herself finally admit she liked Franz.
“You told me you weren’t interested in Franz.” Clementine’s voice rang with accusation.
Franz quirked a brow.
Clarabelle couldn’t meet his gaze. She was interested in him and had been from the start, but she hadn’t been able to deny Clementine’s excitement and desire for Franz. Yes, she had a hard time saying no to people, but she had an even more difficult time saying no to Clementine.
Clementine braced her hands on her hips. “From the looks of things, you sure have gotten cozy with Franz.”
Clarabelle took a step toward her sister, wanting to calm her down before everything escalated. “This is the first time. I vow it.”
“You should have just told me. Instead, you were sneaking around behind my back.”
“We were not sneaking.” Franz spoke firmly.
Clementine glared at him. “You could have been honest with me the other night when you came calling instead of leading me on.”
“I did not intend to lead you on. I had planned to inform you I would not call on you again, but I did not have the chance.”
“Or maybe you were too much of a coward to tell me.”
“That is not true.” Franz combed his fingers through his hair. “I am in love with Clarabelle, and I am not afraid to let everyone know it.”
“In love with Clarabelle?” Clementine’s wide eyes came to rest upon Clarabelle. Surprise filled them along with anger.
Clarabelle forced herself not to cower. Why was it so surprising that a man should love her? She wasn’t so unappealing, was she?
Clementine shook her head, as though the thought of the quiet and reserved twin winning a man was simply too unbelievable. “And do you love him too?”
Did she? After kissing, the emotions that were swirling through her were even more unfathomable than before.
“You do.” Clementine’s voice wobbled as she spoke.
“I...” Clarabelle wanted to deny her sister, but how could she? What if this was love that she had for Franz?
