The Final Curtain

  “Here,” he said, spinning her around. “Use this shoulder. The other one is soggy.”

  She glared at him. “You—you monster! To make fun of me while I’m—while I’m—”

  When she broke off in helpless anger, he confronted her, “While you’re out in your little ol’ swamp feeling sorry for yourself?” She hit at him, but he caught her wrists easily and held her firmly.

  She struggled, but his grip was iron. Finally she stood quietly, and far away a night bird called. Her eyes filled with tears, but he shook his head. “It’s the way it is, Boss.”

  His grip relaxed, but she leaned against him. “Ben, you’ve got to stay with me!” She looked up at him, and without thought, he bent his head and kissed her. Dani gripped his shirt tightly and felt the pressure of his hands on her back.

  Finally he pulled back and stared at her. “Boss—” He asked, “You wouldn’t take advantage of a poor country boy, would you?”

  She laughed suddenly. The air seemed lighter, and the weight was gone. It would come back from time to time, but she knew how to fight it. “I might, Ben!” Then she gave him a sudden smile, wide and very tender. “I just might do that some day!”

  The bull alligator roared again, making Ben jump, and she grabbed his hand. Pulling him inside, she cried, “Let’s have dessert!”

  Books by Gilbert Morris

  * * *

  One Shining Moment

  The Quality of Mercy

  A Season of Dreams

  Revenge at the Rodeo

  Race with Death

  Guilt by Association

  The Final Curtain

  Deadly Deception

  Winds of Change