Heart of the Rockies by Angela Breidenbach

Author:Angela Breidenbach
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780998084787
Publisher: Angela Breidenbach

Chapter 7

The fresh spring air tickled across Delphina’s face as she waited for the trolley into town. She fashioned her hair as far forward as possible and tipped her wide-brimmed hat slightly to hide the two-day-old dark purple bruise, now yellowing around the edges but not faded enough.

Hugh tapped her shoulder and stepped up beside her on the lawn near the trolley rail. “May I join you on your mission today?”

“That’s a funny thing to call business with a seamstress shop.” She smiled. “I’m just taking one of the swim dresses to see what it would cost to remake them or use the excess material to create the new ones.”

“Downtown then?”

She nodded. “Yes, and I hear there are a few seamstresses in Reeder’s Alley that might be willing to work less per piece if I can guarantee quantity.”

“Then I’ll definitely accompany you.”

“Oh?”

“That area can be a bit rough for a lady these days. It’s becoming mostly, well,” he shrugged.

“I see. But you don’t have to curtail the business you’ve planned in town. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

He looked down the track as the trolley came into view. “You are my business in town.”

Did his voice soften just then? Delphina cocked her head. What did he mean, she was his business?

Hugh glanced from the trolley’s arrival to Delphina’s confusion. “You do remember we’re a team, don’t you?”

“Of course. But—” she squinted against the sun in the blue, blue sky and raised a hand to block the brightness. For a cold winter morning, the sun didn’t seem to believe he should be in hiding with spring around the corner. It seemed like the coming spring had an embrace waiting.

“Even managers get a day off. I saw you heading into town with the large bag and thought I might help you.” He held out his hand for the valise. “May I?”

“You followed me?”

“No, I happened to be heading into town to do my banking. But if you don’t mind, I’d be honored to accompany you on your errand. The faster we get the answers, the faster we’re able to help Colonel Broadwater turn the resort into a success.”

She couldn’t argue with his logic. Nor should she after agreeing to work as a team. “All right, then. I plan to get more than one estimate.” She controlled the grin that wanted to break loose at his surprised expression. “I’ll also want to see some of the seamstresses projects to prove workmanship.”

“What you’re telling me is that this is a longer expedition?” His lips twitched. “Possibly into the dinner hour?”

“I wouldn’t think it need go that long.” Maybe men did think with their stomachs. She couldn’t stop the grin. “But should you need sustenance, then I’ll be happy to release you from escorting me.”

The trolley’s passengers streamed off into the grounds in various directions. Hugh climbed up the steps and held his palm up to assist Delphina. “Should we need sustenance, and I hope we do, it would be my pleasure to invite you to share dinner with me.

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