Restless Wind by Shirleen Davies

Author:Shirleen Davies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avalanche Ranch Press LLC
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

“We’ve ordered the merchandise, arranged the cabinets and counters, hung mirrors, set lamps around, decided on prices, and ordered signs.” Josie made a slow circle of the store, a sense of pride curving her lips. “There isn’t much more we can do until everything arrives.”

Another week had passed since Dom rode back into town, yet she hadn’t seen him again after the first day. Josie had almost convinced herself their time together had been nothing but a dream.

Since returning from Big Pine, she’d had invitations from more than one man to escort her to supper. She’d turned each down, using the store as her excuse.

Olivia boosted herself up and onto a counter, leaning back to survey the room. “There are times I still can’t believe we’re going to be the owners of a store. We never would’ve been allowed to do this in New Orleans.”

Boosting herself up next to her, Josie laughed. “We wouldn’t have been allowed to do much of anything except wait around for the right suitor.”

“I’m so glad you came,” Olivia said on a long sigh. “I can’t imagine being in Splendor without you.”

They fell silent for a few minutes before Olivia spoke again. “It’s almost April, Josie. Do you think your parents have returned from Europe?”

“Probably.” She glanced away, not wanting to ruin their good moods by thinking of her family. “I’ve been considering the invitations to supper.”

The change in subject had Olivia’s eyes going wide. “And?”

“I believe it’s time for me to, well, get to know more people. I’ve decided to accept one or two of them.”

“Truly? What a wonderful idea, Josie.” Shifting toward her, Olivia’s eyes sparked with enthusiasm. “Which one will you accept?”

“I believe the one from Hex Boudreaux.”

Olivia’s face brightened. “He’s a wonderful choice. Handsome, with a good job. Gabe trusts him, so that says a great deal about him. And he’s from New Orleans.” Her brows furrowed a moment. “You aren’t doing this to hurt Dom, are you?”

She responded with a wave of her hand. “He feels nothing except possibly friendship for me, Livvy. We never truly courted.” Josie thought of their heated kisses, the way she’d felt in his arms, and shivered. Their brief moments together had been wonderful and sweet. She missed them. Missed him.

“You did spend a good deal of time together. More than would be expected from a man who has no interest in you.”

Josie shook her head. “I haven’t seen him since we returned to Splendor almost a month ago. He hasn’t stopped by the house or the shop. Accepting a supper invitation from another man won’t bother Dom at all.” Her mouth drew into a thin line. “I’m not doing this to hurt him, Livvy. I’m doing it for me.”

Nodding slowly, Olivia slid to the floor. “I do believe it’s time you did something besides worry about our store. Supper with Deputy Boudreaux will be a wonderful change for you, Josie.”

Yes, it will be, she thought, slipping to the floor next to Olivia. “There is one problem.

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