The Sweet Way Duet by Kianna Alexander

Author:Kianna Alexander
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Beverly Jenkins, african american historical fiction, african american historical romance, historical romance gilded age, historical romance victorian, american historical romance, united states historical fiction
Publisher: Kianna Alexander
Published: 2018-07-03T00:00:00+00:00

OWEN SQUATTED DOWN to survey the shimmering mess on the kitchen floor, just as the lady of the house swept into the kitchen.

As she tossed a quick glance at the floor, Mrs. Webster's pretty face folded into a frown. "Good heavens. Is that one of my punch bowls?"

Sarah started to open her mouth.

Owen cut her off. "My apologies, Mrs. Webster. I knocked it off the table." He let his gaze quickly slide to Sarah, lingering long enough to see her wide-eyed surprise, before placing his full focus back on her mother.

Mrs. Webster sighed. "It's all right, Owen."

"I'll be sure to deduct the cost of it from my fee for building the gazebo, ma'am. Will that be acceptable?"

The older woman's expression softened noticeably in response to his offer. "Thank you, Owen. That's very nice of you."

He gave her a bow. "I'm at your service."

Now Mrs. Webster smiled. "Oh, you. Sarah, could you help Owen clean up this mess? I wouldn't want anyone falling and getting cut."

"Yes, ma'am." Sarah moved across the kitchen to the small pantry, returning with a broom.

Seemingly satisfied, Mrs. Goodman left the room. When she was gone, Sarah turned his way. "Why did you do that? Why did you take the blame for me?"

He shrugged. "You looked pretty scared of what your mother might do to you. I harbor no such fear, so I took responsibility."

Using the broom to gather the brilliant shards into a pile, she shook her head. "And the offer to take the price of the bowl out of your pay?"

"Seemed reasonable." He shrugged again. Inside, he felt somewhat amused by her confusion. "It isn't often a man has a chance to rescue such a fair damsel."

She pursed her lips. "The ‘fair’ part may be true, but I'm no damsel in need of rescue."

His brow hitched, because he hadn't expected the level of annoyance projected in her tone. "It wasn't meant as an insult."

She released a sigh as she stooped to sweep the shards of the punch bowl onto a flat sheet of metal. "I'm sorry. I'm just annoyed with myself for being clumsy. Thank you for your kindness."

"You're welcome." He watched her walk, taking in the graceful sway of her steps as she tossed the remnants of the bowl into the refuse bin.

She set the broom aside, turned back his way. "Did you need something?"

"I came in for a cool drink." He rubbed his chin. When he'd first entered the house, he'd been seeking a cup of Mrs. Goodman's tart lemonade. Now, he thought the presence of her middle daughter might refresh him just as much.

She went to the icebox. "There's just a little of Mommy's lemonade left. I'll get it for you."

Moments later, she handed him a cup of the cold, sweet drink. Taking a long draw, he looked at her. She'd taken a seat at the table, and had set about polishing the crystal dishes scattered all over the tabletop. Anyone could see she had a lot of work ahead of her, and he had a gazebo to build.

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