“There are other options — Resistol, Justin, American Hat Company, you name it.”
“I can see that.” Hands thrust in the pockets of his jeans, he strolled the long wall, checking each display. “What’s yours?”
“It’s a Stetson.” What a yummy guy. Long legs, easy gate, nice butt. She did her level best not to follow his every move, but it was a challenge. Clearly he wasn’t trying to look sexy. He couldn’t help it.
He paused by the Stetson display, surveyed the offerings and reached for a brown felt with a simple hatband. Holding it by the crown, he settled it on his head and tugged the brim down. Then he turned. “What do you think?”
She stared at him, awash in lust. The brim shaded his eyes just enough to add a touch of appealing mystery. The width of the hat drew attention to his broad shoulders and narrow hips.
His shirt and jeans resembled the clothes her brothers wore these days, and although his boots had laces, they still looked manly. He could easily pass for a cowboy. A hot one.
What did she think? If he walked out of Hannigan’s wearing that hat he’d need a bodyguard to keep women at bay. She’d gladly accept the position. She’d seen him first.
“No good?” He reached to take it off.
“Oh, no. It’s good. Very good. You just found yourself a hat on the first try. Congrats.”
“It puts me in mind of the one Chuck Connors wore inThe Rifleman.”He headed in her direction.
“I’ll take your word for that.”
“You didn’t watch the show?” He checked his image in the mirror.
“It was before my time. Yours, too, for that matter.”
“True.” He made a slight adjustment to the tilt of the hat and turned back to her. “But Granny loves those old Westerns. Growing up I watched ’em all with her.”
“Then I can’t wait to introduce you to Desiree McLintock, the owner of the ranch where I’m staying.”
“McLintock?” He brightened. “Like the name of the John Wayne film?”
“Exactly like that. She adores the movie, which is why she legally changed her name to McLintock.”
“Amazing.”
“Desiree’s an original.” Since he hadn’t recognized the name M.R. Morrison, she might as well skip over that part of the story. “She named her place Rowdy Ranch after Rowdy Yates.”
“Clint Eastwood.Rawhide.”
“Oh, yeah, you two will get along great. On top of it, she’s lived here a long time, so she might have information on your mother.”
“When do I get to meet this woman?”
“Maybe this afternoon. My folks are probably finished with their dessert by now and ready to drive back. They rented a five-person SUV when we flew in yesterday, so you could ride with us.”
“But I’ve rented a room at the hotel, so I’ll need a way to get?—.”
“I’ll bring you back. As soon as we pay for our hats, we’ll head over to the Buffalo.”
“The Fluffy Buffalo?”
“That’s the one. Everyone but me decided to order dessert after we finished lunch. I was more interested in getting a hat.” And she was thrilled with how that choice had worked out.
”Could I get takeaway at the Buffalo?”
“I think so. You haven’t eaten?”
“Not since early morning.”
