“Lauren, Miss.”
“How has he treated you?”
Her words have me looking at her more intently, and I instantly feel the need to stick up for Grant. “He has been more than kind and gentle, despite what everyone thinks of him.”
She smiles up at me warmly. “I had a feeling that would bring the fire out in your eyes. Now, Grant will be back just like he said. That boy is smitten, but we have things to do. How did the blouses fit? The color is fetching, but it does seem to be washing you out a bit. Maybe we should look at darker colors to show off that blonde hair of yours.”
“Everything you sent was so nice, thank you. It’s more than I’ve ever owned before, but honestly, I don’t require anything else. However, I would love to look around your shop, it’s beautiful.”
“Thank you dear, it provides well for the few girls who work with me. You may not think you need more, but that man of yours put in quite the order before he left; might as well enjoy his hospitality. You’ll learn quickly that some men get quite a bitof pleasure buying things for the ones they love. Mizz Eliza was spoiled, and I have a feeling he was the cause of that.”
We spend the next hour going through catalogues and materials. By the time we’re done, I have two more skirts, three shirts, and an extra apron. Because I want to make some cushions for our kitchen chairs, I step out of Beatrice’s shop looking around for Grant to get his opinion on the design and color, only to come face to face with Oren.
“Well, if it’s not the barren whore.”
I’m shaking so hard I can feel my teeth chattering, my mind spiraling when a warm presence steps up firmly against my back, his heat suddenly surrounding me, and I know before a word is spoken by the fear on Oren’s face that it’s Grant.
“Did you just speak to my wife, Lieber?”
He doesn’t say a single word, just takes off running and I feel a massive arm curl around my ribs, turning me gently so that I’m tucked once again into what is becoming my favorite place, Grant’s chest.
“You alright?”
“Yes, … but I hate that man! And I hate my reactions to him too.”
“He won’t be a problem anymore. You have every right to walk the streets and not have to worry about being accosted by the likes of him.”
I lean back and look up at a complete stranger. “Grant?”
“It’s still me, Little Mouse. Just missing about three pounds of hair.”
“I would have walked right past you … you’re beautiful.”
“Damn, looks like I’m going to have to let it all grow back since that’s the last thing I want to be. Handsome, ugly, somewhat striking, but beautiful? Ughh!”
I reach up, running my fingers along his now smooth jaw, mesmerized. If it hadn’t been for those dark brown eyes and that growly voice, you would never have known it was the same person.
“No wonder the girls wouldn’t leave you alone, I never dreamed any man could be so … you.”
“Keep it up and my head will swell, then I’ll get all full of myself, and neither of us will be able to stand me.”
He turns me gently back toward Beatrice’s, but I can’t take my eyes off him. The bell over the door rings, and I’m still staring when I hear Beatrice.
“My, my … who would have thought all that was under all that hair? If I were twenty years younger, I would give you a run for your money, Lauren.”
“He is beautiful, isn’t he?”
“Yep, no disputing that at all! His sister was a beauty herself, but I think she even paled compared to big brother here.”
“Thank you ladies, for all the praise, but it’s getting late in the day, and we still need to get some supplies from the mercantile and get home before dark.”
Beatrice hugs me with a smile on her face. “Lauren love, you might want to keep him out there in the valley until all that hair grows back before he starts a riot in the streets.”
The look on Grant’s face is priceless and I can’t help but laugh. He starts gathering up the things Beatrice has packed for me when I remember why I had stepped out to begin with. “Grant, I was wanting to make us some cushions for the chairs in the cabin. Is there any color you prefer?”
“Which one do you like?”
“Well, I keep going back to this one here with the little flowers on it, but I was worried it was too feminine.”
