“Wade,” theman said, and then said nothing more.
Pearl’s gaze moved to hisside. Belatedly, he said “May I present Miss Hope McElroy, latelyof Sacramento?”
Pearl’s lips twitched.“You may. How do you do, Miss McElroy?”
“Very well,”Hope said.
Glancing at her, Jakefrowned. Her voice were even, and her expression were wiped of allemotion. This didn’t bode well.
“What has youreturning, Mr Wade?”
“A job.Hunting down a villain, Miss Pearl.”
Her brows lifted. “And doyou think to find this villain at the festival?”
“Ah…” Heatburned his cheeks. Damnit, he was a man grown. Why did he feelgoddamn awkward around the woman? She were beautiful, it were true,and she exuded sensuality and confidence, but she were clearly withGarrett, and probably had been for years, since at least the lasttime Jake was in town. Besides which, he had Hope.
Pearl’s beauty wasvibrant, and that time years ago, he’d thought her the mostexquisite woman he’d ever seen. Now, though, he found he preferreda more subtle type of beauty, one painted in various shades ofpale.
“You willhave to stop by the Diamond, tell us what you have done with yourtime,” Pearl said.
“No, youdon’t,” Garrett muttered.
Surreptitiously, Pearlelbowed him. Garrett barely moved, but his lips twisted, his gazenever leaving Jake.
Jake shifteduncomfortably. He supposed he deserved it. Tugging his hat, hesaid, “It were mighty fine seeing you again, Miss Pearl.Garrett.”
Garrett nodded stifflyand, with a subtle gesture, led them away.
“Did you useto court her?”
He turned. Hope lookedafter them, her expression unreadable.
“I don’t knowas I’d call it courting.”
She turned her gaze tohim. “Then what would you call it?”
He shrugged.“Foolishness.”
“She is verybeautiful.”
“Sheis.”
A faint ripple on herfeatures.
“Here now.”He cupped her cheek. “I don’t want her, Hope. Whatever feeling Ihad for her faded years ago. I’m with you. I want you.”
She wouldn’t meet hisgaze. “She is very beautiful.”
Ah. “You know, agold-plated Derringer pistol with a mother-of-pearl handle andsilver inlay is much admired.”
Her browcreased.
He had a point and hewould get to it. “Many purchase one, carry it around, take it outevery now and then to admire it. But me, I’ve never wanted aDerringer. Maybe I’ve seen one in a magazine a time or two, andthought it would be fine to own such a pretty thing, but what usewould I have for it? It’s pointless in a gun fight, and won’tintimidate anyone.
“Now, my Coltrevolver, that’s useful. It’s practical, and holds a beauty of itsown. It’s just you have to look a little closer to see theengraving on the handle, the precision of the barrel. The triggerperfectly fits my hand, and I can’t see myself ever not needingit.”
A soft smile pulled ather lips. “A Derringer and a Colt.”
