Page 22 of Willing to Wed the Rancher
What had happened?
The bell above the door jangled again and another man stepped inside—a stocky cowboy in a flannel shirt, denim trousers, and tall boots. Underneath a Stetson he had dark-brown hair and shadowed dark eyes. He was the same fellow who had been working at the livery last night when Franz had asked for a stall to rent.
The man’s attention rode straight to Clarabelle, as if he’d laid a claim on her long ago and had no intention of letting any other man encroach.
Clarabelle had mentioned that other men would marry her if she’d let them. Was this one of the candidates?
“I wouldn’t buy what she’s selling, if I were you.” The man was speaking to Franz but had his eyes narrowed upon Clarabelle. “Last time Clementine offered me a piece of her candy, she tried to kill me with it.”
Clementine?
Franz’s gaze flipped back to the young woman. And this time he noticed even more changes from yesterday—looser and messier hair, the firmer press of her lips, a sassier lift of her chin.
“Don’t worry, Grady.” The young woman glared back at the newcomer. “The only one I want to keel over is you.”
This wasn’t Clarabelle. Who was she?
“You can’t get rid of me that easily.” The young man gave a curt shake of his head before stomping toward the rear of the establishment.
The store owner, presumably Mr. Worth, had halted his conversation and was watching the two interact with a raised brow, as if he was accustomed to such bickering and found it more amusing than irritating.
“Sorry for bothering you, Dad,” the young man said as he approached the store owner. “But I got taken with counterfeit bills again. Some fellow this morning paid up, and I didn’t realize the money was fake until he was long gone.”
The woman—Clementine—was still glaring at Grady.
The distraction gave Franz a moment to try to collect himself and his thoughts. Was it possible Clarabelle had a twin sister? She hadn’t mentioned anything about it, but that would be the natural conclusion, and the only thing left to do was ask.
He cleared his throat, hoping to garner the woman’s attention.
She seemed to tear her gaze from the livery owner or manager or whatever his position was. As she did so, she forced a bright smile. “Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?”
In the middle of speaking to the store owner, Grady snorted, clearly still paying attention to Clementine even though he was making an attempt not to.
Clementine stepped toward Franz, took hold of both of his coat lapels. “I think you were telling me how enchanting I looked today and that you wanted to be my secret admirer.”
She was likely putting on a show for Grady, and Franz didn’t have the heart to let her know he’d mistaken her for Clarabelle. He wouldn’t embarrass her like that so publicly. It wouldn’t hurt anything to play along with her for a moment and then later confess to his mix-up.
“You do look very enchanting.” He held his ground and didn’t draw nearer to her, even though she seemed to be trying to pull him even closer.
She smiled up at him, and in that smile he caught a glimpse of Clarabelle that made his heart flip. “You’re very kind. Andgentlemanly.” She emphasized the word as she slanted another look at Grady. “Unlike some of the men in this town.”
“I do try to be a gentleman.” Franz actually wouldn’t know how to behave in an uncouth manner, even if he tried. He’d been born and bred to be a nobleman, a leader, and a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Clementine was studying his face more intently now. “Because you are such a gentleman and so handsome, I invite you to come calling on me... uh... Franz.”
At the rear of the store, Grady paused for several heartbeats.
Her gaze slid to the young man as though she was gauging his reaction. Just as quickly, her attention came to rest on Franz, her green eyes wide, her expression hopeful.
All the customers in the store had stopped and were watching her.
Franz sighed inwardly. He couldn’t very well turn her down now. He’d have to continue the pretense and then correct her later. He sensed she wouldn’t be too heartbroken. Not when she seemed to crave Grady’s attention more than anything else.
Franz gave a polite bow. “I would be honored to call upon you.”
“Friday evening for supper?”
“Of course.”
