Page 40 of Kissing the Sheriff
“Sometimes a lady likes to be pampered.”
“Pampered?” Billy’s face scrunched up again.
Conrad picked up a glass. “Young man, you and I are going to have a talk about being a gentleman.”
“My pa says you act like a fancy gentleman.”
“I’m a … well, yes, a gentleman. We’ll leave it at that.” He placed glasses next to each plate then stepped back to admire his work. “Perfection. That fussbudget Phileas couldn’t have done a better job.”
“Can we eat now?” Billy asked and headed for the basket.
“Don’t touch it,” Conrad warned. “When Cassie gets here we’ll bring out the food.”
“Does she know you’re using her plates and things?” Billy inquired.
“She won’t mind so long as we clean up.”
“What?” Billy said with a hint of panic. “Does this mean we have to do dishes?”
“It won’t kill you,” Conrad said. “Besides, it’s the least we can do considering the mess we’ll make of her father’s old room tomorrow.”
“Do we have to take everything out of it? And where will we put all that stuff?” Billy looked around. “The only place I see is out here.”
Conrad smiled at him. “Yes. We are putting everything here.” He pointed at the ground.
Billy groaned. “I shouldn’t have asked.”
Conrad laughed as Cassie came out the back door. “Here you are. I called when I came through the front door, but no one answered.” She spied the blanket. “What’s this? Another picnic?”
“A proper one.” Conrad bowed and motioned toward the blanket. “Have a seat and lunch will be served.”
She blushed as she came toward them. “You didn’t have to do all this. I thought you were just running to the hotel to grab a plate of fried chicken or something.”
“It’s a beautiful day.” He opened his arms wide. “We should dineal fresco.” He let his arms drop and motioned to the blanket again.
She sat and looked at the dishes. “I see you helped yourself to the hutch.”
“Conrad says we’re doing dishes later,” Billy said in disgust.
She laughed. “Oh, did he? That will be a first.”
“I beg your pardon?” Conrad said. “I’ve done a dish or two. Though it might be Billy’s first.”
She looked at Billy and laughed. “Will it?”
Billy crossed his arms and frowned. “Dishes are women’s work. That’s what Pa says.”
“Your father was obviously never a bachelor,” Conrad commented. “At least not long enough to have to do dishes.”
Cassie laughed again and watched him. “We had a meeting about the dance at Alma’s store.”
“And?” He began to unload the basket.
“I told them your thoughts of having it in the meadow. They love the idea. We worked out the details.” She smiled again and looked at the food he was unwrapping. “Ha! Chicken. I knew it.”
“I want a leg!” Billy blurted.
Conrad sighed. “I dare say, if I had the time, I’d hold some classes on proper etiquette.”
