Page 47 of Kissing the Sheriff
“Good. I’ll jot that down.” He pulled his pad and pencil from his pocket and began to scribble.
She sighed and turned around, her cheeks hot. Maybe she was the one getting flustered. But why would he be? He obviously wasn’t attracted to her. Yes, they stood close a few moments ago and looked into each other’s eyes and she, for one, almost fainted. But Conrad didn’t so much as blink. If he was really attracted to her, wouldn’t he at least be flirting? Had he changed so much that he didn’t have an ounce of it left in him?
For Heaven’s sake, why are you worried about this anyway? she scolded herself silently.He’s leaving!
“Billy and I will remove things from this room tomorrow,” Conrad said, breaking into her thoughts. “Then we’ll clean the walls and prepare them for either painting or wallpaper. Which would you prefer?”
She looked at him and smiled. “You pick.”
“Me?”
“I know you’re not Phileas, but he can’t be the only one in your family with good taste. Go ahead and choose.”
“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea …”
“Why not?”
“Because I amdefinitelynot Phileas. I haven’t an artistic bone in my body.” He looked around the room. “But if I were to choose something, it would be a pale yellow to brighten up the room. White lace curtains on the windows, and all your sewing things. There, satisfied?”
“Very. Besides, I like yellow. It’s my favorite color.”
He stood proudly. “And to think I didn’t know.”
Cassie went to her father’s bed and sat. “My mother died years ago. It was just Pa and me for so long, I started to forget her. Thank you for helping me not forget my father. But also to make this place my own.”
He didn’t move to join her but managed a heartfelt look. “You’re most welcome. It’s my pleasure and my brothers’. Now, tell me what you want to do in the dining room.”
She nodded and left the bed. “Are you hungry?”
“A little. I’d best return to the hotel soon.” He headed for the dining room. “Wallpaper or paint, what do you think?”
She gave him a sheepish grin. “Half and half?”
“Of course, that always looks good.” He jotted something down. “And the kitchen?”
She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. Good grief, she was sweating. “Probably just paint.”
“I agree.” He scribbled down a few more things and stuffed the pad and pencil into his pocket. “Thank you, now I know what to do. Oh, and the privy needs some repair. We’ll take care of that too.”
She nodded. “What’s Dora making for dinner?”
“I haven’t the foggiest.” He stepped toward her. “Would you like to find out?”
Her heart leaped. “Are you inviting me to eat with you?”
“Why not? You know Dora, she makes more than even we can eat. And trust me, my brothers and I can eat a lot.”
She smiled shyly, unsure of what to do. If she went with him, what would his brothers think?
Conrad offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
She drew in a breath as she stared at it. “Are you sure there will be enough?”
“Positive.”
“Very well, then. Dora and I can tell your brothers about the dance.”
“I’m sure they already know. Most of them were working at Letty’s this afternoon.”
