Page 40 of Discovered Magic
He shifted, meeting the single-eyed, curious stare of a redheaded woman.
“I don’t know you, but I’ll gladly place my trust in you if you have Abbie’s best interests in mind.”
“Abbie?” Her frown was fleeting, followed closely by a warm smile. “Yes, it’s much more fitting than Crazy Mary.”
The moniker, after finding Abbie in her current condition, made Wilder want to spit nails, but he nodded anyway. If the woman was offering them kindness, he’d take it and be grateful.
“I’m Roxanne. People ’round these parts call me Roxy, with the exception of Jonas, who prefers Red,” she said as she led him upstairs.
“Wilder Thorne,” he clipped out.
Her stride hitched but smoothed in an instant. Had he not been following her, he wouldn’t have noticed.
“Any relation to our illustrious sheriff?” she asked politely.
“Probably. His resemblance to my cousin Alastair is strong, though we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting before today.”
“Yes, well, he’s notoriously tight-lipped about his family.” She stopped before a numbered door. “This room is usually pay-by-night, but is empty at the moment. Tomorrow, you can settle up with the hotel manager.”
“The hotel is over the saloon?”
“The cheap rooms are. If you’re looking for fancy, you’ve a longer walk ahead of you.” She sailed over the threshold, straight to the window, and raised the sash. “But I don’t imagine Draven Masters will let you go that far with his prized pet.”
Wilder saw red, and not the businesswoman in front of him.
“Pet?”
“Your reaction speaks well of you, Wilder Thorne. Perhaps you’re what this unfortunate dove needs.”
“Dove makes her sound like a prostitute, and she’s not,” he retorted. Instantly, he regretted his attitude, realizing he sounded disparaging of her career choice. “Uh, not that there’s anything wrong with?—”
His attempt at a course correction met with amused laughter.
“It’s fine. I understand exactly what you mean, honey.” Her response suggested she’d encountered other idiots who were forced to backpedal. “And no, she’s definitely not one of my girls. But I’m happy you’ll be relieving Jonas of his burden.”
Beneath her calm, an unnamed emotion lurked. Jealousy? But why?
“Jonas, he didn’t?—”
“No. He didn’t. He’s one of the best men you’ll ever meet, honey,” she replied with what appeared to be a sentimental smile for the man.
“And a finer woman never lived,” the man in question stated from the doorway. The intense blue eyes locked on her spoke volumes. Sheriff Jonas Thorne considered Roxanne his mate. It remained to be seen if she returned the sentiment, though all signs pointed to yes.
“Thanks, Red,” Jonas said. “If you’ll have soap and water brought up, I’m sure our new friend here will be appreciative.”
“Yes, ma’am, I would,” Wilder agreed. “Is there another available room for Abbie’s father?”
“Father?” Roxanne nodded absently as if thinking to herself. “It explains the hair.”
“Yes, Alexander Castor.”
“You said her name was Monroe,” Draven said, entering on the heels of his comment. Suspicion weighed heavily in his voice. “Monroe and Castor aren’t close. What are you not tellin’ us?
13
We’ve come to the break in the story. I hope you’re enjoying my version of the Wild West!
It’s time to stretch your legs, mon ami. Might I suggest a bite or two? You’re definitely going to want to dive right back in after. More of your favorites are coming up. :)
