Texas Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday Read Free Book Online Page B

plain this is a complete waste of time. I wish you a pleasant stay in Battle Creek…however long it is.”
    â€œGood-bye, Mr. Thorne.”
    He picked up the box that had fallen from her hands and finished loading the rest of the supplies, evading the green flames shooting from Delta’s eyes. He was glad to get back on the road to the ranch, where it was more peaceful. The town was fast living up to its name.

Seven
    News of the changes at Abercrombie’s Mercantile spread, and it seemed everyone in town came by to see for themselves. Delta didn’t have a quiet moment after Cooper left.
    Granny Ketchum hobbled in and said someone had stolen her glasses. She couldn’t see a blessed thing. It took forever to get rid of the dear woman, and it was only after Delta’s promise to have a cup of tea with Granny that she finally left.
    Midafternoon, Mr. Abercrombie went home, leaving her to lock up. That he entrusted the store to Delta thrilled her heart. He truly wasn’t as mean as he wanted her to believe, just terribly sad and lonely.
    Purple shadows had settled over the store and it neared quitting time when a tall, handsome man with a smile that could melt a ruthless killer’s heart sauntered in.
    She ignored her aching feet and stepped forward. “May I assist you, sir?”
    â€œI’m in need of a pound of coffee.”
    â€œWould you like me to grind it for you?”
    â€œPlease, if you don’t mind.”
    Delta opened a bin and scooped out the appropriate amount of coffee beans and put them in the grinder. She turned the wheel and in minutes they were a fine grind.
    â€œAnything else for you, sir?”
    â€œHave supper with me tonight, Miss Dandridge.”
    The request took her aback. “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t even know your name. And how do you know mine?”
    His blue eyes twinkled as he took her palm in his hand and lifted it to his lips. “I’m Rand Sinclair. I own the Lily of the West Saloon. I believe you’re acquainted with my brother, Cooper Thorne. You certainly put him in his place, by the way. And, besides, everyone in Battle Creek knows who you are by now. They’re completely enamored with your grace and beauty.”
    The man certainly knew how to turn a lady’s head, she’d give him that. Not that she believed him for a second. She had only to look in the mirror to see she was passable, at best.
    â€œI do declare. You’re Cooper’s brother?” Her mind raced. This would give her an opportunity to ask some questions.
    â€œI am indeed. Not in the normal way, though. It’s a long story and best told over a mouthwatering steak shared with a beautiful lady.”
    The man was a silver-tongued devil, with his pretty compliments and winning smile. Still, it might be nice.
    â€œYou certainly have the market cornered on charm, Mr. Sinclair.” She tugged her hand free.
    â€œRand. And I can be most persistent. Please say yes.”
    â€œI really shouldn’t.”
    â€œDon’t you ever do anything wild and crazy?”
    Did answering an ad in the Matrimonial Harvest catalog count?
    Delta chewed her lip. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt anything. Give me a minute to close up.”
    Rand helped her blow out the lamps, and after locking the door, they strolled toward the Three Roses Café.
    Seated across from him, Delta studied his face. She couldn’t see even a speck of resemblance between him and Cooper. Rand had blue eyes, where Cooper’s were a haunting gunmetal gray. Rand’s hair was light brown, whereas Cooper’s was the color of midnight. But then, Rand had said they weren’t brothers in the normal way. She was curious about what that meant.
    â€œYou’ve never had a steak until you’ve had Rose’s,” Rand said. “And you have to save room for her rhubarb pie. It’s worth dying for.”
    Delta’s stomach rumbled, proclaiming