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“Don’t worry, I’ve got bragging rights and I’ll be sure to use them if a miscreant seems too impetuous for his own good.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” He wasn’t exactly sure what she meant, but he liked the bragging rights part. Might mean she liked being his wife. Truth was, he kind of liked being her husband. She had a quick wit when she wasn’t trying to be ladylike. She didn’t cling, but she had ways of showing she wanted him around.
He tipped his hat to a lady and gentleman passing on the right. His mood lightened when they both nodded back. That was something he’d have to get used to. Being respected for something other than his reputation was new. He and Elizabeth had garnered their share of glances crossing town. Most of them speculative, but not once had a woman swept her skirt aside when he passed. With Elizabeth on his arm, he belonged somewhere and it showed. “You want to get something to eat at Millicent’s before we head back?”
He’d eaten there once before he’d met up with Elizabeth. Next to his wife’s cooking, it was the best he’d had.
“Can we spare the cash?” Elizabeth asked, sounding hopeful.
“If we can’t, there’s not much point in me stopping by the bank.”
Gun shots erupted behind them.
“Down!” In a flash, Asa had Elizabeth down on the ground, covering her with his body while he aimed his revolver in the direction of the shots. “Son of a bitch!” If he could have reached them, he would have strangled the cowpokes firing exuberantly in the air. The shots ended as abruptly as they started.
“What happened?”
“Just a couple of yahoos letting off some steam.” Asa got to his feet. He grimaced as he helped Elizabeth. Her blue jacket and riding skirt were covered in dirt. “Darn, I’m sorry.”
She glanced at him as she brushed off her skirt. “It’s just a little dust.”
It was more than that. He tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“My dignity is a little smudged.”
He winced. “I was kind of hoping not to embarrass you this first trip in after the wedding.”
“Who says I’m embarrassed?”
He pushed his hat back. “You’re not?”
“No.” She tugged her jacket straight. “I’m not.” She brushed the dust off her left elbow. “Truth is, I’m probably the envy of every woman in town.”
He put his hands on his hips. “Let me get this straight. I throw you down in the middle of the sidewalk, get your outfit covered with Lord knows what, and you couldn’t be happier?”
She beamed at him like he was a particularly bright pupil. “Exactly.”
He was never going to understand the woman. “Glad to be of service.”
But it wasn’t his imagination that her step was lighter as they made the last three storefronts without incident. There wasn’t anything an average Joe could pick up. Her expression was still composed, but there was a hint of pink in her cheeks brought on by excitement. There was also a satisfied tilt to her lips. He shook his head again, held open the bank door, and followed her into the cool interior. The place smelled of ink, leather and wood polish. He didn’t care for the smell any more than he cared for the man standing by the teller cage.
It was too much to hope that Elizabeth wouldn’t see Ballard, but it rankled that she spotted him right off and almost made a spectacle of herself trying to get his attention.
“Aaron!” she called, waving her hand. When he didn’t turn immediately, she called his name again. Aaron turned and said something to the teller before coming over.
“Elizabeth! It’s wonderful to see you.”
He took her hand in his. Asa waited for Elizabeth to withdraw it. She didn’t. That slapped some of the good out of his mood. Manners dictated he acknowledge the other man. He nodded his head. “Aaron.”
He might as well have saved the energy for all the attention the man paid him.
“What are you doing here today?” Aaron asked Elizabeth.
“Asa had some business to attend and he was kind enough to invite me to come along.”
Aaron looked his way. “Are you finished?”
“No.” Asa didn’t figure he owed the man more than one syllable.
“Well, then, why don’t I take Elizabeth off your hands? You can meet us at the restaurant at the Ballroom Hotel when you’re done.”
For once, Elizabeth wasn’t opening her mouth, she was waiting patiently for him to do the husbandly thing and make a decision. Unfortunately, this was one of those damned if you do and damned if you don’t decisions. If he said no, not only would Elizabeth think him petty, she’d be here the whole time he met with the bank president while missing a fancy meal. On the other hand, he didn’t want his wife spending the afternoon chatting and dining in a fancy hotel with a good-looking neighbor.
