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Shocked, Sadie’s mouth dropped open as anger overtook the strange sensations in her body. At least it was familiar. “I’m not a lady?”

“That’s not what I meant.” Wally scooted closer, peeking to make sure McGovern wasn’t listening. “I mean you’re too wild and exuberant to be stuffed into a mold.”

Sadie furrowed her brow, trying to detangle that mess of words. “I’m wild?” She scooted as far into the corner of her seat as possible.

Whipping the hat off his head, Wally sighed with frustration before leaning in further so that there was no escape from his warmth or the smell of mint and that something that made her toes tingle. “It’s like putting a stallion in a harness, a shame.”

“Wally, are you feeling okay?”

Then his mouth was on hers, and the tingles in her toes zinged up through her whole body and back down to meet the fizz in her belly, an explosive combination.

Sadie grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him down over her, opening her mouth to him. The rough material of his vest rubbed against the exposed tops of her breasts and the friction made her nipples hard.

The carriage flew over a stone embedded in the road, jostling them so much that Sadie slid onto the floor. Wally held a hand out to help her back up, and they both adjusted their appearance as they recovered from the short but passionate exchange.

Wally glared toward the back of McGovern’s head and Sadie wondered what their relationship was and if he’d indeed done it on purpose.

Sadie wasn’t sure being compared to a stallion was the best compliment she’d ever had, but damn if Wally wasn’t an expert kisser, bringing every bit of her to life with need. Clearly, he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Damn Washington and whatever hold it had over him.

When they arrived in town, McGovern leaped down and offered his assistance before Wally did. She accepted his hand but silently cursed him for interfering in what could have been a slide down Wally’s body to the ground.

“I’ll be waiting by the saloon,” McGovern announced before climbing back aboard.

Wally offered his arm again. “Where to?”

The answer was nowhere, because before Sadie could even open her mouth to respond, Harriet’s shrill voice made her cringe.

The woman appeared out of nothing, rushing toward them down the boardwalk. She had no shame.

“Well, Sadie Rogers, as I live and breathe. And who is this handsome fellow?”

“Walter Doyle, Ma’am.” Wally swept up Harriet’s hand and kissed it.

Harriet blushed and tittered in response. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Doyle.”

“Wally is James’s cousin from Tucson,” Sadie lied, grasping his arm like a lifeline. “I’m afraid I haven’t been completely honest with you all.”

“I heard. I’m sorry about James, honey, but you shouldn’t keep things like that to yourself,” Harriet scolded.

Sadie bet Harriet knew all about James’s death two minutes after Sadie’d left Amos with the information. He’d no doubt run and told his wife, Eleanor, who informed the rest of the town.

“It was just such a shock. He’d been sick for so long, and we thought he was on the mend until no more than a month ago.” Sadie sniffled into Wally’s shoulder. The lie fell easily from her tongue. After all, she was used to covering up.

“Well, it sounds like it was a good thing Mr. Doyle was around to comfort you.” Harriet batted her lashes at Wally and Sadie’s chest heated with protectiveness. Harriet had married the coroner, Sam Anderson, and that was her own choice. The woman ought to keep her eyelashes under control when it came to another’s fake fiancé.

“We came in town to go see Amos about turning over the deed for the land,” Sadie said, gripping Wally tighter.

“Of course. But I must get to know your new beau. You come on over to the house for dinner on Sunday. Amos and Eleanor will be there too. Maybe even Otto… The poor man is so bereaved for Eli. It was so unlike his brother to up and disappear like that.”

Grateful Wally kept his smile glued on, Sadie stiffened. “I don’t know, Harriet—”

“I simply won’t take no for an answer. Mr. Doyle? Do I have your word? Nelly will be so excited to see Teddy. Before you know it, they’ll be marrying age.”

No way, no how was her Teddy getting this woman for a mother-in-law. Sadie’s heart stuttered as she struggled to keep her temper under control.

“We’d be delighted to attend,” Wally promised. Thank goodness he spoke up since, if Sadie’d opened her mouth, the response would not have been as pleasant.

As they walked to the Town Hall at the end of the street, Harriet chattered on. She finally left them alone when they ascended the steps to the towering double entryway.