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Hoping to distract her uncle, she asked, “Why is Edward Salt here? Kent saved me from having to endure his company.”
“And from that ass of a dandy Day,” Kent added.
“I wish someone would save me from Salt,” Rhine said. “He wants me to help fund his school in addition to his father’s grocery.” Although his words were about the Salts, his green eyes were focused on Portia and Kent. She knew him well enough to know he was trying to determine what was really going on between them. She also knew he’d be speaking to Eddy about it, and in turn Eddy would find a way to speak to her. To keep him off balance, she asked, “Are we going home soon?”
“In a while. Have you seen your sister?”
“She was here a few minutes ago but I believe she was on her way back inside. Is something wrong?”
“No. Just trying to keep up with the ladies Carmichael. Where’s Eddy?”
“In the kitchen.”
“Okay. I’ll let you know when we’re ready to head home. Kent, you’re the official unwanted-suitor sheriff for the rest of the evening.”
Kent saluted.
Rhine chuckled and left.
Kent looked her way. “I now have an official title. Can I shoot them if they get too close?”
“Are you planning on shooting yourself?”
“I’m not unwanted.”
“Yes, you are.”
“That’s not what your garters are going to say.”
She said quietly but with emphasis. “You aren’t going to get close enough to my garters to hear them say anything.”
“Remember you said that.”
“As long as you remember what I said.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be writing it down just so I can make you read it once we put the fire out.”
She rolled her eyes even as she wondered how fiery garters might feel.
“Be grateful for all these people, though. Otherwise...”
He didn’t need to say more. The timbre of his voice and the look in his eyes were enough to put a shimmering in her blood.
“I’ll never put you in a position to be gossiped about. Okay?”
She nodded and her opinion of him rose higher. “Where did you work before coming here?”
“Spread up in Colorado.”
“Cattle or horses?”
“Both, plus the owners ran a sawmill so we cut lumber on the side.”
“What made you leave?”
He shrugged. “Restless, I guess. I never like staying in a place for very long.”
“And before Colorado?”
