Witch in the Wind (Bandit Creek Books) Page 15
“I guess I’ll be seeing you around town, ma’am.” Jeremy replaced his Stetson on his head, touched the brim.
Amanda exhaled, unaware she’d been holding her breath while she watched the cowboy slide his long legs back under the counter. She stumbled down the narrow hallway toward a door labeled LADIES while mentally restarting her thought processes.
She glanced back toward the horseshoe counter and caught Jeremy watching her. Had the handsome cowboy felt a similar attraction to her? Or like most guys did he just habitually check out a woman’s behind? She hoped Jeremy hadn’t been disappointed. She dashed into the Ladies’ room and locked the door, admitting to herself she couldn’t fault Jeremy’s behavior. She’d been guilty of checking out a few male rear ends on the sly, too.
On her way back to the table, a pleasantly-plump, casually dressed couple waved her over to their table.
“I bet you’re the new banker. I could tell right off, you being all dressed up so professional and all.” The fellow was obviously expecting her to confirm his guess.
“Amanda Bailey.” Introductions were made and hands were shook. She assumed they were customers at the bank.
By the time she returned to her table, the cowboys had left the diner.
Lucy arrived with her soup, and Amanda suddenly remembered she required directions to the hotel. The friendly woman’s banter and the testosterone-oozing cowboy had distracted her from her second purpose in stopping.
“Before I forget, Lucy, could you please give me directions to the New Golden Nugget Hotel?” Amanda reached for the soup spoon.
“Yep. I’ll draw you a map, honey.” Lucy grabbed a paper napkin out of the holder and dug out a ballpoint pen from her apron pocket. “You’ll love staying at the Nugget. After the flood in 1911, Mr. and Mrs. Vanderberg rebuilt the hotel. Their great granddaughter, Elsie Rhodes, owns the place now. She’s a tad eccentric, but she’s a good soul.”
Amanda studied the completed map. The combination of lines and squiggles resembled an aerial view of a corn maze in August. The street names were indecipherable. Doctors wrote more legibly. “Could you please explain the route, too?” Amanda memorized the directions as recited.
When she asked for her bill, Lucy informed her that Jeremy Branigan paid for her meal. Amanda started to object, but Lucy waved off her protests. “Don’t worry about it, honey. That wealthy rascal carries around hundred dollar bills for pocket change.”
Table of Contents
Copyright
Acknowledgement
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
ABOUT Brenda M. Collins
Excerpt from A BANDIT CREEK MIRACLE