Payton's Woman (37 page)

When he turned the
corner at the end of the block, he discovered he’d gained considerable headway.
She had to be walking as fast as she could, but with his long legs, he’d easily
shortened the distance.

He watched her steal a
quick glance over her shoulder. When she spotted him, she stopped and turned
toward a storefront window. She probably realized she couldn’t outrun him, and
must be hoping he’ll walk past without an incident.

That’s what he intended
to do, but first he’d convey an apology.

He stopped directly
behind her. Over the top of her head he saw her image in the glass pane. “Did
you forget something else?”

“No, I did not forget
anything,” she said to his reflection.

“Perhaps there’s
something I can do for you?” He intended that to be a polite inquiry, but
somehow it sounded suggestive, even to his ears.

“Yes, there is.” She
whirled around so quickly that her bright yellow skirt brushed across his legs.
“You can quit following me.”

“As intriguing as that
idea is, since you present such a lovely view of your backside...”

Streaks of red appeared
on her throat and spread upward to her creamy, white cheeks. She fascinated
him, but this wasn’t the way he intended the conversation to begin. For some
reason, his mind didn’t function properly when she stood near.

“Excuse me, miss.” He
tipped his hat politely. “What I mean is, I’m not deliberately following you.
We both just happen to be going in the same direction, only you’re in front of
me.”

“I can remedy that right
now. I shall just change directions.” Without waiting for him to reply, she
headed for the street.

A muffled curse rolled
from his lips. Why had he uttered such an outrageous remark to her?

Mitch pushed his hat
back from his forehead and placed both hands on his hips as he watched her go.
She had her skirt gathered in front with both hands again as she dodged
carriages and horses with the same grace and precision she’d used to dodge
people on the walk.

She stopped near the end
of the block and glanced back at him. He knew she must be livid by now, knowing
he still stood here, still watched her.

Someone opened the door
where she waited, and she stepped inside. The building appeared to be the
sheriff’s office. He almost laughed out loud. She probably planned to have him
arrested for tracking her through town.

He stepped off the walk
and into the street. The sheriff’s office was his destination anyway. He’d go
there and straighten out everything.

Suddenly, he froze in
his tracks.

“God, no. It can’t be,”
he said to no one. He shook his head, but knew the truth even as he denied it.

She was the old spinster
he had to meet in the sheriff’s office!

****