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She stepped forward and hugged hi aruely she are of sorip and stepped back A side-glance led her gaze to the startled eyes of Bordeaux He glanced at the flower over her ear If she hadn't witnessed his exchange with the woman earlier, she would have been certain he was disappointed His rim when he spoke

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt" He spun on one heal and left the hotel

It wasn't the way she had envisioned facing him She wanted to tell him how much he was like her father She wanted to inflict pain Instead his retreating back filled her with shalanced up at hi ietting ht and she sed a lump in her throat "It looks like he has other plans I wish someone had told me he was a Mormon Surely Pete ave you that idea?"

"I just saw hiirl over at the saloon and"

"Oh," Davis interrupted, raising his brows "I wouldn't worry toosoht and overdid it I' serious? But if Bordeaux wasn't a Mormon, ould he propose to tomen in one day? Of course, ould a Mormon propose to to the girl - to save her reputation? But no He said he loved her He had known her for a long ti she would be here No, Bordeaux had only one reason for wanting to irl he had a ranch in Texas Was she the business he had to take care of? That must be it then

"My offer is still open" Davis interrupted her thoughts His regarding was troubled Good old Davis At least he was honorable, but if the look on his face was any indication, he was regretting that offer

She shook her head "No, it wouldn't be right I don't love you Not in the right way"

"Not the way you love Bordeaux?"

His tone was kind, even understanding, yet it tore a sob fros She turned her head so that he would not see the tears burning her eyes The question needed no answer She felt his syaze on her back as she turned toward the stairs She raced up the steps, wondering if ue her entire life In her room she threw herself on the bed and sobbed herself free of tears Finally she dried her eyes and pushed away from the bed