“Dalton Rivers,” Cassie replies feeling slightly ashamed. She anxiously waits, while the girl disappears inside. The sound of whistles and calls erupt, followed quickly by a worried looking Dalton.
He’s dressed in a black day suit, with a crisp white shirt and black hat. He looks every bit the fine gentlemen. His face is clean shaven, and he looks relieved when he finds her waiting. “Cassandra, what's wrong?”
“We go now!” the girl urges.
Cassie takes the hint, “Dalton I will explain later, but we have to go. The Williams brothers are here.”
The girl leads them down the servant's stairs and out through the central garden. There is a covered path that the workers use to make sure they do not interfere with the guest unless requested to. The young girl stops an older woman and speaks to her in their native language. Then shows her the two gold coins. Her mother is shocked but quickly covers it.
“My mother will help you from here. I take care of others and luggage. My father will meet you at the bank with a buggy and luggage later. You said two more coins, right?” She asks with hope gleaming in her eyes.
Cassie leans in and says, “Yes, I promise. Thank you!”
Dalton watches the exchange quietly. The mother tells them to wait, while she leaves for a moment.
“How did you know the brothers were here?” he asks while they wait.
“They sent the young girl, and she said my husband and his brother were waiting for me downstairs. I simply looked at the clues and paid her more than they did. Money talks, Mr. Rivers.”
Looking down at her he's surprised to find that it saddens him to hear the cynicism in her voice. “Yes, it does, but it doesn't solve every problem,” he is quick to respond.
The mother returns at that moment with a horse-drawn wagon and hands the reigns over to Dalton. He helps Cassie up and then follows giving a tip of his hat to the women before they leave for the bank.
“That was close, too close,” Cassie says. Glancing around the now bustling streets. The morning fog that had rolled in is burning away, and the sun begins to shine through. Riding down the streets with Dalton at her side, Cassie can't help but wish things were different.
They drive eight blocks to the four-story brick building with the word bank etched into the stone and stop. Dalton leaps down and turns to assist Cassie down. He wraps his large hands around her waist and lowers her slowly as though he has all the time in the world.
“Did I tell you, Mrs. Rivers, how beautiful you look this morning?” he growls.
Cassie's heartbeat increases and she smiles at him with a soft blush. “No, Mr. Rivers, but I shall forgive you the oversight just this once.” When her feet touch the earth, he leans into her ear and murmurs a promise.
“A mistake I will not make twice.” The sound of his deep voice in her ears has chills erupting all over her body. Desire strikes and Cassie is stunned. She doesn’t allow herself to hope for the future, it’s dangerous.
“Dalton…” she whispers, and he hears the sound of desire mixed with fear in her voice.
“Cassandra…” He replies, leaning down to kiss her. The sound of the horse neighing startles them, and they both realize where they are.
He turns with a chuckle and offers her his arm. “Business Dalton, remember. Strictly business,” she reminds him.
“Of course, but you can’t blame a man for trying. You are just too beautiful. I apologize if it offends you,” he says as he pushes the door to the bank open.
The moment they enter the bank lobby, she feels the tension enter his body. The interior is incredible with its mahogany colored walls, Victorian arches, and stunning chandeliers. A large fireplace beckons and they move towards it to warm up and drive away the chill.
“Dalton, it's exquisite!” She says unable to stop staring at the opulence around her. He glances down at her excitement and smiles at her.
Cassie feels a man’s thoughts before he reaches them. ‘Him again, he sighs. How many times must we say No to this cowboy?’ When he looks at Cassie, his thoughts scatter for a moment. She graces him with a smile and loops her arm through Dalton’s.
“I’m delighted you have such high regards for our establishment, Miss…?” he hopes.
“Mrs. Rivers, my bride.” Dalton snaps stepping in front of her, disgusted by the way the man is looking at her.
“Congratulations, Mr. Rivers. What can we help you with today?” he says thinking, ‘Lucky bastard.’
Cassie struggles to not laugh at the outrageous thoughts this man is having. “I have an appointment, Mr. Edwards, at eight o'clock.”
‘Excellent, another wasted hour.’ Mr. Edwards says, “I will let them know you have arrived, and will Mrs. Rivers be joining you?” ‘I’d be happy to waste an hour on her!’
“I promise to be invisible, during your little meeting. You won’t have to worry about me at all.” Cassie promises looking up at Dalton with adoration. His eyes go to her mouth as she hoped and Mr. Edwards hurries away.
“Laying it on a little thick, Mrs. Rivers,” Dalton growls thinking of how many ways he'd like to break that man's neck.
“He’s disgusting, the vile things he was… never mind. I do promise to be good, darling, your wish is my command.” She teases.
Dalton turns and cages her in near the wall, “Mrs. Rivers, I may look the part of a proper gentleman, but inside I’m all cowboy. Be careful how far you push me!” he snaps before backing up and pacing to away to the fireplace.
Cassie finds her hands are trembling and follows him quickly. “Dalton, I’m sorry. I
