Read City Girl for Free Online Page B

and down the steps. She was halfway down the walk when he called her name. Reagan turned to see him approaching.
    â€œThis is for you,” he said, his hand outstretched to offer money to her. “I only sent half your train fare because I didn’t know if you’d really come, but this should be enough to get you home if the hotel has already hired someone.”
    Reagan took the money without hesitation.
    â€œI thank you, Mr. Harmond. As I don’t even know where I’m sleeping tonight, I thank you indeed.”
    They parted company then, Reagan back to the main street of town and Mr. Harmond back to his wife. Mr. Harmond was not sorry he’d married; indeed, he was quite content, and Reagan, although sorry the job didn’t pan out, felt it was early enough in the day to still land on her feet.

    Russell Bennett, a mountain of a man, wiped the sweat from his brow, put down his hammer and tongs, and stepped away from the forge in his blacksmith’s shop. He needed a drink and a rest from the fire. Business was brisk, and this was his day to work in the shop. He wouldn’t make calls to the ranches until Monday. Not only taking a drink but pouring some on his neck as well, Russell had only just set the water jug aside when he spotted her.
    Standing in the middle of the double doorway, right where the horses came and went, was a small, dark-haired woman. She stood erect, a single bag grasped by both hands and held in front of her.
    â€œCan I help you?”
    â€œI don’t know, but I was wondering what I need to rent one of your stalls for a time.”
    â€œYou need a horse.”
    Reagan nodded.
    â€œWould you say a horse is a pretty expensive item, something a person would want watched with care?”
    Trying not to smile, Russell said, “I would agree with that, yes.”
    â€œWell, that being the case, would it be possible to leave my bag in a stall for a time? I’ve got business here in Kinkade, and the bag’s heavy enough to add inches to my arms.”
    Russell did smile then. He also pointed toward a stall.
    â€œNo one will disturb your bag if you leave it right there.”
    â€œRight here?” Reagan asked, setting the bag down so that it couldn’t be seen from the door.
    â€œThat’s the place.”
    Regan brought up the small purse that hung from her wrist to look for a coin.
    â€œYou don’t need to pay me.”
    Reagan eyed him.
    â€œAre you going to rent that stall and let some animal step on my things?”
    Russell laughed at this, a booming sound that made Reagan smile.
    â€œNo,” he told her, still chuckling. “I close down at five. Just be back before then so you can get your things.”
    â€œI thank you, sir.”
    â€œWhat’s your business?” he asked her as she began to walk away.
    Reagan answered with only a glance over her shoulder. “I’m job hunting.”
    That said, she continued on her way.
    Russell stood still for a moment, a smile on his face. His own dear Holly would have to meet this one. Unless he missed his guess, she was too independent by half and just might need a friend in Kinkade.

    â€œI need to see the manager,” Reagan said for the second time.
    â€œWhat about?” the little man at the rear of the dining area asked again. She hadn’t been willing to give her name, and he thought this might work.
    â€œI’ll tell the manager when I see him.”
    It went a long way toward strengthening Reagan’s resolve to hear pots crashing behind the closed door to the right of her and a woman’s voice above it all. It didn’t take any great skill to hear that she was unhappy.
    â€œDo you have an appointment?”
    â€œDo I need an appointment?”
    The little man gave up, saying with long-suffering, “Wait here.”
    Going through the very door Reagan knew led to the kitchen, the man disappeared. As Reagan watched, her eyes caught a