The Rawhide Man. Diana Palmer

will.” Several weeks from now, she added silently.

      He studied her. “You don’t like Crystal, do you?’

      “Neither would you, if she didn’t worship the ground you walk on,” she said with bitter sarcasm. “Crystal’s main ambition in life is to keep Crystal happy and comfortable. But men don’t notice that very often.”

      “No,” he agreed, “they’re too busy noticing how much woman she is.” His eyes went up and down Bess’s slender figure. “She puts you in the shade, doesn’t she?”

      Not for the world would she have let him see how much that hurt. She smiled coolly and turned to leave the room.

      “So proud,” he chided. “So poised. Does anything ever ruffle you, society girl? I’ll bet you’d be that way in bed with a man, all cool discipline and—”

      “Stop that,” she bit out, glaring at him. “How I’d be is none of your business.” She stopped, her eyes uncertain.

      He laughed shortly as he read the fear in them. “Don’t get your hopes up, Bess. You don’t turn me on. It won’t be a marriage in that respect.”

      “Thank God,” she muttered, opening the door with her back to him so he couldn’t see her hot cheeks.

      “I can’t imagine you blazing with passion,” he said thoughtfully. “Some women are born cold, I expect.”

      She closed the door sharply behind her and went to her room before he could see the tears that refused to be held at bay any longer.

      * * *

      Two days later Bess and Katy made a trip into San Antonio. Joske’s, where Jude had set up an account, was one of the biggest department stores in town, crammed full of delicious clothes and accessories. Bess, determined to make the best of the situation, threw herself into trying to decide what she wanted. Katy looked bored with the whole thing, and wanted to stay out in the parking lot across the street with Bandy, who’d been volunteered to drive them to town.

      “But I have to have help,” Bess had protested. “It’s partly your wedding, too. After all, you’re going to be bridesmaid.”

      That had caught the young girl’s interest momentarily, but after Bess had worked her way through half the dress department, Katy was getting restless.

      One of the salesladies finally suggested a dress with a Mexican flavor, a gauzy white creation with hand-crocheted lace around the neck and the short puffy sleeves and around the bottom. It was like a peasant dress, but exquisite. Perfect. When Bess tried it on and posed for Katy, the young girl caught her breath.

      “Blondes sure look good in white,” Katy said with a smile. “Gosh, you’re pretty, Bess!”

      “Thank you, darling. Now,” she said, “next we’ve got to find something for you.”