Quicksilver Passion (21 page)

I won’t take it.”

Without a word she leaned over, took off the shoes, and put them on the table.
Then you’ll take the shoes.”

He was both exasperated and embarrassed at her stubbornness.
What the hell am I supposed to do with a pair of slightly used dancing shoes?”

She shrugged.
Give them to Nellie; but I’ll bet her feet are too big for them.”

Nellie doesn’t mean anything to me. I know you won’t believe it, but nothing happened up in her room last night.”

She didn’t believe it, he could see it in her eyes.
It doesn’t matter. After all, that’s what she’s here for.”

Besides,” he said,
I bought them just for you. There’s not another woman in the Territory with feet that small.”

Then you’ve made a bad investment on which you’ll get no return.”

He felt the flush creep up his neck.
I’m not ready to write it off yet.”

Then you’re a fool.”

Just let me give you the damned shoes. I have no use for them.” He shoved back his chair and stood up.

I’ll buy them from you.” She pushed the pile of money toward him.

That’s more than they’re worth.” Cherokee made a gesture of refusal.
If you won’t take them as a gift, at least don’t pay more than they’d cost you back East.”