1
“Milady, did you know you have a spot of dirt on your otherwise lovely gown?” Ellie spoke to Autumn in a strong Old English accent as they walked through the Renaissance fair. Ellie gave a little shooing motion as if sending small children away. “One of those grimy street urchins must have brushed against you.”
Autumn laughed. “I do believe you are correct, Lady Ellie.” She smirked as she shook her head. “Your accents are always perfect. You’re so good at them.”
Ellie gave a delicate sniff. “Flatter me no more. I know you wish only to get out of paying for lunch.” Then she grinned and spoke in a normal tone of voice, a hint of country in her accent from growing up on a ranch. “I’m paying. I’m so grateful for you introducing me to the world of voice acting and just all of it.”
“Nothing doing.” Autumn raised the hem of her gown as they walked from the dried grass onto the dusty earth. “You’re the one with the amazing voice and abilities.”
“There you go again.” Ellie was glad she was wearing a shorter gown so that she didn’t have to worry about it dragging in the dirt—she’d learned from being at the fairs in the past.
“Oh, dear.” Autumn pressed her hand to her chest. “Look at that fine specimen of a cowboy. He’s a bit out of place amongst all the lords and ladies here.”
“My, my, my.” Ellie sighed as she looked at the long, tall, cool drink of water. “I swore off cowboys, but that’s a man to make a woman think twice.”
The cowboy pushed the brim of his hat higher with one finger as his gaze drifted over the crowd. Ellie wished she could see the color of his eyes—brown, maybe, because of what she could see of the dark hair at his nape.
Autumn moved closer to Ellie. “Can you see him dressed up for the fair, wearing tights?”
Ellie shot a horrified gaze at Autumn. “Oh, God, no. No, no, no.”
A giggle escaped Autumn, and Ellie turned back to stare at the cowboy. Autumn spoke in a mischievous tone. “Maybe you should introduce yourself.”
“And leave one of my best friends high and dry?” Ellie shook her head. “I won’t do that.”
Autumn slipped her cell phone from the pocket she had sewn into her Renaissance gown and glanced at the screen. “I have to run anyway—I didn’t realize it was so late. It’s already time to meet up with Josh.” She looked apologetically at Ellie. “I’m so sorry we don’t have time for lunch.” She inclined her head toward the cowboy. “Why don’t you see if he’ll be your lunch date?”
Ellie hugged her friend. “I just might do that. Go have some fun with Josh.”
Autumn grinned as they parted. “Go get that man.”
“Hmmm.” Ellie glanced his way. “Seriously, though, a cowboy? You know my background.”
“Sure, but you know a lot of good ones. Your brothers are among them.” Autumn smiled. “Don’t let the bad ones chase you away.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“Always am.” Autumn flashed a grin. “Full report expected.”
Ellie rolled her eyes. “Maybe.”
Autumn laughed, gave a little wave, then walked away. Ellie watched her for just a moment before turning back to look at the cowboy.
He wasn’t there anymore. She scanned the crowd, then found him with his shoulder hitched up against a tree. He appeared to be watching one of the shows scattered around the festival grounds.
Holy cow, the man was built. His cowboy shirt wasn’t tight, but with his broad shoulders and the way the fabric fit him, you could tell he had a hell of a body. And oh, my goodness, but his Wrangler jeans fit him perfectly. Nice and snug around the hips and thighs. She’d sure like to see his ass in them.
Yes, she had to admit she was intrigued. She strolled toward the cowboy, smiling. Her corset was snug around her chest, but her dress flowed around her hips and down to her shins. Her Renaissance outfit was authentic for a young maiden, neither of royalty nor a peasant.
She walked to the right and came up behind the tree he leaned against. She eased around the trunk until she stood on his left, her shoulder almost touching his. “Kind sir, methinks you are in the wrong century, cowboy.”
* * *
The lovely voice that spoke in an Old English accent brought Tucker’s attention to a beautiful woman who was now at his side. He hadn’t noticed her approaching.
The corner of his mouth curved as he studied her. Damn, she was gorgeous. Her wheat-colored hair flowed over her shoulders in soft waves, and long brown lashes framed her sea-blue eyes. She smelled of strawberry lip gloss.
He shifted his position so that he fully faced her, keeping his eyes on hers. “You have a nice voice.” He loved the sensuality in it and could listen to her for hours.
