Heal My Heart

NINE

Adrian couldn't believe how happy he was to see the mayor's son. Even the expression on Nicolette's face let Adrian know she was happy, too.

"Eugene," she said in surprise. "What are you doing—"

"Don't try to pour sweetness on me, Miss McFarland. You should be ashamed of yourself."

Adrian heard the man just fine, but the man's girlish voice wasn't loud enough. He needed to do something to make the mayor's son angrier so that more people would hear what was going on and come running.

"I beg your pardon." Adrian moved in front of the other man, crossing his arms as he glared at the other man. "You have no business talking to Miss McFarland in that tone of voice. Apologize now."

Eugene's jaw dropped as he met Adrian's gaze. The man adjusted his Stetson on his blondish-brown hair as he straightened his shoulders.

"I have every right to speak to her like that." Eugene lifted his chin. "I was courting her, but believe me," he looked up at Colette, "I won't be making that mistake again."

Nicolette pursed her lips and batted her eyelashes quickly as if she was trying not to cry, but Adrian knew her well. She was a good actress.

"How could you say that to me?" she said loudly in a tearful voice.

"I can't believe you'd allow this man to touch you so personally." Eugene challenged Adrian with a glare of his own. "Do you not care about the spectacle you're making here in the middle of town? Don't you care that your father and her aunt will never be able to hold their heads up in public again?"

Adrian grasped Eugene by the lapels of his jacket and jerked him forward. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"That's enough." Hugh jumped down and rushed to Adrian as he tried to peel his fingers off the mayor's son's jacket. "Just leave the man to his wounded heart so that we can be on our way."

Hugh would get in the way, Adrian knew it. He needed to cause more mayhem to the already fueled heartbroken beau. He quickly stomped on the man's foot. Eugene released a girlish scream and hopped backwards. The man's face reddened and grew with anger.

"Why you..." Eugene limped back toward Adrian with fists flying.

Adrian wanted to laugh. He never knew Dickson had this kind of fight in him. However, it made for a great show. People were now coming out of their shops to watch.

Playing along, Adrian brought up his fists and swung a few times, purposely missing, of course. He didn't want to injure the poor man any more than he already was. Eugene would never forgive Nicolette for embarrassing him so badly, and in public, no less.

"Stop it!" Nicolette screamed and jumped off her horse, rushing in between Adrian and Eugene. "There is no need for fisticuffs. What's done is done." She moved and stood in front of Eugene. "I'm sorry for everything. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Eugene's lips trembled as though he was trying not to cry. "Do you honestly prefer this man over me? Don't you remember what torture he put you through as a child?"

"Eugene," she placed her palm on his chest, "it's not what you think."

"Bah! It's exactly what I think." He pointed toward Adrian. "I saw his hands on your leg." Eugene's gaze dropped to her trousers. "And why in all that's holy would you be seen dressed like this with another man?"

"Oh, Eugene. Forgive me." She threw her arms around his neck and lifted up to press her cheek against him.

Adrian figured he knew what she was doing, and when Hugh stepped toward her to pull her away, Adrian yanked on the brawny man's arm and shook his head.