Now he looked fabulous and smelled just as good. Lonnie was wrinkling his nose, but Emily thought it was wonderful that a handsome man was unafraid of a bath and a little cologne. “I hope I’m on time,” Mr. Nolan said. “To the minute. You must have been standing outside waiting for the clock to chime.” He smiled, and she decided two weeks might not be enough to get used to that. “Please call me Bret. ‘Mr. Nolan’ makes me wonder if my boss is looking over my shoulder.” His raven hair was perfectly combed, his cheeks freshly shaved, and his suit recently pressed. His shirt was so crisp and his tie so expertly managed, he looked as if he’d spent an hour getting dressed. “After the way I behaved this afternoon, I wouldn’t have been surprised if you were hoping I didn’t show up. I have to apologize for being so badly out of temper.” “I’m sure it was a long journey, and you were tired. In any case, Jem isn’t here yet. He’s one of my father’s cowhands.” As if aware his name had been mentioned, the door opened and Jem entered, looking so uncomfortable in his new suit Emily had to struggle to keep from laughing.
