his presence was even more overwhelming with him next to her.
“Three dozen sweet rolls?” he asked once the landau began rolling forward.
“No. They’re raisin muffins. And I ordered two dozen.”
“That’s what the coachmen said too. But you’re both wrong.”
There he went again with his arrogance. “I think I know what I’ve ordered. Especially since I’ve asked for the same thing each day.”
Before she could blink, Mr. Cushman was holding a knife and slitting the twine that tied the bundle together. He peeled back the brown paper to reveal creamy white rolls coated with cinnamon and sugar.
“Sweet rolls,” she said, not sure whether to be more astonished by the change in her order or Mr. Cushman’s accuracy in knowing what was beneath the paper.
“Three dozen,” he said with confidence.
This time she hesitated in contradicting him. Instead she studied each of the packages more carefully.
“Actually, to be exact,” he said, “there are thirty-seven sweet rolls.”
The smooth wrap hid most of the contours of the contents. “How do you know?”
“The packages are identical except the one on the left. It has seven instead of six.”
“Open it and let’s see if you’re right.”
He slit the string and the paper, and she quickly counted them. There were seven.
She smiled in fascination. “How did you know they were sweet rolls instead of muffins?”
“The smell of cinnamon.”
She shifted to study him. He wasn’t smiling, but his features had softened a little. “Muffins have cinnamon in them too.”
“It’s not as strong. Besides, the rolls also have the scent of yeast.”
She breathed in the aroma and tried to separate the ingredients the way he had, but they were so faint she couldn’t distinguish any difference. She could only stare at him, her curiosity growing with each passing moment. Who was this man? What was his story? Why was he a bodyguard?
Before she could formulate a question, he spoke. “You’re not going into the hospital.”
She had to fight to keep her mouth from falling open. “How do you know that was my next stop? In addition to your skills at sorting out aromas and counting, can you read minds?”
“I heard you tell your friend earlier.”
She faltered, her next witty response dying before she could formulate it. Yes, now that she thought about it, she had mentioned to Theresa that she was planning to stop by the hospital to visit Arch.
“You can’t go in,” Mr. Cushman said again, peering out the window at the tall brick buildings they were passing.
From the familiar landmarks, they were getting close to their destination. “I deserve to have my way this time, since I’ve obeyed every one of your orders so far this afternoon.”
“Every?”
“Well maybe not every. But almost all—”
“It doesn’t matter. This is a very public place. You’re not going in. Besides, unmarried females aren’t allowed on the men’s wing.”
She wanted to respect his efforts to keep her and those around her safe, but he was much too bossy. “Mr. Cushman, I’d like you to know that I’m walking into the hospital, whether you like it or not. No one made a fuss about me visiting with Arch any other day, and I doubt they will start now.” Especially because her father had donated large sums of money to help in the construction of the newest wing of the hospital.
“The coachman can deliver the sweet rolls to all the men on Arch’s floor.”
Her response sputtered out. How had he known that she’d been bringing baked goods to everyone and not just to Arch? She supposed he was taking a wild guess since she had so many rolls. Even so…
“I know you’ll miss seeing Arch.” His brows angled down into that sad slant, and his eyes took on a puppy-dog look. “But he’ll understand. He’d want you safe.”
For a moment, his gaze was irresistible. Gone was the tough dictator and cocky boss. Instead, a handsome man with devastating eyes was staring at her. The urge to please him rose strong and swift, along with the desire to do what she could to bring a smile to his face.
The landau came to a gradual stop in the carriage-port in front of the main doors of the hospital. Ahead a tall spire with a cross on the top towered above the chapel, which formed part of the front of the complex.
She wouldn’t suffer if she took a break from visiting Arch today, would she? After all, even though Arch had been glad to see her, he’d warned against coming too often.