Free Curves and the Russian Wrangler (BBW Romance - Coldwater Springs 6) by Jenn Roseton Page B

their appearance but there had been something about Mikhail that had appealed to her on every single level.
    She studied her figure in the full-length mirror in the corner of the shop. The taupe wide-leg pants and plain mauve t-shirt with matching cardigan suited her curves.
    Her shoulder-length mid-brown hair (boring brown, she privately called it), waved teasingly at the ends. Green-flecked hazel eyes stared back at her. Today, her large bust didn’t look too bad, encased as it was in a secure sports bra, while her hips and tummy were rounded - too rounded, she thought despairingly.
    Forget about Mikhail. Just because you’re attracted to him - instantly attracted - doesn’t mean he’s attracted to you. You were just lucky he was there to stop you falling.
    She made a face at herself in the mirror. It would have been so embarrassing if she’d fallen over on the sidewalk. Even more embarrassing if she’d knocked those two little boys over too.
    Thank goodness Mikhail was there.
    “He’s Russian, by the way.”
    Emma’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts. “What? Sorry, I was …”
    “Thinking about Mikhail?” Her friend teased.
    Amber tried to stem her blush. “No! I was just …”
    Emma giggled. “It’s okay. I’ve been there - with Cade.”
    “Of course you have.” Amber returned the other woman’s smile.
    “Mikhail’s Russian. In case you were wondering about his accent. It is kind of sexy.”
    “Yeah.” Amber sighed, allowing herself to remember the timbre of his voice when he spoke to her and the way she’d shivered deliciously. Then she snapped back to reality. “But he‘ll only be a fantasy,” she whispered to herself.
    Clearing her throat, she addressed Emma. “Have you seen anything you like? The new shipment of silk nightgowns came in yesterday. They’re on display over there.” She gestured to the left side of the store.
    Her friend fingered a pale blue nightgown, the revealing neckline edged with fine lace. “I’ll try on this one.” She held it up against herself, then checked the size. “Oh good, it’s in my size.”
    “I’ve ordered lots more clothing in larger sizes.” Amber smiled. “And …” satisfaction was evident in her voice, “sales have improved already!”
    “That’s wonderful, Amber.” Emma high-fived her friend and winked. “Maybe I should try on some more items while I’m here.”
    Half an hour later, Emma left the shop with the blue silk nightgown, a little black dress, and a lavender blouse that set off her skin and hair color to perfection.
    “This is going to knock Cade’s eyes out,” the blonde giggled, handing over her credit card.
    As Amber rang up the sale, she couldn’t help feeling proud of what she’d achieved in the first two months as manager of the store. Her boss had given her a lot of leeway in choosing the stock as long as it was tasteful and appealed to potential customers. So she’d ordered in the type of clothes she wanted to wear: pretty dresses, alluring but elegant nightgowns, gorgeous shoes, as well as practical and sturdy clothes like jeans, long-sleeved cotton shirts suitable for ranch work, and boots. But in everything she ordered, Amber chose the most appealing option available. And so far, the women of Coldwater Springs liked her taste. Business had improved, and since she’d started stocking larger sizes, her customer base had grown as well.
    And as an employee, she received a generous staff discount that certainly helped her budget.
    “Have fun in Hawaii.” Amber hugged her friend as they said goodbye.
    “Call you when I get back,” Emma promised, waving her plastic shopping bag in farewell.
     
    ***
     
    The following week, Amber sipped a cup of black coffee at the diner. Since the store had always closed for lunch from 12 to 12.45 p.m., she’d eaten the sandwich she’d brought from home in the staff room at the boutique, then decided to go for a brisk walk to the diner and grab a cup of coffee, rather