Color of Love Read Online Free PDF

won’t be so bad.” Leah tried to soothe him as he turned and fussed in front of a mirror.
    “Look like some damned country yokel. I don’t like this shirt.”
    “Why don’t we try a scarf or something tied at the throat?” she suggested, but already Allen was shaking his head.
    “I’m not going anywhere with some bandanna, or whatever it’s called, around my neck.”
    Leah hesitated, feeling somewhat annoyed for trying to assuage his ego. “Are you going to wear the Stetson?”
    Allen gave her a quelling look that annoyed her even more. “Let’s get the hell out of here before I change my mind.”
    At the store an hour later, it was clear to Leah that she wouldn’t be competing with anyone. Everyone was dressed more or less the same way. A few outfits were outrageous or bold, like the young woman who easily stood at just under six feet tall, wearing a very short denim skirt that stopped an inch below her behind. Her black body suit had no back, and her knee-high suede boots were tangerine red. And she wore an Indian headdress complete with plumage and beads.
    Allen and Leah didn’t see much of Gail, which was to be expected. They did find themselves being continually swallowed in clusters of people until Leah began to feel claustrophobic. She became separated from Allen but spotted him some distance away in conversation with several people. No doubt exchanging business cards and nurturing a prospective new client. It was too much of an effort to try to reach him, so Leah wandered about on her own, nursing a glass of champagne. She slowly elbowed her way through the crowd, trying to see some of the displayed fashions and accessories that would go on sale the next day. She stopped by a lighted showcase with an arrangement of Southwest silver and turquoise jewelry. Her attention was caught and she stood fascinated by the craftsmanship of the individual pieces.
    She was still staring when she heard a male voice behind her.
    “Gail … look, hon, you can’t just slip away like this. You’re needed in the—” He stopped when Leah turned around to face him.
    She stood facing a tall black man with several cameras hanging around his neck. He wasn’t in costume like everyone else, except for a token red bandanna tied around his upper arm.
    He stated the obvious, running his gaze quickly over her. “You’re not Gail.”
    “You’re right, I’m not,” Leah smiled.
    The man arched a brow, looking at Leah closely. “A sister?”
    She nodded. “I’m Leah.”
    “Hi. Steven,” he said, putting out his hand for her to shake.
    “Gail’s around here somewhere. Probably going crazy. You might check and see if she’s with the models. I think it’s almost time for their show.”
    But Steven wasn’t listening. Instead, he seemed to be studying her, making Leah wonder with amusement if he was counting all her eyelashes. And he was holding her hand much too long. She pulled it free.
    “Yeah, well … that’s why I have to find her,” he said, still scrutinizing Leah with unmistakable admiration. “I’m supposed to record this circus, but I need to know where the outlets are for the extra lights.”
    Leah shrugged. “Can’t help you.”
    “Are you here alone by chance?” he asked with a caressing, hopeful grin.
    Leah shook her head. “Sorry.”
    “Oh, you just broke my heart,” he moaned dramatically and clutched his chest.
    “As a matter of fact, I have to go find—”
    “That’s too bad.” He slowly pulled himself together. “Gotta find your sister. But I’ll see you again,” Steven said significantly before turning away.
    A runway had been cleverly constructed down the center aisle on the second floor of the store, between junior sportswear and petites. Leah, unable to locate Allen, was escorted to a solitary seat in the audience as the fashion show got under way. The music came on loud and fast and kept up a throbbing momentum for the duration of the show. She was certain that a speaker had