Time Scout by Robert Asprin & Linda Evans

Kit laughed. “You’ve got me there. I wrote the damned thing.”

Samir thumped him on the back byway of condolences and sent him on his way. Kit shoved hands into pockets, cue case tucked under one arm. Well, that story ought to be a nine-day wonder. It’ll be all over La-La Land by bedtime. He strolled glumly through Urbs Romae, going nowhere in particular, then sniffed appreciatively at the scents wafting from the Epicurean Delight. Dinner sounds good, after that beer. Hmm…

He wondered what Arley Eisenstein had written on didn’t make corporate decisions. He just dealt with the field problems and gritted his teeth while making the home office a ton of money.

Kit eased Connie down to the bench. “There,” he smiled. “All safe and sound.”

She winced and wriggled to avoid pins, then sighed. “Thanks a million. Computer design may be my forte, but it just doesn’t take the place of field testing. Sometimes,” she grimaced at her feet, “it’s a little rough on body and soul.”

Kit stooped and eased off her shoes, earning a deep sigh. Connie’s feet, clad in tabi socks, were visibly swollen even through the cotton. He rubbed gently. She collapsed bonelessly against the backrest.

”Oh, God …I love you, Kit Carson.”

Kit chuckled. “That’s what all the ladies say. Had dinner yet?”

She peeled one eyelid. “No, but I don’t have time. Still have a special order for the London run to finish designing and after that I have a new batch of sketches from Rome and some samples that you just wouldn’t believe, how gorgeous they are ….”