Page 31 of Texas Temptation

“He’s out on the range today,” Jordan said politely.

She knew how to deal with the public—even people she didn’t like. And this person was definitely not destined to become her best friend.

“I can tell Cade you stopped by, shall I, Miss?”

“Gloria Devon.”

She wandered to the door of Cade’s office and looked in.

Jordan wondered if Gloria didn’t believe her and was checking for herself. Did she and Cade have a friendship that allowed her to wander into his office? Not knowing, Jordan would rather err on the side of caution. She rose and moved swiftly to the door beside Gloria. As far as Jordan knew, Gloria had no business going into Cade’s private office and if she stepped one foot inside—

Gloria turned and walked back to Jordan’s desk, sitting carelessly on one corner and studying Jordan.

“I heard from Amelia that Cade had someone taking Penny’s place until she returns. I live on the adjacent ranch. Cade and I are close friends. Very close friends. Have you heard when Penny’s coming back?”

Jordan blinked, feeling a twinge of jealousy. Cade had kissed her last night, but was close with this woman? Of course their kiss had meant nothing. Why would he ever look at her when he had a relationship with this beauty?

Even more reason to keep a tight rein on her emotions. The lecture she’d given herself last night rose, and she reminded herself to repeat it at every opportunity.

Cade Everett was not for her.

“I haven’t spoken with Penny. I don’t know what she’s told Cade,” Jordan said, feeling at a loss. Despite everything, she loved the kiss, and woven fantasies around it.

Now they vanished as in a puff of smoke. Once again, reality was staring her in the face.

“I could have helped Cade around here. He should have asked me,” Gloria said, glancing around the office. “Let him know I’m available, will you?”

Jordan wisely kept silent. She wouldn’t be drawn into a discussion with this stranger over the actions of her boss. Her loyalty lay with Cade. And she couldn’t help thinking once he knew Gloria was available, her time as office assistant would be limited.

Gloria stood and glanced around once more, as if trying to discover something that would keep her longer. Finding nothing, she shrugged.

“Tell Cade to call me. There’s a barbecue tomorrow night at Ted Sampson’s place. I thought Cade could take me.”

“I don’t think so,” Cade replied from the doorway.

Jordan leaned to one side so she could see around Gloria. He walked in, slapping a dusty hat against equally dusty jeans. He looked hard, tired, dirty—and wonderful.

Jordan didn’t know if she was up to watching Gloria and Cade interact, not that she had any choice in the matter. How did such close friends greet each other—with no holds barred, or more discretely?

“Hi, Cade.” Gloria greeted him enthusiastically, going over as if to give him a hug.

He stepped back, holding up his hand.

“I’m dusty and sweaty. What are you doing here, Gloria?”

“Like I was telling your new little secretary, Ted is throwing a barbecue tomorrow night. I’m sure you got an invitation. Since we live so close, I thought we could go over together. That way, I wouldn’t have to worry about driving back home all by my lonesome after dark.”

Her flirtatious look spoke volumes.

Oh, please, Jordan thought. Anyone more capable she’d never seen. She suspected Gloria never gave a thought to driving anywhere by herself, no matter what the time of day or night. Why not come out and tell the man she wanted him to take her because of their involvement? Or were they keeping it a secret for some reason? Whatever, Jordan didn’t want to stand and watch.

“Isn’t your father going?” Cade asked.

“No, he’s in El Paso, won’t be home until next week sometime. Come on, Cade. It’ll be fun to see all your neighbors and enjoy yourself a bit. You are such a hermit these days.”

Jordan waited for him to blast her for treading on sensitive turf, but he merely shook his head.

“No can do, Gloria. I already have plans.”

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