Page 23 of Wyoming True

There was a pause. “Well, anything’s possible. But I can guarantee you he hasn’t been on the ranch. I’ve got wildlife cameras placed in strategic locations and I monitor them. Uh, they went on your account at the local hardware store. Hope that’s okay.”

“I told you to get whatever you needed,” she replied.

“Fine, then. I’ll keep an eye out. Good night.”

“Good night. Thank you,” she added.

He hung up.

She put on her gown and climbed into bed, still worried and upset.

Her mind went back to the dinner and Jake McGuire and the gentle, soft way he’d kissed her at the end of the evening. She could feel the hunger in him, and she sensed that it wasn’t the way he usually was with women. She didn’t think he’d ever be brutal. But then, how did she know? Men were different behind closed doors. She’d learned that the hard way. It was a lesson she was never going to forget.

THEFOLLOWINGWEEKPaul Browning had investigators looking into her allegations about the threats Bailey had made, and she was getting ready for a dinner date with Jake.

He’d phoned her Thursday night. “I know this sweet little fish place in Galveston,” he began lazily. “It’s only a couple of hours away by jet. How about it Friday night?”

She laughed, delighted. “Oh, I love seafood.”

“So do I. I’ll pick you up about five. That okay?”

“That’s fine.” She hesitated. “What should I wear?”

“Suit yourself, but I’m going in jeans and a warm jacket. I hate dressing up when I don’t have to.”

She smiled. “So do I. Jeans it is.”

“I’ll see you then.”

She was trying to think up a sophisticated reply, but he’d already ended the call. Just as well, she thought. She wasn’t good at conversation anymore.

HEWASWEARINGjeans and a chambray shirt with a sheepskin jacket and a Silverbelly Stetson. He looked comfortable, but the jeans and boots were designer ones, and the sheepskin jacket probably cost more than the diamonds in Ida’s dinner ring.

“Ready?” he asked with a gentle smile.

“Ready. I fed Butler and left him plenty of cat food. He’s always starving.”

He put her into the car. “How did you end up with a battered old cat?” he wondered.

“He was a rescue,” she said. “I found him in the woods with a string tied tight around his neck, and welts all over him. I never knew exactly what had happened to him. He was afraid of me at first. But I coaxed him out of hiding and took him to the vet. When they had him back in good condition, I adopted him and took him home. He’s been my family ever since.”

“You like animals.”

She nodded.

“How about cattle?” he mused.

She laughed. “Well, I haven’t been around them very much. I love horses. I guess cattle are similar.” She glanced at him. “But I do love a good steak,” she added ruefully.

He chuckled. “I don’t run beef cattle on the property here, but I know a few ranchers who do.” His eyes met hers for a few seconds before they went back to the highway. “I can cook a steak.”

“So can I,” she said.

“I might let you prove that one day down the road.”

She hesitated. It was early days yet.

“No rush,” he added, as if he understood.

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