Page 18 of Home to the Cowboy's Arms

She gave it some consideration. “Hmmm…you know, you could be right. Having not met your horse formally though, I will give you the benefit of the doubt.”

“I know I should feel honored. And I do.”

The waiter appeared with dessert menus. Tori had to shake her head. “I’m afraid I’m too full.”

“Well, I should say the same thing, but that double chocolate cake is calling to me. If I can’t have one of those pies of yours, then it will have to do for now.”

The lightness seemed to have returned between them, and she relaxed with a cup of coffee while her companion enjoyed his dessert. “So, turnabout is fair play. Tell me about the Cade Lockwood I don’t know.”

“I should have expected this,” he said, with a shake of his head. “But fair is fair. It’s a simple story. I was born and raised on the Lockwood Ranch, as was my father and his father and his father before him. I think you know that my half sister and I were basically raised by our grandfather. He’s why I came back after rodeo was stomped out of my head, and I agreed to take over the ranch’s running. My half-sister wanted little part of it, but it did manage to get her set up to follow her own dream, so that turned out okay. I promised my grandfather that I would take care of his legacy and his dreams, and I meant it. Will do so until my last breath. That is the sum total of me.”

She shook her head, replacing her coffee cup on the table. “I’m willing to bet there is more, but I do thank you for sharing. And I can hear in your voice and words, your grandfather meant a lot to you.”

“And you are correct,” he said with a nod. “He’s gone, but I still intend to honor his wishes where the ranch is concerned. Do what I believe he would do.”

“Well, from what I have seen and heard around the community, you’ve done that in spades. Which brings an interesting question.” She took the gamble. “What would have been his response to my request for use of the hot springs?”

Cade was quiet for a few long moments. His gaze settled on the crackling fire in the fireplace a few feet away, arms folded on the tabletop. He finally turned to fix his gaze upon her.

“I tend to think he would have tanned my hide if he were around to see how bad my manners were the day you arrived at our gate. And I owe you an apology for that behavior. But as far as the springs? I think what he would say needs to stay with me for the time being.” The roll of thunder edging closer to their location brought the period to that conversation. He stood.

“We better get a move on, by the sounds of it. Don’t want you to have to walk in the rain.”

*

The walk backto the cabin was more relaxed than the one they’d taken to dinner earlier. She hadn’t hesitated when he’d offered his arm on the return trip. Tori had to smile to herself. It felt almost normal…or it would have in other circumstances. Once inside the cabin, the agenda was back front and center—at least on her mind.

“We still need to discuss the reason we came here. What did you think about the way they’ve incorporated the springs here?”

He slowly shook his head, as he replaced the fire poker after stoking the fire. “You are most determined. But I’m reserving my opinion until we get back to Destiny’s River. And I’d like you to come back to the ranch and for us to take a trip to the springs. I listened to you and your ideas. But now I think you need to listen to me on some things. The best way to do that is to be present on the land. Wouldn’t you agree that all sides must be considered?”

Tori hadn’t counted on this turn of events. She was disappointed but she shouldn’t have been surprised.

“Very well. I see your point.”

He gave a slow smile. “I think negotiations are always good. Who knows? You might change your mind.”

“And who knows? You might see it in a more positive light after this visit.”

He had advanced to stand just in front of her. And she stood her ground. Not sure why she felt she had to do so but backing down had never been her strong suit. She met his gaze, which took a bit of looking upward.

“Oryoucould see things in a different light,” he countered. “I can be persuasive too.”

Why did she have a sudden desire to ask how persuasive? That would be crazy. He wasn’t a man to push her luck with. That thought was very clear in her brain. But her brain didn’t seem to be listening too well. His gaze moved slowly to rest upon her mouth. Did her breathing forget to kick in?

“Negotiating might be very informative in more ways than one.” The words were low. Was the fire warming the room too quickly? One of the logs broke, sparks flying about behind the screen. A reminder that a person could get burned if that screen wasn’t in place. And her brain kicked in.

“Hold that thought.” She stepped away and went to her room. She found what she needed and returned to find him in the same spot. There was an air of expectancy in his stance.

“I have something for you. To help you relax and get a good night’s sleep.”

An eyebrow raised and the glitter in those blue depths threatened to override her intentions again.

“Here.”

He looked down at where she had placed something against his chest.

“What is this?”

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