Page 17 of Cameron

Liar, liar, pants on fire. Casey had told him they owed the bank money.

“I just remember you getting into trouble in college a couple of times and your father having to bail you out. He’s no longer around, so I just wanted to make certain you weren’t in need of being bailed out again.”

The man chuckled like it was no big deal.

“No, Cameron, I’m not in financial trouble of any kind,” he said.

Didn’t he know it was always better to be upfront and honest?

A voice inside his head reminded him that he was not being honest with Samantha. A cringe filled him. As soon as this was over, he was going to tell her everything. She needed to know. But, first, he had to wait on Tucker.

They rode for over an hour when Edward’s phone rang.

“I’m really busy right now. I know, but I’m out riding showing someone the property. This is not a good time.”

Cameron wished he could hear the other side of the conversation.

“All right, but you’re going to have to give me an hour. I can’t get back to the ranch before then,” he said.

Turning off his phone, he shoved it into the holder on his belt.

“I’ve got to get back,” he said. “Something’s come up.”

Probably a new card game, but Cameron didn’t say anything.

“I want to travel over that ridge over there and see what lies beyond it. You go on back. I’ll follow our tracks back to the house. I’ll see you there soon.”

Edward frowned at him. “Are you sure? It’s very easy to get lost in the snow. Everything is white and looks the same.”

As long as it didn’t start snowing, he’d be fine.

“The tracks will be easy to see. I’ll find my way back,” he replied. “But first, I’m going to the top of the ridge. How far does your land go beyond there?”

The man frowned. Of course, Cameron would have a surveyor check out the property lines before the deal was closed. And right, now he wasn’t certain he was even going to offer to purchase the land.

“About a half mile,” he said. “I’m going to leave you, but don’t stay long. You need to return before the snow starts falling or you’ll be lost.”

Cameron was not afraid. He’d been riding horses since he was a boy and he’d ridden almost every inch of the Burnett spread.

“I’ll be fine,” he said. “See you later this evening.”

Edward took one last look at him and then rode off, hurrying to get back to the ranch. Cameron turned his horse toward the ridge and climbed to get an ariel view of the ranch.

Dark clouds filled the northern sky and he urged the horse toward the incline. He needed to see what lay on the other side and then he’d head back to the house where the celebrating was probably already started.

Not being a part of the wedding party, he felt like an outsider trying to fit in, and it had not been comfortable.

When he reached the top of the ridge, the snow began to fall with a gentle sputter. Looking out over the land, he could see even more pasture beyond the ridge. The problem would be getting the cattle over the elevation. There must be an easier way to reach that land.

Turning his horse, he started back toward the house. The snow had picked up in intensity and he sighed, knowing he needed to get back.

“Come on, girl, let’s go to the barn,” he encouraged the horse.

Thirty minutes later, he knew he was in trouble. The tracks were covered and he wasn’t certain the horse was headed in the right direction. His fingers and toes were starting to ache with the cold. The wind had started to whip around him and he couldn’t see more than a foot in front of him.

Damn, he’d never complain about a Texas snowstorm ever again. This was frightening. All he could do was hope the horse knew which direction the barn was.

Through the blinding whiteout, he saw a dark figure riding toward him. Thank God, Edward had returned to help him find his way back.

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