Page 16 of Jonathan

“I wanted anonymity.”

“Is there a reason why?” He shook his head at her raised brow. “It’s clearly none of my business. Forgive my curious mind. I am an old bachelor who took to traveling over the years and have lost out on finding myself a partner.”

There was a wistful expression on his face. “Forty years old and still traveling, still exploring. I used to love the idea of it, the freedom it affords me, but now I am not so certain it’s enough.”

She gave him a contemplative look. He appeared to be kind and thoughtful, somewhat of a relic who opened the door for her andinsisted on pulling out her chair, not taking his seat until she was seated herself.

“I don’t agree with you. One is never too old to find romance, if one is looking.”

He flashed her a grin. “I would say I have found a wonderful woman, but she is clearly out of my league.”

“That’s the difference with me; I am not looking for romance.” She countered with a smile.

*****

He lost the argument with himself. Throughout the day, he busied himself attending to the repairs and the daily grind of the ranch and in some ways, he was able to stop his mind from straying to her and what happened between them last night. But seeing her in town had brought it all back.

Then some of his men were heard whispering that she was having dinner with some man from out of town. It had brought back the memories and with it came the anger. So, she had jumped from one man to the next, he thought bitterly. He had given her what she wanted, and she had turned to someone else.

The anger was like a bile inside his throat and threatened to choke him. After his rounds and the rechecking of the fence they had repaired, he found himself heading to the cabin. The car she had leased was not there in the driveway, which meant she was still out with the guy.

Dismounting, he led his horse to the wooded area, out of sight and paced the area along the bridge, his brow furrowed. Had she decided to go back to the inn with him? It had not been difficult to find out where the bastard was staying. Nigel Bennett, some sort of travel writer. No doubt he would be eager to accept her invitation.

And he had dodged the bullet. From all indications, she was fast and loose, and any man would do. The thought only made him even madder and when he heard tires crunching on the gravel, he whipped around, eyes blazing. If she brought him back…? A heavy sigh escaped him when he realized she was alone.

Staying where he was, he watched as she alighted, his narrowed eyes taking in the figure molding hunter green wool and knee-high boots. The light from the silver moon shone directly down on her and highlighted her curves.

He caught up to her just as she inserted the key into the lock. Turning her head, she sent him a slow sizzling look that had him taking a step back.

“Hi. Are you here to make sure I am okay again?”

“How was your date?” His voice was harsh, but he did not care.

Her brows lifted. Without responding, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. He followed, stepping around her as she shrugged out of her jacket. Closing the door, she trailed behind him as he went into the living area.

“Want some wine?” She murmured, watching as he stomped over to the fireplace.

“Was he a replacement?”

“I think I would like some tea. It was a bit chilly. I will be in the kitchen.” She left him standing there fuming.

Chapter 5

He should get the hell away from her. He had no business being here and no right to ask her something so personal. He had told himself he would stay away from her, but it was as if he was being drawn by magnet and that was completely dangerous.

Striding from the living area, he started for the door and then hesitated. Swearing beneath his breath, he changed direction and went into the kitchen. She had taken off her boots and was perched on a chair at the dining table sipping tea.

Her eyes lifted to his as he stood there just inside the doorway as if contemplating whether or not to come further into the room.

“I should go!” He said foolishly.

“Should you?” Curving her fingers around the cup, she took another sip. “Then I suppose I should bid you good night. When I am finished with the tea, I shall be heading to the bedroom. It’sthe first one on your left. I will leave the door open, in case you change your mind.”

His eyes glittered and he cursed the thudding of his heart. “Is it that easy for you?” He tried for caustic and hit harsh. “You just came from having dinner with one man and who knows what else and just casually invite another to your bed. Who the hell are you?”

Her composure remained intact, and her expression did not alter. “I am free and single and do whatever the hell I want to do. I had dinner with a guy I met today who wanted to treat me to a meal.

I am inviting you into my bed because I happen to be attracted to you. It’s up to you what you do what that.” Finishing the tea, she rose and went to put the cup in the sink.

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