Page 53 of Jonathan

“I don’t want to burden you…,” his voice petered off at the look she gave him. “Okay, fine. The son of a bitch shot several heads of cattle and tried to burn one of the barns down.”

She shook her head, “he really had it in for you. The sheriff came to see me.”

His brows creased. “I told him not to bother you.”

“It’s fine. He wanted my statement, and I gave it to him.” She gave him a level stare. “He’s just doing his job, so I don’t need you to confront him about it.”

“He’s an incompetent ass.”

“He’s a small-town cop and unaccustomed to anything like what happened. Give him a break.”

He saw her eyelids flickering and realized that she was getting drowsy.

“I should go…”

“Stay,” She whispered, “Until I fall asleep. I hate hospitals.”

He chuckled. “Who doesn’t? I am here, baby.” Her eyes flickered open and she stared at him without saying anything. Then her eyes drifted shut, her fingers still clinging to his.

*****

“You secretive bitch!” Those were the first words out of Salome’s mouth, the minute she sailed into the elegant gold and tan masculine suite, a maid had shown them into.

Kamilah had been discharged after a week and had finally succumbed to having them flown over for a visit. Her grandfather was suffering from a chest cold and was unable to make the trip but called every day to make sure she was okay.

Her mother, (thank heavens!) was touring Napa Vally in search of some wine to add to the restaurant’s collection and was also unavailable. That certainly did not stop her from delivering a stinging lecture on communication.

“What on earth are you doing in the Godforsaken place anyway?”

She had sent a pointed look at the man standing at the window in order to give her some privacy. He had been the one to strong arm her into moving into his suite at the ranch.

“I would prefer going back to the cabin.”

“That damned place is a crime scene.”

“It’s not.”

“And besides that, I terminated your lease.”

“What?”

“As the owner of the place, I have that authority. You’re coming back to the ranch, even if I have to hog tie you and take you there.”

They had glared at each other for what seemed like ages.

“Your mother does not like me.”

“My mother does not know you. I think it’s time she did. And she agreed with me that you should not be going back to the cabin.”

So, here she was, propped up on mounds of pillows while the man (a complete pain in the ass!) catered to her, or if he was not around, the entire staff was at her beck and call.

A smile touched her lips now as she watched her friends do a small circle around the very impressive bedroom with the massive furnishings. It was a no-frills room, which suited the man to a tee.

“You said you weren’t involved with the cowboy.” Salome shot her an accusing look out of fiery hazel eyes. She was of mixed race and her curly tumble of gold and brown hair was very striking against her coffee and cream skin.

For one second, Kamilah had an anxious moment as she wondered if Jon was going to be bowled over, like every other man who came within staring distance of the stunning girl. But he had been polite and courteous and just that.

“It was complicated.”

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