Page 20 of One Scorching Summer

A twinkle appeared in Cody’s eyes, and she continued. “Negotiations can be unpleasant. More so on empty tummies. Especially his empty one.” She pointed at Rake with the large spoon, then scooped the eggs onto a large platter. “Don't forget that you're wrapping up some of that sour cream coffee cake for me to enjoy later, mister.”

“Yes ma'am.”

“How can I help?”

“You're a guest. Jorja. We're informal here.” Rake carried the platter to the set table in the dining room. “Sit yourself down and dig in.”

She sat in front of the coffee cake, which was already there, half of it sliced. Cody brought over the carafe and a ceramic pitcher of cream and took the seat next to her. Rake eased into the chair across from Jorja.

Skye blew in, dressed in jeans and a threadbare sleeveless red tee with white lettering that was so distressed that the wordTexaswas difficult to make out. “Better, Uncle Rake?”

“Yes.”

Skye glanced at the table and marched back to the kitchen. “Why do you always forget the fruit?”

“Why didyouforget the bacon?” Rake rebutted, loud enough to be heard.

“My teen-aged brain.” She returned immediately with a large, covered bowl. “I’ll run to the store this afternoon for your poor self.”

He glared at her. “Drop the sass.”

“Fine.” Skye pulled off the lid, added a large spoon, took a strawberry, and passed it to Jorja. “You start.” She dropped into the chair next to Rake and popped the fruit in her mouth “Oh yum ...”

Inside was a medley of berries. Jorja's favorite. She ladled a large portion onto her plate and passed it to Cody, who sent it across the table to Skye. “As soon as everyone is finished, we're heading out in UTVs instead of walking. The storm is blowing up faster than expected.” Rake’s plate was already clean, and he pushed back from the table. “We'll take Jorja on a tour, show her some of the finer points of the Carpenter Ranch. Items on our list that we expect will be protected. You’re with me, Jorja, and will want to take notes. Maybe pictures. Bring your phone.”

She was eager to begin negotiations, but he was in control of the pacing, a deliberate move on his part when setting the meeting. She glanced over at him, and he winked, wearing just hint of smile. Yep.Well done, Mr. Carpenter.

Rake filled the cab of the utility vehicle. The messenger bag was secured in the compartment under her seat. Her water bottle rocked in the cup holder every time they hit uneven ground, and she was jostled into him, her thigh brushing against his muscular one, almost as if he was doing it on purpose.

“Can't you find more level terrain?” Jorja spoke through clenched teeth, clutching the UTV’s frame. She was going to be sore later, and they had only been driving for thirty minutes. They had passed cattle, horses, and wranglers.

“This is a ranch, not a country club. I’ll slow down some.”

Behind the wheel, with Cody in the passenger position, Skye flew by, beaming. “Yeehaw!”

“I love that girl but she going to be the death of me.” He muttered, slamming on the brakes and shouting. “Slow the fuck down, young lady, or lose your privileges.”

Jorja stopped short of face-planting into the dashboard. “Dammit, Rake.”

Skye immediately slowed the vehicle to a crawl.

So did Rake. “Sorry about that. Great reflexes though,” he said to his passenger, then barked at Skye. “No faster. Hear me?” He turned to Jorja. “Why isn’t your harness fastened?”

“Because it’s not working.”

“Try again. Sometimes they’re filled with debris.”

“I did. No luck.”

“Yes, Uncle.” Skye snapped, staying distant from them, then stopping in the midst of wildflowers. She and Cody hopped out. Cody went to the back and grabbed a horse bucket from the bed of their UTV and began picking some of the blooms.

“Let me see.” Rake came around to her side of the vehicle.

Jorja noted pump jacks and drilling rigs in the distance while he worked on the harness. She recalled the maps she had studied. They were getting closer to their destination.

“It’s operational now, Jorja, but could use a good cleaning. Try it.”

It worked with effort. “Thanks.”

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