Page 61 of Pretend To Be My Cowboy
His father laughed. “It’s all right, son, I get it.”
“You do?”
“Of course.” His father took a step forward and patted him on the shoulder, a knowing glint in his eyes. “At first I couldn’t believe it, you only met her a few days ago. But I’ve been watching you two together all evening, and I can see why you think this will work. I’ve got to say, I’m impressed.”
Nash’s brows came down. “You are?”
The laughter faded and the wrinkles around his eyes grew deeper. “But, son…” The look of fatherly concern made Nash tense. “I appreciate that you always put family first, just be sure you don’t break the poor girl’s heart while you’re at it, all right?”
Break her… “What are you talking about?”
His father backed up with another laugh, wagging a finger playfully. “I’d rather buy the property outright, but if worse comes to worse, marrying into the land is the next best option.”
Nash blinked. Marrying? Who said anything about marrying?
And...marrying for the land?
Revulsion twisted his gut. “What?”
His father winked. “It’s good thinking, son.”
“Good…” He started to repeat his father like a dang parrot before sense kicked in. “Dad, I’m not—”
“There he is.” Mace’s voice filled the kitchen. “Patrick, you’d better get back out here. We need your help with the grill. You know how ravenous this family gets. Demands for seconds are already flooding in.”
“Dad, wait—” Nash stopped abruptly because his father was already in conversation with Mace and heading out the door.
And Nash was left reeling.
How could it even occur to his dad that he was using Emma just to get to her land?
He ran a hand over his face. The fact that his father could even think about that let him know just how far gone he was with this obsession to better the family’s prospects.
He sighed wearily but followed after his father and Mace.
After all, Emma was still out there. And whether she knew it or not, she needed his protection now more than ever.
20
Emma nibbled on her lower lip as she stared at the contents of the pantry.
“Need help finding something?” Kit’s voice had her whirling around.
“Oh! You startled me,” she said with a laugh as she clapped a hand to her racing heart.
“Sorry.” His grin was unapologetic as he leaned back against the kitchen counter. “I was just going to ride into town if you want me to pick something up for you.”
He nodded toward the pantry.
She shook her head. “Oh no, I’m fine, thanks. There’s plenty here, I was just hoping to keep myself busy by baking, so I thought I’d see what I have enough supplies for.”
Not much, was her answer.
“Well, whatever you can’t find in there, you just let me know.” His eyes brightened. “Or better yet, you can come into town with me if you’d like.”
“I should really stay here and…” Her voice trailed off.
And what?
