Page 13 of Wrangling Her Heart
Rex chuckled softly, enjoying the banter. “Well, you’re dealing with me now, Miss Youngerman.”
“Should I be worried, Mr. Hartman?” Tillie remarked, stepping just out of his reach. She couldn’t help but admire his rugged appearance, the way his hat cast a shadow over his sharp features in the morning sun.
His gaze shifted from playful to intense as his index finger reached out and twirled one of her curls. His expression grew serious, and she could feel the weight of his touch on her hair.
Tillie’s heart quickened at the unexpected touch, a mix of nervousness and something warmer fluttering within her chest. Her eyes met his, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still as they held each other’s gaze. She felt a rush of emotions she couldn’t quite comprehend.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispered, his finger lingering on her curl.
She looked at his mouth and wondered if his lips were as soft as they looked. Would they be soft if he kissed her, or would he be bold enough to try? His thumb grazed her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine.
“That is a sad state of affairs, or you don’t have many women around here if you think I’m beautiful.”
“No one has ever told you that you’re beautiful?”
A sharp laugh burst forth from her lips and she shookher head. She could feel her hair tightening around his finger. “Never. I’ve always been plain Matilda.”
“There is nothing plain about you. You are a rare beautiful,” Rex replied, his voice barely above a whisper, his gaze unwavering. “You remind me of the wild horses on the plains. A little skittish, but always magnificent.” Tillie’s breath caught in her throat as she saw the sincerity in his eyes.
“Rex. I—”
He cleared his throat, and she felt him release her delicate ringlet of hair. There was a hint of embarrassment in his expression for his sudden display of affection. “I want to say I’m sorry, Tillie,” he said, his voice softer than before. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. But I’m not sorry. You deserve to know how beautiful you are. However, I’m sorry no one has ever told you just how lovely you are.”
“I’m going to walk to the creek later to gather acorns for Annie. Do you want to go with me? We can stop by and see Baxter, and I’d like to introduce you to Midge.”
A smile spread across her face, with the corners of her lips extending and her cheeks flushing a rosy hue. “Midge the rooster thief?”
Rex chuckled. “Just don’t call her that. Bax is extremely protective of her. All of us are protective of our family.”
“I see why Sawyer likes it here.”
“He’s a good man. So, will you walk with me?”
“I’d like that.”
Tapping her on the nose, Rex turned on his heel. “You better get those eggs to Annamae before she wonders where you are.”
Tillie nodded at Rex, and he headed back towards the barn. She stood there for a moment watching the hens chase after a juicy bug in the yard, and thought about her growing feelingsfor Rex. As she walked back to the house, the weight of their conversation lingered in her mind. Tillie couldn’t shake off the way his gaze made her feel, like she was being seen for the first time in her life. It was an odd and comforting feeling that she struggled to fully comprehend.
“There you are, Tillie. I was looking for you.” George stepped off the edge of the porch, his dark eyes glinting with sinister determination. “I saw you getting friendly with Rex Hartman in the chicken coop.”
“He was just helping me with a broody hen. That’s all.”
“Listen to me, Tillie,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “It looked to me like he likes you. You need to marry him, even if it means forcing him into it.”
Tillie shook her head vehemently, her heart pounding. “I can’t do that, George. I won’t trap Rex like that.”
“Think about what’s at stake here,” George insisted, ignoring her protests. “With you married to that Hartman, I could have some influence over this ranch. You know how much I hate that Sawyer has such a stronghold here. I could take a share of the profits and that would be enough for a fresh start for us. You owe me this.”
Tillie stared at him, horrified by the depths of his greed.
She had always known he cared more about money than love, but she never thought he would stoop so low as to blackmail her into an unwanted marriage. Her stomach twisted in disgust and fear as she realized the true depths of his depravity.
“George, please,” she whispered, her voice trembling with fear and anger. “This is wrong. I cannot disgrace myself like this.”
“Then you will ruin our chances for a better life,” he spat, his face contorted with rage. “Do you want to live in povertyforever?”
As Tillie looked into George’s eyes, she saw nothing but cold, ruthless ambition. It frightened her, but it also strengthened her resolve. She would not let him control her like this.
