Page 76 of Her Rugged Guardian

“I can’t. I feel like I’m being railroaded to sell.”

“That’s because the land itself is more valuable than the property.”

I nodded. “As I suspected. Is it true what I heard about Malcolm?”

“What did you hear?”

“That he killed a man?” When Jake didn’t answer, another shiver curled my toes. “He really is dangerous.”

“He’s an opportunist, Cassandra. I don’t know whether the stories I’ve heard are true, but he is a ruthless businessman just like his father. He’s stooped to methods of blackmail and extortion to get what he wants. What I do know is that he targets people then makes their lives miserable.”

“He’s behind the threats.”

“Possibly.”

“I’m not going to let him drive me away.”

Jake moved closer, eyeing the torn contract. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“We need to get to work. I have to put together a marketing plan and I want to have a huge party in October. A kickoff of sorts. You can get the work done by then. Right? I’d like to have plenty of guests, including for the holidays. If I can have the wine win some awards by spring, then I’ll be set. Yeah, I can do this. I’ll call some of the people I know who can help.”

“Not so fast, Cinnamon Girl.”

He grabbed my hand, spinning me around to face him. “What are you doing?”

“Tangerine Sunset can wait. We’re going out tonight.”

I don’t think anything could have shocked me more. “Are we celebrating something?”

“Wasn’t it you who reminded me that we needed to enjoy our lives?” He took the cheap glass from my hand, placing both on the bar.

“Yeah, but that was before?—”

Jake placed his finger across my lips, cocking his head as he gave me a stern look. When I refused to stop talking, he did the only thing he could to shut me up. He captured my mouth all over again.

If it was possible to melt in someone’s arms, then that’s exactly what I was doing. The feel of being so close to him created vibrations that were sweeping through every cell, heading directly to my toes. The kiss made me lightheaded, the taste of peppermint reigniting all the filthy thoughts I’d had before about him.

He lifted me off my feet and immediately, I wrapped my legs around him. In his arms I felt tiny, something I’d never felt before. I stroked the back of his neck as the kiss went from being passionate to needy, the hunger we shared creating a wave of electricity. I swept my tongue across his, refusing to allow him to dominate me.

But Jake wasn’t the kind of man to be toyed with, smacking my bottom several times with his huge palm, adding to the ache that was already there. When he finally eased me to my feet, breaking the contact, he slipped his index finger under my chin, lifting it. “I’m a famished man.”

“You feasted this morning,” I purred.

“Don’t you know I’m a growing boy?”

For a man who’d perfected the ability to scowl, he was certainly doing his best to entice me with his hooded eyes. “Yes, but I’ll be the responsible one. Time is ticking.”

“Nope. You’re going to change and we’re going out to dinner. My treat.”

“Hmmm… Is this a date?”

“I don’t date, Cinnamon Girl. I already told you that.”

“Yes, you did. Pray tell, what do you do?” I asked coyly.

“I make things happen and take what I want.”

Why was it that I shuddered at the thought?

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