Falling For The Rancher. Roxanne Rustand

screen. “But a new equine ultrasound is imperative for reproductive issues and evaluating injuries.”

      She whistled under her breath. “Not cheap.”

      He nodded. “It could run over fifty grand if I duplicate what we used in Montana.”

      “It’ll be fun watching you bring this clinic up to date.”

      She turned to leave, but he cleared his throat. “Your friend Hannah came out to see me on Saturday. I imagine she told you about it.”

      “What?” Her mystified expression cleared. “You mean about the auction? I knew she planned to talk to you, but I haven’t heard from her since Friday night.”

      “She and I got everything squared away.”

      “Good to hear. I told Beth that the committee shouldn’t try to push you into something you never intended to do, so you’re off the hook.”

      “But is that what you want? Your friend says you’ve been saving money for this for a long time.” He eyed her closely. “That you really need the help and can’t find anyone to do it.”

      “Yes, well...that’s my concern, not yours.” A weary smile briefly lit up her face, and she looked like someone who had the weight of the world on her shoulders. “Honestly, I just want to apologize for what happened.”

      “I understand your bidding saved me from the clutches of a difficult woman.”

      At that, she laughed aloud. “You do owe me a favor for that. You have no idea.”

      “I’m going to follow through. Will that just about cover it?”

      Her eyes widened with surprise and a touch of wariness. “You don’t need to. Really.”

      “I called Beth just a few minutes ago. It’s a done deal.”

      “Um...” Her gaze veered away, and she swallowed hard. “I don’t mean to seem ungrateful, but I...um...need someone who is really skilled as a handyman. Experienced.”

      “You’re worried about getting your money’s worth.” He heard the unintentionally hard edge in his tone and instantly regretted it when he saw her flinch.

      “I must sound so crass.” Rosy color washed up into her cheeks. “It’s just that whether my daughter and I stay or need to leave town, I... I need the work to be done well and up to code.”

      “Tell you what. You’ve got twenty hours of my time, so make a list of what needs to be done. Then let me come over some evening this week so I can see if I have the skill set for what you need. Tonight would be fine, if you’re eager to get started.”

      “That I am.” She bit her lower lip. “But if you don’t feel it’s something you want to tackle?”

      “Then I’ll donate the full amount of your bid to the youth group, and you can save your money to pay someone else.” He offered his hand across the desk. “Deal?”

      She hesitated, her expression still filled with doubt, but she finally accepted his brief handshake. “This is beyond generous. I think you’re being too kind.”

      Not kind, he thought as he watched her head out of his office. Just careful.

      Since asking about her around town would only start rumors, he needed to take this into his own hands.

      Because absolute trust was a rare and fragile thing, and he couldn’t afford to make the same mistake twice.