just found out from Jake’s remarks. Yes, I’m going out with him and I’ll be fine.”
“Look, you’re doing this for the three of us, primarily. Dusty and Red, too, because the outcome will impact them. Jake Benton’s a tough man. I’ve ridden against him in rodeos. I’ve seen Will come up against him and end up the worse for it. I’d say you forget trying to save this place. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“Kirby, you’re like an older brother to me—or a dad.”
“I believe at my age, dad is a better comparison,” he said and she smiled fleetingly, her mind on his warning.
“I’ll take care of myself and I don’t want any of you to worry. Jake won’t hurt me. I’m not getting that involved with him.”
“He’s broken more than a few hearts in this county,” Kirby said.
She gazed to the east, thinking about Jake driving home to his ranch.
“I’ll be careful. You stop worrying. I’ve already been warned by Cecilia.”
“You might as well give up on him selling the place. That man isn’t going to let you have it back. Trucks are pouring in here at that rig where they are drilling. I’ve watched them with binoculars from the barn loft. They’re busy as can be. I wouldn’t be surprised if they do find oil. Your dad never thought there was any here, but that time they drilled it was far over in the eastern corner, not up here near the house. They find oil, you can forget any hope of getting part of this ranch back.”
“I know. He retains all mineral rights, so he could go right ahead.”
“It’s not conducive to raising cattle.”
“I couldn’t just give up without asking. Just please, don’t you worry.”
Kirby straightened up. “All right. I’ve said my say and I’ll head back to work.” He turned and went down the porch steps.
“Kirby—” She waited until he turned around to meet her gaze. “Thank you. I love you for watching out for me.”
“You take care, Caitlin. I can’t watch out enough to protect you.”
She nodded and he walked away, heading back to the barn. Shortly he was in the truck and drove off on one of the ranch’s paths.
With a sigh, she went inside, mulling over the warnings against Jake that reaffirmed her own reactions. Neither Kirby nor Cecilia expected Jake to sell back to her. She headed to the kitchen, knowing she might as well listen now to Altheda, hear her cautions and then she could go back to her work to check on her galleries and orders.
When she finally stepped inside her office, she closed the door. Feeling drained, she was more worried than ever about the future of the ranch.
Caitlin soon gave up trying to work because she couldn’t keep her mind on anything except Jake. Memories of his kisses tormented her. Questions about his decision concerning the ranch were as constant a concern. All the time she bathed and dressed, she moved as if only half conscious of her actions. Kirby’s and Cecilia’s warnings made her view the evening with more caution, big reminders to be careful.
In spite of the warnings, her pulse speeded at the prospect. Her feelings toward Jake were mixed; fear he would destroy the place she loved, attraction, family hatreds, excitement. The dinner date would give her another chance to try to talk him into selling. What was really holding him back? Was he trying to get something from her besides a payment? Seduction? Perhaps tonight would bring answers.
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