It was like sticking her finger in an electric socket. She simply stared at him. What?
I said Ill take you to the movies Friday, Kit, he replied, and grinned at her. Im not letting you corrupt Hal. Besides, hes too young for you.
She burst out laughing. She must have imagined his sudden anger, she told herself. Matt had only been teasing all along.
I suppose he is, she had to admit. Are you?
His mouth curled. What do you think, honey? he asked in a tone hed never used with her before. It was like velvet. Soft. Honey smooth. Seductive.
She stared down at him curiously. Youre too old for drive-ins, she said slowly.
He shook his head. Well take the pickup and Ill buy you a pizza. It will rejuvenate me, he added with a grin.
I can just see you at a drive-in, she murmured. Her green eyes flirted with his dark ones. Okay. But I wont kiss you if you drink beer.
His eyebrows lifted and something flashed in his eyes. He laughed gently. Okay.
Shed shocked herself with her impulsive remark, and now she felt embarrassed. As if Matt would want to kiss her! But her eyes fell to his hard mouth as if of their own accord, and she stared at his lips with unexpected curiosity. She looked up in time
to see a wildness in his eyes. A shock of electric current linked them, making her want to dive down into his arms and kiss his hard, sexy mouth until the aching of her young body stopped. And that shocked her enough that she dragged her eyes away.
You did mean what you said, about letting me go to New York if I do a good job on your sale? she persisted.
He turned back toward his men. I meant it.
Matt
Hey, Charlie, bring the truck for this one! he called to an old cowboy and he gestured toward a downed cow farther along the trail.
She sighed in irritation. Well, that was that, hed just forgotten that she was alive. That was his response to discussions he didnt want. He just walked away from them. She glared at his back for a long moment before she suddenly wheeled her mount and started toward the ranch.
Well, at least she had a chance to escape now. Her face burned as she remembered what shed said to him about the drive-in. Shed probably shocked him with that silly remark about kissing him.
She shifted in the saddle, thinking about going to a drive-in with Matt. Her body tingled with delight at the prospect. Hed never taken her anywhere alone. And probably he wasnt going to now, either. Hed invite one of the family to go with them. And why would he take the pickup?
Matt bothered her. He puzzled her. He was a cutup, a wild manexcept when he was being Mr. Kincaid. Shed seen him do that. Shed watched him put down men who thought they could walk all over him because he seemed easygoing. There was a white-hot temper and a will like iron underneath his good humor.
Worrying about things wasnt going to help, she told herself. Shed do better to concentrate on how to promote the cattle sale. It was her only chance of escape from her family. And from Matt. She couldnt spend the rest of her life waiting for him. She couldnt live near him and watch him marry someone elseand he would eventually. The corporation would have to have an heir, and he was in control. Probably it would be some sophisticated socialite with holdings of her own. A merger more than a marriage.
She leaned forward over the little mares mane and gave her her head as they went toward the barn.
Chapter Three
As Annie waddled in with the salads, Catherine allowed Hal to seat her, and she noted his thoughtful glances. Matt hadnt made an appearance yet, and Catherine found herself watching the doorway, waiting. She knew he was going out, that he wouldnt be joining them for the evening meal, but she couldnt help watching for him. Habits were hard to break. She looked down at her blue shirtwaist dress and imagined I Adore Matt written all over it with a felt-tip marker. That was vaguely amusing and she laughed.
Thats better, Hal murmured. You were looking solemn, little cousin.
Who, me? She gaped. Im never solemn.
I know, he returned.
Betty said you were trying to go to New York to work, Jerry said, glancing at her. He smiled absently. I knew youd only come to grief.
How?
I know my brother. Matt keeps you on a short leash, doesnt he?
Catherine glared at him. I can do what I please. As it happens, she said to save face, Matts offered me a job. Im organizing the foundation sale.
Darling, how lovely! Barrie exclaimed. Youll do a grand job.
You and your cattle hang-up, Jerry growled at her. I can see you now, leading that prize bull of yours around, with the baby under one armwhen you ever decide to have a baby.
Dont be silly, my love, Barrie murmured, peering up at him. Ill have the baby in one of those carry things they wear these days. Hell learn the business from the ground up. She elbowed her husband. Anyway, what do you mean, when I decide to have a baby? How can I? Youre never at home. It takes two, she added with a poisonous smile.
Jerry cleared his throat and offered Betty the rolls.