I caught him the first day he was here, he reminded her.
Yes, but that was three months ago, she pointed out. And hed just arrived. Now hes learned evasion techniques. She frowned. I wonder if theyve ever thought of using roosters as attack
animals for the military? I should suggest it to someone.
Id suggest you find some way to keep him at home before I resort to the courts.
Youd sue me over a chicken? she exclaimed. Wow, what a headline that would be. Rich, Successful Rancher Sues Starving, Female Small-Rancher for Rooster Attack. Wouldnt your dad love reading that headline in the local paper? she asked with a bland smile.
His expression was growing so hard that his high cheekbones stood out. One more flying red feather attack and Ill risk it. Im not kidding.
Oh, me, neither. She crossed her heart. Ill have the vet prescribe some tranquilizers for Pumpkin to calm him down, she said facetiously. She frowned. Ever thought about asking your family doctor for some? You look very stressed.
Im stressed because your damned rooster keeps attacking me! On my own damned ranch! he raged.
Well, I can see that its a stressful situation to be in, she sympathized. With him attacking you, and all. She knew it would make him furious, but she had to know. I hear Odalie Everett went to Italy.
The anger grew. Now it was cold and threatening. Since when is Odalie of interest to you?
Just passing on the latest gossip. She peered at him through her lashes. Maybe you should study opera
You venomous little snake, he said furiously. As if you could sing a note that wasnt flat!
She colored. I could sing if I wanted to!
He looked her up and down. Sure. And get suddenly beautiful with it?
The color left her face.
Youre too thin, too flat-chested, too plain and too untalented to ever appeal to me, just in case you wondered, he added with unconcealed distaste.
She drew herself up to her full height, which only brought the top of her head to his chin, and stared at him with ragged dignity. Thank you. I was wondering why men dont come around. Its nice to know the reason.
Her damaged pride hit him soundly, and he felt small. He shifted from one big booted foot to the other. I didnt mean it like that, he said after a minute.
She turned away. She wasnt going to cry in front of him.
Her sudden vulnerability hurt him. He started after her. Listen, Madeline, he began.
She whirled on her booted heel. Her pale eyes shot fire at him. Her exquisite complexion went ruddy. Beside her thighs, her hands were clenched. You think youre Gods gift to women, dont you? Well, let me tell you a thing or two! Youve traded on your good looks for years to get you what you want, but it didnt get you Odalie, did it?
His face went stony. Odalie is none of your damned business, he said in a soft, dangerous tone.
Looks like shes none of yours, either, she said spitefully. Or shed never have left you.
He turned around and stomped back to his truck.
And dont you dare roar out of my driveway and scare my hens again!
He slammed the door, started the truck and deliberately gunned the engine as he roared out toward the main highway.
Three days they wont lay, now, Maddie said to herself. She turned, miserable, and went up the porch steps. Her pride was never going to heal from that attack. Shed had secret feelings for Cort since she was sixteen. Hed never noticed her, of course, not even to tease her as men sometimes did. He simply ignored her existence most of the time, when her rooster wasnt attacking him. Now she knew why. Now she knew what he really thought of her.
Great-Aunt Sadie was waiting by the porch screen door. She was frowning. No call for him to say that about you, she muttered. Conceited man!
Maddie fought tears and lost.
Great-Aunt Sadie wrapped her up tight and hugged her. Dont you believe what he said. He was just mad and looking for a way to hurt you because you mentioned his precious Odalie. Shes too good for any cowboy. At least, she thinks she is.
Shes beautiful and rich and talented. But so is Cort, Maddie choked out. It really would have been a good match, to pair the Everetts Big Spur ranch with Skylance, the Brannt ranch. What a merger that would be.
Except that Odalie doesnt love Cort and she probably never will.
She may come home with changed feelings, Maddie replied, drawing away. She might have a change of heart. Hes always been around, sending her flowers, calling her. All that romantic stuff. The sudden stop might open her eyes to what a catch he is.
You either love somebody or you dont, the older woman said quietly.
You think?
Ill make you a nice pound cake. That will cheer you up.
Thanks. Thats sweet of you. She wiped her eyes. Well, at least Ive lost all my illusions. Now I can just deal with my
ranch and stop mooning over a man who thinks hes too good for me.
No man is too good for you, sweetheart, Great-Aunt Sadie said gently. Youre pure gold. Dont you ever let anyone tell you different.
She smiled.
When she went out late in the afternoon to put her hens in their henhouse to protect them from overnight predators, Pumpkin was right where he should beback in the yard.