So, you and Sheriff Lee were an item?
Over five months ago. And we only went out for a month. I wouldnt call us an item.
Still, he thinks he has squatting rights.
Some men dont get the hint, even when its flung square in their faces. Parker Lee considers me one of his conquests and he doesnt like to lose. She shrugged. Im afraid Ive made you a powerful enemy in this county.
Im not sweating it. Ive seen how the sheriff operates.
Yeah, thats right.
I dont remember seeing you on the police force.
I worked nights.
Whyd you quit?
I had my reasons.
She nodded. I get it. Dont ask.
Do you have any regrets knowing I quit the sheriffs department?
No. In fact it makes me even more certain I hired the right man. Since I opened my mouth to Parker, youd better move your gear from the bunkhouse into the main house. Rosa!
The small Hispanic woman stood framed in the doorway as if shed anticipated Monas call. Sí, hija.
Mr. Bryson will be staying in the house. Would you mind putting fresh sheets on the guest bed?
The older woman shot Reed a penetrating look. Are you sure he can be trusted?
Mona tipped her head to the side and stared at Reed. Can you?
With her looking at him with a spark in her dark eyes, Reed wasnt so sure himself. She was beautiful in both an earthy and exotic way, with no need for makeup or fancy clothing. At that moment, he wanted to leave before he did something stupid like develop a hankerin for this woman who insisted on waging a battle against all odds. But to leave her now didnt sit right in Reeds book. She was one woman trying to do it all.
Im a man of my word. He shifted his hat to his other hand. Now let me get this straight. My job is to help find your cattle rustlers?
Thats right.
What about Parker Lee?
If you dont mind, Id appreciate it if youd continue playing the part of my live-in to keep him off my back.
Not that he wanted anything out of her but his paycheck, but Reed couldnt help asking, Whats in it for me?
You get to eat Rosas good cooking instead of fending for yourself with the boys in the bunkhouse.
Reeds mouth twisted. Having had the opportunity to taste their cooking, Id be honored to pretend to be your boyfriend.
Rosa crossed her arms over her chest. Just remember, there are three people in this house besides you. Dont try anything with Miss Mona, or youll have to answer to me.
Yes, maam. He turned to Mona. Is there anything else I should know?
Mona chewed her lip for a moment before shaking her head. No.
Yes, there is. Rosa moved forward to stand beside Mona. Tell him.
No. Monas face flushed and a thin sheen of perspiration coated her skin. Its none of his business.
Curious now, Reed waited.
If hes to help protect you and Rancho Linda, he needs to know everything.
Thats right. Reed didnt like the way Mona fidgeted. What else was she hiding?
No. She wrapped an arm around her belly, her face turning a sickly shade of gray-green. None of the hands know and the fewer people who do know the better.
Rosa grabbed Monas arms. You cant continue to ignore the fact and, if youre not careful, youll hurt yourself andothers. Look at you. You cant even keep food down.
It doesnt change anything. I still have a job to do and I will find the cattle rustlers.
You need to tell him.
No. Tears welled in her eyes and she shot a panicked look at Reed. Ah hell. Mona clamped a hand to her mouth and ran from the room.
Reed could hear her being sick in the bathroom and he started to follow her.
A hand on his arm stopped him.
Let me go. Shes obviously sick. When he tried to move past the woman, her grip tightened. Whats wrong with her? Thats the third time since we met shes lost it.
Mr. Bryson. If you really want to help Miss Grainger, you need to understandshes pregnant.
Chapter Four
Something about his tanned skin and broad shoulders didnt fit the suit and tie. Having known the man for most of her life, Mona didnt understand why, all of the sudden, shed think Kuhn didnt belong in the bank. Hello, Mr. Kuhn.
If youd step into my office, we have matters to discuss.
We do? Mona had come to Prairie Rock to make the monthly mortgage payment on her land, not chat with the bank president. She had a lot of work to do back home. An uneasy twinge gripped her belly as if the baby tried to warn her something was amiss.
Yes, we do. He waited until she entered his office and then closed the door behind her.
If shed known she was going to have a business meeting with the bank president shed have worn something other than her usual jeans and denim shirt. Hell, shed have left her hair loose instead of pulling it back into a juvenile ponytail. Mona resisted the urge to pat the
dust off her clothing before she took the seat opposite the banker, a massive mahogany desk between them. What is it you wanted to discuss?
He stared at her for several seconds before beginning, as if sizing her up. I understand youve had troubles out at the Rancho Linda?
Mona fought to keep her expression blank. Cattle rustling in the area couldnt be kept a secret. Not when everyone knew everyones business and the sheriffs blotter in the local newspaper was the highlight of the week. Nothing we cant handle. She hoped. The rustlers had to slip up soon and be caught. Preferably before she went out of business.