Uncle Arty snorted. Do you call losing thirty cattle managing? How many did you lose last week? Twenty more? You cant manage a six-thousand-acre ranch with just a few Mexicans. For all you know, theyre the ones stealing from you.
Mona set her glass on the table with a thump. Watch it, Uncle. Youre forgetting Im half Mexican. She marched across the room and stood toe-to-toe with the man. You may not have liked it that my father married a Mexican, but he loved my mother and she loved him. You should be so lucky to have that kind of relationship.
Her uncle didnt back down a bit. What do you know? She died when you were little. I still think my brother only married her to spite our father.
Get out. Mona stood with one hand fisted on her hip, the other pointing to the doorway.
Now, you listen to me, girl, her uncle blustered. I dont like that tone of voice.
Get. Out. If she had to use a gun, she would. Uncle or no, he had no right to bad-mouth her father, God rest his soul.
So be it. Her uncle stalked across the room and turned when he reached the door. He jabbed a finger at her. Youre going to run this place into the ground. You mark my words.
Maybe so, but its my place to run into the ground, not yours.
This land has been in the Grainger family for over one hundred years and should have stayed in the family. Youre nothin but a girl. You dont stand a chance. When it goes up in smoke, dont expect me to bail you out.
REED OPENED the screen for Monas uncle, his brows high on his forehead. You were leaving?
Dont get smart with me, young man. Youll be out of work within a week and I can guarantee you wont find another job in this county.
With a smile plastered to his face, Reed waved toward the open door, refusing to rise to the mans threat.
Once Monas uncle left, Reed turned to the sheriff, his anger rising. A useless excuse for law enforcement, Parker Lee wouldnt survive a day on the Chicago police force. Hed be shot in the back by one of his own men. Then again, hed never have been hired. Lee didnt have what it tookintegrity.
You shouldnt be so hard on your uncle. Hes right, you know. Sheriff Lee turned a sneering glance at Reed. Im surprised Mona hired you. Especially since you cant seem to hold a job.
To Reeds surprise, Monas face softened into a sensual smile. Who said I hired him? She walked across the floor and hooked an arm around Reeds waist. Reed lives here.
With supreme effort, Reed forced his expression to be casual, calm, not flat-out shocked. He pulled her close against him and dropped a kiss to the top of her hair. No perfumes clogged his senses, just the simple smell of soap and herbal shampoo rose up to greet him. She fit against him like she was meant to be there. He kinda liked it. Do we need to spell it out for you? He stared across the wooden floor at Parker Lee.
A muscle in the sheriffs jaw twitched before he responded. Just remember, she was mine before she even knew you.
Monas body tensed against Reeds. I was never yours. Any relationship we might have had is in the past. And, trust me, Ill always remember it as a huge lapse in my judgment.
The mans face burned a mottled red before he turned on his heel and marched through the door. Without another word, he climbed into the custom SUV with Sheriff painted in bold letters on each side and spun out of the gravel driveway.
I dont suppose hell be of much help finding the cattle rustlers, do you? Mona stared after the sheriff, still standing in the curve of Reeds arm. Then as if she remembered where she was, she stepped away, her face coloring a pretty shade of rosy pink beneath her natural tan. Im sorry. I just put you on the spot. A smile curved her lips, humor adding a twinkle to her deep brown-black eyes. Thanks for going along with my little ruse.
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.