Backlash Tender Trap Aftermath - Lisa Jackson Page 0,64
a way of getting out of selling the ranch to me?”
“I didn’t say that. But maybe we could come up with some other way of financing the sale.”
“I don’t see how.”
“I could waive the down payment—in effect loan the money to you without interest.”
“And how would Colton feel about that?”
Denver’s jaw hardened. “I’ll deal with Colton, if I ever see him again.”
Tessa considered her alternatives. Leaning against the power of Denver’s chest, hearing the steady beat of his heart, feeling his breath stir her hair, she was just about willing to do anything he suggested. Except become beholden to him. “I don’t think I should borrow money from you,” she said softly. “People might get the wrong idea.”
She felt him stiffen, saw a flash of anger in his eyes. “You mean the way some people might have gotten the wrong idea about you and John.”
Her emotions, already strung tight, snapped. Tessa scrambled out of his arms. “That was different and you know it!”
“How?”
“I wasn’t sleeping with John!” Bristling with injustice, she gave her hot temper free rein. “I thought we settled this.”
“We have,” he said tightly. “I just don’t understand why you can work a deal with John and not with me.”
“Because you and I—we’re . . . involved.”
“All the more reason to help each other.”
“Not like this,” she said. “I can’t accept gifts from you, Denver, or loans without collateral.”
“Why not?”
“Don’t you know?” she asked in wonder. “Don’t you realize that I don’t want to be obligated to you—that I wouldn’t want you obligated to me? You’re the one who doesn’t want any strings attached in this relationship. You’re the one hell-bent to run back to L.A.”
“I thought you were coming with me,” he said slowly.
“That would only make it worse! I can’t borrow money from you and then follow you like some moon-eyed calf to California! I no more belong on Rodeo Drive than—”
“I do in a hick town the size of Three Falls, Montana,” he cut in, the edge in his voice sharp.
“You were born and raised here!”
“An accident of my birth.”
She sucked in a swift, disbelieving breath. “Do you hate it here so much?”
He bit back the urge to say Yes! I hate this goddamned ranch and all the memories it brings—memories of pain and suffering and thick yellow smoke and flames. Instead he sealed his mouth shut. He didn’t hate this valley or this ranch. His aversion to it was long over. But it wasn’t the land that beckoned him. It was Tessa.
“I’ve got to leave,” he said quietly, his face a mask. “You coming?”
Shaking her head, she said, “I’d better stay. The vet’s probably already on his way.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned and walked quickly down the concrete corridor between the rows of stalls. Nearly colliding with Mitch in the doorway, he muttered a curse under his breath without breaking stride.
Mitch stared after him. “What was that all about?”
“Don’t ask me.”
Mitch frowned. “I am asking you. And you’d better tell me what’s going on between the two of you.”
“Nothing, Mitch.”
“Sure.”
“I told you—it’s just business.”
Mitch scowled, raking stiff fingers through his hair. “Okay, you win, Tess. Play it close to the vest. If you want Denver McLean, there’s nothing I can say that will change your mind.” His mouth compressed into a crooked smile. “I just hope he’ll make you happy.”
“I am happy,” she said, turning back to Brigadier and changing the subject. “Did you call the vet?”
Mitch nodded. “Craig’s busy. But his assistant’s on her way.”
“Her way?”
A slow grin spread across Mitchell’s stubbled jaw. “That’s right. Cassie Aldridge. Remember her?”
“How could I forget?” Tessa smiled faintly. Cassie was a couple of years younger than Tessa, and rumor had it, seven years before, that young Cassie had thrown herself at Colton McLean, making a fool of herself over Denver’s headstrong younger brother much the way Tessa had made a fool of herself over Denver.
“Good thing Colton isn’t back yet,” Mitch remarked.
“It’s been a long time,” Tessa said. “Cassie’s probably changed a lot.”
“Well, she isn’t married yet—or if she is, she hasn’t changed her name.”
Tessa turned back to Brigadier and scratched him fondly under the forelock. “It doesn’t matter if she’s married or not. Let’s just hope she can take care of our boy here.”
An hour later, Tessa realized that Cassie Aldridge had changed a lot in the past seven years. No longer a teenager with a wild crush on one of the McLean brothers, she was a full-grown woman with shiny black hair