A week had passed since Edens proposition, and he was beginning to think that shed given up on her outrageous idea, and her threat to find someone else. While one part of him was grateful for the respite, another part worried about her future as it stood in her brother-in-laws controlling hands.
Just a few days ago hed ridden in early and overheard Eden in her office in the barn, arguing with Allen on the phone. She had creditors who were demanding payment on accounts that were running over thirty days, and she needed an increase in her monthly allowance to keep her accounts open. Judging by the angry way shed slammed down the phone and the very unladylike oath shed muttered, hed surmised that Allen hadnt acceded to her request.
Rolling his shoulders in an attempt to shake off the guilt preying on his conscience, Luke finished his first bottle of beer, then motioned to the burly man standing across the bar and ordered another. For the hundredth time, Luke told himself that Edens welfare wasnt his concern. He was merely a hand who was doing his job, but he couldnt help but feel culpable, since he knew he could help her out of her predicament.
Frustrated with his thoughts, he redirected his mind and attention to the people out on the dance floor. It was Saturday night, and the establishment was full and rocking. There was a lot of good-natured ribbing going on at nearby tables, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Although Luke found it amusing to watch the men flirt with the single ladies in hopes of getting lucky, and vice-versa, he wanted no part of the one-night-stand scene. A few women usually approached him to dance, or to attempt to draw him into conversation, but hed politely refuse their company, preferring to be left alone.
After the first hour, word usually spread that the dark-haired cowboy at the bar was a solitary man, which only served to heighten speculation about his reputation, and intrigue women even more.
If they knew the truth about his past, they wouldnt be so eager to attract his attention.
Well, Ill be damned, a deep voice drawled from a table next to the bar. Is that Eden Lowe?
Sure does look like Eden, another man confirmed, his voice infused with masculine interest.
A low whistle expressed male appreciation. Yep, thats her, a third added. And if I do say so myself, she sure is lookin mighty fine, boys.
At the mention of Edens name, Lukes entire body grew taut. Unable to believe that shed venture to such a rowdy establishment when she didnt strike him as the type to patronize the local bar, he squinted toward the entrance of The Silver Spur, struggling to see through the haze of stale cigarette smoke hanging in the air and the crush of people shuffling across the sawdust-strewn floor.
He saw a cloud of russet curls first, the rich shade enough to verify that his lady boss had, indeed, ventured into rowdy territory. As the crowd alternately shifted and cleared, he caught a full-length glimpse of her, and his mouth went dry.
She looked absolutely stunning. And sexier than the fantasies that had plagued him the past week. Gone were the fresh face, efficient braid, and conservative clothes she wore to work the ranch on a daily basis. Her body-hugging black jeans and blouse showcased her voluptuous curves, and had most of the men in the establishment doing double takes. He was no better, considering he couldnt pry his gaze from her, either.
She glanced around, saw him, and a sultry smile lifted the corner of her mouth. She started through the crowd toward the bar at a leisurely stroll, stopping occasionally to talk to someone she knew, then continued on. A good-looking cowboy lightly grabbed her wrist to stop her, and just when Luke would have vaulted across the room to intervene Eden laughed at something he said and seemingly chided him good-naturedly for whatever comment hed made. The other man grinned, and let her go.
The deep breath Luke took did little to calm the frustrated anger skirting the edge of his temper.
I wonder what shes doing here at The Silver Spur, one of the men at the table behind Luke speculated. She hasnt been here for years, from what I know.
Luke took a long drink of his beer and narrowed his gaze on Eden, wanting to know the same thing.
Maybe shes lookin for a good time, another at the table suggested, a leer in his voice.
Oh, Id be happy to show her a good time, the third one drawled, cocky and self-assured.
Lukes blood began to boil and the hand resting on the surface of the bar curled into a tight fist. He turned his head and glared at the young men, but the trio at the table had their gazes trained on Eden, and wolfish grins pasted on their faces.
He swore beneath his breath. Did Eden even realize what a pretty little hen she was in this den of foxes? Before the night was over, if she wasnt careful shed be gobbled up.
Good evening, Miz Lowe, one of the men at the table said as she neared. His gaze took a slow trip down the length of her, his interest obvious.
Hello, Tom, she acknowledged pleasantly. How are Mary Jane and that new baby girl of yours doing?
The tip of the young mans ears turned red at the mention of the woman and child he had waiting for him at home. Theyre doing just fine.
Thats good to hear. She smiled easily, as if she hadnt just put him in his proper place. Tell her I said hello.
Tom nodded curtly. Will do.
Eden came up to the bar, and her leg brushed Lukes thigh as she settled herself on the padded stool next to his. That soft, alluring scent she wore wrapped around him, stirring a deep, vital hunger that was becoming more and more difficult to suppress.
His frown deepened, tightening the skin across his forehead.
She brushed her lustrous hair away from her face with a slender hand and eyed him with too much amusement. Quit scowling. Tom is completely harmless.
Though Luke was impressed with the way shed handled the young buck, she was out of her element here. She was a respectable woman, and most of the men here were merely out for a fun, temporary tryst.
He pinned his heated gaze on her. What are you doing here, Eden?
She gave a one-shoulder shrug, unaffected by his growl of a question, and glanced around the crowded room. Just checking out the prospects, Mr. Bodene.
His spine stiffened. He didnt know why it infuriated him that shed addressed him so formally, but it did. You honestly expect to find a prospect here? he asked incredulously.
Sure. Its as good a place as any. Devious pleasure glittered in her eyes, as if she was enjoying herself. I know a few of the hands here from neighboring ranches, and Im sure I can persuade one of them to accept my offer.
Lukes nostrils flared at the thought of any of those men being cozy with Eden, being her husband, even in name only.
She was provoking him. She had to be. But then he remembered her desperation when shed approached him with her proposition, that phone call with Allen, and her need to gain complete control of her ranch.
He stared straight ahead, his jaw clenching. None of that was his concern. He didnt care what she did, or who she lassoed into being her bridegroom.
The lie burned like acid in the pit of his stomach, and he took a long drink to douse the flames, which seemed to glow even hotter when another man approached Eden and sidled up to her right sideluckily out of Lukes reach, who had the uncharacteristic urge to tell the fresh-faced kid to get lost.
Hey, Eden, the light-haired cowboy greeted her amicably. Its good to see you. Can I buy you a drink?
Eden graced the young, eager man with a dazzling smile. Why, how thoughtful, Billy. Yes, you may. Ill take a whiskey sour.
Lukes brows shot up, and while Billy ordered her preferred drink from the bartender, he leaned close to Eden. A couple of those, and a teetotaler like yourself will be passed out before you issue your first proposal.
I can hold my liquor just fine, Mr. Bodene. Her smile was full of sugar, but the tone of her voice held a bit of an edge. But its incredibly sweet of you to worry about me. And as far as that proposal is concerned, as long as I dont issue it to you, why should you care?
Indeed, his conscience prodded himwhy should he care? I dont, he bit out, wishing he sounded more convincing.
She patted his forearm in a consoling gesture he found more infuriating than soothing. Im glad, because if I remember correctly, you didnt take me up on my offer, and I did warn you Id try and find someone else.
Before he could respond to that, the bartender delivered her drink, and she smiled her thanks. Picking up her glass, she slipped off her stool and allowed Billy to gently grasp her elbow and guide her toward a table where two other men sat, grinning like fools.
Eden turned and waggled her fingers at Luke. Have a good evening, Mr. Bodene.
His good evening turned out to be a pure, living hell. For the next hour, he nursed his beer and watched Eden flirt with the male population at The Silver Spur. He actually found himself envying the way shed listen intently to something someone said, or laugh huskily at a joke. And with each minute that passed and she ignored his presence, jealousy gnawed at him.