She got up from the kitchen table, where shed been paying bills on her laptop, and went to quiet the dog. As usual, indulgent Aunt Annette had let Evan stay up too late, and Hannah had sent her increasingly fussy son to take a nap. Hed been asleep only a few minutes.
But when Hannah saw who was on the other side of the screen door, instead of shushing Scarlett, she wanted to snarl right along with her.
Afternoon, Hannah. Gideon Loomis tipped his gray felt cowboy hat, giving her a smile that would have been so much more handsome without the permanent smugness etched into his features.
Go away. Gideon. It was tricky to avoid someone in Bingham Pass, downright impossible when that someone owned the neighboring ranch, but why was he standing on her front porch? After their lone dinner date, shed tried to make it clear she wasnt interested in seeing him again. Shed stopped shy of blunt rudeness, because only an idiot would antagonize the Loomis family. This is a surprise.
A pleasant one, I hope. His self-assured tone made it clear hed drawn his own erroneous conclusion. Mama sent me over with an order for another one of her social events.
His mother, Patricia Loomis, was Hannahs biggest customer. There were decent restaurants in town that could cater, but no one in the area could bake or decorate desserts like Hannah. While she was thankful for Patricias business, it also held her hostage. She longed for the freedom to tell Gideon he was an arrogant ass who was no doubt rendering himself infertile with his obnoxiously tight jeans.
Tugging on Scarletts collar, she attempted to make the agitated dog sit. Scarlett had never liked Gideon, which proved the people at the shelter had known what they were talking about when theyd told Hannah the mutt was smart. She opened the door, grudgingly inviting her neighbor inside.
He inhaled deeply. Always smells so delicious here. I just realized, I worked right through lunch. Dont suppose I could trouble you for a slice of cake and some coffee? He was already making his way to the kitchen.
She ground her teeth together. I dont have any coffee brewed. Since there was half a cake sitting in a clear domed container on the counter, she saw no polite way to refuse him that. She got a clean plate from the dishwasher and sliced a much smaller piece than she would have offered Annette. We have to keep our voices down. Evan is sleeping. I was actually thinking about stealing the opportunity for a quick nap myself, she fibbed.
He ignored the hint that he should hurry on his way. Sorry I missed the little guy. Be sure to tell him hi for me.
Evan didnt like Gideon any more than the dog did. For starters, the fiercely independent four-year-old, who couldnt wait for kindergarten, hated the little guy nickname. He also disliked how Gideon chucked him on the chin as if they were in some cheesy made-for-TV movie. Who did that in real life? One of Hannahs objections to the man was how he always seemed to be performing for an invisible audience.
She also objected to his barely concealed lust for her ranch.
Before shed moved to Bingham Pass, shed had ideasand a budgetfor guest-friendly investments. An outdoor hot tub, extra beds, more horses. But the six-bedroom ranch had fallen into disrepair since shed seen it last, and she quickly realized she needed to prioritize roof improvements, furniture, updated plumbing and possibly even new wiring. Most of the outlets were only two-prong instead of the now-standard three. Alarmed by how inadequate her budget was, shed let the Loomis family talk her into selling a strip of land that adjoined their property.
Shed regretted the hasty decision afterward, and not just because shed realized they lowballed her on price. The Silver Linings Ranch was Michaels legacy to their son. She would not sell it off piecemeal like a stolen car stripped for parts. Gideon and his family werent getting their hands on another acre of her land.
Aware of how easily her anger could growof the negative emotions that lurked like an undertow to consume hershe forced a smile. It was strained, but Gideon didnt seem to mind. He grinned back, leaning against the island to eat instead of going to the table as shed hoped.
She found an excuse to move away from him, stepping toward the refrigerator. Can I get you some iced tea? Maybe a glass of milk to wash down the chocolate?
Teas fine. He took a bite of cake, and unmistakable bliss lit his brown eyes. Damn, thats good. Its a crying shame you have to expend so much energy into taking care of the horses, cows and goats.
She didnt have goats. She was the proud owner of horses, cows and one attack donkey.
If you had a husband to worry about the livestock for you, he continued, think of all the extra time you could spend puttering in the kitchen and developing your recipes.
She straightened abruptly from the fridge shelf, skewering him with a glare. Yeah, careless of Michael to get killed in action and screw up my puttering schedule.
All I meant wasa woman like you? Deserves a man who can take care of her.
She wanted to rail that not only was she capable of taking care of herself, shed been doing a splendid job of taking care of Evan for the past four years. Still...being a good mom and a hard worker didnt automatically translate to being able to maintain one hundred and eighty acres alone. Not alone, exactly. She had a four-year-old always looking for ways to help. She also had Henry, whod worked this property for decades and refused to acknowledge limitations set by age or reality, and Colorados most unusual ranch dog.
Okay, she needed a man, but not in the romantic sense. Particularly if her options were limited to Gideon Loomis.
His expression earnest, he set down the plate and came toward her. At the very least, let me talk to my folks about buying your cows from you. The herd would be one less thing for you to manage.
The herd was fewer than two dozen heifers, a bull and the resulting calves. Her predecessor, Michaels great-uncle, hadnt used a formal breeding program. He kept the bull in with the heifers, sometimes separating out the younger cows, and let nature take its course. A vet was called in as necessary, but the cattle were actually the least of her problemswith the exception of hauling hay. Hay was a never-ending chore.
Isnt that sweet of you, she bit out, offering to shoulder my burdens? No doubt for some sort of grateful, discounted rate.
His voice rose. Are you accusing me of trying to cheat you? If you were a man... He stopped, running a hand over his reddened face. His tone changed, slick with his attempt at charm. But you are all woman.
Maybe youre right, I do need a man. She jutted her chin up. Good thing that, as of yesterday, I found one.
* * *
THERE WAS A shiny red pickup in front of the ranch house when Colin returned from town. When hed left, Annettes car had been there. This must be someone different. He took the steps two at a time, glad Hannah had company. Maybe he could return the truck keys and get to work on the porch without further conversation. Even though shed affirmed her understanding that he was sticking around only for this one quick repair job, did he really trust that she wouldnt try to coax him into staying?
More to the point, did he trust himself to resist? Home cooking like hers and the sibling-free solitude of the bunkhouse were appealing. If she didnt have a kidor those arresting hazel eyeshe would have considered staying until his brothers wedding.
Before he had a chance to knock against the door frame, voices carried through the screen.
your sense? You cant just bring strange men home!
I told you to keep your voice down, Hannah retorted, her own voice only marginally softer. And its my ranch. I make the decisions. I think its time for you to go, Gideon.
I havent finished, the man argued.
Not bothering to waste time knocking, Colin let himself inside, even as he called himself a fool. For all he knew, Gideon was a relative or a boyfriend and Hannah might resent a third-party interloper witnessing the argument. But Colin had a problem with the mans refusal to leave.
Hannah? He wheeled around the corner, distantly recognizing that it had been a long damn time since hed felt protective of anyone but Justin or Arden.
His would-be boss was between the kitchen counter near the fridge and a beefy guy standing close enough that Colin had the urge to yank him back by his collar.
Youre back. Hannahs face went from tense to one of those dimpled smiles faster than a hummingbird could beat its wings. She raised an arm, pushing Gideon out of her way with the heel of her hand and coming to take the truck keys from Colin. This is my neighbor, Gideon Loomis. He was just leaving.
The mans blond eyebrows shot toward the brim of his gray hat. Actually, I
Mommy?
All three adults turned to see Evan in the wide entryway, his hair sticking up in wayward tufts, a child-size green blanket clutched in his hand.
Gideon gave the kid a hearty smile. Oopswe wake you, little guy?
Evan scowled.
How about I make it up to you with a piece of cake? Gideon offered.
I dont think so. Hannah crossed the kitchen to scoop the boy up in a hug. He had some after lunch. No more sweets until after dinner. And only then if you eat some vegetables, she told her son.
Evans wrinkled nose and unenthusiastic grunt nearly tugged a sympathetic smile from Colin. He himself was a meat-and-potatoes man. Natalie had always cajoled him to set a good example by eating more green stuff.
If Danny doesnt see you eating food like broccoli or lima beans, hell form a preconceived notion that they taste bad.
Thats not a notionthats scientific fact.
Colin blinked, startled by the memory of teasing his wife. He was normally more vigilant about stifling those recollections. Dwelling on what hed lost made it harder to move forward. I need air.
He cleared his throat. Im going to back the truck up to the garage and start unloading lumber. So...Ill be outside if you need me. The words were ostensibly for Hannah, but his gaze swung to Gideon. If Hannah asked her neighbor to leave again, Colin would be close enough to offer his assistance in escorting the man from the premises.
A few minutes later, as Colin stood on the porch double-checking some measurements, the front door opened. Hannah walked Gideon outside. She looked calmer, but her smile wasnt genuine. Her hazel eyes were flat, and no dimples showed.
Shaking his head, Colin rejected the involuntary sense of familiarity. Hed known Hannah for less than twenty-four hours. Who was he to assume he could read her?
Please tell your mom I said thanks for the order, Hannah was saying. And shes always welcome to call or email me. I hate for anyone to waste their time with an unnecessary trip.
There was a pause as Gideon digested her pointed words, and though Colin kept his eyes on what he was doing, he could feel the mans hostile gaze prickling the back of his neck like sunburn. Wasnt any trouble. Youve only been in Bingham Pass a few months, but were neighborly around here. Youll come to realize there are a lot of benefits to that.
In Colins experience, there were also benefits to being left the hell alone.
All Hannah said was, Careful going down the stairs. She waited on the porch as Gideon climbed into his truck, expelling a frustrated breath as he pulled away from the house. I swear, that man...
When she didnt finish the thought, Colin turned toward her. She stood with her hands on her hips and her jaw tight.
First my boss back in Colorado Springs didnt want to take no for an answer, and now Gideon with his macho I-know-best act. What is it about me that draws these yahoos? Its because Im short, isnt it? Makes me look like an easy target.
His gaze slid down her body then back to her face, flushed with spirited indignation that made her hazel eyes sparkle like gemstones. Its a lot more than your height that attracts men. What the devil was he thinking, saying that out loud? Hed spoken the truth, but there were too many wrong ways she could take his comment. She might lump him in with the inappropriate men shed already been criticizing. Or, worse, she could take it as flirtation.
Colin didnt flirt. He left that to Justin, the glib charmer whod set Cielo Peak dating records before asking Elisabeth to marry him.
Hannah looked momentarily startled by his words, but then nodded. Youre right, of course. Gideons attracted to my ranch. I think his family looks at this property as the opportunity to expand their outfit. But Ive got my own plans, which dont include the Loomises.
Right, her idea to remake the ranch as a B and B. In theory, he could picture her as the proprietor of a bed-and-breakfast. She seemed outgoing enough to make guests feel welcome and, though hed yet to try her food, there was evidence suggesting her meals would keep tourists happy. But a friendly personality and impressive menu wouldnt be enough. For starters, she needed front steps that werent lawsuits waiting to happen. Also, he was having difficulty imagining that abandoned bunkhouse as a guest cottage people would actually pay money to inhabit.
She grinned suddenly, exposing her dimples. I cant tell if youre a really good listener, or if youre ignoring me in the hopes that Ill go away. She reached for the handle on the screen door. Ill leave you alone so you can work, but thank you. Two rescues in two daysyoure quite the hero.
Her praise slithered unpleasantly over him. The waitress in town had used that same word when talking about Hannahs late husband, a hero to his country. Colin was nobodys hero.
You exaggerate my usefulness, he objected. If I hadnt come along yesterday, you could have changed that tire without me. And as for today... He recalled how close Gideon had been standing to her, looming. How bad was the mans temper? Was he the type to lash out at a woman? Do you think Gideons a big enough problem that you needed rescuing?
You misunderstand. Today, hes the one you rescued. Hannah stepped inside, tossing one last beatific smile over her shoulder. Another ten minutes with that blowhard crowding me, I might have Tasered his ass.
Chapter Four
Evan sat at the dinner table, rolling peas around his plate with his forkas if his mom wouldnt notice he wasnt eating them as long as they stayed in motion.
No peas, no dessert, Hannah reminded him gently. Rising, she carried her own plate to the sink.
Through the kitchen window, she could see Colin still working even though the sun had faded to an orange-gold memory stretched across the darkening horizon. Shed stepped outside nearly an hour ago to ask if he wanted to join them for dinner. It hadnt come as a surprise when hed declined, asking only for a glass of water and for her to turn on the porch lights for more illumination. Granted, she didnt know him, but he seemed easiest in his own skin when he had a job to perform. So wouldnt it benefit them both if he stayed? Lord knew there was plenty to do around here.