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“You sure didn't correct me.”
“When did I get the chance?” She circled the desk to face him, toe to toe. “You blasted through here like a whirlwind and swept me away to Vegas. Every time I tried to speak, you threatened to kick me off the ranch or kissed me to shut me up.”
“It doesn't take that long to say it. I'm. Not. Pregnant. See?”
“I tried! I tried in the bedroom. I tried in the car. I tried during the shotgun wedding. You didn't want to hear it.”
He grabbed the contract that would give her the ranch and lifted it to her eye level. With a smug smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he tore it down the middle. His eyes darkened with cold fury. She wanted to remind him that she wasn't going to take the ranch; she had insisted on buying it from him. The hostile expression on his face kept her from mounting a defense. Maybe she would wait until he cooled off.
“You know what? I'm going to stick around for a few days,” he said with a grim expression. “I think I want to see how you're running this place, and I want to know what the guys have to say about you.”
She had a sinking feeling in her gut. “Are you questioning how I do my job just because of a misunderstanding that started with you?”
“I have questions about your character now.”
“Excuse me? If you weren't so bossy and arrogant, we wouldn't be married.”
His jaw tightened. “If I don't like how you're running things, you're out of here. I’ll hire a replacement. Watch me.”
She jabbed his chest with her finger. “I dare you to find one thing wrong with how I handle this ranch. One... thing.”
He leaned down until he was right in her face, and she could feel his hot, coffee-laden breath. “Hey, if there is something to find, I'll find it.”
“You know what?” Her hands went to her hips. “As soon as you satisfy your curiosity, I'd like you to go back to Boston. I'd rather spend my days with horses and my nights alone. You are way too stressful.”
“I'm causing you stress?” He gaped at her. “Lady, you are more stressful than Halloween night in the ER during a full moon!”
She started to storm from the room, but he grabbed her arm just above the elbow. He swung her back around so quickly that she lost her balance and fell against him. He caught her with both hands. Chest heaving, he stared deep into her eyes. If she was smart, she would run for the door. No one could get under her skin like Jared.
“What are you doing?” she asked in a breathless voice.
“I'm doing what I should have done a long time ago.”
Her gaze dropped to his full lips. More than anything, she wanted to kiss him and to be kissed by him. She instinctively knew a single lip-lock from Jared had the power to change her life forever. But did she dare risk it? Her life was already complicated enough without adding him to the mix.
On the other hand, could she live with herself if she didn't go for it?
She moved first, pressing her mouth to his, but he quickly took over the kiss, deepening it. She melted against him. His fingers delved into her hair, and it was even more powerful than she had imagined.
His hands returned to her arms. He tore his mouth from hers and shoved her away. In explanation, he said, “You lied to me. Spin it however you want, but you lied. This is one situation your pretty face can't save you from. I will go over this ranch, every aspect, and if I don't like what I see, you're out of here.”
He stormed from the room before she could respond, leaving her to contemplate her deception and the possible consequences alone. She hoped the ranch passed his inspection. The thought of losing her home, job, and dream all at once was too much to process. Her life rested in his hands now.
Chapter Fifteen
She avoided Jared as much as possible for the next two days. True to his word, he combed through every aspect of their business. Until now, he hadn't shown any interest in the ranch. The fact he was interviewing her men, checking out the equipment, spending time looking at the horses, and going over the books had her extremely nervous. What if he found something he didn't like? If he was determined to see the worst in her, he was sure to find something. Then what? He could shut the ranch down, sell it, or replace her. What would happen to her beloved horses?
Early afternoon, she took a break and went inside. Jared was in the lab with the techs, hearing about how they kept the frozen semen safe for shipping across the country to various horse owners. She went to the kitchen for a quick meal and made a plan to go to bed early. She would skip dinner tonight. With any luck, Jared would go home first thing in the morning.
Delta stuck out her hip to the side as if balancing a small child on it and gave Beth her most disapproving glare. “What do you have to say for yourself, young lady?”
Beth blinked. “Huh?”
“I can't believe you would pretend to be pregnant just to get your hands on this ranch. Marrying Simon would have been bad enough, but to lie about having a baby to get Jared to marry you... that was crossing the line.”
Beth sighed. “You talked to Jared.”
“If you think I'm going to be on your side here, think again. Of all the stupid... how could you tell him you were pregnant like that and let him marry you?”
