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That hurt. Doubt tried to take her on an emotional roller coaster, but she reminded herself of two things. First, when Jared made love to her, it was an incredible out-of-body experience. They both went up in passionate flames every time they touched. He couldn't fake something like that. Secondly, she remembered his expression upon seeing her in the red dress. The hunger in his eyes had been undeniable. Maybe he didn't love her, but he wanted her.
She walked to the door. “Simon, my personal life is none of your business. Get supportive of my relationship with your brother or leave. I don't want you here if you're going to cause trouble.”
“Who said anything about trouble?” He jumped to his feet with a deep scowl on his face. “Besides, this is my house. You can't throw me out.”
“It's Jared's house.”
“I don't see him here, and he's the only one that can demand I leave. I'm going upstairs to my room. Deal with it.”
She gaped at him as he walked away. How could she have been so blind to his faults? Although Simon was her best friend, she didn't know him at all. Now what? Should she call Jared and warn him his brother had returned?
No. She was a grown, independent woman who could use her head for something other than growing hair. She would take care of Simon. Once he realized he couldn't manipulate her into doing what he wanted, he would take off again. If nothing else, he would get bored and leave on his own.
∞∞∞
The next morning, Beth leaped out of bed with a plan in mind to get rid of Simon. He liked to sleep until at least ten o'clock, so she had set his alarm last night for six. She was sliding on her boots when she heard him shouting curse words down the hallway. Step one complete. She raced downstairs and got him a steaming cup of coffee. Black with no sugar, the opposite of how he liked it. Before he could fall back to sleep, she took the hot beverage to him.
She barged in without knocking. “Get up, sleepyhead. I need your help.”
He mumbled into his pillow. “Go away.”
“This is a working ranch, Simon. If you want to be here, you need to pitch in. There's a flu thing going around, and several of the men are sick.”
“So what?”
She pulled on his arm until he sat up. “You have to help me with the horses today. Here. Drink this. You'll feel better.”
He took the cup of coffee without complaint. Until he drank a large mouthful. His face turned red, and his eyes bulged. He spit the coffee back into the cup. “What the hell, Beth? You know I drink it with sugar and cream.”
“Sorry. Guess I forgot.”
“And it's hot. My mouth is scalded now. Thanks a lot.”
“Never mind that. Get dressed.” She flashed him a smile on her way out the door. “If you go back to sleep, I swear I will drown you in a gallon of water. Ice water. Be downstairs in five.”
She practically skipped to the kitchen to talk to Delta before their guest could join them. A giggle bubbled up her throat. Once she got done with Simon, he would run for his car. In fact, he would probably hate the ranch as much as Jared did.
Delta pulled a fresh sheet of biscuits from the oven. Steam came off them in sweet waves. They smelled delicious, and Beth's stomach growled. Unfortunately, she had to deny herself breakfast this morning. It was all part of the plan to drive Simon away.
“Delta, no matter what Simon says, you are not to give him a morsel of food.”
The housekeeper scowled. “What are you up to now?”
“You want Simon to leave, don’t you?”
“I don't see how starving the boy will make him go,” Delta said. “He's one of mine, you know? Just like Jared. I will always love him and feed him. But you are right that he needs to hit the road. I don't want to enable him.”
“Enable him?”
Delta nodded. “That boy is addicted to gambling and is wasting his life. For all we know, he's addicted to other stuff, too.”
“Then you agree we need to make sure he leaves before Jared returns?”
If Jared bothered to return.
“Oh, yes. I'll play my part and do whatever you ask... as long as it doesn't hurt Simon.”
She quickly whispered her plan to Delta. The housekeeper laughed a few times, but she didn't protest. Together, they went to work, hurrying about the kitchen to get things ready for their unwanted guest.
