“No,” he snapped, grabbing her arm and propelling her across the room. Again she was amazed by how fast he could move when he wanted to.
As soon as they were outside, he let her go. He took a step back and let his gaze travel over her body, lingering for a moment on the low neckline of her dress.
Then he looked into her eyes. “Is this what you want? Would you rather work in a place like this than come to me for help?”
Sarah took a deep, calming breath of the crisp night air, trying to think of a suitable reply. She wouldn’t shame herself by admitting just how much she needed him. “I don’t want your help. I’m not your responsibility.”
He made a noise of exasperation and glanced away, gazing through the open door at the merry chaos inside the saloon. “Well, goddamn it. I feel responsible for you.”
“So you’ve said.” She hugged her arms across her chest in an effort to ward off a chill. The breeze had cooled the perspiration on her skin, and she was freezing. “I should probably go back in.”
“You’re not going anywhere,” he said, his expression grim. “I want you to tell me why you lied about getting that teaching position.”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Sarah asked. “Mr. Cole said such terrible things to me. He accused me of being your mistress and called me a fortune-hunting tart. I didn’t know what to do.”
The look in Luke’s eyes gentled, and he reached forward to brush her cheek with his fingertips. “You don’t have to resort to this kind of work. Not when you have a friend who’s willing to help you. Come home with me. We’ll figure something out.”
Sarah swallowed, fighting back tears of relief. He’d come for her. He was offering her a way out of this mess. She’d be a fool not to take it.
Before she could reply, Jack Clark burst out the door. He was tall, lean, and elegant, with golden hair and cold eyes. He stared at the two of them, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “Get the hell out of here, Chandler. You had your chance. The lady belongs to me now.”
Luke stepped forward, putting himself between Sarah and her irate boss. “Miss Montgomery has changed her mind, Jack. She doesn’t want to work for you.”
The gambler shifted his gaze to her. “Is that true? You’re gonna run out on me now, after I took you in?”
“I’m sorry,” Sarah whispered. “I can’t do this. I just can’t.”
“You owe me for that dress, and for letting you stay in that room all day.”
“She’ll leave the dress behind, and she’s already worked several hours. Long enough to pay back whatever you think she owes you.” Luke’s eyes glittered with anger, and he took another aggressive step forward.
“Fine.” Jack threw Sarah a seething glance. “Just remember. I took you in after he threw you out. I might not be so generous next time.” He shook his head and backed away. “Good riddance. Clear out your things.” He gave them another angry glare, then turned and stalked back inside, the double doors swinging shut behind him.
Luke squeezed her shoulder. “Do you want me to go with you?”
Sarah shook her head, knowing it would be hard for him to mount the rickety stairs. “I’ll only be a minute.”
