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Cord was a good guy, but there was obviously a lot more to him than anyone knew. What was he holding back? And why did the town have the wrong idea about him?
???
Cord led Blaze, a chestnut mare, to the barn. He’d spent the early part of the morning out on the range, inspecting the new stretch of fencing being installed on the eastern border. Now that he had an interested buyer, blocking off the designated sale property had become a priority.
After he’d tended to Blaze and set the horse free in the corral, he started for the house. His thoughts circled back around to the blonde who’d been dogging his thoughts all morning. He didn’t like that she’d befriended him without bothering to disclose the fact that she was a developer. He took the porch steps two at a time. Still, he should have handled the news better, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was trying to pull something over on him, just like his ex had.
He’d been young and naïve when he’d met Susan. Looking back now, he hardly recognized the person he used to be. He’d done a lot of growing up since then. He wouldn’t be deceived again. But he also couldn’t afford to run off the one person who was offering him an out with the bank. He promised himself that if Lexi kept her word and returned, he’d hear her out.
At the doorway, he paused. He stared up the lane that led to the main road, willing her to turn into his drive. Yet there were no swirls of dust. No crunch of gravel. Absolutely no sign of her.
Maybe he should make his way into town. The thought made his body tense. He envisioned the puzzled stares and the hand-over-mouth whispers. No. He wasn’t going. He moseyed into Whistle Stop only when he absolutely had to for business. Ever since Hurricane Susan, it was easier to keep to himself. Besides, if Lexi was serious about purchasing the land, she’d be back.
His lips pressed together in a firm line as his jaw tightened, and he subdued his lingering urge to see her. Maybe in this one instance he should make an exception and drive into town. After all, his entire future was on the line. What were a few more people gawking at him, trying to figure out if Susan’s lies were true or not? He expelled a frustrated sigh and stomped inside, yanking off his T-shirt in the entryway. Nothing about this situation was going to be easy.
Some twenty-odd minutes later, he exited the house in a fresh pair of jeans and a clean shirt. He ran a hand over his damp hair before settling his hat snugly on his head. With his decision made, his boots thumped against each wooden porch step. His chest tightened. What in the world was he going to say to Lexi?
The hum of an engine and the crunch of stones being ground into the dirt drew his attention. Through the cloud of dust, he recognized Lexi’s tan SUV. He caught himself sighing in relief. This wasn’t going to be as hard as he’d imagined.
The vehicle pulled to a stop in front of the steps. Lexi jumped out and peered up at him through her dark sunglasses. “Hi. Are you on your way out?”
His gaze skimmed over the beautiful slip of a dress that revealed her bare shoulders. She looked different—way different. This casual outfit made her appear more approachable, more attainable. He swallowed the newly formed lump in his throat, but when he went to speak, the words utterly failed him. His gaze skimmed over the dipping neckline that showed off her creamy white cleavage.
Not wanting to be accused of staring, he forced his gaze back to her sunglasses. On second thought, her boring business suit wasn’t so bad after all. At least with it he was able to keep his thoughts straight. With her dressed in this flirty little outfit, business was the last thing on his mind.
“Cord, are you listening?”
“Uh…no, I mean, I’m not going anywhere. We can talk.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded. “I was actually on my way into town…to find you.”
Her eyes widened. “Me.” Her pink lips lifted at the corners, making him wish their circumstances were different. “Does this mean you’ve changed your mind and are ready to sell me the land?”
“Possibly.”
“Great. Now before I forget, I have something for you.” Lexi reached into her pocket. When she withdrew her hand, her fingers obscured the object. “Here.”
She reached out to him. Her fingers brushed over his. The heat of her touch caused his breath to catch in his throat. His fingers instinctively closed over hers. Her gaze met his and locked. His heart pounded in his chest. He assured himself that this strong reaction was due to his long dry spell when it came to female companionship. Yet, he couldn’t break the connection. His thumb stroked the silkiness of her wrist.
All too soon, she pulled away, jarring him back to reality. Keep it together, Cord. She’s just passing through town. She’ll be gone soon.
“Aren’t you even going to see what it is?”
He gazed down at the familiar brown wrapper. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had made the effort to give him a present—even something as small as a bit of candy. The gesture warmed a spot in his chest.
“What’s this for?” His voice came out thicker than normal.
“Consider it a peace offering.” Her lips lifted into a cautious smile.
“A peace offering?”
“I was hoping we could start over.”
Guilt gnawed at him. He had been a bit abrupt with her. But even now his gut was telling him that she was holding back something big. He needed to move cautiously with her. Still, he needed to make an effort to smooth things out between them if they were going to talk business.
Still, apologizing wasn’t something he did often. His palms grew damp. He’d rather eat his hat than grovel, but his entire future rested on him making peace with her.
