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“We have,” he said tightly. “I just don’t understand why you can work a deal with John and not with me.”
“Because you and I—we’re . . . involved.”
“All the more reason to help each other.”
“Not like this,” she said. “I can’t accept gifts from you, Denver, or loans without collateral.”
“Why not?”
“Don’t you know?” she asked in wonder. “Don’t you realize that I don’t want to be obligated to you—that I wouldn’t want you obligated to me? You’re the one who doesn’t want any strings attached in this relationship. You’re the one hell-bent to run back to L.A.”
“I thought you were coming with me,” he said slowly.
“That would only make it worse! I can’t borrow money from you and then follow you like some moon-eyed calf to California! I no more belong on Rodeo Drive than—”
“I do in a hick town the size of Three Falls, Montana,” he cut in, the edge in his voice sharp.
“You were born and raised here!”
“An accident of my birth.”
She sucked in a swift, disbelieving breath. “Do you hate it here so much?”
He bit back the urge to say Yes! I hate this goddamned ranch and all the memories it brings—memories of pain and suffering and thick yellow smoke and flames. Instead he sealed his mouth shut. He didn’t hate this valley or this ranch. His aversion to it was long over. But it wasn’t the land that beckoned him. It was Tessa.
“I’ve got to leave,” he said quietly, his face a mask. “You coming?”
Shaking her head, she said, “I’d better stay. The vet’s probably already on his way.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned and walked quickly down the concrete corridor between the rows of stalls. Nearly colliding with Mitch in the doorway, he muttered a curse under his breath without breaking stride.
Mitch stared after him. “What was that all about?”
“Don’t ask me.”
Mitch frowned. “I am asking you. And you’d better tell me what’s going on between the two of you.”
“Nothing, Mitch.”
“Sure.”
“I told you—it’s just business.”
Mitch scowled, raking stiff fingers through his hair. “Okay, you win, Tess. Play it close to the vest. If you want Denver McLean, there’s nothing I can say that will change your mind.” His mouth compressed into a crooked smile. “I just hope he’ll make you happy.”
“I am happy,” she said, turning back to Brigadier and changing the subject. “Did you call the vet?”
Mitch nodded. “Craig’s busy. But his assistant’s on her way.”
“Her way?”
A slow grin spread across Mitchell’s stubbled jaw. “That’s right. Cassie Aldridge. Remember her?”
“How could I forget?” Tessa smiled faintly. Cassie was a couple of years younger than Tessa, and rumor had it, seven years before, that young Cassie had thrown herself at Colton McLean, making a fool of herself over Denver’s headstrong younger brother much the way Tessa had made a fool of herself over Denver.
“Good thing Colton isn’t back yet,” Mitch remarked.
“It’s been a long time,” Tessa said. “Cassie’s probably changed a lot.”
