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Bernie slipped her hand through his arm. “See? You don’t give yourself enough credit. You wanted to punch that guy, but you didn’t. You’re a good man, Gerard Guidry.”
Gerard frowned. “Just because I didn’t hit the guy doesn’t mean I wouldn’t lose control in a different situation.”
She leaned into him. “I think you are in complete control and would only use force if it was absolutely necessary.” She sighed. “Damn them for showing up when they did.”
Gerard walked with her up the steps. “Killed the mood, didn’t it?”
She nodded. “Right now, I’d settle for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a shower and bed.”
“You’re in luck,” he said. “PBJ is one of my specialties.” Once in the house, he turned her to face him. “Go get your shower. I’ll whip up the sandwiches, and we can make it an early night.”
She nodded. “I have to be up before dawn to get to the farmer’s market and set up. People are early risers on market days. They like to beat the heat.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You’re beautiful when you’re fierce.”
Her heart warmed. “Should I be fierce more often?”
Gerard stared down into her eyes. “You’re beautiful even when you’re not fierce.” He tipped her chin up and lightly brushed his lips across hers.
Bernie wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss, her body melting against his. When they finally broke apart, she smiled up at him. “I want a raincheck on cooking naked.”
He chuckled. “You got it.”
With her heart light, she practically floated to the bathroom.
Gerard thought she was beautiful.
As she washed her hair and body, her thoughts went back to her encounter with Bobbie Burns and Jonathon Worthington. She suspected the broker liked to win.
Was he ruthless enough to hire people to make her life so miserable she’d be forced to sell?
Hopefully, he’d gotten the message and would move on.
Bernie was tired. The stress of her financial situation was secondary to the worry about the animals in her care.
If Worthington wasn’t going to back down on his efforts to purchase her property, would he or his lackey be back to try something else to get her to sell?
As she stepped out of the shower, she made up her mind. She needed sleep, but her farm needed her awake more.
After she and Gerard retired for the night, she’d slip out with her shotgun and spend the night on the back porch, where she could watch the barn and the fields for intruders.
Chapter 10
Gerard hadn’t pursued sex with Bernie after they’d finished their sandwiches and brushed their teeth. He’d tried to sleep on the couch, but Bernie wouldn’t hear of it, insisting he sleep with her.
Granted, she didn’t have to twist his arm.
He liked how she felt pressed against his side and had to concentrate to keep from getting a boner.
She needed sleep. The stress of the continued attacks and then the altercation with the broker had to be taking its toll on her.
He pulled her close and held her until her breathing became more even and her body relaxed.
Once he was certain she was asleep, Gerard eased out of the bed, gathered his clothes and gun and moved into the living room to dress. He’d retrieved his night vision goggles from the gym bag, looped the strap over his neck and tiptoed to the door, carrying his boots.
He'd just reached for the front doorknob when a floorboard creaked behind him.
Gerard spun.
