I took a swig of beer. “Forget it.”
“Can I have one of those?” He nodded at the bottle in my hand. I grabbed a second beer from the
fridge.
He twisted off the cap. “Thanks.” He sat at the kitchen table, but I stood near the sink. I didn’t want to invite this conversation to happen.
“Say what you have to say, Cane. Lay it out there. I’m not promising anything, though.”
He cleared his throat. “The Osborns want to take us to court. They are contesting the land rights.”
My eyes widened. “Like hell they are.”
“It’s getting bad, Brett. Really bad. If you would just honor the contract Uncle Jax made. I mean your dad, then this shit would be over.”
I scowled. I hated it every time I was reminded of what my father had lured me into on his deathbed. He thought the only way to protect his legacy was to make sure there were grandchildren. That I would carry on the Jackson name with a family of my own. He had no idea how wrong he was in choosing me for that mission.
I’d spent the past two years watching tribes and families fight over land and family rights. Coming home to it only pissed me off. I had seen too many people die over fucking dirt.
“I don’t want to talk about the contract. If the Osborns take us to court, then it will be settled. There’s no way they will win.”
Cane finished off his beer. “You’re wrong. They have every intention of contesting the will. And your dad was clear. In order for the land to go to you, you have to be married. Can’t you do this for your family?”
“I’ve been home from a war zone for one day.” I gritted my teeth. “I have no interest in getting married.”
“It doesn’t matter who she is. Just find someone.” Cane rose from the table. “I’ll let you get some rest. You don’t seem like yourself, cuz. The man I used to know would do anything to fight for his family. I’ll catch you later.”
The screen door slammed behind him as he walked onto the porch.
I balled my hands into fists. What the fuck was going on around here? And how was I supposed to do anything about it?
Six
Gretchen
I knew exactly how rash and impulsive I had been when I accepted Brett’s invitation to dinner. I also knew if I had told him no, I’d have regretted for the rest of the night.
I looked at options in my closet. I wasn’t going to wear scrubs on this date. Because that’s what it was, a date. Dinner with a hot guy.
There was something about Brett Jackson that had already gotten under my skin. It didn’t make any sense. I had only known him a few hours and I was thirsting for another look at him.
I settled on a dark pair of jeans and a green tank top. If I paired it with my black boots it would dress it up a bit. There had to be a balance between looking sexy without looking like I tried.
Today was the first of three days off, but ever since I left the little cabin in the woods the only thing I could think about was Brett. I didn’t get my bookcase painted or my junk drawer cleaned out as I had planned. I didn’t even take the nap I promised myself for the last four night shifts.
I dipped my eyeliner in the well and applied it just under my lid. Then I heard a pounding knock on the front door.
“Hold on,” I called.
Shit. He was early. Hadn’t Dr. Mors warned me these military guys liked to be on time for everything?
I rushed to the hall and opened the door. Standing in front of me was the most delicious looking man I’d ever seen. I blinked. This was my date.
“Hi.” I smiled shyly. I could feel the blush creeping up my neck.
“Ready?” he asked.
Was I? Was I ready for a man like this?