Texas Fierce (The Tylers of Texas 4)

“If it’s a yes, I can have my lawyers start the paperwork tomorrow,” Rutledge said. “We could have the cash flowing and the work started within a couple of weeks.”

Bull emptied his glass. “It’s a lot to think about. I’ll need some time.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Ham’s face. “Take all the time you need,” he said. “For now, at least, the offer stands. Come to me if you have any questions.”

“I’ll do that.” Bull pushed away from the table and rose from his chair. “Thanks for dinner. Give me a few days to mull this over. I’ll get back to you.”

The other two men had risen also. Ham Prescott gave Bull another crushing handshake. Cliff Rutledge’s handshake was as coldly reticent as when they’d met earlier that evening. It meant nothing, Bull told himself. It was just part of Rutledge’s manner.

All the same, Bull felt a prickle of unease as he walked out the front door and closed it behind him.

Night had fallen, the risen moon casting the covered porch into deep shadow. Something stirred in the wicker swing. Bull’s reflexes jumped, then relaxed as he realized it was Susan.

She rose, smoothing out her skirt. “How did it go?” she asked in a whisper.

“Fine. They made me an offer. I’m thinking it over.” He started down the steps, headed for his truck. She moved to his side, matching her steps to his.

“Did you tell them about the other night, and having to shoot your bull?”

“Nope. Your secret is safe.” He reached the truck and fished his keys out of his hip pocket. Susan made no move to go back to the porch.

“My dad and I are leaving tomorrow,” she said. “We’re driving back to Georgia.”

“Well, have a good trip. Texas will be a far less interesting place without you.” Bull opened the door of the truck.

She touched his arm. “Look at me!”

He turned toward her. She caught the back

of his neck with one hand, stretched on tiptoes, and kissed him firmly on the mouth. Her lips were petal soft and tasted lightly of apple pie. They molded to his in a way that sent a jolt of arousal through his body.

Before Bull could gather his wits, she released him. The pupils of her silver eyes were dark wells in the moonlight. Her lips were moist from their kiss.

“I’ll be back, Bull Tyler!” she said. “And the next time I kiss you, I want that awful tobacco taste gone so I can do it right!”

Leaving him drop-jawed, she spun away, dashed up the steps, and disappeared into the house.

CHAPTER 6

BULL DROVE THE TRUCK HOME AT A CRAWL, TAKING HIS TIME TO sort out what he’d heard tonight. His lips burned with the memory of Susan’s impulsive kiss. But this wasn’t the time to dwell on that. He needed a clear head to think about Ham Prescott’s business proposal.

He’d been braced against any offer to buy the Rimrock. But the idea of a partnership had come out of nowhere, catching him off-guard. On first impression, it sounded like a good idea—all the money he needed to build up the ranch, a new house, a regular salary, and a share of the profits. And he’d still be part owner, with two wealthy partners to back him.

So why was his gut warning him that something wasn’t right?

Jasper was waiting on the porch when Bull drove up to the house. When he heard about Ham Prescott’s offer, he shook his head. “I can’t help rememberin’ what your dad thought of the Prescotts. You know what he always said.”

“I know. Trust a skunk before a rattlesnake, and a rattlesnake before a Prescott.”

“That wasn’t just idle talk,” Jasper said. “Ham Prescott would swindle his own mother if it got him something he wanted. Whatever he’s offerin’, no matter how good it sounds, there’s got to be a catch. And I’d caution you not to make a move before you figure out what it is.”

“Good advice.” Bull yawned. It had been a long, hard day, and the urge to drift into sleep, with Susan’s kiss still smoldering on his lips, was impossible to resist. “I’ll give it more thought in the morning, when my head is clear.”

He’d started toward the door when Jasper called him back.

“Hang on. I’m not finished talkin’.”

Something in Jasper’s voice stopped Bull in his tracks. He paused, turning around.