“I’m making some tea.”
She shook her head. “What? The tea I offered wasn’t good enough for you?”
My cheeks warmed. “No, I…I just didn’t want to be a bother.”
She shook her head again, letting out a heavy sigh. “I really don’t get you, Talon. I was over here making a cup of tea. It would not have been any trouble to make another cup of tea. In fact, I could have put both cups in the microwave at the same time, and they’d be done by now.”
Great. Now I felt like a piece of shit. Of course, since I always felt like a piece of shit, this was really nothing new. “Now you don’t have to bother.”
“Oh, for the love of God!” She pounded her fist on the counter. “Damn it, that hurt!”
“These counters are solid granite.”
“Yes, yes. And I’m used to cheap Formica. Well, you got that right. Enjoy your tea.” She took hers and turned, walking toward the table.
But she passed the table and headed for the hallway.
Something stirred within me. I wasn’t ready to let her go yet. I wanted to spend more time with her. But how? If I asked her to stay and drink tea with me, she probably would. So ask her, Talon. Just fucking ask her.
But my lips stayed clamped shut. If I let her anymore near me, the walls that were already beginning to crumble in her presence would come crashing down.
What was it about her? Why did I want her so much?
I had to stay away from her. Ryan probably didn’t have room for me in the guest house, but Jonah might have some room in his house. I’d go over and see him this afternoon and find out. And then I’d go into town and start the process for a permit to build my own structure here on the ranch. I needed to get far away from Jade Roberts. For her own good as well as mine.
* * *
Jonah was in his office, decked out in full cowboy regalia, ready to go out in the field and check on some steers. He looked up when I entered.
“Hey, Talon, what are you doing out here?”
“It is one quarter my ranch. Shouldn’t I know what’s going on from time to time?”
“Sure. But you never come out here. I take care of the beef, Ry takes care of the vineyards, and you take care of the orchard. We don’t bug each other.”
“I didn’t come out here to bug you, Joe. Actually came out ask you favor.”
“Anything for you if I can. What you need?”
“It’s time for me to build my own house here on the land. I’ve got a spot in mind, and I wanted to go over it with you, make sure you didn’t need it for pasture or anything. Then I plan to go into town and file the papers for the permit. I’ll drive into Grand Junction and hire an architect later this week.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? That will leave Marjorie in the big house all by herself.”
“She’s a big girl. And she’s got her friend with her now.”
“I suppose. One of us is going to have to take over the big house eventually, though, and I figured it would always be you, Tal. I mean, I’ve got my own place already, and Ryan’s comfortable in the guest house. Marjorie will probably eventually meet someone and move off the ranch.”
“Is it a goddamned crime for me to want my own house?”
“No, of course not. Calm yourself down, for God’s sake.”
“I just can’t stay there anymore, Joe.”
“Why? What the fuck is wrong with that house? It’s beautiful. Felicia comes in every day and takes care of everything. You don’t have to do a damn thing.”
“You don’t understand. I have to get away from…”
“From what? Not Marjorie?”