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“Bored?”

“Never.”

“Before your, uh, retirement, you led a very adventurous life. Don’t you miss the excitement of Washington?”

“If I did, I’d go back.”

“How do you pass the time?”

“Any damn way I please.”

“How do you earn a living?”

“It’s rude to discuss finances.”

“Well then, we’re safe, because you’ve already established that reporters are rude.” She raised her brows inquisitively.

“I ranch.”

The simple answer seemed to surprise her. “Cattle?” He nodded. “Really? Hmm. You know how to do that?”

“I learned as a kid.”

“Where?”

“On my dad’s place.”

“That doesn’t tell me much.”

“That’s the idea, Miss Travis.”

Frustrated, she sighed. “You’ve proven yourself capable in covert military operations, and you’ve been a presidential adviser. There’s definitely no excitement factor to cattle ranching. It’s hard for me to accept that you find this new career stimulating and challenging.”

“I don’t care what you accept.”

“You just stay out here and ride horses all day?”

He didn’t bother to answer that one.

“You just tend your cattle like a good little cowpuncher?”

“Yeah. When they need tending.”

“Is that where you were yesterday? Out tending your cattle?”

“No. Yesterday I went to Jackson Hole.”

“I came from there. We must have passed each other on the road.” She pushed her empty plate aside. “Breakfast was good. Thanks.”

He laughed. “If it had been a cow patty, you’d’ve eaten it and said it was delicious.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because you want something from me. Since sex didn’t get it for you, you thought you’d try being friendly. Isn’t all this chitchat just another attempt to disarm me? Frankly, Miss Travis, I enjoyed your first approach better.”

“It wasn’t an approach. I told you, it was—”