“I’m sorry, but I can’t back out of this project.”
“Can’t or won’t ?”
A washed-out spot where the path narrowed at the beginning of a canyon had them going single file. She doubted this backcountry could get any more primitive. She followed Cord wishing she could understand his reasoning for risking the entire ranch rather than accepting her offer and saving a little more than half of this paradise. As the path smoothed out, so did her thoughts. Getting into a confrontation with him now about the ghost town wouldn’t do either one of them any good.
She urged her horse up alongside his. “I just meant we’re running out of time to make this deal happen,” she said softly, as though that would ease the impact. “Soon you’re going to have to trust me to care for the land.”
“And what if I don’t trust you? What if your friendliness is nothing more than a sham to draw me in and get me to sign away my heritage?”
His words jabbed at her chest. She’d really hoped they’d moved beyond their mutual mistrust. Her fingers tightened on the reins. “Is that what you think of me?”
“I honestly don’t know what I think anymore.”
Somewhere along the way, she’d let herself foolishly think they had something genuine growing between them. She blinked repeatedly and focused on the rutted path. How could he think she’d stoop low enough to use their kisses, touches, and looks to work a business deal?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
What in the world did he go and say that for?
Cord glanced at Lexi, who now refused even to look his way. His hands clenched into tight balls. The leather reins dug into his palms. He had absolutely no idea how to deal with women. None whatsoever.
Every muscle in his body grew rigid. He shouldn’t take his frustration out on her for his inability to remain immune to her charms. But just for once, he wanted a woman to like him for his own qualities instead of his assets. Was that asking too much?
How long would Lexi wait before she once again broached the subject of buying Haggerty? Before she did, he intended to derail her by selling her on the idea of buying the couple hundred acres for a vacation home. He’d never been much of a salesman, but he’d give it his best shot.
He guided his horse over to a shady area, and Lexi followed. Once he had the horses squared away, he turned to her. “We walk from here.”
Her head turned toward the steep wall of the canyon. “We’re going up there?”
“Yep. Are you up for it?”
“Uh…sure.” Her tone lacked sincerity.
“Don’t worry. It looks worse than it is.”
“I sure hope so,” she mumbled.
“Here.” He offered her a bottle of water. “You look like you need it.”
“I have some bottled water in my backpack.” She retrieved it from Blaze’s saddle as well as a Choconut Bar. She waved it at Cord. “Want it?”
The sight of her freely handing over her favorite candy lightened his mood. “Do you go anywhere without one of those?”
She smiled, making him eager to believe there was something real growing between them. He wanted her—as much as he wanted to hold on to his family’s land. Wait. What? When had this happened? When had she sneaked past all of his strategically placed defenses?
“A girl has to be prepared for anything.” She smiled up at him, and that funny feeling started again in his chest.
It was true—she’d gotten to him. Still reeling from the revelation of how much she’d come to mean to him, he struggled to act normal. He couldn’t let on that his world had suddenly tilted off-kilter. “And you figured that with a trusty Choconut Bar handy, you’re ready to face any problem?”
A hesitant smile lifted
her lips. “Something like that.”
“But if I eat this, won’t you get hungry?”
“I’m fine. I stopped by the Cantina this morning for some more of those huevos rancheros.”
He smiled. That simple action eased his tension. “I told you they have the best food this side of the Mississippi. Put the candy in your bag. You’ll want it when we get to the top.”