Saving Savannah (Haven, Texas 3)

Logan snorted. “’Bout as prickly as a cactus. You’re so worried about failing us, failing the ranch, you push away the two people who want to help.”

She gave Logan a surprised look, then smiled. “What he said.”

Logan raised one eyebrow. “Are you mocking me?”

“Nope. You just said it much better than I could have. And, well, maybe I am. Just a little.” She held her finger and thumb apart an inch.

“Brat. You’ll pay for that.”

“Can’t wait.” Her heartbeat increased at the promise in his gaze.

He turned to Max. “What bills? And how come I haven’t heard about them?”

“We’re a bit behind in making some payments.”

She bit her lip. “Max.”

He looked at her then sighed. “Fine. A lot behind. So behind that Atkinson’s offer to buy us out is looking pretty damn tempting.”

“What? You’re not seriously considering it?” Logan stood, looking enraged.

Uh-oh. She stood and grabbed hold of his arm.

“You’ve got no right to make those sorts of decisions alone.”

“I know that.” Max waved his arm at Logan. “I wouldn’t sell the ranch without talking to the two of you. Besides, I decided that even if we do sell, it won’t be to him. There’s something about that guy I don’t like.”

Savannah swallowed heavily. “Are we going to have to sell? Are things that bad?”

Max stood, his feet apart, his arms folded over his chest. It was his defensive position, when he knew he had a fight coming and had to stand his ground. She looked up at Logan, who was scowling at Max.

“It can’t be that bad, or I would know, wouldn’t I?” Logan asked in a low, warning drawl.

&nb

sp; She clasped his arm tighter. He wouldn’t do anything silly with her clinging to him—like punch Max in the nose.

“I’m in charge of finances. It’s my responsibility.”

“Last time I looked my name was on the deed to this place too. I have a right to know if we’re in trouble.”

But the idea they might lose their home now sent panic swirling through her gut.

“I convinced you to buy this place,” Max snapped back. “It was my idea. My plan. My fault if it fails.”

“Bullshit! We’re in this together, Max. You seem to think you run the show around here. Well, you don’t. You don’t get to shield me from shit like this.”

“You wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for me.”

“You seem to be under the illusion I’m stupid. Or that I need protecting like a child. I don’t. I knew the risks when I went into this.”

“I don’t think you’re stupid. I never have. That’s Gary’s bullshit coming out.”

“Yeah? And you’re so worried about doing our dad proud you take everything on yourself. You think you have to shelter us from everything.”

“This is my fucking responsibility!”

“Bull shit.” Logan took a step forward.