“Sarah, one more thing.”He took a lock of her hair and smoothed it between his fingers.
“Yes?”
“You’re my woman now.”He let his hand slide over her chest to cup her breast.With his message clear, he met her gaze levelly.“You’re mine.”
Her heart felt like it was melting.“You’ve said that to me before.The day we met.”
“After this weekend, it’s even more true.That means you won’t be dating others.Not Donovan Sinclair.”
“I never really wanted to lease his building.Now, I can’t anyway.After I start making money, I’ll be able to do what I’d originally planned and buy property, build my own store.”
“And no more dinners with Travis Butler,” he warned.
“He’s only my neighbor.”She laid her cheek on his chest.“You don’t have to be jealous.I don’t want others.Only you.”
He wrapped his arm around her, pulled her close.“We’ll leave for Montana day after tomorrow.I need that long to line out the new men, give Rio a couple more days to rest up and start working regular hours.”He kissed her hair.“Besides, I want more time with you.Here.In my bed.”
“Okay,” she said, snuggling into his side.“Day after tomorrow, then.I’ll call Milly.”
“Maybe later,” Ben said, and reached for her.
****
Once again Ben chartereda private plane to fly them to Billings.His handpicked team included Franklin, Simmons, and another man named Jones.On landing, Ben rented a big SUV and drove them to Mountain Wood, where they picked up food supplies.Sarah planned to cook for them all and she’d need a number of staples.
Big Jim had agreed that the team would sleep in the bunkhouse.
Sarah had made Ben swear there’d be no show of force, and although sharp-eyed and well-armed, the men would try their best to mingle and be friendly.For the usually dour Franklin, however, that might be difficult.
Because the afternoon was quickly waning, she wouldn’t have time that night to prepare dinner, so before heading to the ranch, they stopped at Milly’s Diner for a quick meal.Waiting for them, Big Jim jumped from a chair and embraced Sarah warmly.Ben introduced his men, and they took seats at adjoining booths.
Coming from the kitchen, Milly rushed at Sarah to enfold her in a big hug.
“So glad you’re safe at home,” she said.She wore her usual apron and black and white checkered tennies.Her hair was pulled tight into a bun, leaving a few gray wisps to float about her face.“I’ve been so worried.I’m glad that guy is caught.Looking for him was like looking for a needle in a hayride.”
“Haystack,” Sarah corrected softly.“Anyway, it’s good to be home.”
Milly took a nub of a pencil and a ticket book and looked at the men expectantly.“Now, what can I get you gentlemen?”She took their orders to the kitchen and Sarah got up to follow.
Keeping out of the way of the cooks, Sarah waited beside the big refrigerators.After Milly posted the order, Sarah pulled her aside.“I haven’t forgotten about your makeover.Let’s start tomorrow.I want you looking like a million bucks for the Rhubarb Festival.”
“I don’t know,” Milly said uneasily.“Just not sure about a lot of changes.I don’t want to look like a made-up doll.”
“Don’t be silly.We won’t change you at all.We’ll just play up your best features.”
Milly looked lost.She stuffed her ticket book into her apron pocket.“What are my best features?”
“You have beautiful blue eyes, Milly.And a voluptuous figure.”
“Just say it.I’m fat.Wish I was tall and willowy like you.”
“Milly!You’re shapely and curvy.Men love that.Now, let’s get you a nice haircut.Maybe even a few blonde streaks.”
“Blonde!I can’t do that.You’re the blonde.I’m a brunette.”
“Okay, no streaks.”Sarah patted her arm.“We’ll find you some nice dresses.And...”She gestured at Milly’s feet, covered with checkered high-tops.“Some nice shoes.”
Grumbling, Milly argued, but Sarah was determined.
