“Are you bored by women who make themselves easily available?”
“No.I’m bored by women who sayterrifica thousand times a day.”
She crossed her arms over her chest.“You’ve described yourself as a fierce competitor.You’re excited by the chase.The challenge.”
His eyes searched hers.“What are you saying?That I’ll lose interest if you give in?”
“Maybe.”
“How will you test this theory?”
“I can’t.”
“That’s convenient.”
She went quiet, because he sounded offended by her low estimation of him.She wasn’t afraid of his anger, the way she’d been afraid of Tripp, but she couldn’t afford to antagonize him.He had the power to turn her life upside down.He was a deputy sheriff.If he discovered her true identity, she’d have to go on the run again.
“You’re wrong about why I’m attracted to you,” Wade said flatly.“It’s not about the chase, or the challenge.It’s not even about your looks, not entirely.If I had to give a reason, I’d say it’s because I like your spirit, and your sense of humor.Your laughter does something to me I can’t explain.”
Her breath caught in her throat.
“On the other hand, I find it incredibly irritating when you lie to my face, and I can’t stand users or enablers.”He gave a curt nod of acknowledgment.“So thank you for reminding me not to get involved with a woman who boozes it up with my mother and refuses to tell the truth about herself.”
Meredith was torn between hating him for calling her a liar and adoring him for appreciating her other qualities.She didn’t bother to dispute his accusations.
She lifted her chin.“You’re welcome.”
He stared at her for several seconds.“I don’t like your dogs, either.”
“Leave them out of this.”
To her surprise, Wade chuckled at her response.She felt her own lips twitch with amusement, because she couldn’t resist his laugh, either.His smile was a goddamn beacon.His teeth flashed white against his suntanned skin, and warmth radiated from him.He had an uncanny ability to lighten the mood, and to turn a situation to his favor.
She pulled her gaze away from him, because she knew he was aware of her admiration.She wasn’t saying no due to a lack of desire.
It was fear, pure and simple.
“Good night, Mary,” he said and went out the door.
She sighed, shaking her head.Wade Hendricks was a problem she couldn’t solve.He was way too charming and seductive.He’d made her a nice cup of tea and given her a massage.Then she’d started an argument with him.What was wrong with her?What was wrong withhim, for that matter?He didn’t seem dissuaded by her bizarre behavior and outright lies.There must be some truth to the idea that he liked difficult women.
The man was clearly unhinged.
She washed the teacups and returned to her bedroom.She crawled back under the covers, her mind reeling.Memories of her years with Tripp assailed her.She’d escaped his fortress, but she still wasn’t free.Getting involved with any man was a risky proposition.Hooking up with a man like Wade was impossible.She had to do a better job of keeping her distance.
She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to relax.An hour passed, and then another.When her alarm buzzed, she groaned and shut it off.The house was still quiet in the early dawn.She tiptoed around the kitchen, making coffee and a light breakfast.Her stomach felt fine again.Chico emerged from his preferred sleeping area, a padded basket in the corner of the room.She dressed in work clothes and slipped out the door.King woofed a greeting as she approached the dog run.Chico trotted at her heels.After all three dogs ate bowls of kibble, she shooed them away from the house so they didn’t disturb Wade.They liked to accompany her on the morning rounds.She fed the chickens first, then the goats.The goat pen needed to be cleaned, so she spent the next hour with a pitchfork, removing soiled hay.Physical work calmed her frayed nerves.By the time she was finished, her cheeks were flushed from exertion, and her anxious mood had settled.
The goats seemed appreciative of her efforts.Wynona had bought them from a neighbor on Valentine’s Day and named them Bonnie and Clyde.Bonnie had produced milk for several months, but she was currently taking a break.Meredith figured she’d be pregnant soon, judging by Clyde’s amorous attentions.
She transferred the soiled hay by wheelbarrow to a growing pile at the edge of the property.Another neighbor hauled it away once a month and actually paid for the privilege.He used the material as fill and fertilizer.
When she returned to the goat pen, Wade Hendricks was standing there, leaning his elbows against the fence railing.He wore his sheriff uniform and cowboy hat.The dogs must be getting used to him, because not a single one had alerted her of his presence.King stood sentry on higher ground, his nose lifted to sniff the air.Chico was napping in a sunny spot by the barn.The only hint of Daisy’s presence was a slobbery tennis ball at Wade’s feet.
“Mornin’,” he said.
She repeated the greeting.
“How are you feeling?”
