'How's our supply in the barrels?' 'Good,' Jon said.
'Later we can fill the canteens.' Jamie nodded and started toward the
water.
Tess hesitated a minute, then started after him. 'Tess!' Dolly called.
'I'll be right back!' 'We'll never have coffee!' Dolly said dolefully.
Tess ignored her.
She was panting and breathless, and wondering what in hell had made her
rush into the den with the lion.
She caught up with Jamie at the brook. When he wanted to, he could move
quickly.
He stared at her as he filled the coffeepot, arehing one brow.
'You want acreage,' she said.
'How much?'
'Well, now, I don't know. I haven't seen the property, have I?'
'Give me an idea.'
He shrugged. His eyes were hard as he stared at her. 'Half. Half of what
you own.'
She gasped, stunned.
'You're insane!'
'I can ride back to the fort.'
'But you don't even know what I own!'
'That's right. You're the one pushing the point here.'
'A quarter.'
'Half.'
'Never!'
'Half. And that will be it. I won't ask another thing of you, Miss.
Stuart.'
'Not on your life.'
'We can ride right back.' He stood and walked toward her. He didn't
touch her, but he was smiling still.
'Miss. Stuart, normally I don't barter at all, not without seeing what
it is I'm willing to risk my life for.'
'You're in the cavalry. You risk your life daily.'
'They pay me. And you' -- 'I'll pay you wages.'
He shook his head slowly.
'You know what I want.'
Tremors swept through her. She did know what he wanted--and he kept
saying it was property. He kept smiling, and his eyes roamed up and down
the length of her. 'Like I said, I usually like to see what I'm buying
with my time and my Colt. Since I trust you so, I'm willing to take a
chance in this circumstance.'
'A quarter,' Tess said firmly.
'Half.'
He walked by her quickly. She stumbled to keep up with him, but he moved
too fast. She was still stumbling when he walked into the clearing. She
slammed into him and he turned, lifting her chin.
'Half!' he whispered.
She pulled quickly away from him.
'We'll discuss it later. I think you're insane. I think you're just as
