only way I can sleep at night.”
“You think one man can even the odds?”
The wink was lazy and deliberate. “I know the secret handshake.”
“Awful sure of yourself.”
The smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes gave hope. Payton pushed back his hat with a forefinger. “I promise if I cause you pain I’ll load the gun and stand still so you can shoot me. Can you beat a deal like that?”
“It’s a fair offer.” Her chin raised. “But, I won’t be pressured. A decision this big deserves thought.”
“Just so you know…I’m not going away. I’ll badger you like a dog chasing a possum.”
“Damn, you’re romantic, McCord.”
Payton grinned. “I see you found that out.”
At that moment, something whined, brushing his leg. He glanced down. Fraser sat on his haunches, his tail wagging furiously. Amanda’s watchdog and faithful companion grinned with the old mangled Stetson in his mouth, obviously pleased with the token he offered.
“I swear, Fraser’s burying the hatchet? Even the rabid animal has a tender spot for me.”
That afternoon in Amarillo, Amanda strolled down the street, humming a tune and planning a wedding that she hadn’t committed to in anything but theory. It didn’t matter. She knew she would when the time was good and proper. She’d already given her noble cowboy the key to her heart and a map of how to get there.
Nearing the Amarillo Hotel, her steps slowed, recalling the day they met. It would always be a place of significance.
Her chest swelled with happiness and contentment. They had things still to iron out in this newly formed arrangement, but she harbored no doubt that they could solve any problems.
All of a sudden a lean, handsome figure with a certain swagger, wearing a brand new Stetson, exited the hotel in a hurry. She ducked into the shadow of a doorway. Not that Payton McCord stood any chance of seeing her with the voluptuous Mavis Harper plastered to him. No, he wasn’t paying anything any mind except the hussy in his arms and the lust in her gaze.
Shock and hopelessness knocked the wind from Amanda.
Tears swam in her eyes. Against better judgment she’d put aside each old fear and trusted someone again. How could Payton betray her this way and so publicly? It was evident he had no trace of the honor and integrity that he’d projected in his declaration of love a few hours ago. He took her for a fool. An utter, stupid, blind fool with a tin cup.
Well, she’d not cower in the shadows like some waif. She’d stand up and show the man for the conniver he was. Amanda took a deep breath and stepped into their path.
“You double-crossing, two-timing rat! I thought your word meant something.”
Payton hadn’t expected to get caught, judging by the bobble of his Adam’s apple as he tried to swallow and instead choked on his spit. Mavis Harper’s garish mouth formed a silent
“This isn’t what it looks like, darlin’,” Payton began.
Bitter disappointment scalded the back of her eyelids.
“Don’t darlin’ me.” Amanda hauled off and kicked his shinbone. “I’m only glad I found out how far you’d love and cherish, and with how many others, before the ceremony.”
Payton hopped around in a circle, holding his ankle.
“What ceremony? You wrote me a love letter,” Mavis insisted. “She’s right, you are a two-timing rat.” Delivering a kick to his other shin, Mavis flounced toward the
“Wait just a cotton pickin’ minute. This was all Joe’s doing. Mavis, I didn’t write anything. And Amanda, I promised if I caused you pain I’d load a gun and let you shoot me.” Payton jerked his Colt from the holster. “Before I hand this over, grant a dying man a last request.”
Even as anger coursed through her, she wondered what kind of man would barter with his own life.
One who had nothing to lose or one who had everything to gain? Her brain whirled. She couldn’t spill his blood no matter how furious he made her.
He’d spoken of love and kissed like the prince she dreamed would stand by her side and whose arms would be strong enough to withstand the buffeting winds of the cattlemen’s greed. She had to consider in all fairness that Payton gave more than he took.
Too bad she misjudged his honor.
“Make it quick with this request of yours. I have…I…Damn.” Tears clogged her throat. This was worse than standing at the altar alone in Santa Fe because she’d gone into it knowing another betrayal would strangle the very life from her. And this time it would be a permanent condition.
“Give me one kiss.”
“A kiss? One?” It came out squeaky and not at all the way she wanted.
“Yep. That’s it.”
Amanda didn’t dare agree. The rugged cowboy’s kisses were addictive. One kiss would simply fuel the fire for more. And if she gave in to that, he’d murmur those words of endearment against her lips and she’d be forever lost.
“Seems an odd thing to ask of a scorned woman.”
Heavy sorrow in Payton’s gaze reached inside her soul. “Have you ever loved someone so much it feels like you can’t breathe? And even if you knew the next gulp of air would bury you six feet under, you’d take it anyway if it meant being near them?”
Her voice came soft. “I have.”
“Without you I might as well be dead. Hell, I don’t want Mavis. You’re a million times the woman Mavis is. The woman thought I wrote those love letters. She threw herself on me like a crazed animal that had a gut full of locoweed.”
“You weren’t working all that hard to pry her loose.”
“That’s because you didn’t see the grip of steel she had on my rear end. I gave up trying to pull her off and focused on trying to outrun her before I found out if the rumor is true.” He traced the curve of Amanda’s jaw with a finger. The light touch caused an ache in her belly.
“What rumor?”
“The campfire tales of cowpokes who swear that a man can catch something from Mavis that 20 Mule Team Borax can’t scrub off.”
“That’s mean.”
“How much more of a reliable source do you need? I don’t make up this stuff.” The lopsided smile gave his lips a sinful curve and made her heart skitter.
Footsteps sounded on the plank sidewalk and a man politely cleared his throat. “McCord, I hear you’re quitting the Frying Pan, gave your notice. Is it true? I’d hate to lose a seasoned rawhider like you. It’ll take a while to find someone with your skills.”
McCord was quitting his job? Why?
Amanda tugged attention from the heat in Payton’s eyes. She recognized the interrupter as Henry Sanborn. Of all the cattle barons he gave her a pretty fair shake. That meant something. Payton straightened with respect.
“Yes, sir, it is true. I had a better offer.” His gaze met Amanda’s. “That is if it’s still on the table.”
“Anyone would need their head examined to let the best in the business get away.” Sanborn took a cigar from his pocket and lit it. “What are they paying you? I’ll match any figure.”
“I won’t be drawing pay and I don’t think you can offer what she is. I’m looking to branch out.” The smile that formed beneath his mustache made her stomach do somersaults. “Darlin’, I think I might have an answer we both can live with. That north pasture, the buffer zone between you and the ranchers, could be put to good use if you’ll let me.”
“What are you saying, Payton?” The north pasture was the no man’s land where Amanda had found Payton’s hat. He must’ve figured out she left that portion of her land unused to shield her from the cattle barons. If he had plans for it that would suit her fine as long as he stood by her side.
With his eyes fastened on her he turned. “Mr. Sanborn, I’d be willing to help out with the roundup once a year if you’ll let me take my pay in cattle.”
