Page 42 of Pay Dirt

That she was. Nathan’s stomach clenched at the memory of almost losing her and the way she’d walked right into what could have been a disastrous situation the previous night. It was like she didn’t have a care for her own safety.

Clayton left, claiming he’d be back. He’d promised Amanda a ride into town like she was royalty. He’d lost in a hand of poker.

“Why so glum?” Cassie asked as she jogged over to the porch.

“Looks like you and dad are business partners,” Nathan said, gesturing to his father in the field with a couple of guys working the equipment.

“He tried to give me half, but I didn’t want it. I wanted something else. He told me I was a fool for not taking it all.”

“What was it you wanted?” Nathan asked.

“You’ll see.” She gave him a wide smile, and her eyes twinkled with mischief. “You ready to go? I thought we could run by the appraiser’s office and, later this evening, maybe we can take those people some more food and supplies.”

Nathan kissed her temple and took her hand, leading her to the car. “You have a heart of gold.”

“Helping people makes me feel good,” she said beneath her breath, almost as if she were ashamed of it.

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