Page 14 of Waiting for the Rancher
“I wouldn’t put it past him.”
“Deep in his heart he knows the truth...”
Maverick had stopped examining Tiny and was waiting for her to finish her thought, his broad shoulders and rugged muscular frame outlined in the evening light.
Her pulse gave a traitorous skip—one she wished she could control better. It was always hard to think straight with his blue eyes upon her, but she forced herself to ignore how good-looking he was just as she’d always done. “It’ll take some time for Sterling to realize you’re not to blame for Violet’s rejection and to acknowledge that she wasn’t ready.”
“And what if he never realizes that?” Maverick’s expression grew solemn, just as it did every time they talked about Sterling.
“He’s smart. And someday he’ll have to accept the truth.”
“And what’s that?”
“That Violet left him because she didn’t love him and not because she loved you.”
Maverick peered beyond her, clearly deep in thought.
She liked that about him, that he respected what she had to say, valued her opinion, and treated her like an equal even though she was a woman.
After several long seconds, his gaze flicked back to her. “You should stay. Send Alonzo home.”
“Does that mean you agree I’m right about Tiny foaling tonight?”
“Fine. I’ll cancel my trip to town.”
Trip to town? Were the rumors true about him starting to court Winnie Sue Wheeler? She let her hand drift over Tiny’s abdomen again. “If you want to go courting, don’t let Tiny stop you.”
“Courting?”
She moved toward Tiny’s hind quarters and lifted the mare’s tail. Sure enough, the mare gave little resistance, another sign the birthing was near.
“Who exactly am I courting this week?” Maverick’s voice held a trace of humor.
She didn’t find it funny and shot him a narrowed look. “A couple of the ranch hands were talking about you and Winnie Sue.”
His brows rose. “What’s wrong with Winnie Sue?”
She pressed her hands into her hips, not sure why his question needled her, but it did. “Are you?”
“Am I what?”
“Courting Winnie Sue?”
He opened his mouth to respond, then halted, his eyes lightening as he took in her expression. “You’re jealous.”
“What?” She could feel her cheeks flushing just like they had the other day when she’d been trying her best to ignore Maverick and he’d confronted her about it.
Why did he always have to be so direct? Why couldn’t he be more subtle when he was teasing her?
“Of course I’m not jealous.” She ducked lower, pretending to be busy with checking Tiny’s thighs. “Why would I be?”
“Because you don’t want me courting anyone.”
This time she released what she hoped was a nonchalant snort. “I don’t care who you court.”
“Then why’d you bring it up?”
Why had she brought it up? If only she hadn’t said anything.
