Page 21 of Fool's Gold

Blackthorn glanced scathingly at Sarah, standing in the shelter of Rafe's arms. "Maybe you'll change your mind if yourwife walks out again." The barb had been aimed at her, and she bristled at the intimation. Their relationship was none of this man's business.

"Don't count on it, Blackthorn. The ranch isn't up for sale no matter what the circumstances."

Blackthorn raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Is that right? The last time she walked out, you went off the deep end. I think I'll bide my time. You know what they say. Good things come to him who waits."

"I don't care what you do. Just get out."

Blackthorn smiled. "Nice meeting you, ma'am. I'm sure I'll see you at the Barclays Barbecue tonight. It's the high point of Shelbyville society, and I'm sure a city girl like you could use the distraction. You must not have very stimulating conversations around here. Most likely, you're bored to death in this rustic setting and will soon grow tired of it again."

Rafe tensed at the barb.

"I can see you don't know me very well. And like I said, what's between my husband and me is none of your business. Now, why don't you get in that big lumber wagon and get out of here."

"Very well. I'm sure we'll talk more another time."

She let out a sigh of relief when he drove away. She glanced at Rafe, but instead of concentrating on Blackthorn, he gazed at her with admiration.

"You're something. You keep on coming to my rescue, don't you?" He smiled warmly.

She was a bit embarrassed by his praise. "Well, somebody's got to. You handle everybody else's problems. It's high time someone looked after you."

He grinned. "And you've taken over that position?"

She shrugged. "Just consider it my wifely duty."

"There are a few other wifely duties I'd like to see you perform." Rafe winked.

Sarah frowned as the talk inevitably got down to sex again. The man never gave up. "What was all that business about the ranch belonging to Blackthorn?"

Rafe snorted. "He's been telling that story since we were kids. Blackthorn's great-grandfather used to own this spread, along with several others. He lost it to my great granddaddy in a poker game. It sticks in Blackthorn's craw, even though he still owns most of his family holdings. He usually isn't such a jackass about it, but something's been riling him lately."

She sighed. "I can see there's no love lost between you two."

He looked toward the dust cloud Blackthorn's car left with narrowed eyes. "You can say that again. Nevell's been dogging my heels since we were kids. The jerk rubs me the wrong way."

Rafe strode onto the Barclays' patio with Sarah at his side. He glanced at her usually animated face, now set in severe lines. Since their confrontation with Blackthorn in the driveway this afternoon, she’d been tense. He was still amazed at how she stood up to Blackthorn for him.

Jim and June Barclay were old friends and owners of the most extensive spread in the area. Their annual Barbecue was always well attended, and tonight was no exception.

Rafe guided Sarah through the crowd. He couldn’t help wondering if she regretted her capitulation this afternoon. Well, he wanted much more than the burning kisses they'd shared. And from her enthusiastic reaction, deep down, so did she.

All through the day, he'd thought about the enigma that was his wife. All his preconceived notions about what made her tick had changed since she'd moved in. The way she always came to his rescue was terrific. It was rather novel having someone protect him, and he had to admit he liked the feeling.

"Hey there, Rafe, why don't you introduce us?" Jim Barclay, a tall man with silver hair, asked.

Rafe came out of his reverie. He nodded at Jim, then reached out to draw Sarah to his side. "Sarah, these are my neighbors, Jim and June Barclay."

Sarah reached for Jim's extended hand and shook it. "It's nice to meet you both. You have a lovely home here."

Jim grinned and patted Rafe on the shoulder. "I can see you've got yourself a sweet little filly, Rafe. You'll have to make sure no other stallions come sniffing around."

June nudged her husband in the ribs. "Pay no attention to Jim, Sarah. He suffers from hoof and mouth disease." She grinned and reached out to shake Sarah's hand. "Hello, Sarah. I'm glad to meet you finally. We'll have to get together for a cup of coffee sometime this week."

Rafe relaxed when Sarah grinned back at Jim and then shook June's hand. Sarah was a bit on edge from her showdown with Blackthorn, blast his hide. He'd been worried Jim's joking remark might set her off. He reached out to caress Sarah's shoulder, feeling the tension ebb away.

"That would be nice, wouldn't it, honey?"

Sarah smiled at June. "Yes, I'd like that." She turned back to Jim. "It was nice meeting you both."

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