Page 8 of Fool's Gold

No doubt, the extra income would come in handy, she thought as she glanced around the slightly shabby surroundings. Zeke's exasperated voice broke into her reverie.

"I still think you're a damned fool, Rafe. Sleep with her if you've got to, but then get her the hell out of here before she screws you up again."

"Don't worry about it, old friend. I know what I'm doing this time around. But sleeping with her does sound like an excellent idea. Maybe then, I'll be able to think straight around the little witch."

Sarah got out of the chair and tiptoed into the kitchen. Her hands shook as she set her coffee mug on the counter. So, he was going to get her out of his system. How? By using her until she was wrung dry?

It served to increase her resolve to remain immune to his charms.

The doorbell rang. She swung open the door to find a petite brunette with a girl in tow. "Can I help you?"

The lady pulled back the screen door and grinned. "I'm not surprised you don't remember me. We only met once at the Ramseys' barbecue. You and Rafe only had eyes for each other that night."

Sarah’s cheeks heated remembering. It had been the star-filled night when Rafe had proposed. It seemed like ages had passed since then, but it had only been a few weeks ago.

The lady grinned and held out her hand. "I'm Lisa Halliday, Rafe's sister-in-law. And this is my daughter, Mandy."

Sarah couldn't help smiling back. Lisa's cheeriness was infectious. "Hi there. Come on inside. I don't know what brought you here, Lisa, but you're a lifesaver."

Lisa's eyes opened wide in alarm. "Why, is there something wrong?"

"No, nothing like that," Sarah hastily reassured her, "but do you know how to cook?"

Lisa's nose wrinkled as she grinned. "Sure do. I heard that Rose is on vacation. I stopped by to see if Rafe needed a hand."

Sarah sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. I've taken over the cooking, and it's a disaster. Would you be willing to give me a few cooking lessons?"

Lisa grinned. "No problem. When do you want them?"

Sarah bit her lip. "Now. I need to learn by supper time."

"Well, in that case, we'd better get busy." She turned to look at Mandy. "Go play, honey. And stay out of trouble."

"Okay." The girl dashed outside.

"I wish I had her energy." Sarah smiled at Mandy's exuberance.

Lisa laughed. "Me, too. She went on a sleepover last night, and I bet she did more giggling than sleeping. She ought to be exhausted. Instead, she's ready for more."

Sarah smiled. "Would you like some coffee?"

"I'd love some."

Sarah led the way. "Come on into the kitchen. I'll pour you a cup." She filled two mugs with coffee and carried them to the dinette.

Lisa took the cup Sarah offered and smiled. "Rafe is sure a fast worker. He told me he'd get you back, but I hadn't thought it would be this soon."

Sarah was taken aback by the statement. "He did, huh? I'm beginning to think Rafe and Rose were in cahoots." Maybe Pipi was right, and this was a sensual trap.

Lisa smiled. "No doubt. Rafe usually manages to get what he wants, but what do you mean about them being in cahoots?"

Sarah looked away from the woman’s curious gaze. "Rose has been writing telling me how much trouble Rafe's had since I left. She said he might have to sell the ranch. So, I came back to make things right."

Lisa glanced at her probingly. "For good."

Sarah thought back on her promise to make it look natural. "Of course." The lie came out smoothly from her lips, too easily for comfort. Did a part of her wish it was true?

"I'm sorry for prying. It's just that I'd hate to see Rafe hurt again." Lisa reached out to pat Sarah's hand. "Don't be embarrassed. Passion is a natural thing in a marriage. So, you two started a bit rocky. It's how you end up that matters."

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