She walked forward and cleared her throat.
He looked up at her and smiled. “Well, hi there. Who might you be?”
“I’m Maria, Maria Gomez. My family lives in town.”
“What brings you out here to Bay Crossing?”
“Well…” God, Maria, get a grip. “I heard you’re the man to see for the best peaches on the western slope.”
“None better.”
“I’d like to get some for my mother. I hope it’s not too late. She loves peaches, and she’s been ill and can’t get out to get them herself.”
“Oh? I’m sorry to hear that.”
“She’ll be okay. It’s not serious. But I couldn’t let her go without her peaches.”
“So how’d you hear of us here at Bay Crossing?”
“How could I not have heard of you? You’re the best.”
He smiled again, wider this time. “Well, the peaches are almost gone. But I might be able to scare up a bushel or two for someone as pretty as you.”
She warmed. This felt all wrong, but at least so far her plan was working. “That’s a beautiful horse.”
“Thank you. Her name is Mahogany. Do you ride?”
“Only a little. I grew up in town, not on a ranch.”
“Maybe we can go riding sometime. Mahogany here is really gentle. She’d be good to you.”
“I’d adore that. When can we go?”
“Anytime. For you, I’ll make the time.”
Perfect. She inhaled and then leaned into him, faking a swoon. His arms went around her to keep her from falling.
“Are you okay?”
She sank her cheek into the soft fabric of his shirt. “I’m fine. Just a little lightheaded. I’m…on a new diet and I’m a little hungry. It will pass.”
“You? On a diet? Whatever for? You’re already gorgeous.”
She smiled what she hoped was a seductive smile and raised her fingers to his cheek. Dear God, I’m going to get struck down by lightning for this. “I’m so happy to hear you say that. And I hope you don’t mind me saying that you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”
He grinned sheepishly. “Maria, I don’t mind at all.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Big Chuck slammed Jeff against the wall next to the door, a gun pointed at his neck.
“Why the fuck didn’t you answer the goddamned door, Bay, huh? Not expectin’ callers this time o’ night?”
Jeff closed his eyes, his heart stampeding, his bowels going into overdrive. Please, let Maria stay asleep through this, whatever happens. Please don’t let her come out here.
“Did you miss me, you stupid fuck?” Chuck jammed the nose of the gun farther into his neck, against his Adam’s apple.
Jeff fought the urge to choke, and his blood turned to ice. “How the hell did you get out?” he rasped.