Page 11 of Honoring Freedom
“Lanah and I are not a couple.”
“It’s none of my business.” She pushed up from the chair wishing she could close the internal door to the rush of feelings flowing in.
“I’m making it your business.” He unfurled his tall, lean body off the desk. “We’re going to have to agree to disagree.”
She felt a chill race up her spine. "So, do you think we can handle going to the auction together?"
He grimaced. “I don’t see that we have any other option. I’m not quitting, and I don’t want fired. You’re not quitting, and I’m sure you don’t want fired.”
“Daddy would never fire me,” she said in defiance, yet she didn’t feel the confidence all the way into her bones. Obviously, Daddy had respect for Keller and had put a lot of faith in him. The heart attack had changed Sam though, made him unpredictable. Just like his new relationship with Trinity. She heaved a sigh. “Fine, but I’m setting some ground rules.”
His grin had returned. “Let’s hear them.”
“First, we do not discuss the past. It’s off limits. If we’re ever going to make this business relationship work, Lanah must be off the table.”
He nodded. “I agree.”
“That brings me to the biggest rule. This is a business arrangement only. No flirting. No kisses. Hugs, or accidental touching.”
“Why? Don’t think you can handle the pressure?” His eyes glittered with unspoken challenge.
Freedom gulped. “Trust me, I can handle myself.”
“I just remember how you used to enjoy teasing me.”
“You broke rule number one already,” she said.
“I get it.” He laughed. “No talk of the past, especially not about what we shared. Or the way you squirmed and begged—"
“I got the message.” A shiver raced through her.
Over the years she’d convinced herself that the feelings for Keller had been simply those of a young girl crushing over her first sexual partner. What they’d shared had been romanticized. So, then why did she crave his arms wrapped around her and his lips pressed against her own? Why did she long to feel his hands on her body? She’d matured, dated plenty of men, had a couple of sexual partners…she was definitely no longer a naïve teenager.
"We don't need to be friends, just stay focused on the task. Select the finest livestock and arrange their delivery. Simple," he said.
“Nothing is simple when it comes to you.” Freedom flipped the ends of her hair over one shoulder.
“Now that’s an interesting take coming from a Rose.” A smirk appeared on his face.
“I’ve always been the rose and you the thorn. Or a rattlesnake in a Stetson and boots,” she retorted.
“Still as sassy as ever. I handled it once. I think I can manage it again.” He winked roguishly.
“You’re not here to manage me. You just worry your pretty head about the horses and livestock.”
He arched an eyebrow. “I’m only saying that I can handle this…arrangement. In fact, I look forward to a short trip to Catskills. It’ll be like old times. I once visited a cabin that belonged to this pretty little—”
“You can stop right there. That’s where we will be staying again. This time in separate rooms.”
“There goes all the fun,” he teased.
Remembering how they snuck off to the Rose family cabin one weekend, and how he’d made the experience very romantic, left her warm. The temperature rose in the apex of her thighs and her body trembled. “Let’s just make sure you don’t accidentally fall with your tongue down my throat like you’ve been known to do.”
“Rule number two is now broken.” He took the distance between them and his gaze competed with the heat boiling inside her. “Trust me when I say, if I mean to kiss anyone, she’ll know that she’s been kissed.”
“Is that so?” She straightened her shoulders, stood to her full five-foot-seven inches, and kept her gaze steady with his. She wouldn’t allow him to weaken her knees or cause her torment.
“Somewhere deep inside of that stubborn brain of yours I think you realize I never cheated.” Anger flashed in his blue eyes and her heart lurched against her ribcage. She could feel the desire between them that still held the weight of a runaway train barreling down on her.