Page 33 of Honoring Freedom
“Don’t worry. I didn’t take them out.” He looked a bit embarrassed and irate. “Mac found them near a tree that had a perfect vantage point of the cabin. Obviously, the sick bastard stole them as a memento. I bet he was disappointed when he realized he’d dropped them.”
“He watched Keller and me?” she whispered. Sweat beaded her forehead and her knees were weak.
“I don’t need or want details.”
“Daddy, I—”
He waved a weathered hand and dropped down into the chair behind his desk. “He’d make a fine son-in-law.”
She had water still in her mouth and almost sprayed it out of her mouth. She wiped her chin. “What?”
“Yeah, you heard me. If he’s good enough to sneak around with then he should be worthy of making things official.”
“But I—”
“I spoke to Keller already. Something about the man’s character told me he would be completely honest. He didn’t get into details, and I didn’t ask, but he confessed that you two have been seeing each other since the auction. He said he takes full responsibility and if I wanted him to leave the ranch he’d understand.”
“What did you say to him?”
“He’s a damn good employee. I think a better solution can be found.”
“And that solution is marrying him?” She set her glass down and rubbed her temples, feeling a migraine coming on.
“It’s a suggestion.”
“It isn’t happening.”
“Your choice.” He shrugged.
“Was this the entire point?” She gestured toward the sofa with a sweeping motion.
“No. Yes. Partially. You and your sisters heavily influenced my decision.” He appeared older and weary, showing his age. “You all forget that nothing happens on this ranch without me knowing eventually. At least Keller isn’t just a hand, but he’s an employee. We need him because he’d be hard to replace. Have you thought about the future? What if things don’t work out between you two? He could quit. The changes he’s campaigning for are exactly what the ranch needs.”
“You’re making him sound more valuable than I am,” she said softly.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I love you and your sisters very much. I’m a parent though. I must think of everything because it’s my job.”
“Did you hire Keller hoping this would happen?”
"No," he chuckled. "Think it over, honey. Second chances are significant.” He gave a shake of his head as if to transition. “We couldn't trace the person who wanted those," he pointed to the plastic bag, "but Mac thinks it was someone from the celebration that probably knows you. Did anything unusual happen that night? Anyone seem suspicious?"
She reflected on the night. "Aside from what happened with Kent, nothing really unusual comes to mind. You know how those parties are. Alcohol everywhere."
He nodded. "I can bring in private security—"
"No, you're not." She softened her tone. "Sorry, but I don't need or want security. Like you said, probably just someone from the celebration trying to feel important for a moment."
Sam paused. "We're installing cameras soon, so we'll have full coverage of the ranch. In the meantime, stay alert."
Chapter Twelve
Freedom might strangle Keller after he confessed their relationship to Sam. She needed to realize that Keller was a decent man who would always treat her and Sam with respect. A man resorts to lying only when burdened by guilt, and the only remorse Keller felt was for not expressing his strong feelings for Freedom sooner.
He reminded himself every time he saw her that he needed to move at her pace. Something about her got his body tied all in knots and his blood pumping like a river. No doubt, she aroused him, both mentally and physically.
Sure, he found her beautiful, with all those golden curls that framed her pretty face. Good thing she kept the wild tresses tamed in a braid on most occasions. He didn’t know if he could resist touching the silken mass. Like right now, he was waiting for her to finish speaking to a client on the phone and he had a strong urge to curl that one misbehaving strand that brushed her cheek around his knuckle. He had a controlled desire to pull the elastic out and watch her hair tumble to her shoulders.
As she talked, his attention was drawn to her lips. Kissable, amazing lips that were the same color as her nipples. When she bent over the desk to reach for a piece of paper on the other side, his body went into overdrive. Her backside looked enticing encapsulated in the snug riding pants. Wonder how she’d respond if he leaned over and playfully bit her firm cheek. He knew what she’d do. She’s knock him into yesterday.