Her Desert Treasure (Entangled Ignite) by Larie Brannick Page B

about a way to examine them, maybe give vaccinations. He was talking about you.”
    It wasn’t a question. He nodded. “We had actually been working on plans for a refuge. Someplace they’d be safe and protected. Maybe even start some kind of adoption program in conjunction with the BLM—Bureau of Land Management.”
    “Really? A refuge?”
    He wrapped her fingers in his. “Yes. I’d like to see John’s wishes become reality. I’m still committed to starting the refuge. Those animals are special, Meg. They’re living history, and they deserve to have a permanent home.” Would she consider giving him access to the land now that he’d explained the importance of the refuge? He hadn’t intended to talk about it tonight, but he was glad the subject had come up. “In fact, I’d like to make an appointment with one of the wildlife officers to come out to see what we had planned.”
    She bit her bottom lip, and Jake couldn’t help but stare. He was a big fan of her mouth. Wanted to experience the feel and taste for himself. Wanted to soothe the spot where her teeth had left a faint indentation.
    “When were you planning to do that?”
    Maybe she would be willing to hear him out. At the very least, allow him to keep studying the animals and ask the BLM not to relocate them. His brain started working a mile a minute. It would be stupid to assume anything, but he wanted her on board. “I guess not until I have your permission to come to the canyon.”
    Her face flushed darker. “I’m sorry about yesterday, Jake. Really.”
    He stroked his thumb across her knuckles. “I told you, I understand why you reacted the way you did. No hard feelings.” His pulse quickened with anticipation. He knew it was more than just the hope of being able to continue his work with the horses. The prospect of seeing her whenever he visited the property made him happier than anything had in a long while.
    “I’m glad you feel that way. I don’t mind if you come out to study the herd.” She pulled her hands away. “But I’m afraid you can’t bring anyone else on the property right now or make any plans involving the refuge.”
    What? He couldn’t have heard her correctly. This was her grandfather’s dream. He schooled his features to keep her from seeing his disbelief. “I don’t understand.” Her face fell, and he clasped her hand again. “Meg?”
    “I’m sorry, but I have my reasons. I can’t commit to anything about the wild horses.”
    She appeared to be absolutely miserable. His frustration demanded he question her, to get to the bottom of her reasons. But it was clear whatever was going on had her upset. “Will you tell me if there is anything I can do to help?”
    She nodded, but Jake got the feeling she still didn’t know if she could trust him. He wanted to change that. Even if she wasn’t willing to let him continue his work with the horses, he was, nevertheless, interested in her. He wanted to know more about her, wanted to know everything. “Where did you live before you came here to be with your grandparents? If you don’t mind my asking.”
    Not her favorite topic of conversation, but he seemed to be genuinely interested. “Texas. Like I said, my parents died when I was five. I was actually here with Grandma and Grandpa when my parents were killed.”
    The warmth of his hand was a constant reassurance while she spoke. “My folks were taking a romantic vacation. It was the first time they’d ever left me for more than an evening, and my grandparents jumped at the chance to have me for a month. Since we lived so far away, they didn’t get to see us much, so it was the perfect arrangement.”
    The sight of their locked hands, of his thumb gently caressing her knuckles, gave her the strength to continue. “Gram and Grandpa were wonderful to me. Some of the best times of my life were spent on the property here.”
    “I wasn’t lucky enough to meet your grandmother, but John was a great man, you were