The Lone Rancher by Carol Finch Page B

Cahill’s audacity of charming Elda out of the kitchen and escorting her tohis house. Blast that dark-haired demon! First, he had kissed her senseless, then he had swiped Elda, who was an honorary aunt, same as Beatrice.
    Later, while Adrianna was lounging in her fragrant bath in her private quarters—that she had painted herself and spiffied up to feel like home—she wondered if loneliness was part of the reason Cahill had lured away Elda.
    According to Chester Purvis, Cahill’s siblings had left him to manage the ranch alone. Maybe he’d grown tired of rattling around in that big three-story stone-and-timber home by himself. The conflict between her and Cahill might have been the perfect excuse for him to have someone else in his house.
    Adrianna was cautious not to sympathize with Cahill’s problems because she did not intend to soften toward him. He had insulted her, after all. He deserved to find himself living next door to a neighbor from hell. And just because that impossible man had kissed her—and she had liked it—didn’t mean she had the slightest respect or affection for him. He was a man cursed, if Ches Purvis was to be believed. Adrianna had enough challenges ahead of her without tripping over a big, swarthy stumbling block with mercury-colored eyes and sensuous lips that tasted—
    Adrianna jerked upright in the bathtub so quickly that she accidentally slopped water on the floor. “Forget about that,” she lectured herself sternly. “Forget about him .”
    She settled back into the tub and smiled wickedly. “I wonder how much it would cost to hire Elda to poison Cahill? That would put the ornery rascal out of his misery for good.”
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    Adrianna had to admit it was a relief to leave behind the rat-tat-tat of hammers all the livelong day. Although she was anxious to complete the new addition that would become her spacious private parlor, bedroom and office, she was eager to get away and visit Rosa.
    â€œThere aren’t many options for purchasing supplies and personal items,” Bea remarked as they halted the wagon in front of Rosa’s shop, which faced Town Square.
    â€œWe’ll manage,” Butler insisted as he helped the housekeeper down.
    Adrianna frowned curiously when she noticed Butler held on to Bea—and she to him—a moment longer than necessary. If Adrianna didn’t know better…
    She studied the twosome from a different perspective. “How long has this been going on without my knowledge?”
    Butler stepped protectively in front of Bea. He met Adrianna’s speculative gaze and stood his ground. “For a dozen years. We were careful in Boston, because gossip mills can grind you up, you know. If you object to our, er, friendship—”
    Adrianna waved him to silence, then hopped agilely to the ground to brush dust from her breeches and shirt. “If you recall, I moved to Texas to enjoy my independence. I’m pleased you and Bea are exceptionally fond of each other. I merely meant that no one bothered to enlighten me. I’m ashamed that I’ve been so wrapped up in my own misery the past few years I failed to notice.”
    Butler and Bea looked relieved that Adrianna hadn’t scorned their liaison.
    She grinned impishly at them. “Now, if the day comes that you decide to make it legal I will be honored to host a party for you.” She strode ahead of them. “Come see Rosa’s shop. She has done very well for herself and, like you, she has become good at keeping secrets.” She paused to stare somberly at her employees. “Rosa doesn’t want anyone to know that she’s an heiress so mum’s the word.”
    The twosome nodded agreeably before they followed Adrianna into the dress shop.
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    Quin trotted Cactus into town to pick up the payroll so he would have it on hand to pay his cowboys. He also wanted to ensure the rent that the banker, Willem Van