Give Me Tonight(22)

"You're joking!"

"No, ma'am. In some territories, that's enough of an excuse to reach for a shotgun."

"What are you going to do?"

"Work out some kind of compromise with Big George. It won't be difficult. Sunrise and the Double Bar are big enough outfits to handle a few range dis­putes. Besides, everyone's got their eyes on this little romance between you and Jeff. The only one who likes the idea of a possible marriage more than your father is George." Ben smiled sardonically. "Neither one of the doting papas is going to do anything to stand in the way of true love."

Addie was stunned. "I'm not getting married to anyone."

He arched a dark eyebrow and smiled skeptically.

"You sure managed to get a lot of people excited about the possibility.”

"What if I decide we're not right for each other? What if I break things off with Jeff?"

"You do like to buy trouble for yourself, don't you? I'd say you'd better tread lightly this time. The John­sons don't like to be toyed with. And when it comes to his son, Big George is mighty sensitive."

Addie was silent with anxiety as they crossed the border between the Sunrise Ranch and the Double Bar. 'A line rider from the Double Bar rode up to greet them, his gray roan stamping as the riders stopped and exchanged greetings.

"'Mornin'," Ben said, and the cowboy nodded, meeting his eyes with cool challenge. When range dis­putes had occurred, it took several days before excited tempers were calmed down. Everyone was involved in the controversy, from the bosses on down to the ranch hands.

"Your business?"

"Paying a friendly call," Ben replied.

"Just being neighborly," Addie tacked on ner­vously, earning a killing glance from her companion.

The line rider's eyes were admiring as they flickered over her. " 'Mornin', Miss Warner. Fine day, ain't it?"

"Just fine," she replied with an appealing smile, one which he returned without hesitation.

"You two go right on along, Miss Warner."

When they were out of earshot of the cowboy, Ben scowled at her. "There isn't a man in Texas who's safe from you."

"I wasn't flirting!"

"The only men you don't flirt with are the ones you're related to."

She longed for a way to puncture his arrogance. "I guess you know everything about me. Isn't that right, Mr. Hunter?"

"There's one thing I don't know."

Addie pretended to be shocked. "Imagine that. What could it possibly be?"

"Where you were during those two hours yesterday."

"Why do you care about that? What difference could it make to you?"

"It's a small town. Hard to stay out of sight that long. Cade and I went over that town with a fine-tooth comb, and there was no trace of you. "

"Did anyone say where they had seen me last?" He gave a short laugh. "Old Charlie Kendrick said he saw you vanish into thin air. Of course, he'd been drinking deadshot for three days straight."

"Vanish," she repeated shakily, and managed to laugh. "How ridiculous."

"Look over there." Ben was staring at an approach­ing rider, his eyes narrowing. "Sugar-britches couldn't wait for you."

"Is that JeffI"

"Can't you tell who it is?"

"The sun's in my eyes."

The rider stopped beside Addie, touching the brim of his hat and flashing her a smile. She was amazed to see a strong hint of 0l' Man Johnson in his face. So it was him! How handsome he had been when he was young! His hair was the color of mahogany, and his bright blue eyes were set in a tanned face. He was built along solid lines, but husky rather than fat. He looked like a gentleman, and a one-hundred-percent charmer, if his smile was anything to judge by. As Addie met his sunny blue eyes and felt the warmth of his grin, she couldn't help smiling back.

"You're a little late," he said, without taking his eyes off Addie. "Any problems?"

"Nothing serious," Ben replied lazily. "Tell me, what kind of disposition am I likely to find your father in?"

Jeff looked at him with obvious dislike. "Same as always."

"I was afraid of that." Ben glanced in the direction Jeff had just come from. "I trust you'll see Miss Adeline back home safely?"

"It's a guarantee," Jeff replied. "Come on, Ade­line."

She hesitated, looking back at Ben uncertainly. "Ben . . . "

"Hmmm?" There was nothing but indifference in his face.

She wanted to thank him-for what, she wasn't cer­tain. "I ... I'll see you at dinner, I guess," she stam­mered, and the comers of his mouth deepened with the trace of a smile.

"Only if you don't forget how to ride Jessie on the way back."

She glared at him. Seeing her impotent anger, Ben chuckled, clicking to his horse and riding away.

"What did he mean?" Jeff demanded, looking net­tled, and Addie stared ruefully after Ben's retreating figure.

"He's just being nasty," she said. "As usual." There was a short silence before Jeff reached over and took her free hand, lifting it to his mouth. "I missed you," he said softly. She didn't know how to reply. To her he was a stranger, but he looked at her as if they had shared many private moments together. "Good Lord, you're beautiful. More beautiful than I've ever seen you. What is it about you that makes my heart ache so much?"