Texas-Sized Temptation / Star of His Heart: Texas-Sized Temptation / Star of His Heart

“I believe at my age, dad is a better comparison,” he said and she smiled fleetingly, her mind on his warning.

“I’ll take care of myself and I don’t want any of you to worry. Jake won’t hurt me. I’m not getting that involved with him.”

“He’s broken more than a few hearts in this county,” Kirby said.

She gazed to the east, thinking about Jake driving home to his ranch.

“I’ll be careful. You stop worrying. I’ve already been warned by Cecilia.”

“You might as well give up on him selling the place. That man isn’t going to let you have it back. Trucks are pouring in here at that rig where they are drilling. I’ve watched them with binoculars from the barn loft. They’re busy as can be. I wouldn’t be surprised if they do find oil. Your dad never thought there was any here, but that time they drilled it was far over in the eastern corner, not up here near the house. They find oil, you can forget any hope of getting part of this ranch back.”

“I know. He retains all mineral rights, so he could go right ahead.”

“It’s not conducive to raising cattle.”

“I couldn’t just give up without asking. Just please, don’t you worry.”

Kirby straightened up. “All right. I’ve said my say and I’ll head back to work.” He turned and went down the porch steps.

“Kirby—” She waited until he turned around to meet her gaze. “Thank you. I love you for watching out for me.”

“You take care, Caitlin. I can’t watch out enough to protect you.”

She nodded and he walked away, heading back to the barn. Shortly he was in the truck and drove off on one of the ranch’s paths.

With a sigh, she went inside, mulling over the warnings against Jake that reaffirmed her own reactions. Neither Kirby nor Cecilia expected Jake to sell back to her. She headed to the kitchen, knowing she might as well listen now to Altheda, hear her cautions and then she could go back to her work to check on her galleries and orders.

When she finally stepped inside her office, she closed the door. Feeling drained, she was more worried than ever about the future of the ranch.

Caitlin soon gave up trying to work because she couldn’t keep her mind on anything except Jake. Memories of his kisses tormented her. Questions about his decision concerning the ranch were as constant a concern. All the time she bathed and dressed, she moved as if only half conscious of her actions. Kirby’s and Cecilia’s warnings made her view the evening with more caution, big reminders to be careful.

In spite of the warnings, her pulse speeded at the prospect. Her feelings toward Jake were mixed; fear he would destroy the place she loved, attraction, family hatreds, excitement. The dinner date would give her another chance to try to talk him into selling. What was really holding him back? Was he trying to get something from her besides a payment? Seduction? Perhaps tonight would bring answers.

Five

With his thoughts on Caitlin, Jake turned into his ranch road and answered a call on his cell. He talked briefly to his brother Gabe who had flown in and was waiting to see him.

When Jake parked, Gabe came out on the porch. His dark brown hair was windblown. He was dressed casually in jeans, boots and a cotton shirt. His blue eyes held curiosity when Jake climbed the porch steps.

“I brought the geological papers, the maps, the description of the barns and outbuildings used by Madeline Santerre. What gives that you’re having second thoughts about it?”

“I met Caitlin Santerre and she’s asked me to sell part of the property back to her. I’m dragging my feet to see if you find oil.”

“Why would you want to consider selling, oil or no oil? We’ve talked about the possibilities of oil on that land and we’ve already started drilling.”

“We’d retain all mineral, wind and water rights.”

“And she would agree to that and still want to buy back part of it?”

“Yep. She wants it for sentimental reasons and to take care of the elderly crew who have worked there.”

“Sentimental reasons? You believe that? A sentimental Santerre?”

“This isn’t Will. I’ve found a Santerre who is not like Will at all. I always heard the Grandmother wasn’t like her son or grandson. Let’s go to the study where we can be comfortable.”

“Sure,” Gabe said, holding the door and following Jake inside.

“Actually, Will sold it without telling her. They’ve never gotten along.”

“Caitlin Santerre is Titus Santerre’s daughter. I’ve always heard her mother was a Santerre maid.”

“That’s right. When the maid had the baby Titus didn’t want any part of either mother or baby and paid the maid to go away. When she planned to put the baby up for adoption, the grandmother, Madeline Santerre, Titus’s mother, adopted her. Thus Caitlin became a Santerre and was raised by Grandmother Santerre. She’s told me that Will was never kind to her.”

“That can’t surprise you.”

“Nope. Will is mean through and through. Caitlin is not one bit like Will. She’s worrying about the people who worked for Madeline. As far as I can tell, she doesn’t have any meanness or selfishness in her.”

“Caitlin Santerre. All I remember is a little kid,” Gabe said as they entered the study and Jake sat in a leather chair.

“Not so little. I’m taking her to dinner tonight.”

“Caitlin? How old is she? I think of her as twelve at the most.”

“When you were having birthdays, Caitlin was having birthdays. She’s twenty-eight.”

“Damn. Twenty-eight? I don’t remember seeing her around these parts since she was little.” Gabe hooked one knee over the arm of the chair and let his booted foot dangle while he studied Jake. “Why are you taking her to dinner? Why didn’t you just tell her no and be on your way?”

“She’s beautiful. I want the evening with her.”

Gabe’s eyebrows arched. “You’ve hated the Santerres, particularly since Brittany’s death. What’s the deal here—a little revenge by seducing a Santerre?”

“No. Will doesn’t care a thing about her. No revenge there. I just want the evening with her.”

Gabe’s eyes narrowed as he stared at his brother. “That one I can’t figure. You know plenty of beautiful women. You hate the Santerres with a passion. Is there anything you’re not telling me?”

“Not a thing. If you could see her, you’d know why I want to go out with her.”

Gabe shook his head. “You’re not convincing me. I’ve seen you fight with Will. I’ve seen you try to beat him in sports. I’ve heard you call him names and complain about him. You don’t like any of them. There’s something else.”

“Nope.”

Gabe became silent and Jake waited patiently for his answers to soak in with his brother.

“Tell her no you won’t sell and get on with your life,” Gabe said finally. “You’re not going to go out often with the woman or have a relationship with her.”

“I’ll tell her no soon. Probably this week at the office, but tonight, I’m taking her out. If it goes well tonight, I might put her off for a week and go out with her next weekend.”

“I can’t believe I’m hearing this,” Gabe said. “You’re sure she isn’t going to talk you into selling back to her?”