hold a bit of the dusky mountain sky inside. And the way it had felt to spend a night in her arms.
Living with the prospect of death around every corner put things in perspective. In long nights lying in his bunk, or on the ground when he was out on a mission, he’d had time to think about what he wanted in life. And he’d narrowed it down to three things. His family’s ranch, time with his sister, Nora, and a chance to show Lori Allen the man he’d become. And for some reason, he was lucky enough that all three of those things might be coming true.
“Do you want to have dinner with me tonight?” The words were out before he’d realized he was going to say them.
“No.”
He shouldn’t be surprised. But her answer was so quick, so definite, that it stung. She didn’t even need a moment to consider.
“I mean, no thanks, Wade.” He could hear the apology and something else in her rushed tone. “Mandy’s cooking. I wouldn’t want to be rude and make another plan.”
“It’s no problem,” Wade assured her, glad the deepening night hid the flush he was sure was on his cheeks. He wished there was a way to take the question back, because now it hung there, making things awkward when they’d been so good just a moment ago. “Thanks again for your help tonight.”
“You’re welcome.” She shrugged. “Hey, I need that water.”
“Right.” He had to remember that this was a business arrangement for her. Not a friendship. That she didn’t see him the way he saw her. She’d never needed him for an oasis or a haven or anything.
“So is it okay to have Bill start working on the well?” she asked. “I’ll have his guys start laying the pipe down.”
“Sure.” Her eagerness to get started was one more reminder that her help today had been a simple trade.
She climbed lightly up into her pickup, and he closed the door behind her. The window was down. She leaned her forearm on the frame, gazing up at him. “Look, Wade. I’m glad things are a little better between us. I’m fine helping you out with your ranch, and I’m glad that we’re solving the water issue.”
She paused and he filled in the silence. “I’m glad, too.”
“When you left Benson, you said some really hurtful things.”
He winced at the memory. “I have wanted to apologize for them ever since.”
She held up a palm to stop him. “Look, it was years ago. I don’t need that. But I got hurt then. It was hard for me. And I don’t want to go back there. I mean, I guess what I’m trying to say is that going to dinner...well, it would be too much.”
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