sun-yellow and white poppies.
They met up with a road again and Gina saw the gates that led to a clearing. No Trespassing signs cordoned off the area.
Wade dismounted and used a key to unlock the chains on the gate before mounting his mare again. Gina followed him inside.
The clearing where the resort was to be built was anything but clear. Tall cottonwoods blocked the sun, natural formations jutted up from the earth and canyon walls provided the backdrop.
“The architects have done a great job in preserving most of what you see. We won’t down these trees. They’ll be a natural part of the landscape. Out there in the distance, a wildflower meadow allows just enough land to build the main hotel and facilities. About half a mile down the road there’s a secluded cove that we’ll utilize for special occasions and weddings. You name it. This is the first project I’ve been involved with where the land dictates the building, instead of the other way around. I think Robinique understands that.”
Wade spurred his mare on. “Come on. I need to see it all one more time and get your opinion.”
“I’ve seen the plans on paper, Wade. But it’s hard for me to picture it. Seems like this place needs to stay untouched.”
“Nothing stays untouched, Gina.” He cast her a narrow-eyed look from under the brim of his Stetson. “I learned that lesson a long time ago.”
“So as long as it’s going to be touched, you might as well be the one doing the touching?”
Wade stared deeply into her eyes, capturing her and making her flinch from his intensity. “That’s right.”
Heat crept up Gina’s neck. She wanted out of this conversation, knew she should let the comment go, but she couldn’t. Wade had twisted her words and suddenly they weren’t speaking about the land any longer. She fought her rising anger. “When did you become so ruthless?”
Wade’s voice held contempt. “You know the answer to that.”
Gina slumped in the saddle. Telling him the truth now wouldn’t do any good. Wade had changed. He was a man walking in the shadow of his father. He was just as driven, just as bitter. Getting involved with him again would be a big mistake. She’d already had a bad relationship with one unscrupulous man and she feared Wade Beaumont, too, would only use her then toss her aside.
Gina kept Sarah’s secret close to her heart. It wasn’t her secret to divulge anyway. If Sarah wanted Wade to know the truth, then she would tell him in her own time. Long-standing friendships were at stake here and Gina wanted no part in destroying Sarah’s relationship with Wade. Gina was the outsider and she would always remain so. “We’d be better off just sticking to business, Wade.”
Wade cocked his head and sent her a crooked smile. “That’s all I was talking about. Business.”
Gina’s temper rose with lightning speed. There was no stopping the rage within her. She silently cursed Wade and his infuriating hold on her. She needed to get away from him. She kicked her mare’s flanks just as a wild hawk swooped down from a cottonwood. The horse reared up in fright—nearly tossing Gina from the saddle—then her front hooves landed hard onto the ground and the mare took off running.
Startled, the reins dropped from Gina’s hands. She grabbed for the saddlehorn, bouncing on the seat as the mare raced across the meadowland. Her hat flew from her head as she hung on.
She heard Wade’s commands from behind, knew he was racing behind her, trying to catch up. Gina held on for dear life. Her shoes came out of the stirrups from the turbulent ride. She lost her balance in the saddle and her grip on the horn. Within seconds, she was tossed off the horse.
She hit the ground hard.
Dazed from the fall, she heard Wade’s footsteps fast approaching. And then he was leaning down beside her with fear in his eyes and a voice filled with gentle condemnation. “Damn it, Gina. You’re always running away.”
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