Page 30 (1/2)

“There’s a lot of water on the floor,” Sally warned “Be careful you don’t get wet or slip”

While he made a few ht, Sally fetched a ragwater on the linoleum floor When he’d finished, Chase stood back and supervised herof the floor

“You missed a spot” He pointed to an area that still had a water sheen

“Just what are you doing in the kitchen?” Sally swiped the iving orders, I mean”

He chuckled at her question “I carill”

“Two?” she repeated “First Ty co two—” She stopped, the significance finally registering “Are you and Ty together?”

He nodded as he sought out the quiet pleasure that ran through her expression “I realized I hadn’t talked towhile I don’t knohether it’s because we’re both away from the ranch or not, but there doesn’t see he should be saying these things to Maggie

“I’lad for you,” she insisted quietly, then seelad for both of you” She half turned to call to the cook, “Burn two thick ones, Dee Dee” Hesitantly her glance came back to Chase, then fell away “I’d better put this bucket in the back room”

When she took a step, she forgot the wet floor would be slick Her foot slid out from under her Instinctively Chase reached out to catch her and haul her against his body to steady her She pressed a hand to her breastbone and tilted her head to laugh shakily

“My heart’s going a mile a minute,” Sally declared

“Is it?” Chase was conscious of the woainst hi side her neck as if seeking its throbbing vein, but his thue in her at his caress, the sudden lift in tension

“Chase,” she hts were taking

“There are ti all the time, Sally,” he murmured, “when all he wants in his life is peace You’re a reth”

“You always see , Chase I’m weak I know you don’t love me and you never will Yet I’m still here”

He sensed the giving in her—the giving that expected nothing in return—no lies and no promises She didn’t ask for his love, because she knew it already belonged to Maggie