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“Just about everything Coffee, eggs ” The list went on

“It’s a dauy” Dyson rubbed his chin in irritation, his arood description of him—just a slim cowboy on a dark horse”

“It isn’t reed and slowed the car as they entered the ranch yard of the Triple C

“Maybe nearly getting caught will keep the guy froain,” Dyson offered hopefully “He’s caused enough trouble already” His htly shut, a furrow of concentration creasing his forehead “Da it Why does he keep co back time after time? Do you have any ideas?”

“None” He turned the wheel to drive up the knoll to The Homestead

“I don’t kno rio that he’d heard we had so it asto inherit trouble if he agrees to the deal I made him”

“Has he indicated which way he’s leaning on the deal?” Stricklin asked as the car rolled to a stop by the front steps

“No, but I have a feeling it’s going to depend on how financially strapped he is” Dyson cli across the roof of the vehicle, his attention caught by the laughing group approaching The Homestead “Here comes Tara Lee”

Stricklin paused by the driver’s side of the car and watched the swiirl et black hair

The lanced at the slope eary assessment Just past thirty, he was plainly out of condition His thickening waistline was beginning to develop into a paunch which he had ceased atte When Cat realized he wasn’t keeping up with her, she turned back

“Are you co, Mr Macklin?”

“Do I have a choice?” he countered wryly, puffing slightly fro to have to talk to your brother Either he needs to move the house closer to the river or the river closer to the house Nobody should have to walk up a hill like that after swi all afternoon”

She laughed at his joking complaint and came back to his side “Maybe I’d better help you,” she declared, treating the situation in the saht vein, and he draped his ar show of dependence

Laughing, they started up the hill as a trio of riders entered the ranch yard The instant Repp Taylor recognized Cat and failed to recognize the half-nakedtrunks with his arm curved so familiarly around her shoulders, he spurred his horse away fro sound of approaching hooves quicklyparty as they glanced around with mild curiosity

When Repp reined his horse to a stop a few feet short of Cat, his lean and rugged features wore a displeased look that had nothing to do with his hot and dusty appearance “I want a ith you, Cat,” he declared in an o out of the saddle