Page 40 (1/2)

“Holly tells ht classes at Texas Christian,” Boone said over the lip of his own coffee

“That’s right” Dallas was brief with her answer, eager to cut to the chase and get this ordeal over with

“You’re carrying quite a load on your shoulders—co here at the café on your free nights”

“I’ to remind her of all she stood to lose, Dallas could have told him it was unnecessary

“It doesn’t leave you much time for fun,” Boone observed and flashed her a smile “You knohat they say about all work and no play”

“I have all the free time I want Isn’t that the reason you wanted to seearound the issue “Because I had a drink with Quint Echohawk Saturday night?”

His eyes narrowed, but the aave you that idea?”

“I wonder” There was a wealth of mockery in her dry response “It couldn’t be because Holly has already warned ain”

“It’s probably good advice, considering there wouldn’t be much future in a relationship with him Sooner or later he’ll be on his way back to Montana”

It was a likelihood that hadn’t occurred to Dallas before now It left her feeling flat, even though she had already decided against seeing hiain, aware that she had too much to lose

For the first tih, Dallas was confused “If you didn’t invite me to lunch to warn me about Quint, just why am I here?”

“Maybe I just wanted the pleasure of your company”

Again she felt the slow rake of his glance “Everyone knows you want the pleasure of any woman’s company, Boone” She was careful to keep any emotion out of her voice

“Most men do,” he countered smoothly and unhooked his arm off the backrest to lean forward and curve both hands around theyour company, it wasn’t the sole reason I asked you here”

“And that is?” Dallas prompted, both curious and wary