her head, a bitter smile threatening. Her father’s death had ended up doing that job for everyone.
The timer sounded, breaking into her maudlin thoughts. She put the egg and pastries on the tray, adding a glass of orange juice.
She took a deep breath, bracing for the inevitable. Because if she didn’t have that barrier between them, she had no idea how she was going to resist him.
“Breakfast,” she said, pushing the door open and putting the tray on the nightstand.
She wouldn’t look at him.
“Thanks,” he said, suddenly starving. The toaster pastries smelled heavenly.
“No problem.” She backed away, inching toward the door.
He stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, a short jerk of the head that just showed how tense she was. “Can we not talk about this now?”
Much as he wanted to push her a little on it, he knew it was time to let it rest for a while. He certainly didn’t want her to shut down completely. “Whatever is most comfortable for you.”
She seemed a little taken aback by his easy acquiescence, but rolled with it quickly enough. “Thanks.”
Not wanting her to leave, he added quickly, “I read those articles you gave me last night.”
“You did?” Her tension was gone, replaced by a barely-suppressed impatience. “And?”
He took a bite and swallowed, thrilled beyond belief to be eating actual food again. “I don’t know.”
She rolled her eyes. “You think I’m crazy, too, don’t you.”
He held up a hand while he drank some orange juice. Wiping his mouth, he said, “I didn’t say that.”
“No, but—”
“I can see why you would think there’s a chance steroids are involved. But I can also see why Mr. DeLong doesn’t think it’s possible.”
“And that is?”
“The stock company involved.” He polished off the egg and added, “The Anderson Stock Company has been around for years, and they’ve always been straight shooters. Another company, maybe, but not Anderson.”
“But the warning signs—”
“Are damaging, I admit. And it would explain some things, too. But I have a really hard time accepting that Erik would be involved in something shady like this.”
“Then we’re back at square one.” She blew out a frustrated breath. “Despite the evidence, the stock company has the credibility and I don’t.”
“What are you talking about?”
She paced over to the window and looked out. “Cody, I haven’t been around the rodeo for over a decade, and even then I was just a kid. As you so clearly reminded me. Add in my obvious dislike for bullriding, and why would anyone take me seriously?”
“If I didn’t take you seriously, I wouldn’t even consider the suggestion.” He glanced over at the papers, stacked on the nightstand next to the breakfast tray. “But you do have to admit, the evidence you have is circumstantial. Without anything solid, I’m afraid it’ll be hard to convince anyone connected to the rodeo.”
She turned and looked at him. “You’re right.”
“Oh, no.” He shook his head. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Think about what?”
“Don’t play innocent with me, Sam. You are not Nancy Drew.”
“I know that.”
“So you’d better not go running off to dig up clues on your own.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Her eyes were wide and innocent, her expression clear.
So why didn’t he believe her?
“Well, you’re done with breakfast, so I’d better get out of your hair. Unless you need something else?”
He wracked his brain, trying to come up with something to distract her from the plotting he was certain she was doing right at this minute.
Then he smiled. “Take my clothes off.”
“Excuse me?”
He held her shocked gaze for a few seconds before grinning. “I’d really love a shower. Or a bath. I’m feeling really grimy right now.”
“Oh.”
“I suppose you could give me a sponge bath instead,” he added helpfully.
“Shower is fine!” She sprang into
Beverly Cleary
Beth Kendrick
Gail McHugh
Herbie Brennan
Melissa J. Cunningham
Vicky Dreiling
Mira Lyn Kelly
Kevin P. Keating
Vi Voxley
James Wallace