The Rancher Returns by Brenda Jackson Page B

stuff when he’s keeping the land cleared.”
    â€œBut why would he remove the marker?”
    Gavin shrugged. “He probably didn’t know what it was and thought it was trash. He and his wife left a few days ago to visit their son who is in the navy and stationed in Hawaii. I’ll talk to him when he gets back.”
    Layla drew in a deep breath, feeling somewhat relieved. The thought of someone tampering with the dig site had definitely bothered her.
    â€œSit down and eat. I promised Gramma Mel that I would make sure you did.”
    She raised a suspicious eye. “Why?”
    â€œWhy what?”
    â€œWhy would you care one way or the other if I eat?”
    A slow, sexy smile touched his lips and her womb seemed to contract with the weight of that smile. And his dimples had bone-melting fire spreading through her blood. “The reason I care is because I don’t want you to start losing weight.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest again, and then quickly dropped them by her sides when she saw his gaze shift back to her chest. Could the man think of anything other than sex for a minute? “And what does my weight have to do with you?”
    â€œWhen I make love to you, I want to feel meat on your bones.”
    His statement answered her earlier question. No, he obviously couldn’t think of anything other than sex. “We won’t be making love, Gavin.”
    â€œYour food is getting cold.”
    He was blatantly ignoring what she’d said. “I’ll eat after you leave.”
    He chuckled. “If that was a hint that you want me to go, forget it. I want to make sure you eat.”
    She frowned. “What do you plan to do? Stay here and watch me.”
    â€œYes, that was my intent.”
    He was serious. “I don’t need a babysitter, Gavin.”
    â€œNo. What you need is a lover, Layla. And you never did answer my question from last night. When was the last time you made love with a man?”
    â€œAnd I don’t intend to answer it because it’s none of your business.”
    If he insisted on staying, she would ignore him. She moved to the table where he’d placed her food. Her mouth began watering the moment she uncovered it. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli, candied yams and iced tea. And a slice of chocolate cake for dessert.
    A smile lit her face. “Your grandmother is something else.” Layla walked over to the sink to wash her hands. After grabbing utensils out of a drawer, she returned to the table and found Gavin sitting there. Did he plan to actually watch her eat? Didn’t he have anything better to do?
    Deciding nothing would stand between her and that food, she sat down, bowed her head and said grace, determined to ignore him. When she slid a forkful of mashed potatoes between her lips, she closed her eyes and groaned. Delicious.
    â€œIf you get off eating mashed potatoes, I can only imagine your reaction when we make love.”
    A part of her wanted to claim she wouldn’t enjoy it. She quickly dismissed the idea when she glanced over at him. A woman could climax just from staring at him. Even so, she said, “In your dreams.”
    â€œMy dreams will one day become your reality, Layla.”
    She decided not to argue with him anymore. But if he was intent on watching her, she might as well ask him a few questions. Get him talking, so she wouldn’t think about how good he looked sitting there. How sexy.
    She took a sip of her tea. “You mentioned your teammate named Flipper. Any others you’re close to?”
    â€œI’m close to all of them. We’re a team.”
    â€œHow many?”
    â€œEnough.”
    She rolled her eyes. Had she asked about classified information or something? “I’m sure you’re closer to some of the guys more than others.”
    He leaned back in the chair as if getting comfortable. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d shared