LITMIR.BIZ

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would do for starters.”

      He didn’t answer. First, he’d never called her sweetheart and didn’t intend to start now. Second, but most important, she’d hit the nail on the head. He was in a sour mood, but now was not the time to tell her why. He simply wasn’t up to fighting the war that would occur if he told her Molly was back in town, staying at the ranch.

      More to the point, it wasn’t any of Olivia’s business.

      “Okay, you win,” Olivia replied in an offhanded manner. “I’ll let you pout, or whatever the hell you’re doing.”

      “Did you want anything in particular?” Worth asked in a cold tone, knowing he was being a first-class jerk. Yet he felt no need to apologize.

      “What time are you picking me up?”

      Worth’s mind went blank. “Picking you up?”

      “Yes,” she said, not bothering to hide her growing irritation. “Remember you promised to take me to dinner tonight.”

      “Oh, right.”

      “You’d forgotten all about that, hadn’t you?”

      He had, but again he wasn’t going to admit it. “I’ll be there around sevenish.”

      Another sigh. “You know, Worth, I think you take great pride in being an ass.”

      Silence.

      “And while we’re on the subject of dinner,” Olivia added, “don’t forget about the party at my house tomorrow night concerning your political future.”

      “I haven’t, Olivia.” His tone was weary. “I know my parents are invited along with a possible potential backer.”

      “At least you remembered something.”

      With that, she hung up.

      That was two women he’d ruffled today. He wondered if his mother was next in line. Probably so, he told himself. On a normal day, he and Eva Cavanaugh didn’t see eye-to-eye on much of anything. If she’d stop trying to micromanage his life, that might change. His father, however, was a different matter. They got along fine, at least on the surface, though he felt he had never known what made Ted Cavanaugh tick.

      In all fairness, his parents probably didn’t know what made him tick, either. One thing he did know was they wanted him to marry Olivia Blackburn. No. They expected him to marry her, which was the same as waving a red flag in front of a bull. He didn’t live by, or under, others’ expectations. Besides, he didn’t love Olivia. He’d made the mistake of falling in love once, and he’d never repeat it. Never.

      Only problem was, he needed what Olivia could give him and that land she stood to inherit. His parents had deeded him the three hundred acres that adjoined their property, which he’d hoped would be enough to do most anything he chose in the way of ranching. But with his cattle business thriving, he needed more land.

      That was where Olivia fit into his life so well. The acreage she’d inherit from her father would give him the room to expand his horse breeding business, a dream that hadn’t yet come to fruition.

      Ah, to hell with women and the garbage they dished out, his thoughts targeting Molly. What he needed was a drink, he told himself savagely. Something large and strong that would cut through the constriction in his throat that had a strangle-hold on him.

      He was just about to accommodate himself when his phone rang again. This time he did look at caller ID and saw that it was his mother. He was tempted not to answer it, but he did. Maybe she was canceling the dinner. A smirk crossed his lips. Not a chance that would happen.

      “Yo, Mother.”

      “Is that any way for a politician to answer the phone?”

      “I’m not a politician. Yet.” He was irritated and it showed.

      “You will be,” she said in her lofty tone. “Just as soon as you throw your hat into the ring.”

      “I haven’t decided to do that, either.”

      “I don’t know why you take delight in being difficult.”

      “Mother, if you’re going to get on your soapbox about politics, then this conversation is over.”

      “Don’t you dare hang up on me.”

      Not only could he hear the chagrin in his mother’s voice, but he could picture it in her face, as well. Although tall and rawboned like himself, she was nonetheless a very striking woman, with blond hair and black eyes, who commanded attention with her height and flare for fashion. But when she was out of sorts, which she was now, her usually pleasant features turned hard and unpleasant.

      “I’ll see you and Dad tomorrow night at Liv’s around eight. We can talk about politics then, okay?”

      “That’s not what I’m calling about.”

      Something in her voice alerted him to be on guard, that the rest of the conversation would not be to his liking. Her next words confirmed that.

      “Why didn’t you tell me?”

      “Tell you what?” Worth’s tone was as innocent as hers was accusing.

      “That Molly Bailey, or whatever her name is now, is at your ranch.”

      God, it didn’t take long for news to travel, but then in a small town like Sky, Texas gossip was the most popular game in town.

      “Because it’s no big deal.”

      “No big deal.” Eva’s voice rose. “How can you say that?”

      “Because it’s true. She came to see about her mother.”

      “I understand that.”

      “So what’s the problem?”

      “The fact that she’s staying at your place is the problem.”

      “Mother, I don’t want to discuss this.”

      Eva went on as though he hadn’t said a word. “A motel would’ve been just fine for the likes of her.”

      Although he had no intention of defending Molly—not for one second—his mother’s words set him off like a rocket. It was all he could do to keep his cool long enough to get off the phone before he said something he’d be sorry for.

      “Goodbye, Mother. I’ll see you tomorrow tonight.”

      “Worth Cavanaugh, you can’t hang—”

      “Yes, I can. I’ve got to go now.” Without further ado, Worth punched the red button on the phone and Eva’s hostile voice was no longer assaulting his ear.

      Women!

      He’d had enough of them for one day. That stiff drink was looking more enticing by the second. He was about to walk back inside when he saw her strolling across the lawn. Alone.

      Worth stopped in his tracks and watched. Molly was still dressed in the same jeans she’d had on earlier, jeans that fit her rear to perfection. Right now, it was her backside that held him captive—the sway of those perfect hips. Then she turned slightly, giving him privy to the way her full breasts jutted against the soft forest-green sweater.

      For what seemed an eternity, his eyes consumed her. Then muttering a harsh obscenity, he felt his manhood rise to the occasion. Even though he dragged his gaze away from the provocative thrust of those breasts and back to her face, that action did nothing to release the pressure behind his zipper.

      She was such an awesome picture of beauty against the gold and orange leaves falling from the trees that his breath caught in his throat.

      It was in that moment she looked up and saw him. For the second time in a day, their eyes met and held.

      He stared at her, breathing hard. Then cursing again for the fool that he was, Worth pivoted

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