A Sweetheart for Jude Fortune. Cindy Kirk

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СКАЧАТЬ not to go there, to simply let the subject drop. But her mouth seemed determined to open and get her into trouble. “Are you worried I’ll fall? If you are, don’t give it a second thought. Jude plans to saddle up Sweet Betsy for me. Supposedly this horse is so mild-mannered a two-year-old could ride her.”

      “Yes, I’m worried about you on a horse. You’re a city girl.” Her father spoke through gritted teeth. “But I’m even more worried about you falling for a man like Jude.”

      Gabi counted to five. Lifted a brow. “A man like Jude?”

      “He’s got a rep.”

      Without taking her eyes off her father, she leaned back in her chair, forced a casualness at odds with her hammering heart. “Tell me more.”

      “He likes women,” Orlando said as if that explained it all.

      “I’d say that’s a good thing.”

      Her father made an impatient gesture with his good hand. “From what I’ve heard he goes from woman to woman, doesn’t stick.”

      A knife sliced into her belly and twisted. Jealousy, she realized. Ridiculous, considering she and the handsome cowboy had only recently met.

      “Why would that be a problem?” Gabi lifted a brow. “I live in Miami and I’m not looking to relocate.”

      “I don’t want to see you hurt.”

      The look in his eyes was one of love, and Gabi felt her irritation subside. “Papi.” She covered his hand with hers. “Jude is simply being nice, showing me around the area. He’s not looking for anything more than companionship. I’m not looking for more, either.”

      Her father narrowed his gaze. “Does he know of your condition?”

      The quick, hot surge of temper took Gabi by surprise. “I don’t have a condition,” she snapped. “I’ve had a heart transplant. I’m all better now.”

      Or close enough. She was down to only two meds.

      Not surprisingly, Orlando didn’t back down. “Does he know?”

      “This may surprise you, but I don’t shout my medical history from the rooftops of every town I visit.” Gabi pushed back her chair with a clatter and rose to her feet. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t, either.”

      She bent, kissed his leathery cheek and spoke briskly. Lunch would have to wait for another time. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours. I’m going to run some errands, pick up a few things while I’m here in Lubbock.”

      “I love you, Gabriella.” He grabbed her hand before she could move away. “Sometimes my love makes me a little overprotective.”

      “A little?” She paused. Sighed. “I love you, Papi, but you need to remember I’m a grown woman. I handle my own affairs.”

      “But your heart—”

      “My heart—” Gabi spoke slowly and distinctly so there could be no misunderstanding “—is strong and healthy and all mine. You don’t have to worry about me giving it away to a stranger and getting hurt.”

      The truth was she didn’t plan on giving her heart away to any man. Not even one who was handsome as sin and wore a black Stetson.

      * * *

      Jude ran into Sawyer in Vicker’s Corners, just as he finished loading supplies in the back of his pickup. When his cousin crossed the street, Jude shut the tailgate and lifted a hand in greeting.

      “Looks like you’re going to be busy.” Sawyer gestured with his head toward the truck. “Don’t you know Sunday is the day of rest?”

      “Not on a ranch.” Jude kept his smile easy. Although he didn’t know Sawyer well, so far he liked what he’d seen. He appreciated the way Sawyer and his wife had looked out for Gabi’s father. How a boss treated those who worked for him said a lot.

      “Past lunchtime. Have you eaten?”

      Jude took off his Stetson and raked a hand through his hair. “Not yet. It’s been one of those days.”

      “Me, either.” Sawyer gestured toward a family-style restaurant on the corner. “Got time to grab a quick burger?”

      Though there was plenty of work waiting for him back at the ranch, Jude didn’t hesitate. A man had to eat, after all.

      Because it was nearly two, the after-church crowd had cleared out long ago and the only people in the place were a couple of grizzled old cowboys playing checkers at a corner table.

      The hostess led them to a table by the window.

      “How’s Orlando?” he asked, after Arlene, a retired schoolteacher-turned-waitress, had taken their order and brought the drinks.

      “You’d know better than me.” Sawyer leaned back and relaxed against the vinyl seat, downing a good portion of his iced tea in one gulp. “I was surprised to see you with Gabi last night.”

      Jude smiled and changed the subject. “How’s the accident investigation coming? Is sabotage still on the table?”

      Jude had heard all about the anonymous letters received at the post office. Letters alluding that what happened to Orlando could happen again if the Fortunes didn’t pull up stakes in Horseback Hollow. He was grateful neither his brothers nor the ranch hands had brought up the letters at the bar when he’d been with Gabi.

      Sawyer waited to answer until the waitress had set the food in front of them and was out of earshot. “The NTSB is still investigating. Until they file their report we won’t know for sure.”

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