He held it away from her. If she grabbed the barrel, she could end up making him shoot one of the horses—or worse, her.
“Go on home,” he said. “This isn’t a game.”
She stood there glaring at him, lips pursed, breaths coming too fast. Most likely when he raised the pellet rifle again, she’d try to yank it away from him. He sent her a firm stare to dissuade her from that notion. “Guns aren’t toys. If you grab this, I’ll make sure you regret it.”
She clenched her hands, angry tears coming to her eyes. “You’re heartless. That’s what you are.Heartless.” She spun on her heel, ran from the barn, and pointedly ignored him for the rest of the summer. But she hadn’t broken her neck, so he’d considered it a win.
Landon had forgotten about the pigeon incident until now. But Kitty hadn’t. Apparently, it was one more grudge she was holding against him.
He tapped his thumb against the hat in his lap. Certainly Kitty must have some fond memories of the time she spent at Coyote Glen. She’d come every summer from the time she was eight until she was fifteen. “Ranching isn’t just about keeping birds out of the barn. If I recall, you liked horseback riding and taking care of the calves.”
She ran her fingers along the edge of the couch, a simple motion that managed to distract Landon. “I wish I could keep one of the horses, but my apartment complex wouldn’t approve. I’ll have a hard enough time taking Missy.”
When the dog heard her name, she deserted her post by Landon and trotted expectantly to Kitty.
“You’re taking Cal’s dog?”
Kitty scratched Missy’s head. “I can’t put her in a shelter.”
“She’s a ranch dog. She’s not going to be happy cooped up in an apartment.”
“I’ll find some way to give her enough exercise.”
Kitty was decided, then. She’d rather hole up in some cramped apartment than live on thirty-eight thousand acres under a wide blue sky. A shame, really. “Do you know when your parents plan on selling Coyote Glen? My family would be obliged if you gave us a chance to make an offer before putting the place on the market.” Landon’s mind was already estimating how much money they’d need for a down payment on the place.
The Wyle Away was a profitable ranch, but their money was tied up in cattle, land, equipment, and the house. Coming up with a large amount of cash would take some time. Cal had always said he’d sell Coyote Glen to the Wyles if none of his family took an interest in it, but they hadn’t worked out the details. Cal had been just sixty-eight years old, too young for a heart attack.
“My parents haven’t made any final decisions,” Kitty said. “But my Uncle Roger is a developer, and he’s been saying for years that my father should turn the ranch into a golf course and retirement community.”
Landon let out an involuntary cough. “What?” He couldn’t have heard her right.
“My mother’s brother,” Kitty said, as though Landon’s question was about who Uncle Roger was. “He thinks Coyote Glen is in a prime location to attract people who’re looking to escape the cold. He wants to do something with a western theme because the place is so close to Tombstone and Bisbee. Probably something ridiculous like caddies with cowboy hats.”
Landon could only stare at her for another moment. “Are you pulling my leg?”
She shrugged apologetically. “You know how slim profit margins are with ranching. My parents would make a lot more money going in with my uncle and developing it.”
When Landon didn’t make any response, Kitty noticed the effect her words had on him, and her smile melted away. “I’m sure whatever they do with the land, they’ll make certain people don’t bother your cattle.”
He finally found his voice. “Your grandfather worked his entire life to build up his stock to produce the finest cattle possible. His whole world was this ranch, and your family wants to turn it into a western-themed golf course?”
His words had come out too harsh. Kitty’s expression hardened. “You don’t need to tell me what my grandfather valued. I’m well aware that Coyote Glen was his whole world. That’s why he never visited us. He was always too busy with his cattle. Seven days a week. Twelve months a year. Maybe if he’d retired when he was sixty-five like someone with a normal job…” She put her fingers to the bridge of her nose and sighed. “I guesswhat ifsdon’t matter.” Her hand dropped to her lap. “I’m just saying I understand why my father isn’t keen to change professions.”
Ranchingwashard work, no doubt about it. Some days Landon was running from sunrise to sunset. But if Cal had wanted to take a vacation, he could have had his foreman cover for him. Landon didn’t mention this. Pointing out that Cal could have visited if he really wanted wouldn’t help anything.
Landon leaned forward, lacing his fingers together. He had to think how best to word what he said next. “Your grandfather and I had an arrangement. He planned to sell Coyote Glen to my family when he got too old to run it himself. Normally, that sort of agreement wouldn’t matter so much. It’s not as though I want to take on another four hundred head of cattle. But the truth of the matter is that we’ve been sharing wells with your ranch for years. It’s our only water source for our front section. I can live without the extra land and cattle, but we need the water.”
She blinked her large green eyes at him. “I’m sorry. Perhaps if you explain to my parents…” She broke off uncertainly.
He studied her expression, trying to read what her hesitation meant. “Would telling them matter? Or will this bit of information just ensure that if they do consider selling, Uncle Roger will set the price higher?”
She showed no hint of taking offense at this accusation, which meant that Uncle Roger was indeed the sort of man who’d increase his price because he knew he had the Wyles over a barrel. Landon inwardly cursed himself for giving away that information so easily. The Bentons might have found documentation in Cal’s effects that told them of his watering arrangement with the Wyle Away, but they might not have.
Kitty shifted on the couch, setting her feet back on the floor. “My parents know how much you and your brothers did for my grandfather. I’m sure they’ll do what they can to help you, but my uncle has them sold on the golf course idea. He offered to move down here to oversee the golf course and sell house lots.”
A golf course. That’s what Landon’s livelihood was going to be choked by—caddies in cowboy hats. He hardly trusted himself to speak. Anything he said now, he’d likely regret later. “My offer to help your family still stands. Give me a call if you need anything.” He picked up his hat, rose to his feet, and nodded a farewell to her. “Should be an interesting funeral tomorrow. I imagine it will be hard to bury your grandfather, what with him turning in his grave.”
Chapter Two