No flash of irritation dimmed his expression. He didn’t seem at all bothered to be the subject of gossip. “What did you tell them?”
“Nothing. Although, now that I’ve thought it over, I’m going to tell them I’m madly in love with you. That way when nothing comes of it, they’ll think you’ve toyed with my affections and be angry at you, not me.”
He chuckled. “Are you really?”
“I should. Then you’d know what it feels like to get the cold shoulder for a while.”
“I meant madly in love.”
“Oh.” Definitely, but it was a fine time for him to ask about her feelings. She was trying and failing to get over him. “You broke up with me, so I don’t have to answer that question.”
“I think you should anyway.”
Nope. She looked upward, contemplating. “When I tell everyone you broke up with me, you won’t even be able to deny it. We’ll see what everyone thinks of Mr. Salt of the Earth then.” It was an idle threat. Everyone would still take his side. They would think he’d been too good for her.
Landon leaned closer to Kate, keeping their conversation private. “I said we should take a break until the will was settled. That’s different than a breakup.”
Did he mean that? “It seems like the same thing to me.” She was alone every night. He had Angelina at his beck and call.
“We should have set parameters. Guess it’s not too late.” His voice was a slow smooth drawl and his blue eyes turned mischievous. “I’d like to make a motion for occasional kissing.”
“And I used to think Jaxon was the shameless flirt in your family.”
“Is that a yes, or are you still taking it under consideration?”
Before Kate could think of a reply, Audrey skipped over to them. She glanced at Kate, pressed her lips together, and tugged on Landon’s hand.
Landon ignored his niece. “At least you’re not saying no?”
Kate folded her arms. “Now you’re making me wonder about your parameters with everyone else.” Was Angelina the recipient of occasional kissing?
Audrey yanked harder on Landon’s hand and made a mumbling noise with her lips clamped together.
He finally turned his attention to her. “What’s wrong with your mouth, hon?”
In a loud whisper, Audrey said, “You told me I couldn’t speak when Miss Benton was around.”
Landon laughed uncomfortably. “I didn’t mean you couldn’t talk at all.”
“Okay.” Audrey’s voice returned to normal. “Daddy said it’s time to go home.”
“In a minute.” Landon dropped her hand. “Miss Benton and I are having an important conversation about parameters.”
Audrey took hold of his hand again, leaning in an attempt to pull him from his spot. “Uncle Preston said if you’re going to stand around making eyes at Miss Benton, everyone else should drive to church in Daddy’s truck. He said that you’re—”
“You know,” Landon cut her off, “we’re going to return to the policy of you not speaking when Miss Benton is around. That’s actually a good policy.”
The little girl sighed dramatically and hummed something incoherent.
Well, that was one way to put a quick, awkward end to this conversation. Kate stepped away from the wall. “I’ll let you get back to your family.” She drifted a couple of steps away and couldn’t help but add, “See you next week.”
Monday morningwhile Kate fed the horses, Gary breezed into the barn to start shoeing the horses. He seemed surprisingly sober, which was an encouraging sign. He marched by her with a nod. “I contacted a few people, and we’ll have some replacement cattle any time now.”
She would believe that when the cattle showed up. “Good.”
He kept nodding and walking. “Your head count will be where you need it. Don’t you worry none. I’m taking care of it.”
Reassurance so she wouldn’t be tempted to call the police. Kate left him to his task. She needed to make sure the ranch looked perfect for the Colemans’ arrival. More than ever, she had to book some weddings. Every deposit would help her bottom line. She might even be able to convince some brides to prepay completely if she offered upgrades.