But she had to face reality. No more denial and no more hope. She could never free his heart from the chains of his past love.

“Where will you go?” Caitlin said finally in resignation.

“Denver … would be best, I think. I can find employment there, and I would still be able to visit you and Janna sometimes. Evan knows an elderly widow who’s seeking a full-time companion. I received a letter from her yesterday, inviting me for an interview. Actually she sounds quite charming and gracious. And the work shouldn’t be too difficult.”

“Heather, if money is the problem, I told you, Jake and I will be able to raise some cash in a few weeks, once we sell some of our livestock.”

Heather wiped her eyes. “You know Sloan won’t allow you to make such a sacrifice. At this time of the year you would only be offered a pittance of your stock’s worth. In any event, our situation isn’t nearly as dire now that the mortgage has been paid off. Besides, money is only part of our problem.”

Albeit a large part, Heather acknowledged to herself. She had redeemed the note on the Bar M ranch with Evan’s draft. Not only did Sloan not appreciate her efforts, he was so furious with her, he refused to speak to her. The Bar M in the past few days had been a battleground, straining nerves and flaying already raw emotions.

Heather forced a feeble smile. “You shouldn’t worry about me. If I don’t find the role of companion agreeable, I could always become a political advisor. I met a number of candidates in Denver last month. Perhaps one of them will need help with a future campaign. My stock will soar if Sloan wins, and I could begin a whole new career.”

Her lame attempt at humor fell flat. When Caitlin’s troubled blue eyes searched her face, Heather knew her friend could see her despair.

“When will you leave?”

“I’ve agreed to remain here till after the election.”

“But that is only a few days from now!”

“Yes.”

Only a few more days to endure before she could escape the misery and heartache.

Slipping a hand into her skirt pocket, she fingered the gold piece Sloan had so contemptuously flung at her as payment for her sexual services. She’d found it on his dresser and kept it in order to remind her of his unwavering determination to reject her love—and in order to bolster her resolve to leave him.