“Now that’s an interesting bit of speculation on your part,” he observed, trying to keep the amusement out of his tone. “Just what is it you think I have on my mind that would be unsuitable for discussion in a public place?”

She blushed furiously. “Never mind. Perhaps I was wrong.”

Harlan shook his head. “Now, you don’t strike me as a woman who admits lightly to being wrong. Maybe you ought to say what’s on your mind. Could just be you’re right on track.”

“Why are you doing this?” she demanded. “A gentleman—”

“We’ve already established that I’m no gentleman, not when it comes to affairs of the heart, so to speak.”

He allowed his gaze to sweep over her, lingering long enough to keep her color high and her nerves jittery. The game turned on him, though. The next thing he knew his own heartbeat was racing and the blood was rushing straight to a portion of his anatomy where its unmistakable effect could prove downright embarrassing. He wanted her with an urgency that drove out all other thoughts. Visions of taking her here and now took up residence in his brain and clamored for action.

Apparently he’d been wrong about one thing, though. He was just enough of a gentleman not to act on such a desperate, wicked longing. But Janet Runningbear could thank her lucky stars that he’d chosen DiPasquali’s for dinner tonight instead of White Pines. He doubted he’d have been anywhere near so restrained in the privacy of his own home.

He met her gaze and thought he read a mix of passion and uncertainty in those dark brown depths. Soon, he silently promised her and himself. He would claim her soon.

As if she could read his mind, an audible sigh eased through her. A sigh of satisfaction perhaps? Or maybe anticipation? Whichever it was, Harlan could only share in the sentiment.

To him the future was as clear-cut as a pane of glass or a ten-carat diamond. Whatever Janet Runningbear’s original agenda had been in coming to Los Piños, he had a feeling it was only a matter of time and subtle persuasion before he’d have her seeing the years ahead as vividly as he did.

12

The bouquet of flowers that arrived in Janet’s office the next morning was so huge that the only surface big enough to accommodate it was her desk. She was still staring in astonishment at the arrangement of splashy yellow mums, vivid orange tiger lilies, Texas bluebonnets and fragrant white roses when the man responsible for sending it walked in.