“Not a darn thing, really. It’s driving all of us crazy.” She grinned. “I figure it serves Luke and his brothers right. On the other hand, I want to be in on the secret.”

“There is no secret,” Janet assured her.

Jessie’s expression turned serious. “If he asks you to marry him, what will you say?”

Janet swallowed hard. It was clear that Jessie felt her question wasn’t nearly as premature as Janet hoped it was. “I can’t answer that,” she said. To soften the response, she added, “And even if I could, you’re not the one I’d be telling. Harlan would be the first to have an answer.”

Jessie nodded approvingly. “Good. Now I know that all the bullying from these Adams men won’t force you into a corner.” She grinned. “It takes a strong woman to put up with them. I think you’ll do just fine.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Janet said. “But sometimes trying to say no to Harlan is like swimming in quicksand.”

“You ever need a lifeline, just let me know,” Jessie offered. “The same with Kelly or Melissa. We’ve all been there.” She glanced up and caught sight of Harlan approaching with the governor at the same time Janet did. “Whoops, I’m out of here. I voted for his opponent. I’d hate to have to admit that in front of Harlan.”

Janet was still chuckling when Harlan reached her. She acknowledged the introduction to the governor and his wife with a smile and sufficient small talk to cover her nervousness. Fortunately, the band struck up a slower tune just then.

“That’s my cue,” the governor said, beaming at his wife. “Shall we?” As they headed for the dance floor, he said, “Call my office next week. I’d like to talk with you a bit about your interest in Native American affairs.”

Janet stared after him openmouthed. “How did he know about that?”

Harlan shrugged. “I might have mentioned it. All that talk about Lone Wolf and his ancestors led me to think you might have a particular interest in the subject.”

As if he thought he might have already said too much, he glanced toward the crowded dance floor that had been set up under the stars. “How about it? You willing to risk a turn around the floor with me?”

The request didn’t give her time to wonder how a few comments about Lone Wolf had led Harlan to guess how deep her interest in Native Americans ran. Before she could even form a question, she was in his arms and they were swaying to the soft music.

The feel of his body pressed against hers made every inch of her flesh tingle. With her head tucked against his shoulder, she felt warm and secure and desired. His heat surrounded her, making her senses swim.