Courtship of the Recluse

Cade escorted her to town and purchased everything on the list - plus a few more items. When she reminded him that he was going over the thousand-dollar figure he had thrown out, he merely shrugged.

"It will be worth the investment."

She wondered what would be worth the investment, but didn't want to wind up in the middle of a feud. Was he trying to show his sister up? Impress her? It seemed totally out of character. Nothing Cade did indicated that he gave a hoot about what anyone else thought.

As they packed the last of the items into the back of his truck, he glanced up at her.

"It's early. Let's go by and take a look at your truck while we're in town. If it doesn't look too complicated, maybe I can fix it."

She stared at him. "I...You don't have to do that." He was already responsible for her food and housing. "I can get it towed to a shop."

His eyes held a touch of humor. "You don't want me to interfere?"

"It isn't that. It's just that...well; it's not your responsibility."

"I know. But it would be nice to know you had a way to get out and do things without fear of taking the only vehicle. I know you feel uncomfortable about driving my truck. You haven't used it once."

"Then I'll get mine fixed. I had no idea it was troubling you." Little did he know that she wouldn't have left the ranch if her truck had been available. The ranch was too beautiful - too interesting and too much like home.

He eyed her thoughtfully. "It isn't troubling me, but if you really don't want me messing with it..."

She sighed and shook her head. "You do what you please."

Cade launched into an investigation of the old truck while Cynthia and Mary caught up on the latest gossip. Finally he stepped back from the vehicle and wiped his hands with a rag.

"I think I know what it is. I'm going to go get a part. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Cynthia reached for her purse. "Let me give you some money. How much do you need?"

He lifted a hand and shook his head. "No, I'll get it. If it doesn't work, it's my problem. If it does, then you can pay me back if you want."

"Parts plus labor," she insisted.

He eyed her sternly. "I'm not a mechanic."

She wrinkled her nose at him. "That's a fine thing to be telling me while you're working on my truck."

His eyes twinkled with mirth, but he refused to let the rest of his face respond. Mary stood by, unusually quiet, but when Cade left she found her voice.