"That's all right Mrs. Barkley. I find that refreshing. AS to the dance I wouldn't rule it out. Now if you'll excuse me it's been a long day and I'd like to retire," Heath stood up, "Good night."
"Good night," the Barkley's said as he headed up to his room.
The blond woke up as the sun streamed through the window. It had felt good to sleep in a decent bed. He had slept in many, hard and bug filled ones than
he cared to remember.
Jarrod was going to be easy he thought although the Barkley's were an interesting bunch. Nick, especially, knowing he had better not cross the impulsive
rancher.
Getting dressed he made his way to the breakfast table. He found Mrs. Barkley, Jarrod and Audra waiting. Just before sitting down, he heard Nick before he
came in, his loud spurs an indication of Nick's bluster.
"Morning Mr. Sawyer," Nick said gruffly, "didn't think of man like you would get up before eight like my brother here."
"I enjoy the morning Mr. Barkley," Heath smiled, recalling the deep, dark mines he had worked in. "I was wondering if I could trouble you for
a horse?" The blond started eating.
"A horse? A horse? Don't you mean a horse and buggy Mr. Sawyer?" Nick laughed at the private joke.
"I do ride Mr. Barkley," Heath stabbed his steak. "I know how to ride I just chose not to."
"Oh sure of course after breakfast I pick you out a nice and gentle horse."
"I like my horses to have spirit Mr. Barkley. I've ridden before," Heath stared straight into the rancher's hazel eyes.
"Sure Mr. Sawyer, sure," Nick went back to his breakfast.
Heath was surprised the rancher tasted anything as he shoved the food into his mouth. Whereas the con man savored every bite, the food at the boarding house
at a lot to be desired as to the restaurants he was able to afford.
"So Mr. Sawyer where do you plan to go today?" Mrs. Barkley looked at him, differently.
Giving his best grin," I plan on looking over some properties for sale. Ranches and farms, my clients might be interested in investing it. Silent
partners of course," Heath nodded to the silver haired woman.
"Of course Jarrod told us of your clients. You live an interesting life Mr. Sawyer. I'm sure you must know some of my friends?" She smiled at
him.
"Well I'm not one to kiss and tell Mrs. Barkley. I must say I never tasted such a fine breakfast," Heath stood up. "Now if you'll loan
me some saddlebags too, I'd much appreciate it."
"Why would you need saddlebags Mr. Sawyer?" Jarrod looked at him.
"Well I'll probably be gone most of the day and if I could trouble you for lunch I really appreciate it since you have one fine cook," the
blond smiled his best smile as the Barkley's bent over backwards to treat him as a guest.
"Certainly Mr. Sawyer, I'll have Silas pack you something. So we can count on you for dinner then?" Mrs. Barkley asked, her eyes showing some
sign of recognition, although Heath had never met her in his life.
"Yes of course. Wouldn't want to miss such fine company," Heath grinned at Audra and watched as the girl blushed.
"Of course. Nick make sure Silas fills Mr. Sawyer's saddlebags," Victoria ordered her son.
"Yes Mother. You ready Mr. Sawyer?" Nick stood up, throwing his napkin on the table.
"Yes thank you again for a lovely breakfast," Heath followed the rancher to the stable.
"Well now how about this one," Nick walked over to one stall.
Heath walked over and looked at the worn down horse.
"No thanks, this nag wouldn't get a mile. Now that's what I'm looking for," Heath went over to another stall and patted the horse on
the head.
"Now wait one minute Mr. Sawyer, that horse needs a man with control not some..."
"Panty waist Mr. Barkley? I know how to ride. What's the horse's name?" Heath nuzzled up to the horse and started to put tack on it.
"Charger. I think its too much horse for you Mr. Sawyer, liable to buck you right off."
"Nonsense Mr. Barkley, you treat a horse right and it will treat you right," Heath continued to talk to the horse as he put on the tack.
"Senor Sawyer," Ciego came in with saddlebags. "Silas has filled it with mucho food."
"Muchas gracias Ciego." the blond took the saddlebags and led the horse out of the stable.
Jarrod came out of the house and walked over to Nick, sticking his hands in his pockets. "You letting Mr. Sawyer ride Charger? Nick are you crazy?"
"No he is. Bet you five dollars he can't stay get out of the gate," Nick snickered.
"You're on," Jarrod shook his brother's hand.
Heath attached the saddlebags and gently climbed on the horse. "See you later, gentlemen," he tipped his hat and rode off into town.
"Well I'll be damned," Nick stood opened mouthed as Heath rode away.
"All right Nick, pay off," Jarrod laughed at his surprised brother. Something niggling in the back of his head about their house guest.
