“Least I could do for the cowgirl who helped me herd cattle.”
She laughed. “As it turns out, there wasn’t much to it—if you know what you’re doing.”
“I’ve had a little experience.”
“Who knew oats were the way to a cow’s heart?”
“You want dessert?” He grinned as he set down his fork.
“Is that a bribe?”
“If it’ll get you back upstairs.”
“Yum. Dessert in bed.” She felt heat spiral through her at just the thought of his big bed. And Trey would be the most delicious, most sinful, most decadent dessert she could possibly imagine. Yes, he was definitely her tasty Texas Millionaire candy.
“Later,” he promised with a hot gleam in his eyes. “Right now we’d better put our cards on the table.”
She nodded in understanding. “The sabotage is escalating, isn’t it?”
“They’re hitting me where it hurts. I’m going to set up 24/7 guards, and I’ll update the sheriff on the situation here.”
“It’s terrible. What can I do to help?”
“Tell me Texas Timber isn’t involved.”
She felt a sense of relief that he’d believe her about the company. “They’re not. And I’ll tell you why. They sent me here to find out who is sabotaging their tree farms and by extension causing you problems.”
“That’s it? What about buying my timber?”
“Far as I know, that’s a genuine offer. These fires have nothing to do with your ranch.”
She pushed back her plate and leaned forward. “Trey, I’m here to help. I was warned not to trust anybody. The culprits are operating here, so Texas Timber figures the arsonists must be local.”
“That’s why you were leery of me at first?”
“Yes. But I wanted to trust you.”
He nodded. “I felt the same about you.”
She experienced that deep connection with him pull at her, as it had from the first. “So here we are. A tissue. Heel prints. Not much to go on and probably not even connected to the case.”
“Even if we haven’t caught the arsonists, we’ve saved lives and property.” He took a long drink of tea. “But one of these times we’re not going to be so lucky.”
“That’s why we’ve got to catch him, her, or them. And soon.”
“I’m concerned they’ll take advantage of Christmas in the Country. Everybody will be busy, including law enforcement and fire-rescue. Can you think of a better time to burn down another Christmas tree farm?”
“I hate to say it, but no.” She rested her chin on her fist a moment, thinking. “Any ideas about who it might be?”
“I’ve racked my brain trying to pin the fires, the cut fence, the trouble on somebody, but I can’t do it.”
“What about Bert and his son?”
“Maybe,” Trey agreed. “But I don’t see how the tree fires and the cut fence have anything to do with them.”
“I admit it’s a stretch.”
Misty rubbed her hand up and down the condensation on her tea glass, hoping something—anything—helpful would come to mind.
“Guess we might as well table it for tonight.”
She nodded in agreement. “I’m glad you’re going to post guards here. I can’t stand the idea of more trouble. There’re these beautiful homes. And your wonderful cattle.”
“You like the cows?”
She glanced up at his face, warming to his expectant expression. “You know I couldn’t resist kidding you. Bessie and the Bessiettes are the greatest.”
He threw back his head and laughed long and hard. “Now you’ve turned them into a rock band.”
“I bet they could do it.”
“Not another word about the cows. I can’t take it.” He stood up, still chuckling at her words. “Let’s carry Slade’s wine to the sofa. We can watch night fall over the ranch.”
“Perfect.” She looked up at Trey, drinking in every little thing about him. “Why don’t I put the dishes in the dishwasher while you pour our wine?”
“Deal.”
A little later, she heard soft Christmas music as he turned on his surround-sound system. She dried her hands and swiveled to look. Only the Christmas tree lights illuminated the room in soft colors. He’d set two wineglasses on the coffee table. Now he stood thoughtfully gazing out the windows, a long, tall Texan surveying his expansive domain.
She felt her breath catch in her throat. When had he come to mean so much to her? How could it have happened so fast? She hardly dared think “love.” And yet, that’s where her heart was leading her.
Trey had everything he needed in life. What would he want with a city gal who knew nothing about cattle or horses or ranches? She had a pair of red cowgirl boots as her one claim to that life. Yes, they could enjoy a fling, but he was teaching her to want so much more than she’d ever dared to hope for in life. And now she wanted him. Forever and always.