Seduction, Westmoreland Style - Brenda Jackson [32]
McKinnon came to stand closer to Casey. “You’re probably tired after all you’ve done today. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night. Why don’t you go back up to the guest house and go on to bed.”
Casey stared up at him. He was trying to get rid of her, to put back into prospective what he thought their relationship should be yet again. “I’m fine, McKinnon and since tomorrow is Saturday, I can sleep late if I want.”
He met her gaze for a long moment and said nothing, but she felt him putting his guard back up. She couldn’t help wondering why he refused to let her get close. A part of her said let it go, that if that’s the way he wanted to be then so be it. Another part, the part that felt there was more to it than what she was seeing, decided not to let it go. There was a reason for McKinnon’s behavior and she intended to find out what it was.
“Isn’t he a beautiful colt?” Casey said excitedly about the foal Spitfire had given birth to a couple of hours earlier. Both mother and baby were doing fine, and proud Poppa Thunder had whined proudly.
“Yes, he most certainly is,” McKinnon said as the two of them walked back toward the house. “And I know your dad is going to be pleased.”
“I’m sure he will be.” After Paul arrived, everyone got busy and there was no time to concentrate on anything but the business at hand. But now they were back to square one.
“You mentioned something about sleeping late in the morning. Does that mean you plan to stay on the ranch all weekend?” McKinnon asked, his voice neutral as if he didn’t care one way or the other.
“My parents are off the mountain visiting with yours for the weekend. In fact, I’m going with both parents to a play in town tomorrow night. You’re welcome to join us if—”
“No, thanks. I’ll have work to do.”
She nodded, knowing this was his way of putting distance between them again. “All right. Then I’ll see you later.”
Before he could comment, and whether he intended to do so was doubtful, she turned and walked quickly toward the guest house.
Savannah called and invited Casey over for Sunday dinner. Durango would be working that day and she hated eating alone. Casey appreciated the invitation to get off McKinnon’s ranch for a while since once again he had made himself scarce where she was concerned. Besides, Casey appreciated the company of a female close to her age, and since meeting Savannah at Chase’s wedding the two had developed a close friendship.
They talked about a lot of stuff but Casey would be the first one to admit their current topic was one she wouldn’t mind changing. She glanced over at Savannah as she finished her meal. “Why do you think something is going on between me and McKinnon?”
Savannah tilted her head and smiled. “Because there is,” she said simply. “You can deny it all you want but it’s there. But honestly, I think you really don’t recognize it for what it is.”
Casey knew that was definitely a possibility since she had little experience with men. “And how do you know it’s there?”
Savannah’s smile widened. “Because I’ve seen the two of you at several functions. I’ve watched how you look at each other when the other’s not noticing. I know first-hand how that is because that’s how things started with me and Durango. Things got so intense between us that we were in bed together the day after we met.”
She then rubbed her stomach and grinned. “And as you know, the rest is history.”
Casey chuckled. “But the two of you are so much in love, which means the marriage didn’t happen because you got pregnant.”
“That was supposed to be the reason but that’s the clincher,” Savannah said, smiling broadly. “We didn’t know we were in love. Or maybe deep down somewhere we knew it but were afraid to acknowledge it. I’m just glad we came to our senses. I can’t imagine my life without Durango and I want the same thing for you and McKinnon.”
Casey shook her head. “Whoa, back up, hold on. I think your eyes are so full of love for Durango that you think everyone else’s eyes should have that same glow. But to set the record straight,