Free The Rancher Returns by Brenda Jackson

he’d offered. In all honesty, she should be appalled by it. Instead she saw it as her chance to prove she was above the desire he couldn’t stop talking about. She would find Jesse James’s loot. She had no doubts. There was no need getting irritated that he was a typical male who thought a good roll between the sheets was the answer to everything. She would never be able to convince him that when it came to sex, she had always been able to take it or leave it, no matter how tempting it was to indulge. He would find that out for himself.
    She’d be free to run her dig and make the finding of not only her career but of a lifetime. She wouldn’t think about the traitorous voice that said it might be nice to lose this bet and get the consolation prize...
    â€œFine.”
    He lifted his brow. “Does that mean you accept the deal?”
    â€œAs long as you give me your word you won’t try to hinder me and my team in any way.”
    â€œI wouldn’t do that.”
    Yeah. Right . There was no reason for her to trust he wouldn’t do just about anything to make sure the result worked out in his favor. Another typical male trait. No man liked losing. “Whatever you say.”
    â€œYou’re going to have to trust me.”
    Layla rolled her eyes. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t know you enough to trust you.”
    â€œI can remedy that.”
    â€œDon’t do me any favors.” Layla eased out of her chair, feeling like she’d mentally run a marathon. “So will you give me your word as a SEAL that you won’t try anything underhanded?”
    â€œYou think my word as a SEAL means something?”
    â€œYes. SEALs are a special team of men who take the job of protecting our country very seriously, and they live by a code of honor and integrity.”
    Gavin nodded. She was right. “And you know this how?”
    â€œMy father’s cousin used to be a SEAL. He retired a few years ago, but he told us all about them. At least what he could share. A lot of the stuff he did was classified.”
    â€œThe majority of our missions are,” Gavin said.
    â€œSo, will you give me your word?”
    â€œYes, you have my word.”
    * * *
    As far as Gavin was concerned, getting her into his bed before the dig began would not be interfering with the job she wanted to do.
    â€œGood.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s getting late. I’m sure you need more sleep. However, if you need help with the dishes, then I—”
    â€œNo, I don’t need help with the dishes. That’s what dishwashers are for.”
    â€œDo you still want to see where we plan to dig?”
    â€œYes. I want to know what you have planned on my property and where.”
    â€œNo problem.”
    â€œThen I’ll come by the cottage in the morning,” he said, standing, as well. “Come on. I’ll walk you back.”
    She shook her head as she put on her sweater. “That’s not necessary.”
    â€œIt is for me, Layla. I’ll walk you back.”
    She didn’t deny him, maybe she didn’t want to appear ungrateful. She headed for the door and when she reached out to open it, he moved his hand forward, as well. She didn’t seem aware that he’d been standing so close behind her. His fingers closed over hers and his chest was flush against her back.
    â€œI can open the door, Gavin,” she said, glancing over her shoulder, obviously flustered at his nearness. He loomed over her five-foot-three-inch height. He stood so close he could smell her with every breath.
    â€œYour choice.” Releasing his hand from hers he eased back. She opened the door and inhaled the cool Missouri air.
    â€œNice night, isn’t it?” he asked her. He walked beside her now.
    â€œYes, it is a nice night.” She glanced over at him again. “Glad to be home?”
    A smile touched his lips. “Yes. It’s