Free Kate's Outlaw (Steam! Romance and Rails) by E.E. Burke

Do you know of another route? One that doesn’t go through existing farms?”
    Oh no, he wasn’t becoming her advisor.
    “You’re assuming we want to give up any of our land.”
    “I didn’t say give it up. The railroad can pay for it.” She crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze challenging. Had she ever considered becoming a horse-trader? She’d excel at it.
    Jake assumed a firm stance. He wasn’t about to be outdone by a white woman half his size. “Your father doesn’t want to pay. He’s fighting to get it for free.”
    “And that battle is becoming very expensive.”
    “For who? He has plenty of money.”
    “He didn’t make it by throwing it away.” Redbird’s blue eyes snapped and her cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink. She was beautiful when she got riled.
    Jake was tempted to keep the argument going to see what else it might spark. “We’re not interested in selling.”
    A crease appeared between brows the same bright color as her hair. “How do you know what the council will approve?”
    “My uncle is on the council.”
    “Your uncle ?” Delight lit in her eyes and Jake knew he’d made a strategic mistake. She threw her arms wide. “Why, that’s even better. You can take me to meet him. We could discuss—”
    “Forget it.” If he brought her to his uncle, he’d have to explain too many things, and he had no idea how to explain Redbird. She was unlike any woman he’d ever known. “I told you. We’re not interested in selling.”
    Her lips thinned. “All right. Lease your land.”
    The suggestion surprised him. “Lease?”
    “Rent it out.”
    “I know what leasing means. I just hadn’t thought about making money off the railroad in that way.” The idea did have some merit. Not much, but some. “What’s to keep them from building things on our land.”
    “Lease only what the railroad needs to lay its track. That would give your people control of what to put around it. And the money you make would be yours to keep.”
    So she was clever and resourceful, not to mention persistent. He even admired her for that. It didn’t mean he’d give in to what she wanted. In his experience, rich men could always find loopholes. “There’s no guarantee the government won’t award the grants later. It’s better to keep the railroad out.”
    She ran her hand up his sleeve. Sensual awareness shimmered through him. If she noticed he’d stiffened, she gave no sign. “Jake, listen to me. Even if you stop the Katy, it doesn’t mean some other railroad won’t get through. The government is determined to make that happen. Better to deal with the devil you know, rather than one you don’t know.”
    “The devil I know?” He gave her a pointed look. “Who would that be?”
    Her hand fell away.
    He almost reached out to draw her back.
    “What will it take to convince you I’m sincere?” Her expression was so open, so vulnerable he was tempted to give in to her demands.
    “Get your father to release any claim on our lands.”
    Her expressive face communicated her disappointment. “I wouldn’t count on that. He’s as short-sighted and pig-headed as you are.”
    “Then we have nothing more to talk about.” Jake took her elbow and pulled her into the barn. “Let’s go. I need to get you back before Charley comes home.”
     
    ###
     
    Charley, Jake’s cousin, Na’s son… They were all part of the same family. 
    Kate couldn’t believe what Jake had confessed moments before they left the farm—this time with her mounted behind him. Thank heavens she wasn’t nestled in his lap, considering how her body reacted with fireworks every time he touched her. However, it was harder to hang on while straddling the paint’s wide rump.
    She scooted closer, hugging his waist. “You said I’d be safe. Why did you bring me to Charley’s home?”
    “He doesn’t live here anymore.”
    “But his mother does.”
    “She wouldn’t let him hurt you.”
    The memory of Charley’s cold