Free Hands On by Debbi Rawlins

fit the bill. One or both of the spouses have money. The womenare all wearing rocks on their fingers. Simone’s diamond earrings probably cost more than my car.”
    â€œI noticed. What do you think the story is with Kathy and Tom? They’re the oddest pair of the bunch.”
    â€œMy guess is that Daddy owns the big ranch worth millions and Tom was one of the hands. He loves her but isn’t comfortable having a rich wife. He wants to be the one to take care of her. Thus, their problems.”
    Cassie wrinkled her nose. “That’s so old-fashioned.”
    â€œA man wanting to be able to take care of his wife?”
    â€œWhat difference does it make where the money comes from?”
    Dalton shook his head. Some women just didn’t get it. Like Linda…his ex thought marriage should be all fun and games. She didn’t understand a man’s need to prove his worth, to know he could provide for his family no matter what. “It makes a big difference, trust me.”
    â€œHow?”
    â€œDidn’t you pay attention to your history lessons?”
    Cassie laughed, which really annoyed him. “I can’t wait to hear this explanation.”
    â€œLet’s get back to the present problem.” Dalton was in no mood to spar with any of her feminist notions. “I’m going to need some time to snoop around. Tonight might be good since we know Bask isn’t here.”
    She studied him curiously, her gaze probing and irritating. “You feel strongly about a man being head of the household, don’t you?”
    â€œIt’s not about that. Look, don’t get off track. Tonight after dinner, see if you can get Mary Jane to show you more of the house. Tell her you used to be an interior decorator, or that you’re interested in nineteenth-century houses, whatever.”
    â€œAnd what will you be doing?”
    â€œI’ll go with you, just to get more of a feel for the place, but then I’ll excuse myself and you keep her busy. I have a feeling the others will be too busy to notice.”
    â€œYeah, either smashed or playing footsies.”
    He smiled. It was kind of cute when she sounded more Southern.
    â€œWhat?”
    He shrugged. “I agree.”
    â€œWhat’s that grin for?”
    â€œHave you lived in Texas all your life?”
    She nodded tentatively, looking as if she thought it was a trick question.
    â€œI like your accent.”
    â€œOh.” She moistened her lips. “I don’t hear it, of course.” After a brief hesitation, she said, “We still have to talk about tonight.”
    â€œWe just did.”
    â€œI mean, tonight tonight.”
    â€œTonight.” He had no idea what she was talking about.
    She made a growling sound. “Don’t play dumb. We haven’t decided on sleeping arrangements.”
    â€œAh, that tonight.”
    â€œYou think this is so funny.” Cassie adjusted the neckline of her T-shirt. As if that did any good. Her breasts strained against the thin stretchy fabric, driving him crazy. “It’s obvious what kind of women you hang around. But I’m not like that.”
    â€œGlad it’s obvious to somebody.” Sighing, he locked his hands behind his head and stared at the sky. Staring at her did him no good. “It’s been so long since I’ve ‘hung around’ I can’t remember.”
    She gave a startled laugh. “Right.”
    â€œI wouldn’t lie about a thing like that, honey. Too painful.” After a long silence, he glanced at her.
    She stared at him with a puzzled frown. “Why?”
    It was his turn to laugh.
    She blinked, and looked down, her cheeks filling with color. “Sorry. None of my business.”
    â€œHey, I’m flattered you find my state of celibacy so hard to believe.” He grinned when she rolled her eyes. “I work a lot. I don’t have much time to meet women.”
    She pursed her