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men, and time on his side. He’d often boasted that all he had to do was wait her out, and unfortunately it was the truth. She had very little money, and even less food, and she faced desperatetimes ahead. Were she alone in this, she’d defy him until hell froze over, but she had Joth’s future to consider. Blake’s remark about the effects of this fight on Joth still resonated. Joth didn’t deserve to live his life under siege any more than he deserved to have to fend for himself were something to happen to her. She was his only family, and she needed to start acting that way. “You ever worked cattle, Mr. Blake?”
    â€œNope.”
    Jessi wanted to throw up her hands. “Do you think you can learn?”
    â€œThat an invitation to stay?”
    His topaz-colored eyes were glowing.
    Jessi’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve already said I don’t have a choice. I’m just trying to determine whether you’ll be totally useless around here, or just partially.”
    Griff winced. “Not too many men come courting around here, do they?”
    â€œMeaning?” she answered coolly.
    â€œWhen was the last time you smiled? You’re as ornery as a she-cat with a thorn in her paw.”
    â€œI am a she-cat with a thorn in her paw, Mr. Blake. It’s called Darcy. And now I have another thorn—you.”
    Griff grinned. “Oh, we’re going to have fun, you and I.”
    â€œNo, we’re not,” she contradicted him. “If you’re planning on staying around here, there won’t be time for fun. There’s too much work to do.”
    Griff decided he liked bantering with her. He enjoyed the way her dark eyes flashed. “Does Darcy have to deliver your land by a certain date?”
    â€œYes, first of September is what I’m hearing.”
    â€œSo you’re expecting him to step up his campaign against you.”
    She nodded.
    Griff sensed she was on the verge of accepting thejudge’s plan, but it was hard to tell. Women were as much a part of Griff’s life as robbing trains, and he prided himself on his knowledge of both; however, this one didn’t seem to fit any of the patterns. She was beautiful enough to be mistress of a Mexican emperor, yet she didn’t seem to be the least bit aware of her beauty. He could see how rough and chapped her hands were as she cradled her cup. Granted, she was fighting for her life here and had precious little time for tea parties and the like, but what was she like behind closed doors?
    Jessi had come to a decision. “Okay, Blake, although I don’t see how much help you can be if you’re not real partial to guns and have never worked cows, I’m going to reserve judgment and let you stay. When it’s over, I want you gone.”
    â€œYes, ma’am,” he replied, flashing that smile.
    Jessi thought he looked mighty comfortable sitting at her kitchen table with his arms folded across his chest so confidently. His topaz eyes seemed to be glittering with amusement, or was it challenge?
    â€œYou’re one stubborn woman, Miss Clayton.”
    â€œThank you.”
    A smile played across his lips. “Ever met a man that could handle that stubbornness?”
    She studied him closely for a moment, and felt the aura of him touch her in spite of herself, then said, “No.”
    â€œWell, I’m one of the stubbornest men I know.”
    â€œI’m sure that’s something you’re very proud of, Mr. Blake.”
    He chuckled.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?”
    â€œNothing, Miss Clayton.”
    â€œHow old are you?” she asked. He looked to be fairly young. Too young.
    â€œBe twenty-six in October, and you?”
    â€œThirty-two this past February.”
    She’d given him a straight answer, something he rarely received in reply to what some women considered to be a highly personal question. He didn’t know why he was surprised,