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undetermined length of time.”
    â€œI have one available on the second floor. A large cottonwood tree shades it in the daytime, Senor. I think you will find it comfortable.”
    After being shrieked at for most of the afternoon, Heath found Pilar’s gentle spirit, lilting accent, and serene smile soothing. “ Gracias. ”
    A man in his line of work had to be wary of strangers, but he had a feeling it would be difficult to remain aloof around the woman regarding him with open friendliness. He liked her instantly. She reminded him of Rad’s wife, Ginny. Calm, gentle, tranquil.
    He followed Pilar to a room that was typically western in decor except for a tap over a zinc basin. Indoor running water was unusual for this part of the country, and Heath was suitably impressed. He complimented Pilar on her home.
    â€œGracias, Senor . . .”
    â€œDiamond. Lucky Diamond. Please call me Lucky.” He watched his hostess warily, hoping she wouldn’t ask him to leave. Most respectable women shied away from professional gamblers. And with a name like Lucky Diamond, there could be no doubt in Pilar’s mind of his profession.
    Not one to be predictable, Pilar caught Heath off guard. “You plan to try your hand at gambling in our town, Lucky?” She might have been discussing the weather for all the emotion in her voice.
    More than surprised, Heath was relieved. He was far too tired to go room-hunting today. And he did like Pilar. “Yes. But first I would sell my soul for some good home cooking and a hot bath.”
    Pilar laughed. “It will be my pleasure to pamper you. Much as your own mother would.”
    â€œIf only all the ladies in this area were as gracious as you. . .”
    â€œYou have found our ladies otherwise?” she expressed her surprise.
    â€œOnly one.” Leaning against the bedpost, he tried to hide his apparent interest. “I was waylaid by a young girl about seven miles east of town. She took several shots at me from the cliffs in front of Mustang Mesa.”
    Pilar clutched her throat. “Oh, dear. Stevie!”
    â€œStevie? No. I don’t think so. I didn’t catch her name, but this very definitely was a girl. I got close enough to determine that delightful fact.”
    â€œYes. Our Stevie is very much a girl. No matter how hard she tries to be the son her father needs. But you mustn’t hold her”—she paused, searching for the right words—“unorthodox behavior against her, Lucky. She’s understandably upset. It was recently declared that her father doesn’t hold clear title to his ranch and Sandy and Stevie are to be evicted any day. She probably thought you were one of Judge Jack’s hired guns, sent to throw them into the streets.”
    Almost as an afterthought, she mused, “I’m surprised that you got by her so easily.”
    Heath grinned. “Who said it was easy?”
    Pilar assessed Heath, taking in his long, muscled six-foot-four-inch frame, the rakish twinkle in his eye, his shiny black hair, and engaging grin. She couldn’t imagine him having trouble with any woman. “The sentiment of most men regarding Stevie,” Pilar said cryptically.
    Heath felt a twinge in his gut that was too damn close to jealousy for his peace of mind. To his knowledge, he had never suffered from the petty emotion. Jealousy was for the ranks of the insecure. And he possessed more than his share of confidence; some uncharitably called it arrogance. But things had always come easy for him—money, friends, women, success. Who wouldn’t be confident?
    â€œMiss Pilar, Cook needs you in the kitchen,” a small Mexican girl interrupted, staring shyly at the gringo.
    â€œPlease tell her I’ll be right down, Maria.” Pilar turned to Heath. “You’ll want to have your bath before supper. My guests use the shed out back. I’ll have Will Eagle fill the tub. Supper will be served