Double Cross by Reed Terri

Author:Reed, Terri [Reed, Terri]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Bottom line, though, would she be able to stay open for business with such an expense? Ryan didn’t know their financial situation to the dollar, but he’d done enough research to know they weren’t making bank payments. For his clients this was good news and this situation would only strengthen their negotiation power to buy the property.

He tried not to care, because becoming emotionally involved in the situation wouldn’t be a sound decision for his own future well-being. But he couldn’t stop himself from feeling regret that Kiki’s plans were in jeopardy as he took his place down a line and

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Double Cross

began to pluck the black, inch-long insects from the stems and leaves of the many different blossoms and toss them into the buckets of soapy water.

Kiki worked alongside him, her easy chatter and upbeat mood making a tedious chore more enjoyable.

And as illogical as it was, he did care about her and her family.

The heat from the morning sun sent the beetles scurrying underground. Exhaustion weighed on Kiki’s shoulders as she called a halt to the work.

Standing by the gate to hug and thank everyone as they filed out, she couldn’t believe how touched she was by the hard work and dedication of each in-dividual who’d stayed through the night picking bugs off the plants. Many said they’d be back that evening to complete the debugging. That went way beyond the call of duty.

As the last of the employees and their families left, Kiki went to where Ryan and Tutu were conversing on the porch stairs. It made no sense to her that Ryan would help. This insect infestation could ruin the farm. He should be champing at the bit to get their signatures on the documents he’d brought with him.

She wasn’t sure what to make of him. He’d stayed calm and levelheaded yesterday when the fuel line had been cut, stranding them in the middle of nowhere. And she’d not only found herself really comfortable with him, but confiding in him about her jerk

Terri Reed 115

of an ex-boyfriend. She hadn’t even told her family some of the details she’d shared with Ryan.

Allowing herself to be drawn to another mainlander wasn’t a good idea. Granted, Ryan wasn’t seeking a part of the Brill fortune, but he was after her heritage. She mustn’t give in to any attraction or romantic nonsense. She and Ryan were like oil and water. And she was determined to have her way.

“Well done, Kiki, dear,” Tutu said as Kiki stepped onto the porch.

“We’ve a long way to go yet,” she replied, stretch-ing the tight muscles of her back.

“True, but with so many people pitching in, it won’t be long before we’re rid of the little pests.”

Tutu’s confidence made Kiki smile. “You’re right.”

Tutu patted Kiki’s arm. “If you two will excuse me, I’m going to bed. I think Pano should be back from his job in a few hours and he’s not the most quiet of human’s.”

“Rest well,” Ryan said as Tutu headed inside.

Left alone with Ryan, Kiki gave him her full attention.

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