"Let me see." He gently took her right arm, but then fire raced through his veins and reddened his face and neck. His forearms tensed. "I'm going to kill him."
Tears spilled onto the counter. "If you say another word about him we're through."
"Caitlin, what's gotten into you?"
"Life. Reality. Try it sometime," and she charged outside for fresh air. There was no particular reason she stuck up for Scott, but she did not appreciate Garrett's insinuations.
The door closed and she felt his breath on her neck, but she refused to look at him. "So, you like him that much? Let me tell you a few things about your new friend."
"Don't do this." She closed her eyes against the tears.
"MacKay's been talking about your ranch and plans." When Caitlin shrugged he continued. "You don't find it odd, even strange that a few days after Marshall died he's in town and he finds you and starts working here? Is it coincidence he's cozying up to you? Caitlin, all he wants is to get you in bed, talk you into selling."
The slap on his face echoed in the quiet night. "Do not be rude to me in my house."
"Don't be naïve," he said massaging her cheek. "Tell me, did Marshall ever tell you how much he was worth?"
She thought for a moment but had no idea. Finances were not discussed in the house. Scott's words controlled her thoughts. He's right. I will forever be a child here. Being here feels right. What am I to do? "You're worth millions."
"Excuse me?" she said, stumbling into the railing.
"MacKay wants your money. He'll marry you, leave you when you're penniless, and where does that leave you?"
"So that's what this is all about. You don't care about me, nor have you ever. You're only doing your duty out of respect for Granddaddy." Controlled, fiery anger settled in her glare. "The two most important men in my life have really let me down." Then she started laughing with disdain.
"I'm sorry I haven't been here for you like you need."
She shook her head. "Don't. You don't have that right." With a deep breath, her heart calmed to a fast, yet steady pace. The anger kept the words rolled up tight like a hay bale. "What can I say except you must find this very convenient?" She boldly met his eyes, never blinking. Anything else she wanted to say would put on them different paths without a common one to return to each other when the anger and the resentment faded. So she said good night. Before the door was opened, he took her good arm and turned her around.