Page 9 of Diamond

This is what Diamond Velente does. She rescues things. She takes them under her wing and puts them back together. Deep appreciation and understanding wash over me.

This is a woman who cares deeply about people and animals. She just doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve. Instead, she throws arrows, but I’m starting to see through her armor.

“You looked great out there.” I don’t know why those words slip out of my mouth.

The same reason I don’t know why my eyes roam over her sexy silhouette, and all I can think about is pushing her against one of the haybales and fucking her.

Calm the fuck down, Calloway.

“Didn’t know you were an expert,” she tosses back.

“I ride,” I tell her. “Or I used to.”

“Y-you do?”

“Well, it’s been a few years. I want to get back into it again. My daughter…” What in the fuck am I doing?

“Your daughter?” she repeats when I stop suddenly.

I clear my throat. Okay, it’s no secret around town I have a daughter. Diamond may already know, but I didn’t mean to just blurt it out. “Charlotte,” I continue. “I’d love to give her some lessons; she’s been harping on about getting a pony.”

“Ponies aren’t cheap,” Diamond says, kissing Gypsy on her nose. “But you know we offer lessons here, don’t you? Hell of a lot cheaper, and you can see whether she likes it or not before you commit.”

That I didn’t know. Charlotte would be in seventh heaven coming to the ranch. We’re renting a small place in town until we’re settled, then I’ll look for something bigger.

“You’re a woman of many talents.”

She stares at me. “Not just a pretty face, Sheriff.”

“Nash, no need for formalities when I’ve got horse shit stuck to my shoe.”

Her lips twitch as she fights a smile. “Shoulda come better prepared.”

She’s right. I should have.

“What did Lanzetti want?” I already know the answer, but it’s a formality.

“You know what he wants. My land. The son of a bitch offered me five million dollars to sell.”

My eyes widen. “For real?”

“For real. The same way he sweet-talked the Davidsons into turning their farm over when the kids didn’t want to take over. Money talks, clearly.” She shakes her head. “I had no fucking clue that he had his sights set on my property, but it isn’t for sale, not at any price.”

“That’s a lot of money, Diamond.”

Her fierce gaze meets mine. “At any price, Nash.”

It’s the first time she’s used my name, and if my cock wasn’t already hard as fuck, it is now.

I feel myself straining in my briefs. This woman is fucking glorious.

“So it’s never crossed your mind?” I’m provoking her, I know that.

“About selling?” she asks, shocked. “No.” She frowns a whole lot more. “Wait, did he send you here? Are you in on this, too?”

I move closer to her, but she steps back.

“I have no clue what you’re talking about. I’m not in anyone’s pocket.”