She scrambled into the seat and grinned down at him. For some reason, she found it all amusing.
Bordeaux 's eyes twinkled, and a wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You and your mules have a lot in common, you know that?"
She rubbed her backside, and laughed shortly. "We're stubborn?"
He shook his head. "Unpredictable."
She smiled down at him sweetly. "You should know. You've been spending enough time with my mules."
He adjusted his hat, his eyes twinkling with humor. "Are you complaining about the help, or are you jealous?"
"Jealous? Why would I want to see more of the same thing I view from this wagon seat all day? From this angle, it's hard to tell you from the mules."
She kicked the brake free and slapped the sombrero on her head, smiling smugly down at him.
He laughed as he turned to his mount. "Don't eat too much dust today. I'll try to round up something special for supper."
He swung up on his horse and tipped his hat to her before riding into the desert.
She waited until the others were in their wagons and then slapped the lines to the backs of the mules. The wagon lurched forward again. Watching his broad retreating back dampened her spirits. Each day brought them closer to the time he would be riding away permanently. Was her attraction to him based solely on his looks? Instantly she knew that wasn't true. Bordeaux was the closest thing she'd had to a friend in a long time...other than Pete, of course. But Bordeaux had a sense of humor that sought and found her own. It reminded her of those days, years ago, when the family laughed and talked to each other. A wave of loneliness washed over her. Maybe it was time to go home. Money would be tight, but they could manage. If she left from Ashley, she would arrive in time to plant a garden at the ranch. That would supplement her meager savings, and she could be with the twins. The job couldn't last much longer, anyway. The railroad was scheduled to reach Ashley soon and there would be no need for freighting goods to the little town.
She pulled the scarf from her neck and wiped her face. Her skin was already covered with dust. Each trip was more boring than the last. At first the desert had intrigued her. Now it was a place of torture. Four more days and they would be in Ashley. She straightened, relieved with her decision. Four more days and she would go back to the ranch.