Kate's Outlaw (Steam! Romance and Rails) by E.E. Burke

situation? Any relationship with Jake—past one of mutual benefit—wasn’t going to happen. Still, they could work together to find a solution that would help his family and keep her father’s railroad solvent long enough for her to inherit it.
    “So, if you won’t accept my help, what do you plan to do?
    “You’re worse than a woodpecker.”
    “I’d stop pecking if you’d give me straight answers.”
    He lapsed into silence again. But this time he didn’t act as if she’d annoyed him. He appeared to be thinking before he replied, something he did often. It was a good trait. One she’d do well to cultivate. “I’ll wait for the courts to decide,” he replied finally.
    “The courts? That could take years. Do you want to leave your future in the hands of a group of men who have no vested interest in seeing your people treated fairly?”
    “You’re saying you have a vested interest?”
    “As a matter of fact, I do. If I can resolve this standoff, my father will see that I’m capable of playing a larger role. I’ll gain more influence in decisions. Maybe even a place on the board.”
    He straightened his spine, which made it difficult for her to hold on. Disappointment threaded through her. Was he pulling away because he couldn’t bear to have her touching him? Perhaps he viewed this attraction between them as nothing more than an inconvenient itch.
    “You want power.” He made it sound like a curse word.
    “Power that can be used for good.”
    “I don’t know of any power that’s used for good. Especially in the hands of a white man.”
    She fisted her hands against his stomach. “Your haranguing against whites is wearing thin. And in case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a man. I’m a woman .”
    His muscles contracted on a huff. “How could I not notice with you pressing your breasts against my back?”
    Was he being crude in an attempt to shut her up? She wasn’t so easily offended or dismissed. “Well I know how it feels to be powerless and unable to protect myself. I would never use my strength to prevail over someone in a weaker position.”
    His shoulders tensed at her not-so-subtle dig. “That explains why you’d want to see me hung from the nearest tree. Not why you’d want to help me.”
    “Hanging you won’t do either of us any good.”
    “Glad to hear you think so.” At his droll tone, Kate relaxed. If he was bantering with her, they were back on steady ground.
    She pondered her next move. “If my father agrees to give up those government grants, do you think your leaders would lease him the land for right-of-way?”
    Jake’s chest expanded and he heaved a sigh. “Are you always this persistent?”
    “I wouldn’t get anywhere if I backed down every time the mule balked.”
    “First I’m pig-headed. Now I’m a mule.”
    She smiled against his back. “Are you seeking confirmation…or forgiveness?”
    A breeze blew past, carrying with it the fragrance of peaches. She peeked over his shoulder. They were nearing an orchard and the trees were laden with fruit. Several hours had passed since breakfast. His aunt had packed leftovers, but fresh fruit was too tempting to pass up.
    “Can we stop here and get some peaches? Do you think whoever owns it will mind?”
    “I know them. They won’t mind if we take a few.” He halted near a tree where the branches were sagging from an abundance of treasure. After dismounting, he helped her down.
    Kate picked two peaches and handed him one. Jake tucked the fruit into a sack hanging from his saddle. She bit into hers. Sweetness exploded in her mouth. “Mmm, delicious.”
    His eyes lit with interest. Wrapping his fingers around hers, he brought the peach to his mouth and took a bite. She stared, entranced, as he licked the juice from his lips. He drew her closer, took off her straw hat and hung it on the saddle horn, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His touch set of a sensual blast that reverberated down to her most intimate