Rock and A Hard Place (Cascade Brides Series) by Bonnie Blythe Page A

based on
their open expressions. Mr. Harrison kept a congenial conversation
going for several minutes beyond what was necessary. It seemed he
and Shane were both intent on making good impressions.
    “That obviously went well,” Faith said as they climbed back into
the Jeep.
    “Why didn't you come out and say hi? I assumed you knew everyone
in the area.”
    “I said I knew the rangers around here, not the ranchers. Besides,
you were on official, federal business.”
    “Ah,” he said, a knowing look in his eye.
    As they drove to the next place, she sensed Shane's assessment from
his side of the cab. “So excluding ranchers, do you know anyone
else around here aside from rangers?”
    “Of course. John Day is a small town.”
    “I mean who are your friends? Surely you don't go hiking alone on
a regular basis?”
    Faith sent him an accusing look. “So that's what this is about?
You're babysitting me so I don't hike by myself?”
    “I have to admit that taking you along whenever possible might
curb some of your loner hikes, but what I'm asking is do you ever go
with anyone else?”
    “So not only are you insinuating that I can't handle myself on my
own, but that I also have no friends?”
    He shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road. “Just making
conversation.”
    Faith felt like punching his shoulder. Why did he have to be so
snoopy? “Merle is getting a little too old to be following me up
mountain trails.”
    “I wasn't actually referring to Merle.”
    “Shane,” she said patiently, “I know almost everyone in John
Day. I know everyone at church.”
    “I'm talking about tight friends. Bosom buddies.”
    “Why are we talking about this at all?” she said, crossing her
arms over her chest.
    “I just noticed at church you didn't seem to have any
relationships beyond passing acquaintance.”
    “And you gained all of this insight from a couple of Sundays? Just
like you get all your information from books?”
    “I'm just asking a question.”
    “Why is it any of your business?”
    “I guess it isn't. I'm just concerned.”
    “Concerned?” she said aghast. “ Concerned? ”
    “You shouldn't be on your own so much. I know Merle worries—”
    “Okay, so far you've told me I'm ignorant, can't get friends, need
a babysitter—”
    “I'm not sure why you're being so defensive, Faith.”
    “Shane, maybe I didn't grow up in the inner city of Detroit, but
let me tell you my neighborhood wasn't exactly Easy Street. So not
only can I handle myself in any situation, but I think you'll find
yourself a new trail buddy if I have to endure the third degree
every time I get in the Jeep with you.”
    “This isn't the third degree. It's called a relationship.”
    “We don't have a relationship!”
    “Yet. That's what I'm working on.” He pulled to a stop at the
next address on his list.
    Faith struggled to keep her expression neutral. “Why would you
want a relationship with someone with all my negative qualities
anyway?”
    He sent her a bemused look. “The only negative quality so far is
your argumentativeness—”
    “Oh, so for us to be friends I have to agree with everything you
say?”
    “Of course not. But friends let friends finish their sentences.”
    Faith glared at him. “Have your say, Shane. Take your best shot.”
    He grabbed the door handle. “It will have to wait. We're here.”

    Shane eased out a frustrated breath as headed up to the ranch house.
He was beginning to think he'd be better off avoiding road trips
with the very brambly Faith. Then again, there was a reason for her
attitude. He knew she was hurting. And he didn't want to pretend the
issue was invisible. At the same time did he have to rub her nose in
it? He chided himself for losing his cool and goading her into a
response instead of easing into it down the road when they were more
comfortable with each other.
    But he was impatient. And his impatience was tempered by attraction.
Even when she was riled up, Faith's loveliness held