Close Proximity Read Online Free

racial discrimination at the company. Yet here this man was, telling her that her dad had spent his entire career battling what sounded like an anti-Native American sentiment at Springer, Inc.
    â€œHe’s even helping our children,” he said, intense emotion tightening his facial features. “The first thing he did when he became Springer’s vice-president was to set up a scholarship fund for reservation children. And when he visited the Elders just before last Christmas, seeking to lease some of our land so that Springer could expand, did he become angry when his request was turned down? No. Instead, he was moved by the living conditions of the people. His heart was touched, and he offered to have Springer cover the cost of a new well—a well that was being dug up until the moment he lost his job.”
    She wished an abyss would open up in the floor and swallow her whole.
    Anger now ticked the muscle of his jaw. “Where I come from, a man who gives respect earns respect. It’s something that’s not given easily and not taken lightly. Your father is a good man. He doesn’t deserve the treatment he’s receiving. He’s completely innocent. And I think he could use a friend, Ms. Corbett.”
    It was hard to meet his gaze, but she forced herself to do it. She moistened her lips. What could she say to him? Coming from the reservation, having been born into an ethnic minority, he’d probably seen more than his fair share of bigotry and narrow-mindedness. An apology, shesilently surmised, would seem almost offensive at this moment.
    Feeling the need to make some sort of response, she offered him a small and sincere smile and let her arms relax at her sides. “I thought you’d agreed to call me Libby,” she said, keeping her tone friendly.
    The turbulence in his gaze settled somewhat, but his emotions continued to brew, that much was easily discernible.
    She tried again. “Please sit down, Rafe. Let me get you that cup of coffee.”
    He was measuring her, the situation, the moment. She couldn’t tell what all was going through his mind. But it was obvious that her attempt at a pleasant tone, a laid-back demeanor, was beginning to soothe his ruffled emotions.
    Libby had never met a man quite like Rafe James. He seemed so vigilant, watchful, as though he wasn’t quite sure from where trouble might come at him. It wasn’t that he seemed paranoid, really. Just…ready for anything, she supposed.
    His manner could stem from his very existence. Hadn’t he just explained that he’d experienced more than his fair share of prejudice?
    Or it could have roots in his very makeup. In his genetic material. Native Americans had a rich history filled with an ancestry of hunters and brave fighters. Could the DNA of the wary and wild warrior be carried down through the generations?
    Realizing that she’d allowed herself to get carried away with fanciful notions, which was quite out of the norm for her, Libby straightened her spine and sighed.
    â€œRafe, sit. Let’s talk.”
    His whole body seemed to relax finally, and he did as she bade.
    The smell of coffee was heady as she brought the cups to the island. She set one down in front of him, then retrieved the sugar bowl, creamer and two spoons. It didn’t surprise her to see that Rafe took his coffee black. She slid out a stool and perched herself on it right next to him.
    â€œSo…you live at Crooked Arrow?” she asked. It wasn’t an outrageous guess. He’d insinuated as much.
    Rafe nodded, his long, ebony hair falling over his shoulder.
    The urge to reach out and comb her fingers though the shiny mass of it made her tighten her grip on the cup she held in her hand.
    â€œI have a horse ranch. Breed Appaloosas.”
    One corner of his wide, full mouth curled upward, and Libby found her gaze drawn to the spot as if it were a powerful magnet.
    â€œEvery nickel I could spare