“Security is expensive. If you need money to pay—”
“I don’t need your money.” He looked up at his older brother and smiled. “I’ve never told you this, big brother, but thanks to you, money isn’t a problem. I bought stock in Texas American the day it went public and every chance I got after that. I’ve made a bundle, plus a nice little income.” He grinned. “I’ll be fine—as long as you keep up the good work.”
Linc chuckled. “We’re definitely brothers.”
And Josh was damned glad. Growing up, he had never had much family, just his mom, who had died when he was a teen. Linc had no other family, either. It felt good to be able to count on each other.
“What about you and Tory?” Linc asked. “I like her. So does Carly.”
“I like her, too. Probably too much. The thing is, I’m not really ready for a family. I’ve got some personal issues I need to deal with. I’ve got to get the ranch up and running, and I have no idea how long that’s going to take.”
“I don’t think we’re ever really ready for the things life throws in our path. Sometimes we have to make adjustments.” He glanced up the aisle toward where Tory sat. “She might be worth it.”
Josh made no reply. He loved having Tory in his bed—no doubt about it. He liked her and her sweet little girl way more than just a little. But he wasn’t ready to go beyond that, and he didn’t think Tory was either. She was still reeling from her disastrous relationship with Bridger. Josh could give her a little stability, give her time to get grounded, centered.
But more than that . . .
He wasn’t ready to go there.
“I want you to keep me updated on this,” Linc said. “Okay if I ask Temple to keep me in the loop?”
“Absolutely. Ask Ross Townsend to email you anything new that comes up on Bridger. No way to know where this is going. I might need your help again.”
Linc just nodded. Done with their conversation, he unbuckled his seat belt and returned to his seat beside Carly while Josh sat back down next to Tory.
When she looked up at him, those bright green eyes held so much trust his chest clamped down. Josh found himself reaching for her hand. It occurred to him that he wasn’t just protecting Tory because she needed his help.
He was doing it because he didn’t want to lose her. It wasn’t a feeling he’d ever had before.
It was a dangerous feeling.
* * *
They were back on the Iron River Ranch. Tory had returned to her daily routine, housekeeping, home-schooling Ivy; plus she had a new project she found interesting and challenging—building a website for the ranch.
When the horses Josh was training were ready to be put up for sale, the website would be a terrific way to advertise them.
She planned to set up social media: Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, anything that would help. Designing the site appealed to her creativity. Plus, using her years of experience and expertise seemed the perfect way to repay Josh’s kindness.
In the afternoons sometimes, she brought Ivy out to the pasture to watch the horses—from a safe distance, of course. Of all the animals, Star was Ivy’s favorite. He was just such a magnificent creature.
And the stallion was definitely making progress. Tory and Josh had been going into the pen with him, though Josh insisted they stayed close to the gate.
Everyone was working long hours, gearing up for the barn raising. Lots of folks from the community would be there to help, as well as Carly and Linc.
That morning, Tory refilled Josh’s coffee cup while he sat at the kitchen table eating his breakfast. He was almost finished when his cell phone rang. Digging the phone out of his jeans, he checked the screen and his face lit up.
“Hey, Coy. Man, it’s good to hear from you. It’s been way too long.”
Tory smiled at how excited he was. Then his smile slipped away.
“What?” He set his fork back down on his plate. “You’re kidding. When did it happen?”
She couldn’t hear the reply but her pulse started thrumming. The look on Josh’s face said something was terribly wrong.
“Jesus, I can’t believe it. Do the cops have any leads?” Josh leaned back in his chair. “That’s rough, man. How’s Dolores holding up?” He blew out a heavy breath. “When’s the funeral? Okay, just let me know and I’ll be there. I’ll see you then.” He hung up the phone and just sat there.
“What happened, Josh? What’s wrong?”
