There’s a little piece of me that wonders whether I imagined it all. That what just happened upstairs was the result of pure exhaustion.
But I wasn’t brave enough to go back up there to confirm it.
Instead, I built the small fire, laid out some blankets on the dusty wooden floor, tossed the pillow over it, and sat down. Replaying—and condemning—everyrealmoment from upstairs.
She likes the house.
The woman takes self-defense classes for whatever reason. Which means she’s thinking ahead .?.?. or something happened. Yet she still wanted to spend the night here—alone, ready to take on whatever might come.
She’s either certifiably insane. Or brave as hell.
One thing’s for damn sure.
First thing in the morning, this woman needs to go.
I slip out the front door just past dawn. The chill of the early morning shouldn’t be as biting since I spent the night on a cold floor.
Hopping in my truck, I head down to the stables to check on Trouble. She’s my feisty, stubborn horse. Her dark coal color reflects her temperament. But I like her. When we ride, there’s nothing like it. She’s proud, fast, and dependable.
And I’m pretty sure she feels the same.
“Hey, Trouble.” I stroke her muzzle. “Want to do some rounds with me?” Grabbing a blanket and bridle, I mount up and take her out across the pasture.
After checking the fences and cattle, I ride up the ridge to Wilder’s to have a little chat with my brother’s girlfriend.
I loop Trouble’s reins over the rail and step in through the back porch, into the kitchen.
Coffee’s already brewing but there’s no sign of Rose.
With a low grunt, I wash my hands and make myself a mug.
“Hey,” a harsh whisper from my brother. “You’resupposedto be in Scottsville through the weekend, which is what I told Rose, like you asked me to,” he reminds me.
I hadn’t wanted to risk Ellie finding out I’m back and leaving her with Ginger through the weekend while I finish the house.
I hold up a hand, but he doesn’t stop.
“She sees you down here this early, we both have some explaining to do.”
“She’s just the person I need to see, so why don’t you call her down here for me.”
Wilder frowns then rolls his eyes. “Dear Lord, what’d she do now?”
I cross my arms just as Rose enters the kitchen, her eyes gleaming in that way they did on her first day at the ranch. The way I knew she was just what my brother needed. “Dallas, you’re back. Did you drive all night?”
I grin. “Nope. Got in last night. With Wilder actually.”
My brother pins me with a hard glare.
Rose looks confused. “But where did you—” Her eyes widen.
“My house. You know the one, by the river.”
She glances at Wilder. Then over my shoulder like she’s expecting to find someone. “Uh—are you alone?”
“Course I am.”
She fidgets playfully. “Did you find, um .?.?. were there any .?.?. critters in the house?”
