He clenched his fists tighter. He wanted to haul back and slug his brother. James might be right, but he didn’t have to be so smug about it.
But Enoch forced himself to keep still.
Hewaspast the point of falling for her. Every glance, every touch from Mandie pulled him deeper.
Today, when she’d faced the cougar with him, he’d known it—he’d fight anything to keep her safe. “I don’t know how to love her and not be afraid,” he admitted, voice rough.
James nodded. “Maybe you don’t have to. Maybe the fear’s part of it. But she’s worth it, Enoch. You know that.”
Enoch swallowed hard. He wasn’t sure he could face that truth. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
CHAPTER 21
Enoch swung the barn doors wide, meeting Willow’s nicker of greeting. He paused to scratch the mare’s neck and let the filly sniff his hand. It had been nearly three weeks since the barn had burned. This morning he’d peered into the glass, happy to see that the ugly burn creeping up his neck and into his hair had mellowed into pink new skin. Even better, he could move his left shoulder without the constant twinge of a deep scab. Now only the deepest of the cat scratches still tugged as he turned to the wagon tucked in the corner on the other side of the aisle.
Today they could finally pick up the lumber from Walnut Springs to finish the barn.
He strode to the wagon and checked the wheels, running a hand along the spokes to test for any wobble or weakness. All seemed in good repair.
He couldn’t let anything go wrong today, not with Mandie riding along to town with him and James.
Two days had passed since that wet ride and cougar attack, and he’d had a feeling she would jump at another chance to get out of the house. She had.
He could understand her restlessness. Being cooped up inside, even a house as large as this one, could make a body feel trapped after a while. Especially someone used to the freedoms of being on her own.
Still, a part of him wished she would stay safely at the ranch, away from any dangers or discomforts the journey might bring. It would be a long, bumpy ride in her condition, and he didn’t want to risk her health or the babe’s.
But the hopeful look on her face had weakened his resolve. After their conversation in the kitchen, he found it harder to deny her, to keep that careful distance between them. So against his better judgment, he’d agreed. And maybe…maybe by coming to town, she’d remember how nice and convenient everything was and want to stay. She’d be safer here than on the ranch, where wildcats and barn fires sprang up without warning. Safer here than withhim.
When he’d agreed to let her come, her smile had been radiant, making something in his chest tighten.Thank you, Enoch. I promise I won’t be any trouble.
Mandie Beaumont was trouble incarnate, at least for his peace of mind.
He couldn’t seem to stop thinking about her, worrying about her, wanting to be near her, despite all his best efforts to maintain his walls.
Thankfully, James strode into the barn just in time to distract him. That ever-present grin marked his face. “You ready for our adventure?”
Enoch straightened, dusting off his hands. “Not an adventure. Just a supply run.” But he couldn’t quite keep the edge of tension from his voice.
James cocked an eyebrow. “With Mandie along? I’d say that qualifies as an adventure.” His grin turned sly. “Especially given the way you two have been dancing around each other lately.”
Enoch shot him a sharp look. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t.” James chuckled and moved to grab the harnesses. “Just try not to scowl at her the whole way. Poor woman might think you don’t like her company.”
Enoch bit back a retort. He liked Mandie’s company far too much. That was the problem.
And he didn’t want to hurt her by keeping her out. Perhaps she’d be happier somewhere else. She’d mentioned she had money. Maybe while they were in town, he could find a way to set her up safely somewhere. Maybe Two Stones would help.
The two of them made quick work of hitching the team, as well as saddling the mount James would ride. The wagon bench could hold three if they squeezed together, but on the return trip, the horses would have the weight of all the lumber. Besides, the last thing he needed was Mandie’s body pressed up against his side all the way to town and back. Or James’s side, for that matter.
By the time they led the horses out into the yard, the morning sun had crested the mountains, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink.
Mandie must have been watching for them, for she stepped from the house as Enoch reined in the team by the porch steps.
She wore a pale blue dress, her dark hair braided and coiled at the nape of her neck. When her eyes met his, a small smile curved her lips, equal parts shy and excited.
Enoch’s heart gave a traitorous thump.
