“Yes, Dad.” She doesn’t glance up, staring intently at an emerald green card.
Clearing my throat, I step past her so she isn’t in my line of vision.
It’s too hard to watch her and not want to reach out.
“I heard the pass is clear. It’s supposed to be warm for the next few days.” I’ve been watching the weather more than usual.
Maybe it’s because I know she’s going to be driving in it?
“What time are you leaving, Oliver?” His jaw tics as his gaze is fixed on his daughter.
“Pretty early. It’s best to hit that stretch in the daylight.” I’ve seen Snoqualmie turn into a skating rink at night.
He shifts to look at me. “What would be the chances you’d follow Sophia? Sawyer used to ride with her, but considering he just got married—”
“I don’t need a babysitter, Dad,” she snaps. “I’ll be fine.”
I try flashing her a charming smile. “I gotta drop off whatever you pick—” I wave my finger like a wand towards the table. “—so if you’re ready by eight, I don’t mind being a chaperone.”
Her lips thin as she straightens. “I’m not a child. I’ve been driving a truck and trailer since I was thirteen. Just ask my dad.”
Mason laughs. “No one is doubting your ability, Soph. It’s everyone else on that highway I worry about.” He smoothly slides between us and plucks the color sample from her hand. “Please?” His voice drops as he moves closer to her. “Witheverything going on, it’d make me feel better knowing there’s someone there if you need the help.”
I’ve only touched her once, but I already know I’d do anything to keep her safe.
Shit.
Am I the one falling first?
“Fine,” she exhales, poking out her bottom lip in a full pout.
Fuck, I want to bite that bratty mouth.
When her gaze lands on me, fire licks its way up my groin to settle in my belly.
“You’re not in charge of me.” She turns on her heel and leaves in a similar swirl of wind as she arrived.
Once she reallyknows, she’s going to let me be.
“Thank you.” Mason holds out the white paint card. “I really do appreciate it.”
“I get it.” My nose tickles, searching for the last of her flowery scent. “Winter roads can be shit.”
He nods slowly, then wipes his palm over his face. “It’s just…sometimes when you get as big as this ranch, enemies have a way of finding you. The last thing I want is to clip her wings, but it’s hard as hell to know she’s out of reach sometimes.”
“Enemies?” The thought of anyone wanting to hurt her makes my gut roll.
“Who do you think caused this?” His words are hushed as he gestures towards the fresh drywall, yet carry the weight of an anvil crushing me from above.
“Do you know—”
My question is cut short by his curt shake of his head.
“Just do me this favor, please?” His amber irises are so different from Sophia’s.
But they burn with the same intensity.
I struggle to appear nonchalant as I answer him, when inside I want to shake him for more information. “You can count on me.”
