“Okay.” Hands in his pocket, Ryan waited for a little clarification.
“He has the part.”
“That sounds like the good news.”
She nodded. “But it won’t be ready till mid morning. He’s going to bring it here to the ranch.”
“Sounds like Ned. The guy has been going above and beyond for as long as I can remember.”
Her smile was shaky. “Except, I’m going to need a ride to work.”
The way she looked so lost he had an unexpected urge to pull her into his arms and promise her the moon. Not a good thing. Sucking in a deep breath, he suddenly prayed Mike’s recovery would set speed records. “No big deal. Quinn and I both have to go to the same place as you. As a matter of fact, it would make sense if we carpooled anyway. No need to waste gas.” A few hours ago that thought would not have occurred to him. After all, he and his brothers had never carpooled. Then again, his brothers didn’t look like Nicole Davis. His job of protecting the little sister was starting to look more difficult than he’d bargained for.
Nicole shifted in the rocker, letting the gentle back-and-forth settle in her bones. Somewhere out in the dark, a horse whinnied again, the sound carrying clear on the night air. “Do you ride?”
“When I can.” Ryan shrugged. “Less than I’d like. We grew up on horses. Some of my best memories as a kid are visiting my cousins in the summer and spending all morning working the cattle and all afternoon riding horses and playing in the creek.”
“Sounds glorious.” And nothing like her days growing up in a big city. “I’ve never really ridden. Unless a pony at a birthday party when I was five counts.”
“It does. Ponies can be little shits… excuse my language.”
She bit back a chuckle. “I’ve heard worse. Plenty worse.”
“Would you like to ride?”
Did she? Another horse, or maybe the same one, made a sound as if encouraging her to give it a try. To her surprise, the idea held more than a little appeal. “I think I’d like that. As long as the horse doesn’t want to win any races.”
Ryan blew out a sharp laugh before settling into a sweet smile. “We’ll start you on the equine version of a rocking chair. Promise.”
The screen door creaked open and Aunt Eileen popped her head out. “I’m heading to bed before I fall over where I stand.” Her gaze shifted to Nicole. “There are fresh towels folded at the foot of your bed. If you need anything—extra blanket, different pillow—Ryan will show you where we keep them. If you’re a middle of the night snacker, anything you find in the fridge is at your disposal.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind.”
“Just ordinary Texas hospitality. Ryan will show you to your room when you’re ready.” His aunt’s gaze narrowed as she scanned the porch.
“Something wrong?” Ryan asked.
“No.” His aunt shook her head, still looking around. “I thought Gray would be out here with you. Wonder where he’s off to?”
Ryan shrugged. “Probably chasing armadillos.”
Rolling her eyes, Aunt Eileen blew out a deep sigh. “Best working dog we’ve ever had does not chase armadillos and you know it.”
“No ma’am.” Ryan lowered his voice and bit back a smile.
“Still.” Aunt Eileen seemed to focus harder on Nicole before her gaze darted over to Ryan and back. “I wonder…”
Tipping his head slightly to one side, Ryan studied his aunt. “Wonder what?”
Plastering on a bright smile, Aunt Eileen shook her head “Nothing. Just silly musings of an old woman who desperately needs a good night’s sleep. Don’t stay up too late. Sunrise comes around early for all of us.”
“Goodnight,” Ryan and Nicole chorused as Aunt Eileen closed the door behind her and disappeared from view.
“I wonder what that was all about?” Nicole hated it when people backed out of a sentence withnever mind.
“With Aunt Eileen, who knows. Could be something or nothing.”
“Right.” She pushed herself up from the rocker. “Either way, she’s right. Tomorrow does come early and I do not want to be late two days in a row.”
