Nick followed Axel’s gaze, mentally counting the horses.
Nine.There should have been ten.His stomach tightened as he counted again, hoping he’d miscounted.
He hadn’t.
“I saw her not more than ten minutes ago heading toward the barn with a horse.She’s probably inside,” he replied, forcing his voice to stay steady, even as unease prickled along the back of his neck.
“Hell, no!Shit!I told her to keep within sight of us.”
The raw fear in Axel’s tone made Nick’s pulse jump.Axel only swore like that when he was scared.
“Apparently she didn’t hear you.I’ll go see if I can’t find her.If she’s not in the barn, I’ll saddle up and go look for her.You just keep working.I’m sure she’s fine.”
“I’m coming with you.”Axel insisted.
Nick held his ground, using the same calm tone he’d used in prison when Axel was on the verge of doing something reckless.
“Um, no.If she’s gone I don’t have the time to teach you how to ride, Axel.Just keep working.We can’t afford too many delays.I’m sure she’s fine.”
From his experiences in prison, Nick understood that keeping his friend occupied was important during times of crisis, like now.It might help calm some of the anxiety he saw flashing in Axel’s eyes.
Axel grunted his agreement.
“Go, then!”he shouted and headed back toward the parking lot.The permission came out rough, but it was enough.Axel trusted him to find her.
Nick broke into a run, every step fueled by a single, pounding thought.He needed to find her and make sure she was safe.
Chapter Fifteen
“So, how far along are you?”Nick’s voice cut through the interior silence of the tack room like a knife, making Jenna jump.
“Sorry didn’t mean to scare you,” he said from behind her.
She knew he was standing in the doorway.She hadn’t heard him come in.He’d been so quiet.
And how did he know she was pregnant?Guessed it?
Jenna sat on the bench, clutching a metal pail after having been sick.To her dismay, she could feel his presence as he quietly stepped inside.
Suddenly the room felt so small with him in it.He was a big, tall man and he made her feel safe as he knelt down beside her, offering an unspoken comfort.
She hesitated, hoping she had misheard him, even though she knew exactly what he meant.
She glared at him, trying hard to keep herself from losing eye contact.She needed to stay strong.To show him she was the boss.
“Excuse me?”Jenna asked, her voice betraying her discomfort.
“Ten weeks?Eleven weeks?Your prenatal vitamins gave it away.”
Another wave of nausea hit Jenna before she could reply.She bent over the pail, retching again, feeling awfully embarrassed.
Nick, without hesitation, reached over to hold back her hair, making sure she didn’t get sick on herself.It was the same gesture Axel had done.Twice.The gentle sweep of Nick’s hand was unexpectedly comforting, the kind of care she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Afterward, Jenna finally felt some relief from the nausea and a bit stronger.
She considered telling Nick to mind his own business, but his bright blue eyes were filled with an empathy for her that both surprised and unsettled her.The man barely knew her, yet he looked at her like she truly mattered to him.Whywould he care so much for someone he barely knew.
“Please, don't tell Axel,” she whispered.Her voice cracked, the plea slipping out raw and unguarded.
