The words seemed to bring Axel to full attention and appeared to settle something in Jenna and her shoulders relaxed.She pursed those pretty lips of hers and to his surprise, she nodded.
“Thanks for looking out for me, Nick.Okay, let’s go with plan A.You go later to Sam’s and Axel can finish up,” Jenna said, her voice a bit strained.He didn’t blame her for being upset.But he noticed her shoulders soften, and something warm unfurled in his chest.She’d listened to him, trusted him.
She rose, gathering her plate.He watched the graceful line of her back, the quiet strength in her movements, and his heart thudded at the sound of ceramic hitting the countertop as she placed her dish there.
“I’ll wash the dishes and you guys can get back to it when you’re finished here,” she said, her voice clear over the splashing water as she turned on the tap.
Nick watched the curve of her shoulders and the easy rhythm of her movements, feeling a sudden swell of pride because Jenna had listened to him.If Axel had suggested Jenna stay, sparks would have flown.Yet he’d remained silent.She’d chosen to trust Nick’s advice.That meant more than he could admit, even to himself.
He found himself thinking ahead, tracing the possibilities for tonight.For the first time in a long while, hope tasted like something real.
A plan was formulating in his mind.An idea that had suddenly flickered to life.It was bold, risky, and exactly the kind of move that could change everything if he played it right.It was something Axel wouldn’t see coming.It was something that he hoped would secure their future here at Bear Valley Ranch.
For the first time in years, the future didn’t feel like a locked door.It felt like something he might actually reach.
Nick grinned and joined Axel in hurriedly polishing off the salad.
Chapter Twenty
“What do you think?”Axel asked Nick over the phone several hours later.His fingers tightened around the receiver.Axel hated how easily his mind jumped to worst-case scenarios.
He gazed out the south facing kitchen window and stared into the fading light.The dusk felt heavier than usual, shadows stretching long across the tall blades of green grass in the pasture like they were hiding something.
The horses still needed to be brought in for the night.Jenna had opted to make supper after a quick shower and said she’d bring the horses in later.The idea of her out there alone, had they not come here when they did, made his jaw clench.Too many unknowns, too many risks.It was a good thing she was still here in the kitchen with him, especially with Nick’s alarming phone call.
Axel had finished the roof about an hour ago and a couple of hours earlier Nick had asked Jenna for her cell phone to bring along with him.Then he’d taken Daisy with him to Sam’s place.While Jenna had prepared supper, he’d taken a quick shower, and the food had been ready, so they’d eaten.
He’d been surprised she hadn’t asked about his relationship with Nick and what she’d seen last night.And he hadn’t mentioned going down on her today.Both of them had remained professional and discussed what needed to be done next on the ranch.
As they’d finished eating, Nick called with the news that he was still at Sam’s, and he’d found all four of the truck’s tires flat.A cold prickle ran down his spine.Four flats wasn’t bad luck, it was intention.
Jenna was moving quietly rinsing the dishes beside him and her presence was making him very aware the two of them were the only ones in the house.
Axel slowly strolled to the screen door and gazed out to check the ridge to see if anyone was up there.His gaze swept the treeline, searching for movement.Prison had taught him to trust the feeling of being watched.He wasn’t getting it now, but you never knew.
Nothing moved up there.
“Hell, Axel, you’re the mechanic.What do you think?”Nick’s voice crackled through the line, frustration apparent.
Axel took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.He glanced at Jenna, who paused in her cleaning, sensing his tension.
“Four tires going flat at the same time is odd.Maybe you drove over a bunch of nails or screws coming over and just can’t see them?”Axel suggested, picturing the gravel road to Sam’s place.
He felt her eyes on him.She’d always sensed his shifts, even now.
The road to Sam’s was well-travelled.It passed Sam’s farmhouse and Jenna had said some neighbors up that way were ripping down an old barn on their property.Nails, and screws falling out of a truck on the way to the dump with a load of old wood would be common.
“Or someone let the air out of all the tires,” Nick countered, his tone wary.
His stomach dropped.Suddenly he wanted Nick here.Now.Safe.
“Or that.Use Sam’s truck and come back.”
“Can’t find the keys.Looked everywhere.He might have taken them with him on his keychain.”
“Okay, I’ll come over and pick you up,” Axel offered, already reaching for the keys to Jenna’s truck near the door.
“No, you stay there with Jenna.I’ll stay here in case someone is lurking about,” Nick replied firmly.
