It was hard to argue when he was right. Even though he hadn’t made any big speech or asked permission, I liked that he’d made himself at home with me. It gave weight to his claim that I was his, making me feel like this was permanent.
“Fair point.”
He smirked at me before returning his attention to the pipe. While he worked, I made breakfast, which wasn’t easy without running water, but I got it done. Unfortunately, when we were done eating, he murmured, “Gotta head to the compound to handle some club business.”
He’d barely left the property over the past week, so I couldn’t really complain. Even if I was going to miss him while he was gone. “Okay.”
“Sorry, baby.” He gave me a quick kiss. “There’s stuff I’ve been putting off that can’t wait any longer.”
I smoothed my hands down the front of his shirt. “I’m sure you do.”
“Prospects will be stationed around the property, and the security system covers every approach.” He shrugged his cut on. “You’ll be safe while I’m gone.”
I had no doubt he wouldn’t leave unless he was sure I’d be well protected. “I know.”
After he left, the house felt strangely empty without him in it.
I stood in the kitchen, sipping at a second mug of coffee as I realized how completely he’d worked himself into the rhythm of my days. And I had zero regrets.
Needing something to do, I headed into Grandpa’s old office. I’d been putting off sorting through his stuff in there, but now seemed like as good a time as any.
I started with the big oak desk, carefully stacking old receipts and ledgers. When I reached the bottom drawer and tugged, it stuck. I gave it another firm pull, and the bottom shifted.
Kneeling on the floor, I realized there was a hidden compartment. “Whoa.”
Inside, I found a small stack of cash, a few folded property records, and a worn leather-bound notebook that Grandpa used as his ranch log.
I was just about to open the notebook when my phone rang. If it had been anyone other than Bex’s name lighting up the screen, I would’ve ignored the call. But my best friend was chomping at the bit to see me, so I wouldn’t put it past her to drive over if I didn’t answer.
I sank onto my grandfather’s chair. “Hey.”
“Ugh, this sucks. You’re finally living ten minutes away, and my dad is being a complete hard ass about the whole ‘danger’ thing. Do you know how annoying that is?”
I smiled despite myself. “Pretty annoying, I’m guessing.”
“Extremely. He’s acting like Wade Kessler is going to jump out of the bushes and snatch me if I so much as drive pastyour gate. Meanwhile you’re over there playing house with the president of the Black Crowns.”
“We’re not playing house.” It was a good thing she wasn’t here, or my blush would’ve given me away.
“Uh-huh. So the man is just a very dedicated houseguest?”
I laughed under my breath. “Okay, so maybe he’s more than that.”
“Maybe as in absolutely?”
“I mean…ummm…he makes me feel safe.”
“Oh my gosh, you’re at a loss for words,” Bex squealed. “You really like him.”
“Yeah,” I finally admitted. “I really do.”
She grilled me for details about Brogan, and I shared some. Just none of the sexy stuff because that was too personal.
After we said our goodbyes, I set the phone on top of the desk and looked at the worn leather notebook still resting in my lap. Taking a slow breath, I opened it.
Grandpa’s handwriting filled the pages in the slightly slanted script I remembered from the notes he used to leave me on the kitchen counter. Most of the entries were ordinary notes about feed orders, fence repairs, and which mares were due. Then the tone shifted in the couple of months leading up to his stroke.
Strange trucks spotted along the rear fire road. Partial license plates he’d managed to catch. Mentions of equipment going missing from neighboring ranches. Careful observations about activity near the back boundary of the property, always at odd hours.
