Date: 2000-01-01 05:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Romance; Contemporary; Westerns; Contemporary Romance; Fiction
Description: In this cowboy romance, young love is given a second—and final—chance. Over the passing years, Rancher Colt McLeod never stopped loving Marlee Fox, but she has refused to speak to him since high school. On a not-so-accidental encounter, he captures her attention and the promise of a dance. Marlee falls in love with Colt all over again but knows she can’t take another heartbreak like the first. If he betrays her trust one more time, they are over forever. The girl who broke up Colt and Marlee has returned to the small town of King Creek. Now a grown woman, she stalks him and turns her vengeful

Country Rain

King Creek Cowboys

Cheyenne McCray

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Excerpt: Branded for You

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Also by Cheyenne McCray

About Cheyenne

Chapter 1

Despite the chill in the late October air, perspiration rolled down the side of Marlee Fox’s face as she finished her morning jog. She slowed her pace then came to an easy walk when she reached the sidewalk leading into her neighborhood.

Usually, it didn’t start to get to this fairly low temperature for the area until November in King Creek, which was not too far from the metro Phoenix area. This year fall decided to bless them with cooler temperatures. Marlee didn’t mind one darn bit.

She drew a breath in and blew it out as her heart rate lowered. She loved the neighborhood she lived in on the outskirts of King Creek. Not quite country and not quite in town—the perfect space to breathe.

“Hey there.” Amy Baker waved from her porch.

Marlee came to a stop and smiled at her favorite neighbor. “We haven’t done lunch in a while.”

Amy’s footsteps thunked on the wooden porch steps as she made her way down to the path that led to the sidewalk. “I’m ready for some hole-in-the-wall tacos.”

Marlee rested her hands on the split rail fence. “Ricardo’s next Wednesday at one?”

“Perfect. I get off work from Heidi’s at twelve-thirty. Amy’s long brunette ponytail bounced as she nodded. “We haven’t had a good gab in what seems like forever.”

Marlee couldn’t help a grin. “Yeah, two weeks is an eternity.”

“Only two weeks?” Amy returned her smile. “Have you heard about the fund-raising event in November to help small businesses in King Creek?”

“I heard someone mention it at Mickey’s the other night.” Marlee tilted her head to the side. “But I was on my out the door with Ben and didn’t hear the details.”

Amy raised her brows. “You were out with Ben Campbell?”

“I just ran into him there and we left at the same time.” Marlee brushed away the incident with a wave of her hand. Last thing she wanted to get around town was a relationship between her and Ben. “Now tell me about the event.”

“With the economy sucking right now, Mayor Brown said he’d like to see something done to help our local businesses.” Amy swiped a strand of hair that whipped into her face as a breeze picked up. “I volunteered to help at the event, and I’m doing some recruiting. I know how you like to get involved in the community.”

“I’d love to give a hand.” The breeze caused Marlee to shiver as the perspiration dried on her skin. “Do you have the details?”

“I never had a doubt I could count on you.” Amy smiled. “We can go over deets Wednesday at lunch.”

“You’re on.” Marlee shoved her hands into the pockets of her sweat jacket. “So, where’s it being held?”

“The Bar M,” Amy said. “Colt volunteered his ranch.”

Marlee held back a groan as her enthusiasm deflated, and she tried not to show her sudden reluctance. Amy had no idea just how much she would prefer to not be around Colt McLeod. High school had been a long time ago, but she’d never forgotten days better left behind.

She usually managed to avoid Colt. Hard to do in a town full of McLeods, of which her cousin Rae could now be counted amongst.

The ringing of her phone saved Marlee from having to try to find a way to back out of her new commitment. She fished her phone out of the side pocket of her leggings. The screen showed Rae McLeod.

“It’s my cousin.” Marlee raised her phone. “I’d better get this.”

“I’ll see you Wednesday.” Amy gave her a little wave. “Tell Rae hello for me.”

“I will.” Marlee returned her wave then answered her phone as she walked away from Amy’s fence. “Hey, cuz.”

“Are you free for dinner tonight?” Rae sounded breathless with excitement.

“You bet.” Marlee’s calendar was filling up for the week. “What’s going on?”

“We can snag our booth at Gus’s and I’ll tell you over garbage pizza.”

Marlee laughed. “Since when did you like your pizza with everything on it?”

“Just hungry for it.” Marlee heard the shrug in Rae’s voice. “Seven good for you?”

“I’m single, I have no kids, and I live alone,” Marlee said. “What do you think?”

Rae laughed. “See you then.”

Marlee pocketed her phone and walked the rest of the way home. She frowned as a thought occurred to her. Did Rae’s plan for dinner have anything to do with the event at Colt’s? She mentally shook her head. Nah. Rae knew that Colt was not Marlee’s favorite person, so why would she think Marlee would get excited? Rae wouldn’t, so it had to be something else.

The wind picked up as Marlee reached her home and she shivered. She’d have to wear a jacket tonight.

Marlee pushed opened the gate of her white picket fence and jogged up the stairs to the front porch of her ninety-year-old home. The house creaked, wind howled through the windows, the wood floors squeaked, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

She’d put up Halloween decorations for the holiday and had a witch costume ready for trick-or-treaters who’d be stopping by on Saturday. She had a great neighborhood with lots of kids, so she always had a big plastic cauldron full of candy each year.

After she let herself in, she dropped the key into a dish on a small table and locked the door behind her. She never felt like she needed to secure her door in her small town, but that was only the naïve side of her that wanted to think she was surrounded by good people and didn’t have to worry about crime like their not-so-far Phoenix neighbors had. Sure, King Creek didn’t have much of a crime rate, but it always paid to be safe.

Marlee’s shoes squeaked on the ceramic tiled floor as she made her way to her small kitchen with its whimsically painted table and mismatched yet matching chairs. She’d fallen in love with the set when she spotted in King Creek Treasures, the local consignment store. She’d been delighted to learn a local artist had painted it.

She grabbed a water bottle from the fridge that was covered in magnets from places she’d visited and holding down postcards that friends and family had sent. She twisted off the cap and took long swallows of water before staring at the fridge. One day she wanted to have children and have her refrigerator covered with their pictures and their drawings.

First, she needed a hell of a man for a father. She tilted her head to the side. She couldn’t imagine Ben Campbell as someone she’d want a long-term relationship with, much less seeing him as dad material.

For some darn reason, Colt McLeod came to mind, and she ground her teeth. No way on earth would she have anything to do with him any farther than she could throw him—which would be about one inch if she could even budge that tall, muscular body.

Marlee groaned and tilted her head to look up at her ceiling. She’d had it raised and added crown moldings. She rather liked how it made her small kitchen look bigger and more open.

She lowered her head and blew out her breath. There, did she manage to vanquish thoughts of Colt from her mind? Must be the fact that Amy had told her about the event at Colt’s ranch. Time to get that man out of her mind. She pictured him falling flat on his ass in a huge mud puddle in a pig pen.

Marlee couldn’t help a laugh. He so deserved that.

Maybe she should get a puppy. She scrunched her nose as she gave the thought serious consideration. Bear McLeod, also known as Doc McLeod, was the local vet and her cousin’s husband. She didn’t hold it against Bear that Colt was his brother. Bear would know what shelters she should look into, or he might even know of a dog that needed a good home.

She downed the rest of her water bottle and tossed the plastic into the recycle bin. She continued to think about bringing a dog into her home as she headed up the squeaking wood steps to the second floor. She’d put off getting a pet for years, but really, why wait any longer? She worked from home as an editor, so the dog wouldn’t be alone unless she went out for a while and couldn’t take it with her. She had time to train a pet and even take it on her daily jog.

“I’ll talk with Rae about it tonight.” Marlee tugged off her athletic wear and tossed it all into the clothes hamper.

Enthusiasm buoyed her steps as she headed for the shower. Kids weren’t in her near future, but she’d decided a fur-baby was.

Marlee leaned back in her recliner, rubbed the bridge of her nose, and squeezed her eyes shut. She’d been going through the slush pile, looking for a gem of a memoir that would jump and say, “Ta-da! I’m the manuscript you’ve always dreamed of receiving!”

Ha. Not even close.

Finding a manuscript that completely excited her hadn’t happened in a while. Most submissions for memoirs were boring as hell—no one wanted to read about the average person’s life. She lowered her hand, opened her eyes, and sighed.

Tomorrow she’d look at her other submissions. She accepted non-fiction queries for parenting, health, biographies, cooking, writing, humor, history, and sports. And thanks to her senior editor, Molly Shoemaker, she now accepted memoirs, currently the bane of Marlee’s life.

“Time to pack it up.” She rubbed the head of the polished ironwood duck on her end table, the only pet she’d had since she was a kid. “Did I ever tell you I really hate memoirs?”

The duck didn’t answer.

Marlee intended to go out and have fun with Rae. She needed tonight—red wine and pizza. And she’d even get to eat garbage pizza instead of pepperoni for a change.

She dressed in jeans, a lightweight V-necked black sweater, and athletic shoes, and pulled her blonde hair up into a high ponytail. A touch of makeup and she was ready to go. Who knew if she’d meet the father of her 2.4 children?

Colt once again popped into her brain.

She thumped her skull with the flat of her hand. She’d gotten the man out of her system way back when. So why was he intruding now?

Nope. She was having none of it.

The walk to Gus’s Pizza took all of fifteen minutes. The evening was clear and cool, but she wore her purple Phoenix Suns jacket, which warded off the chill.

Warm air flowed over her face as she walked into Gus’s. The stained-glass lights over dark-wood booths with red vinyl-covered bench seats gave off a warm glow. The juke box played a country tune by the Phoenix-born son Dierks Bentley.

She looked in the direction of the booth she usually shared with Rae, and her cousin waved her over. Marlee smiled at Rae as she headed across the tiled floor to the booth. Rae looked flushed and happy as she grinned in return.

Marlee slid into the booth and shrugged out of her jacket. “You look fantastic, even more than usual.”

“You’re good for my ego.” Rae laughed. “Best cousin ever.” She pointed to the two red plastic tumblers on the table, a straw sticking out of each one. “I got root beer.”

“Great.” Marlee set her jacket on the bench seat and grabbed a menu from behind the jars of red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese on the table. She flipped the menu open to the pizza section. “I am so hungry.”

“Good.” Rae tugged the menu down. “I already ordered a large garbage pizza.”

“Awesome.” Marlee slid the menu back into the holder. “How long ago?”

Rae pointed toward the kitchen. “Long enough that it’s almost to our table now.”

Marlee glanced over her shoulder and saw Gus himself carrying a large pizza pan in one hand.

“Gus’s best for you.” The man’s thick Greek accent sometimes made it hard to understand him, especially when the place was noisy like tonight. “With everything.”

“Anchovies?” Marlee glanced at the pizza then to Rae. “Really?”

Rae shrugged. “I had a craving for them.”

Marlee shook her head and smiled at the owner as he slid the pizza pan onto their table. “Thanks, Gus.”

The eighty-one-year-old man gave a nod, his craggy face reminding her of an ancient sea captain’s. “Eat.” He walked away in an old man’s slow gate.

Marlee glanced at Rae to see that she already had a big slice. Marlee took one and slid it onto her plate.

Rae took a big bite and gave a happy sigh. “Gus makes the best pizza.”

Marlee shook her head. “I must be in the Twilight Zone. You never eat garbage pizza, much less anchovies.”

Rae grinned as Marlee bit into her own pizza. “That’s because I’m pregnant.”

Marlee nearly choked on her mouthful. She hurried to chew then swallow. “That’s wonderful, Rae. Congrats to both you and Bear.”

“We suspected it for the past two weeks.” Rae practically bounced in her seat. “We just found out for sure from Dr. Martin today. Apparently, that’s why I’ve been having mood swings and want to eat all the time and hungry for weird things. No morning sickness so far. Thank God.” She bit into an anchovy on her pizza again.

Marlee felt a bright warmth in her chest at the news. “I’m so excited for you. Have you told your sister?”

Rae shook her head. “I’ll tell Carrie when Bear and I visit her and the kids next weekend. I wanted to share the news with her in person.”

Marlee sipped her root beer before setting down the red tumbler. “The twins will be beyond excited.”

Rae nodded enthusiastically. “The girls will probably think they have a new doll to play with when the baby is born.” Rae laughed. “Even though neither of them is into dolls.”

“Maybe they’ll teach the baby to kick a soccer ball when she or he is bigger.” Marlee leaned forward. “Are you going to find out if it’s a girl or boy when they can tell?”

“We haven’t decided.” Rae looked thoughtful. “There’s something to say about knowing and being prepared, or just finding out after the birth.”

“I’d want to know.” Marlee eased back and picked up her slice. “I’d be planning every last moment of it.”

Rae laughed. “You would. You always have had to know everything you can about everything that interests you or comes up in your life.”

“That’s me.” Marlee dug into her pizza again.

“Bear and I would like you to be our baby’s godmother,” Rae said when Marlee set down her pizza.

Marlee wiped her mouth with a napkin and smiled. “Thank you, Rae. I would love to.” Marlee laughed. “You know, godmother sounds much too close to grandmother.”

Rae grinned. “Grandmotherhood is a long way off for both of us.”

“Thank God,” Marlee said. “I’m not even ready to be a mom, whenever that might be.”

For a few moments they munched on their dinner. When Marlee reached for a second slice, Rae folded her arms on the table. “Have you heard about the small business fundraising event?”

Marlee groaned and looked up at the stained-glass lamp over their table. “I practically committed to Amy Baker this morning that I’d help, before she told me it would be held at Colt’s ranch.”

“He’s really not a bad guy,” Rae said tentatively. “Maybe it’s time to bury the hatchet.”

Marlee sighed and let the thought roll around in her mind. “Maybe.”

Rae nodded in the direction of the front door. “Well, here comes your chance.”

Marlee wanted to slide down in her seat to hide. She refused to look over her shoulder. “Hell, no.”

Rae laughed. “Come on, Marlee. Give it a go.”

Two male voices approached from behind Marlee—sounded like Bear and Colt. “You planned this,” Marlee hissed.

Rae shook her head. “I knew Bear was stopping by, that’s it.” Rae straightened and she beamed, positively glowing. “You made it,” she said to Bear as he reached the table then slid onto the bench beside her.”

Bear kissed her. “Of course.”

Marlee felt more than saw the tall, muscular presence beside her. She didn’t want to look up, but she made herself do it.

Colt McLeod grinned down at her. “Hey, Marlee.”

Marlee sighed and forced a smile. “You might as well have a seat and join us.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” He gave a nod toward the bench seat. “Scoot on over.”

Marlee held back another groan. Colt couldn’t very well ask Bear to move and sit by his brother. Not to mention each bench only fit two.

She moved as far away as possible, but that was only a few inches. Colt eased in beside her and his big body pressed firmly along her side. Yep, not enough room at this table for the two of them.

Her senses ignited, now on overdrive from his nearness. He smelled so good, of soap and a comforting masculine scent. His body felt warm and hard against hers, and she wondered, not for the first time, what it would be like to be in his arms now that he was a man, as opposed to the lean but muscular teen he had been.

Colt had a larger, more muscular build than his brothers. His biceps bulged beneath his black T-shirt that clung to his perfect torso. His body felt so hard against her as he shifted in his seat. How she longed to see what was under the T-shirt and the denim that molded to his athletic thighs. The man was a work of art.

Marlee’s face heated as Colt met her gaze. “How’re you doing, sugar?”

She raised her chin. “Save your charm for another woman who will fall for it.”

He grinned. “So, I’m charming?”

A flush stole over her. “In your dreams, cowboy.”

Colt flashed her a grin. “I’ve had some pretty good dreams.”

Marlee rolled her eyes before turning to Bear. “Congrats, Bear.”

He gave his sexy-cute grin. “I can’t wait.”

“We can’t wait.” Rae rested her head on his shoulder. She looked so happy, so contented, that it made Marlee ache inside. What would it be like to have a love like the two of them shared?

Not something that would come into her life soon, considering she hadn’t been on a date in about a hundred years before Ben, she worked at home, and she rarely got out. She had her doubts about Ben. He was a kind of blip on the screen. Yeah, not gonna happen for a loooong time.

“What have you been up to?” Colt had his gaze on her again. He had the most beautiful eyes, the color of whiskey.

She swallowed and tried not to stumble over her words. “Same old, same old.”

He raised an eyebrow. “And what would that be, considering I have no idea what’s the same with you.”

She shrugged. “I edit books all day long, I go for jogs. I crazy quilt. Other than meeting up with friends on occasion, I have about zero excitement in my life.”

Colt grinned. “I could cook up some excitement.”

She resisted rolling her eyes again. “Oh, please. Spare me.”

The damned man laughed. “I’ll take you dancing. Sounds like you could use a night out.”

Her scalp tingled. Was Colt asking her on a date? He was definitely flirting with her.

She was not falling for this. Again.

“Thanks, but no thanks.”

“Come on, Marlee.” The corner of his mouth was turned up in his sexy-as-hell grin. “We can go to Mickey’s Friday night. A live band will be playing.”

She narrowed her gaze at him. “What’s gotten into you?”

He held her gaze. “I’ve been wanting to ask you out for the longest time.”

She resisted narrowing her eyes and glaring. “I’ve heard that one before.”

Colt sighed. “You’re never going to forgive me.”

“Nope.” She eyed him steadily. “You blew it, and you blew it good.”

His expression sobered. “I’m sorry about what happened. I have been since that day—I just never had the chance to tell you.”

Marlee’s whole body tingled, and she couldn’t meet his gaze anymore. She reached for her drink to keep her hands occupied—and her attention away from the man who made her feel like she was on fire and he was the only one who could put it out.

When she had herself under control, the best she could, she met Colt’s gaze again. Dang that man for being so sexy and having such beautiful eyes. “You’ve had plenty of time, Colt. And plenty of opportunity.”

This time he looked away. When he had his gaze on her again, he spoke quietly. “I’m a coward. I didn’t know how to say it, and it just got harder as time’s gone by. You’ve avoided me, for good reason, and I never took the time I needed to say it. I’m sorry, Marlee. Can we start over?”

She thought about it for a long moment. All the hurt, all the pain. She’d held onto it for so long. Rae was probably right, she should bury the hatchet with Colt. After all, they hadn’t been more than teenagers in their senior year.

Marlee took a deep breath before releasing it. “It’s a new day. Sure, we can be friends.”

He studied her and didn’t smile. “How about Mickey’s Friday?”

Too soon, too fast.

She paused before giving a slow shake of her head. “No, I don’t think so.”

“All right.” He gave a lopsided smile that she found incredibly endearing. “Doesn’t mean I’ll give up.”

She couldn’t help a smile. “Doesn’t mean I’ll ever say yes.”

Bear and Colt joined in eating the huge pizza. As they enjoyed dinner, Marlee could barely breathe from Colt’s nearness. She was grateful Colt kept to safe topics, like the latest happenings around town and what he had going on around his ranch.

When they’d polished off the pizza, she’d reached the bottom of her glass of root beer, and he’d finished his beer, Colt asked, “How’d you get here?”

She shrugged. “On my own two feet. I live a fifteen-minute walk from here.”

“Well, it’s a five-minute drive, so I’ll take you home.” He straightened. “Can’t have you walking home when you’re intoxicated.”

She snorted back a laugh. “You know perfectly well that I haven’t had anything stronger than root beer.”

“I only hear the word ‘beer.’” His smile turned into a grin and he slid out of the booth and stood. He absolutely towered over her, a good six-three. He braced his hand on the back of the bench seat and looked at Bear and Rae, who’d been talking.

“Marlee walked here, so I’m driving her home.”

Marlee’s jaw dropped. She started to argue, but Bear and Rae nodded and smiled.

Bear grinned. “See you two soon.”

Marlee gripped her jacket in her fist, feeling like she couldn’t decline. Colt had put her in a spot in front of Rae and her husband.

Colt stepped back as Marlee held her jacket to her, scooted out of the booth, and got to her feet. She did her best not to glare at Colt.

“Call me tomorrow.” Rae had a knowing glint in her eyes.

Marlee gave a little wave and left, not caring if Colt was behind her. Naturally, he was. She could feel his body heat as he came up beside her. He touched his hand to the small of her back and she stiffened as they made their way through the crowd that had grown since she’d arrived.

When they were finally outside, she whirled on him. “You made it too awkward to tell you where to shove your offer of a ride home.” She braced her hands on her hips. “Well, let me tell you, Colt McLeod—”

He grasped her by her upper arms, dragged her to him, and cut her off when he pressed his mouth to hers.

Chapter 2

Marlee sucked in her breath, completely stunned and unable to think straight as his mouth moved over hers. She placed her palms against his chest, her head suddenly fuzzy while her body burned with fire. Maybe Gus had put something in the root beer.

But no, it was totally and completely Colt McLeod who chased words from her mind. She went from trying to push him away to fisting her hands in his T-shirt, gripping him tightly.

Something twisted inside her, and she barely reined herself in as she slowly responded. An almost animal part of her wanted to kiss him with the kind of ferocity that would only get her in trouble.

His mouth was hot as she tasted him, and she found she couldn’t get enough. He kissed her long and hard, and she wanted more and more and more.

And then she was gasping for air in the cold, clear night as he drew away and stared down at her. “Let’s go, Marlee. I’ll drive you home.”

Her mind couldn’t move past the kiss. She had a hard time thinking as he guided her toward his big black truck. He helped her into the passenger seat before climbing into the driver’s side.

She remained silent as he started the truck. Once they were on the road and her mind had cleared, she finally said, “Why did you do that?”

He flashed her an innocent look. “Do what?”

“Colt.” She wanted to smile, but she was too confused. “Why did you kiss me?”

He stared at the road before looking at her. “Because I’ve wanted to for a long time. A real long time.”

She had to think about that for a moment that stretched out, yet nothing was computing. “We’ve barely spoken over these past years and then tonight you’re apologizing, asking me on a date, and kissing me?”

He glanced at her. “We haven’t spoken because you avoid me.”

“Like the plague.” Her words caused him to smile. “I’m not like that,” she went on. “I can’t feel one way for all this time then flip a switch and suddenly feel another way.”

“Can’t or won’t?” He focused on the road. “I’m thinking it’s the latter.”

She considered his words. “Maybe.” She glanced out the passenger window to watch as he guided his truck into her neighborhood. “I don’t know.”

Within a few moments, he’d pulled into her driveway and parked.

She frowned and looked at him. “How do you know where I live?”

He shrugged. “You may have pushed me out of your life, but that doesn’t mean I don’t pay attention.”

She stared at him, exasperated. “That makes about zero sense.”

He grinned. “Bear told me.”

“House number even?” She couldn’t believe the man.

“Yep.” Colt climbed out the driver’s side, not giving her time to respond. He had reached her door before she’d had a chance to find the door release.

He helped her out of the truck and pressed his fingers against her back as he walked with her up the porch steps. She shivered from his touch even though her jacket was between them.

When they reached the door, she dug her key out of her pocket and unlocked her door. She tilted her head and met his gaze. He looked so damned sexy beneath his Stetson. She could just imagine him in nothing but that cowboy hat—

She swallowed, hard. “Thanks for the ride home. I think.”

He smiled and her belly fluttered. He cupped her face in his large hands. She couldn’t move before he brushed his lips over hers.

The man kept taking her breath away.

He released her and stepped back. “I’ll pick you up at seven Friday night.”

“What?” She still hadn’t gained control of her brain. “No. Wait—”

But he was down the steps and headed out the gate before she could complete her thought. She bit her lower lip as he climbed into his truck and started it. He waited for her to safely go into her home and shut the door behind her. The sound of the truck’s big motor filled the night as he drove away.

Marlee held her hand to her heart, and it thudded beneath her palm. What had just happened? Wasn’t it only this morning that she had been trying to think of a way to get out of going to Colt’s ranch for the event—then Colt kissed her only hours later, and she had let him. Not only had she let him kiss her, but she had been a willing participant.

What the hell?

In a daze she made her way into her kitchen and got a bottle of water out of the fridge. She stared at the clock, surprised to see it was only a bit after eight. Less than forty-eight hours from now, Colt expected to pick her up and go dancing at Mickey’s.

She sank into a kitchen chair. Should she? What did she really want? If ever there was a time to be honest with herself, this had to be it. She put her head on her arms on the table and squeezed her eyes shut.

Colt’s face filled her mind, and she relived the moment when he had pulled her to him and kissed her so fiercely. Her body tingled from head to toe.

Being a seventeen-year-old and hating Colt was one thing—being her age now and holding a grudge was another. Yeah, maybe she should give the grown man the chance she’d refused to give the eighteen-year-old he’d once been. She probably should have forgiven him long ago, and maybe she had. Maybe her grudge was just a habit now, not how she really felt.

He’d been a young man, no more than a kid, when Marlee found out he’d messed around with Sally Farmer. She hadn’t believed it when her friends told her, until she caught Colt kissing Sally.

She’d been so hurt. She’d thought she was in love with Colt, and she’d been devasted when he’d thrown that away.

“He was a really dumb teenager.” She frowned. “And we were both too young to even think about a long-term relationship. At the time, it was for the best.”

She let those thoughts swirl in her mind for a few moments. Colt was a grown man now, mature enough to have a prosperous business and a good reputation in the community. Although, she had heard he was the biggest flirt in the county.

Could it be good between them?

Was she overthinking this? Yeah, she was. Maybe she could get to know the adult Colt and just take it a day at a time.

Marlee straightened in her chair. “All right. Here goes.” She allowed herself to think about the incredible kiss and a delicious shiver traveled through her.

Yes, she was finally being honest with herself—she was definitely looking forward to Friday night.

Colt woke up the next morning with more energy than he’d felt in ages. He’d dreamt of Marlee, and not for the first time. Only last night at Gus’s he’d gotten a lot closer to the real Marlee than he’d figured he could get to her during his waking hours, maybe ever.

Yeah, he’d pushed her, but he didn’t know how else to get her attention. He’d gotten her attention, all right. Hopefully he could keep it.

And that kiss had about knocked his boots off. Her beauty always made his gut tighten. From the moment he set eyes on her in the pizza joint, he’d wanted to cart her off and kiss her good and long. The kiss had been better than good, but definitely not long enough to suit him. Hell, it was a start. Just the beginning.

Even when they were teenagers, Colt had thought Marlee was drop-dead gorgeous. The woman she had grown into was even more beautiful. All that glorious chestnut brown hair—last night she’d had it up in a ponytail, and he’d really wanted to let it all down. Her eyes, the achingly blue color of a clear desert sky, had just about undone him.

Funny thing was, he never had a problem approaching women, charming them even. His brother, Bear, had always wondered how it had been so easy for Colt. Maybe too easy, and he’d ended up getting lazy about finding the right woman.

It had taken him years to get around to asking Marlee out. Life had gotten away from him and he’d flirted with and dated plenty of women. But he’d never quite gotten over the one who got away.

Marlee stayed on his mind as he went about chores around the ranch, his dog, Ranger, at his heels. Cattle lowed in the background as Colt hummed a country tune while feeding the horses, and his stable hand mucked out the stalls. His foreman for the Bar-M, Jim, had the day-to-day operation of the ranch and the activities of the cowhands under control as usual. The older man was damned good at his job and Colt was lucky to have him.

Would Marlee be planning to go tomorrow night when Colt stopped by her home to pick her up? The way she’d responded to his kiss last night, he had a good feeling that she’d be ready. A woman didn’t kiss a man back like that if she wasn’t interested, unless she was faking it. Last thing Marlee Fox would ever do, was fake anything—he’d bet his best horse, Rocky, on it. And he loved that damned horse.

Rocky put his head over the stall door and whickered, as if responding to Colt’s thoughts.

“Don’t worry, boy.” Colt moved to the stall and rubbed the stallion’s nose. “I’d never make a bet I didn’t think I’d win when it comes to you.”

Rocky blew air from his nostrils and snorted.

Colt grinned and patted the horse’s neck. “I’ll take you up to the canyon tomorrow. How’s that sound to you?”

Rocky tossed his head, as if in agreement. The horse was smart as hell—for all Colt knew, the horse could understand every word.

Colt patted Rocky one more time. “Go on out to the pasture. It’s one hell of a beautiful day.”

Rocky snorted again before turning around and heading out.

Colt looked down at Ranger. The Border Collie parked his butt at Colt’s feet, and he scratched the blue merle behind his ears. “You bet you’re included on the ride.”

Rocky barked once, an excited spark to his intelligent eyes.

Colt’s phone rang and he pulled it from the holster at his side. He didn’t recognize the number, so answered with, “This is Colt McLeod.”

“Hi, Colt.” A breathless female voice that sounded vaguely familiar filled his ear. “I’ve missed you.”

Colt frowned. “Who is this?”

A pause. “I can’t believe you’d forget me.” Now the woman sounded like she was pouting. “This is Sally Farmer. I’m back in town.”

Colt nearly groaned. The last person on earth he wanted to talk with was Sally Farmer.

He blew out a breath. “What can I do for you, Sally?”

Another pause, then her voice had an edge to it as if she was angry. “I don’t need you to do anything for me.” A hesitation, and now she sounded sweet enough to give someone a sugar high. “Let’s get together, Colt. How about meeting me at Mickey’s for a drink tomorrow night?”

Colt pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “I have plans, Sally.”

“Are you seeing someone?” Her tone went from syrupy to sharp as a knife.

Her mood change was like watching a heart monitor. Up, down. Up, down.

He wanted to say, That’s none of your business, but he tried to never be rude to women. After what Sally had done in high school, he had a hard time feeling charitable. But of course, that was a long time ago, just like what he and Marlee were just now going through.

“I am seeing someone,” he said.

Dead silence.

“I’ve got to get back to work, Sally.” Colt tipped his head to look at the deep blue sky. “Hope you have a nice time while you’re back in town.”

Nothing. He looked at the phone to see she’d disconnected the call.

Colt blew out a long breath, then pushed Sally out of his mind. He didn’t need her back in his life again.

The sound of a vehicle approaching on the dirt road caught Colt’s attention, a welcome reprieve from his thoughts. He walked outside the barn and focused on the road leading from the highway to his ranch. Dust boiled up behind a silver truck—Brady’s.

Ranger’s ears remained perked as he stood at Colt’s side and stared at the oncoming vehicle. The truck’s tires thrummed over the cattle guard as it passed beneath the Bar-M sign.

Colt hooked his thumbs in the front pockets of his Wranglers as Brady parked. His younger brother hopped out of the truck and strode around the front.

Ranger trotted over to Brady and wiggled in excitement as Brady reached down to scratch behind his ears. “Good to see you, boy.”

Ranger gave one of his happy barks he reserved for family and close friends of Colt’s.

“How’s it going, bro?” Colt asked in way of greeting.

Brady shrugged as he sauntered over to Colt. “It’s goin’.”

Colt eyed his brother. “Something’s bothering you.”

Brady pushed his fingers through his wavy dark hair and turned his attention on the cattle that stirred in the corral. He brought his gaze back to Colt. “Sarah dumped me. She dumped me good.”

“Sorry to hear that.” Colt braced his hand on Brady’s shoulder. “Why don’t you come on into the house and you can tell me about it over a beer? It’s life’s cure-all.”

Brady’s mouth curved into a slight grin. “I could sure use a good cure.”

The two of them walked to the back door of the house and entered through the kitchen. Colt took off his Stetson and tossed it onto the hat tree. Brady added his to the tree that had six other western hats already on it, both felt and straw. Colt liked to have a few to choose from. He wondered if he was like some women he’d heard about and their collection of shoes—only he liked Stetsons and Resistols, and not some fancy-named designer high heels. But then he had maybe ten western hats, not hundreds.

Colt reached into his fridge and snagged a couple of Oak Creek beers made at a small brewery outside Sedona and grabbed a church key. He popped the cap off one and handed it to Brady, then uncapped his own. He left the opener on the granite countertop and nodded in the direction of his man cave. “We can turn on the game.”

“Arizona is playing Dallas today,” Brady said as they walked into Colt’s favorite space. “Should be a good game.”

Colt picked up the remote and threw himself into his ancient recliner. His sister-in-law, Kit, had told him it didn’t fit in his sprawling new home, but Colt didn’t care. This was the most comfortable piece of furniture he’d ever owned.

He turned on the pregame show, hit mute, then swiveled his recliner toward his brother. Brady had taken the couch and had his boots propped up on a leather ottoman. Colt didn’t know whether his brother just wanted to hang out or talk it out.

“Wanna tell me about it?” Colt asked.

Brady took a long pull on his beer then rested the bottle on his thigh. “I think she met another man. Usual BS about it being her fault, it’s not me it’s her, that kind of crap.” Brady shook his head. “I’ve had a feeling for a while that something was off. I just wasn’t sure.”

“Tough, bro.” Cody scraped at the beer bottle label with his thumbnail.

“Maybe.” Brady looked thoughtful. “Hurts like hell after three years, but maybe it’s for the best.” He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger before lowering his hand. “It’s just after all she and I have been through—hell, I don’t know what to think.”

“It’s better to find out now while you’re dating rather than after you’ve been married for a couple of years.” Colt managed a wry smile. “Says the man who was dumped several months ago by a woman who went off with a city slicker.”

“That hurts.” Brady’s expression filled with humor. “Can’t get much lower.”

Colt laughed. “It worked out. Better him than me.”

“True.” Brady gave Colt his little-brother mischievous grin. “I hear you took Marlee Fox home last night.”

Colt laughed. “Bear been telling stories again?”

Brady shook his head. “Rae. I think she’d like to see you and Marlee together.”

“Good to hear. I can use all the help I can get.” Colt couldn’t help a big grin. “I’m taking Marlee to Mickey’s tomorrow night for dancing.”

“Way to go.” Brady held up his beer in a supportive salute. “I think you finally picked a good one.”

“You’ve got that right.” Colt raised his bottle in return as he thought, Now I’ve just got to get her and keep her.

Brady knocked back the rest of his beer and lowered the bottle. “You’re never been much for settling down, Colt. I think Marlee’s the marrying kind.”

Colt held back a frown that wanted to creep in. He hadn’t gotten as far as thinking about marriage.

“I kinda figured I’d be the one McLeod who never married.” Colt tapped his forefinger on the bottle. “Not sure any woman could change that.”

Brady shrugged. “Just sayin’.”

Colt would have to think on that. But first things first—he’d enjoy his date with Marlee and see what happened next.

He thought about his big house that was less than a year old. Sometimes it seemed so empty, and he wondered what it would be like with a woman’s touch. Now he thought about Marlee in it and could imagine her laughter filling up the empty spaces, her smile brightening everything.

The beer tasted damned good as he took a swig and tried to push aside thoughts of long-term commitments. He didn’t have a good track record. He was usually the one to end a relationship, but Alice had broken that streak. Sure hadn’t seen that one coming.

Brady brought Colt out of his thoughts. “So, Marlee forgave you for what happened back in high school?”

Colt grimaced. “Not so sure about that. It was a long time ago and I was young and stupid. But honestly, I don’t know how what happened did happen. One moment Sally and I were talking, and the next her mouth was on mine.”

Brady shook his head. “Have to agree with stupid. You screwed up. You had it good when you two were together.”

“Kick a man while he’s town.” Colt blew out his breath. “But that was a long time ago.”

“Sally Farmer moved away, straight out of high school, didn’t she?” Brady asked.

Colt gave a nod. “As a coincidence, she called me out of the blue right before you got here.”

Brady’s brows shot up. “No kidding?”

Colt tried to blow it off. “Said she just got back in town. Wanted me to go with her to Mickey’s tomorrow night.”

Brady whistled through his teeth. “Talk about timing.” He looked at his empty bottle. “Got anymore of these Oak Creeks?”

“I’ve got plenty of beer.” Colt got to his feet and walked back to the kitchen.

Brady got up with him. “When was the last time you saw Sally?”

“Haven’t seen her since her parents moved them, who knows where,” Colt said. “To tell the truth, after Marlee caught us, Sally and I didn’t have much to do with each other. Well, it was more I wouldn’t have anything to do with her.”

“Sally wanted a relationship?” Brady asked.

“She followed me around the school, left gifts for me on my seat in class, and called me every day after school.” Colt grimaced as he thought about those days. “She started showing up at places I would go to in town, and even came out to Mom and Dad’s ranch.”

“I remember that now.” Brady cocked his head to the side. “How’d you get her to stop?”

“She didn’t, not until her parents moved and took her with them.” Colt grabbed another couple of beers from the fridge. “I’d never been so relieved.”

Brady took the beer Colt offered, and they popped off the caps. Brady raised his bottle. “To good days and brotherhood.”

Colt clinked his bottle with Brady’s. “To being brothers.”

They made their way back to the TV room and watched the game. Nothing like a cold beer and a good game of football.

Chapter 3

“For Heaven’s sake.” Marlee frowned at her closet as she scolded herself. “You’re not going to fashion show—it’s a date to a bar. Just pick something already.”

She flipped through her blouses, trying to find something to go with her new jeans. She needed something cute but not too cute, and long-sleeved due to the chilly weather, but not too heavy because she’d probably work up a sweat dancing. Colt had been a good dancer in high school, so no doubt he was even better now.

“This one.” She pulled out a royal blue shirt in a soft fabric with a sweetheart neckline. It met all her requirements and was as good as any. Besides, she happened to look great in it, according to Rae. She hadn’t worn it since last winter, and she doubted if anyone was keeping score.

She tossed the blouse on the bed with the jeans, bra, and panties she’d laid out. She’d lost track of time on her jog, trying too hard not to think about Colt, and now she had to rush to take her shower, dress, and throw on makeup before he arrived.

Her cell phone rang and she tried to tell where the sound was coming from. Where did she leave that thing? She hoped like crazy it wasn’t Colt calling to cancel.

It sounded like the ringing was coming from the floor. She got down on her hands and knees and found it under the bed. She looked at the screen and her stomach dropped.

Ben.

She sat back on her haunches, connected the call, and brought the phone to her ear. “Hi, Ben.”

“Hey, Marlee.” Ben sounded upbeat. “I just got back in town and heard there’s a live band at Mickey’s tonight. Are you up for it?”

She winced. I’m sorry, Ben. I’m already going with someone.”

A moment of silence. “Another man? I thought you and I had something.”

“We haven’t been exclusive.” She let her breath out. “We’ve just been on a few dates. I did plan to call and let you know, but I wasn’t sure when you’d be back in town.”

“Who are you going with?” Ben had a surly note to his voice.

“Does it matter?” She frowned. “Regardless, I think we need to see other people. I enjoy your company, but to be honest I haven’t felt like you and I had a relationship that was going anywhere.”

“Enjoy yourself.” The line went dead.

Marlee stared at the phone to see the blank screen. He’d hung up on her.

She shrugged and let out a long breath. With that kind of childish attitude, thank goodness their relationship hadn’t gone any farther than it had.

She glanced at the time on her phone then scrambled to her feet. Crap. Colt would be here soon.

Marlee managed to get ready before the doorbell rang, except for her socks and shoes. Her long hair swung around her shoulders as she grabbed the socks she’d left on her bed, scooped up the boots she hadn’t worn in a couple of years, and hurried out of her bedroom and down the creaky wooden staircase.

She peeked out the peephole and saw Colt on her doorstep. A flutter went through her belly. She hadn’t had time to be nervous in her record-breaking rush to get ready.

Her throat worked as she swallowed. She arranged a smile on her face and opened the door.

And there he was. One hundred percent All-American Sexy Cowboy.

“Come on in.” She stepped back to let Colt through the doorway and held up her shoes. “Give me a minute to get my boots on.”

“You look great, Marlee.” He gave her a grin that singed her from head to toe.

“Thanks.” She turned, hoping her face wasn’t red, and made her way to the couch on the cold floor so she could sit and put her socks and boots on.

As she tugged on a sock, she glanced at him. He rocked back on his boot heels with his thumbs in his pockets as he looked around her living room. “Nice place. It’s you.”

She pulled on her other sock. “I love this old house.”

“I can see why.” He turned his gaze back to her.

She focused on stuffing her feet in her boots, first one then the other, as she tried to ignore the way Colt made her feel.

Maybe this hadn’t been the best idea. She blew out a breath. Stop. It would be fun going out with Colt.

When she finished, she got up and grabbed her purse and slid out her credit card for emergency usage, her ID, and a twenty-dollar bill. She returned her purse to its spot and grabbed her key from the dish on the table by the door. She shoved everything in her right front pocket before taking her jacket off a hook near the door. He helped her slip it on.

She stepped back a little and smiled. “I’m ready to two-step.”

“Good thing.” Colt followed her out of the house. “I plan to wear you out tonight.”

“Don’t even try.” She laughed. “It’s been a while since I’ve worn these boots and I’m bound to get blisters if I overdo it. I never did really break them in since I rarely go dancing.”

“That’ll change.” He sounded so confident, like it was a foregone conclusion that they’d continue on from tonight.

Marlee wasn’t sure she liked that line of thinking. She preferred a confident man, and Colt was definitely that, but she didn’t like being taken for granted. With Colt, though, she didn’t think that would happen.

Ben blipped into her thoughts and she held back a groan. She’d only gone on a few dates with him, but it would be awkward if he was at Mickey’s tonight.

Stars shown brightly, glittering in a clear sky, as she and Colt walked from her house to his truck. She paused and studied them. “One of the things I like about King Creek is the fact we can see the stars so clearly.”

Colt came to a stop beside her and tilted his head back before looking at her. “I know exactly how you feel.”

Cool air chilled her face as they continued through the front gate to his truck. He helped her into the vehicle before making his way to the driver’s side and climbing in. She adjusted her seat buckle as she watched him. The lights from the dashboard illuminated his strong features as he backed out of her driveway.

Colt had been the best-looking guy in their senior class, as far as she’d been concerned, and he was even more handsome now. A man like him was dangerous to a woman’s heart. She swallowed back fear of getting her heart broken all over again. She’d had her share of adult relationships, a couple of which had not ended well, but nothing like what she’d felt in high school when she split from Colt.

Just went to show how much more fragile a teenager’s heart was. Things were different now, a lot had changed, and she was much older.

But was she old enough to know better?

Colt glanced at her. “I can just imagine what’s going on in that pretty head of yours.”

She tipped her head. “And that would be?”

“You’re wondering if you should be here.” He glanced at her. “But you’re glad you are.”

Her face heated. “You do think a lot of yourself.”

He flashed her a grin. “Just sayin’ it like I see it.”

She couldn’t help a smile as she shook her head. “You haven’t changed much.”

He gave off an air of nonchalance. “Why change perfection?”

She laughed. “Okay, Mr. Perfect.”

He answered her laugh with a chuckle. “How’s your dancing?”

She shrugged. “It’s been a while. I don’t dance nearly as much as we did in high school.” She bit her lower lip, regretting the reference back to the days when they were a couple. “Just haven’t had much opportunity.”

“Now’s your chance.” Colt guided his truck into the parking lot of Mickey’s Bar and Grill, a popular hangout for cowboys and other locals.

“Hopefully I can keep up with you.” Marlee looked around the parking lot, but it was too dark to spot any familiar vehicles. “Bear and Rae are supposed to be here.”

“Carter and Kit, too.” Colt parked the truck next to another truck that was just as big as his.

“I haven’t seen those two since Bear and Rae’s wedding.”

“Carter and Kit got Mom to babysit the twins, which wasn’t hard,” Colt said. “Mom loves those kids.”

Marlee waited as Colt hopped out of the vehicle and made his way around the truck. She knew better than to get out on her own when it came to cowboys. They enjoyed treating women like ladies, and who was she to disappoint?

Colt opened the door and took her hand, helping her out into the cool night. He gripped her hand as she stepped onto the runner before the ground then escorted her in the direction of the bar. She did her best to ignore the flutters in her belly as they walked toward the long building crafted with barn-wood walls and a bare concrete floor.

“This place has been around for ages.” Marlee studied the older building as their boots crunched on gravel. “I can remember when Mickey opened it. My freshman year, I think.”

“Yep.” Colt’s hand seemed to rest a little more possessively on her back. “We had a lot of fun in high school on teen nights when we’d come to dance.”

Marlee tried to ignore the little shiver that ran through her at his touch. “I remember.” She glanced at him and met his gaze before looking away. She had to fight herself to not give in to Colt’s incredible charm.

He said, “Nice evening,” to a couple standing on the wide barn-wood porch as he escorted Marlee up the wooden stairs.

Marlee smiled as she recognized Luke and Marsha who lived down the street from her house and gave them a little wave. The pair responded in kind but didn’t waylay them.

Colt didn’t pause to talk with the couple, or the two men who walked through the door before he could take Marlee through the doorway.

Warm air flowed over her along with smells of onion rings, burgers, and beer as she and Colt stepped into the busy bar and grill. The huge bar that Rae used to tend took up the wall to the right, tables and booths to the left, and straight ahead were the pool and foosball tables, with a dart board on the far wall.

The band appeared to be on break, the corner stage empty save for the mic, amps, and drum set.

Colt took Marlee by the hand and she wondered at the comforting feeling of his grip as they threaded their way through the crowd. He took her toward a table where Bear and Rae sat. Bear got to his feet.

“Hey.” Rae stood, hugged Marlee, and talked above the laughter and conversation. Rae leaned close and spoke in Marlee’s ear. “I see you’re taking me seriously and giving Colt another chance.”

Heat flushed through Marlee’s body. “I suppose so.”

Rae drew back and grinned. “You two belong together.”

Marlee grew hotter. “I have avoided Colt since high school. So, why would you think that?”

Rae shrugged. “I’ve been around him a lot since Bear and I got together. I like him for you. He’s intelligent, he’s fun and has a great sense of humor, and you have to admit he’s sexy as hell.” She glanced at Bear before looking at Marlee again. “Almost as much as Bear.”

Marlee couldn’t help a grin as she drew back from her cousin. It was so easy to see Rae’s love for her husband and she in truth wanted something like it for herself. She glanced at Colt and a flutter went through her belly. Would she ever be able to think of Colt in the same way Rae felt for Bear?

Much too soon to even consider those thoughts. She mentally shook her head as she turned her attention back to Rae. “I’ll give you that he’s sexy.” Marlee gave little smile. “We’ll see if there’s more to the man than a hot body and great looks.”

“Hot body?” Colt’s voice startled Marlee, causing her to whirl around to face him, a sexy grin on his strong features. “I think I heard something about great looks, too.”

Marlee’s skin tingled. “Must be your imagination.” She glanced in Rae’s direction, hoping for a distraction, but Rae and Bear now had their heads together, talking.

Bear took his wife’s hand. “Rae needs some air,” he said to Marlee and Colt. “We’ll return in a bit.”

The band started to troop in from a back room to the stage as Bear and Rae eased through the crowd, toward the front entrance. Marlee returned her gaze to Colt. “Here comes the music.”

“I’ll help you out of your jacket.” He moved behind her and assisted her in removing it before he hung it on the back of a chair. Colt pulled out the chair. “How’s your appetite?”

She slipped into the seat he offered. “I could eat just about anything.”

“Good thing, ’cause I’m hungry enough to order everything on the menu.” Colt removed his own jacket, put it on the back of the remaining seat at the table, to her left and sat.

Marlee took the single-page laminated menu he handed her from the center of the table. She scanned the limited menu items Mickey’s had to offer. “I’ll have the ranch burger with green chilis. I’d like a pale ale, too” She slid the menu back in its place, between the salt and pepper shakers and the ketchup.

“Share a sampler platter with me?” he asked.

She grinned. “I’ll fight you for the jalapeño coins.”

“You’re on.” He slipped his menu in with the others. “Here comes Jane.”

Marlee looked in the direction Colt indicated and smiled at the server. “Hi, Jane.”

“Nice to see you both here.” Jane turned her smile from Marlee to Colt. “What will you two have?”

Colt gave their orders, including a domestic beer on tap. With a nod Jane headed off to turn in their request.

The band struck up a popular country tune and Marlee tapped her foot to the music.

Colt drew Marlee’s gaze with a question. “How long has it been since you two-stepped?”

She shook her head. “Long enough that I might have forgotten how.”

“You’ll do fine.” His smile warmed her belly. “You’ve always been a good dancer.”

“Just watch your toes.” She couldn’t help a smile. “And be there to catch me in case I trip over my own feet.”

“I’ll always be there to catch you.” The almost serious look in his gaze caused her to swallow, hard.

The thought of being in Colt’s arms set her off balance and she struggled to hold on to her composure.

He pushed back his seat and stood. He offered his hand to her. “Ready to strut your stuff?”

A grin tugged at the corners of her mouth as she took his hand. “You betcha.”

He escorted her to the dance floor, and they flowed into the crowd and two-stepped to the music. She was surprised at how easily it was to fall into the rhythm and move around the dance floor with Colt. The song ended and everyone came to a halt. Applause broke out in the bar.

“This is a great band.” Marlee leaned close to Colt so he could hear her as the musicians started up again. “The lead singer has a fantastic voice.”

Colt swept her into another dance. “I’ve seen them perform in Phoenix. They’re so good I’m surprised Mickey was able to get them to come to King Creek.”

She smiled. “Hey, King Creek is a happening place.”

“Especially tonight.” He held onto her as they moved around the floor. “You’ve still got it, sugar.”

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she said. A total understatement.

When the song ended, Colt leaned in, close. “You’re still the best dance partner I’ve ever had.”

She smiled. “You’re just flirting with me.”

“I’m serious.” He tucked strands of hair behind her ear. “And I’ve been flirting with you all night.”

“I noticed.” And she hadn’t minded at all.

A moment later, Marlee glimpsed a vaguely familiar woman staring at them with an intense, angry expression. Marlee’s skin prickled, and hair rose at her nape. The woman would have been beautiful with her thick red hair, creamy complexion, and perfect hourglass figure, if it weren’t for the ugly scowl on her face.

Colt drew Marlee close, blocking her view of the woman. She expelled a slow breath and pushed away the feelings. She wasn’t going to let some stranger’s glare color her time with Colt.

Yet was she a stranger? She had looked familiar… Marlee mentally shook her head and turned her attention fully on Colt.

A line dance started with the next song and Marlee tried to excuse herself from it. “I am not familiar with this one.”

Colt held onto her. “I’ll teach you.”

She relented and proceeded to do her best in an attempt to keep up. By the end of the song, she’d caught on but was laughing hard.

“I see our food on the table.” She fanned her face. “I’ve definitely worked up an appetite.”

He took her hand. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

“I wouldn’t care if it was.” She let him guide her back to the table. “I’m so hungry.”

Marlee spotted Bear and Rae near the bar, talking with another couple.

Colt seated Marlee at the table before taking his own chair. They’d taken so long on the dance floor that not only had the appetizers been delivered, but their meals as well.

They dug in and shared the sampler platter and ate their burgers. She enjoyed the pale ale along with their dinner.

“Mickey’s makes the best bar food.” Marlee popped a breaded jalapeño coin into her mouth. She glanced at Colt to see him observing her intently. “Do I have something on my nose?”

“On your mouth.” Colt ran his thumb along her lower lip. “A few crumbs.” His feathery touch caused a shiver to travel over her skin.

Marlee reached for a napkin and dabbed it to her lips as she turned her face away from him. She wasn’t sure how she could handle being with this man all evening and not want more than just a kiss at the end of the night. When she glanced back at Colt, his sexy grin told her all she needed to know—the man wanted her and knew she wanted him.

She focused on her burger and bit into it. They had never gone farther than kissing and teenage groping in high school. He’d been a teenage boy, raging hormones included, but he’d been a gentleman even then. The fact that he’d messed around while dating her, hadn’t made sense, but she had never forgiven him. Until now.

The burger was quite good and just as messy. She made sure to wipe away any sauce that might have escaped, not wanting a repeat of what had just happened.

“How’s the editing business going?” He drew her attention back to him as he dabbed a breaded cheese stick in marinara sauce then took a bite and chewed.

She set the remaining half of her burger on the plate. “It hasn’t been too exciting lately. Just plugging away, trying to find great manuscripts in the slush pile.”

“What counts as exciting for an editor?” He popped the rest of the cheese stick into his mouth.

Her brows knitted as she considered his question. “Finding a treasure of a manuscript hiding away in stacks of submissions can be very exciting. A manuscript that shows the author’s talent for storytelling whether it’s a biography or memoir.”

Colt shook his head. “I’d rather be shoveling manure.”

Marlee couldn’t help a laugh. “I’d rather be editing than dealing with horse poop or cow patties.”

His grin broadened. “Horse poop?”

She gave a firm nod. “I don’t use bad language.”

“Sure you want to be around me?” He gave her a teasing look. “I’m not above saying horse—”

She clapped her hand over his mouth, stopping him. “I know you better than that, Colt. You don’t use foul language around a lady.”

He chuckled as she lowered her hand from his mouth. She could still feel prickles from his stubble against her palm and the firmness of his lips.

She tried to think of a way out of the moment when she straightened in her seat. “This is one of my favorite songs. Let’s dance.”

“My pleasure.” He got to his feet then took her hand and helped her up.

This time she led the way to the dance floor while he held her hand securely. He took control the moment they reached the area that was crowded with dancers. He swept her into the maelstrom and her heart grew lighter and laughter bubbled up inside her and escaped. Colt grinned every time she burst out laughing.

At the end of their third dance in a row, she was covered in perspiration and in need of cooling off. “Let’s get some air, Colt.”

“Hold on, beautiful.” He inclined his head toward the band as they struck up a slow tune. “This is our song.”

Her rolled her eyes. “This song wasn’t even out when we were younger.”

“It’s our song now.” He drew her to him. “Dance with me.”

Her heartbeat grew more rapid, and it had nothing to do with the earlier exertion. He pressed her close to him. She looped her arms around his neck, letting him guide her to the center of the floor as they swayed to the music. She tipped her head back and looked into his amber eyes that seemed to darken as he studied her.

He moved his lips close to her ear. “I’m glad you’re here, Marlee, with me.” He slid his fingers into her hair and cupped the back of her head. He drew back and studied her again. “I don’t want to lose you again.”

Words caught in her throat. She didn’t have any idea what to say.

He saved her from speaking by lowering his head and claiming a kiss.

Chapter 4

Colt’s body responded to Marlee’s closeness and he hoped he wouldn’t scare her away. Damn, she tasted sweet. He kissed her for a good long while, enjoying the feel of her in his arms and her incredible feminine scent of vanilla and jasmine. They needed to bottle her natural perfume. He’d be first in line to buy it.

Hair prickled at the back of his neck. He looked up and caught a glimpse of a redheaded woman staring at him and Marlee. It took only a moment to realize it was a much older Sally Farmer, and she was glaring daggers.

Oh, hell.

Colt drew back as the song ended, and he brought his and Marlee’s movements to a stop. “You mentioned getting some air?”

Her eyes glittered in the low lighting. “I think it’s a good idea.”

So do I.

He took her by the hand and escorted her toward the entrance. As they passed their table, where Bear and Rae now sat, Colt had to smile at Bear’s broad grin and Rae’s enthusiastic thumbs up.

Colt murmured in Marlee’s ear. “We have your cousin’s seal of approval.”

“Rae certainly doesn’t hold back.” Marlee looked like she was trying to be serious and failing as she added, “I’ll have to have a talk with her.”

“It’ll be cold out there, so I’d better grab our jackets.” Colt squeezed her shoulder. “Give me a minute and I’ll be right back.”

He returned to the table and grinned at Bear and Rae as he took the jackets from the backs of their seats.

“Way to go, Colt.” Rae beamed then sobered her expression. “You’d better be good to her.”

Bear shook his head, laughter in his eyes. “Better listen to my wife.”

Colt couldn’t help a grin at Rae’s attempt at sounding protective. “You know I will.”

“Don’t disappoint me,” Rae said. “Or her.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “I’d better get back to my lady.”

Rae’s expression brightened again. “See you in a bit.”

Colt returned to Marlee and helped her into her jacket. “I just got the third degree from your very protective cousin.”

Marlee zipped her jacket. “I’m not surprised.”

He slipped into his own coat then rested his arm around Marlee’s shoulders. It felt natural and perfect holding her close to his side. He had no doubt she was meant to be right there with him.

They walked out onto the long porch and he guided her to the left. When they reached the end, she moved so that she partially sat on the split-rail enclosure, and he hitched his shoulder against the corner post.

Music carried through the entrance, but they were far enough away that they could carry on a decent conversation.

Marlee braced her hands to either side of her hips on the rail as she looked up at him. “I understand the small business event is going to be at your ranch.”

Colt gave a low nod. “Amy Baker is organizing most of it. She has vendors lined up and events for the kids. Mayor Brown is manning the barbeque grill.”

“I’ve always liked him.” Marlee smiled. “He’s been a good mayor for our town.”

“And a good sport,” Colt said. “He gets dunked more times than not at the Fourth of July celebration every year.”

Marlee laughed. “I get my shots in.”

Colt studied her in the dim light. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

She looked suddenly shy, and if it wasn’t mostly dark, he’d bet he’d see a blush on her pretty face.

“Thanks.” She glanced away and looked back at him. “I’ve missed you, Colt.”

He eased next to her on the railing so that they were side-by-side, his body pressed to hers. “I’ve missed you, too.” He reached up and stroked her hair. “It’s been far too long. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to ask you out, but you always managed to be leave before I could try.”

She looked down at her boots. “I was afraid to think about letting you back in.”

“I can’t excuse my teenage self, but so that you know, that kiss you saw was a one-time thing.” He put his hand over hers, where it rested on the railing. “Honestly, I don’t even know how it happened. I wasn’t looking for a relationship with Sally, and I never meant to kiss her.” He gave a loud sigh. “I guess that sounds pretty stupid.”

“I was devastated,” Marlee said softly. “Maybe I should have given you another chance, but that teenage girl was too heartbroken.”

“I don’t blame you at all, Marlee.” Colt slid his arm around her shoulders and held her close. “What’s in the past is in the past. I’m ready for us to start fresh.”

“I am, too.” She tipped her face to look in his eyes. “I’m ready to see where this might go.”

He breathed her in as she rested her head against his shoulder. “I’m grateful for the chance to make it up to you.”

“Where do we go from here?” She rubbed her palms on her jeans. “We have a lot of time to make up for.”

“Invite me over for dinner,” he said in a teasing tone. “I’d invite you, but I still can’t cook worth beans.”

“You always were modest.” She gave him a playful jab in the ribs. “I bet you can do better than that.”

“Modest?” He chuckled. “You must have me confused with Bear.”

She shook her head. “Even when you were a star running back for our high school, you didn’t get full of yourself. You let the Hugh Johnson, the quarterback, take all the credit.”

Colt shrugged. “Hugh had the arm. I just caught the ball.”

“And he had the big head to go with it.” Marlee gave a soft laugh. “He still does. When he changes the oil in my car, he talks about glory days and hits on me.”

Colt tugged on a strand of her hair and tried not to show the burst of jealousy and possessiveness that rose inside him. “Have you taken Hugh up on it?”

“Nope.” Marlee waved away Colt’s question. “No interest in a man who thinks he’s God’s gift. But Hugh does a good job of keeping my old car running.”

“You’ve had that ancient VW Bug for a good long time,” Colt said. “I’ve seen you driving around in your modern version, too. Candy apple red seems to be your color.”

“Yeah.” Marlee smiled at him. “Mama Bug prefers the garage, so I drive Baby Bug most of the time.”

Colt let out a laugh. “Mama and Baby Bug, huh?”

She nodded emphatically. “Of course.” She tipped her head to the side. “What are you doing tomorrow evening?”

He linked his fingers with hers. “I think I’m having dinner with you.”

“Yes, you are.” She squeezed his hand in return. “Be at my place at five-thirty. Bring your appetite and a bag of candy.”

He had an appetite for more than one thing with Marlee Fox, but he’d keep himself in check. He didn’t intend to push her in any way. “You’re hungry for candy?”

“It’s Halloween tomorrow. We’re going to hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters,” she said. “I always buy a lot and still run out.”

“I forgot about it being Halloween,” he said. “A bag of candy it is. What’s for dinner?”

She smiled. “Do you trust me?”

He couldn’t help but grin. “Now I’m worried.”

She spoke in a witchy cackle. “You should be, my pretty.”

He burst out laughing. “Your pretty?”

“Just show up and I’ll have something ready for you in my cauldron.” She gave him a wicked grin.

He adjusted his grip on her hand. “What should I come dressed as?”

She looked him up and down before meeting his gaze. “How about a tall, sexy cowboy?”

“I’ll see if I can manage to find something to wear.”

“Wear your spurs.” She cocked her head. “Do you still have a collection of Stetsons and Resistols?”

“They’ve gone in and out of circulation.” He shifted on the railing. “I have a few to choose from.”

She gave a soft laugh. “I figured.”

“Are you up for more dancing?” He’d prefer another nice, slow one or two.

“My feet are going to hate me in the morning.” She blew out her breath. “This witch may not be able to fit into her heels come tomorrow.”

He traced the curve of her jaw and felt her shiver. “No one could ever call you a witch.”

“Come tomorrow, you will.” She gave a wicked grin. “Green skin, warts and all.”

He shook his head in mock regret. “I figured you’d be covered in glitter with a gold wand.”

“Nope.” Her grin broadened. “You might regret agreeing to dinner. Especially since it involves spiders and grubs.”

He laughed. “Is it too late to change plans?”

“Yep.” She gave a single nod, like an exclamation point. “Much too late.”

“Then I’d better have a second beer.” He gripped her hand and got to his feet. “Come on, sugar. I’ll buy you another.”

She blessed him with one of her beautiful, sexy smiles as he helped her stand. Damn, he could get used to this all too easily.

By the time they decided to leave, Marlee felt the heat of a good workout in her muscles from dancing so much with Colt.

She’d had such a great time with him, but for some reason, she’d felt uneasy at times, like that woman was watching her and Colt. It was probably because she’d also spotted Ben Campbell at some point during the evening. At least he hadn’t been glaring, but still he’d looked pretty grumpy.

“These boots are killing me.” She gripped Colt’s hand as they headed for the entrance. “I haven’t danced this much since you and I used to two-step in high school. I was much younger then with a lot more stamina. You might have to carry me out of here.”

“I’ve seen you out jogging,” Colt said. “You have more stamina than I do.” He flashed her a sexy grin as he made to take her into his arms. “But I’ll be more than happy to carry you.”

She held up her hands. “On second thought, I’ll make it out of here on my own two feet.”

“Are you sure?” He slid his arm around her back. “Can’t have your feet being too sore for those witchy heels you’re wearing tomorrow.”

“No—” She squealed as he scooped her into his arms. “Colt. Put me down.”

He ignored her and stopped by the table where Bear and Rae were tugging on their coats. “We’re headed on home.”

“Colt.” Marlee slapped his shoulder lightly. “Come on, put me down.”

“Bye, Marlee.” Rae gave a little wave and a big grin. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Marlee groaned as Colt gave a nod to his brother and headed toward the entrance.

She punched his sculpted biceps, much harder this time. “That’s enough, Colt.”

“I think a fly just landed on me.” His grin made her want to smile. It was hard to keep a straight face.

“Watch out.” She gripped him more tightly as he forged ahead, having to dodge people in their path. “I might kick someone.”

“I got you.”

Marlee groaned again, wanting to hide her face. Instead, she gave in and held onto him with one arm while raising her hand to people she knew as they passed by.

The music faded as he carried her down the steps and out into the parking lot. When they reached Colt’s truck, he shifted his arm and somehow held onto her at the same time he fished his keys out of his pocket. The man had to have some serious muscles to hold her that easily.

She had to admit she really wanted a look up close and personal.

Colt hit the remote and she heard the sound of the doors unlocking. He finally let her slide to her feet. “Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Marlee playfully punched him another time. “Don’t do that again.”

He grinned and rubbed his arm. “Another fly landed on me.”

She rolled her eyes. “Take me home. I’m ready for bed.”

He gave her a hard kiss and drew back. “Sounds good to me.”

Her eyes widened. “I didn’t mean—”

Colt cut her off with another kiss. When they parted, he was smiling. “I know what you meant. Let’s get you home.”

He helped her into the truck, and she buckled her seatbelt as he closed the door. Her heart fluttered as he walked around the front of the truck before climbing into the driver’s seat. He looked so good, so powerful and she had to admit she enjoyed him carrying her. She’d never tell him that.

They held hands on the console between them and the silence was comfortable as he drove the relatively short distance back to her home.

Once he’d helped her out of the truck and they’d made it to the door, she unlocked it then stood in the open doorway.

Should she invite him in? Offer him a drink?

Perhaps leading to more than that?

Heat burned her skin as he gave her a slow, sensual kiss. He placed his forehead against hers for a moment that stretched out, and she heard the rapid pounding of her heart.

He drew away and skimmed his fingers along the side of her face. His voice came out low, husky. “See you tomorrow night. I’ll be here at five-thirty, bag of candy in hand.”

She let out a slow breath, relieved he had made the decision for her. “Thanks for a great time.”

“You and me—it’s just the start.” He kissed her again. “Night, Marlee.”

“Goodnight, Colt.” She watched him as he strode back to his truck, his stride easy, his body so muscular and powerful. He climbed into his vehicle and waited until she went into her home and closed the door behind her.

Marlee leaned against the door. Her knees gave out on her and she slid down to land on her butt. She thumped her head against the door and winced. She rubbed the back of her head as she thought about her night with Colt. The good-looking boy she’d dated in high school had grown into one incredibly sexy man.

Well, she sure hadn’t seen this one coming. Was it just a couple of days ago she’d been trying to figure out how to get out of having to be near Colt?

Now she was apparently dating the man. Warmth flowed through her from head to toe, sending tingles of excitement throughout her body. She most definitely looked forward to tomorrow night.

Marlee wiped sweat away from her hot forehead as she jogged around the park. Her muscles burned and she had to push herself to make it the last five hundred feet of her run. She didn’t often have beer, and she always paid for it when she did.

She put on a burst of speed toward the end of the path, then crossed her imaginary finish line. She resisted holding her arms up in the air like a marathon winner. After all, she’d only jogged five miles, not twenty. She’d started out at her home to one of the lesser traveled roads, then finished at Founders Park.

A feeling of triumph lifted her spirits even higher than it had been when she started the day. She’d hummed her way through her morning ritual before heading out on her jog. While her feet hit the pavement in a consistent rhythm, she’d thought about Colt.

What an incredible night she’d had with him. From start to finish, she had thoroughly enjoyed herself. He was sexy, charming, funny, and she loved being around him. How had she pushed him away all these years?

She might not have been ready before, but a thrill went through her at the thought of going forward in her life with Colt at her side.

What if it didn’t work out? She pushed the thought away as she walked out of the park, toward her neighborhood. Whatever will be, will be. She tried to remember what old song that reminded her of, but it escaped her at the moment.

The ringing of her phone cut into her thoughts. She pulled her phone out of the side pocket and saw Rae’s name on the screen. She connected the call and brought the phone to her ear. “Why am I not surprised you’re calling me first thing in the morning?”

Rae laughed. “Your morning started ages ago, so don’t tell me it’s first thing in the morning for you.”

“But it is in your case.” Marlee relaxed her pace as she cooled down. “I suppose you’ve called to say, ‘I told you so?’”

“Yep. I told you so.” Rae had a smile in her voice. “You don’t know how thrilled I am that you and Colt are together.”

“Whoa, girl.” Marlee put her hand up as if Rae could see her. “We went on one date, so I wouldn’t call that as us being together.”

“Semantics.” Rae clearly wouldn’t be put off. “So, how did the night end? Or did it end?”

“If you’re wondering if we slept together, we did not.” Not for the lack of wanting, Marlee thought but chose not to say out loud. “Colt very gentlemanly kissed me and said goodnight.”

“It’s only a matter of time.” Rae sounded smug. “When’s your next date?”

Marlee tucked damp hair behind her ear. “He’s coming over tonight to help me pass out Halloween candy to the kids and for whatever dinner I can come up with.”

“I bet you’ll come up with an awesome dinner,” Rae said. “You’re a great cook.”

Marlee laughed. “I’m trying to come up something that will look or sound absolutely terrible but taste great.”

Rae echoed her laughter. “Something Halloween worthy, I take it.”

“You’ve got it.” The chilly morning air dried the perspiration on Marlee’s face and neck as they talked. She sobered. “Rae, I’m afraid this is moving too fast.”

Her cousin sounded a little more subdued as she answered. “I get that. Even though it was a long time ago that he hurt you, it probably still stings.”

“Not as much as it used to.” Marlee blew out her breath. “I’m not afraid that he’ll hurt me like that again. What I am afraid of is totally falling for him and then for some reason our relationship ends, for whatever reason that may be.”

“Don’t worry so much,” Rae said. “Take it a day at a time and see what happens. You could always end up as friends if it doesn’t work out.”

Marlee groaned as she walked off the park path and headed for the street that would take her home. “That’s the problem. I don’t think I could ever just be friends with Colt McLeod. It’s all or nothing.”

“You always have been all or nothing,” Rae said. “It’s either one way or it’s not.”

“That’s me.” Marlee pulled at the neck of her shirt that seemed to constrict her now. “So do you see why I am a little hesitant to go all in?”

“I do.” Rae paused. “I think you’ll regret it if you don’t find out how far it can go between you and Colt.”

“Don’t quote me a line about it being better to have loved and lost, yadda yadda yadda.” Marlee sighed. “Whoever said that should be shot.”

Rae laughed. “Okay, okay. Just take this chance. I truly think you two belong together.”

Marlee blew out her breath as her breathing returned to a more normal rate as she got to her own street. “I’ve already decided to do that. I just can’t help but have fears.”

“Fears are normal,” Rae said.

“Back to dinner.” Marlee desperately wanted to get away from fears about dating Colt. “I need ideas.”

“You could have elbow macaroni and white cheddar cheese and say it’s cheese-covered chopped intestines.” Rae had a fiendish note to her voice. “You make great homemade mac and cheese.”

“Oooh, there’s an idea. I could add a little pimento for extra gross-out factor.” Marlee grinned. “How about struffoli, those Italian honey balls for a treat? I could add shredded coconut and call them hairy skeleton balls.”

Rae burst into giggles. “I cannot believe you would do that.”

Marlee cackled and spoke in a witchy voice. “You know I would.”

Rae continued to laugh. “Breadsticks go with Italian. How about crunchy breadsticks broken in half and served with red sauce for broken bones? Add meat to the sauce for bone marrow.”

“Perfect.” Marlee pictured dinner and it was getting better and better. “I could do cappelletti pasta filled with a beet puree mixed with ricotta for rat brains.” Another idea popped into mind. “I know what to do for dessert. Cannolis shaped like fingers and stuffed with a dark red raspberry ricotta filling for flesh and blood. Maybe insert a couple of small pretzel sticks for bones.”

“Oh, my God.” Rae sounded as if she was trying to catch her breath between giggles. “My sides hurt.”

“For a side I could go with candy eyeballs in a Jell-O salad mixed with whole cranberry sauce,” Marlee said. “Not gourmet and not Italian, but gross.”

“Definitely gross.”

“Thanks, cuz. Dinner is all planned.”

“I love planning devious things with you,” Rae said. “Anytime.”

Marlee stepped onto the sidewalk that wended its way through the neighborhood. Her house was the third one down on the right. “Oh, I forgot to tell Bear that I’m thinking about adopting a rescue dog,” she said. “I want to get his suggestions on where to go and any advice he has to offer.”

“That’s awesome,” Rae said. “I’ll mention it to him. You’ll make a great dog mom.”

“I’m excited about it.” Marlee smiled. “I’m home most of the time and it would be fun to have a furry friend to spend time with.”

“I love all of the pets we have here,” Rae said. “I inherited a huge pet family when I married Bear.”

“You certainly did.” Marlee came to a stop in front of her house. “I’m home now. I’m going to take a shower and start planning all of the evil goodies for the day.”

“Have fun with it.” Rae giggle again. “Tell me how he likes the hairy skeleton balls.”

Marlee gave another evil cackle. “I certainly will, my pretty.”

They said their goodbyes and Marlee disconnected the call. It was so good having her cousin living in King Creek now.

A cool breeze chilled her damp skin as she jogged up the steps, unlocked the door, and headed into the house. Now to prepare for trick-or-treaters, and most especially her night with Colt.

Chapter 5

The doorbell chimed and Marlee left the kitchen to see if Colt had arrived, or maybe just early trick-or-treaters. Her flowing black silk skirt swirled around her ankles and her towering black heels clicked across the wood floor.

She peeked through the peephole, accidentally knocking back her witch’s hat as she saw Colt stood on her doorstep. She grabbed the black hat with one hand, pushing it into place as she stepped back.

Marlee took a deep breath and held her hand to her abdomen to calm the fluttering in her belly and opened the door.

“Welcome.” She spoke in her best witchy voice, trying to stay in character when she really wanted to wrap her arms around him and kiss him. She took a couple more steps back. “Come into my lair.”

“If all witches looked like you, men wouldn’t know what to do with themselves.” Colt came into her home and closed the door behind him. She noticed a jangling sound before he said, “You’re a knockout, sugar.”

She warmed, glad she hadn’t gone for the green makeup she’d originally planned to use, pre-Colt. “You wouldn’t like me with a wart on my nose?”

Colt dropped something that thudded on the floor and took her into his arms. “I’ll be honored to be with you even if it means you’ll turn me into a toad.”

She smiled up at him. “I’m not about to do that since it would mean some princess would have to kiss you.”

“You’re my witchy princess.” He held her securely. “No one is kissing me but you.” He lowered his mouth to hers.

His Stetson promptly knocked off her hat and it tumbled to the floor as he kissed her. She sighed into his mouth, heat extending to every part of her body. She was completely out of breath when he raised his head and broke the kiss.

“You lost something.” He smiled at her, his amber eyes warming her through like the best whiskey.

“Lost?” Her mind was fuzzy from his kiss.

He leaned down and scooped up her hat then placed it on her head, a lopsided grin on his face. “You make the cutest which.”

She gave him her best appalled expression. “I wasn’t going for cute. I’m an evil witch, remember?”

He toyed with her long hair that she’d left down. “Could have fooled me.”

He moved and she heard that jangling sound again. She looked down at his boots then smiled at him. “You wore spurs.”

“Of course, little lady.” Colt gave a great John Wayne impersonation. “My mighty-fine horse is hitched up outside.”

A chime at the door had Marlee stepping out of Colt’s embrace. “Sounds like little ones have made it around your horse.”

Colt scooped up a huge bag of candy from off the floor at their feet, where Colt had apparently dropped it before taking her into his arms. He scooped it up, his spurs jangling as he followed her to the door.

She picked up a plastic cauldron filled with candy and turned the doorknob. A chorus of “Trick-or-treat,” came the moment she swung open the door.

Marlee cackled. “I have candy for the bravest of you. Who’s brave enough to face Witch Marlee?”

“I am!” a little girl shouted through her pink Darth Vader mask as she pushed her way to the front. She brandished a plastic device. “I got my light saber!”

“Oh, no.” Marlee dropped candy into the girl’s outstretched bag. “Spare me, please Darth Vader.”

The girl giggled. Marlee smiled and gave each child a handful of candy in their bags. She never could resist giving kids more than just a couple of pieces.

Before the children had made it back to the driveway, another group approached from the sidewalk. This time Colt spoke with the kids, staying in character and speaking with a thick cowboy drawl.

Colt had the sexiest voice, and just being this close to him caused tingles in her belly. After the fourth set of trick-or-treaters, she realized she’d relaxed enough to simply enjoy the evening with him. This schoolgirl-crush feeling had to go.

The number of kids coming to Marlee’s door slowed to a trickle then stopped altogether.

She blew out her breath and stared into her cauldron. “We just about ran out of candy. She glanced up and smiled at Colt. The bag you brought got us through the madness.

Colt chuckled. “It did get a little backed up there for a while.”

She set aside the cauldron and inclined her head toward the kitchen. “Come into my potion-making chamber. I’ll see if the tarantula stew is ready.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Am I going to regret this?”

“We’ll see,” she smirked, “my pretty.”

He followed her into the kitchen, shaking his head. “Smells great, whatever it is.”

Marlee raised the lid of a pot on the stove and stirred the contents with a wooden spoon. “Perfectly lumpy. Lots of tarantula bodies.” She glanced at Colt. “Did you know tarantulas turn white when they’re cooked? At least in my recipe.”

He studied her with amusement on his handsome features. “I’d have to say no.”

She set the wooden utensil on a spoon rest. “Would you like some iced beetle tea?”

He gave a nod. “I’m game.”

She grabbed a pitcher of iced tea from the fridge and poured two glasses before handing one to him. “I’ve got lemon wedges and sugar if you’d like.”

He raised his glass. “I’ll take it straight.” His throat worked as he swallowed a long drink. “Best beetle tea I’ve had.”

She nodded in the direction of the table already laden with covered dishes. “We’ll start with an appetizer.” She pointed to the dome-covered plates. “Help yourself to rat brains and hairy skeleton balls.”

Colt snorted out a laugh and raised the first dome before taking a few of the cappelletti pasta stuffed with beet puree-ricotta mixture and putting them on a plate. He bit into one as he leaned back against the counter and the red puree dripped onto his plate. “A little messy but good.”

She gave him a wicked grin. “Now, eat a skeleton ball.”

He winced. “I’m not so sure about those.” Colt looked from her face to the plate of struffoli. “Suddenly, I’m not hungry.”

She laughed at his doubtful expression. “They’re struffoli, which are Italian honey balls. I rolled these in coconut flakes to make them hairy.”

“Well, in that case.” He snagged a couple from beneath the second dome and added them to his plate. He paused and made a face as he stared at one. “Skeleton balls,” he muttered.

“Don’t be a baby.” She grinned. “Eat up.”

Colt popped it into his mouth as if getting his nerve up then slowly chewed and swallowed. “Much better than they sound.” He ate the second one. “They need a new name.”

Marlee reached into the cabinet and pulled out a couple of bowls. “The spiders are done.” She pointed to the table. “Have a seat.”

She took a long-handled ladle from a utensil crock. She dunked it into the homemade dumplings in the stock pot and ladled the soup into the bowls. She carried them to the table and placed one on the placemat in front of Colt before taking her own seat and settling her bowl before her.

“It’s really hot.” She picked up a soup spoon from the utensils she’d already set out at each place setting.

He bit into a dumpling. “Didn’t know tarantulas tasted so good.”

“This is a Polish dumpling recipe from my grandmother.” Marlee smiled. “It reminds me of my childhood. I have lots of fond memories of her and those days.”

“Your grandma was nice.” Colt spooned another dumpling. “Tough, but a real nice lady.”

Marlee nodded thoughtfully. “Definitely couldn’t pull one over on her.”

When they finished the dumplings, Marlee loaded elbow macaroni and cheese with pimentos on two plates.

She placed one in front of Colt. “Chopped intestines.”

Colt smirked. “My favorite dish.”

Their odd Halloween dinner progressed as they ate the things she and Rae had come up with when they’d brainstormed. Marlee would never have put these dishes together in any one dinner, but it made for a lot of fun with Colt.

Marlee stabbed at the macaroni. “How are preparations going for the small business event?”

He shrugged. “Amy is doing most of the legwork with the community. I’ve got my men scheduled to help with setup during the week beforehand.”

“I told Amy I’d help.” Marlee smiled. “That was before I knew it was at the Bar M. Not so sure now.”

Colt grinned. “Mayor Brown comes up with some good ideas for King Creek.”

“He’s a great mayor.” Marlee set her fork down and rested her hand on her belly. “I’m stuffed.”

Colt took a crunchy breadstick bone and dipped it in marinara sauce marrow. “I’d be happy to eat the rest of your share of this witchy dinner.”

“Have at it.” She rested her back against the chair. “What kinds of things are going on at the event?”

“Each participating company will have a booth,” Colt said, “and there will be arts and crafts for sale, food vendors, and an area to play horseshoes. We’ll have pony rides for the kids and a pint-sized rodeo with sheep roping and goat tying.”

Marlee tipped her head to the side as she considered the event. “Several years ago, I learned face painting. I could do that for the kids.”

“I like that idea.” Colt nodded. “I’m sure the young ones will enjoy that.”

“I’ll get with Amy and set it up.” Marlee uncovered a dish when she saw that Colt’s plate was clean and he’d set aside his fork. “And for dessert, fingers.”

A crash sounded in the living room, like glass shattering, followed by a big thump.

Marlee’s eyes widened. “What was that?”

“Stay here,” Colt said. But she ignored him, and they both shoved back their chairs and hurried into the living room.

In the middle of the room sat a fist-sized rock. The curtains billowed in through the broken window.

“Oh, crap.” Marlee groaned and looked at the rock. “Must have been a someone playing tricks for Halloween.”

“Some trick,” Colt muttered. “Do you have anything we can use to cover up the window for tonight?”

“I have a canvas tarp and some cardboard and nails.” She sighed. “I have extra paint that I can use to patch up the nail holes once a new window is in. I’ll call someone first thing.”

Colt got the canvas and cardboard out of the basement while Marlee grabbed the broom, dustpan, and a wastebasket, along with her tool bag. She kept all manner of project items in the bag, including a hammer and nails.

It didn’t take too long before she had cleaned up the glass and Colt had secured the window good enough to get her through the night.

When they were finished, they returned to the kitchen and sat at her small table.

Colt picked up a cannoli shaped like a finger and set it on his plate. “Looks great.” He cut his fork into the dessert and dark red raspberry-ricotta filling oozed out. A small crunchy breadstick bone stuck out of the filling.

He ate the bite and nodded appreciatively as she put one on her own plate. He finished it and grabbed a second. “It’s been a great dinner, Marlee. Love these cannoli.”

“How about a special witches brew to top it off?” She got to her feet. “Coffee with a touch of Kahlua.”

“I’d like that.” He joined her in the little kitchen and leaned back against the counter, his powerful arms crossed over his chest.

Marlee watched her coffee maker as it dripped into the pot before meeting Colt’s gaze. “Coffee is one of the best smells in the world. I think that’s why I prefer using a traditional coffee maker over a single-serve machine. I adore the scent of freshly ground coffee.”

“That and the warm smell of homemade bread straight out of my mom’s oven.” He nodded. “Can’t beat ’em.”

Their gazes lingered. “I’ll have to make my homemade rolls for you. I think you’ll enjoy them.”

“I’d like that.” He moved closer to her so that they leaned back against the corner together, side-by-side.

Tingles radiated through her belly as his body heat burned her through. A sudden bout of nervousness overtook her and she moved to the cabinet and pulled out two pottery mugs. She couldn’t find her tongue and busied herself filling the mugs and adding shots of Kahlua.

Colt took the mug from her. He watched her over the rim as he drank from it.

Marlee suddenly felt on edge. The night would end soon, and what then?

Would he want to stay? Would she want him to?

She sipped too quickly from her mug and burned her tongue.

Slow down, she told herself. In every way, she needed to slow down.

As they finished the coffee, Colt helped Marlee clean up what mess they’d made. She enjoyed having him beside her, his shirt sleeves rolled up as he hand-washed the stockpot. The muscles in his arms flexed as he worked, the hair on his arm golden against his tan.

They fell into a comfortable rhythm, and her nervousness drifted away. The moment felt so natural, so comfortable. They had moved from teenagers in love to being estranged, and now adults finding their way back to each other.

“This is nice.” Colt echoed how she felt as he set aside the dish towel he’d used to dry his hands. He settled his hand on her waist as he drew her to him. “I could get used to this in a heartbeat.”

A shiver rippled over her skin, and her lips trembled as she smiled. “I’m glad you asked me out and I’m happy you’re here tonight.”

He drew her into his arms, and she linked her hands behind his neck. “I’m thinking it might be dangerous to be alone with you,” he murmured. “Walking out that door isn’t going to be easy.”

Butterflies tickled her belly, and she didn’t trust herself to speak. She might tell him he could stay, and it was much too soon for that.

He pressed her up against the counter and her breathing faltered. She could so easily imagine him setting her on the countertop, raising up her skirt, and burying himself inside her.

Her face flamed as he met her gaze, the sexy curve of his lips making her feel like he’d heard the intensity of her thoughts. She couldn’t have him thinking she wanted him to stay the night, even though that was exactly what she most desired him to do.

She squeezed her eyes shut. She wasn’t sure she could let him leave tonight.

His lips brushed over hers, causing her to gasp against his mouth. His tongue slid between her lips and a soft moan escaped her. The sound seemed to encourage him, and he pressed her harder against the counter and deepened the kiss.

So much pent-up desire for Colt exploded inside her. She answered his kiss with a fervor that matched his.

He grasped her ass, picked her up and settled her on the countertop, just as she imagined. He slid her skirt up to her hips before pressing himself between her thighs.

She groaned, an urgent sound that spoke of her hunger for him. He kissed her even more intensely and she wanted his hands doing more than just holding her hips.

Marlee slid her palms from his neck and grasped his hands. She moved them to her breasts, and he caught his breath.

She gasped at the feel of his big hands on her breasts and melted as he brushed her nipples with his thumbs.

“Colt.” His name came out as a husky murmur on her lips and then she spoke his name more urgently. “Colt.”

“Oh, God, Marlee.” He ground himself against her center. His hardness against her soft flesh made her tremble with desire. “I need you.”

She swallowed. In the back of her mind, she knew that to go much farther than they had already wasn’t a good idea. In fact, it was a very bad one. They’d barely just started seeing each other and they shouldn’t be in a hurry to end up in bed.

But she couldn’t stop herself. She needed him. She wanted him.

Colt broke the kiss and raised his head. He still had his hands on her breasts, his thumbs and forefingers rolling her nipples. His eyes smoldered, their depths so dark she felt like she was falling into them.

He eased his hands from her breasts to her hips. The rise and fall of his chest told her he was having just as hard of a time catching his breath as she was.

“I’d better get going.” The tone of his voice let her know that wasn’t what he wanted to do. He wanted to stay.

And she wanted to tell him to stay. She wanted that more than anything.

But not now. Not yet.

She didn’t want to regret one single moment with him. She wanted to be able to give herself fully and completely to him.

Now was not that time.

Now she needed to have him leave and let her gather herself.

But she didn’t want him to leave.

They stared at each other a long moment, their desire for each other holding them in place.

“So much lost time.” The words came out low and throaty. She hadn’t planned on saying them aloud.

Colt drew her to him and kissed her again.

Her mind spun. His mouth so warm and delicious and his scent like coffee and an inherently masculine scent all his own. She drank him in.

Something chimed incessantly at the back of her mind and Colt drew back. She could barely breathe.

“Someone’s at the door.” Colt’s voice was tight, on edge, as his chest rose and fell in ragged breaths.

“It’s too late for trick-or-treaters.” She placed her hands on his shoulders as he helped her off the countertop.

Colt stepped back, pulling his arms away from her, looking reluctant to let her go. “Maybe it’s a group of teenagers.”

Marlee nodded and made her way to the front door, Colt close behind her. Before she could open the door, he put a hand on her shoulder. “Let me. This late you can’t be sure, and someone did throw a rock through your window.”

She hesitated, but his intense expression and the fact that he was being a gentleman had her stepping back.

Colt opened the door and cool air swirled into the house. She peeked around him and saw that a man stood there, but she couldn’t see his face.

“You’re here a little late, Campbell.” Colt’s voice had a hard edge to it.

Ben? A warm flush stole over Marlee. Why was he here? Had he thrown the rock earlier?

She tried to get past Colt, but he remained firmly in place.

“What the hell are you doing here, McLeod?” Rage burned in Ben’s voice and Marlee grew hotter. “Get the hell out of my way. I want to see Marlee.” His slurred words told her he was drunk.

Colt didn’t budge. “Call her in the morning.”

“Fuck you.” Ben grew louder. “Move the fuck away.”

Marlee put her hand on Colt’s arm. “Let me handle him.”

Colt glanced at her at the same time Ben swung his fist.

“Colt,” Marlee shouted his name in warning, her voice laced with fear. But it was too late.

Ben’s fist connected with Colt’s face as he sucker-punched him.

Colt stumbled back but remained on his feet. Ben swung again, but Colt dodged it and shoved Ben back on the porch. “You don’t want to do this, Campbell. This is your last and only warning.”

With a drunken roar, Ben bellowed and swung again, but Colt was too fast for him. He drove his fist into Ben’s gut and the man went down.

Ben regained his balance and lunged for Colt’s legs, but he was too slow and uncoordinated. Colt stepped aside, grabbed Ben by the collar and dragged him to his feet. He punched Ben in the face. The man dropped to the porch again, blood pouring from his nose.

Ben made it back to his hands and knees, swaying. Marlee knew he wasn’t going to stop until one of them was out cold.

Heart pounding, she grabbed her cell phone off the entryway table and called the police.

Colt fended off another attack. “Campbell, I’ve just about lost every damned bit of patience I have. You are going to be flat on your back at the bottom of these stairs in about ten seconds if you don’t stop.

“Marlee is mine.” Ben growled the words from where he knelt on the porch.

“What the hell?” Marlee pushed Colt and this time he stepped aside, but only a little. It was clear he was prepared to knock Ben back down if the man forced his hand. “I only went on a few dates with you, Ben Campbell. Where do you get off saying I belong to you?”

Ben looked sulky. “I was first. I should be the only one to touch you.”

Marlee felt perplexed. She didn’t understand where he was coming from. She grabbed a box of tissues, marched up to Ben, who had gotten to his feet, and handed the box to him.

“I never gave you any reason to think things between us were more than casual.” She glared at him. “As a matter of fact, I told you we should see other people.”

Ben pulled out a wad of tissues and wiped his nose.

Sounds of sirens carried on the night air. A moment later the sirens were cut, and two police vehicles pulled in front of her house, to either side of Ben’s car. The strobes flashed, turning all their faces from blue to red.

“You called the police?” Ben glared at Marlee.

Two officers came up the porch steps. One of them, Officer Bailey, stood at the bottom of the steps as he said, “Why don’t you tell me what’s going on, Marlee.”

Marlee stepped between Ben and Colt and walked down the stairs. She was shorter than Mike Bailey, who she and Colt had gone to school with. She explained what had gone on to the officer. She looked over her shoulder and saw Ben looking even more sulky than before.

She turned back to Officer Bailey. “Ben is also roaring drunk and shouldn’t be driving home.”

“Is that right, Campbell?” He gestured to Ben to come closer. “I think we need to have a talk about your conduct tonight.”

Marlee pointed to the window. “While you’re here, I might as well report what happened to my window, too.” She narrowed her gaze at Ben. “Did you throw a rock through my window?”

“What?” He looked confused. “No.”

It seemed like the police were there for hours when it was closer to thirty minutes. Neighbors stood out on their porches and gathered on the sidewalk, trying to see what was going on.

Marlee sighed. She detested being in a situation where people focused on her. She preferred the shadows to being the center of attention. Marlee blew out her breath as a tow truck backed up to Ben’s car and Officer Bailey drove off with Ben in the back of the police vehicle.

Colt followed Marlee back into the house and closed the door behind them. When she turned to face him, he gave her a little smile. “I think you dodged a bullet.”

“You could say that.” Marlee gave him a tired smile in return before it melted into a frown. “I’m honestly confused. Ben and I went on a few dates, and nothing really happened, nothing more than companionship. Yesterday, I declined his invitation to go out and told him I didn’t think it would work between us and we should see other people.” She shrugged. “He hung up on me.”

Colt put his hands on Marlee’s shoulders. “Are you going to be okay? I can stay the night.” He nodded toward the living room. “Your couch looks comfortable.”

She smiled. “Thank you, but I’m fine. I know you have an early morning with your ranch, and I don’t want to cause you to be late.”

He hooked his finger under her chin. “I’m the boss, remember? I can be late.”

Marlee slipped into his arms and rested her head against his chest. She breathed deeply of his warm scent. “I’ll be okay. You go on home.” It was a lie. She really wanted him to stay.

“If you’re sure,” he murmured against her hair.

She tipped her head to meet his gaze. “I’m sure.”

He kissed her then, a long, slow, sweet kiss. When he drew back, he looked regretful. No doubt he didn’t want to leave. He gave her a gentle smile before brushing his lips across hers and stepping back.

He let his palms slide down her waist to her hips and let his hands rest there. It was clear to see that neither of them wanted to part.

Colt picked his hat off the arm of the couch, where he’d left it at some point in the evening. He settled it on his head, and she wanted to sigh out loud. No man could look sexier than Colt did at this very moment.

She walked him to the door and waited as he opened it and stepped out onto the porch. She grasped the doorknob and gripped it tightly as he leaned in and put his forehead to hers. “Good night, Marlee.”

She spoke in a husky whisper. “Night, Colt.”

He gave her a soft kiss before straightening. “Lock up. I’m not leaving until you do.”

She smiled at his protectiveness. She’d been on her own for so long that it was nice having someone who wanted to look out for her.

He touched the brim of his hat and jogged down to the bottom of the stairs.

When he reached his truck, he looked at her. “Lock up,” he said.

Marlee closed the door and secured the door with the bolt lock.

She noticed his spurs on the chair closest to the couch. She picked them up and studied the pair. He’d looked so sexy tonight and she’d loved that he’d worn the spurs. She set them back down. She’d give them back tomorrow.

She furrowed her brow. They hadn’t planned another date. No doubt he’d call her tomorrow. She’d be surprised if he didn’t.

After she turned off all but the porch light and a night light, she made her way upstairs and got ready for bed.

Wishing all the while that Colt was here with her.

Chapter 6

Colt leaned up against the wood counter in Hannigan’s Feed Store as he talked with Bill Hannigan.

“I saw you with Marlee Fox at Mickey’s,” Bill was saying. “Didn’t you two have a thing back in high school?”

Colt nodded as his thoughts turned toward those days. “My senior year.” His gaze drifted as he looked out at the street and at people walking along the sidewalk. He let out a slow breath. He sure wanted to see Marlee again in the worst way. “Hadn’t gone out with her since then, until this week.”

“Marlee’s a sweetheart.” Bill grinned at the possessive look that overtook Colt’s features. “Don’t worry. I don’t have a mind to find out just how sweet she is. At least not yet.”

Colt’s features morphed into a scowl. “Not ever.”

Bill laughed and he turned his attention to the front door as he clearly saw someone on the other sided.

The doorbells jangled and Brady came through. The heavy door fell shut behind him with a thump and more jingling. “How you doin’?” Brady asked Bill as he came up beside Colt.

“Mighty fine.” Bill braced his forearms on the old counter, polished with age. “Sun’s a shining and I have a date with Vicki McGill tomorrow night.”

“I’ve always like Vicki. She’s sure cute.” Brady hooked his thumbs in his belt loops as he looked Colt up and down. “Where’d you get that shiner?”

Colt shrugged. “Ben Campbell sucker-punched me last night.”

Brady’s brow furrowed and Bill looked surprised.

“Maybe you’d better explain,” Brady said.

“Campbell showed up at Marlee’s house last night,” Colt said.

Brady cocked his head to the side. “You were at Marlee’s all night?”

“I didn’t say all night.” Colt rocked back on his heels. “We handed out candy to the kids then she made an interesting dinner.” Colt thought about the crazy dishes as he pushed up the brim of his western hat with his forefinger. “Then that ass showed up, roaring drunk and upset at Marlee because she didn’t want to date him after they’d gone out a couple of times. I told him to go on home and he demanded to see Marlee. I didn’t want to let the man get near her.”

“So, he punched you,” Brady said.

Colt rubbed his jaw. “He refused to back down and went at me again. I put a stop to it, but not before he did his best to take me down. Marlee called the police, and after they showed up, they took Ben to let him dry out in the drunk tank.”

“Are you pressing charges?” Bill asked.

Colt shook his head. “I think he’ll behave after last night. As long as he stays away from Marlee, he’ll live.”

Brady chuckled. “I’d bet you put the fear of God in him.”

With a shrug, Colt leaned back against the counter again. “Didn’t do too much but keep him off his feet until Mike Bailey showed up.”

“Never would have thought a juvenile delinquent like Mike Bailey would end up in law enforcement.” Bill grinned. “Wasn’t he voted ‘Most Likely to End up in Jail’ by the senior class?”

Brady snickered and Colt chuckled. “He’s always been a stand-up guy, even as he did his best to get into trouble.”

Bill’s grin widened. “Cherry bombs in the school faculty toilets was brilliant.”

Brady leaned in close. “What you didn’t know is that Colt was in on most of Mike’s mischief. He just managed to not get caught.”

“I ran faster than Mike,” Colt smiled at the memories. “Every time he’d take the fall, and he wasn’t about to let me take any blame. He didn’t have such a great relationship with his dad, and he insisted on not upsetting our parents.” Colt shook his head. “I shouldn’t have listened to him and should have taken the blame instead.”

“Dad would have tanned your hide,” Brady said with a grin. “I think Mike saved your life.”

Colt’s thoughts turned back to those days. “If Dad was the type to take a willow switch to any of us, he probably would have.”

“You mentioned Marlee made an interesting dinner.” Brady cocked his head. “How interesting.”

Colt couldn’t help a big grin. “Tarantula stew, chopped intestines, cracked bones and fingers. That kind of thing.”

Brady cocked an eyebrow. “Can’t say I’ve ever had the honor of dining with a witch.”

Colt smirked. “Not counting Sarah.”

Brady laughed. “No, indeed.”

“I’ll tell you the scariest thing Marlee served.” Colt winced at the thought. “Hairy skeleton balls.”

Bill and Brady winced, too. “You’re kidding,” Brady said.

“I wish I was.” Colt shifted his position against the counter. “Marlee said the hairy skeleton balls were actually Italian honey balls rolled in coconut.”

Brady shook his head. “Still, not cool.”

Bill nodded. “Agreed.”

“Speaking of the witch.” Brady looked at Colt. “And I don’t mean Sally.” He pointed to the street. “There’s Marlee.”

Colt looked out at the street and his heart pounded a little faster at the sight of his beautiful woman.

He loved the sound of that. My woman.

Colt couldn’t take his gaze off her as she paused and looked in a storefront window. Rae was at her side, and it looked like they were window shopping. He wanted to go see Marlee right now, but at the same time he didn’t want to monopolize her. She was with her cousin and needed to be able to spend time with friends and family without him jumping in the middle of things.

Brady snapped his fingers, jerking Colt out of his trance. “Are you in there, bro?”

Colt gave a wry grin. “Any one up for a game of poker this evening? My place, seven.”

“I’ll be there with a twelve-pack of Coors.” Bill turned his attention to a couple who came through the front door, bells jangling.

“You can count on me,” Brady said. “I’ll bring Lay’s. Who else are you gonna call?”

“I was thinking Mike Bailey. Really haven’t had a chance to socialize with him for a good long while.” Cody thought about it. “Let’s keep to the single guys.”

“Men only.” Brady pushed his Stetson up and scratched his head. “I’m all for that. Who needs women anyway?”

Colt turned his gaze back to the street, only to see that Marlee and Rae were gone. I don’t know about that. Colt thought about the beautiful woman who had come back into his life in a big way. I think maybe I do.

Out of the corner of his eye, Colt thought he saw someone watching him from a few doors down, but when he looked in that direction, no one was there.

With Brady’s help, Colt loaded his truck with sacks of “wet” cob—corn, oats, and barley with molasses—and picked up his fifty-three-foot trailer of alfalfa hay that Hannigans Feed had loaded for him yesterday. When he was on the road back to his ranch, trailer in tow, he called Marlee over the truck’s Bluetooth speakers.

After a few rings, Marlee answered with a breathless, “Hi, Colt.”

“Hello, beautiful.” Colt smiled as he pictured Marlee with her cheeks flushed and her lips swollen from his kisses last night. “Got a moment?”

“I just walked in the door.” The door thumping behind her echoed over the line. “I can spare a moment.” A smile was in her voice.

“Earlier this morning I saw you and Rae walking down Main Street.” Colt guided the truck from Main Street onto the highway. “I was at Hannigan’s talking with Brady and Bill.”

“We had breakfast and did a little window shopping,” Marlee said. “I’m doing my best to stay on a spending diet.”

Colt looked in his rearview mirror and then the front windshield. The highway was clear coming and going. “What’s the fun in that?”

“None at all.” Marlee laughed. “But I just bought a new bedroom set for my guestroom, so that’s my big expense for the month. Later next month it’ll be another project. Haven’t decided which one yet.”

“I enjoyed last night, Marlee.” He wasn’t about to mention the party crasher, Ben Campbell. “Did you get your window fixed?”

“Someone’s coming later this afternoon,” she said. “So, it’ll be all taken care of.”

“That was one spooky dinner.” He couldn’t help a grin.

Marlee had a grin in her voice, too. “Rae helped me come up with the ideas. A mish-mash of recipes.”

“Got any plans for the weekend?” he asked.

A pause, like she was running through her mental schedule. “I can’t think of anything. I do believe I’m totally free.”

“Flagstaff got snow early this year.” Colt put on his truck’s blinker as he slowed to make the turn onto the dirt road leading to his ranch. “What do you think about heading up north to enjoy the white stuff?”

“I’d love to play in the snow.” Marlee’s voice held enthusiasm. “Saturday or Sunday? When do we leave?”

“Depends on if we’re going up for one day or making it a weekend trip.” He couldn’t hope but hope she’d want to make it an overnighter.

This time her hesitation was longer. “I don’t think we should push things that fast.”

“I get that,” he said. “How about separate rooms?”

She laughed. “Do you really think it would end up that way?”

The steering wheel vibrated in his hands as he drove down the dirt road, but he kept his voice steady. “I won’t cross any lines, Marlee. I hope you can trust me.”

“I do trust you.” She paused. “Maybe it’s myself I can’t trust.”

“I’ll be strong for both of us.” He couldn’t help but want as much of her as he could have, but she was right not to push it. And he would never push her. “This weekend is just for fun up north and spending time with each other. Sound good to you?”

“Deal.” The smile was back in her voice. “Back to my original question. When do we leave?”

Colt pulled his truck up to the barn. “I’ll pick you up around eight Saturday morning.”

“I’ll pack snacks and a couple of picnic lunches,” Marlee said.

“I’ll take you to my favorite Flagstaff restaurant Saturday night and we’ll have Sunday breakfast in the hotel.”

They spent several minutes making plans. By the time they were finished, Colt felt like he was flying high.

“I’d better go,” Marlee said when they finished. “I’ve got a bear of a manuscript that I need to finish editing.”

Colt signed off and caught his foreman’s attention, who in turn ordered the men to unload the feed and hay.

Only in his dreams had he ended up with Marlee back in his arms. And here he was with her firmly in his life again.

He whistled as he got to work unloading the hay and feed with the men. He had the hardest time keeping his mind on the job and not on his woman.

Mike Bailey came through Colt’s front door, a six-pack of Coke in glass bottles in one hand, gripping a jar of salsa in his other, and a huge bag of corn chips in the crook of his arm. He wore jeans and a University of Arizona T-shirt, athletic shoes, and a felt western hat.

“Glad you could make it, Mike.” Colt took the chips and salsa and started for the kitchen, Mike joining him.

“Thanks for the invite.” Mike flashed a grin. “Not often I get to catch up with longtime friends.”

“Glad you didn’t say old friends. Not ready for that.” Colt gestured to the Cokes in Mike’s hand as Mike chuckled. “Are you on duty later tonight?”

“Yep.” Mike nodded. “My shift starts at eleven, which was about the time Marlee called in on Halloween. I’d just climbed into my patrol vehicle.” He gave Colt a pointed look. “You back with Marlee?”

They reached the kitchen and set the chips, salsa, and Cokes on the island.

Colt gave a firm nod. “I sure am.” He had no doubt in his mind that this time she was staying permanently in place in his life.

“She’s a good woman.”

Colt handed Mike a church key. “You’ve got that right.”

Mike popped the lid off a Coke bottle and flipped it into the garbage. He gave a nod to Brady as he walked into the kitchen. “Sour cream and onion.” Mike took a bag of Lay’s from Brady. “My favorite.”

“I’ve got ranch dip, too.” Brady pulled a container of dip out of a grocery bag. He looked over his shoulder as Bill Hannigan made his way into the kitchen. “Glad to see you show up, Bill,” Brady said. “You’ve got the Coors.”

Bill thumped down on the counter the twelve-pack of Coors in stubby bottles. He greeted Brady, Mike, and Colt. “Anyone else coming?”

“It’s the four of us tonight.” Colt set out a package of Oreos and a package of chocolate chip cookies. “I hope you ate dinner, ’cause this is it.”

Bill grinned. “Coors, Oreos, chips, and salsa. The perfect dinner.”

“As gourmet as it gets.” Colt inclined his head to a door leading from the kitchen. “We’re set up in the game room.”

Chips and a Coors in hand, Brady led the way to the room, which was just off the family room. He set the chips on a sideboard where Colt had put paper plates, napkins, and a church key. The men deposited their contributions there before filling their plates with the snacks.

They pulled up chairs to the large, round, polished oak game table, which was a few feet from the billiards table. The room was one of Colt’s favorite places in the house.

Colt busted out cigars, and each man was puffing on one in minutes. Rings of cigar smoke drifted throughout the room. Cigar smells reminded Colt of his grandpa and dad who smoked cigars only while playing card games or pool since Colt and his brothers were young. Especially cigars made of cherry tobacco. No one in their family had ever smoked cigarettes and Grandpa and Dad had rarely smoked cigars, but it was a memory from their childhood. Colt had a cigar about once in a blue moon, and this seemed like a good night for it.

The men bought into the game and Brady handed out the red, white, and blue poker chips.

Mike shuffled the cards and announced the game, “Omaha.” He dealt the cards and game play started in earnest.

The night progressed and by nine Colt realized he’d had a beer too many, but he wasn’t letting that stop him. He didn’t have much left for winnings and needed to start bringing in the chips rather than losing every pot.

Colt frowned in concentration as he studied his cards. One more decent card and he’d have something good. He had a pretty good poker face and he needed that now—especially after the last card he brought into his hand.

Holy Moses. He had a straight flush. Only one hand could beat his, a royal flush. The odds of another player having that in his hand were pretty high so there was a good chance he could take this pot.

The stakes kept going up until they were two high for him with what he had left. He knew he could win this one.

“You’re out of chips.” Brady looked smug as he pushed all his own chips to the pot. “I’m all in.”

Colt scowled. Sibling rivalry never quite died. “What can you throw into the pot?” Brady asked.

Colt blew out his breath. The pot was the biggest of the night.

Bill shifted in his chair. “What about that horse you love so much. Rocky?”

“You’re kidding, right?” Colt shook his head. “No hand in the world would be worth putting up Rocky.”

“That rules out a royal flush,” Bill said, the lines around his eyes crinkling as he grinned.

Colt grunted. He knew he could win with this hand, but what could he put up? His gaze drifted around the room. He had valuable western sculptures and paintings. He landed his sights on a Remington-style sculpture by an artist in Prescott with the last name of McBride. It was a rodeo sculpture, a cowboy in an endless eight-second ride.

Colt pointed to the sculpture. “Eight Seconds.”

Mike folded. “Now you’ve done it. Too rich for me.”

Brady called and Colt spread his hand on the table. “Straight flush.”

“I had four eights.” Brady threw his cards down. “Not good enough.”

Bill looked at Colt. “That’s a good hand.” He spread his own hand out on the table. “But not good enough. Royal flush.”

Colt groaned. “Son of a bitch.” He looked at Eight Seconds. Damn. He loved that sculpture. “Sorry about that fella,” he said to the sculpture.

Bill was all grins. “I’ll pick that up tomorrow. I’ll give you a call.”

“No rush.” Colt got up to cash out everyone’s chips.

Bill gathered the pot and pulled it toward him. “Don’t think I’m gonna forget.”

Mike turned in his chips and pocketed his cash. “I’ve got to get to work.” He patted Bill on the shoulder. “Need a ride home?”

“Nah.” Bill shook his head. “I only had two drinks and the last one was over an hour ago. I’m good.”

Mike pulled on his Stetson. “I’ll see you boys soon.” He turned his gaze on Colt. “Count me in on the next game.”

“I’ll let you know.” Colt pushed back his chair. “I’ll need the opportunity to win back my sculpture.”

“It’s my sculpture now.” Bill grinned. “I’m gonna want to keep it.”

Colt held back a scowl. It was his own damned fault for putting up one of his favorite pieces.

Bill and Mike said their goodbyes and walked out together, closing the front door behind them.

“Bad luck, bro.” Brady patted him on the shoulder. “You’ll do better next time.”

“Just what I need,” Colt grumbled. “A pep talk.”

Brady laughed as he helped Colt gather up the empty chip bags, Oreo package, and beer bottles. “That’s what little brothers are for.”

Chapter 7

The doorbell chimed and Marlee scooped up her backpack and duffel bag and headed for the door. When she opened it, Colt stood there big as life and with a sexy grin on his handsome face.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He leaned in for the kiss and she happily met it with her own. He smelled like fresh air and a cool breeze.

“It is a wonderful morning. She smiled and held up the two bags. He took them and she turned away. “I have the cooler in the kitchen.”

After Colt loaded up her backpack and duffel, he helped her with the large cooler. She grabbed her coat, scarf, and hat, and locked up the house as he secured the cooler in the back of the truck. Sunshine brightened the day, matching her spirits.

He opened the passenger side door for her, and she climbed in and put her things on the backseat before buckling her seatbelt. Colt hopped into the driver’s seat and secured his own seatbelt before driving away from her home toward the highway.

A sense of giddy excitement welled up inside her, nearly making her breathless. “I haven’t played in the snow in ages.” And she’d never been on a weekend trip with a man—and here she was with Colt.

“Last time I went, I was with my brothers.” Cody turned his right blinker on before he turned onto the highway. “We like to camp and fish in the White Mountains.”

“We used to go before my dad passed away.” Marlee’s mind turned back to the times that seemed so long ago. “I have a lot of good memories of fishing with him and my mom.” She smiled wistfully and her heart twisted a little. “Mom and I never went after he was gone. I miss my dad so much.”

“I’ll take you camping and fishing next summer.” His gaze met hers before he focused on the road again. “That’s a promise.”

She smiled as she thought of a future, doing things with Colt. “I so look forward to doing that with you.”

Colt checked his mirrors. “How’s your mama?”

“As busy as ever.” Marlee shook her head. “Mom is the original Energizer Bunny.”

Colt grinned. “That’s her.” He glanced at Marlee, a look of concern on his handsome features. “Think she’s forgiven me?”

Marlee thought about teasing him but decided to let him off the hook. “Mom said we were just kids when we broke up and it’s good we’ve made up.”

He let out an audible breath. “That’s a relief. I do not like being on the wrong side of your mama.”

Marlee grinned. “That makes two of us.”

He took the exit to get onto the freeway. “Are you still doing that embroidery thing?”

“I’m still crazy quilting.” She tilted her head to the side. “I get up early in the morning so I can do a little before my day starts. Otherwise, I’d never get anything done. Life is just too chaotic.”

“I admire what you do, but I don’t know how you have the patience.” He pulled the truck onto the freeway. “I can’t imagine doing something so detailed.”

“Honestly, I don’t know, either.” She shook her head. “In every other part of my life I’m impatient.”

“I’d like to see what you’ve done.” He put on his blinker and guided the truck into the fast lane, taking the truck about five miles over the speed limit of seventy-five. “When we get back.”

“Sure.” The fact that he was interested in that part of her life made her smile. “I have one I just finished.”

Marlee looked ahead through the windshield at the traffic as it became thicker the closer they got to metro Phoenix, which they’d have to go through to get to Flagstaff.

She turned the tables on him. “Have you been making sculptures from horseshoes like you did when you were a kid?”

Colt opened his mouth to answer.

A huge, paneled truck slammed into the driver’s side.

Metal grated and screeched, and tires squealed.

Airbags exploded inside the cab.

Marlee screamed. She dug her fingernails into her seat.

Smells of burning rubber and fabric filled the vehicle.

The truck flipped onto its side and rolled. Everything spun and blurred.

The side windows shattered, spraying glass.

Items flew inside the cab with the roll of the truck and battering Marlee.

Marlee’s screams echoed in her ears along with the sound of grinding metal and the crunch of the windshield’s safety glass.

The world churned as the vehicle flipped over and over.

Colt’s body slammed into hers. His seatbelt had given way and his body bounced around the cab.

The truck landed on the passenger side and rocked. The vehicle came to a hard stop on the passenger side.

Something large struck Marlee’s temple, pain splintering through her head.

Her world went black.

Shouts filled Marlee’s head, and her mind felt fuzzy. She couldn’t think.

But she could feel. Her body was a huge mass of never-ending pain and she groaned. Every tiny bit of her hurt from her head to her toes. Tears wet her eyes as she fought against the powerful sensations.

Voices echoed in her head, but she couldn’t make sense of what they were saying.

Metal screeched, the sound grating along her nerves, and she clenched her teeth.

Cool wind washed over her skin, and she shivered. She smelled burnt rubber, gasoline, asphalt, and dirt that seemed inches away.

Sirens. The sound coming closer.

More voices.

“We need to get her out of the truck. It’s leaking gasoline.”

Hands grabbed her under her arms. She moaned as her head lolled to the side. Glass tore at her arms as she was moved through the shattered window.

Her body bounced along the ground as she was dragged away from the truck.

The night was so dark she couldn’t see anything around her. Shouldn’t she see headlights? Flashlights? The faces of the people around her?

She still couldn’t process anything. She seemed stuck in a perpetual loop of pain.

The people dragging her came to a stop. “We’re far enough away from the truck. She shouldn’t be moved any farther. She has a head injury, and she could have a spinal injury, too.”

“Paramedics should be here soon. Wait for them.”

Marlee tried to make sense of what was happening. Where was she? Why was it so dark?

A thought slammed into her. She’d been in an accident.

Her skin went cold.

She’d been with Colt. They’d been driving—where? Flagstaff. Then what?

“Colt.” His name came out in a harsh rasp. “Colt.”

Pressure on her shoulder and she winced. Someone was touching her. “The man you were with is unconscious.”

Fear had her trying to sit up, but hands held her down. “Don’t move.”

Marlee turned her face toward the speaker, but it was so dark outside she couldn’t see his face. “I need to get to Colt.”

“Others are with him.” The voice was firm. “He’ll be fine.”

Her eyes burned and tears leaked down her cheeks. She blinked as the warmth rolled down her face.

It occurred to her that she should see light. Hadn’t it been morning when they’d left King Creek?

Now only darkness.

“It’s so dark.” Her tongue felt thick, and more tears flooded her cheeks. “I can’t see.”

A hesitation before the male voice spoke again. “Everything will be fine.” The reassuring voice did nothing to calm Marlee.

Sirens reached them and were cut. The squawk of radios and the slamming of doors. More voices. More sirens in the distance. Hurried footsteps over asphalt then hard-packed earth.

Pain squeezed Marlee’s body with every breath she took.

But her thoughts were on Colt.

“Is he conscious yet?” Her voice trembled. “Is Colt awake?”

“The paramedics are here,” the calm voice said. “They’ll take good care of you and Colt.”

The presence moved away, and then different voices surrounded her.

“I’m Heidi,” a woman’s voice said. “I’m going to take care of you. What’s your name?”

“Marlee.” Her voice trembled. “Don’t worry about me. Colt needs you.”

“Other paramedics are taking care of him right now,” Heidi said. “We’ll concentrate on you.”

“I need to know…how he is…” Marlee heard herself say the words from a distance and she felt herself slipping away.

“Stay with me, Marlee.” Heidi held open Marlee’s eyes, but Marlee saw nothing. Heidi gave Marlee’s vitals to what must have been the other paramedic. Marlee barely heard or understood her.

Heidi turned her attention back to Marlee. “We’re going to move you.”

Marlee struggled to maintain consciousness as the paramedics strapped her down to keep her immobile and moved her to a gurney. She felt Heidi place an oxygen mask over her face.

Shards of pain cut through Marlee’s body like broken glass as they moved her, despite the immobilization, and she groaned.

“Colt,” she said again, his name muffled through the mask.

“He’s already on the way to the hospital,” Heidi said as the paramedics moved her. “We’re taking you inside the ambulance now and we’re going to give you a first-class ride.”

Another burst of pain shot to her head.

And then she didn’t feel anything at all as she passed from consciousness.

Persistent beeping throbbed inside Marlee’s skull.

Her head felt stuffed with cotton. She fought to place where she was. Every square inch of her felt bruised and battered. Her head hurt so bad and like it was packed with cement.

The terror of the accident slammed into her, and she went rigid. Pain, like wood splinters tore into her with the movement.

Colt. What had happened to him?

She opened her eyes but couldn’t see. She still couldn’t see.

Panic welled up inside her, nearly causing her to vomit.

She raised her hand to her eyes and felt bandages over her face and head. Had she lost her sight?

“Marlee?” Mom’s voice and then a hand gripped her own. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”

“Mom?” Tears clogged Marlee’s senses. “How is Colt? Where is he?”

“Colt is fine.” Fingers stroked Marlee’s hair from her forehead. Ann Fox had a gentle touch when needed, and Marlee so desperately needed it. “You’ll get to see him when you’re up and around.”

Marlee was terrified to ask her mom if she’d lost her sight. Asking that would make it too real.

“What happened?” Marlee tried to remember but couldn’t. “Colt and I were driving to Flagstaff. Then I woke and voices were all around me. But I couldn’t see.”

Ann put her other hand over Marlee’s so that she gripped her tightly with both. “I don’t know. We’ll concentrate on you being well and healthy.”

Tears wet Marlee’s eyes, but the bandages absorbed them. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Of course.” A gentle smile was in her mom’s voice. “Where else would I be?”

“Since it’s cool weather, in your quilting studio.” Marlee smiled and her mom laughed. It was well known that if Ann couldn’t be found this time of year, she was in her quilting room. During warmer days, she would be either in her flower or vegetable garden.

The mattress dipped with her mom’s weight. “With those bandages, you can’t see all of the cards and flowers.”

Marlee sniffed the air at the floral scent mingling with the hospital’s antiseptic odor. “I can smell the flowers.” She frowned. “How long have I been here?”

“Two days.” Ann shifted on the bed. “You’ve been in and out of consciousness. This is the first time you’ve been fully awake and talking.”

Marlee thought about it. “I vaguely remember coming in and out.” She blew out her breath. “Other than my eyes, what’s the news?”

A light knock at the door and Ann moved away from the bed. “Dr. Murphy, Marlee is awake.”

“Hello, Marlee.” A woman’s firm but warm voice came closer. “How are you feeling?”

Marlee analyzed how she felt. “I hurt all over, but it could be worse.”

“Then the drugs we put you on are working,” Dr. Murphy said. “Otherwise, you would be in a lot more pain than you are.”

“Yay, drugs,” Marlee said with zero enthusiasm. “Give me the rundown, please.”

“You have multiple contusions, a fractured ankle, a concussion, and a head injury.”

“Is that all?” Marlee didn’t feel an ounce of humor inside her. “What about my sight?”

“You have experienced brain trauma, but we don’t see anything that would cause loss of vision,” the doctor said, “So we are cautiously optimistic. Your eyes are only bandaged due to the location of the head injury and the amount of bleeding. We required more coverage to stanch the blood flow. We’ll remove the bandages later today.”

“How is Colt?” The words rushed out of Marlee.

“Mr. McLeod is doing better,” Dr. Murphy said, but didn’t elaborate. “I’ll return this afternoon. It’s good to see you awake.”

“It’s good to be awake.” Marlee let out a long breath as a heavy weight pressed on her. It wasn’t like her to feel down or pessimistic, but right now that’s exactly how she felt.

“Mom, how is Colt?” Maybe her mom would tell her straight.

She could feel Ann’s presence as her mother moved closer to the bed. “He’s chomping at the bit to get out of his room and in here to see you. Only thing holding him back is the needle for the IV in his arm. I’m almost surprised that he hasn’t taken it out himself.”

“That’s only because I hate needles.” Colt’s rich, deep voice filled the room. “But I finally terrorized one of the nurses into taking it out.”

A thrill went through Marlee, filling her up in warm waves.

Ann laughed. “I don’t think you’d be able to terrorize any of these nurses. They’re made of tougher stuff than you, Colt McLeod.”

Colt laughed, too. “How’s our girl?”

“Why don’t you ask her yourself?” Ann squeezed Marlee’s hand. “I’m going down to the cafeteria for lunch. Any contraband I can sneak in here?”

Marlee started to nod but her neck her too badly. “Anything chocolate.”

A grin was in Ann’s voice. “Always did say you take after me.”

She retreated and a moment later Marlee felt Colt’s presence by the bed. She could picture him so warm, so tall, so virile. Just having him at her side made her feel stronger.

“Hi, beautiful.” Colt gently kissed her, and she sighed as he drew away. “I missed seeing your gorgeous face the last couple of days.”

“Ha. Beautiful and gorgeous are not words that can be used in a hospital.” Marlee managed a smile, hoping like hell she’d be able to see his face once the bandages were off. “Besides, you can’t see much of my face right now.”

“All I know is you’re the most beautiful woman in my world.” He sounded serious as he squeezed her hand. “Always.”

She squeezed his in return. “So much for playing in the snow.”

“I’ll make up for it.” He released her hand, and something scraped the floor, indicating he had moved a chair closer to sit down. “In the meantime, we’ll make more detailed plans since we’ll have to wait until your ankle is healed.”

“Ugh.” She hadn’t remembered the throb in her ankle until he’d said that. “Yeah, I’m not crazy about the idea of making a snowman in a wheelchair.”

He laughed. “I’m picturing the tracks the wheels will make in the snow.”

“Not.” She barely heard herself say, “And it all depends on if I can see.”

“Hey.” He squeezed her hand again. “One step at a time. Regardless, I’m taking you to play with me in the snow, so I’m holding you to that.”

She smiled at the gentleness yet determination in his tone. “Deal.”

Colt made her smile even more as he took her mind off scarier things. The nurses wheeled his lunch in with hers so that they could eat together.

After lunch, Dr. Murphy returned. “Now to take off those bandages.”

Marlee stilled and even her throat ached as she swallowed.

Slowly the doctor unwound the bandages.

Light started to leak through and Marlee relaxed as they came the rest of the way off. She blinked in what seemed like overbright light and then her eyes grew accustomed to it.

“Very good.” The woman in the white lab coat in front of her, a stethoscope draped over her neck, had to be Dr. Murphy. “Can you see clearly?”

Marlee nodded and the movement made her wince. “I can.”

Colt let out a long breath and she heard her mom give a sigh of relief.

Dr. Murphy instructed the nurse to attend to the wound at Marlee’s temple and rebandaged it with a gauze pad and tape. When the doctor and nurse left the room, Marlee sank back against the pillows, her muscles relaxing from relief.

She turned to Colt and smiled. “You’ve never looked so beautiful.”

Colt broke into laughter and kissed her forehead. “First time I’ve been called beautiful.”

Marlee grinned. “At least I didn’t say you’re pretty.”

Ann Fox smiled as she moved to the other side of Marlee’s bed. “You must be exhausted.”

Marlee nodded, every ache and pain making themselves known. “It’s hard work lying here doing nothing.”

Maria Ruiz, the nurse who had been on duty since Marlee woke bustled into the room. “Time for Marlee to get some rest.” Maria turned to Colt. “Dr. Holter will be going to your room shortly. Get back there before he does, mind you. He needs to see you before he can release you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Colt said respectfully. He kissed Marlee’s forehead again. “I’ll be back when you wake up.”

Marlee gave him a sleepy smile as she started to fade. “See you.”

Colt left the room and Ann squeezed her hand. “I’ll be right here.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Marlee closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 8

“Mom, you booked your flight to Kansas months ago and Aunt Linda is expecting you.” Her ankle in a cast, and wearing sweatpants, Marlee sat in the wheelchair ready to be wheeled through the hospital where they would deposit her and her crutches at the curb. “I’ll be fine.”

“You won’t be able to get around. You have your front porch stairs to deal with and even more stairs to the second floor.” Ann’s frown matched Marlee’s. “I need to cancel the trip and you can stay with me.”

Marlee opened her mouth to argue when Colt cleared his throat from the doorway. “Excuse me, ladies.”

Both Marlee and Ann turned their gazes on Colt, who had just shown up. He had a yellowing black eye from where Ben had punched him, along with cuts and scrapes from the accident. He’d never looked sexier.

He gave a quirky grin. “You can stay with me.” As Marlee’s jaw dropped, he continued, “No stairs, no carpet to trip you up and I’ll put away the rugs. Lots of room to get around with one of those scooters.”

“I—” Marlee was at a loss for words.

“That sounds perfect.” Ann smiled as she looked from Colt to Marlee. “I won’t have to worry about you falling down your stairs or something else dreadful where there’s no one to help you.”

Colt grinned. “And you can enjoy your trip, Ann.”

“Honestly, I have really been looking forward to seeing my sister,” Ann said, “but Marlee’s wellbeing is first and foremost right now.”

Marlee’s sense of independence surged, and she almost declined his offer. But then she knew her mom would feel like she had to stay, and she wouldn’t get to visit Linda.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Thank you, Colt. If it will get Mom on that plane, I’ll take you up on your offer.”

Colt’s grin broadened. “It’s settled then.”

Despite all her aches and pains, the one place that didn’t hurt was the part of her deep inside that felt a thrill at the thought of being close to Colt. She had a hard time relying on anyone, but if his home was roomy and there were no stairs, she could get around on her own, and maybe find a way to help, too.

“I’ll make you homecooked meals.” Marlee gave an impish grin. “And I promise no spiders or skeleton balls.”

“Skeleton balls?” Ann gave a mock look of horror. “What in the world?”

Marlee couldn’t help a giggle as she thought of Colt’s face when she mentioned skeleton balls the first time. “I fixed Colt Halloween dinner when he came over to help me pass candy out to the trick-or-treaters.”

Colt shook his head. “Sorry you asked?”

Ann laughed. “That’s my daughter for you.”

“Deal on you cooking.” Colt turned his grin on Marlee. “Once you’re up and able to.”

“Sooner rather than later,” she said.

Nurse Maria returned to the room. “Ready to go home, Marlee?”

Marlee started to nod but the pain in her neck stilled her. She had to be more cautious. She smiled at Maria. “I’m ready to get out of here.”

The nurse moved around Marlee to grasp the wheelchair handles before Colt could offer to. “Then let’s get you downstairs and on your way.”

Maria headed out of the room and pushed Marlee toward the bank of elevators, Colt and Ann following. Marlee couldn’t wait to get away from the hospital’s antiseptic smell and the constant beeping of monitors.

Once they reached street level, Maria wheeled Marlee to the curb. Marlee’s head still ached from the concussion, and she winced in the sunlight. Colt left to bring around his truck while the nurse had Marlee remain in the wheelchair until he returned.

Marlee rubbed her palms on the pink sweatpants she wore that her mom had fetched from Marlee’s house. She needed something that would be easy to slide over her cast.

Ann held onto Marlee’s crutches in one arm. She settled her opposite hand on Marlee’s shoulder. “Colt grew into a fine man.”

Marlee couldn’t help a smile. “He certainly did.”

Colt pulled up in a new sunflower yellow king cab truck with temporary plates. He strode around from the driver’s side.

“I like your new ride.” Marlee looked the truck over. “You didn’t waste time once you left the hospital yesterday.”

“Can’t afford to.” Colt reached Marlee. “Have a ranch to run.”

“True.” Marlee smiled at him. “But it can’t hurt to get something flashy while you’re at it.”

Colt gave a laugh as he helped Marlee to her good foot. “Not at all.”

Marlee’s injured right ankle meant she wouldn’t be driving for quite a while, which annoyed her to no end.

She started to take the crutches from her mom, but Colt carefully swept her into his arms, taking her by surprise, but in a way that didn’t cause her more pain. “Colt.”

“It’s faster this way,” he said as he carried her to the truck door. “And we can make sure you don’t accidentally hurt your ankle, fresh out of the hospital.”

Ann stood beside the door as Colt slid Marlee into the passenger seat. “Do you need help getting your things together to take to Colt’s?”

Colt turned back to her. “I’ll help Marlee get whatever she needs, Ann.”

“Thank you.” Ann kissed Colt on the cheek. She moved to the passenger door. “Anything you need before I leave, Marlee?”

Marlee shook her head. “I’ll be fine, Mom. Have a good time with Aunt Linda. Give her a big hug for me.”

“I always have a great time with my sister.” Ann looked excited when talking about her sibling. “It’s been too long since we last got together.”

Marlee leaned down to hug her mom the best she could from the truck. Ann gave a little wave and walked toward the parking garage. Colt closed the passenger door and strode around to the driver’s side and climbed in.

When he put the truck into gear, Marlee’s stomach flipped. She gripped her seat tightly and her fingers ached, reminding her of how she’d dug them into her seat before the truck had rolled.

Colt put his hand over hers. “Are you okay?”

She blew out her breath. “I’ll be fine.”

He leaned over and brushed his lips over hers before straightening and putting the truck into gear.

They’d been in a Mesa hospital, and it was an hour drive back to King Creek. Marlee remained tense the entire drive, which did nothing to make her aches and pains any better. Whenever a large truck came alongside them, her heart pounded a little faster and her mouth grew dry. Sometimes she would see the paneled truck in her mind as it slammed into them, and her stomach would bottom out.

Relax, Marlee, she told herself. Everything is going to be fine.

Not soon enough, they reached King Creek and her home.

She started to open her door, but Colt put his hand on her arm. “What do you think you’re doing?”

With a frustrated sigh, she plopped back against the seat. “This is going to be so hard, Colt.”

“I get it.” He squeezed her arm. “I’d have a hard time with it too.”

When he opened the passenger door, he scooped her into his arms before she could say anything. “This will be easier, for both of us,” he said.

Colt carried her inside. She tried to do things herself, but it was an exercise in frustration. She couldn’t put weight on her ankle, and she couldn’t get around without Colt’s help.

Instead, she directed him on what she would need to take. “There’s so much, but I can’t take everything.”

“Take all you need.” Colt gathered her laptop. “You can use my printer if you need to. My desktop computer, too. I can set you up in my home office.”

“Thank you.” She looked at him gratefully. “If you have a recliner, I can use that as my office away from home. I don’t need a lot since everything is electronic.”

“I need to pack some things myself,” she said when they finished downstairs.

He carefully picked her up. “Direct away.”

When they walked into her room, he looked around. “This room is you.” He gestured to a crazy quilt wall hanging. “Is that your work? It’s beautiful.”

“Yes.” She smiled. “Thank you.”

He studied the work of art. “There’s so much to see. It’s the kind of thing where every time you look at it, you see something you didn’t notice before.”

“That reminds me.” She pointed to a big, covered basket. “That’s my quilting basket. Can you grab that, too? I need my creative outlet every morning.”

At her direction, he set her near her dresser, where she balanced on one foot and pulled underthings out and tossed them in a suitcase he had set on the floor for her. She had no idea how long she would be staying with him, so she’d picked out her biggest case.

When they had more than she probably needed, he carried her and everything out to his new truck. He locked up for her and then they were on their way.

Several miles outside of town, he pulled off the highway and onto a dirt road.

Marlee watched the scenery as it scrolled by. Mesquites, cacti, and then acres of rangeland. “I’ve never been to your ranch. It’s beautiful.”

“Nothing like being home.” He gestured ahead. “I had my home built a couple of years ago. Had to live in a single-wide when they tore down my old place and built the new one.”

“It’s huge.” She grinned at him. “Nothing like a little house on the prairie.”

He laughed. “Not at all.”

When they pulled up to the house, a Border collie ran from the house, barking. The dog continued to bark until he saw Colt. When he did, he bounded around the vehicle, making happy barks and yips.

Colt looked at Marlee. “First time Ranger has seen my new truck.” He gave her a pointed look. “Stay put until I go around and get you.”

She saluted. “Yes, sir.”

He stepped down from his truck. “Hi, boy.” He rubbed the dog behind his ears. “I hear you’ve been a big help while I was gone.”

Marlee smiled. Colt talked with his dog like he would a child. Not for the first time, she thought about how he’d make a good dad.

Marlee, she admonished herself. Don’t go there. At least not yet.

He reached her door and helped her out of the vehicle. When she stood on one foot, he introduced her to the Border collie. “Marlee, this is Ranger. Ranger, this is Marlee.”

The dog raised his paw and Marlee took it in her hand. “Aww. It’s good to meet you, Ranger.”

She released his paw, and he gave what sounded to her like a pleased bark.

Colt scooped up Marlee and started carrying her to the house.

She sighed. “I need to get along by myself at some point.”

He gave her a look. “That day is not today, Marlee Fox.”

“Yes, Mr. McLeod.” She said it in a serious manner then smiled at him.

Colt managed to hold her and unlock the front door at the same time. He was one heck of a strong man.

Sexy, handsome, strong, great personality—what more could a woman ask for?

He kicked the door shut behind him and held her in the entryway. Heat burned through her as he looked down into her eyes. “Welcome to my home, Marlee.”

It felt like he wanted to say more, but he kissed her instead. His kisses made every one of her aches and pains vanish in those moments.

A minute later, he carried her through a big open living room and straight to a recliner.

“Thanks for taking care of me.” She settled into the big, comfy recliner that was on a swivel base. “Mom wasn’t about to leave me to fend on my own. You volunteering to let me stay with you allowed her to feel like it was okay to leave town to visit her sister. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”

Colt pulled up an ottoman beside her chair and sat on it. “You’re important to me. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “Anything?”

“Anything.” He rested his hand on her thigh. “I’ll even make a chocolate run for you.”

Marlee smiled. “That makes you a man worth holding onto.”

“I’ve got Pepsi and 7-Up, and I’m going to make a pitcher of iced tea.” Colt got to his feet. “Which would you like?”

“Iced tea would be great.” She sank into the recliner. “This chair is so comfortable. I may just fall asleep.”

He set his hand on her shoulder. “Go right on ahead.”

Colt left the room and Marlee closed her eyes. Her head hurt and her body ached, and she just needed to rest. She felt herself drifting off, and soon she was fast asleep.

The day was waning as Colt unloaded Marlee’s things from the truck and put them into one of three guest bedrooms, with the exception of her purse and crutches, which he left in the living room, close to her chair.

His was a big house built for a big family, but Colt had thought of it as a place to spread out and make his own. Considering he hadn’t thought he’d settle down, maybe something inside him had known that was exactly what he needed to do.

Now, the sounds of Marlee’s laughter and images of kids running around the huge home filled his mind. The guestrooms would become bedrooms for the kids—three would be perfect. His game room would become a place with things for kids to do, too, and his man cave would transform into a family room. There was so much that could be done to his home so that it was no longer a bachelor’s place.

When he finished bringing in Marlee’s things, he paused in the living room to watch her sleeping. She looked so beautiful, but the bandaged head wound, scratches, and scrapes all over her face and arms made his gut hurt. She could have been killed. He’d been terrified for her when he’d woken in the hospital. Even though the nurses assured him she was fine, he hadn’t been satisfied until he’d seen her for himself.

And even then, his heart had ached at the sight of her connected to monitors, an IV in her arm, bandages over her head and eyes, and her ankle in a cast. He’d never been so terrified in his life as he had been for her. It had made him rethink his life and realize she was the woman he was meant to spend the rest of his life with.

Colt’s own body twinged with pain from cuts and bruises he’d sustained in the accident, and he had to keep moving to keep from getting too stiff and sore. Considering how his seatbelt had broken when the truck rolled, it was a wonder he came off with a mild concussion and so little in the way of injuries.

He smiled studied Marlee. He could picture himself waking up in the morning with her at his side and watching her sleep.

Colt returned to the kitchen and made a pile of roast beef sandwiches a pitcher of iced tea from the tea he’d just brewed.

He peeked into the living room and saw that Marlee was awake. “Hi, sleepyhead.”

She looked tired but smiled at him when he walked in. “I guess I needed that.”

“I’m glad you got some rest,” he said. “Are you hungry?” He gave a nod in the direction of the kitchen. “I made a simple dinner. Roast beef sandwiches.”

“That sounds great.” She held her hand to her belly. “You must have heard my stomach rumbling.

He grinned and started for the kitchen. “I’ll be right back.”

Colt returned with glasses of iced tea and handed one for Marlee before setting his own on an end table. He followed up with the plate of sandwiches, a couple of empty plates, and a package of double-stuffed Oreos.

“My favorites.” She took a roast beef sandwich from him on a paper plate with Oreo cookies on the side. “Double-stuffed are the best.”

“I remembered that from high school.” He sat on an overstuffed chair close to her. “My favorite, too.”

She finished chewing the bite she’d taken. “That’s right. We used to fight over the last cookie with Rock-Paper-Scissors. I always won.”

He laughed. “That’s not how I remember it.”

“Then you have a poor memory.” She took another big bite. “I think I may have let you win once or twice.”

He snorted. “How can you let someone win at that game? It’s random.”

“Not if you’re really good at it,” she teased. “Like me.”

Colt couldn’t help a grin. “You were a champion.”

When she finished her sandwich and cookies, she looked around the spacious living room. “From what I’ve seen of your home, it’s really nice.”

“I’ll show you the rest of it.” He put his plate and glass on the coffee table and took hers.

“That means you’ll think you have to carry me.” She put her hands up. “But no. Where are my crutches? I should learn how to use them.”

“They’re right here.” He grabbed the crutches from where they rested against the wall just behind and to the right of her chair. He waited for her to sit on the edge of her seat “These will take some getting used to,” he said. “I broke my leg in middle school, so I speak from experience.”

“I remember that.” She let him help her to her feet. “Middle school football, wasn’t it?”

“You have a good memory.” He helped her grasp the crutches and positioning them and changed the size of each to fit her height. He explained the best way to use them.

She put the crutches to a test drive and wobbled. “Yikes. This is hard.”

“Yeah, it’s harder than it looks.” He gave her a few pointers. “Now try.”

She started off and made it down the hallway toward the kitchen. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so awkward in my life.”

“You’re doing great.” He followed her to where she’d come to a stop in his kitchen.

“Wow, this is nice.” She took in the kitchen as she turned her head. “It’s huge. Makes my kitchen look like a dime next to a fifty-cent piece.”

“You have a great kitchen,” he said. “Like the rest of your house, it’s cozy and inviting.”

“Thanks.” She hopped up to the island and ran her palm over the surface. “I’ve never felt a textured countertop like this.”

“It’s granite,” he said. “Not your typical kind with shiny surfaces.”

“I really like the textured surface.” She looked around the rest of the kitchen. “You have a wonderful kitchen window over the sink. I didn’t realize it’s so dark outside.”

“The day has flown by,” he said.

“Everything in your kitchen is so shiny and new-looking.” She glanced at him. “I take it your ranch hands don’t eat breakfast and lunch here?”

He shook his head. “I have a chow hall back aways from the house. It came with the ranch when I bought it. I kept it and once the ranch started turning a good profit, I upgraded it.”

She looked around again. “Do you actually use your kitchen?”

“For cooking, not really.” He shrugged. “Being a bachelor with no talent for cooking means making canned beans and sandwiches a whole lot.”

“While I’m here, I’ll have to change that.” She used the crutches to get herself to the pantry and peeked in at the almost bare shelves. “Uh-oh.” She glanced over her shoulder at him. “This is not a good omen.” She made her way to the fridge and opened the door, and saw he had a loaf of bread, a couple of packages of lunchmeat, half a brick of cheese, a partial six-pack of beer and the pitcher of iced tea. She made a horrified expression when she looked at him again. “How are you not thin as a rail?”

He smiled at the cute look on her face. “Tell you what. Make me a list and I’ll go shopping, and I’ll get whatever you need.”

“I’m apparently going to need a lot.” She used her crutches to get back to the island and sagged back against it. “I never realized using crutches would be so tiring.”

“It’s a lot of work.” He leaned back against the island beside her. “We need to get you a knee scooter, so you can get around as you need to. I’ll order one for you.”

“I’ll order it so that I can use my credit card,” she said. “I think a knee scooter sounds like a really good idea. I’ll pick one out tomorrow, when I have a chance to peruse the Internet.”

“How about a movie?” he asked. “I do have a bag of chips and beer.”

“Sure.” She fell in beside him on her crutches as he walked toward his man cave.

“I have to warn you.” He glanced at her. “My man cave isn’t fancy.”

She brushed it off. “Who needs fancy?”

Colt like that about Marlee. She was so unassuming and down-to-earth. The All-American girl next door.

He got her comfortable on the couch and set her crutches aside, then put her broken ankle up on an ottoman.

“I have Netflix, HBO, Disney Plus, Prime, Apple TV, and Hulu,” he said. “I do have cable, but that’s because it’s the only place I can get all the sports I want.”

Marlee smiled. “We’re bound to find something good with all those options.”

Colt showed her how to use the remote for his TV and the list of apps for her to choose from. She was intent on clicking through HBO when he left to get the chips and beer.

Colt dumped the bag of chips into a large bowl, grabbed a church key and the two bottles of bear, along with the rest of the package of Oreos. He opened the beer bottles and passed one to her. She accepted it and he sat next to her on the couch, with the bowl of chips and package of cookies between them.

Her body felt so warm and soft next to his as he settled next to her on the couch. He felt a tug in his gut at being so close to her and breathed in her vanilla and jasmine scent.

He looked at her as she held the remote and flipped through movie options. “Any candidates?”

“I think so.” She came to a stop at the latest action thriller. “How about this one?”

“Looks good to me.” He took a swig of beer as she clicked on the movie and the intro started.

He watched her during the movie as she got into the action. That was until the scene involving a car accident and a SUV rolling across a median. She turned pale as it played out.

Colt took the remote from her and paused the movie. “Are you all right, Marlee?”

She didn’t look at him for a moment and he could see by the rise and fall of her chest that she was breathing hard. She finally turned to him. “There are always car chases and accidents in action movies. It didn’t even occur to me, or that I might have a reaction. It was like I experienced it all over again.”

He grasped her hand in his. “Do you want to find a different movie?” He gave her a soft smile. “We could pick out a chick flick or a comedy.”

Marlee blew out her breath and smiled. “I think I can make it through to the end of the movie. I just needed to pull myself back to reality for a few moments.”

He studied her. “You’re sure?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “It’s like getting back in a vehicle again. It was hard driving home today, but it got easier as we went.”

Colt gave the remote back to Marlee so that she’d have control.

She flashed him a smile. “So, you’re not a man who hogs the remote.”

“I have a feeling you’re not a woman to put up with a man monopolizing it.” He smiled. “I’m smart enough to know that.”

“Yes, you are one intelligent man.” She took the controller from him and hit play. She settled back in the seat and leaned her head against his shoulder.

The simple act of her resting against him took his breath away. He eased his arm around her shoulders, holding her even closer. She sighed and snuggled in his embrace.

During a quieter moment in the movie, he could hear Marlee’s deep, even breathing, telling him she’d fallen asleep. He carefully shifted her onto his lap, then rose with her in his arms. She didn’t even wake as he carried her down the hall to the guestroom that he had put all her things in.

He rested her on one side of the bed and looked down at her. She looked so peaceful in sleep.

Should he leave her fully dressed? Find her nightgown and change her out of the clothing she now wore?

He went to the big suitcase, where she had put most of her clothes. He couldn’t find a nightgown, so he left to grab one of his T-shirts. He returned and carefully removed the sweatpants that easily slid over her cast, before removing her T-shirt.

Marlee made an adorable little snore for a moment that made him smile. He left her bra and panties on, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable, like he’d done more than he should have. He slid his T-shirt over her head and smiled at how big it was on her. She looked sweet in sleep, and he wished he could take her in his arms again.

He pulled back the quilt and sheet on the opposite side of the bed, then moved her to that side and covered her. He left an extra quilt next to her in case the house got too cool for her. She’d have something handy if she needed it.

When he had her settled, he switched off the bedside light and rose. He paused in the doorway, the light shining through and illuminating her. She shifted on the bed, rolling to her side, and continued to sleep.

His heart ached for her, and he blew out his breath. He was in so much trouble. He was madly in love with Marlee. He’d never stopped loving her.

Chapter 9

Colt pushed his hand through his hair, his mind filled with thoughts of Marlee. He made his way to his man cave to get his phone, and it started ringing just as he picked it up.

He answered it without looking at the screen. “This is Colt.”

“What are you doing, back with her?” A woman’s voice sounded furious and nasty. “That bitch.”

The anger in the woman’s voice and the words she said caught him off guard. He responded in a low growl. “Whoever this is, don’t call me again.”

The voice turned pleading. “This is Sally. How could you not recognize me?”

He blew out his breath. “Sally, I’m in a relationship with Marlee, and I’m not going to put up with you referring to her as a bitch.”

“Colt, don’t push me away.” Sally was whining now. “After everything we’ve been through together. We belong to each other.”

Colt looked up at the ceiling. This woman was unbelievable. He had to put a stop to this.

“You and I will never have any kind of relationship.” He kept his voice firm and unyielding, and repeated, “Don’t call again.”

“That girlfriend of yours is so nice.” The saccharine-sweetness in Sally’s tone caused hair to rise on his arms. “She might watch her back, but she’ll never see me coming.”

The line went dead.

Colt ground his teeth as the fury inside him burned like white-hot coal in his gut.

Sally had threatened Marlee.

Then his skin grew cold. Would she really be so vindictive as to harm Marlee?

He had to put a stop to this. He hit Sally’s number to call her back, but she didn’t answer. He ended the call.

Despite his upbringing, and his belief that women should be treated as ladies, Colt had a long list of choice words for Sally Farmer, none of which should be used in reference to a lady. Sally was clearly no lady. She was vindictive, hateful, and any other number of adjectives.

Colt strode to his home office and slid into the chair behind his desk. He powered up his laptop and logged in before opening a browser window. He entered Sally Farmer’s name and hit the search option.

A list of hits popped up for multiple women with that name, and he scoured the list. Facebook profiles, LinkedIn, Ancestry, Whitepages… Too many entries. He tried to remember her middle name to help narrow it down. Jean? Janet? Jane? No, June. He typed in Sally June Farmer and hit the enter key.

His breath caught in his chest when an article in a Phoenix-based news service popped up showing a picture of Sally in a mugshot.

She’d been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a woman in Mesa. The article went on to say that an injunction against harassment had been placed against Sally due to stalking the victim before the victim was murdered. The case was dropped due to lack of evidence.

Cold sweat broke out on Colt’s skin as he stared at Sally’s mugshot. She had a deranged look in her eyes.

He read on and learned that Sally had been stalking the woman’s boyfriend before she turned to stalking the victim.

Shit. Colt dragged his hand down his face as he tried to process what he’d just read. Marlee’s life was in danger thanks to this deranged woman’s obsession with him.

He leaned back in his chair, thoughts whirring through his mind. He should get Marlee as far away from him as possible.

But a restraining order had been placed against Sally and still the woman she had stalked had ended up dead.

Dead.

He drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out, trying to slow his breathing and calm the racing of his heart.

Marlee was here, with him, and he could protect her as long as she was. But what could happen to Marlee once she returned to her home? How could he protect her then?

He shoved his chair back and started pacing the room while he tried to figure out what to do. He was used to being decisive, putting a plan in motion and doing whatever it was that needed to be taken care of.

This was different. This was a matter of life or death of someone he loved.

He’d have to take it a day at a time, keeping Marlee close. He didn’t know if he could get a protective order based on a threat against Marlee that Sally had said to him.

If he couldn’t get an order and waited until Sally did something else, it could be too late.

His throat worked as he swallowed down a combination of fear for Marlee and dread of what was to come. If he hadn’t found the article, he wouldn’t have been as concerned as he was now. Thank God he had googled Sally. That meant he had an edge that he wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Sally was coming. Now he had to figure out a way to stop her.

Marlee sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her cast thumping on the tile floor. She held her fingers to her temples. This headache couldn’t go away fast enough.

How did she get in this room? It must be Colt’s guestroom. She wore a man’s T-shirt with her panties and bra on underneath. Clearly, Colt had put her to bed and thoughtfully put her in one of his shirts, and she had amazingly slept through the whole thing. She grasped the fabric and brought it to her nose. It smelled delicious, totally Colt’s scent.

Outside the window, the sun appeared to have risen not long ago. This time of year, that meant it was close to seven in the morning. She sighed and looked around her.

The butter-yellow guestroom with white trim had reddish-brown cherry furniture including the four-poster bed she’d slept in and a rocking chair. She wondered if Colt’s mom or one of his sisters helped pick out the furniture and the décor.

A quilt covered the queen-sized bed. Marlee ran her palm over the colorful patchwork quilt, the craftsmanship worthy of her own mom. Both Colt’s mother and grandmother belonged to the King Creek Quilting Society, so this quilt was probably by one of the two women, who were equally talented ladies.

The room’s pleasant décor included a painting of a meadow filled with wildflowers and another of an old red barn in front of a grassy field, the sun’s rays turning the field a golden hue. A large sunbonnet doll perched on the rocking chair and an old blue and white pitcher and washbasin sat on the chest of drawers. Someone had arranged items on the dresser that must have been heirlooms or purchased at an antique store, including old perfume bottles and a mother-of-pearl backed wooden hairbrush and comb.

Marlee smiled. She could picture this room turned into Colt’s daughter’s room one day. The thought of the beautiful children she and Colt could have together warmed her insides like a summer day.

Her cheeks grew hot. She was getting waaaaay ahead of herself. Who knew if what they had would be strong enough to maintain a long-term relationship? Could they last?

Everything inside her said, Yes.

She blew out her breath and stared at her cast again. Now she just had to get back to walking so that she could be more independent and return to her life as it was before the accident.

She glanced around the room and realized her crutches weren’t in here. How was she going to leave the room, or even get around?

A soft knock at the door grabbed her attention.

“Come in.” Why did she sound breathless?

The knob turned and the door opened, then Colt took a step into the room. “Good morning, beautiful.”

She smiled. “’Morning, Colt.”

He moved all the way into the room and raised her crutches in one of his strong hands. “I forgot to leave these here for you last night. Hope I didn’t strand you for too long.”

“Nope.” She shook her head. “I just woke up a few minutes ago. What time is it anyway?”

He pulled his phone out of a holster and looked at the screen before meeting her eyes again. “It’s seven. I just came in from chores and started breakfast.” He gestured to her pink sweatpants draped across the chair. “Would you like help getting those on?”

She held out her hand. “I can do it if you just hand them to me.”

He retrieved the sweatpants and even though she had said she could do it herself, she did need his help pulling the sweatpants over her cast.

When she had them on, Colt handed her the crutches.

He watched her as she arranged the crutches so that she could get up. “Need help?”

“I need to learn to do this myself.” She made a face as she attempted to get to her feet. She sat back down hard on the bed. “Darn it.” He respected her determination to do it herself by not trying to help her. She positioned the crutches again and brought herself up to stand.

She blew out her breath, feeling triumphant yet exhausted. “This shouldn’t be so hard.”

“You’re doing great.” He started to back out of the doorway. “I should get back to breakfast. You’ll be okay?”

“I’ll be right beside you.” She swung herself forward and managed to reach him just fine. “What are you making?”

“French toast.” He looked down at her as they headed down the hallway. “A recipe my mom always made when we were kids. It’s one of my favorite things to fix for breakfast.”

“Sounds wonderful.” She stepped into the kitchen with him and settled back against the island, leaning her crutches next to her.

He had a short, square glass container filled with a milky egg mixture, and a stack of what looked like homemade bread beside that. He turned on the flame beneath a griddle and grabbed a plate from the cabinet and placed it next to the egg mixture.

“I thought you didn’t cook.” She smiled as she watched him. “You told a fib.”

He laughed. “I didn’t say I couldn’t cook at all. I have a small collection of things that I do well or close enough. This is one of the things that I’m not too bad at.”

“Like I said before, you’re too modest.” She enjoyed watching his deft touch with his strong hands. She hoped to have his hands back on her soon. “Did you make the bread, too?”

He shook his head. “My cook baked it in the grub building. He makes real good homemade bread.”

They chatted while he cooked the French toast to a golden brown on each side. When he finished, he set the table in the kitchen nook and put out the toast and glasses of milk. He pulled out a chair and took her crutches from her as she sat down. She relinquished them happily as she prepared to dig into the French toast.

Being with Colt had been enjoyable from the moment he’d walked back into her life. She’d started out on edge, then wary, then confused, then warming up to him faster than she could have imagined. Next thing she knew, she was falling for him all over again.

She realized her hands were shaking as she slathered butter on the three pieces of French toast on her plate, before pouring maple syrup over the stack. Darn it. She shouldn’t be falling for him so fast.

After her first wonderful bite, she pointed her fork at him. “You can no longer tell me that cowboy beans are the only thing in your repertoire.”

He grinned. “Don’t think I’ve ever said the word ‘repertoire.’”

“You know what I mean.” She chewed another bite and swallowed. “I want this for breakfast every day.”

“Uh-huh.” He shook his head. “You’ll be throwing toast in my face within a few days.”

“I’d never do that.” She cut into her toast. “But, okay. Every weekend.”

“Deal.” He drank from his glass of milk and set it down. “You do know I’m not letting you go back home.”

Amusement made her want her laugh. “Like you could stop me—once I’m on my feet again.”

He leaned back in his chair. “Face painting should still be doable for you at the event since you won’t have to be on your feet.”

“I forgot about the event.” Marlee’s eyes widened. “You need to pass activities on to me that I can take care of from my chair.”

“I’ll do that.” He pushed his fingers through his hair. “Do you have someone watching your home while you’re here?”

“I’m going to call Amy this morning.” Marlee swiped a strand of hair from her face. “She has a key to my house, and I’m sure she won’t mind keeping an eye on things.”

“Good.” Colt had a thoughtful expression. “Will she watch to see if anyone stops by your home while you’re home?

She cocked her head to the side. “Like a salesman or poll worker? Do salesmen even go door to door anymore?”

Colt shrugged. “Just someone who might be hanging around and could cause problems.”

Marlee frowned. “Why would you be concerned about that? This is King Creek.”

He hesitated. “True, but we are not that far from Phoenix. You can’t be too careful.”

She studied him. “I get the feeling there’s something bothering you.”

“Nothing of the sort.” He leaned forward and took her hand in his. “I just want to keep you safe.”

His fingers wrapped around hers, his callused touch warm and firm. How she ached to have those work-roughened hands on her.

She swallowed as she tried to pull her mind back to the subject at hand. “I think the accident has you on worry overdrive. Relax and don’t worry, okay? I’ll be fine. I am fine.”

He gave a slow nod, looking like he wanted to say something more but holding it inside.

When he didn’t volunteer anything else, she squeezed his fingers. “If that subject is closed, let me finish my French toast. It’s too good to let just sit here.”

“We’ll table it for now.” He sounded so serious. “What are your plans for today?”

She cut into the toast and stabbed a piece. “I have a slush pile to go through. I have enough manuscripts to keep me busy for the next six weeks. Maybe that magical manuscript I’m looking for will finally drop into my lap.”

After breakfast, Colt helped Marlee get settled in the living room recliner with her laptop and a huge thermal mug filled with iced tea sweetened with sugar, and lemon wedges added to that. She reclined just enough to raise her legs and he put a pillow under her cast to raise that leg up more.

“I’ve got to get to work.” He kissed her on top of the head and drew back, a serious expression on his features again. “You have your cell phone, so call me if you need me.”

“I will.” She smiled up at him. “Now go on. I need to get to work.”

He set his western hat on his head with a grin. “Yes, ma’am.”

Her smile remained as he left the room and headed outside. He made her feel so good, inside and out. A more perfect man than Colt didn’t exist for her. She relaxed against the seatback and let herself think about him. She hadn’t admitted it to herself until now, but she had missed him all these years. Back then she’d known he was the only man for her. Fast forward, years later, and she believed it again with all her heart.

She blew out her breath. She was toast when it came to Colt.

Why had he sounded so concerned this morning?” Her brow furrowed as she thought about his concerns. It was like he knew something she didn’t.

She picked her cell phone off the chair arm and located Amy in her contacts. She touched the number and brought the phone to her ear.

“Marlee!” Amy’s voice came over bright and cheery. “I haven’t seen you jogging the past several days.”

“That’s out for a good three months.” Marlee gave a low groan. “I broke my ankle.”

“What?” Amy sounded shocked. “How did you do that?”

Marlee saw a flash of the terror of the truck rolling before she pushed it away. “We’re both fine, but Colt and I were in an accident.”

“Oh, my gosh.” Amy rushed the words. “Nothing worse than a broken ankle?”

“A concussion.” Marlee’s headache hovered in the back of her head. “Colt walked away with cuts and bruises, and he’s sore. Thank goodness it wasn’t worse.” The thought of Colt being injured far worse made her stomach clench.”

“I’m glad to hear he’s okay,” Amy said. “Are you home? How are you getting around with all those stairs at your place? I see your car in your driveway.”

“I’m staying with Colt until I’m mobile or I’ll stay with my mom.” Marlee when on to explain how she ended up at Colt’s home. “Mom doesn’t have stairs, so I might go to her house when she gets back from Kansas. It’s all up in the air.” She gave a frustrated sigh. “I can’t stand relying so much on others.”

“It’s okay to let others help you,” Amy said. “Sometimes we all need help.”

“Part of me knows you’re right.” Marlee held back the desire to groan again. “And part of me wants to scream.”

Ann laughed. “What can I do to help? I can keep an eye on your home.”

“Yes, please.” Tension eased inside Marlee. “I appreciate it more than you know.”

“Never a problem helping you.” A jingling sound came over the line. “And here are your keys, right out of the drawer. I’ll go over there now.”

“Thank you.” Marlee smiled. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you that I’d like to do face painting at the small business event. I had planned to call you about it, but the accident, and you know the rest.”

Ann responded with enthusiasm. “That’s perfect. Do you need supplies since you’re laid up.”

“I have some in my bedroom, if you don’t mind getting them for me.” Marlee played with strands of her hair.

“Just tell me where it is, and I’ll take care of it.”

Marlee did and after they talked a bit more, they said goodbye. She set her phone aside and opened her laptop. The login screen popped up and she signed on.

First thing, she needed to check email. She was so behind and likely her editor was wondering what had happened to her. Sure enough, three emails from Elizabeth Maxwell was in Marlee’s inbox. She replied with an explanation and responded to her editor’s questions. She then checked the slush pile inbox and groaned when a list of over a hundred new submissions popped up.

Marlee rested her head against the seatback and stared at the ceiling. “Can’t I catch a break? I could use one right now.”

No response from the ceiling.

She sighed and looked at her screen. She’d attack the slush pile once she had a chance to finish her email.

An email in her main inbox caught her attention.

Sender: farmerinthedell1286@gmail.com

Subject line: To Marlee Fox from an old friend

Marlee clicked on the email. A cold chill prickled her skin as she read the message:

Colt can’t protect you, bitch. You’ll be sorry you got in my way.

I’m going to make you burn.

Chapter 10

Marlee stared at the screen and read it again as ice coated her skin. Whoever had written the email had so much anger for her than it was a wonder her laptop hadn’t burst into flames.

Was this why Colt had been so concerned about her this morning? Had he received something similar?

Who could have sent this? From what she knew, Colt had dated several women in King Creek and the surrounding areas over the years. She hadn’t paid enough attention to know if he’d had any long term or recent relationships.

She drew in a deep breath and realized her hands trembled. The email had hit her harder than she could have expected. She’d never been threatened like this, and she felt momentarily frozen. Should she respond? No, that wasn’t the right way to handle this. She needed to talk with Colt about it when he returned from working out on the range.

Thoughts ping ponged in Marlee’s brain. The email’s author said she would make Marlee burn. What did she mean? Was she going to try to set her on fire? How? Where? Was she just trying to scare Marlee?

She clenched her hands into fists and ground her teeth. No way would she allow some jealous woman to scare her like this. Not anymore than she already had.

This evening she would talk to Colt about the email to see if it related to his concern and to see if he knew who had sent it, and if he truly thought she was in danger. One thing bothered her, though. If this was related, why hadn’t he told her?

Marlee moved the email to a save folder so that she didn’t have to see it while she worked, and to show Colt later.

In the meantime, she had a career that depended on her doing her job. She had her authors to touch base with and a slush pile to annihilate.

Colt came back to the house, tired as hell, but eager to see Marlee. When he walked into the kitchen, delicious smells smacked him in the face and made his stomach rumble.

Marlee stood at the stove, her back to him, one crutch propping her up while the other leaned against the counter next to her.

She stirred something in a saucepan but stopped and looked over her shoulder. “Hi, Colt. Hungry?”

He took his hat off and tossed it onto the hat stand. “First of all, what are you doing up? Your butt should be in that chair. Second, what smells so good?”

She laughed. “Believe me, I needed to get up and do something. And I chose something simple because doing anything while on crutches is the worst.”

He leaned in for a kiss and his lips moved softly over hers. She smiled as he drew away. She nodded to the pot she stirred with a wooden spoon. “I found fettuccini noodles in the pantry along with this alfredo sauce. I also dug out a package of meatballs from the freezer and they’re in the oven. Easy peasy.”

She pointed to the stock pot on the counter. “I need you to fill that up and we’ll boil water to cook the pasta while the meatballs finish cooking. The pot filled with water would be too heavy for me to manage on these crutches.”

“Still think you’re overdoing it.” He picked up the pot and put it under the faucet. “I’m concerned you’ll hurt yourself.”

“I’m fine.” She set the spoon on a spoon rest. “I am going to sit down for a bit. Being on crutches wears me out.”

He put the pot of water on the stove and turned on the flame. “That’s why we need to get a knee scooter for you.”

“Already ordered.” She made it to the kitchen nook and sank into a chair and sighed. It was easy to see she had exhausted herself.

He propped one hand on the island. “As much as I appreciate dinner, I’m going to tie you to your seat tomorrow, so you don’t get any bright ideas like this.”

She rolled her eyes. “As if you could.”

He moved to her and braced both palms on her chairback, caging her in. “Just try me.”

“Stop worrying so much.” A hint of something was in her eyes that gave him pause. Was it concern or was it anger? Both?

He backed away and studied her. “Looks like we have something to talk about.”

She sighed. “After dinner I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I’m not following.”

She made a waving motion, like she was swiping away their conversation. “After dinner, we’ll talk.”

Colt gave a slow nod. “Okay.” There wasn’t anything else to say on the subject for the moment. “But.” He raised a finger. “I’m finishing dinner. You just sit yourself right there and don’t move.”

“I’m too tired to move.” She gave him an exhausted smile. “Thank you.”

Colt served dinner when it was ready, and he ate like it was the only meal he’d had all day. He’d eaten plenty today, but he sure was hungry.

After dinner, he insisted on cleaning up, and she seemed grateful to let him do it. Getting around seemed to take a lot out of her. It should be easier for her once she got the knee scooter. When he finished cleaning, he helped her get to his man cave and sat her on the small couch.

“I need my laptop.” She looked up at him from the couch. “Would you mind getting it for me?”

“No problem, honey.” He squeezed her shoulder before fetching the laptop and giving it to her when he returned.

She patted the seat next to her. “I have something to show you.”

He took the seat and leaned forward, his forearms on his thighs. “What is it?”

“Give me a minute.” She logged on and clicked on her email program, then went into a mail folder and opened an email. She moved the laptop onto his lap. “Read it.”

Heat slammed into him as he read the email that was no doubt from Sally. “Sonofabitch,” he growled. He looked into Marlee’s puzzled gaze. “It’s from Sally Farmer.”

“How do you know?” Marlee cocked her head to the side. “Come to think of it, that’s who I saw at Mickey’s when you took me dancing. She looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her then, but she was glaring daggers at me.”

“She called me and threatened you.” Colt clenched his jaw. He told Marlee what Sally had said.

He went on, “I had a feeling there was something off about her, so I googled her name.” He tried not to let his fear for Marlee show. “She was arrested on the suspicion of murdering the girlfriend of her former boyfriend, but the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.”

Marlee went white, as if blood had drained from her face. “Why is this happening now? Sally may have killed the girlfriend of her former boyfriend, but what does that have to do with you or me? I didn’t think you dated her, even after that kiss.”

Colt pushed his hand through his hair, frustration and the burn of anger coursing through his veins. “Sally kissed me out of the blue the day you saw us, and afterward I came to think she intentionally did it to break up you and me. She started stalking me after that and didn’t stop until her parents moved her away from King Creek.”

Marlee’s eyes widened. “I had no idea.”

“She called me last week and asked me out to Mickey’s, and I told her I was already going with someone I’m seeing.” He dragged his hand down his face. “I saw her there, too, and she looked livid. I didn’t hear from her again until last night.”

Marlee brushed hair from her eyes and frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to worry you.” He took Marlee’s hand in his. “I was still processing all of it, and I know I can keep you safe here with me, until I fix this.”

“You should have told me.” Marlee spoke low and evenly, but it was clear she was angry. “It’s not up to you to protect me. And how on earth do you think you’re going to fix this?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I called Mike Bailey today and asked him if threats are enough to get a restraining order. He said yes, but that two acts of harassment are required to get an injunction against harassment, the equivalent of a restraining order. This email gives us the second act against you.”

Marlee glanced at the email then back to Colt. “Even though it was sent anonymously?”

Colt considered her question then pointed to the sender’s email address. “This address has ‘farmer’ in the name. In my mind, that’s enough.” He turned back to Marlee. “Plus, it piggybacks the threat she made last night.” He rested his hand on her thigh. “I’ll take you tomorrow to get the order.”

Marlee’s chest rose as she inhaled deeply then lowered as she released the breath. “All right. But will it be enough against someone who’s clearly psychotic? Someone who probably killed a woman who had an injunction against her?”

Colt gripped Marlee’s thigh, her leg firm beneath her sweatpants. “We’ll figure this out Marlee, together. I won’t hold anything else from you, I promise.”

Marlee looked away before looking at him again. “Okay. Let’s put it aside for now, and we’ll talk about it again tomorrow.”

He took her hand in his. As he looked into her eyes, he wanted to tell her he loved her, but he couldn’t get the words out. Maybe it wasn’t time, or maybe he was afraid.

So instead, he took the laptop away from her and set it aside. Then he gathered her into his arms and held her as close as he possibly could.

Marlee waited for Colt to come back into the house. They’d just finished dinner, when a ruckus broke out that sounded like a large pack of dogs. Colt left to make sure the dogs weren’t on the property, that the horses were secure, and the barn doors shut.

In the meantime, Marlee settled onto the couch in Colt’s man cave. She looked around at the distinctly male inhabited room and smiled. It had Colt all over it. She wondered how he would like a wife and kids to inhabit his space.

She shook her head, still smiling. Her thoughts seemed to always be on Colt.

As the week had gone by, Marlee’s aches and pains from the accident lessened and her headaches vanished. However, she’d been on edge for a while, wondering if Sally Farmer would somehow come at her, even at Colt’s, but the threat faded the more days that passed.

Her knee scooter had arrived, and she was able to get around better, but the broken ankle still aggravated her. She supposed that frustration would remain until her ankle fully healed and the doctor removed her cast.

The time she spent with Colt drew them closer, and Marlee’s desire for him increased with every day that came and went. He’d been respectful, treating her like a princess, but keeping a slight bit of distance, clearly not wanting to push her. She’d gotten to the point where she wished he would lose control.

She wanted him.

And somehow, she would have him, soon.

Tonight.

As she shifted on the couch, she realized she couldn’t sit still because her body ached for him so much that she almost couldn’t bear it.

If only she had something sexy to slip into that would make him lose control. Maybe it was the sweatpants and T-shirts that kept him at bay. She laughed to herself. She doubted that her appearance would impede his desire for her.

The back door slammed shut, and a few minutes later, Colt appeared in the room. His presence commanded her attention, causing her to catch her breath. A day’s stubble shadowed his jaws and his western shirt fit his large frame perfectly. His worn Wranglers hugged his hips and thighs.

“Hi, honey,” he said with a smile.

She bit her lower lip, holding back a sound of desire.

“Turn around.” She circled her finger, encouraging him to do just that. “Slowly.”

He looked at her with amusement. “What are you up to?”

She did her best to keep a straight face. “Just do it.”

He complied.

“Stop,” she said as soon as his back was to her, and he came to an abrupt halt. She sighed as she looked at his tight ass in those snug Wranglers. “Oh, that’s niiiice.”

“I feel like a piece of meat,” he said over his shoulder.

Marlee burst out laughing. “But a sexy piece of meat.”

He grinned and faced her before settling on the couch beside her. “I should take a shower.”

She gripped his shirt in her fists, catching him off guard as she pulled herself onto his lap and straddled him. She nuzzled his ear. “Only if I get to take one with you.”

He gave a low groan as she shimmied against his growing erection. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

She nuzzled his ear. “Why not?”

He hissed out a breath and his voice sounded strained. “You were in an accident, and you have a concussion…”

“The accident was over a week ago.” She tugged on his earlobe with her teeth. “And I don’t have headaches anymore.”

She felt his racing heart beneath her palm as she braced her hands on his chest. A rumble rose within him. “You can’t get your cast wet.”

“That sounds like a lame attempt to get out of what you and I both want.” She slid her hands down his chest and stopped at his belt buckle. “Give it up, McLeod. Tonight, you’re mine.”

“Oh, hell, Marlee.” He sucked in his breath as she ran her fingers along his belt line. “I can’t control myself if you keep that up.”

“Then don’t.” She moved her mouth to his. “Lose control.”

Marlee kissed Colt, hard. He cupped the back of her head and answered her kiss with a powerful one of his own. A hungry kiss full of the same pent-up desire she had for him. He pressed up with his hips as their kiss grew frantic, and she ground herself down on him.

He grasped her ass, squeezing her firm globes, encouraging her to move up and down, as if taking him inside her. She broke the kiss and tipped her head back, thrusting her breasts in front of his face. He groaned and moved his hands to her breasts, filling his palms with them.

She wasn’t wearing a bra, and her hard nipples pressed against his hands. He rolled her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers, and she moaned as pleasure flooded her.

“Colt.” She moved up and down, unable to sit still. “I need you inside me.”

“Damn, Marlee.” He pushed up her T-shirt and tugged it over her head. She helped him and he tossed it behind him. He took her nipple into his mouth and teased it with his tongue.

She sucked in a breath and her belly tightened. She didn’t think she’d ever felt anything as exquisite and pleasurable in her life. He moved his mouth to her other nipple, and she knew she hadn’t. Nothing had ever felt this amazing.

“I have a cover for my cast, Colt.” Marlee had a hard time talking. Let’s take that shower together.”

Colt surged to his feet, holding her close to him. She hooked her thighs around his hips, glad she kept in shape.

He carried her into her bathroom and scooped up the cover before taking her to his huge master bath. She hadn’t been in here before and was amazed at the vastness of the rough stone shower that looked like a small grotto. It had two shower heads, one soft rain and the other more powerful.

He set her on the countertop before turning on the shower, then returned to slide the cover over her ankle cast. She braced her hands on the countertop as he slid down her sweats and discovered she didn’t have on any panties.

“Oh, honey.” He tossed aside the sweats, leaving her completely naked. He knelt between her thighs and pressed them apart. Her eyes widened as he ran his tongue down her center and she cried out in surprise and pleasure. He sucked and licked, and her mind spun.

She had a hard time breathing as he got to his feet and tugged off his own clothing, dropping everything onto the bathroom tile.

A sigh rose in her and she let it out with a soft sound as she stared at his naked body. She’d only imagined how he would look with nothing on, and her imagination hadn’t even done him justice. All that firm flesh and every well-defined muscle, as if his body had been chiseled in stone by one of the masters.

He moved to her and gathered her into his arms, drawing her close so that she could hook her thighs around his hips again. This time she shivered as her naked flesh touched his, her breasts rubbing his bare chest.

Colt took her into the shower grotto and set her on a seat built into the rock, beneath the largest showerhead. The gentle fall of water felt like rain over her face and skin.

“I don’t have any girly shampoo,” he said, as he looked down at her.

“Your hair always smells like apples.” She smiled up at him. “Use that shampoo.”

“One apple pie coming up.” He gave her a cute grin, but she became focused on what was directly in front of her.

Colt put shampoo on his hands and started to wash her hair just before she grasped his thick, long, length.

He sucked in his breath, his hands stilling in her wet hair. She lowered her head and slipped him into her mouth. “Marlee.” His voice sounded strangled.

She paused long enough to say, “Don’t stop washing my hair,” before she slid him into her mouth again.

He groaned but worked the shampoo into her hair as she took him deep into her mouth, to the back of her throat. He hesitated and she felt a shiver travel through him. She smiled as she sucked, shampoo running in rivulets down the sides of her face and over her back.

She could tell he had a harder and harder time trying to stick to his task while enjoying what she was doing to him.

His body tightened. She looked up at him to see him staring down at her, watching her. His jaw set and a pained look filled his expression. She knew he was on the edge, and she wondered if she should push him over the precipice.

He grasped her head in his hands to still her. “Stop, Marlee. I want to be inside you so damned bad.”

She let him slip from her mouth. “Then hurry and finish washing my hair.”

“It’s done.” He pushed wet hair from her face. “You were just enjoying torturing me too much.”

She gave him a mischievous grin. “I was, absolutely.”

Colt knelt on the Baltic blue tiles and pushed her thighs apart. He gave her a sexy, smoldering look before he lowered his head.

Marlee’s eyes widened as he raised her legs and put them over his shoulders. He gripped her hips and buried his face against her. She gasped then held his head in her hands as he licked and sucked her, and she squirmed in his grip.

She watched his head between her thighs as he drove her crazy. She tipped her head back, water gently falling on her face and rolling down her shoulders to her breast and off her nipples.

The sensations traveling through her made her mind whirl. It was a heady feeling that spread throughout her. Her belly tightened and she felt herself climbing closer and closer to orgasm. It all but felt like he was slowing, his tongue barely touching her, and she wanted to scream at him not to stop.

Her orgasm slammed into her, and she screamed. Her voice seemed to echo in the shower grotto, and she thrashed in his arms as he kept going and wouldn’t stop.

“Colt.” She tried to hold his head still. “I can’t take it.”

He kept at it and another orgasm hit her hard and fast, and she screamed even louder.

The sensations were too intense to bear. Tears rolled from her eyes, washed away by the fall of water.

“I’m serious.” The words came out rough and uneven. “I can’t take anymore.”

He raised his head, a sexy heated expression. “I’m not finished with you.”

“I certainly hope not,” she managed to get out.

He grasped her waist and surged to his feet and braced her against the wall. Her breath left her in a rush as he drove himself into her. She cried out at his thickness stretching her and filling her. He moved in and out, hard and fast.

She gasped as she felt an oncoming orgasm.

“You feel so good.” The words came out of Colt in a hard rasp. “You’re so tight.”

“I’m going to climax again.” Marlee had a hard time even talking. “Come with me, Colt.”

“I’m right there with you, honey.” He thrust in and out a few more times and Marlee screamed. Colt shouted her name as his body bucked against hers and he throbbed inside her core making her spasms continue.

His knees seemed to give out and they slid down the tile so that they were sitting on the shower floor, water raining down on them. He gathered her close and she felt the rise and fall of his chest against hers. She held onto him and knew that she was completely head-over-heels in love with him.

Chapter 11

Marlee sat in the recliner, her leg up on pillows. She and Colt had made love for the first time three days ago. The next nights had been just as amazing.

If it wasn’t for the threat over her, Marlee would have felt like she was on cloud nine. She knew she should be more cautious in giving her love to Colt, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. It felt like it was meant to be.

Now the question was, did he love her in return? She mentally shook her head. She should give him more time and not expect him to fall for her as fast as she’d fallen for him. It might take him more time, if he ever did.

She was going to drive herself crazy.

Her phone rang and she picked it up off the arm of the recliner, and saw it was her friend calling.

Marlee smiled. “Hi, Amy.”

“There’s a gas leak in your home.” Ann sounded concerned. “I opened the front door to go inside to check on things and the odor about knocked me on my ass.”

Marlee sat up straighter in her chair. “I’ll call the gas company.”

“I already did.” Amy hesitated. “After the gas company showed up and investigated, they called the police. Someone intentionally disconnected the gas line from the water heater. They’re taking care of it now.”

A cold chill raced down Marlee’s spine. “Intentionally?”

“Yes. The police will be calling you soon. I wanted to give you a heads up.” Ann’s voice shook. “Why would someone purposefully disconnect your gas, Marlee?”

Marlee’s hands trembled as she thought of Sally’s threat to make Marlee burn, but she didn’t want to get into an explanation. “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”

“I hope you do, and soon.”

“Thanks for everything, Amy.” Marlee tried to breathe. If something had happened to Amy, she wouldn’t have been able to forgive herself. “Don’t check on the house in the future. I can’t risk the possibility of someone doing this again and you getting hurt.”

“All right.” Amy let out an audible breath. “I’m worried about you. If someone’s disconnecting your gas line, then what’s to say they won’t do something else?”

“I’ll be fine.” Marlee tried to interject calmness in her voice. “Don’t worry about me.”

A beep indicated she had a call on another line. She glanced at the screen to see a King Creek number, but one she didn’t recognize. “This might be the police calling, Amy. I’ll let you know if I find out anything.”

Amy disconnected the call and Marlee answered the other line.

“This is Detective Les Crowley,” a male voice said. “Is this Marlee Fox?”

“This is Marlee.” She blew out her breath as she spoke to the detective that she’d met and spoken to in the past. “Amy said you were going to call. I understand someone disconnected a gas line in my home.”

“That appears to be what happened,” the detective said. “Do you know who might have tampered with it?”

“I have an idea.” Marlee pushed her fingers through her hair. “Sally Farmer.”

“I saw she’s back in town,” Crowley said. “Why do you think she may have done it?”

“She alluded to something happening to me when she called Colt several nights ago.” Marlee shifted in her seat, feeling jittery and on edge. “I also received a threatening email, which I think she sent.”

“I’d like you and Colt come into the station so that I can take your statements,” Crowley said. “I’ll proceed with the investigation from here.

“I can’t walk due to a car accident,” she said. “I’ll have to wait for Colt to take me, hopefully this afternoon.”

After she disconnected the call, she realized she was having a hard time breathing. What could have been an idle threat had just become very real.

She called Colt’s number. After a few rings, he answered with, “Hi, honey.”

“I just spoke with Amy and then Detective Crowley,” Marlee said. “Someone disconnected the gas line from the water heater in my home.” She could hear the crack in her voice. “I think it was Sally.”

“Damn.” Colt’s voice sounded rough with anger. “I need to find Sally and get her to back off.”

“I don’t trust her.” Marlee fisted her hand. “What if she does something to you?”

“I can take care of myself,” Colt said.

“Detective Crowley wants us to go to the police station to take our statements about Sally’s call to you and the email I received.”

“I’ll be right home.” She could hear a horse’s whinny and the crunch of rocks beneath Colt’s boots as he spoke. “We’ll file for an injunction against her while we’re in town.”

“I’ll be ready.” Marlee disconnected the call and maneuvered herself out of the chair and onto her knee scooter. She made it back to the master bedroom, where she’d moved in with Colt after their first lovemaking. She brushed her hair and put on her athletic shoes.

Just as she finished, Colt entered the room. He swept Marlee into his arms and held her close. “The thought of anything happening to you is unbearable,” he said in her hair as he held her. “You could have been killed if you were home and there was an explosion. I could have lost you.”

She leaned back and put a hand on the side of his face, his stubble rough against her palm. “Nothing happened and we’re going to put a stop to it.”

“I’m going to.” He settled his hands on her hips. “You’re not doing anything but staying here safe with me.” He held her scooter. “Unless you want me to carry you, here’s your chariot.”

Anger burned hot in Colt’s gut. Sally took a perceived threat to a whole new level. He had to track her down and make sure she knew she could never go near Marlee or her home again.

At the King Creek Police Station, Colt helped Marlee out of the truck and gave her the crutches. They made their way inside the station and were taken into a room, and Detective Crowley came in fifteen minutes later. Colt and Marlee gave and then signed statements and answered his questions. After that they went to the courthouse and filed for an injunction against Sally Farmer coming in contact with Marlee. They arranged to have a server present the injunction to Sally as soon as possible.

When they were finished with the courthouse, Colt took Marlee to her favorite Mexican restaurant, Ricardo’s, for dinner and they sat a booth in the back.

“This whole thing is surreal,” Marlee said to Colt after they had placed their orders with the server. “I can’t believe it’s happening.”

Colt reached across the table and put his hand over hers. “Everything will be fine, Marlee. The police probably already brought her in for questioning. She’s on their radar now, which will do a lot to keep her away from you.”

Marlee pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. “I hope she stays away from both of us.” She opened her eyes and met Colt’s gaze as she rested her hand on the tabletop. “She could harm you just as much as she could do harm to me.”

He gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be okay. She’s not going to do anything to me.”

“I wish I could be as sure as you.” Bells at the front door jangled and Marlee glanced in that direction. Her face went pale.

Colt followed her gaze and saw Sally Farmer walk into the restaurant. The woman took in the place and a murderous glare darkened her features as her eyes rested on Marlee and Colt.

Marlee shot Colt a look. “Unless the injunction server got to her already, she wouldn’t know about it.”

Colt got to his feet as Sally stormed directly toward them. He put his hand up to halt her. “Sally—”

“You went to the police,” Sally hissed as she looked from Colt to Marlee. “You blamed me, but I didn’t do anything.”

“I just filed an injunction of harassment against you, Sally.” Marlee’s face looked calm. “So back off.”

Sally balled her hands into fists as she fixed her furious gaze on Marlee. “You’ll be sorry.” She glared at Colt. “Both of you.” She whirled and stalked out of the restaurant.

“Wait here.” Colt glanced at Marlee. “I’ll be right back.”

Marlee’s lips parted as if to say something, but he turned away and headed after Sally.

Colt’s long stride brought him to the woman at the same time she pushed through the restaurant door and into the light beneath the restaurant sign. The darkness shrouded the night beyond. The door closed behind him as he caught her by the shoulder, and she wheeled around.

A startled expression crossed her features and for a moment she looked at him as if trying to decide what tack to take. She was a beautiful woman, who could easily turn heads everywhere she went.

Not his, not by a long shot.’

She shook off his hand and fixed her gaze on his. “What is your decision, Colt?”

He frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Sally braced her hands on her hips. “Marlee or me? Make it fast.”

“Sally, you had better not come near Marlee.” Colt kept his gaze steady. “Not only is there an injunction against you, but you’ll also have me to deal with.”

Sally tossed her long, red hair over her shoulder. “So, you’ve chosen Marlee. Pity. You’ll miss her.”

A cold ball of anger settled in his gut. “Don’t you dare go near her, Sally. You’ll have me to deal with if you do.”

“And what?” Sally took a step closer to him. “What will you do to me?”

“You don’t want to find out.” He narrowed his gaze at her. “Keep your distance.”

He turned away and grasped the door handle to head back inside the restaurant.

“Watch your back, Colt.” Sally’s icy-cold voice caused a chill to roll down his spine. “I’ll be coming for you, too.”

Colt turned to face her, but she was walking away, into the darkness.

“Stay away, Sally,” he called after her.

She raised her hand and flipped him the bird but didn’t turn around. He watched as she got into a car, but he couldn’t make out the make and mode in the darkness as she drove out of the parking lot. He’d be on the lookout for a white vehicle, but considering how many white cars locals drove, it would be difficult to know for sure.

With a low growl in his throat, he turned to the restaurant door, walked in, and made his way back to the table.

Marlee looked at Colt as he walked up to the table. She frowned at his expression. “This isn’t over by a long shot, is it.” It wasn’t a question.

He dragged his hand down his face. “I’ll deal with this, Marlee.”

“Maybe we should have Ricardo’s pack up our food to go.” Marlee settled against the cushioned seat, her features drawn. “I think I’d rather have a quiet dinner alone at home with you.”

“Good idea.” He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Give me a moment and I’ll be right back.

Even though Sally had left, Colt didn’t like leaving Marlee alone. He had to remind himself that she would be fine waiting for him in the booth.

He got a hold of the server who said she’d have the food boxed up to go. Colt paid the bill and returned to wait with Marlee.

Fifteen minutes later, they headed out of the restaurant to Colt’s new truck. He helped Marlee into the passenger seat and put her crutches on the back seat with the bags holding their dinner, before heading around to the driver’s side. Smells of warm Mexican food filled the cab.

The inside light dimmed and extinguished as soon as he turned the ignition key and the dashboard lights illuminated Marlee’s features in an amber glow.

“I’m so angry.” Marlee met his gaze, her features tight. “This woman comes out of nowhere and threatens my life. Something needs to be done about her.”

“I agree.” Colt grasped her hand. “I’ve just got to figure it out.”

“I have a head on my shoulders, too.” Marlee pushed her hair over her shoulder in a frustrated move. “But I have no idea where to go from here.”

He gave her a gentle smile. “You are an incredibly intelligent woman. I would never discount that. I just want to keep you safe, Marlee.”

“I appreciate that.” She squeezed his hand in return. “I’m just frustrated.”

“That makes two of us.” Colt released her hand and put the truck into gear before pulling out of the parking spot and guiding the vehicle onto Main Street.

“We can’t let this rule our lives.” Marlee sat up straighter in her seat. “I’m not going to let it.”

The light ahead changed from yellow to red. Colt pressed his foot on the brake.

The brake pedal went all the way to the floor. The truck didn’t slow. Instead, it gathered speed down the street that was at a decline.

“Hold on, Marlee.” Colt worked to keep control and to not scare Marlee. “We’ve lost the brakes.”

“What?” Her voice rose two octaves. “The brakes are out?”

“Call 911 and let them know where we are and what’s happening.”

He focused on the upcoming stoplight as the truck rolled faster and hit the vehicle’s emergency flashers.

In the background, he could hear Marlee on the phone, but kept his focus on stopping or slowing the truck.

He downshifted and the truck’s speed decreased but it continued forward at a rapid pace. He pulled the parking brake up gradually. The tires squealed and the truck slowed, but it didn’t stop.

He clenched his jaw as he eased the truck into the right lane, looking for something like bushes or a guard rail that would help slow the vehicle. It was too dark to tell, and he didn’t want to risk slamming the truck into something that could kill them.

At the intersection, a car turned into the right lane, directly in front of them.

The truck barreled past the red light. Thank God no one drove through the intersection from the left, but he was almost on the car that had pulled in front of him.

Colt swerved into the left lane, shot past the car, then pulled into the right lane again. The truck was in first gear, the parking brake was on, and yet the vehicle continued to roll faster.

He had to find a way to slow down and bring the truck to a stop before they ended up in an accident. He had to get them out of town.

One more light. The truck rolled faster and faster, and he prayed the light would stay green. No such luck. It changed to yellow then red much too quickly.

The traffic was heavier here. Colt laid on the horn and flashed the headlights. A vehicle approached from the left. A car pulled into the intersection but came to an abrupt halt when he saw Colt’s truck wasn’t slowing.

The truck ran the red light just as a car came to the intersection on the right. The car’s brakes squealed but didn’t stop fast enough.

Marlee cried out. Colt’s truck connected with the front end of the car in a sickening crunch. The truck slowed then continued. Colt tried the brakes again and again, but they were gone.

His heart beat faster as they approached the turnoff to get onto the highway. He couldn’t see any way to slow or stop the truck without endangering themselves and others.

When the truck came closer to the highway, he saw it looked clear in both directions.

The sound of sirens approached, and he realized Marlee was still on the phone with the emergency dispatcher, giving updates on their location.

He pulled the truck onto the highway and eyed the field to the right. In the darkness it would be hard to make sure they avoided slamming into mesquite or cattle. He’d seen the field a million times since he was a kid, so he had a good idea where to go. He just prayed no cattle were in the field.

“Hold on, Marlee.”

From the corner of his eye, he saw her grab onto the “oh, shit” handle above the door.

He drove the truck off the road and into the tall grass right before he hit the barbed wire fence.

Sparks flew and the truck thrummed over the fence line and the vehicle bounced on mounds of earth as they rushed through the grass. In the darkness, everything seemed to come at them fast and furious.

The truck’s momentum slowed, and they finally came to a stop in the middle of the field.

Colt turned off the truck and slumped in his seat, adrenaline coursing through his body.

“Thank God.” Marlee sagged back, her breath leaving her in a rush. “You saved us, Colt.”

He blew out his breath as a truck with a sheriff’s department logo pulled up and a King Creek Police Department SUV came in from opposite directions and drove up to the fence line. Clearly, the two separate departments were dispatched since Colt had driven through King Creek to outside city limits.

Colt blew out his breath. “She’s escalated, Marlee.”

“Sally is the logical reason this could have happened.” Blue and red lights from the emergency vehicles illuminated the truck’s cab and flashed across Marlee’s face. “Things just went from bad to worse.”

“Yep.” He grabbed the door handle. “Since your ankle isn’t going to let you leave the truck, why don’t you give Brady a call and ask him to come and get us? We’re sure not going anywhere in this thing.”

“Will do.” Marlee picked up her cell phone from her lap. “If he’s not available, I’ll find someone else.”

Colt climbed out and approached the officers, one of whom held up a flashlight. Colt shaded his eyes with his hand to cut the glare.

“Colt?” Mike Bailey called out as they neared and moved the flashlight from Colt’s face.

“Hi, Mike.” Colt lowered his hand and saw that the other man was Sheriff’s Deputy Calvin Martin, another childhood friend. “Hey, Cal.”

“Howdy, Colt,” Cal said. “What the hell happened?”

Colt dragged his hand down his face. “Marlee Fox is with me.” He gestured to the truck before turning back to the officers. “We have a stalker, and we think she’s taken things to a whole new level.”

“I heard about your stalker from Crowley,” Mike said.

“I haven’t.” Cal frowned. “Explain.”

Colt did and went on to describe what had happened with the brakes. “I think we’ll find out it was deliberate, and I believe it was Sally Farmer’s doing.”

“That’s a heavy accusation,” Cal said.

It occurred to Colt that Sally was Cal’s cousin. “Have you seen Sally since she came back to town, Cal?” Colt asked.

“Just heard yesterday that she’s returned.” Cal shook his head. “She always was a little odd.”

Mike snorted but didn’t say anything.

“That’s one way of putting it,” Colt said to Cal.

Mike nodded in the direction of Colt’s vehicle. “Called in for a tow truck. Should be here soon, I’d wager.” He rested his hands on his utility belt. “Since you hit that car on the way out of town, and that’s where you believe your brakes were tampered with, we’ll have you come in for a statement and KCPD will handle the investigation.”

“That’s fine, but keep me informed.” Cal eyed the downed fence line and turned to Colt. “You’ll call Old Man Foudy about mowing down his fence?”

“Yep.” Colt shoved his hands into his front pockets. “I’ll call a couple of my brothers and we’ll get it back up before Foudy’s cattle can get out.”

Cal clapped his hand on Colt’s shoulder. “Good luck. I have a feeling you’ll need it.”

“Thanks.” Colt gave a nod, knowing that Cal hadn’t been talking about Foudy’s cattle.

Cal extended his hand and Colt took it. “I’ll be at the event coming up at your ranch.” Cal released his grip. “Hopefully things will be better for you by then.”

“You and me both,” Colt said.

The sheriff’s deputy turned and headed back toward his truck.

Colt moved his gaze back to Mike. “Are the people in the car I hit all right?”

“We’ve got officers at the scene.” Mike shifted his stance. “Before I left my vehicle, one of them radioed in that the two occupants are shaken up with no visible injuries. They’ll be taken to King Creek General.”

Colt gave a slow nod. He hoped like hell they’d be fine.

The yellow flashing lights of the tow truck appeared. Colt and Mike started walking in that direction.

“Come back to the station in the morning and Crowley will take your statement.” Mike offered his hand when they got to the road. “I’ll file my report tonight.”

“Will do.” Colt gripped Mike’s hand, then they parted, Mike heading back to his department SUV and Colt moving toward the tow truck that had just come to a stop.

Colt looked over his shoulder at the now beat-up truck. Thank God, they’d made it. He’d never get over it if anything ever happened to her.

Chapter 12

The day of the King Creek Small Business Festival dawned bright and clear. Colorful flags snapped in the breeze, smells of funnel cakes and corn dogs hung in the air, and sounds of laughter and happy chatter came from all around.

Marlee sat in the face painting booth, waiting for her next customer. She was good and tired of being in a cast, and anxious to be out actually doing something. But she had to admit she’d enjoyed the face painting she’d done. She’d so been looking forward to today and socializing again.

A week had passed since the incidents with gas in her home and with Colt’s truck losing brakes. An investigation revealed that the brakes had, in fact, been tampered with. However, no fingerprints had been found, and Sally claimed to have had an alibi. Whether or not that was the case was debatable. It depended on how quickly she had worked on the brakes and then had made it to Mickey’s, where she’d gone after the restaurant.

They had wondered how she had known how to disable the brakes and do it fast enough to get out of there without being seen. Colt had learned from Cal, however, that Sally and he were cousins with Hugh Johnson, a mechanic, and Sally had helped him rebuild a car in high school.

Nothing else had happened since then, and they hadn’t seen or heard from Sally Farmer. Marlee only prayed the woman was well and truly out of their lives. Could they be so lucky?

Colt didn’t think so, and truthfully, she didn’t either.

“Hi, Marlee.”

Marlee turned her attention to the voice to see Kit, Colt’s sister-in-law, and her adopted twins. “Wow, you girls are so big now.” She smiled at Kit. “They’re beautiful.”

The girls beamed. “We’re four years old now.” Emily held up four fingers.

Olivia nodded. “Daddy says we’re tall for our age.”

Marlee smiled. “Would you like to get your faces painted?”

“They would love to.” Kit ushered the girls into the booth, both of whom were nodding vigorously.

Marlee pointed to two of the chairs in the booth. “Have a seat, girls.” She looked at Kit. “How about you?”

Olivia bounced in her seat. “That would be awesome.”

Emily clapped her hands. “Please, Mommy.”

“All right.” Kit smiled and eased into a chair. “But you won’t be twins anymore.”

The girls’ eyes widened. “We won’t?” they said in unison.

Kit shook her head, a mischievous look in her moss-green eyes. “We’ll be triplets.”

The twins squealed and Marlee laughed.

“Let’s play rock-paper-scissors to see who goes first,” Marlee said.

Olivia scrunched up her face. “What’s that?”

Marlee taught the girls the gist of the game, then Marlee helped Olivia while Kit assisted Emily. Olivia won the game.

“Yay!” Oliva bounced in her seat. “I want to be a unicorn.”

“And a unicorn you shall be.” Marlee selected a clean Styrofoam plate and started squirting appropriate face paints onto it, then picked up a cotton swab and used one for each of the bright colors. She put a pair of white unicorn ears with pink over each of Olivia’s eyes, then painted a rainbow horn on the girl’s forehead, between the unicorn ears. She painted flowers peeking out between each unicorn ear and just below the horn.

While Marlee worked, she and Kit chatted about today’s event and things going on in the community.

When she finished, Marlee handed Olivia a large mirror. “Take a look, miss unicorn.”

Olivia grabbed the handle and looked at her reflection. She squealed in delight. “I’m a unicorn.”

“Ooooh, that is so cool.” Emily sat on her haunches in her seat. “Make me a fairy.”

“One fairy coming up.” Marlee grabbed a clean plate. “What are your favorite colors?”

“Pink and yellow,” Emily said.

Marlee squirted fresh paints onto the plate before picking up another cotton swab and getting started. She painted fairy wings to the sides of Emily’s eyes and used pink, yellow, and blue to shade her lids. She edged everything in white and put what looked like sparkles around the feathered wings.

Emily was equally delighted with her face painting. “I look amazing.”

Marlee laughed. “Your turn, Kit. What are your favorite colors?”

“Purple and green,” she said without hesitation.

“How very Maleficent.” Marlee grinned. “Shall I give you twin horns and a green face?”

Kit laughed. “I’ll leave it up to you.”

“Hmmm…” Marlee gave her a devious look. “Let’s see what I can come up with.”

Marlee squirted purple, green, black, royal blue, and gold on a clean plate.

“How long are you staying with Colt?” Kit asked as Marlee worked.

“I’m not sure.” Marlee’s skin tingled as it always did when someone asked her anything about her and Colt. She started making a peacock design on Kit’s face. “I’ve got another three to four weeks in the cast, depending on how it’s healing.”

“I think it’s great that you two are together,” Kit said. “We need to have you two over for dinner one of these days.”

Marlee’s cheeks heated. More skin tingles. “I’d like that, and I’m sure Colt would too.”

“Thanksgiving is coming up soon.” Kit shifted in her seat again, clearly having a hard time sitting still.

“The girls didn’t wiggle as much as you,” Marlee said with a laugh. “Stop moving or you don’t know what you’re going to get.”

Kit returned to Thanksgiving. “I hope you can join the family for turkey.”

“I’ll have to see if Mom is back from Aunt Linda’s.” Marlee paused to study her handiwork, then started making more strokes. She didn’t want to mention that Colt hadn’t asked her to go. She wondered if he would.

Marlee finished making a peacock feathered mask over Kit’s face, from her hairline to the top half of her nose and gave her gold lips.

When Marlee presented Kit with the mirror, the twins giggled and clapped.

“You look so pretty, Mommy,” Olivia said.

“We make good triplets,” Emily added.

“I love it,” Kit said with enthusiasm. She got to her feet and put a generous donation into the box decorated with colorful cutouts of children’s handprints. The donations would go to the children’s ward at King Creek General Hospital.

Marlee gestured to the box. “Thanks for the donation, Kit.”

“You’re welcome. Thanks for the fantastic face painting.” Kit smiled and took each girl’s hand. “I’ll call you about dinner.”

The twins chimed their thanks and waved as they left the booth.

Marlee saw that she had a line of adults and children waiting to have their faces painted.

A chill rolled through her. Beyond the line she saw a woman whose figure and bearing reminded her of Sally Farmer. The woman wore a hat down low and Marlee couldn’t make out her features. She had a large purse hanging from her shoulder, which she gripped so tightly the knuckles of both hands were white.

Blood rushed in Marlee’s ears as heat replaced the chill. She hated being afraid of Sally Farmer. She refused to be afraid of her anymore.

A group of five teenage girls walked in Marlee’s line of sight. When they’d passed, the woman was gone.

Colt gave the play by play for the mutton busting contest of the small youth rodeo being held in the horse corral. Laughter and cheers rose from the audience as the five-year-old riding a large sheep bolted into the corral.

The kid, wearing a helmet, held on tight to the sheep that ran in an attempt to dislodge the child. The kid held on for seven seconds before falling into the dirt, a cloud of dust billowing around him. The boy got to his feet and dusted himself off like he’d probably seen professional bull riders do.

While the next child contestant readied, a girl of six, Colt’s thoughts turned to Marlee. He hated her being out of his sight. The fact that they hadn’t heard from or seen Sally Farmer this week should have made him feel more confident, but it didn’t by a long shot. He hadn’t mentioned it to Marlee, but he had a feeling that Sally was biding her time, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Damn, but he hoped he was wrong.

Colt hadn’t told Marlee yet, but early this morning he’d contacted her mother, who was still in Kansas. Ann had been horrified when he’d explained the situation to her, and they had both agreed that Marlee needed to go to Kansas to stay with Ann and Linda until Sally was stopped. How long that would be, he had no idea.

Now to get Marlee to agree. Every day that had passed, he’d wracked his brain to figure out how to protect her. He’d finally hit upon talking with Ann and seeing what they could come up with.

He had a feeling Marlee would be ticked that he had gone to Ann without talking to her about it first. He’d been sure Marlee wouldn’t agree, so he needed Ann in on it. Marlee hadn’t told Ann about the situation because she didn’t want her mom to worry. But Colt was ready to do anything to protect Marlee, even if it meant talking with her mom.

Colt continued his commentary on the mutton busting event as the six-year-old girl barreled out of the gate on the largest sheep of the day. The fifty-pound youth made it to eight seconds and the crowd burst out in cheers. She managed to dismount on her feet without landing on her backside, which elicited more cheers from the crowd.

The next event was goat tying. Colt looked at Brady, who rested his forearms on the corral fence while he talked with a diminutive blonde.

“Hate to interrupt,” Colt said as he butted into their conversation. “I need to check on Marlee.” He handed the cordless microphone to Brady. “Take over until I get back.”

“Sure thing.” Brady took the mic then smiled at the blonde before eyeing the chute where the goat would soon charge out and the twelve-year-old waiting at the gate to be released.

The ranch was packed with attendees and vendors. Colt walked past small business booths, like Heidi’s Coffee Shop, where she passed out Styrofoam cups of coffee. Bear had a booth for his veterinary practice, and he and Rae handed out dog-shaped stress balls with the clinic’s logo and phone number. Mickey’s Bar and Grill employees gave away travel mugs with the business’s info printed on it, and King Creek Treasures provided calendars with the consignment store’s location and phone number.

Normally Colt would have been pleased at the fifty-plus business turnout and the large gathering, but today it only made him concerned. It wouldn’t be hard for Sally to slip into the crowd and find a way to harm Marlee.

He pushed through clusters of families and friends. The air smelled of cotton candy and grilled hamburgers, and the day was warmer than normal for November, but still a pleasant temperature.

Someone slammed into his side, causing him to stumble. He steadied himself and looked in the location where he’d been hit, but all he saw were people holding conversations and others walking by.

He frowned and righted his Stetson before continuing toward Marlee’s booth. He glimpsed her in the booth, smiling as she painted a little boy’s face with a spiderman mask. A little girl stood next to the boy, a captain America mask on her petite features.

He smiled as he stopped to watch her. She was so lovely and he couldn’t get enough of her. Couldn’t get enough of the sound of her voice, the way she laughed, her mischievous side and her smile. Every part of her he loved more than life itself.

She meant everything to him.

But he would let her go if it meant getting her away from this place and the constant threat of Sally.

The thought of losing Marlee about drove him to his knees. How could he go day by day without her in his life?

But worse would be anything happening to her. He’d never forgive himself.

A scream rent the air, followed by more screams. Marlee tumbled back off her chair, down into the booth, where he couldn’t see her.

Colt’s heart slammed in his chest. He shoved his way through the crowd, and heard a sound over the screams and shouts.

A sound that reminded him of a pressure cooker.

The sound of a rattler.

His pulse rate jackknifed as he made it to the booth. He came to a hard stop. Marlee was on the ground, frozen, her eyes wide and face paper-white, a coiled rattler between her splayed legs.

Colt didn’t stop to consider the situation. He acted.

He had to get the rattler away from her.

“Don’t move, Marlee,” Colt said in a low, calm voice. “You’re doing fine.”

The crowd had backed from the booth, giving Colt enough room to move. He slid into the booth as the snake flicked out its tongue and hissed while it eyed Marlee, still shaking its rattle.

Marlee’s eyes darted to Colt for a moment then back to the snake. She didn’t move a fraction.

Colt eased up behind the snake, his heart beating fast.

When he was close enough to the reptile, he snapped his hand out and caught the rattler at the base of its skull.

The four-foot snake writhed and jerked as Colt held it with both hands, the second hand a foot down from his other. The snake’s muscular body made it difficult to hold, but he managed to keep his grip.

“Get Bear,” Colt shouted to a nearby young man. “Tell him we need something to cage a rattler.”

Colt backed away from Marlee so that the snake was safely away from her she and could get up.

Marlee visibly trembled as she levered herself up and into her chair. She slumped onto the table and her face buried in her arms.

“I know this is a dumb question, but are you all right, Marlee?” He gripped the still jerking rattler.

She raised her head and stared at the writhing creature. “Can we talk about it when you’re not holding that thing anymore?”

“I guess that would be a smart thing to do.” He held the snake higher and nodded in the direction of Bear’s booth. “Wait right there while I take care of this.”

Marlee swung her cast up onto a chair and gave him a flicker of a smile that vanished almost as soon as it appeared. “Clearly not going anywhere.”

Colt spoke to one of his brothers, Carter, who appeared from out of the crowd. “Make room for me to get this to Bear.”

“You’ve got it.” Carter cleared the crowd as Colt followed.

Bear met them halfway, carrying a five-gallon Igloo drink cooler. “I dumped out the water. This will work to transport the little bastard.”

Colt held up the rattler. “Ready?”

Bear gave a quick nod. “I’m going to raise the lid. As soon as you drop the snake in, I’ll cap it.”

Colt’s heart rate had slowed some but was still at a good pace.

Bear removed the lid, poised to replace it.

Colt dropped the rattler into the cooler.

Bear slammed the lid down and secured it.

Colt dragged his hand down his face and realized his hands shook. Not so much from handling the snake, but from Marlee almost getting bitten.

She had to go to Kansas. He was going to drive her butt to the airport first thing in the morning, kicking and screaming if he had to.

He returned to the booth, where people crowded her, asking her about the snake and how she felt. One look at her face told him that the last thing she wanted to do was talk about the experience.

“Excuse me.” He raised his voice and held up his hands. “I’m taking Marlee back to the house. Why don’t you all go enjoy the festival. There’s a youth rodeo going on in the corrals and a clown is by the barn making balloon animals for the kids. The fudge maker just got here about thirty minutes ago, so if you’re a chocolate lover, that’s the place to go.”

The crowd faded back, and Colt scooped Marlee into his arms. She didn’t resist, just grabbed him around the neck and rested her head against his chest.

He carried her in through the front door and straight for his bedroom. He laid her down on the bed, resting her head on a pillow. He pulled up a chair, took her by the hand, and studied her.

“I saw her.” Marlee’s throat worked. “At least I think I did.”

His skin prickled. “Sally?”

Marlee nodded. “I just caught a glimpse, and the woman wore a hat that she’d pulled down low. But I could swear it was her just from her build and the way she held herself, and her red hair. She had a big purse. She could have had the rattlesnake in there.”

Colt blew out his breath. “Marlee, I’ll take you to the airport in the morning. You’re going to Kansas.”

Marlee’s eyes widened, and she sat up in bed. “What?”

Colt blew out a long breath. “I planned to talk with you about it tonight, but we might as well get it over with.”

She narrowed her gaze. “Get what over with?”

“I called Ann this morning.”

“You called my mom?” Marlee cut in. “You told her about this crazy woman? You have her worried now?”

He gave a slow nod. “I need a way to keep you safe. Your mom agrees that you should go to Kansas to stay with her and Linda.”

“You’re not sending me away.” Marlee’s mouth was set in a firm line. “I’m not leaving you.”

Colt closed his eyes for a moment, firming his resolve. This had to be done.

He opened his eyes and met her gaze. “It’s over, Marlee.”

Her eyes widened, and she looked confused. “Was Sally caught?”

He shook his head. “We are over. You and me. We’re done.”

Marlee froze. She appeared stunned and like she was trying to process what he’d just told her. She looked like she wanted to ask him why, to understand why he had just ended things with her.

Her expression shuttered and anger flared in her eyes. “I told myself I’d never give you the chance to hurt me again. Well, fool that I am I trusted you.”

“I’m sorry—”

“Save it.” She cut him off. “No wonder you wanted me to leave town. You can’t wait to get rid of me.”

He wanted to deny it, to tell her he didn’t mean it. He wanted to tell her he loved her.

God, how he loved her.

Instead, he said nothing.

“If you don’t mind, can you bring my crutches or scooter?” She bit off her words. “I’ll pack now.”

“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said, trying to keep his words even and unemotional.

He left the room, knowing his heart would never recover. He had lost the woman he loved, and he would never get over her.

A flare of hope burned inside him. Maybe one day she would forgive him, and she would understand why he’d had to do it.

But then that hope faded. She had trusted him with her heart for a second time, and he had thrown that trust away. He wasn’t going to get a third chance.

Chapter 13

Rain poured from the dark gray sky as Marlee stood on her crutches in the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for her trip to Kansas. She stared out the wall of glass at the rain pounding down on the luggage carrier that pulled up to the plane she would be taking to the Topeka airport, where her mom and Aunt Linda would meet her. She had a ticket for a late flight since it was the only one she could get at the last minute.

Amy Baker had helped Marlee take her things from Colt’s home to her own, and Amy had also helped her pack, then dropped her off at the airport.

No way was Marlee about to let Colt do anything else for her.

The fact that she was running from Arizona to get away from Sally ate at her and made her want to scream. She gripped the hand rests of her crutches so hard her fingers ached. She did not want to let that woman dictate what happened in her life.

And then there was Colt.

An ache behind her eyes threatened to force out tears. She clenched her jaw. She would not cry over Colt McBride—she spent way too many tears on him the first time. How could she have been so stupid that she’d trusted him with her heart. Again.

No number of excuses she could give herself would make up for her lapse in judgment.

She squeezed her eyes shut and focused on the buzz and hum of conversation around her, and sound of the planes taxiing down the runway or the powerful engines lifting others into the sky.

When she could better control her emotions, she opened her eyes and stared out at the gray sky and the continuous rain.

She wanted to say to hell with everyone and everything. She hated that she was dependent on others due to her broken ankle. If Sally came around, Marlee would have to beat her up with her crutches.

That thought gave her some pleasure. She had never been a violent person, but letting Sally really have it and punching her in the face would be incredibly satisfying. The woman had interfered in her life and could have killed her three different ways. She could have killed Colt, too.

Marlee’s throat worked as her thoughts went back to Colt. She had never been one for foul language, but her mind was inserting adjectives in her thoughts that she would normally never use.

An airline employee gave a boarding call for her flight and Marlee stared at the gate and ramp beyond that she was supposed to walk down. Should she go, or should she stay? How would she get home? What would she do once she got there?

Marlee wanted to run. Run long and hard, away from everything and everyone.

She wanted to be in her own space, alone, with time to think. She didn’t want to be shuttled off to Kansas.

Her teeth ached as she clenched her jaw. To hell with all of this.

Marlee grasped her crutches, turned away from the gate, and headed back the way she came.

She was going home.

Rain rolled off the brim of Colt’s hat as he stood in the rain between the barn and the house, not caring that he was thoroughly drenched. He was soaked to the skin and cold to the bone.

His gut ached as he thought about Marlee and sending her away. He’d hurt her, something he hadn’t wanted to do.

Now the woman he loved would never want to have anything to do with him again. And he would never get over her.

Ranger stood beside him, despite the rain. The dog was loyal to a fault.

Darkness had made its way here, and it was time to go inside. “Come on, boy.” Colt started toward the house, the Border collie at his heels.

He cleaned up in the mudroom and stripped out of his soaked clothing, down to his skin. He made his way to the shower and stepped under warm spray.

Memories of the first time he and Marlee had made love filled his mind. It had been right here when he’d entered her and had felt a way he never had before. Whole, complete, and the happiest he’d been in his life.

He swallowed and fought to think about something else. But all he could see was Marlee’s beautiful face as she climaxed then climaxed again.

A low growl rose in his throat. If it wasn’t for Sally Farmer, he would never have lost Marlee. Not once, but twice.

And now he had to stop Sally so that Marlee could return without being in danger. Thank God she had listened to her mother and agreed to go to Kansas.

By the time he finished with his shower, it was well past dinnertime. It was so quiet without the sound of Marlee’s voice and so empty without the richness of her presence.

He made sandwiches for dinner instead of cooking something and ate at the kitchen table. It tasted like straw. He might as well be eating a cow patty.

His phone rang, and for a moment he hoped it was Marlee. When he glanced at the screen, he saw it was Ann.

“Did Marlee make it okay?” he said as he answered.

He heard strain in Ann’s voice. “She just called to let us know not to pick her up at the airport. She went home.”

Colt’s heart nearly stood still, and a buzzing sounded in his ears. “She’s not on her way to Kansas?” He couldn’t get it through his head.

“No.” Ann sounded panicked. “What if that woman gets to her?”

“I’m not going to let that happen.” Colt got to his feet. “I’m headed to her place now.”

“Thank you, Colt.” Ann hesitated. “I know you broke up with her so that she would come to Kansas. Don’t let that be the end of you two.”

“I’m not sure Marlee will be able to forgive me again.” Colt walked to the counter to grab his keys. “But when this is all over, I’ll do everything in my power.”

“I’m coming back to Arizona,” Ann said. “She needs someone with her.”

“That could put you in danger, too, and Marlee wouldn’t want that.” Colt kept his voice firm. “I’ll take care of Marlee, I promise.”

“Thank you, Colt.”

“I’ll keep you updated, Ann.” He disconnected the call and strode back out into the rain.

The Uber ride had cost a small fortune, but Marlee hadn’t wanted to bother Amy again. She’d have to figure out how to get her luggage from the airport, but she wasn’t going to worry about it tonight.

She climbed out of the car into the rainy night and brought out her crutches with her. She had a crossbody purse, so without luggage all she had to worry about was her crutches and getting to her front door.

Rain soaked her hair and jacket and rolled down her face and into her eyes. She made her way up to her white picket fence and maneuvered herself through the gate, then headed to the stairs to the front porch. The porch light was out, leaving the area in darkness.

Marlee blew out her breath as she stared at the five steps from her sidewalk to the porch. She didn’t even know if it was possible to use crutches to get up a set of stairs, but she knew at this point that even with her arm exercises, she wasn’t capable of it in the rain. She sat on the fourth step down, instantly saturating her sweat pants.

She moved from step to step on her butt, until she reached the porch, and managed to get her crutches up against the rail. She used the pillar to pull herself up, then she was out of the rain on her own porch. The key to the front door was buried in her purse and it took her a bit to find it. When she did, she grasped her crutches and made it to the door.

Her hand trembled from the cold settling in from the rain. She needed to get in and get warmed up. She pushed open the door and hobbled inside. She flipped on the light, illuminating the living room, closed the door, and sagged back against it, exhausted, drenched, and freezing cold.

But it was good to be home.

The house didn’t smell of gas, which was a relief. Since Sally hadn’t been successful with that attack, hopefully she wouldn’t try it again.

Marlee looked at the stairs to the top floor and groaned. It was a good thing she kept in shape, or she might not have had the strength to continue.

She smiled as she looked at her home. She loved this place and she’d missed it.

Although she’d enjoyed herself so much with Colt that she hadn’t given it much thought until now.

At the thought of Colt, she narrowed her eyes. She was such a fool.

She let out a long breath then used her crutches to make it to the stairs. With her crutches in one hand, she sat on the highest stair she could, then began to work her way to the upper floor. She wished she would have switched on the light so that it wouldn’t be so dark.

Marlee had never realized how many stairs it took to get to the top floor. She’d taken it for granted. It felt like forever, but she finally made it upstairs and used the handrail to help her to her feet and situated the crutches so that she could use them to make it to her bedroom. It was so dark she nearly stumbled on the runner that lined the hallway.

She made it to her door, opened it, and flipped on the light.

Her heart slammed in her chest as she came to a hard stop.

Her room had been trashed. Her pillows shredded, her perfume bottles smashed, her antique vanity mirror shattered, the vanity seat smashed into kindle, and the cushion slashed on her chair.

A message was scrawled across the wall in front of her.

Die, bitch.

A buzzing sounded in Marlee’s ears. Sally had trashed her room and left her another threatening message.

Fury like she’d never felt before burned through Marlee in white-hot head. She wanted to punch the woman who had decided to make Marlee’s life hell. If she didn’t have a cast, she’d track down Sally herself and let her have it. To hell with being afraid and being a victim.

Marlee clench the crutches’ handholds. What should she do about it. What could she do about it? Right now. Right this minute.

“Like the redecorating I’ve done?” Sally’s taunting voice came from behind Marlee.

A cold chill raced down her back.

Marlee slowly turned to face Sally, who was only a foot away. The woman had a smug look on her face.

And a butcher knife from Marlee’s kitchen in her hand.

Sally raised the knife and touched the tip. Blood welled from her finger when the knife pricked her finger.

She leaned forward and wiped the blood across Marlee’s cheek. “There. That’s better.” She waved her hand. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll wipe it off after I kill you. Don’t want to leave evidence behind.” She smiled. “But I want to mark you now so that you’ll die knowing my blood is on you.”

Marlee said nothing. Her mind raced as she considered her options. Sally was so close she could easily stab her. She had to do whatever it took to survive.

I am not a victim. I will not be her victim.

Sally smiled, the smile of a psychopath. She slowly looked down Marlee’s body to her cast and back to her face. “Nice I don’t have to worry about running. The last bitch I killed was hell to chase. But in the end, I stabbed her with her own kitchen knife.” She grinned. “Just like you’re going to die with your butcher knife buried in your heart.”

Marlee gripped the handholds of her crutches. In a fast motion, she swung her legs up and slammed her feet into Sally’s chest.

Sally flew across the room, her back striking the antique dressing table and the knife flying from her grip. She screamed as her head struck a corner of the piece of furniture. She looked dizzy, like her eyes were going in and out of focus.

Marlee regained her footing. She dropped one crutch, grabbed the foot of the other in both hands, and swung the heavy top at Sally’s head.

Sally screamed again as it struck her face, knocking her head back against the corner again.

Clear rage engulfed the woman, her features a mask of red. She lunged for Marlee.

Marlee managed to hop far enough back that Sally missed her. But the hop made her unsteady and she had to use the upside-down crutch to balance herself. She steadied herself and held the crutch up, ready to hit Sally again.

This time Sally dove for the knife and grasped the handle.

Marlee’s heart hammered as she readied herself for Sally’s next attack.

Sally started to move forward, but instead flung the knife at Marlee.

The blade plunged into the thigh of Marlee’s good leg.

Marlee screamed as pain engulfed her and tears flooded her cheeks as she went down, landing hard on her ass. She fought to maintain focus. Part of her knew the knife shouldn’t be removed or she could lose blood even faster than what was already soaking her jeans.

The other part of her screamed that she needed the knife to fight back.

She needed to do whatever it took to fight Sally.

Sally scrabbled across the floor toward her and Marlee reached for the knife.

Then Sally flew back against the opposite wall.

Marlee looked up to see Colt with his hand buried in Sally’s hair and forcing her against the wall.

Relief rushed through Marlee, but loss of blood made her weak and she was near to passing out.

Sally fought and clawed at Colt, raking her nails across his face.

Colt grabbed her wrists and spun her away from him so that he had her arms pinned to her back.

Marlee wanted to help, but when she tried to move, the knife in her thigh caused her to cry out.

Colt shot his gaze to her. “Stay still, Marlee. You’re going to be okay.”

Marlee’s breathing came hard and fast. “Use my sheet to tie her up. Tear it into strips.

Sally screamed obscenities as she fought and tried to get away while Colt leaned toward the bed and pulled the sheet off the shredded mattress. He wrangled her down to the floor so that he sat on her back and pinned her wrists under his thighs. He tore long strips from the sheet and tied Sally’s wrists, then her ankles. Then he tore a lengthwise strip to give him enough sheet to hogtie her. He did it all in under two minutes. He wasn’t a rancher for nothing.

Sally wasn’t going anywhere.

When the woman wouldn’t stop screaming obscenities, Colt gagged her, too.

He hurried to Marlee, sheet in hand.

“That’s so much blood.” He handed Marlee his phone. “Call 911. I’ll take care of your leg.”

Marlee managed to hold on long enough to get through to the emergency operator while Colt tied a tourniquet on her thigh.

“Hold on, honey.” He gripped one of her hands. “I have to leave the knife in until the paramedics get here. They’ll know what to do next.”

“It’s over, Colt.” She leaned her head back against the wall. “She bragged about killing that other woman. I wasn’t about to let her kill me.”

Sirens neared and Marlee had a hard time focusing.

“You did good, Marlee.” Colt gave her a gentle smile. “She’ll be going away for a long while.”

“I hope it’s for eternity.” Marlee gritted her teeth from the pain and stared at the butcher knife. “God, I want this thing out.”

“Soon.” He gripped both her hands. “I love you, Marlee. Please know that. I know I hurt you, but I wanted you away from her. I love you too much to let that happen.” Then he gave her a look. “But you came back anyway.”

Tears rolled down Marlee’s cheeks. “You’d better mean that, Colt. The part about you loving me.”

“With all my heart.” He looked over his shoulder at the hogtied woman who tried to scream despite her gag. He turned back to Marlee. “But let’s talk about that more, when it’s just you and me.”

Marlee managed a smile. “I’m holding you to it.”

He brushed his lips over hers. “Just hang in there and we’ll be home before you know it.”

A few moments later, Mike Bailey and another officer came in through the door and sized up the situation. Colt explained what he knew to Mike and the other officer while Sally continued to scream behind her gag.

The paramedics rushed in and Marlee felt herself slipping as they gave her oxygen and attended to her thigh. The pain was excruciating, but Marlee did feel some satisfaction as she noted the police were in no hurry to untie and ungag Sally.

Marlee’s thoughts turned back to Colt telling her he loved her, and as darkness closed in on her, she was smiling.

Chapter 14

A cool evening Christmas Eve breeze stirred Marlee’s hair around her shoulders as she and Colt walked from his truck and up the walkway to his parents’ home for dinner. Her cast had come off a couple of weeks ago. It was still tender, but much better. Her stab wound had healed, but it still bothered her on cold nights like tonight, but she easily pushed all that to the side.

When she was with Colt, everything was better. Much better.

He squeezed her fingers in his warm grip and she looked at him and smiled.

She brushed her free hand down her red dress that sparkled with gold threads and swirled around her ankles in the wind. She wore low-heeled shoes for more stability for her ankle. “I’m nervous about joining in on your family dinner. The whole crew will be here.”

“Don’t be nervous, honey.” Colt brought her to a stop and lightly kissed her. “Everyone loves you and they were all happy to hear you’ll be here.”

She smiled up at him. “Will your adorable nieces and nephew be at the dinner?”

He nodded. “Yep. What’s Christmas without rugrats?”

She laughed. “Indeed.”

Colt opened the door and laughter and chatter flowed over them along with the home’s warmth and smells of cinnamon and cloves.

“Marlee.” Rae hugged her. “So glad you made it.”

“Of course.” Marlee hugged her back and stepped away. “You’re really showing now.”

Rae turned to the side, her hands on her growing belly. “He’s growing like crazy.”

“He?” Marlee smiled. “You know?”

Rae nodded, beaming. “We decided we wanted to know.”

Marlee looked up to see Bear, who swept her into a big hug. “Merry Christmas, Marlee.”

She couldn’t help but smile at the big teddy bear of a man. “Merry Christmas, Bear.”

Bear and Colt gave each other one-armed brother hugs. “Come on into the family room. Everyone is either there or in the kitchen.”

Marlee gripped Colt’s hand as they made their way first to the huge McLeod family room. With eight kids, their parents, and grandparents, the family had needed a large home. Marlee had come from a small family, and she was nearly overwhelmed with what appeared to be happy chaos.

Carter and Kits’ twin daughters played with Justin and Miranda’s toddler son near the fifteen-foot Christmas tree under the soaring vaulted ceiling. The family had decorated it with ribbons, colorful handmade and collector ornaments, garlands and sparkling colored lights.

“Good to see you here, dear.” Colt’s white-haired Grandma Francis hugged Marlee with surprising strength. She smelled of roses, an old-fashioned perfume. “Come on in, you two.”

She ushered them forward and Colt embraced his grandma.

Grandpa Daniel and Colt gave each other big bear hugs. “Looking mighty fine,” Grandpa Daniel said to his grandson. “There you are, young lady.” He hugged Marlee. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

It went on from there, Marlee falling into more hugs and family togetherness. Colt’s sisters Leeann and Haylee were helping Kit in the kitchen, the only family members the former chef would allow in with her.

“My wife thinks all couples need to enjoy the evening together,” Carter said in way of explanation. “You know Kit. She’s got everything under control.”

Marlee felt almost overwhelmed, but happy to be with this big, boisterous family. They talked a while with Colt’s parents, Joe and Julie, and moved on to Justin and Miranda. The kids ran circles around the room that was decorated with red and gold ribbons, ornaments, and figurines in every possible space, and lots of glitter and sparkle.

Brady came up and hugged Marlee. “Nice you could make it, Marlee.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” she said with a smile. She hadn’t been able to stop smiling with the way she’d been embraced by this big family this evening.

Brady slapped Colt on the shoulder and gestured toward a sideboard. “Plenty of eggnog and whiskey.”

Marlee looked up at Colt. “I’m going to pop into the kitchen and see Kit and your sisters.”

Colt gave her a light kiss and stayed with Brady as she made her way to the kitchen. Delicious smells met her as she walked into the enormous space with its double ovens, double refrigerators and freezers, huge island, and much more than Marlee could take in all at once.

Kit didn’t look in the least bit harried. After she greeted Marlee, she continued to go from task to task with ease. As a chef in L.A., she had cooked for hundreds, so the McLeod family was a piece of cake.

Marlee in turn spoke with Leeann and Haylee. Jill, the third McLeod daughter, was running late.

“Everything smells wonderful,” Marlee said as she watched what seemed like choreographed movements. “Can I help with anything?”

Kit shook her head and waved to the door. “Enjoy the family. It isn’t that often that we all get together under the same roof.”

Marlee smiled and headed back into the family room. She moved to Colt’s side, and he rested his arm around her shoulders as he continued his conversation with Brady.

She let her gaze drift around the room and realized she felt comfortable and like she belonged. She probably shouldn’t let herself feel like she was part of the family, not yet, but she couldn’t help herself.

When dinner was called, they joined each other in the long dining room with a table long enough to fit all fifteen adults and three children. Marlee guessed that under the tablecloths were three long tables, end to end.

Kit had prepared appetizers of a candied nut glazed brie, meatballs with jalapeño dipping sauce, and date-balsamic feta cheese topped bruschetta. After that came pumpkin and apple soup and a house salad with champagne brie dressing.

“I’m going to be full before the main course.” Marlee looked at Kit, who sat across from her. “This is all amazing.”

“Thank you.” Kit gave a nod and smile. “After Carter and our children, it’s my passion.” She looked between Brady and Colt. “As long as you two don’t start any food fights, you’ll live to see another Christmas.”

Colt and Brady both laughed. “We haven’t done that for years,” Colt said. “He turned to Brady. “Not since high school.”

Kit shook her head. “That’s not what I’ve heard.”

Colt grinned. “Nah, we’ll keep to our best manners.”

Haylee laughed and met Marlee’s gaze. “These two are as onery as any guys can be.”

Colt gave a mock-insulted look. “Us? I seem to remember it was you girls who caused all the trouble.”

Leeann rolled her eyes. “As if.”

Jill grinned at Leeann. “You and Haylee did get into your fair share of trouble.”

“You were right there with us,” Haylee said.

Jill batted her eyes, looking innocent. “Moi?”

Julie pointed to each of her spawn. “Behave. All of you.”

Marlee grinned at the banter between the family members. She had her cousin Rae, and Rae’s sister in Tucson, but as an only child she had never experienced the kind of fun these siblings had. Certainly, there’d been a lot of ups and downs for this bunch, but in the end, they were family.

Dinner was roasted turkey with maple cranberry-orange glaze and sides of apple-cranberry cornbread stuffing, green beans with walnuts and bleu cheese, and mashed potatoes with sauteed mushrooms and burgundy wine gravy.

Dessert for the evening was ginger caramelized apple shortcakes and for the kids handcrafted vanilla ice cream in freshly baked waffle cone bowls.

When she finished dessert, Marlee put her hand on her belly. “I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much wonderful food in all my life.”

Colt nodded in agreement. “I don’t think I can move. You’re gonna have to cart me out the door.”

Dessert dishes were cleared and after dinner hot buttered rum coffee was served.

Marlee felt pleasantly relaxed and happily enjoying taking in all the conversation around her. She breathed in Colt’s masculine presence beside her and warmth of the McLeod family’s love for each other surrounded her.

Colt pushed back his chair and tapped his spoon against his coffee glass, capturing everyone’s attention. “I have something I want to share with you all.”

Marlee tipped her head to watch him. He was so darn sexy, he took her breath away.

Colt’s gaze met Marlee’s and her stomach flip-flopped. So much love was in that one look that she couldn’t take her eyes from his.

He looked around the big table at everyone gathered around them. “As you all have pretty much guessed, I fell head-over-heels for Marlee long ago, but for a while I lost her.” He cleared his throat. “Marlee gave me another chance and impossibly, I love her even more now than I did back then.”

Marlee tingled from her scalp all the way to her toes. Her face warmed as she felt everyone’s gaze on her.

Colt cleared his throat. “Just give me a moment now.”

He dug in his pocket and her whole body buzzed as he pulled out a ring box. He took to one knee and opened the box, displaying a beautiful one-carat solitaire surrounded by tiny sapphires.

“Marlee, I’ve loved you my entire life, from the time we were kids.” His throat worked. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

Marlee couldn’t find her voice and she swallowed. She nodded and managed a smile. “I love you, Colt. I will be happy to marry you.”

A broad grin crossed his features as applause and congratulations broke out around them.

Joy so sweet it almost brought her to tears rose in her as he slid the ring on her finger. It sparkled in the light, almost as bright as what she felt inside her.

He brought her to her feet and wrapped his strong arms around her and kissed her long and sweet. The laughter and cheers around them faded as she fell into the kiss.

When he drew away to more cheers, they smiled at each other. She cupped his face and raised on her toes to whisper in his ear. “I love you, Colt McLeod. I intend to show you just how much for the rest of our lives.”

When they reached Colt’s home, he held her hand tightly as they made it into the house. He drew her into his arms and gave her a slow, languid kiss. She melted in his arms at the same time every part of her was on fire.

Colt drew away and took Marlee’s hand again, leading her down the hall and into the master bedroom, and switched on a single lamp. He moved behind her and unzipped her sparkly red dress, letting it slide down to land around her ankles and leaving her in her red bra, panties, and low heels. He gently pushed her to sit on the edge of the bed and removed each shoe and set them and the dress aside.

Her heart turned over at the sight of the big cowboy, whose strong hands were so gentle with her. She cupped his face in his hands, her ring catching the lamplight and sparkling. “I love you so much, Colt.”

“I’ve never loved anyone but you.” His words seemed to catch in his throat. “Let me show you how I feel.”

Colt unfastened her bra, letting her breasts spill free, and eased her onto her back in the center of the bed and slipped her panties to her ankles and then set them aside.

He stood and his gaze never left hers as he removed his belt and boots, followed by the rest of his clothing. Then he stood tall and gloriously naked above her. He slid onto the bed beside her and slowly kissed her before moving his lips to her ear and lightly nipping her earlobe.

She caught her breath as he kissed behind her ear then dragged his lips down her throat to the hollow between her breasts. His light stubble sensitized her skin, heightening her awareness.

Colt moved his lips to each nipple, drawing out soft moans from her. When she didn’t think she could breathe, he continued past her bellybutton to her thighs, stopping to kiss the length of her scar, healing her even more.

He kissed the insides of her thighs, and she slid her fingers into his hair. “Come here, Colt.”

He moved up her body, seeming to know what she wanted and needed most. She widened her thighs as he came to rest his hips between them.

“I love you, Colt,” she said just before he slid inside her. She gasped and tilted her head back, her back arching, her breasts softly rubbing his chest.

He gave a low groan. “I love you, Marlee. So damned much.”

Colt and Marlee moved together as one, the love they felt bringing their lovemaking to a fierce climax.

They came down from a precipice together, and he drew her into his arms, her head snuggled just below his chin. She felt so completely loved.

“It’s just the beginning for us, Marlee.”

She tilted her head and smiled at him. “Yes. And I am your and you are mine, forever and always.”

Excerpt: Branded for You

Chapter 1

“I think you should just kill the bastard and be done with it.” Tess ran her fingers through her chin-length wavy blonde hair and opened up a small notebook she always carried in her purse. She set the notebook on the kitchen table and drew a hangman with X’s for eyes and its tongue lolling out to the side of its downturned mouth. She wrote BART in block letters beneath the stick figure.

Megan Wilder braced her elbow on the table as she looked at the drawing, her chin in her palm as she looked at her sister’s simplistic drawing. “You think?”

Tess gave an emphatic nod, fire sparking in her cobalt blue eyes. “I’ll help you hide the body.”

“That would solve a lot of problems.” Megan raised her head and leaned back in her chair. “What about that woman?”

“They both deserve the same fate.” Tess drew a hangwoman with long straw-like hair, the figure hanging from a post by a noose. Beneath the figure she wrote BITCH in block letters. “We’ll bury the skinny witch in the same grave.”

“Works for me.” Megan wanted to laugh even though she usually had a hard time smiling about some things, like her ex-husband, Bart. “But for now we need to get back to packing so that we can get out of this place. I’ve had enough of it here.”

“You’re no fun.” Tess gave Megan an evil grin as she closed the notebook and tucked it back into her purse. “I think we should plot the jerk’s demise first, then finish loading all of your stuff into the moving van.”

“De-mize?” A little girl’s voice came from behind Tess’s chair. “What’s de-mize?”

Megan leaned sideways to get a peek at Jenny, Tess’s five-year-old daughter, as she rounded the chair where her mother sat. The girl had slashed red lipstick around and across her lips and held a naked baby doll with a blonde frizzy ponytail and one eye glued shut. The doll had red lipstick across her face, too.

“Where are Bette’s clothes?” Megan asked her niece as she tried not to laugh.

“I packed them.” Jenny came closer and stood between Tess and Megan as she pointed toward the bedroom. “In your little pink suitcase with all of your makeup.”

“Ah.” Megan wasn’t sure she managed to keep a look of amusement off of her face. “I see you found my lipstick. You look pretty.”

“Thank you, Aunt Megan.” Jenny looked at her mother who didn’t look as amused. “What’s de-mize?”

“It means that if we don’t get all of this stuff packed up, we’re going to be late.” Tess pushed her chair away from the table. “You need to stay out of Aunt Megan’s makeup. Let’s put Bette’s clothes in your suitcase so that Aunt Megan has room for the rest of her toiletries.”

“Okay.” Jenny took her mother’s hand. “I put Bette’s magic bottle in with the makeup too.”

“Let’s make sure you put it in your baby bag,” Tess said, as they walked away.

For a moment a sense of sadness went through Megan as she watched her niece take her mother’s hand. Megan had wanted children so badly but Bart had put it off and then had destroyed their marriage. Now she was in her thirties with no relationship and no children in sight.

Tess and Jenny entered Megan’s bedroom. Which had been Bart’s bedroom, too.

A sick feeling clenched Megan’s belly and tears pricked the back of her eyes. It was the way he’d left her that had cut so deeply, the way he’d told her he was leaving her for another woman.

Barb’s not fat like you.

The words kept ringing in Megan’s ears.

Barb’s not fat like you.

Megan gritted her teeth and got up from her chair then shoved it up against the table. She forced tears away before they could leak from her eyes. It had been just over two months since the divorce was final, seven months since he’d left her for the other woman. But sometimes the pain still felt fresh. She knew she was better off without Bart, but that didn’t mean it hurt any less.

A lifetime of not being thin enough to be popular in school, of not being slender like everyone else in her family, and being blindsided the one person who should have had her back—her ex. It was no wonder that the scars never seemed to heal. She’d think she was fine and then bam, she’d get sideswiped once again.

“I’m thirty-two years old,” Megan had said to her counselor after Bart left her, when the woman wanted to talk about Megan’s past. “I should be over what was said to me while I was growing up by my parents and the kids I went to school with.”

“Don’t minimize what you went through,” the counselor had said. “Those kinds of scars run deep and you need to face them and recognize them for what they are.”

Megan had stopped going to counseling when she’d decided to follow her parents and sister to Arizona. There was nothing left for her here in New Mexico. She wondered if she should find a counselor once she got to Prescott, but then thought it was more fun plotting Bart’s death with Tess. A counselor might not find that amusing.

Sometimes Megan wondered if she was making the right choice. Her parents weren’t easy people to be around and she’d never lived up to their expectations, despite the fact that she’d been successful in her career as a graphic designer. It wasn’t good enough for them.

She relaxed her jaws and her fingers. She wasn’t going to continue to second-guess herself.

A new chapter started in her life now, at this very moment, and she intended her book to end up with a happy ending. She was worth it. She deserved it.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes then slowly exhaled. When she opened her eyes again she shook off all of the negativity and started toward the kitchen.

In the divorce settlement, she’d kept the house in Albuquerque and Bart had taken the cabin in the mountains. First chance she’d had after the divorce, she put the home up for sale and a buyer snatched it up almost right away. It was a cash transaction, so they hadn’t had to deal with a lender. The sale went through smoothly. Now she just needed to get out of the house so that the new owners could move in.

She grabbed a small cardboard box and metal clinked against metal as she packed up the silverware drawer. Once it was full, she marked the box kitchen using a Sharpie, then taped the box shut with clear plastic packing tape. When that was finished, she packed another box with the pots and pans that she’d left out to use until moving day.

“Are you all right?” Tess walked up and set a stack of fluffy bathroom towels on the kitchen table. “You look like you’re pretty deep in thought.”

Megan gave her sister the brightest smile she could muster. “Just coming up with new ways to dispose of what’s-his-name.”

“Good.” Tess blew loose strands of hair out of her face. She couldn’t help but look adorable with her petite frame, slender body, and heart-shaped face. Her blonde hair was fluffed around her face, and she appeared younger than her thirty-seven years. “Once we get a plan down, we’ll do away with the bastard.”

Megan laughed. She adored her older sister who’d always been there for her from the time they were young. There was a five-year age difference, but Tess had always watched out for Megan. Tess had been her defender when they were young and her staunch supporter. Megan had been equally protective over Tess.

That didn’t mean they hadn’t fought or argued as kids. At times Tess would get impatient with her younger sister who followed her around as much as possible. But all in all, they’d always been good friends.

Tess pushed her fingers through her hair. “Once we get you settled in Prescott, we need to find you a man. You have so much going for you.”

“Like what?” Megan shook her head. “I need to shed a few pounds first.”

“You look terrific.” Tess put her hands on her hips. “You’re just down because of that ass you married. Don’t let him have that kind of power over you. You’re curvy and sexy and you just need to feel good about yourself.”

Megan smiled at her sister. “You always know how to make me feel better.” Megan wasn’t given to pity parties, but at this moment it was hard because memories of the last few years kept slapping her in the face every time she looked around the house she’d called home. She was truly glad she was no longer with her ex but that didn’t mean the memories of what he’d put her through didn’t still hurt.

“Older sisters know best,” Tess grinned. “While we’re at it, once we get to Arizona, we need to go shopping and get you some cute clothes, like jeans that will show off your beautiful ass-ets.”

Megan laughed. “So now my ass is beautiful.”

“You betcha.” Tess nodded.

“Speaking of finding a man.” Megan taped the box shut as she spoke. “You should follow your own advice. Maybe you should find yourself a hot cowboy.”

“There are plenty of those in Arizona.” Tess smiled. “A lot of nice eye-candy.”

Tess might be noticing the sexy cowboys, but Megan was sure she wasn’t letting anyone pursue her. Ever since her husband, Steve, had died in a car accident, Tess had remained closed off when it came to men. She’d loved Steve with a passion that made Megan envious. After her husband’s death Tess had followed their parents from Albuquerque to Prescott to help with the family restaurant.

“I need more than just eye candy.” Megan leaned against the counter. “Bart was as good looking as any man. That didn’t get me far. I would settle for eye broccoli. These days I need a little more substance.”

Tess laughed. “Just keep a positive attitude. There’s a meal-in-one out there for you, which would include dessert. Just stay positive.”

Megan looked around the kitchen and at the living room. “Everything is close to being finished.”

Tess gestured toward Megan’s room. “Jenny’s busy with her dolls on the carpet in your room, and I’ve put the makeup out of reach. So for now, the little monster is busy and not underfoot. I’m going to start taking what little is left in the house out to the moving van.”

Megan went to her sister. “Thank you. For everything.”

“That’s what sisters are for.” Tess took Megan’s hands. “You were there for me every step of the way when Steve died. I want to be here for you just as much.”

“You have been.” Megan hugged Tess and caught her soft honeysuckle scent. “You’re the best sister a girl could want.”

“Ditto.” Tess kissed Megan on the cheek. “Now, let’s get a move-on,” she said before she headed outside with the silverware box.

Megan bounced back to her old self, pushing aside painful and negative thoughts to enjoy her sister and her niece as they helped her get ready for her move to Arizona. It was a new day filled with exciting possibilities.

“Why Mom and Dad picked such a small area in Northern Arizona, I’ll never understand,” Tess said as she came back in the house for another box. “I’d hoped they’d move somewhere like the southern part of the state. Maybe Tucson, as opposed to the Prescott area.”

“I liked the place when I visited,” Megan said. “With a hundred thousand people in the area, Prescott is not really small.”

“It’s okay.” Tess shrugged. “I would just like something even bigger. Tucson has about a million people, close to the same population as Albuquerque.”

“But you don’t want anything as big as the Phoenix metro area,” Megan said.

“No, four million people is too much for me.” For padding, Tess scrunched the bathroom towels around the dishes Megan had just packed.

Megan grabbed the box tape. “Maybe you just need to get used to Prescott.”

Tess folded the flaps on the dishware box and held them closed while Megan sealed it. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“Do you miss New Mexico?” Megan asked her sister.

“Not really,” Tess said. “Like you, there’s nothing left here for me but memories too hard to bear.”

Megan rested her hand on Tess’s shoulder a moment before she picked up the dishware box and took it out to the big yellow rental truck that she’d be driving soon. It was still early morning and they were close to hitting the road. Last night they’d carried out most of the boxes with friends helping to load what little furniture Megan was keeping. Tess and her daughter had caught a flight to Albuquerque a few days ago in order to make the road trip to Arizona with Megan. Tess would be driving Megan’s red Toyota Camry.

Megan slid the dishware box inside the truck then headed back into the house where she grabbed another box. It only took a few more trips by both Tess and Megan before the truck was loaded. The last things they loaded were the kitchen table and chairs. With the leaf out, the table wasn’t too heavy.

Just as Megan started to follow her sister back into the house, a gold car she didn’t recognize pulled into the driveway and the driver parked. Megan frowned and narrowed her gaze then felt a rush of pain and anger as her ex-husband got out of the car.

“Hi, Megan,” Bart said as he shut the car door behind him. He walked toward her, his expression pleasant as if he was just a good friend. His cologne, as usual, was nearly overpowering. He glanced at the moving van. “You’re moving? Did you sell the house?”

Megan straightened and raised her chin. Like hell she was going to engage in a conversation with him. “What do you want?”

“Where are you moving to?” he asked.

It was none of his business and she wasn’t about to tell him anything personal. She gritted her teeth before asking, “Why are you here?”

“I keep forgetting to pick up my golf clubs,” he said as he looked toward the front door. “I came by to get them.”

“You’re too late.” Megan tried to remain calm. His presence made her feel anything but. “I donated all of the crap you left to the Salvation Army.”

“You what?” Bart’s features turned from pleasant to angry. “Those were mine.”

Megan shrugged and had the desire to laugh. “I told you at least ten times in the last seven months to get your stuff. You never bothered to come by. What was I supposed to do, deliver them to you?”

“You b—” he started.

“Get out of here, Bart.” Tess’s voice came from behind Megan, cutting off Bart’s sentence. “Megan doesn’t want anything to do with you.”

Bart ignored Tess. “You owe me for those clubs,” he snarled at Megan.

“You should have taken them with you when you left with that woman.” Megan hoped her features looked calm and didn’t show the churning anger inside her. “You didn’t, so, your loss.”

“Go buy yourself some new ones.” Tess came to stand beside Megan, arms folded across her chest. “And stop bothering Megan.”

“Get out of here.” Megan had to fight not to clench her hands into fists.

Bart looked like he was going to tear into her verbally like he used to. Instead, he turned and strode back to the car. He jerked the door open, climbed in and started the vehicle, then backed up the vehicle. The tires spun in the gravel as his car shot out of the driveway.

“I sure didn’t need that.” Megan sighed. The last thing she’d wanted imprinted in her mind before leaving New Mexico was her ex-husband’s snide features.

“Ignore him.” Tess took Megan by the arm. “Fart’s a loser. Come on in and we’ll give the place a once over.”

Tess drew Megan back into what had been her home and now was nothing but a shell. “It cracks me up every time you call him that,” Megan said

“Well he isn’t deserving of respect,” Tess said. “And besides, with all that awful cologne, the guy stinks, so it fits.”

Megan laughed. “Thanks Tess, I needed that. I need to just get him out of my mind.”

When they were finished making sure that everything was out of the house, Megan stood for a moment in the doorway as Tess and Jenny waited outside for her. Megan looked over the living room that now only had the cable from the satellite TV sticking out of the wall. The shutters were closed tight, no sunshine leaking in. The place looked stark and naked and felt as hollow as her heart.

Megan thought about the five years she’d spent in this house. She had wondered if she’d miss the place but as she looked over the empty living room and kitchen, she knew she wouldn’t.

She smiled to herself. Everything would be fine. Life was good and she had a new life just waiting for her to grab onto and hold on for the ride.

Chapter 2

Megan shaded her eyes with her hand and looked up at the Ferris wheel as it turned against the clear late September sky. A breeze brushed her cheeks as she watched the small figures in the colorful seats and she shivered, more from a memory than from the cool air.

Thoughts of the last time she had been on a Ferris wheel went through her mind. Her cousin had scared her to death by rocking the seat when they were stopped at the very top and she’d been so sure they were going to fall to their deaths. She hadn’t been on a Ferris wheel since.

She turned her attention toward the ticket booths where a steady flow of people entered the fairgrounds. Her sister and niece should be here at any time. Tess didn’t normally run so late.

It was a Thursday and Tess had planned to take the afternoon off from the restaurant. What was keeping her?

Megan wiped her palms on her jeans, brushing dust from them as her gaze drifted over the crowd at the Yavapai County Fair. People walked to and from the exhibit halls housing vegetables, jams, canned foods, arts and crafts, and any other number of homemade or homegrown items. The prizewinners were draped with blue, red, and white ribbons indicating the prize won, and the best of each class were pinned with champion purple rosettes.

Other people headed to the carnival side of the county fair from which a cacophony of sounds emanated. Smells of corndogs, cotton candy, fry bread, and popcorn drifted over from the carnival and she pressed a hand to her belly, which rumbled from hunger. She really needed to watch what she ate, but the carnival food smelled so good. Her hips would never forgive her but she wanted a churro in the worst way.

While she waited for Tess and Jenny, Megan wandered toward the livestock building to watch the 4-H kids handle sheep, calves, and hogs they’d raised for show. Many of the animals would be auctioned off sometime this weekend with the champions taking home the highest dollar amounts.

As she reached the livestock buildings she saw that the place was alive with 4-H’ers feeding and watering their animals and preparing them for show. People wandered up and down the straw strewn dirt aisles, admiring the livestock.

Megan walked up to an arena fence and put her hands on the top rung as she watched a group of 4-H’ers showing Suffolk sheep. The black-faced and black legged lambs’ white wool was shaved down almost to the skin.

A burning sensation caused a prickle at her nape. She felt like she was being watched. She glanced over her shoulder and a flutter traveled through her midsection when she saw that a cowboy was directly behind her…and he was looking right at her.

He was tall and muscular and his back was up against a cottonwood tree, thumbs hooked in the pockets of his dark blue Wrangler jeans that molded muscular thighs. He wore a light blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the hair on his forearms was golden against his tan skin. He pushed up the brim of his western hat with one finger as he looked at her.

The tips of her ears burned as she glanced away, turning her attention back to the 4-H kids in the arena. The dangerously sexy cowboy couldn’t have been showing interest in her. Men as sexy as this one seemed to prefer women with cute, petite figures rather than ladies with full curves.

She tried to pay attention to the 4-H’ers but she still had the feeling that he was watching her. It was all she could do not to look over her shoulder again.

“Know any of the kids out there?” a deep voice said just behind her.

Startled, she glanced at the man who had spoken and saw that it was the sexy cowboy who had been watching her. She met his blue eyes that were the color of faded denim as his lips curved into a slow, sensual smile. Heat flushed through her from her head to her toes.

It took her a moment to compose herself. She shook her head. “I don’t know anyone here. I’m waiting for my sister and my niece.”

He moved beside her and looked at the girls and boys who were showing the lambs. He rested one arm on the top rung of the fence as he gestured to a boy on the end. “That’s my nephew, Brian.”

It gave her an excuse to look away from the cowboy so she studied the boy. “He’s a cute kid.”

“He is.” The man spoke in a low drawl and she glanced back to him. “I’m Ryan McBride,” he said and held out his hand.

“I’m Megan.” She offered him a smile as she took his hand. “Megan Wilder.”

The warmth of his touch traveled straight through her. His grip was firm, his hand callused from hard work.

“When is your sister getting here?” he asked as he released Megan’s hand.

“Tess was supposed to be here already.” Megan dug in her pocket and grasped her cell phone. “I think I’d better call her.” When she pulled her phone out of her pocket she saw that she’d missed a call. “Looks like my sister called and left a message.”

Megan brought the phone to her ear and listened to the voicemail.

“Hi, Megan.” Tess sounded a little harried as she left the message. “Jenny has a fever so I need to keep her home. Sorry we have to miss out on spending time with you at the fair.” Tess ended the message with, “Call me tonight.”

Megan lowered the phone and met Ryan’s gaze. “My niece has a fever so they’re not going to make it to the fair. Looks like I’m on my own.”

“I’ve got a better idea,” he said with a smile. “Why don’t you spend the afternoon with me?”

Her eyes widened a little in surprise. “I don’t know you.”

His lips curved with amusement. “No better way to get to know me.”

“I can’t argue with that.” She glanced toward the ring where the 4-H’ers were being presented with blue, red, and white ribbons. Brian was accepting a large purple ribbon with a rosette. “Looks like your nephew just won the grand champion prize for his lamb.”

The crowd around the arena clapped. Ryan and Megan joined in.

“Is that why you’re here?” she asked Ryan as the 4-H’ers walked their lambs out of the ring. “To see your nephew?”

“In part,” Ryan said. “I’m also a 4-H leader. I help a group of local kids raise cattle.”

“That’s great.” She smiled. “It must be rewarding.”

He gave a nod. “It is.”

“Do you have any more kids in your 4-H club showing livestock now?” she asked.

“My 4-H’ers finished up this morning.” He gestured to the livestock building. “Have you had a chance to walk through?”

“Not yet.” She shook her head.

“You’re new in this area.” He rested one arm on the top rail of the arena fence as he studied her. “How about letting me show you around?”

She tilted her head to the side. “How do you know I’m new?”

He gave her a teasing grin. “I have a sense about these things.”

“Are you sure about that?” she asked.

“No doubt in my mind.” His blue eyes held hers. “So how about it?”

The way he looked at her made heat travel straight through her belly. She swallowed. “All right.”

He gave a sexy little smile. “We can start in the livestock building.”

She slipped her hands in her back pockets as they walked side-by-side under the rooftop that covered the livestock. It was open on all sides, the shade cooling the air even more. They headed down dirt aisles that were well kept. Smells of livestock, manure, dirt, and hay were heavy on the air.

As they strolled down the aisles, adults, teenagers, and younger children greeted Ryan. He stopped to talk with the kids, admiring their bulls, dairy cows, and calves, and congratulating the prizewinners. She gathered that he’d taught a lot of the 4-H’ers about raising and showing their animals.

“These kids will take their livestock to the state fair at the end of October,” he said as they moved on to the sheep and dairy goats. “Our 4-H’ers represent us well.”

As they walked, she enjoyed talking with Ryan and listening to stories he recounted about some of the kids he’d worked with over the years. He was easy to talk with and he made her feel comfortable, as if she’d known him for a while rather than just having met him. From the number of people who greeted him, it was clear he was well known and well liked.

After they’d made their way through the livestock buildings, including the building that housed chickens, ducks, and geese, they went through the exhibit halls. In the exhibit halls it was a little quieter and not as many people stopped Ryan to talk.

“Did you move here or are you just visiting?” Ryan asked as they looked at a quilt exhibit.

“I moved to Prescott a month ago to be closer to my family.” She pushed a lock of shoulder-length brown hair behind her ear. “For the time being I’m staying with them but I plan to buy my own house as soon as things settle down.”

Before he could ask her more questions about her family, she hurried to ask him questions. “Where do you live?”

“I have a ranch just outside of Prescott Valley,” he said. “I raise cattle and horses, and have a small flock of Suffolk sheep.”

“Are you related to Officer John McBride?” she asked.

Ryan nodded. “John is my cousin.”

“He almost ticketed me for speeding.” She gave Ryan a rueful smile. “I wasn’t paying attention to my speed on the highway the day I moved here. He was nice enough to let me off with a warning.”

Ryan laughed. “So you’re a little speed demon?”

“I have a lead foot at times.” She shook her head. “I really need to watch my speed better.”

“Where are you from?” he asked.

“Albuquerque.” She glanced at a photography exhibit and stopped as she spotted a picture of a cowboy riding a bull. The shot was so clear, so vivid, that she half expected the image of the cowboy and bull to move. “I don’t know a lot about photography, but that’s a terrific shot.”

“That’s my youngest brother, Creed. He’s a world champion bull rider.” Ryan came up beside her. “He’s newly married to a gal who’s from the San Rafael Valley in the southern part of the state.”

“How cool, to have a world-famous bull rider in the family.” She noticed the purple rosette next to the photograph. “I must have good taste. It’s the exhibit winner.”

“What did you do in New Mexico?” Ryan asked as they continued walking.

She shoved her hands in her front pockets. “I’m a graphic designer.”

“What are you going to do in Prescott?” he asked.

She glanced up at him. “I’m going to continue what I was doing. I can work from home since my business is Internet based.”

Ryan and Megan walked outside of the cool exhibit hall and into the bright sunshine. They were closer now to the carnival side of the fairgrounds and the music was much louder. The yellow grass was worn down from hundreds of people trampling it.

“Up for a ride on the Ferris wheel?” Ryan asked as they came to a stop.

She shook her head. “I’m scared to death of them. Anything but that.”

“All right.” The corner of his mouth quirked. “I take that to mean you don’t mind going on other rides.”

She returned his smile. “Well, maybe not anything.”

Read more of Branded For You here!

Also by Cheyenne McCray

(in reading order)

~Contemporary Cowboys~

“King Creek Cowboy” Series

The McLeods

Country Heat

Country Thunder

Country Storm

Country Rain

“Riding Tall 2” Series

The McBrides Too

Amazed by You

Loved by You

Midnight With You

Wild for You

Sold on You

“Riding Tall” Series

The McBrides

Branded For You

Roping Your Heart

Fencing You In

Tying You Down

Playing With You

Crazy For You

Hot For You

Made For You

Held By You

Belong To You

“Rough and Ready” Series

The Camerons

Silk and Spurs

Lace and Lassos

Champagne and Chaps

Satin and Saddles

Roses and Rodeo (with Creed McBride)

Lingerie and Lariats

Lipstick and Leather

“Armed and Dangerous” Series

Zack

Luke

Clay

Kade

Alex (novella)

~Romantic Suspense~

“Deadly Intent” Series

Hidden Prey

No Mercy

Taking Fire

Point Blank

“Recovery Enforcement Division” Series

Ruthless

Fractured

Vendetta

Single Title

Chosen Prey

Save by purchasing Boxed Sets

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Branded for You

Roping Your Heart

Fencing You In

Riding Tall the Second Boxed Set

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Tying You Down

Playing with You

Crazy for You

Riding Tall the Third Boxed Set

Includes

Hot for You

Made for You

Held by You

Belong to You

Rough and Ready Boxed Set One

Includes

Silk and Spurs

Lace and Lassos

Champagne and Chaps

Rough and Ready Boxed Set Two

Includes

Satin and Saddles

Roses and Rodeo

Lingerie and Lariats

Armed and Dangerous the Collection

Includes

Zack

Luke

Clay

Kade

~Paranormal Romance~

“Dark Sorcery” Series

The Forbidden

The Seduced

The Wicked

One Breath (novella)

The Shadows

The Dark

About Cheyenne

Cheyenne McCray is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and has written over one hundred published novels and novellas. Chey also writes cozy mysteries as Deb Ries. She delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her husband live with their two dogs in Arizona where she enjoys crazy quilting, reading, and, of course, writing.

Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.

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Copyright © 2021 by Cheyenne McCray LLC

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual business establishments, events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.