“On another topic, and while I have you two here, I wanted to talk about why I told you to lock the doors. I’ve heard through a sheriff in Jackson Hole that Amber’s been talking about roughing you up some, Hannah. I want you to stay extra vigilant.”
She set the containers down and fitted her hands on her waist. That bitch! “She said what?”
“You heard me.” He met her eyes, and she could see the guilt there. “I didn’t want to scare you last night, but I also can’t keep it from you. The hands are on the lookout for her, but she can steal in a hundred ways coming from her father’s ranch next door. Dusty’s going to install some additionalsafety measures, but I’m mighty glad Neil’s here with you. He caught me throwing pebbles at your window, so I’m hoping he can catch any trouble.”
Neil crossed his arms over his massive chest. “Aye, I grew up with sisters I looked out for. Thanks for telling us, lad.”
Yeah, even Neil had to know asking another man to help protect her was hard on Ben. “I echo that. I’m sure you didn’t want to, Ben. Besides, Amber and I have tangled before.”
He looked off before meeting her gaze. “She’s different now. Meaner and more unbalanced with all the drug and alcohol use. You don’t face her head-on if she comes around. You walk away and call the sheriff or me. Logan is trying to get a bead on her whereabouts, and Paul Kincaid is doing what he can.”
“Really?” She frowned darkly. “He never tried to punish Amber for any of the horrible things she did to me or others growing up.”
“He regrets that now.” He shoved his hat on his head. “Come on, the evening is passing, and we have a picnic to have.”
The heavy weights of regret were clear as day, but she knew a good ride and company would change that. “Let’s go, then.”
“I talked Grams into making a huckleberry pie.” He sent her a mischievous wink. “Ah…Neil, she sent you up a slice.”
He pulled a container out of the saddlebag and held it out.
Neil’s brows went to his forehead in surprise before he took it. “That’s kind of her.”
“You’re invited to dinner tonight at the main house if you don’t have other plans,” Ben added, looking him squarely in the eye.
She kept silent as the two men did their male thing. Sizing each other up. Making sure to show strength. Coming to some kind of mutual respect.
“I’d love to,” Neil finally stated.
Ben lifted his chin. “Good. Seven?”
Hannah bit back a smile.
“Fine.” Neil tucked his pie against his chest. “You two have a good time.”
Ben led her out after giving her a sharp look when she smothered a laugh. “Something funny?” he asked as they walked down the porch steps to the barn.
“You men.” She leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. “That’s for making nice with my friend.”
Hell, that was what invited the first kiss from her? Women! “You’re welcome,” Ben begrudgingly responded. “Now, shall we leave the world behind and everyone in it?”
She nodded as a shiver stole over her. He’d often said that after a long day—that being together was somehow out of normal time. Their bond cocooned them into something pure and good and special.
She couldn’t blame him for wanting to get away for a while. He had a billionaire causing trouble and his ex-wife out looking for blood.
Was she worried about any of it? Sure. She wasn’t stupid.
But she’d made herself a place here today by healing one of the Triple M’s cowboys, and that set her roots even deeper.
They walked side by side in clear sight of the remaining ranch hands, and she was aware of the urge to twine her hand in his. Later, she told herself as they reached the horses and rode out.
This feels…right.
Being on Triple M land…making a new future that uses my gifts.Giving back to Sanctuary Springs the best way she knew how.
And then there was Ben.
She didn’t plan to play it safe with him tonight. He’d stolen her heart many years ago, and she realized that she’d never truly taken it back.
