Page 18 of Disarming The Rancher

Crazy how the plan to work like mad to build her career to a national level so she didn’t have to be on the road most of the year hadn’t worked out so well. If someone told her at thirty-two she’d still be grinding the tour or in the studio, she would have laughed at them. She was supposed to be able to slow down by this point.

Being on the road might be losing some of its shine but being with her fans never would. Her shows were everything. Or had they become everything?

It was probably the back-to-back concerts that were starting to wear thin because she couldn’t allow herself to consider the fact her priorities might be changing. She’d wanted national stardom far too long to let go of the dream now. No one got to take that away from her, especially not some coward who’d rigged a bomb because he was too chicken to face her.

Where did all that come from?

She gripped the bullnose edge of the counter and took in a few deep breaths. This jerk didn’t get to win.

With new resolve, she strode back to the table and reclaimed her seat. She looked at Prudence and then Mom Firebrand. “What did I miss?”

“Not much. We were just talking about inviting you to stay for lunch.” Mom Firebrand broke out into a wide smile.

How could Raleigh let the woman who’d been a second mom to her down?

She glanced at Brax. “Are you sticking around?”

“A guy has to eat,” he said with a smirk.

It was infuriating how much that look caused her heart to pound her ribcage from the inside out.

“Does that mean you’re considering staying?” Mom Firebrand asked.

She knew better than to accept the invitation. It would be a mistake to get comfortable here. Leaving would be that much more difficult. She should cut bait now and save herself the heartache later.

“I’d hate to be the one to break up the band before a good meal,” she said. “Please tell me you’re making your famous meatballs.”

So much for sticking to a plan.

Brax needed to bring in the sheriff. He’d meant to call before now. He also needed to talk to Raleigh about mentioning the incident to his family and ranch hands. Bronc Harris, ranch foremen, needed to be informed as well. The ATV jerk seemed willing to trespass on anyone’s land and he could come back armed or with friends.

“Can I steal you for a sec?” he asked Raleigh.

“Yeah, sure.” She glanced at Prudence and then his mother. “I’ll be right back.”

He led her into the former living room now playroom to get out of earshot.

“I’ve been thinking we should alert the sheriff to what happened earlier,” he started.

She put up a hand to stop him from continuing.

“It’s crazy enough as it is and everyone is on alert. What good would it do?” Her body stiffened and her words came out strained.

“We don’t know how dangerous this guy is or if he plans to come back. I have to alert my family and I wouldn’t be doing my job very well if I let our ranch hands or foreman walk into danger,” he explained.

Raleigh issued a sharp sigh.

“You’re right. That was pure selfishness on my part at not wanting to rile up my security detail more than I already have.” Her shoulders deflated. “Of course, I want everyone here and in town to be safe.”

“I’ll send out a text,” he said.

Her eyes widened and he could almost see the wheels churning. She shifted her weight from foot to foot.

“Actually, I know I said I’d stay for lunch, but I should probably head back home and tell Hardy we need to move on.” It seemed to hit home that her presence might place everyone in danger.

“Don’t do that,” he said.

“What?” she asked.