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She got out and examined the drop-off. It didn’t look so bad up close. If she went real slow, she shouldn’t have a problem. Acres and acres of desert grass stretched out for miles in every direction. Sagebrush dotted it in a haphazard fashion. Cracks in the hardened soil crisscrossed and snaked their way into the distance. It’d definitely been awhile since this place had seen rain. She glanced up at the big blue sky, unable to find one single cloud anywhere in the heavens.
Suddenly, she knew what she’d forgotten—sunscreen. Too late to go back for it now. At least she’d remembered to throw on a lightweight long-sleeved top. It’d give her a little protection on her arms. Her jeans and boots would take care of her lower limbs. That left her face and neck exposed. She’d take her chances.
The only thing that would make the trip any better was if she could share this magnificent view with someone. Cord’s handsome face sprang to mind. Why she thought of him was beyond her. He’d no sooner join her for this adventure than h
e would trade in his faded jeans for a business suit.
Ready to move on, she glanced around one more time and spotted a dark speck far off in the distance. The breeze kicked up, swirling a cloud of dirt and obscuring her vision. She turned her head and shielded her mouth and nose with her shirt sleeve.
The wind eased up, allowing her to turn and scan the terrain. This time the speck was more of a dot and seemed to be heading for her. A vehicle? Out here?
She waited. Curious.
In no time, a pickup pulled to a stop next to her. Cord jumped out. His brows were drawn together into a formidable line. His dark eyes left no doubt about his agitation. If she hadn’t known better, she would have said he’d followed her out here because he was worried about her.
“Are you out of your mind?” His voice rumbled.
She straightened her shoulders. “Hello to you, too.”
“What are you doing out here alone? If something had happened, no one would have known where to find you.”
Had she been right? Was he truly worried about her? Impossible. Right now, he looked like he was about to throttle her. “I wasn’t aware you cared so much.”
“I don’t.” Anger flared in his eyes. “When we get back to town, I intend to have you arrested for trespassing.”
Her mouth gaped. “You wouldn’t.”
“How much do you want to wager?”
“This isn’t funny.” She glared at him.
“You’re right, it isn’t. You intentionally broke the law. Once I turn you in, the case will be open and shut.”
Worried he just might be serious, she flashed him her biggest and brightest smile, hoping it would thaw his frosty attitude. “Come on. Just forget you found me. I’ll have a quick look-see and leave. No harm, no foul.”
“I don’t think so. Last summer, a couple of tourists decided to hike around a remote canyon south of here. I’m sure they thought nothing would happen either.” He drew in an uneven breath. “Then one fell and the other hiker went for help, but he got lost. I was one of the volunteers on the search party that spent hours looking for them.”
“What happened?”
“They survived, but it could have easily gone the other way.”
She refused to be deterred. “Does this stern warning mean you’ll accompany me?”
“It means I’ll show you the way back to town—straight to the sheriff’s office.”
She crossed her arms, feet planted in the dirt. “I’ve come this far, and I’m not turning back until I’ve seen Haggerty.”
Cord’s lips pressed together in a firm line as his gaze narrowed. “It’d serve you right if I tossed you over my shoulder and threw you in the back of my pickup.”
His words conjured up images. His hands on her. Their bodies rubbing against each other. His breath mingled with hers. His lips hovered over hers.
“What are you smiling about?”
His voice snapped her out of her daydream. She hadn’t realized her thoughts had been translated onto her face. She’d have to be more careful in the future—especially around this sexy cowboy.
“Not a thing.” She settled her hands on her hips. “Now wouldn’t it be easier to satisfy my curiosity?”
“I’m quickly learning that nothing about you is easy.” His unrelenting stare held hers as though he contemplated his options. “Why in the world would I help you after you’ve started a public campaign against me?”
