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The date leaps out at me.
She went missing the day after I left Vegas. She’s been gone almost an entire month.
Why didn’t Belle tell me?
Nausea swirls in my stomach. I squeeze my eyes shut. Fuck. I don’t know what to do.
Blinking fast, I swipe a hand over my face.
Instantly, I’m transported back to the night I ran from the club.
Sammy pushing that USB into my hands. Sammy saying, “They won’t wait. Not anymore.”
And now Melly’s missing.
She and the USB are connected. I know it. But how? And who’s they?
I need to walk, to move, to run. That’s how I deal with stress. Running away like some foolish girl, packing a bag, but that’s always been my MO, so why change it now?
I throw on jeans, a tank top, and the tattered sneakers I’ve been wearing to work in the distillery. I exit the Creek House. Beyond the front porch, the midday sky is dark. Gathering clouds have bulldozed their way across the horizon.
Despite the heat and the humidity, I shiver.
It’s exactly how I feel right now. Stormy weather inside of me.
I hold my breath as I set out across the ranch. Instinctively, I’m drawn to the animals. Maybe it was the cows, maybe it was Cole, but either way, I need peace.
I’m passing the barn when a booming voice makes me jump. “Movin’ fast.”
I look over to see Cole standing in the doorway of the barn. Lying on the ground beside his boots is an array of tools.
I prop my hands on my hips. “Wouldn’t you know it, I’m running away.”
He doesn’t like the answer.
His dark brow furrows as he comes towards me. Stern. All business. My heart hammers. Even covered in sweat, he’s gorgeous. Tight jeans clinging to massive thighs, tan, rippling forearms, that dark hair long at the nape of his neck. I ache to run my fingers through it. In another life, I’d be a different girl, and Cole Weston would be mine.
Only it’s a fantasy.
But Cole’s not.
He’s a real-deal cowboy.
Butterflies erupt in my stomach as he prowls closer. He reminds me of a burly bear that’s just come out of hibernation.
Cole props a rough finger beneath my chin, lifting it to inspect my face. I almost purr at his calloused touch. “You okay?”
“Out for a walk.” I change the subject before he can dive deeper. “What are you doing?”
“Ranch work. Need to fix some fencing, clean up the pasture, feed the bulls.”
“Can I help?”
“It’s borin’ work, darlin’.” Amusement flashes in his blue eyes.
I think of the USB drive, Melly. “I need boring.” Need Cole. Just being beside this man calms me.
“Day off. Should be restin’.”
