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“For now.” Cal tipped the front of his hat with his pointer finger and watched the herd. “I have a feeling after he talks to the sheriff, he’ll be back on the other side of things.”
Ian gaped at him. “He’s talking to the sheriff?” His stomach churned and heat roiled within him. Itching to turn his horse around and charge home, he fought against the instinct. “When is he going to do that?”
“I don’t know if he is or not. Mom told him to hold off for a few days. She wants to let you take charge on this one.”
Oxygen flowed into his aching lungs, making him realize he’d been holding his breath. “Good.”
“So if you like her, maybe you need to hold a meeting or something so everyone knows where you stand.”
“Will you stop with that? Even if I did like her, there’s nothing I can do about it. She’s dating—or was dating someone. It’s not like she’s going to be ready for a new relationship. And that’sifshe even felt the same way about me.”
Okay, she clearly didn’t. She’d compared him to a kidnapper, and she basically called him a spoiled brat. There was no reason for her to give him the time of day. The most he could hope for was friendship.
“Why do you say that?”
Ian stiffened. “Hmm?”
“Why don’t you think she’d feel the same way for you?”
“You know, you’re really nosy. One day you’re going to find someone who makes you stop to take a second look. She’ll have a contagious smile and eyes that drag you into their depths. And she won’t give you a second look. Then you’ll know what I’m talking about.”
He scowled as he made his confession. From the moment he’d met Jessica, he’d known she was special. And from the moment Tucker walked into that diner, he’d known he didn’t have a chance with her.
But maybe he did now.
The small thought worked through his mind, infiltrating all the arguments he had regarding Jessica. Ian gave a sharp shake of his head. Now was not the time to find love.
He dug his boots into his horse’s flanks and pushed her to trot. The cattle around him picked up the pace as well. The sooner he got this herd to the next pasture, the sooner he could get home and discuss options with Jessica.
She’d been right about one thing. He’d made all the decisions last night without letting her give her perspective. He needed to hear her out. Despite staying the night and even agreeing not to leave, he needed to be sure. And if she had any other ideas on who the men were, that might help. Maybe she’d gotten one of their names, and that could give the sheriff a lead or two.
The rolling fields around him were a lush green. A slight morning breeze drifted low over the grass, making it ripple like an ocean wave. The maple trees surrounding them had large leaves that rustled overhead. Out here he could take a deep breath and relax. He’d been too tightly wound. He was surprised Jessica wasn’t showing more signs of stress as well. Maybe she’d like to come out here, just the two of them.
And there it was again. Thoughts of galivanting off into the sunset with Jessica. He really needed to keep it together. This wasn’t about them. It was about her. After all of this was over, and she could go home, then maybe he’d have a chance with her. Friendship. That’s what he needed to start with.
Soon the herd was in their pasture and the gate was secured. Cal gave Ian a nod and the two of them pushed their horses into a canter. They’d be home in no time.
A smile stole over his face as he thought about coming around the bend of the trail and seeing Jessica waiting for him. He wanted to show her around the property and take her to see the cows who were nearing their deliveries. They might be able to take in a walk, and he could get to know the Jessica who wasn’t in an apron serving his favorite pie.
Cal fell back behind him as they drew closer. Ian’s heart sped up slightly as the large barn came into view. He made it into the clearing and hopped off his horse. With the rope wrapped tightly around his gloved hand, he led his horse toward the barn just as one of the stable boys wandered out.
Without a word, the boy took the reins of his horse. Ian strode toward the house. There wasn’t any sign of Jessica outside. Maybe she was visiting inside with his mother. Ian passed Sean, who headed for the barn with another ranch hand.
Torn between pulling his older brother aside and finding Jessica, Ian’s heart won out and he continued on his way to the house. His mother had dealt with Sean. There would be time to talk with him later.
Taking the steps two at a time, Ian made it to the porch and strode inside. He paused at the front door, shutting it quietly, his ears straining to hear any sign of her. There was nothing. In fact, it was eerily silent. He hadn’t expected to hear his brothers. They were usually out working. But with a new female present on the property, he’d expected his mother to play hostess.
His brows pulled together and he kicked off his boots. He made his way to the kitchen. No one was there. Then he headed down the hall. After checking the sitting room and the family room, he ran upstairs to her room, his pulse racing a bit faster. If Jessica wasn’t in the house, and he hadn’t seen her on his way in, where could she be? The murderers from the diner hadn’t found her, had they? He’d driven away too fast. They didn’t know his name. How would they have been able to figure it out that fast? There would have been signs of a struggle, and Sean didn’t look the least bit upset.
Ian hurried through the house and out the front door. His thoughts were taking on a life of their own. He practically jumped from the porch and sprinted to the barn. His hand gripped the edge of the doorway as he propelled himself inside, colliding with the one person he’d been terrified he would never see again.
Jessica yelped and reached out, grabbing his upper arms. He winced from the contact with his still injured muscle. His mother gasped. Ian’s hands flew to Jessica’s waist to steady her. Jessica’s wide blue eyes stared at him in shock.
Breathlessly, she managed to speak. “Ian. You’re back. Your mom said it would likely take you another half hour before you’d get back.”
Ian glanced at his mother. “The herd was more willing to move this morning. We made good time.” She was so close; it would almost be intimate if it weren’t for his mother standing beside him.
His mother lifted one brow, the corner of her mouth twitching to form a small smile. “Oh? I thought maybe you were anxious to get home for some reason.”
