AllFreeNovel
Share Us
23
Ian
Ian waited until Brock wasn’t within hearing distance before he turned to Jessica. “I don’t have anything against you learning how to shoot. But that doesn’t mean I’m okay with you being front and center and in the middle of danger.”
“There’s danger everywhere, especially surrounding me. What don’t you understand about that?” Jessica placed the brush on a shelf in the stall. “I’m not afraid to learn how to defend myself. I’d rather be prepared than end up dead.”
Dang it, he couldn’t argue with that. He scrubbed his hands down his face. “I’ll think about it. ButifI agree, that doesn’t mean you get to go out to investigate any suspicious stuff. I’d only be teaching you so that when you’re alone and need protection, you’re not without it.”
She smiled brightly. “That’s all I wanted.”
Ian shook his head and pulled her into his arms. The second he’d overheard Jessica talking with Brock, he’d feared the worst. They’d gotten close. She’d kissed him. She didn’t want to hurt him. His thoughts had gone to the worst possible scenario.
All he could think was that she could do so much better and if Brock was who she wanted, could he step aside and let her be happy? It turned out he’d overreacted. His mind had run away with his fears.
It didn’t mean Jessicacouldn’tfall for Brock. But if he were honest, he’d have to admit it was silly to worry about it. She smiled and spoke to everyone like she had with Brock. He’d seen enough evidence of it at the diner. Jessica was a social person. That’s what he liked about her.
Jessica pulled back and met his gaze. “I want you to know I’m not going anywhere.”
Ian’s heart flipped.
“I might not be ready to say—certain things. But that doesn’t mean I don’t havedeepfeelings for you.” She placed her hand against his cheek. “I’ve never been happier than I have when I’ve been with you. I don’t want to lose that happy feeling.”
“Me neither.” Ian leaned against her touch. “I know I’ve been a little grumpy today. I’m working through it.”
She smiled. “That’sa bit of an understatement.”
He grimaced. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off with his attitude. It was time to get his act together. Just because she put up with it from Tucker for so long didn’t mean she would with him. “I better get out there before Brock and Sean leave me behind. I want to make sure whatever was out there is gone. My mom is inside. Stay with her and lock the doors.”
Her brow furrowed. “Lock the door?”
“It could be the men we’ve been avoiding.”
She sucked in a breath. “Really?”
“I didn’t want to say anything when Brock was here, but I don’t think we should rule it out.”
Jessica shivered. “I’ll make sure we lock all the doors. Where are your other brothers? Will they go with you?”
Brock shook his head. “Cal is out tending to one of our herds. Finn went into town early this morning. Something about changing up the marketing for the ranch. Tate’s there, though. I’ll text Cal so he knows what’s happening. He can keep an eye out on that side of the property.” He brushed his thumb against her cheek. “Just promise me you’ll stay safe until we figure out what’s going on.”
She nodded. “You need to be safe too.”
His lips curled into a smile. “I promise.” He pressed a soft kiss against her lips and released her. He grasped her hand, and they made their way toward the house. Brock’s red Ford was already parked out front, and Sean was leaning against it as he spoke to Brock. They both looked up at the same time. There was worry etched on their faces. They probably had already figured out what Ian had. Rusty sat beside them, his tail swishing against the dirt.
Ian squeezed Jessica’s hand just before he let go. Then she hurried toward the house. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he approached the truck.
Sean watched Jessica until she shut the front door behind her. He turned his attention to Ian. “You don’t think it’s an animal, do you?”
Ian shook his head. “I don’t.”
“So, what? You think it’sthem?” Sean glanced between Brock and Ian.
“It’s possible. They found her place. To suggest they aren’t capable of finding out where she is after a week of looking would be ridiculous.”
Brock nodded. “I agree. We went to her apartment. How much do you want to bet they had someone staking out the place? All it would take would be some clear pictures of us together and they could figure out the rest.” He scowled. “We should have never gone.” Anger laced his words. “Now they could be scoping out the property and figuring out our weaknesses.”
“We couldn’t have known they’d be there. And that’s not to say they were.” Ian’s defenses went up. He wouldn’t let Brock blame this on Jessica. They’d all agreed to go.
