The Texas Ranger's Bride (Lone Star Lawmen 1)

Kellie had to brace herself to handle the hurt. “Do you even have to ask? Ranger Vance will always have a standing invitation to my home.”

“That’s nice to hear.”

She could hardly swallow. “I’m so glad you’re all right. Take care of yourself, Cy. The Famous Four wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Enveloped in pain, Kellie clicked off before she said too much. Then she turned off her cell. She was glad he hadn’t learned she was still at the condo earlier waiting around for him.

The remark her mother had made during their phone call had gotten her out of the house in time to save her from making the biggest mistake of her life!

* * *

CY PULLED THE van in front of Kellie’s town house with a grimace. “Let’s get this done fast.” He didn’t wait for Vic. After he got out and opened the side door to accommodate the hide-a-bed, he headed for her front door. The key was on his ring.

Vic followed him inside. They made quick work of getting the couch out to the van. In a few minutes he’d restored the living room to its former order. “I’ll run upstairs to grab my laptop and any clothes I left.”

“While you do that, I’ll take down the camera from the garage.”

“Good. Be back in a second.”

When he came down with his bag, he went into the bathroom to pack the toiletries he’d left. All was done except to leave the key and garage-door opener.

Cy walked into the kitchen and put both items on the table. That was when his eyes were drawn to the diamond and wedding band he’d given her. They were sitting on a note she’d penned. A vise seemed to close around his chest.

He pocketed the rings before reading it. The last lines stood out. Just know that you will always have my undying gratitude. You saved my life. What greater service can one human do for another?

Kellie had written this before he’d phoned her. Now that the threat to her life was over, she hadn’t been able to remove the rings fast enough. She hadn’t mentioned tomorrow night’s party, not even a hint that she still wanted to go with him.

So what in the hell did those kisses mean the other night when they’d both come close to losing control? Gratitude had nothing to do with the way she’d melted in his arms, kissing him until he felt immortal. She’d been on fire for him. That wasn’t something you could hide.

Vic joined him. “What’s going on, Cy? You haven’t been the same since you walked into headquarters this morning. If I didn’t know better I’d say you’ve seen a ghost.”

Cy lifted his head. “TJ was right. He warned me that pretending to be married meant I’d be walking a very thin line. At the time I didn’t realize how much truth he spoke.” Or how much I wanted it to be real. He turned to his friend. “That’s why he’s the captain. Let’s get out of here.”

He walked out of the house, making sure the front door was locked before he closed it. When they got in the van, Vic turned to him. “Come on, Cy. It’s me you’re talking to. Something’s eating you alive. What is it?”

Cy tossed his head back. “I think I’ve been played.”

“By whom?”

“Who do you think?”

“You couldn’t mean Kellie.”

“Until I read her note, I didn’t think it was possible, either. Gratitude is the last thing I want from her.”

Vic cocked his head. “I take it you two crossed the line.”

“Only one time. After Dan threatened to kill her horse, she fell apart and I comforted her. Things got out of control for a few minutes. That’s all.”

“Apparently it was enough to turn you inside out.”

“Never again,” he vowed through gritted teeth.

“Listen to me, Cy. You’re too close to the situation and not thinking straight. Try looking at this from her point of view. Before my wife died, I learned a lot from living with her. Not everything is what it seems to be. Kellie had to have feelings for you or she wouldn’t have kissed you. But don’t be upset because she’s grateful to you for saving her life. Both emotions can coexist in the same universe.”

He took a sharp intake of breath. “You saw the wedding rings on the table.”

“Now that I think about it, I see you’re not wearing your wedding band, either. How come?”