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

She had nine or ten different bits and took them with her along with several pairs of reins and halters. In her dressage training routine she felt snaffles were the best, plus the square mouthpiece O-ring, so her horse’s mouth would stay soft and undamaged.

Once the vet came out to check her horses, she and Cody would be ready to go. He and his fiancée would be over on Wednesday to load Starburst and they’d all drive in tandem. What she’d give if Cy were in a different line of work and could travel to the various rodeos with her.

You’re crazy, Kellie.

One phone call from him and her head was in the clouds again. She couldn’t afford to forget what he did for a living. He’d dodged a bullet while protecting her, but what about his next case, and the one after that?

By the time she’d given herself another talking-to, a great deal of her excitement had dissipated. A night out with Cy would be wonderful, but she’d pay a price. She just knew it! But it was too late to cancel on him, and she didn’t want to.

After turning out the light, she crawled under the covers with her mind made up that it would be their final goodbye.

Before she left for South Dakota she’d post her blog piece. But Kathie deserved an explanation over the phone first. She’d been hurt that Kellie hadn’t told her about her marriage. That was something she could fix right now.

Kellie hadn’t really been in touch with anyone since the stalker first approached her in Oregon. Cy had made up her whole world and still did.

Knowing she wouldn’t fall asleep for a long time, she reached for her cell. While they were on the phone, she could run the blog piece by her friend and see if she had any other suggestions before it went out. When Kellie thought about telling everyone she really hadn’t gotten married, she felt so hollow inside, she could hardly stand it.

* * *

BY SIX ON Sunday evening, Kellie had showered and shampooed her hair. There was enough natural curl that she blow-dried it into a wavy bob with a side part. Once she’d applied her lipstick in a tangerine frost color she loved, it was time to get dressed.

She had several outfits, but in the end she chose her sleeveless black flared jersey dress with the high rounded neck. Her tiny black-and-gold puffed teardrop earrings went perfectly with it. On her feet she wore black sling-back high heels. Before she left the bedroom, she reached for her black clutch with the gold fastener.

One last look in the mirror and she realized she didn’t need any blusher. The temperature she was running did it for her. Kellie would be meeting Cy’s family tonight. She needed to look her best for him.

At twenty after six the doorbell rang. Her heart leaped because he was early. She hurried downstairs to let him in. How ironic tha

t only two days ago, Cy had permission to come and go as if he lived here while he carried out his plans to protect her.

When she opened the door, the tall, spectacular-looking male in the midnight-blue suit and lighter blue shirt almost caused her legs to buckle. Kellie had to hang on to the door handle or she would have fallen. She noticed a small bandage on the side of his neck above the collar, but nothing else, thank heaven. He was here—and he was okay.

Chapter Nine

Cy took in the vision before him. Mounted on her palomino, Kellie Parrish in Western attire was a complete knockout. But tonight the champion barrel racer had taken on a different persona. To say she was dazzling in black was an understatement.

She had a glow about her he hadn’t seen before now. The stalker brothers had stolen that radiance from her, but now that they’d been caught, she’d been restored to her former self. Her heart was in those blue eyes, and she was looking at him the way she’d done when they’d kissed each other senseless the other night.

“Hi” was all he could say until his breathing returned to normal.

“Hi,” she answered in a soft voice. “I’m ready.”

“Make sure both doors are locked.”

It brought a smile to her face. “I did.”

“Sorry. Old habits die hard.”

“I forgive you,” she murmured as he walked her to his Audi sports car parked in front of the town house. Once he’d started the engine and they were off, she turned to him. “How long will it take us to get to Dripping Springs?”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“Maybe we’ll just drive into the sunset. What would you say to that?”

The blood pounded in her ears. I’d go anywhere with you. “I’m not sure your sister would forgive you.”

“What if I told you I’m tired of doing my duty?”