Adonis in Texas (Rugged and Risque 2)

When they reached Reese’s car, Ryan told her, “I’m parked by Pietro’s.”

“So am I,” Ginger told them.

“We’ll stop into the restaurant on the way to our vehicles,” Ryan said, “to warn Ruby about our thieves. Reese, why don’t you meet up with us there? Just park outside until Ginger and I join you. Keep your windows up and your doors locked.”

She nodded as she reached for her seatbelt.

Ryan took Ginger by the elbow and they left the lot, walking toward Pietro’s. Ginger felt pensive. Something was definitely not right with this entire scenario.

When they entered the restaurant, Ruby said, “Changed your minds and decided to eat here?”

With a shake of his head, Ryan said, “Just wanted to let you know there have been a couple of robberies in the area, so be on the lookout for two guys—one tall with dark hair, the other stockier with red hair. Call 911 immediately if you see them, Ruby.”

“Who got robbed?” she asked, shocked. The town wasn’t devoid of crime, but it was much less prevalent than in bigger cities, naturally.

“I did,” Ginger admitted. “And Reese just got mugged in one of the parking lots, so be sure Mike’s walking you out if you drove separately. You also might want to warn your customers as they’re leaving.”

“I will.” To Ryan she said, “Keep me posted. I heard about your new job. Congratulations.”

Dread slithered down Ginger’s spine. As they left the restaurant, she said, “Apparently there is a secret that can be kept in this town, and it’s being kept from me. What’s going on?” she demanded. “Why are you working so closely with the sheriff, and what’s your new job?”

“No one’s keeping secrets, darlin’. I was going to tell you at dinner. I’m an additional deputy in town, as of this afternoon.”

Ginger drew up short again, her heart stammering. Ryan stopped and turned to face her, a quizzical look on his face.

“That’s why you’ve been Mr. Crime Fighter all this time. And the reason you have a gun.” Her stomach clenched.

He said, “I left it with the sheriff because there’s no safe in my room at Reese’s B&B and I can’t just leave it out in the open when I’m there.” His expression instantly softened as he stared at her, realization obviously dawning on him. “Ah, Ginger. Damn, I forgot about your mom, sweetheart. I’m so sorry.”

Her throat tightened as tears sprang to her eyes. Ryan closed the gap between them and he grabbed her hand.

A few passersby took note of them, but for once, Ginger didn’t care. Her bliss with Ryan had been shattered by this unexpected and disturbing news.

“Come on,” he said. “Let’s talk about this at your house. I’d drive you home, but I’ve got to be on the road to Austin early in the morning, and I don’t want to leave your car unattended overnight. Our crooks will likely steal it.”

Ryan’s gaze continually swept their surroundings as they headed toward their vehicles. Ginger swiped at the fat drops rolling down her flushed cheeks.

He pointed out his truck—a big, beefy thing in black with a double cab—and said, “After we stop at the B&B, I’ll follow you home.”

“I’m still in my grandparents’ house. They left it to me.”

“I’ll be right behind you.” He held the door of her car open as she slipped into the driver’s seat.

Ginger didn’t say anything further, grateful for a few minutes alone to process the evening’s unexpected turn of events. Ryan closed the door and she waited for him to put their dinner in the backseat of his truck and climb in. She backed out of her spot and met up with Reese. They drove their small convoy over to the B&B so Reese and Ryan could pack. Then they all took the junction that led out of town toward the lake. Reese veered off before them, on her way to Liza’s cottage, which sat on Jack’s property.

Ryan was close behind her, though even if she somehow lost him, he knew exactly where he was going. He’d been to the house several times, always lending a hand to help her grandfather move furniture or any other heavy object.

She took the long, winding drive down to the lake house and Ryan parked alongside her. They were both silent as they passed through the front door.

Ryan set the containers on the entryway table, then said, “You stay here in the foyer. I’ll check the house.”

He went about his business, turning on lights and inspecting every room. Apparently confident no one had broken in, he returned to where she stood on the raised hardwood platform by the entrance. Lifting the boxes in one hand and taking hers with the other, he led her into the open kitchen. He set the food on the large island that overlooked the living room.

Ginger’s thoughts were still on his earlier revelations. Clearly, so were Ryan’s.

Letting out a long breath, he said, “I know exactly why you were upset over the gun at the sheriff’s office.”

“My mother was shot at the high school because some kid was showing off his dad’s 9mm. It was an accident, yes,” she said, trying to keep her emotions under control this time. “He didn’t think it was loaded and he didn’t know enough about guns to keep the safety on at all times. One slip and…”