Reunited with the Rancher (Texas Cattleman's Club: Blackmail 3)

“A peaceful town that has a hateful troll spreading grief.”

“I know I have a lot of work to do here, but I work in town now and the house is my only tie to my past and my family. The ones I was really close to are all gone. I hardly know my cousins, and they live in Oregon and Vermont. I never see them. This house is my tie to Mom and Uncle Woody.”

“It’s a fine old home, but your uncle couldn’t keep up with it and it’ll be an expense for you.”

“He didn’t want me to hire anyone to work on it, so I did what he wanted.”

“Honoring his wishes was probably more important. Well, we can fix it up and hire people to do some of the work.”

/> “It’s not a we thing, Tom. This isn’t where you’ll live. It’s not your house and it’s not your problem,” she said. “You don’t need to be concerned with it, and I still think you could go back to the ranch.”

He frowned, his jaw clamped shut. The happy moments they’d had disappeared with her request for him to leave. Jolted by regret, she reminded herself it was for the best. She didn’t need Tom staying with her, and it would complicate both their lives—he had a ranch to run and she didn’t need him hovering.

“People will have seen us together and your car here and they’ll talk about it. You don’t need to stay longer,” she added when he didn’t say anything.

“You may not want me, but I’m staying,” he said in a gruff tone. “Think of me as a bodyguard and maybe you can tolerate my presence. You might need me.”

“Suit yourself,” she said, still wondering how she would get through the night with him in the house.

She reached for the door handle and he placed his hand on hers.

Startled, she looked up at him.

“I don’t feel right about you walking into this big empty house. Anybody could be in there, because there is not one lick of security here. They could step in through any one of downstairs windows. Do you even lock the doors?”

“Actually, no. What’s the point with windows broken out?”

“You just wait here in the car while I check the place. Keep the car keys and give me your house key.”

“Tom—”

“I know I’m being cautious, but it only takes minutes and we have time. I’ll feel better. Now you stay locked in this car, and if you see anyone call me instantly. And if anyone tries to get in the car—”

“I’ll just run over them,” she couldn’t resist saying, because she thought he was being ridiculous.

He didn’t laugh. “Emily, I’ve seen a guy walk into a house and get his throat slashed. I know we’re in Royal, but I don’t see one damn reason to take a chance.”

“Ah, Tom. Sorry,” she said. “I know you’re trying to help, but this isn’t a war zone, it’s Royal, and so far, Maverick has only sent emails.” She waved her hand. “I’ll do as you say. You check out the house.” She knew his warrior background had kicked in and there was no use arguing.

Nodding at her, he stepped out of the car and closed the door quietly.

She couldn’t imagine any danger, but then she had never expected to receive such a hateful message from Maverick, either. And so now she was under the same roof with Tom again—that seemed the biggest threat, but it was a threat to her heart when she was just pulling herself together and beginning to establish a life without Tom in it.

He vanished into the house. It was still dusk. She could still see outside, but inside the old house, darkness would prevail. She could imagine Tom checking out each room. He would be thorough and silent.

Her nerves were on edge by the time the lights were switched on in the house and she could see him coming through the kitchen. As she took in his broad shoulders and purposeful stride, she knew she would feel totally safe with Tom in the house. In the past she had always felt completely safe when he was around, but then, in the past, she hadn’t worried about any kind of threat.

He passed by the windows and a light went off in what Uncle Woody called his front parlor. Next the hall light went off and she realized Tom was going to turn off all the lights and leave the downstairs in darkness.

She didn’t even see him coming when he tapped on the car window.

He opened the door for her, pushing a button to keep the car light off. “Thanks for humoring me. I feel better about the house now.” She stepped out and closed the door. He reached to help her, taking her arm. It was casual, something he obviously wasn’t thinking about, but like any physical contact with him, she was intensely aware of his touch.

“Emily, you have no security here. You don’t have one damn window covering except in a bathroom downstairs, and anyone watching can see where you are in the house at any time. We’ve got some work ahead of us. Do you have curtains or sheets here?”

“I have sheets.”

“Okay, come on. Let’s get moving. We need some windows covered, and you need to move upstairs.”