Irritated, Kurt had snapped, “That won’t be difficult since you rarely venture out of this room to be sociable to anyone.”
Now, as he re-entered the quiet, darkened house, he breathed a sigh of relief Leland had turned in. He intended to rouse Leslie so she could eat something, but as he slipped into the guest room and spotted the empty plate next to the bed, he was relieved he wouldn’t have to disturb her. Her eyes were clear the last time he checked on her and, according to Mitchell, it should be fine now to let her sleep.
He didn’t like going to his room and leaving her to sleep alone but respected her wish to step back from the physical side of their relationship. After the obvious struggle she’d portrayed with wanting to keep him and others safe from whoever was after her, he didn’t take that ultimatum personally. He also didn’t intend to play fair in abiding by her wishes as soon as she healed enough to move around without pain.
To Kurt’s surprise, he found Leslie already up, dressed and chatting with Babs in the kitchen early the next morning before he could introduce them. Sitting at the counter sipping coffee, she looked well-rested and not bad for someone who had survived such a horrendous car accident the day before. Gazing at the swelling and bruising around her bandaged head, his gut cramped with the same sucker punch as when he’d connected the dots between seeing the wrecked car and then Leslie on the ambulance gurney. He’d known in that moment of breath-robbing fear that sometime in the last month she had gotten under his skin too deep to let her go. For the first time in his life, he wanted a woman for the long haul and he embraced the prospect with a surge of protectiveness and excitement.
Now, all he needed to do was convince her to get on board with the idea.
“My two favorite ladies. Good morning.” Strolling over to Leslie, Kurt watched her eyes widen in surprise and alarm as he bent to give her a thorough, deep kiss before drawing back and smiling at Babs. “I see you’ve met our guest.”
Babs nodded, beaming at him. “She was telling me about what happened and trying to warn me to stay away from her outside the house.” She huffed, stirring the pan full of fluffy eggs on the stove. “As if you or anyone else on this ranch would let anyone get close enough to harm her or me.”
Leslie rolled her eyes. “Kurt can’t be everywhere at once.”
“No, but I can be where you are whenever you leave the house,” he returned, walking over to get a cup of coffee. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Sore but better. Thank you for setting the pain pills out for me. They helped enough last night and I don’t need them this morning.”
“Don’t push yourself, Leslie. Do you remember what your car looked like?” He sure as hell did. It was something he doubted he would ever forget. Sliding onto the seat next to her, he eyed her askance, wondering how soon he could start poking at her for the whole story behind her placement in witness protection.
“I remember,” she admitted with a visible shudder, tightening her hands around the coffee mug. “I guess I should be grateful he missed instead of killing me with a direct hit.”
Cocking his head, Kurt regarded her solemnly before saying, “He didn’t miss, sweetheart. Grayson speculated he aimed for the tire to drive you off the road and then for the gas tank, which he did miss, but not by much. An explosion would have delayed not only identifying you, but the car and discovering the bullets.”
Her hands shook, forcing her to set down the cup. Rubbing her palms up and down her jean-clad thighs, she blew out a shaky breath. “I didn’t think of that.”
“Oh, honey, don’t you fret.” Babs set a plate of eggs in front of her and reached over to pat her forearm as Leslie brought her hand up from her lap. “Anyone would be a fool to try and come after you on Wilcox property. Eat your breakfast.”
Kurt’s lips curved at Leslie’s bemused expression. “Don’t argue with her, it won’t do you any good.”
She flicked him a sly, teasing glance. “Like with you?”
“Exactly. When you’re done, you can write the things you want from your apartment. Or would you rather go into Willow Springs when you feel up to it? We can purchase whatever you need for the next few weeks.”
She shook her head and then winced, brushing her fingers over the bandaged bump above her right eye. “I don’t want to answer any questions and I’m sure news of this has already made the small-town gossip circles. Besides, I’m not anxious to get back on that highway anytime soon.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll run into Billings and get your things this morning, while you’re still recovering inside. It won’t take me long. As soon as you’re up to it, we’ll start target practice.”
That had her halting her fork halfway to her mouth as she paused to say, “Huh?”
He nudged her fork hand forward. “You heard me. It’s past time you knew how to defend yourself. Gotta run so I can get back.” Taking his plate to the sink, he asked Babs, “If Dad’s plate is ready, I’ll take it to him.”
Leslie frowned. “Why doesn’t he eat in here with us? You shouldn’t cater to him. That just enables his bad behavior.”
Kurt lifted an inquiring brow, regarding her with curiosity. “Have you met Leland?”
“Yes, last evening.” She waved her hand holding the utensil. “It only took a few minutes to ascertain he could benefit from more blunt speaking. Sorry if I’ve overstepped, that’s just my opinion.”
“And here I thought I was the only one who had the guts not to put up with his bullshit.”
“Language, Kurt,” Babs admonished, swatting at his shoulder.
“Right.” He winked at Leslie. “Go for it, sweetheart.” He handed her Leland’s plate. “I’ll get out of here a lot faster if I don’t see him first.” Giving her another kiss, this time by tugging her head back with a handful of hair, he strode out with her narrowed-eyed glare drilling a hole in his back.
Leslie turned from watching Kurt walk out,
her blood having pooled in a hot puddle between her legs and her nipples peaking in her usual response from his touch. She encountered Babs’ knowing grin and returned it with a rueful smile. “Has he always packed such a wallop with the girls?”