Page 29 of Some Cowgirls are Worth Protecting

Hudson didn’t even look in her direction. He stared at the house in front of them, but she didn’t miss the way his eye twitched and his jaw tightened. “I think it would help… you sleep better.”

Emotion surged within her. She didn’t know what to say to that. She wouldn’t have been able to come up with the words to express how it made her feel to know he was thinking about her. This man, who was a master of keeping his feelings hidden—who didn’t want to get close to anyone—was trying to take care of her beyond what was necessary.

She looked out her window before she gave herself away. A quick brush of her hand over her cheek cleared any tears that had escaped, and a smile pulled at her lips. Before she could express her gratitude, he’d opened his door and slipped outside. He strode in front of the truck and came to her door to open it for her.

Rachel stared at the hand he offered for a brief moment, then took it and let him help her down. Their touch was short but electrifying. The warmth from his hand crawled up her arm and sent goosebumps over her body. This was a man she could actually see herself with.

No, he wasn’t just the representation of a man she wanted to be with. Hudson was the man she wanted to be with. The realization caused a slew of shockwaves to rocket through her body. She wanted him to want her. She wanted these thoughtful gestures to be coming from a place in his heart fueled by love.

They reached the front door of the house, and Hudson knocked. He tossed her a sideways glance and smiled. “What?”

She blinked. “I didn’t say anything.”

His eyes narrowed. “But you’re looking at me like?—”

“Hudson! Hey, man! I thought it would be a few days before you could come.”

Rachel took a step back as Hudson dragged his gaze to the intrusion. A tall cowboy with dark hair and dark eyes. His skin was a warm, golden-brown color, and he looked like he belonged in an LA audition room rather than a small town in Colorado.

His gaze swept from Hudson to Rachel, and his smile widened. “You brought a friend.” He held out his hand and took a step toward her. “I’m Mateo.”

Rachel tentatively accepted his offering, then gasped when he brought her hand to his lips.

“And you are?” Mateo murmured.

Hudson scooted closer to Rachel, almost pushing himself between the two of them. “I know I said we’d come by later in the week, but I wanted to talk to you about borrowing a few more dogs.”

Mateo’s brows lifted. “Borrowing?”

“In a matter of speaking. I… wanted to ask you a favor.”

He chuckled. “I’m already giving you a steal on the two you wanted. There were some city folk poking around that puppy the other day. I could have gotten top dollar for it.”

Hudson’s stiff nature seemed to relax. “You know as well as I do that those dogs aren’t bred to be city pups. They’re meant to have room to roam. Those idiots wouldn’t know what to do with a dog that has that kind of energy.”

Rachel had never heard Hudson banter with someone before. Whoever this Mateo was, he appeared to be closer to Hudson than even some of his own brothers.

“Okay, I’ll bite.” Mateo laughed. “What’s the favor?”

Hudson’s eyes met Rachel’s. “I told you about the vandalism, but I didn’t tell you the whole story.”

Mateo’s easy-going expression shifted almost immediately as Hudson’s own voice dropped to a more serious level. The hairs on the back of Rachel’s neck stood on end. It might have been a change in the air, or it could have been reliving what had happened. She shivered and took a step back, but it did nothing to ease how unsettled she felt. Mateo’s sharp gaze locked on her, appraising her. “Are you okay?”

She forced a smile. “I’m fine. They didn’t get to me.”

“That’s a load of—” Mateo stopped himself after getting a look from Hudson. He set his firm stare on Rachel again. “You don’t have to pretend around me, sweetheart. You went through something traumatic, and you didn’t deserve it.” He returned his attention to Hudson. “So what? You want a pack or something? I’ve got some good sheepdogs that just graduated. They can pick up the sound of intruders like no other.”

“It’s not just that,” Hudson hedged. “Wade thinks we need to enlist some help from others. We’re going to need help with people keeping an eye on the property until we can figure out who’s doing this.”

Mateo nodded. “Whatever you need. I can ask Roman if he’s up for it, too.”

“Thanks,” Hudson said, relief written across his features.

Then, just like that, Mateo grinned. “Now, let’s go take a look at the newest members of your family, shall we?” He pulled Rachel into him, his arm around her shoulder as he led her from the porch into the house. “I think you’re really going to like her. She’s the sweetest little thing. Sorta like you.”

Hudson followed from behind, shutting the door after they’d entered. When Rachel glanced back toward him, she was surprised to find a scowl on his face. His hands were shoved into his pockets, and the second he caught her looking at him, he turned his focus to the ground.

The soft sound of barks and mews was the only thing that could have drawn her attention from Hudson to what she’d just walked into. They’d entered a large living space that had a playpen set up, with six puppies darting back and forth. The second they saw Rachel, their little yips grew louder.

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