Page 24 of Some Cowgirls are Worth Protecting

His hands tightened on the rifle in his lap, and he sat a little straighter. Hudson thought back to that night they walked home from the country club and he’d told her about the land. The thought of her going and buying this land touched his heart more than anything had in his entire life.

He could think of little that was more admirable than to stand guard for a woman like Rachel. He’d show her just how important her decision had been. He’d protect her interests if it was the last thing he did.

It wasn’t just for the horses anymore. It was for the angel who had not only put her heart on the line but her life as well.

12

Rachel

Rachel shot up, a gasp tearing from her throat. Her heart was practically exploding from her chest. She clutched at her shirt, tugging it away from her body, but it didn’t help the feeling that there wasn’t enough oxygen in the room.

Darkness disoriented her to the point that she nearly darted from the bed where she sat. But then she heard his breathing.

It was rhythmic and steady. A soft snore filled the air, and Rachel turned her head in that direction. Faint moonlight shone on his face; all the hard lines had melted away. There was a certain amount of peace surrounding him that drew her in.

She swept her arms around her legs as she brought her knees to her chest and watched him. Out of everyone she’d met in Copper Creek, he’d been the one she hadn’t been able to figure out. He’d been so closed off, but little by little his defenses were coming down.

Much like her own were.

Rachel hadn’t meant to tell Hudson about her ownership of the property. She’d planned on keeping it a secret as long as possible.

Too late now.

She blamed the break-in. Her nerves were fried, but for some reason, Hudson made her feel safe. The longer she watched him, the more she wondered if something between them would ever work.

Hudson was a good man. He’d proven that day after day. Was he stubborn? Yes. But it was easily overlooked. He had a gentleness about him.

He took in a deep breath, then his eyes opened.

Rachel froze as he turned his head over to look in her direction. She could see the outline of his lashes when he blinked. Then he murmured in his soft voice, “You okay?”

She nodded, then rested her chin on her knees. It was sweet of him to ask her how she was feeling. He could have just as easily turned his attention to the window.

“You should probably get some more sleep. You’re going to have to talk to the sheriff tomorrow.”

“I’m not really tired,” she whispered. “Not anymore.” She didn’t know what time it was, but she had a feeling the sun wouldn’t be up for a couple more hours. “Can I ask you something?”

He grunted but said nothing more.

Regret immediately filled her. She’d known what she wanted to ask, but now she didn’t know if it was appropriate. Heat seared her cheeks, and not for the first time was she grateful for the darkness. “Why do you keep everyone at arm’s length?”

Hudson didn’t make any movements to indicate he was offended by her question.

Good. At least she hadn’t gone and put her foot in her mouth. She tightened her arms around her legs and waited for him to answer. A heavy question like that might need additional time to think things over.

He sighed and sat a little taller in his seat before he placed his rifle on the edge of the bed. “I don’t keep everyone at arm’s length.”

“Well, you’ve done a pretty good job at keeping me there.” She blurted her observation before she could control herself. Her blush intensified, and she buried her face in her knees. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, you’re right. I don’t let people in. But to be fair, I don’t think you’ve done a very good job at letting people in, either.”

A sharp laugh escaped her throat and she peered at him from where she sat. “I think you’re the first person who has ever said that to me.”

“Am I wrong?”

No. He was absolutely right. But she had good reason to keep things from people. Self-preservation and trust issues being some of the big ones. Slowly, she shook her head. “I suppose not.”

“How about we make a deal?” His husky voice sent a shiver down her spine, but even still, she hung on his every word. “You tell me yours, and I’ll tell you mine.”

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