Page 75 of Wild Mustang Security Firm

“Better than you can possibly imagine.”

“I don’t know, I have a pretty vivid imagination. When this is done, Mandy insists the four of us go out for dinner.”

“That can be arranged. Hopefully, we’ll have something more to celebrate than our catching Eastwick.”

“Maybe something along the lines of a certain US Marshal finally lassoing and hog-tying a certain cowgirl-chef of my acquaintance?”

“That would be the plan.”

“Damn, that is the best news I’ve had in a month of Sundays.”

“Don’t tell Mandy. She’ll tell Willa, and I haven’t told her the whole plan yet.”

“Planning to ask or tell?”

“I’ll try asking, but if I don’t get the answer I want, I’ll be doing some telling.”

John laughed. “Did I ever tell you how I got Mandy to say yes?”

“I always assumed you went down on one knee, proposed, and she agreed.”

“Hardly.” John snorted. “As you might remember, we hadn’t been seeing each other all that long, but I knew we were meant to be together. I thought we had pretty much lined things up the way they are, the way they’re supposed to be, and told her I loved her. She informed me, ever so coolly, that while she greatly enjoyed being with me, she couldn’t see making a life with me. That’s when she snatched my keys and took my truck. We picked up the ring, and you dropped me at her place. I pulled her over my knee and paddled her cute little butt until she agreed to be my wife.”

Mac laughed at the imagined sight.

“I put her on her knees in front of me and put her ring on her finger. I told her later, I’d better never see her without it on, and unless she had a damn good reason for taking it off, I’d spank her even harder until it was back where it belonged.”

“I take it the ring has never come off?”

“Only one time. She was pissed, so she took it off and threw it at me. That’s the one and only time she’s ever done that. Most of the time, my Mandy’s a good girl. I don’t think your Willa will be that easy.”

“Maybe not, but I plan to do whatever it takes to make this work and keep her safe and loved. Did you get that Kevlar vest for her?”

“I did. I’ll have it with me in the morning. You guys are about four hours from us. Mandy said she could make burritos.”

“Let’s plan to meet about six-thirty, and we can all eat, grab some coffee, and be ready to ride by seven. The sun should be up enough, Willa can see to track.” Mac sighed.

“She’s the best, Mac. We’ll keep her safe.”

“I know. We’ll see you in the morning.”

Chapter

Fifteen

Willa spooned chunky guacamole over the shredded beef burritos and brought the plates out to the couch. Mac had been in a pensive mood since his phone call with John. She’d asked him about it, but he’d deflected her concerns.

“Mac?”

“Yeah.”

“This isn’t going to work if you shut me out.”

“You’re right.” He smiled and kissed her. “I’d almost forgotten you’re sexy, sultry, great cook, and smart as hell.”

“So?”

“I don’t like the idea of you going as our tracker. I know you’re the best and can out ride and shoot as well as anyone going, but Eastwick already wants you dead and… Hell, you’re my woman, I just got you back, and I want you safe. There, I said it.”

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