Page 126 of The Rogue

My eyes light up. “A Hideaway Ranch wedding?”

He narrows his gaze. “Yes. Sound like something you might want?”

I bite my bottom lip. “Maybe. Think they’ll let me spy on them next week? To get some ideas?”

He inhales a deep breath. “The ranch is private and closed in. I don’t see why not, but let me check in with Sheriff later.”

I smile up at him, already excited about the idea of a ranch wedding. Even if we are keeping it small.

The next day isn’t much different. The fall chill hit a little harder when I opened the front door to walk Jackson to Chase’s car. He and Pepper were going to breakfast at the Inn then driving to Denver for the first pre-season practice.

At two in the afternoon, I’m curled up on the couch with the third thriller novel Charlie dropped off for me this week. I made the mistake of telling her I was bored. And she knew just the cure.

It’s a crazy intense series, and I’m hooked.

I jump when my cell phone rings, snapping me back into reality. Goosebumps race along my arms.

Heavens. Where am I?

Oh right. Phone.

The screen shows a private number. Chase and Noah both call from a private number. For different reasons.

“Hello?” No answer. “Hello?” I shake my head and hang up, lifting the book back up from my lap.

A moment later, my phone dings with a text message. It’s from an odd phone number that looks automated.

Hello. Jackson never made it to school today. Could you please let us know if he’s home sick?

Heart racing, I sit up, my fingers typing back a quick reply.

Tessa:He was dropped off this morning. He should be there.

I quickly shoot a text to Chase. He immediately confirms he left him in the school yard.

School yard.

Those are safe, aren’t they?

Oh God.

A lump forms in my throat and I rush to find the school’s phone number and dial.

Someone answers right away.

“Hi, this is—”

“Please hold.”

“No, wait—”

Hand shaking, I hang up and call again. The line is busy.

Fuck.

I text the number back.

Tessa:We dropped him off. Please check again.

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