Page 39 of Savage Secrets

“You’re saying I should take a chance on someone too.”

“That’s up to you, Opal. I’m just saying that you could find someone willing to work for a rate you can afford.”

She nodded. “I see. And I’ll give it consideration.”

He gazed at her for a moment. “I can probably wrap up with chores early tonight…if you want to talk it over.”

She drew her plump bottom lip between her teeth. “That sounds perfect, Zach. You know where to find me.”

He thumbed his hat in farewell and watched her turn and cross the short span of yard and driveway to the house.

For several minutes, need pounded through him. His balls were bluer than a summer sky, but he didn’t just want Opal for her body. He craved those moments where her eyes softened as she stared at him. When she pillowed her head on his chest and snuggled close. And the pillow-talk that had followed their last encounter.

She’d taken every suggestion he offered and given it huge weight—proof that she trusted his judgment.

He forced his mind away from things he had no business dwelling on. What popped into his head was just as risky. It involved going to the Gracey Ranch and speaking to Sean Gracey. It was high time they had that discussion about the possible sale of the land.

The talk wouldn’t be easy. If things were simple, he would already hold the deed to the parcel and his former boss wouldn’t be spinning his wheels.

Before he finished stacking the hay, he pulled his phone out and shot off a text to Ledger. Forest’s friend had come to Montana carrying as much emotional baggage as Zach did. It was easy to spot a kindred spirit in the man, and Ledger gave Zach the only thing he needed to call him friend—a chance.

Between the ranch and the pretty veterinarian Ledger claimed as his soulmate, he was pretty busy these days, but Zach needed a favor.

He watched the message for a moment and when nothing happened, went back to unloading hay. After a few minutes, he received a text with the response to his question.

Be there in thirty.

Relief coursed through Zach. Since the start of this mess involving Opal’s father, he disliked the thought of leaving her alone on the ranch, even behind locked doors. She knew how to fire a weapon, but he wanted more than her skill and a bunch of security cameras protecting her.

Ledger would guard her with his life.

Half an hour later, Ledger pulled in. With the task of unloading the hay completed, Zach strode over to greet him. They spoke for a few minutes about what was going on.

Ledger hooked his thumb in his front pocket. “Everything’s quiet on the Gracey.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

He snorted. “We both know it won’t hold out.”

“We can hope. I shouldn’t be more than an hour. I’ll stick my head in the door and tell Opal that you’re here.”

“Sounds good.” Ledger looked around. “Anything I can do to lend a hand here?”

“There is something else. You have a better connection to the WEST Protection team. I found something on the trail. It may belong to someone on the Gracey. Or it may have a bigger significance.”

“What is it?”

He walked over to the truck and retrieved the wire cutters he’d hidden in the console until the moment he could show it to someone.

“How did you find it?” Ledger reached out to take the tool.

He relayed the story. When he was finished, Ledger nodded and slid the tool into the inside pocket of his jacket. “Can I help with anything around here while you’re gone?”

“I was in the middle of stacking hay in the barn if you feel like taking over.”

“Sure.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a pair of leather work gloves.

He clapped Ledger on the shoulder. “I know you live for ranch chores.”

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