Page 102 of Stables

I help Paisley get to her feet, grateful that Dixon diffused that for me.

“Would you like anything to drink? I’m sorry I didn’t offer before. I think I’m willing to move forward with a full statement.” I lean against the counter hoping the flurry of queasiness fades once we get going.

“Char makes the best tea in the world.” Dixon stands, grabbing the teapot. “All I know how to do is boil water. She knows the special concoction.” He throws me a quick wink before turning on the sink.

“Sounds good.” Blue raises his finger then drops it against his arm.

“I’m glad you’re ready to start, Miss Char. I’d be mighty grateful for a drink. This may take a while.” Wade thumbs a fresh sheet of his notebook, and pushes his hat across the table out of his way.

My jaw sets as my palm brushes Dixon’s lower back before pulling out the dried leaves.

For the first time, I can say I absolutely believe my own words. “I’m ready.”

Chapter 28

Dixon

After Blue and Wadeleave, I’m helping Char clean up the spaghetti dinner when I decide that now is the time.

“I think you should pack a bag for you and Paisley.” I pause wiping Paisley’s high chair down to watch Char’s reaction.

She stops, putting her palms on the edge of the sink, her brows knotting when she turns to face me. “Where are we going?”

“The ranch. I have my own cabin up there, and it has room for your horses.” I thought about bringing her up to my house, but I don’t have a barn yet.

And it wouldn’t take Matt long to figure out when she was there alone.

When she chews on her bottom lip, I drop my washcloth and move to her. Grasping her waist, I lift her small frame easily onto the counter so I can look into her big blue eyes.

“I, um, I don’t know…” Her mouth twists, bunching her cheek.

“Char.” I rest my palms on either side of her hips, leveling my nose with hers. “You said it yourself. He will likely retaliate. This keeps you safe, your horses, and gives me the peace of mind knowing that even if I’m not there, you’ll be looked after.”

Her frown scrunches her forehead. “I don’t want your brother to have to babysit me. It’s not right dragging my garbage into his yard. Lori’s so sweet and with a new baby, I don’t know what I’d do if—”

“Hey.” I pull her wrist up, pressing her shaking fingers over my chest. “You’re worth protecting, too. And I can assure you, Lori is tougher than she looks.”

“But, what about the hay and tack? It takes up a lot of room—”

She’s balking.

I get it.

It’s just unnecessary.

“Char. Stop. Ford and Sawyer are on their way with a stock trailer. I’ll hook up the Tundra to your slant load, and I’ll send some of the hands over tomorrow for the rest.” My gaze fixes on her eyes, hoping to catch any shadow of doubt.

Her full lips purse, then her jaw clenches. “Okay. That makes sense. I just don’t want to be a burden.”

She’s pissing me off.

Before I can stop myself, my fingers tangle in her hair, tilting her head back to expose the smooth lines of her throat. I let myself drift close enough that her rapid exhale washes over my mouth. “Char, do you think I’m going to leave you here, knowing you’re in danger? If I had my way, we’d be on a plane to the other side of the world while the Air Force levels every piece of dirt that asshole has ever walked on. So, if it means I have to hogtie you, throw you over my shoulder, andwalkto the ranch with you on my back, I’ll go get the rope.”

A small smile tickles up her cheek. “You’d really do that?”

“Tie you up? It’s a promise, not a threat.” I grin before crashing my lips against hers.

Her nails move through the short hairs on the back of my head, and she moans softly when she opens to my tongue.

---