Page 26 of The Bull Rider & the Wedding Planner

“The scum who worked with Benjamin Oliver hit Mama with a stun gun,” Clint continued, ignoring their moment yet again.

“No!” Cassie cried out.

Clint nodded. “It was awful, especially on Papa as he was right there being hit himself and unable to protect her. And they both thought Easton might be dead.” He pushed out a heavy breath.

They were all sickened by Benjamin Oliver breaching the exterior fence with a bomb, but at least he was in prison now. They’d gotten through it, except for Easton’s physical scars and Papa and Mama’s emotional scars.

“Because of that, we haven’t had a protection detail at theranch in almost two months,” Clint said. “Mama keeps claiming she’s fine, but it’s Papa who is the most shook up. We’ll of course inform them what’s happening, but I think staying at Easton’s house will help Papa feel like he’s part of the protection detail but give him a way to ease back into what used to be his dream and purpose in life.”

He paused, and Easton found he had to ask, “Are you all right staying with me, love?”

“You have your own house?”

He smiled. “Not to flex or anything, but I am a successful full-grown adult.”

She rolled her eyes. “I didn’t doubt that. But you never take anything seriously.”

Easton held her gaze. “Cass, I am taking this very seriously. You and Presley will be safe with me, and Clint will find your ex.”

Cassie searched his eyes and finally seemed to settle. “I believe you.”

It was a significant moment, and Easton felt it clear through.

None of his rodeo friends or beautiful female fans would believe how serious he was about protecting and settling down with Cassie and Presley. He’d experienced the tectonic plate shift earlier, and now he had never felt anything so deeply in his life.

“Thank you.” She looked from him to Clint.

“You’re welcome,” Clint said gravely.

“Don’t thank him,” Easton teased. “He hasn’t done anything yet. You’ll be thanking me often.”

“We’ll see.” Cassie gave him a soft smile.

“Yes, love.” He had to tease a little bit. “You can thank me withloads of kisses.”

Clint groaned even as Cassie gave him a sassy look.

“If kissing is the requirement to staying with you, I may have to rethink my situation.”

Easton let his mouth fall open in mock outrage. He was teasing and thankfully she seemed to be as well. He was still holding her hand, and her teal-blue eyes looked lighter and happier than they had since he’d walked into the office. She had to know how deeply he was committed to her, but their relationship had always been him teasing her and her giving him sweet sass.

“I would never force you into kissing me,” he said. “You’ll be begging me for a kiss within hours of being in my presence.”

“Keep lying to yourself, Mr. Coleville.” She gave him a partial smile and a wink.

Easton wasn’t lying to anyone. He would focus on keeping her and Presley safe. He’d also turn on the charm, and now he had Cassie all to himself.

They’d conquer this vicious ex of hers. He’d savor the time with Cassie and Presley. She’d let down her walls and be begging him for a kiss.

Soon.

Chapter

Ten

Cassie wasa mess as Easton parked behind the Sheriff’s office and they hurried her and Presley into his truck. Easton was her stability right now. It was like when she saw blood and he distracted her and held her up.

He drove her and Presley to his family’s ranch. Clint would have someone drive her car and leave it at Lily’s cabin. In case Baxter found it, Lily would stay with Bennett and Rose until the wedding. Clint said he would bring Cassie and Presley’s things to Easton’s house soon. The two men both promised that Coleville Ranch was the safest spot for her and her daughter.

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