Page 15 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

“Then throw some things in a bag and let’s go.”

“Really? Thank you,” she said earnestly. “I really appreciate this.”

As she hurried away a frown crossed his brow, and his conversation with Annie floated through his head.

“Are you thinkin’ she has some psycho stalker, or maybe an ex-boyfriend is after her?”

“That would be my guess, and you need to find out. I know how horrible it is to feel alone with a monster chasing you. I felt completely helpless and I was scared all the time.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Driving back to Cade’s ranch Karen felt deeply and profoundly grateful. Though she was sure Gino Stallone had no idea where she was, when she’d seen the flashlight through the downpour she’d experienced a ripple of panic. The moment had shone a spotlight on her deep fear of the danger she might be in.

“Thanks for asking me over,” she said softly, finally finding her voice. “You’ve been so great about everything and we barely know each other.”

“I know enough,” he replied, shooting her a smile. “Besides, I don’t like the idea of you bein’ alone on that property. It would be different if Helen’s parents were there.”

“But I shouldn’t impose on you any more than I already have, and I’m sure after the storm I’ll be fine.”

He didn’t respond, and she wasn’t sure what to say to break the sudden awkward silence, but Jack did it for her, pushing between the seats and trying to crawl into her lap.

“Oh my gosh! Jack, what are you doing?” she exclaimed, laughing as she spoke. “There’s not enough room for you.”

“Apparently he’s thrilled to see you, and we’re home now so he can jump all over you when we get inside,” Cade remarked as the garage door rolled up.

“I didn’t realize you had an attached garage.”

“It’s the angle. You can’t see it from the road because of the trees, and you have to drive around the house to gethere. It’s in an odd place,” he continued as he came to a stop. “This used to be just a work shed, but the people who built the house left it where it was and turned it into a garage. Okay, you two, I know you’re excited but wait for us to get out first,” he said, looking at the excited dogs.

Karen climbed out and Jack quickly followed her while Diane stayed with Cade, then bounded ahead of him as he entered a short hall and made his way to the kitchen.

“Karen, are you hungry? Did you have dinner?”

“Uh, no. I didn’t have much of an appetite and I was too tired to rummage around for anything.”

“I had a bite at Annie’s but I’m still hungry. How about I rustle us up a couple of hamburgers. I bought them fresh from the butcher the other day and I need to cook ‘em up.”

“That sounds great, thanks.”

As he turned on his griddle and waited for it to get hot, he fetched tomatoes, lettuce and cheese from the refrigerator and a couple of hamburger buns from the pantry. Watching him, Karen felt her heart swell. He didn’t know it, but he’d become her hero.

* * *

Cade was glad he’d swung by the Rutherford estate. The moment Karen had opened the front door it was obvious she’d been scared. Now she was relaxed and smiling, and the fear he’d seen in her eyes was gone. But as they settled at the table he found himself needing to know the real reason behind her visit to Smoky Hill. It was possible Annie had been right, and Karen was scared of an angry ex-boyfriend. But for reasons he couldn’t quite understand, Cade sensed something else going on. Rising to his feet, he moved to the refrigerator, grabbed two beers and brought them to the table.

“Do you need a glass?” he asked, popping off the caps.

“No, thanks. There’s something about drinking from the bottle and eating a hamburger that works.”

“You got that right” he replied with a grin, then lowering his voice he added, “Karen, you can tell me to mind my own business, but I get the feelin’ there’s more to your visit here than just takin’ a break. Am I right?”

“Kind of,” she muttered, lowering her eyes.

“You don’t have to talk about it you don’t want to, but tryin’ to deal with whatever it is by yourself must be tough. Maybe I can help.”

“Cade…it’s…not so easy.”

“What? Tellin’ me or dealin’ with it?”

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