Page 16 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

“Both,” she mumbled as a deep frown crossed her brow, then taking a bite of her hamburger, she chewed it slowly, then took a long swig of the beer. “For starters, I’m not even sure if you’d believe me.”

“That’s a strange thing to say. Why would you think that?”

“Because it’s not your average, every day, run-of-the mill problem.”

“Like I said, it’s up to you, but I’m happy to listen. Sometimes just talkin’ can help.”

“Maybe you’re right. I—uh—I overheard something I shouldn’t have, and I’m pretty sure the person involved is…I don’t know how I can explain this.”

“The person involved is what?” he pressed. “Is this about an ex? Was he sayin’ something about you?”

“Oh no, nothing like that,” she replied quickly. “I’m sorry, Cade. I do want to tell you but I don’t want to put you in any danger.”

“Danger?”

“Yeah, like, real danger,” she said, staring at him intently, “and I’m not being dramatic.”

“Karen, I think you’d better give me the whole story,” he said solemnly. “There’s only the two of us here, along with Jack and Diane, and they won’t be tellin’ anyone.”

Taking a breath, she turned her eyes to the dogs, then abruptly picked up her beer and took a drink. But as she put the bottle down he saw a single tear trickle down her cheek.

“Hey, it’s okay,” he said, lowering his voice.

“But it’s not, and I don’t know if things will ever be okay again.”

“Damn, girl, what’s goin’ on?”

“I’m scared, really scared, and I don’t know what to do,” she sputtered as more tears followed.

“Start by tellin’ me why, and we can take it from there.”

“My father owns race horses, and his trainer, Gino Stallone, is one of the top men in the country,” she began, her voice trembling as she spoke. “My parents are out of town and I decided to stop by the racing stable to see the horses. It was late, and when I got there the place seemed empty. I didn’t really think about it and I was walking past Gino’s office when I noticed the door was cracked open. I was about to poke my head in to say hello, but I heard his voice and I didn’t want to interrupt. That’s when I realized what he was talking about. He’s involved in illegal betting and fixing races, and he was threatening someone. And I mean, really threatening.”

“Oh no,” Cade muttered, immediately understanding her fears.

“I swear, my heart stopped and I sort of froze, then I started sneaking away. I had reached the nearest exit when he came out and called my name, but I was scared and I ran into the parking lot and drove straight back to my place.”

“What makes you think he knows you overheardanything?”

“At the time I wasn’t sure, but I wasn’t about to stick around and find out. Then I realized he knows where I live and he’s seen me in my Lexus. I didn’t feel safe, not at all, so I called Helen to see if I could come out here for a few days, then I rented an SUV and had it delivered. When I came out of the garage I saw two guys in a Mercedes parked in the guest area. They were just sitting there. I’m sure they were waiting for me. So, yeah, I’m sure Gino Stallone knows I was listening,” she sniffled. “I may not know what to do, but one thing I do know—he wants to make sure I never tell anyone what I overheard.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Overcome with fear and unable to stop her tears, Karen didn’t know what to say or do when Cade suddenly rose to his feet and pulled her into his arms. Gratefully sinking against him, loving the feel of his muscled body and strong hold, she buried her head in the hollow of his shoulder.

“He won’t find you here, and I’ll help you sort all this out,” he said softly. “Nothin’ is ever as bad as we think.”

“S-sorry,” she managed. “I just d-don’t know what to d-do, and I’m s-scared. I only have t-two d-days.”

“Why, what happens in two days?”

“M-mom and d-dad come back,” she stammered as she slowly pulled back and looked up at him. “They’re on a t-trip. I c-can’t imagine what Gino might d-do. He must be desperate to find me.”

“I think this is a job for Sheriff Cooper.”

“I thought about going into the sheriff’s office when I arrived, but Gino’s bound to have cops on his payroll. I’m worried if the sheriff calls the Dallas police department Gino will find out. Then he’ll know where I am.”

“Okay, one step at a time,” Cade said softly. “First of all, you’re safe with me here, and given the circumstances I definitely think you should stay in my guest room.”

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