Page 33 of The Texas Cowboy's Rescue

“Okay, but was the man amazing?” Laurel jumped in, her gaze on the woman beside Sammi Jo, finishing her salad. “Was he amazing, Kenzie?”

“Amazing.”

“And the jet helicopter?”

“Amazing.”

“And the kissing?”

“Amazing... hey, you tricked me.”

“See, little sister”—she looked over to Sammi Jo’s incredulous look at the turn of events—“you must leave it to a master of interrogation.” Her look of superiority was perfect.

“So, details, now that the cat is out of the bag.”

“There are no details. We had a lovely time... the three of us. And we are having a date night next week when Brooke leaves for her camping trip. And that will not come with details either.”

“Hallelujah! Our girl has come back to the land of the living, and isn’t love grand?” Sammi Jo smiled and high-fived her sister across the table.

“Who said anything about the ‘L’ word?” Kenzie was quick to point out. She had only just been able to say it to herself a couple of times since their kiss three days ago. They had been swamped at work, and then Deke was busy helping at the ranches afterward. So time alone had not happened... but it would. And the covert glances they had shared along the hallways and across the tarmac during their workday had to suffice. But each evening, there was a brief phone call. She might not be able to sleep again without hearing his “sweet dreams” wish her good night. She knew that love had snuck in and toppled the walls, and her heart was running to trust someone again. She was powerless to fight it. In fact, Kenzie did not want to do that.

What could be more perfect in her world at the moment?

Chapter Sixteen

The funny thingabout perfection? It had a way of not being so perfect. And that fact came crashing into her world like the proverbial lead balloon. On Sunday, just after noon, in the breakout room in the crisis management office at the hospital, that little devil came to visit on her shoulder again. She had come in to make certain that files were updated in the computer for the transition to a newer system the next day. Just one of the picky things that made her want to double-check it. Jay was on calendar duty and taking the phone calls. She was only half listening as he did his job.

“Wow... that guy has got game.”

“Game? What game are you betting on now?” She was only half interested. She had packing to get done with Brooke for her upcoming camping trip.

“Not a sports game... although some guys might think it is. Stringing along babes and having them clueless and calling for more. You didn’t mention our boss has girlfriends... two different ones and they are persistent. That explains his frequent flights north in the evenings.”

That got her attention. Along with a sudden cold chill down her backbone. She had to have misheard. “Explain how you know all this.”

“Mainly because this Emily person is so insistent in leaving messages if she can’t reach him on his cell. And I know he had a restaurant reservation the other evening because they called to confirm. And then she just called again... something about another dinner at something called the ‘rim house’ or some such that she would be late for. And then there is a Morgan that calls and simply tells me to have him answer his phone when she calls. She doesn’t like playing phone tag.”

Don’t jump to conclusions.Nice words, but they didn’t work too well once you’ve been a victim of another womanizing liar. Emily and Morgan. That chill remained in her bones.

In his last phone call, the night before, he had mentioned that he would need to make a run up to the rim house... his reference to his “special getaway.” Something there needed his attention. And now she knew what it was, and her name was Emily.

When she thought he had been at the ranches helping with firebreaks and such, had he been with one of them? Then making sure he had a new “sure thing” on the line with herself... he could make plans however he wanted. The old feeling of having been played and made a fool of suddenly engulfed her like a tidal wave.

Kenzie had never wanted to have that feeling again, but she had walked blindly right back into its path. Her vulnerability had to have made her an easy target. That was one of the things her ex had thrown in her face. She was vulnerable, which gave him a game plan. And another game plan had been her daughter. He got two targets for the price of one. While Deke was establishing his office in Burkitt, why not have an easy conquest locally? Then he could have the best of both worlds when he got bored with one. Although it sounded like this Emily was a lot higher on the hierarchy ladder than Morgan or even herself, having already gained visitation rights to his “hideaway from the world.” She wanted to throw up. The computer was switched off and she grabbed her bag.

“Hey, you packing up? We have tomorrow off, so guess I will see you on Wednesday.”

“Sure. See you then.” She was gone. Running to find a place to hide and lick her wounds. The Lone Wolf had helped himself to another silly sheep.

*

“I thought shewas here, working on a report for the changeover.” Deke had come in to surprise Kenzie before heading up to his Amarillo office.

“She was, but then she just up and left out of the blue. Said she’d see me Wednesday. That’s all I know. Sorry, Chief.”

Deke nodded. “I’ll be back late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Have a good day off.”

On the way across the tarmac, he dialed Kenzie’s cell. It went to voicemail. He knew she was busy trying to get Brooke on her way to her camping trip. He grinned at how excited the child had been on the phone the day before. He reminded her of what all they talked about on safety issues while at the rim house, swimming. She’d be out in nature and it could be dangerous. She should always know what was going on, especially if an adult wasn’t available. But Jackie was very responsible and Brooke should have a great time. He couldn’t wait to hear about it when she got back. More importantly, in the moment, he and Kenzie would be able to have some time together to have some serious discussions about the future... hopefully, the same one. But he wouldn’t get ahead of himself. Business was at hand first.

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