Page 22 of Wanted by the Lawman

“You’re carrying a lot on your shoulders, but although this isn’t what you were expecting when you came here, that doesn’t mean it can’t be turned around.”

She nodded jerkily. “With all the repairs. Looking for a job. Low funds. Maybe I made a mistake. Not one, but a hundred. It wouldn’t be the first time I made a bad choice.”

“We’ve all made bad choices. If it makes you feel any better, I’m inspired by your tenacity. I don’t know many people who’d have stuck this out as long as you have. Things could be worse though. They were when you got here and just as you said, you’ve done more than you would have thought possible.”

And she could still be with Rory. That would be worse than being here. “I’m sorry to do this in front of you.”

He reached out and swiped the remaining moisture from her cheeks. Warm, callused fingers that carried such tenderness that it released something within her. “It’s okay. We all deserve to show emotions at times.” His voice soothed her. “I know you’re tough. I can see it in your eyes.”

“I want to make my home here.” She sniffled loudly. “This is my place, and no one can take it from me. Agnus didn’t even know me, not really, and she knew this was what I needed and all I can do is complain. You’ve been kind and I’ve been rude. Most people would stay away from me.”

“Come on, now,” he said in a sandpapery voice that tickled parts of her that he didn’t even have to touch to get a response from. Why did he make her feel so helpless and yet so strong too? She tipped her head back, looking up at him and his jaw tightened.

“How about I pour us a cup of coffee? I think we could both use some caffeine.”

She nodded. Who could argue with a proposition like his? “Okay.”

“Cups above the coffee maker?”

“Yes.”

He looked from the coffee maker to her. “What’s this little thing?”

Wynn laughed. “That’s a one cup machine. I grabbed it at the thrift store.”

“You should take it back and get something bigger.”

“Then I’d have to invite company over for a cup of coffee,” she said.

“Yes, to the invitation.” He winked.

She watched him in her kitchen, staring intently as he moved with such grace for a strapping man. “Were you a football player?”

“Yes. In high school. All my brothers and I were.”

“All as in you have many?” She leaned against the counter and watched his profile.

“Four brothers and one sister.”

“Are your brothers as large as you?”

He laughed. “Pretty much, except Kace is a few inches taller and wider. He’s a giant of a man. He’d been awarded a full scholarship to play football, but after a few years he decided to enlist into the Army, and a few years later the Rangers.”

“How do all of you fit under one roof?” she joked, enjoying the easy conversation that made her forget her dire situation.

“Believe it or not, we did. My sister was the only one who had her own room. The boys all shared. I’m surprised we didn’t kill each other.”

“Do you not get along?”

He shrugged. “They’re my best friends. Sure, we drive each other crazy at times, but I know they have my back. That means something.”

She agreed. “You’re going to laugh, but I’ve never ridden a horse.”

“Huh?” He looked at her. “I’m the guy to give you your first ride.”

Although she was certain his words were said in innocence, they sparked something inside her that warmed her all the way into her toes. Clearing her throat, she played with a loose thread on her shirt. “Is it inconsiderate of me to ask how old you are?”

“Thirty-five.”

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