Page 34 of Sheltered by the Lawman

“Oh, our relationship isn’t like that.” Monica’s heartbeat sped up. So, did all his family think they were interested in each other? “I was in an accident and he helped me.”

“He’s definitely never brought home one of his cases.” She laughed. “Let’s put all that aside. Ma has told me you’ve been helping her out. Thank you. I don’t get to see them as much as I like.”

“I feel like I should help. They’ve all been so good to me. I don’t know what I’d do without them.” And that was the truth. They had all been her life savers.

“Are these your plans for the evening? To make dinner?”

“I also thought I’d dust the shelves, clean out the fireplace, and if I had the time, sweep the back porch.”

Kiersten was a tall woman, and when she placed her arm around Monica’s shoulders, she realized just how different they were in size. “Honey, even Cinderella got a day off.”

Monica gave a small smile. “Even if I had a day off I’m not sure where I’d go. Without a car and without Cull—”

“Hogwash. Leave my brother out of it. He has his reasons. It’s rodeo night and it’s something you don’t want to miss.”

“Rodeo? I’ve never been, at least I don’t think so.”

Kiersten went to the fridge and took out a can of sparkling water and popped the top. “Then you definitely must go. Local cowboys ride bulls to raise money for charity. They have carnival rides, elephant ears, and the best fried cookies you’ve ever tasted.”

“Elephant ears?”

Kiersten’s eyes widened. “You don’t remember elephant ears? They’re to die for.”

“Will Cull be riding today?”

“All the Cade men will be. It’s tradition.” She set her can down.

“I don’t think Cull mentioned the event for a reason.” Would he not want her there?

“Again, sweetie, don’t worry about Cull.” Kiersten looked Monica up and down. “Every cowgirl needs a pair of boots, daisy dukes, and a hat to keep the sun off her face.”

“I’m afraid I’m clean out of those three things.”

“Good thing you’re looking at a cowgirl who has an extravagant wardrobe right upstairs. Come along and let’s get pretty.” She took Monica’s hand and started for the stairs.

“What about dinner?”

“What about it?” Kiersten gave her a side glance.

“I’ve only just started.”

“You’d be the only one eating, honey. Ma and Pa are already at the fairgrounds setting up for one of the charities they oversee. My brothers and their wives should be on their way and Cull, well, if I know him, he’ll sweep in fashionably ten minutes late. If you haven’t noticed yet, he’s never punctual.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea. I’ll feel like I’m intruding.” Her palms became sweaty at the mere idea of leaving the ranch. What if she ran into someone she knew and didn’t recognize them? What if the man who tried to kill her was there?

“Everyone in town will be there.”

“Are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t have invited you if I wasn’t. After all, you’re our guest.”

Upstairs, Kiersten led Monica to the chair at the vanity and she watched while the woman disappeared inside the walk-in closet. She heard hangers scraping metal and shoes hitting the wall until finally Kiersten popped out with clothes hanging over her arm and holding a pair of brown leather boots. “I have the perfect outfit.”

Monica looked over the button-down shirt and the fringed shorts and her eyes widened. “There’s something you haven’t noticed about me,” she said softly.

“What’s that?” Kiersten asked.

“That I have some junk in the trunk. These might be a little too revealing.”

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