Page 40 of Sheltered by the Lawman

“Well, take a stab at the question. I need to know considering you have dodged me for days and now we’re here together. Am I wrong in believing there’s something between us?” The cart jerked forward again and they were now at the very top.

He blinked. “Monica…”

“Are you going to try and deny it? Am I imagining things?”

“No. You’re right. There’s something here.”

She shifted so that she faced him. “Is that why you’ve been away? I understand this situation…well, it’s crazy to say the least…”

“I have been intentionally staying away.”

Was his confession supposed to make her feel better? “That’s not right. You can’t stay away from home because of me. I can leave, Cull.” Tears filled her eyes and one slipped down to her cheek. “There are options and one of them isn’t you disappearing.”

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He tenderly wiped away the moisture.

“I don’t know. I-I just feel so overcome with emotions. Like this ride, I feel like I’m flying high in the air, then suspended.” A grinding noise sounded from the ride as the gears shifted and it lurched forward with speed. She gripped the bar tightly, feeling her stomach turn too.

“I don’t want you to leave the ranch, but I need to speak to you about a few things. I need to clear the air before we—” his eyes widened slightly. “Are you okay?”

“This might not be the time for me to realize this fact but I’m afraid of heights.” Her hands were tingling and her heart beat quickened. It could very well be a combination of Cull’s touch and the ride.

His arm tightened around her again. “Lay your head against my shoulder and close your eyes. It’ll help.”

His gentle voice soothed her and she did as he requested. It did help.

He touched her arm and in a soothing rhythm, he gently scraped his short nails over her skin. Goosebumps scattered her flesh and butterflies went crazy in her stomach. She’d totally forgotten the ride. The cool breeze swept against her face and his warmth surrounded her.

“I’m still upset that you’ve been ignoring me,” she said. “Don’t think you’re off the hook.”

He didn’t answer at first.

“Trust me, I know perfectly well that I’m not off the hook. More than you’ll ever know.”

The curious response left her with a bad taste in her mouth as the ride finally came to a stop. As much as she hated it, she had also loved it. Being held by Cull made everything better, even heights.

When he told her they should leave, she reluctantly agreed. She didn’t want the evening to end but knew there was a chance the night would go on once they reached the ranch. A girl could hope.

As they drove toward home, the windows were down and Monica removed her hat, placing it on the seat between them. Her hair fell to her shoulders and the wind caught the tresses. She couldn’t see them, but she could smell the wildflowers growing in the fields. She inhaled the sweet, rich scent and it mingled with his masculinity.

“I’m glad to see my crazy family hasn’t run you off,” Cull said, drawing her attention to his profile. “They can be a little much at times.”

She laughed. “Run me off? Are you serious? They make me want to stay here forever.” Realizing what she said and the conjecture in the words, she cleared her throat. “I mean, I won’t, but that’s how kind they all are. You’re lucky.”

“You don’t think you were just as lucky?” He had taken off his hat somewhere between the rodeo and now, and his thick hair was wavy. Her fingers ached to thread her fingers through the mass.

“I’d venture to say I don’t have anyone. Wouldn’t they have found me already?”

There was a long hesitation. “I don’t know.” He let out a harsh breath. “Right now, I’m just glad you’re safe.”

“Of course.” Were they back to this again? The wall was slowly coming back up. “So where have you been for the last few days?”

“In Cheyenne.”

“Am I overstepping boundaries if I ask why?”

“I’ve been investigating your case.”

She threaded her fingers through her own hair. “Isn’t there a detective that is on the case already?”

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