Page 31 of Roaring Fork Wrangler

Cord shook his head. “They’re definitely a couple, though.”

“Hmm.” This was an interesting and unexpected development. I groaned and moved my hand away a second time. It was also none of my business. “I’m interviewing for jobs out of state,” I blurted.

His eyes were wide. “You’re leaving?”

“If someone makes me a good enough offer, I guess I am.”

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Okay.”

“I regret not kissing you in the movie theater.”

“Cord, please, don’t be ridiculous. We spent one day?—”

“Don’tlie, Juni. You wanted me to.”

I folded my hands together. “I got caught up in the moment. That’s all it was for me. I’m sure that’s all it was for you. It’s silly that we’re even talking about it.”

“You can speak for yourself but not for me.”

“Right. Good night, Cord.” I grabbed the handle at the same time I heard a click. Then it wouldn’t move. “You’re locking me in here?”

“No, I’m taking you home.” He put the truck in gear, pulled away from the curb, and was about to pull in the driveway of the house I’d pointed out earlier.

“I don’t live here.”

“Huh?”

“I lied. That isn’t my house. Mine is a couple of blocks farther down.”

“Can Ipleasedrop you at home, Juniper?”

I sighed. “Sure. Keep going, and when you pass the second stop sign, it’s the second house on the left.”

He drove slowly and scrubbed his face once more before we got to my driveway. He stopped and put the vehicle in park. “Pete asked me to see what kind of dirt I could get on Schultz. We both agreed we didn’t wantyou or anyone else in your family involved, simply because we believe he’s dangerous.”

“If this woman you mentioned is inheriting the estate, maybe Schultz won’t be a problem anymore.”

“Maybe not.” His eyes bored into mine. “You’re really leaving?”

I took a deep breath. “I’m just looking. I haven’t made any decisions yet.”

“I hope you don’t.”

“Is that right? What about you? Aren’t you leaving a year from now?”

He sighed. “I am.”

“Can you unlock my door, please?” I heard the click and opened it. “Goodbye, Cord.”

“Good night, Juni.”

“That isn’tthe same vehicle you left in,” my mom said when I came in the front door.

“You’re right. Cord dropped me off.”

“What happened, sweetheart?” she patted the sofa, and I sat beside her.

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