Page 7 of The Wrangler

Jesse glanced at her briefly. That look. That challenge in her eyes. His hands flexed on the wheel.

I know the kind I’d like for you to get into… with me.

Instead, he went with, “The kind that keeps Reed up at night and calling in favors to keep your ass out of a mess.”

Keely sighed. “Reed worries too much.”

Jesse let out a low hum. “Wonder why that is.”

She shot him a look. “You think I need a bodyguard?”

“I don’t know. You’re rich and your brother has enemies. I think you’re reckless,” Jesse said bluntly. “I think you make a damn habit of slipping past security just for fun. I think you don’t take your safety nearly as seriously as you should.”

Keely was quiet for a beat, then shrugged. “I can take care of myself.”

Jesse’s hands gripped the wheel tighter. “Not the point.”

She shifted slightly in her seat, studying him. “Why does it matter to you, Jesse?”

His jaw locked.Because if anything happened to you, it would kill Reed. Because if anything happened to you, it would kill me.

Jesse didn’t answer her.

Keely sighed again, dramatically. “You’re no fun.”

Jesse let out a rough chuckle. “And you’re a brat.”

Keely grinned. “It’s nice to know I’m appreciated for more than my family’s money.”

Jesse shook his head, keeping his focus on the road. He’d spent years keeping his control intact, making sure he never crossed a line he couldn’t walk back from—and then there was Keely, a line-crossing menace.

They pulled up to Keely’s place, a charming single-story Spanish Colonial home, characteristic of San Antonio. It featured white stucco walls and a red clay tile roof, embodying the traditional aesthetic of the region. The arched doorways and wooden beams added to its historic charm, while the shaded porch with its rustic wooden door invited a warm,welcoming atmosphere. A small courtyard enclosed by stucco wall and a wrought-iron gate enhanced the home's curb appeal, complemented by lush native landscaping, including agave and mesquite trees.

It was dark now, but Jesse had seen it before. Reed had no way of knowing, but Jesse had followed his sister home from the club on more than one occasion, only to return to his place just outside of town to take a long, cold shower.

Jesse killed the engine. When Keely started to open the door, he reached across her and pulled it shut. “You wait for me.”

He got out of the truck and grabbed her suitcase from the back. The moment his fingers curled around the handle, something felt off. It was barely perceptible—just a slight shift in the way it moved. A little heavier than a suitcase full of her clothes should be.

He went around to the passenger door and opened it, frowning. “You pack bricks in here?”

Keely stretched her arms over her head, sighing. “Don’t be dramatic.”

Jesse hesitated, then shook his head.I must be imagining things.

He hauled it up the porch steps, held his hand out for her keys and waited until she placed them in his hand and used the app on her phone to switch off the security system. He opened the door and set the suitcase just inside. Before leaving, he would sweep the perimeter to ensure her security for the night. Then he’d call it in and head for home.

Keely breezed past him, already kicking off her heels. “Will you be a dear and bring in my bag? The damn thing weighs a ton,” she called back over her shoulder.

Jesse hesitated. He shouldn’t. But something about the suitcase still nagged at him. Maybe he should check the inside just to be sure. When he knew she was safe, then he’d leave.

Before he could inform her of his decision, Keely turned, stretching up on her toes, pressing a quick, unexpected kiss to his cheek.

“Thanks for the ride, cowboy.”

Jesse went completely still. Her lips were soft. Warm. Just the briefest touch, nothing more than a tease—that was not the kind of ride he’d like to give her. But damn it if it didn’t almost undo him. Before he could make a complete fool of himself—dragging her to him and crushing her lips with his before sweeping her up and taking her to bed, she grinned and stepped back, heading toward the back of her home like she hadn’t just set his world off-kilter.

Jesse let out a slow breath, dragging his fingers through his hair. Keely was going to be an even bigger problem than she had been in the past. Deep down, he already knew—that suitcase wasn’t the only danger waiting for him inside.

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