Page 60 of Wyoming Bodyguard
But he was her father, her rock. She’d idolized him since she was a child, and hearing words of absolution before uncovering how dirty his hands were made her fall hard for another McKay man.
“I’m scared to find out the truth,” she said, finally vocalizing her fear.
“You’re strong like your mother. No matter how things shake you, you’ll find your footing.” Walter picked his pipe back up and took a puff, the smell of tobacco rising in the air with the spiraling smoke.
She let her gaze drift back to Madden. Watched him laugh at something Dax said and shake his head. As if sensing her, he shifted, and their eyes met. The side of his mouth hitched up and he waved before making his way toward her.
“I like the way he looks at you,” Walter said. “Reminds me of how I used to look at his mother.”
She couldn’t stop her grin. “I’m sure Madden’s looked at plenty of women that way.”
“Nah.” Clicking his tongue, Walter shook his head. “At least not that I’ve ever seen. Trust me. Once a McKay man sets his sights on the woman he wants, there’s no turning back so I hope you’re ready, girl. And I hope he treats you right or him and I will go a few rounds. I might not be as young as I once was, but I can whip that boy into shape if he needs it.”
She barked out a laugh and rose to place a kiss on Walter’s weathered cheek. “Don’t worry, I know how to handle myself.”
She left the sound of Walter’s amused chuckle behind her as she met Madden at the top of the porch steps.
He grinned up at her, dirt streaking down the side of his face.
She swallowed hard, her heart pounding faster than the stallion’s footsteps as he galloped nearby. She hoped she was ready for Madden, because after spending the last few days by his side, she didn’t ever want to let him go.
* * *
Madden parked his truck beside Reid’s newer model and jumped out to open Lily’s door. Now that all the anger and animosity toward Dax had been sorted, he felt lighter. Freer. Happier.
Okay, so the happiness might have more to do with what was happening between him and Lily. But getting rid of the ugliness inside him left more room for the bright light Lily had brought into his life.
Lily stepped down onto the driveway and frowned. “Where’s Reid?”
“Not sure. Maybe he’s surveying the property?” He hoped that’s where his partner was. A beat of apprehension ricocheted through his system. Nothing had gone as planned since taking on Lily’s assignment. Reid hadn’t indicated there was trouble, but that didn’t mean trouble hadn’t found him.
As if sensing his unease, Lily wrapped her arms around her middle. “Maybe you should call him.”
Madden found his phone in his jeans pocket, scrolled to Reid’s contact information and called him.
The shrill ringing of a phone cut through the quietness of the morning.
“Sounds like it’s coming from behind the barn,” Lily said.
Leading the way, Madden stomped over gravel and rounded the side of the red barn, Lily right behind him. He kept his device pressed to his ear, but spotted Reid before he could answer.
Lily squealed and shot past Madden. “What are you doing?”
Reid glanced over his shoulder and grinned. “Morning. Didn’t expect to see you so early.”
“Chores wait for no man… .or woman,” Lily said, eyes wide. “But you didn’t answer my question. What are you doing?”
Reid shrugged. “Painting.”
Madden shook his head and studied the freshly painted barn. Gone was the chipped off threat and the scarred wood left behind. “You didn’t have to do this, man.”
“I don’t mind.” Reid faced the building again and glided his thick brush over the wall, erasing the ugliness that had waited for them to handle. “Staying busy keeps my mind alert, and you two have enough to handle. You did most of the work yesterday. I just saw to the finishing touches. Glad I picked the right color. There was a ton of paint to pick from.”
Lily laughed, her hands covering her mouth. “This is amazing. Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. Glad to help.” Lowering his arm, he scooped a rag from the ground and used it to wipe the bristles. “I wanted to be done by the time you got here. So close. Now I need to clean up. Is there a sink or something in one of the barns? I don’t want to track paint and dirt in the house.”
“I’ll show you. I need to get the horses watered and fed anyway.” Lily stared up at the barn for a few seconds. “It’s crazy how twenty-four hours ago this broadcasted a message of hate. Now it’s a blank slate. Washed clean of the hate and terror. Seeing this gives me hope that all the other stains around here can be erased as well.”
