Page 16 of Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance

Yet a shiver of suspicion traveled down her spine.

She also drove out of town to make it easier to spot a tail. After the threat, she’d taken a defense course and a shooting course at the range and bought a small gun, though she’d hoped she’d never have to use either of the skills. She’d never thought to take a course on how to spot a tail.

The ocean sparkled under the bright sun, the peaceful beauty a contrast to her troubling thoughts. She slowed to let the breathtaking landscape soothe her raw nerves.

So many times in their childhood and teens, she and Dallas had walked along the beach on sand the color of her morning cappuccino. She could almost feel the warm grains under her toes as her skin tingled pleasantly from having her hand in his, even from mere memory. The memories lulled her senses for some time.

When she glanced in the rearview mirror the next time, every cell in her body went on high alert. The SUV was approaching fast.

Adrenaline surging in her veins, she floored the gas pedal. Her sedan’s motor roared unhappily. How could she let herself get so distracted?

Calm down.

It could still be a coincidence. She drew several deep breaths of air filled with the sweet scent of the peach air freshener. She felt anything but sweet right now.

Okay, okay.

The SUV was approaching fast, growing in her rearview mirror. That could just mean someone was in a hurry, right?

Another deep breath. Rational thinking.

What were her options? It was a two-way road, and a head-on collision didn’t sound appealing. Besides, she’d never want to hurt people in an oncoming vehicle. It didn’t look like she could outrun an SUV.

If something happened to her, it would be disastrous for her grandmother, though surely Auntie and Mrs. Lawrence would step in as they had before. And Dallas... Would he grieve her?

Stop the negativity!

There seemed to be only one option left. She took her foot off the gas pedal. She knew this road well. The incline near the road was rather steep, but it led to the fields. It would become a forest soon. Then she’d be on the bridge over a ravine. The time to act was now.

Breathing fast, she tapped on the brakes. The car was probably silently asking her to make up her mind. Her heartbeat thundered in her head as she called 911 on her hands-free phone.

“What’s your emergency?” the female voice asked.

“There’s a vehicle following me—I believe with the intent to hit me.” She’d look ridiculous if she were wrong, but better safe than sorry.

She slipped to the shoulder to let the SUV pass. But that clearly wasn’t the driver’s intention. She rattled off her location based on the landmarks, then the make and model of the SUV before the dispatcher had a chance to ask anything.

The first hit shook her but didn’t surprise her. The steering wheel nearly jumped out of her hands, but she managed to hold on. “The SUV hit me.”

“We’re sending a team. Can you see the license plate?”

“It’s covered in mud.” It was a split-second decision, but she didn’t wait for the next hit.

Her stomach clenched as she directed her car down the incline, terrified to roll over. The SUV didn’t follow her immediately. The driver must be having the same concern. At least, this was still a field, and she wouldn’t be wrapping her sedan around a tree.

The next moment, she went airborne. Everything inside her went cold.

I’m sorry, Dallas. I’m so sorry for all the pain I caused you.

Would that be it for her?

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