Page 43 of Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance

THE UNEASY FEELINGinside Dallas wouldn’t go away after they visited the police station and talked to the only local detective, a man who was nearly as much a fixture in Port Sunshine as Skylar’s grandmother was. Every year he was going to retire, and every year he postponed it. He’d been the officer on call the night Dallas’s father died.

Dallas had hoped he’d never have to set foot in the place again.

Butthatcottage seemed to live up to its sad history once again. He frowned all the way back to the ranch. Or could the missing renter, the gunshot, and what seemed to be dry blood on the leaves be a coincidence?

Even shaken up, Skylar’s grandmother had insisted on going back to the ranch, saying talking to his mom would be a good distraction.

Once they got there and left their vehicles, Mrs. Rafferty declared, “I’m a bit tired. I’ll stay with Amelia and chat inside. Why don’t you two youngsters take a walk to the barn and see what needs to be done for the reception?”

Worry clouded Skylar’s expression as she opened the door to let Breeze out. “Grandma, are you okay? Would you like me to take you home?”

Breeze leaped out of the car, clearly excited about the many new smells.

“Not so fast, darling.” Skylar secured her leash before the dog could get too excited about a distant moving scent of an animal. Some cows could charge an untrained dog, even one as friendly as Breeze.

“I’m fine.” Mrs. Rafferty waved her granddaughter off, though her hand shook. “Well, fine under the circumstances. I just want to talk to my friend. She’s going to be one of the bridesmaids, and we need to decide on the dresses.” Then she sized Dallas up. “How do you feel about being one of the groomsmen?”

Dallas flinched. That would mean spending even more time with Skylar, who was the maid of honor.

“Grandma, shouldn’t that be up to your fiancé to decide?” Skylar seemed as reluctant about the idea as he was, and for some reason, it irritated him.

“Well, he’s not here, is he?” Mrs. Rafferty waved around. “He said he didn’t have many friends. And I have a feeling his son’s not keen on our wedding.”

Dallas’s mother loved Mrs. Rafferty, and he loved her, too. So he cleared his throat. “It would be an honor.”

“Thank you.” She patted his hand with cold fingers. “We’ll see when we can get you an appointment for a tuxedo fitting.”

Riiight. He’d never had to wear a tuxedo and never intended to squeeze into one, but remember, his mother loved Mrs. Rafferty. After a long series of tragic events, she especially deserved to be happy. And really, his wants couldn’t count when the wonderful woman had been so shaken up lately.

“Do you mind holding the leash, please?” Skylar stepped to him, giving him a whiff of her peach shampoo.

It sent his thoughts to all the times he used to run his fingers through her silky long hair, and his treacherous heart started beating fast. “No. Yes. I mean, no.”

“Which one is it?” Her lips twitched up.

“I mean no, I don’t mind.” He lifted his palm.

“Thanks.” She passed him the leather leash.

Their hands touched, sending something akin to an electric current, but a pleasant one, through him. Why did he still react to her touch? His mind said no, but his heart didn’t want to follow.

Her eyes widened, and she let out a low gasp, giving him a jolt of satisfaction. So the touch affected her, as well.

“I... we... I...” Blinking rapidly, she seemed to come to her senses, squatted near the golden retriever, and hugged Breeze. Or did she hug the dog because she needed to compose herself? “Don’t try to run, okay, Breeze? Be good. I’ll be right back.”

Then Skylar straightened and helped her grandmother inside the house.

Dallas and Breeze looked after Skylar, then at each other. Breeze whined and tugged the leash to run after Skylar to the porch.

He stayed firm. “Yeah, I miss her already, too. The difference between us is you’ll get her back soon and I won’t.”

Seeming satisfied with his answer, Breeze started chasing her tail again. Then she plopped down on the grass and tilted her head as if she couldn’t understand something.

“I know I should’ve come up with an excuse not to go with her to the barn.” He voiced his thoughts. “But what was I supposed to say? That I was too busy and refused to accompany her?”

Kai walked from the stables. “Talking to the dog, I see.”

Right. “Well, you talk to your parrot.”

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