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“Always.”
He clicked off and reached for his Stetson.
* * *
CY DROVE THEM up to the barn. Kellie got out and headed for the entrance. Cy followed and they walked over to the first stall. “Trixie? I want you to meet a very important person.” Kellie’s palomino nickered and her ears pointed. “This is Cy. He’s going to ride Paladin while we do some circles.”
Clearly Cy was no stranger around horses as he rubbed her nose and forelock. “I watched you perform in Bandera, Trixie. You’re a champion just like your owner.” Her horse nudged him in the chest, causing him to smile at Kellie. When he did that, she forgot where she was or what she was doing.
They moved to the next stall. “This is Paladin, one of Dad’s geldings. He’s a big bay who loves a good ride. And he likes Trixie. When they’re out in the pasture, he follows her around.”
Cy’s eyes gleamed. “I can see why. She’s a beauty. Who says romance doesn’t exist among our four-legged friends?”
“The only trouble is, he can be annoying and she runs from him.”
He burst into that rich male laughter she loved so much. “So she likes her independence.”
“At times. But then there are others and she rests her head on his neck.”
“Sounds like a mercurial female. I’ll do my best to control him.”
This close to Cy, darts of awareness shot through her body. Together they picked out their saddles and bridles, then carried them to the stalls. Kellie heard a nicker from another stall.
“Starburst? I haven’t forgotten you, but it’s not your turn.”
A grin broke out on Cy’s face. “You talk to them like they’re human.”
“To tell the truth, I like them better than a lot of humans.”
“Amen to that.”
Before long they were both mounted. One glance at the gorgeous male astride the bay and she was in danger of melting on the spot. The only way she could describe her condition was that she was in a state of euphoria being with him like this.
He was a natural on a horse and took firm command of Paladin, yet displayed a gentleness that won Kellie’s respect and admiration. She decided he could do anything. They rode out to the pasture as if this was something he did every day. Though she hadn’t seen him ride in the Bandera parade, she could imagine him with the other three Rangers carrying the flag.
After riding some distance, she headed for the outdoor arena. Cy followed at a slower pace and pulled to a stop. Her pulse raced because he was watching her.
Once inside, Kellie began her routine and made perfect circles with Trixie, always using a little inside leg. She made certain her horse’s back feet went in the same track as her front feet. After a few minutes she walked her around, then changed to a trot so she could stand in the stirrups to build up the strength in her legs.
To transition from high speed to stops was part of the routine. So was the exercise of backing up, then calling to her horse to stop. While Kellie was building up her own leg muscles, the exercises were helping Trixie strengthen her hindquarters.
Finally she led her over to the fence and did a few more stops, causing Trixie to use her back hocks and stifles. The routine built the vital control necessary for barrel racing. “Good girl,” she called to her horse and patted her neck.
In the background she could hear clapping. When she looked over her shoulder, she saw Cy on Paladin, walking toward them. Beneath his white cowboy hat, his dark blue eyes traveled over her, filling her with warmth. “I wouldn’t have missed that expert performance for anything.”
“Did you hear that, Trixie? Such high praise coming from one of our famous Texas Rangers.” To cover her emotions, she gave her horse another couple of loving pats. “I think you’ve had a good enough workout for today. It’s going to be dark pretty soon. Let’s head back to the barn.” She glanced at Cy. “I try not to overdo it with her. It’s important I make an effort to change her daily routine. Tomorrow I’ll work with Starburst for a while.”
They rode back in companionable silence. After watering the horses, they put them to bed. On their way out to the car, he asked about her parents.
“They’re so thankful you caught one of the stalkers, they decided to attend an important dinner tonight. Otherwise they’d be here to ask you to stay for dinner. But let’s go inside anyway to freshen up before we leave for the condo.”
In a few minutes they went back to his car. He helped her in and got behind the wheel. “I’m in the mood for a good meal. Have you ever eaten at the Watering Hole? It’s only a few miles from here.”
He was finally asking her to do something a couple would do, but she couldn’t consider this a date in any sense of the word. Cy was hungry and needed to eat. Somehow Kellie had to rein in her thoughts that were growing out of control.
They’d been thrown together because of a life-threatening situation and nothing more. But it was getting harder and harder to remain objective when she was so attracted to him. It’s more than attraction, Kellie. A lot more.
“I’ve been there many times,” she answered. “Their charbroiled steak is the best in Austin.”
“That was easy.”
Yes. Way too easy. She was under the Ranger’s spell.
Luckily it was the kind of restaurant where you could come as you were. The place was always crowded. While they waited in the lounge area to be called to their table, Anita Wall, one of the women in the Blue Bonnet Posse, made a beeline for Kellie and gave her a hug. “It’s so good to see you. I heard you got married. You’ve got to introduce me.”
This was what happened when you went out in public. “Anita Wall? Meet my husband, Cy Vance.”
Her married friend and mother looked up at Cy and did a triple take. Kellie couldn’t blame her. The man was too striking.
“How do you do?” She shook his hand. “We’ve all wondered who the man was to snag our star.” Her gaze swerved to Kellie before she whispered in her ear, “Now I understand. Wow, wow, wow.”
While Kellie tried not to react, Cy asked, “Are you here alone?”
“No. I’m with some friends.”
“You’re welcome to join us.”
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t dream of intruding on you honeymooners, but thank you for the invitation.” She gave Kellie one more hug. “Call me when you have time to talk.”
“I will. It’s wonderful to see you, Anita.”
To her relief the hostess called their number and Cy escorted her to their table. Once their order was taken, Cy sat back, smiling at her. “Every friend of yours I’ve met lights up when they see you.”
“Every friend of mine can’t stop staring when they meet you,” she countered before she realized what she’d said. Heat rose to her face. “They’d all be shocked and horrified if they knew what the real reason was for our being together. For your sake I hope the stalker makes another move soon.”
“But not for yours?”
She lowered her head. “That came out wrong. Even if this is the career you’ve chosen, it has to be harrowing for you while you’re forced to bide your time waiting for the next opportunity to present itself.”
Their food came. Once they were alone again he said, “You have that turned around. You’re the one being tortured mentally and emotionally.” He cut into his steak. “Some victims would fall apart at a time like this, but not you. Your courage makes my job a lot easier to handle.” So saying, he started eating.
“That’s because you have a facility for calming me down. It’s a gift, Ranger Vance.”
Before she broke into grateful tears, she dug into her meal. They ate without talking. When she turned down dessert, he left some bills with the receipt and ushered her out of the restaurant to his car.
As they drove out of the parking lot, she turned to him. “I want to pay you for my share of the dinner. I don’t expect the taxpayers of our state to take care of my bill.”
“Didn’t you notice that I paid cash for our dinner? It’s from my paycheck. Any allowance I get as part of the job, I’m issued a credit card for that account. Tonight was my personal treat, if you like.”
Kellie liked it too much. “Thank you. That dinner was delicious.”
“I agree. Before this case is closed, I might just treat you again.”
He got a chuckle out of her.
“That’s better. I know you feel like this is the never-ending story, but it will be over before long. Our stalker Dan is beside himself without his brother. His need to kill again is stronger than ever because they didn’t get the job done. In his desperation to finish what they started, he’ll reveal himself in some way and that will be his downfall.”
“If you say it, then I know it’s true.”
“I’m touched by your faith in me. How would you like to go to a family party with me on Sunday night?”
The question caught her off guard. “But they’ll all think we’re married—”
“They know I’m on a case.”
“Do your parents realize you’re protecting me?”
“Because I’m undercover, they’ll figure it out. The point is, my sister is getting married and the parents are inviting a few people over to celebrate the coming event. Because of my job I’ve been absent from too many family gatherings as it is and would prefer not to miss this one. But I can’t leave you alone. Starting tomorrow we won’t have backup from the department unless I ask for it. If you don’t want to go, we won’t.”
She bit her lip. “I can see you need a babysitter for me, one armed with a weapon.”
“It’s all right. Don’t give it another thought.”
After what he’d just told her? Ha. Kellie eyed his arresting profile. “How many sisters do you have?”
“Just Beth, short for Elizabeth.”
“Do you have brothers?”
“No. I’m the only one.”
“Well, far be it from me to keep you from a party this important. If I had no siblings except one brother, I know I’d want him there for the most important moment in my life.”
Cy looked over at her. “It is the biggest thing in her life. I knew I could count on you,” he said in a satisfied tone.
Emotional bribery that fed on her guilt went a long way to persuade her. He had no idea how hard this would be on her. They weren’t engaged, and she couldn’t count on seeing him again after he’d caught the killer. But there was another part of her that was crazy with excitement to go out with him, even if she understood the true reason for being in his company.
They pulled into the garage and he shut off the engine. “Let me have your car keys for a minute.” She rummaged in her purse for them. After she handed them to him, he got out and inspected her Toyota, including the trunk. “Okay,” he called to her. She started to get out. “But let me go in the condo first.”
That was right. While she could forget everything but the joy of being with him, his radar was on alert every second. Kellie waited by the door until he’d turned on lights and told her she could come in. She entered and locked it. They were home for the night, snug and secure.
Despite the menace still lurking out there, she’d never been happier in her life. There was only one reason why, and that reason was walking around, all six foot two of rip-cord-strong Texas Ranger with dark blue eyes and handsome features to die for.
When she thought of Anita and the look on her face when she saw Cy, Kellie feared it was the same smitten look she’d been walking around with since Bandera.
“Vic brought your laptop back.” At the sound of his deep voice, she swung around and saw it on the kitchen table. “The lab has finished with it. Feel free to check your emails and your blog site. Add whatever comes to mind.”
The mention of it reminded Kellie of her phone. She’d turned off the ringer. Thank heaven Cy was here. In his presence she wasn’t frightened to see who’d called.
After getting it out of her purse, she walked into the living room and sank down on the couch. While Cy was upstairs, she checked her cell. Five messages had been left. One from Cody, who was verifying their trip plans to Rapid City, South Dakota, for the rodeo. She’d call him back. Four came from friends. There was one text message. It came from... Trixie?
Kellie felt sick. When she checked it, there was a picture with the text. She pressed on it and saw herself and Cy in his car as they were backing out of her garage. The text read, Plan to say goodbye to your husband, Kellie girl. It’ll be payment for my brother. Then I’m going after your horse. Don’t forget your turn is coming.
“Cy—” she cried out in panic. Within seconds he came down the stairs. “Look at this! He’s a maniac! He’s threatening to kill you and my horse!” She handed him her phone so he could see everything.
Without thinking about it, Cy sat down and put his arm around her shoulders to comfort her. He’d been wondering when she’d break down. All this time she’d been so brave, but the threat accompanying the photo of her horse had been the tipping point for her. It was too much. She burrowed into his neck and sobbed.
He brushed the hair away from her cheek. “Awful as this is, it means he’s ready to spring into action. But don’t worry. Two of the agency’s men dressed like local ranch hands are guarding your horses around the clock.”
She blinked. “All this time?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, thank heaven.”
“The stalker doesn’t have much more time before you leave for the rodeo next week. I’m convinced he’s going to make his move soon. I’ll be ready for him,” he murmured, pressing kisses to her brow.
One minute she was clinging to him. In the next instant she raised her head to reveal a tear-sodden face. He brushed the moisture from her cheeks with his thumb.
“I—I’m sorry I fell apart like that,” she stammered. “How embarrassing.”
Cy heard the words, but their lips were only an inch apart, distracting him from his duty to protect her. All that registered was her warmth and beauty, seducing him into wanting a taste of her. It was wrong to give in to his desire, but he’d passed a threshold where chemistry had taken over. He could no more stop what was happening than he could prevent himself from being swept into a vortex.
When his mouth closed over hers, he heard a small moan, then she was giving him access as if she couldn’t stop herself, either. For a minute he forgot everything while the wonder of her response had taken hold. One kiss became another and another until it all merged into a growing need that had set them on fire.
He’d never known this kind of ecstasy before, not even with his fiancée. Maybe it was because of the danger surrounding them that the experience of holding and kissing her had surpassed any pleasure he’d known with the few women from his past.
Kellie was exciting from the way she looked, talked, walked, rode a horse and fought her fear. Her smile dazzled him. Her lust for life—her plans for life—thrilled him almost as much as her touch, almost as much as the feel of her body molded to his.
Caught up in a frenzy of giving and taking, Cy unexpectedly heard a familiar voice come into his head. You realize the two of you will be walking a very thin line.
Stunned by how far he’d gotten carried away, he lifted his mouth from hers with reluctance. Somehow he managed to let her go and got to his feet. He cleared his throat and stood there with his hands on his hips while he attempted to get his breathing under control. “That wasn’t supposed to happen, Kellie. I apologize for betraying your trust, but you have my solemn oath it won’t happen again.”
She looked up at him through clear blue eyes dominating a flushed face. “It takes two, Ranger Vance. I was right there with you and crossed a line I swore I wouldn’t. But I’ll tell you this. I enjoyed it.”
An honest woman. He smiled, loving her candor. “It was even more exciting for me than watching you round the third can in Bandera and fly straight down the alley.”
After running his hands through her hair, Cy could see he’d disheveled it. She smoothed a few strands off her forehead. “It’s past my bedtime, so I’ll say good-night.”
“I need to keep your phone,” he said before she reached for it. Kellie nodded, then stood up and hurried out of the living room.
No sooner had she disappeared up the stairs than Vic called. Cy pulled out his phone and clicked on. “Did you get in to interrogate our prisoner?”
“Yes, but he’s not going to give up any information. These guys are real pros, but I have other news you need to see and sent it to your email. I sent the same email to the agents back east who are working on this case.”
“How soon can you get here?”
“I’m walking toward the front of Kellie’s town house now.”
