Page 304 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

He gave her a doubtful look.

“Yesterday, as I was getting ready for the wedding, she barged into my private restroom and threatened me. She told me that you belonged to her, and I’d better stay away.”

His jaw went slack, and she could see the confusion swirling over him. “No, Shauna wouldn’t do that.”

“She did. And then she had the nerve to sit there and act like we’d never met.” She looked him in the eye. “I promise you, Nash, that’s exactly what happened.”

The lines around his lips grew strained. “I had no idea. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize. No wonder you went on the rampage. If a guy had done me that way, I would’ve decked him.”

He proved that last night at the reception, when he did just that to the scoundrel who tried to attack her. “I should’ve decked her,” she muttered.

Silence settled between them, until she finally spoke. “So, where do we go from here?”

His eyes went soft around the edges as he smiled. “Friends?”

Her heart melted, and she felt the same connection with him that she’d felt when she stepped up to the altar. It was stronger than anything she’d ever felt before. Couldn’t he feel it too? She realized in that moment that she could never think of him merely as a friend. Maybe that’s what she was supposed to learn from this—that life rarely turned out the way you want it to. She would have to settle for whatever crumbs Nash was willing to offer. “Friends, it is,” she heard herself say, as they shook on it.

Chapter 16

The next two weeks passed quickly as Brooke settled into her new routine. She couldn’t pinpoint what it was, but there was a subtle difference in Nash. Something had shifted since their conversation, where they agreed to be friends. He seemed more comfortable around her and made a point of complimenting her and joking around. It was hard to have him so close in proximity and yet so far out of reach. Since the moment she’d stepped foot on this cursed ranch, he’d consumed her thoughts, and all she could think about was when she was going to see him again.She really was pathetic!The more she tried to erase him from her mind, the stronger the attraction grew. His very smile sent butterflies fluttering through her stomach; and when he casually touched her arm in conversation, she could feel the heat of his flesh on hers. It was as if all of the feelings that she’d had for him before were still there, and multiplying daily. If things kept going like this, she’d be a lost cause in eighteen months! And the saddest part was—he only considered her a friend.

She pushed aside the despondent thoughts and forced her mind onto something more positive.Myrna. She’d been a lifesaver! One of the things she looked forward to the most was their daily breakfasts. By an unspoken agreement, they wouldmeet in the kitchen after the morning rush, where they would munch on pancakes, waffles, or whatever was leftover from the 6 a.m. breakfast. It was nice to be able to share the camaraderie of another female, and she appreciated Myrna’s candor and sharp wit.

Afterwards, Brooke would go to the stables for her morning ride. She never would’ve believed it in a million years, but she was actually starting to love riding. Carlos was still giving her tips and riding instructions, and she’d graduated up to what he called anintermediatehorse. Honey Bee was a Palomino with a shiny gold coat and white mane. She was certainly more high-strung and energetic than poor Bessie, and she loved to gallop on the open prairie. There was something exhilarating about riding full speed through open space (or rather as fast as she dared to go, with her limited riding experience) with her hair flying wildly behind her. She could forget about her problems and simplybe.

Today’s ride had been a little unnerving, however. Several times when she slowed Honey Bee to a walk, she felt the uncanny impression of being watched. Each time, she jerked around, scoping the area, but no one was there.

The same thing was happening when she was alone in her living quarters. She would catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye, and she had the feeling that someone was always with her. It was so strange, and she feared she was imagining things. Was the isolation of the ranch getting to her? It would be worse this coming weekend because Nash was going to Vegas for another round of bull riding, and she would be left here alone. She briefly considered planning a lunch with someone to help pass the time, but the sad reality was that she didn’t have many close friends. Her phone buzzed. She scowled and pushed the side button so that it would stop ringing. It was her daddy. He’d called twice yesterday, and this was his second call today. He was probably trying to ease his conscience to makesure she was doing okay. She felt a little guilty for ignoring him, but was still ticked at him for putting her in this situation, and didn’t want to talk to him right now.

She heard a noise and jumped slightly when she saw Alice, her daddy’s personal assistant, standing by the door, studying her. How long had she been there? She’d certainly not heard her come in. She frowned. “What’re you doing here?”

“Your dad sent me to go over your hours, to make sure you’re spending the required time with Nash.”

“Well, a head’s up would’ve been nice,” she said frostily.

“May I sit down?”

“As if I could stop you.”

Alice hesitated like she was unsure what to do, until Brooke motioned impatiently. “Go ahead.”

“Your dad’s been trying to get in touch with you, to tell you I was coming.” She removed a notebook from her bag and crossed her legs, giving Brooke a challenging look, like she knew she’d been avoiding his calls.

So that was why he was calling. She should’ve known!Disappointment rippled over her.

“How are things going with you and Nash?”

She crossed her arms tightly over her chest. “Well, we haven’t killed each other yet, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Alice chuckled. “Seriously, are the two of you getting along?”

“Yeah, we’re the best of friends,” she said sarcastically. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Alice was really Gracie from the inn in Utah. It had to be her! There was no way two people could look that similar. Alice’s hair was different though. It was brown and short, whereas Gracie’s was strawberry blonde. Maybe Alice was wearing a wig. She looked closely. No, it didn’t look like it. She could’ve dyed her hair though. But why? What reason would she have for impersonating Gracie?

“Are you okay?”

“You remind me so much of a girl I know. In fact, except for the hair, you could be her twin.”

Alice tilted her head thoughtfully. “Oh, yes. You mentioned that when we first met at your dad’s office.” She chuckled good-naturedly. “I’ve always heard that everybody has a double. I guess it’s really true.”

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