Page 25 of Cowboy Jeopardy

Dani’s heart leaped into her throat, and she whirled toward the ruckus.

An armadillo froze near the horse paddock, then curled into a ball. Dani rushed to intercept the poor thing before the dogs tore it apart.

“Hold up.” Dylan sprinted past her. “The claws on that thing will tear you apart.” He set a metal trap in front of it and called off the dogs before ushering the animal inside. He closed the trapdoor and faced her. “Wild animals don’t take kindly to being saved. Especially, if they’re frightened.”

“What are you going to do with it?” She wasn’t exactly sure how she would’ve helped the animal, but she hadn’t intended on picking it up with her bare hands.

“Release it away from the ranch. They dig too many holes.” He flashed a grin and marched past her, tossing over his shoulder that he’d let the kids all take a peek before sending it away.

Her heart rate slowly returned to normal as she scanned the tree line. The three dogs ambled around the paddock, nose to the ground. Clarence had returned to grazing. All seemed right on the ranch. So, why did the hairs on the back of her neck still stand at attention?

She needed to formulate an escape plan in case the worst happened. Willy was teaching the children how to start a fire from scratch. They’d be busy for a bit.

Chewing her thumbnail, she headed back to the barn and stared at Daisy. There hadn’t been nearly enough riding lessons—something she planned on changing. She also wasn’t comfortable putting the saddle on the horse.

Dani lowered to a three-legged stool to make a plan. She knew where the keys to the ranch vehicles were, but they weren’t always accessible. Not with as many hands as the ranch had. Okay, she had two potential modes of transportation. She could flee via the road if she had a vehicle or across the land on a four-wheeler or horse. The next thing she would need would be a weapon.

The gun she’d purchased months ago was locked in the safe in the camper. She’d need to find a place where she’d have easy access to the weapon but keep it out of the twins’ reach. Money was also an issue. Cash on hand would be necessary. A frustrated sigh came out. She and the boys would be required to attend the overnight camping trips. A rapid escape would be near impossible.

Dani slapped her hands against her thighs and stood. She’d figure it out—she always did. Feeling better with the semblance of a plan if things went south, Dani left the barn and joined the boys and their friends.

~

The children oohed and aahed over the armadillo before Dylan handed it over to Colt to dispose of somewhere away from the ranch. Dylan glanced up as Dani joined them. “Sorry, I barked at you. Guess I’m too used to telling the boys to stay back and don’t touch.”

She shrugged. “No big deal.” A shadow crossed her features.

“I really am sorry.” He hadn’t meant anything by his words.

Her gaze flicked to his. “It’s okay, really.”

He narrowed his eyes. What was going through her pretty head? He didn’t think he’d like whatever thoughts flittered there. “Walk with me.”

“The boys—”

“For a minute.” Once they were away from the others, he stopped and faced her. “What’s on your mind?”

“Riding lessons.” She lifted her chin.

“Riding lessons?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” With everything else, her lessons had been allowed to slide. “We’ll resume this weekend, or would you prefer the evenings after the kids have left?”

“Whenever you have time is fine with me. All we’ve done is get me in the saddle.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I should’ve made riding a priority.” He frowned, studying her face and the way she refused to make eye contact. “Anything else?”

“No, that’s it. Thanks.” She gave a quick smile that didn’t seem the slightest bit sincere.

He thought they’d been growing close. What happened? “Have you received another text?”

“No, thank goodness.” She glanced over as Willy demonstrated how to douse the fire they’d just built. “I should get back to work.” She turned to leave.

“Dani?” He reached out to stop her but let his hand drop. “Okay.”

The air grew chillier as she moved away. Dread filled his heart. He knew deep inside she planned on leaving. Somehow, someday, he’d look up and she’d be gone.

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