Page 33 of Cowboy Jeopardy

“Have it your way.” He straightened. “With Mrs. White under the weather, it’s nice to get into town. The boys reminded me that I don’t take them out enough.”

“You should do better.” She read the special again and decided on the BLT with fries.

Dylan continued to carry on small talk, no doubt trying to take her mind off her troubles. It didn’t work. She had one week. One. And her mother and she couldn’t leave a trap for the man without running the risk of being arrested and locked up themselves. She had no alternative but let the man come for her. Not even her mother could collect one-hundred-thousand dollars in time, and as everyone knew, Marilyn Cooper could accomplish most things.

Delly stopped at the table to take her order. “You sick?”

“No, why?” Dani frowned.

“You look sick.” She shrugged. “What will you have?”

“The BLT and fries. Toasted bread, please.” She handed her sister the menu.

Delly studied her face for a minute, then turned to Dylan. “Something’s wrong with her. She’s either sick or scared. What happened?”

“Today or yesterday? I’ll have the mushroom Swiss burger.”

“Lordy. Trouble both days?” She shook her head. “I’ll never survive this. Never mind. I don’t want to know.” She continued around the table.

So much for Dani’s brave, always-get-things-done sister. Most likely, her deputy husband had forbidden her from getting involved. Being in the honeymoon stage would be the only reason Delly would be so compliant. Dani wasn’t the only stubborn twin.

Dani excused herself and headed for the bathroom. If she didn’t corral her emotions, Dylan would demand to know what bothered her. She didn’t want to ruin his afternoon on one of the few days the ranch wasn’t swarming with guests, and they were all able to leave.

Inside, she splashed her face with cold water, then stared at her reflection in the mirror. She did look ill. Pale and pasty. Worry lined her face, and fear shadowed her eyes. Get a grip! The sheriff would find the man haunting her. He’d never failed before. Why should he now that Dani was in trouble…again? The men of this town trusted the sheriff’s department to do its job. So would she. Plus, she was surrounded by cowboys willing to do anything to keep her safe. One in particular. She prayed Dylan didn’t come to regret his chivalry. Composure regained, she returned to the table. Her lunch sat waiting for her. Dani’s stomach growled. “I guess I’m hungrier than I thought.”

“Feeling better?’ Dylan smiled and lifted his burger to his mouth.

“I will once I eat.” Let him think she was simply hungry. It would save him from asking a lot of questions.

“Want to take a walk later? Just the two of us?”

She paused in lifting her sandwich. “Am I in trouble?”

He chuckled. “No, I thought it would be nice, just the two of us. Get to know each other a little better. Give me a chance to apologize for being heavy-handed in the woods yesterday.”

“Okay.” Wow. Did this mean Dylan was interested in her as more than a nanny for his boys? How did she feel about that? She wanted commitment, a relationship, a family someday, but now when her life was in danger was not the time. Or maybe it was. Maybe she should grab happiness when she could and not wait for a future that might not come. “Sure. I’d like that very much.” She smiled and bit into her sandwich.

~

By the time the sun set, and the twins were in front of the TV watching their favorite show before bed, Dylan was more than ready to spend some alone time with Dani. The surprise on her face when he’d asked was humorous. He had the impression not many people asked to be alone with her.

Dani didn’t seem to have friends in Misty Hollow. At least none that called or came visiting. Her entire world seemed to be his ranch. He wanted her to be happy here.

“Ready?” He passed through the kitchen where she folded dish towels at the table while her mother wiped the counter. “Mrs. White doing better?”

“Just a cold.” Marilyn turned. “Where are you two off to?”

“A short walk around the ranch.” He motioned his head toward the door.

Dani handed the stack of towels to her mother. “I’m ready.”

Her eyebrows raised, Marilyn smiled. “Have fun,” she sang.

Dani rolled her eyes. “It’s just a walk, Mom.” She rushed out the door.

“I might have started some speculation.” Dylan caught up with her.

“Yep. She’ll rush to tell Mrs. White, who will then let all the cowboys and everyone in five states know.” She laughed. “Can you handle it? I mean…I’m Danica Cooper. Bad news.”

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