Page 6 of Cowboy Peril

“Parker?”

“Yes, I know you don’t want to hear from me, but I don’t know what to do.” Her words broke on a sob. “I think I lost him, but I’m not sure. No! He’s outside the motel, Colt.”

He was already reaching for his hat and gun. “What does he look like?”

“I can’t see his face, but about your height, maybe twenty pounds heavier, dark clothes, dark hat pulled low over his face. A baseball cap. There’s an emblem, but I can’t read it.”

“What’s he doing?”

“Staring at my window.”

“Stay in your room. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“That long?”

“I’ll be flying as it is.” He hung up and turned to Mrs. White. “Looks like we’ll be having a guest.”

“I’ll put the coffee on.” She reached into the cabinet.

Colt ran for his truck. The obvious fear in her voice had him tearing down the mountain faster than was safe. He couldn’t help her if he was dead, so he slowed down.

He’d done his best to forget about her—to heal his broken heart. If this was a ploy to get him in her clutches again, he’d strangle her himself. Colt didn’t want her to be in danger, but he couldn’t stand lying, and, if Parker was anything, she was an occasional liar. Nothing big, just little things to get what she wanted. It was her parents’ fault for spoiling her, but as a womanof twenty-five, she was responsible for her own actions now. He’d help her, but he wouldn’t trust her.

As he neared the motel, he slowed the truck and scanned both sides of the street. Not seeing anyone, he parked in front of the building and dialed Parker. “Which room are you in?”

“103.”

He closed his eyes and exhaled. Didn’t she know a single woman shouldn’t take a ground-floor room in motels where the doors all faced the outside? “I’m here. Stay there.” Colt shoved his door open and marched to room 103. He knocked and waited as she peered out the window before opening the door.

“Thank you.” She threw her arms around her neck. “I’ve never been more terrified in my life.”

He unwound her arms from him. “That your suitcase?”

“Yes.”

He grabbed it and carried it to his truck where he tossed it in the back. “You can stay at the ranch tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the next step.”

“The next step is me proving my parents were murdered.”

He took a deep breath and counted to ten before opening the passenger side door for her. “We’ll discuss it in the morning.”

“Do you think I can stay at the ranch while I investigate?” She climbed onto the seat.

“No one stays at the ranch without working for their keep.” He slammed the door. The last thing he wanted was for her to live there. Even one night was too long.

“I’m sure there’s a job I can do,” she said once he sat in the driver’s seat.

“Like what?” He frowned. “You’ve never worked a day in your life.”

“I’m sure there’s something.” She put a hand on his arm, her nails professionally manicured and sporting a light pink shade of polish. “Thank you, Colt.” She turned to face out the window.

“Let me know if you see the guy.” If someone really was following Parker with the intent to harm her, then they’d need to pay a visit to the sheriff. That, too, could wait until tomorrow. He’d add taking Parker to the sheriff’s office to his long to-do list. Right after interviewing a construction company about rebuilding the barn.

Thankfully, Parker didn’t talk until they reached the ranch. The moment he stopped, she shoved open her door without waiting for him and struggled to drag her suitcase from the truck bed.

Colt easily lifted it out and carried it to the house. “Mrs. White, meet Parker Wells.”

“Nice to meet you, dear. Come have a cup of coffee, then I’ll show you to your room.”

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