Page 120 of Maddox

I placed both hands on his shoulders, squeezing his muscles. “You’re tense.”

“Yeah, I am.”

When I started massaging, he took a deep breath.

“You need to work out all those kinks.”

“Kinks, huh? I like the sound of that.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

“I could say the same about you. Why don’t we get out of here. I think it’s time I show you the ranch in all its glory.”

Bending down, I nipped his earlobe, offering him my most sultry voice. “I’d like that even if all you’re doing is trying to take my mind off the nightmare.”

“Well? What do you think?” Maddox was leaning against the stone fireplace, studying my reaction as I turned in a full circle.

Maddox’s voice held an entirely different tone. After leaving the house, he’d driven around the ranch, taking his time to point out his favorite location. He’d even allowed me to take some time petting several cows, which he’d called ridiculous, reminding me they weren’t pets.

I’d learned during the show and tell phase that he hadn’t planned on buying a home let alone a ranch; the man was content with renting tiny spaces just so he could maintain an address for receiving checks and other benefits from his service in the military.

The barns were incredible, although at least one needed a little work. There were several men repairing miles of fencing, all taking the time to wave to their boss as we drove by. It all seemed surreal.

“I think you could do so much with the guesthouses. But that will take money and time. The light is incredible, the view spectacular. With some additions of furniture and art, you could soon make an incredible income from renting out to tourists and people eager to take a week or two of respite away from their daily grind.” I stood staring out the floor-to-ceiling window of the third guesthouse he’d allowed me to see, marveling in the majesty of the mountains in the late afternoon sun as a backdrop.

They were snowcapped and the light dusting of freshly fallen snow provided a cozy, romantic feel even though the small home remained empty.

He’d been right to get me outside. My mind was clearer.

“Money, I have. Expertise, I don’t.”

“I would be happy to help you. You know. All that free time I have on my hands since someone I know won’t allow me to do the job I was born and bred to do.”

“Born and bred to write articles? Fascinating, but the answer is still no. And you’d really consider becoming my assistant?”

I tipped my head, studying his face. The man’s grin was practically evil. He was even more rugged looking than before. Standing in faded denim blue jeans, a red and black flannel shirt, and rugged work boots, I envisioned him holding an ax instead of a sharpshooter-style weapon.

Even his adorable scruffy beard added to the allure. Female visitors would eat him up with a spoon.

Somehow, that made the streak of jealousy that much more formidable.

However, even with his mischievous smile, the Glock now worn in a shoulder holster was a reminder of the continued danger we were both in.

I’d brought the constant thought of peril to him. Should I feel guilty? I wasn’t certain. What I did know what that the man would do anything in his power to keep me safe.

“Why not? As long as you listened to my advice, which I realize will take an act of God,” I said with a slight hint of arrogance in my tone on purpose. “You’ll need to establish a tourist destination complete with hot spots for Wi-Fi use. You’ll need to provide meals, maybe at least breakfast at the main house. Clear-cut activities such as horseback riding and watching cowboys wrangle cattle.” I was laughing as I made the suggestions from seeing the near look of horror crossing his face.

“Well, at least I have the hot spots. Everything is wired for sound.”

“Wow. Such a secure man. I’m surprised.”

“Came with the property. I’ve locked down the internet in the house. I assure you no one, including you, can gain access.”

“Hmmm… You don’t trust me.”

Now his look turned mischievous. “Not with certain things, Miss Dangerous One.”

“Just remember that, buster. Iamdangerous.”

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