Page 21 of Possessive Rancher

“That’s why I said guide. I will guide them and they can do the rest. We can set up a checkpoint where I drop them off and meet them back at the same spot for a picnic or refreshments.”

“Or an ATV to carry the weary down the mountain,” he chuckles. “She’s a beauty to look at, but she’s a bitch to climb.”

“Okay, so what about a dedicated ATV track? Something that won’t get washed out in the rain, or a decent dirt track for their bikes and things?”

Hudson smiles at me, “I’m so happy you answered my drunken want ad. That’s a great idea. I actually have an idea of where to put it, too. There’s a treacherous pasture, full of boulders and large rocks. I can move some dirt around and pack it in some places. It would make a great course. I can run a smaller, less advanced track in the lot beside it.”

I’m already helping to bring his dream alive. It plays in my mind like a movie. Mrs. Heather Haven, mountain climber and award-winning retreat owner.

“How do you feel about television?” I ask Hudson.

He raises an eyebrow, “You mean like the ones throughout the house? They’re fine, I guess.”

“I mean being on it. We can reach out to some different channels and maybe social media platforms to film while you put these renovations together. Especially the ATV track, it can turn into some motocross event or something.”

“Well, one thing at a time, baby girl. Let’s get a plan down and figure out the expenses. Once we have a budget in mind, we can take it from there. In the meantime, I want you to get on the phone and get your friends to send you that picture.”

A shiver runs up and down my spine. “You really think this might be the same guy?”

“I don’t know, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

11

HUDSON

The nervousness blanketing Heather’s demeanor isn’t lost on me. Whoever the guy is that’s responsible for her losing her job makes her worry. I don’t like that and I don’t think the guy breaking down last night is a coincidence either.

Heather gets on the phone for a moment, and when she gets off, I can see how tense she is—angry even.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“One of the guys I worked with just said that the creep’s been back and asking questions about me. He caused a scene and everything. He was saying stuff like he never meant for me to leave after one of the employees said I was going back home.”

I don’t like the sound of that. “How much do the employees know about Conklin?”

She shrugs. “I mean, I’m sure I’ve mentioned it, but me and my mother have been out there for at least three years. I don’t see how anyone would think of me coming home as coming all the way out to Conklin.”

I make a suggestion. “How about you give your mother a call to see if the creep’s found his way to her?”

“Alright.” She huffs and presses a few buttons on the phone before turning the speaker on. Heather rests her elbows on the counter and her chin on her hands.

A chipper woman comes on the line after a few rings. “Mornin’, Heather. ‘Bout time you called your mother.”

“Morning, Mom,” Heather forces a smile like her mother’s in the room. “Listen, I’m in Conklin.”

“Thank you for finally letting me know you made it out there safely.”

Heather lets out a breath of exhaustion. “You’re right. I should have called sooner, but I’m here. About that check business-”

Her mother cuts her off, “Oh did your friend give it to you?”

Heather’s face contorts in confusion. “What friend?”

“You know, the handsome fella. He said he worked at the motel with you and was going out to see you, so he could bring it to you. Did you get it, hun?”

“No,” Heather replies with frustration creeping into her voice. “Mom, that doesn’t make any sense. Why would you give the check to some random stranger? You didn’t even call me to verify I actually knew this person, and you just told them where I was?”

“Well, hun, he said you told him you were at a place called Heaven’s Haven. I know that ranch is on the outskirts of Conklin, and I just figured this guy had to be your friend, or else how did he know where to find you?”

---