“And Lilly’s a filly, not a baby horse.” She giggled. “Lilly the filly. I just thought of that.”
Mariah smiled at the girl and followed her outside and across the yard. Jackson leaned against the sheriff’s SUV, though his expression looked anything but relaxed. He glanced at them as they exited the house but then refocused on the lawman. She wondered if he’d told Sheriff Parker about the black truck that had tried to run her off the road, and she considered asking, but Hailey wouldn’t welcome the delay.
“Why didn’t you call me when these things first started happening?” The sheriff shoved his hands to his waist and eyed Jackson.
Mariah slowed her steps and stopped. She bent down and retied her shoestrings, hoping to hear more of the conversation. She peeked over at Jackson.
Nostrils flaring, he shrugged then crossed his arms. “Didn’t realize I was being targeted then.”
“Shooting at stock tanks and cutting fences aren’t pranks, Jackson. That’s destruction of private property. Can you think of anybody who has a vendetta against you? Someone you maybe angered recently?” The stout sheriff stood only about chin-high to Jackson’s six-foot-plus frame.
“C’mon, Mariah.” Hailey tugged on her sleeve.
She slowly rose. “Sorry, sweetie.” She patted the girl’s head and moved forward beside her.
“I need to have a look at that fence. Have you already repaired it?” the sheriff asked.
“Yes, but I kept several pieces of wire to show you.”
The voices faded as Hailey tugged her toward the back of the barn. As they passed a stall, a horse shoved its big head over the gate and called a greeting. Mariah jumped and moved out of reach. How could anyone love these giant animals? And how did one ever get used to the stifling odors of a barn? She could only imagine how it must reek in the heat of the summer if it smelled this pungent in winter.
“Hi, Justin.” Hailey waved at the tall, lean man in the stall to her right. He didn’t look at them but gave a grunt of a greeting as he continued brushing a mocha-colored horse.
Jackson’s ranch hand had helped get the filly home yesterday, but he’d been anything but friendly to her. His shifty eyes and the way he avoided looking at her sent uneasy chills skittering down Mariah’s arms. Could someone working on the ranch be responsible for Jackson’s problems? It would be convenient for the perpetrator, but what could be his motive? That would be like biting the hand that fed you.
Her reporter’s instinct told her there was more to this Justin fellow than met the eye. She’d have to do some research on Jackson’s ranch hand—if she didn’t decide to pack up and leave. She’d lain awake several hours last night reliving the shooting. Was she stupid to stay? If she asked Jackson to take her to Tulsa, she could get a flight and be home in less than an hour. But since becoming an adult and getting her own place, she’d never backed down from a fight. Then again, no one had shot at her before.
Hailey opened a stall and stepped in. “Close the gate so Lilly doesn’t get out.”
Mariah snagged the swinging door and latched it shut. Over the stall slats, she watched Justin brush the horse with long, broad strokes. Slowly, his head turned in her direction at the same moment something warm and moist licked the back of her hand. She squealed and looked down at the baby horse then fell against the gate. Lilly’s head jerked up, startled by her sudden movement. She snorted and backed away. Hailey giggled, and Mariah was almost certain she heard Justin chuckle.
“She won’t hurt you. She just likes the saltiness of your skin.” Hailey scratched Lilly between her long ears.
Mariah stared at her hand. The dampness glistened in the sunlight flowing through the window behind the stall. She’d never been a diva, but...eww! Horse slobber. Not wanting to wipe it on her clean jeans, she glanced around for a rag.
Lilly wobbled toward her again, head bobbing. Mariah pressed against the gate, wishing she hadn’t locked herself in. The filly nuzzled her shirt with her lips. Mariah’s heart stopped when she glimpsed Lilly’s teeth. She swallowed hard, hoping to escape before the creature snagged a bite of her stomach.
“Don’t be afraid. She won’t hurt you,” Hailey cooed to her like Jackson had spoken to Lilly yesterday when she’d been so frightened.
Mariah wanted to ask how anything with teeth so big could be harmless, but her embarrassment that this young girl was braver than she was held her silent. Lilly seemed gentle enough. In fact, the little horse merely acted curious. Sucking in a breath of courage, she reached out her hand. Lilly sniffed it then snorted. Mariah yanked her hand back, her heart throbbing faster than the peppy salsa music her best friend enjoyed.
To her right, she glanced over to see Justin leading the mocha horse out of the stall. He walked with his head down, shaking it back and forth as he exited the barn. Obviously, he thought she was just as citified as Jackson did. Everything here was new to her, and she hated being judged because of her reaction to things so different from what she was used to. Change had never come easy for her.
Mariah looked down into the trusting brown eyes of the curious young horse. The creature didn’t have a mean bone in its body. It was stupid for her to be scared.
She reached out and touched Lilly’s velvety nose like she had the day before. The horse nudged her hand, tickling Mariah’s palm with exploring lips.
“I think she likes you.” The girl’s eyes twinkled.
Mariah smiled. She scratched between the filly’s ears like Hailey had done. The horse took a step forward and rubbed her head against Mariah’s tummy, loosening a chuckle from deep within. Why had she been afraid of this cute little creature?
“Let’s take Lilly for a walk,” Hailey said. The girl slipped from the stall, leaving Mariah alone with Lilly for a few heart-skipping moments. When she returned, she carried something resembling a green nylon dog leash. She snapped one end onto the red thing strapped on Lilly’s head.
Thinking of yesterday’s shooting, she shook her head. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to leave the barn.”
“I guess we can lead her in the alley between the stalls.”
“But isn’t she too young?”
Hailey shrugged. “She has to start sometime.”
Satisfied, Mariah forced her attention back on the young girl as she instructed her how to lead Lilly.
She smiled at how grown-up the six-year-old sounded. Was it because she was around adults most of the time?
Mariah rolled the lead like Hailey had shown her and tugged on it. Lilly walked through the stall gate then stopped. The little horse whinnied as Hailey strode out the barn, and suddenly, the filly lunged for the open door. The lead rope uncoiled and slipped through Mariah’s fingers. At the last second, she snagged hold of the loop on the end and raced after the filly, who followed Hailey outside.
She squinted from the glare of the afternoon sun as she jogged out of the barn. After a moment, she saw Hailey walking toward her father. The sheriff’s vehicle was gone, and Jackson stood next to Justin, examining the mocha-colored horse.
Hailey stopped in front of her father with her hands fisted on her hips. She shook her head, and Mariah was certain she heard the word greenhorn. The girl turned and stared at her, looking like a stern schoolteacher. “Looks like Lilly’s taking Mariah for a walk.”
Jackson and Justin exchanged amused looks, making Mariah feel even more inept. Justin laughed, but Jackson captured her gaze as Lilly slowed to a stop in front of Hailey. He flashed her the smile that she was certain had stolen the hearts of female football fans all across the nation. Only this time, the smile was for her, and it held something else—a hint of pride maybe.
In that instant, she felt sure she would hop on the wildest horse at Angelfire Ranch—if only Jackson would grin at her like that again.
* * *
Watching Mariah being pu
lled along by Lilly sent rippling waves of delight washing through Jackson and released some of his pent-up tension. Maybe she was less fearful than he’d thought. He’d figured she was still in her bedroom, fuming about the phone conversation she’d overheard, until he’d looked up and saw her following Hailey to the barn. He shouldn’t have given in to his temper when he was talking to Evan. Getting angry always caused problems. Glancing skyward, he tossed up a request that God would help him maintain control. He was either hot or cold—with him there was no middle ground. If he focused on a task, he put his all into it, and that fortitude was exactly what had enabled him to excel in football.
Lilly stopped in front of Hailey and nudged her shoulder. His daughter giggled as she watched Mariah jog to catch up to them. Mariah’s charming grin sent his heart into overdrive. She really was a beauty when she was relaxed and not arguing with him, but he had to admit he liked her dark eyes alive with passion and conviction.
He watched her coil up the lead rope in sloppy circles and hand it to Hailey.
“You did good,” his daughter said, with a twinkle in her eye. “Keep at it and maybe you’ll be walking Lilly instead of her walking you.”
“Ha-ha.” Mariah’s fake laugh was laced with sarcasm. “Give me some time. This is my first chance to lead something almost as big as I am.” Mariah patted the foal’s head then fluffed up Lilly’s spiky mane. She peered over the filly’s neck and flashed Jackson a proud smile.
He chuckled. Maybe there was hope for this city gal.
“Now you try again,” Hailey said.
Jackson glanced across the hills, uneasy at having Hailey and Mariah so exposed. He had no choice about being outside. He had a ranch to run, but he wouldn’t risk their lives. “Take the horse back to the barn. Then you two need to return to the house.”
Mariah’s grin wilted. “Your father is right.”
“But why?” Hailey asked. “I want to play with Lilly.”
Jackson shook his head. “Lilly needs to rest after being stuck in the mud. Take her back.”
“Yes, sir.” Hailey did as ordered with Lilly and Mariah following.
If he didn’t know better, he would never guess someone had tried to use Mariah for target practice yesterday. But someone had. Jackson searched the surrounding hills. Was his adversary out there watching them?
He had hoped to get Mariah on a horse before she left, but riding was out of the question now.
The ta-dump of tires crossing the cattle guard grabbed his attention, and he turned to see a trio of vehicles moving up his gravel road. Jackson frowned. More people at the ranch meant more targets should his nemesis decide to attack again.
Evan’s basic blue two-door coupe in the lead kept Lance’s shiny Camaro from going as fast as it normally would. Evan would spend big bucks to buy top-of-the-line computer equipment but drive his old car to death. Lance, on the other hand, had to buy a brand-new vehicle every year or two. Behind them, Kelly brought up the rear in her older-model cherry-red Jeep. Jackson was almost surprised there weren’t more cars coming, now that word of yesterday’s shooting had probably gotten around town.
Baron loped across the pasture and barked a greeting, then trotted over and leaned against Jackson’s leg. He licked Jackson’s hand then ran back to follow the Camaro with his tail wagging.
The vehicles pulled in side by side. Lance hopped out first and whistled. Baron trotted over with a dog smile on his furry face. As usual whenever he visited, Lance slipped the animal a doggie treat. He scratched Baron behind his ears, then turned and walked toward Jackson. Baron nudged Lance’s hand again, then trotted over, tail wagging and tongue flapping, to where Kelly was exiting her Jeep.
Lance scanned the yard, and a smile tugged at his mouth when he spotted Mariah coming out of the barn. Evan also turned in the same direction and stared at her. An uncomfortable feeling unlike any Jackson had experienced in years churned within him. Jealousy?
Nah. Surely not.
Kelly walked beside Evan, also gawking at Mariah. Jackson knew just what they were thinking. Evan was wondering how good a reporter Mariah was and what kind of story she’d write about the ranch. Kelly was probably already matchmaking and scheming how to get him and Mariah together. Jackson shook his head. This was going to be an interesting evening.
Talking with Hailey, his greenhorn hadn’t even noticed she was drawing a crowd like flies at a barbecue. Lance made a beeline toward Mariah.
“Hola, señorita.” He smiled and stopped in front of her. Jackson’s gut churned. Mariah glanced up, her dark brows scrunched in confusion as she noticed the crowd for the first time. Her gaze darted to Jackson, then back to Lance.
His friend tipped his hat. “You glad to see me again, señorita?”
Mariah’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. She obviously didn’t like him invading her space—and neither did Jackson. Lance didn’t take the hint but leaned down in her face, whispering something to her. Her cheeks reddened, and she cast a pleading glance in Jackson’s direction.
Gritting his teeth, he moved toward them. There might not be anything between him and the reporter, but he sure wasn’t willing to let Lance pester her.
SIX
Jackson marched toward Lance.
“Whoa now. Just hold on there, J.D., ole buddy,” Lance said, turning away from Mariah and raising his palms in the air.
With Lance’s back turned, Mariah moved toward Jackson, an expression of relief on her pretty face.
Jackson slowed his pace now that she seemed okay.
“I was just giving our guest a friendly Oklahoma greeting. Besides, I think she probably needs to come stay with me. She’d be a lot safer.”
Jackson stopped. Mariah might be safer from the gunman at Lance’s house, but who’d protect her from her host?
Lance was his best friend, but sometimes he pushed the limits too far. Yes, Lance was cocky and enjoyed the attention of pretty women, but Jackson wouldn’t allow his friend to make a guest uncomfortable.
Mariah stopped next to Jackson, while Hailey jogged over to give Kelly a hug. He felt the warmth of her nearness and took a calming breath as his heart kicked into a gallop.
Evan and Kelly stopped between Jackson and Lance, forming a loose circle. Either on purpose or unwittingly, Mariah inched closer to him, the back of her hand brushing against his. With fortitude, Jackson resisted the impulse to grasp hold of it.
Yeah, Mariah was pretty, and he had to admit she intrigued him, too, especially when those dark eyes sparked with excitement or anger. But she was leaving in a few days. Nothing would happen between him and the reporter. His one and only attempt at marriage had ended in a disaster, and he wasn’t willing to risk that happening again.
Jackson clenched his teeth, resisting the urge to yank off his hat and slam it against his thigh at the memory of his wife’s desertion. Why was it that women stirred up such feelings in men?
The Bible said God made woman to be a helpmate to man, but as far as he could tell, they mostly created problems—like intruding on his privacy. He was safer avoiding females altogether—and that was just what he’d been doing until Evan sent a female reporter here. He scowled in his brother’s direction. How could he enjoy Mariah’s company and at the same time resent her intrusion? The thought boggled his mind.
“So, you gonna introduce us?” Kelly stared at him, her blue eyes dancing with nothing but trouble.
“She’s the reporter,” Evan said in his matter-of-fact way.
He could always count on his brother to state the obvious.
Mariah nodded and held out her hand. “I’m Mariah Reyes, reporter for the Dallas Observer.”
“Evan Durant,” he said, shaking her hand.
“I’m Kelly, their sister. I keep these two old coots in line.”
Mariah’s smil
e lit her countenance as she shook hands with Kelly. Jackson cocked his head, wondering how the two women would get along. His sister was probably happy to have another female her age to balance out the odds. Most everyone liked Kelly, though as a little sister, she could be typically annoying. And like Lance, she could come on a bit too strong at times.
“So, what do you think of our fine ranch?” Evan asked, as he swept his arm in a half circle. “Jackson’s made lots of improvements since he’s taken over.”
Watching his brother’s face beaming with pride, Jackson took a brief moment to relish Evan’s rare compliment. His brother had his own ideas for the ranch, even though Evan and Kelly owned only 15 percent each while Jackson owned 70. That was the way of an older brother—always bossing the younger siblings. “Let’s head for the house. No sense standing around out here.” Where they all had targets on their backs.
Evan nodded and starting walking, sticking close to Mariah. “J.D. has done a good job of getting a base herd of horses and now has weekend sales ’bout every month or so.” His brother nodded toward the far pasture, where more than a dozen horses grazed.
Jackson shuffled along, trying to decide whether to stop Evan or let him continue. A part of him still wasn’t ready to let Mariah do the story, so he hadn’t been too free with info about the ranch, but his brother’s rare affirmation was a balm to his soul. Leaving his high-profile football career to settle on a secluded ranch and raise a baby daughter alone had been hard going at first. Well, he hadn’t actually been alone, but having the assistance of an often highly emotional teenage sister had been more trouble than help many times.
The screen door banged as they approached the house, and all eyes turned toward the porch, where Deuce stood with his fists on his hips. “Is all them folks eatin’ dinner here tonight? I told you to tell me early on when you’re havin’ company.”
Jackson scanned the group, seeing the hopeful, unspoken requests in each person’s expression. He nodded at Deuce, who shook his shaggy head and went back into the house, mumbling, screen door slamming behind him. Jackson had known Evan was coming out to meet Mariah and would probably stay for dinner, but between the sheriff’s visit and watching Mariah with the filly, he’d forgotten to mention it to Deuce. Lance’s and Kelly’s arrivals had been a surprise.
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