Matt unlocked the door, and, after he switched on the light, Lorie followed him into a small living/dining/kitchen combination. A native stone fireplace graced one corner. An open Western-style armoire held a big-screen TV, stereo and combination video player.
Lorie had never been to the ranch, but she’d visited their website, so the Wild West–style furniture didn’t surprise her. Its red-and-black buffalo plaid would be equally at home in Montana.
Ancient Rob Roy Tartan, her brain whispered.
“Come on in. The microwave’s over here.”
The microwave nestled close to an almost regular-size refrigerator, a sink, a tiny dishwasher and a coffeemaker.
Matt put the covered dish into the microwave, removed the plastic lid, stuck a paper towel over the top and set it for a couple of minutes to warm. “Dishes are in the cupboards, and glasses. They’re clean. We run everything through the main dishwasher when guests leave.”
“That’s good.” Lorie remembered something. “I forgot to buy a dog dish for Colleen.”
Matt reached under the sink and pulled out a twin food/water dish. He ran tap water in the half labeled Water.
“I told you, we take pets. Some people always forget to bring the basic necessities for their animals. And given your situation, it’s really not surprising that something slipped your mind. You’re doing well to be functioning at all after the day you’ve put in.”
Matt set the dish on the floor. Lorie tried not to notice the way his muscles flexed against his uniform, but failed. He just looked too good.
Lord, please help me. I don’t want to be attracted to a deputy sheriff. The sensation of being iron filings to his magnet refused to dissipate.
While the barbecue warmed, they brought in Colleen and the purchases. Lorie carried the bags of clothes and toiletries into the bedroom. Wild horses raced across a fantasy desert landscape on the printed bedspread, but they barely registered.
Please, Lord. You know how I feel about lawmen.
Hearing the microwave beep, she laid her purchases on the bed and went back into the other room.
Matt had already poured Colleen some kibble and was putting salad into bowls when Lorie returned.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
He looked over his shoulder at the sound of her voice. “I don’t mind,” he said with a smile. “I hope you don’t mind my eating with you.”
“Not a bit.” Although that does make this seem awfully much like a date. Which it isn’t. It’s police protection. Not a date. Yeah, keep reminding yourself.
Matt shoveled barbecue onto thick slices of home-baked bread. It smelled ambrosial. A memory of San Diego County’s best barbecue places surfaced. Good ’cue was expensive out there. If the Ranch offered this on the menu, it was probably expensive here, too.
Matt poured the cola into glasses and set them on the table as Lorie sank into a chair. He sat across from her at the round oak table and held out his hand. He wanted to hold her hand?
*
Lorie looked surprised when Matt held out his hand to her. Didn’t she pray before meals? She had at the Burkhalters’.
“Let’s say grace.”
The puzzlement cleared from her brow, and she put her hand into his. Matt immediately realized the action was a mistake. Warmth flowed from her fingers straight to his heart.
Please, Lord, help me stay focused on why she’s here.
“Lord, we thank You that Lorie wasn’t seriously hurt this day. We ask You to continue to keep her safe in Your loving care. Please bless this food to the good of our bodies, and keep our hearts and minds stayed on You, our perfect peace. Amen.”
“Amen.”
Matt looked into Lorie’s eyes. Tears filling them made her eyes look like autumn leaves lining a creek bed. Mesmerized, Matt couldn’t look away. After a moment, Lorie tugged at her hand. He hadn’t realized he still held it. That was getting to be a habit.
“Oh. Sorry.”
Lorie shrugged. “Not a problem, except that I’m hungry.” She picked up half of the sandwich Matt had cut for her and bit into it. An expression of pure delight crossed her face as she chewed.
“Henny does make great barbecue, doesn’t she?”
Lorie nodded, unable to speak with her mouth still full.
“She makes a good breakfast, too, but I want you to sleep in tomorrow if you can.”
Lorie swallowed. “I’m used to getting up early, even on Saturday.”
“It’s late now and the cola’s decaffeinated. If you’re able to get some solid sleep, don’t worry that you’ll have to turn up early for breakfast. Henny will make you something no matter what time you need it.”
“Are you sure it’s a good idea for people to know I’m here?”
Matt pondered that a moment. “You’re right. Call me when you wake up in the morning, and I’ll bring something over.”
“I don’t want to put you to any more trouble.”
“Get this straight, Lorie.” He leaned over the table and made certain she was paying attention. “When somebody tries to blow up someone on my watch, I take it personally. So don’t get upset with me if I seem a little overprotective.”
“I’m just a case, Matt.” Her voice was soft and held—what? Regret?
“Maybe in the beginning.” He hadn’t meant to verbalize the thought, but it was true. Sometime between the first call about the note and finding her house trashed, Lorie had become much more than just a case to him.
A flash of awareness in her eyes told him he wasn’t the only one feeling the attraction. This situation had the potential to go either way.
Pull back. Things are complicated enough with her already. You can’t afford to get involved emotionally.
Unfortunately, that ship had not only left the harbor, it was way over the horizon.
*
The air was thick with emotion. Lorie wasn’t quite certain what to do about it. The situation she was in was psychologically draining enough all on its own—she didn’t need the complication of a new relationship on top of it. And even if she was looking for someone, she’d never expect to find him in the sheriff’s department. But she couldn’t deny the way that Matt made her feel.
Just when the butterflies were threatening to break free of her innards and fill the room, Colleen came and put her head in Lorie’s lap, cone collar and all. The sigh that escaped her doggie lips fluttered the paper napkins on the table.
“It does smell good, doesn’t it, girl? And it is, but I don’t think you should have any.”
Colleen whined.
“She’s smart.” Matt’s voice was admiring.
Lorie nodded. “Too smart for her own good, sometimes.”
“The barbecue won’t hurt her, unless she’s sensitive to tomatoes.”
“I can give her some leftovers, then?”
“Yup. Although not if you’re trying to keep her from being spoiled.”
“It’s a little late for that, I’m afraid.” Lorie slipped a bite of meat to Colleen, who took it daintily as her tail thumped the floor.
“Good dog.”
“She is. It makes me sick that someone hurt her.”
“You heard Doc Travis. She’ll be fine.”
“But still…”
“I know. When I find the person responsible for all this, I’m tacking on an animal-cruelty charge with the rest of it.”
Lorie smiled. “That ought to be good for a year or two, right?”
“Right. People take animals seriously here in Arkansas, in case you don’t remember.”
“I remember.”
Matt leaned forward. “And I take the safety of you and yours very seriously. You believe that, don’t you?”
“I do,” she said, meaning every word. She might not be ready for any kind of relationship with Matt MacGregor, but she knew she could trust him—knew she’d be safe tonight, under his protection.
For now, that would have to be enough.
NINE
“I’m okay, Mom, really. Just a little bruised and scraped up, but nothing serious.” And exhausted from a terrible night’s sleep…but there was no reason to mention that.
“You should have called the minute this happened! And why aren’t you here?”
The question Lorie had dreaded. “I wasn’t going to put you and Dad in danger.”
“Well, you’d better come today.” Mom sounded fearful. “Your dad and I can protect you.”
“I’m fine here at Rob Roy Ranch. I know you must be worried—”
“Worried doesn’t begin to describe it! When I think you could have been killed—”
“The Lord took care of me, Mom. And that’s not going to change.” Peace filled Lorie’s heart when she spoke the words. Affirmation. God was taking care of her, no matter what happened.
“What about work?”
“I don’t have to go in till Monday. Right now, I’m starving. I haven’t had breakfast yet.”
“I feel so bad, your staying way out there at the ranch.”
“I’m in protective custody.”
Mom sighed. “I know what that means. You’re stuck. Can you at least come here to church tomorrow?”
“I don’t know. I guess I’ll go wherever Matt takes me, if he lets me off the ranch.”
“Well, if he doesn’t, at least you can get Pastor Burnett on TV.”
The conversation turned to more comforting things, and ten minutes later, Lorie managed to hang up and call Matt.
“Ah, you’re finally awake.” Matt sounded relieved. “When did you get to sleep?”
“About four-thirty.”
“You haven’t slept long enough.”
“I’ve slept as long as I can. I’m starving. You said something about breakfast.”
“What’ll you have?”
“Anything, and a lot of it.”
“I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”
Matt disconnected, leaving Lorie feeling oddly disoriented. Being snatched out of her comfortable routine did that to her. She hated change. She’d thought she’d live in her sweet little house in Scripps Ranch until she married, or even afterward. Moving had nearly destroyed her.
Now here she was again, having to adjust to more change.
Colleen padded over to the door and whined.
“You need out, girl?”
Colleen answered with a sharp bark.
Lorie realized she hadn’t brought Colleen’s leash. It was a wonder she’d even remembered to bring the dog, considering the state of last night’s agitation.
“You’ll have to wait a minute while I come with you. That means I need to get dressed.” Oh, and Matt will be here any minute, too. I don’t want him to catch me looking like this.
The wood-framed bathroom mirror told her she didn’t look as bad as she’d expected. Pale, yes. Untidy, yes, but not irreparably so. She shrugged into the jeans and a teal T-shirt she’d bought yesterday, and slipped into her work shoes that she’d worn the previous day, wishing she’d seen a good pair of sneakers at the store. Still, the comfy beige flats would be better than the sandals she’d bought to wear to church.
As she was about to open the door to let Colleen out, Matt knocked.
“Room service!”
Lorie opened the door and did a double take. Matt held a large walnut butler tray loaded down with covered dishes, a small pot of coffee and a Southwestern vase containing a cheery white African daisy.
“That looks wonderful.” She took an appreciative sniff of the mingled aromas of bacon and eggs, fresh toast and strawberry jam rising from the tray. “And smells delicious.”
Her stomach growled and Lorie felt the beginnings of a blush. “I’ve got to let Colleen out.”
Matt set the tray down on the table. “Why don’t I take her for a walk while you get some food in you?”
“Aren’t you going to join me?”
“I ate breakfast three hours ago. I’m almost ready for lunch. I brought enough coffee for two, though, unless you’re really thirsty. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
If this was protective custody, it was beyond the call of duty. “Okay. Thanks.”
Matt had brought a leash with him, tucked into his pocket. Now he snapped the end of it onto Colleen’s collar, wiggled his eyebrows and shut the door after them.
I could get used to this, Lord.
A fragment of scripture floated into her brain. “Exceeding abundantly above.”
Lorie prayed quickly over the food and dug in.
*
Matt paused beside a pecan tree where Colleen was occupied. “I thought your owner would never wake up.”
Colleen woofed gently.
Matt chuckled. “I see you agree with me. But she’s awake now.”
Colleen wagged her tail, and then pulled on the leash, straining to get back to the cabin, despite the scolding attention of squirrels in a nearby oak.
By the time Matt and Colleen got back, Lorie had decimated breakfast.
“You really were hungry, weren’t you?”
Lorie blushed, as if embarrassed to have a healthy appetite. “Apparently almost being blown up will do that for a girl.”
Matt laughed. “At least you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”
“I consider humor a gift from God to help us through rough times.”
Colleen pulled against the leash as Matt let her loose. “Yours must have been strained to the limit the last couple of days.”
“Not as much as during the trial, but, yeah. It’s been a challenge. Listen, I called my mom this morning, and she was seriously upset I hadn’t let her know what happened last night.”
“Understandable.”
“I think she really wants to see me in person, just so she can see for herself that I wasn’t badly hurt. She asked if I could go to First with her and Dad tomorrow. I told her I’d have to check with you.”
Surprise slapped Matt. “Then you agree you’re safer not going to Wolf Hollow Community.”
Lorie nodded. “Anyone who knows my habits would know that that’s my home church. But really, I’m not sure going to a different church would be enough. I don’t want to take danger with me wherever I go, so I’m wondering whether I shouldn’t stay home and watch a sermon on television.”
Matt considered a moment. If church meant as much to Lorie as it did to him, he didn’t want to deprive her of it. “No need to go to that extreme. We can attend my family’s church. As long as you’re with me, you should be safe.”
“You wear a sidearm to church?”
“Keep it under your hat, but yes, I do.”
Lorie’s eyes twinkled. “How can I keep it under my hat if it’s under your arm?”
Matt laughed as Lorie claimed another small piece of his heart. “I wish you’d come back to Dainger County sooner.”
A sad look crossed her face. “So do I.”
Matt could have kicked himself for reminding her of why she was here, but the damage was done. He’d have to see whether he could cheer her up again while keeping her out of harm’s way.
Once she was done with breakfast and he’d drained the last of his coffee, Matt made himself scarce as Lorie called her insurance agent to tell him the bad news. As he walked back to the main house, his cell phone rang. He had it halfway to his ear before he realized he hadn’t checked Caller ID.
“MacGregor.”
“Hey, Matt, it’s Owen.”
Matt froze, one foot still in the air. He hadn’t spoken to his former friend ever since that heartbreaking conversation where he and Lorene had admitted to Matt that they were in love. He forced himself to breathe, to answer normally. “Owen. What can I do for you?” Slowly he lowered his foot to the ground.
“I—look, there’s no easy way for me to say this. Lorene’s dying.”
The world came to a standstill. Lorene’s Facebook page flashed before Matt’s eyes. Thanks for praying. Was that what she’d meant?
“Did you hear me? Ma
tt?”
Matt found his voice. “Dying?”
“Cancer. Stage four. We’ve tried everything, but it’s still growing. I know I betrayed your friendship and stole your girl, but it’s too late to do anything about that now. Lorene—we both want to make peace with you. It’s something we should have done a long time ago.”
The scab over Matt’s heart ripped off, letting the festering mess boil to the surface.
“Owen, I can’t talk right now. I’m on a case, and it’s life and death.”
A strangled sob came over the line. “This is life and death, too, Matt…don’t you see? Lorene doesn’t want to die without knowing you forgive her. Forgive both of us.”
Lord, what should I do? Of course, he knew the answer—he was supposed to forgive, to let go of the past and tell Owen that he didn’t hold any grudge. But he couldn’t say that. Not now. Maybe not ever. The feelings of hurt, betrayal and humiliation had been so strong that he couldn’t quite bring himself to let them go.
“I’ll call you, Owen, I promise. The minute this case is over.”
“But Matt—”
“That’s the best I can do. Take it or leave it.”
Owen sounded like a broken man. “I hope when you call back it isn’t too late.”
Matt ended the call and shoved the phone down to the very bottom of his pocket. Why now?
I can’t take this right now, Lord. I have to protect Lorie.
Matt stalked into the kitchen of the main house, letting the screen door slam behind him.
“Ooh, what’s got you all hot and bothered?”
Matt glared at Sandy, who immediately backed away, both hands in the air.
“Don’t shoot, big brother. I’m not armed.”
Was he acting that badly?
“Sorry. Pray for Lorene, okay? Owen just called.”
“What’s wrong?”
Then, with his heart still oozing, he sank down at the kitchen table and told her everything. If he was going to be able to provide proper protection for Lorie Narramore, he had to heal this open sore.
*
To cheer me up. That’s why he’s here. Lorie glanced at Matt from time to time as she threaded through the overstuffed aisles of the outlet store where they’d gone after buying three new cat carriers at the pet store.
Love Inspired Suspense June 2014 Bundle 2 of 2: Forced AllianceOut for JusticeNo Place to Run Page 51