Last Stand Ranch by Jenna Night Page A

statement.”
    â€œIt certainly does that.”
    In his peripheral vision he saw her studying him. He was thankful for his dark sunglasses. When she took his hand and looked into his eyes to thank him this morning, it felt as if she was looking right into him. It was unnerving. It must have been because he was tired. He hadn’t really slept in that chair, just dozed a little.
    â€œDo you just stare ahead with that stony expression all the time?” Olivia asked.
    Elijah made another turn at the next light. “I guess so.” This was already starting to get uncomfortably personal.
    â€œRelax,” she said a few seconds later. “We’re not on a date or anything.”
    â€œNo, we aren’t.” Elijah didn’t date.
    â€œI’m not your type. I’m sure you’re way too noble to tell a huge lie like I did. And you’d never drag danger to your great-aunt’s doorstep.”
    Her quiet anger had sprung from nowhere. Elijah glanced over to make sure she was okay. She sat rigidly, her body radiating tension. He hadn’t done anything but drive since they got into his truck, so she couldn’t be mad at him. It sounded like she was mad at herself.
    Her comment did remind him of the sad reality that she hadn’t had a thing to do with Claudia until she’d needed her aunt’s help. Olivia might be an intriguing woman, but she was also an unknown. Right now, she was an unknown with danger swirling all around her. Time to remember to use his brain and leave his emotions at the door.
    They drove on in silence for several minutes until Olivia relaxed back into her seat, head against the headrest, the fight having apparently drained out of her. She blew out a loud breath. “Hey, thanks for the great conversation.”
    He laughed. She didn’t join in with him this time.
    A huge pine beam with the name Morales burned into it rested atop two parallel beams and formed the arched entrance to the Morales family ranch. Elijah turned into it, heading down the dusty, winding drive.
    â€œSo this is where your motorcycle gang hides out?” Olivia asked. “What’s the story?”
    â€œThis isn’t a hideout. It’s my family’s home. If you’re asking about Vanquish, the short answer is that people who liked to ride and wanted to band together to be of service started it years ago. My parents were involved. Over the years it died off. It was recently restarted by me.”
    â€œWell, be careful when you want to help people. Things can turn ugly.”
    Elijah already knew that. It didn’t stop him from helping. He turned to her. “Do you ride?”
    â€œNo. I hate motorcycles.”
    â€œHave you ever actually ridden one?”
    â€œOther than yesterday? No. Still, I’ve never actually inhaled a lamb chop but I know I don’t want to do that, either.”
    He chuckled a little and felt the tension in his shoulders relax. At least he didn’t have to guess what she was thinking. The woman said exactly what was on her mind.
    â€œYou were in the military,” she said. It was a statement rather than a question. “I knew it the first time I saw you.”
    â€œUnited States Army Ranger.”
    â€œWere you in Iraq or Afghanistan?”
    â€œBoth.”
    From the corner of his eye he saw her look down at her hands in her lap.
    â€œThat had to be a life-altering experience.” She sighed. “I appreciate your service, but I’m sorry you had to go through it. I don’t know what else to say.”
    â€œYou don’t have to say anything.”
    â€œMaybe you’re right,” she said a few minutes later. “With that combat experience I don’t need to worry about you. Ted Kurtz is the one who should be worried.”
    Elijah felt a smile tug at the corner of his lips. He parked his truck. “I hope you like chili verde. Mom’s had it simmering all day. The smell’s