Lone Star Burn: Lone Star Escape (Kindle Worlds Novella) by N Kuhn Page A

ok?” he asked quietly.
“Not really, but I’m getting there. It’s hard for me to trust someone fully. It’s hard to change years of habits. I think Jennie will be good for me.”
“I get it. Agent Parker filled me in on everything. I need you to understand that I would never do anything to hurt you. Okay? I’m going to do anything necessary to keep you safe, to protect you. I’d die before I let these men get to you. And maybe we should think about letting Jennie know what’s up.”
“I can’t let you do that Beau. It’s enough that we’re already in danger and you know. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to her. It’s not fair to you either, but you made your choice. Her knowing, would take away her choice. You should not have to worry about getting hurt or losing your life over me. I made my choices and had to live with them. But I’m moving on now. Getting better. Making better choices. If I have to run, I have to run. Please, promise me, you won’t put yourself in danger because of me. Jennie, she doesn’t need to know anything.”
“Too late darling. Too late,” he murmured before kissing her passionately. It was the sort of kiss that threw her belly into a loop, full of butterflies. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him close. She closed her eyes and bowed her head. Beau placed a kiss on her forehead and hugged her tightly.
“From the moment I saw you, I think I fell in love. For me, that’s huge. I never wanted to love anyone in this world. Just me and my dog. After last night, I can’t picture not waking up next to you.” Mara remained silent, her eyes closed as Beau held her.
    “Well ain’t this cute, but you still ain’t changed.” Jennie stood in the door way, hands on her hips. The couple laughed, looking over at her.
“Jennie,” Mara said, sliding off the counter. “Do you like living in that rented house by yourself?”
“Why’s that sweet girl?”
“How would you like to live here so there’s someone with customers over night, and I’ll be here during the day to run things?”
“So you can play hanky panky with the neighbor?” Jennie raised an eyebrow, grinning at the two who were obviously into each other.
“No, yes, maybe.” She laughed and the sound meant a lot to Beau. He wanted to make sure she laughed every day. After a lifetime of disappointment, she deserved it. Beau looked at Mara in shock as she moved to stand in front of him. “That is, if the offer is still there,” she asked him. “I also think I should hit up the salon today. Do something with my hair,” she winked. Beau just nodded, a stupid grin flashing across his face. Jennie glanced between the two.
“Happened that way with my husband. We met and fell in love right away. We were married for almost forty years.” Her genuine smile made Mara’s heart break. She wouldn’t give in and marry him, but changing her hair would help. She could spend a few nights a week with Beau and some here. There was no hurry to their relationship. But having an extra pair of hands here at the B and B would help.
“I can’t pay yet, but you’d live rent free, free meals, your new best friend there with you all day.” Jennie looked at her thoughtfully.
“I’ll sleep on it. Let’s get going, change your clothes,” she shooed Mara. “By the way, you think of a name for this place?” Over her shoulder, Mara called out.
“Lone Star Escape.”
“I like it,” Jennie murmured to Beau as Mara left them alone. “You keep her safe, no matter what she’s running from, you hear?” He nodded, watching the woman exit back out the porch. Nothing would happen to Mara. He would die first, no matter what she wanted.

Chapter 6
     
    Mara and Jennie spent the day in the garden with Bear standing guard. Beau took himself home to shower and change. He puttered around his green house a bit, checking on his plants. His phone rang and he answered it without looking at the caller id.