Protecting Her Daughter (Wrangler's Corner) by Lynette Eason Page A

spinning, emotions scattered. She had to get herself together. Talking about her past had shaken her. She didn’t need to reveal any more of herself to this man. She was leaving. She had to take Sophia and they had to run. There was no sense in pouring her heart out to Aaron in her den. No point in getting to know him or letting him get to know her. Being vulnerable didn’t sit well with her. She wasn’t comfortable with it.
    She walked into Sophia’s room and found her daughter asleep, arms wrapped around her favorite stuffed animal. She looked so peaceful Zoe didn’t bother her. She just backed out and shut the door leaving it cracked so she could hear if Sophia called out to her.
    For a moment she simply stood in the hallway and pressed her forehead to the doorjamb. Lord, please show me how to protect my child, help me to be wise in the choices I make and the people I trust.
    Because she knew that if she didn’t have some divine intervention, things were not going to end well for her or Sophia.
    * * *
    Aaron fielded the numerous texts from his family members while he waited for Zoe to return. With sadness in his heart, he realized she’d texted and called no one to tell about her ordeal. His family might drive him crazy sometimes, but at least they were there. It was a huge comfort to know he could count on them and that they loved him unconditionally. Just like they all loved his sister, Amber, and were glad to see her when she put in an appearance, but didn’t expect her to be around much.
    He couldn’t imagine being so terribly alone in the world. And he wanted to help Zoe, he really did.
    He’d meant it when he said that she had help, that he and Clay and Lance would work with her to figure out who was behind the attack here at the ranch, but he needed to put the brakes on his attraction for her. No, more than that, he needed to bury it. Deep. He’d picked up on her reticence to share about herself with him and he couldn’t help but wonder why. She was hiding something, but what? He rubbed his eyes. It didn’t matter. Falling for the single mom would be a huge mistake. Hadn’t he already learned that lesson?
    She stepped back into the den and took her seat on the couch. She’d changed into sweats and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Her sleeves hung midpalm, and she looked comfortable. And vulnerable. And incredibly attractive. “Sophia fell asleep,” she murmured.
    “She’s had a long day.”
    “Mmm. Yes. A traumatic one. I pray she doesn’t have nightmares.”
    “Or you, either. Are you going to be able to sleep?” he asked.
    “I don’t know. I might doze, but I’ll probably sit in the recliner with Mr. Updike’s .45 Winchester.”
    “You know how to use it?”
    “I wouldn’t touch it if I didn’t.” Her eyes flashed. “And I won’t be caught without a weapon again.”
    He lifted a brow, and a deep respect started to build. She might need help, but she’d do her best to help herself, as well. Looking at her now, he couldn’t imagine he’d thought her fragile or helpless. The vulnerability had disappeared with the lift of her chin and now he thought she looked strong and capable. As well as intensely determined. “Good,” he said and stood. “I guess I’ll head on home.” He spotted a pad and pen by the recliner and snagged the items. He wrote on the top sheet of the pad. “Here’s my cell number and my parents’ landline number. And here’s Clay’s personal cell number.” He set the pad back on the table. “If you need anything at all, just call and someone will be here before you can hang up, all right?”
    He saw her blink back tears. She nodded. “Okay,” she whispered. “Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome, Zoe.” He grabbed his coat. Once he had his gloves on, he looked back at her and swallowed. Her eyes beckoned. He could see the fear still lingering. “You’ll be safe tonight.”
    “Yes, tonight.”
    He backed toward the door. He had to get out of there before he did