Someone to Watch Over Me by Jerrie Alexander Page A

Winston and Lance were killed because of me, you could be in danger. I feel guilty asking you to risk your life.”
    “You’re not. I volunteered.” Cash gathered her in his arms and crushed her to his chest. Her sad eyes and downturned lips had ripped him apart. Leaning down, he slid his thumb under one of her eyes, catching a single tear that had escaped. “It’s late. Let’s go home.”

Chapter Six
    The phrase “Let’s go home,” replayed in Stacey’s head, wrapping around her like one of her mother’s homemade quilts. She’d never heard sweeter words. She tucked them away in her heart for safekeeping. She prayed they’d find Ray before he did any more harm. No one else could die because of her. The thought of putting Cash and his employees in danger turned her stomach into a churning caldron.
    “Hey.” Cash’s fingers on her cheek sent a warm shudder through her system. “Where’d you go?”
    “If something happens to you because of me...” She swallowed back the rest of the sentence. He’d just brush off her concerns and worry more about her safety than his own.
    “Nothing’s going to happen.” His tone was self-assured and confident.
    “I hope you’re right. Locating Ray would clear up a few questions. I really don’t think Dad would break his promise and tell anyone I’d moved home, but I have to call and ask.”
    Cash jerked his hand away as if touching her shocked him.
    “There’s no need to involve him.” Cash parked next to the house, turning to face her. “Unless you want your dad to come to Oak Hill.”
    “You’re probably right.” She blanched at the darkness of Cash’s tone. What was he not saying? Would he tell her if she asked? Maybe she should wait until he was ready to open up.
    The house was dark except for one exterior light. Memories of sitting out on the porch counting fireflies rushed her. She was thrilled he’d bought this place and made it his own.
    He unlocked the door and led her down the hall, stopping outside her old bedroom.
    “You okay staying in here?”
    “Of course.” She flipped the light switch unsure what she’d see. Decorated in pastels greens and white oak furniture, a wicker chair occupied the space her old lounger used to fill. The space resembled a picture from a Better Homes and Garden spread. “It’s lovely.”
    “Wait.” His arm went around her shoulder. “I should have my ass kicked for not realizing this room would have too many memories. Come to one of the other guest rooms.”
    “No. This is fine.” A strange sadness settled on her heart. Did he consider her just another guest? “You don’t want me to sleep with you?”
    “More than you can imagine.” His gray eyes darkened like storm clouds. “But when or if you come to my bed, you need to be sure. Positive. We’re not kids any longer, I want more.”
    She stood mesmerized by the man in front of her. He was right. She hadn’t had a rational thought since hearing Ms. Winston was dead. Bone tired and scared out of her wits wasn’t conducive for making good decisions.
    “Thank you.”
    He pulled her against his rock hard chest and held her for a second. Seemed like he’d done that a lot over the past few hours. She couldn’t find words to tell him how much that simple action meant to her.
    “I’ll probably be in the barn when you get up.” His finger hooked under her chin, lifting until her gaze met his. “You’ll come down?”
    “Sure.” She could’ve stayed inside his strong arms forever, but after a soft brush of his lips, she was alone with her thoughts.
    She undressed for bed, fighting back the depression of probably being responsible for two people lying in the morgue. The reality of the possibility pressed hard on her heart.
    She slipped between the sheets, thinking the soft colors of the room were soothing. She was safe here with Cash. Tall, proud, and successful Cash. A very different person than the boy she’d known. The horse ranch made her think