Someone to Watch Over Me by Jerrie Alexander Page B

he’d come home to stay, but had he?
    Crickets sang outside in the yard, lulling her to sleep. She drifted off, wondering if this was firefly season.
    ****
    The aroma of cinnamon had pulled her out of a troubled sleep earlier than she normally rose on the weekend. It afforded her not only the chance to eat the best sweet roll she’d ever had, she’d met Cash’s housekeeper, Ginger. Short and round with a twinkle in her eyes, she’d welcomed Stacey. They chatted and laughed like old friends.
    She made the short walk to the barn remembering mornings when it would’ve been her dad she was hunting. She entered the building and forgot about the past. Cash was backing out of a stall pulling a wheelbarrow. Her mind whirled at the sight before her. His shirt, damp with sweat, clung to him, outlining his muscular stomach and shoulders.
    “Morning, Sug.”
    His words slid down her spine, sending chill bumps across her skin. He removed his leather gloves and western hat, and then wiped sweat from his brow. She concentrated her energy on delivering the iced tea she’d brought him.
    “For me? Careful you’ll spoil me.” He took the glass and then drank the contents without coming up for air.
    “I can’t take credit. Ginger sent it.”
    “Her method of delivery has improved.” He settled his hat back in place. “Did you sleep okay?”
    “Like a rock. Something about this place always made me feel safe.” She rose on tiptoes for a kiss. “Might’ve been because you were just down the hall.”
    “Hmm.” He smiled down at her from under the brim of his hat. “Knowing you were that close had the opposite effect on me.” He eased into her space, lowering his face close to hers. “I smell cinnamon.”
    “Ginger saved me a roll. I love her by the way.”
    “Good. ’Cause she’s got a heart big as Texas.”
    “I could tell.” Stacey glanced around the barn. “This place must take a lot of work. Where are your ranch hands?”
    “Ramon’s gone to town to pick up a load of feed, and Henry’s around here somewhere.” An impish grin slid across Cash’s face. “We’re not alone, but I could arrange it.”
    Heat churned low in her belly every time he dropped his voice to that sexy whisper. “I do have a few hours before I have to be at work. Don’t tempt me.”
    “But I like tempting you.” He moved back to the wheelbarrow, lifting it without effort. “I’m finished here. Let’s drive into town and get you some clothes. I had a text from Kelly this morning. He’ll meet us and let you past the crime scene tape to gather a few things. The rest we’ll buy.”
    “I’ll try to piece together enough to get by, but I really need my boots. Do you think while he’s there, Kelly will tell us if he’s investigating Ray?”
    “Probably not.” Cash rolled his shoulders and slipped on his gloves. “Let me dump this manure and get back to the house. I’ll call Ash Hunter. He’s an old Army buddy who’s on the Houston police department. Maybe he can covertly dig into Ray’s past and whereabouts.”
    She leaned against a stall gate and watched him finish his work. A myriad of emotions swirled through her with every ripple of his muscles. Cash triggered surges of hormones, flirted shamelessly, and bent over backwards to watch over her. Still, she couldn’t read behind that storm cloud in his eyes. He’d said he’d want more if they made love. How much more? Was he hinting at a commitment? Could she trust him with her heart? Or should she protect herself?
    “Hello?” Cash towered over her. An I-caught-you-daydreaming smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
    Geesh, she was losing it. He’d finished and was ready to walk her back to the house. Must be fear bouncing her emotions and decisions back and forth.
    “Sorry, my mind wandered.” She fought back the rush of blood to her cheeks.
    “As long as it wandered to me.” He coiled his fingers around hers. “Come on, I need to grab a shower.”
    Was it the sun