The Golden Rules of Love: Western Romance by Tammy Andresen

was in trouble. She closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against Mack’s back. “Why can’t I make a good decision? I thought I was being smart this time. Going out on my own instead of relying on a man.”
    “Decisions made based on your pride are rarely good ones.” His matter-of-fact tone caused Annie’s head to snap up.
    “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “You didn’t head back to New York because you didn’t want to admit you were wrong and you came here to make Jasper admit he was wrong. Isn’t that what he will have to do to give you the gold?”
    “Jasper owes me a lot more than an apology and who the hell do you think you are? You don’t know a thing about it.” She started to climb off the horse.
    His hands held her tight. “Dammit Annie. There you go again. You’re going to climb off this horse and be alone with a thousand lonely men instead of listening to me speak the truth? Use your head. It’s a foolish thing to do.”
    “Are you always such an infernal know-it-all? Telling people what is best for them?” Annie saw his face crumble as the words left her mouth. She had hurt him, though she didn’t know why. She snapped her mouth closed. “I didn’t mean…”
    “No, it’s all right.” He ran his hand through his hair. He did that when he was thinking. Annie grinned behind his back. Funny she knew that.
    “What is it you think I should do?” she asked quietly.
    “I think you should stay close to me. We can look together.”
    “Fine, let’s get to it, then.”
    He sighed, “And I thought I was determined. We start with the base of military operations. I have an acquaintance who is an officer. He will help us. Though, I wouldn’t get your hopes up.” He kicked his horse forward and they started down into the valley.
     
    ***
     
    Annie held tighter to Mack as they entered the outskirts of camp. Every man they passed stopped to look at the two of them on horseback. He had been right, again. This was no place for her to be by herself. Fortunately, the large military tents could be seen up ahead.
    Even with her bonnet and her jacket, men stared at her as they passed. Their expressions were unreadable, which was frightening all on its own.
    Once they reached the tents, Mack held her arm as she swung down and then he climbed down after her. Immediately, a man greeted Mack.
    “Collin, good to see you again. Bringing more supplies?”
    “Yes, Lieutenant Colonel, I am.”
    “Excellent. The ships abandoned in the harbor are making it difficult to get supplies in. We’re having a real shortage. Name your price and we’ll pay it.”
    Annie tilted her head to one side. While Mack’s face remained unreadable this had to be good news for him. It was hard work bringing these goods but it seemed to be paying off. All at once, it hit Annie how different Mack and Garrett were. Garrett had wanted to find gold and be set for life. Mack was working hard to earn the money to start a business. Then, he would begin the process of building the business. All at once, she knew Mack would never leave her alone the way Garrett had. Mack would protect her.
    Lost in thought, she barely listened as the two men continued to negotiate but suddenly their voices were silent. Annie looked up to see the Lieutenant Colonel’s eyes focused on her.
    “Mack, you will have to introduce me to your friend.” His eyes never left her face.
    “This is my wife, Annie.” Mack’s hand wrapped possessively around her waist. “Annie, this is Lieutenant Colonel Riley.”
    “How do you do?” she spoke quietly. His intensity made her mildly uncomfortable.
    The corners of his mouth dropped into a frown, disappointment marking his brow. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Mackinnon.”
    “My wife is actually looking for a friend, Jasper Conway. You haven’t heard the name, have you?”
    The man’s eyes keenly assessed her. “Can’t say that I have. You can check with Lieutenant Surrey for a death record. Men are only