Page 60 of Danger

I’ve watched her with my kid, even when she was just around the ranch because of Trouble. Watched her stay good to Trouble even when he didn’t deserve it. I know what kind of woman she is, and that’s the problem. I have a soft spot when it comes to her, and I shouldn’t.

I don’t break things on purpose. It just happens with the life I live. I know that if Winnie was really mine, I’d break her too.

She deserves someone uncomplicated. And she’ll have that after this is over. After me.

“Just back off and trust me.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” he says, dead calm.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and we both hear it.

Trouble looks at me like he already knows something’s up. “Who is it?”

“Derrick,” I say, glancing at the screen. Our best man with the cattle.

I answer. “What’s up?”

On the other end: “Boss, we got a problem. You need to get to the ranch.”

My stomach drops. “Is it Fisher?”

“No. Him and PJ are good, at PJ’s place. We got eyes on ‘em. This is… different.”

I don’t like the sound of that.

“I’ll be right there.”

I end the call and pocket my phone. Trouble follows my gaze to Sawyer, waiting for him near the crowd dancing.

“She’s calling you,” I say.

He studies me. “We good?”

“Yeah. Go.”

He gives my shoulder a quick smack and takes off toward her.

I turn and go for my truck. The only thing that matters now is the ranch, and all the problems waiting for me there. I don’t see Winnie at first, but she finds me before I hit the parking lot.

“Danger!” she calls, jogging after me, hair bouncing. “Where are you going?”

I don’t slow down. “Home. Got a situation.”

“I’m coming with you,” she says, like it’s already decided.

I stop so fast she almost walks straight into my back. I turn, crowding her space. “No, you’re not. I don’t know what I’m walking into.”

She plants her hands on her hips, chin tipped up. “So, you’re saying you wouldn’t protect me?”

I swallow the words I want to say—I will always protect you, look out for you, and I’d never let anything happen to you… but that’s not the point. Instead I say, “I need my head clear. I can’t do that if I’m worrying about you.”

Her gorgeous eyes lift to mine, calm as sin. “Then don’t worry.”

“Not an option.”

She steps closer, close enough I can smell sugar on her skin. “I’m coming anyway. Don’t make me chase you in that car of mine—the one you complain about every time I get in it.”

I snort despite myself. “Go ahead. You’d get there tomorrow.”