Page 34 of Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire

Chase nodded.“It does, but it is all too real, as Meri can attest.Of course, I’ll leave instructions you are to be allowed to pass anytime you wish.”

Her mother reached over and laid a hand on top of Chase’s.“Thank you for taking care of her.I know it would be easy to blame you for her injury, but I also know that wouldn’t be right.”

“I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.Believe me.”He looked over at Meri and took the hand she had around her lemonade.“I care about her very much.”

Meri looked down at the table and then back up at Chase.“You must, in order to put up with me for two weeks.”

He smiled.“Yes, I do.Do you really think I would invite you into my home and have my men watching out for you if I didn’t?”

She looked down at their clasped hands.“I haven’t really thought about it.I guess I thought you were just being kind.”

He shook his head.“Only to you.”

She turned toward him and whispered.“Thank you.I care about you, too.”

Smiling, he squeezed her hand.“I can’t ask for more than that.”

Meri turned her gaze toward her mother.She had tears in her eyes and nodded at Meri.She fully understood what that meant.Her mother approved of Chase and not because of his money, but because of his heart.Meri more than cared for Chase, but she couldn’t…wouldn’t tell him that.He had enough on his mind, trying to catch the man who shot her.He didn’t need to have to worry about not returning her feelings…her love.Yes, love.

When had she done that?When had she fallen in love?After their first date?Their second?Was it after she was shot and he was the one constant in her life?