Youre right. Im sorry. Im not thinking clearly. This whole ordeal has me scattered. Waiting it out will drive me insane.
Caleb didnt even want to think about the possibility of not finding her nephew.
Big violet eyes stared at him. Its gone. I mustve still been holding it. They have no way to contact me. What if theyve called already? What if theyve...
Sleep here tonight. Caleb ignored Matts sharp intake of breath. He hadnt planned to make the offer. It just came out.
* * *
IDGETIN your way. Besides, you have plenty to do to keep busy without me underfoot, Katherine argued without conviction.
If you stay here, Ill be able to keep an eye on your leg and get some work done.
Going back to her one-bedroom apartment was about as appealing as sleeping alone in a cave. Her keys were in her purse, but she doubted she could drive. Even though Noah had only been there a week, she couldnt face going home without him. Staying at the ranch, being this near Caleb, provided a measure of strength and comfort.
His warm brown eyes darkened. I can have Margaret turn down the bed in the guest room. Doesnt make sense for you to go anywhere.
I dont want to be rude. I just...
Frustration, exhaustion was taking hold. It had been three long hours since the ordeal began.
No reason to leave. This is best place to be for now.
Caleb seemed the type of guy who took care of anyone and everyone he came across. Cowboy code or something. Still, she didnt want to abuse his goodwill. Thank you for everything youve done so far, but
Its no trouble.
Matt ran the toe of his boot along the floor. Think theyll call her house?
I saw no need for a landline.
The cowboy sat on the edge of the coffee table. Then its settled. You stay. Agreed?
For tonight.
Matt quickly excused himself and disappeared down the hall. What was that all about?
The cowboy followed.
Her heart gave a little skip at the satisfied smile on his face. She refocused on the sheet of paper. Who would want something from Leann? What file could she possibly have? A manila folder? Computer file?
Why on earth would they think Katherine had it? If they knew Leann at all, theyd realize she could keep a secret. The last thing she would do was confide in her sister.
Maybe a trip to Austin would help? She could start with Leanns computer.
She rubbed her temples to ease the pounding between her eyes. Other than playing with the pumpkins, had Noah spoken to anyone? Had she?
There had to have been at least a dozen other people around. Were
any of them in on it? A chill raced up her spine.
Caleb reappeared, holding a crutch. I should take another look at that ankle before you put any weight on it.
I just remembered something. There was a man talking to me while I was in line to buy tickets for the hayride.
His rich brown eyes lifted to meet hers and her heart faltered.
He couldve been there to distract you.
Panic at reliving the memory gripped her. She buried her face in her hands. Im so scared. What will they do to him?
He cupped her chin, lifting her face until her eyes met his. You cant think like that.
He has to be terrified. Hes so vulnerable and alone. Im praying they havent hurt him. Hes been through so much already. I was supposed to take care of him. Protect him. Keep him safe.
If hes half as strong as his aunt, hell be all right. She could tell by his set jaw he meant it.
She almost laughed out loud. Little did he know how weak and miserable she felt, and her heart was fluttering with him so close, which could not be more inappropriate under the circumstances. I promised on my sisters grave I would look after him. Look what I did.
The weight of those words sat heavier than a block of granite. Panic squeezed her chest. Her breath labored.
Brown eyes, rich, the color of newly turned fall leaves, set in an almost overwhelmingly attractive face stared at her. Before she could protest, his hand guided her face toward his shoulder.
Dont blame yourself, he soothed. Talk like that wont bring him back. His voice was a low rumble.
This close she could breathe in his scent. He smelled of fresh air and outdoors, masculine and virile. His mouth was so close to hers she could feel his cinnamon-scented breath on her skin.
Shed felt so alone, so guilty, and then suddenly this handsome cowboy was offering comfort.
Caleb pulled away too soon. Her mind was still trying to wrap itself around the fact a room could be charged with so much tension in less than a second, and in the next she could feel so guilty for allowing herself to get caught up in it.
The sounds of boots scuffling across tiles came from the other room. He inclined his chin toward the kitchen. Sounds like we have company.
He stood and held out his hand.
By the time Katherine limped into the kitchen with Calebs help, the table was filled with men. As soon as they saw her, chatter stopped and they stood. There were half a dozen cowboys surrounding the table.
Maam. Matt tipped his hat.
She smiled, nodded.
Caleb led her to the sink to wash her hands and blot her face with a cool, wet towel.