There’s no way Rose is calling it a night at ten o’clock on a Saturday.
But at the same time, I’m relieved she’s not going out with Silas’s friends.
I let Dallas know I’m stepping out for a bit and don’t wait for him to respond.
Hopping on my horse, I casually ride in the direction of the cottage. From this distance, I can see dim lights are on in the living room.
Thisisridiculous.WhatamIdoing?
This is borderline stalking.
No. Thisisstalking. I’m basically going to confirm if she’s home, when Rose is an adult. She’s got every right to leave the premises.
Sure, the idea of her out in the town by herself sends my protective streak out of control, but it’s still not my business.
She’s my employee and currently not on the clock.
I’m about to turn around when I see a body walking along the path toward the main office.
I ride closer, and he slows down when he spots me. “Hey, boss.”
I frown. “Jake?”
He salutes me.
“Everything all right?”
“Sure is. Just did a few checks while I was out. Dropped off Rose’s cart a little while ago. She looked very nice.”
“Rose’s cart?”
“Ginger said you asked me to change up the tires with something more durable. Figure she’s going to take it through town.”
I growl. “I never said that.”
His eyes are wide. “But—”
“It’s fine.” I hop off the horse. “Will you do me a favor? Take Tuscan back to the stables for me?”
“Sure thing.”
Minutes later, I’m in my truck, pulling up to the cottage.
The cart’s nowhere in sight. I jog up the steps, banging on the door. No answer. There’s no one inside.
Then I remember something Jake mentioned.
Shelookedverynice.
What’s this girl gotten into now?
I try to convince myself that this is Wesley’s sister I’m protective over. And that there’s no point in ruining his night. I try to convince myself that she now stole parts of my property for her joy ride and I have every right to be the one to go after her myself.
But even I know it’s more than that.
Gripping the wheel, I race out the gate of the ranch and onto the streets of my small town.
Deliberately reminding myself it’ssmall.
