Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills Page B

forward to a Christmas wedding, and she had enough grief with Shelley. Someday, Mom would have that son-in-law of her dreams and grandbabies to spoil. Probably in about a hundred years. And probably not from Meghan.
    She walked across the concrete floor, swept cleaner than her mother’s kitchen, and grasped the depth of the Leonards’ dedication to keeping Burnette’s ranch running smoothly. The thoroughbreds were exercised, trained, and groomed every day, as though the horses were on display. No matter what Ethan’s and Chip’s motives, their work was flawless.
    â€œMornin’.” Chip’s voice came from the back, and he walked to meet her. Dressed in jeans and a cowboy hat, he looked better than a gift package. The shadow of a beard added to his rugged appeal. But she’d been there and done the male appreciation thing too many years ago. Good looks had a way of spoiling a man’s heart. At least in her experiences.
    â€œDid the storm keep you from running?” he said.
    â€œI’m an exercise freak, not an idiot.”
    â€œYeah. Lightning doesn’t attract me either. I run at 2 a.m. I mean 0200. Sometimes the weather is a little iffy then too.”
    Why did he run at such an early hour? “Do you set your alarm and then go back to bed?”
    â€œI do. A habit I started in Dallas when work stressed me out. Weird, I know.”
    â€œYeah, it is. I’m surprised you’re here. Thought you’d have headed out for church already.” She leaned against the side of a stall like she was posing for a photo shoot, which was exactly how she’d earned her way through college.
    An admiring gaze bored a hole through her, but that’s what she intended. “I’ll be leaving soon. Too bad you’re on duty. I’d ask you to tag along.”
    She smiled. “And I’d go. I don’t like missing church.”
    He grinned. “So you’re one of them?”
    â€œA Christian?”
    He nodded.
    â€œYes, and you aren’t?”
    â€œHaven’t decided yet. But I promised Dad I would investigate it.”
    â€œDo you always do what your dad says?”
    He pushed his hat back. “Not at my age. But I respect his wisdom.”
    â€œI like him. Reminds me of my family.” She smiled and meant it. “If you’re searching for God, He’ll find you.”
    â€œSounds like you’ve been listening to my dad.”
    â€œIs that a bad thing?”
    â€œNot at all. He likes you. Says you’re the real thing, not a Texas wannabe like most of the agents here. I imagine juggling the Bible’s teachings with your job is a challenge.”
    She didn’t think he was insulting her. More like trying to find out what made her tick. “Living up to God’s standards is always a struggle, no matter what our profession. Too much junk out there designed to snatch our attention.”
    He shrugged. “I agree, which is why I’m still looking.”
    â€œWell, I’m glad I made the cut with you and your dad.”
    He lifted a brow. “Oh yeah? We both like Wade, too. A decent guy.”
    â€œWe’re all a good team. We have a job to do—protecting Lindsay at all costs.”
    â€œBut you’re after more, aren’t you? You have bigger stakes than a pat on the back.”
    What did he mean? “Guess I have.”
    â€œHard to be a woman in the Secret Service?”
    â€œAt times. We have to prove ourselves, just like any other agent. But the trust factor can be an issue.”
    Chip studied her, but she could handle his scrutiny. “I had a friend in the FBI who claimed most women jumped aboard to find a husband, or they were out to prove something to the male members of the species.”
    â€œI’ve known a few like that in the Secret Service. They don’t last long. Obviously.” For a moment, she flashed back to a few agents who were interested in