Second Chance Rancher by Patricia Thayer

tell this little one any secrets.”
    * * *
    A N HOUR LATER , after delicious apple pie, Addy and Diane went upstairs to get her overnight bag. Rory poured himself a cup of coffee, excused himself and went into his office.
    Laurel was at the sink finishing up some of the pans that didn’t go into the dishwasher.
    Kase went to her. “I should be doing those. You’ve worked all day and took care of Addy.”
    She didn’t look up as she quickly rinsed off the platter and placed it in the drainer. “I’m finished.” She grabbed the towel.
    He didn’t move away. He found he liked being close to her, feeling her warmth, inhaling her intoxicating scent. He hadn’t had this kind of reaction to a woman in a very long time.
    â€œYou’ve done so much, thank you. Addy has had so much fun staying here.”
    Laurel shrugged as she wiped her hands on a towel. “We did have a fun girls’ day. Brooke is about to deliver her baby soon and it’s time we got to spend together.” She looked at him. “I hope you didn’t mind us taking Addy to see Coralee.”
    He shook his head. “It’s good that she spends time with other people. I probably should have her in preschool so she can socialize with other kids her age.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea. But you’ve been a little busy with Gus. I could ask Melody, the receptionist at work, where she takes her two kids.”
    â€œThank you. I didn’t send her before because she’d been with too many babysitters and Gus wanted to get to know his granddaughter. But she needs to be with kids her own age. At least a few mornings a week, especially with Dad laid up at the house during his rehab.”
    She turned back to the sink and began to wipe off the counter. “Have you found someone to come out and work with him?”
    He caught another whiff of her soft powdery scent. His gaze went to her new-looking pair of jeans, and the way they caressed her nicely rounded bottom. He lost his train of thought for a moment.
    â€œNo, but I have several names that I need to call.” He pulled the list out of his shirt pocket. “Do you know any of these therapists?”
    She took the list from him. Her teeth bit down on her lower lip in concentration and his pulse began to race. “I know Darcy Mason. She comes out here to ride sometimes. Her husband, Matt, is a firefighter in town. She also volunteers at the medical care facility where Coralee resides.”
    â€œMaybe I’ll try her first.”
    Laurel gave back the paper and saw Kase staring at her. “Is something wrong? You’re looking at me funny.”
    He smiled. “I like your hair down. I remember you used to wear it like that when we were in school.”
    She was uncomfortable with his attention. “I work all day with horses. It’s easier to tie back.”
    He reached out and touched the curls. “Soft. So pretty.”
    She swallowed hard, trying to rid the dryness in her throat. “Thank you.” He’d moved closer and she wasn’t sure what to do. Suddenly her phone rang, causing her to jump.
    â€œExcuse me.” She punched the answer button. “Hello?”
    There was a long silence, then she heard a soft “Laurel.”
    She froze, recognizing the voice, then turned away. “If this is who I think it is, be man enough to talk to me.”
    â€œI’m sorry” was the only answer she got, then the line was dead. She cursed and looked at the number. Redialed it, but no one answered.
    â€œAre you okay?” Kase asked.
    She shook her head. “I’m pretty sure that was Jack.”
    â€œThe man you were supposed to marry?”
    She added, “And the creep who stole from my parents and Trent.”
    Kase took her phone and looked at the number. “It’s a Denver prefix.”
    â€œWe went to Denver last fall, trying to find him.”
    â€œAre you positive