Texas Lonestar (Texas Heroes Book 4) by Sable Hunter, Texas Heroes Page B

dawned on her. “You think someone might try to kill me?”
    “Shooting cattle is one thing. This is a whole different ball game.”
    She ran a hand across her forehead. “I can’t. I have the ranch to run. We’ll starve if I don’t work. Besides, tomorrow is Sunday, we’re going to church.”
    Dallas fought with himself. He wanted to order her to get under the bed and stay there. But she had a point. He just wished he had a clue as to what was going on. “I’m not saying you’re a prisoner, but you’re not going out into the pasture by yourself. I’m going with you.”
    “How long do you think this will last? You won’t be here forever!” Lennon felt panic rising within her.
    “I don’t know. Just give me a little time. I’ll figure this thing out.” He gazed into her eyes trying to convey his concern. “Lock the door behind me.”
    “Wait.” When he paused, she threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you for everything.” He held her for a moment and when she pulled back, it was to find him staring at her again with that same intense, hooded expression. He looked at her lips, then back to her eyes. His head lowered just a bit and Lennon gasped…he was about to kiss her! She closed her eyes and lifted her face. Waiting…
    “Sorry.” He pushed her away. “Goodnight.” And then he was gone, leaving her totally embarrassed. What had she been thinking? Dallas McClain would never be tempted to kiss a woman like her in a billion years. God, she felt like such a fool. Sadly, she moved through the house, turning off lights.
    “Are you okay?” George’s voice came from the hall.
    “Yea, I’m fine. Dallas thinks I should stay indoors.” She huffed out a long breath. “I can’t. The ranch won’t survive if I don’t work it.”
    “Maybe you should take Daniels up on his offer. Just let this place go.”
    To Lennon’s ears, he sounded old and sad. “I can’t do that. Where would we go? He’s not even offering fair market value. Rooster wants me to just give him the place. He’s not considering the potential of Apache Springs.”
    “You can’t tell what the man is thinking. Rich people don’t operate like the rest of us,” he groused. “Let’s get some sleep. Things might look better tomorrow.”
    Lennon nodded, kissing the old man on the cheek. “You’re right. I am tired.”
    She was exhausted, but she couldn’t sleep. All she could think about was how stupid she’d been. What Dallas must think of her now! Every muscle in her body was tense. Abandoning her efforts to rest, she grabbed a towel and headed out to the bathhouse. Maybe a dip in the warm waters would make her feel better.
    In the lodge, Dallas tossed and turned on the bed. He was running the facts through his head. Was he missing something? Maybe he needed to go into town and just talk to people. One thing he’d discovered in his years of investigating–nothing was a secret and someone would always talk. “Dammit!” he groaned, sitting up on the side of the bed. Sleep wasn’t coming anytime soon and every time he shut his eyes, all he could see was Lennon lifting her face for his kiss. No doubt he’d hurt her when he walked away. Hell, he was an idiot.
    Rising, he remembered how good the hot springs had felt. He was here, he might as well take advantage of them. Going to the bathroom, he found a big brown towel, then set out to the bathhouse.
    In the water…Lennon luxuriated in the bubbling caress of the bath. She’d stripped down to nothing, loving the liquid caress on her bare skin. She closed her eyes–just for a minute, letting the soothing waters chase away her troubles.
    Dallas entered the bathhouse, surprised to find one of the hall lights already on. Had he failed to turn it out before? What if someone were here? Hell, he didn’t have his gun with him. Stepping carefully, he eased up to the door.
    Lennon’s eyes opened wide. Had she heard something? Too much had happened. She was beginning to spook her