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we’ll go for a sleigh ride.”
    For a guy who’s not ready to get involved with a woman, you’re sure involving yourself, West. A sleigh ride?
    “I suppose you’re anxious to get back on the road.” Hunter’s message was unmistakable and as subtle as a grenade. He wanted Nate to leave. Clearly the idea of Nate spending any time with Megan had raised his hackles.
    But Nate wasn’t going anywhere just yet.
    He took his wallet out of his pocket, and pulled out one of the Cimarron’s business cards. “The mares will be foaling come March. Call any time.”
    # # #
    Megan took the card, glanced at it. The words “Cimarron Ranch” were spelled out in embossed brick red in a font that was evocative of the Wild West, a C and R back to back in the upper left corner. The ranch’s brand? Nate’s name, phone number and address ran along the bottom. She looked up at him. “Thanks. For everything.”
    “You’re welcome.” He grinned, his scars seeming to vanish in the brightness of his smile and the warmth in his eyes. “Like I said, I’m just glad I was there.”
    Megan’s pulse skipped, something fluttering deep in her belly.
    Was she attracted to him?
    Oh, God!
    She was.
    It was even more of a jolt to realize that he was attracted to her, too. And for a moment, she could do nothing but stand there, looking into his eyes.
    A tug at her leg drew Megan back to the moment. “Can we see the horsies, Mommy? Can we go see horsies?”
    It took Megan a moment to find her tongue, her heart racing, astonishment and panic tangled inside her. “Uh… Yeah, maybe. We’ll see, sweet pea.”
    She risked eye contact again and found him still watching her.
    If he knew the truth about her, about the things she’d done and the life she’d led, he’d turn his back on her. It didn’t matter that she’d worked hard for years to rebuild her life, getting clean, going to college, holding down a job, winning back custody of Emily from the state. In his eyes, she would be permanently damaged goods.
    There were some things the world simply didn’t forgive.
    Nate’s gaze shifted to Marc. “Is there any way you can help expedite the return of my firearm? I’ve got other handguns at home, but the Colt is my favorite and fits my shoulder holster best.”
    Marc seemed to consider it. “I’ll see what I can do.”
    “I suggested Megan get a concealed carry permit and offered to teach her to shoot, but I guess she’s not comfortable with firearms.”
    Marc covered for her smoothly. “Yeah, she really hates guns, but she’ll be under police protection until we catch this bastard. I’ll walk out with you.”
    It was all Megan could do not to roll her eyes at her brother.
    Nate closed his hand over Megan’s, gave it a squeeze, sending sparks of awareness skittering up her arm. “Take care, Megan. Stay safe. Thanks for fixing up my shoulder. The invitation to visit the ranch is an open one.”
    “You’re welcome.” Megan surprised herself again by returning the squeeze. “And thanks. What you did today…”
    He released her hand at last. “I did what any man would do.”
    Megan knew from experience that wasn’t true.
    “Your jacket.” She hurried to the coat closet, took it from its hanger, and handed it to him. “It’s cold outside.”
    “Thanks. Goodnight.”
    “Goodnight.” She watched as Marc left with Nate through the front door, then hurried to the window and peeked through the blinds. Julian and Zach stood near Nate’s truck, an unmarked squad car parked down the street with a couple of uniforms inside. Julian and Zach turned toward Marc and Nate, both shaking Nate’s hand in turn before heading to Julian’s pickup, leaving Marc and Nate alone.
    What was Marc saying? He was probably threatening Nate with bodily harm if he came anywhere near her again. He ought to thank the man. If it hadn’t been for Nate…
    Behind her, Emily was playing with her favorite toy pony.
    Nate’s business card still in hand, Megan