The Ranger And The Widow Woman Read Online Free PDF Page B

months of that time had been spent on one intricate murder case involving a young Mexican woman. For a long time Charlie had tried to deny that the tragedy of Lupé Valdez had not affected him that deeply. He didn’t want to believe her death had changed him. But now he wasn’t so sure. He didn’t take women he knew home with him. And especially home to the Pardee Ranch! What in hell was he going to do with her?
    Violet shifted Sam’s head to a more-comfortable position against her thigh and brushed his sweat-dampened hair away from his forehead. As soon as the Ranger had put the pickup truck back on the highway, her son had fallen into an exhausted sleep, and she felt very guilty because her plans had gone so awry. If the car hadn’t broken down, the two of them would have been in Las Cruces by now, having a good hot meal and looking forward to a quiet night in a nice motel room. Instead she was driving to God-only-knew where with a man she’d met only a few hours ago. A Texas Ranger to boot!
    Violet honestly wondered if the strain of the past months had finally broken her. Maybe losing Brent, then dealing with Rex had warped her ability to think sensibly. She couldn’t think of any other reason why she would be putting herself and her son in the hands of a total stranger!
    But there was something about Charlie Pardee, something beyond his muscles and stern demeanor that made Violet feel safe with him. He exuded confidence and self-assurance. He was a man who could take care of himself... and a woman, too, if the situation warranted it. So why did Violet get the shivers every time she looked at him? Why did she feel like she was headed to a lion’s den, rather than a Ranger’s haven?
    “I haven’t been to my cabin in over a year. I’m not sure what kind of condition it will be in. You should stay with my parents tonight,” Charlie suggested a second time. “They have plenty of room. And if Dad being the sheriff is intimidating you, don’t let it. Both my parents are hospitable people.”
    “I’m sure your parents are very nice. But I wouldn’t feel right about imposing on them. I’m not even sure why I allowed you to bring Sam and me out here with you. I really think I’m losing my mind,” she mumbled, then let out a small sigh.
    Charlie could have voiced the same thing about himself, but he didn’t. Instead, he glanced at her, then decided to voice the question uppermost in his thoughts. “Are you...having problems, Violet?”
    Her head jerked up and her eyes found his profile in the waning light. “Problems? Of course I’m having problems! My car needs repairing, and I don’t have the extra money to have it done.”
    His features hardened at her flip answer. “I wasn’t referring to your car. I’m talking about...other things.”
    Violet’s heart slowed to a fearful crawl. “What makes you ask something like that?”
    His eyes still on the highway, he said curtly, “It’s my job to know when things aren’t exactly as they appear on the surface.”
    He didn’t know about her surface beforehand or now. And he sure as heck wasn’t going to find out what was underneath, Violet thought.
    “Just because my vehicle broke down doesn’t mean I’m a candidate for the psychiatrist’s couch or a...jail cell.”
    “Defensive little thing, aren’t you?” he countered.
    Unconsciously her chin jutted forward. “Do you think if I really needed to spill my guts, it would be to a Texas Ranger?”
    “I am off duty,” he drawled mockingly.
    What would it be like, Violet wondered, to tell someone, anyone, all the fears, pressures and anger she’d lived with for so long now? She couldn’t imagine the relief it might be to lay her head on Charlie Pardee’s broad chest and pour it all out to him.
    But Violet wasn’t naive. She didn’t have to be told that Charlie was never “off” duty. And the fear of Rex finding her through any remote channel would keep Violet’s lips sealed forever. All that