Rocky Mountain Cowboy. Tina Radcliffe

led to the porch steps. They were ready for planting.

      “What’s this?” Becca asked.

      Joe played with the leather cover on the steering wheel, avoiding her eyes. “It’ll be easier to monitor what’s going on if you stay at the ranch.”

      “What?” She looked from the house and back to him.

      He gave a nod of affirmation.

      “Oh, no, I could never impose.” The words came quickly as she shook her head.

      He focused straight ahead at the mud-spattered windshield, now blurred with drops of rain. “You wouldn’t be imposing. No one is using this place. It’s been empty since last September.”

      “Whose house is it?”

      “Dan lived here with his daughter before he got married. The place is furnished, too.”

      “But—”

      “This is strictly a business agreement. I need to complete certification, and having you close by will ensure that will happen as quickly as you’ve promised. Especially since you have to babysit greenhorns, who seem to have a knack for stepping in cow patties everywhere they go.”

      She paused, considering his words. “What about Casey?”

      “Who’s Casey?”

      “My daughter.”

      Joe’s jaw sagged. “You have a daughter?”

      “I do. She’s six.”

      “Yeah. Of course your daughter is welcome.”

      Becca stared at him for moments, confusion on her face. Then her eyes widened. “Is this about the rental deal falling through?” She released a small gasp. “You overheard the entire conversation, didn’t you?”

      “I heard enough. Doesn’t change the facts.”

      She turned away. “Of course it does.”

      “Why? I told you, this is business.”

      When she didn’t say anything, he muttered a short expression under his breath. Stubborn. He’d forgotten how stubborn the woman could be when her back was against the wall.

      “Becca, don’t let your pride stand in the way.”

      “It’s not my pride. I’m used to that being shredded.” She met his gaze for a moment, then shifted her attention out the window. “I...don’t think you understand what’s going on here, Joe.”

      “Going on? What do you mean?”

      “Letting me stay on your ranch may put you right in the center of the bull’s-eye.” She gestured with her hands.

      “You aren’t making any sense.”

      “Why do you think I didn’t get that rental house?” Rebecca asked.

      “I have a few ideas.”

      “So do I. Nick’s grandfather. I’m sure of it. Judge Nicholas Brown used his considerable influence to sway the courts to bring what was simply a horrible car accident to a jury trial.”

      Joe opened his mouth and closed it again, his lips forming a thin line.

      “My bail was set so high that my mother was left scrambling to raise the money. I sat in jail for two weeks. Two weeks. Do you know what it’s like to be in jail, Joe?” She swallowed. “Do you have any idea?”

      Hands tightening on the steering wheel, Joe’s head jerked back as though he’d been hit.

      She took a steadying breath. “When Hollis Elliott heard about it, he put up the bond money.”

      “I don’t get it. You were found innocent.”

      “Judge Brown continues to punish me for Nick’s death.”

      “Why, if it was an accident?”

      “Not in his mind.” She twisted her hands in her lap. “I think he’s aiming for custody of my daughter.”

      “He has no grounds for that.”

      “Rich people live in a different world than you and me. He’s a prominent citizen in the valley. He owns a lot of property in Four Forks. He’ll claim he can better provide for Casey.” She released a breath. “The truth is that he can.”

      “You’re her mother. You’re employed, and now you have a place to call home.”

      Rebecca shook her head as she gazed with longing at the little house. “You don’t know the judge,” she murmured. Her hands trembled as she met his gaze yet again. “If I stay here, he might very well retaliate against you. Against Gallagher Ranch, as well. You need to know that up front.”

      “I’m not concerned about Judge Brown.”

      “You also need to know that I’m not looking for someone to rescue me. The Lord and I have been working together for some time now.”

      He shook his head. “Not applying for the job. This offer is all about me. I’ve given a crew of city slickers carte blanche to roam my ranch. All I’m trying to do is protect my interests. I can’t do that without your help. Living closer makes sense.”

      “Just so we know where we stand.”

      He held out the keys to the little cottage with his left hand. “I know where I stand. Do you?”

      She nodded, then slowly, ever so slowly, reached up and took the keys, her fingers brushing his.

      Joe let out the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.