Jessica's Cowboy Daddy - Melinda Barron Page 0,51

think he has the guts to do that personally, and there’s no way he’s getting into the ranch.”

“You got that right,” Hawk said. “I don’t think he’s the type to fight men. He will go after the weaker sex.”

“Who you calling weak?” Jessica asked.

“Sorry, babe.”

“You should be,” she said. Then she grinned and turned to Jackson. “What happens now?”

“Just be on the lookout,” Jackson said. “He’s cornered, so to speak, and desperate.”

They said their goodbyes and when they were in the truck, Jessica said, “Back to the cabin?”

“Not tonight,” Hawk said. “I thought we’d have a Little party, just the two of us.” He started to drive, and as he missed turns and headed out of town she knew exactly where he was going.

“I don’t think you understood me when I said I wouldn’t stay there. Snakes. Remember, snakes?”

“We’ll be inside,” he said.

“He was under the house,” she said. “What if he made it into the house?”

“You mean what if he unlocked the door?” He turned onto the farm-to-market road that led to the Spellman’s house. “I called the realtor and told her we were interested. She gave me the key, and she had the electricity turned on. I set up a TV and DVR, and there is a cooler full of food. The refrigerator was nasty and needs replacing. I also set up a bed so we’re not sleeping on the floor.”

“I’ll be sleeping in the truck,” she said.

“You don’t think there’s snakes near the cabin?”

She hadn’t thought about that. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. “Take me to my house.”

“If I do that you’re going to miss what I have set up for you.”

Jessica didn’t respond, and he put his hand on her thigh. “Babe, I’m not going to let a snake get you. I promise.”

“When it slithers into the bed and bites me in the middle of the night I’m never talking to you again.”

“I’ll take my chances,” he said. “I’ve already been out there, as I said, and I checked every room. No snakes.”

She really didn’t care what he’d experienced earlier, because she’d seen those things move like the wind. He pulled up next to the Spellman house. It wasn’t quite dark, but the lights were on inside, and it gave the place a whole new perspective. It didn’t look as rundown, or as old.

“It needs a new porch, and some siding,” she said.

“All things that are easily taken care of.” He opened his door. “Do I need to carry you in?”

“That works for me,” she said.

He came around to her side of the cab and opened the door. Once she’d wrapped her arms around his neck he picked her up. He kicked the door close and carried her inside. This was her first time inside, and it was obvious to her that the Spellmans had taken care of their house. The walls were nicely painted and the hardwood floors were beautiful.

“Who helped you?” she asked as he set her on her feet. Someone had obviously done it because there was a picnic table in the middle of the room, and the TV was large and looked like it needed two people to set it up. When he didn’t answer she said, “Tell Holt I said thanks.”

“He said to tell you he’s going to set up a rattlesnake petting zoo, just for you.”

“Jerk.”

“Sit down at the table, sweet pea,” he said.

She did as he asked, then watched as he took wrapped plates from the cooler. She took off the foil as he filled the table. There were plates of cheese, mini corndogs, mini pigs in a blanket, and mac ’n’ cheese.

“Thank Austin for the food,” she said as she unwrapped the last plate, which was full of fruit.

“I brought out a microwave and will warm things up. You stay there.” He pushed the remotes in her direction and she turned on the TV and DVD, and started the disc. It was roadrunner cartoons and she laughed as she picked at the cheese.

After they’d eaten, and laughed at the cartoons, she moved toward him and nestled her back against his chest.

“How do you feel out here?” he asked.

“Better than I did at first,” she said. “But what happens if we move in and the snake comes to visit again?”

“You let me worry about that,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”

He jumped up from the table and headed toward the door. “Where are you going?” she asked.

“Stay right there,” he said.

“Don’t worry, I’m not moving.” Jessica