to his name, she felt at one with his strenuous pull. And when he lifted her over ditches and fences, she felt like a bird in flight.
Riding always brought back memories of Morgan and their race from Jenkins. As much as her feelings had grown for Morgan, she still wondered if he was a bounty hunter along with being a lawyer. No one had said, but why would he tell his family? His secrets cautioned her every move around him, and his comments about the past ofttimes frightened her. It made no sense at all. Why did he want to come courting when he had his choice of any woman around? Plenty of single women were interested in him. She’d seen the longing in their eyes. And he still hadn’t told her about his wife.
On she rode, as though racing against the demons plaguing her life. A childlike passion to keep one step ahead of the things she couldn’t change challenged her to ride faster.
“Shawne,” Bonnie called. “We’re having a hard time keeping up.”
Casey whipped a glance over her shoulder and saw her friends were struggling. Obviously her idea of riding was a little different from that of her friends.
“You are such a good horsewoman. I’m envious,” Bonnie said once she rode alongside her.
“Thank you,” Casey said. “Riding comes natural.”
“You’ve exhausted me.” Bonnie shook her head. “I’m heading back.”
“I’ll join you,” Jocelyn said. “But, Shawne, you go ahead.”
“Are you sure?” Casey hated to end her ride, but she didn’t want to appear selfish.
“Nonsense. If I see Morgan, I’ll send him your way.” Jocelyn smiled beneath a low-brimmed hat, revealing a few wrinkles and some tiny lines etched around her eyes. “I’m glad you two are getting along well.”
Casey returned the smile, but she wondered how Jocelyn would feel if she knew the truth. Earlier, she feared Jocelyn did know. How long until her ruse exploded in her face? “Will all of you be available before Morgan takes me back to town? I’d like to share the cup of coffee that you spoke of earlier, but I want to talk to all of you.”
“Grant, too?” Jocelyn said.
“Yes. I’d like to talk to everyone.”
Jocelyn shook her head. “Grant is heading out to the north pasture to mend fence with two of the hands. He may have already left. I’m sorry. Can’t seem to get that boy to take a day of rest. Maybe next Sunday?”
“Of course. Our talk can wait a little while longer.”
“We all care for you, Shawne. If this is urgent, I can send a rider after Grant.”
“No, ma’am. Next week is fine.”
Jocelyn and Bonnie turned their horses and left Casey praying for courage. Next week, she’d tell the truth. With a deep breath, she dug her heels into Stampede. Next week, she’d decide if Morgan could help her—ever. She had a little money saved but not enough. Morgan said he didn’t want payment, but Casey refused to be beholden to anyone. She fought her feelings for him every moment of the day.
She raced over the grazing land until her horse heaved and she was forced to bring the animal to a walk. In the distance, she saw a rider and shielded her eyes from the sun. Morgan. How can I love him from a distance and keep him and those I love from danger? I’m selfish, purely selfish.
As he rode nearer, she pondered one more time the idea of turning herself in.
“Someone after you?” he said.
She blinked and caught a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. “Yeah, I heard you were looking for me.”
“And you didn’t want to get caught?”
She wondered how much truth lay in those words. “Not today. You can walk with me if you like.” She swung down from the saddle and grabbed Stampede by the reins. “I’ll make my horse mind.”
He chuckled, the familiar deep-throated sound that tickled her toes. The September heat was sweltering, but she didn’t really care. Being safe took precedence over any kind of physical comfort.
They stopped to enjoy a view of the valley from a hilltop. “Are you remembering the last time we rode together?” Morgan said.
His glance sent her emotions into a whirl. Away from his family and the ranch hands, she saw him unmask his normally controlled exterior to reveal one of desire.
“How could I forget?” Casey said. “For sure we’re two different people now, thanks to the Lord.” She paused and drank in the beauty around them. “What was it like when you first arrived here with your