“And Sam?”
“No one will say a word to him until you’ve made your decision.” August started to leave, then turned back. “If you decide to stay on as sheriff, there’ll be no repercussions. We’ll continue on as we have and you’ll still receive my full support.”
Brodie stayed at the table, watching as the man who’d promoted him for the sheriff position walked out. He’d wondered who would be next to put additional pressure on him to return to the ranch. So far, it had only been his father and uncle. Colin, Blaine, and Quinn had stayed out of it, for which Brodie was grateful. August Fielder setting him down and talking so freely had been a surprise.
Scrubbing a hand down his face, Brodie decided to speak with Wo later and walked outside. He loved his job, but Fielder’s comments had him wondering if taking the badge in the first place had been as selfish as it now felt. Swinging up on Hunter, he reined the horse around, heading toward his house, hoping Maggie hadn’t left for her daily errands. He needed to see his wife, talk to her, share all Fielder had said. It wouldn’t take long. Certainly the town could get by without him for an hour.
His mind focused on Fielder’s words, he rode down the street, his gaze straight ahead, thoughts of Nate temporarily forgotten.
Chapter Four
Pearce Ranch
“The last I saw Emma…I mean, Miss Pearce, she rode north with Finn.” At sixteen, Jory Walsh was the youngest of the Pearce ranch hands. His experience with cattle compared to those of the other three from County Cork, which meant he had not nearly as much as Quinn wanted. “She needed help locating a group of strays she saw scatter yesterday.”
Quinn cursed under his breath. Emma knew better than to ride out without telling him. The lass had been a pain in his side ever since he’d refused to discuss selling the colt. She did her work and took care of whatever he asked of her, all the while with a saucy grin on her face. The same grin that made him want to throttle her and kiss her at the same time. If he weren’t careful, the woman would make an eejit out of him before he returned to Circle M.
“How long ago?”
“About three hours, Mr. MacLaren.”
“I told you to call me Quinn, Jory.”
Jory’s face, covered in freckles, colored a bright red, almost the same shade as his hair, which reminded Quinn of ripe carrots.
“Should I fetch them for you?”
“Nae. If they don’t return by the time we leave for supper, I’ll take Holler and go look for them. You go on and join the rest of the lads.”
Jory kicked his horse into a run, not waiting for Quinn to change his mind.
Waiting until Jory disappeared over a hill, Quinn pulled a canteen from his saddlebag, taking a swallow. He’d accomplished a lot in a short time, including jeopardizing his fragile friendship with Emma. They were civil with each other, not letting on about the friction resulting from their discussion about Champion. If Gertie noticed, she said nothing.
He’d known Emma wanted the colt. Big Jim had said as much to Uncle Ewan, who’d told Quinn. With Warrior as the sire, Ewan made it clear the decision would be up to Quinn and no one else. If he sold Champion to anyone, it would be the Pearces. He’d sought opinions from Colin, Blaine, Fletcher, and Bram. Although they understood Emma’s dream of breeding horses, all encouraged Quinn to keep the young horse, letting Bram train him at Circle M.
Reining Warrior around, he cut north in the direction Emma and Finn had ridden. He had at least two hours of daylight left and he meant to spend it trying to find them. Quinn had lied to Jory. He had no intention of waiting to see if they showed up with the missing cattle before the men left for supper. Emma being out with Finn after dark wasn’t going to happen. Not tonight—not ever.
Emma glanced up at the sky, noting the sun making its descent over the western hills. To her complete frustration, they’d yet to find any strays. Worse, Finn had turned his considerable Irish charm on her. She figured most women would be flattered by his attention. As entertaining as it was, his efforts were a waste of time on her.
“I was certain we’d find the missing cattle by now.” Emma looked around at the vast expanse of pasture, the missing cattle nowhere in sight.
“We can keep searching as long as you want.” As it had much of the day, Finn’s attention focused on Emma. “We’ve at least a couple hours of daylight left.”
“No, Finn. It would be best to head back and start again tomorrow.” Emma looked to the west, shielding her eyes from the retreating sun. “We don’t want to be this far out when the sun sets. Follow me. I know a shortcut.”
Navigating Moonshine into a forest of cedar and pine trees, Emma took a trail her father had shown her years before. She always enjoyed riding through this section of their land. It provided a diversion from her usual chores around the ranch, giving her needed solitude. Today was different. She felt on edge, her senses on alert, as if something weren’t quite right. Following the familiar trail, her body tensed at the unmistakable guttural growl of a mountain lion.
“We’ve a cat nearby.” Finn rode up beside her.
When the sound came again, Moonshine danced around, Emma working to control the horse. “We need to get out of here.” Emma knew the danger of being stalked by a cougar, had seen what one had done to a ranch hand years before.
“He won’t come after us, will he?” Finn reached behind him, pulling a rifle from its scabbard.
Hearing another growl, Emma spotted the mountain lion crouched on a rock above them, ready to spring. A shout from behind had her turning, seeing Finn level his rifle at the cat. Before he could pull the trigger, a shot rang out, striking the animal in mid-air.
A scream tore from her throat as the dead cat landed close to Moonshine. Panicking, the mare bucked, sending Emma to the ground. Lifting her head, she felt a wave of nausea before a sharp pain flashed in her head, propelling her into darkness.
“Emma, can you hear me?”
She recognized the slight Scottish brogue, vaguely aware of a hand moving in front of her eyes. Emma tried to raise her head, wincing at the stab of pain.
“Nae, lass. Don’t move your head. You’ve a knot on it that needs tending.”
Her eyes opened to slits. “Quinn?” she groaned.
“Aye. You’ve had a nasty fall.”
Emma felt the dampness of the hard ground seeping through her clothes, her head swimming as she tried to think. She remembered riding with someone. Squeezing her eyes tight, an image of Finn appeared, along with the mountain lion.
“Where’s Finn?”
“I’ve sent him after Moonshine. She bucked you off, then ran.”
“The cat…” She whispered the words, as if she weren’t sure of her memory.
“Dead.”
“I need to get up.” Reaching her hand out, she waited until Quinn took it in a strong grip.
“Slow, lass.” He slipped a hand behind her back, helping her sit up.
Staring ahead, the forest swam before her. Feeling herself sway, Emma tightened her hold on Quinn’s hand.
“Do you want to lie back down?”
She shook her head, gasping at the bolt of pain. “Did I hit a rock?”
“I don’t know. You were already unconscious by the time I got here.”
“Where did you come from? Weren’t you with the herd?” It hurt to talk, to think, to move. “Did you shoot the mountain lion?”
“Aye. I had the best shot and took it. As soon as Finn returns, you and I will ride back to the ranch.”
“And Finn?”
“I’ll send him to find the other lads and let them know what happened. I think you should see Doc Vickery.”
“No, Quinn. I’ll be fine. I’ve handled worse.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. Reaching out, he swept back a strand of hair from her cheek, securing it behind her ear. “So strong and brave.”
Brushing his hand away, she scoffed at the description. “I’m neither. I do what anyone else would to keep a ranch
running. I’m nothing special. Just another ranch hand.”
Quinn’s chest tightened, his eyes softening. “Ah, lass. You are so much more than another ranch hand.”
He searched her face, his gaze drawn to her full lips. Glancing up, their gazes locked as his head dipped lower.
“Found her about a mile away.” Finn’s voice shattered the moment.
Standing, Quinn turned to see him slide to the ground, the reins to his horse and Moonshine in one hand.
“I need you to ride back to the herd, tell the men what happened, then leave for the ranch. Take Moonshine with you.”
Finn nodded at Emma. “Is she all right?”
Quinn pinned him with a hard glare, his expression showing his extreme displeasure. “Aye, Emma will be fine. I’m taking her back to the ranch.” His voice grew cold, unyielding. “In the future, you wait for an order from me before you take off. It makes no difference if Emma is the one doing the asking. I’m the foreman and I give the orders. When you ride out with her, you’re responsible for her safety, but I’m responsible for both of you.”
Finn opened his mouth, then shut it. Nodding, he took one more look at Emma, then swung up on his horse and left.
“He didn’t do anything wrong.” Emma touched the knot on her head.
Quinn’s anger at what almost happened to her, and between them, shifted to Emma. “He took you away from the herd, stayed out until almost dark, and didn’t protect you. The lad is a walking calamity. And you aren’t much better.”
If her head didn’t hurt so much, she would have railed at him, screamed at his high-handed manner. He had no right to blame Finn. Going after the strays had been her idea, not his.
“You’re a brute, MacLaren.”
“Aye. A brute who saved your life.” Slipping his arms under Emma’s knees and behind her back, he lifted her. “Now, let’s get you back to the ranch.”
Emma complained the entire ride back, saying she could’ve handled Moonshine and didn’t need to be cradled in his arms as they rode back on Warrior. Quinn listened, his only response being to hold her tighter against his chest.
He liked the feel of her in his arms…more than he should. As much as he enjoyed the time away from Circle M and the ability to manage a ranch with little meddling from others, he knew his time at the Pearce ranch would soon end.
Big Jim improved each day, taking breakfast and supper with the family. Most evenings, he and Gertie sat on the front porch, talking of their plans for the future. At least that’s what Gertie said. Somehow, Quinn thought there might be more to it. After the death of their son, Jimmy, Quinn had taken for granted the couple would finish their lives on the ranch, leaving it to Emma and whomever she decided to marry.
The thought of her with someone else disturbed Quinn a great deal. He wanted her more than any woman he’d ever known, yet knew they were too different to ever make a life together.
Settling down with one woman had never been important to him. His entire family expected him to marry and have children. Quinn didn’t know if he’d ever be able to commit to one woman. If he couldn’t promise to commit, he’d never agree to marry.
“What on earth?” Gertie raced down the steps, running up to Warrior. “What happened?”
Quinn handed Emma down, letting her mother wrap an arm around her waist to steady her.
“A cougar took an interest in Emma. Moonshine spooked, bucking her off, leaving a knot on her head. You may want to send for Doc Vickery.”
“It’s not that bad, Mama. I’m fine…truly.”
Gertie ignored her, looking over her shoulder. “Quinn, would you mind sending one of the men for the doctor?”
“I can go.”
“No. I’d prefer you stay here. One of the men is fine.”
Quinn watched them walk through the front door, the need to put as much distance between himself and Emma fighting against the need to stay close. Being near her won out. A few minutes later, the men rode in, Finn volunteering to ride into town.
Climbing the steps, Quinn knocked, then entered. Gertie had told him more than once to come inside and not worry about waiting for her to answer the door. He hadn’t quite been able to barge in as if it were his own home. The knock was a compromise.
“Did someone go for the doctor?”
“Aye. Finn volunteered. If Doc is available, they should be here within an hour. Where’s Emma?”
“She’s none too happy, but I insisted she rest a spell. I’m making her tea and broth, which she’ll hate.” Gertie grinned. “That girl never did take to either one.” She ladled broth into a bowl, holding it toward Quinn. “Would you mind taking this up to her?”
“I, uh…don’t know that I should.” He knew being alone with Emma, in her bedroom, wasn’t proper. Besides, he had no desire to spend more time with her until he got himself under control. Without even trying, she caused him to act overprotective and possessive.
Gertie grinned, handing him the broth. “Oh, go on. I’ll be up in a few minutes with the tea. It would be best if she isn’t up there alone too long.”
Taking the broth from her hands, he trudged up the stairs, not looking forward to the reception he’d get. Knocking, he waited.
“Come on in, Mama.” When the door swung open to reveal Quinn, she gasped, eyes widening. “What are you doing here?” She pulled the blankets up under her chin, her grim features showing her displeasure.
Looking behind him, not seeing Gertie, he sighed. “Your ma asked me to bring this up to you.” He held it out, not moving toward her.
“Well, I can’t eat it from over there. Just set it on the table.” She nodded to the bedstand.
Quinn focused on the bowl, his hands trembling as he tried not to make a fool of himself by spilling it. Making the mistake of taking his eyes off it for an instant to look in her direction, his boot caught on the rug. He lurched forward, spilling most of it over the sides of the bowl and onto the rug. Cursing under his breath, he glanced at Emma, her hand over her mouth, eyes crinkling. Before he could take another step, she burst out laughing.
“Now, what do we have here?” Gertie stepped into the room. Moving around Quinn, she set the tray down, then bit her lip when she saw the reason for Emma’s laughter. “Oh dear. I’ll get her some more. You just go ahead and have a seat until I get back. And, Emma, don’t you be teasing him. It could’ve happened to anyone.”
“I’ll be glad to get the soup.” Quinn started for the door.
“If you want to help, clean up the mess.” She grabbed the towel tucked into her apron, handing it to him.
Kneeling, he mopped up the moisture, glad she’d prepared broth and not her famous stew. Standing, he checked the rug, thankful the colors and weave hid what he’d been unable to clean. His gaze wandered to Emma, seeing her still grinning.
“It’s not that funny, lass.”
“Maybe not to you, but it made me feel better.” She touched her temple, wincing. “Although laughing isn’t much fun with my aching head.”
Crossing his arms, his face sobered. He didn’t want to think about what would’ve happened if he’d been a minute slower finding them. The cat’s impact could’ve broken her neck before Finn got off a shot.
Shifting, she grabbed the pillow to pull it behind her back, groaning when it slipped out of her grasp and landed on the floor.
“Let me do it.” Quinn picked up the pillow, making adjustments until Emma leaned back against it. “Better?”
“Yes. Thank you. Um, you don’t need to stay. I’m sure Mama has supper ready, and I know you must be famished.”
“Nae. I’ll stay as Gertie asked.” Grabbing a chair, he pulled it around, straddling it, resting his arms on the back. They sat in silence a couple minutes before he asked what had been bothering him.
“What possessed you to ride off with Finn?”
Glaring at him, she crossed her arms. “I didn’t know I needed your permission to ride after strays or your permission on who went with me.
”
“Is that so? Then I don’t believe you understand my job around here. Should I explain it to you again?”
Gritting her teeth, she leaned toward him. “I don’t need you to explain anything.”
“Because one word from me, lass, and you’ll find yourself cooking, cleaning, and mending, instead of out on the range.”
“How dare you threaten me.” She spat the words out, showing no trace of her normal good nature. Turning her back to him, she scooted to the other side of the small bed.
Quinn smirked, although he felt no pleasure in pushing her. Lowering his voice, he tried to get her to listen. “Nae, lass. You misunderstand. It’s no idle threat. Big Jim was quite clear. You either follow my orders or you’ll spend your days in the house.”
Emma sucked in a breath, turning back toward him. She saw compassion, not the look of triumph she expected. Her head throbbed, but her heart hurt more. “You’re lying.” Her voice held disbelief. “Papa would never stop me from riding. He knows how much I love the ranch.”
“Aye. He would not stop your riding, but your days as a ranch hand will end—at least until I’m gone.”
Forgetting her state of dress, she pulled the covers back, swinging her legs to the side. “Then leave. We don’t need you here. We’ve never needed you here.”
Quinn’s gaze moved from the fierce features of her face to the thin nightgown, then to the bare legs dangling over the edge of her bed. His mouth went dry at the sight of pale, creamy skin. Swallowing a ball of desire, he groaned, pulling his gaze up to meet hers.
“Uh, lass…I think…” He gripped the back of the chair.
Emma glanced down when he hesitated, realizing what had caught his attention. Without uttering a sound, she yanked her legs up, pulling the blankets over them. “I think you should leave.”
Standing, almost toppling the chair to the ground, he stepped away. “Aye, lass. It’s best I leave.”
She nodded, her composure returning. “Good.”
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