Cassie's Cowboy Crave: Witness Protection - Rancher Style (Sweet Montana Bride Series) Read Free Page B

worked with Reese, and then with Jade, Gavin’s wife.
    He shook his head in frustration. What kind of impression would he make once she found out he lived so dang close to his parents? He regretted staying at Grandpa Emerson’s place for so long. Why hadn’t he just built on his acre three miles down, like the others had done? The answer came quickly enough: he hadn’t the need. While Blake was busy chasing two mischievous boys, and Gavin helping care for that new baby girl, Shane had stayed back at the old place, found comfort in hanging out with the hired ranch hands, pretending to enjoy the single life. But the fact was, it was getting old.
    He could barely fathom how different his life might be had Natasha said yes to his proposal. But that girl had been city-bound and there was no changing it; best she break free before they married and brought little ones into the picture. Could have been the biggest mistake of his life, marrying her. And it scared him; perhaps he had bad judgment when it came to women. Who knew? He was determined to not make that mistake again.
    Reese had fallen in love with the country. Jade had too. With the ranch, and with the Emerson brother who’d stepped up as guardian. He only wondered how such a thing could happen more than once. Twice was hard enough to believe, but three times? Heck, that was damn near impossible.
    ~+~
    “I hope they were able to get my cats okay,” Cassie said, staring out the small window. A sliver of sunlight peeked over the distant horizon, barely softening the bleak darkness behind them.
    “Cats will be fine,” the detective assured.
    “Can you tell me where we’re going yet?” So far all they had done is fly from one nearby state to the next. Either they were wandering aimlessly or trying really hard to throw off a pursuer.
    “Maybe, but first let me explain all the backtracking,” he said. “Your original guardian, located in New Mexico, was unable to take you due to some health issues. Our backup, an older couple living in Nevada, were recently put in a retirement home and hadn’t notified us.” He glanced at her, a wry smile on his face. “Turns out they’re ten years older than our records indicate.”
    “Oh.” A new knot of nerves tightened in her stomach.
    Gonzalez pulled in a deep, proud breath, puffing out his chest. “We’ve got you covered now. Going to a real nice place.” He left it at that.
    “In which state?” She was starting to wonder if they’d land back in Seattle where she’d find the whole thing was only a cruel prank.
    The detective smiled at her like she was some helpless little kitten. “They announced where we were headed. You didn’t listen?”
    Her defenses kicked in. “Well, you said we still had two more flights to go. So either you lied to me about that or you forgot how to count.” That’s right; this kitten has claws.
    She wasn’t sure she liked the boisterous laugh coming from the man’s mouth. As he continued in his sudden amused state, Cassie shifted in her seat before tapping the passenger directly in front of her.  “Excuse me,” she said, voice firm and direct. “Could you tell me where we’re headed?”
    That wiped the grin off Gonzalez’s face.
    The older gentleman nodded before replying. “Certainly, sweetheart. We’re headed to the state of Oro y Plata. That’s Spanish for gold and silver.”
    She tilted her head in confusion. He still hadn’t answered her question, which must be why the detective’s grin was back.
    “So that’s…” Cassie prompted.
    “The Treasure State.” After a long pause he added, “Big Sky Country?” The blank expression on Cassie’s face must have urged him to continue. “Montana, of course, girl. Sweet Montana. Home to the real American cowboy.”
    She tested the word out for herself. “Montana?” Hmm. What did she know about the state? Nothing. And cowboys? Ann would have liked that.
    “So are we going to talk about that overdue book yet?” The