The Rancher's Return. Karen Whiddon

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СКАЧАТЬ just finished washing out the dishes when she heard the sound of a vehicle in the drive. Despite being ninety percent sure it was Reed, she ran to the window and peered out.

      Alex had surprised her with his first move. She didn’t want to take a chance on being surprised with a second.

      Of course it was only Reed returning from his brief shopping expedition. She still started trembling. She took several deep breaths and tried to think calming thoughts before greeting him. She didn’t want him to see how rattled she’d gotten.

      He walked in the doorway, his shoulders reassuringly broad. Glancing at her, he smiled as he placed two plastic bags on the kitchen counter. “I got most of your disguise,” he said. “Except for the colored contacts. I’ll order those on the internet, but they’ll take a few days to get here.”

      Though she managed to nod, she didn’t immediately reply.

      He went still when he caught sight of her face. “What’s wrong?”

      “Alex,” she said, and then told him what she’d seen on the news.

      After she’d finished, he simply nodded. His strong profile spoke of strength. His broad shoulders and muscular arms should have made her feel safe. Instead, she felt uneasy.

      “That’s all right,” he reassured her. “Don’t worry. No one will recognize you once we’re finished. Here.” He handed her a box of hair color in a shade that could only be described as mousy brown. “After I cut your hair, you can get started on this.”

      “You’re cutting my hair?” The thought made her nervous again, not because of vanity, but because the act would be far too intimate. She eyed his big hands, and his fingers, long and strong, and shivered.

      “Yep. It might not look like it was done by a professional, but that’s kind of the point.”

      Trying for resigned, she only managed to squash down nervous anticipation, even though the thought of his hands on her head made her entire body quiver. She really needed to get this attraction from the past under control.

      “Let’s get it cut so I can color it,” she said, managing to sound completely normal. “The sooner I can change my appearance, the better.”

      Handsome face expressionless, he nodded and then reached into a kitchen drawer for scissors. “Take a seat.” He indicated a chair at the table. “Remember, the goal is to make you look as unattractive as possible.”

      Was it her, or did he sound as if he might be enjoying this a bit too much?

      “Just don’t go so overboard that it’s obvious,” she warned, dropping into a chair. “If you give me a mullet or something, it’s not going to be believable.”

      He laughed, the rich sound rolling over her like a velvet blanket. “Take it easy. I promise not to give you a mullet or a burr.”

      As he walked up behind her, she stiffened. “Have you ever cut hair before?”

      “A long time ago. Tim and I used to trim each other’s hair when we were kids.” When he lifted her heavy hair up from her back, a wisp of air hit the back of her neck, making her shiver again.

      He went still. “Are you all right?”

      “Yes,” she lied. “I’m fine. Just do it before I lose my nerve.”

      Without saying anything else, he cut. And cut. The long, silken strands dropped to the kitchen floor. After the first stunned look, she closed her eyes, refusing to watch, shocked at the depth of her vanity. Even though she’d always considered her hair her best feature, vanity had no place in her life now.

      The light touch of his hands on her scalp, the steady snip-snip of the scissors...if she tried hard enough, she could almost pretend she was in a pricey beauty salon. But then his muscular arm brushed her shoulder, and she caught a whiff of his masculine scent, and her attempt to disassociate herself from him failed.

      “Okay,” he finally said. “You can look.”

      Though she really didn’t want to see, she opened her eyes, accepting the hand mirror he gave her. “Bangs?” she squeaked. “You gave me bangs?” Not just any bangs, but a thick fringe cut straight across halfway up her forehead. As for the rest—she looked like he’d put a bowl over her head and started cutting.

      Of course, the more she thought about it, the cut was perfect. No one would ever suspect she was the same woman they’d shown on the television.

      “Thank you,” she said quietly. “It’s exactly right. I can’t wait to see what it looks like once it’s brown.”

      He grinned, softening the hard ridges of his face. “Not just brown. The most boring, dullest brown I could find.”

      She made a face. “I guess I should be glad you didn’t go with gray.”

      “I almost did. But then I worried it would look too good on you.”

      Though she squinted at him, trying to determine if he’d made a joke—he sounded serious. She worked up a smile and met his gaze. “Well. Anyway, thank you.”

      The amused expression vanished and he gave her a hard look. “We need to get one thing straight. I’m going to avenge my brother’s death and make sure Alex Ramirez is punished. Understood?”

      “Understood,” she said, matching her brusque tone to his. “We both want the same thing.”

      “Good.”

      * * *

      Shortly after sunset, Reed’s cell phone rang. Caller ID showed Anniversary Sheriff’s Department. Of course. Since he wasn’t home, George had decided to try and reach him by cell.

      “What now?” he asked, trying to sound bored and irritated all at once.

      “I’m at your front door,” George told him. “I need you to come home so we can talk.”

      “Sorry, I’m out of town. Any talking we do will have to be on the phone.”

      Silence for a moment while the deputy considered Reed’s words. “How long are you going to be gone?”

      Though Reed wanted to tell him it was none of his business, he held his tongue. “I’m not sure. Why? What’s up?”

      “I’m looking for Kaitlyn Nuhn.” George finally drawled. “No doubt you’ve seen on the news that she’s been abducted. Since she used to live here in town, we’re going door to door to check and see if anyone has spotted her.”

      “Kaitlyn Nuhn?” Reed didn’t have to feign his shock. “Tim’s old girlfriend? Why in the hell would you think I’d have anything to do with her?”

      At the bitterness in Reed’s tone, George’s chuckled, a smug sound. Hearing that, Reed clenched his hand into a fist. He wanted to punch something. Someone.

      The flash of violence startled him. Though George had managed to get under his skin over time, Reed had never wanted to actually hit the guy. Now... The knowledge that not only was the deputy on Alex Ramirez’s СКАЧАТЬ