Natalie jumped to her feet. “Then two killers are still at large.”
“That’s true, but we know who they are and what they look like. Thanks to Colette, I’ll be able to close in on them much sooner. When I’ve pieced a little more information together, I’ll organize a manhunt to bring them in.”
She stood there looking at him in awe. “You only took on this case a week ago, and already you know everything. You must have come to this earth with special gifts.”
He darted her a quick smile. “No. I was born naturally curious. I was always asking why. It drove my family crazy.”
“Be serious for a minute. Do you ever take a break?”
“I’m taking one this weekend.”
Natalie didn’t know what that meant. “I’m glad to hear you have a personal life. You must be sick of sleeping on the floor with one eye open all the time.”
“I don’t mind. It’s all part of the job.” He finished his cola. “How would you and Amy like to drive to San Antonio with me tomorrow? She’s a great little traveler. We’ll stay at a motel close to the arena and order a crib for your room. There’s an animal exhibit at Little Buckaroo Farms Amy will love. You can push her around in her stroller.”
What?
“I’m going to haze for my brother at the rodeo tomorrow night. My friend Luckey will guard you during the steer wrestling event. But if you don’t want to come, a surveillance team will watch you here all weekend. The decision is yours.”
Don’t want to come? Natalie had trouble catching her breath. “I’d love to go, but I don’t want you to feel you have to take us along. Amy and I will be fine here.”
“Wouldn’t you like a break that doesn’t include traveling on a jet?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“But what?” he broke in, sounding tense all of a sudden.
“But nothing,” she said with a smile he reciprocated, thrilling her out of her mind. Natalie sensed he wanted her with him and she wanted to be there. She was overjoyed that he’d invited her. “What time do you want to leave tomorrow?”
“Whenever we feel like it. The drive to San Antonio only takes an hour and a half. I’ll need to meet Brandon at the arena an hour before his event. Why don’t we take off after breakfast and check in at the motel before we visit the animals?”
“That sounds perfect. Amy will be worn out after that and take a nap before we go to the arena to watch you compete.”
“Then it’s settled. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have half a dozen phone calls to make.”
She could imagine. “While you do that, I’ll do a little packing and get ready for tomorrow. See you in the morning.”
For once she didn’t mind saying good-night because she knew she’d be with Kit all weekend. She couldn’t wait to watch him in the arena. Any time spent with him was precious.
By the time Natalie slid under the covers she knew she was suffering from a full-blown case of hero worship.
Truth really was stranger than fiction because in one week she’d fallen hard for the gorgeous Ranger. With every passing minute she was getting in deeper and deeper. Last night when he’d put his arms around her to comfort her, she’d struggled not to return the kiss he’d given her on the cheek. If only he knew how badly she’d ached for the taste and feel of his mouth on hers.
Chapter Six
“Look, Amy! That’s a cow! A big one.”
Kit chuckled as Amy imitated him and said, “Big cow.?
?? He’d been pushing her around in the stroller with Natalie at his side. Despite the heat, the Little Buckaroo Farm turned out to be pure delight. Seeing it through Amy’s eyes made the experience so much fun, Kit didn’t want it to end.
Hundreds of other families exclaimed over the animals. The goat-milking entertained everyone. “Shall we go see the horses now?” He pushed on and stopped in front of the fence so Amy could have a clear view of the horses in the corral.
Natalie leaned down. “See the horses?”
“Hus!” Amy pronounced. Both Kit and Natalie broke into laughter.
“That’s right, little cutie,” Kit agreed. “You’re looking at a big hus.”