Page 31

With his hands shaking and heart pounding, Geoff jerked up his arm and sent the dazzling light into the animal’s face. Instantly the animal galloped away into the trees.

Letting out a heavy breath and trying to calm his racing heart, he dropped the phone back in his pocket and broke into a fast run. By the time he passed the horses in the paddocks he was almost out of breath, but he didn’t stop until he was nearing the house. Slowing to a walk and panting heavily, he could see a dim light coming from a single window. He stopped and stared. There was no evidence of anyone moving around inside. As he bent down and moved cautiously closer, he noticed Brody’s truck was gone. Continuing around to the back door and trying the handle he discovered it was locked. At his feet were potted plants and a few stone ornaments. Moving them one by one, he found a key beneath a concrete frog. Slipping it in the lock, it turned easily and he slowly opened the door.

He was peering into the kitchen.

There were no sounds.

His suspicions were confirmed.

Brody and Annie were gone.

Stepping inside he quickly found the pantry and a tub of blueberry muffins. After wolfing down two, he grabbed a cup from the counter, opened the refrigerator, poured himself a glass of milk, then sat at the table and considered his options.

* * *

The happy evening at Annie’s home was drawing to a close. In spite of Geoffrey Palmer’s unpleasant visit to the town it had been a joyous reunion. As Annie hugged her parents and said her goodbyes, Brody invited her brother Andrew to stop by the ranch.

“I’d love to come. When would be a good time?”

“If you’d like to watch the clinic over the weekend you’re more than welcome. There will be ten people, all different levels, but if you’d rather swing by and take a hike through the forest or go for a trail ride with Annie and me, that’s fine too.”

“There are some friends I want to catch up with in the next couple of days so the weekend would probably be best.”

“Sounds good. Call me and we’ll work it out,” Brody replied as he and Annie ambled to his truck.

There were more hugs before Annie was allowed to climb in, and as Brody backed the truck down the driveway, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “You’re the best.”

“I am? Why, what did I do?”

“You’re just so easy to be with. Mum and dad adore you.”

“That’s only because I’m taking care of their daughter. Speaking of which, now Geoffrey is gone and the dust has settled I think the time has come for me to keep my promise.”

“What promise is that?”

“You don’t remember?” he asked, glancing across at her with a wickedly raised eyebrow.

“Oh…I do now.”

“And that promise was? Tell me, Annie.”

“I came to your house for one last goodbye kiss before leaving for Nashville, and you said the next time you saw me I’d be a singing sensation.”

“And...?”

“And if I’d become a big star, I’d probably, uh…”

“Go on.”

“Be in need of a proper spanking,” she whispered.

“Because?”

“Why are you making me say all this?”

“Answer the question! Because…?”