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“I’d say…about a minute or two.”

He had heard the impatience in her voice, but still worried about frozen puddles and black ice he kept his speed down.

“I thought you said it was close!”

“It is…and there’s the fence. We’ve arrived. I’m going to turn off my headlights and just leave my parking lights on. I don’t want to alert the people in the house.”

“I don’t see a house.”

“I know, that’s the point. The driveway is really dark. I think it’s because of all the trees surrounding the property. Now you can see the staircase up to her place,” he added, speaking softly as he rolled forward. “Oh, no.”

“What’s the problem?”

“The carport’s empty. Her truck isn’t here. She’s not home.”

“Fuck!”

“Sorry, Courtney, but—”

“Hold on. Let me think about this for a minute. I bet she’s at the cowboy’s house. Hmmm. Maybe I can nail them both. In fact, it would be much easier and far less risky.”

“How?” he asked, cutting the engine.

“I have some stuff with me.”

“Stuff?”

“Stop being an idiot! The cops didn’t get it all at the show!”

“Ohh. Right. What’s your idea.”

“I’ll plant some in her place, find a way to do the same at his ranch, then call in an anonymous tip. I’ll make sure there’s enough to get them both in some seriously hot water.”

“But it’s the cowboy you want to take revenge on. Why are you so determined to cause problems for Heather?”

“She forced me to sell Henry.”

“But you told me you were glad to be rid of him. You said he was too much for you.”

“Yeah, well, she still took advantage of the situation. And why are you sticking up for her?”

“I just don’t think this is fair. By all means, go after Blake Coleman, but—”

“Oh, I get it. You like her.”

“Actually, I do. She seems to be a nice girl. But you know you’re the only one for me. Have I ever let you down?”

“No,” she replied, rolling her eyes, “but I’m going up those steps and getting inside her crappy little bird’s nest. If you want to join me, great. If not…then I’ll have to re-evaluate things. Maybe we’re not such a match after all. You can think about it while I find my lock pick,” she declared, opening her bag. “I know it’s in here someplace.”

The last thing he wanted to do was to step out into the chilly night air and be a party to Courtney’s nasty plan. But when she opened the door and climbed out he knew he had no choice.

He couldn’t lose her.

Not ever.

Not for any reason.

“Wait. I’m coming.”