Page 67

Thankfully, Zeke made the first move. He jutted his chin toward the porch. “Well, go on then. Take a seat.”

Riley lurched into action, climbing the few steps to the porch before taking a seat.

Zeke settled beside him, removing his hat and placing it on his knee. “What experience do you have with horses?”

“Sir?”

“Son, I don’t got much time on my hands today. I’m only giving you this interview because if I don’t, I won’t hear the last of it from Adeline. I don’t know where she found you, but if she thinks you’re worthy of my time, then I’m not going to question her. Now, answer the dang question.”

Riley swallowed at the lump in his throat. “To be honest, I don’t have a lot of experience with horses.”

Zeke’s eyes narrowed as his eyes drilled holes right through Riley’s soul. He’d been in any number of dangerous situations over his life, but right now, Riley was the most scared he’d ever been. Zeke leaned toward him only slightly. “Then why are you on my property?”

He had two choices. Answer honestly—even if it meant getting the wrath of Zeke Callahan to rain down on him. Or he could plead his case for a job and then pretend it was a coincidence that he had an interview with his girlfriend’s father before meeting him.

The second option sounded so much better than the first. But he knew better.

Riley scooted to the edge of his chair and swallowed again. “Actually, sir, Adeline didn’t send me.” He didn’t think it was possible, but the darkness in Zeke’s expression worsened.

Without a word, he got to his feet and headed for the front door of his house.

Riley stood, unsure of what he should do. Was he supposed to follow him? Explain his reasons for being there?

The door banged open and Zeke emerged with a shotgun pointed directly at Riley. Instinct had Riley reaching for his own firearm at his side—something he hadn’t brought with him. He lifted placating hands and took a step back. “Whoa. I can explain. I’m actually here for a good reason.”

Zeke jerked the barrel of the gun toward the steps. “I don’t know you. No one sent you. That means you don’t belong here.”

“It’s Grace,” he blurted. “I’m here about Grace.” Riley stumbled down the steps and fought to regain his balance the second his feet hit the earth below.

The man hesitated, though he didn’t lower his weapon. “Is she hurt?”

“What? No.” Technically he had no clue. Just the suggestion alone had his heart racing erratically. “I don’t think so,” he amended. “I came here to speak to you about my intentions.” Riley had expected to throw Zeke off enough that he’d lower his gun, but the man was on a mission.

“What are you talking about, boy?”

“I love your daughter.”

Zeke didn’t move for what felt like several minutes but was, in reality, only a few moments. Then he threw back his head and laughed. “Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?”

“You’re Ze—Mr. Callahan, isn’t that right?”

“I’m that girl’s father, and you—” His dark eyes swept over Riley. “There’s no reason you should be within fifty yards of my daughter. I suggest you get your head on straight and head back to where you came from.”

Riley’s adrenaline finally kicked in. He straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin. “I’m in love with your daughter, and one day I’m going to marry her. I only came here as a courtesy to you.”

“Son, if you were so important to my daughter, why isn’t she here?” As if his words were enough to summon Grace all on their own, her familiar truck materialized over that small slope in the road. Zeke still had his gun trained on Riley as his eyes shifted over to the vehicle closing in on them.

It came to an abrupt stop beside Riley’s motorcycle and Grace jumped out of the truck. “Riley! What in heaven’s name are you doing?”

24

Grace

Grace charged forward, driven by terror and elation. Riley had gone against her wishes and just shown up at her house. Part of her swooned over how romantic that sounded in her head.

But then reality splashed her with a bucket of ice water. This wasn’t romantic. It was controlling and overbearing. They’d discussed this. And she’d told himno.

Well, she’d told himnot yet.