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C lint limped from Caro’s living room with another two boxes in his arms. He wished he’d followed through with his “threat” to call a group of buddies to help her move. He’d mistakenly assumed she wouldn’t have much more than a handful of suitcases to move out of a pre-furnished rental. He was wrong.

“What’s in these things anyway?” he grumbled as he passed by her perch on a barstool at the kitchen counter. “Gold bars?” Apparently, her idea of helping entailed scanning emails and staying on the phone while she arranged some new shindig at Chester Farm.

“Books,” she returned sweetly. “They’re full of things called words and—” She gave a yelp of alarm as he pretended to stumble in her direction with the boxes.

“Pardon me.” He winked at her and kept walking.

“You did that on purpose,” she spluttered, staring after him.

He tossed an innocent look over his shoulder. “Did what?”

She threw something at him, but she missed. He heard it hit the doorway, chuckling as he kept walking toward his truck. The bed of it was nearly full. He was going to have to cram the last few boxes in or make another trip. Or…his next idea was even more to his liking — making Caro hold a box or two on the way there.

She was waiting for him just inside the door when he returned, tapping the toe of her boot impatiently.

“Aw, did you miss me?” he drawled.

“Why are you doing this?” She folded her arms as she followed him to the final stack of boxes beside the bookshelves in the living room. “I honestly didn’t think you’d take it this far.”

Really? Well, he was happy to prove her wrong. He pivoted her way, inclining his head at her with false gallantry. “Just doling out some of our famous small-town hospitality.” He honestly didn’t know why he’d made the offer. He just had. Probably pure orneriness on his part.

“You can barely stand me,” she grated out.

“Not true.” He turned his back on her. It had been true for months. It had even been true an hour ago, but it was no longer true. There was something about her brittleness that tugged at his heart. Though she put on a good show for others, his gut said she was close to shattering. The occasional flashes of pain in her eyes were proof of it. So were the faint scars he’d glimpsed near her right temple earlier when the dyed blond tendrils had been blown back by the mid-morning breeze.

“All you’ve ever done is glare at me when I visit Johnny’s farm.” The miffed edge to her voice made something shift inside his chest. Did she honestly care that he hadn’t fallen all over himself in the hopes of receiving some of her hallowed attention?

“My bad,” he retorted airily. “In my defense, I was busy working.”

“You know what I mean,” she snapped near his elbow. “Your disdain for me has always been…palpable.”

“What’s it to you, sweetheart?” He swung in her direction, genuinely curious why she was so worked up about it. “I’m just a broken down cowboy.” He hadn’t meant to call her sweetheart. It had just slipped out.

Her momentary confusion told him she hadn’t missed the accidental endearment, either. However, she quickly recovered her usual hauteur.

She hugged her arms tighter around herself as she gave his bum leg a cursory glance. “Like you don’t use that whole wounded rodeo champ thing to your advantage with the ladies.”

It took him an extra second or two to register the fact that Caro Highfalutin Madison didn’t find his limp off-putting. The discovery completely floored him.

Something in his expression made her face flood with color. “Forget it,” she mumbled, turning away from him.

He stared after her, stunned. “What if I don’t want to?”

“You and Johnny have had your fun at my expense,” she returned coldly. “Just finish loading the truck already.”

“You think that’s what this is?” He stalked after her, cornering her by the kitchen cabinet.

“What else would it be?” Her voice grew weary. “You think a girl doesn’t know when she’s been traded off? Johnny put you up to this, didn’t he?” There was a suspicious tremor in her voice. “Someone else caught his interest, and he needed a wingman to dispose of the inconvenient third wheel.”

“Johnny had nothing to do with my offer to help you today.” It had been entirely his idea. Yes, the thought had crossed his mind that he might be providing a much-needed buffer between her and Johnny, but he no longer believed that was necessary. The only reason he was currently standing in her kitchen was because he wanted to be there.

She glanced away from him. “You expect me to believe you’re doing this out of the goodness of your heart?”

He snorted. “You say that like it’s not even a possibility.”

She drew a sharp breath and met his gaze again. “That isn’t what I said!” The pain was back in full force, turning her irises to molten brown.

Every protective instinct in him went on red alert. “Who hurt you?” he demanded harshly. Without thinking, he reached out to brush the hair back from the scars at her temple.

“Nobody!” Fierce indignation curdled in her tone as she shrank back from him. “What kind of question is that?”

“The question of someone who cares.” Granted, his feelings in her direction were new. Very new. Like developing-on-the-spot kind of new, but they were there, and they were real.

“You’re not my type, Clint.” Her eyelashes fluttered against her cheeks, hiding the pain he’d glimpsed.

“I could be.” In a burst of inspiration, he joked, “Believe it or not, I smell better after I shower.”

The edges of her lush lips twitched, making his heart shudder with giddy excitement. Then her mouth flatlined again. “You’re way too nice for the likes of me. You’re just going to have to take my word for it.”

Clint suddenly wished he’d dated more, because maybe he’d understand women better. “And if I don’t?”

Her eyelashes rose, revealing a swirl of pure torment in her gaze. “Then you’re cruising for heartbreak.” She shook her head sadly at him. “In case you missed it, half the town thinks Johnny and I are an item.”

“I didn’t miss it.” Jealousy curdled in his veins.

“Who’s to say I won’t use you to get back at him?” She unfolded her arms. “Don’t you see where I’m going with this?”

“Not really, but I’m trying.” Attraction and awareness were zinging between them thicker than the creamy milk they produced at Johnny’s Dairy. And unless he was losing his mind, he’d bet his boots she was feeling it, too.

“Maybe this will help.” One second, she was looking close to weeping. The next second, she was stepping up to him and sliding her arms around his neck. Then her lips touched his.

Clint had been accused of a lot of things in his life — like being thickheaded and slow. A lot of folks just assumed that daredevils like him didn’t have much gray matter between their ears, but they were wrong.

He didn’t stop to second-guess what was happening between them. He simply wrapped his arms around her and accepted what she was offering.

Caro burrowed closer, hanging on to him like a lifeline.

Only when he felt the dampness of tears hit his collarbone did he draw back. Or tried to.

She continued to cling to his neck, burying her face against his shoulder.

He cupped a hand gently around the back of her neck and held her there while she wept in silence. “Just for the record…” He spoke quietly against the top of her head. “None of this is convincing me you’re trying to get back at Johnny for anything.”

She gave a sobbing chuckle. “Just for the record…” She mimicked his voice, making him smile. “You made me forget everyone else for a minute there.”

His heart soared. “That was the whole idea.”

She tipped her tear-streaked face up to gaze at him. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“I am aware.” He used his thumb to brush the wetness from her cheeks. “What are you gonna do about it?” He was enjoying every second of what was proving to be the craziest ride of his life yet.

“That’s not an answer I can give you today.” She gave a self-deprecatory laugh. “I came to Heart Lake for a fresh start, Clint.” The bleak expression that wafted over her features told him she was only giving him a partial truth. There was more to her story. Hopefully, she would eventually trust him with it.

“Well, you gotta admit what we just did was new.” He winked at her. “Maybe even a little fresh.”

“You’re hilarious.” She waved a hand ruefully at her face. “I don’t normally have meltdowns.”

“Maybe you were overdue.” He traced a finger over the scars on her temple.

She flinched, but she didn’t pull away this time. “I’m not weak, Clint.”

“Never said you were.” He lightly dragged his finger down her cheek, more convinced than ever that someone had hurt her. Badly.

“What you just witnessed,” her voice grew firmer, “was nothing more than a fluke.”

“Bummer! I was kind of hoping our kiss would be the first of many,” he teased.

“I’m being serious!” She scowled at him, but none of her usual venom was there.

“So am I.” He hitched her closer. “Though you’re not my type any more than I’m yours, I wouldn’t mind seeing where this leads.”

“Not your type, eh?” She looked so offended that he almost started laughing.

“Not even close.” He tenderly caressed her cheek again.

She shook her head to dislodge his hand. “Let me guess,” she seethed. “To fit into the lineup of women you normally date, I need to trade my designer dress for a pair of cutoff jean shorts? Oh, and stick a piece of straw between my teeth.”

“Although I wouldn’t object to seeing you in something like that,” he lightly tapped her nose, “the truth is, I don’t date much.”

“I don’t believe it,” she snapped.

“Then ask around, darling.” He dipped his head to touch his forehead to hers. “It’s a small town where most secrets aren’t kept for long.”

This time, she didn’t dodge his touch. “We have literally nothing in common,” she sighed.

“Except when we’re kissing.” He swooped his mouth to hers for another nip to prove his point and ended up lingering there.

“Otherwise, we’re barely civil to each other,” she murmured between kisses.

He grinned against her lips. “Keeps things interesting.”

She drew back soberly. “Speaking of small-town secrets, I’d really appreciate you keeping this between us for now.”

“This?” He quirked one eyebrow at her, pretending confusion.

A warm shade of pink tinged her high cheekbones. “Us.”

“Oh, so now there’s an us ?” He was tickled to hear her attempt to slap a label on it. For him, a label wasn’t necessary. He’d already peeled back her feelings about him, and it was enough. For now. He wasn’t ready to defend himself to his brother-in-law over falling for a woman they’d both previously labeled as shallow and self-serving. Clint had some serious praying to do on the matter first.

She ignored his jibe. “If there’s anything to this,” she jabbed a finger against his chest, which he happily flexed for her benefit, “it’ll stand on its own merit. I will not ,” she raised herself to her tiptoes to bring them nose to nose, “have you accusing me of using you as an emotional baseball bat on Johnny or anyone else!”

“Anyone else?” he taunted. It was all he could do to resist smashing his mouth against hers again. “Exactly how many others am I competing with for your kisses, darling?”

Fury leaped into her gaze. “While we’re being nasty to each other, you need to watch your step with Ashley.”

His gaze narrowed on hers. “Jealous much?”

“Focus!” Caro bit out the word so vehemently that he chuckled. “I’m telling you she’s dangerous.”

“Any proof?” There was no way he was throwing his new coworker under the bus on the word of a jealous rival.

“The truth will come out soon.” She looked genuinely disturbed at the prospect. “There’s a lawsuit coming down the pike that’ll land her in a heap of trouble. One that’ll label her as a dirty cop, just like her dead partner.”

It was troubling news indeed. “How do you know this?”

Caro expressively raised and lowered her shoulders. “We’re both from Dallas. It’s plastered all over the news there.”

“Well, then.” He searched her gaze and found it difficult to read. “Thanks for the warning. I’ll pass the word on to Johnny. Discreetly, of course.”

“What if he doesn’t listen?” There was a warning note in her voice. “Ashley seems to have him beneath her spell.”

“He’s my brother-in-law,” Clint reminded, hoping he wasn’t the one who’d been enchanted by a sorceress. “Which is why it won’t take much for him to guess there’s something between us. There’s the risk our secret will come out if I say anything to him.” He dropped his arms, knowing he had a powerful lot to pray about in the coming days. To him, Ashley was about as dangerous as a wounded bird dragging a wing behind her. But what if it was only an act?

“Do what you have to do to make him listen to reason.” Caro’s expression lost some of its severity. “In the meantime, you need to be careful, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am!” He cupped her face between his hands. “You got any other marching orders before I finish loading up boxes?”

Johnny set up an appointment with Farmer Monty to meet for breakfast the next morning. In true Monty Chester style, he insisted on meeting in his own kitchen and stirring up some breakfast for them.

He sailed across the eat-in kitchen with two plates teetering with mountainous piles of pancakes. Berries and syrup dripped down the sides, with a dollop of whipped cream on top. He set the plates down on the rustic farm table with a flourish, sliding Johnny’s closer to him.

Then he climbed on the bench across from him and folded his hands. “Shall we say grace?”

Johnny bowed his head while Farmer Monty said a blessing over their food. “Amen,” they chorused at the end. Then he dug in. “Thanks for the pancakes!”

“Watching you clean your plate is all the thanks I need, kid.” Farmer Monty took his first bite, and they munched in comfortable silence for a few minutes.

“What would you like to drink?” The aging farmer abruptly laid down his fork. “Milk, orange juice, coffee, tea?”

“How about a glass of water?” Johnny preferred milk with his breakfast, but he was a bit of a milk snob. He only drank it straight from his own dairy farm.

Farmer Monty rolled his eyes. “I exclusively stock your brand around here if that’s what has your knickers in a wad.”

As much as Johnny would like to believe it, he wasn’t buying it. “What about your new herd?” For reasons he still didn’t understand, the grizzled old farmer had recently invested in a couple dozen dairy cattle and installed a few milking machines.

“Bah!” Farmer Monty waved a hand dismissively. “They’re not mine. I’m just letting an old friend park his herd here until he can get the proper equipment set up at his place.”

Johnny’s curiosity stirred. “Is it someone I know?”

“Probably not.” Farmer Monty shrugged. “Martin’s great-uncle died long before you arrived in town. We figured his heir would sell the place since he was born and raised in Dallas. Instead, he’s making noises about dividing his time between the city and country.”

“Martin?” Foreboding settled in Johnny’s gut.

“Yeah. A guy by the name of Martin Hobbs.” Farmer Monty studied his expression. “Have you met him yet?”

“Once.” Unfortunately. Johnny was less than thrilled to discover they were discussing Ashley’s ex-fiancé.

So much for my hope that he’s in her rearview mirror! He wondered if Ashley knew her ex was toying with the idea of moving to Heart Lake.

Farmer Monty nodded knowingly. “I reckon it makes sense your paths have crossed. It’s a small town, and you’re both dairy farmers.”

Johnny wasn’t ready to call Martin that. “I believe Martin is an attorney. From a big firm, too.” He gestured grandly with his fork.

“A real bigwig, eh?” Farmer Monty stood and gave the suspenders hooked to his jeans a snap as he marched across the room to fetch two tall mugs of milk. “Guess that explains his idiocy about dairy farming.”

“What do you mean?” Johnny waited for him to elaborate.

Farmer Monty returned to the table to slap the two mugs of milk down on it. “He doesn’t know the first thing about dairy farming, that’s what. After setting up some expensive machines that he can monitor from an app on his cell phone, he told me to dispose of the milk. Just throw it away!” He shook his head in disgust. “Claims it’s not enough to bother with bottling and distributing.”

“Is that what you’re doing?” Johnny wasn’t sure what to make of Martin’s strange request.

“Yes and no. I’ve been piping it to the hog pen.” Farmer Monty shrugged. “But that’s enough with the small talk. How about you tell me what you really came for?”

Johnny hated being the bearer of bad news, but he cared too much about the dear old fella to be anything less than honest with him. “The police received an anonymous tip about one of your employees,” he began slowly.

“You mean Caro?” Farmer Monty’s expression settled into grim lines.

Johnny nodded, choosing his next words carefully. “She may be involved in more than event planning.”

“Not surprised.” Farmer Monty pursed his lips thoughtfully.

“Do you mind me asking why?” Johnny was all ears if the guy was willing to share his concerns.

“Don’t mind at all.” The old farmer folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. “After being held prisoner on my own farm a while back and nearly losing everything, I’ve gotten downright religious about vetting every new hire. Background checks. The whole enchilada. Even for the volunteers.”

“Who’s running the checks for you?” Since this was the first Johnny was hearing about them, he was betting it wasn’t the local police doing the honors.

“And old friend in law enforcement.” The farmer gestured vaguely. “He’s not from here.”

“Why?” Johnny demanded.

“Because I wanted more details,” Farmer Monty exploded with such energy that his shaggy beard shuddered. “Those standard checks don’t tell you squat!”

Johnny was almost afraid to ask his next question. “Did Caro’s come out clean?”

“In a manner of speaking,” the old cowboy drawled, looking smug. This time, however, he didn’t make Johnny beg him to keep talking. “We ran across a security clearance.”

Johnny was silent for a moment. “You’re telling me the owner of a glorified housekeeping company has a security clearance?”

“She walks dogs, does personal shopping, and offers chef services, too,” Farmer Monty pointed out like a proud father.

“Sir!”

The man shrugged as if it was no big deal. “ Obviously , she’s more than what she lets on, but it can’t be bad, right? With the security clearance and all?”

“You’d think.” Johnny’s thoughts were racing along the lines of the FBI, CIA, or military. “Have you asked her about it?”

“Nope.” Farmer Monty gave a rusty cackle. “But I sure as all get out offered her a raise to move on site and start dusting my bookshelves. She moved into that loft apartment over the main barn yesterday, and I feel safer already.”

“I heard. Clint helped her move in.” Johnny was still puzzling his way through his brother-in-law’s dodgy mood ever since. He initially assumed Clint’s rare silence was due to having his ears barbecued by Caro, but what if something else was troubling the guy?

Farmer Monty gave him a sharp look. “He’s a nice kid like you.”

“He’s my brother-in-law.” Johnny wasn’t sure if the old farmer was aware of their relationship.

“No kidding?” Looking delighted, Farmer Monty unfolded his arms and slapped his hands down on his thighs.

“Yep, and they don’t make in-laws any finer.” Johnny thought the world of Clint. His only complaint was Clint’s refusal to jointly invest in the dairy farm. He’d never understood it and felt downright guilty about it somedays. He didn’t like playing the role of Clint’s employer instead of his partner.

Farmer Monty’s jovial expression faded. “Listen, I couldn’t have been more sorry to hear about your heartache up in Wyoming.”

Johnny glanced away, swallowing hard. “Thank you, sir.”

“My hat’s off to you and Clint for sticking together the way you have.”

Johnny nodded. “Like I said, they don’t make ‘em any finer than him.”

“So’s that it?” Farmer Monty leaned closer to him. “You got what you came for?”

“Not quite, sir.” Johnny met his gaze levelly. “You’re one of our town’s greatest treasures.”

The old farmer snorted. “Meaning I’m not gonna like what you’re gonna say next?”

“Probably not.” Johnny laid out a plan for round-the-clock security to be embedded at Chester Farm. “Nearly everyone at Lonestar Security has volunteered here at some time or another. We’ll all take turns. It won’t be too hard to work out a seemingly random set of shifts.”

Farmer Monty grimaced. “For how long?”

All Johnny could do was nod. He didn’t have an end date on the books yet.

“All because of some anonymous tip,” his aging friend groaned.

“It’s only because we care.” Johnny couldn’t give him a better answer than that.

“I know, I know,” he grumbled. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“This is just between you and Lonestar Security,” Johnny informed him carefully. “And the police. No one else needs to know what we’re doing here. It’ll compromise the integrity of our mission and put our security team in danger.”

Farmer Monty looked mildly incensed over his warning. “I wasn’t born yesterday, kid. Your secret is safe with me. But…” He held up one gnarled finger, “I have one condition.”

“Name it, sir.” Johnny had come prepared to negotiate long and hard, so he had plenty of room to make concessions.

“You and your team need to protect Caro, too.” His expression sharpened with warning. “And before you start blustering, you need to understand something. She has become like a daughter to me.”

Uh-oh! “You’ve only known her a few months.”

“You’ve known Ashley Perkins for a lot less time,” the old fella shot back.

Johnny stared at him in astonishment. “What in the world does that have to do with anything?”

Farmer Monty pointed at him. “I’ve got eyes, kid, and these eyes saw the way you were looking at her at church yesterday. I also noticed how it upset Caro.”

Johnny wasn’t sure what to say to that. His growing attraction to Ashley was too new, too unexplored.

“I also noticed how less upset she was after Clint finished helping her move yesterday,” Farmer Monty chortled.

For a moment, Johnny couldn’t wrap his brain around what the guy was suggesting. When he did, he shook his head. That’s impossible!

“I know what I saw.” The old farmer grew serious again. “So, if you aren’t gonna pursue Caro yourself, how about you step out of the way?”

With pleasure! It hadn’t been Johnny’s idea to link his name to Caro’s in the first place. “I’ll do what I can, sir.” Clint and Caro, though? No matter how hard Johnny tried, he couldn’t picture them as a couple. Caro was a pinkies-up kind of gal, whereas Clint was, well, Clint.

“You’re doing what?” Clint stomped around Johnny’s unfurnished living room, making the ceiling fan rattle.

“Providing a security detail for Farmer Monty,” Johnny repeated. “Off the books, of course. The only reason I’m telling you is because I’m gonna need you to cover my back around here while I’m away.” He’d never seen his even-tempered brother-in-law get so worked up over something before. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

Clint waved away his attempt to bring up the topic of pay. He marched to the bench by the door and tossed his Stetson on it. “Are his kidnappers getting out of jail early?” He ran his hands through his hair, disheveling it.

“Not that I know of.” Johnny couldn’t say more. His brother-in-law knew that.

“Well, the only other big change I know about is his decision to hire an events manager,” Clint fumed.

Johnny shrugged instead of answering. Clint’s response to his request was a far cry from what he’d been expecting.

“Really, bro?” Clint started pacing again. “Where’s the trust?”

Johnny stared at him, aghast. “In Caro?”

“Yes, in Caro!” Clint rounded on him. “You didn’t hesitate to roll out the red carpet for Ashley, hiring her without so much as a courtesy notice to me!”

“Didn’t think you wanted to be bothered about stuff like that.” Johnny fisted his hands at his sides. “You’ve shut me down every time I bring up the topic of going into business together.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have,” Clint ground out.

Johnny’s eyes widened. Then he gave a whoop of delight that shook the ceiling rafters. “If you’re saying what I think you’re saying, the answer is yes!” He’d have an attorney draw up the papers as soon as possible to make it happen.

Instead of looking happy about it, Clint’s jaw hardened. “The only way a partnership between me and you will ever work is if you trust me.”

“Of course, I trust you!” Johnny had no idea what had gotten into the guy. “With my farm, my cattle, my life!”

“Just not with my opinion about Caro,” his brother-in-law shot back.

Johnny gaped at him. “Are you two…?” Then he shook his head. “No way! You said it yourself. She’s not your type.”

“She’s not.” A gleam of humor returned to Clint’s gaze. “Not even a little.” Which in no way explained the goofy grin stealing across his features.

“Wait a sec!” Johnny’s gaze narrowed in suspicion on him. “Are you trying to tell me…?” He couldn’t quite make his mind go all the way there.

“We kissed, alright?” Clint burst out laughing. “You should see your face right now.”

“You’re just messing with me.” Johnny wanted to throttle him for it.

“And if I’m not?” Clint’s expression was impossible to read.

“You want me to believe you two are dating?” Unfortunately, he wouldn’t put it past the flirty southern belle to use his brother-in-law to get back at him — all for refusing to turn the rumors about their relationship into something real. What he didn’t understand was Clint’s compliance in the matter.

“It’s nothing that official,” Clint scoffed. “We’re gonna keep it between us for now.”

“Between the three of us, you mean.” How could Clint be such a fool? “Please tell me you see what she’s doing!”

“I know how it looks, bro, but you’re wrong.” Clint’s voice was emphatic. “I only told you about our kiss so I could warn you about Ashley.”

“Warn me!” Johnny felt like he’d fallen into the Twilight Zone. “Why?”

“It’s a long story.” Clint ran his hands through his hair some more. “Short version is that Ashley and her dead partner might’ve been on the take.”

“Did you just call her a dirty cop?” Rage flooded Johnny, making him see red.

“I believe the term Caro used was alleged,” his brother-in-law returned evenly. “Just so you know, the way you’re feeling right now is the same way I felt when you suggested Farmer Monty might need protection from Caro. It’s no fun having the tables turned on you, is it?”

They’d never argued like this before. Johnny didn’t like it.

“While you’re deciding if the way I feel about Caro is gonna be a deal breaker for our partnership,” Clint’s voice grew sorrowful, “there’s something else you should know. It’s about Ashley’s ex.”

“I know Martin Hobbs is boarding a herd of cattle at Chester Farm.” Johnny wasn’t surprised Clint had gotten wind of it, considering how many hours he’d spent there yesterday. “As for your personal life, whoever you want to date is entirely your business,” he paused a beat before adding, “partner.”

Clint’s grin returned. “We’re really doing this, then?”

“Yep.” Johnny shook his hand. Then he enveloped him in a bear hug.

Clint hugged him back. “Promise me you’ll be careful with Ashley.”

“I’m in love with her,” Johnny confessed wryly. “Not sure that’s what you meant, but it’s true.”

“Man!” Clint stepped back and briefly closed his eyes. “I’ve always trusted you and your instincts.”

“Until Ashley,” Johnny finished for him. “I could say the same about you.”

“Until Caro.” Clint added glumly. Then his expression brightened. “Or we could continue to trust each other’s instincts, the same way we always have.”

“Even though you’re falling for a woman who doesn’t trust the woman I’m falling for.” Johnny mulled over that conundrum, still not liking it one bit.

“And vice versa.” Clint punched him lightly on the shoulder.

“I didn’t say that.” Johnny punched him back.

“You didn’t have to.” Clint snorted. “Even a dumb bull rider can’t miss the daggers they’ve been staring at each other.”

“Yeah, you’d have to be blind not to notice.” Johnny glanced at his watch. It was time to get back to the barn.

They continued to exchange sarcastic digs about their respective love lives as they returned to the milking parlor together.

Clint yanked open the door and waved him inside. “Does Ashley know about Martin’s plans to relocate to Heart Lake?”

“No idea.” But Johnny was leaning toward no. He was so busy pondering the disturbing notion of being the one to inform her that he plowed straight into the one woman he couldn’t stop thinking about. She must have been heading out the door at the exact time he’d stepped through it.

Ashley’s forehead collided with his chest, and her ponytail flew up to splay across his face.

“Whoa!” His arms instinctively came around her. “Sorry about that. You alright?” He wasn’t sorry, of course, about how good her silky hair smelled or how right her curvy figure felt in his embrace.

She yanked her head up to meet his gaze. “Martin is moving to town?” she rasped.

Clint cleared his throat and edged around them, leaving them alone in the chilly doorway.

“Let’s take this conversation inside.” Johnny towed Ashley back into the warmth of the barn, allowing the door to swing shut behind them.

She wiggled out of his embrace, looking supremely agitated. “Please tell me what you know about Martin,” she begged. “I honestly thought he’d left town already.”

He spread his hands. “He may have. All I know is what Farmer Monty told me.”

“Which is,” she prodded.

“That he inherited some property in Heart Lake from his great-uncle, and now he’s considering the idea of straddling here and Dallas.”

She shook her head, looking stunned. “I didn’t know he had any family in town. I take it the late Mr. Hobbs was friends with Farmer Monty?”

“Sounds like it.” Johnny had as many questions as answers at this point. “Farmer Monty mentioned he’s boarding Martin’s herd at his place.”

“Martin’s herd?” Ashley couldn’t have looked more confused. “As in cattle?”

“Dairy cows,” Johnny affirmed, trying to decide if he needed to be worried about the competition. “He installed some newfangled milking machines, but claims what he’s producing isn’t enough to bottle and distribute yet.”

Her hands came down on her hips. “What are they doing with the milk then?”

“Nothing. He told Farmer Monty to toss it, so Farmer Monty is recycling it to his pig pen.” It was rather clever of him.

Her face grew ashen. “No!” A keening wail tore out of her. “That can’t be right!”

She looked so distraught that Johnny ushered her into the nearest storage room.

“Start. Talking.” He was beyond caring whether he was being insensitive. Too much was at stake for them to continue walking on eggshells around each other.

“I need to make a call first.” She spoke through bloodless lips as she raised her cell phone to her ear.

He could hear it ringing on the other end.

“Monica?” Ashley’s voice shook. “I need you to sign a form, allowing me to partner with a local private investigator on your case.” She fell silent while she listened. “Yes, I trust him. Implicitly.” She ended the phone call moments later.

“Give us a minute.” She opened a secure app on her phone, punched some buttons, and waited. “There it is.” She clicked open the form and scanned it. Then she pocketed the phone and faced him.

“We need to go have a look at Farmer Monty’s pigs. I’ll explain everything on the way there.”