Free Love Inspired Suspense September 2015 #2 by Lynette Eason, Lisa Harris, Rachel Dylan Page B

doubt he fully believed what he’d just said, but there was only one problem.
    She knew Hank and he didn’t.

SEVEN
    S eth checked his rearview mirror one more time. Tonya was right behind him as he turned onto the back road that would lead him to his family’s ranch in Wrangler’s Corner, Tennessee. He loved the rodeo, but he had to admit, he loved coming home just as much. He’d called ahead to make sure it was all right with his mother. She’d been slightly insulted he’d felt the need to ask. “Of course you can bring your friend here. It’s not like we haven’t faced down a little danger before and lived to tell about it.”
    A little over eight months ago, his older brother Steven had been murdered. Clay had come home to find the killer and grieve with the rest of the family. He’d wound up taking a deputy position on the small Wrangler’s Corner police force. When the sheriff and family friend had been found guilty of being behind the murder, Clay had been promoted to sheriff. And now Seth was bringing the possibility of danger back into his family’s lives.
    And yet he really did believe they’d be all right. After all, how would Hank know where to look for Tonya? The only connection Seth and Tonya shared was the rodeo. There was no way he would think to search for Tonya in Wrangler’s Corner.
    Would he?
    Seth couldn’t deny the sliver of unease that continued to nag at him, but Tonya needed help and he was determined to give it to her. He just wasn’t ready to delve into all the reasons why.
    He pulled into the drive of the ranch and angled his fifth wheel around to the spot reserved for his visits. The main house sat to his left, the barn out beyond that. There were six cottages down by one of the large ponds that his family rented out during peak season. He let his eyes move past them. Rolling green pastures as far as the eye could see immediately sent peace flooding through him. He hoped the place had the same effect on Tonya. Putting the truck in Park, he drew in a steadying breath, preparing himself for the pain of moving his leg. He supposed he should be thankful it was his left one and not the one he needed in order to be able to drive.
    Taking his time, he climbed out, clenching his jaw against the jabbing reminder that it was probably a good thing he didn’t have to ride today. He motioned for Tonya to park beside him.
    She did and just sat there. He limped over to her and could see her fingers wrapped around the steering wheel, her knuckles white, her face pinched. Second thoughts, he figured.
    He tapped the window and she jumped, then opened the door. “You okay?” he asked.
    â€œI’m fine. Just still torn as to whether this is the right decision or not. Are you sure Hank couldn’t have followed?”
    â€œNo way. Clay drove behind us, watching for any tails. At the last turn, he called and said we were in the clear. He’s going into the office to see if there’s anything he can find out.”
    Tonya inhaled deeply and let it out slowly, then gave him a jerky nod. “All right, then.”
    He took her hand and squeezed her fingers. Then let go. “Come on. I’ll introduce you.” He started for the front door.
    â€œSeth?”
    He turned to see his father exit the barn, a welcoming smile on his face. “Dad. Hey there.” He took a step and gritted his teeth to keep the grimace off his face.
    His father reached him and embraced him. “Good to see you.” He glanced at Seth’s leg. “How’s it feel?”
    â€œLousy.” The word slipped out before he could edit it. “I’m all right, though.” Seth nodded to Tonya before his dad could comment. “I’d like you to meet a friend of mine. Tonya Waters. Tonya, this is my dad, Ross Starke.”
    His father and Tonya shook hands. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
    â€œLikewise. I’ve seen