Free Two Spirit Ranch by Jaime Stryker

so confused about so many things right now.  So many things .”
    “Well, you’re one of the smartest women I know, Terri. If anybody can figure it out, I know you can. I’ll talk to you later,” Martin said.
    “Okay, bye,” Terri said, pressing the “end call” button on her phone.
    Could she figure things out? Martin had so much confidence in her.  Her trip to Montana was supposed to clear her mind. But her thoughts drifted back to Jake and the feelings he stirred within her.  Part of her wished she could push them away, reject those feelings just as Tom had rejected her.  But worse than any tornado, she feared the storm brewing in her heart for Sheriff Jake Collins.

    Chapter 7

    Later that night, after accidents in which, thankfully, no one was hurt were cleared, Jake went home, took a quick shower, and then drove out to Bud's ranch wearing jeans, his favorite boots and his cowboy hat.  The sudden occurrence of the tornado today and the accidents on the highway reminded Jake how precious, and sometimes chaotic, life could be.  Ever since Sherilynn passed away, he'd kept everyone at bay especially the advances of any women.  His constant pangs of guilt for letting her drive that evening prevented him from opening up to anyone. He told himself he just couldn't feel that kind of pain again, the kind that he was convinced had to be worse than dying. Survivor guilt. But ever since pulling Terri over on the highway, he felt a spark inside that had been long dormant.  Maybe this was a sign.  He decided he knew what he had to do, and maybe Terri would be the perfect woman for it since she wasn't planning on staying in town very long.
                He pulled his Jeep up to the driveway, leaving work and the patrol car at home. He stepped over the storm debris and strode to the door.  He wanted to appear calm, causal, and confident, but inside he felt anything but.  He felt like a high school boy again and asking Sherilynn out for the first time.
    Jake knocked on the door a couple of times, and Terri quickly answered.  He thought she looked breathtaking in a light blue sundress, her hair pulled back loosely behind her head showing off her delicate neckline.
    “Hey there,” he said, leaning against the doorway.  He quickly decided that that posture looked a little too casual, and he stood back up straight.  What was it about this woman that made him a bundle of raw, loose nerves?
    “Hey there,” she said back.  “Thanks for checking on me.  I've managed to calm down quite a bit.  Would you like to come in?”
    God, would he ever!  But he didn't trust himself.  He feared if he took one foot inside that door he would sweep her up into his arms, carry her off to the bedroom, and make urgent passionate love to her that would allow both of them to forget all their troubles from the day.  But, Jake was nothing, if not a gentleman.
    “Thank you, but I can’t stay. I told Sally I'd stop by the diner and help her move some debris. ”
    “Oh, sure,” Terri said.  She immediately hoped she didn't sound too disappointed.
    She noticed that even though he wouldn't come inside he appeared to be hesitating.
    “There was something I wanted to ask you though,” he said, his voice a little shaky.
    “Sure.”
    “Um...well...this may sound kind of corny to a big city gal like you, but there's the MontanaFair happening not far from here this week.  There are all sorts of events and a lot of good fried food.  I'm off tomorrow, and wondered if maybe you'd want to check it out,” he said, feeling a sense of relief for finally getting the question out.
    “That doesn’t sound corny at all, Jake. Sounds like a fun way for a lady to lose her figure, but if it means going with a guy like you, I'd be delighted,” she answered, showing off her cute smile.
    A flood of relief swept through Jake's body and he broke out into a huge grin.
    “Great.  Would nine in the morning be too early to head out?”
    “I'm