Free THE RENEGADE RANCHER by Angi Morgan Page A

intimidating looks made her feel inferior.
    “Sorry.”
    For all the ways these two men were exactly the same on the outside, they couldn’t be more different at their cores. Where John came across as commanding, Brian seemed helpful. Navy versus paramedic? Had their careers changed their basic personalities so much?
    “You’re part right, part wrong. It’s more complicated than a two-minute conversation.” John clapped a strong hand on her shoulder. “I’d feel better if you were in the tack room.”
    He’d pointed to the tiny closet with the snake. “There? No way.”
    He mumbled real curse words and stomped to the bottom of the ladder. “Got anything?”
    “Plate’s blocked. One guy. Camera. Don’t see a gun.” Brian stuck his head over the edge. “Lindsey confused me with a reporter yesterday. Any chance this could be one?”
    “Give me your shirt and hat. Then you can find out.” John loaded his handgun while Brian practically jumped from the loft.
    Both men tugged their T-shirts over their heads. John’s sunglasses slipped to the ground, Brian picked them up. Identical muscles rippled as they pulled the borrowed shirt over their heads, changing identities. Brian tucked his in like John had looked before undressing. His brother left his out, hiding the weapon at his waist.
    An untrained man shouldn’t confront a potential killer. “You can’t send him out there. Aren’t you the Navy SEAL?”
    “Was. Now I’m a rancher, just like him.” He jerked his thumb toward Brian.
    “I can handle myself.”
    “You keep saying you’re just a paramedic,” she argued. Brian handed his brother his hat and she saw the teasing smile. “What’s so funny?”
    “Nothing. I’m just glad you finally believe me. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
    “I don’t believe you’re doing this. Why not call the police?” Lindsey wanted to kick off her shoes in spite of the creepy crawlies and run with him.
    “John.” Brian ripped the white bandage off his forehead and stuck out his hand. “Keys?”
    The twin now dressed like Brian dangled his car keys above his brother’s palm. “Don’t do anything stupid like follow him and wreck my car.”
    “Alicia’s car.”
    “Community property state.” John flipped the handgun, handle to Brian. “Be careful.”
    Brian checked the weapon, nodded and stuck it in his waistband.
    “Will someone tell me why we don’t call the police and report a trespasser?” If something happened to Brian, it would be her fault for convincing him to help her. “I get the feeling this is more complicated than Lauren’s adoption.”
    “That’s a long story, Lindsey. John can explain while I’m gone. Don’t forget...he may look like me, but John’s a married man.” He kissed her lips in a brief flyby and headed out the door.
    She stared after him in a stupor, not really knowing how to feel. She’d been so confident she was breaking through that tough exterior just a few moments ago. And their kiss—whew. The heat of it still had her insides all gooey.

Chapter Eight
    “Come on, Lindsey.” John spoke in a calm voice, but those tense lines were still straining his good looks. “Let’s take a look out in the paddock and give our paparazzi a show. Remember to stay between me and the house. If he does have a gun, he’ll never get a clean shot.”
    “What? Do you think he’s going to shoot at us?”
    “I don’t think that’s his M.O. From what I’ve seen, he seems like a guy who likes to plan things with a little more control of the outcome.”
    The roar of a muscle car coming to life and driving too fast up the gravel made John cringe and shake his head. He seemed so much older than his brother. Older and more experienced.
    The duplicate of the hand she loved curved around her waist, touched her back and guided her around the metal fence. John was just as handsome as his brother but strangely, she felt nothing. No pings or tingles of excitement. Only frightened worry