Bucking Bronc Lodge 04(23)

“Yes,” she said. “I checked him over and didn’t see any injuries. We rode back to the stables together.”

Miles was already heading to his Jeep. “Where is he now?”

“In the barn helping Justin groom Winnie.”

Miles fired up the engine, tires squealing and spewing dirt as he sped toward the stable. “Did you see the shooter?”

“No, I think he was hiding in the woods. I saw movement, a shadow, but that was it.” She hesitated. “Maybe it was one of the kids target practicing?”

Miles cursed and spun the vehicle down the drive. “You don’t believe that any more than I do.”

“It’s possible.”

He gritted his teeth. “It was Dugan. He’s here.”

“How do you know that? Has someone spotted him?”

“No, but why else would someone shoot at you?”

A strained moment of silence stretched between them as he approached the stables. Then he spotted Jordan by the railing, screeched to a stop, threw the Jeep into Park, jumped out and jogged over to her, stuffing the phone in his pocket. The sight of her pale face made his stomach knot.

Jordan was trying to put on a brave face, but she was shaken as well.

And she had protected his son. Probably saved his life.

He wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her, thank her.

Kiss her.

But he had to see his son first. Had to know his little boy was safe and alive.

* * *

JORDAN’S CHEST CLENCHED as she followed Miles into the barn. The moment he saw Timmy beside Justin, he raced to him and dragged him in his arms. “Are you okay, sport?”

Timmy looked startled but gave a slight nod and allowed Miles to examine him for injuries. When Miles was satisfied, his shoulders fell in relief.

She was still contemplating Miles’s question—why else would someone shoot at her if not to get to Timmy?

“Miles, we need to talk.”

Miles faced her, his stance protective. “I don’t want to let Timmy out of my sight.”

Jordan lowered her voice. “I know and I understand, but you’re scaring him.” She nudged his hand. “Come on, we’ll be right outside the barn.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw, but he finally gave a clipped nod of agreement then turned back to Timmy. “Stay with Justin until I get back.” He gave Justin a pointed look. “Watch him like a hawk.”

“Sure thing.” Justin gestured toward Timmy. “Come on and help me with Smoky.”

Timmy followed Justin, and Jordan and Miles stepped outside the barn. “What are you going to do, lecture me?” Miles asked, his tone angry.

Jordan sighed. “No, Miles, I understand your fear. Don’t you think I was shaken by the shooting?”

His jaw relaxed, a contrite expression in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I...just can’t stand the thought of losing my son.”

Sympathy mushroomed inside Jordan’s heart, and she squeezed his arm. “I understand that, and I am trying to help.”

A pained look flared in his eyes, then a second of remorse. “I know, and you did. You saved him, Jordan. I don’t know how to thank you for that.”

Guilt suffused Jordan. She wanted to comfort him and make his pain go away.

She wanted to pull him in her arms and hold him and...

She could do none of those things. The man was grieving for Marie. “You don’t have to thank me. I care about Timmy and would never let anyone hurt him.” God help her, but she had to tell him the whole truth.

“I know, it’s your job,” Miles said gruffly. “But Timmy’s my life.”

She understood. And she had to do everything possible to ensure that little boy was safe. Even if it meant opening up old wounds by confiding her past. “You asked me about the shooting. Maybe it wasn’t about Timmy but about me.”

A tortured moment passed and Miles seemed to be considering her statement. “What are you talking about?” he asked tightly. “Why would someone want to hurt you?”

Jordan took a deep breath. “Two years ago, my younger brother was gunned down by a gang member outside San Antonio.”

Miles stilled, the air growing thick. “How old was he?”

“Thirteen,” Jordan said, a knife twisting in her gut.

“Was the shooter caught?”

The teenager’s face flashed in her mind. He had the coldest eyes, a face hardened by the life he’d led on the streets. “Yes, but the police warned me that his gang might retaliate and come after me.”

Miles cursed. “So you think one or more of these gang members might have followed you here?”

“I don’t know,” Jordan said honestly. “But I just thought you should be aware that it’s a possibility.”