Bucking Bronc Lodge 04(31)

Chapter Nine




Jordan raced after Miles. “I’m going with you.”

He didn’t argue, simply motioned for her to hurry, and she stuffed her feet into socks, threw a sweatshirt on over her T-shirt and pajama pants and chased him to his Jeep. Within minutes they’d parked at his cabin, both of them searching the perimeter.

Miles climbed the steps two at a time, then opened the door. Jordan’s breath eased out when she spotted Ms. Ellen on the couch with a cup of coffee, relaxed and thankfully unharmed.

Which meant Timmy was safe.

Still, Miles slid open Timmy’s door and checked inside. Jordan imagined him standing above his son, pressing his hand to his chest to make sure he was still breathing like several mothers of newborns had admitted they did.

Ms. Ellen’s eyes widened with alarm as she stood. “Jordan, honey, are you okay?”

“Yes,” Jordan said, hating to worry the woman. “We wondered if the break-in was an attempt to draw Miles away from his cabin so that man Dugan could take Timmy.”

Ms. Ellen stood, arms folded across her ample bust. “Ain’t nobody gonna touch that boy when I’m around.”

If Jordan hadn’t already been so exhausted, she would have smiled at the fierce protectiveness in the older woman’s voice. “Thanks, but we were worried about you, too.”

Ms. Ellen fumbled with her jacket. “Don’t have to. I can take care of myself.”

Jordan did smile then. She wanted to be brave as well. But the truth was that neither of them would be a match for Dugan or his accomplice if one of them came at them armed.

“Has Timmy been resting?” Jordan asked.

Ms. Ellen nodded. “I heard him whimper a couple of times and went in and patted his back and he calmed down.”

“Poor little fellow had a terrible nightmare earlier,” Jordan said. “I’m afraid he was reliving his mother’s murder.”

Miles cleared his throat as he stepped back into the den. “All the more reason to push him to talk.”

Jordan stiffened. “I told you pushing him could be dangerous. He’ll talk, and he’ll remember when his mind is ready.”

Ms. Ellen gave a nod. “She’s right, Mr. Miles. The mind has a way of dealing with things in good time.”

Irritation and worry tightened Miles’s angular jaw. “Thanks for coming, Ms. Ellen. I’m sorry I had to bother you.”

“No problem.” She threw her plump arms around Jordan. “I’m just glad you and Timmy are both safe. I’ll see you later.”

Jordan offered a tired smile. “Remember that I’m taking Timmy’s group on that hike and sleepover tonight.”

“I know,” Ms. Ellen said. “I’m working up a special picnic and treats.”

“Thanks, you’re a doll.”

Ms. Ellen grabbed her shawl and purse and ambled out the door. Miles walked her outside, and Jordan heaved a relieved breath.

But when Miles returned, anger darkened his eyes. “You’re not taking those kids out alone.”

Jordan hated being told what to do, but she also wasn’t a fool. She knew the dangers. “Fine. One of Brody’s security guards can accompany us.”

“No, I’m going,” Miles stated in a gruff voice.

Jordan rubbed at her neck muscles. Lack of sleep and the day’s scary events had drained her energy. “Fine.” It was still dark outside, but soon the sun would be weaving through the gray clouds signaling morning. “I’m going back to grab a couple of hours of sleep. I’ll see you this afternoon.”

Miles caught her arm before she could leave. “You’re not going to your place alone.”

Jordan’s gaze met his, her body tingling at the stark protectiveness in his eyes. “Timmy needs you here. I’ll be fine.”

“I said you’re not going.” His gruff voice hardened to steel. “You can lie down in my bed. I’ll take the couch.”

A shiver rippled through Jordan at the idea of sleeping in Miles’s bed. Images of him lying beneath the sheets with her followed, taunting her with what-ifs.

What if they got naked and made love?

Hunger flared in his eyes as if he’d read her thoughts, and she forced herself to look away. He was still grieving for Timmy’s mother. She was a counselor helping his little boy.

She couldn’t allow herself to dream of anything more.

* * *

MILES MUST HAVE IMAGINED the look of desire in Jordan’s eyes. Although, the idea that she wanted him made his body harden with need.

It had been a long damn time since a female had looked at him like that. Marie and he hadn’t been together in years. His job had consumed his life.