Inside the stable I nodded to Rhys who had gathered up the available horses. He gave Mr. Timothy Wentworth a wary glance then made himself scarce, though I knew he wouldn’t be far away, whether we were able to see him or not.
"Is there anything in particular you are looking for, Mr. Wentworth?" I asked as we stood gazing at the horses. They were exquisite animals, and I felt proud when I saw them. They were the result of much hard work and careful breeding.
At least I was looking at them. Mr. Wentworth’s gaze wandered all around the barn. "So, this is the famous Bridgewater Ranch," he said.
Something about his tone rubbed me the wrong way. Hell, everything about the man set my teeth on edge. I wasn’t sure what he was trying to get at, but he’d get no information from me except about horses.
"We are becoming rather well known for our horses. We’ve worked hard to breed the best animals possible. The large chestnut mare over there," I pointed, "is one of our finest. I’m sure she’d be a good purchase for anyone."
"Yes, she is an attractive beast," he finally replied.
"Do you mind if I ask what you plan to do with the horses you purchase?" I studied him again; there was nothing about the man that indicated he knew or cared one whit about horses. Most likely he spent most of his time being driven about town, too good to get his shoes dirty walking or sit astride a horse like a real man.
No, I didn’t like this one bit.
LILY
* * *
Rye held my hand tightly as we walked across the ranch to Olivia’s. I was a bit apprehensive going there, remembering how embarrassed I’d felt when I’d left the la
st time. But, I recalled the reassurance Rye and Keane had given me, and their words had made sense.
When Olivia opened the door, her eyes lit up. "Lily! I was hoping you’d visit soon."
"I’m sorry to drop in without notice."
"Oh, pshaw." She waved her hand as though brushing away my concern. "We’re not so fancy around here. Friends are always welcome." She opened the door wider. "Nice to see you, too, Rye."
"Thank you, Olivia. I’m not staying. There’s a buyer who showed up today without an appointment, and I didn’t feel comfortable leaving Lily alone with a stranger on the premises."
I felt a little bit like a sack of dirty clothes dropped off at the laundry.
But, again, Olivia was so warm and welcoming, my anxiety melted away. "I’m glad you did. Any excuse to have a friend visit." She drew me inside. "They are all a bit overprotective," she said, glancing over her shoulder at Rye with a grin, "but we love them anyway."
"Woah, hold on one minute there," Rye called after us. Olivia and I stopped in our tracks and turned back to where he waited on the porch. He crooked his finger, and I rushed over to him.
"Now"—he tipped my chin up and stared into my eyes—"you are to stay inside and not leave this house until Keane or I come to get you. Understand?"
"B-but, I don’t want to be a bother to Olivia."
"Safety is the most important. I’m sure Olivia knows that, too?" He lifted his gaze toward my new friend.
"Yes, I do. And you’re not a bother at all, Lily."
Simon joined us on the porch, which surprised me. I thought he’d gone to the stables with Keane. "I’m going to find Cross and have him stick close to the house while the women are here alone."
Rye relaxed. "That’s a good idea."
Simon left to get Cross, while Rye cupped my face. "Remember, stay here until one of us comes for you."
I nodded. They were taking this all very seriously. Was there really that much danger from one man visiting the ranch? A ranch populated with former soldiers?
But I knew better than to argue.
He kissed me hard then peered deep into my eyes. "Stay. Here."
"I will. And you be careful, too." I palmed his cheek and stared at him like I might not see him again for a long time. Of course, that didn’t make any sense. He or Keane, probably both of them, would be back for me by suppertime.