Texas Hunt

Lisa initialed all the places the nurse had highlighted as Ryan positioned himself behind the chair.

When she’d signed for what felt like the hundredth time, he wheeled her out of the room, off the floor and into the night.

The air was still hot. It was the time of year in Texas when she went to bed and it was hot, she woke and it was hot. Midday, the rubber soles on her shoes could practically melt against the sweltering pavement.

“I’m parked in the front row,” he said, his voice still husky.

“That was lucky.”

“Turns out there aren’t that many visitors in the middle of the night,” he said, and she could tell he was smiling without looking at him. She could hear it in his voice.

“Thank you for breaking me out. If Nurse Ratchet had her way, I’d be zonked out with an IV drip that would have me slobbering down my chin as she spoon-fed me mashed potatoes.”

“Not a problem.” He chuckled. “I’m not that big on sleep, anyway.”

“Either way, I owe you a big favor for everything you’ve done today.”

“It’s nothi—

“Hold on a second. What the hell’s going on?” He abruptly stopped. Based on the shift in tone, this wasn’t going to be good news.

“What is it?”

“Someone slashed my tires.”

“You haven’t been here for long. Whoever did this must be close.” Lisa glanced around and gasped. “He must still be here.”

“I’ll arrange another ride. We need to get you inside.” He spun her chair around and wheeled her toward the hospital as she kept watch for any signs of movement in her peripheral.

Ryan parked her near the elevator, away from the automatic sliding glass doors. His cell phone was already at his ear by the time Lisa could see him again.

“Who are you calling this late?” she asked, panic written all over her features.

“Dawson lives close,” Ryan said, the line already ringing.

“Please don’t say anything,” she begged. That damn desperation still in her tone.

Their friend picked up on the third.

“I’m at the hospital with Lisa and we need a ride.” He paused, not eager to lie to his friend. “Must’ve picked up a nail on my way over. Left tire’s flat.”

Ryan said a few uh-huhs into the phone before he ended the call. “He’s on his way.”

She couldn’t quite feel relief yet; maybe it was hope. Her danger radar was on full alert after everything she’d been through. Every noise made her jumpy.

“Is there any way you’d consider not sharing any of this with Dawson yet?” she pleaded.

“I don’t even know what’s really going on.” Ryan kept his fisted hands at his sides as he kept watch.

A few quiet minutes later, Dawson pulled up in his SUV.

Ryan looked Lisa dead in the eye before he made a move to help her. “I won’t force you to say anything in front of Dawson. We’re going to my house. And when we get there, you’re going to start talking.”

Chapter Four (#ulink_b8c05b7a-e555-50ea-ae90-c299e292643a)

“I’m sorry about your father,” Dawson said once they were safely inside the truck. Based on the look in his eyes, she knew he meant it. He had questions. Ditto for Ryan.

“Thank you,” she said, unable to suppress a yawn. Exhaustion had worn her body to the bone and for the first time since this ordeal began she felt that it was safe to go to sleep. The burst of adrenaline she’d felt during the struggle in the hospital was long gone.

Dawson seemed content to leave things at that for now. She leaned against Ryan, put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. By the time she opened them again, they were parked in front of Ryan’s house.

“No need to go out of your way for me. I’ll be good on the couch,” Lisa said to Ryan as he helped her up the few steps to his house.

He turned and waved at Dawson, who’d been waiting for a signal that it was okay to leave.

Lisa was grateful that Ryan hadn’t forced her say anything in front of their friend. More than that, she was thrilled that she’d been able to let down her guard enough to fall sleep.

“Okay.” Ryan unlocked the door and led her inside. It was the first time she’d seen his house, a bungalow on an out-of-the-way street five miles from town. He’d already told her that the place sat on three acres and that he especially liked being on the outskirts of Mason Ridge. He was close enough to get anything he needed and just far enough to feel that he was away from it all when he went home.

He flipped on a light, walked her right past the leather sofa and moved toward the hallway instead.

“Ryan. What are you doing?” She tried to stop, but he nudged her forward.

“Giving you a place to sleep, remember?” He had the upper hand. He knew full well she couldn’t walk into the other room without support.

“You said I could sleep on the couch.”

“Did I?” His grin shouldn’t make her want to laugh. Maybe she just needed to think about something light for a change.

She should throw more of a fit about sleeping on the couch, too, but she didn’t have any fight left inside her after all she’d been through. Fatigue weighted her limbs, making it difficult to hold on to Ryan, and the new bruises she’d acquired were already tender.

“Can we close those blinds?” she asked, biting back a yawn as Ryan helped her ease under the covers.

“If that would make you feel better.” He paused. “No one can hurt you out here.”

He was already moving toward the window.

“I feel rotten for kicking you out of your own room. Are you sure you don’t want to put me on the couch? I’d be fine.”

“You’re in my house. That means we play by my rules. You get the bed.” He winked at her, but she could see the storm brewing. “I’ll leave the door open in case you need anything. Just give me a shout.”

“Where will you be?” She must look pitiful for him to hold off his questions until morning. Maybe she’d figure out what to tell him by then.

“On the couch.” He walked toward the hallway. “It’s not the first time.”

Even so, it didn’t feel right.

“No, Ry—”