Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming (25 page)

Angel headed back to the ranch, shoulders slumped and a sick knot in her stomach. She laid the reins on her gelding’s neck, confident the horse would find his way home. If only she’d gotten the drop on Hinson and could turn him in to the law. The man had seemed to read her mind, though, reminding her that she’d have some hard questions to answer on her own hook. She hadn’t thought it through that far but realized he was right. The truth of her past would unfold if she alerted the sheriff to Hinson’s presence.

Options flashed through her mind. Turn Hinson in and be exposed, or go along with his plan. Of course, she could always ignore him and hope he got caught, but he’d covered that as well. Either she helped him steal Travis’s herd or he’d set fire to the house and kill the family.

He didn’t know she cared for Travis, but somehow he’d discovered her grandmother had arrived. Hinson knew he held a winning hand. All she could do was pray the cowboys might corner him before he could implement his plan. But she had to start distancing herself. Leaving for Italy with Grandmother might be best—at least the Morgan family would be safe if she wasn’t around.

But would they? Wouldn’t Hinson still attempt a cattle drive whether she were here or not? Of course. The man was greedy at best and at the worst, pure evil. If she disappeared, he’d go ahead with his plans. That brought her full circle to helping him steal the cattle.

Her horse snorted, jerked his head up, and nickered. Angel grabbed her rifle and whipped it out of its sheath. She wasn’t going to be caught off guard again. A man sat his horse in the distance, his hands resting on the pommel, his hat tipped back on his head. Travis. He must have discovered she wasn’t with Nate. Letting him know about Hinson wasn’t an option. She hated lying but didn’t see any help for it right now. If Travis went after Hinson, he could be killed and she didn’t want that on her conscience—not to mention her heart.

Travis picked up his reins and nudged his mount forward. He raised a hand. “I’m glad I caught up with you. I was hoping we could talk before returning to the ranch.”

Angel’s heart lurched. His expression was one of pleasure, not irritation at an employee who’d gone against his orders. The clamp on her emotions eased, and she rotated her shoulders. She’d have to do a good job of acting, but knowing the stakes, she’d do it. “I didn’t expect to meet you out here.”

“I needed a break from office work.” A wide grin lit his face. “Besides, I have something to ask you.”

Angel couldn’t decide whether to spur her horse and run, or stay and take her chances. Something inside told her this wouldn’t have a happy ending. “I’m sorry I rode off alone. I just needed a little time to think.”

His smile faltered. “I didn’t realize you had. I assumed…”

“I know. That I met Nate and Wren.” Angel shook her head. “But as you can see, I’m fine.” She finished in a rush, anxious to get the subject over and the truth—or most of it—out in the open.

“I’m thankful for that.” He jerked his chin toward a tree nearby. “Let’s get off and sit in the shade for a few minutes.”

“All right.” It was the last thing she wanted, but what could she do? She’d already tried to turn the conversation at her own expense and that hadn’t worked. Whatever Travis had on his mind evidently wouldn’t be deterred. She swung down from her saddle and dropped her reins, ground-tying her horse on the scant green patch under the tree.

Travis did the same and squatted with his back against the trunk. Angel stretched out on a grassy spot a couple of yards away. For some reason she couldn’t express, she didn’t feel comfortable sitting too close. “What’s on your mind?”

Travis’s expression froze. His mouth opened, but no words came. He pursed his lips and rubbed his chin with the palm of his hand. “Sorry. I’m not quite sure how to say this.”

“I guess just say it. I’m no baby.”

His eyebrows rose. “You think I’m here to take you to task about something?”

“Aren’t you?”

“Far from it. In fact—“ He paused, then rushed forward. “I’m in love with you, Angel. I think I have been for a long time. I can’t think of anything but you. Can’t get any work done. I worry about your safety, and long to be with you when you’re out of my sight.” His deep blue eyes held hers. “I want to marry you, if you’ll have me.”

Angel didn’t know whether to weep or dance with joy. She’d been running from her feelings for weeks, and his declaration solidified her own desires. More than anything she wanted to be his wife. If only she could say yes, fall into his arms, and be safe forever. She pushed up on her knees, then sank back, reality setting in. Bart Hinson stood in their way of happiness—possibly of life itself.

No way could she take a chance with Travis’s life, not to mention Libby, James, and Grandmother. “I’m sorry, Travis…” She turned her head, unable to meet his entreating gaze. “I don’t feel the same way.” The words tasted like poison on her tongue, and she almost choked. She chanced a glance his way.

Hurt washed across his features. “But I thought“—he hesitated— “that you might feel the same. There’s been something between us, and I don’t think I imagined it.”

She shrugged, hating what she was doing, but somehow she had to convince him. “You’re a wonderful boss, and you’ve been kind to me since I arrived. But I’m considering returning with Grandmother to Italy. She might be right; there would be more opportunities there.” Angel wanted to cry as her words settled between them like a massive boulder blocking a trail. “I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you.”

Travis surged to his feet, his mouth set in a grim line. “I’ll be fine.” The words came out in a rough growl. “I’ve got my ranch and my family. I hope you’ll be happy in Italy, Angel. We’d better get home.”

They mounted their horses in a heavy silence. Angel trailed behind, not able to face this man she’d wounded. She wanted to curl up in a ball and cry but straightened her spine instead. If it was the last thing she did, she’d keep Travis and his family safe and bring Hinson to justice. Travis wouldn’t want anything to do with her if he knew she’d decided to help the outlaw, regardless of the reason. But she’d made up her mind. Hinson would have his way—for now.

Travis slung his saddle over the rail on the inside wall of the barn and grabbed a curry brush. He wanted nothing more than to be off by himself. How could he have misjudged Angel so completely? Had he been so smitten that he’d assumed she felt the same? Her decision stung, pure and simple. And what was she thinking, riding off by herself after he’d given her orders not to? He’d let that go in light of what he’d wanted to say, but he’d deal with her willful attitude if she continued to work for him.

His hand slowed on the long stroke down his gelding’s back.
If she continued.
She’d made it clear she planned to leave, but he had no idea when that might happen. Maybe he could talk to Maria, convince her to stay, tell her he loved Angel and wanted another chance. His spirit rose at the thought…and plummeted again.

Angel walked by, leading her horse to the outside corral without so much as a glance or a nod. She’d said she didn’t care, and it was evident she’d told the truth. Why pursue a woman who wanted to be left alone? If she didn’t return his feelings, there was nothing more he could do. He’d have to move on with his life.

Part of him wished she’d never ridden in asking for a job, but that wasn’t fair. She’d done everything he’d asked of her and more. If it wasn’t for Angel, James could be dead. He owed her too much to wish he’d never met her, but he didn’t know if his heart would ever recover.

Angel lay on her bed wanting to die. Now that she’d lied to Travis, she’d be forced to travel with Grandmother once the cattle disappeared. The entire family would hate her if they found out what she’d done, and she could easily do time in jail—if not get hanged. She didn’t know of any women who’d been hanged for rustling, but the swift justice of the West might not consider the fact of her femininity.

She couldn’t do it. She wouldn’t do it. Her heart leapt with hope, and she scooted up against the iron headpiece of her bed. There had to be another way. Maybe she could lure Hinson into a trap. But how could she turn him in without the law discovering she’d ridden on that last drive when the Ranger was killed? A deep groan tore from her throat. She’d tell Hinson she’d turn him in and hope he’d disappear. He’d told her to leave a note for him with instructions where to meet.

She burrowed her head in her pillow, willing darkness to come. A couple of hours later a knock sounded at her door, and Libby called her name. “Angel?”

“Yes.”

“It’s suppertime.”

“I’m not feeling well. I think I’ll turn in early.”

“Can I help?”

“No. I’m mostly just tired. I’ll be fine by morning.”

“If you’re sure.” Libby hesitated. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

“Thank you.” Angel rolled over on her side as Libby’s footsteps disappeared down the hall. She hated lying to her friend, but she couldn’t face Travis in front of everyone. It wasn’t
really
a lie, anyway. She
was
sick—heartsick.

Darkness seemed to fall more slowly than she remembered in years. She lit her lamp and removed a paper from the top drawer of her bureau along with a pencil. Long minutes passed while she considered what she’d say. Finally she wrote the words that could send Hinson into a rage, but it couldn’t be helped.

I won’t help you. Leave the country or face the law. Angel Ramirez

Now to rest until it was late enough to take it to the place he’d told her without getting caught. She’d have to walk Bella down the road at least a quarter of a mile before she mounted and picked up her pace. No way could she allow one of the sharp-eared cowboys to hear her.

Four hours later Angel crawled back into bed, emotional and physical exhaustion making her limbs shake. She’d done it. The note was pinned under a rock at the base of a large tree a mile from the gate leading to the ranch. Hinson or one of his men would find it in the morning. Now she just had to pray that somehow God protected the family, and the outlaw decided the risk wasn’t worth taking. She fell into a restless sleep, but dreams of hangman’s nooses and cattle stampedes haunted her night. Travis’s horrified visage rose up to taunt her, and Libby turned her back and walked away.