“What do you mean?” Daniel asked. Then he jerked upright on the bed, even scooting back a little. “Shit. Are you still married?”

“No,” Avery answered, struggling to keep her gaze locked on his. “That’s the point I’m trying to make.” She swallowed and gave him the truth she’d never confessed to anyone. “I was never married.”

“But you said ... Cole?”

“Yes, well, when I told Brad I was pregnant he was stunned, but I’ll give him credit, he didn’t hesitate to say we should get married. Two days later, my father died.” Chilled, she slipped off the bed and went to her closet for a robe. She turned back to stare at Daniel, who had nestled several pillows behind his back, still gloriously naked.

“Brad came home with me. Before I could say anything to my mother, he announced that we’d gotten married and were expecting a baby.”

Daniel leaned forward a little. “Without discussing it with you?”

“Yes, later he explained that my mother seemed so upset about my father’s death that he thought the news of a grandbaby would cheer her up. Since he’d already offered to marry me, he didn’t see it as lying.” She lifted her hands, let them fall. “I have to admit it made life easier. There were so many details with Daddy’s death and taking over the ranch that I simply didn’t have the energy to tell anyone the truth.”

“But you never married.”

“No.” Her eyes burned but she kept her gaze steady. “Brad started right away trying to convince me to sell the ranch. He claimed the money would give us, and the baby, a better, easier life. I didn’t agree.”

“And yet he stayed here and the two of you gave everyone the impression that you were married.”

“Brad thought he could wear me down and give in to selling.”

“He didn’t know you very well then.”

She blinked. “What does that mean?”

“Baby, you’re determined whenever you set your mind to something.” He got out of bed, walked to her. “What about Cole?”

“Brad listed his name as the father on his birth certificate. I didn’t, don’t, want Cole to have the stigma of being a bastard.” She winced when she saw Daniel do the same. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean…”

“It’s what I am.”

She lifted a hand to his lion tattoo, loved the feel of his skin, warm and strong. Her hand flexed a little, wishing for a better moment, one in which she could use her hand to explore, touch, caress him again. “You’re exactly what I said, an honorable, good man. That’s why I’m so sorry I lied to you.”

“No, you’re not.”

Her head jerked up so her gaze could clash with his. Only, there wasn’t anger, or dismissal, in his blue eyes. Instead she discovered respect and approval.

“You were protecting Cole.” She slowly nodded. Then, as if reading her mind, he reached for her hand, moved it to wrap around his dick. “You were protecting him the way any good mother would.” He used his hand over hers to slowly stroke up and down his length.

“You’re not upset that I lied to you?”

“You were protecting Cole,” he repeated.

“The way your mother didn’t protect you.” His hand stilled as his blue eyes darkened, revealing a truth that she guessed he wouldn’t voice. She continued to pleasure him as she lifted her other hand to cup his cheek and run her thumb over the unshaven scratch of his beard.

“I can ache for the little boy ignored by his mother even as I admire the man he became.”

“I’d rather you ache for the man.”

“I do.” I always will. She moved closer, brushed his lips with hers. “Let me show you."

When Avery woke the next morning the only thing that surprised her was the time. With her eyes going wide, she stared at the clock. She’d never have time to do the morning chores before she had to get Cole ready for school. Her cheeks heated as she recalled how late it had been before she and Daniel had finally fallen asleep. Still, she took a minute to take a deep breath, smelling the odor of their lovemaking, remembering the pleasures and delights they’d shared throughout the night.

A quick knock had her looking up when the door opened – and being thankful she’d slipped on a nightshirt when Daniel left for his room.

“Mommy.” Cole beamed at her, holding a tray in front of him. She doubted he’d be able to hold it if not for Daniel standing behind him, helping to keep the tray upright and level. “We made you breakfast.”

Avery pressed a fist to her melting heart as Cole came toward her, settled – again with Daniel’s help – the tray on her lap. She studied the offering of scrambled eggs, bacon, a slice of toast with a small pond of melted butter, and a squat vase crowded with the last remaining blooms in her side garden.

“Are you surprised?” Cole asked.

“I am.” She sniffed back tears, not wanting to blur a single second of this moment. She opened her arms, inviting Cole to scramble up beside her. She kissed the top of his head while she squeezed him against her. Her gaze lifted to Daniel. “This is the best morning of my life.” She again kissed Cole’s head. “Except for when I had you, of course.” She grinned at Daniel. “After sixteen fun-filled hours of labor.”

“Sixteen hours?” he asked, his eyes wide with alarm.

“What’s the matter, soldier? Don’t think you’d be able to handle it?”

His rare grin had her wishing they were alone. “I’m just glad I don’t have to find out.”

“Mommies grow babies in their belly.”

Not wanting to get involved in a discussion about sex with her four-year-old, especially when the star of her sexual fantasies stood close by, Avery lifted a forkful of eggs. In no time, she scraped up the last bite.

“You were hungry, Mommy.”

“That’s because it was delicious. Now, however, you need to move so I can get dressed. I need to check in with Randy before I drive you to the school bus.”

“I talked with him,” Daniel announced, his hands covering Avery’s on the tray as Cole climbed off the bed. She clamped the tray tighter while she stared at Daniel.

“Cole, why don’t you go brush your teeth?”

“I already did. Daniel helped me. And he made my lunch. A ham and cheese sandwich with ketchup, some chips, and an apple.”

“So everything is in your backpack?”

“Yep. Daniel. . .”

“Helped you,” she finished. “Okay.” She really hated to do this, but she also wanted, needed, some privacy. “You can watch cartoons before we need to leave.”

Cole made a whooping noise and ran out of the room.

“You’re mad.”

Avery let Daniel remove the tray from her lap and flipped back the covers. It crossed her mind that the last time she stood in this bedroom and faced him they were both naked.

“Fine. You can be mad all you want. I don’t care.” He walked over to set the tray down on her dresser before he turned to face her. They could argue about what he’d done, but it would change nothing.

“What did Randy say?”

“He admitted the girl that’s got his dick twisted in a knot came out here day before yesterday. She convinced him, and I’m sure it didn’t take much, to have a tumble in the hay. He fell asleep and when he woke she was gone. That’s why he got drunk that night. She wasn’t at the tavern or at her apartment.”

“You think she’s the one who punctured the trough.”

“I’m going to have Hank do a background on her.”

“What’s the point if she’s gone?”

“I’m not taking any chances.”

He said it so simply, without any hesitation or doubt. At that moment she knew Daniel would give his life to protect her and Cole. It didn’t matter that they’d known one another such a short time. It didn’t matter that the circumstances that brought them together was suspicious and unresolved. She wished she could believe what they shared was simple lust, or even the honor and integrity of the man and the choices he made.

Of course it was more. It was everything she’d ever wanted.

She walked to him, took his cheeks in her palms, and rose on her toes to press her lips to his.

“You’re not mad?” he asked, his large hands slipping under her nightshirt to cup around her bare ass.

“I’m mad about the situation, but I understand you’re doing what you think is right. Besides, it’s hard to be mad when you made my baby boy a ham and cheese sandwich with ketchup.”

“He said it was okay.”

“A treat.” She used the tip of her tongue to trace along his lips. “Seems fair since I had one myself last night.”

“Keep this up and you’ll have another right now.”

“I wish we could.” She sighed, lowered her head to his chest. “This is going to get worse before it gets better, isn’t it?” she asked, not entirely sure she spoke of just the threat to the ranch.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you or Cole.”

Too late. Her heart was already lost to him. And it would shatter when he left. She straightened, stared deep into his eyes. “Who’ll protect you, Daniel?”

It was a crazy question. He didn’t need anyone to protect him. He was a highly trained Army Ranger. And he’d been taking care of himself for as long as he could remember.

In the military he’d been part of a unit, had defended others and been defended by them. He’d made friends, had lost some either through deployments, battles or discharge. He’d taken the changes in stride, it was simply part of life. God knew his early years had been turbulent and unstable.

What he’d done since coming to Montana, Daniel admitted, is exactly what Randy had done – he’d let his dick do his decision-making for him. That had to stop. He’d been hired to protect Avery and Cole, not get personally involved.

Once Cole was on the bus, and God help him, the kid had hugged him tight before leaving, Daniel started to put the truck in gear. Avery’s hand on his arm stopped him. He had a gut feeling he knew why. With a flick of his wrist he shut down the engine.

“I talked with Randy.” Daniel nodded, knowing she’d taken the time. “He admitted this girl, Julie, had been asking him questions about the ranch, when we did what chores, what the set-up was like, that sort of thing. He thought it was because she was interested in him.”

“She used him to get information.” He shifted to look at her. “She’s working for someone.”

“Yes.” She sighed, moved her hand from his arm. “What do we do now?”

Daniel felt like a bolt struck him in the chest. We. God he had no business thinking in those terms. For Avery and Cole’s protection, hell even Randy and Carl, he had to remain detached and distant. Even as every nerve, heartbeat and thought wished it could be different.

“We head into town.” He started the engine, stopped when her hand yet again gripped his arm.

“Someone’s coming,” she said, staring out the passenger window. “It’s Esther. Oh, God, something must have happened to Carl.”

“Stay here,” Daniel commanded when she reached for the door handle.

“I will not.” She evaded his attempt to hold her inside. “Esther wouldn’t have driven over here unless something was wrong. I’m not going to just sit here.” With that she jumped out of the truck, leaving her door ajar, giving Daniel no choice but to do the same.

Through the windshield of an SUV a woman stared back at him as she stopped the truck but kept the engine running. She wore her hair pulled away from a face that would be attractive if not for the hard set of her mouth.

“Esther,” Avery said, stepping up to the open driver’s window. “What’s wrong? Is it Carl? Is he hurt?”

“He’s old,” she said, finally looking at Avery. “Half the time he doesn’t know where he is or who I am.” She closed her eyes for a minute. “Those days he talks about your momma as if she’s still around. As if he was married to her instead of me.” With a sigh, she opened her eyes. “Today’s not one of those days, but they come more and more often. That’s why I told him I’m done.”

“Done?”

“It’s bad enough that I have to worry about him, but then there’s all the chores he doesn’t, or can’t, do on those bad days. I finally told him, no discussion, we’re selling the property and moving to where my sister lives. At least there I’ll have some help and a life.”

“You’re leaving?” Avery’s face had gone pale. Daniel stepped closer to her.

“Soon as we can get everything packed that we want to take with us.”

“But your house. The land.”

“Bennett Ridgeway’s made an offer. That’s why I came out here, to give you a chance to meet it.” She named a price that bleached more color from Avery’s face. Daniel didn’t have to ask to know she didn’t have that kind of money.

“Well,” Esther said into the silence. “You let me know.” Without waiting for any more talk, she put the SUV in reverse and left the way she’d come.

He expected Avery to wilt a little, maybe turn into him for a moment. Instead, she stormed off toward his truck, going around the hood to jump behind the wheel. “Hey,” he yelled, just getting in the passenger side and still closing the door when she floored the accelerator.

“Avery, you need to slow down.”

“Thinks he can get rid of me by buying off Carl and Esther. Well, he’s got another thought coming. I won’t be run off.”

“Slow down before you kill us both.” Daniel winced as his undercarriage rattled when she sped through a pothole. “Avery, you can’t drive into town like a bat out of hell. You might hit someone.”

His words hit their mark and she eased up on the pedal. After another hundred yards or so, she slowed to a stop. Throwing the truck into park, she jerked open the door and shoved out. He followed, moving so he stood between her and the truck. With hands rammed into the back pockets of her jeans – and damn if he didn’t notice how the material hugged her ass – she stood with her back to him, staring off into space.

“I hate that they’re leaving. I understand, I’ve noticed Carl had changed,” she admitted, her voice thick with unshed tears. “I hate that I’m thinking only of myself.”

He didn’t know what to say. He’d never had anyone in his life that he cared about as much as Avery did with the people she knew.

“Am I wrong, Daniel? Is it selfish to keep the ranch? Maybe I should just sell, take Cole away from here where he’d have more choices.”

“He seems pretty happy to me.”

She turned around and he was relieved to see she smiled a little. “All I hear from him is Daniel this and Daniel that.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to overstep ---”

She stepped forward, reached out so she could wrap her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. Now it was his hands hugging her ass. She responded by wiggling a little closer. “I love that you take an interest in him, that you’re telling him, and showing him, how a man, a good man, should behave.”

She loosened her hold on him. Thinking she meant to step back, Daniel groaned when her hands slid around to cup him through his jeans.

“Hmm,” she said, rising on her toes to nip at his bottom lip. “Very good indeed.”

“I’m not taking you here, out in the open.” God he hoped he could back up those words. Her hands were amazing, she seemed to know just how hard to stroke or squeeze.

“Wanna bet?” she laughed and began to tug his zipper.

“Too dangerous.”

She laughed again, low and seductive. “No one’s ever considered me dangerous.”

“Avery, you can destroy me.” She jerked her head up, considered him in a way that made him want to squirm. Rather than risk her seeing something in his expression that would reveal too much he boosted her up so her legs could wrap around his waist. Her hands tangled in his hair as she kissed his cheeks, trailed her tongue down his throat. “But I meant not out here where we’d be an easy target.” He turned and walked them back to the truck. Once there, he managed to get them both inside, all the while keeping her astride him.

She filled something in him, something he hadn’t known was missing. Now, with her body pressing against his, he gave up the idea of shoving her aside and took what she offered.

There was a sweetness in her kisses, in the way she caressed him.

For one of the very few times in his life, he gave over control as she freed him from his jeans. It was she who stroked until he thought he would explode. It was she who took him deep into her mouth and blew his world apart. It wasn’t simply the release or the stunning surprise of the act, it was that Avery did it. From start to finish Avery was the one who asked for nothing in return.

It felt like a gift – something precious and rare and far beyond a physical act.

Afterward, as he fought to level his breathing, as her breath still whispered intimately over him, he admitted his plans to remain detached were shot to hell and back.

“Are you shocked?” she asked.

“No, should I be?”

“I guess something like this happens to you often.”

He moved his hands from threading through her hair, to cup her chin and lift her face so he could see her. “I’ve never known anyone like you.”

“I’ve never done anything like this before.”

He liked one hell of a lot that she’d never been this honest and bold with anyone else. “Well,” he finally managed. “Not bad for a rookie.” She laughed as she moved away and he zipped up his jeans.

“Thank you, Daniel.”

“I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

She leaned over so she could cup his cheek and kiss him. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Anytime.”

They rode in silence the rest of the way to town. First they stopped at Hank’s office, and learned he didn’t have any news about the shooting attempt. He did, however, have a surprising solution to Esther’s plan of selling to Bennett Ridgeway.

“Sadie has a friend who’s looking to get out of New York. She does book narrations and voice-overs so she’s looking for something a little out the way where there’ll be less noise interference.”

With Avery on the phone with Sadie, and out of earshot, Daniel talked to Hank about an item he hoped would never be needed.

They walked outside and Daniel immediately scouted their surroundings. The town was quiet, with little foot or vehicle traffic. He felt an itch at the base of his spine.

“That would be wonderful if Sadie’s friend buys the house,” Avery said as she reached to link her hand in his. Daniel wanted to shake her off, keep his hands free. And yet he wanted to hold her. For longer than it would take to walk to Bartlett’s Hardware.

They were halfway down the street when he felt Avery tense alongside him. He looked where he saw she stared and found the source of her anxiety. Without being told, he knew he looked at Bennett Ridgeway. Daniel had the source of that itch, knowing Ridgeway had seen them before Avery spotted him. He didn’t like that today, of all days, the man stood in their path. Still, her steps never hesitated as they continued walking.

Unlike every other man he’d seen or met in Eagle Rock, Ridgeway didn’t wear jeans, boots and either a flannel or T-shirt. Many wore either a sidearm or, as he did, a shoulder holster. He wore a suit and tie with wingtips shiny enough to reflect the sun. Daniel was surprised to see he looked to be in his thirties, then he recalled Avery saying she’d turned down Ridgeway’s invite to prom. Slightly behind him were two men, also dressed in suits, although not as expensive as their boss and therefore couldn’t disguise the holster outline at their shoulder.

“Avery. How have you been?” Ridgeway made as if to step forward and kiss her. Daniel stepped sideways, blocking him. Ridgeway lifted a brow but ignored Daniel. “Well. You look good.” His thin lips curved slightly. “But then you always did.”

Avery said nothing and Daniel’s chest filled with pride.

“You know I always thought you deserved a better life than working yourself ragged at that ranch. Why don’t you accept my offer?”

“Working myself ragged or looking good? Make up your mind, Bennett.” With her free hand she tossed aside his glare. “It hardly matters. You can flatter or insult all you want. You’re not getting my land.”

“I’m disappointed by your attitude, but not surprised.” He gave Daniel an insulting glance. “Your taste in men hasn’t improved any so I can hardly expect your judgement in business matters to be any better.”

“On the contrary,” she argued, closing her fingers tight on Daniel’s. “I say my taste and judgement have vastly improved.”

He sighed dramatically. “I suppose you’re entitled to your opinion. I just worry how that kind of thinking might affect your little boy.”

Avery stepped forward, stopping Daniel from taking a swing at the guy. “Stay away from my son.”

“As I said, I’m simply offering a way to make life easier for both of you.”

“I like my life the way it is.”

“It could be so much more.”

“I’ll give my land to the government before I sell it to you.”

Bennett reached out, curled a hand around her arm. “You know I want what’s best for you. I always have.”

She shook off his hand and Daniel watched as the man’s face flushed. It didn’t help any that several people had paused to observe, and overhear, the conversation. “No you don’t. You want what you can’t have. It’s always been that way.” She shifted to stare at Daniel. “And I have more than you ever will.”