Jace stayed at the table while Sienna went back to the kitchen to fetch his single chicken strip. He’d gladly pay the ridiculous price—and more—just for the chance to sit down with her a little longer. He wasn’t going to play around with her anymore, nor could he continue to be a spectator. Not after what had just happened. He resisted the urge to go find the other man and beat the crap out of him in the parking lot. She was in over her head, even if she wasn’t ready to admit it. She’d captivated him from the moment he’d laid eyes on her, arriving late at night and half bedraggled at the truck stop. He wanted to know why; what was she running from?

Sienna was special. Sure, he would have stepped up to help any woman being bullied by an overgrown idiot, but he wouldn’t have felt the overwhelming rage that had nearly consumed him when the bastard had dared to lay a hand on her. Not that Sienna was going to make any of this easy. She stormed around the world, looking like she was going to explode at any second. There had to be something behind all that bluster, a reason she couldn’t stand to ever be vulnerable. He was going to find out what it was, and protect her from it. He had to.

When Sienna walked back out a few moments later, she was still shaken. He could see the fear lingering under her tough facade. Maybe she just needed someone to listen. If he kept trying, would she eventually open up?

“We’re all out of chicken strips.”

“That’s okay. I’ll take an order of fries.”

“No.”

“Can I have a single tater tot?”

“No.”

Okay, this was going to be harder than he’d anticipated.

He dropped down on his knees in front of her and clasped his hands in front of him. “Fair maiden, please take pity on me and feed me.”

She responded by swatting him over the head with her order pad, her cheeks filling with a gorgeous pink blush. “For God’s sake, get up! What if someone sees you?”

He laughed, pulling himself to his feet, and held out a chair for her. Sienna huffed and dropped into it, finally dropping the pretense. “Thank you.”

“Are you okay? That asshole is lucky I didn’t kill him.”

She smiled at him . . . almost. Well, at least she wasn’t scowling anymore. “I’m actually not sure . . . well . . . I’m glad you were there. I’m sorry I’ve been rude.”

“Are you kidding?” He sat back and grinned. “Aside from the asshole, this week has been the best fun I’ve had in a long time.” She gasped. If he wasn’t careful, the order pad was going to come flying at his head this time. “That mom with the screaming kids. That was like dinner theater—only without the food.”

“Trust me, it wasn’t funny being in it.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. But please, can we not do that again? I still can’t get the coffee stain out of my shirt.”

“I’m Sienna.” She extended her hand out for him.

I know.

“Jace.” He took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he dropped a kiss gently on the back, ducking in case something really did come flying at him.

She laughed. “Okay, I’ll make you something to eat. On the house, just this once, so don’t get your hopes up.”

“Really?”

“Yup. Don’t push it.” This time she didn’t hide her smile.

“Don’t tease me. Steak, home fries, white gravy and . . .” He wrapped his hands behind his head. “Fried breaded mushrooms?”

“Yuck.” Her face went sour.

“They’re good. You should stay, try one with me.” He was going to figure out a way to spend more time with her. Sienna stopped moving, looking like she was thinking for just a second, before whatever was bugging her returned and she stood quickly. “I have to get back to work.” She nearly sprinted back to the kitchen, his gaze following the entire way.

Even the slightest touch of her hand had warmed him. There was something there—something unspoken, an agreement of sorts. He’d push and she’d run away. He’d make a snarky comment; she’d respond with one even worse. Slowly—and maybe a little weirdly—she was getting used to him.

There was no question that she was hiding something. It was as clear as day. Even the way she’d approached Chico for the job. Something bad had happened to her, and it wasn’t over yet. It was obvious she was a city girl who he’d bet had never stepped out of the suburbs before, so why now? What was she running from? Her attitude was blasting “stay away!” and at the same time, it was almost as if she didn’t want to be noticed. She would move quickly between tables and groups of people, never stopping to chat or share anything about herself. Now that he’d finally made a small crack in her defenses, he wasn’t just going to walk away. He had to at least make sure she was okay. She was young, in the middle of nowhere, and showed up with everything she owned crammed into the back of a tiny car.

She was gone longer than it should have taken to prep his food, and when she returned, her eyes were red. After placing his plate down on the table, she slumped into the seat across from him. He nodded his thanks but didn’t speak. He knew enough from working with skittish horses to know when to stay quiet. Talking right that moment was only going to push her away.

“I am sorry, you know,” she whispered.

He put down his knife and fork and rested his hand on the table. Close to hers, but not too close. “Why are you apologizing?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s alright. You’re safe now. He’s gone.”

She shook her head. “I just—I don’t belong here. I shouldn’t be here.”

He reached out and touched the back of her hand, as light as he could manage. She didn’t pull away. “Why are you here?”

“Left home.”

“Do you need help? You could go back?”

“Can’t.”

“I’m sure your family would want you . . . ”

She jerked her hand back. “No. They—I just can’t.”

“It’s okay.”

“You must think I’m completely crazy.”

He smiled, taking her hand again. “No, I don’t, and that’s what’s bothering me. I think you saw something, or something happened to you. Tell me how I can help.” She stayed silent. “How about I just give you my cell number? You can call me if you ever need anything.”

She stood, her hand pulling out of his again. “I don’t need your help, and I don’t need your number.” She turned and practically ran back to the kitchen, wiping at her eyes. Jace watched her go. He had to let her run, for now, but that didn’t mean he was leaving her unprotected. She was alone, and scared out of her mind, whether she’d admit it or not. He wasn’t going to let that fear, or her pride, get in the way of keeping her safe.

She didn’t come back out for the rest of her shift, but he kept his table anyway. Two hours later, Chico finally came out and told him she was safe at the staff motel, and he’d keep an eye on her that afternoon. Jace reluctantly moved on. The farm needed his attention for the rest of the day, but he was going to be back tomorrow. Maybe he’d even get her to talk again. Just like training his horses, he’d approach her again and, that time, maybe she’d let him do more than just hold her hand.