Evidence of Trust Read online

  “Tomorrow night then. Maybe we could do dinner?”

  She shook her head. “Tomorrow night is the Kick-Off party at The Watering Hole. And I—”

  “We could go together.”

  “I’m meeting friends.”

  His stance stiffened. “Of course you are.”

  Conscious of the fact they had to work together for the next three weeks, she offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Kelly, but it’s just, I don’t date while I’m out here. Things get too complicated in the summer crowd, and the casual thing isn’t my thing.”

  “You know what, forget I asked.” He dropped her backpack at her feet and stalked away.

  After a moment, she closed her slack jaw. Wow, o-kay. Guess her gut was right on the money. And suddenly Joel Morgan seemed kinda nice.

  An hour later, she sank into the steaming water of the hot tub. The jets massaged muscles sore from camping on the hard ground and a rousing game of racquetball, prompting a sigh of contentment. This was almost as relaxing as her nap in the meadow—before Ranger Morgan had shown up.

  “Who won?” Gina asked as she slipped into the water beside her.

  “Jayne did.”

  “She’s tired,” Jayne said with a laugh. “I took advantage because that’ll probably be the last time I win all summer.”

  “No, I think you’re getting better.”

  “Sure I am.”

  Britt grinned, then glanced at Gina’s shoulder-length hair piled on top of her head. “I kinda miss the purple.”

  “It was bodacious burgundy, not purple.”

  “It was so you. Why the change after five years?”

  She shrugged. “My natural auburn presents a more professional image.”

  Britt noticed Gina avoided both her and Jayne’s eyes. “Jackson say that?”

  Jackson Brady was the hot-shot computer programmer Gina had started dating a couple months ago. Britt hadn’t met him yet, but a few things had given her pause. Little things, so as long as Gina was happy, she kept quiet. Besides, after Daniel, who was she to give advice?

  “Well, he’s right,” Gina replied. “And GAllen Designs is still new. Until I’ve built up my portfolio, anything that gives a prospective client one less reason to say no is a good thing.”

  Across the parking lot, Britt watched a group of guests entering the resort bar. Turning back to Gina, she said, “Tell you what, if I go back to Chicago, you can come decorate my office.”

  “If?”

  The wide-eyed question came from both her friends, echoing her own surprise once she realized what she’d said. It started her heart pounding so fast she quickly amended, “I mean when. When I go back.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “Can you imagine? After six years of school, my dad would really freak if I didn’t.”

  “But is that what you want to do?”

  Gina would be the one to ask. She’d gone against her parents’ wishes to start her own business in Colorado instead of returning to Michigan.

  “Of course,” she stated, as much for herself as them. “I’m only here to help Mark out until Eve has the baby. I mean, sure, distance from Daniel right now is a bonus, but after that, you bet I’m going back to show the jerk exactly what he threw away.”

  “That’s our girl,” Jayne quipped.

  She smiled again, then changed the subject to something more fun, like when were Casey and Jayne going to have a baby? As they talked and teased each other, it was as if the past nine months had flown by in a blink. She’d missed them, especially through the last month of upheaval in her life, and savored their warm, unconditional friendship.

  So why then, in the occasional moments of silence, did she find her thoughts focused on a certain dark-haired ranger?

  Because ever since Casey asked how far she’d made Joel walk, she dreaded the thought of meeting up with him again. Just like Jayne had said. Taking his horse had been childish and petty, and all because she was angry at herself for letting him kiss her, and even more annoyed she’d enjoyed it so much.

  Eyelids closed, she pictured his gold-flecked eyes, fringed with those dark lashes. She remembered the feel of his muscled length against her, felt his lips caress—

  “Britt? Hello? You still with us?”

  She snapped her eyes open, embarrassed at the direction her thoughts had traveled. “Yep. What?”

  “Gina asked how your camping weekend went,” Jayne informed her, her tone sweet and innocent.

  Her cheeks warmed, and she hoped they’d attribute it to the steam rising from the hot tub. “It was fine. Uneventful.”

  Jayne let loose a snort of laughter and Britt shot her a glare. Gina glanced between them with a confused frown. “What’s so funny?”

  Britt sighed and glanced toward the bar again. “I ran into one of the—” She stopped abruptly as the object of her previous thoughts paused alongside his truck, gave a sweeping glance in their direction, then started up the stairs to the bar.

  “Shit.”

  “What?” Jayne swung around to see what held her attention.

  Her pulse raced. Drawing a full breath became difficult with her heart lodged in her throat. “He’s here.”

  “Who’s here?”

  “Joel Morgan. Hurry—switch places with me.”

  Jayne’s concern disintegrated into laughter. Britt threw her an indignant look and pushed her to the other side of the hot tub. “It’s not funny!”

  Her laughter subsided to a grin. “If you could see your face right now.”

  “Who’s Joel Morgan?” Gina craned her neck toward the bar.

  “The ranger who’s horse Britt stole earlier today.”

  Gina whipped around to stare at her.

  “I didn’t steal his horse. I just…didn’t leave it for him where I caught it.”

  “Thought you said your trip was uneventful?”

  At her insistence, Britt was forced to relay the story once again. Casey walked up at the end, took one look at Britt, and smirked. “You saw who walked into the bar, didn’t you?”

  “She sure did,” his wife confirmed.

  Britt offered up her best pleading look. He enjoyed giving her a hard time, but his earlier comments told her he was on her side where the arrogant ranger was concerned. “Casey, please, I can’t face him like this. It has to be on even ground.”

  He glanced toward Joel’s truck. “The pavement in front of the bar is fairly level—”

  She splashed water at him as the girls laughed. “I’m serious. Just tell him I’m not here.”

  “I won’t lie to him, Britt.”

  She sighed with resignation. Though he wasn’t officially a ranger yet, he already thought like one. No matter how much he joked around, it wasn’t fair of her to even ask him to compromise his integrity. “Okay, then tell him the next time you see me, you’ll tell me he wants to talk to me. It’s not a lie.”

  “It’s probably better to get it over with,” he advised.

  “Probably, but not like this. Not in my swimsuit.”

  “You never know, the distraction of that bikini could work in your favor,” Gina suggested.

  “She has a good point,” Jayne agreed.

  Casey raised his eyebrows in silent inquiry, but Britt shook her head. “No way.”

  “All right, relax. I’ll handle everything.” As he walked away, his wicked grin did nothing to reassure her.

  Chapter 6

  Joel stood by the Please wait to be seated sign of Highlands’ Sunset Vista Restaurant as the sun began to slip below the mountain peaks. Through the windows, he noted the lake in front of the restaurant afforded diners and bar patrons alike a great view of the sunset.

  “Explains the name,” he murmured wryly.

  On his way inside, he’d spotted Casey Fuller across the parking lot, headed into the Sports Center. Now there was a guy he’d have to get to know better. He knew a lot of the locals and might be able to lend some insight to Joel’s case.

  Problem was, the guy didn’t t
rust him.

  “Good evening. Table for one, or are you waiting for someone?”

  Joel turned around to face the short-haired redhead standing before him with a menu in hand. “Just me.”

  She gave him a bright smile. “Right this way.”

  His waiter appeared as the hostess finished reciting the specials, so he ordered a beer and the grilled bruschetta chicken. Alone once more, he turned his thoughts back to the man who hadn’t bothered to conceal his dislike from the moment they’d met. It was a welcome distraction from the other blond who’d been dominating his thoughts all damn day.

  Being Estes Park was a tourist town, Joel suspected Fuller’s aversion was reserved for him alone. People who made a living off the money tourists brought in didn’t treat strangers with hostility.

  Casey’s cold reception begged the question; did he have a criminal reason for resenting Joel’s presence in his town? One thing he’d discovered immediately upon his arrival, the gossip mill around town was alive and thriving. The wrangler likely knew why Joel was here, even though the rangers at the station had been instructed not to talk about the case.

  He took a sip of his beer. Yes, he’d have to work on the guy. As with all his investigations, he had the time to work the angles. Unfortunately, the animals didn’t.

  The waiter arrived with his dinner and left him to eat in peace. Except a few minutes later, Joel looked up from his grilled chicken to watch Fuller stride across the dining room and stop at his table.

  “Morgan.”

  “Hi, Casey.” He gestured him to an empty seat, wondering at this curious turn of events. “Can I buy you a beer?”

  “No, thanks.” The guy flipped the chair around and straddled it, forearms crossed over the backrest. “Are you here on official park business?”

  The direct question sparked his suspicion. “I heard this was a good place to eat.”

  “Hmm.” He glanced out the window toward the Sports Center. “Did you guys have any trouble with the storm that blew through last night?”

  Joel’s mind tripped over itself, trying to figure out what the other guy was getting at. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”

  “We’re pretty slow right now, not many rides booked at the stable. But I bet the park already has a fair amount of hikers and campers.”

  “It does.” He stabbed another bite of grilled chicken breast to avoid elaborating. He saw no reason to mention Ms. Brittany Lucas.

  “They keep you busy?”

  He shrugged at the slight emphasis on you and reached for his beer as he finished chewing.

  Casey cleared his throat as a smile tugged the corners of his mouth. “Rumor is you’re here on special assignment. Does that mean you don’t have to deal with the campers and every day park stuff?”

  What the hell does he know?

  Joel took a drink before setting his glass down. He pushed his almost empty plate aside, watching for signs of nervousness across the table. Their previous exchange had been limited to a few words, and even though he’d decided to get to know the guy better, Fuller was being a little too talkative right now.

  “It’s all part of the job,” he finally replied.

  “Oh, come off it, Morgan.” Unexpected irritation mixed with accusation in Casey’s voice. “The whole town knows why you’re here, we just can’t figure out why the park felt they needed you when our rangers are more than capable.”

  Yeah, exactly as he’d thought—the friendliness of a moment ago had been an act. He leaned forward in his chair and spoke in a low tone. “No one said they weren’t capable, but everyone can benefit from a fresh outlook. Just so happens, that’s my specialty.”

  Casey got to his feet and spun the chair back to its original position. “Yeah, well, we don’t need you. Do us all a favor; go back where you came from and leave it to us.”

  We don’t need you. Reminded him of someone else and he shook his head while pushing up from the table. He’d had enough, and he was bone tired after that damn long, cold walk.

  “I’m here to save wildlife,” he ground out, reaching in his back pocket for his wallet. “If it bothers a few people along the way—pokes at their egos—tough. Same goes for you, Fuller.” He tossed some bills down, then got right up in the guy’s face. “I suggest you be real careful as to the interest you show in my investigation, or you just might find yourself at the top of my suspect list.”

  Chapter 7

  Britt watched for Casey the next morning, desperate to know what had happened last night. He’d exited the restaurant a few minutes after Joel left. She’d gotten a temporary reprieve, but when he hadn’t returned to the hot tub to fill them in, she went right back to worrying. Back in the locker room, Jayne found a text on her phone that simply said he’d meet her at home.

  She and Gina had stayed up talking at the apartment, then she’d spent a restless night tossing and turning. In the wee hours of the night, she reminded herself how she could’ve saved herself a whole lot of trouble if she’d just come clean to Joel about where she worked. Which reminded her, she needed to start considering the consequences before acting on impulse. Emotions too often got the better of her.

  Casey showed up as she exercised Paelo in the riding ring. He propped his boot on the lower fence board when she pulled the stallion to a halt in front of him.

  “Thanks for ditching us last night,” she accused. “What the heck happened?”

  “He wasn’t looking for you. He was just there to eat.”

  “And you couldn’t come tell me that? Or text it to Jayne?”

  “Sorry.” He shrugged, his fingers gripping the top board tight. “He said a few things that pissed me off. I don’t like that guy.”

  “Join the club.”

  Casey’s eyes narrowed, full of sudden speculation. “Did something happen up there? Did he do something?”

  She thought of the kiss, avoided his gaze and nudged Paelo with her heel to get him moving around the ring. “I already told you.”

  “Yeah, but making him hike that far, I’m guessing in his riding boots, seems a little extreme for just a few smart-ass comments. Even for you and your tendency to not think things through before you leap.”

  “The hiking thing was a stupid mistake.” Really stupid.

  “I won’t argue that. But—”

  “But nothing. I’ve learned my lesson, okay?”

  His grim smile told her she’d protested too much. Time to change the subject, so on her way past him again, she asked, “What’d he say to piss you off?”

  “Apparently my fishing around last night moved me up on his suspect list.”

  A quick pull on the reins halted the stallion. “You’re a suspect? But you’re practically a ranger yourself. Your application is in with Ryan and everything.”

  “I doubt Morgan knows that.”

  “Then I’ll tell him. I’m sorry, Case, I didn’t mean to put you in the middle.”

  He shook his head and pushed away from the fence. “Don’t worry about it. I volunteered, remember?”

  “Volunteered for what?”

  They both turned to see Mark approach with his distinctive, bow-legged cowboy swagger.

  “To clear the Twin Sister’s trail. Do you care who I take with me?”

  “Jon or Mitch. I’ve got some training to do with the new wranglers today so they can get started with the guest trail rides next week.”

  “Sounds good. Britt—you going to Billy’s for the Kick-off?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  “See you tonight then.”

  As he headed for the barn, Britt dismounted and led Paelo to the gate. Mark swung it open for her.

  “I meant to tell you yesterday, I really appreciate that you’re here.”

  “I’m happy to help. Whenever you need me to fill in or pick up extra hours, just let me know.”

  His chin dipped. “Thank you.”

  “You took a chance on me that first summer; it’s the least I can do.”

/>   Outside the stall, he took the saddle after she’d released the cinch and carried it to the tack room. When he returned, he leaned a shoulder against the door. “There is something else I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”

  “Shoot.”

  “You really like it in Chicago?”

  She cast him a surprised glance. “Well, yeah. It’s my home.”

  “I don’t know, you’ve always been pretty comfortable out here.”

  She swept the brush down Paelo’s gleaming black neck as she contemplated his words. “I love Colorado, but I’ve never planned to stay.”

  “Well, if you change your mind, I got a job for you anytime you want it.”

  She smiled.

  “I’m serious.” He inclined his head toward her stallion. “What about working with horses? You’ve done an amazing job with him. Have you ever thought of becoming a trainer?”

  “No.” But that was a lie, sort of. She’d thought of it, but not seriously—her father would never forgive her. “I think I’d have a hard time letting go,” she told Mark.

  “Wanna give it a go this summer? See how you like it?”

  She paused and raised her eyebrows.

  “I found a little mustang mare. She’s pretty as can be, but meaner than the devil.”

  Britt frowned as she resumed brushing. “Why would you want her?”

  “No one else did.”

  That didn’t surprise her one bit. Mark was tough and gruff, but he had a heart of gold soft enough to rescue a horse no one else wanted.

  “If anyone could gentle her, you could.”

  “Such confidence.” She gave a soft laugh and moved over to join him at the stall door. “Explain mean.”

  “In a bullfight, you’ve got the bull and the matador…”

  “Let me guess—she’s the bull.”

  His silence confirmed her guess, and Britt hesitated saying more. Did she really want to spend time with an animal like that? A little leap of her pulse provided the answer.

  “You have a way with animals, Britt. I saw it that first summer and that’s why I hired you. All I ask is that you look at her.”

  After a long moment, she nodded her agreement.