Caro took in the man kneeling before her as he studied the prints they’d found in the mud. His rolled-up shirtsleeves revealed the hills and valleys of his muscular arms. Even though she seldom responded, he’d kept up a steady conversation while they’d been riding along the creek, and all the while he’d never stopped scanning the area.
She took a deep breath and willed herself to relax. It had been a long time since she’d felt safe enough to do that. Chisholm’s presence might annoy her unbearably, but his demeanor certainly made her believe he was able to handle almost any situation. And his dimples made it easier to tolerate anything that came out of his mouth.
They’d come nearly full circle when he dismounted to examine something.
“These are fresh.” He stood and wiped his hands together. “But that doesn’t mean much. Let’s give the horses a break.”
Caro dismounted and led her horse, Angel, to the nearest mesquite tree. She slipped the reins around a low branch and secured them.
Chisholm brought Bullet alongside. “Hey, you used a bank robbers’ knot. I’m impressed.”
“You didn’t think I knew how to tie my horse?”
“Of course I did, I just didn’t think you’d know to tie it that well.”
“Ranger Chisholm, I am full of surprises.” She flashed him a little smile.
“Of that I have no doubt.” He pointed to a large rock. “I think we’ve earned a break, too.”
The stiff breeze had loosened several strands from Caro’s braid, and she paused to tuck them behind her ear. When she turned, Chisholm was staring at her. The look in his eyes made her breath catch, but he turned away, like a boy who’d been caught stealing cookies.
He cleared his throat and sat on the boulder. “So, Miss Cardova, how many brothers and sisters do you have?”
“I am an only child.”
“Must be nice.” He chuckled. “I’ve got six brothers.”
“Seven boys? Your poor mother.” Caro couldn’t imagine living in a house full of men.
“My mother died during the war, so except for our cook, we have a house full of men.”
“I’m sorry that you lost your mother.” The familiar hole in her own grieving heart throbbed.
“It’s just you and your mother here, right? Where’s your father?”
“He died in a rebellion.” The pain and bitterness came out in her voice.
Chisholm adjusted the hat over his eyes, and he spoke in a solemn tone. “In Mexico? In a war?”
“No, there was no war.”
“Then what was he fighting for? He must have had a good reason to leave you and your mother.”
“Does it make a difference if his cause was just?” She swallowed hard, emotion clogging her throat. “Either way it is the same for us. He is gone, and we are alone.” She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “But we are strong, and we can take care of ourselves. We came to Texas to escape the effects of my father’s choices, and we were blessed to find work at Se?or Reynolds’s ranch. God has taken care of us.”
“And I’ll pray that He continues to do—”
A shot echoed through the valley, and a bullet whizzed between them.
Chapter Four
Chisholm half-dragged, half-carried Caro behind the boulder. He covered her body with his own and drew his sidearm. Another shot rang out and sailed over their heads.
“Stay down!” He needed to get a look at where the shots were coming from, but did he dare trust Caro to remain behind the boulder?
He lifted his head and caught a glint off a rifle on the opposite hill. He could return fire, but a handgun wouldn’t begin to make it that far. He lowered his head, pressing Caro’s down as well.
“Get off me!” She shoved against him. “And why aren’t you shooting back?”
For all her bravado, her body trembled against his chest, and he pulled her closer. “Too far. It would be a waste of bullets. We’re pinned down for the moment.”
Blood rushed in his ears, and he fought the urge to dive from their location. He chanced another glimpse in the shooter’s direction. No shots. Where was the man now?
“Is he gone?” Caro whispered.
“I’m going to check. Caro, keep your head down.” Chisholm rolled to his side and eased out from behind their cover. He took off his hat and tossed it in the air. If someone was out there, they’d fire at the motion.
Nothing.
He climbed to his feet, his gaze never leaving the open area between the two hills.
“Is it clear?” Caro peeked her head over the boulder.
“If it wasn’t, you’d be dead.” He held out his hand, and to his surprise, she took it. Her wobbly legs betrayed her, and she’d have fallen if Chisholm hadn’t caught her. “Easy.”
Caro let him hold her for only a second before she yanked away, but it was a delicious second. The strong desire made his breath hitch.
She hugged herself. Was she as rattled as he was by the contact? Seeming to come to her senses, she shook the dust off her skirt. “Someone doesn’t want us here.”
“I got that message loud and clear.”
“We can take a shortcut from here to where we saw the shooter perched. I know the way.”
Chisholm retrieved his hat. “I’ll come back later. It’s my duty to find these criminals, not yours.”
A stony expression fell over Caro’s face, and all the progress he’d made with her seemed to wither. What had he said?