The respect in his voice for Diesel made her happy, and she hoped the fact that he’d heard about her was a good sign. “It’s okay. Have you seen him?”

“No, but he was here. He’s at his place. I can run you over there. I wanted to check on him anyway.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“I’d do anything for D, which means I’ll do anything for you. Are your bags in the trunk?” Dare knocked on the driver’s window.

“No. They’re in the back.” She reached into the open door to grab her bags and thanked the driver as Dare paid him. When the driver pulled away, she handed Dare money for the fare. “Thank you.”

“Put that away, little lady. I only take money from women when they’re stuffing it in my waistband.”

“You’re a stripper?” What kind of friends did Diesel have out here?

He chuckled. “Every woman in town wishes. I just like to get my groove on. Leave your bags on the grass and climb on the back. We’ll go get my car.”

“Okay, but can you please not do a wheelie? I’d definitely fall off.”

“You’re Diesel’s, darlin’. Taking a chance with you would be a death wish.”

They picked up Dare’s car from his place, which was on the grounds of the ranch, far from the rest of the houses. His garage was bigger than his cabin and full of shiny classic cars and trucks, dented and worn vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs. They took a black, souped-up old Chevelle with a loud engine and enormous tires, picked up her bags, and headed to Diesel’s place.

Dare was kind and funny, making small talk as he drove, but Tracey’s mind was all over the place. She was worried about Diesel and could barely muster responses. When he turned off the beaten path, driving down a secluded gravel road toward a rustic cabin with a tin roof and a motorcycle parked out front, her nerves flamed again. The cabin and a small shed sat on a clearing surrounded by woods, with an iron fire pit off to the side. The grass was long but not overgrown, as if someone had cared for it while Diesel was gone. There was a rugged simplicity to the cabin, and it was easy to imagine Diesel’s childhood in such a serene place. Unfortunately, it was equally easy to imagine it swamped with despair.

As they climbed out of the car, Dare’s eyes narrowed, and she followed his gaze to the front door, which was on the side of the house and wide open.

“Stay here.” Dare’s command left no room for negotiation.