Then Keller had gotten sloppy and begun to worry about getting caught. He’d demanded more money and a job at a company-owned mine in South America, threatened to tell Logan the truth. In the end, he’d had no choice but to deal with Keller himself—Keller and his hillbilly cousin.

His back teeth clenched together so hard it hurt. He’d hoped the anger inside him would disappear, but the trouble Keller had caused was a pittance, not nearly enough to settle his debt with Logan.

He watched Ellie Bowman with the kid and the horse. He had time, he reminded himself. He’d taken a week off from work for a backpacking trip. He’d be out of phone range for a while, not unusual, since he hiked into the high country at least once a year. Everyone understood that in a stressful job like his, he needed a break.

He looked back down the hill to the woman with the fiery, dark red hair. There was no need to hurry.

The longer it took, the more he could savor the rush.

* * *

Ellie leaned over the top of the arena fence. The wind was picking up, the sky turning dark. Rain was predicted tonight, but tomorrow was supposed to be sunny.

She smiled as she watched Billy exercising the six-month-old palomino filly Kade planned to start training. The horse was a beauty, and Billy was obviously in love. He was such a good kid, always so ready to lend a hand.

Lately Billy had been spending more and more time at the ranch, often staying overnight in the bunkhouse. Today he’d confided that his dream was to own his own place one day.

“I’m gonna finish high school, then go to City College,” he’d said. “Kade says I’ll make a better rancher if I understand business. I also gotta know how to grow hay for the livestock, so that’s what I want to study, business and agriculture.”

“You talked to Kade about it?”

He nodded. “Kade said he’d help me get through school, long as I keep up my grades.”

It didn’t surprise her. Kade had a soft spot for Billy, whose family life was pretty grim: a deadbeat dad who had disappeared years ago and a working mom who never seemed to have time for him. Ellie was glad he had Kade.

“I think you’ll make a great rancher, Billy.”

The boy grinned. “Thanks.” He was a good-looking kid, almost six feet tall, with a lean, rangy build. The work he did built solid muscle. Once he had a little more self-confidence, the girls were going to love him.

Ellie watched him work the horse a few minutes more, then climbed down from the fence. Smoke gave a yip, rose from his place at her feet, and nuzzled her hand. Ellie gave him a rub, and they set off for the house.