Seth and Turtle were already there. Kade paused long enough to down a mug of hot coffee and grab a couple of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. He set the empty mug on the kitchen counter as Ellie arrived in jeans, a turtleneck sweater, and a pair of scuffed brown cowboy boots. He could tell by the fuller shape of her body that she was wearing long underwear, which told him he had spent way too much time checking out her sexy curves. At the moment, he was just glad she was dressed warmly.

“Looks like you’re all ready to go,” he said.

“I was raised on a ranch. I came prepared.”

Turtle cast a sideways look at Ellie. “Boss, you sure about this?”

“Kade might not be sure, but I am,” Ellie said. “I’m ready any time you are.”

Kade strode to the door, grabbed his hat and tugged the brim down low. Ellie grabbed a heavy down jacket off the back of a chair and slipped it on.

“You got a hat?” he asked.

She picked up a battered felt cowboy hat off the table next to the coat and settled it on her head as if she had done it a thousand times.

Kade looked at the woman in front of him, and heat rushed straight to his groin. Jesus. The shot of lust was totally unexpected, completely out of place, and definitely unwanted.

“Rain gear?” he asked.

“Seth found me a slicker that’ll work.”

“All right, let’s go.” The men walked outside into the pouring rain. Kade stopped Ellie as she started past him. “Stay close. Where I go, you go. Okay?”

She just nodded and headed out the door. Kade followed, the rain slamming into him as he walked next to her toward the barn. Billy had saddled four fresh horses. The kid stood just inside the barn holding the reins, Smoke close beside him. He’d be staying in the bunkhouse till the storm quieted enough for him to go home.

Kade strode toward his second mount, a big bay gelding named Kojak. Billy had saddled a spotted mare named Painted Lady for Ellie—a good choice, Kade figured. The mare was strong, dependable, and easy to manage.

Ellie made a cursory examination of the equipment, checked the bridle, the front and back cinches, and the length of the stirrups Billy had shortened to fit her. Kade blinked when she ignored the stirrups, grabbed the horn and vaulted into the saddle, then looked over at him and grinned.

Kade laughed. He was freezing his ass off, his eyes gritty from lack of sleep. The rumble of mirth coming from his chest completely surprised him. And he appreciated it more than she could know. He touched the brim of his hat in salute, gigged the bay, and they rode out of the barn into the rain.