B00DVWSNZ8 EBOK (34 page)

Through the smoke, he couldn't spot the trail that led down into the canyon. As if Jude sensed his dilemma and knew his plan, she came from behind him and took the lead.
He grasped the back of her belt and followed her. Smoke filled the air around them, but the wind shifted again and was now taking the fire away from them, directly toward the old stone house they had just left.

Jude
stopped at the entrance to the steep canyon trail. “This is it.”

Brady
breathed easier. They weren't safe yet, but their situation was no longer dire. He yanked the shirt from Pokey's face. The horse nickered and reared and pawed the air, but Brady dug in his heels and hung on to him until he settled down.

Still
gripping the horse's reins, he looped his arm around Jude's shoulder and felt her body shaking. Tears trailed down her cheeks, leaving streaks in the dark soot on her face. "We’re okay, baby. We’re okay,” he told her. “Let's get the hell out of here."

"The trail's steep
, Brady. Pokey's only been on it once, coming up."

"We'll make it." He
wrapped Pokey’s reins around his hand. "You go first. Pokey and I’ll be right behind you.”

A
s Jude picked her way down the steep narrow trail, she dared not slow or stop. Halting Pokey’s momentum could lead to another disaster. The cool temperature from the damp canyon floor rose to meet them and minutes later they were on flat ground again, cool, safe and unhurt.

Brady led Pokey to the small pool of spring water
. Ashe lowered his head and drank, Brady loosened his cinch. “I think he’s okay, but he probably won’t forget this experience.”

Jude watched. All she could think was that Brady had saved her again. He was so strong and courageous. He always seemed to know what to do.
She walked up beside him, trying not to cry, but still sniffling. She wiped her nose on the back of her hand. “I’m so glad we were able to bring him out with us. Thank you for not leaving him behind.”

He looked at her for a few beats, his eyes searching and solemn. Then
he pulled her against his chest in a one-armed embrace. “God, Jude. You scared me to death.”

"Oh, Brady"—her voice broke—"I'm so sorry for everything
that’s gone wrong. It’s all my fault. I’ve been so foolish…"

“
Jude, baby. Being sorry’s not necessary. We’ll sort it out.”

She looked up at him to reply, but his mouth came down on hers and he
kissed her fiercely. Her arms slid around his waist and she kissed him back just as fiercely. After their lips parted, she whimpered, “I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t come for us.”

"I'll always have your back,
Jude. You know that, don’t you?"

Her
heart swelled inside her chest and she buried her face against his shirt. “I’ve been so miserable these past few weeks. I love you, you know.”

"
Ah, Jude. I love you, too.”

She pulled back and looked into his beautiful blue eyes. He was smiling. “
You’re my forever hero, Brady. My fantasy man.”

He chuckled and held her tighter. “
And you’re my lone star woman, Jude. But you know something, darlin'? It’s driving me crazy worrying over what you’re up to when you’re not with me. If I'm gonna be your hero forever, we need a more permanent association."

She hugged him
tighter. “Yes,” she said.

THE
END

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Jeffrey is an award-winning author of romance novels as well as romantic comedy/mystery. She has written 9 romance novels and co-authored 7 as USA Today Bestselling author, Dixie Cash.

Anna Jeffrey books have won the Write Touch Readers' Award, the Aspen Gold, and the More Than Magic awards. Her books have been finalists in the Colorado Romance Writers award, the Golden Quill and Southern Magic as well as the Write Touch Readers' Award, the Aspen Gold and the More than Magic awards. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Dallas Area Romance Authors and PASIC.

These days, she’s back home in Texas. She and her husband currently live in a small town not far from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

You can keep up with her on her website,
www.annajeffrey.com
; her blog,
www.annajeffreyauthor.wordpress.com
; her Facebook page at Anna Jeffrey Books; on Twitter
at annajeffrey@annajeffrey and on LinkedIn.

Or you can write to her at
[email protected]

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LONE STAR WOMAN,
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