Most Eligible Sheriff

“They won’t. Not after I talk to them.”

Ruby pursed her mouth. Her pretty mouth.

Cliff had kissed it. Solely to discern her identity. If he were to do it again...

No. That kind of thinking had to stop this instant. Ruby McPhee was duty. Obligation. Nothing more.

“I’m not sure...”

“Sam’s the kind of guy you want in your corner,” Cliff said. “He’ll understand why you and your sister switched places.”

“I can’t put the ranch in danger.” Determination flashed in her eyes. The kind of determination that had caused her to act quickly during the attack. “Not the owners and certainly not their guests. I’ll just stay in the trailer until the arraignment.”

“Use your head, Ruby. This guy’s looking for you and, by your own admission, he’s smart and resourceful. He can track Scarlett to Sweetheart in hopes of finding you.”

“My point exactly. The trailer’s safe. I’ll be out of sight.”

“You’ll be a sitting duck. The lock on that tin can wouldn’t keep out a five year old.”

“I’ll install a new one.”

“Which will hold him off for a minute at most.”

He could see his argument was beginning to make sense to her. Also that, despite the brave front she put up, she was scared.

“I’ll have a dead bolt installed. Just in case. And window locks. Leave the bedroom light on at night. Either me, my deputy or Sam will drive by every hour. If the light’s off, we’ll investigate.”

“Sam? I can’t ask that of him.”

“Knowing Sam, he’ll insist. And because a lot can happen in an hour, I’ll post a guard.”

“A guard?” Her eyes widened.

“The best one around. No one gets past him.”

“Who is he?”

“You’ll see. I’ll bring him by tonight.”

“I didn’t intend to involve anybody else when I came here. This is my problem.”

“We take care of our own in Sweetheart.”

“But I’m not from Sweetheart.”

“Your sister is. And you are by association.”

She looked as if she didn’t quite believe his reason. Well, Cliff didn’t quite believe it, either. His interest in Ruby and his desire to help her went beyond civic responsibility.

“What’s the second condition?” she asked.

“You go with me to the square dance tomorrow.”

“You’re kidding, of course.”

“If you’re going to pretend to be Scarlett, you have to lead her life. She and I are—were—seeing each other. Also, the more we’re together, the more I can protect you. If Crowley finds his way to Sweetheart, he’ll think twice about approaching you with me in the picture.”

She dropped her head and groaned.

“I understand it’s a lot to take in all at once.”

“That’s an understatement.”

“You need to decide quickly, Ruby. We’re already drawing attention by spending so much time in here alone.”

“I suppose you’re right. About telling Sam and Annie.”

“They’ll help you with the ins and outs of Scarlett’s job.”

“Her job!” Ruby’s gaze darted to the clock on the wall. “I’m supposed to be leading a trail ride in thirty minutes.” She shot to her feet. “I forgot all about it.”

“Relax.”

“Oh, God. I have no idea what I’m doing. This was an insane idea. One of the other wranglers will have to take over for me.

“Don’t worry.” Cliff steered her out of the kitchen. “They always send two wranglers.”

At the front door, she dug in her heels. “I haven’t been on a horse in eleven years. And I’ve never ridden in the mountains before.”

He turned her toward him and gripped her by the shoulders. “You can do this.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Sure you can. You fought off Crowley by yourself. Compared to that, a trail ride is a piece of cake.” He made an instantaneous decision. “And I’ll be with you the entire time.”

Chapter Three

Ruby struggled not to squirm beneath Sam Wyler’s intense scrutiny.

“Man, it’s weird.” He knocked back the brim of his cowboy hat and scratched his forehead. “I can’t tell you apart.”

At least he hadn’t kissed her in order to determine who was who.

“I’m sorry about trying to fool you,” Ruby said.

“I understand why you did it. You’re scared, and it sounds like you have good reason to be.” He gave her another lingering once-over. “Scarlett mentioned a sister but not that you two were twins.”

“If you don’t want me filling in for her, it’s quite all right.” Despite Cliff’s advice that she play the part of Scarlett, Ruby remained convinced hiding out in the trailer was the best option.