Second Burn Cowboy (Second Chance Series Book 6) by Rhonda Lee Carver Page B

to oblige him. “Sometimes we forget the ‘ex’ part of that introduction. Anyway, I came up to offer a hand to Elsa with the flowers.” He gave her a meaningful look. She caught the underlying message.
    “Thank you, Tucker. Tom was just leaving.” She straightened her back and tilted her chin at a sharp angle. Bravery came tenfold when she had back up like Tucker. Tom thought he was tough, but Tucker was taller and brawnier by far.
    Tom didn’t offer even a squeak of refusal. He turned to Elsa, gave her a smooth, but powerful, grin. “Remember what I said, sweetheart. We shall see each other again.”
    Expletive s shot off in her brain, but she bit them back. No reason to tease the bully. He was leaving and that was what she wanted. She didn’t want to encourage an altercation between the two men, and the last thing she wanted was for Deckland to show up while Tom was here.
    He walked toward his car and got in. He waved through his open window before jetting out of the drive, stirring rocks and dust.
    “I know an ass when I see one and that man is prime example of one of the biggest.” Tucker shook his head. “I’m going out on a limb here, but the bastard is a thorn in your behind, right?”
    Elsa wrapped her arms around her waist as her adrenaline flow finally slowed. “I’m sorry you had to get involved, Tucker, but thank you for coming when you did. Tom makes my skin crawl.”
    He shrugged, his dark eyes sincere. “I’m glad I could be of assistance. It’s be en a long time since I’ve had to physically handle anyone, but I’m sure a pipsqueak like that guy wouldn’t work up much of a sweat.”
    “H e’s a big coward, unless it’s a female.”
    Tucker nodded. “I’m getting the feeling Deckland doesn’t know about pretty boy Tom.”
    Sweat beaded on her upper lip . “I—well—no, he doesn’t. I tend to keep my past a secret, for obvious reasons. My ex isn’t a gem, as you surely saw.”
    “No explanation needed. But, I have feeling your ex means business and plans to be the bumblebee on a horse’s ass until someone swats him. Deckland’s an understanding man, but he also has his limits. Good thing Tom ole boy dashed out of here before Deckland got back. The scene wouldn’t have been pretty. And maybe it’s none of my business, but he cares for you, it’s obvious, and he’s always been protective over those he cares for.” He tipped his hat and left her standing in a tug of war of emotion.
    Plopping onto the step to the porch, she let the tears flow. Not one single drop was for her ex, but instead for the threat he made against Deckland.
    Her options were very limited. She could pack up and leave the ranch. Tom would hunt her down, but Deckland would be away from the mess.
    Her chest filled with an unfamiliar ache. Happiness eluded her, again.
    Swiping the moisture from her cheeks, she needed to focus . She’d wasted too many years on Tom and his violent behavior. He’d bullied her, beaten her and treated her like the dirt under his shoes.
    Then came Deckland. He was a gentleman who showed her what a real man was like.
    But did he have heart problems?
    He wasn’t sick, at least he didn’t appear ill. She knew her ex and was sure he’d hired an investigator to find her, and to snoop into Deckland’s personal life. Tom knew no boundaries.
    There was a bigger issue here.
    She’d fallen in love with Deckland, and just as he had a protective side, so did Elsa. Tom had no clue that he was messing with a different, stronger woman.
    ****
    Walking into the backyard, Deckland found Elsa sitting on a wicker lounger, her legs stretched out and a solemn expression on her face.
    “Elsa?” She brought her chin up, looking at him across the short distance. He could see the glossiness in her eyes. He wasn’t sure what happened since he left a few hours ago, but whatever it was, he guessed it wasn’t good.
    “Deckland. You’re home.” He caught the slight huskiness in her voice.
    “You