Texas Hunt by Barb Han Page A

The idea was worth playing around with.
    Whoever had broken into Ryan’s house was neither of the two, which meant there was a third party. With Alcorn money, they could hire someone to do their dirty work. And it would be safer at this point, since they couldn’t afford to be linked to Lisa.
    Knowing this, Ryan figured that his place would be clean of fingerprints.
    Therein lied another problem... Ryan knew the Alcorns on sight. But they could hire anyone to attack Lisa.
    That meant every stranger from now on was a suspect.

Chapter Eight
    Lisa’s eyes widened as they approached the grand home in Arkansas early the next morning. The fishing cabin looked more like a five-star resort than a family getaway.
    Ryan pulled up to the house and parked on the pad.
    Lori came running from around the front of the house, Grayson bouncing on her hip.
    â€œThis place is amazing,” Lori said to Ryan. “Thank you for helping us get away.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. I’m glad you can get some use out of it,” he said in his characteristically reserved tone.
    Last night, it would’ve been too easy to get swept away with emotion. Luckily, they’d both had better sense than to act on the chemistry firing between them.
    Instead, she’d fallen asleep in his arms.
    A visit with her sister and nephew was just what Lisa needed to regain her bearings. So much had gone on in the past few days that she couldn’t begin to process it. Then there were all those intense emotions to deal with when it came to Ryan.
    Was she falling for him? Even if she was, what on earth would she do with those emotions? She never let anyone past her walls and even though she felt a certain amount of reciprocation from him, there were lines that friends shouldn’t cross. She thought about the kiss in the hospital and how much her blood heated when he’d held her in his arms.
    Since then, he’d mostly kissed her on the forehead or top of the head, which screamed big brother more than anything else. And yet his lips touching anywhere on her sent a fiery reaction coursing through her, electrifying her.
    â€œAre you okay?” Lori’s mouth was twisted with concern as she came closer.
    â€œYes, of course.” Lisa reached over and hugged her sister, fighting against the pain that movement still caused. Grayson leaned toward her with his arms extended, but she wasn’t strong enough to hold him yet. She kissed his forehead instead.
    â€œI’ll run out and pick up lunch. There’s a great barbecue place up the road. They cook all the meat outdoors. Give you two a chance to catch up,” Ryan said.
    Lisa thanked him and followed her sister into the house as he pulled away.
    â€œMind if we lock the doors?” she asked.
    â€œSince when have you been so paranoid?” Lori asked. “And there’s no one around here for miles.”
    â€œIt’s just—”
    Lori held up her hand and made a face. “I’m sorry. That was really crappy. Of course you’re still on edge.”
    Grayson threw his hands out toward Lisa, frowning when she didn’t take him from her sister. He looked as though he was working up to crying.
    â€œHere, let’s sit on the floor,” Lisa said, easing down onto the rug in front of the sofa.
    The place was as spectacular inside as it was out. A floor-to-ceiling tumbled stone fireplace was the focal point of the space. The plan was open concept, so she could see clearly into all the main rooms. The decor was rustic chic and the kitchen was fitted with all the modern appliances for a gourmet cook, including a five burner stove.
    A gorgeous crystal chandelier hung over the center of the living room, with a metal installation circling it.
    â€œI made pancakes this morning,” Lori said proudly.
    â€œYou?”
    â€œThat kitchen inspires me to cook.”
    â€œMaybe we should see about installing one in your apartment,” Lisa