The Rebel of Copper Creek by R.C. Ryan Page B

care?”
    â€œI know. I shouldn’t.” She tried a sip of coffee, but her hand was shaking and she was forced to set the cup down with a clatter. “But I do care. I hate that he can lie and boast about his ‘conquests’ and people will believe him.”
    â€œOnly a fool would believe a scumbag like Mitch.”
    He watched as she steadied her hand and took a drink of coffee before looking over at him. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
    â€œNo thanks necessary. I’m just glad I followed my instincts.”
    â€œYour military training?”
    He shrugged. “I don’t know if it’s military, or just plain common sense. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.”
    â€œThat’s going to become my mantra.” She paused. “Except that ever since coming here, nothing seems right.”
    He gave her a gentle smile. “Give it time, Juliet. You’ve got a lot going on in your life. But most of it is good. You’ve got two great boys. A ranch that holds a wealth of history for them. A chance to build a good life here for them and for yourself.”
    She let out a long, slow sigh. “You make it sound so easy.”
    â€œMaybe not easy. But possible.”
    She managed a weak smile. “Why is it that when you say it like that, I believe you?”
    Again he reached across the table to cover her hand with his. “Keep on believing. That’s all we can really do in this life. Believe things can be better.”
    He noted the color that had returned to her cheeks. “Why don’t you go up to bed?”
    She looked startled. “I couldn’t possibly sleep. What if he comes back?”
    Griff stood. “If he does, he’ll deal with me.”
    She made a feeble attempt to protest. “You can’t just stay here all night.”
    â€œI’m not leaving you alone.” He smiled. “I think I saw a sofa in that other room.”
    â€œIt’s old and lumpy.”
    â€œSounds perfect.” He turned away. “Go upstairs now. Get some sleep.”
    She paused. “Oh, Griff. How can I thank you?”
    â€œI’ll let you make me breakfast.”
    He watched as she started up the stairs. Halfway up she turned and mouthed Thank you .
    He winked before picking up the rifle and heading down the hallway toward the old parlor.
    The sofa was lumpy, as Juliet had said. Not that it mattered. He was so wired, he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep.
    It wasn’t just the thought of Mitch that had the adrenaline pumping through his veins. It was knowing he was just steps away from where Juliet Grayson, in that clingy T-shirt, was lying.
    He’d had plenty of time to feel that slender, perfect body, so clearly visible through the thin fabric of her nightshirt, pressed to him as he’d held her.
    The thought of holding her again was enough to have him up and pacing in the darkness.
    And the thought of Mitch Cord harming someone so wounded, so vulnerable, had all his protective instincts on high alert.

Chapter Eight
    J uliet lay in bed, shivering despite the blanket.
    The thought of that braggart Mitch had her balling her hands into fists. He’d been making insulting comments ever since he’d started working here. But she’d never dreamed that his talk would turn to dangerous actions.
    How could she have been so careless?
    One minute she’d been sound asleep. The next she’d woke to the sound of someone pounding on her door. She’d taken every precaution, standing inside the locked door to ask what he wanted. But when he’d told her there’d been an accident in the hills and Cooper had sent him to fetch her, she’d been so startled, she’d forgotten all the rules she’d set for herself.
    What would have happened if Griff hadn’t arrived on the scene?
    She couldn’t put aside her fear. She knew, without a doubt, how this would have