Chapter 8

“Keep walking,” I said. “There’s a ladder up to the top from the beach.”

“Is it safe?” he asked. His question sort of surprised me. I’d always thought cowboys liked to take risks and didn’t ask many questions.

“No, if you fall. Yes, if you don’t fall.”

“Nice,” he grinned, heading toward the ladder. Now that he’d asked, it looked narrow, rickety, and weather-beaten in the dim light.

Never in my right mind did I think I’d be climbing Pier 19 on a work night. I had to admit that cowboys, particularly one named Cord Darringer, made me go a little crazy. Bottom line: he had me, whether he wanted me or not, and I told myself that I was his in full—no lies.