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that?
    “Seriously, what was Kate’s idea?” Andrea asked again.
    Ignore. She could ignore this topic. She didn’t have to confirm or deny anything.
    “That she’s his former college girlfriend here for an extended stay,” Kate answered. She looked to Beth. “I still think you need to tell Cord about this development.”
    “I promise if Nick’s not back tomorrow, one of the hands will help me find him.” Beth wished she could speak with confidence. But she had none.
    “I’d pay to see you back on a horse.”
    “Come on, Andrea. Let it go.” Kate quirked a well-shaped eyebrow that reflected in the mirror. “Finding him is easier said than done. Even I couldn’t find him if he doesn’t want to be found.”
    Kate had been born in Marfa and knew the area like the back of her hand. If she couldn’t find Nick, what chance did Beth have? And Andrea was correct. There was no way she could get on a horse. But she certainly could try.
    Andrea peeked around the headrest. “I’m done razzing you, Beth. I honestly wish you luck finding the smugglers in those mountains. No offense.”
    “Juliet said I need a new wardrobe. I hope you know where to go, Kate.” Beth nodded and the subject was officially changed.
    “We’re headed straight there.”
    Beth had less certainty she could accomplish her mission. Mucking stalls and feeding animals was building her cover, but it wasn’t teaching her the essentials she’d need to track down a stash of guns or drugs. She had to accomplish that in less than two weeks or she wouldn’t be returning as an agent—to the Chicago office or any DEA office, for that matter.
    She heard her chipped nails clicking against the hard plastic of the door and immediately clasped her hands. The nervous habit irritated her when it occurred. She absolutely hated the way they looked and felt after all the barn work. “Do either of you have a favorite salon? My nails need some help.”
    Andrea and Kate looked at each other and both of them said, “Okay.” Did they think she was crazy for wanting nice nails? Then they giggled like teenagers and held up their polished tips.
    “Call and see if Sonya can get her in this afternoon,” Kate said. “You’ll love her. She’s the best in Alpine.” Even with the thought of her nails looking their best again, her mood turned sour. It seemed there was one thing—or man—who could dampen her beautiful day. The missing Nick Burke.

Chapter Four
    Nick had successfully avoided seeing Beth for two days. After the ejection ultimatum from his mother, and confirmation of it from his father, he’d taken her suitcases into the guest room. Then he’d put his gear into saddlebags and hightailed it into the mountains to look for wayward heifers.
    On horseback. A sure place Beth Conrad wouldn’t follow. It hadn’t stopped her from calling or texting, though, so he’d shut off his phone. He’d slept under the stars to clear his head. A fat lot of good that had done him. Every time he looked up at the night sky he remembered making love to Beth. At least the nightmares had been replaced with sensual dreams.
    The woman had a kiss that lasted all night long. Just the memory of it got his blood pumping. He didn’t know which nightmare was worse—a faceless man with a gun or a beautiful face with a shapely body. One he’d never be able to confront and the other even living with her, he’d never confront honestly.
    No matter how confusing, the open air had been good. He hadn’t seen signs of any smugglers or the heifers. He’d checked all the box canyons, the cabin and had just ridden randomly to any place smugglers could be squatting on his land.
    Not again. He wouldn’t allow the Mexican cartel or anyone else to operate from his ranch.
    That was a laugh. He couldn’t monitor thousands of acres on his own. Maybe not, but he could slow them down by finding the person helping them on this side of the border. And that started by cooperating with McCrea’s