18
CAROLINE
What had I been thinking? I brushed my hair out of my eyes for the hundredth time. My neat bun had come undone, the pins falling out and blowing away by the wind. Why did I have to pick a night when there was a storm? I should just return to the ranch and slip back in bed, Finn none the wiser. It would be so simple to do. So easy. So comforting. But in the morning I'd be in the same predicament. Finn would still be in danger of Meecham's machinations. I would still be guilty.
I didn't hear the other horses until they were upon me. The night, pitch black with the storm hiding the moon, afforded them the opportunity of surprise. For a brief moment, I thought it was Finn who had followed me. That would have been easy--and wonderful. I felt safe with him, knew that he'd protect
