Page 250 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

“You’ll be safe. Nash and his family will be safe. And all will be well."With that, he pinched the brim of his hat."See you soon."

Ellie couldn't explain what the man's reassuring words did for her heart. It was everything she could ask to hear, and she thanked the heavens above for watching out for her once more.

Of course, there wasoneman who hadn't been mentioned in Earl’s message. The very man who'd inadvertently set this into motion. But inadvertently seemed too generous a word now. Because while her dad hadn't known the other end of the dealwas dirty, hadn’t known how dangerous these guys really were, he had, in fact, gotten in over his head yet again. Beyond that, he’d gone into business with men he'd been warned to steer clear of.

"It's probably a weird time for this," Nash said as he eyed the rearview once more, his voice no more than a whisper. "But, I’d like to get this out before it comes out another way.”

Ellie lifted an eyebrow. "Oh? This sounds like a confession. Should I be worried?"

Nash shook his head. “Itisa confession, and the only one who should worry is me.” He let out a deep sigh and eyed the rearview.

Ellie didn’t have to glance back to know what he saw; she could tell by the deep, staggered breathing behind her that both of them were asleep.

“I wasn't volunteering at Wild Buck’s Ranch out of the kindness of my heart,” Nash said. “Grandma C saw a tabloid that said you were coming to town, and I saw that as my chance to shoot my shot with you."

He’d gone there for her?

Ellie couldn't stop the grin that spread over her face. Or the thrill that spread through her center. Sure, if he had told her this in the beginning, she might not be so flattered, but knowing the incredible man that Nash was, hearing that he’d had his sights set on her, went there hoping to meet her… it was actually sort of romantic.

“Aww…” she said, “that is so sweet!”

Nash chuckled and shook his head. "It is? You’re not ticked off or creeped out?"

"I know you too well to be either of those things. I'm flattered, actually. I wouldn't have thought I was on the radar ofthe horse guyat Rehab Ranch. You signed up to put in all those hours for little old me?"

"Heh, you don't even know the half of it." Nash went into story mode, telling her about the unexpected steps required to become a volunteer. When he got to a part about referral letters, Ellie had to stop him.

"Wait, you got a referral letter from yourpastor?"

Nash groaned, glanced at the rearview, and did a shushing motion over his lips.

"This is serious,” she teased while snuggling into him. "When I meet him, I'm going to tell your dear pastor what you were really up to.”

"That would serve me right, I guess. But it's hard to be sorry now.” He leaned over to press a kiss to her head. "Go on and get some rest before the sun comes up. I can tell you need it.”

She fought back a yawn. “What do youmeanyou can tell I need it?”

“You’re slurring your words,” he accused.

“I am not,” she said as the yawn won out.

He must've sensed the slowing of her breaths, not to mention the heaviness of her head on his shoulder as she relaxed into him.

Before resting her eyes, Ellie offered one final sentiment. "Thanks for everything, Nash, really." She lifted her head to press a kiss to his cheek, then murmured against his skin, "I love you.”

A dimple formed in his cheek beneath her lips. "I love you, too.”

Just as the words left his mouth, a set of glowing lights flickered over the cab. Ellie straightened up to glance behind them, the sight quickly verifying what she suspected.

“Crap, you're getting pulled over.”

Nash cursed under his breath and checked his speed. “Why? I’m going like, two over the speed limit.”

Another knot of fear twisted in Ellie’s gut. They were vulnerable out here, not a car or stop within miles and with no place to hide.

“What’s going on?” Wade asked from the backseat.

Nash eyed the rearview and shook his head. “I’m getting pulled over, but I don’t know if I can trust it. If this guy was already behind me, he was driving with his lights off or something because I’ve been checking the rearview this whole time.”