Last Chance Cowboy. Cathy McDavid

      Sage bit back a groan. Gavin talked to his daughter as if she was Isa’s age. Did he not see how astute Cassie was and that very little got past her?

      The sound of distant voices reminded Sage of her and Isa’s precarious situation. She had to remove them from sight before Dan noticed them. She began looking for another way out of the stables.

      “You okay, Mama?”

      “Just a little tired.” She sent Isa a reassuring smile. In truth, Sage was perspiring profusely, probably from the giant invisible fist squeezing her insides.

      She still couldn’t believe Dan had failed to recognize his own daughter. Granted, children changed a lot between two and six. But even so …

      “If it’s none of my business,” Cassie grumbled, “say so.”

      Gavin quirked an eyebrow. “If I do, will you get mad?”

      “Honestly, Dad.” She expelled an irritated sigh.

      Sage didn’t blame her. She’d tried reasoning with Gavin, too, and it had gotten her nowhere. How he managed not to chase away every customer on the place with his confounding obstinance was a mystery.

      “Fine.” Cassie deposited Blue on the ground by her feet. He immediately stumbled over to Gavin and launched an assault on his boot, gnawing the rounded toe. Gavin bent and scratched the puppy behind the ears.

      Interesting, thought Sage. He was tolerant of small, defenseless dogs, passionate about the plight of wild horses and hadn’t mentioned her meltdown to his daughter.

      Which meant he wasn’t all bad.

      Figures.

      If only he weren’t in partnership with her ex.

      That was one shortcoming Sage couldn’t overlook or dismiss regardless of how good-looking she found him.

      Fresh thoughts of Dan squashed whatever fleeting and irrational attraction she felt toward Gavin. Her glance strayed yet again to the stable entrance, and her ears strained for the sound of his truck starting up and leaving.

      No such luck.

      Sage began to fidget, her mind searching for an excuse to leave—if not the ranch, then at least the immediate vicinity.

      Gavin beat her to the punch. “Cassie, why don’t you take Isa inside for a little while?”