Reckless: a book tied to the Cotton Creek Saga (Shattered 1)

by Ciana Stone

  That was high praise coming from Morgan and Cord knew she didn't dish out that kind of compliment without it being merited. She'd never been a mother who praised her children for false accomplishments. When they did well, she was the first to praise and tell them how well they'd done and how proud she was. But she didn't dish it out unless it was earned.

  “Well, I guess this calls for a celebration. What do you say, steaks on the grill?”

  “Hell yeah,” Trevor agreed.

  “Sounds good,” Morgan agreed. “But we still have to get Whip settled, and things closed down for the night, so it'll be a while before I can start. Unless you want to handle the cooking?”

  “I'm on it. How long do you need?”

  She looked at Trevor. “Hour and a half?”

  “Yeah, we can knock it out in that time.”

  “Then we'll meet you at the house at seven-thirty.”

  Cord leaned down and gave her a kiss. “See you then,” and then he looked at his son. “Hell of a job, son. You beat the hell out of what I could have done.”

  “What's that smile?” Morgan's voice brought him back to the present.

  “Just thinking about the day Trevor showed me what you guys had done with Whip.”

  “Trevor has skill, Cord. Seriously. He could be one of the best. If he decided that's what he wanted to do.”

  “Have you told him that?”

  “I did, but I also told him that he wasn't to take it as me trying to influence him. He has to decide where his passion lies and follow it, regardless of what I or you think.”

  “I agree. And I'd really like for him to go to college.”

  “So would I. And I think he will. He's smart. He'll figure it out. So,” she led her horse from the stall. “You ready to ride, cowboy?”

  He shot her a smile. “Are you?”

  “Baby, you know I'm always ready to ride.”

  “Damn. You know what it does to me when you talk like that.”

  Morgan laughed, mounted Windwalker and rode out of the stable. Cord climbed into the saddle and followed. He hoped that when he returned tonight, he would be able to get off Whip and walk without groaning. Morgan could ride all day, round up and drive cattle and then turn her attention to him like she hadn't worked her ass off all day.

  Time for him to prove to himself he was still almost the cowboy she'd fallen in love with.

  *****

  Cord sat in the hot tub, groaned and leaned back. Every muscle in his body hurt, proving just how out of shape and practice he was in rounding up cattle. The night of the roundup he'd felt fine, even a little wound up. It'd been a long time since he did that kind of work and it had provided a sense of accomplishment he'd forgotten.

  It had also reminded him just how competent Morgan was and how incredibly sexy those skills made her. Cord grinned as he thought about the night they'd shared. There could be something to the idea of getting back to being more involved in the physical aspects of things. And there was damn sure an appeal to having the place all to themselves. It was almost like being newlyweds.

  That was until about four o'clock this afternoon when, while sitting at his desk in his home office, his back had started to hurt. During the next two hours, the rest of his body followed suit, and now he was to the knock me out and wake me when this is over mood. He'd almost asked Morgan to shoot him up with some muscle relaxers she used on animals but knew that wouldn't work.

  She did promise to give him a massage when he got out of the hot tub, and Cord knew from experience that she had magic hands, so he readily agreed and now was starting to feel a hint of relaxation seep in.

  “Hey there, sexy. Want some company?”

  Cord opened his eyes to see her sitting down on the edge of the tub, which was built into the deck. Despite his sore muscles, his libido roared to life. “Absolutely. What's that?”

  “This?” She stepped into the water, then set the tray on the deck. “This is what's going to make you feel so much better.”

  “Brownies?”

  “Not just any brownies.”

  “No. Those aren't...you made pot brownies?”

  “Now you know I believe in treating things with natural remedies, and there's nothing more relaxing, so I exercised my right as a holistic practitioner to provide you with the best care I can and baby, trust me, this is it.”

  “Why do I get the feeling you've already partaken in the brownies?”

  “Well, someone had to test them, so I took one for the team.”

  “Uh huh. And?”

  “And I wish you'd eat this.”

  “Because?”

  “Because if you don't, I will.”

  “Fine. Give it to me.”

  “You say that like it's such a chore.”

  Cord smiled. “I know. I did that pretty well, didn't I?”

  She laughed. “Yeah. Oh, and for the record, Myrtle grew the weed, and it is divine.”

  “Of course, Myrtle. The pot growing geriatric.”

  “Yep. Okay, eat up.”

  Cord munched down the brownie and then took a drink from the glass of iced tea that sat on the tray. He didn't have any qualms about following Morgan's advice. She'd earned another degree in Holistic medicine and had a license to practice although she only treated people here on the ranch and family. She was smart, careful and a damn good healer.

  And the brownie was delicious. He might just indulge in one more. Morgan's phone on a nearby table rang, and she climbed out of the tub. “It's Trevor,” she announced and then answered, putting the call on speaker.

  “Hey, Trev. What's up?” She returned to the hot tub.

  “We're in Nevada. We were in California but had to leave. You'd cry if you saw the devastation from the fires, Mom. It makes you feel kind of sick.”

  “From what we've seen, it's a real nightmare. So, what's your next destination?”

  “We were thinking of heading east but haven't made up our minds. How're things at home?”

  “Great. Your Dad took a little time to work the ranch with me.”

  “Seriously? I hope you didn't put him in the saddle.”

  “I heard that,” Cord piped up. “And yes, she did.”

  “So, let me guess. You can't walk?”

  “Oh, I can walk.” Cord paused. “Slowly.”

  Trevor laughed. “Have her fix you some brownies from Myrtle's greens. You'll be so relaxed, nothing will hurt until tomorrow.”

  “You eat those brownies?”

  “Only when Mom prescribes them.”

  “Make that doctor Mom,” Morgan added. “He rode Whip by the way.”

  “Good. I was worried that no one would work with him.”

  “I have someone ride him almost daily.”

  “And he's one hell of a cow horse,” Cord added. “So, when do you think you'll be headed back this way?”

  “I don't know. Have to talk to Jeff. He's something, Pop. But like you said, the exterior doesn't tell the story. He's a good man.”

  “Indeed, he is.”

  “Okay, I gotta go. Love you guys.”

  “We love you,” Morgan said. “Have fun.”

  “I will. Bye.”

  “By the way,” Cord said as Morgan put the phone on the tray. “I talked to Cable today and asked how things are going. As it turns out, the girls she hooked up with are heading for England, and she wants to go, so I told her to go ahead. She can finish up her time abroad with people her own age, and you don't have to worry about her being with Maria.”

  He saw the smile that rose on her face and could nearly feel her relief. “Thank you.” She moved so that she was between his legs and kissed him lightly. “I feel better for that.”

  “To be honest, so do I.”

  “You feel like that massage now? I've got the table ready, stones heated, and all the oils warmed.”

  “To be honest, I'm kinda content right here for the moment.”

  “So, there's nothing I can do for you?”

&nbs
p; “Oh, I didn't say that.”

  “Okay, just what did you have in mind?”

  “I'm more of a show than tell kind of guy.”

  “Then, by all means, show me.”

  “Oh, I intend to. All night.”

   Chapter Ten

  Morgan turned from brushing Ebon to look at Cord who leaned against the door opening of the stall. Her good mood was quickly vanishing, and she purely hated the thought that popped into her head, namely that Cord had buttered her up the last few days so that when he sprang this news on her she wouldn't hit the ceiling. “You’re what?”

  “Going to the Andrews site,” Cord said. “Tom requested that I go check the system, first to make sure there were no mistakes in the installation and to try and figure out what happened.”

  “I don't want to talk about this now. I'll see you at the house.” She turned her back on him, trying her best not to communicate her anger to Ebon. Animals were incredibly sensitive to emotions, and he'd just passed a major milestone in his trust of her. Morgan didn't want to destroy it.

  “Morgan.”

  “I said I'll see you at the house.”

  “Fine.” He turned and left, and she let out a long slow breath before returning to the task at hand. “There you go,” she crooned to the horse, knowing full well the tone was as much for her benefit as his. She needed to regain her balance before she faced Cord.

  Because of that, she took longer than normal, and by the time she finished, it was almost dark. She made one final pass, checking to make sure the horses had food and water, then shut down the barn and started the walk home, with Ghost by her side.

  She knew anger was a useless energy. It blinded you to what was around you and often to what was important, but damn it, Cord had promised to stay out of that mess.

  He promised to stay out of it unless he was asked. She felt her jaw clench. Why was she so opposed to him going to Andrews? She looked up at the twilight sky as if the answer could be found in the colors of night that mixed with the fading day in a palette of blues and reds and deep golds.

  The truth of it was that she was scared. Even thinking it made her feel a little silly. This was his job, and if anyone could get to the bottom of it and figure out the problem, it was Cord. But every time she thought about him going she was infused with such a strong sense of foreboding that it made her slightly queasy.

  It was almost like a portent of trouble. She couldn't really describe it any other way, but that trip was a foreshadow of adversity or loss. Morgan could feel it.

  But how was she going to explain it to Cord or should she? If she made him stay, it would cause problems. This was his career and moreover, his responsibly, at least in his mind. How could she ask him to turn his back on it because she had a bad feeling?

  The answer was that she couldn’t. But she could be honest with him. The problem was, sometimes when your honesty went against what another person wanted, it could cause issues.

  That was the last thing she wanted. She'd have to find a tactful way of telling him.

  That idea fled the moment she walked into the house. A piece of luggage sat beside the bar in the kitchen, and his messenger bag was lying on the top of the bar. He walked in from the direction of his office with his laptop in his hand.

  “You're leaving now?”

  “Yeah, that's what I was trying to tell you. Tom wants me there first thing in the morning to start diagnostics, so I'm leaving tonight. Tom said he'd have a plane waiting at the county airport.”

  “So, you're leaving right now?”

  “In about ten minutes.”

  “Oh, well, don't let me hold you up.” She started past him, but he took hold of her arm.

  “Don't be like that. I'm not breaking my promise. I told you–”

  “I know.” She pulled away from him. “And I get it that it's your job and your system and there's probably no one who can solve the problem but you. But–” she held up a hand when he opened his mouth. “I also know you, and I'd put money on the possibility that you helped Tom decide to invite you to the party.”

  The way his gaze slid sideways spoke volumes. “Well, I might have suggested that I could probably–”

  “You don't have to explain. Just be safe and call me when you get there.”

  “I will.” He reached for her again and pulled her in for a kiss. “I love you.”

  “And I love you.”

  “Any chance you'd drive me, so I don't have to leave the car at the airport?”

  “Are you serious? I'm filthy. Do you have time for me to shower?”

  “No, I need to leave now.”

  “Then you'll have to leave the car in long-term parking.”

  For a moment she thought he'd argue, but in the end, he just leaned over, kissed her and turned away with an “I'll call you when we land.”

  “Okay, I'll be waiting.”

  Morgan walked him to the door, locked it behind him and then headed upstairs to the bathroom. Why hadn't she told him that she had a bad feeling about this trip? She should have. What if something happened?

  That thought had her fishing her phone from her pocket to call him.

  “Did I forget something?” he answered.

  “No, I did. Can you do me a favor and be extra careful this time?”

  “Uh yeah, why?”

  “I don't know. Maybe I just don't want you to go.”

  “Morgan, I told–”

  “I know, and I didn't call to fight. Just be safe, and hurry home.”

  “I won't stay a minute longer than I have to.”

  “Promise?”

  “Scout's honor.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you. Talk to you soon.”

  Morgan put her phone down on the vanity and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Talking with him hadn't really made her feel better. She still had that feeling of foreboding. With luck, this was one of those times when she was laughably wrong.

  At least she hoped so.

  *****

  Morgan entered the house to the persistent ringing of the phone and left the door standing open as she sprinted to the extension in the kitchen. “Hello?”

  “Morgan?” Cord's voice came over the line. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. I went for a run.”

  “At six a.m.?” Cord knew that whenever Morgan took off running that early in the day, something was eating at her. And knowing that he was probably at the root of the problem, he decided to let it go. No point in getting into a long-distance argument.

  “Okay, well at least I didn't wake you up. I was afraid I might.”

  There was a momentary pause before her terse reply. “No, I've been up a while.” Then her voice softened. “I'm glad you called. I missed you last night.”

  “Me too.” Cord was grateful they were making peace. Being at odds with Morgan really worked on his head, not to mention his heart.

  “Look, the reason I called, besides to tell you that I love you, is that I need you to do me a favor if you can.”

  “Like what?”

  “Would you consider going by the office and setting up Juan's computer for me? I need to get into it from here.”

  “Okay. I'll go over to the office after I get cleaned up.”

  “Thanks, Boots,” Cord gratefully offered, then as an afterthought added. “Listen, I know you were against this, and I want you to know that I appreciate you trying to understand. It really was important for me to come, but I really miss you.”

  “Just be careful. I don't want anything to happen to you. I don't know what I would do without you, Cord. Sometimes I think I love you too much for my own good.”

  “I know that feeling. Take care, and I'll be back as quick as I can. Oh! Did you hear anything from Trevor?”

  “No. I called, and it went straight to voicemail. He'll call when he checks his messages.”

  “If you hear from him, tell him to meet me here at the hotel.”

  “Okay,” sh
e agreed, then added, “but I'm still not sure this is such a good idea, Cord. I don't want Trevor getting involved in something that could be dangerous. Promise me you won't let him get in trouble.”

  “I promise. I'll take good care of your baby, Mama Bear.”

  “Very funny. Call me when you get a chance and let me know how it's going. I love you.”

  “As soon as I know anything, I'll call. I love you, too. Bye.”

  Now that they had begun to make up, she felt better, but not having her anger to occupy her made his absence more pronounced, and the loneliness began to take charge. She slammed a mental door on the sudden I feel so sorry for poor little me feelings that were starting to accumulate, and headed for the shower.

  A sudden growl from Ghost, outside the still opened doorway, startled her. She returned to the back door to see Ghost standing just outside with his hackles raised. “What's the matter, big guy?” She moved over to rub his head between his ears.

  In answer, he looked up and barked, then turned and looked toward the backyard.

  “You've been kind of antsy lately,” Morgan's eyes followed his stare. “Something got you spooked?”

  She didn't see or hear anything, but he was definitely troubled by something. He crossed the deck and looked back at her as if to tell her that he had to go check it out.

  “Okay.” She walked over and knelt beside him, wrapping her arms around his thick neck. “I know you want to go.” She released him and sat back on her heels.

  Ghost turned to her and licked her wetly across the face, his tail thumping solidly on the wooden deck. She laughed and rose, wiping the drool from her face. “Okay, let's go check it out.”

  No sooner were the words out of her mouth, he was off. He bounded from the deck, tore off across the backyard and entered the woods at the rear of the yard.

  “Hey, wait up!” She jumped down from the deck and raced across the yard after him. They passed the corrals and headed for the woods. That’s when Morgan lost sight of him.

  She penetrated the barrier of low-hanging limbs and wild tangled undergrowth that divided pasture from the woodland and made her way through the multifarious thick growth. Numerous varieties of towering hardwoods mingled with dense patches of cedar and pine. Patches of hazy blue peaked through the overhead branches, showing glimmers of sunrise streaking the early morning sky in shades of gold and coral. Shafts of light streamed down through the portals, creating dim spotlights of misty illumination. Dew glistened on the leaves and the many varieties of flora that grew along the floor of the woods.