Lookin' for Trouble (Honky Tonk Angels Book 6)

by Ciana Stone

  Analise smiled at him. "We've been talking to people around town and it looks like the damage from the tornado totals up to nearly four million dollars when you include the damages that will have to be paid by the town. So, we're going to fund all of the repairs and renovations.

  "Including your bar."

  Cody slid off the tailgate with a thump. "Are you serious?"

  "Absolutely." Analise said and opened her folder. "I have the papers right here. In fact, I have a little something else. Just food for thought.

  "The night of the tornado, before it hit, the band – and you" she looked at Cody. "Put an idea in my head. I didn't think much about it until last week when Billy said he was giving you and Hannah the bar, so that when it was rebuilt it could be your place, just like you wanted."

  "Anyway, that night, Riley said "I believe it's time for Billy Sweet's Honky Tonk Angels. And then Cody said it was time for the honky tonk angel routine." Her gaze moved to Stella. "Your mom told me that you've been doing that since you were little girls. That your dad has often referred to you as his honky tonk angels."

  "It's true." Cody said and reached over to give her dad's arm a squeeze.

  "So, it got me to thinking." Analise said and turned the paper so they could see what was on it. "Maybe you might want to consider this for your place. It kind of combines the old and the new. Keeps what made this place a success and adds your own touch."

  Cody took one look and grinned. She looked over at Hannah and Hannah burst out with a "hell yeah!"

  Analise grinned. "You like it? Really?"

  "Hell yes!" Cody ran over and threw her arms around David, Analise and Riley, encompassing them all in a group hug. "Damn, ya'll, how the hell can we ever thank you for this?"

  "You already did." Analise said. "You took us in, made us feel like friends and then like family. You are family to us and one thing we learned from this man here—" She looked up at Riley. "Is that family takes care of their own."

  Riley smiled down at her. "You done good, Wildcat. Real good."

  "Yeah?"

  "Yeah."

  "Hell yeah." Cody added and grinned.

  Analise hugged David and Riley, her arms around their waists pulling them closer. "Then I guess we're done here."

  "Not quite." Riley said.

  Everyone looked at him and he looked at David. "As the man of the family, I'd like to ask your permission to marry your mother."

  David grinned from ear-to-ear. "That's a big hell yes."

  "Thank you, Dave. I promise I'll always treat her right and love her till my last breath."

  "I know you will, Riley. And I'm gonna be real proud to call you my step-father. If you don't mind, that is."

  "Son, there's nothing I would like better."

  Analise watched the two people she loved most in the word hug and tears streamed down her face. This was a moment she'd never dreamed of, one that exceeded all her hopes. When they parted, Riley looked at her. "So, Wildcat, what do you say? Will you be my love and let me be yours as along as there's life in us?."

  "You had me at hello, cowboy."

  He burst out laughing. "As I recall, you fainted dead away."

  Analise and everyone else laughed along with him. She threw her arms around Riley and the paper in her hand fluttered to the ground. It was a new day for a lot of people in Cotton Creek. New beginnings, new hopes and new dreams. And for her, it was the moment she'd dreamed of since she was a child.

  She finally had it. She was home. Really home. The place that love lived.

  Note for Readers

  The characters Kade Lawson, Cia Whitehorse and Joe appear in the box set "Rangers" which is available on Amazon Kindle and free in Kindle Unlimited. Below is an excerpt from Kade's tale.

  Blurb:

  Book 2 of Rangers: Silver Star Seductions

  When Cia Whitehorse walks into Kade Lawson’s office and announces she’s been assigned to help with a serial killer investigation, he’s damn sure he’s never met a federal agent as sexy.

  Cia takes one look at Kade and makes up her mind that she’s going to have him in her bed. She might not be interested in love, but sex is definitely right up her alley and Kade looks like the kind of man who can give her just what she wants.

  Kade is more than willing to deliver what Cia needs. She gets to him. Tough and sexy, with an unspoken promise in her look that says she’ll rock his world. But that look is covering something. And Kade’s a sucker for a mystery.

  The problem is, solving the mystery of Cia Whitehorse comes with a price.

  Excerpt:

  Kade had just finished going over the reports when one of the local detectives tapped on the doorframe. “Feds are here.”

  It was lucky the guy looked behind him at that moment or he would have seen the frown that creased Kade’s forehead. As he had stated more than once since they’d received notice that the Bureau was sending an agent, with the Texas Rangers on the case, there was no need for feds. But since this case looked to be connected to a serial killer known as the Carver, the FBI was going to want to mark the territory as their own. As much as no one wanted to admit it, in times like these, despite the common goal, various organizations still went through pissing contests to see who was top dog.

  Kade turned away from the computer screen and stood. A short woman with dark hair pulled back from her face in a long braid entered the room. She was dressed in faded, low-slung jeans, a tight black t-shirt with words in white printed across her breasts that read “Yet despite the look on my face, you’re still talking,” obviously old motorcycle boots, and an equally worn short leather jacket. Surely, this wasn’t the federal agent?

  “Can I help you?” Kade figured she had to have wandered into the wrong place.

  “I’m looking for Officer Lawson.”

  “You’ve found him. How can I help you, Miss…?”

  “Agent Whitehorse. Cia Whitehorse.” She pulled her identification from her jacket.

  He gave the identification a look as he rose. “Nice to meet you, Agent Whitehorse.” He came around the desk and extended his hand.

  “Cia.” Her grip was firm and her gaze steady as she took his hand. Kade held on a moment longer than necessary, his eyes locked to hers. There was a lot you could figure out about a person by their eyes.

  Like this one. Her gaze never wavered, her eyes never blinked. It was the stare of a predator and that of a person in hiding. There was defiance in her eyes, which probably explained the unconventional dress. Either she was out to make her mark by being one tough bitch, and daring the world to stand against her, or she was someone running from herself and using her job as a place to hide from her own demons.

  He wasn’t sure which, but either way, when he added those observations to the sexual energy pouring off her, she spelled one thing. Trouble.

  “You gonna let go and get down to it, or ask me to go steady?” The look in her eyes changed with the question. It was a clear message that he was crossing a line, but one delivered in a slightly offhand sexual manner.

  He smiled and released her hand, watching the slow smile on her face. Funny, but it never reached her eyes. Another clue. This was definitely a woman with secrets. Damn bad thing for him because he was a total sucker for mysteries.

  But right now, there were more important matters on the table. “We’ve got you set up over there.” He gestured to the desk adjacent to the one he’d been assigned. “Everything on the case has been loaded onto the computer. I’ll get you set up and after you’ve had time to—”

  “I’ve already been over all of it on the way here. I’d like to see the scene and the body.”

  “Where first?”

  “The scene.”

  He gestured toward the door. “After you.”

  She pivoted and led the way. Kade followed, trying not to notice the enticing sway of her ass in her jeans. Of all the luck. He got assigned lead in one of the biggest cases of his career and was saddled to temptation in den
im.

  Well, he’d just have to resist temptation. How hard could it be? It wasn’t as if she was likely to jump his bones. Although, that thought did bring a few lascivious thoughts to mind that were likely to return in detail when he was alone in bed tonight.

  Buy now by clicking here!

  Ciana Stone

  FINDING JUSTICE

  Book Two in the Honky Tonk Angels Series

  Copyright 2015, Ciana Stone

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, businesses, places, events, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2015 Ciana Stone

  Cover by Syneca Featherstone

  All rights reserved.

  As always, for my true love.

  A note for readers:

  Characters from Southern Comfort (Book One of Honky Tonk Angels) appear in this book,

  as well as characters from my box set, The Whisperers.

  Chapter One

  A hush fell over the entire stadium as Briggs Weathers; the quarterback for the Cotton Creek Mustangs ripped a pass from the twenty-yard line.

  Justice Weathers, more often than not known as JD, held his breath, his eyes searching downfield. One player broke from the pack, running full out toward the goal line while watching the ball in the air. Everyone in the stadium saw it for what it was, a Hail-Mary pass. The Mustangs were down with only seconds left on the clock.

  It looked like the ball would over-shoot its receiver. JD swore he heard a collective intake of breath from the people in the stadium when the receiver, Briggs' twin brother Dawson, launched himself into the air with arms extended.

  Still in mid-air and with what looked to be the tips of his fingers he pulled the ball out of the air, hit the ground, and flew the last ten yards to score the winning touchdown.

  The crowd erupted in cheers and hollers loud enough to be heard in the next county. The people around him clapped JD on the shoulders and back, others in front of him turning to smile and yell, singing his boys' praises. No doubt about it, tonight the Weathers twins wore the crown of team heroes.

  Football was serious business in Texas, and Cotton Creek was no exception to that rule. Small and old, the town was not one of affluence, but that didn't stop them from being loyal supporters of their home team, both in attendance and donations.

  A prime example was the high school stadium. JD didn't imagine there were many universities that boasted of better facilities. Year after year, the school and the town held fundraisers for new facilities. Five years ago the richest family in the county, the Pursels donated enough to meet the goal and build the new stadium and training center.

  Since that year, the Mustangs had dominated in their division. They'd not won at State yet but everyone said this was the year. This year they had the dynamic duo in the Weathers twins.

  He couldn't be prouder of his boys. They worked hard to be good on the field and were honor students to boot. No doubt about it. JD had a lot to be proud of.

  "They did it again." His father, Jason, who sat beside him, grinned.

  JD grinned right along with him and fist bumped his brother Jasper who reached around Jason. This was a good night. The team was marching toward a winning season, he was surrounded by family, and his boys had enjoyed a stellar game. Life was good.

  A familiar voice sounded behind him and he turned with a smile. Cody Sweet stood on the bleachers, grinning at him. "Well proud papa, whadda ya say? The boys kicked some serious ass tonight."

  "Hey, Cody. Good to see you and yes they did. Haven't seen you at a game in a while."

  She shrugged. "I'm usually at the bar. No way Dad’s gonna miss a game so Hannah and I trade off coming. Since the tornado – well, you can't serve beer in a parking lot."

  "Why not?"

  Her eyebrows hitched up a notch. "Well hey now, you might be onto something there, big guy. So, if I throw a beer in the dirt party you gonna show up?"

  "I might."

  "Yeah, yeah, promises, promises. Oh, and you know that kid that works for Riley? Bobby? I've been helping him learn roping, but he's gung ho on getting into the rodeo scene and needs someone with more skills to help him out. I wondered if you'd be willing."

  JD considered it for a few moments. His plate was full between the ranch and the boys. Still, he could carve out a little time to help the kid. "Sure. Why don't you bring him over this weekend – maybe Sunday afternoon?"

  "Thanks JD, you're a champ. He'll be thrilled. And I guess I better hit the trail. Gotta be at the bar bright and early. Got a demolition crew showing up at seven."

  "Another one?" She'd already fired one crew.

  "Yeah and they better by god be ready to work. I'm not paying people to stand around."

  "I hear you. If you need me, call. Anytime."

  "I will. Congratulations to the boys, JD. They did the team proud. See ya."

  "Yep." He watched her bound up the bleachers to where her family stood. Her father, Billy threw up his hand and JD did the same.

  "You headed straight home?" Another of his brothers, Bronson, asked. "Bryson and Jayce said they'd take all the kids with them. They've gotta be on the job early in the morning. Jasper and I were going to ride over to Rock Ridge for a few drinks."

  JD considered it for a moment. Rock Ridge was a good thirty miles, and if his brothers were headed where he thought, chances were it would be a late night. The bar in Rock Ridge boasted of every beer known to man, and dancers that tempted a man's resolve to hang onto the cash in his pocket.

  "No. Thanks. I've got a lot to get done tomorrow."

  "The twins will probably be out at the lake past midnight. And it'd do you good to get out, JD."

  "Maybe, but the hangover won't do me any good tomorrow. I can help haul the kids home."

  "We've got it covered."

  "Okay, I'll see you Sunday for dinner at Pop's."

  "Yep." Bronson gave JD a clap on the shoulder and turned to Jasper. "Ready to ride?"

  "You know it."

  JD turned to look at his father, only Jason wasn't there. He was three rows lower, talking to an older lady. JD shook his head in amusement, turned and started down the bleachers. Jason might be well into his sixties, but he hadn’t lost the ability to charm the ladies. Every widow within fifty miles had a hopeful smile for Jason Weathers.

  Not that their hopes were likely to see fruition. Jason would flirt, take them out, and enjoy their company, but the chances of him taking one as a wife were slim to none. The Weathers men learned their lessons. Marriage wasn't what you'd call a successful endeavor for any of them.

  His brother Bronson was right. His sons would be at the lake with the rest of the team and half the school. It was where teenagers had gathered since his childhood. They built bonfires, drank beer if they could get their hands on it, made out, and acted like what they were. Teenagers.

  JD didn't mind. His boys had never given him cause not to trust them. And tonight they would be pumped from the win. Let them celebrate and enjoy their victory. For him it was time to head home. His clock would be chiming way before dawn, signaling another day of work.

  As he passed families clustered together and couples hand-in-hand, a pinch of loneliness tried to claim him. Determined not to fall victim, he shoved it away with reminders of all the blessings in his life. The ranch might not be making them rich but it kept them going. His boys were healthy, happy, and excited about their future.

  Still, it was hard to erase that longing he tried to keep buried, that yearning for someone to share his life with, the good and the bad. He told himself to let it go. No one was promised happily-ever-after.

  As he climbed in his truck, a face flashed through his mind and intensified that longing. A face appeared, one he hadn't seen in three years and would never see again.

  The one that got away and the one that cost him e
verything.

  With a clench in his gut, he started the truck. Time to put away thoughts of what couldn't be and focus on what mattered. Providing for his family.

  *****

  "Whoa! Where're you two headed?" JD stopped on his way up the front steps as his twin sons, Briggs and Dawson raced out of the house and down the porch steps.

  "Headed over to help Cody and Hannah." Briggs replied.

  "Help them what?"

  Briggs looked at Dawson. "You talked to her. What did she say?"

  "Cody fired her builder, and she's wanting to get some stuff moved out to save before the rest of what's left getstorn down. They're rebuilding Billy's."

  "Yes, I know that. So what did Cody want from you?"

  "Well." Dawson cut his eyes at his brother before answering. "Well, she called on the house phone and said you mentioned that if she needed any help, you would pitch in. Since you were working and would probably be tired when you finished, I said Briggs and I would head over and help her till dark."

  It didn't take much to figure out the reason for his sons' eagerness to help. Every single man between the age of eighteen and eighty carried a crush of some level on the Sweet girls. Hannah, like her mama, Stella, was blonde and petite, with those big green eyes and a figure that could turn a man to mush in under two seconds. Sweet as the day is long, but flavored with a healthy dose of sass, she was the kind of woman a man wanted to court and win.

  Cody Sweet, on the other hand, was as rough as Hannah was refined. A hot little bundle of spunk and energy that inspired a whole other way of thinking from a man – the kind of thinking that involves taming a firebrand. Dark hair and hazel eyes set into a face that definitely caught and held attention. Then there was the matter of that tight little body.

  Nope. His sons were not eager to help because they wanted to be good neighbors. They simply wanted an excuse to be around the Sweet girls.