Lookin' for Trouble (Honky Tonk Angels Book 6)

by Ciana Stone

  "Great."

  "And on a scale of one to ten, how would you describe any pain you are experiencing?"

  "Zero."

  The doctor smiled. "I can believe that from your vitals. You're a lucky woman, Ms. Windwalker."

  "I won't disagree with that." She looked at JD as she spoke.

  "Okay, we're going to be back in a few minutes to get you. I want to get a new set of x-rays and run a couple of tests now that you're awake."

  "Is that really necessary?"

  "Afraid so. It will be about fifteen minutes."

  "Okay, thank you."

  Annie stood. "I'm going to give you two some time. Jo, call and let me know how the tests go?"

  "I will. Thank you, Annie."

  "You bet. See you soon. You too, JD."

  He nodded. "Thanks and give my best to Riley."

  "I will. See you both soon."

  When the door closed behind her, JD took a seat beside Jolene. "There's a lot I want to say but don't quite know where to start."

  "You don't have to say anything except that Briggs is okay and Malcom is behind bars."

  "Yes on both counts. The boys have been camping out here since you were brought in. I sent them home just a while ago."

  "They're so sweet."

  "They care about you. A lot. Briggs told everyone what you did, Jo. You risked your life for him."

  "I had to."

  "Why?"

  "Because I love him." That part was simple to say. The next part required a bit more courage. "And because… I love you."

  JD looked at her for a long time, his gaze connecting with her's. She saw the worry, the uncertainty, and the care in his eyes and reached for his hand. "You don't have to say anything. I don't expect—"

  "I love you."

  The emotion in his voice brought tears to her eyes. "I never thought I'd hear those words come out of your mouth."

  He smiled. "Wasn't quite sure about it myself. Felt it, but saying it… that's a whole other bag of feed."

  Jolene laughed. "And now that you've said it are you ready to run like a jackrabbit?"

  "Nope."

  "You sure?"

  "I am. While you were unconscious, the boys and me talked a lot. And you were right about them. They're way smarter than I gave them credit for. They knew all about their mama and her – her goings on. They just kept it to themselves to try to protect me."

  "The Weathers men seem to be kind of famous for that."

  "Yeah, maybe we should've learned to be more open."

  "You all acted out of love. Don't fault yourself or them for that."

  "I don't. But the point is, we cleared up a lot and they helped me see things clearer. Hell, they as much as told me I was in love with you and was a real dumbass if I didn't hold onto you."

  "Ah, so those bribes I offered paid off?"

  He chuckled at the tease. "Yeah, really well. They're crazy about you. Almost as much as I am. And they want you to stay. Permanently, I mean."

  "And you?"

  "Me too."

  Jolene wanted that more than anything, but things were moving too fast. JD had gone from blaming her for his wife's death to loving her, all in six weeks. She still had almost five months here in Cotton Creek to finish her assignments. Five months for them to figure out if what they felt was the kind of love something permanent could be built upon.

  She wasn't, however, ready to tell him that. So she kidded it away. "Well, I might be persuaded."

  "Yeah? And what kind of persuasion would it take?"

  "Hmmm." She tapped her index finger against her chin in mock thought. "If you take my breath away."

  "Take your – right now?"

  "No, not today."

  "Then when?"

  "I'll tell you."

  He was silent for a bit then nodded. "Okay, I'll be waiting."

  Jolene smiled, hoping for all the world that when the time came, he would be.

  Chapter Sixteen

  "I'll go see where he wants to set up," Jolene told her crew when they pulled up at the Pursell ranch. This was her second interview with the Pursell family. The first one was with Herbert Pursell and his wife, Mary. Jolene understood now why the people of Cotton Creek weren't exactly crazy about Herbert.

  To put it nicely, he was very full of himself. In fact, sometimes he referred to himself in the third person, and took great pride in all the times he'd bested someone in life, professionally or personally. His wife was very sweet, seemed possessed of a kind heart, and was the complete opposite of her husband.

  They epitomized the cliché 'opposites attract', but Jolene secretly wondered how Mary put up with her husband. Fortunately, Jolene's primary focus was on Wesley Pursell and she was starting a series of four sessions with him today. She was looking forward to it. Wes was easy to talk with, interesting and had a great sense of humor.

  She rang the doorbell and the housekeeper, Corrine, a woman in her late fifties opened the door. "Hi, Corrine. We're here to do the interview with Wes."

  "Yes, of course. He instructed me to have you set up on the back patio."

  "Oh, okay, we'll pull to the back and get set up. Any idea how long before he'll be here?"

  Corrine stepped out of the door and pulled it closed behind her. "Actually, he is here, but he is having a –discussion with someone in the study."

  "Oh, okay." Jolene got the impression that the discussion was not a happy one but didn't question. "Well, we'll go ahead and start getting set up. Thanks, Corrine."

  "Certainly."

  Jolene went out to the rig to help the guys. They got everything set up on the patio, tested the light, the sound and sat around waiting. Nearly an hour had passed when the door leading into the house opened and Wes stormed out, shouting over his shoulder.

  "I am not trying to cheat anyone!"

  A slender woman with hair the color of sunset followed, shouting back at him. "Then why are you keeping the report a secret?"

  "It's not a secret it's –" Wes suddenly realized they were not alone. "Jolene. I – I – sorry, I forgot about our session."

  The woman following him stopped and crossed her arms over her chest. Wes looked around at everyone, at her and then blew out his breath and addressed Jolene. "This is Jolene Windwalker from County Western Real Life. She's here to do a story on the family. Jolene, this is Pressley Greer, former District Director for the Railroad Commission and now general pain in the ass."

  "And first cousin." Presley added and extended her hand. "I'm a fan, Ms. Windwalker."

  "Well thanks, and it's nice to meet you." She introduced her crew and then asked. "So, you're Wes' cousin?"

  "Yeah. His dad and mine are -- were brothers. Dad's gone now."

  "Do you live here in Cotton Creek?"

  "I was in Dallas, but I'm looking for a place here. Right now I'm stay here with family."

  "So are you coming to the grand opening at the bar tonight?"

  "What grand opening?"

  "What used to be Billy's Bar and Barbecue. Now it's Honky Tonk Angels and tonight is the grand opening. You should come. You're coming aren't you Wes?"

  "Planned on it."

  "Well bring Pressley."

  Wes gave his cousin a look and she smiled and batted her eyes. "I promise to behave."

  "That'll be the day."

  Pressley flipped him off and smiled at Jolene. "So it's gonna be a big thing tonight?"

  "Yes, I think it definitely is. Music and dancing and the coldest beer in southwest Texas."

  "Well hell, color me there sistah."

  Pressley offered a fist bump and Jolene took her up on it with a laugh. "I think I'm gonna like you Pressley."

  "Ditto. Okay, I'll leave you to it. And see you tonight."

  After Pressley went back inside Jolene looked at Wes. "So, what's behind all the shouting?"

  "Just family stuff."

  "Uh huh."

  "Not ready for prime time stuff then."

  "Message re
ceived. Okay, you ready to do this?"

  "Born ready."

  "Well get him wired up boys and let's get to it. I have a big date to get ready for."

  Wes cut his eyes at her. "The opening of the bar."

  "Not just an opening. A beginning."

  "Of what?"

  Jolene grinned. "You'll see."

  She clipped on her microphone and smiled to herself. She could hardly wait for the opening. Weathers Construction had done a fantastic job on the building, and Cody and Hannah had turned the interior into something that was inviting and homey, but still classy.

  Cody had been like a worm in hot ashes all week, so excited and nervous that she had barely slept four hours a night. Jolene wanted everything to go well with the opening and had been spending a lot of evenings there the last few weeks helping Cody and Hannah.

  So had Annie. The four of them had gotten close and Jolene loved the feeling of sisterhood and friendship she had with them. It was something she wanted to hang onto. Actually, there was a lot she wanted to hang onto, and she hoped that tonight would be the start of doing just that.

  *****

  JD stuck out his hand for the stamp and made his way inside the bar. His brothers had done a hell of a job rebuilding Billy's. Of course, you'd never know it as the old bar. Between the construction and the specific details Hannah and Cody had demanded it gave the look of upscale yet down-home, a curious blend that was inviting and warm.

  He made his way through the crowd. The place was packed, half the town must be there. A clap on his shoulder had him turning. "So whadda ya think?" Cody grinned at him.

  "I think it's… spectacular."

  "Damn Skippy. Your brothers did a bang-up job."

  "And didn't die in the making."

  She laughed. "Yeah, they probably wanted to put their heads through a wall a few times – or mine, but they put up with me and Hannah and just look at the place."

  "It's great, Cody. Congratulations." JD hugged her.

  "Thanks."

  "So, have you seen Jo?"

  "Oh, she'll be around."

  "Well, I hope. She said to meet her here."

  "She’ll be here. In the meantime, enjoy. Have a few beers."

  Just then, JD's brother Bronson walked up. "You here alone?" JD asked.

  "Yep."

  "Run out of single women in the county?"

  "Out of ones I'd want to spend an evening with. Wanna loan me your girl for the night?"

  "Nope."

  "Can't say I blame you. So, haven't seen much of you lately. What's the news? Is she going, staying? Are y'all all in or is this just a thing?"

  "I guess I'm still waiting to hear on that."

  Bronson looked over JD's shoulder. "Well, now, there's a new face."

  JD turned and saw Wes Pursell coming in with a gorgeous redhead. "And apparently taken."

  Bronson shrugged. "Shame."

  "Let's grab a beer."

  "Sounds like a plan." They made their way to the bar.

  "Hey there." Hannah, who was behind the bar, greeted them with a smile. "So, what do you think?"

  "It's really nice, Hannah. You and Cody did a great job." Bronson replied.

  "You should be proud." JD added.

  "We are, we really are."

  "So will the Honky Tonk Angels be making an appearance on the bar tonight?" Bronson asked.

  "Well, I don't know."

  "Wouldn't be the same without it." JD pointed out as he looked around for Jolene.

  "Well, we'll see. So what can I get you?"

  "Two drafts."

  "Coming right up."

  JD spotted Wes Pursell and the redhead again and nodded. As his eyes scanned the crowd, he noticed Cody. She was talking with a group of people but her eyes were on Wes. He found that interesting. As he watched, Jolene came up behind Cody and Cody turned to hug her.

  They chatted, smiling and looking around. It was easy to tell how excited Cody was and Jolene looked just as happy. These last five months had been some of the best of his life. His boys were as much in love with Jolene as he, and the rest of his family felt pretty much the same. She'd become like family to his father, brothers and nephews and he'd come to know her as a person.

  A person he liked and admired. She was honest, kind and fun to be around. The only kink in their relationship was the rule she'd set down. Until they really knew one another, the physical side of things had to be put on hold. She wanted more than passion and she already knew they had that in spades. But to have a real relationship, one that would stand up to the test of time, they needed more.

  It hadn't been easy, on either of them, but he'd grudgingly admit that it had paid off. Now he didn't just want her, didn't just think he loved her. He knew. She was the one for him and he hoped that she was feeling the same.

  He also hoped she realized that soon. He didn't know how much longer he could keep his hands off her.

  As he watched, she and Cody moved through the crowd. They parted ways and Cody headed for the stage where the band was already set up. Jolene looked around and spotted him at the bar. She smiled and made her way to him.

  "Hey handsome." She gave him a quick kiss.

  "Hey yourself."

  "Isn't this great?"

  "Yeah."

  "Can I have your attention?" Cody's voice boomed out. She and Hannah stood on center stage.

  When everyone quieted, she spoke again. "We want to thank you for coming to the grand opening of Billy Sweet's Honky Tonk Angels."

  The crowd cheered and clapped for a good while. Hannah spoke up when the noise died down. "We especially want to thank Weathers Construction for the fantastic job they did."

  There was more hoots and cheers before Cody took the microphone. "And thanks to everyone who pitched in to help us get ready for tonight. Y'all are the best and we can't thank you enough. But right now, we're done talking. It's time for some music and dancing, so we're gonna turn it over to the band."

  They exited the stage and were swallowed in the crowd, people stopping them every few feet. Jolene looked up at JD as the band started playing. "I think they're going to make this a real success. Not that it wasn't already. But I think they're going to do great."

  "I agree."

  "This is a nice place."

  "It is."

  "And it's nice music."

  "Yep."

  She gave him a pinch on the side, knowing that he was teasing in his own way. That's one thing she'd learned about Justice Weathers. He had his own way of doing things and she'd come to love it. "So are you gonna ask a girl to dance or what?"

  "Wanna dance, gorgeous?"

  "Why yes, thanks for asking."

  They made it onto the dance floor just as the song was ending. When the band started up again, it was a slow song. JD pulled Jolene close and smiled down at her. "So, two more weeks and you're done here?"

  That question made her heart quicken. Now was the time that their futures would be decided. She was hopeful, excited and terrified but tried not to show it. "With my assignment, yes."

  "And what then?"

  She looked into his eyes and smiled. "I guess that depends on you."

  "On me?"

  "Yes. On you. The way I see it, I can get in the rig and leave with my crew, go wherever the network sends me, or…"

  "Or what?"

  "Or I stay and start the next chapter here. It all depends on what you want."

  He looked into her eyes, his gaze capturing hers and was quiet for so long that Jolene's hope started to fade. When he spoke, his voice was soft and filled with emotion she recognized.

  "I want you."

  "For how long?"

  "Forever. Marry me, Jo. Be mine."

  There it was. The answer to her dream. She smiled up at him. "I might be persuaded."

  "Oh and just what's it gonna take?"

  "I already told you. Take my breath away."

  JD pulled her close and did just that. She heard the cheers and
hollers from the people around them. JD ended the kiss and looked down at her. "Did you find what you wanted, honey?"

  "Everything I dreamed. I love you, Justice, so much I want to shout it to the world."

  "Me too." He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "I love you, Jolene. With my every breath."

  She smiled up at him "That was a mighty soft shout there cowboy."

  JD's smile lit her heart. "You said shout it to the world. You're mine, honey."

  Jolene didn't care about the tears that gathered in her eyes. She hadn't planned it, but fate had sent her to Cotton Creek to find what she wanted most and she'd found it.

  She'd found Justice.

  She'd found love.

  She'd found home.

  Ciana Stone

  BABY I’M IN

  Book Three 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.

  Interested in a free book?

  Sign up for my newsletter and get a copy of a Honky Tonk Angels Novella

  “Sexy as Sin”. This novella has not yet been published, but can be

  yours just for signing up so head on over and get your copy!

  Sign up for Ciana’s Newsletter

  Chapter One

  “Oh, oh.” JD Weather’s gaze moved to the front door a split second before Kyle heard the shout. He turned and looked. Cassie Ann Beatty stomped down the front steps and marched toward them where they stood at JD’s truck.

  There was mad written all over her face.The fact that she’d stomped out into the front yard wearing only her underwear and one of Kyle’s wife-beater T-shirts said she hadn’t given much thought to anything other than what had her red-faced.