Always Love You (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series Book 5)

by Shirleen Davies

  “Keith Vance and an associate are flying in Thursday morning from San Antonio for our meeting,” Eric reminded them. “Amber will take them to lunch then bring them to the conference room for their presentation. They fly out afterwards, so no dinner plans.”

  “Who’s scheduled to attend?” Jace asked.

  “Everyone in this room plus Amber and Brooke.”

  “Brooke will be riding with Eric and Amber. I don’t want her in the car with me.” Kade wasn’t keen on his role of keeping track of Brooke. He needed to be a target for Robbie and wanted his wife as far away from him as possible. He’d speak to Heath after the meeting.

  “All right. Any other meetings that can’t be rescheduled?” Jace asked.

  When no one responded, Heath stood. “That’s it.”

  Kade stayed behind as the others left.

  “What’s on your mind?” Heath asked.

  “I want you to keep watch on Brooke. The plan is for me to be visible. We want Robbie and his boys to come after me and no one else. In fact, I’d prefer she stay at your place.”

  “Has she agreed to that?”

  “Hell no.” Kade ran a hand through his hair. “At least I can drop her at your place each morning. Will that work?”

  “Or at my place if Heath has to leave. Between the two of us, we can keep track of her. You do what you have to do, Kade.” Jace glanced at his watch. “I have to take off. Promised Blake I’d spend time with him before he left.”

  Kade turned to follow Jace out.

  “Kade?”

  He turned back toward Heath.

  “The family knows you had a job to do with the DEA, and you did it. No one faults you or believes you brought this down on us. Sonny Morgan and his club are the bad guys here.” He walked over and clasped a hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “Don’t take any unnecessary risks. We don’t intend to lose you.”

  Kade met Heath’s gaze and nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat, and hoping all would turn out all right.

  ******

  “How’s your schedule?” Eric asked as he walked into Amber’s office and shut the door.

  “Five more minutes and I’m done.” She took a couple of steps and put her arms around his neck, reaching up to place a kiss on his mouth. “You have something in mind?” She wiggled her brows slightly.

  “You’re insatiable.” Eric laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close.

  “You wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “You’re right about that.” He lowered his mouth to hers, knowing it wasn’t the smartest move to get anything going in the office. Just a couple of kisses and he’d pull away.

  Amber felt the slide of his tongue against hers, the slight taste of coffee on his lips, and the warmth of his body. She knew how quickly she could get lost in the feel of him and pulled back to rest her head against his chest.

  “This probably isn’t wise.” Her thick voice indicated how fast his touch affected her.

  “What’s Dana doing tonight?”

  Her mouth tipped up at the corners. “She asked if it would be okay if she grabbed something by herself so she could prepare for an interview tomorrow morning.”

  “No kidding?”

  “Uh…uh.” She placed a kiss on his chin then moved her lips along his jaw.

  He reached for her hand. “Grab your stuff and let’s get out of here. I know a little cabin a few miles away with a fully stocked refrigerator…” his words trailed off as he led her outside to the parking lot.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Anything I can carry out?” Eric asked, stepping into Jace and Caroline’s house. He and Amber decided to stop on their way to the office Wednesday morning and say goodbye to Blake.

  “Nope. I’m all packed.” Blake shoved his hands in his pockets, his voice flat.

  “You okay?” Eric searched his face, seeing none of the positive attitude everyone associated with the young man. “Are you sure you’re recovered enough to travel?”

  “It’s not that. I just don’t want to leave with everything going on.” Blake looked up at Eric. “You know, with Kade.”

  He wrapped an arm around Blake’s shoulder and moved them a few feet away. “My hunch is you leaving is the only way Jace and Heath can get your mother and Annie out of here. They refused to leave.”

  Blake looked over his shoulder at his mother and aunt. “You think so?”

  “Heath and Jace were frantic to get them to leave. I don’t know what leverage they used to get them to stay at the condo afterwards, but you’re the mechanism to get them to the valley.” He let his arm drop. “I need to talk with my mom before you leave.” Eric walked over to Annie, giving her a hug and kiss. “I hear you’re staying in the valley a while.”

  He could see Annie’s face tighten. “I won’t go into details, but it’s not my choice—or Caroline’s.”

  “Should I ask?”

  “No.” She crossed her arms, a sure sign the topic had ended.

  “Do you need me to load anything?” He glanced across the room to Amber helping Caroline with a small bag.

  “I’m set and I think Caroline is about ready.”

  They walked to the large SUV Caroline drove.

  “Call us when you get there.” Eric closed the passenger door for his mother and stepped back.

  Annie rolled down her window and leaned out, her concern obvious. “You be safe.”

  “We will, Mom.”

  Amber and Eric waved as the SUV headed toward the highway.

  “I’m glad they’re getting out of here.” He turned to face her. “I wish you, Brooke, and Dana would leave, too.”

  “I won’t leave unless you do, and I know Brooke feels the same way about Kade.” She squeezed his hand. “Guess you’re stuck with us.”

  ******

  “You’ll need to fly out this afternoon with Lainey and me on the company jet. Will that be an issue?” Cam asked Cassie as they sat in his office Wednesday morning, reviewing the organization chart for the Cold Creek, Colorado facility. MacLaren Bucking Broncs had grown substantially under Cam’s leadership, and his plans were to double the revenue over the next year.

  “Not at all, except I hate to leave with the threat hanging over Kade.”

  “So do I, but we can’t shut down while we wait. We may not get back here for a week or two. You can stay with us—there’s plenty of room.” Cam hid his irritation at being told he, Lainey, and Cassie would be leaving for Colorado. He’d put up a strong argument, but in the end, Heath and Jace had made up their minds to do all they could to limit any possible danger.

  Cassie had trained under Cam and Jace at company headquarters since graduating from college. For years her goal had been to work with the horses they bred for the rodeo circuit, and now her chance had arrived. She grew up on the ranch, trained horses for pleasure riding, and gave lessons every summer. The time had come to branch out and learn the business of supplying stock to the hundreds of rodeos across the country—a competitive business run almost exclusively by men. Many of their competitors hired ex-rodeo contestants with existing connections that opened doors.

  Cassie read over the job description and travel schedule. She’d be working under Sonny Burrows, the head of rodeo relations, traveling the circuit, and meeting with his long list of contacts. Everyone knew Sonny, respected him, but he’d indicated a need to slow down. Cassie hoped she’d be good enough to take his place when he decided to retire.

  “Sonny’s travel schedule is crazy.” She glanced up at Cam. “No wonder he’s ready to bring on an assistant.”

  “I won’t kid you. He isn’t keen on a woman tailing him for months while he works. The fact you’re a MacLaren is one plus in a long list of negatives.” Cam chuckled, remembering the look on Sonny’s face when he handed him Cassie’s résumé. “He’s old school.”

  “But teachable?” she joked.

  “In my opinion, yes. He’s a good man, works hard, and relishes the challenge o
f going up against the new upstarts trying to capture business it took him years to earn.” Cam’s eyes narrowed on her. “It’s a hard, tough business. You need to be prepared to deal with the unscrupulous as well as those with principles. You may face corruption and bribery. What some call back room deals are common. Sonny will tell you these private negotiations are the key to winning rodeo contracts, and in the same breath, warn that you might never break into them. You’ve got to be in this for the long term, Cassie.”

  She grew up surrounded by men and the male friendships that made business happen. Her short stint in the amateur barrel racing circuit added to her understanding of rodeo operations. It’s why she’d earned a business degree, graduating near the top of her class. Nothing had prepared her for the situations Cam described.

  “Working in the family business is what I’ve wanted since before high school. With the expansions, and pulling Rafe back into the family, I can’t imagine working anywhere else.” She worried her lower lip, then sat up straight, fixing her gaze on Cam. “I can do this job. I’ll go to Sonny, or you, if I see anything I’m not sure about—but I won’t back down or walk away.”

  Cam leaned back in his chair, glanced at his watch, and smiled. “Never thought you would. Go get packed. We’ll meet you at the air field in three hours.”

  ******

  Dana walked into the restaurant and straight to the table where Amber and Eric sat, sipping their drinks. She’d applied everywhere in town for any position related to graphic design, expecting it could take weeks to land a job.

  “Hey. You look pleased with yourself,” Amber said as Dana took a seat.

  “You won’t guess what happened.”

  Amber glanced at Eric, then shrugged, knowing by her friend’s broad smile the news would be good.

  “I’ve been hired by the community college to take over two graphic design classes another instructor had to give up.” She reached across the table to high-five Amber. “I start next week, and if all goes well, they may keep me through the rest of the year and possibly longer.” She took a long swallow of the soda their waitress set down, then grabbed a menu. “I’ll still need other work, but it’s a start.”

  “Two classes?” Eric asked, knowing Amber would be thrilled to have Dana close by in Fire Mountain.

  “Yep. Both are for beginning designers. One on theory and the other on technique. They gave me the previous instructor’s syllabus.” She took a deep breath. “I still can’t believe it.”

  “We need to celebrate. How about dinner tonight with us, Kade and Brooke, and Mitch at the Italian place everyone likes?” Amber squeezed Eric’s hand, hoping everyone could attend.

  “I’m not sure it’s that big a deal. I don’t want to mess up anyone’s plans.” She didn’t want to make more of it than it was, and she didn’t need to spend an evening with Mitch and his sour outlook.

  “Not a problem. Brooke and I already talked about it. Now we have a reason to party. And right now, any reason is good.”

  ******

  “Hop in. We’ll swing by to get Dana, then head to the restaurant.” Eric rolled up his window, not seeing the irritation on Mitch’s face.

  Mitch slid into the back seat of Eric’s truck.

  Amber turned to look at Mitch, sensing something about Dana didn’t set well with him. “Thanks for helping her move into the cabin. I know she appreciated it.”

  “All I did was haul a couple of bags in. Nothing more.” He crossed his arms and sat back, pushing his hat down low over his brow.

  “Do you mind getting her, Mitch?” Eric pulled to a stop.

  He didn’t respond, just climbed out and walked up to Dana’s door, which pulled open before he could knock. “Guess you’re ready.”

  “Starving is more like it. Amber says the food is great.” She didn’t wait to see if he’d follow her as she walked around to the passenger side behind Amber. She climbed in before Mitch could catch up with her to open the door.

  Eric stopped at Kade and Brooke’s cabin last, seeing them come out the front door. “It’ll be tight, but there’s no reason to take two cars.”

  Kade opened Amber’s door and helped Brooke up, then climbed in beside Dana in the back.

  The last person Dana wanted to be this close to groaned as her thigh touched his. “Sorry. It will only be for a little while.” I hope, she thought and clasped her hands in her lap.

  The ride took less than twenty minutes, but to Mitch it felt like an eternity. He didn’t like the woman beside him. She was too pushy, too mouthy, and over the top in about everything she did. He liked women who knew how to be quiet, enjoyed simple pleasures, and didn’t ask a lot of questions.

  “Amber mentioned Cam, Lainey, and Cassie left for Cold Creek this afternoon. Do you have plans to take off, also?” Dana glanced at Mitch, waiting.

  “Nope.”

  “I’ve been to Cold Creek a few times. Beautiful area on the western slope. Have you been there?”

  “Yep.”

  Dana heard Kade snicker and decided to take the hint, believing the description of Mitch as surly fit him well. She’d been in Fire Mountain less than a week and already felt good about everyone in Amber’s soon-to-be family, except for Mitch. His brusque manner was at odds with the rest of the MacLarens and Sinclairs.

  Amber’s description of the restaurant fit. Warm reds and subdued orange hues covered the walls, which held a selection of old west images framed in dark woods. Flames blazed in the rock fireplace and the soft lighting felt welcoming. The hostess escorted them to a table in the middle.

  “How’s your family, Eric?” The waitress, about his age, offered a broad smile to the group.

  “All’s good. How about yours?”

  “Same ‘ole, same ‘ole. Dad works too hard in the restaurant and mom won’t rest unless he does. So they both wear themselves out.” She shook her head. “It never changes. So, what can I get everyone?”

  It took little time for the food to be placed before them—big, heaping portions, which covered their plates.

  “This smells wonderful.” Dana leaned down to breathe in the aroma of her chicken marsala. “What did you get, Mitch?”

  He glanced over at her, just inches away. “Spaghetti and meatballs.”

  “Really? With all the great choices, you opted for spaghetti?”

  “With meatballs.”

  The others glanced at each other, concealing their amusement. Few people pushed Mitch and it was good to see Dana punch his buttons. Eric picked up his glass of wine.

  “To good friends and family.” The others joined in the toast, then dug in, the table quieting except for moans of approval.

  Kade finished first and pushed away his plate. “Man, that was great.” He reached out to pick up his wine glass when his phone rang. “Taylor.” He stood, walking toward the entrance, then stepped outside.

  The others tensed, wondering if the call had to do with Robbie Morgan. They didn’t need to wonder for long. Kade walked back inside, his face a mask.

  “They lost Morgan and his boys somewhere outside of Albuquerque.”

  Brooke shot a look at Eric then looked back at Kade. “What does that mean?”

  “Means we have no idea where the S.O.B. is. Sorry ladies.” He scrubbed a hand over his face and grabbed his wine, emptying the glass. “Clive thinks they traded bikes with brothers in the Albuquerque chapter, packed their colors, and are taking a different route. He and J.D. are still convinced they’re coming this way. He’s already been in touch with Sheriff Andrews and Chief Towers.” He reached out and grabbed Brooke’s hand. “I have to meet with Clive and J.D. tonight.”

  “I’m going with you,” Eric said and narrowed his gaze on Kade. “Don’t try to talk me out of it.”

  “Me, too,” Mitch said and stood. “Let’s get out of here.”

  ******

  “Where are you?” Swinger walked outside the house that felt like a prison after three weeks and held the phone to his ear.

&
nbsp; “Four Corners. We’ll stay here tonight, maybe longer.” Robbie and his boys found rooms in an old motel at the junction of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. The owner was well-known to bikers, keeping quiet about the identities of those who stayed at his place. “We’ll stay here until I’m certain no one is following us.”

  “You think the feds are watching?”

  “We haven’t seen anyone. Just being cautious.” Robbie glanced around at the almost deserted lot. The old biker said he had only one other group of riders staying tonight. “We swapped bikes in Albuquerque. What’s happening there?”

  “Taylor’s here. He’s going about his business like he has no idea he’s a target.”

  “Don’t underestimate him. Look how he fooled us, and Sonny—which is damn hard to do. I’ll guarantee he fuckin’ well knows we’ll come after him.”

  “He’s out tonight with his old lady and others who live on the ranch. Joker and one of the boys are watching him. We bought an old pickup truck. Paid cash. I gotta tell you, Robbie, I’m thinkin’ more about going after his old lady.”

  “We’ll decide when I get there.” Robbie hung up and shoved the phone in his pocket. He didn’t like the idea of going after a woman, but Taylor had put her in danger, not Robbie. The man knew the risks of fuckin’ with Satan’s Brethren, which included painting a target on his family. They’d do whatever was necessary to bring down the ex-brother who’d betrayed them and arrested Sonny—and his death would not be an easy one.

  Chapter Twenty

  “You must be Miss Anderson. I’m Kevin Vance, and this is my associate, Jax Perry. I appreciate you meeting us for lunch.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Amber shook their hands, “I called ahead for reservations.”

  Kevin pulled the entry door open and stepped aside as the women walked past him, then followed the hostess to a booth near a window. “Nice place.”

  “It’s convenient, the food is good, and it’s quiet.” Amber opened her menu, eyeing Jax over the top of it, trying to conceal her curiosity about the woman.