The Unexpected Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  “Are you talking to yourself?” Hunter asked as he came out of the barn. “Lacey and I just had a nice morning ride.”

  Devin looked at Lacey. “Your sister irritates the hell out of me, and yes, I was talking to myself. She’d drive any normal man bonkers.” He hurried by them.

  Outside, Devin heard their laughter, which made him angrier. The bull he’d requested was in the pen, ready to be let out through the two-part door they’d made to let the bull into the corral. Devin opened the top-half of the door and went to get his helper, and then they’d put the reins on the monster. He needed a good hard ride to make him forget all about the much-too-desirable Josie.

  * * * *

  Josie tried to work and acclimate herself to their filing system. It was impossible. She’d do a new one and train them on how to fill out the invoices properly, not half-handed.

  Devin kept popping into her mind. The thought of him on the back of a huge bull was frightening. She found herself drawn to the idea of taking a casual walk toward the barn. No one was around when she slipped out the side door and strolled toward the corral. It looked empty at the moment. She moved closer.

  Josie jumped when a door slammed open. Devin rode out on a bucking bull. His hat fell off. Black hair glistened in the bright sunlight, and the muscles in his arms strained to maintain control. But the bull did a quick turn and a hard buck, sending Devin flying to the ground.

  A man standing off to the side got the bull’s attention, giving Devin time to get up and over the rail. Then the man did the same.

  Devin must have heard her gasp. He looked around, spearing her with his emerald-green eyes.

  “What are you doing out here? I thought you had so much work to do,” he said between trying to catch his breath.

  “I was going for a walk when I saw you bound through the door. Are you crazy? You might have been badly hurt.” Her heart raced and heat flushed her face when she looked at him.

  “I know what I’m doing. I’ve been bull-riding since I was fourteen. I’ve won the local championship three years in a row, and I’m going for four. I might quit after winning this next trophy.”

  She shook her head. “You’re so hard-headed. I doubt you’ll stop. You’ll go on just because the people who love you want you to stop.”

  He walked menacingly toward her. “Do you love me?”

  “Of course not, I hardly know you.” She backed up.

  Devin stopped in front of her and his right hand touched the side of her face. Desire lit a fire in her core and rushed outward to all of her body.

  He dipped his head toward hers. “You want me to stop. You must love me.”

  She saw a spark of mischief, but also something else she couldn’t identify in his beautiful eyes. “I’m only concerned about you as Hunter’s brother. Your family would be devastated, especially your mom, if you were injured.”

  “She’s gotten used to my riding.”

  “I don’t believe you. Ask her.”

  “I still think you like me a lot,” he said, and before she realized what he planned to do, he kissed her. His warm mouth touched hers softly. When she parted her lips, his tongue slid in and stroked all around.

  Her hands grabbed the open collar of his shirt and he pulled her hips hard against his. His hard cock pulsed against her abdomen. She was lost in his touch, his mint and coffee taste, and her awareness of his desire for her. It took a few seconds for her to realize what was happening. Josie pushed at his shoulders, and he released her.

  He stared at her, and his eyes were lit with a sensuous light. Devin’s magnetic smile almost drew her back to him.

  “I think you do like me,” he whispered. “But you’re afraid to come out of your shell and tangle with a real man.”

  She gave him a look of pained tolerance. “Just keep telling yourself that.” Josie turned and walked quickly back to the house. In the distance, she heard his laughter.

  Josie shook her head, not wanting to admit he was right. She liked him and might even be falling in love with him. He’d definitely made a crack in the wall she’d placed around her heart to protect her from men like Lerones.

  When she got back to the house, Mrs. Garrison invited Josie to join her for lunch. “I noticed you didn’t bring food to put in the fridge for your meal like you have the other four days. I’ve fixed enough for at least two, if not more.”

  “Thanks, but I went for a walk. I really should get back to work.”

  “You’ll work better with food in your stomach. If either of my sons makes a comment, tell them to come see me.”

  Josie smiled. “You are a fierce, loving mother. None of them will challenge you.”

  “So you have no excuse to not take time to eat. I’d like the company and to get to know you better.”

  “There isn’t much to know. I’m the quiet sister.”

  And I can’t tell you or anyone my secret.

  Mrs. Garrison placed two plates of tuna salad, chips, and fruit on the table. Then she got the tall iced tea glasses for them and sat across from Josie.

  “Did you like growing up in Washington, DC?”

  “It took some getting used to, and I was not as popular as my sisters. They’re more outgoing.”

  “I saw you walking toward the barn. Did you see Devin practicing with his bull?”

  “Yes, I told him I didn’t like it. He could get hurt, but he said you have even quit asking him to stop.”

  “I don’t like it either, but I also don’t want to nag. I decided I had to accept his decision once he was twenty-one.”

  “He’s stubborn, and he thinks I’m a wimp.”

  “He’s wrong there,” Mrs. Garrison said, and chuckled. “When you’ve been here longer, and feel safe to show your real self, he’ll be surprised.”

  Josie cocked her head to the side. She gazed at Mrs. Garrison with somber curiosity. “Why do you think I’m not showing my real self?”

  “I’m a good observer. I’ve had to be raising seven rambunctious boys. Sometimes you begin to react or say something, and then you pull yourself back. You may not respond at all, or when you do, I’m fairly certain it wasn’t your first reaction. You don’t trust me or anyone enough at this point to say whether I’m right or wrong. But if you ever need someone to talk with I’m available, and it will stay between you and me.”

  Tears came into Josie’s eyes. She tried to blink them away. “I can’t talk about it,” she whispered.

  “I know. I’m sorry I made you sad. Eat, and we’ll talk about happier topics.”

  Josie’s heart swelled with love for this small, sweet woman who had an understanding heart. She loved her own mother, but she was not someone to bare your soul to. Josie suspected with Mrs. Garrison she could.

  She started eating the tuna salad. “This is delicious. We had a cook when I was younger. She made the salad the same way with boiled eggs, cut up pickles, mayonnaise and all the other ingredients you have.”

  “I’m glad you joined me. Since you like it, I’ll send a bowl home with you.”

  Devin walked in the backdoor. He glanced at their plates. “Tuna salad, it’s one of my favorites. May I join you?”

  There he was, showing up wherever she happened to be. Josie started to groan out loud and stopped herself. Devin grinned as though he read her thoughts.

  She quickly ate the last of her salad.

  “I have to get back to work. Thanks for the meal, Mrs. Garrison. I’ll take my glass with me if you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t, but won’t you stay for dessert?”

  “I mustn’t. I’ve gained a few pounds since I arrived. I’d better watch it. You’re too good a cook.”

  “You needed a few pounds,” Devin commented. “You were skinny as a rail.”

  “Thanks for the lovely compliment,” Josie said, frowning at him. She took her tea and stomped out of the kitchen.

  “She has a short fuse,” he said.

  “But only at you. I wonder why?” his mom aske
d with an innocent expression on her face.

  Chapter Two

  Heath got in on time and Cort was waiting for him. “Mom’s tickled about you staying for a long weekend. She’s been cooking and baking since your phone call,” Cort said as they walked to his truck. He glanced at Heath’s small suitcase. “I’m glad we didn’t have to wait at the baggage claim area.”

  “I have plenty of clothes at my house.”

  “You usually stay at Mom’s in your old bedroom.”

  “True, but my visits are usually shorter. I haven’t stayed in my own place at all this year. I need to air it out and use it. I’m planning to vacation here in a few months, but don’t tell Mom. I want to surprise her.”

  “Did you really come a day early to check on our new employee?”

  “Sort of. I knew you and Fletch like her and said she’s doing well, but I heard something recently that concerned me. I have to ask her about it.”

  “It must be serious, or you’d never have come home so suddenly.”

  “It is, and very private.”

  “I get your drift. No questions allowed. But I hope we won’t lose her. She has a gentle way of prompting us to fill out forms and work with her. Of course, she hasn’t been here but a week so it’s a novelty. And I think Devin’s sweet on her. It’s fun to watch their interaction.”

  Heath frowned. “Then I hope this business can be resolved. I’m going to take her for a horseback ride where we’ll have plenty of privacy.”

  Cort glanced at him with a worried look on his face but he didn’t comment, and it wasn’t long before they turned into the ranch driveway. Heath’s body relaxed just knowing he was home. More and more lately, he’d missed the ranch and his family.

  Fast-paced New York was wearing on him. Or maybe it was seeing his friend, Clayton, so happy to be married and living in the country again. Clayton’s infrequent visits to the city were short, as he wanted to get back home as soon as possible. Heath never thought he’d see such a change in his friend.

  Mom stood on the front porch waving when he got out of the truck. He took long strides to her, hugged her, and swung her around.

  “You put me down right this minute.” She pretended to be upset with him, but he knew from past experience she loved it.

  A final twirl and Heath sat her feet gently on the porch floor. “It’s good to be home, Mom, but I’m going to stay at my house for a change.”

  “You should. It’s wasting away out in the woods without you,” she teased.

  “Is our new employee in her office?” Heath asked his mother.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m going to invite Josie to go for a horseback ride with me.” He kissed her and walked into the house, through the kitchen, and down the hall.

  Josie looked up when he knocked on the doorframe and strolled in. “Hi, your mom mentioned you’d be here this afternoon.”

  “How’s it going? Are my brothers giving you a hard time with the changes you want to make?”

  “No. They’ve been great. Although my being new may wear off. Then we’ll see how they like working with me.”

  “I’m going for a horseback ride. Do you want to come along?”

  “Sure. Cort’s promised me a ride, but he’s been too busy the last few days. I was just getting ready to close down the office for the weekend.”

  Heath glanced at his wristwatch. “You were working late.”

  “I took time for lunch with your Mom and a walk. I owed you the time. Anyway, I like the job.”

  They headed to the barn, and Devin walked up to greet his brother as they entered. “Good to see you. I’m riding the bulls this weekend. I hope you’ll come see me perform.”

  “Why don’t you quit while you’re ahead? One of these days the bull is going to win.”

  Devin glanced at Josie. “You must have been talking to her. She threw a fit when she saw me practicing on one of our bulls.”

  “She’s right, but I will come to see you ride. I haven’t been to a rodeo in a long time. We’re going riding now.” Heath looked at Josie. “Have you ridden one of our horses?”

  “No. I haven’t ridden a horse much in the last few years. I have a friend who has two horses and a place out of the city. We’d go there, but only two or three times a year.”

  “Then Sweet Biscuit will be the ride for you. She’s a gentle mare. She loves Mom’s biscuits. That’s how she got her name.”

  * * * *

  Devin saddled the mare for Josie. “There you are. Have a good time.” He waved to his brother and started out the door to his car.

  “I could have saddled her myself. I’m not helpless.”

  He didn’t look back, but he shrugged and said, “You could have fooled me.”

  “Oh,” Josie stomped her foot and blushed when she saw Heath watching her. “I know he’s your brother, but he loves to tease and torment me.”

  “I noticed. It’s strange. I’ve never known him to behave toward a lady in that manner.” Heath put out his hands and lifted Josie into the saddle. “We won’t ride, far. There’s a shady area a short distance down this path. We can have privacy and talk.”

  Josie’s heart lurched. She glanced at Heath. She found his innocent comment vaguely disturbing. No expression showed on his face.

  He’d urged his mare onward at a faster pace. Josie kept up with him and shortly saw the stand of trees off to the right.

  “There’s a small pond on the opposite side and this time of day we might see deer or other animals drinking. We’ll leave our horses tied to the trees ahead of us and walk very quietly to the pond.”

  A wave of relief flowed over her. Her fear and imagination were playing tricks on her. There was no way he knew her secret.

  After they’d tied the horses and walked through the trees, she saw the pond and one deer drinking. They stopped and watched. Eventually, the deer sensed them and ran off. Heath moved outside of the trees and sat leaning against one. The area was shaded and cool.

  “Sit. We need to talk.” His voice was pleasant but firm.

  Half in dread and half in anticipation, she sat by the next tree to his. “Is there a problem? You said you got my employment information.”

  He turned to face her. “I did. But as you know they generally only have the dates worked.”

  She nodded as she wasn’t sure what to say.

  “One of the vice presidents in your company visited me yesterday.”

  “And that’s when you decided to come home.”

  “Yes. I want to hear your story. I’m sure you know the man was Dolan Lerones. I disliked him immensely, so I tend to believe he was lying.”

  “Did he accuse me of stealing money from the firm?”

  “Yes, he did. I told him if he said that to anyone else, I’d ruin him.”

  Josie’s hands began to tremble. This was the nightmare she’d dreaded for the past eight months. She’d hoped with the new job she’d be able to forget him, the monster in her nightmares.

  Heath’s hands covered hers. “I don’t believe him, Josie. But I must know your side of the story so we can protect you. He may still try to make trouble. He’s arrogant and probably doesn’t believe my threat.”

  She shook her head from side to side. “I can’t tell you. I’m too embarrassed. No one knows, not even my mother, especially not my mother.”

  “Could you talk to my mother? Then she can tell me, and I’d know what to do about all of this.”

  Josie stared at him. “Do you really believe I didn’t steal from my previous company?”

  “I can’t visualize you as a thief. If I’m wrong, you’d better quit now and leave Pleasure Valley.”

  “You aren’t wrong, but I don’t know how to tell your mother or my sister. I felt like I deserved what happened for my stupidity.”

  “Lerones is a weasel. But I can see how he’d be able to fool a young, naïve woman. I suspect there is money missing, and he stole it. Others at his company must have found the discrepancy,
and he’s trying to put the blame on you. Was that the threat he used against you?”

  She said yes before she thought. Her hand went to her mouth.

  “Tell me the rest, or talk with whomever in my family you can trust with the information. I’ll be here all weekend.”

  He helped her up, and they walked silently to the horses. The ride back seemed to take forever.

  When she’d unsaddled her horse and rubbed her down, Josie told Heath good-bye and hurried to her car. She drove off in a rush to get home.

  Thank goodness Smitty wasn’t around. Right this moment she couldn’t talk to anyone. Her hand shook so hard she had difficulty unlocking the door. When she got inside, she dropped her purse and ran to the bedroom. With the door shut and curtains drawn, she let out the wrenching tears and shook with the fear she’d kept bottled up inside since that awful night.

  She undressed and got under the covers, head and all. Josie shivered even with the comforter all around her. Then she heard the doorbell ring insistently.

  “Go away,” she mumbled.

  After a few minutes the bell stopped, and there was blessed quiet until someone knocked on her window.

  “Josie, we know you’re in there. Open the door,” Lacey insisted.

  “Go away. I don’t want to see anyone.”

  “Mom Garrison is with me, and we aren’t going anywhere. I still have a key. We’re coming in.”

  “Don’t. I’m a mess.” But she was talking to emptiness. She heard her sister at the door, and then Lacey called out.

  “Get up and join us. I’ll put the tea on.”

  With great reluctance, Josie sat on the side of the bed. After a few minutes, she went into the bathroom to splash her face and red eyes with water. Her long hair had come half-loose. She looked terrible.

  She didn’t care. She grabbed her old jeans and a large, well-worn shirt.

  By the time she came into the living room, Lacey was placing a tray with three cups of tea on the table by the sofa. “Sit,” Lacey said.