Cowboy 12 Pack

by Cynthia D’Alba, Paige Tyler, Elle James, Donna Michaels, Shoshanna Evers, Randi Alexander, Cora Seton, Beth Williamson, Sabrina York, Sable Hunter, Lexi Post, Becky McGraw

  Her heart rocked in her chest. She hadn’t seen or heard from the guy in three days. Hadn’t even run into him on her early morning visits to Shadow Rock to ride her horse. Yeah, they were both busy, but still, no word, no sightings…nothing. Not since they’d made out on his living room floor. Hungry and hunk-deprived, her gaze devoured the man. He looked good. Damn him. She was immediately conscious of the dirt coating her clothes and arms. Probably her face, too.

  “Kade, hi.” The older woman smiled, patting the box. “Thanks for coming to pick up these extra stockings. I know the holidays are months away, but I was rearranging stuff in the garage, getting ready for Sunday’s party when I came across the box.”

  “No problem, Mrs. Masters. The FSG is already getting donations for this year’s holiday party. The cowboy boot stockings were a big hit overseas last year, and they’ll be just as big a hit with the kids this year. Thank you so much,” he said, giving the woman a big hug.

  Brandi’s heart cracked open watching the two embrace. She rubbed her chest and fought back tears she didn’t understand. The Family Support Group, she understood. Donations, she understood, but the ache in her chest made no damn sense. She inhaled and steadied her pulse while the man had his back to her and couldn’t witness her weakness.

  Ed had despised her bouts of weakness. Browbeat her over her silly tendencies, so she’d learned to curb them. But, since being around this handsome, sweetheart of a Texan with haunted, yet mesmerizing gray eyes, her flaws had resurfaced.

  Kade released the older woman and stepped back.

  “Let me get you some iced tea,” her client said and disappeared into the house before the man had a chance to reply.

  Turning around, he hit Brandi with a steady gaze. Her pulse hiccupped on cue.

  “Hi,” she said, not exactly sure where they stood, but not one to be ignorant either.

  He walked over to her, a hint of a smile tugging those sexy lips of his. “Hi,” he replied, lifting his hand to brush a thumb across her cheek. “You got a little something there.”

  Heat rushed to her face, and other parts she ignored. “Thanks, but it was probably for naught since I’m not through planting and will no doubt replace what you just wiped off.”

  He chuckled, the deep sound tingling her neck and tips of those other parts she was still ignoring. The man was too damn potent.

  Thank goodness his phone rang. She was on the verge of melting at his feet.

  “Sorry,” he said, fishing the cell from his jean pocket.

  Glancing at the screen, he stiffened and all of the sparkle left his eyes. Alarm immediately shot down her spine.

  “Hello? Yes, this is him.” He pivoted on his heel and strode toward the house. “No, I’m glad you called. Sure, I can meet you.”

  Grabbing the box with one hand, he nodded to her and Mrs. Masters, who came out of the house with a tray of drinks, then turned and disappeared the way he had come.

  Her client looked at her and frowned. “Who was that, my dear?”

  Brandi shrugged. “I’ve no idea.”

  An hour later, showered, changed and headed to meet Kerri, Jordan and Jen at the restaurant, she was still pondering that question. Kade had seemed leery at the caller, and perhaps surprised, but not angry or upset.

  And as she drove past Foster’s on her way to the Texas-Pub, Brandi understood exactly why the guy had taken off in such a hurry. Why wouldn’t he? His haste made a whole hell of a lot of sense when she caught a glimpse of him eating ice cream and laughing with a very pretty redhead.

  Chapter Seven

  ‡

  SHOCK.

  Surprise.

  Both emotions had shot through Kade and stiffened his spine the second he’d received the call from Shayla Ryan. He never expected to hear from her again.

  Last spring, without anyone’s knowledge, he’d made a trip up north to visit Sergeant Nylan’s fiancée, just to make sure she and her baby were doing okay. The woman had thanked him for his open offer to help should something arise, but insisted they were fine and politely showed him the door.

  Now, she was in Harland County, with her year-old daughter, in need of protection from her abusive, ex-con father. And he sure as shit was going to give it to her.

  “I’m sorry to be such a burden,” the pretty redhead said, ire sparkling in her blue eyes. “Believe me, Sergeant Dalton, if it were just me I had to worry about, there’s no way I’d be here.”

  “It’s all right,” he reassured as they sat at a corner picnic table drinking milk shakes, the location of her daughter and sister still a mystery. All he knew was they were somewhere nearby. With only one hotel in town, he was pretty sure the mystery was solved. “I’m glad you called. I can help.”

  “Thank you. Like I said, I don’t know if he’ll find us.” She rubbed her arms as she stared out over the ocean. “Maybe I’m being overly cautious.”

  “No such thing.”

  She nodded and returned her attention to her milkshake. The woman was tough. He got the sense she’d been through hell. His stomach clenched. And the latest was his fault. Her dead fiancé.

  “Anyway. I wasn’t sure what else to do. My sister is twenty-three and finally in her first year of college. I don’t want her to drop out. That man has ruined our lives enough.”

  It stopped now. Shoulders set, he stared at the woman, determined to help. “Moving here is smart. Your sister will be able to stay in school and commute from Harland County. And if he bother’s to track you down, I’m a phone call away.”

  She nodded again, some of the tension leaving her shoulders.

  “And I know of the perfect place for you to stay.”

  Her gaze grew weary. “Where? And don’t say on your ranch, because I refuse to bring my problems to your door. Bad enough I’m invading your town.”

  Kade smiled. He liked her gumption. Sort of reminded him of a redheaded Jordan. “No, it’s actually right down the road. A nice two-bedroom apartment above a restaurant owned by some friends of mine.” He pointed to the Texas-Republic and added, “Female friends. One’s a former L.A. cop.”

  Shayla’s chin lifted, showing her interest.

  “Her name’s Jordan McCall. The other is her sister Kerri Masters. She’s a world renowned chef.”

  “And they just happened to have an apartment available?”

  Okay, still skeptical.

  “Yes. Kerri used to live there, but recently got engaged and moved out.” He stood to throw his empty cup in the garbage, then turned to the frowning woman. “We can go talk to them now, if you want.”

  She slowly rose to her feet, reluctance ruling her movements. “I don’t know. I don’t want charity, and it looks like there’s a bar. I’m not sure that’s the best place for us.”

  “There’s a separate entrance out back. As a matter of fact, you have to go through two doors to get to the apartment. It’s pretty secure,” he said, mentally running scenarios through his head. “Why don’t we go check it out and you can judge for yourself. Choice is yours.”

  “I don’t like people knowing my business.”

  He held up a hand. “Not a problem. I’m not saying a word. Just making the introductions. You’ll take it from there.”

  The more he thought about it, the more comfortable he felt. Yes, the place was a good fit for the women. Apparently she thought so, too, because Shayla got in her own car and followed him to the restaurant. Now, he just hoped the girls were back from their dress shopping.

  When he opened the door and she stepped inside, he could hear laughter emanating from the kitchen. Looked like they were in luck.

  “The place doesn’t open until four in the afternoon,” he explained on their way through the darkened restaurant.

  Pushing the swinging kitchen door open, he waited for Shayla to enter then followed her into the room.

  “Hi, Kade.”

  “Cuz.”

  “Sheriff.”

  Three out of four women shouted greetings
. The only one he had a special greeting for, remained silent, a pinched look about her face as if she was in pain. He wondered briefly if the designer’s arm or head was still giving her problems, but then her expression cleared and she smiled.

  “Ladies.” He nodded. “This is Shayla. Shayla, this is Kerri, Jordan, Jen, and Brandi.” He pointed to each woman as he introduced them. “Shayla is looking for a place to stay, and I know you’re looking to rent the apartment.”

  “Yes.” Kerri smiled.

  “Absolutely. Come on. We’ll give you the tour,” Jordan said, ushering Kerri and Shayla out the back in a matter of seconds.

  Jen walked over to him and gave him a hug. “Nice to see you, hun.” She released him and turned to the silent woman. “Bye, Brandi.”

  Opportunity knocked. Hell yeah. He was happy for the chance to give the beauty a special, personal greeting.

  Brandi swiped her purse from the counter and rushed forward. “Hang on, Jen. I’ll leave with you. I have to get back to work.”

  And just like that, Kade was alone.

  What the hell?

  THE PROSPECT OF finding new clients gave Brandi the push she needed to attend the Masters’ party. She knew they were excited about their renovated backyard and wanted to show it off, but for some reason, the luster of, well, anything just kind of disappeared lately. Why? Complete mystery. No idea.

  Just like the bathing suit she let the girls talk her into buying on their shopping excursion earlier in the week. Along with a few other items. She was such a pushover. Why had she allowed them to persuade her to purchase a brown two-piece? She hadn’t worn a bikini in almost ten years. And she wasn’t going to wear one now. No way. That’s why she’d accidentally left the bag in the store. Ah, what a shame. No hot tub for her today.

  Brandi smiled as she parked the truck—newly released from the repair shop that morning—behind the long line of cars in the driveway. She’d just have to make do with networking and socializing, since the Masters were sweet enough to set the get-together up.

  Following a crowd of newcomers into the house, Brandi was amazed at the turnout she spied out back through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room. People mingled, drinks in one hand, plate of food in the other, loaded with entrées and mouthwatering pastries from a table set up along the house.

  “There you are.”

  She turned to find Kerri, where else, but in the kitchen.

  “You look great,” the cook continued. “I’m glad you decided to go with the orange and white sundress. It’s perfect.”

  God, she hoped so. She’d only modeled several last night for Kerri and Jordan when they’d dropped by, thanks to her panicked help-I-don’t-have-anything-to-wear-tomorrow phone call.

  “Thanks. It smells like heaven in here,” she said, heading into the aroma zone. Garlic, butter, BBQ…hot sauce? As usual, her friend cooked up a storm. Fruits and vegetables lined the counter, begging to be touched. So, she did, procuring a grape. “Need any help?”

  Kerri shook her head. “Nope. You’ve done your work. Go reap the rewards.” The grinning brunette pointed outside. “Your fans await.”

  Brandi laughed. “I don’t know about that,” she said, popping the grape into her mouth, gaze falling to the crowd of people outside.

  “I do. Everyone’s raving about the yard, wanting to talk to you about ponds and gardens and water features.” Kerri smiled. “And a certain sheriff is here, too.”

  Her stomach instantly knotted. Damn. Okay. She knew the guy would probably show up. He was very good friends with the Masters. She just wasn’t sure she was up to seeing him laughing and having fun with another girl. Even though they only kissed a few times…really, really good kisses, mind boggling kisses…they never staked a claim. Heck, she didn’t want to stake a claim, so she had no right to feel whatever the hell she was feeling about Kade and that redhead. It was stupid, and she was going to put it behind her right now and mingle.

  “There’s my girl,” Mrs. Masters said, rushing in from the patio. “Come on. Everyone’s asking about you. I have a ton of people to introduce you to.”

  Four hours later, Brandi congratulated herself for a job well done. Not only had she gotten several possible jobs, she’d networked, discovering a wonderful local artist who fired handmade tile, a welder, furniture maker and a glass blower. Plus, she avoided the hot tub and any mention of bathing suits.

  Then there was Kade.

  Hotness personified. In jeans and white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, the man made her mouth water. Still, she managed to not embarrass herself in front of him. Small miracle. He was there—minus the redhead—laughing, talking, looking sexy and at ease. Maybe he was meeting the woman later. In their love nest. Above the restaurant.

  She needed a drink.

  No she didn’t. Stopping mid-stride toward the outdoor bar, she turned to find Jordan staring thoughtfully at her. Ah hell. Not good. Bulldog McCall was on alert.

  Maybe she needed that drink after all.

  “Okay, Brandi. It’s time,” Jordan said, walking toward her with two glasses filled with red liquid and mouth-watering lemon, lime and strawberry slices.

  Time? She frowned. “For what?”

  “For getting in that hot tub,” the woman replied, handing her one of the refreshments. “The guests have gone, the tub is empty. Time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

  She laughed and sipped her drink. Mmm…sangria. Kerri’s sangria. “No can do,” she said, thrilled to have a legitimate excuse. “I don’t have a suit. I must’ve left it at the store or something.”

  Her friend’s smile broadened. “You did, but not to worry, they called Kerri.”

  “Kerri? B-but why?” Her frown returned.

  “She has an account there, and they remembered us telling you how much you looked like Marilyn in that bikini.”

  More sangria slid down her throat. Just shoot me now.

  “So, you see? It’s all good. The three of us can slip into our suits, then the hot tub, and enjoy our sangrias.”

  Brandi had to admit, that sounded like heaven. She glanced around, noting the older McCalls and Masters sitting near a small grove of trees in the far corner of the yard, watching Cole, Connor, Kade and Kevin playing horseshoes in the pit she’d specially designed.

  Jordan slid an arm around her shoulders and guided her into the house. “Your suit’s in Kerri’s old room, you know the way. We’ll meet you in the tub.”

  Run. Complain of a headache, stomach ache, which technically, they both did…ache, but she was never good at running. Besides, that hot tub had called to her all week. Beckoned and teased from a backyard that turned out incredible.

  The huge patio had an outdoor fireplace near a wrought iron seating area topped with decadent red cushions, and the hot tub steamed in the corner where she’d installed a retractable awning. Pavers dotted the yard, leading to different sections—a grassy area, koi pond, flower garden, vegetable garden. The team did a great job. She did a great job, and dammit, she deserved to relax in that tub with her friends. The remainder of her sangria slid coolly down her throat. Yes. It would be wonderful to soak all the hard work of bending, lifting, planting, out of her sore bones.

  Five minutes later, courage wrapped around her like a blanket, Brandi walked out onto the patio in nothing but her brown bikini.

  And her refreshed glass of sangria.

  KADE WAS HOT.

  And bothered.

  And son-of-a-bitch, he couldn’t feel his tongue. Must be somewhere near his feet since his jaw hit the hardwood floor the second a certain sexy designer stepped onto the patio in a mouthwatering display of curves and cleavage. Bombshell. Exactly what the woman was, because she certainly blasted his libido into overdrive.

  He stopped dead, unsure whether to give his position away or retreat as the three oblivious bikini-clad women slipped into the bubbling water. They must’ve been upstairs changing when he’d stepped inside to use the bathroom. Now, h
e was in a bit of a bind.

  “See? You look just fine, Brandi,” Kerri proclaimed, waving a hand at the woman sliding neck deep into the water.

  Better than fine. She was damn fine. She was downright mouthwatering.

  Jordan smiled. “You’d give Marilyn a run for her money in that bikini.”

  “If you say so.” The designer shrugged, sounding far from convinced.

  “Okay, spill.” The cook folded her arms across her chest and stared pointedly at the woman. “Who was he?”

  Brandi blinked. “Who was who?”

  “The guy who did a number on your self esteem,” Kerri replied. “And don’t say no one, because I’ve been there.”

  The bombshell sipped her drink, brown eyes widening. “You have?”

  “Yes.” Her friend nodded.

  Kade thought about retreating again, and possibly going out the front door, then around the side of the house. This conversation was not meant for his ears.

  “My former husband,” Kerri replied. “I thought he was cheating on me because I’d done something wrong. Turns out it wasn’t me at all.”

  “Oh, mine is different.” The designer laughed without mirth. “I’m pretty sure it was me.”

  He stilled, his gut clenching at the sound of self-loathing in her tone.

  “How can you be sure?” Jordan questioned.

  “Because he said, and I quote, ‘I don’t find you attractive anymore, Brandi. You’re too fat.’”

  “That prick!”

  “What a bastard!”

  Shock rushed through Kade in a heated frenzy and his fists shook in silent rage. She’d said something about her ex the other day, but he thought it had been the painkillers talking. Christ. The sisters were both right. Brandi’s ex was a no-good, prick bastard who didn’t deserve the designer’s sweetness. Or any woman.

  “Oh, hun, I’m so sorry,” Kerri reached out to take Brandi’s hand. “I hope you know that he was a big jerk. If he cared about you, your size should not have mattered.”

  A small smile tugged the beauty’s lips. “That’s what Kade said.”