Mended Hearts: Bad Boy Action-Adventure Romance (Renegade Series Book 2)

by Arabella Steedly

  "Jake calm down." Vanessa grabbed his arm.

  "No need to be crass, Mr. Morrow. The department is doing what we can. Just watch your back. I don't think he will stick around here much longer. According to our records, his father sent him money every month." The deputy nodded to Vanessa and tried to smile. "I'll be going. I know you two have a busy operation here."

  "Fine. Thanks for the tip.”

  Deputy Shaw started for the door returning to his cruiser. Vanessa tugged at Jake's arm, but he followed the officer anyway. Before he pulled away, Shaw rolled down his window and told Jake, "Don't do anything stupid, son."

  "Me? Never..." Jake turned and stalked off toward the barn.

  Vanessa closed the door and fought back the urge to cry. It was hard to believe, just a few hours before she was heartened, hoping the saga with Tiny was resolved. Since the day she met Frank Martin a dark cloud had hung over her head. Helpless, there was nothing to do but accept the situation and keep a watchful eye for anything out of the ordinary. Now, her greatest concern was for the safety of her unborn child.

  Heading back to the nursery, Vanessa began unpacking the collection of gifts she received in prior weeks. After placing the last blanket in the drawer, she ran her hand over the silky fabric once more. Tears welled up and trickled down her cheeks. She was looking forward to this moment of joy a new mom felt when preparing for a newborn. Instead, her heart was fearful. Pulling the baby blanket from the dresser, she clutched it to her chest and walked to the window.

  Will the vengeful specter of the Martin family continue to the next generations of Morrows…

  Chapter 19

  A few weeks later, Jake sat at his desk reviewing spreadsheets and was pleased with what he saw. Renegade Ridge Ranch's business income was ahead of projections. Things were thriving. Letting out a long breath of relief, he called out to his wife busy dressing for work. "Come in here, honey. I have some good news."

  Vanessa appeared carrying a mug of coffee for him and hot tea for herself. Together they looked over the reports. "There is much to be thankful for even with all the stress over Tiny. Moving to Florida, and starting over was a big risk. From the looks of things, though, we made the right decision."

  "Thank God... and your hard work." Vanessa kissed his cheek.

  While he paid a few bills online, Jake told her about the conversation he had with Deputy Shaw at the feed store earlier in the morning. "He told me Tiny had indeed moved on. He hadn't paid his rent in three months. When someone from the sheriff's office served him with an eviction notice, he was already gone."

  "Good riddance... fingers cross that nightmare is over," she said sipping her tea. "Hey, did you know your ranch foreman was seeing Beth?"

  "Really? Since when?" Jake turned to face her.

  "A couple of weeks or so.”

  "How did they meet?"

  "Silly question don't you think?" She snickered. "They both work in the same place."

  "Yeah, but he's over on the ranch, and she's at the clinic."

  "Sometimes Beth takes her lunch hour over in the gazebo or on the bleachers at the practice arena. She loves to watch the guys work the horses. Anyway, according to Beth, she and Mossy are 'a thing.'"

  Jake rolled back his chair and crossed his boot over one knee. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I saw her over there a few times myself. She is a pleasant person."

  "Yes, I'm fortunate to have her."

  "Did you know he was married before? His wife died of cancer."

  "Uh-huh, he mentioned it to me soon after he was hired. But I don't think Beth realizes that. Talking about his dead wife is hardly the sort of conversation for a romantic date. And I certainly didn't bring up Mossy's past to her."

  "Something about that worries me. Beth's luck with men... well, it appears she has no luck at all." He shook his head.

  "I swear, Jake. You are paranoid about everything these days!"

  "Maybe."

  "No maybe about it..." Vanessa stood and headed back toward the bedroom carrying her cup of tea.

  Later that morning, Jake and Mossy were working together in the stable when the stocky ranch hand with a buzz-cut broached the subject himself. "Jake, I need to take a couple of days off... If you are good with that?"

  "What dates are you requesting?"

  "This week. Thursday and Friday. With the weekend tossed in?" Mossy raised his brows — hoping.

  "Sure. We can make it work."

  "I need to drive to Orlando and meet with my wife's parents to discuss some unfinished business. Those two are quite a pair.'

  "Doesn't sound like you're looking forward to the trip."

  "Yeah, they bullied me into shutting off her life support and then sued me for her assets."

  "Ouch! Why would they do that?"

  "Greed is a powerful motivator. Her parents accused me of all sorts of abuses, neglect, anything they could conjure up," Mossy said looking away.

  "I'm sorry, man... It’s so frustrating."

  Jake tried not to imagine being in the same situation with Vanessa. The pain of long-term illness had left a scar on him too. But thanks to his wife and Jim, he was coping with the hurt.

  At least Karen and my father aren't suffering anymore, he thought.

  "It must be devastating when the person you love suffers that sort of fate, and in the end causes you pain and sorrow too."

  "I'm sorry, Jake. I shouldn't have brought my issues with Carol's family up," Mossy said.

  "I understand. Sometimes all we need is to vent a little."

  Yeah, been keeping Carol inside for a long time. I need to set her free. She was a beautiful woman, all the way around. Her death ripped me apart, emotionally and financially. In the end, all I have to show for our marriage are fond memories and a stack of medical bills. She had a trust fund, but her assets are tied up until the court decides what to do."

  "You can take as much time as you need." Jake clapped him on the back.

  "Thanks, boss. Honestly, coming here saved my life. Working at Renegade Ridge Ranch gives me a place to be and a lot of peace of mind."

  "Me too," Jake replied, nodding, “More than you know."

  Before Mossy returned to his chores, he cleared his throat, and said, "I guess you've heard, Beth and I are dating. I hope I'm not breaking any rules. We checked the employee handbook first."

  "There are no rules against it... but I don't want any problems if things don't work out."

  "We've talked about that issue. We both love working here and don't want to jeopardize our jobs."

  "I wish the best for you and Beth." Jake smiled.

  They both went about their separate chores. But Jake couldn't stop thinking about how Mossy was suffering after losing his wife to cancer. He found he needed to hear Vanessa's voice, so he gave her a call.

  "Hello."

  "Hello. Is this Vanessa Morrow?" Jake asked.

  "Yes, this is she."

  "I'm not sure if we have met? My name is Jake Morrow. I live in your house."

  "Yes, I've seen you in the hallway from time to time," She played along. "What can I do for you, Mr. Morrow?"

  "Well, you see. I was out here trying to break in a new mare. She's beautiful, a real spitfire. Sometimes, she can be a pain in the ass, but she's going to be the best horse on the ranch. And, it made me think of you," he said with a chuckle.

  "You aren't funny, Jake. I'm swamped over here.”

  "No, ma'am. I'm a very serious person and worry too much. My boss tells me that all the time, but that's not the reason I called. As I said, I was thinking about you and realized I would like to go out with you sometime."

  "Is that so?"

  "How about dinner? I know this fantastic Japanese Steakhouse with a super hibachi grill… dare to live dangerously, and let me pick you up after work."

  "Oh, I need to check my schedule first."

  "No rush. Mull it over and call me back when it's convenient for you."

  "I have a lot to think about
. Your call is so unexpected. My roommate usually makes my dinner, so I'll need to ask to see if he already laid something out," she explained.

  "Okay, well just holler back when you’re ready. Do you need my number?" Jake asked snickering.

  "Oh, no, I’ve got your number."

  Jake looked up. Vanessa stood in front of the clinic, watching him talk to her with a huge grin.

  "Goodbye, Mr. Morrow."

  "Goodbye."

  Slipping his phone in the back pocket of his Wranglers, he moseyed back to the barn. A few hours later Jake met her in the kitchen, and Vanessa asked him if he had laid out something to cook.

  "No! Woman, I've been hard at work out in the hot sun while you basked in your air-conditioned office. Where is your patience?" Jake said with a mock tone of agitation.

  "You know what? Don't worry about it. I can't be bothered arguing with you over petty stuff. I have a hot date."

  "A hot date?"

  "Okay, a merely tepid date. To be honest, I'm not sure about this guy. He's kind of cocky, and there's a possibility he's a bit off upstairs. Sometimes he exhibits multiple personalities."

  Jake stood looking at her for a moment, shaking his head as she spoke. He bit his lip while contemplating this loser she was thinking of going out with. Then he suddenly lunged forward and began tickling her. Jake handily managed to pin Vanessa against the wall while she giggled and squirmed — not trying too hard to break free.

  "Stop it! Stoppppppp! She gasped between giggles. Finally, he quit and pinned her body to the wall with his. When Jake brushed her long hair back from her face, their lips were only inches apart. Her breathing slowed anticipating his kiss. Then he whispered in her ear, "I think you should blow off this crazy dude and go out with me instead." Pulling away, Jake flashed his best devilish grin, before heading down the hallway. "I'm going to go take a shower. If you are gone when I get out, then I hope it all works out for you," he called over his shoulder.

  When Jake returned to the living room a few minutes later, there was no sign of Vanessa. Lifting his phone from the desk, he noticed a text message. It read: Pick me up at the clinic at six.

  Jake laughed when he glanced down at his phone — he had five minutes. On the way over to her office, he stopped to pick a single rose. When Vanessa opened the door to greet him, Jake held it out with a smile.

  "Did you pick this from my garden?" she asked with a sideways smile.

  "What? No, of course not. What kind of man steals roses from a woman's own garden to give her? You look absolutely stunning, by the way."

  "Thank you, sir. I must admit you look rather dashing yourself."

  "Shall we go, then?" He offered his arm.

  At the end of their date, Jake kissed Vanessa at the front doorstep. He bid her goodnight before slipping around the side of the house and entering through the back door. She was already in the kitchen pouring him a glass of wine when he came in.

  "Well, she's back. How did the date go?

  "I'm not sure. Do you want some wine?

  “Yes, please. What do you mean you aren't sure? Jake scowled and took the glass from her hand.

  "I mean, he was nice, and the food was great, but I just don't think he's the guy for me," she crinkled her nose and shook her head.

  "What was wrong with him? Maybe he was just nervous and will do better on the second date."

  "Nah. I don't think there will be a second time. The truth is, I'm kind of into someone else." Vanessa shrugged.

  "Really? I wasn't aware you were seeing anyone."

  "Oh, yes. I've been seeing this guy for a while now. Often, I pass him in the hallway or see him in the kitchen. Sometimes I meet him out in the barn. The truth is, I'm falling for the man," she said, locking her eyes on his.

  "Wow, he sounds like a lucky guy."

  Setting his wine on the table. Jake lifted the glass of sparkling water from her hand and pulled her close. He kissed her and kissed her again with one of those kisses that caused his toes to tingle, even in her current state — hugely pregnant. They fumbled with one another's clothing, leaving a trail of shoes, shirts, jeans, and underwear all the way down the hallway to the bedroom.

  His body pressed against hers on the bed as they searched one another's mouths, tangling tongues in an exotic dance of primal passion that left her aching for more. Jake could feel the moisture forming between her thighs as his considerable erection pressed against her hip, and his lips drifted down toward her hardened nipples, suckling at them tenderly. Shards of excitement pierced every nerve ending as she moaned his name against his ear. He took his time, exploring her from head to toe with his mouth, tongue, and his hands.

  "Please, Jake. I want you," she gasped.

  "You have me. You'll always have me." Looking into her eyes as he pushed between her legs and between her folds.

  It felt like heaven as Jake's bulging cock stretched her long-abandoned center with deep, grinding strokes. The friction was incredible as their bodies melded together. Vanessa's moans grew louder as he pumped into her with his muscular body, driving her over the edge. Until she had no choice but to fall into a chasm created by the electric orgasm that ricocheted through her.

  Vanessa quivered as she climaxed against her husband, but he wasn't ready to stop yet, sending her into wave after wave of ecstasy until he was sure she had nothing left to give. He kissed her heated flesh and called out her name as he reached his peak. Exploding inside her, then Jake collapsed on the bed.

  After a moment, he rolled over and lay flat, both of them staring at the ceiling. His hand hit the headboard slightly as he moved, dislodging the Ganesh that had been placed there at some point. It fell and hit him on the head.

  "Ouch! What the hell?" he mumbled, picking it up.

  "I told you not to talk bad about that statue." Vanessa giggled, rubbing the small red mark on his forehead.

  Jake looked at the Ganesh again and began to laugh. "Well, I guess I deserved getting hit over the head, but you were right about one thing,"

  "What's that?"

  "It did bring me luck."

  "See told you so."

  They curled up and went to sleep in each other's arms, waking in the wee hours of the morning to make love again.

  Chapter 20

  Since their night out, a week had passed and Jake was still all smiles. Pulling open the door to Vanessa's yellow bug he helped her inside. They just finished the tour of St. Vincent's hospital maternity ward in preparation for baby Morrow's debut. Afterward, he wanted to take a moment to review their plans to ensure Morrow Animal Hospital was covered during her absence. And he wondered where she was in her process to hire a nanny.

  "So, you're all set with Dr. McNeil, right?

  "Yes, he is supposed to meet me at the clinic when we return. During my six-week leave, Beth will be at the office Monday through Friday as usual. Dr. McNeil plans to spend a few hours each day covering for me. Then around noon today, Georgia comes for her second interview. So far, she seems very excited about the opportunity."

  "We are so fortunate Dr. McNeil agreed to help. He is a nice guy. And I'm eager to meet Georgia... if you decide to hire her." Jake turned out into the flow of traffic.

  "And after the summer semester is over, Sebastian will have enough credits to work as my vet tech."

  "When you offered him that job, he couldn't wait to come tell me." Jake chuckled. "I guess he didn't realize you and I had talked it over in advance. So I played along listening to what he said."

  "I'm sure you did... slipped into one of your other personalities, didn't you?"

  "Could be."

  "I hope it wasn't that weirdo that tried to pick me up the other day." They both laughed.

  Before returning home, Vanessa begged Jake to stop at an ice cream shop. She had the audacity to ask the shop owner if she had a dill pickle in their refrigerator. And offered the woman a five-dollar tip if she put it on top of the scoop of mint chocolate chip. The lady refused the tip but served the
ice cream as requested. Jake had to look away when Vanessa took a bite of the pickle.

  "Yummm, this is heaven," she said, closing her eyes.

  "And you thought I was the weirdo."

  She giggled and listened as he reviewed his plans for the next few days. "Don't forget, Mossy will be in Orlando over the weekend and won't be back til Monday. The other guys are covering his hours… but just so you are aware, I'll be busier than usual helping out.

  "I'm sure we'll manage." Vanessa patted his leg.

  "I understand, but the baby is due in only four weeks, and I don't want you overdoing anything. You can always reach me by phone or text."

  "Thanks, honey. Don't worry. I'll be fine."

  Her amused expression was hard to miss. Vanessa hated being coddled and today was no exception. The best he could hope for was not to find her up on a stepladder hanging a picture. Or worse, rummaging around in the attic for some heirloom — a must for the baby's room.

  "Fine. Don't put yourself in early labor… and… if you do, call me."

  "Yes, dear!"

  They were both pleased Dr. McNeil's truck was parked in front of the clinic when he stopped to let Vanessa out. Jake gave her a peck on the cheek and headed toward the barn. Apollo ran up wagging his tail, and inside Sebastian was saddling Hobo.

  "How about I take him out for you?" Jake told Sebastian. "I haven't checked the boat in a few days."

  "Sounds like a great idea... work off some of his energy. When you come back, I'll ride him over to the area and we’ll practice roping." He passed Jake the reins.

  Hobo was the prize stallion Jake planned to use in local rodeos in the fall and for breeding purposes later on. His original owner had been hurt and was in a wheelchair living with his parents. So Jake offered the family a deal they couldn't refuse.

  "Be careful with him, Jake. He's spirited," Sebastian warned.

  "If he shows up here with an empty saddle, then you'll know to come looking for my ass." Jake lead Hobo out and mounted up, and asked Sebastian, "No classes today?"

  "Not today. I have a few tomorrow. I’ll be free on Tuesdays and Thursdays now that the summer semester started ."