“Meaning you didn’t want to sleep with me.”
“Meaning it is best if we just let it go.”
“No.” He framed her face in his hands and repeated, “No. You’re not doin’ this. I’m not letting you. And I’ll stop bein’ a man-child and tell you straight up: You hurt me last night. I opened up to you. I told you things about my sister that I’ve never told anyone—including my family. On the way to the hotel last night after you got done with the cops, you acted like the date with me was the worst thing that had ever happened to you. How the hell was I supposed to take that?”
Understanding dawned in her eyes. “That’s not what I meant.”
“But that’s how it came across. I know last night was a big ordeal for you. I understand why, yet at the same time, I don’t. Baby, you did your job keeping me safe.”
“Do you know what the cops did after they separated us and took me onto the bus? They tested me for gunpowder residue.”
“Why?”
“Because they suspected I’d shot up the bus for publicity purposes. Because, evidently, my job as ‘personal assistant cum bodyguard’ means I’m your publicity whore.”
Goddammit. He remembered how pissed off he’d been when the cops in Kansas City had accused him of the same thing after the attack on JT. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I was more worried about your safety than my feelings. God, Devin. Someone pierced the fucking wall where we sleep with bullets. The only person who recognized the danger to you was Crash. By the time we arrived, he’d already dealt with getting you to a secure place. While the end goal—ensuring your safety—was the same, it still made me feel useless, okay? Useless and weak, and why the fuck am I fucking crying?”
Devin undid the strap around her wrists and pulled her into his arms. “You’re not useless. And you’re not weak, Liberty. You’re the strongest woman I know.”
“You shut me out too,” she said, her words muffled against his chest. “When I tried to talk to you, you went to the bar.”
“Didn’t I warn you that we’d fuck up at some point? I guess last night was that point.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too, baby.” He stroked her back. “Me too.”
“I’m glad you opened up to me on the beach. If we ignore the cops and bullets and my crisis of faith in doing my job . . . that was the best date I’ve ever had.”
“I’d argue the karaoke ran a close second.”
Liberty didn’t try to extricate herself like she normally did.
“Are you okay?”
“Just exhausted. I didn’t sleep at all. Well, I dozed off for ten minutes until the bad dream woke me.”
Of course she’d internalize everything and end up having a nightmare. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.” During the months they’d shared a bed, Liberty had had a couple more flashbacks. He’d been there for her with every one, holding her in the aftermath, listening as she shared more of the horrors of war with him. It humbled him, how this strong woman would let him see that vulnerable part of her and that she trusted him to help her through the demons that still dogged her. “Was it Sean again?”
She nodded but didn’t elaborate.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No,” she said hoarsely. “But I will. It was that same nightmare, but this time when I reached the body on the ground, it was you, not him.”
He closed his eyes, his stomach in knots, his heart in his throat.
“I couldn’t save you either.”
Oh, sweet baby, you already have.
Devin pressed his lips to the top of her head. He loved her. Not exactly a revelation, but the first time he’d admitted it to himself. Question was: Should he admit it to her?
No. The woman was dead on her feet.
“Liberty? You still with me?”
“Sorry. I’m fading fast.”
“How about if I stand guard for you tonight and chase those bad dreams away?”
“Please.”
He swept her into his arms and laid her on the bed between the sheets. Then he shed his clothes and crawled in beside her, wrapping her in his arms.
Early the next morning, Devin paused in the doorway when he realized Liberty was on the hotel phone.
“Hey, it’s Liberty. I hate to call you so early, but could you meet me downstairs in the restaurant?” Pause. “In fifteen minutes?” Pause. “Great. See you then.” She hung up and turned around.
Those pale eyes cataloged every naked inch of him. The woman about killed him when she licked her lips.
“Who’re you meeting?”
“Reg.”
He frowned. “Why?”
“Because he’s driving the bus to Portland. My guns are on the bus, which the police impounded. I’m going to Jacksonville with you in two hours, which means I can’t get the guns before I leave. Crash assured me that the tour company is fine with my firearms being locked up on the bus—as long as the driver knows. I’m hoping Reg is all right with it.”
“He will be.”
“Don’t be so sure of that.”
“Sweetheart, you worry too much.” He cringed. “Sorry. It’s your job to worry. I’ll shut up now.” His eyes held that unmistakable gleam. “But we do have fifteen minutes to kill.”
“Devin. That’s not enough time.”
“It is if I only make you come once before I fuck you.” He stalked her until her back hit the sliding glass door. “See? This is the fun part of fightin’. The makin’-up part.”
“We made up last night.”
“With words. Now I want to show you that my nonverbal apologies are so much better.”
Smiling, Liberty placed her hand on his chest. “I can’t. I have to talk to Reg. If he says no, I have to stay in Houston until the bus is released. Then I’ll pick up my guns, pack them in my checked bag and fly to Denver from here.”
“But I need you in Jacksonville.”
“Why?”
“Because it feels like you’re ditching me. That you’ll return to Denver and then in ten days you’ll decline to finish the tour.”
Something—guilt?—flickered in her eyes.
“Tell me I’m wrong.”
“Devin.”
“Tell. Me.”
“You’re wrong. I’m seeing this thing through.”
His mouth crashed down on hers with more force than he’d intended.
But Liberty twined her arms around his neck without hesitation. She changed the tenor of the kiss, from ferocious to tender. Her kiss soothed him, calming his fear that she intended to sneak out of his life for good.
She broke the lip-lock and murmured, “Better?”
“Some. I’d be a lot better if you were comin’ to Nashville with me tomorrow night after the show in Jacksonville.”
She looked at him. “You think you need me as your bodyguard in Nashville during the break?”
Tempting to lie and say yes, that he felt safe only when she was around. He stroked her cheek and opted for the truth. “No. I’d want you in Nashville as my girlfriend.”
“Devin.”
“What? You are my girlfriend and I’ll miss you. So is there any chance I can sweet-talk you or sex-hypnotize you into changing your plane ticket?”
“No. Not because it wouldn’t be fun, just the two of us getting wild in your hillbilly McMansion in Music City.”
He groaned. “You bein’ sweet and funny ain’t makin’ this easier, woman.”
“I know. But I’ve already made plans to visit Harper, Bran and the boys.” She kissed him again. “Besides, it’s only ten days.”
It’d probably feel like ten years.
“I’ve gotta meet Reg. But when I come back, you’d better be ready to demonstrate your sex-hypnotism on me.”
Chapter Twenty-three
Liberty hated driving her precious car on gravel, but visiting Harper on the Turners’ rural Wyoming ranch didn’t leave her much choice.
The
sparsely populated roads from Denver had allowed her to rod the piss out of her Mustang and test its performance as well as her driving skills.
She pulled up to the stately ranch house. Bran had had his family home completely renovated right after he’d married Harper. She’d been jealous of her sister when she’d heard that Harper finally had a home of her own—more jealous than when Harper had gotten married.
Soon she’d join the ranks of homeowners. She’d touched base with her realtor in the two whirlwind days she’d spent in Denver. But as busy as she’d been, she missed Devin. They’d spent so much time in close quarters that she’d found herself turning around to tell him something only to remember he wasn’t there.
The front door opened and Tate raced down the stairs, wearing camo shorts, an Iron Man muscle shirt and cowboy boots. The little ball of energy launched himself at her, jumping up so he could squeeze his arms around her neck. “Aunt Liberty!”
She held on and closed her eyes; her love for this kid filled her with joy and chased all the clouds away.
“I thought you’d never get here today!”
If the kid only knew how fast she’d driven. “So whatcha been doing while you were waiting on me?”
“Me’n Jake played outside.” He pressed his palms to her cheeks. “Hey, how come you got a piece of blue hair?”
“From eating too many blue snow cones.”
His eyes, the same soft brown as Harper’s, squinted with disbelief. Liberty kissed his furrowed brow, then brushed a wavy chunk of hair from his forehead. “Don’t tell your mama or she might not let us have any.”
“I won’t.” He squeezed her one more time, yammering a mile a minute.
Harper paused on the porch, a sleepy-looking Jake curled into her. She kissed his blond head and hoisted him higher on her hip. “You must’ve been speeding if you’re already here. I wasn’t expecting you yet.”
Liberty scrutinized her sister. The woman was as beautiful as ever.
Tate wiggled to be let down, and Liberty scaled the porch steps to hug her sister and nephew. “You’d think I’d be used to what a knockout you are, but I swear you look better every time I see you.”
“Oh, pooh.” Harper gave Liberty a head-to-toe inspection. “You’re the one who looks great.” She smirked. “I knew that shirt was perfect for you. Love the hair. It’s so you.”
“Thanks.” She held her arms out, hoping Jake would let her hold him. But the shy, sleepy-eyed two-year-old clung to his mother.
“Come in. It’s cooler inside.”
Tate took her hand and tugged her into the kitchen. “Me’n Mama made dirt cupcakes,” he bragged. “And they have gummy worms on ’em too.”
“Eww. Gross. Dirt and worms?”
“They’re good.” Tate scrambled onto the kitchen stool and plucked a gummy worm from a frosted cupcake. He then dangled it in front of her lips.
She slurped the worm into her mouth and chewed. “These are much tastier than your dad’s fishing worms.”
Tate giggled.
“Coffee with your cupcake?” Harper asked.
“Please. So how’s business at Wild West Clothiers?”
“Great. We’ve become a go-to destination for bargain and Western clothing shoppers. The ads we placed in Cowboys and Indians magazine last year helped propel us to the next level. Now Tierney is pushing me to have a bigger online presence. But adding new merchandise and removing sold merchandise from the Web site would be a full-time job. I’ve been reluctant to hire anyone because I’m happy with how it is now. But Tierney always sees dollar signs first.” She smiled. “How weird is it that for the first time in my life that’s not something I care about?”
“You’re in a good place. I wouldn’t want to upset the balance either.”
“I’m only working about twenty hours a week.”
“Who’s working for you the rest of the time?”
“Zinnia was full-time, but after she had her baby, she wanted to work part-time. Did you ever meet Harlow, Tierney’s sister? She filled in the summer Jake was born?”
“No.”
“She returned to Chicago when I came back from maternity leave. She was visiting here at Christmas and we got to talking . . . Anyway, long story short, she relocated and in the past six months she’s really stepped up her game. Now she’s indispensable to me.” Harper sighed. “While I love the store and it’s been a challenge to grow it, I miss my boys when I’m away from them.”
By “boys,” Liberty knew Harper included Bran.
“Won’t be too long before they’re in school. So I’m in no hurry to expand.” She refocused. “How about you? How’s your latest job?”
Liberty wished she could talk to Harper about Devin, but that’d break every professional rule she’d promised to uphold, regardless of whether she wanted personal advice. So she’d have to figure out the am I really in love with him? question on her own. And why she continued to torture herself with visions of the future with him, when they didn’t have a real future.
“Lib?” Harper prompted.
She managed a smile. “This last assignment has been grueling, as far as the travel.”
“I wish you could stay longer than a couple of days, but I’ll take what I can get.” Harper squeezed her with a one-armed hug. “Now go play with Tate. He’s been waiting to show you his new barnyard-themed Legos.”
Liberty spent the next hour on the floor, horsing around with her nephews. Literally horsing around, as Tate and Jake turned her into their personal bucking bronc. Then, after riling them up, she snuggled down with them on the couch and watched DVDs of Bob the Builder.
When Bran came home, the boys abandoned her.
“Daddy!”
“Hey, guys. You havin’ fun with your aunt?”
Tate shouted, “Yes!” first, followed closely by Jake’s “Yeth!”
Bran grinned at Liberty. “Glad you could make it. You’re lookin’ good.”
“So are you.”
His face lit up when Harper appeared. “Hey, hot mama.” He tugged her against his body and kissed her soundly.
“You’re back early. I thought you’d check cattle before you came home.”
“Thought I’d see if the boys and Liberty wanted to ride along.” He ruffled Tate’s hair. “Whatcha say, son? Wanna help?”
Tate bounced a couple of times before he announced, “Getting my boots on, Dad.”
“Me too,” Jake said and chased after him.
“Already got them loving ranch work, Bran?” Liberty said dryly.
“Yep. Trick is to make it look like fun and not work.” Bran tucked a hank of hair behind Harper’s ear. “You wanna tag along?”
“No. You go.” Harper smirked at Liberty. “You do realize the invite is so you’ll open gates, right?”
“I figured as much.”
After donning the boots and the hats both boys insisted they needed to do “ranch work,” they trooped out to Bran’s older-model truck.
Liberty didn’t see any car seats.
“I know what you’re thinkin’; I’m not bein’ an irresponsible parent and, yes, Harper lets the boys ride around with me on the ranch without car seats. We don’t go more than five miles an hour, since we’re just bumping through pastures. We don’t go far either. It’s just the way it is around here.” He pointed to Jake. “He’ll hafta sit on your lap.” Then he said, “Tate, buddy, hang on.”
That’s when she noticed the straps hanging from the ceiling. Tate stood in the seat and grabbed the handholds.
Liberty listened to Tate ask ten million questions, and Bran answered every single one with patience. Jake seemed content just to stare out the window and snuggle into her. The trees still had a tinge of green, but the hot, dry, windy months had turned the vegetation brown. Although the area was beautiful, the vastness spooked her. Out here, it was just the ground, the sagebrush, the sky and the sound of the wind. For miles.
It was strange to think Devin had grown up in this la
ndscape. She remembered he’d told her his mom and dad moved from this area when his
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