Country Thunder

by Cheyenne McCray

  There had to be some way to chip away her icy shell, but right now he wasn’t seeing it.

  Richard, on the other hand, was easy to talk with. When they got onto the topic of traveling around the U.S., and the places they’d both been to, that cemented the foundation Justin was working to build with Miranda’s father.

  He was having a hard time liking Miranda’s mom, who gave him condescending looks when she looked at him at all. But he had to remember that her parents wanted her back with a man they thought was the perfect match for their daughter.

  If they only knew.

  What Justin did know, was he’d kick Craig’s ass if he ever came near Miranda and tried to hurt her. No way was that ever happening again to the woman he loved.

  After they finished their BBQ meals, they ordered two peach cobblers with vanilla ice cream. Betty barely ate any of the one she ate with Richard, but Miranda ate her share of the one between her and Justin. He liked that she wasn’t shy about eating in front of him. Some of his past dates had ordered salads and picked at their food.

  During dessert, Justin discussed historical events with Richard. He seemed particularly interested in World War II, his father—Miranda’s grandfather—having served in it. Her grandfather had been a pilot, his plane shot down during the war, and he hadn’t made it home.

  Dinner wound down with Betty claiming to have a headache and that she wanted to get back to the bed and breakfast to relax. They walked outside to the parking lot, then to the Hawthorne’s rental car. They had given Miranda a ride to the restaurant, and Justin told Richard he’d be happy to drop her off at her house on his way home.

  Betty gave a brief nod when Justin told her good night, then a quick hug to Miranda. She strode to the passenger side door and slid in. Richard’s handshake with Justin was hearty this time rather than crushing like before. Miranda hugged her dad and he climbed into the car with his wife.

  Miranda stood at Justin’s side and waved to her parents as they drove away. When her parents’ car was out of sight, Justin brought Miranda into his arms and kissed her like he’d been wanting to do all night long.

  He loved her sweet taste and the way she kissed him like she couldn’t get enough of him. When they parted, she let out a big sigh.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  She groaned. “That was utterly painful.”

  “The kiss or dinner with your folks?” he teased.

  Miranda playfully slapped at his arm. “Dinner with my mom and dad, of course.” She took his hand and they strolled to his truck. “Although you and Dad did seem to hit it off.”

  “Your dad is great,” Justin said. “I’m sure your mom is, too.”

  “I hope you see that side of her before they go back to Texas.” Miranda shook her head. “But unless I tell her what happened in my marriage, I don’t think that will happen. And telling my parents will be really hard to do.”

  “Do you think you will tell them?” Justin asked as they reached his vehicle.

  “I have to if I want them to understand and let it all go.” She leaned her forehead against Justin’s chest. “I can’t tell you how difficult this will be.”

  He rubbed her back with one hand while holding her close with his other. “Do it whenever you’re ready. Don’t feel pressured by me.”

  She tipped her head back and met his gaze. “Thank you for not pushing me. But also, thank you for encouraging me to do it. I should have long ago.”

  He wrapped a ringlet of her hair around his finger. “You ready to go home?”

  She nodded. “It’s been a long day. I think I’ll take a bubble bath then tumble into bed.” She covered her mouth and yawned. “Tomorrow I’m taking them to the Desert Botanical Garden and out to dinner in North Scottsdale.”

  Justin kissed Miranda again, then helped her into the truck before getting in on the driver’s side. He drove her home and walked her to her front door.

  “Didn’t you promise to let me help you with your next bubble bath?” he asked as he smiled down at her.

  “No, but I’ll take a raincheck.” She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him down to her. “Soon,” she whispered in his ear.

  The way she said it made him hard as hell. Damn, but he’d enjoy helping her with that bubble bath now. But she was tired and needed some time alone after the dinner that must have been stressful for her.

  “Thanks for inviting me to dinner.” He brushed loose hair away from her face. “I know it wasn’t easy for you and I’m grateful you care enough to do it.”

  “I do care,” she said quietly. “I care for you more than I ever expected to.”

  He smiled. “I knew from the moment I met you that you’re someone special. You’re even more so now that I’ve gotten to know you, Miranda. You mean a lot to me.”

  Her smile seemed hesitant, and he wondered why. “You’re a wonderful man, Justin McLeod.”

  He ran his finger along Miranda’s nose to the tip. “Now don’t you forget you said that. I’m gonna hold you to it.”

  She smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t forget.”

  He kissed her softly then waited for her to go into her home before he turned away and made it to his truck. He looked over his shoulder and she waved before closing her door.

  As he drove home, Justin’s mind turned over and over the fact that he’d fallen hard for one Miranda Hawthorne.

  Chapter 13

  Miranda flopped down in her recliner. She’d spent the day in Phoenix and Scottsdale with her parents, who had just dropped her off. Miranda had been worried about how her mom would be after meeting Justin last night. Betty had taken some time to thaw out, but after a while she was easier to talk with.

  It was only seven now. They’d had an early dinner, and Betty had wanted to return to the bed and breakfast to take aspirin for her headache and enjoy a bubble bath. That was one enjoyment Miranda had inherited from her mom.

  A knock at the door startled Miranda from her thoughts. She frowned. Who could be here? She didn’t know anyone who would just drop in, unless it was Justin. She brightened. She would love to see him right now.

  Miranda pushed herself out of the recliner and made her way to the door. She smiled as she turned the doorknob, then opened the door.

  Her smile vanished.

  Craig stood on her doorstep.

  Her whole world seemed to tip. What was he doing here? How did he know how to find her?

  “Hey, babe.” Craig gave his lop-sided grin that used to make her smile. Now she just felt cold.

  “What are you doing here?” She had tried not to snap the words but hadn’t been able to help it.

  “I came to see you.” His smile broadened. “Can I come in?”

  “No,” she said at the same time he pushed by her.

  She spun, leaving the door open, heat burning her insides. “You need to leave.”

  He dropped down onto the couch and rested one arm across the back of the couch and brought up his foot to rest on his knee. It was a completely relaxed and familiar pose. “I just got here. We need to talk.”

  “I have nothing to say to you.” The heat inside her burned hotter. “You ruined everything between us when you started hitting me. There’s no going back and I will never forget what you did.”

  “Babe, please.” His cocky smile vanished. “Sit down and let’s talk.”

  “No.” She pointed to the open door. “Leave.”

  He got to his feet and moved closer to her. “We are going to talk.”

  She braced her hands on her hips. “How did you know where to find me?”

  He shrugged. “Your mom is worried about you. She wants what’s best for you.”

  The fury Miranda felt threatened to cause her to burst into flames. She loved her mother, but how dare she?

  “Stop, Craig.” She clenched her jaw and her fists. “If she knew what you did to me, she would never have told you how to find me.”

  His expression darkened. “If you
ever tell anyone, I will make you regret it.”

  A chill spread over her. “Leave, Craig.” She’d barely been able to say the words. Would he hit her again?

  Once an abuser, always an abuser.

  He stepped within her personal space, causing her to take a step back. “Do what’s right and come home with me. Now.” His expression and his words held darkness and a demand he clearly expected her to obey.

  Miranda’s heart pounded and a ringing started in her ears. Craig was far bigger and stronger than she was. He’d retained his athletic physique, and the best she could hope for was to run. Even then, he might catch her.

  She would never give in to him, and she would never give up.

  Her throat worked as she swallowed. “You need to understand something. I do not love you and I will never go back to you.”

  He reached behind him and her blood went cold. Did he have a gun? Would he shoot her if she didn’t go with him?

  Instead of a gun, he brought out a folded piece of paper and held it up. “You didn’t fill out the document correctly and it came back to me.”

  She nearly sank to her knees. The court document she’d been waiting for. “Give that to me.”

  He grinned and tucked the paper into his back pocket again. “We’re still married, and you promised to love and obey me until death do us part.”

  “You agreed to the divorce, Craig.” Her throat felt raw and scratchy as she spoke. “I will re-file and it will be finalized.”

  He shook his head. “I changed my mind. You belong to me.”

  “No.” She felt like her world was falling apart. “That will never happen. The sooner you understand and accept that, the better things will be.”

  He moved into her space again and she couldn’t help but back away. What could she do to fix this? How could she get him to leave?

  “Miranda?” Justin’s voice came from the open doorway. She cut her gaze in his direction and relief flowed through her at the sight of him.

  “Is everything okay?” Justin’s question sounded casual, but underneath she heard the coldness and hardness he felt as he saw Craig standing over her.

  Miranda started to speak but Craig cut her off. “What the hell do you want?” He growled the words at Justin.

  “Miranda?” Justin ignored Craig.

  “Craig was just leaving.” She glared at Craig. “Weren’t you.”

  “No, I’m not leaving, cowboy. You are.” Craig’s expression grew darker and fear rose inside her again. Would he hurt Justin? She’d never seen him hurt anyone but her.

  Justin stepped into the living room, moving closer to Craig. “Miranda said you’re leaving. I’ll be happy to make sure that happens.”

  Craig clenched his hands into fists. “This is my wife. Mind your own business asshole.”

  “You’re her ex,” Justin said. “Now, walk out that door while you still can.”

  Craig shook his head. “We’re still married.” He sounded victorious.

  Miranda felt as if she might throw up.

  Justin kept his gaze on Craig. “Regardless, you are going to leave.”

  Craig was about the same height as Justin, over six-two, and he drew himself up as if that might make him taller. He squared off with Justin. “Go before I put you into the hospital.”

  Justin maintained his outward calm. “I’m going to tell you to leave one more time.”

  Craig brought up his fist and swung.

  Justin blocked the punch with his left arm, then slammed his right fist into Craig’s eye.

  Craig howled in pain, then flung himself at Justin, who took a step back. Craig stumbled forward and Justin grabbed him and rammed his knee into Craig’s gut, and the man dropped to the floor.

  A shout of fury exploded from Craig and he surged forward. He caught Justin with an uppercut to his jaw. Justin stumbled back

  Miranda stood, frozen in place. She needed to call the sheriff’s department.

  She managed to force herself to move and dug her cell phone out of her pocket. Her hands shook so hard she dropped the phone.

  Justin dove in for another punch, this time with his left fist. It connected with Craig’s left eye.

  Rage turned Craig’s face deep red. He bellowed and charged Justin.

  Justin stepped aside and Craig tripped and fell onto the coffee table. The wood table splintered and collapsed from the impact.

  Miranda scooped up her phone, punched in 9-1-1, and brought the phone to her ear.

  Craig scrambled up from where he lay over the broken coffee table. He whirled and faced Justin. Craig breathed heavily, his eyes purple and swelling, his face red. A cut on his cheekbone beaded with blood and drops started to roll down his face.

  “I’m going to kill you.” Craig’s words hung heavy in the air. “You don’t come between a man and his wife.”

  The emergency operator came onto the line. Miranda’s voice shook as she gave her address and started to tell the operator what was happening.

  Craig snapped his gaze to her and saw she was on the phone. He moved the few steps toward her so fast she didn’t see his fist coming. He slammed it into her eye and knocked away the phone.

  Miranda dropped to the floor, pain sending her head and her mind spinning.

  For the first time she Justin’s calm vanished and snapped. He grabbed Craig by his shirt collar and slammed his fist into Craig’s face and then again and again.

  Craig dropped to the floor and Justin went down and hit him once, twice more.

  “Justin.” Miranda shouted his name. “Stop. He’s not worth going to jail for.”

  Justin pulled his punch and snarled at Craig, who looked dizzy and unable to focus.

  With a growl, Justin shoved Craig away. Justin got to his booted feet and stared down at Craig, who groaned, then shouted obscenities at both Justin and Miranda.

  Justin kept an eye on Craig, even as he went to Miranda and helped her to her feet. “Are you okay?” His words came out gruff.

  She nodded. “I’m fine.”

  His eyes still flashed with anger, but his tone was gentle with her. She could tell he wanted to take her into his arms but needed to keep his focus on Craig.

  Miranda scooped up her phone and brought it to her ear. Even as she did, she heard sirens. She spoke into the phone as she heard the 9-1-1 operator’s repeated request for her to explain her emergency. The operator told her the sheriff’s department would be arriving soon and to stay on the line.

  The sirens came closer. She touched her face where Craig had hit her. The skin was tender and swelling and she felt nauseous. Something sticky coated her hand and she looked at it. Blood covered her fingers.

  The sirens cut and she heard vehicles coming up the graveled driveway. Justin stepped into the doorway and waved to the approaching vehicles. Moments later, she heard the sound of a man asking Justin what was going on.

  “Deputy Jones and Michaels, please come in.” Justin gestured to the deputies, who appeared in the doorway a few seconds later.

  Craig groaned, seeming to come back to his senses. Despite the fact that Justin and two deputies were now in her home, she still felt the cold bite of fear.

  Justin explained what had happened and that Craig had attacked both of them. Miranda and Justin said yes, they would like to press charges.

  Craig became belligerent with the deputies, who cuffed him. Craig struggled to get away, but the deputies maintained control and got the man out to their SUV and locked him into the back of the vehicle.

  In the meantime, Justin checked with Shari to make sure she could stay longer with Kaycee, and was told that would be fine.

  Deputy Jones returned and asked them if they needed medical attention and both Miranda and Justin declined.

  After Jones finished asking his questions, he left and Justin closed the door behind him.

  He turned back to Miranda and she wanted to crumple to the floor. She glanced down and saw a folded piece of paper.

  She kne
lt and with shaking hands, picked up the paper. She unfolded it and saw that it was the document with a form explaining it had not been filled out correctly.

  Her face burned with pain, but now burned with shame, too. She was still married to Craig.

  Tears flowed down her cheeks as Justin took her into his arms. He held her for a long time.

  “You’re all right now,” he said softly, and she cried harder. “Shh. I’m here.”

  “I’m so sorry.” She finally found her words in between sobs. “He hit you.”

  He forced her to look at him. His jaw was purpling from a bruise, but otherwise he looked okay.

  “I’m fine.” He gently touched her face and she winced. He moved his hand away. “Seeing that bruise makes me want to hit him all over again.”

  “Thank you for being here.” She blinked away more tears. “I didn’t expect you.”

  “I figured I’d see if you were home and how your day went with your parents.” He narrowed his gaze. “I saw a different car than the one your parents rented. Your door was wide open, and I heard shouting. Something didn’t feel right.”

  “I’m sorry about something else.” Her throat ached. “I found out I’m still married to Craig.”

  Justin went still. “What?”

  She blinked away more tears. “I’ve been waiting for the final court document.” She raised her hand that still clenched the papers from the court. “Apparently, I filled something out wrong and the document went to Craig. He kept it and I didn’t know until now what had happened.”

  Justin didn’t say anything for a long moment.

  “I’m sorry,” she said again. “I never thought anything would go wrong. I never expected it to be sent back.”

  He finally said, “I would have liked to have known you didn’t have the final word. I would have taken things slower.”

  More tears flowed down her cheeks and she looked away from him.

  Justin pressed her closer to him. He didn’t say anything more and just held her.

  What was he thinking? Was this the end?

  Finally, he moved his hands to her shoulders and drew away to look into her eyes. “I need to get home to Kaycee. Do you want to call your parents to have them come stay with you?”