Angie wiped her hands on her apron and unlocked the screen. “I thought you’d sleep late this morning.”
He bent and brushed his lips across hers. “Tastes like heaven, too.” He wriggled his eyebrows at her.
“Down, boy. Sit. Do you want coffee? I’ll be taking the banana bread out in”—she glanced at the clock—“two minutes.”
“I’ll wait for the coffee and have it with the bread. Man, it smells delicious in here. You look sumptuous.” His eyes roamed up her long legs to her short shorts, and stopped at the tops of her breasts, exposed by the bra top she wore.
She put her hand over his eyes. “We’re not playing this morning.”
Brent kissed her palm. “No, we’re not. Still, a man can dream.
“You’re impossible.” She turned back to her cake. “What brings you here so early?”
“We need to finish our talk from last night.”
She glanced at him. “I know. Let me take out the bread and put this cake in. I’ll get our coffee and cut a slice of the banana bread for you. Then, we’ll talk.” Angie poured the cake batter into her greased pan and exchanged it for the hot bread.
His eyes followed her movements. They felt like a warm caress heating her insides. She forced her mind off the stirring of desire he could kindle in her so quickly. Today, she had to finally tell someone the story she’d kept locked inside for the past twenty-one years.
She’d handed him his cup and the plate with the bread. Her hand shook as she poured herself a cup.
“I need to get my mother’s chest.” She hurried into the bedroom where she’d kept the box on her bedside table during the night. When she went back to the kitchen, she sat across from Brent at the small table.
“Inside this box is where I found my father’s letters, some financial papers, my mother’s and my birth certificates, and a key.”
“Your mother was Beverly Starling, and you are Diana.”
“Your men are good. No one has called me Diana in years. I’ve become Angie.”
“She married Harmon Yannell and had another daughter. Why did she run and only take you?”
“Yannell would have never stopping looking for us. He’d have killed her and me. He loved Lily. Mother knew he’d keep her safe. It grieved her until the day she died that she’d forsaken her child.”
“What sent her and you on the run?” Brent took a bite of the banana bread. “This is delicious.”
Angie gave him a weak smile. Her stomach was jumping and a nerve ticked at the corner of her eye. “Mom saw something or heard something she wasn’t supposed to know. As I mentioned last night, she’d never tell me exactly what.” Angie took a swallow of coffee. She stared across at Brent.
“Until then, she didn’t realize what type of man Yannell really was, and it frightened her. He beat her and threatened her and me if she ever said a word to anyone.”
“So she took you and disappeared.”
“Yes. We went a roundabout way to Oklahoma. It was there she found a way to change our names and get new identification. We settled in a little apartment.” Angie shook her head. “I never knew why, but suddenly one day she came home from work, packed us up, and late that night we left. She was scared. I noticed, and consequently, I got scared. Again we went a circuitous route to Texas. Along the way she dyed her hair and bought me a wig.”
Angie wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I was angry having to leave my friends. I hated the wig. She told me if I didn’t wear it at all times, or if I told anyone our secrets, that Yannell would find us and kill us.”
“Damn, what a thing to tell a kid.”
“I was fifteen by then. My world had turned upside down when we ran. I had a new name, and now I had a new appearance. I withdrew from people. At the new school I was known as the shy girl that wouldn’t talk.”
“You were scared you’d say something to hurt your mom or you.” Brent reached across the table and took hold of her hand.
“A year or two later I came out of my shell a little. I made a few friends, dated a little. But overall, most of my life has been my mom and me. Wanting to have a baby and take my appearance back were difficult decisions to make.”
“Is the baby to replace your mother?”
His eyes stared into hers, his facial expression serious and concerned.
She shook her head vehemently. “I’ve always loved children. That’s one reason I became a teacher.”
“But you haven’t wanted a husband?”
“Not after what I saw happen to my mother. She thought she was getting a good man, kind and considerate. Instead, he was a monster.”
“And you fear you’ll make the same mistakes she did.”
“I won’t give myself the chance. I don’t want love. I want a child to love.”
“We’re digressing. My fault. What do you know about the key?”
“Nothing. It hasn’t any identifiable markings, but it looks like a key to another safety deposit box. I did notice some markings in my father’s letters. Some words are underlined, a few letters have a faint mark somewhere around them, and every few pages there is a small number somewhere on the page. I wrote down the words, letters and numbers in case you know a person able to figure out code.” She handed him the paper she’d made her notations on.
“Did your mother know how to write code?”
“I don’t think so, but she was good with puzzles and all kinds of letter or number games. I believe she made up a code. My guess would be this is to a safety deposit box in a bank, in Oklahoma City. That’s where we lived at first.”
“A friend of mine is an FBI agent. He’s been trying to find enough on Yannell for years to put him in prison. The FBI will have someone who can decipher the code, if it is one. He’s heading this way. I’ll give it to him as soon as he gets here.”
Brent stood and came around to pull Angie into his arms. “I have some other news. My man has been tracking your sister. We suspect she's headed to Saddle Creek and possibly Yannell, too.”
He held her close while she cried. His hand rubbed up and down her back.
“My whole world is crumbling.”
“You’ll build a new one. If you let me, I’ll help.” He kissed the top of her head.
She let her body lean into his. He was warm, and felt safe. His musky cologne tickled her nose. She wanted to stand here letting his strength hold her up, for hours. The idea of Yannell coming to Saddle Creek sent her heart rate soaring and shivers up her spine. But Brent had to be wrong. Yannell couldn't know she was here. Still, it looked like her sister had traced mother and her tracks.
“Honey,” he whispered in her ear. “I think your cake might be done.”
“Oh my gosh.” She jerked away and ran to the oven. Grabbing a pot holder, she opened the oven door. “Just in time.” She pulled the spice cake out and placed it on a cooling rack.
Turning, she looked at him. His light blue eyes matched the early morning sky, and twinkled at her. Those eyes and his tall, lean frame made him irresistible. He had on a white shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows showing tanned, muscled arms. Faded jeans clung to his strong legs, and he wore his usual cowboy boots.
“Honey, when you give me that look I just want to climb all over your body. Unless you want me to take you to bed, you’d better get me another cup of coffee and go put on some decent clothes.”
“There’s nothing wrong with what I have on.” Her chin rose.
“Not if I’m the only one seeing them, and I have time to take them off of you and give you a good lovin’. But not today. I’m sorry to say.”
She sniffed at him, but went to her room. She changed into black slacks and a blue shirt, tied her hair back, slipped into sandals, and hurried back to the kitchen. She didn't want to slow down and think about Yannell. She had to smile, when she saw Brent. He'd tipped his chair against the wall and was eating another piece of banana bread. She liked having him in her kitchen. I like having him in my life. What am I going to d
o? I’ve fallen in love with him.
His chair hit the floor. “What’s wrong?”
Angie took a deep breath and told a big lie. “Nothing, I’m just worried about what my sister thinks about Mother and me. And about Yannell coming here.”
When she got close enough, Brent took her hand and pulled her into his lap. “She’s going to love you.”
“Hah!”
“Well, you’ll have time to find out.”
“What do you mean?”
“I want you and her out of here before this thing comes to a head. I’m sending you both to my brother in Montana.”
She jumped up and moved away from him. “No. I have a right to be here.”
He stood and began to stalk her. If she moved left, he did. She backed further away and zigzagged across the room to run out the door. He caught her and threw her over his shoulder.
Taking long strides, he went down the hall looking for her room. She beat on his back and screamed, “Put me down.”
“I will, right here.” He dumped her on what he assumed was her bed, and then followed her down putting his body over hers.
“This is the only way I know to control you long enough to talk sense into your head. You are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.”
“That’s because all the rest of the women were too busy drooling over you.”
“Well, I don’t have to worry about you drooling.”
“That’s damn right.”
He put his finger over her mouth. “Ladies shouldn’t cuss.”
She wriggled, trying to throw him off. “I never did until you came along.”
“What you need is a good spanking. Your mother must have compensated by spoiling you.”
“Oh, you, you…” His lips covered her mouth. Her fickle body betrayed her, going soft and straining closer to him.
When he’d finished thoroughly kissing her and had her heartbeat in overdrive, he raised his head. “This isn’t an argument you can win, sweetheart. If I have to hogtie you, you will fly to Montana tonight. I promise to come get you as soon as we've taken care of Yannell and it’s safe.”
“Who’ll protect you?”
He laughed and kissed her swollen lips gently. “My men, the FBI, my brother. I’ll have plenty of help taking down Mr. Yannell and his group of gangsters. Remember, this is my work. What I’ve done the past ten years.”
“And you’re just getting well from being shot. I’m not so sure you’re good at this job.”
“Ah honey, you break my heart. I’m one of the best. But, there is always danger.” He cupped her face in his hands. “I promise I’ll come get you, marry you, and give you that baby you want. But, I am going to renege on one part of the bargain.”
Brent stared straight into her eyes. She felt his heart beating against her chest and the evidence of his desire hard against her abdomen. She moved her hips causing him to groan.
“Let me finish this before you tempt me anymore. I’ll marry you, but not on a temporary basis. If you want to marry me, you have to trust me enough to take me as your husband, fully, without reservation.”
“Or?” she whispered the word.
Brent frowned. “Or, someone else will be your temporary husband, and I’ll be gone.”
He wasn’t teasing. She saw the determination in his eyes and the set of his mouth.
“You bought a ranch.”
“I’ll give it to Drake.”
“You never did plan on it being a temporary situation.”
“No. I could never leave you and our child.”
Tears seeped out the corners of her eyes. He licked the moisture off. “Don’t cry, honey. You have time to think about this last and final offer while you’re in Montana.”
Reaching between them, he undid her button and unzipped her slacks. He soon threw them and her panties to the side. He yanked his boots and jeans off, then grabbed a condom out of his pocket. Sheathed, he climbed back on the bed and spread her legs.
His mouth covered her clit, his tongue flicking across the nub. He licked and suckled her, and a coil of desire built quickly in her pussy. He raised his head.
“Turn over.”
She did as he asked, and he pulled her ass against his abdomen. His hard cock pulsed against her buttocks. With one hand, he rubbed her engorged nub. With the other he placed his cock at her pussy's opening and entered from behind.
He moved in and out, and she pushed back, taking him in even deeper. Her inner walls caressed him as hot desire swelled into a torrent of ecstasy rolling through her body. He plunged hard one last time. They both yelled out as the orgasm shook them.
Afterward, he lay on his back with her sprawled across his chest. His heartbeat pounded against her ear.
“If you’ve always wanted a regular marriage, why do you keep using a condom? You know I’m on the pill.”
“Just in case you forget to take that pill one day with all that’s happening. I don’t want you having to decide on marrying me because you’re pregnant. If you say yes, it’ll be for the right reasons.”
“You aren’t at all what I expected.” She lay back against her pillow.
This time he looked at her. “What does that mean?”
“You figure it out.” She grinned. “You seem to have all the answers.”
Chapter Nine
Brent reluctantly got out of her bed and dressed. “My next stop is the Cut and Curl. I need to ask permission to use the back room to meet with my men. It’s the one place where I don’t think Yannell or his men would expect to find us.”
“You really think he's coming?”
“My guess is yes. I believe in being prepared.”
“I’ll call Doris and let you know what she says. How is this all going to happen?” Angie sat on the side of her bed, looking up at him.
“When your sister arrives, we'll arrange a meeting. Shortly afterward I’ll have you both on a plane going to Montana. We have a private jet that you’ll travel on. I’ll notify my dad to meet you.”
“And you’ll come get me as soon as this is over?”
“I promise. Pack one suitcase. You won’t need much. But it can be cool at night, even in the summer, so take a jacket.”
“Yes, sir.” She saluted him. He kissed her mouth, and she put her arms around his neck. “You will be careful?”
“Always, darlin’. Got to go.” He pulled her up and held her against his long, hard frame for just a second, gave her another quick kiss, and strode out of her bedroom. She heard the screen shut behind him.
“Lock the door, honey!” he yelled back.
“Wait.” Angie pulled on her slacks and hurried to the kitchen. She grabbed the chest with the letters and key. “Take these, but I want the chest and letters back eventually.”
Brent brushed a light kiss across her mouth. “Will do.” He strode across the lawn to the truck.
She watched as he turned onto the road and disappeared. Fear and excitement filled her chest. Her heartbeat quickened. She tried to remain calm.
Finally, twenty-one years later, all her secrets were coming out. Soon, she’d meet the baby sister they’d left behind. Would she hate Angie for being the one chosen to go with their mother? Angie tried to think how she’d feel. If she was Lily, she’d definitely resent Angie being taken along with Mother and Lily being left.
Yannell might soon know where Angie was living, if he didn't already. She remembered his eyes that day he’d beat her mother. She had started in the room to speak with her mother and stopped and hid behind the door. When he rushed out, he’d never seen her. His eyes had blazed with anger and hate. Her mother was sobbing and covered in red marks, and places beginning to bruise.
Angie had hated Yannell then, and still did. She hoped they put him in jail for the rest of his life. Still, he was her sister’s father. That was going to be another loss for Lily. What a tangled web.
She pulled a suitcase out of her closet and threw in jeans, shirts, underwear, two sweaters, and
shoes. She’d carry her jacket and wear another pair of jeans, a long-sleeve shirt, and her boots. A small makeup bag added on top, and she’d be ready when Brent called. She pushed back what Brent said about the change in their bargain. There’d be time enough to think about that in Montana. She’d meet the rest of his family. Maybe that would help her decide if she really did want to make their deal permanent. Her body was saying yes, yes, yes, but her mind was not quite ready.
* * * *
While driving back to Drake’s ranch, Brent called his brother. “Can you meet me at the ranch house, or are you too busy?”
“I’ll be there.”
Next, he contacted Mick. “How soon will the sister be here?”
“According to Smithy, he's our guy who's following her, they’ll probably get into town in the late afternoon. I’m flying in. My flight leaves in thirty minutes. I’ll rent a car in San Antonio, and drive the rest of the way. The other men will all be there by tonight.”
“Good. I’m pretty certain if Yannell has found out where his daughter is headed and has guessed the reason, he’ll come here. Maybe I'm wrong, but we'll be ready. See you soon.”
Just as he’d parked the truck at Drake’s, Brent’s cell phone rang. It was Nate.
“I’m at the rental car office in San Antonio airport. I’ve got directions to Saddle Creek.”
“Don’t go into town.” Brent told him how to get to his ranch. “There’s nothing there, but it’s a good place to have everyone meet initially. I’ll call with further directions later.”
“All right. See you soon, friend.” Nate clicked off. Drake met Brent at the door.
“I need your help now, Drake. I want the jet to land at Jackson’s air strip, and be ready to leave for Montana at a moment’s notice.” Brent followed his brother into his office.
“Have a cup of coffee. You look like you need it,” Drake said, and motioned Brent to sit in the chair across from his desk. “Now tell me all the plans.”
* * * *
Angie let Brent know Doris would leave her back door unlocked for them. Doris had questions, but had kept them to a minimum and agreed to help. She’d been a good friend to Angie and her mother.
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Maverick Bargains for a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 8
