When night would fall, she would cry when her mom made her come inside. After all, what ranch girl wanted to be indoors? She’d adored the land and never wanted to leave.
Melly remembered how hard her mother had taken her father’s death. The happy ranch had turned sad, but Melly had found solace hanging out with the hands while her mother came to work less and less until she passed away a mere two years later.
The day her father and stepmother had moved onto the ranch was a memory that lay inside Melly’s mind like a bruise that was taking years to heal. At first the bruise had been fresh and ugly. She’d yelled at her father, told him she didn’t want him on the ranch, but eventually things had improved. Her stepmother had been a lifesaver, reaching out to Melly and showing her affection and love, and eventually they grew close. Those months when her father was away on secret trips had been easier with Patty there. And then when he’d retired from the military and took on another “important” position, he’d only traded in one uniform for another that required the same amount of dedication. When Patty died, Melly was heartbroken for the second time in her life.
A tear slid down her cheek and she swiped it away.
She loved her father and although she didn’t tell him enough because they’d allowed their disagreements to fester, she hoped living back at home now they could enjoy each other’s company again. Maybe even ride horses and fish together like they used to when she was little. Melly realized she hadn’t always been the easiest to get along with, but neither had he…
Hearing familiar footsteps, looked up just as her father appeared in the doorway. He looked much younger than his number age, sixty-three, although here lately she’d noticed the wrinkles around his silver-blue eyes were deeper. Tall and broad shouldered, he took care of himself. Always had. It was necessary in his career when he faced bad guys day in and day out. However, what stuck out to her now was his tight jaw, thin lips, and a look she’d always related to irritation. Her instincts were working overtime. Maybe, but she had learned each of his facial expressions over the years. When dealing with a man who didn’t speak about his emotions, she had to rely on his expressions and body language to get a good idea what he was feeling. Patty and Melly used to rate her father’s moods by his expressions and would laugh because they knew him so well.
Gage scratched his temple, something he did when he was deep in thought. This was heading south and she hadn’t even opened her mouth yet.
Melly stood up and he gave her a tight hug—a little tighter than normal. “How was the move?” he asked.
“I didn’t have much to move.”
“You should have asked, and I would have helped.” He took a step back, looking down at her with an inquisitive gaze. “But you didn’t want me to know.”
“Dad, I hired a moving service. I didn’t lift one finger.” She smiled. “And I told you months ago that I was moving back after I took care of business.”
“You look thin. Tired. Have you been eating?”
Just as she’d suspected. She couldn’t hide anything from him. “I had a cold. I’m fine now. How about you? You look like you’ve lost a few pounds too.” If she took the spotlight off herself and placed it on him, maybe he’d drop the subject.
He motioned for her to walk down the hall with him. Once they were out of earshot of Claire, she asked, “Dad, why are my instincts warning me I’m not going to be happy?”
“I need you to be open-minded and listen.”
“Listen?”
He opened the door to his office and together they stepped in. Then she came to a dead stop. The chair in front of the desk was occupied. She gave her father a questioning look and he offered her a half-hearted smile that spoke eerie volumes. This reminded her of standing in line at a haunted house. Although she knew she should turn and run lie a bat out of hell, something drew her in. “Dad?”
“Remember what I asked. Stay open-minded,” he said in a lowered voice.
Melly exhaled and took another step, dread filling her from roots to toes. “I think I should—”
The man then stood and her heart dropped into her stomach. The very man that had haunted every sleeping hour, and everything in between, stood before her. Excitement rolled through her and she took a small step, smiling, but then apprehension set off like fireworks. Why was Nixon Cade, her one-night stand, the father of her unborn child, in her father’s office? This couldn’t be good, not good at all…
How did her father find out?
Who was she kidding? He had eyes and ears everywhere.
“Dad, I can explain.”
~~~**~~~
Carson patted his daughter’s shoulder. She looked pale as she mumbled something about an “explanation”.
Nix clenched his hands into fists, preparing himself for the outrage that was about to come.
“Melly, meet Nixon Cade. He’s Bo Cade’s son. You remember Bo, don’t you?” Carson asked. “I think you’ve met him a couple of times.”
“A-a few times, yes,” she sputtered.
Nix stared at the beautiful woman who’d occupied his thoughts for four long months. Could it be possible that she was lovelier than he remembered? Although she was staring back at him as if he’d grown horns and red skin, it didn’t take away from her jaw-dropping beauty. She looked about as shocked as he was when he’d realized she was the boss’s daughter.
Was it a coincidence that Nix had received a call from her right before Carson had asked to see him? Not much of the type to declare anything fate, yet Nix wanted to believe in something more than just the here and now. After all, he’d felt something pretty damn special the night he’d spent with the lush beauty.
A grin tugged at his mouth as her frown grew deeper. He remembered how hot and responsive she’d been that night and how he’d woke up wanting more only to find an empty bed. He’d had one night stands before, some women he couldn’t remember their names, and although it made him look like a dick, most of those women he was glad they hadn’t expected breakfast or a second round. That made his life simpler, not settling down or worrying about making someone else happy. Yet, why Melly was different he couldn’t quite explain. Sure, the sex had been hotter, but there was something else…
Then he remembered the shit mess he was in. Her dad was the boss. No man, no matter how he ranked on the proverbial ladder, screwed with the head honcho’s daughter. It was an unwritten rule across every language and country, and he’d fucked that up. He hadn’t even been on the job for six months. In his defense, he didn’t know who she was when he met her, but to be honest, he wasn’t sure he would have resisted her even if she had “boss’s daughter” tattooed across her forehead. This woman, with her long beautiful hair, big blue eyes that were almost too large for her face, and the pale pink pucker of lips that tasted like a sweet morsel from heaven made him realize how utterly self-absorbed he’d been over the years.
Collecting himself, he needed to keep a straight face, but would she out them? Would she confess to her daddy that she had seduced Nix? He’d have to wait and see. “I don’t think we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.” He held out his hand, hoping she played along with anonymity.
She looked from his stuck-out palm to his face, squaring her shoulders and staring him straight in the eye. “No, we haven’t,” she ground between her clenched teeth, and pressed her slender, soft hand into his, the same hand that had been wrapped around parts of him and he’d been an idiot to think his body wouldn’t respond like he was a wet-behind-the-ears teenager.
What was only about two seconds actually seemed like a decade as he held her hand, using the pad of his thumb to glide down her delicate knuckles as an electrical jolt awakened all the nerves in his forearm and bicep. She slipped her hand away and, although the touch was disconnected, the spellbinding sensations in his muscles remained.
His gaze automatically dropped to the front of her shirt where her hard nipples imprinted the thin material. It was a sign that she was just as affected b
y the innocent touch. If her father wasn’t standing three feet away, watching closely, they probably would have been a whirlwind of limbs as they came together ripping off each other’s clothes. The connection between them couldn’t be denied. Nix’s body would have been hard if he hadn’t heard Carson clear his throat.
Shame flooded Nix that he had allowed his mind to wander down a dead end. He brought his head back on track. “Nice to meet you.”
“I can’t believe Bo and I have been buddies for as long as we have, been at each other’s houses a time or two, and you two kids have never met.” Carson’s voice broke through Nix’s thoughts and he blinked. He’d been so enthralled by Melly that it took him a bit to come back to the moment, but he wasn’t left unscathed. He was suddenly overcome with wanting to ask her why she’d left him without a goodbye, and why she’d called him earlier. Had she wanted to meet up for a repeat?
“I guess we’ve just missed each other.” Nix cleared his throat, hopefully getting the huskiness out before he blew this all to hell.
Carson stepped behind his desk. “I’m sure you must be wondering why Cade is here, Melly.”
She tore her gaze from Nix and spun to look at her dad. “Is he here because of me?” She crossed her arms over her chest.
Nix forced his gaze from the woman who smelled like a ripe peach and turned as Carson dropped down into his chair, motioning for his daughter and Nix to sit too. He heard Melly’s drawn exhale and he slightly wondered if she’d refuse, but she finally took a seat.
Letting his thoughts travel, Nix tried to put the pieces together in his head as if this was a case to solve. If Carson knew what happened between his daughter and Nix, he had a good feeling the man would be wanting to beat Nix’s ass and not invite him to show her the ropes.
“Yes, he does. He has everything to do with you,” Carson said, looking down at his desk a good three seconds before looking back up.
“Wait…why?” Melly demanded.
Carson leaned onto his elbows. “You and I have been discussing your take over at the ranch—”
“After all, it is my ranch.”
With the patience of a father, he said, “But your mother left it to me with the stipulation that I sign it over when I feel you’re ready for the responsibility. She didn’t want you saddled down with the burden too soon.”
Nix watched her shift in his peripheral. He didn’t exactly know what the relationship was like between father and daughter, but he had guessed by Carson’s explanation that it wasn’t great. However, the obvious disconnection was palpable. The last thing Nix wanted was to be wedged between a sparring match.
“Okay, and you have. Now I’m ready.”
“As you’ve said.” Carson nodded. “I’m not so sure.”
Her exhale of breath told a deep story and Nix’s blood heated.
“I’m an adult. I’ve made a small nest egg for myself. I’ve explored life and now I’m ready to plant some roots. I thought you’d be happy.” There was a tightness to her voice and Nix wanted to look at her to see if her expression showed her emotions, but he didn’t dare. “If I were a son, you’d have already handed over Shy Brooke.”
Carson didn’t even hesitate. “I am happy that you’re finally showing some interest in becoming an adult, but it’s my job to be sure that once the ranch is yours you will understand the responsibility, the gravity of owning the place, and how much work it takes.”
A second passed. “You don’t remember that I lived there and worked the ranch right along with my mom?”
Nix wasn’t skilled in reading into words, but there was something obvious here that reached back in time.
“For the first ten years of your life, Melly, and then it seemed you lost interest. You weren’t old enough to see the financial burden it placed on your grandfather, on your mother. On me. Monica…” His words faded as if he couldn’t say what as on his mind.
“She didn’t die because of the burden.” Melly’s voice shook. “She had cancer.”
Nix shifted uncomfortably. “Maybe I should just—”
“Stay still,” Carson barked. “I’ll get to the point.”
Please do. Nix’s ears were burning.
“I can’t wait to hear why he’s here.” Melly pointed a finger at Nix.
“He’ll be partnering with you to show you the ropes of running Shy Brooke. Consider this a trial period and if after a month Cade sees that you’re ready we’ll go on with signing over the land. I’m sure you’ll want to get this started as soon as possible.”
The air crackled. She sat up quick, her hands holding the arms of the chair so tight Nix could see the white of her knuckles under her skin. “What? This wasn’t part of the deal,” she seethed.
Carson eased back into the leather of the chair, steepled his fingers, and looked at his daughter over the tips. “If you’d see things from my point of view, you’d understand.”
Melly jumped up and took the few steps to lean over his desk, planting her palms into the wood. From Nix’s standpoint he’d never seen anyone brave enough to stand up to Carson like this. Anyone else who would have taken this stance would have been knocked into yesterday, but what Nix could see caught him off guard. Carson loved his daughter, obviously. There was a new gentleness to his face, an expression that didn’t show up often on a man of his caliber. This made the scheme seem a little less crazy and more sympathetic. In fact, Nix saw a little bit of his mother, Beatrice Cade, in the man. She came off as suffocating at times, but in her mind, she was acting out of a caring position. It appeared Nix and Melly had even more in common through their parents.
“What I understand is that you’re using the ranch as leverage to get me to do what you want me to do. That’s unfair and underhanded. I wish you’d see my point.”
Carson leaned in and dropped his hands. “I don’t try and stop you from doing what you wish to do. Since you were a teen you’ve never listened to me. But in this, whether you see it or not, I’m looking out for your best interest. Your legacy. The ranch will be handed down from generation to generation, just as your mother wished. A young woman who wants to be a reality star and still can’t pick a good man is a risk.” Once he said the words it was clear he realized he’d made a mistake. “Melly—”
Too late. She pulled back. “No, Dad. Don’t explain. I’m your daughter and I’m a risk. I’ve always been a risk to you.” She folded her arms over her waist and Nix could see a slight tremble in her bottom lip. “That’s why you stopped coming to see me, and Mom, when she was alive. I was nothing more than a bastard child born to your mistress.”
He heard the tears in her voice and Nix wondered if she’d cry, but when she took a step back, turning so he could see her face, he saw the stubborn tilt of her jaw and realized she wasn’t about to let emotions become visible.
“That’s not true.” Carson stood so fast that the chair bounced off the wall. “There’s more to the story than you’ll ever know.”
“I’m sure there is,” she muttered. “You cheated both my moms. And now you’re trying to cheat me.”
“I’ve always wanted you to take over Shy Brooke. That’s why Patty and I moved there, to keep you where you belong. No one forced you to leave the ranch.”
At the emotion of it all, Melly dropped her arms to her sides, and her shoulders slumped. Nix almost felt sorry for her because he could read the frustration in her body language. “I left because I wanted away from you,” she said softly.
Something flashed across Carson’s face, but it didn’t last long. “Say what you will, but this isn’t up for debate.”
“You’ve already made your mind up so why bother trying to convince you of anything else.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“Here’s your chance. It’s only one month, Melly. Cade will be alongside you, helping, and once he gives me the thumbs up that things are running smoothly, I’ll sign over the ranch without another word.”
“But what if I fail?” she aske
d. “I mean, you do believe I will.”
“Then I’m going to sell the ranch, get the most financial gain and give you the money. At least this way I know you’ll have a cushion once I’m—” He stopped and swiped a hand down his cheek. It didn’t take him long to recover. “I’m sorry.”
Nix stared as a pale Melly sat back down, her hands clasped in her lap. “Then tell me what you want me to do. At this point, I’ll show you how strong and capable I am at running Shy Brooke.”
Nix’s temples throbbed as he listened to Carson list his expectations. Melly sat quietly, then she stood and faced Nix, looking down at him with a blank expression. “Are you coming?”
Chapter 3
ONCE OUTSIDE OF the building, Melly couldn’t contain herself any longer. She turned and faced Nix. “What. Is. Your. Game?” She pressed her finger in the center of his chest with each word.
He blinked. “What are you talking about?”
“What do you think I’m talking about? You’re in cahoots with my father. Everything, and I do mean everything, was a setup, wasn’t it?” When he didn’t answer, she went on. “Is he paying you to come to the ranch? How much did it cost for you to sleep with me?” She threw up her hands. “Another way to prove that I’m irresponsible to sleep with a stranger. I should have known better than to think you were real.” He laughed and it triggered something in her. She narrowed her eyes. “Think this is funny, do you?”
“Kind of, yes. I am a true-life, flesh and blood man, sweetheart. You should know that considering you had an up close and personal view.”
His smug smile ripped through her. Why was she so out of control? She’d blame pregnancy hormones, but she couldn’t overlook the possibility that he did something to her that she couldn’t quite shake. “Don’t get too smug. I was a little tipsy.”
Seized by the Lawman Page 4
