Seized by the Lawman

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “There are makings for ham sandwiches. Why don’t you make us both lunch?”

  He looked at her, brows lifted. “You want me to stay?” He removed his hat and dropped it to the coffee table. His hair was cut recently and he was missing some of his natural waves, but it was the sparkle in his warm eyes that got her.

  Asking him to stay probably wasn’t the most logical thing, but if he was offering to prepare lunch, how rude would she be to show him the door? However, there was a sliver—or rather an ocean—of her that wanted him to stay for completely different reasons. Could she put aside her raging libido to eat a sandwich in a platonic setting? “I’m inviting you to have lunch with me. If you’re preparing it, I couldn’t possibly ask you to leave. But we must agree that you keep your hands to yourself.”

  “Are you sure it’s not your restraint you’re more worried about?” Dimples bracketed his dreamy grin. She was a bit dizzy sitting in front of him, faced with his tanned, incredible looks, alluring blue eyes and wicked smile. His words were said in a sexy, casual drawl that reminded her of a trickle of water flowing over the rock-bed of a creek. All these enticing attributes were wrapped up in a tall, masculine, wonderful cowboy. The benefit, he knew his way around a woman’s body—around a woman’s heart. Making him a dangerous force. He shifted, stretching his worn Wranglers across thick thighs and her senses were stoked by an image…smooth saddle and a good ride. Without the horse.

  Resisting the urge to fan her face, she hoped her voice worked. “I have to remind you that on the horse my hands were innocently in my lap and yours were misbehaving, as well as your mouth.”

  Hunger flitted across his face, and that grin, the one that sent her near an invisible edge, deepened. “Can’t argue that one. So, if I’m staying to eat, I need to rinse off. I was mucking the stalls earlier. Do you have an outdoor hose?”

  An image of him shirtless with the hose over his head, water trickling down his body certainly could make her tremble. “I have something better. A bathroom with running water,” she teased.

  “I couldn’t use it.”

  “Why not? Too modern for a cowboy such as yourself?”

  “If you don’t mind. I won’t be long.”

  “Up the stairs and fourth door on your left. Towels are on the shelf.”

  After he grabbed a bottle of water and uncapped it for her, he excused himself and went upstairs.

  The second he was out of sight, Melly jumped up, feeling much better, and hurried to the wall mirror and looked at her reflection. Just as she figured. Her unruly hair had tight curls, even a piece of straw was sticking in the mess. She plucked it out and went for a finger combing, but it didn’t work much. Thankfully her skin had some color since she’d been on the ranch because otherwise she was certain she be flushed with the pink of excitement.

  Chapter 10

  NIX PEELED OFF his shirt and buried his nose in the cotton to take the sniff test. It was far from being clean, but at least it didn’t reek of horse manure. Why was he so worried? Because he wanted to smell good for Melly. Most men did when they were attracted to someone.

  And he wanted to take care of her. That was dangerous for a Cade. When they protected, they tended to jump in, heart, soul, boots and all.

  Splashing his face with cold water, he cursed under his breath. How the hell was he doing this? Nix knew this wouldn’t be easy, but he had realized he felt more for her than just carnal attraction. He felt a dire need to hold her. There was a price to pay if he let things get out of hand. He’d lose his job before he even got started.

  He’d lost himself in the saddle. He hadn’t meant for things to head down a heated path, but he was a man, one who was attracted to a woman. Riding with her had been a stark reality call that he liked her, a lot. He enjoyed their time together, even if most of the time they were arguing.

  How the hell did he get into such a complicated situation? Maybe he should have followed Kace’s advice and told Carson that he couldn’t help him out. Then what would he have said when Carson asked why? There was no telling the truth because then he would have to explain that he’d slept with Melly and had hoped to see her again on a personal level. No, that wouldn’t have worked.

  Melly had told him that she wouldn’t risk anything getting between her and the ranch. Did she think that was his intention? To cause a rift between her and Carson so he didn’t sign over the ranch? Or that he would tell her dad that she wasn’t ready? He could see how she would fear this.

  Soaping his hands with a lilac scented soap, he scrubbed his face, neck and rinsed, then dried off with a fresh towel that smelled like fabric softener. He needed to take this assignment seriously, and to do this he needed to get to know Melly better. To find out if she was truly ready and knew what running a ranch would take. He had to spend more time with her. Although he wanted to get to know her better in more ways than one, he had to control himself.

  Pulling on his shirt, he went downstairs and quietly walked into the living room, hearing Melly’s soft voice.

  “Why are you calling? I’m fine, just didn’t expect to hear your voice.” There was a lilt to her tone.

  Not wanting to invade her privacy, Nix started to turn when he heard her say to the person on the line, “Brad, we haven’t spoken in a long time, so why now? Why are you calling after so much time has passed?”

  Standing in the hallway, Nix swallowed. She was talking to her ex. Nix knew he shouldn’t listen in, but his boots stayed frozen to the floor.

  Several seconds ticked by and then she said, “No. Don’t come here. I don’t want to see you. I’m serious. What we had is history.”

  And then silence.

  Nix clenched his hands into fists. Although he only heard one side of the conversation, from what he gathered the ex was wanting to see her. The thought sent a shock through his system. Nix almost felt sorry for the sucker because he was sure she was over Brad Santiago.

  Taking a step into the room he unclenched his hands and took a healthy, controlling breath. She brought her chin up, a frown dipping the corners of her pretty mouth. Did she suspect that he overheard her conversation? He’d wait to see if she asked, but when she didn’t, he said, “I’m a little cleaner. Feeling any better?”

  “Much. I’ll help you prepare lunch.”

  “Stay and rest, I can handle this,” he assured her.

  “I have no doubt that you can handle making sandwiches, but I want to help. I’m not the type to sit back and take it easy.” Some of her smile returned.

  Although he knew he should argue, he didn’t. In fact, he liked the idea of the two of them in the kitchen together. This was the first step in getting to know her better, and eventually she’d mention the phone call.

  The kitchen was a large, modern space, but Nix couldn’t focus on anything but the beauty standing next to him at the island. While she cut a loaf of bread into slices, tendrils of her hair floated across her cheek and she used her shoulder to swipe the tresses away. The sun drifted through the window, catching the highlights in her hair, dancing with the colors. Her pale eyes glistened and her irises became gems. She was so damn pretty that he could barely breath. As she worked, she nibbled at the corner of her plump lips as if all her attention was on her task. She gave everything that equal devotion.

  Melly placed two slices of bread on the cutting board and he assembled the sandwich. “Do you want mayo?” he asked.

  “Lots.” She smiled.

  He spread the dressing over one slice from edge to edge. “A girl after my own heart.” He winked.

  “You heard my conversation, didn’t you?” She kept her eyes lowered.

  “Yes.” He wouldn’t lie to her.

  “Then you know Brad wants to come out here to visit.”

  “And you said no.”

  “I did.” They both reached for a slice of cheese and missed their mark, instead grabbing each other’s hands. She sucked in a breath and met his gaze. It was more than a collision of fingers, but a cla
shing of hearts.

  Before he could think over the consequences of his actions, he took her shoulders and gently pushed her back against the edge of the granite countertop, bracing her under his palms. She tilted her chin and looked up at him, her eyes dancing as he tightened his grip. Her bottom lip trembled as she told him in a shaky voice, “I meant it when I told him that I don’t want to see him. Do you plan on telling my dad that I was speaking to him?”

  “I’m not a tattletale, sunshine. That’s not why I’m here.”

  “Really? Are you sure? Because it certainly seems that’s why my father asked you to come here.” She tried to wiggle from his embrace, but he didn’t step out of her path. Instead, he pressed his body against hers and she brought her hands against his chest.

  “We’ve been through this. With your ex calling, maybe Carson has a reason to be concerned about your choices.”

  Her eyes widened, and she gave her head a frustrated shake. “What you and my father don’t realize is that I’m an adult. Getting this ranch shouldn’t be contingent on anything, especially not who I choose to cohabitate with...or because I was born with the wrong sexual organs. Women are just as capable of running ranches as men are.”

  “I see your point, and you certainly don’t have to convince me. I’m sorry. When I said your father had reason to be concerned, I meant that I have reason to be concerned. It sure sounded to me like your ex didn’t want to take no for an answer. You can choose to be in a relationship with anyone of your choosing, but just so you know, you deserve someone worthy, not a cheater or a man who doesn’t realize how wonderful you are. I know how wonderful you are.”

  “Nix…” She tried moving, but he still held her. “This-this can’t happen,” she pushed through clenched teeth. She fisted his T-shirt in her hands. “There are so many obstacles.”

  “Yeah, you keep saying that and maybe we’ll eventually believe it,” he ground out. “I just revealed how much you mean to me and that’s all you can say?”

  “Let me go! Just let me go.” Her expression belied her words. She leaned into him, moving her hands further up onto his shoulders and with one long exhale of breath, as if she were giving into the dire need, she wrapped her hands around the back of his neck. “Why are you doing this? Why did you have to agree to help my father?”

  “Damned if I know,” he growled.

  “I swore I’d never get involved with a lawman. Do you understand that?” she whispered.

  “And do you understand that I swore I’d never get involved with a high-spirited, stubborn, impulsive woman who is the daughter of my boss, but look, here we are.”

  “Wow. Should I be flattered?”

  “Hell yeah!” He slammed his mouth to hers. The kiss was full of emotion, anger, frustration, and even realization. They’d fought the desire, but it was winning, hands down.

  What had started as a kiss of domination turned into something softer, more passionate. She parted her lips, allowing him in and he wasted no time in tasting her. Bringing his arms around her tiny waist, he dragged her against him, lifting her to her toes so he could have better access. He loved her taste, a heady combination of mint and heaven. Her hips ground against his zipper and all the blood rushed from his head to his groin where he grew rim-rod hard. Lowering his hands to her ass, he molded the firm cheeks to his palms, squeezing and rubbing. Her whimper told him she liked his touch. She was the wildest, sweetest, loveliest thing his mouth had ever tasted.

  His radio buzzed on his hip and he ignored the intrusion, not caring about the outside world, just the here and now. He heard her moan, but he swallowed the sound and suckled her tongue. Melly brought her knee up and pressed it against his hip which gave him better access into the curve of her inner thighs. He swore he could feel her moist heat through his jeans and it made the tip of his erection throb. He gyrated his hips against her and she met his thrusts as another wild moan escaped her.

  This was what Nix had wanted every day since she’d left him alone in his bed. He couldn’t wrap his head around all the reasons why they shouldn’t be doing this, but one thought remained strong and clear. Why deny himself the need? He tore his mouth from hers to kiss her cheek, her jaw, her neck all the way to the dip between her collar bones. He licked the arc and she dropped her cheek to one shoulder, her fingers digging into his shoulders. He brought his mouth up to her ear and licked the lobe, remembering how he’d driven her crazy by alternating between nips and suckles on her ear. Her breaths were now pants.

  “How the hell do we deny ourselves this, sweetheart?” he whispered. “I bet the ex couldn’t get you this hot and bothered.”

  Her gasp sounded loud to his ears. She pressed him hard and he took a step back, her hard gaze needling him. His words had undone something. “Is this why you did this? To prove something?”

  “Yeah. To prove that we want each other.” He took another step back, giving her space.

  “Wow. You move fast.”

  He blinked. “What do you mean?”

  “Do you think I have a bad memory? That I’d forget the blonde that I saw at your cabin?”

  He’d forgotten all about Hope. That’s how little interest he had in her. “Melly, I tried to explain—”

  “That it wasn’t what I thought? Come on, Nix. You both were partially dressed and looked like you’d just been awakened from a night of partying. I realize I have no right to tell you who you can spend time with or who you sleep with, but I don’t plan on getting involved with someone who has a revolving bed. I’ve been there and done that and refuse to again. So, yes, there is an unexplainable attraction between us, but I have a priority list and it doesn’t include getting involved with a player again.”

  Several seconds passed, then he shrugged. “You’re right, sunshine. You don’t need another player…or a lawman. I’m just not your type, I guess.” He dropped his hands and crossed the kitchen. “I find I’m not hungry any longer. You eat and rest. For the next few weeks we’ll cater to that priority list of yours.” He stepped through the back door.

  ~~~**~~~

  Days had passed since she and Nix had kissed in her kitchen and he’d walked away. Although they’d seen each other many times since the kiss, their conversations had been guarded and focused on the ranch. Each day he seemed more distant toward her. She couldn’t complain that he gave her the cold shoulder because wasn’t that exactly what she’d asked for?

  She woke up feeling morning sickness, but with a few crackers and water she felt better and was back outside helping with chores. Although his attitude was friendly and helpful, he didn’t cross any lines again. Yet, the more she got to know him, the more she realized what a great guy he was. Her attraction for him hadn’t dwindled, not one bit, although she wished she could wash away her feelings. Working next to him could only be described as difficult and a test of control. Like yesterday, they were in the barn mucking the stalls and he’d taken off his shirt. She’d tried everything from saying the alphabet backwards to singing You Are My Sunshine a hundred times in her head, but nothing had worked to keep her mind from scraping the naughty gutter. His tanned skin was slick with sweat as he used the shovel, each move causing his toned muscles to tighten. Melly wasn’t sure how mucking stalls could be sexy, but as she stared, she had been mesmerized by how good he looked. By the time she’d been finished with the stalls, she’d needed a change of panties.

  Then yesterday, he’d been out with the hands checking the cattle and she’d chosen to stay behind because she hadn’t been feeling the greatest and had been standing near the fence when he rode his horse back. He was a good rider and very comfortable in the saddle. Although he was a lawman by trade, he was also a capable cowboy. He reminded her of a warrior returning from battle. When he rode up to the stables they’d met gazes and he tipped his hat. Friendly, but not too much.

  Now here she was, daydreaming about him as she drove the truck toward the ranch after she’d bought a load of feed. That morning when she stepped out of th
e shower she noticed that her stomach was a little more rounded. Not noticeable when she had on clothes, but her jeans were a bit tighter, so she chose a pair of shorts that fit her better. There would come a time when she’d have no choice but to tell him, but she had to get through the month first. It was imperative.

  She needed to also get her head on straight. The man was undeniably sexy, but so was her ex and he’d screwed her over. Big time. She’d been captivated by whiskey colored eyes and a beckoning smile. Then regretted that she’d ever met him. Nix was different though. In many ways. He didn’t send off a player vibe.

  Interestingly, no matter where he was on the land, her internal Nix-radar told her where. He was a beacon that drew her attention. A virile magnet. Whether he was mucking the stalls, riding a horse, pounding a nail in a fence…she noticed. Oh brother did she notice.

  Her nipples tightened and sweat beaded between her breasts. She’d been watching him but was quick enough to turn her gaze if he glanced her way. He’d been riding her to learn everything about cattle and the financial side of the business, they’d even burnt the midnight oil last night as he explained the books. He had also told her he was learning some new things himself.

  But they’d parted ways as each headed to their own beds. Denying that she’d wanted to invite him home with her would be a waste. The chemistry was rocking when she’d denied herself and took the lonely path home to drop into a cold bed.

  Good girls could be bad when no one was watching, and her thoughts teetered on pure eroticism. She’d fantasized about cornering him in the barn, ripping his clothes to shreds and doing what she ached to do with him. Not the way a woman should feel when a man was off limits.

  To make her situation more difficult, Brad had called her again, but she didn’t answer. He’d left her voice messages telling her that he missed her. She tottered on how she should approach the situation. He didn’t seem to want to believe that she truly had moved on. No way in hell would she get on that crazy train again. Undeniably, he’d find comfort from her rejection with his groupies…just as he had when they were seeing each other. The odd thing, she almost felt relieved when she found out he was cheating because then she knew it was truly over. Closure came in all forms, and for her that was what she needed.