“Thank you, Zander.” She reached for a biscuit and gave him a smile.
“I heard about that murder over at Tattleman’s Farm. Did you find out who the fu—” Cullen looked up shyly at Beatrice who was frowning. “freak did it?”
“Do we have to talk about this at the dinner table?” Beatrice asked.
“Ma’s right, Cul. Mind your manners.” Nix smacked his brother on the back of the head.
“Bro, touch me again—”
“All of you cool it,” Bo said in a quiet, but mighty, tone. “Show your ma some respect.”
“Sorry, Dad,” each brother mumbled in staggered unison.
“For the life of me, I can’t understand why my sons aren’t married.” Beatrice shook her head.
Zander picked up the chicken casserole dish, scooped out some onto his plate then passed it down the line. Once the clanging of utensils against china stopped, Bo asked, “How’s the hiatus, son?”
“Hiatus? Is that what their calling a suspension from duty these days?” Kace scoffed.
“I’m not suspended,” Zander retorted. “After a disagreement with my supervisor, Johnson, over the Tattleman’s Farm case, I decided I needed to use a few weeks of my vacation time. It’s a clever strategy. He’ll appreciate me more when I come back.” He munched on a biscuit.
“Good plan, son. You deserve a break,” Beatrice added.
“I’d like to hear about those horses. How many you have over on the new property now?” Bo smothered a biscuit in butter.
“Five,” Zander said around a mouthful of food. Swallowing with a drink of lemonade, he added, “Just bought another roan.”
“Great investment to buy that property. You’ll make your money back in two years once you hire on a few ranchers and buy some livestock.” Bo proudly patted Zander on the back.
He’d bought the property last year at an auction after the owner, Agnes Makelti, passed away. The first thing he did when he had the deed in hand was build a fence and buy himself a few horses. Then he hired builders to construct a cabin. Two months ago, they finished construction. He was glad to take some time to get his place in order. “Now that I have the time, I plan to start the ball rolling on hiring some men and getting livestock. I’ve already talked to a rancher who is downsizing.”
“How are you managing living over in Crooked Creek?” Bo asked over the rim of his coffee cup.
“It’s an amazing area. It’s quiet.” Zander, Special Agent with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation bought the property to have a hassle-free place where he could unwind and do some of the things he enjoyed like working with horses.
“I’d like to come out there sometime soon and check things out,” Bo said.
“Come on out, Pa.”
“Better call first.” Nixon elbowed Cullen. “Maybe he’ll find someone who can stand to look at that ugly mug and he’ll have some fun.”
“I did always think you and Zander looked the most alike,” Beatrice directed her words toward Nixon.
“Good one, Mom,” Kace chimed in.
“Has anyone heard from Phoenix? I’d like to know where my son has disappeared to.” Beatrice thrummed her fingers on the table. “You all are going to send me to an early grave.”
“Ma, you don’t have to worry about us. We’re careful. Phoenix is just working on a case,” Zander said, hoping to help ease some of her stress. His mom had been both encouraging and paranoid ever since he could remember. Sometimes she forgot how tough she and Bo raised their kids to be.
“I hear you, son. I’m talking less career here and more grandchildren. If you’d all stop living and breathing your jobs, your dad and I might have some grandchildren by now,” she gave Bo a sweet smile.
“That’s putting the cart before the horse, Ma, considering none of us are even hitched,” Nixon stuffed his mouth with casserole.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. It won’t be your gun and star that keep you warm at night,” she sighed.
All but Zander lowered their heads and inhaled their food. He laughed. “Being that I’m the youngest, I deserve some slack here.”
Beatrice pushed her plate away. “You used the excuse that the uniform kept you from settling down, but now that you’re out of the SEALs, what’s your excuse? At thirty-four, your clock is ticking.”
He swiped a hand down his whiskered jaw knowing he’d walked himself right into the “lecture” trap. “I’m still wearing a uniform. It might be a different color, but a lot of the same challenges, and risks, are there,” he muttered.
“Hogwash. You own the uniform. The uniform doesn’t own you.”
Zander looked at each of his brothers. They sunk their heads down as if they couldn’t see her then she couldn’t see them. Cowards. He knew when it was best to admit defeat and keep his mouth closed.
After dinner was over, Nixon asked Zander to join him on the porch. The sun was setting on the family ranch and his mind naturally wandered to his mother’s words about his lack of relationship. He’d heard the lecture at least a hundred times, but lately, her words were sinking in. Not exactly wanting to settle down any time soon, but he could see her point.
“You’re not letting Ma’s words get to you, are you?” Nixon asked.
Zander propped his dusty boots on the rail and relaxed into the chair that had seen better days. The rotten wood creaked under his weight. Nothing seemed to last long with six siblings, and five of those rough and tough males. “No, yeah…maybe. She has been married for forty years and they’re still as happy as ever. Gotta say, out there at my new place the silence is pretty loud.”
“I thought you wanted the peace and quiet.”
“Sure, to a certain extent.”
Nixon snorted. “Ma sees us as lonely men, but little does she know we keep busy behind closed doors.”
“Speak for yourself,” Zander grumbled and shifted his boots.
“You and Mindy aren’t hanging out still?”
“Not for six months.”
“Hell man, I had no clue.”
Zander shrugged. The breakup had been for the best. “Sad thing is, I feel lighter since she broke it off. She never did understand that privacy was part of my job. I can’t come home and talk about my work. In the end, she made the smart thing by moving on.”
“Are you sure it’s not more about not wanting to open up instead of not being able to? I mean, us brothers always talk. Maybe you just didn’t feel a close enough connection with Mindy to take things to the next level, like you did with Samantha.”
His brother did have a point. “Both needed more than I could give them.”
“You do put walls up, brother. One day you’ll find a woman who can bust them all down and you’ll have no choice but to enjoy the ride. Mindy definitely was a looker though.”
The image of the tall, slender blonde who modeled lingerie for a living developed in Zander’s head. He couldn’t deny she was a beauty, but there’d always been something missing in their relationship. Somehow he’d always known that she couldn’t be satisfied with a man like him, not long term at least. Just like his ex-fiancé, Sam. Sex had been great, but outside of bed they didn’t have a lot in common. She liked fancy dinners at five-star restaurants and exotic vacations, and Zander was happy with a pizza and a ride through the untouched places in Wyoming. “Yeah, but looks wear off, personality doesn’t.”
Nixon looked over his shoulder to see if they were still alone. “Now that we’re away from the table, tell me about the murder over at Tattleman’s Farm. The victim had been a dealer, right?”
Giving his brother a nod, Zander adjusted his boots on the spindle. “He pissed off the wrong people.”
“So, was it really just a disagreement between you and the supervisor?”
“Yeah. Just a difference of opinion. How about you? By the way, you still considering that position you’ve been offered?”
“Dad told you?”
“Yeah. He said you are thinking it over. I
think you’d be perfect for it.”
“I like being a detective but working with a special forces unit led up by my hero, Carson, well, that’s enticing. Dad said Carson handpicked me for this team.”
“They couldn’t have picked a better man, bro. You’ve earned this.”
Nixon shrugged. “I’m still mulling it over. I’d have to get used to being alone for weeks at a time.”
“Take your time. If Carson wants you bad enough, he’ll wait until you’re sure. It’s important not to jump into anything.”
Cullen opened the screen door and popped his head out. “Mom said to tell you dessert is being served. If you don’t want it, I’ll take your share.”
“Strawberry shortcake? Hell no to sharing mine, bro. Mom makes the best this side of Wyoming,” Nixon stood, rubbing his palms together.
“Who the fuck you kidding, brother? She makes the best this side of the world.” Zander pushed himself up from the chair. “Let’s go get a slice before Kace sneaks away with all of it like he used to.”
~~~**~~~
“Brenda, tell me, has he tried calling?”
“Who?”
Wynn sighed. “You know who. Rory.”
Her best friend’s yelp of enthusiasm rattled the phone line. “You finally left him. Didn’t you?”
“I don’t think I remember you ever getting this excited, not even when you won the trip to Cancun. The answer is yes, I did.”
“So that’s the reason why you haven’t answered your phone. Where the hell are you?”
“I needed to leave everything connected with Rory behind. I truly need to start all over on my own two feet.”
“Oh, please tell me you didn’t leave that pretty silver Lexus he bought you for your birthday.”
“Yes, I did. It’s in his name, and the cell, and he’d bought most of my clothes. All left behind except for what I brought into the relationship.”
“And the money? You left all of it too?” There was obvious disappointment in Brenda’s voice.
“I took some. I had no choice. Anyway, I’m sure when he woke up from his drunken stupor, he got the point that I wasn’t coming back. Don’t tell him anything when he calls you, because he will eventually.”
“How can I tell him anything? You haven’t told me where you’re at.”
Wynn hesitated, not sure how far she wanted to drag her friend into this, at least for now. “Okay, but remember, not one word to him. Okay?”
“Best friend’s honor. I’m doing a happy dance right now. The man is an ass. I can’t believe you haven’t left him way before now. Okay, in all seriousness, where are you?”
“Remember when I told you my grandmother had died?”
“Yes, just a little over a year ago, right?”
“What I kept secret is that she left her place, at least the house and a few acres, to me. It’s in Crooked Creek, Wyoming, and I’m heading there.”
“All the way in Wyoming?” The joy left her tone.
“It’s not that far away. Just a plane flight away. I need this, Brenda. Rory has changed. I’ve changed. Now I need to figure out where I belong.”
“I understand. I’ll miss you, but I want you to be happy again.”
“Fingers crossed.”
“I’m sorry, but you deserve better, sweetie. Someone who knows how awesome you are. Maybe you’ll find the man of your dreams out there in cowboy country.”
“Don’t bet your wages on it. I’ve got to go. I’m using a payphone and by the looks of it, I’m the only one who has in the last decade. It’s cold out here too. I’ll catch up with you as soon as I get another phone.” Hanging up the receiver, she swiped her hand down her denim-covered thigh, but still felt dirty. She took a step back and looked through the window of the gas station. They’d have hand sanitizer…and maybe something for dinner. Wrapped up in getting her grandmother’s house in livable condition, she’d forgotten to eat.
CHAPTER 4
PICKING UP THE dog bones, he tucked the box under his arm and headed down the aisle toward the shelf of cookies. Although he’d just eaten enough food to keep a small dog alive for ten years, he’d be hungry later. Rounding the end of the aisle, he reached out to grab the tin of chocolate chips and instead he caught something much sweeter in his grip. A soft, slender hand with short, pale-pink nails. He followed the delicate line of wrist, arm, shoulder to the woman whose eyes were wildly lit. He pushed back the brim of his hat as he moved his eyes over her beautiful chestnut waves framing her flushed cheeks, dazzling dark eyes surrounded by a fringe of thick eyelashes. Zander had a feeling her smile would be just as dazzling, but the downward turned corners of her lips told him he wouldn’t find out.
“Excuse me.” She jerked her hand back as if she finally realized he was holding it.
“No problem,” he said with a chuckle and dragged his Stetson back down his forehead.
She heaved a nervous sigh which automatically drew his gaze to where her breasts pressed against the front of the thin white shirt. She had his full attention, even before he noticed the outline of her erect nipples. Although probably from the cold, he’d like to think maybe her body was responding to his touch because he felt a stirring under his buckle. Her gasp made him bring his eyes back to her face where she tucked a wandering tendril of hair behind her ear bedazzled with a tiny, diamond stud. Speaking of jewelry…he lowered his gaze to her left hand. She wasn’t wearing a wedding band and he wasn’t sure why that made him so happy. Chances were, she was just passing through, although they didn’t get many passersby this far from the highway. In fact, most people didn’t even come through Crooked Creek unless they had business in the three-stoplight town.
Well, he shouldn’t get excited because her glare could cut him in half. Smudged-mascara-ringed dark eyes met his and his chest tightened. There was a fluttering there too that didn’t belong.
“Looks like this is the last box,” she said in a soft voice.
“No, there are a few.” He couldn’t drag his eyes away from her. Her lashes were so long they reminded him of a butterfly’s wings.
“You’re mistaken. This is the only mint chocolate chip box left.”
Damn, she was right, and those were his favorites. “Hey, Cat, do you have any more of these mint chocolate chip cookies left?” he asked the cashier.
“No,” she half-heartedly responded. She seemed more interested in the screen of her phone.
“Should we toss a coin to see who wins?” he asked.
“Maybe you’d like to try one of the other varieties?”
“But a man knows what he likes.” Damn! Did I just say those words? He was a bit rusty on flattering the opposite sex.
Her frown deepened. “You can have them.” She dropped her hand to her side.
“I can’t do that. By all means, they’re yours,” Zander said with a smile. It’d been a long time since he’d outwardly flirted.
She blinked and a tilt of her chin showed off the milky pale line of her slender neck, but the shifting of the semi-filled basket in the crook of her arm tore his gaze away from the silken skin. She brazenly raked him with those gorgeous eyes. “No, thank you. Your hand was closer. Fair is fair.”
Although any other time, he’d grab the box and hit the road, feeling satisfied knowing he’d be eating delicious cookies later, but he felt more irritated in how this beautiful woman looked at him like he was the plague staring her in the face. He was known to rub people the wrong way at times, but usually that came after he had a chance to open his mouth, or at the mention of politics. Not sure why her attitude bothered him, or why he cared, but he did. He never cared what people thought of him before, but the brown-eyed angel rolling her eyes felt more like a slap across the face. He and his brothers never had any problems getting women, so had Zander lost his touch? Lost his charm? Hell, he could use a shave, but he had showered.
She nibbled her bottom lip.
And his jeans got a little tighter.
Fuck, was he this
desperate?
Feeling an itch to push that misbehaving tendril of hair off her cheek, he instead tucked his hand into his front pocket, feeling like a teenager standing before a crush. “I insist. The cookies are yours.”
She still worked her bottom lip and he wasn’t sure whether it was appreciation or irritation. “I’ll settle for these.” She chose another box of peanut butter and chocolate chip and dropped them into her basket, brushing past him, leaving a scent of sexy behind her.
Clearing his throat, he adjusted his hat on his forehead and followed her down the aisle, trying his best not to notice the hypnotizing sway of healthy hips. He liked a woman that had curves and she fit the bill perfectly. “Are you new around here?” He had no resistance. Zander allowed his gaze to journey down her slender back, to her small waist and the flare of amazing hips. The pockets of her jeans fit her bottom like denim gloves.
“If I say that I am, then what?” She stopped to scan the shelf of bread.
“Maybe I’d offer to show you around. I haven’t lived here long myself, so we could explore together.” She brought her gaze around on him and he swallowed against the tightness in his throat. Did he say something wrong? Something he couldn’t decipher lit in her remarkable eyes. Interest? Anger? Irritation? Man-hater? All the above?
“What sort of man approaches a strange woman in the cookie aisle and assumes she’s looking for a date? Well, I’m not,” she said and spun back on her heels, sashaying her way to the checkout.
For his own good, he stayed back and waited for Miss Huff to buy her items and push through the glass exit door before he stepped up to the counter, placing his items out, including the cookies.
Wanted by the Lawman Page 3
