by Dawson, Zoe
“I hope you’ve been practicing, mister,” Poe smiled.
“I’ve got bad news. I broke my leg and can’t continue. I’m so sorry.”
The smile faded and her stomach dropped. “Oh, Miles. That’s so awful. Is there anything I can do?”
“No,” he said quickly. “I’ll be fine. I know someone who can fill in. He’s not as great as me, but I’m sure he can pick it up quickly. I’m really sorry, Poe.”
“Thanks, Miles. Feel better and rest.”
She disconnected the call. Experiencing a flutter of dread, she closed her eyes. This was a disaster. The partner he suggested better be damn good or her mother was going to lose everything. Her dread expanded like a balloon in her chest.
She snapped on the TV to distract her. But the first thing she saw was a report of her mugging on the eleven o’clock news, and she quickly turned it off.
She didn’t want to be reminded. The nurse came in and checked her vitals and gave her the nighttime meds the doctor had prescribed. Poe took them, willing herself to just sleep and get the rest she needed. But when she closed her eyes, she saw that masked face.
She pushed it away. She wasn’t weak, not anymore, or vulnerable. She’d built up protective armor the day she found out her father wasn’t infallible. She kept it in reserve until she needed it. This was one of those times.
Some tossing and turning later, the meds kicked in and she fell to sleep.
#
Bright and early on Monday morning, Jared Taylor studied a blueprint of a Long Island mansion. The owners had retained his firm to handle security for their daughter’s wedding since she was marrying a well-known actor.
When he looked up, he was greeted by the sight of Harper Sinclair gliding through his office directly towards him. No one stopped her, because unless he was with a client, Harper and her brother Aiden had free access to him at all times. Everyone on his staff knew that. And she looked totally put together, as usual. A cute sleeveless summer dress to battle the stifling June heat, long blond hair artlessly styled, no-nonsense, and confident. But there was something…off about her today. He was a master at recognizing a person’s mental state. He’d learned it in the Marines and honed it with his two tours in Afghanistan.
He rose to greet her. When she came through the door, she closed it behind her.
“Harper, this is a pleasant surprise.” He came around the desk and without preamble, she hugged him hard. Caught off-guard, he blushed.
“I wish it was just a social visit, but I’m afraid it’s not. It’s good to see you again. It was such a brief meeting last time. How has it been, getting reintroduced to life outside of the Marines?” She didn’t seem to notice his awkwardness. She smoothed over it with her easygoing manner.
Meeting Harper in person had been a revelation to him. She’d shown up just before he was getting released. He’d been shocked to see Aiden’s sister and she had just thanked him for saving her brother. He’d been confused by that comment, but hadn’t responded. After reading about her on the web, he’d assumed she was a stiff, high-society woman who wouldn’t know genuine warmth if it bit her on her expensive hindquarters. But he’d been dead wrong. And he should have known better, since the same was true of her brother.
“I spent some time in Texas helping my dad with the ranch. It’s funny. I wanted to get away from that quiet, bucolic life, but when I went back home, I realized I’d kinda missed it. Then I came to New York City since my brother is convinced I’ll make my mark here. I opened my firm. It’s grown really fast and keeps me busy.”
Harper smiled. “When we’re young we have these crazy notions and home is the last place we think we want to be. After some time spent out in the world, I think it’s easy to retreat back to a place that has meaning to us. It’s good you went home. Roots are important.”
He nodded, remembering how good it had been to see his dad again, and to explore the ranch. Even though it was flat and dry, and hot as Hades, it was a far cry from the bloodied sands of Afghanistan. “Why don’t you have a seat? Can I get you something to drink?”
She settled into the chair with her blue eyes worried.
“No, thank you. I just need your help.”
“Name it. And, just for the record, your money is no good here.”
She studied him for a moment, obviously thinking over his quick answer. Her shrewd eyes were assessing, her head tilted. “You realize you don’t owe us anything.”
He sighed. “Tell me what I can do.”
“You are a man of integrity, Jared. This isn’t an…ordinary request.”
“Is Aiden all right?” His chest tightened, his shoulders stiffening.
“Yes, he’s fine, and thank you for asking. You know, you should come see him. You’ve been out now for a year.”
“I keep meaning to, but…”
Her eyes softened to a warm, summery blue. “Aiden would love to see you.”
“I will in good time.”
She waved her hand. “Men! They say women are complicated.”
He chuckled. “Any man who doesn’t heed that philosophy is a dang fool. Women are complicated. Like pretty puzzle pieces.”
“You don’t like puzzles?”
He gave her a wicked grin. “Sure, I like a jigsaw now and again.”
“Well, I have an intricate one for you. It’s a friend of mine. Her name is Poe Madigan and she’s in trouble.”
He frowned, his protective instincts kicking in. “What kind of trouble?”
“She received a threatening letter that was slipped under her door. Yesterday, while walking her dogs, she was mugged and banged up.”
Anger hit Jared’s belly like a boot. “Is she all right?”
“She’s in the hospital. She got a mild concussion—” Her voice broke and she covered her mouth with her hand. Moisture gathered in her eyes. She squared her shoulders and blinked back the tears. “I’m sorry. I don’t normally lose my composure. It doesn’t help.”
He sat on the edge of the desk. Tears always made him uncomfortable. He pulled a tissue out of the box on his desk and handed it to her. “But it’s human, right? You care for your friend. I…know how that feels.”
She met his eyes and the compassion that flowed out of hers touched him. “I know you do. But I want to help Poe, not have a breakdown. That’s not going to help her.”
“Why don’t you explain the problem and we’ll see about a solution?”
“I need a bodyguard for her.”
He nodded. “That should be simple enough. It can be intrusive, but I can assign…”
She shook her head and gave him what he would now always think of as her socialite death stare. Unyielding, rock solid, and serious as a heart attack. “No. You don’t understand. I don’t want someone assigned. I want someone I can trust. I want you.”
Silence fell between them. He had to admit he was keen on taking this case. It would give him an opportunity to make a difference in Harper’s life. Whether she believed it or not, he did owe Aiden. He owed him everything. Besides, that death stare said she wasn’t taking no for an answer. “All right. I’ll assign my cases to someone else and clear my schedule.”
She relaxed with a satisfied look on her face. “I know this is an imposition, and I’m sure the people you have working for you are very good and discreet. But Poe is a special friend of mine. I met her at the dog park about a year ago. She’s a veterinarian, sweet, kind…and nerdy, but in the best sense. She and the other women I hang out with there are the sisters I never had and always wanted. They don’t see my money,” her voice broke and her mouth wobbled. “They never have. They only ever see me. Do you know how precious and amazing that is?”
“I can only sympathize, you know, not being a gazillionaire.”
She grinned. “You know what I mean. Aiden has already told me what kind of man you are.”
“Yeah, I’m sure he did.” A screwup.
She was as good a people-reader as he. But she spared hi
m the pep talk, and for that he was grateful.
“I came to you because I know you are the best person for the job,” she continued. “Poe is eccentric and needs someone like you. Strong, kind and gentle. She sees the world through—”
“Rose-colored glasses?”
“Nothing as mundane as that. No, Poe has a multitude of her own-colored glasses and is one of the most genuine souls I’ve ever met.”
“I can see that you’re fiercely protective. Maybe it would be a good idea to have Poe come in when she’s up to it and we can—”
“No, that won’t work.” She crossed her legs and smoothed out the skirt. “I already brought the subject up, and she won’t agree. She’s going all independent. I can’t say I’m surprised.”
“If she’s reluctant, how do you propose I carry out my bodyguard duties? I can’t do much if she refuses to have me around.”
“She’s not going to refuse to have you around. First of all, look at you. You’re a hunk. She thinks she likes these beta, nerdy guys, but I know differently. She’s crazy for muscles and you’ve got them in spades.”
“So, I got sex appeal going for me. Shoot, that’s at least something.”
“Also, I had to get creative.”
“Creative? This sounds as dangerous as a teddy bear cholla.”
“A what?”
“It’s a jumping cactus with little grabby spines…never mind.”
“Anyway, Poe is entering a competition and her partner is about to drop out.”
“How do you know that?”
“I paid him to,” she said slyly. “I don’t have a gazillion dollars for nothing. To give him credit, he refused the money. He said Poe’s safety was more important to him.”
He groaned. “Harper, maybe if I talk to Poe...”
Her lips compressed and she shook her head vehemently. “No. I can’t risk that. If she says no, I’ll have no recourse but to kidnap her and force her to stay at my penthouse.”
“I believe that’s a felony, so that’s out.” He ran his hands through his close-cropped hair. “What kind of competition? Sports. I’m really good at sports.”
“Ah, no. It’s not a sporting competition, but it does involve coordination and…ah…a sense of humor.”
“What kind of competition are we talking about?”
“It’s The Fur Ball.”
“The only thing I know about fur balls is cats yack them up, and that doesn’t sound like too much fun to me.”
“It’s where owners partner up with their dogs. In this case, though, it’s different, and Poe can explain it better than I can.”
“Partner up with their dogs? What the hell kind of competition is this?”
“It’s a dance competition.”
For a moment he just stared at her while that information ping-ponged off his brain stem. He frowned when she didn’t laugh it off and say she was kidding. “You’re serious about this? Me? Dancing? I have to tell you, I’m not a very good dancer.” His stomach churned. He’d rather be dodging bullets back in Afghanistan. “She’ll most likely lose the competition.”
“That’s not important, Jared. Whether she wins or loses that competition pales next to the possibility she might be seriously hurt…or worse.”
She rose and paced. She shook her head, wrapping her arms around her waist as if trying to physically hold herself together. A fresh sheen of tears glistened in her eyes as she resumed her pacing. The tears in her eyes tore him up.
“We have a rather large problem. I don’t own a dog.”
“Oh, that is a problem. We can’t use Blue. She’ll recognize her and then the jig will be up. Same for any of Callie’s dogs. She’s birthed all of Jack’s puppies and Boxer is definitely out.”
She took another couple of turns around the room. Then looked at him. “I could talk to Aiden. But I don’t know about you handling a Doberman. Cleatis is a kitten, but he can be hard to handle for someone who’s not used to dogs. Do you know anyone who has a dog?”
No he didn’t know anyone with a dog. He hadn’t been in the city long enough to make friends, and besides, he’d been too busy getting his business up and running.
Wait a minute. Didn’t Nate mention a dog? That’s right. He was angry because his girlfriend got a puppy. “I think my brother has a dog. Maybe a basset hound. I could ask him about borrowing the dog for the competition.”
Her face brightened. “Oh, that might be ideal. Sounds like that’s the perfect solution, and bassets are so sweet-tempered and docile. Should be easy to handle. Would he be willing to let you borrow his dog, just for the competition?”
“All I can do is ask. I’m surprised he has a dog at all. But, who knows? People change. But are you sure we can’t just talk to Poe?”
She stopped pacing, grabbed his shoulders, and tightened her grip. “Promise me you won’t say a word to her about this until that terrible person is caught.”
“I promise.”
She hugged him again. “That sounds good. I can’t thank you enough for doing this. I’m at my wit’s end, and I’ll sleep better knowing Poe’s safe.”
She turned to leave. “Please do come by and see Aiden. He could use your company. I think it’s a good idea for the two of you to talk about what happened.”
“Maybe. And thank you for not coercing me to do this by playing the Aiden card.”
“I didn’t have to. But let me make this clear.” There was that death stare again. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Poe.”
“So I’m forewarned.”
“Yep, this makes you forearmed.”
Harper sauntered out, looking much more self-assured, but Jared’s confidence was sliding a bit. Dancing. He wasn’t good at current dance styles. Hell, who was he kidding? He wasn’t good at many. He always felt awkward and uncoordinated. Really not his style.
A woman in distress, another in danger. There was nothing this cowpoke could do except agree.
Chapter Two
Jared knocked on his Brother Nate’s door, suddenly feeling guilty he hadn’t tried to see Nate since he’d stopped by to check out Jared’s new office. They were like night and day, oil and water.
When the door opened, Nate slouched against it and gave Jared a once-over. “Well, you look even better than the last time I saw you, bro. Put on more muscle.”
Nate grabbed him around the back of the neck and squeezed. Respect and affection there briefly. He cleared his throat. “Come on in. You want a beer?”
“Sounds good.”
Jared stepped inside the trendy apartment. He knew damn well his brother had nothing to do with the décor. Nate came out of the kitchen and tossed him a beer, the can cold against the palm of his hand as he caught it.
“Still got good hands.”
“Aw, you were the quarterback. I was just a linebacker.” Jared popped the top and took a sip.
“Yeah, tell that to the numerous touchdowns you scored. You might be big, but you’re one of the fastest sumbitches I’ve ever seen.”
“Ha! I’ve slowed down a bit.”
“All I know, big brother, is you were always gung-ho about everything you did, from football to mucking out stalls.”
“I love horses. It’s just part of the job.”
“I hated that ranch. Couldn’t wait to get off it. The horse shit and cow shit mingling into a smell I couldn’t seem to get out of my nostrils, the sweat, the mending of endless fences, and the fucking branding. I hated that smell the most.” He settled on one of the barstools at the counter separating the kitchen from the living room.
“You branded because you sucked at roping. Those calves made you their bitch.”
“Yeah,” he raised his can in salute. “So what brings you around?”
“I need to ask you a favor.”
“What?”
“Do you still have that basset hound?”
He rolled his eyes. “Daisy, yeah.”
“I’d like to borrow her.”
His
brother studied him and shook his head. “Hell, you can have her.”
Jared sat on the back of Nate’s frou-frou sofa. “Nate, I don’t want to keep her.”
“Hell, I don’t want her. She’s not even my dog. Girlfriend just left her here when we broke up, saying the dog would just remind her of me. Now ain’t that dang sweet? She was a fine woman, though.” He took another swallow of beer. “I’ll say what Dad would say. What the hell is goin’ on here, boy?”
“I need her for an undercover mission.”
“Naw.” Nate blew out a short guffaw. “Truth?”
“Truth. Where is she? You are feeding her, right?”
His brother shot him a disbelieving look. “Yes, I remember that part.”
“Are you walking her?”
“I know how to take care of a dog,” he ground out.
“How old is she now?”
“Year and a half, maybe two years, I think. Hell, I don’t remember.”
“She didn’t come to the door.”
“She’s not much of a mover. She’s over there, near the end of the couch.”
Jared walked over and found the small dog, her head on her paws, her droopy eyes sad. He reached down and stroked his hand over her head. She barely acknowledged it.
“Nate, you better not be abusing this dog. I’ll beat the tar outta you.”
“What?” He looked shocked. “I haven’t touched her. She’s just lazy.”
“Are you sure?”
“Son, you were much better with animals than I was. Take her.” Nate made a face that was a cross between a smile and a frown.
“Do you have her leash and dog bowls?”
“Shore ‘nuff. You can take the dog food, too. It’s some high-end crap my girlfriend bought.” He finished off the beer and ducked into the kitchen, rummaging around in the cupboards.
After clipping on the leash, Jared started to leave the apartment, but Daisy refused to move. He tugged a couple of times, but all she did was raise her head to look at him. He walked back over and picked her up.
