Chapter 42
Friday, July 25th
“Tony?” Amanda blinked in surprise as she bent her head slightly back to meet the tall sheriff’s gaze. “What are you doing out here?”
“I thought I’d stop in to have a chat with you, or is this a bad time?”
The pointed arch of his brow had her blushing and backing up. “No. Of course not. Come on in.” Even as he swiped off his hat and came through the door, she kept rambling on. “Would you like some coffee? Maybe tea?”
“I’d like a beer,” Tony grunted. “But if the tea is sweet, I’ll take some.”
“Sweet it is. It even comes with a lemon wedge if you want.”
“Lime?”
“Lemon,” Amanda retorted firmly.
“You drive a hard bargain.”
“Yeah, you really got screwed,” Amanda laughed as she shut the door.
There was a sense of awkwardness she tried to cover with her forced lightness. It felt weird to greet one of her friends at the Reese ranch, opening the door and inviting them in like she had rights to the place. Even if she’d spent the last two weeks living here, she still didn’t feel at home.
Amanda just acted like it, gesturing for Tony to follow her. “Come on into the kitchen.”
Tony dragged his feet, pointedly looking around before asking. “So, you alone?”
“Actually, Knox is home, locked in the bedroom.” And Amanda didn’t really want to talk about it.
“Alone?”
“Of course, alone.” Amanda shot him a dirty look for his suggestive tone as she wrenched open the refrigerator door.
“Well, you never know with these boys,” Tony grunted. He dropped his hat on the counter and his ass into one of the bar stools. “They have an interesting reputation in town.”
Snapping the refrigerator door closed, Amanda turned on Tony. “And I never listen to gossip, which is why I don’t know anything about their so-called reputation.”
He shot her a dirty look. “Now, Amanda—”
“Don’t, ‘now, Amanda,’ me, Tony. I know your mother raised you with better manners than to enter a woman’s house and make those kinds of lewd accusations.”
“A woman’s house?” Tony gave a quick laugh. “You married and didn’t invite me to the wedding?”
“Don’t try and change the subject.” Despite her sharp tone, Amanda settled the pitcher of tea on the table and not over Tony’s head as she’d considered a moment ago. “Cindy told you, didn’t she?”
“No,” Tony grunted a little indignant. “It’s hard to keep some secrets totally silent. I’ve known about the Reese boys’ particular perversions for quite a while. I just never thought you’d be the one I had to come out here to see.”
“Oh?” Amanda leaned back slightly to peer around the cupboard door as she pulled down two glasses. It would probably be best not to ask who Tony thought would be more appropriate for her men. Not only would the answer probably give her an inferiority complex, but ultimately the answer didn’t matter. Knox, Jace, and Cody were with her. Their choice.
“You want to talk about it?” Tony asked, giving her a concerned look as she set the glasses onto the counter.
“No,” Amanda answered honestly before forcing a smile. “But you can tell me how you knew to find me here.”
“Cindy’s been picking up your mail,” Tony retorted as she poured him a tall glass of tea. He tasted it tentatively before nodding and taking a big, lip-smacking gulp. “Man, that is good tea.”
Amanda scowled in mock anger at Tony’s comment. “You can thank Lydia for it. She might be painfully unpleasant, but she does know how to work a kitchen.”
“Lydia? Lydia Arnold?”
“Yeah, she was—”
“Mother of Sharon Arnold, the great love of Cody Reese’s life,” Tony finished for her. There was something about the way he said it that unnerved Amanda.
“I didn’t realize you were aware of the details of Cody’s life.”
“I was around three years ago. I investigated Sharon’s death.” Tony slid his glass across the table, bouncing it from hand to hand as he watched the motion with a thoughtful eye.
“Duh, huh?” Amanda gave a nervous laugh. “I guess I should have figured that one out at the rodeo.”
“We need to talk about Davey, Amanda.”
Tony hijacked the conversation, turning so sharply she almost dropped her glass. For a moment, she wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. He’d spoken so softly, but when Tony glanced back at the door, she knew she’d heard him right.
“I guess you’re about to tell me he’s the one who broke into my house and trashed it.” Amanda spared him having to say what she’d already figured out.
“Well, yeah,” Tony responded with slight hesitation. “But I can’t prove it in a court of law. He must have worn gloves because there were no prints. That’s not why I’m here.”
Amanda knew it. Cindy had filled her in on all the details of the case over the past week. Tony had to know it, too, so he certainly hadn’t driven all the way up here to tell her yesterday’s news. “Cindy said you chased him out of town.”
“I did.” Tony nodded, but the silence after just made her more nervous.
“And my house hasn’t been burned to the ground, so…” Amanda laughed, trying to figure out why Tony hadn’t joined her.
“Your dad’s staying down in Dodge City.” Tony met her gaze with his own somber one. “I don’t think he’s going to go anywhere anytime soon, or be bothering you.”
It didn’t make sense, his words. Through all the jumble of reactions, one very clear question formed on her lips. “Then why’s he staying?”
“Nancy at the bank told me Cody made two cash withdraws these past two weeks. Twenty-five grand each.” Tony shook his head and spoke bluntly. “Did you ask them to pay him off? ‘Cause you know that ain’t the way to get rid of Davey.”
“No.”
Amanda just stared at him. Not a single one of the brothers had ever mentioned talking with her dad, and she didn’t know if it was just Cody or they’d all started making decisions for her.
“You got to get them to stop, Amanda. Davey’s just going to want more and more. Eventually those boys are going to have enough, and then Davey’s going to get vicious, and somebody might actually get hurt.”
Amanda understood. That’s why she’d told Cody no over two weeks ago. She’d been a fool to think he’d listen to her. “I’ll take care of it, Tony.”
“I got the sheriff down there on notice, but they got a lot more problems to keep them busy.” Tony shifted in his seat, checking the door again. “You’re a strong woman, Amanda. I remember when you lost your mother and your brother. You sat right there in the front row at church, silent and still through the whole funeral service.”
“I remember.” But she didn’t want to. Her quick response didn’t stop Tony, though.
“The only thing I’ve ever seen break you is Davey.” Amanda winced away from Tony’s words. “I’m not going to let him do it to you again.”
Despite the fear his words put into her gut, Amanda drew herself straight. “He’s not going to. I promise you, Tony, this time I won’t let him win.”
Her father wouldn’t destroy what happiness she’d found. After all the years of loneliness, she deserved some love. And what but love would have Cody paying off her dad? As much as the arrogant gesture made Amanda want to hit him, it also made her melt a little inside.
Tony sighed and shook his head, one oversized paw crossing the table to cover her hand. “I’m worried. I’m worried now Davey knows these boys have money and something to lose…you being out here isn’t safe. I want you to come stay with me, just until we know Davey’s out of Kansas.”
Since the old sandbox-days, Tony had always played the role of champion. They’d grown up, and what had been cute now threatened her happy little world. There simply would be no way to tell Knox she thought Tony could protect her better and she’d be moving in wi
th him without losing Knox. Trying to pawn the idea off as her protecting Knox wouldn’t go over any better.
“No.” Amanda turned her hand to give his a gentle squeeze. “I want to stay here.”
“You’re making a mistake.” Tony straightened up with a deep breath. “But I know better than to argue with you. I’ll leave that up to Cindy and Will.”
Just the mention of Will’s name had Amanda withdrawing. “You mean just Cindy.”
“I do?” Tony cast a confused glance around the room before connecting with her gaze and leaning in. “Why? What happened to Will? You actually kick him to the curb?”
“He left town.” Amanda shrugged. “Besides, it’s not like he could cast a stone. He was screwing the mayor’s wife. Now there is bad taste.”
Tony acted like she’d said he’d gone to have a sex change, even more shocked than hearing about the mayor’s wife. “What? When? Where the hell did he go?”
“I don’t know, over a month back I guess. I walked in on them doing their things and trust me—”
“Not that,” Tony snapped. “When did he leave, Amanda?”
Amanda scowled at Tony’s too interested look. Tony never cared much for Will. It didn’t seem normal for him to look so concerned. “Just about a week after, not even. I guess about a month back.”
“Where’d he go?”
It just pained her to have to repeat Will’s lie aloud, but she’d never tell Tony about Will’s little problem. Will was like a brother to her, and Tony was one of her best friends. Amanda minded her secrets.
“To find himself.”
“Find himself?” Tony sounded as dubious of the concept as Amanda had been. “And where was he going to look?”
Amanda burst out laughing. She couldn’t help it. Tony just sounded so indignant. “I haven’t got a clue. We talk every now and again, and he always says he’s nowhere. I guess that’s the perfect place to look for something that’s lost.”
Tony didn’t laugh. No, he had a serious, thoughtful face on. “I didn’t realize he left. Damn.”
“I’m kind of shocked you care,” Amanda commented. “You two weren’t exactly close.”
“It’s not that. It’s just…some people you never figure will leave town.” Tony shrugged. “It’s all kind of weird sounding if you ask me. Either way, next time you talk to Will, tell him to give me a call. You shouldn’t be getting his hate mail.”
* * * *
“What the hell did the sheriff want?”
Amanda’s head snapped around to find Knox standing there with his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face. His sudden appearance had her snapping out of her stupor to step back and shut the front door.
She’d been standing there staring blankly down the drive, just trying to figure out what Cody had thought he was doing. Then there was what she should do about it. None of those worries distracted her from the sight of Knox.
“You’re dressed for work.” Amanda scowled at the sight. “Why are you dressed for work?”
“Because I’m going to work,” he answered like she was a complete idiot. “Don’t change the subject. What did the sheriff want?”
“But you said last night we could spend today together, remember? That’s why I called in sick.” Amanda didn’t even recognize his repeated question, too stuck on shock. Why was she shocked? This was typical Knox.
“No, I don’t remember,” Knox snapped. “What I remember is asking you a question, now answer it.”
“He just stopped by to chat,” Amanda shrugged dismissively. She’d talk to Cody first.
“To chat?” She should have known Knox wouldn’t leave it alone. “What the hell do you two have to chat about?”
“Tony and I are friends, Knox. Get over it.”
Knox’s eyes narrowed on her. “Tony? Since when are you on a first name basis with the sheriff?”
“Since we were three years old and our mothers bathed us together.” Amanda rolled her eyes and then grinned. “Jealous much?”
She knew he was, but Knox just shrugged and surprisingly let it go. “No because I’m the only man who gets to bathe you now.”
“Well, that’s not completely true.”
Amanda moved forward to wrap her arms around Knox, intent on convincing him the rest of the day would be better spent with her than with some stinky cows. As usual, he remained stiff for a moment before returning the hug. She figured out early on Knox wasn’t comfortable with showing affection, but cornered into it when in private, he could actually soften.
Burying her face into his chest, she mumbled, “You are my favorite back scrubber, though.”
“I prefer to scrub your front.”
She smiled and lifted her head. “Then maybe we should take this conversation back down the hall.”
Knox cupped her cheek and frowned down at her with a look that said everything before he even spoke. “I wish I could, baby girl, but there is work to be done.”
Damnit, getting Knox to bend was like trying to melt steel. “But it’s your day off.”
“That’s not a luxury I can afford right now.”
“Not even for a few minutes?”
Amanda smiled and let her hand slide down to boldly cup the growing tent in his jeans. Molding her hands around the hard ridge, she squeezed. He tensed, and she knew it cost him to step back.
“I’ve got to get to work, and you just made that a little more uncomfortable now.”
She couldn’t help but grin. “I’m going to pay for it later, right?”
His gaze darkened with the anticipation, making his words come out sweet and slow. “Yes, baby girl, you are.”
“Well then, I look forward to dusk.”
“I got something else for you to look forward to.”
She didn’t trust his grin. Knox was up to something, and that certainly couldn’t be good. “What?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see, but I expect you to be ready in the things I laid out on my bed by six this evening.”
Amanda’s eyes darted down the hall.
Things?
The image of black leather and metal studs had her swallowing. This couldn’t be good. She didn’t even respond when Knox dropped a quick kiss on her head and firm swat on her ass before sauntering off. She paid absolutely no attention, being drawn slowly down the hall in fascinated horror at what lay in wait at the other end.
The ideas swimming through her head had her almost quivering with need when she finally turned the corner into Knox’s bedroom. Her expectations left her totally unprepared for what awaited her.
Gifts actually wrapped in expensive paper with bows Amanda knew none of the brothers had tied. They lined down the bed, going from big to small. Knox hadn’t even left the decision of where to start. Post-its were stuck to the ribbons with hand-scrawled notes on them.
Put me on first. Amanda pulled the yellow slip of paper off and stared at it. In all likelihood, Jace had arranged this. It had his sensitive touch, but Knox had certainly followed through. There was just something about him taking the time to write the note that touched Amanda. It might have been idiotic, but she couldn’t help to think it showed Knox cared…about her…about me.
Whether she deserved it or not, Amanda reveled in the moment. Ripping into the paper, she shred it along with the bow until a navy blue garment box lay in the middle of the carnage. It didn’t look like it’d come from some brown-paper porn shop. No, the box had a thickness to it, an almost linen feel to its top, even the smell said ‘money’.
Just the whiff of class made Amanda hesitate again. Her stomach tightened as silly thoughts lifted in her head. What if this was a true gift? A real one they’d given her just to surprise her, just to let her know these past weeks were leading somewhere other than the bedroom.
Feeling the silly little girl stirring inside her, Amanda took a deep breath and reminded herself she wouldn’t be disappointed if there was nothing in the box. They didn’t owe her anything, and she shoul
dn’t expect anything.
All of her bracing mantras fell silent as her fingers worked the stiff lid off. It fell to the side, forgotten right along with how to breathe. Every time she doubted them, they surprised her. The black dress folded into the tissue paper melted her.
It looked soft and sultry, inviting her fingers to touch. Velvet. So very soft, her hands curled into the material, lifting the dress from the box. Jace had definitely picked this out. It was just too perfect, with its simple neck line and thick straps. The dress could have been pulled from the old black and white movies.
It just had that kind of class, and as Amanda pressed it up against her body, she already felt the elegance infusing her. Turning toward Knox’s closet, the door already hung open. She stepped up to admire herself in the full-length mirror hanging on the inside.
Smoothing the dress flush against her, Amanda studied her image. It would fit, and she’d look gorgeous. More importantly, she’d feel it, and that’s why she knew Jace had picked this out. They’d never discussed it, but Amanda knew he sensed her insecurities, her fears that she didn’t really belong here. Every time, Jace gave her hand a little squeeze, made a distracting comment, something to let her know she did.
Smiling, Amanda eyed the other packages, assured now of just what waited in them. It didn’t take a genius to figure it out or Amanda more than a minute to rip through the boxes. Shoes and sexy lingerie were a given, but the quality overwhelmed her. Amanda actually suspected the stockings were made out of silk, real silk. Rubbing them against her cheek, she couldn’t believe it.
Despite all her giddiness, one gift remained—small and with a note that read, ‘From Me’ on it. All her senses said jewelry, but even her most preposterous dreams couldn’t have prepared her for what lay inside.
Chapter 43
“Knox, do you have my cuff links?”
Jace stepped into Knox’s bedroom door to find Cody standing still as Knox fixed his tie and had to shake his head. Cody had all his ties for church pre-knotted by his eldest brother, but tonight they were in full black-tie dress, meaning bow tie. Something none of the Reese brothers would be caught dead in, outside of a tux.
Kansas Heat Page 39
