Cowboy's Secret Son

by Robin Perini

Jared spent the evening in the office with Courtney researching the Pennsylvania textile mill in a small community outside of Allentown. The picture was grim. When Jamison had finally closed the doors, it had decimated the community. There was little left.

  There had been numerous protests and they came up with a list of over a hundred suspects, then narrowed it down to those who had been arrested. CTC split the list with them. Unfortunately they’d come up empty.

  “This doesn’t make sense. Why focus on me and Dylan?” Courtney asked, throwing down the papers in disgust. “It’s an awfully convoluted way to make their point. Even if we give them the money, it won’t bring the mill back.”

  “Feels wrong to me, too,” Jared said. “Maybe your father has more insight.”

  Courtney curled up her legs under the sofa. Dylan was safely in bed with the camera monitoring his every breath. She still carried the knife in her pocket and she and Jared had formed a truce of sorts.

  Roscoe was another story.

  “Until my father sleeps it off,” she said, “he won’t be able to help us. I’ve seen him out of it for a couple days.”

  The picture she painted was one of a very lonely little girl. “How often did it happen?”

  “After my mother died, a lot.” Courtney shifted on the couch. “He didn’t know how to handle her illness, and I didn’t make it any easier.”

  Jared joined her on the sofa.

  “Until I was thirteen or so, I didn’t know most dads didn’t have that sour smell of alcohol coming off their skin.”

  Jared stretched his arm across the couch’s back, behind Courtney’s head. “It must have been hard.”

  “Not as much as you’d think. My dad had worked all the time anyway. Losing my mom was the hardest thing I ever went through, but our housekeeper made sure I did my homework. I spent weekends with her working for different charities. Cooking at soup kitchens, building homes, that sort of thing.”

  “Not the childhood I would have guessed,” he said.

  “What, you thought I went to boarding school and spent all my time shopping?”

  He grimaced because she’d absolutely nailed it. That’s exactly what he’d thought. He twisted in his seat. “You are a constant surprise and it’s very intriguing.”

  She leaned her head back, resting it on his arm, and turned toward him. “It’s funny. I don’t think anyone who knows me, knows about that part of my life. Not even my father.”

  Her words tugged at Jared’s heart. She might reside in New York, but the more he learned about her, the more he recognized she didn’t live there. Not really. Possibilities niggled at the back of his mind; possibilities he shouldn’t even consider. But he wanted to.

  Courtney shifted in her seat and moved closer to him. “If things were different. If no one was out there trying to hurt us, do you think... I mean, would you...”

  She glanced away from him but not before her cheeks reddened. He leaned into her.

  “If things were different, nothing would keep me from seducing you in every way I know how until you never wanted to leave.”

  The words left his lips before he could stop them.

  Her eyes dilated and she eased closer. “I’d like to pretend. Just for tonight.”

  Jared’s body tensed and he stilled. “The future—”

  She pressed her finger to his lips. “The future is tomorrow. We were interrupted once. I want tonight. I want all of you tonight, Jared.”

  He saw no hesitation in her eyes, just like that night a year and a half ago, but this time their senses weren’t dulled by tequila. He tugged her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her. She turned to face him and cupped his cheeks in her hands.

  She brought her mouth down to his and unleashed the passion. She straddled his hips and ground her pelvis against him. His body hardened under her.

  Jared thrust his hands into her short, silky hair and pressed open her lips. His tongue dueled with hers in an age-old ritual. Unlike the last time, he knew exactly where she longed to be touched.

  He nibbled at the base of her jaw and let his hands slip to the sides of her blouse down to her hips and tugged the material from her waist. In one easy movement he removed her shirt and lowered his mouth to the curve of her breast. She arched against him and her soft groan urged him onward.

  Soon she was nude from the waist up and he feasted on her curves, evoking shivers of ecstasy from her.

  Her hands clutched at his T-shirt and she pushed it over his head, her hands exploring the muscles of his chest. She pressed him back against the sofa and he let her touch him, her gentle fingers outlining the scrapes and burns from the fire. He didn’t feel anything but pleasure, though.

  His body hardened under her and when he couldn’t bear it any longer he lifted her up and stood.

  He could hear his labored breathing and hers. She explored his skin and slipped her fingers beneath the waist of his jeans. She flicked open the button and lowered his zipper, but he stilled her hands.

  “Not so fast,” he whispered. “You’re overdressed.”

  In no time, he’d removed the remainder of her clothes and she stood before him. Her body had changed since having Dylan. If anything, she was more beautiful than ever. He shirked his jeans and pulled her back into his arms, lowering her to the rug on the floor.

  She tugged him closer, then shifted her weight with a laugh, reversing their positions. She propped herself up on his chest and smiled down at him.

  “I like pretending.”

  “So do I.” He flipped her over and urged her legs apart. Once he’d slipped on a condom he paused, looking deep into her eyes.

  “You’re certain.”

  “Very.”

  Whereas before their movements had been frantic and heated, Jared didn’t want their lovemaking to end. Slowly, tenderly, he pressed inside her until he was buried deep. His head dropped onto her shoulder and he sighed.

  He was home.

  * * *

  A STRONG ARM rested on Courtney’s bare skin. For a moment, she couldn’t quite figure out where she was. Morning sun spilled through the curtains in Jared’s study.

  She lay cocooned in his arms, covered by a soft quilt.

  Last night she’d told him they could pretend. She’d lied. She didn’t want to pretend. She wanted last night to go on and on. She wanted every kiss, every touch to be real, but she knew she could never convince Jared. And how could she argue? She’d do anything to keep her family safe. Even at the expense of her own happiness. Or her own life.

  As would he.

  He’d proven it, and it was one of the reasons she...she loved him.

  Oh God. She loved him.

  Her chest tightened. She could hardly breathe as the truth settled over her heart. But she couldn’t doubt her feelings. She shared parts of herself with him no one else knew. He’d gifted her with his own heartbreaking past.

  She’d give anything to be able to heal him, to make the hurt go away. She cuddled down deeper against him.

  Jared tightened his arms around her.

  “Good morning,” he whispered, kissing her hair. He let his fingertip travel down her arms and she shivered at his touch.

  A loud cowbell rang outside. He let out a low curse. “Breakfast for the men. It must be six.”

  Courtney glanced at the phone Jared had laid beside their makeshift bed last night. Dylan had started squirming a bit. He’d make his presence known soon.

  She sat up and searched for her clothes. They were strewn near the sofa.

  “We probably can’t make it to our bedroom without someone seeing us.”

  “We can try,” she said.

  Jared grabbed his jeans and tossed her clothes to her. Quickly they dressed and Jared stuck his head out the door.

  “Clear,” he said and led her into the hallway
.

  They rushed toward their bedrooms just as Velma appeared from the kitchen. She took one look at them, grinned widely and turned back the way she’d come.

  “So much for sneaking around.”

  A loud pounding sounded on the front door.

  “I’ll get it,” Jared said, tucking his shirt into his pants.

  Courtney hovered out of sight. Maybe CTC had uncovered something.

  Jared opened the door to a blond-headed man wearing an expensive suit and a wide grin.

  “J.K.!” he shouted.

  “Derek.” Jared grinned and embraced the man. He shut the door and locked the dead bolt. “I’m glad you’re here. Roscoe will be thrilled. And surprised.”

  So, this was Roscoe’s son and Jared’s childhood friend. She’d never seen such a welcome on his face.

  Derek’s gaze paused on her. He smiled at Jared. “Have you got something to tell me?”

  Jared followed his line of sight. For a moment he paused. Courtney froze. Maybe he didn’t want her to meet his friend. Maybe—

  “This is the mother of my son,” Jared said, holding out his hand to her.

  Hesitantly, she made her way over to him and took her hand. He entwined his fingers with hers.

  “Your what?” Derek’s expression turned from a smile to shock.

  Courtney held out her hand. “I’m glad to meet you.”

  Derek grinned and pulled her in for a tight hug. “Anyone who got this guy to return to the land of the living deserves more than a handshake.”

  She smiled at him.

  “You done good, J.K. I can tell she’s a class act.”

  Courtney tucked her hair behind her ear. He was more like Velma than Roscoe, that was for sure.

  Derek crossed his arms in front of him. “I should’ve come back sooner. “Dad’s been emailing me and he didn’t say a thing about you two. Of course he didn’t say a word about the fire either.”

  Courtney met Jared’s gaze before he responded to his friend “It’s one of the reasons I’m glad you’re here.”

  At Jared’s solemn tone, Derek stilled. “The same reason you’re wearing a Glock?”

  In a clipped tone, Jared brought his best friend quickly up to date on everything. Derek whistled under his breath. “And the fire?”

  “May be related to Courtney. Maybe to the Criswells. We just don’t know and I need another set of eyes to keep everyone safe. Someone who knows this land like I do.”

  Derek glanced down at the floor, avoiding Jared’s gaze. “I haven’t lived here for a long time, J.K. I’m not sure I’m the best choice.”

  “That’s bull. You care about this place as much as I do. You always have.”

  For several moments Derek didn’t speak. Jared waited. Courtney could only hope his friend agreed. They needed all the help they could get.

  The furrow cleared from Derek’s brow. “You’ve got me. I’ll do whatever I can. Now, how’s Dad doing? Really.”

  Jared squeezed her hand tight and a light settled in his eyes. Courtney leaned into him. Piece by piece things were looking up.

  “Roscoe’s about like you’d expect,” Jared led them into the study. “Stubborn, but improving. He’s staying in the old wing of the house while he’s recuperating so Velma can keep an eye on him.”

  Derek grinned. “I’m sure he likes that. A lot.”

  “Please.” Jared shuddered. “Just don’t go there. I pretend I don’t know what’s going on between them, and I like it that way.”

  The expression on Derek’s face slipped a bit. “First I need to see Dad, then put me to work.”

  Jared slapped Derek on the back. “You bet. Go visit, and then we’ll figure it out. Man, I’m glad you’re here.”

  Derek grinned at his friend. “Me, too. It’s been much too long.”

  * * *

  AFTER A QUICK SHOWER—which he would have much rather shared with Courtney—Jared exited his room with a new attitude. Maybe their luck was changing. Derek had come home to help out. They’d discovered a connection between Courtney’s father and the money.

  The only problem with that was Courtney and Dylan would leave soon, and Jared would miss them. More than he could have imagined.

  He walked into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee.

  Velma grinned. “Derek the wanderer is back.”

  “He certainly is.”

  “Did I hear my name taken in vain?” Derek asked.

  Velma raced over to him and hugged him close. “Roscoe’s missed you. You need to come home more.”

  “Business has me hopping,” Derek said. He turned to Jared. “I’m heading to my room and get a shower and change out of my work digs into jeans and boots. Burberry and barns don’t mix.”

  “I’d agree with you there. Not to mention those shoes. Italian?”

  Derek nodded. “I checked in on Dad. He’s resting, so for now I’ll check in with Frank about where he wants me to stand guard. See you later?”

  Jared nodded. “Hey, Derek. Thank you. It means a lot that you’re here.”

  “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

  Derek disappeared into the old part of the house, and Jared scooped up an egg sandwich from the tray Velma had stacked on the sideboard. He sat down at the table and munched on his breakfast. Velma eyed him for several minutes before finally sitting across from him.

  She grinned with that knowing, scary expression that had terrified him from the time he’d gone through puberty.

  “What do you want to know that I’m not going to tell you?” he asked between bites.

  “I can’t believe he came home. His father’s been trying to tempt him for two years. I didn’t think I’d succeeded.”

  Jared eyed the coffee cake across the room. He rose and fetched the plate before returning to his seat. He took a large bite of the cinnamon and sugar treat and followed it with a large swallow of coffee. He nearly rolled his eyes in pleasure.

  With a shrug he took another bite. “I texted him after you called and let him know I needed him to convince Roscoe to the doc for a full physical.”

  Velma frowned at that. “The cough?”

  Jared nodded. This time his cake tasted almost like sawdust. “It doesn’t sound good.”

  “I know. I’ve been worried, too. Whatever the reason, I’m glad he’s here.”

  “Can you believe he jumped right in to help with the guard duty. With Tim injured, we could use all the help we can get.”

  Velma folded a napkin and took a deep breath. “Which brings me to another topic of conversation.”

  Jared flushed. “If it’s about this morning—”

  “I’m not a prude, boyo, but I am worried about you. And about Courtney and Dylan. Are you going to ask them to stay after this is all over?”

  Jared stared down at his cup. “I wish I could, but it’s not possible.”

  Velma shot to her feet. “I think what you’re doing is wrong. That little boy needs a daddy. Courtney needs a partner. And you, Jared, need someone who loves you more than anything in the world. Don’t let that SOB who stole your family five years ago win again.”

  Velma’s eyes went wide in shock and she spun away from him. She headed toward the laundry room and slammed the door.

  Courtney walked in and let out a low whistle. “I think you’re in trouble.”

  Jared flushed. “I’m sorry you had to hear that. She doesn’t understand.”

  Courtney stole a small piece of coffee cake from his plate and popped it in her mouth. “She understands perfectly. She doesn’t want you to live your life in fear.”

  “I explained to you what happened. I can’t risk your life or Dylan’s, not when the person who hates me is so willing to kill those closest to me.

  One sharp push and Courtney shoved her chair back. “I un
derstand, Jared. And maybe once we’ve caught the blackmailer I’ll feel differently, but right now, I need you by my side, and I’m getting used to it. The truth is, I’m not so sure I want to give you up when this is over.”

  She stalked out of the kitchen. Jared watched the sway of her hips as she turned the corner to head back to her bedroom. Was he a fool for paying attention to the past?

  A sudden wave of shouts hit just outside. Jared shot to his feet and raced to the front door. He met Tim coming up the stairs.

  “What’s wrong?” Jared asked. Tim’s recent cast had already taken on a shade of Texas dirt.

  “Frank and I were doing rounds on the west pasture. We found a slew of dead cattle and even more with tremors and convulsions. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  Jared’s face turned to stone except for the pulsing at his jaw. Tim took a step back and Jared forced himself to calm down.

  “What caused it?”

  Jared had a bad feeling he knew exactly what the culprit was.

  An older cowboy pushed in. “Someone salted the water.”

  The worst thing you could do to animals. And it wouldn’t only affect the cattle.

  “What’s the damage?” Jared asked.

  Tim shook his head. “No telling how many we lost. Or how many wild animals were poisoned. We blocked the watering hole but ever since Old Man Criswell dammed up the water, fresh is hard to come by. The cows were a bit dehydrated anyway, and that salt did them in.”

  Jared paced back and forth. Was this Criswell again? It had to be. Why would a blackmailer from Pennsylvania want to poison cattle in Texas? It didn’t make any sense.

  Jared faced Tim. “Take care of the carcasses,” he ordered. “We’ll need samples to send off to the lab to prove the cause. And I want you to keep an eye out for tire tracks, human tracks, bottles, anything that could point to the person who poisoned the water.”

  “I saw tire tracks. Like the ones behind the barn where the shot was fired. Same tread.”

  Jared rubbed his chin. “Really? We thought it might be a large truck. Like an F-350, didn’t we?”

  Tim nodded.

  Jared slammed his hat against his jeans. “You know what, Criswell has gone too far this time. I don’t know if it’s Ned or Chuck or both, but I’ve had it.” He turned to Tim and Frank. “What are you two waiting for? Get back out there.”