“Much better.” She squirmed until her lips were hovering close to his. “The coffee and bread pudding are still waiting in the kitchen.”
“Mmm. Remind me again around midnight—or later,” he said and then muffled her laugh with a kiss.
* * *
“Are you asleep over there?”
Connor glanced away from the computer screen and over to Joseph, who was sitting at his desk, his chin propped on the heel of his hand. Their shift had ended more than an hour ago, but both men had chosen to stay to do what digging they could toward solving Joel’s cause of death.
So far, they’d located two cattle haulers Joel sometimes hired whenever he’d purchased something from the sale ring. Unfortunately, neither man had been able to supply any helpful information.
Connor said, “I’m not sleeping. I’m thinking.”
Grunting, Joseph said, “That’s a scary thought. When you think, it always means trouble.”
No one knew that better than Connor himself. Two days had passed since he’d spent three-fourths of the night in Jazelle’s bed and ever since then he’d not been able to shut off the memories. She’d made love to him with a passion that had stunned him. Now all he wanted was to have her back in his arms, his lips on hers, their bodies connected.
Clearing his throat, he tried to shake the erotic thoughts away and focus his attention on Joseph. “Yeah, but sometimes trouble is needed to get things rolling. And that’s what we need right now, Joe, to get your father’s case steamrolling forward.”
“True.” Joseph wiped a hand over his face. “Yesterday, Tag and I searched more area north of the well pump.”
“Did you find anything?”
“No. And I’ve decided it’s time to end those rides. We have those few scraps of Dad’s shirt and his spur rowel. And we know exactly where they were located. That’s enough to give us an idea of Dad’s location when he died. Besides, it always makes me damned depressed to ride over that particular part of the ranch and think about what he must’ve gone through.”
“I agree with you, Joe. To make any progress, we have to locate the woman your father was seeing at the sale barn. And I think I have an idea of how to do it.”
Joseph merely looked at him. Years of searching with little results had tempered the man’s hope for uncovering the truth of the incident.
“Tell me,” he said.
Connor swiveled his chair so that he was facing his partner. “We need to visit the stockyards at Phoenix and ask questions.”
Joseph let out a tired groan. “Connor, what the hell do you think Uncle Gil has been doing? He’s already made several trips down there and struck out.”
“I know that! But the stockyards has to be our starting point. And this time, you and I are going to take flyers and pass them out.”
Joseph frowned at him. “Flyers? What’s going to be on these flyers? We’re searching for a blond-haired woman who might’ve had an affair with Joel Hollister?” he asked sarcastically.
“Damn, Joe. What’s the matter with you? You don’t think that about your father.”
Joseph’s shoulders slumped against the back of the desk chair. “No. Not for one second have I ever believed Dad was unfaithful to Mom. I’m just damned tired of not knowing—of getting nowhere with this.”
Rising from his seat, Connor walked over and rested a hip on the corner of Joseph’s desk. “Listen, I think we need to treat this like a missing person case. Right now, our main focus is to find a certain woman. So we’ll put a picture of your dad on the flyer and the time period he attended the auctions, along with inquiries about the unidentified woman. If the right person sees it and puts two and two together, we might just get a lead.”
Joseph thoughtfully weighed Connor’s suggestion. “A missing person case, huh? Buddy of mine, you might just be on to something. Find her and we’ll find some answers.”
Connor grinned. “That’s the way I see it.”
“When can we go?” Joseph directed the question to himself as much as to Connor. “Sales only happen on Wednesday and Saturday. Otherwise, the only people around the barns would be the workers.”
“Hmm. We definitely need to go when the auction is taking place,” Connor agreed. “And we need to get the flyers made up. Next Wednesday is probably the soonest we could go. We have that day off, but not Saturday.”
Joseph sighed. “Yeah, I looked at our schedule this morning. What about you? Do you have anything planned for Wednesday?”
For the past two days, Connor’s plans had revolved around seeing Jazelle again—anytime or anywhere he could manage. But, so far, both of them had been tied up with work.
“No. I can go Wednesday,” he said.
There must’ve been a hint of reluctance in his voice because Joseph shot him a meaningful look. “You did have something planned, but you don’t want to disappoint me.”
“Hell, Joe, I said no. We’re going on Wednesday. It’s settled.”
Joseph crossed his arms across his chest. “You’re thinking you wanted to save that day for Jazelle. Right?”
Connor wasn’t going to lie to his friend. “I was. But I have no idea what Jazelle might be doing that day. And, anyway, she’d understand about this thing with Joel’s investigation. She wants the mystery solved just as much as anyone in your family wants it.”
Joseph left the desk chair and walked over to the coffeepot. As he filled a foam cup, he said, “Jazelle came to work at the ranch probably about a year after Dad died. She never got the chance to meet him, but she’s heard plenty of stories about him.”
Connor thoughtfully watched Joseph stir powdered creamer into the drink. “Jazelle hasn’t had much of a father figure in her life. She told me she was thirteen when her father left the family. She defends his reasons for divorcing her mother. Still, I can tell she feels he deserted her.”
“One time I walked into the kitchen at Three Rivers and heard Reeva cursing the man up one side and down the other.”
Connor stared at him. “Sherman Hutton was at Three Rivers?”
“No. That was the reason Reeva was cursing the man. She was fighting mad because it was Jazelle’s twenty-first birthday and Mom was throwing a party for her. The man didn’t bother to show up or even call his daughter to wish her a happy day. To some folks, I guess that’s trivial stuff, but Reeva told me that Jazelle had gone upstairs crying. I think a few days later, he called and apologized for missing her birthday, but I figure the apology was too little, too late.”
Jazelle crying. Just the thought of it tore at Connor. If he ever met Sherman Hutton personally, he’d have a hard time keeping his hands from wrapping around the man’s neck. “What a bastard,” he stated.
Joseph sank into the chair at his desk. “You know, Connor, I used to feel sorry for myself because I lost Dad. He was still a young man and I expected to have him around for a long time. But when I think about Jazelle’s broken family, then you never having a mother and losing your father...well, I see now just how blessed I’ve been.”
Connor pushed his hip off Joseph’s desk and ambled restlessly around the small office. “I tell you what I think, Joe. Raine needs a daddy like Little Joe and Spring have. The boy needs that more than anything.”
“I’ll tell you what I was thinking the other night when Tessa and I babysat Raine. I was thinking the boy needs you for a daddy. And, frankly, you need him.”
Connor let out a cynical snort. “You’re losing it, Joe! You want the kid’s life ruined? A man has to know how to comfort and nurture. He has to know when to use a firm hand or a soft one. He needs to understand when he’s spoiling a child too much, or not enough. And that’s only a part of being a dad.” Pausing, he shook his head. “I don’t have that in me, Joe.”
“You’d be surprised what you have in you if you’d just bother to look.” Joseph sipped his coffee before
adding, “Raine carries the arrowhead in his pocket all the time. He told Tessa the piece of flint was going to bring him a daddy.”
Oh, God. Oh, no. He couldn’t allow the child to hang his hopes on him, Connor thought. No more than he could let Jazelle start believing their relationship was a long-term thing.
Swallowing hard, he said, “Wonder where the boy got that idea? I certainly didn’t give it to him. And I don’t believe Jazelle would suggest such a thing to her son.”
“Connor, children get ideas on their own.”
Shaking his head, Connor walked to the opposite side of the room and stared unseeingly at the huge map of Yavapai County hanging on the wall.
“I wish you hadn’t brought any of this up, Joe. I was having a good day until you ruined it with all this family talk.”
“Well, pardon me,” Joseph muttered. “I’ve been getting the impression that you’re getting serious about Jazelle.”
“I don’t know why. I’ve only dated her twice.” Even to Connor’s own ears that sounded stupid. So much had been packed into those hours he’d spent with Jazelle. He already knew how it felt to hold her in his arms, to taste the sweetness on her lips and hear her soft whispers in his ear.
Joseph chuckled. “Once is all it takes. I’ve told you before how I took one look at Tessa and flipped for her.”
“Well, I don’t think I’ve flipped for Jazelle. We’re just...enjoying each other’s company, that’s all.”
Joseph was raking him with a dubious look when Connor’s phone dinged with the notification of a new message.
He went to his desk to check the phone and was totally surprised to see Jazelle had sent him a text message.
I don’t know if you’re anywhere near my house or whether you’re on duty, but I’m bringing a basket full of food from the ranch home with me. Raine and I would love for you to have dinner with us. If you’re able, please let me know. XO
Frowning, he looked over at Joseph. “What does it mean when a message is signed off with an XO?”
Joseph laughed. “You, the playboy of Yavapai County, don’t know what that means? I take everything back I’ve ever said about your womanizing. You need to get out more.”
Pulling a smirk at him, Connor said, “Well, I should’ve kept my damned mouth shut and just tried to figure it out myself.”
Chuckling to himself, Joseph stood and walked over to where Connor was still holding the phone. “Who’s that from, anyway? Not from the sheriff, I’m assuming. Our boss wouldn’t be sending you love and hugs and kisses.”
Connor’s eyes widened on his friend’s face. “That’s what it means? Really?”
“Yes, really. Now, who’s it from? The little black-haired waitress from Congress?”
“Julie?” He snorted a laugh. “The only thing she wants to give me is a hard slap across the face. Uh, this is Jazelle. She’s invited me to have dinner at her place. I don’t know what to tell her. We’re off duty, but still on call. As soon as I get my plate filled, I might have to jump up and leave.”
“If you do, Jazelle will understand.” Joseph reached over and gave Connor’s shoulder an affectionate shake. “Tell her you’ll be there. That’s what you really want to do, isn’t it?”
There was no point in lying to himself or Joseph. He wanted to be with Jazelle again. No matter the circumstances.
“It is.” He pulled the phone closer and rapidly typed a reply.
I’ll be there at 6:30.
He slipped the phone into his shirt pocket then, in afterthought, pulled it out and added an XO at the end of his message.
Seeing Joseph was grinning at him like a Cheshire cat, Connor explained, “That might get me an extra helping on my plate.”
“Sure, Connor,” Joseph said dryly. “I’m positive an extra helping of food is the only thing on your mind.”
At this moment, Connor would hate for his partner to read the erotic thoughts parading through his mind. “Don’t worry. Raine makes a great chaperone.”
Joseph snickered, but Connor didn’t laugh along with him. Not when every cell in his body was aching to make love to Jazelle again.
Chapter Ten
“Mommy, why do I have to take a bath now? I might get dirty again before bedtime and then you’ll make me wash all over again.”
“You’re not going to take a bath,” Jazelle corrected her son. “You’re going to take a shower. A quick one, at that. Now jump in there and get to scrubbing. Connor will be here before you get dressed.”
She handed Raine a washcloth and a bar of soap, then positioned him beneath the spray of warm water. “You and Nick must have rolled in the dirt down at the horse barn. You have it all over you.”
As the boy began to wash his face, trails of muddy water raced down his chest. “Nick was pulling me in a Radio Flyer. That’s a wagon. Did you know that, Mommy? And we went so fast that dust was going all on me. It was super fun!”
Thank God for Blake’s teenage son, Jazelle thought. Having a little twin sister and brother, he was excellent at corralling young kids and keeping them happy at the same time. She’d had a very busy day at Three Rivers serving a huge lunch to a group of cattle buyers. All throughout the event, she’d not had to worry about what Raine might be getting into.
“I’m sure it was,” Jazelle replied. “And now you’re going to get to see Connor again. You’re having a fun day all around, aren’t you?”
“I sure am!” He squinted at her through a face full of soap bubbles. “Is Connor going to be wearing his badge? He might let me touch it. Do you think he will?”
“If you ask him nicely, he probably will. But he might not be wearing his badge. You’ll just have to wait and see,” she told her son, while wondering how one afternoon with the man had been enough for Raine to form such a deep bond with the man.
Jazelle, forget about the quick bond Raine has made with Connor. You jumped into bed with the man at the end of your second date! He’s probably already labeled you as fast and loose—just like the other women who’ve walked in and out of his life.
Trying not to let that miserable thought drag down her high spirits, she grabbed a bottle of shampoo and squirted a small amount on the top of Raine’s head. “Wash that out of your hair and rinse off.”
“Then I can get out of here?” he asked, as though the last couple of minutes had been enough torture.
“Yes, you may. And after you dry off, put on the clothes that I’ve laid on your bed.”
She left him to finish the shower and hurried out to tidy the living room. Her little house didn’t have a dining room, but she took pains in setting the kitchen table with her best dishes, then went to her bedroom to change into a fresh dress.
She was attaching a pair of silver hoops to her ears when Raine came racing into the room.
“I’m all ready,” he announced as he came to a screeching halt on the toes of his sneakers.
From her view in the mirror, she noticed he’d made an effort to brush his hair, but part of the crown was a lopsided lump.
“You look very handsome,” she told him.
Grinning, he held out his palm for her to see. “I have my arrowhead, too. I showed it to Nick and he said it’s a mighty fine one! So I got to tell Connor. Do you think we could go hunt for more arrowheads, Mommy? If you ask him, he might take us there again.”
The eager excitement on her son’s face was a precious sight, but it also sent a prick of unease through her. Should she sit her son down and try to explain that Connor was just a friend, who might not always be around?
Ever since she and Connor had taken their relationship to a deeper level, the question had been on Jazelle’s mind. But then, she’d continued to tell herself that Raine was too young to understand.
“I think it might be better if you ask him yourself.” The child would be putting Connor on the spot, she r
ealized, but if the man ever intended to be a part of their lives, he needed to get a glimpse of everything.
Raine suddenly looked worried. “He might tell me no.”
She gave the top of his wet head an affectionate scruff. “I tell you no sometimes, too. But that doesn’t hurt you.”
Pursing his lips, he admitted, “It makes me mad when you tell me no.”
Laughing, she gave his bottom a playful swat and ushered him out of the room. “You go watch for Connor, while I finish getting dinner ready.”
* * *
Since Connor’s shift had ended earlier today, he’d had plenty of time to change out of his uniform before going to Jazelle’s. However, as he’d pulled on his jeans and a button-up shirt, Raine and his fascination for Connor’s badge, had crossed his mind.
Now, as he parked his truck behind Jazelle’s old vehicle, he wondered if the boy would be pleased with the little gift he’d brought him.
“Connor! You’re here!”
Connor barely had time to climb to the ground before Raine was at his side, grinning up at him. His little freckled face was just as dear as he remembered and Connor was amazed at how happy it made him to see the child again.
“Well, look at you! I think you’ve grown an inch since I’ve seen you!”
He let out a loud giggle. “Mommy says she’s going to put a rock on my head if I keep growing taller.”
“Oh, no,” Connor said with a chuckle. “We won’t let her do that. You’re going to be a tall man.”
“Like you?”
“Sure. Maybe even taller.” He placed a hand on Raine’s shoulder and urged him toward the house.
“Wow. Then we’ll be alike. That’ll be fun!”
The child was assuming Connor would be around by the time he grew to six feet tall and, considering that Raine was five going on six, that meant at least ten years into the future. Connor never planned ahead more than a few days at a time, much less a whole year. He’d never promised anyone he’d be around for the long haul. Except for Joseph. He’d always promised to have his partner’s back, to be there if he ever needed him. But Raine was a different matter. Sticking around for the boy’s future meant he’d be with Jazelle.
Her Man Behind the Badge Page 14
