“I need you to stop trying to figure out where you’ve seen me.”
“I told you I already know where I saw you.”
She set her glass down and rested her elbows on her lap as she leaned forward. “Where you think you saw me.”
“We can go around and around forever. Why? What’s the big deal? So, we’ve seen each other before. Karma.”
“No.” Kimber sighed and moved back, or more like sank into her chair. “I told you once there were answers to questions I can’t answer. If you continue to force answers out of me, I will disappear.”
That got his attention. “Disappear? Like move away?”
“Something like that.”
He read her body language as she hugged herself, and her shoulders curled into protect mode. “You’re running from something. Don’t run from me.”
She rose from the chair and left the room—as much as he had expected. He watched her pad down the hallway to her bedroom, ponytail swishing back and forth, and he’d like to follow, but her walking away was definitely not an invitation. Zach stood, pacing corner to corner in the great room. The change in appearance down to her green contacts was all a disguise. He swept his fingers through his hair and stood near the hallway. “Kimber, what the hell do you want from me?”
She opened her door and came out, stood about three feet away, and peered at him. Her hair had been let down. He couldn’t control his fingers from picking up a thick lock. She now wore jeans and a short-sleeved button up shirt in light blue. “I want you to take care of my horses and jobs… I wanted you to…wanted nothing more than that. But…” She pushed past him. “Sit down.”
“Is that an order, ma’am?”
“Nothing is an order. It’s senseless to deny that I’m attracted to you—excited by you.”
He was damn attracted to her. Zach pulled his gaze away or before long he’d prove it, but he waited for her to speak.
“If you pursue information about me, I will be moved… Please. Please, Zach, don’t make that happen. I want it to work here, but I can’t push away the fact that you thrill me. Don’t be the cause of me leaving.”
He chewed on his lip while dwelling on her words, but no matter how hard he tried to avoid what she’d said, he couldn’t. It wasn’t the first time a woman said he excited her. Then it went nowhere. He couldn’t stand to have that happen again, not with Kimber. His thoughts went haywire, with flashes of words bouncing off each other. Words like trouble, cops, witness, running, escaping, hiding.
As if a crash of thunder had stopped them all, the word witness stood out among the rest in capital letters. A marshal owned this house. She’d been escorted here by two people with a look that wasn’t hers. Maybe a name too. “Oh, shit.” He lifted his eyes to hers, started to blurt out his suspicions, but he sucked the words back in. He got it now. “Okay.”
Chapter 12
“Okay? It’s hard to believe you’ll let it go that easily. Admit you’ve never seen me before?” Recognition showed in his eyes and attitude as if he had figured it out. He had agreed too easily like he suspected even more now.
“Yeah, something like that.” Zach leaned back, relaxed, and tilted his head against the cushioned back but covered yawning with his forearm. “Wow, sorry. It’s hitting me now how tired I am. I need to get busy to work through it.”
“Close your eyes for a spell. I’ll get the horses.”
“No, I can’t.” He stood abruptly. “I guess I better drink that coffee you brought me.” He yawned again, and this time his eyes watered.
Kimber pressed her palm against his chest and pushed. “Sit down. That is an order, cowboy.” She smiled. “It’s my ranch. I can take care of things for now, but I need you the other times.”
He sat. Zach leaned his head back and looked up at her. His beautiful eyes blinked slowly then closed. His long lashes covered them. His lips parted slightly. As hard as it was to peel her eyes away from him, she did. It’d been so long since she’d been with anyone, and up until now, it hadn’t mattered. Why fight it? She bent forward and brushed that whimsical lock of hair from his forehead. He opened his eyes and caught her wrist. “What are you doing?” he asked softly.
“Touching you. Shh. Sleep.” She lowered his hand to his lap while her insides screamed out to kiss him. She kissed his mouth softly. He smiled afterward. So did she.
Kimber finished her orange juice then slipped her feet into rubber boots and went outside. “Morning, you two.” She brought them out of their stalls and turned them out. Doing this each morning gave her joy. Back in the barn, she forked up some loose hay for the hanging hay feeder outside. The stalls weren’t too bad this morning and could be cleaned quickly. Last night, neither of the two hunky cowboys in her great room made a move to check the stalls, so when they left, she had mucked them out herself.
Once she got the feed mixed and dampened, she took the food baskets into their stalls. After filling their water buckets with water, she checked the outside trough and used a hose to top it off.
She turned around and Zach stood there. “Are you firing me again? I might deserve it this time for sleeping on the job.”
She smiled. “Don’t be silly. I encouraged your nap.”
“I’ll feed the horses.”
“I did but you can bring them back in. Their stalls are all cleaned.”
“Why do you need me around here? You’ve caught on fast.”
His eyes were bloodshot, but it took nothing away from the desire she saw there. Kimber took a big breath. “Hmm, let’s see now.” She folded her arms and lifted one hand to below her chin and glanced around to see what could be done. “The stable needs finished. Whoever started it didn’t get far. Besides, you’re growing on me.” She lowered her eyes and smiled. “It feels warm in here again.”
Zach removed his hat and swept his fingers through his hair, the act causing a flutter to her tummy. “You’re right. The air conditioner went out.”
“Let’s order the new one. I bet they’re more energy efficient than this old thing anyway.”
Zach took his phone out. “I’ll call the supply barn.” He walked away to talk. Kimber entered the feeding area and got food ready for their evening meal. She liked to keep things orderly and on a schedule. From her past experience and working with horses, she’d learned they liked a schedule too.
She hadn’t heard Zach come into the room, and she turned right into his chest, so close she had to put her palms against him.
Zach glanced at her hands against his body. “Are you making me sit again?” He teased with a sexy quirk to his lips.
Kimber laughed. “No, not this time.” He put his hands on her waist causing her to straighten her back and stand taller.
“I like to hear you laugh. You wanted me to admit I’m attracted to you. Okay. I am. What do we do about it?”
Zach clasped her hand and entwined their fingers. Both their hands were hot, his strong and rough. Whatever little spark glowed between them, had finally come to this. She focused on the rise and fall of her chest this close to him. The pulsating increase in blood flow coursed through her veins. His warm body drew her more into him. She lifted her eyes to find his glowing with longing. “Zach. I—”
“Kimber? You out here?”
Oh, no. She pulled away and left the room. “Jerry?” Zach came out behind her and Jerry’s facial features hardened. Zach now stood close. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ll bring the horses in.” Zach strutted away.
Kimber looked over her shoulder. The sexy swag he owned brought a warming glow to her chest as he went out the back door. Gulping, she attempted to bring her voice to a normal tone. This interruption had come at the wrong time.
“Something going on there?” Jerry nodded in the direction of the rear door.
“Why are you here? Aren’t we supposed to be separated from each other?”
“It’s about your phone call.”
Kimber almost laughed. She could’ve
been dead by now. “You mean the call about the owner of my ranch being a marshal? Don’t you think that was an important factor I should’ve known about?”
“No. Can we go somewhere else to talk?”
“Hold on.” Kimber met Zach at the back door and walked with him toward Major’s stall. “I have to take care of some business. What did you find out about a new AC unit?”
He glanced at Jerry outside of the barn. “Jake has it in stock now. We’ll install it later today, then he’ll have his heating and cooling guy inspect it.”
Kimber gripped his sleeve. “Thank you for taking care of it for me. We’ll pick up where we left off later?”
He smiled subtly. “No problem.” His gaze shot to Jerry again then he went to where he waited. “I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself. Zachary Bryson.”
The cop came out in his body language as Jerry shook Zach’s hand. “You were supposed to be here the day we arrived.”
“Yeah, about that…”
“No need to explain.” Jerry tilted his head around Zach. “Ready, Kimber?”
“Thank you,” she said on the way out. “I’ll see you this afternoon, Zach.” Oh, pulling her gaze away from his didn’t come easy.
Before they reached her back door, Jerry questioned, “It’s going well with you two? How’s he working out?”
“Hah, I fired him once but it was a mistake, so I rescinded it. He’s working out.” Working out all right, and every hard muscle proved it.
Inside, Jerry locked the door behind them. “The guy is capable of protecting you if the need arises. Per your phone call, what’s this about him knowing Frank?”
She called him out on what he tried to sneak past her, “Wait. I won’t need his protection. That’s why I’m here.” Kimber frowned. “Zach doesn’t know Frank. He isn’t from around here, but you know that. Want some coffee?”
He glanced at two mugs on the counter. “You sure you don’t have something to tell me?”
“Nope.” She knew what he meant as soon as he spotted Zach’s mug. “He stopped early this morning. It’s none of your business, Jerry. I’m following the rules. Where’s Melinda?”
“I don’t know where she is. She’s no longer part of my life. Don’t change the subject. For the next year or so I’ll be worried about you more than usual. Don’t expect me not to. You know I think of you as a daughter. I worry like a father.”
Kimber rinsed the cups. “There is no subject to change. But yes, people in this town talk, and someone mentioned to him Frank Brooks was a retired marshal.” Kimber spun on him. “What do you know about that?”
“I knew you’d learn about it one day. But it means nothing. Frank is a good friend. A very good friend. I knew this place sat empty. Who else would understand?” Jerry took a seat at the table and shoved one out for her.
“I’m thrilled and appreciative of what you’ve done for me. It’s good you came out of concern. The only reason I called was because I was nervous and still skeptical, but I’m not now. I’ve met a few of the families around here—other ranch owners. This is beginning to feel like home. I hope you aren’t considering taking me away.”
“Are you comfortable knowing your foreman knows about Frank? If he’s made the connection, you know what that means.” Jerry paced around the kitchen a few times then looked out the window.
“He hasn’t.” Lying to Jerry wasn’t following the rules, but she didn’t want him to worry. “It came out in casual conversation when we were talking about my land.”
Zach’s truck started and he left. No wonder Jerry’s gaze pierced the outside. “He’s a nice guy. Hiring Zach was the right decision. I don’t know much about him—”
“He was a soldier and got shot up with a friend who also lives in this town.”
“Randy Drake is his buddy here.”
“Affirmative. You met him?”
“Yeah, but I didn’t know you did. I met him and others at a horse clinic I attended my third week here. Randy put it on.” Zach had been shot up? This caused her heart to clench. It explained a lot of things and also the camaraderie between he and Randy.
“Mr. Bryson wasn’t picked at random to work here.”
Oh? She huffed. “Seeing him on the plane wasn’t a coincidence?”
“No, it was all coincidence. It was also a coincidence that he lives in Idaho, and we boarded the same plane. When we chose him, he lived here and came highly recommended for the job, though of course we knew his background before deciding.”
Kimber shook her head, confused. “Frank told you about him? You thought I’d move here and fall apart, so you found a soldier to watch over me?”
“It’s not like that. I’m sorry for underestimating you. Frank knew Randy Drake and another guy here. They in turn, knew Zach.”
“Dane Carlson is also a soldier. Him?” Reaching for her necklace, she rolled her eyes at Jerry. Her necklace! She casually brought the stone around the chain to the back of her neck out of sight.
“I guess,” Jerry said nonchalantly. “Yes.”
“How soon you forget that I’m an intelligent woman who happened to fall in love with the wrong man, once. It’ll never happen again. Give me some credit.”
“I’m glad to see you sticking up for yourself. I don’t think Tressa would’ve.”
Kimber flashed him a stern look. “Who? I’m sorry, I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
Jerry grinned.
“Who recommended Zach?” Kimber checked a text from the man himself: See ya later on after lunch. I’ll be back with a couple guys.
She replied: Thanks for letting me know.
Kimber peered at Jerry who had remained quiet. “Who recommended him? Then he does know?” Why had Jerry seemed so worried about Zach knowing then?
“You don’t listen very well. No, he knows nothing unless you have something else to tell me.”
“Stop. This is my turf. I’m handling it, and as hard as it may be, I’m moving on.”
“All right. Good.” Jerry stood and removed keys from his pocket without any more detail about Zach, Randy, or the other guy. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Take care of yourself, Kimber. Remember, I’m here if you need me. Listen, I have some news to give you before I leave. After your call, I took it upon myself to investigate the Bryson family. The business should be profitable long-term. It’ll be a good move on your part as long as you can deal with Mr. Bryson as a business partner.”
Hmm, she’d deal with Mr. Mood-Man. “How are my parents and sister?”
“Kimber…” Jerry sighed. “They’re doing okay. Be contented knowing that much.”
“Come here.” Kimber pulled Jerry into a hug. “It’s good to see you. You take care of yourself. Do you miss Melinda?”
“No. She’s a whole story in herself. For a time, I thought we could start over… I don’t care to discuss it. If she contacts you again, let me know.” Jerry turned at the door. “The little bit of sun on your skin fits you. This placement was the right decision. Don’t you have a horse to ride or something?” The seriousness left his voice and he chuckled. “Take care.”
Kimber grew curious as to what went on between Jerry and Melinda. Had they had a love affair that faded with time? Her thoughts went back to the conversation with Zach. What do we do about our mutual attraction? The little voice of intuition whispered—take it slow. Take a chance. But her body shouted—take it now and as it comes.
***
Wade Emory and the installer parked behind Zach’s truck. No one told Zach, he’d be the one to come along with the AC installers. Kimber wasn’t at home, but she’d texted him where to find the key if he needed to get inside, and the alarm hadn’t been set.
A carafe of coffee and disposable cups waited in the office with sugar and powdered cream in sealed tin cans. Zach texted Kimber: This unit has supplemental heat.
He looked up from his phone at Wade staring at him. “You need something?” Zach never intended sarcasm but it came out
that way. He’d have to deal with the man on a regular basis, so he might as well make the best of it when he had to.
“Where’s your boss today?”
Hah, great. “I don’t keep track of her.” Zach had no idea where she ventured. He told her he’d be back with the installers, assuming she’d be here to give her own supervision. Zach crouched to watch the two guys do a one-man job. He sipped his coffee.
Kimber texted: This is Arizona. We need heat? She inserted a smiley emoji.
Zach laughed and replied: We’ll find out.
Again, he peered at Wade who had a frown on his face. Zach finished the coffee and left them to work. He put a halter on Major and took a rope from the tack room, then led him to the corral to exercise him. And to work out some of his own frustrations.
He couldn’t understand this jealousy he felt inside over Wade’s interest in Kimber. It wasn’t like him. You’d think Wade had never seen a redhead before. But if his suspicions were correct, and he knew damn well they were, Kimber wasn’t a redhead. “Come on over here, boy.” Zach removed the halter and let the horse run free while he went back into the tack room for a bridle.
Outside, Major fought with getting the bit in his mouth, but succumbed when he was good and ready. Zach leapt onto his back. Major reared up when Zach kicked in his heels and they left the ring, galloping forward in a straight line. He gave Major control and squeezed his thighs against the horse. He removed his hat for a moment. This is what he’d needed—sun on his face and wind through his hair. They slowed. He shook wind-tangled hair from his face and put his hat back on, now refreshed and awake.
Kimber wouldn’t leave his thoughts. Curiosity about drove him mad. If she was in hiding then her life might’ve been in danger. The only thing he knew for certain was she got on the plane in Boise accompanied by two people. One of them being the guy who visited today. Is that why he came here—to move her? Where had Kimber gone this afternoon? His heart drummed as hard as Major’s.
“Hooo, boy.” They turned around and trotted and eventually walked back to the ranch. Kimber’s vehicle sat in the drive. The tenseness in his gut lessened. Zach dismounted and rinsed and dried off Major, then took him into his stall, patting his neck. “Good boy.” He rinsed the bit and cleaned off the bridle.
Finding Kimber (Canyon Junction; Hearts In Love Book 2) Page 16
