Possessive Protectors [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance)

by Paige Cameron

  “Because they didn’t have sufficient evidence to hold you.”

  He pulled into the parking garage of her condo to try to avoid the reporters. He waited until she was on the elevator. She saw him back up as the elevator doors closed.

  Natalie threw clothes into a suitcase, mainly jean, shorts, and casual tops. She took one suit and a dress just in case. Then she packed other necessities in an overnight bag. She was ready when Gray returned.

  “A woman who’s prompt. I like that.” He picked up her suitcase and overnight bag and led the way to his car. “I’ll leave my auto in the parking garage. I can’t stay long.”

  At the airport, his firm, warm hand on her back made her feel protected from the crowds of people rushing back and forth. Upon boarding the plane, the flight attendant greeted them.

  “Mr. Callahan, it’s nice to see you flying with us again.” She smiled at Nat and indicated where their seats were located before turning to greet the other passengers.

  After they’d gotten settled, Gray handed her the papers given to him at the precinct. “Read them, and then we’ll discuss certain issues.”

  Nat gave a little gasp when she read Tom’s latest woman friend had lied and told the detectives Nat had threatened Tom’s life. Farther down the detectives had noted there was a five-million-dollar life-insurance policy that Tom had, and the recipient of the money, if he died, was Natalie. According to his lawyer and his appointment book, he had arranged to meet with his insurance agent and change the beneficiary the morning after his death.

  She raised her head and looked at Gray. People were moving around in the aisle, taking loudly and generally making a lot of noise getting settled. Gray shook his head and put a finger over his lips. Nat finished reading the last bit and handed the papers back to him. For the first time, she was really frightened. With so little evidence, could they railroad her into prison for something she didn’t do?

  Once the plane took off and reached altitude, the flight attendants moved up and down the aisle making sure everyone was comfortable. Several conversations were going on around her and Gray. He leaned close to her. “Did you know about the insurance?”

  “Yes, it came out in the divorce. I’d known before but not the amount. Tom was secretive about money. I was shocked. I told him he needed to get the beneficiary changed weeks ago. With the divorce final in just two weeks I thought he’d already done it.”

  Gray nodded. Nat wished she could read his mind. She’d like to know what he thought about the case, not just what he’d say to make her feel better.

  When the noise level had lowered, Gray put his arm around her and pulled her close. “This way we can whisper. No one will pay any attention to us.”

  Nat liked the warmth radiating from his body, his strong arm holding her snug, and resting against the hard muscles in his chest.

  His hand brushed across the top of her head. Then he tipped her chin upwards. “Did you verbally threaten him?”

  “He made me so angry a few times that I wanted to. But I don’t think I ever did.”

  “Try to remember. If you did, those detectives will find the person who you spoke to. The one they have reporting it now is a girlfriend. They know we can make it look like she was jealous and she’s doing this for attention or some such reason. But a reliable person might hurt your defense.”

  She sat straight and closed her eyes, trying to recall the past nine months and all they’d gone through trying to finalize the divorce. And then she remembered. Her hand went to her mouth, and she opened her eyes.

  “Who is it?” Gray asked. He’d apparently been watching her.

  “An associate at Tom’s father’s firm where Tom was a senior vice president. I’d gone by to get Tom to sign some papers and had just come out of his office. Tom had said he would sign them, but when I got there he’d decided his attorney had to read them first. I left the papers with him. Al Ubel stepped out of his office and waved me down.” Nat licked her lips. “He asked how things were going. I said not so well. He laughed and said he was sorry, but he’d been through a divorce and there was no way they can be pleasant.”

  Natalie frowned and shook her head. “Teasingly, I said if I’d known of all the problems it would have been easier just to shoot him. I’m afraid to ask, but no one has told me how Tom died.”

  Gray’s hazel eyes had turned dark brown. He wore his solemn attorney persona, and she knew before he said the words. “He was shot right through the heart.”

  “Oh, my.” Tears welled in Nat’s eyes. “I’m in deep trouble, aren’t I?”

  “You could be. But Holt and I will see you through this. We’ll find the truth.”

  When they landed, Nat thought they’d rent a car to drive to the ranch, but she was surprised to see her father and Boyd waiting for them. She smiled at Gray.

  “You called them.”

  “Your dad would have beat me if I hadn’t let him know.”

  Nat ran forward. Her dad grabbed her up in his arms.

  “My baby girl’s home,” he whispered in her ear before setting her back on her feet. Her brother swung his arm around her.

  “You all right?”

  “I am now. Thanks for meeting us.”

  Gray led the way to the luggage area. Once they had their bags, Boyd, who’d gone ahead, pulled up in the loading zone to get them. Her father climbed in front with Boyd. She and Gray got in the back. Soon they were on a long highway headed home.

  Her father questioned Gray. Gray told them about the papers and the evidence they had. “I have Holt Ramm investigating. Do you remember him? He’s come home with me a few times over the years.”

  “Your old college buddy. I thought he was in the service,” Boyd said.

  “He was. He got out about three years ago and showed up at my office. I hired him immediately. He’s been invaluable on a number of my cases. He’ll find out what really happened.”

  “Why’d he get out? I thought he was one of those special services guys,” her dad asked.

  “Don’t know. He’s not much of a talker.”

  “Whatever, I’m glad he’s here to help us with this problem.” Her father turned to face the front. “We’ll be home soon.”

  For Nat it couldn’t be soon enough.

  * * * *

  Nothing seemed to have changed. A full moon shone over the distant mountains and the ranch house was surrounded by flowers and on one side a large vegetable garden. Whenever she returned a weight lifted off her shoulders. It angered her mother immensely that Nat remained so close to her family and friends in Triple Dare County.

  Her father put his arm around her as they walked inside. “Did you let your mother know where you’d be?”

  “No. Thank goodness she’s on a seven-day cruise. I thought I’d let her enjoy it. She’ll get excited enough when she returns.” Once Nat remembered her mother was on the cruise she’d taken the easy way out and decided to wait on calling her.

  “I suppose you’re right,” her father said. “But she’ll manage to blame me that you didn’t get in touch with her.”

  “I know. If you want me to, I’ll call her.”

  “Don’t worry, honey. I have broad shoulders.”

  Boyd started to take her suitcases to her room. Gray stopped him.

  “I’m taking her to my cabin. If the reporters come snooping you can tell them she’s not here. My fathers won’t let strangers on their property, so she’ll be safe from them for a while. Though we won’t be able to keep them away from her forever.”

  “Good idea,” her father said. “Art took me by your place on my last visit. You did a good job. But how the hell did you talk your fathers out of that prime piece of property?”

  Gray chuckled. “I’m their only son. They want me to come home more often.”

  “I figured, being a lawyer, that you outtalked the two of them.”

  “No. I can’t fool them that way. Look, I hate to rush, but Monday I have to be back in the city. We’d bette
r go on and get settled in the cabin before it gets any later.”

  “Not until you’ve eaten the fine dinner I’ve held for you all.” May stood in the kitchen doorway. She had her hands on her hips and a look in her eye that told Gray he’d better concede.

  “May.” Gray picked her up and swung her around. “You know I’d never miss one of your good dinners. Show me the way to the table.”

  May swatted his arm. “You are too handsome and too sweet-talking for your own good.” She motioned them all into the dining room. “Sit. I’ll get the food.”

  “I’ll help May.” Nat followed her and helped set the delicious-smelling dishes on the table. May brought the last dish, a large roast, to set in the middle. She sat at the end opposite Angus and said a short prayer before they began filling their plates with mashed potatoes, green beans, roast, gravy, rolls, and salad.

  “This is a feast,” Nat said. “I haven’t had much of an appetite, but I can’t resist this delectable food. Where’s Daddy Tim?”

  “His favorite mare is sick. The vet and he are in the barn,” Angus said. “He hated not being here to greet you, but he knew you’d understand.”

  “Nat, I told your father you’d need to eat to stay strong. You’ve lost weight since your last visit. Which, by the way, has been too long ago.”

  “Thank you, May, for all of this and the welcome.” Tears filled her eyes. She blinked quickly, trying to hide them.

  May jumped up and went around the table to hug her. “You’re going to be just fine.” She nodded at Gray. “You’ve got the best-looking lawyer in all the country, and the fastest talker. How can you lose?” Her teasing description of Gray had them all laughing.

  When they’d finished, Gray thanked May and insisted they head to his place. May relented and sent dessert, a chocolate pie, with them.

  Gray borrowed her brother’s pickup. Soon they were headed farther west, the bright moon, a ribbon of silver, lighting their path.

  “Tired?” Gray asked.

  “Yes. Arriving here, I just let go and relaxed. All the tired feelings I’d been ignoring jumped on me.”

  “I suspected as much. You looked pale. But the food you ate will help increase your energy. Tomorrow, that is, not tonight.”

  They passed the main entrance to his fathers’ ranch and after about five miles took a right turn, went through two gates, and then Gray drove another four or five miles. Nat saw the lights on in the cabin.

  “You called your fathers?”

  “Yes. No one will be here at this hour, but they promised someone would check on the cabin and leave the lights on.”

  “It’s more comfy and homey to drive up to a place when the lights are on to greet you.”

  Gray glanced at her. “I think you’re right.” He stopped the car and got out. “Here’s the key. Unlock the door. I’ll bring the suitcases in.”

  Nat walked along the cobbled walkway to the door. The key worked smoothly in the lock. She stepped in and let the scene fill her with comfort. A huge unlit fireplace filled most of the wall at the end. The furniture was soft, homey, perfect for the setting. Side tables sat at each end of the sofa and beside the lounge chair and the rocker. Several books were on the table by the lounge chair. She walked in farther and saw the large eat-in kitchen to the left. Straight ahead was a short hallway with a bedroom and bath on each side. Above the bedrooms overlooking the living room was a loft.

  Gray put down the last suitcase and shut the door. Nat stood in the middle of the living room with her hands clasped.

  “Do you like my place?”

  “I love it. It’s perfect and so are the interior decorations. The cinnamon scent even makes the place smell welcoming.”

  “Can’t take credit for that. Mom and my sisters took charge while I was in the city. I came home to a completed cabin in all ways.”

  “But you do like it?”

  “It’s fine. All I really needed was the television, lounge chair, and a bed. But I like the rest.”

  “You’d better say that or you’ll never be forgiven by the women in your family.”

  “There are advantages and disadvantages to having three sisters.”

  Gray took her suitcases and put them in the bedroom to the left. The white-and-yellow bedspread and curtains brightened the room. Two large windows framed the woods behind the cabin.

  “To the left is the bath. Just treat this place as home for however long you have to stay. I’m going to brew some coffee. Join me when you’re ready.”

  “Thanks.” Nat sat on the side of the queen-size bed. She’d suddenly felt weak in the knees. Since the detectives arrived at her door her nice, calm world had speeded up and gone out of her control. Her whole future depended on how good a lawyer Graydon Callahan, was and whether his cold, slightly scary investigator could find the clues to her innocence.

  She attributed the aberrant feeling of sexual awareness they’d both aroused in her briefly to the sudden confusion in her life. Grabbing her overnight bag she headed to the shower. She’d put on comfortable clothes and join Gray for coffee then hopefully she’d sleep tonight.

  Her atypical feelings shot through her again when she walked in the kitchen. Gray had obviously taken a shower. His hair was tousled and wet. Like her, he’d changed into an old pair of jeans. His hugged lean hips and long legs. The T-shirt covering his chest molded to every delineation of muscle. When he turned and smiled, heat flashed through her body.

  “The coffee’s ready. Want a cup?”

  “Yes, thank you.” She heard the huskiness in her voice and tried to clear her throat. She sank into a nearby chair.

  Gray put a slice of the chocolate pie in front of her. “I cut into it. I thought you might enjoy a piece.”

  “Are you having some?”

  “Definitely.” He carried his cup and another small plate, with pie on it, to the table and joined her.

  “You’re tired tonight, so I won’t ask any more questions, but tomorrow we’re going to go over everything you can remember regarding your marriage, starting from the first.”

  “Why?”

  “Because the prosecution are going to look at your whole life but especially since you met your husband. Any tiny thing they uncover that they might be able to use they’ll make note of. We have to be thoroughly prepared.”

  “You think this will go to trial?”

  “Hopefully not, but unless we find another suspect they could try to charge you with circumstantial evidence.” He leaned back and looked directly at her. “Or they might watch you for years thinking you’ll make a mistake, and then they’d have their evidence. We don’t want either one of those scenarios.”

  Nat buried her face in her hands. Gray sipped his coffee, giving her time to regroup. The quiet of the cabin soothed her. In a few minutes, she sat straight and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

  “I thought it would be easy to clear me. That damn insurance policy. If Tom had only taken my name off of it weeks ago like I told him to.”

  “Did anyone overhear you tell him?”

  “I don’t think so. We were in his office. We’d had a meeting there between us and our attorneys. The two attorneys had just left.”

  “Was the door open?”

  “I can’t remember.”

  “Try. Let’s go in and sit by the fire. I lit it after my shower.” Gray placed his coffee and hers on the table by the long sofa facing the fireplace. “Join me.” He sat on the couch and patted the cushion beside him.

  Nat tried to resist the temptation, but all her defenses were worn down. She sat gingerly on the edge of the sofa. Gray reached out and brought her close against the side of his warm body. His spicy man scent floated around her head.

  “Relax. You looked like you needed a hug. That’s all.” He tilted her face to look at him. “I’ll admit I’m attracted to you. But first of all, you’re my client.”

  He let go of her chin and Nat ducked her head but didn’t move away from his warmth and comfort
. Her heartbeat raced, and every nerve in her body was aware of his strength and tingled from the touch of his arm around her shoulders and his fingers brushing across the skin of her upper arm. A flicker of desire had ignited in her abdomen.

  Thank goodness he wasn’t staying long. Her resistance was at a low ebb.

  “Don’t worry. Listen to the music and relax. I’ll protect you. Holt and me.”

  She’d heard him click something on. Soft classical music surrounded them. She closed her eyes and let herself float on the notes.

  At some point she was vaguely aware of Gray carrying her to her bedroom. He lay her on the bed, removed her shoes, and covered her with a blanket. She didn’t open her eyes. They were too heavy, and the warmth and feeling of being safe too sweet. Nat slid into sleep as she heard the door shut.

  * * * *

  Gray wandered around the cabin. What was there about Natalie that drew him to her? He wanted to be her protector, to take care of her in all ways, not just this case. He’d fought himself to keep his body relaxed when it was demanding he hold her closer and shower her sweet face, especially those lush lips, with kisses.

  Always he’d been able to keep his private life and professional life separate. But look at him now. He’d brought her home to Triple Dare and not just to her fathers’, but to his cabin where no other woman had been. Gray raked his hand through his hair.

  There was no question he should turn her case over to someone less emotionally involved. How the hell did he get passionately involved so quick?

  No. He shook his head. Tiredness lay heavy on his shoulders. He’d been out of sorts when her father called. This case spiked his interest, and he had no intention of relying on someone else to clear her name.

  He bent and stirred the fire, then sank onto the couch. He was leaving Monday. He wasn’t that weak. Although when she’d walked out in her jeans and shirt with her glorious mahogany-colored hair loose around her shoulders his dick went straight to attention.

  Holt hadn’t called. Maybe he’d find the real murderer fast, and then Gray could concentrate on getting to know Natalie as an adult. Holt and he had discussed having a home in Triple Dare and sharing the same woman. Gray had grown up with two fathers and saw how the relationship worked. He was anxious to hear Holt’s reaction to Natalie.