Sheltered by the Lawman (Lawmen of Wyoming Book 5)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  Like a kid in a candy store, she looked through the screen, down the hall and into the dining room, watching and taking in the scene. They were sitting at a long table, laughing. Her gaze naturally settled on Cull. He wasn’t wearing his hat and his hair looked thick and wavy. His broad jaw was covered in dark whiskers.

  The food they were eating smelled marvelous and, as if in plea, her stomach growled. She’d taken two bites of her hospital eggs that tasted like cardboard that morning and she wanted real food. She salivated, and she could almost taste home cooking. She saw the large bowl of whipped potatoes being passed around and what she wouldn’t give to dive in…

  Cull smiled at something someone had said. She found herself smiling too. The idea that she could feel so happy when life was so chaotic was a step in the right direction.

  Although she had no memory of what life was like before the memory loss, she had a feeling there was a void in her life when it came to family. Maybe the fact that she had no one here was a big tip off that no one cared, but she just had a sixth sense that she was missing a lot.

  Bringing her gaze upward from Cull’s enchanting smile, two cobalt blue eyes met hers. Oh shit! She dropped back from the door, humiliation returning. She’d been caught ogling him. As quickly as her feet would carry her she started for the grass about the same time she heard, “Monica?”

  She stopped, clasped her hands tightly and counted to five. Turning, she attempted to put a smile on her face and act natural. She screwed up in the very first second because she almost lost her balance and thankfully recovered.

  “Where are you hurrying off to?” he asked with that grin bracketed by deep dimples. “I see the clothes fit.” He raked his gaze down her, leaving her trembling while he seemed unaffected.

  After she’d snuck in her own peek of his white T-shirt, faded jeans, and dusty boots, she managed to keep her eyes on his face. “Yes, they fit, and I was just going back to the apartment.” She gave a nervous point in that direction.

  “Aren’t you hungry?” One thick brow lifted.

  If she lied her stomach might growl loud enough to make her a liar. “Yes, but…”

  “But what? Did we scare you off already? Before you even had a chance to meet the clan?” His smile grew.

  “No, that’s not it. I felt like I would be intruding. You all are having such a good time.”

  He stepped off the porch and crossed the grass to her. “We invited you.”

  “There’s something else.” She swallowed against the lump in her throat and took a small step forward. “I don’t think I’m very good at this.”

  “Good at eating dinner?” Would he burst into laughter at any moment? He must really think she was foolish.

  “No, I do believe I’m pretty good at eating. I’m talking family. I don’t think I’m much of a people person.” There it was. It was out.

  “Oh, I thought your apprehension was because of what happened earlier.”

  Her cheeks warmed. How could he say it so casually? “Maybe a tad bit. I didn’t know you were in the apartment.”

  “And I didn’t know you’d be standing in the bedroom in your birthday suit. I don’t want you to think I brought you here to my family’s ranch to take advantage.” He shoved his hands into his front pockets. “I was like a deer in headlights.”

  She felt some relief. “How do we pretend it didn’t happen?’

  “That might be a little difficult.” His beautiful gaze swept over her again and she understood his meaning. “Now, about the family thing. They’ve never met a stranger and they’re looking forward to meeting you. They’re a bit overwhelming, but the prize is Ma’s blue-ribbon fried chicken and creamy mashed potatoes. And for dessert, her famous apple pie. You haven’t eaten until you’ve supped at Beatrice Cade’s table. Come on. Give it a try.”

  Knowing she would have walked across a desert if he’d asked her to, she nodded. “Sure.”

  She followed him, so captivated by his bottom that it took her a good five seconds to realize they had made it into the dining room and four pairs of eyes were watching her. Clearing her throat, she looked from each of them, suddenly feeling like she did on the first day at a new school. A new school? Was this a memory?

  A man who looked very similar to Cull stood. He had the most amazing blue eyes, dashing dimples, and dark hair threaded with silver stands, and a few wrinkles around his eyes. “Hi, I’m Kace. This is my wife, Tyler.”

  The woman was a beauty, which only seemed appropriate. Tyler waved and her smile was infectious. “I’d stand and give you a proper hug, but I’m afraid my feet are killing me and it’d probably take me a good half hour to get up.”

  “Sweetheart, you sit and rest.” Kace planted his large palm over his wife’s obvious pregnant belly.

  A lovely woman with silver hair and a tender smile stood. “I’m Beatrice. Cull’s mother and that’s Bo, his father. Welcome to the ranch, my dear.”

  “I’m glad you decided to come for dinner,” Bo said. “Have a seat.”

  “Right here next to Cull.” Beatrice pointed to an empty chair to her right.

  Any other time Monica might think this was a set up, but in fact she was grateful to sit by the only person she knew in the house…and in the world.

  “Am I too late?” a cowboy yelled as he bounded into the room. He rubbed his hands together as he looked at the spread on the table. “I’ve been dreaming of fried chicken all day.”

  “Monica, this is one of my other sons, Zander.” Beatrice sighed and planted a hand on her hip. “What in heaven’s name are you doing wearing those muddy boots on my freshly mopped floor, young man?” She gave him a look that spoke volumes.

  “Come on, Ma. I’ve been chasing criminals all day.” Zander started for the table when she held up a hand.

  “Not any further, mister. You go take those boots off in the mudroom, wash those dirty hands, then tell me where Wynn is. I thought she was coming for dinner too?”

  He turned and retraced his steps out of the room, yelling, “She had a late appointment with a client. I plan to eat fast and head back home so I can be there.” He stepped back in the dining room and into the chair at the end of the table. He picked up the large bowl of potatoes and spooned his plate full which received a clearing of throat from Beatrice.

  “Excuse me.” She grasped the edge of the table and shook her head.

  Zander brought his blue gaze up above his fork. “What?” All eyes were on him.

  “We have company. Mind your manners and allow her to get her plate first,” Beatrice said firmly.

  “Ma, you know he doesn’t have any manners, not when Wynn isn’t around that is.” Cull laughed.

  “Sorry. I didn’t know.” Zander looked at Monica apologetically. “I’m Zander. You should be able to remember my name because I’m the good looking one.”

  She bit her lip to keep from laughing, immediately liking him…liking them all. With the casual easiness of being near them, she could momentarily forget her nervousness, and the fact that she had no clue who she was or how she got to where she was. At that moment she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and her energy level was almost as high as her excitement at seeing how the family interacted with one another. They were funny, and the loved they shared was evident, even when they were razzing one another.

  Cull spooned a large helping of potatoes onto her plate and winked. “Remember I warned you. I can grab you a glass of wine if you’d like help to get through this meal. Or sweet tea. That’s sacred water here in our house.”

  “Cullen Dean! Leave that poor girl alone,” Beatrice snapped. “We’re not so bad.”

  “I’ll have tea please.” Although she was comfortable, even enjoying herself, she also knew that she needed to keep her senses about her. She’d already realized that Cull had the capability of sending her weak-kneed and drooling.

  “Where’s the rest of the crew?” Kace asked.

  “Busy,” Bo said. “One day you�
�ll all wish you’d slowed down and enjoyed life more.”

  “Right, Pa,” the boys said in unison. Obviously, they had a lot of respect for their father.

  Over enough fried chicken to feed an army, two big bowls of whipped potatoes, and a platter of homemade soda-pop biscuits, she listened to the amusing conversation among the Cades. She’d also learned that Cull was the only brother that wasn’t attached. Phoenix had married Ria, a massage therapist that had lost her sight in an accident. They were expecting their second baby soon. Nixon and Melly had a child and lived on a ranch by the name of Shy Brooke that sounded almost as lovely as the Cade Ranch. They would have come tonight but Beatrice said their baby had come down with the sniffles. Then there was Zander and Wynn. They were trying to have a baby too but hadn’t been successful. Kace and Tyler seemed head over heels in love. Recently married with one on the way, they were crazy about each other. Monica felt a sliver of envy. She didn’t even know these people and she envied and admired their love for one another. The funny banter. The comfort and relaxation. How Beatrice and Bo interacted with each other and their kids.

  “I think it’s time for dessert.” Beatrice stood, fluffing the skirt of her blue dress. “I could use some help.”

  Tyler started to scoot back in her chair and Beatrice waved her to stay. “No, honey. You rest. Remember what the doctor ordered.”

  “I’d like to help,” Monica offered.

  “Thank you, dear. Come along.”

  Inside the kitchen, she watched Beatrice cut into the beautiful apple pie and couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into the dessert. How could she still have room after that amazing dinner? It was like she hadn’t eaten a good meal in years.

  “The pie smells and looks delicious, Beatrice.”

  The woman took a container of ice cream from the freezer and set it next to the pie. “The secret is in the right equation of apples. Too much of one variety and it’s too sweet, but a combination of crisp and tender, sweet and sour, and it’s exactly right. Brown sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top is the perfect touch. Like a diamond necklace with the prettiest dress. How about you warm the homemade ice cream in the microwave for thirty seconds while I start the coffee.”

  “Sure.” She’d never heard of nuking ice cream, at least she didn’t remember. As the microwave whirled, she said, “I can’t thank you enough for letting me stay here. While I’m here I hope you’ll let me help out.” In her effort to not get anything for free, she could at least volunteer. She guessed that on a ranch there was always room for another hand.

  “Do you know anything about horses?”

  Monica worked her bottom lip. “No…I don’t think so.”

  “How about mending fences?”

  “Still a no.” This wasn’t looking good.

  “Then you can help me in the house.”

  Smiling, she removed the ice cream and took it to the counter.

  In between scooping coffee granules into the machine, Beatrice said, “Sweetie, Cull told me about the incident. You’ll need to take it easy. Concussions can be a doozy if you don’t take care of yourself. I’d know because every one of my kids have had one.”

  “I know this is weird—”

  “As a wife to a retired cop and a mother of lawmen, this wouldn’t be my first rodeo in the unexpected, my dear. That’s why it was important for you to come to dinner so you could see we’re all happy to have you here. I don’t expect you to help, but I’ll never turn down an extra pair of hands. It seems these days the arthritis is coming on as fast as the memory is fading.”

  “Then you and I have something in common.” They shared a laugh.

  Monica realized that it was possible a terrible, scary incident might be the best thing that had happened to her in a very long time.

  Chapter 6

  “WITH A RING on your finger and a baby on the way, don’t you have a curfew?” Cull laughed and tossed the football.

  Kace caught it against his chest and frowned. “No, I don’t have a curfew, although I did promise I’d be home before it got too late.” He returned the ball. “If you’d open yourself up to dating you might eventually find someone who’d like you too. Then you’d stop making jokes about marriage and commitment.”

  Cull sniffed. “I’m not looking.”

  “Is that right?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Dropping the football to the ground, Cull grabbed his water and downed it.

  “It means, I saw it.” Kace swiped the back of his hand across his sweaty brow. “I saw the way you looked at her. Who is she anyway?”

  Leaning against the rail to the arena, Cull shrugged. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I invited her here to the ranch because she didn’t have a place to stay.”

  “You didn’t quite answer the question. By the way, I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Tyler saw it too.”

  “Don’t do that, man. Just don’t.” Cull shook his head.

  “Do what?”

  “Because you’re in a happy relationship you think everyone should be in a happy one too. I’m okay with me as I am.” He crushed his bottle and tossed it into the trash bin.

  “Oh, you mean you enjoy being a sour puss?” Kace laughed.

  “Sour puss? Is that what married men say? By the way, how’s work?”

  “Another bar fight break up. This time I saved my phone, but my back wasn’t so lucky.” He stretched his arms above his head.

  “Go see the chiropractor.” Cull’s gaze automatically moved to the garage apartment. He hadn’t seen Monica since dinner last night. He’d left the ranch early to take care of some business and came back to do his chores, ignoring the need to go knock on her door to see how she was doing.

  “I’ve got to go, bro.” Kace buddy-slapped Cull on the back. “I miss my wife.”

  “Fine, run home. I have things I need to do anyway.”

  What he was ready for was a nice, long cold shower. He stepped inside the house and inhaled. Something good smelling filled the air. His Ma was probably already preparing dinner and his stomach growled. He couldn’t wait. Although he wasn’t jumping for joy that he was back living at home, it did have its perks. Outside of the satisfaction of his belly being satisfied, he also loved his childhood home. His father had built the house with his own two hands and his Ma had decorated it to accommodate five hellion boys and a daughter who could hold her own against her brothers. That house had suffered some wear and tear over the years, but it was sturdy.

  He stepped down the hall following the aroma of Ma’s cooking to stop dead cold in his tracks. Bent over a mop with her behind stuck up high wasn’t his Ma, but the woman who’d occupied his thoughts most of the day. Monica.

  Lord have mercy.

  For a moment he’d forgotten how to breathe, and he had to force air into his lungs to stay alive.

  She was vigorously scrubbing the floor and had no clue she was no longer alone. He opened his mouth to alarm her of his arrival, but snapped it shut and clenched his teeth. All blood drained from his head to his cock as he watched her. Her rounded bottom was encased in a pair of cut-offs and the fringed hem landed on firm, rounded thighs that made his fingers itch to grip. He ran his hungry gaze down the length of her toned legs to her bare feet when his phone vibrated from his back pocket. He ignored it as his blood pressure skyrocketed and a burst of familiar heat burrowed behind his zipper.

  He had been lured by the scrumptious smell of something in the oven, but his stomach’s needs were forgotten in the wake of the beauty who seemed to be taking all her frustration out on the floor.

  She turned slightly and he could see her tongue rolling in and out of her mouth as if she concentrated fully on her task. Her hair was pulled up into a messy topknot and so messy that tendrils of hair had fallen around her rosy cheeks. His mind wandered down a no-end road wondering if this was what she looked like after making love. A man would be lucky to have the privilege of seeing that expression in bed…

  Sto
p, man. This was nowhere to allow the mind to go.

  God, why couldn’t he help himself.

  She was breathtaking. Sure, he’d noticed this fact before, but there was something genuinely sexy about her all sweaty and hair a mess.

  Cull didn’t have a clue where he should look first because every part of her drew him like a fish to a worm. Tight shorts that lifted on her bottom ever so slightly when she moved. That gorgeous heart-shaped ass that made him salivate. Her legs weren’t too long, but they were toned and would fit perfectly around his hips. He would bet his life that she tasted like the wild honey from the combs they had out back. Or the plump blueberries in the patch by the barn. He’d sit there for hours, plucking and eating the fruit—just as he would sweet Monica, that was if she wasn’t off limits.

  She was tiny. A little under weight. No doubt he could wrap his fingers around her waist and touch his fingertips, yet her curves were like a back road. When he moved his eyes upward he noticed the little jiggle to her breasts as she scrubbed joyfully. His palms itched to move forward and hold them, support them, suckle them. Give them the attention he’d been craving for since he’d seen her naked. Hell, since he held her in his arms.

  This wasn’t like him. Not at all. Was he aging and losing his mind? Lack of sex was making him susceptible? He’d never had blurred lines between right and wrong, but if this was so wrong, then why did it seem as right as the sun coming up in the morning?

  He couldn’t have her. He couldn’t allow his heart to get mixed up in the equation. She had a history, and future, that had no place for a lawman. She was paid to love which probably meant she had no emotions. Wasn’t he accused of having no emotion on more than one occasion?

  His phone vibrated from his pocket again.

  Pulling it out he read the screen. “How about a movie at my place? M.”

  He gulped down air. It was Melissa and ‘movie’ was metaphor for sex. An image of the voluptuous blonde filled his mind just to be pushed away by the visual loveliness ten feet from him—Monica’s wide hips swaying like a pendulum as she continued to mop the floor. That one particular spot had to be clean by now, but he didn’t mind. He enjoyed the view.