She glanced over at the silent man, not surprised to find his gaze on her. He’d been watching her most of the evening, making it hard for her to breathe, let alone swallow. Popcorn had been limited.
And she loved popcorn.
Barefoot, in jeans and gray T-shirt, the sexy sheriff had played havoc with her senses, smelling of soap and so…so male. Her mind had barely kept up with the animation on the screen. But she did know it was the second DVD because he’d gotten up to change movies a half hour ago, giving her the perfect view of the well-worn denim sitting low on his lean hips.
Without a sound, he sat up and reached for his nephew. “I’m going to take him to his room.”
Tail wagging, the dog followed him to his feet.
“I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”
The heat in his gaze caused her heart to slam into her ribs. Hard. What should she do? Clean up and leave? Lie there on the floor and wait? Neither of them were ready to start anything, and yet…here they were.
By the time the sexy man returned, without his nephew or the dog, she’d barely gotten her pulse rate down to the earth’s atmosphere and her mind to this side of functioning.
He smiled a killer smile and dropped down next to her. “You’re still here.”
The intent look in his eyes as he rested on an elbow and stared down at her sent what little sense she’d gathered right out the window.
“Yeah,” she replied, dragging air into her lungs. “Ace staying with Cody?”
“Yep. He does every night.” Using a thumb, he lightly traced her cheek. “I’m glad you didn’t leave.”
His touch was too much for her needy body. She trembled, and his gaze immediately darkened to a gorgeous smoky hue.
“Brandi,” he said, voice low and rough as his face slowly lowered close.
All thought, logic, and any little iota of alarm or warning left in her foggy brain disappeared with her breath. Lips parted in anticipation, she lay there waiting for his kiss, heart hammering out of control, butterflies flapping furiously in her stomach as his thumb brushed her lower lip. Needing to feel him, to touch him, she lifted a hand and cupped his face, palm rubbing the delicious stubble covering his jaw. What she wouldn’t give to feel that sensation on other sensitive parts of her body.
With their breath mingling and gazes locked, his mouth hovered, driving her crazy before he finally lowered and their lips touched. A needy sound escaped her throat, but she didn’t care. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she gave herself over to the sensations shooting through her body.
He tasted of butter and popcorn, and very hot. And oh boy could the guy kiss. Over and over, he nipped and drank, treating her to slow, deep, drugging, wonderful kisses that drew her out of herself, sending her to a new and wondrous plane. Where in the world had this come from and why the hell had he held back last week? She slid a hand up his chest, loving the feel of hard strength under her palm. Kade Dalton was slowly driving her out of her mind.
Releasing her mouth, he drew in air and initiated a new directive. “I’ve thought about this all week,” he said against her skin, placing open mouth kisses down her cheek and neck, while his hand snaked under her shirt to caress her flesh.
She turned her head, giving his lips better access, then clung to him as he happily obliged. Round after round of chills raced down her body and her good parts tingled as their chests brushed and his fingers stroked.
“Where is everyo—oh, sorry,” Kevin said, coming to a halt just inside the doorway.
With lightening speed, Kade rolled to her other side and shielded her from his cousin’s view. Even under libido-trying circumstances, the man’s valor shined through. He rose to his feet then held a hand down to help her up.
“Well, that’s a new one, cuz,” the business suited cowboy said, blue gaze bouncing from the television to them. “I never thought of using Disney to set the mood.”
She laughed, despite the heat rising in her cheeks. “You might want to try it. Just make sure there’s a princess in it.”
Kevin’s chuckle filled the room. “Duly noted.”
“But you have to leave your Man Card at the door,” she added.
Kade snickered. “Forget it. He doesn’t have one.”
“Hey, I do so.” His cousin frowned in the doorway. “You’re just jealous ‘cause it’s bigger than yours.”
Before anyone could reply, Kade’s cell phone when off.
“Great, what has Skippy done this time?” Kevin shook his head.
Blame it on the Kade-induced fog, but she was at a complete loss. “Who’s Skippy?”
“That’s the nickname the McCalls gave Deputy Donny,” the blue-eyed cowboy replied as Kade answered his phone.
“Oh, Donny.” She nodded, picking up the pillows from the floor and tossing them on the couch. “Boy, can that kid sketch.”
She’d run into the young man several times at Foster’s Creamery just down the street from her cottage. The last time, the kid had pulled out his sketch pad and showed her his drawings. Why he was at the Harland County Sheriff Department instead of in art school boggled her mind. He had serious talent.
“Okay. I’ll be right there,” Kade said, hanging up with a sigh. “Old Charlie’s loose again.” He sent her an apologetic gaze. “I have to go.”
“Of course,” she said, bending to pick the blanket up off the floor. “Since Kevin’s here and can keep an eye on Cody, I need to head home. I have an early start in the morning.”
This week was a crazy one. The Masters’ project was scheduled for completion and Jordan’s was starting tomorrow. Brandi was running two teams and two projects at the same time. Nerve-wracking, but doable.
Kind of like Kade.
One of the moments Brandi had been dreading for days finally happened. The invite to go dress shopping for Kerri’s wedding.
She was happy for her friend, she really was, but ever since her thyroid problems began, trying on clothes sucked. They either made her look fat or didn’t fit because she was in between sizes. All and all not fun, and something she’d avoided like the plague.
But there was no avoiding this, and in retrospect, she felt bad. This was her friend’s big day, and Kerri had been through a lot. The woman was a sweetheart and deserved to be happy. Shame on her for thinking about herself.
“I know it’s short notice, but can you meet us at the restaurant at noon? We’ll all drive together,” Kerri was saying on the other end of the phone, a note of excitement in her voice.
“Sure. I can make it,” she replied, mentally juggling a few things. “I just have to finish planting one of the flowerbeds here at your mother’s, then I’ll go home and shower before meeting you and the girls.”
“Great. Thanks. We’ll see you then.”
Brandi hung up, a knot already starting to form in her gut. Hopefully, the bride-to-be would find a style she wanted for her bridesmaids fairly early. She had no preferences and would be fine with whatever Kerri, Jordan and Jen wanted. No doubt she’d look fat no matter what was chosen.
“Was that my daughter?” Mrs. Masters appeared out of nowhere, a happy expression lighting her face as she set a big box on the outside table.
“Yes,” she replied, putting on her brightest smile. “We’re going dress shopping for the wedding. Are you going, too?”
Her client shook her head. “No, dear. I was with Kerri when she picked out her gown. We also checked out a few designs for you girls to try on. I’m sure you’ll all be happy with whatever you pick.”
Doubtful. “Okay, then once I’m finished with the verbena, I’ll leave the rest of the planting to my foreman.” She pointed to the box. “Is that something for the backyard, too?”
“No,” Mrs. Masters said. “It’s for—”
“Me,” Kade finished, coming around the side of the house, sexy as sin in jeans, cowboy boots, and soft blue T-shirt.
Her heart rocked in her chest. She hadn’t seen or heard from the guy in three days. Hadn’t even
run into him on her early morning visits to Shadow Rock to ride her horse. Yeah, they were both busy, but still, no word, no sightings…nothing. Not since they’d made out on his living room floor. Hungry and hunk-deprived, her gaze devoured the man. He looked good. Damn him. She was immediately conscious of the dirt coating her clothes and arms. Probably her face, too.
“Kade, hi.” The older woman smiled, patting the box. “Thanks for coming to pick up these extra stockings. I know the holidays are months away, but I was rearranging stuff in the garage, getting ready for Sunday’s party when I came across the box.”
“No problem, Mrs. Masters. The FSG is already getting donations for this year’s holiday party. The cowboy boot stockings were a big hit overseas last year, and they’ll be just as big a hit with the kids this year. Thank you so much,” he said, giving the woman a big hug.
Brandi’s heart cracked open watching the two embrace. She rubbed her chest and fought back tears she didn’t understand. The Family Support Group, she understood. Donations, she understood, but the ache in her chest made no damn sense. She inhaled and steadied her pulse while the man had his back to her and couldn’t witness her weakness.
Ed had despised her bouts of weakness. Browbeat her over her silly tendencies, so she’d learned to curb them. But, since being around this handsome, sweetheart of a Texan with haunted, yet mesmerizing gray eyes, her flaws had resurfaced.
Kade released the older woman and stepped back.
“Let me get you some iced tea,” her client said and disappeared into the house before the man had a chance to reply.
Turning around, he hit Brandi with a steady gaze. Her pulse hiccupped on cue.
“Hi,” she said, not exactly sure where they stood, but not one to be ignorant either.
He walked over to her, a hint of a smile tugging those sexy lips of his. “Hi,” he replied, lifting his hand to brush a thumb across her cheek. “You got a little something there.”
Heat rushed to her face, and other parts she ignored. “Thanks, but it was probably for naught since I’m not through planting and will no doubt replace what you just wiped off.”
He chuckled, the deep sound tingling her neck and tips of those other parts she was still ignoring. The man was too damn potent.
Thank goodness his phone rang. She was on the verge of melting at his feet.
“Sorry,” he said, fishing the cell from his jean pocket.
Glancing at the screen, he stiffened and all of the sparkle left his eyes. Alarm immediately shot down her spine.
“Hello? Yes, this is him.” He pivoted on his heel and strode toward the house. “No, I’m glad you called. Sure, I can meet you.”
Grabbing the box with one hand, he nodded to her and Mrs. Masters, who came out of the house with a tray of drinks, then turned and disappeared the way he had come.
Her client looked at her and frowned. “Who was that, my dear?”
Brandi shrugged. “I’ve no idea.”
An hour later, showered, changed and headed to meet Kerri, Jordan and Jen at the restaurant, she was still pondering that question. Kade had seemed leery at the caller, and perhaps surprised, but not angry or upset.
And as she drove past Foster’s on her way to the Texas-Pub, Brandi understood exactly why the guy had taken off in such a hurry. Why wouldn’t he? His haste made a whole hell of a lot of sense when she caught a glimpse of him eating ice cream and laughing with a very pretty redhead.
Chapter Seven
Shock.
Surprise.
Both emotions had shot through Kade and stiffened his spine the second he’d received the call from Shayla Ryan. He never expected to hear from her again.
Last spring, without anyone’s knowledge, he’d made a trip up north to visit Sergeant Nylan’s fiancée, just to make sure she and her baby were doing okay. The woman had thanked him for his open offer to help should something arise, but insisted they were fine and politely showed him the door.
Now, she was in Harland County, with her year-old daughter, in need of protection from her abusive, ex-con father. And he sure as shit was going to give it to her.
“I’m sorry to be such a burden,” the pretty redhead said, ire sparkling in her blue eyes. “Believe me, Sergeant Dalton, if it were just me I had to worry about, there’s no way I’d be here.”
“It’s all right,” he reassured as they sat at a corner picnic table drinking milk shakes, the location of her daughter and sister still a mystery. All he knew was they were somewhere nearby. With only one hotel in town, he was pretty sure the mystery was solved. “I’m glad you called. I can help.”
“Thank you. Like I said, I don’t know if he’ll find us.” She rubbed her arms as she stared out over the ocean. “Maybe I’m being overly cautious.”
“No such thing.”
She nodded and returned her attention to her milkshake. The woman was tough. He got the sense she’d been through hell. His stomach clenched. And the latest was his fault. Her dead fiancé.
“Anyway. I wasn’t sure what else to do. My sister is twenty-three and finally in her first year of college. I don’t want her to drop out. That man has ruined our lives enough.”
It stopped now. Shoulders set, he stared at the woman, determined to help. “Moving here is smart. Your sister will be able to stay in school and commute from Harland County. And if he bother’s to track you down, I’m a phone call away.”
She nodded again, some of the tension leaving her shoulders.
“And I know of the perfect place for you to stay.”
Her gaze grew weary. “Where? And don’t say on your ranch, because I refuse to bring my problems to your door. Bad enough I’m invading your town.”
Kade smiled. He liked her gumption. Sort of reminded him of a redheaded Jordan. “No, it’s actually right down the road. A nice two-bedroom apartment above a restaurant owned by some friends of mine.” He pointed to the Texas-Republic and added, “Female friends. One’s a former L.A. cop.”
Shayla’s chin lifted, showing her interest.
“Her name’s Jordan McCall. The other is her sister Kerri Masters. She’s a world renowned chef.”
“And they just happened to have an apartment available?”
Okay, still skeptical.
“Yes. Kerri used to live there, but recently got engaged and moved out.” He stood to throw his empty cup in the garbage, then turned to the frowning woman. “We can go talk to them now, if you want.”
She slowly rose to her feet, reluctance ruling her movements. “I don’t know. I don’t want charity, and it looks like there’s a bar. I’m not sure that’s the best place for us.”
“There’s a separate entrance out back. As a matter of fact, you have to go through two doors to get to the apartment. It’s pretty secure,” he said, mentally running scenarios through his head. “Why don’t we go check it out and you can judge for yourself. Choice is yours.”
“I don’t like people knowing my business.”
He held up a hand. “Not a problem. I’m not saying a word. Just making the introductions. You’ll take it from there.”
The more he thought about it, the more comfortable he felt. Yes, the place was a good fit for the women. Apparently she thought so, too, because Shayla got in her own car and followed him to the restaurant. Now, he just hoped the girls were back from their dress shopping.
When he opened the door and she stepped inside, he could hear laughter emanating from the kitchen. Looked like they were in luck.
“The place doesn’t open until four in the afternoon,” he explained on their way through the darkened restaurant.
Pushing the swinging kitchen door open, he waited for Shayla to enter then followed her into the room.
“Hi, Kade.”
“Cuz.”
“Sheriff.”
Three out of four women shouted greetings. The only one he had a special greeting for, remained silent, a pinched look about her face as if she was in pain. He wondered briefly if the
designer’s arm or head was still giving her problems, but then her expression cleared and she smiled.
“Ladies.” He nodded. “This is Shayla. Shayla, this is Kerri, Jordan, Jen, and Brandi.” He pointed to each woman as he introduced them. “Shayla is looking for a place to stay, and I know you’re looking to rent the apartment.”
“Yes.” Kerri smiled.
“Absolutely. Come on. We’ll give you the tour,” Jordan said, ushering Kerri and Shayla out the back in a matter of seconds.
Jen walked over to him and gave him a hug. “Nice to see you, hun.” She released him and turned to the silent woman. “Bye, Brandi.”
Opportunity knocked. Hell yeah. He was happy for the chance to give the beauty a special, personal greeting.
Brandi swiped her purse from the counter and rushed forward. “Hang on, Jen. I’ll leave with you. I have to get back to work.”
And just like that, Kade was alone.
What the hell?
The prospect of finding new clients gave Brandi the push she needed to attend the Masters’ party. She knew they were excited about their renovated backyard and wanted to show it off, but for some reason, the luster of, well, anything just kind of disappeared lately. Why? Complete mystery. No idea.
Just like the bathing suit she let the girls talk her into buying on their shopping excursion earlier in the week. Along with a few other items. She was such a pushover. Why had she allowed them to persuade her to purchase a brown two-piece? She hadn’t worn a bikini in almost ten years. And she wasn’t going to wear one now. No way. That’s why she’d accidentally left the bag in the store. Ah, what a shame. No hot tub for her today.
Brandi smiled as she parked the truck—newly released from the repair shop that morning—behind the long line of cars in the driveway. She’d just have to make do with networking and socializing, since the Masters were sweet enough to set the get-together up.
Following a crowd of newcomers into the house, Brandi was amazed at the turnout she spied out back through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room. People mingled, drinks in one hand, plate of food in the other, loaded with entrées and mouthwatering pastries from a table set up along the house.
Her Uniform Cowboy (Harland County Series Book 3) Page 11
