Her unexpected statement sent his heart into his ribs and growing erection into his unforgiving zipper. He leaned close to whisper in her ear, “I want you to be naked…except for your shoes.”
Chapter Twelve
How could the past two weeks have been any more perfect?
Oh, wait, they couldn’t.
Brandi smiled as she shut her cottage door. For the first time in a long time, her insides were as sunny as the day outside. Heat surrounded her and the sun blared overhead as she walked down the sidewalk toward Foster’s. Kerri and Jordan had asked her to join them for some frozen yogurt, and to introduce her to Shayla.
Not even the thought of being in the stunning redhead’s presence, or the other two beautiful women’s for that matter, could dispel Brandi’s good disposition. Kade had set the mood this morning, leaving her bed only after they were both…happy.
He’d been real good at that lately. So far, their non non-relationship was working out great. She’d been to the ranch a few times, but never stayed the whole night. She didn’t want to confuse Cody. And Kade had stayed at her place a couple nights. The sheriff/cowboy/soldier was the perfect boyfriend. He showed just enough interest in her day not to be nosey, and he wasn’t demanding…except in bed, which was okay with her because…well, she was kind of demanding there, too.
Her insides fluttered at the memory of their night at the hotel. He’d driven her crazy, slowly stripping her naked—except for her shoes—and she’d made him wear his beret. Then he took her on the table. Twice.
She was still smiling as she met up with the girls outside the ice cream shop.
“Okay, I know that smile. That’s the smile of a satisfied woman,” Jordan said, pulling her into a hug.
“Well, believe it or not, for once, you’re not going to get an argument from me.”
“It’s good to see you happy.”
“Thanks. I am happy.”
“Okay, then Happy, meet Shayla. Shayla, meet Happy,” Jordan joked, then smiled at the beautiful little girl in the redhead’s arms, the spitting image of her mama. Red hair that curled slightly at the neck and big, blue eyes. “And this cutie pie is Amelia.”
“Hi, Shayla, Amelia,” she said, bending slightly at the knee to look the baby in the eyes. “I’m Brandi.”
Jordan waved a hand at the ice cream shop. “Would you two like to talk first, or eat?”
She glanced at Shayla. “It’s up to you.”
“Talk first would be good if you don’t mind. It’s getting close to Amelia’s nap time.”
She nodded. “No problem.”
“Okay, then why don’t you leave Amelia with us and you two can go have your talk.” Kerri held out her hands and the baby went right for her.
The redhead hesitated, a frown creasing her brow as she stared at her daughter in the cook’s arms. “You sure?”
“Absolutely. She’ll be fine. Now go.” Jordan gave them a small shove.
As they walked to a little picnic area between the beach and the sidewalk, she expressed her condolences on the loss of the woman’s fiancé, then went on to outline the jobs she had going and what she needed. “I don’t expect you to design. What I need is someone to order supplies, schedule deliveries, keep track of them, keep track of the workers, make sure they have the supplies they need, and so on. In other words, your organizational skills.”
“Well, that I have.”
The redhead smiled for the first time since she met her, and if Brandi thought her gorgeous before, now the woman was breathtaking. Choosing a picnic table in the shade of a big oak tree, Shayla informed her of her work history, and explained her duties at the pub, all while keeping an eye on her daughter.
She got the sense the woman was extremely protective of her child and allowing someone else to watch the little one was a bit tough. Which brought up a point. “Some of the job sites are too dangerous for a child, so what will you do with Amelia?”
Shayla blew out a breath. “Mrs. McCall and Mrs. Masters volunteered to watch her until my sister moves in after her semester is done in a few months.”
“That’s right, you’re not from around here, either.”
A brow arched over an intent blue gaze. “Aren’t you?”
She smiled. “Oh, my no. I’m from Pennsylvania.”
“Wow.” The woman’s shoulders appeared to relax a little more. “I’m not the only newbie, then.”
“Nope.” She laughed. “I’m still getting used to the county, but for the most part, everyone seems pretty nice. A good place for your daughter to grow up.”
The redhead blew out a breath and nodded, her gaze once again on her baby happily bouncing on Kerri’s knee. She’d heard all she needed to, and wanted to let mother and daughter get back together.
Rising to her feet, she held out her hand. “The job’s yours if you want it.”
“Really?” The woman stood, her gaze widening. “Just like that?”
“Yes. Jordan and Kerri sing your praises, and from what you’ve told me, you’ll be a great fit. That’s all good enough for me.”
“Wow, thank you, Ms. Wyne, I won’t let you down,” Shayla said, shaking her hand.
“Please, call me Brandi,” she corrected. “And I know you won’t. I’ll have you work with me for a while before I let you handle other sites on your own.”
The woman nodded as they fell into step. By the time they reached the sisters, she’d ironed out the salary, a start date, and was a little alarmed to hear the redhead only had healthcare through the Guard on her daughter, and only for another month, which was the anniversary of her fiancé’s death. Calling around and gathering information on healthcare was the first task she’d give her new hire. And even though she got the impression the woman was secretive and a little untrusting, Brandi still felt really good about hiring Shayla Ryan.
“So, I take it by the smiles that all is good?” Jordan’s gaze bounced between them as Shayla gathered her daughter and held her close.
Brandi nodded. “Yes. Shayla will start on Thursday when we begin your job, Kerri.”
“Sweet.” The cook smiled. “Let’s celebrate. My treat.”
A little while later, they were seated outside at an umbrella table eating their ice cream when Cole and Kevin pulled up and got out. Since the cowboys were still wearing their business suits, Brandi figured Jordan must’ve told them to stop by on their way home. Seated next to her, but across from Kerri and Shayla, Brandi watched the sharp-dressed men turn heads as they ambled near.
Kevin approached, warm gaze trained on the baby looking over her mother’s shoulder. “Who’s the cu—”
And like a ton of blue-eyed bricks, the dreamboat fell to his knees, taken down by an elbow to the groin from a swift acting, startled redhead.
“Kevin, are you all right?” Kerri untangled herself from the bench so Cole could help the doubled-over Kevin sit in her vacant spot.
The grimacing man held up a finger while working to catch his breath. Brandi still couldn’t believe how quick Shayla had moved. She’d seen a look of panic cross the woman’s face, but had no time to stop her or warn the poor guy.
“I will be later,” he said, color starting to return to his handsome face. “Once the fellas drop. Right now, they’re folded in on themselves trying to get away from the redheaded shrew.” He frowned at the mother hugging her daughter close. “What the hell, lady?”
She shrugged. “You’re wearing a suit.”
Kevin’s mouth dropped open, along with everyone else’s. Not exactly the response they’d all expected. “A suit? Really? Christ, I’d hate to see what would’ve happened if I were a biker.”
“Look, I’m sorry. It was reflex. You shouldn’t sneak up on people.”
“And you shouldn’t be around people. You’re dangerous.”
Cole’s eyes glinted with unreleased humor. “Calm down, buddy,” he said, cupping his friend’s shoulder. “You’re just used to women falling at your feet, not doing the falling
.”
Kevin grunted. “I didn’t fall at her feet,” he said, as if the woman wasn’t there.
Brandi could see Shayla’s expression was less than tolerant. She held back a grin. The cowboy had better watch his step.
“No,” Jordan said, lifting her cheek for Cole’s kiss. “But you were taken down by a woman.”
“I was not.”
Shayla raised a brow. Kevin scooted further away.
Brandi clenched her jaw. She knew she shouldn’t laugh, but it was becoming harder and harder to keep it all in. Even Kerri stood with her bottom lip between her teeth.
“Well, I have to go. Time to put this one down for a nap. Thanks for the ice cream, Kerri,” the redhead said, rising to her feet, then glanced to her. “And for the job.”
Kevin inhaled and stared at her like she’d grown a second head. “You hired her? For what? A bodyguard? Enforcer? Assassin?”
Shayla turned and stared down at the guy, her blue eyes glinting so cold they sparkled. “No, to keep playboys like you in line.”
And with that, her new assistant left with the slack-jawed cowboy staring after her. He shook his head and transferred his gaze to his crotch.
“Okay, fellas,” he said. “It’s safe. You can come down now. The shrew’s gone.”
A pink-faced Kerri sat in the vacant spot, hand over her mouth as she shook. “I can’t believe that just happened.”
“You can’t…” Kevin reeled back. “Neither can we.”
Unable to hold it in anymore, Brandi laughed and was soon joined by the rest of the table, even the disgruntled victim. The day had certainly been eventful, and with plans to head to Galveston with Kade for dinner tonight, she was hopeful the interesting events would continue—
“Stop!”
The urgency in the familiar, young voice rocked her, and she twisted toward the cries. Her heart stopped for a full beat, then rocked hard in her chest again as two big, bald, burly men ran from the sheriff and his deputy. Kade dove at one of them, hitting the guy in the back of the legs, taking him down.
“Stop,” the deputy called again, trying the same maneuver, only he was too far away.
Grasping the man’s ankle, the skinny kid was holding on for dear life as the guy dragged the deputy across the grassy picnic area she’d been at with Shayla. A second later, a blur in the form of Jordan hopped the table and raced toward the scene. Brandi jumped to her feet along with Cole.
“Jordan, wait,” he said, but his wife continued to run toward the commotion as others moved to the side.
“Stop right there! I’m a former cop…” her friend spouted and planted her feet.
“Outta my way, bitch!”
The man took a swing, but Jordan ducked, landed a fist to his gut, and as he doubled over, she clasped her hands together and brought them down hard on his back, sending him to the ground. While he was down, she wasted no time twisting the man’s arm behind his back, her knee set on his spine.
“Cuffs.” Jordan snapped her fingers at a blinking Donny.
The deputy released the thug’s ankle, sat up and fumbled for the handcuffs on his belt. Brandi couldn’t believe the poor kid had held on that long. His uniform was full of dirt, blood and grass stains. She watched him hand the cuffs to Jordan who nodded for the deputy to come closer.
“No, this one’s yours, kid. Go ahead.”
Donny smiled and cuffed the cursing man, then pulled out a paper from his pocket and began to read the guy his rights.
“Jesus, Cole,” Kevin said with a shake of his head. “Your wife just brought down that big punk.”
“I know.”
“That was hot.”
“I know,” Cole said again. “Excuse me.” He walked over to his wife, crushed her close and kissed her in front of the gathering crowd.
“Damn. Where can I get me one of those?” Kevin pouted.
But Brandi was too busy making her way through the people, searching for Kade. Last she had seen of him, he’d been cuffing the other bald man. Not knowing what the suspects had done, she was trying hard not to give in to the scenarios running through her head. He wasn’t hurt. At least she didn’t think so. Her heart pounded in her ears. The man knew what he was doing. He was fine.
And as she pushed through the crowd and saw him standing with his hand on a suspects elbow, she had all she could do not to run and put a lip-lock on him, not unlike what Cole was still doing to Jordan.
His gaze met hers, and he either sensed her fear or read it in her eyes because he nodded, and sent her a reassuring smile.
Okay, he was good. He was fine. He wasn’t hurt. She then proceeded to talk herself out of that lip-lock idea, and let her gaze roam his fine form, making sure she hadn’t missed anything.
“Jordan, you’re crazy, you know that,” Kerri said, coming up behind her with Kevin.
“Yeah, that was really insane and totally nuts.” Kevin frowned with disapproval as he folded his arms over his chest. “Can you do that again, but maybe this time in a bathing suit and in slow motion?”
Cole draped his arm around his wife and pulled her in close to his side. “Get your own.”
Kade walked over, suspect in tow. “Thanks, Jordan. When can you start?”
Her friend blinked. “Start what?”
“As my new deputy,” he replied. “These two are suspected in the rash of burglaries. Thanks for the assist, I—”
“Halt,” the deputy yelled, cutting him off, glancing from the escaping suspect to his boss. “Mr. Sheriff, sir. He’s getting away!”
Kade blew out a breath and stared at the kid. “Go get him.”
Everyone watched in disbelief as the scene repeated itself. Donny took a flying leap, but this time he…missed.
Cursing under his breath, Kade thrust his suspect at Jordan, then ran after the cuffed man booking it through the grassy park. They witnessed the sheriff tackle the guy, then right him before escorting his big frame to the nearby cruiser. Face grim, Kade set the man in the back and shut the door. He turned to Donny and crooked a finger.
“Sucks to be Skippy,” Kevin muttered.
The deputy rushed to the car and nodded, then stayed put, shoulders drooped as he leaned against the car and watched his boss head back to them.
Once again, Brandi’s gaze traveled up and down the man, searching for bruises. He was dirty and grass stained, but she didn’t see any blood. Her heartbeats leveled out by the time he neared. Yeah, he was just a little dirtier and sweatier, but still okay.
Gray eyes dull, mouth set in a straight line, he looked tired, and she longed to get him back to her place and dote on him. And, well…as far as tonight, she was more than willing to take top.
“So,” he said, retaking possession of his suspect. “You going to help me out, Jordan? I’m begging you. The county can’t take much more. I can’t take much more.”
Her heart squeezed.
“You serious? You’re offering me a deputy job?” Her friend glanced from Kade to Cole, then back again. “For real?”
“Yes, I’m dead serious,” the sheriff replied.
Jordan gazed thoughtfully at the cruiser before her attention turned to Cole. “I’ll have to discuss it with my husband.”
“Okay.” The sheriff nodded. “The job’s yours if you want it.”
Kevin stepped forward and slapped a hand on Kade’s shoulder. “If she doesn’t, you may want to offer it to that redhead. You should’ve been here just a bit sooner. Guarantee you these boys would’ve cuffed themselves and walked into your station on their own.”
How could a week from hell have heavenly moments?
Kade didn’t know. Only that it did, like now. He sat with his friends in a booth at the pub, arm around his girlfriend, her warm curves brushing against his side. Funny how the word ‘girlfriend’ used to scare the shit out of him, but now, with Brandi, it was fitting. Natural. Right. She was his heaven. Plain and simple. Whenever he had a rotten day, and lately, he’d had many, she always made
him feel better. Made him feel worthy.
“Whatcha thinking?” Her brown eyes gazed up at him, warm and just a little bit wicked as her hand ran up his inner leg.
He leaned close and whispered, “That if you don’t stop, we aren’t even going to make it across the street to your house.”
“Oh, but, Sheriff,” she said, tipping her head back to whisper in his ear. “Then you’ll have to arrest me for indecent exposure. And cuff me.”
His body went on instant alert and throbbed at the thought. Damn. The woman was potent.
“Okay, enough with the lovey-dovey,” Connor said, approaching at a good clip. “I want the scoop.” He twisted a chair around and sat down, arms folded across the top. “I’m gone six days. Six days…and all hell breaks loose?”
Kade nodded. Boy, did his buddy nail that analogy.
“My sister-in-law takes down a criminal and becomes a deputy,” the cowboy stated, pointing to Jordan. “And what about, you, Kevin? You got taken down by a girl, too? Come on. Someone? Anyone?” His buddy’s brown gaze bounced to everyone at the table. “Please, tell me, and don’t leave out any details.”
Jordan shrugged. “Not much to tell. I saw a suspect running away from the sheriff and his deputy so I intervened. End of story.”
Connor straightened. “That’s it? Come on. I know there were fists involved.”
“There were,” Kade said. “Jordan landed one to the guy’s gut then slammed him on the back and sent him to the ground.”
“Damn,” Connor said. “That must’ve been hot.”
“It was,” Kevin echoed Cole.
“And so now you’re the new deputy?” Connor studied his sister-in-law.
She nodded. “Soon. Just waiting for the paperwork to go through.”
His buddy transferred his gaze to Kevin and grinned. “So, how’d you managed to get taken down by a girl?”
Brandi’s chuckle vibrated through him. He squeezed her closer, enjoying her softness and unyielding warmth. She fit perfectly against him. He kissed her head, catching the sight of several pairs of eyes watching from across the room. The McCalls and Masters. They lifted glasses at him. He smiled. They were good people, and he knew they worried about him sometimes.
Her Uniform Cowboy (Harland County Series Book 3) Page 21
