A Hero’s Haven

by Tessa Layne

“I needed a place where the paparazzi would never think to look. And I figured if Resolution Ranch was a place for struggling veterans, maybe it would be okay for me to struggle here, too.”

  “Has it helped?”

  “Being here?” Kate nodded. “Yeah. Everyone’s been great. But no one knows who I am. I’m just Kate here.” She narrowed her eyes. “And I want it to stay that way. I can go into town, and there are no photographers, no reporters wanting the latest scoop.”

  Emma stared at her shrewdly. Warning bells sounded in Kate’s head. Was Emma going to try and blackmail her?

  “I’m planning a concert here for the beginning of May. You should sing at it.”

  She shook her head vigorously, perilously close to tears. Emma didn’t get it. Not remotely. “Are you kidding?” she barked bitterly. “My throat feels like sandpaper. My voice hurts just from singing two songs. I–”

  “But what if I could guarantee your privacy and security, would you consider it? Maybe it would help you feel better… singing a little?”

  Singing lightly by herself had made her feel better. But there was a huge difference between shower singing and giving a concert. “I’m sorry.” She shook her head, regret consuming her. “My voice is ruined. I wouldn’t last ten minutes onstage.”

  “I don’t believe that. The world needs to hear your voice, Kaycee–”

  “Please,” Kate begged. “I’m Kate. Kaycee… Kaycee’s finished.”

  Emma crossed her arms stubbornly. “I don’t believe that for a second. People would be thrilled to hear you. I’m no musical expert, but you sounded amazing just now. And having your name to bring attention to the ranch could mean a huge difference for Travis and Elaine.”

  Kate grimaced. Travis and Elaine had been fantastic. And she’d do anything to help them. Anything but this. She slowly shook her head. “You don’t understand. The ranch would be overrun with paparazzi. Everyone wanting a piece of me. Not to mention the crazed fans.” She shuddered. “Travis and Elaine have been so good to me, and I’m so grateful for my job here. But I’m sorry. I just can’t.”

  “Please consider it? The concert is two months away, you might have a whole new voice by then.”

  If only it were that easy. A tear dripped down Kate’s cheek, and she shook her head. “I know you don’t understand, but I have to accept that part of my life is over. Please? I need to know you won’t give my secret away. I just want a quiet life away from the gossip and the media. Please let me have that?”

  Emma’s face was a picture of disappointment. “I won’t tell. But I think you’re making a mistake. You can’t hide here forever. What are you going to do when the other veterans arrive? Or when the press comes? Someone else is bound to recognize you.”

  “I’ll stay in my house.” It wasn’t ideal, but she could manage.

  Emma scowled. “So you’ll stay trapped here instead of your own home, but you’ll take everyone else here hostage to do it? How is that fair to Travis and Elaine, or the veterans they’re trying to help?”

  Guilt settled in her stomach. Emma was right. She couldn’t do that to Travis and Elaine. Not after giving her a chance like they had. “Then just give me a little more time? I’m not ready.”

  “Kate, the livelihood of the ranch will depend on its visibility. And I don’t mean to be insensitive, because I can see how devastated you are. But the veterans coming here have been through the wringer. They’ve put their bodies and souls on the line in service to their country. They’re suffering. Please think about how your actions will impact them.”

  Kate’s heart twisted. What about Cash? What would he think of her when this all came to light? Would he feel used? Or worse? She hung her head.

  “In some ways, we’re all wounded, Kate. Every single one of us. We’ve all experienced loss. Hardship. I know you’ve heard Travis talking about how we can let those moments be our story, or simply be a part of our story.”

  Kate peeked up at Emma. The woman wasn’t much older than she was. And the passion on her face struck an answering chord in Kate. “Ask anyone in town. We’ve all lost something. Or someone. Some of us have come through better than others, but no one goes through life unscathed. We get through it by helping each other.”

  And who was there to help her? Cheyenne, maybe. Certainly not her mother or Franco. Would Cash? If she trusted him enough to tell him her secret?

  Emma sighed, shaking her head. “Maybe you need to think of this differently. Maybe your voice, even broken,” she made air quotes, “could help someone.”

  Could it? Doubt ate at her.

  Emma stood, brushing her hands on her jeans, giving her a frank stare. “Think about joining the concert. You know where to find me if you change your mind.”

  CHAPTER 17

  Something was wrong. And Cash had a damned good idea what it was. He swung his hammer, narrowly avoiding his finger, revisiting his interactions with Kate since the first night they’d spent together.

  They were in a dance of avoidance, and it was clear he was going to have to be the one to break it. And that scared the shit out of him. He could understand Kate wanting to protect herself. He’d read the stories online. The paparazzi were relentless where she was concerned. But they were both living half-truths, and he wanted more.

  Come hell or high water, tonight he was coming clean. About everything. The tiny cabins he and the day crew from town had been working on were nearly complete, and he wanted a fresh start when they moved in. If she bolted, so be it. His heart stuttered at the thought. She won’t want a failure, the voice of doubt chided. Someone who can’t keep her safe. Someone who washed out.

  Cash shook his head, quelling the voice. He and Kate had a connection that transcended both their histories. He felt it when he lost himself in her beautiful green eyes. Knew it when they kissed. He had to trust that.

  His phone buzzed in his pocket. He put a final nail in the door frame, then checked his phone. Travis.

  I need you and Kate at the house asap.

  A sick feeling developed in the pit of his stomach. Kate would be in the barn, she’d beat him to the house. “Travis needs something at the house. I’ll be back,” he called to Mike McAllister, one of the guys helping with the build.

  He jogged the distance, arriving at the porch sweaty and out of breath. Kate sat on the steps, waiting, eyes wide with fear. Danger warnings prickled at the back of his neck. He held his hand out to Kate. “Don’t worry, babe, whatever it is, we’ll meet it together.”

  She nodded, and they stepped into the house. Four pairs of eyes turned their direction. Travis looked fit to be tied. His wife, Elaine, stood uncomfortably by his side. Sterling stood by the mantle, a determined expression on his face. What the fuck? Was this an ambush? Beside him, Kate gasped, body going tense. “What’s going on?” he asked more roughly than he should.

  Emma Sinclaire, in charge of the ranch’s publicity and fundraising efforts shot an apologetic look at Kate, who shook her head, eyes filled with panic. In that second, everything became crystal clear. Emma must have discovered Kate’s identity. But how? She hardly had any interaction with Emma. Emma cleared her throat. “Kate. I know I’m betraying your confidence, and I’m so very sorry, but there are some new developments with the ranch that concern you.”

  “Will someone tell me what the fuck is going on?” Travis bit out.

  Goddammit. It wasn’t supposed to go this way. In all the scenarios Cash had imagined when it came to letting Kate know he knew who she was, this one hadn’t crossed his mind. Which meant he needed to step the fuck up right now or lose his chance. Do or die time. Pulse hammering in his ears, he stepped forward, arms folded across his chest. “I should have told you sooner, Trav, but your ranch hand Kate, is actually Kaycee Starr.”

  Kate’s face went white, and she spun to him. “What? How did you know? No one knows.” She glanced across to Emma, mouth pinched with worry. “Well, except Emma.”

  “I’ve known since the moment I laid ey
es on you.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “How?” she whispered.

  Cash cleared his throat and shot a stern glance over to Travis. “We can discuss that later.” Then, he turned to Sterling. Fuck. It was obvious he knew too. What in the hell was going on? Had Emma let the cat out of the bag? His veins turned to ice. If either of them were trying to capitalize on Kate’s stardom, he would personally take them out back and knock sense into them. “I want to know what’s so important that you’ve found it necessary to blow her cover,” he said tightly.

  “Trace McBride,” Sterling answered.

  “Trace McBride? The actor?” Travis repeated incredulously.

  Sterling nodded once. “He’s coming to play for Army at the exhibition game next weekend.”

  Great. The place would be crawling with little cockroaches and their damned cameras.

  “I see,” answered Travis. “That’s great news. But it does present some problems. We need to alert Weston. We’ll have to bump up security. Does he have a place to stay?”

  “Not yet.”

  “I’m sure he can stay at the hunting lodge,” Emma piped up. “I’ll check with Jamey and Brodie.”

  Travis nodded once, then cocked his head, studying Kate. “I wouldn’t have known you from Adam. But having you here does present some issues.” He furrowed his brows. “Can I still call you Kate?”

  She nodded, looking utterly defeated. “Please. It’s my given name.”

  Cash’s heart went out to her. He wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and let her know everything would be okay. That if it was within his power, he’d make it okay. Whatever it took.

  Travis looked at the group. “For Kate’s sake, and ours, it will be better if the press is camped out on the other side of town.”

  “But this will impact the activities we’re planning at the ranch,” Emma pointed out. “What do we do for the poker tournament and the concert in May?” Emma turned to Kate, looking positively mercenary. “I still think Kaycee, Kate, should make a surprise appearance. The audience would be thrilled.”

  Cash didn’t like it one bit. How dare she expose Kate, then put her on the spot to do a concert?

  Kate’s mouth flattened, and she shook her head. “I’ve already said no. As long as no one knows I’m here, I don’t see that activity on the ranch would invade my privacy. But if you’re worried…” Her shoulders drooped in defeat. “Maybe it’s time for me to go home.” She spoke quietly, her despair permeating the room.

  “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, Kate,” Travis said, softening. “You have a real gift with the horses. I’d hate to lose you.”

  Kate nodded, and gave him a small smile. The crushed look in her eyes pierced Cash to the core. “I appreciate that. But I can’t hide out here forever.”

  She turned to him, and the rest of the room fell away. Her eyes, her face, contained all the words that hung unspoken between them. He longed to reach for her. “Please don’t tell anyone I’m here,” she pleaded. “I…” she took a ragged breath, eyes falling to the floor. “It would mean a lot to me to have these final weeks of privacy before I have to, have to… face the music.” She smiled weakly at her joke.

  Travis answered first. “Of course. We keep this under wraps.” His voice brooked no argument, not that any of them would betray her trust. Travis eyed each of them. “Kaycee’s part of our ranch family now. We do for her as we’d do for any of us.”

  Emma dug in her bag. “Kate, if it will make you more comfortable, I have additional copies of Royal Fountain’s non-disclosures. They’re the same form that I signed for you, and I can modify them for the ranch. We can sign them right now.” She looked to Travis for confirmation. He nodded.

  “I’d appreciate that,” Kate answered after a moment. Then she glanced his direction looking guilty. “I hope you understand.”

  Cash nodded.

  “It’s hard to know who to trust,” she murmured, face turning pink.

  More than anything he wanted to tell her she could trust him. But could she? When she’d put her trust in him once before and he’d failed her? The words turned to dust in his mouth.

  Cash was the last to sign, not that it mattered, he’d never betray her secret. He touched her elbow. “I’ll walk you back.”

  Not meeting his eyes, she nodded.

  Cash glanced over to Sterling. “Can you see to the day help? I’m going to look after Kate.”

  Sterling nodded.

  Cash held the door for Kate, then followed her off the porch and across the yard to the path they used to reach their trailers. They walked in silence, his hand at the small of her back. But the turmoil in Cash’s head was anything but silent.

  It was time to tell her everything.

  CHAPTER 18

  Kate didn’t say a word the entire hike back to their trailers, but she bristled with questions. Cash could see it in the way her shoulders pinched, in the tightness around her mouth.

  Gently, he steered her to his trailer. Better to show her than to simply tell her. As soon as he shut the door behind them, she turned to him, eyes snapping.

  “How did you know? And why didn’t you say anything?”

  “Your mother is Helene Montgomery. Your agent is Franco DiAngelo, who is an asshole, by the way. I didn’t want to compromise your safety in case you were in some kind of witness protection.”

  Her face paled. “But how did you know?” she whispered.

  He regarded her steadily for a moment, then headed for the bathroom.

  “Answer me, Cash,” she called after him, trailing behind.

  Holding her gaze in the mirror, he pulled off his shirt. Her eyes flashed hungrily as they tracked down his chest. His blood began to race. Would she still look at him like that when this was all over? If he had any say in it, she would.

  Opening the medicine cabinet, he reached for his trimmer. “I could ask you the same thing. Why are you here? Pretending to be someone you’re not?”

  Her brows scrunched together. “It’s not like that. I’m Kate. For real. I was born Kate Montgomery.”

  “But the world knows you as Kaycee Starr.” He spoke without emotion, slowly trimming his beard back, so only a shadow remained.

  Her shoulders slumped, and she leaned against the door jamb, nodding. “Yeah,” she whispered.

  “Why are you here, Kate?”

  Her gaze collided with his in the mirror, emotions flitting through her eyes with the speed of a newsfeed. “I wanted a fresh start. A chance to be me without… without all the garbage.”

  He’d experienced the three-ringed circus she lived in, but still… to just disappear? “But why?”

  She glared at him, then her face crumpled. “For starters, I lost my voice.” She spoke so softly, he had to strain to hear her over the buzz of the trimmer. “And vocal surgery didn’t make it better.” Her voice was laced with anguish. “My career is over. And once that news gets out, I’ll be ruined. The paparazzi will have a heyday. Vocal damage is like a big scarlet letter. People who beat down my doors to collaborate with me won’t even answer the phone. I’ve been performing since I was twelve. It’s all I know.”

  He itched to take her in his arms.

  “Why Prairie?”

  She shrugged. “No reason. Cheyenne, the fiddle player in my band, had been here before. Said the people were nice and it was probably the last place the press would look for me.”

  True.

  She continued. “I know it’s selfish, but I wanted people to see me for me. Not my fame. Not my voice. Just plain ’ole Kate.”

  He swept his clippings into the trash, and turned on the faucet, letting the water pour over his fingers until it ran hot. He rinsed out the sink, and applied a layer of foam to his jaw. “Nothing plain about you, Kate.”

  He grabbed a razor, tensing his arm to keep his hand from trembling. Last thing he needed was a gash on his face. He pulled the skin on his cheek tight, and pulled the razor down. “You’re unforgettabl
e. It doesn’t matter what color your hair is, or what your voice sounds like.”

  He risked a glance at her in the mirror. She stared, transfixed, as bit by bit, the mask he’d hid behind washed down the drain. But there was no recognition on her face, at least not yet. His heart twisted painfully, but he gave himself a mental shake. Why would she remember him? They’d hardly spoken two words to each other. His job as protection wasn’t to be noticed, it was to keep her safe, and he’d failed. Better she shouldn’t remember him. He rinsed the razor and continued. “Your stalker is Eugene R. Williams, age forty-six. Arrested at Nissan Stadium on August 12th.”

  “You could have read that in the paper,” she hissed, eyes glittering.

  “I could have, but I didn’t.” His left hand started to tremble, and he grabbed a towel, pressing it to his face, heart punching a hole through his ribs. “I was there,” he spoke into the towel.

  Dropping his hands, he braced himself on the edge of the sink, holding her gaze in the reflection. “Look closely, Kate.”

  Her face was the picture of concentration as her eyes flicked over his face, taking in the details. She’d figure it out soon enough. He just needed to jog her memory a little more.

  He lotioned his face, then spun, leaning on the edge and crossing his arms, staring at her hard. “Look at me,” he said roughly, a sudden surge of emotion making his voice thick. “Do you know who I am? Do you know why I recognized you the second I saw you?” He could hardly hear his voice through the buzzing in his ears.

  Her eyes widened as recognition dawned on her face. Heat raced up his spine, his ears burned. He was going to be sick.

  She snapped her fingers, as if calling the memory down. “Deuce. It’s Deuce, isn’t it? You laughed at my glitter.”

  His lungs felt like a tourniquet had cinched them. He couldn’t fucking breathe as he braced for her hatred, for the look of condemnation that would surely break him.

  She stared at him with a look of wonder. “You saved my life,” she breathed.

  He shook his head, the air emptying from his lungs. “No. I nearly cost you yours.”