He brushed a tendril of hair off her cheek. The touch was so sweet that she felt herself leaning in and then she looked past his shoulder. She saw a treehouse in an oak tree. “Did you used to climb that?” she pointed.
“Yeah. I haven’t in a long time.”
“Let’s go.” She practically dragged him across the grass and grabbed one of the rungs of wood nailed to the tree, testing it for safety.
“It’s safe. I promise. If it can hold my weight, there shouldn’t be a problem with yours,” he said from behind her. “Weston checks it often to keep Brie safe.”
She turned to him, smiling. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your sweet niece.”
“Then you know she’s precocious.”
“She’s charming like her uncle.”
The wood was old and warped, but that never kept her from experiencing life before. What could happen? She could fall, but she had a feeling she could trust Hugh. If he said it was safe, she trusted him.
Her heart hitched. How had she come to trust him? She’d lost the ability long ago…
Adira climbed the ladder slowly with Hugh following. Once she was up in the shabby, tiny house, she settled herself on the edge with her feet and legs dangling over the side. She could see for miles and the view was breathtaking. Inhaling deeply, she let the fresh air fill her lungs, refreshing her. Over the years she’d visited many places, but none quite compared.
He took a spot beside her, their thighs brushing. He was devastatingly handsome. His longish hair touched his collar and was as dark as ebony. His jaw had a thin layer of whiskers and she guessed he shaved in the morning only to have a beard again by noon. His thick triceps were tanned and covered in dark, crisp hair. His hands were large and his fingers wide. His nails clipped short. She wondered what it would be like if they were lovers, here and now. Would they make love as the sun set? The mere thought enticed her.
“Why investigative film making, Adira?”
“Why not?” Seeing his unaccepting expression, she smiled. “Traveling is in my blood and film feeds the need.”
“You worked well with Sandra.” His deep voice rumbled through her. Warmth eased through her like floating on a lazy river. There was something about him that seeped through her, wrapped around her like a blanket. He scorched her blood, planting seeds of desire within her. “You said she needed someone who understands. Do you personally?” She squinted. “I’m sorry. Maybe I’m overstepping boundaries.”
“You don’t owe me an apology. I don’t like talking about my past, but everyone says that talking is the best medicine. I’m just not very good at it,” she admitted.
He glanced at her, sincerity in his beautiful blue eyes. “Yeah, I’m not much good at communication either.”
“I beg to differ. You always seem to have the right answer.” She shifted and their knees touched. “I guess it all started back when I was a kid in Kentucky. We lived in a cute house in a quiet neighborhood. My mom was bright and shiny. I can’t pinpoint when it changed, but when it did, all hell broke loose. She had a new boyfriend every month and each was more special than the last.” She laughed, but it fizzled. “I’m not sure which abuser was worse. The drugs or the men.”
“Were you…?”
“No, I wasn’t. The state took me out of the home when I was little and I never saw her again. I lived with my father and his girlfriend until I met Preston.”
The small treehouse was tiny, but made even more cramped with her sitting next to him, their shoulders brushing and thighs meeting. He shifted and adjusted his body so that he leaned away from her and only their thighs still touched. Although she knew it wasn’t best, a part of her yearned to move closer, draw in every bit of heat from his body, but she stayed steady on her side.
“I was nineteen and he was my first love.” She began to relax and stared out into the pale blue sky and plump clouds. The birds chirped and the leaves rustled as the wind blew through the trees. It had been a long time since she felt this comfortable with a man—with anyone. “The feelings had the power of a tsunami and I didn’t realize I wanted out until I was swept up in the eye.” She brought her feet up and rested her chin on her knees.
“How long were you two together?”
“Seven years. Oh, at first things were good. We were young, happy, in lust, but just as Sandra had defended and made excuses for her husband, I made excuses for Preston. From the loss of his job, to a new job, to the weight of bills, to life in general. He didn’t one day wake up and treat me bad. It happened over a few years, like the shadows creeping in as the sun settles. He used his words to degrade me. Telling me he didn’t love me any longer. That he didn’t find me sexually attractive. Even at times telling me he didn’t want the responsibility of a relationship. I trusted him, probably the only one I had, and he destroyed it.”
“Damn bastard.”
“Once I left him I felt the need to roam, have more freedom. Prove that I’m capable of standing on my own two feet and never relying on anyone but myself. I also knew for me to break the cycle I couldn’t see him, not listen to his excuses and promises. They were a smokescreen for his manipulation. I felt sorry for him. His parents were no better than mine.”
“Have you seen him since you left?”
“No. He’s called once or twice, but I make it quick.”
“Why even take his calls?”
“Good question. I just need to prove to myself that I’m over him. Over the abuse. Enough of that. I love it here. It’s beautiful…peaceful.”
“Don’t you ever miss having a place to call home? You could have a place like this.”
She gave a small shrug. “On occasion. Being here, meeting so many nice people, sure, I wonder what it would be like to call a place home.” She sighed. “Places like Colton can make a woman curious. You, Hugh, can also make a woman miss things she didn’t know were possible.”
“Everyone needs someone to depend on. I think you realize that, but you keep telling yourself otherwise. We’re all scared to get hurt.”
“I hope Sandra leaves her husband and realizes there’s a better life ahead for her.”
“Is that your way of changing the subject?”
“Yes.”
He leaned his back against the tree, his pensive eyes were on her. “In high school, Sandra was always smiling and then Joe came along. He changed her.”
“I gather he was once a charmer.”
“From a man’s standpoint, I don’t know what the draw was, but I guess he had his ways.” He plucked a dried leaf off the tree and rolled the stem between his fingers. “I can’t count the number of times I’ve wanted to take things into my own hands, but in the end, she must make the decision for herself.”
“That’s very true. You can’t force her into anything. Until she sees a new path for herself, she can’t move on.”
He nodded. “But you did.”
“I look back and wonder how I allowed him to control me for so long, but it’s obvious. I had been looking for love and when he came along, like a lifeline of sorts, I grabbed on. It’s hard to let go, even if you realize you’re spinning your wheels.”
A small limb fell and hit the tin roof of the treehouse and she jumped. His hand came out to steady her, his long fingers wrapping around her elbow. She looked down where they were connected and her heart hammered like a jackhammer. His olive complexion looked stark against the paleness of her skin. “I’m a little edgy.” She laughed, but it fizzled when she felt him draw figure eights on her arm.
“I can see. Stay out here long enough and you’ll relax. Maybe even meditate.” His eyes were on her, penetrating all her doubts and confusion. How could this man make her feel things she’d never known before?
Something broke inside her, like a dam allowing a flood of emotions to wash in. “This feeling scares me.”
“I’m scared too, sweetheart.”
“I swore I wouldn’t lose myself again. Please don’t make me lose myself in you.”
“Not a
ll men are like your ex, or Joe. Especially not like Reed.” He reached out and grasped a tendril of her hair, rolling it around his finger, then releasing it to bounce against her cheek.
Her lungs barely functioned. “I know you’re right, but I manage to find the bad ones,” she murmured, half distracted by the sensations rolling through her.
“How about me? Where do I fall?”
She tried to control the racing of her mind. “I haven’t decided yet.”
“Ouch.”
“No denying you’re a perfect gentleman, but I won’t let those amazing eyes and charming smile sway me.” She stretched out her legs and swiped her hands together. “Let’s talk about something else.
“Like?”
“Why a Sheriff? You and your brothers own a security business. Wasn’t that enough?”
He rubbed his jaw. “I wanted more. When I heard of cases like Deandra’s, it pissed me off. I want the problem to stop, but am I enough? Can I stop the epidemic happening around us?”
She frowned. “You might be the only one who can.”
His eyes infiltrated her wall. “I’m glad you have confidence in my abilities.”
“Why wouldn’t I? A strong, powerful man like yourself should be very capable of catching the bad guys.” She nervously laughed, her words meant to tease him, but there was no joke in the fact that she believed them wholeheartedly. In fact, she wondered what else Hugh was skilled at. Sliding her tongue along her lips, she leaned back against the rough bark of the tree, watching several expressions flit across his handsome face.
He shrugged. “Only time will tell. But for the first time, I’m starting to see a new path for myself.” His eyes were twinkling, making goosebumps scatter her skin.
“I hope you realize I don’t go around punching people. Marshall Reed was an exception. He caught me off guard.”
“I’m not telling you anything new when I say my brothers and I have had a tumultuous relationship with Reed over the last year. The more money he makes, the more of a bastard he becomes. Penn’s wife Harley was in a relationship with Reed before.”
Adira sat up straight. “What?” She couldn’t believe her ears.
“This was before she knew who he was and how spiteful he can be. He mistreated her and Penn stepped in, protecting Harley. We’re family and we won’t let anything happen to one of our own. Reed dislikes anyone he can’t control. I’m sorry if you felt like I was convincing you to not fight his ridiculous charge against you in court. I guess I didn’t want to see you hurt anymore. I know him and, as certain as the sky is blue, he would have done everything in his power to ruin you.”
“When will his bullying ways end?”
“When he steps on the wrong toes.”
There was a moment of silence as they listened to the birds. The sun was setting behind the trees and the shadows creeped across the treehouse. Then she said, “Why aren’t you married, Hugh?” Although there was some unspoken rule that asking him personal questions crossed the line, but if that were true, they’d crossed many of those lines today.
“Wow, now that’s a loaded question.” He smiled and the shadows seemed to fade some under the brightness. “Haven’t found the right one. Haven’t had the time. No one was interested in a rodeo star. Take your pick from the above.”
“No one interested? I think all of Texas is interested in the Jericho cowboys.”
“All?” He lifted a brow, his smile deepening.
Adira swallowed. “Well, I’m sure there are a few who are immune.”
“How about you? Are you immune?”
“We just keep coming back to this, don’t we?” She liked when a man didn’t beat around the bush, although it headed them down a dangerous path. She should lie, but why bother? “I must say that I don’t ever remember being surrounded by so much masculinity and strong testosterone at one time before.” She dramatically fanned her face with her hand. What he couldn’t see were the sparks in her stomach. The pink gold tones of the evening sky illuminated his face. He looked more like a warrior than a small-town sheriff. What she knew was that he was powerful and lethal, not only to her libido, but to any criminal who crossed his path. She saw how much he cared today with Sandra and Deandra. He was willing to take every step needed to keep the community safe. Having never had the safety of family, or a hometown, envy took shape in her. He moved his arm and she saw the white scar on his wrist and without thinking, she followed the jagged line with the tip of her finger. “What happened?”
His jaw clenched and then relaxed. “Ranch accident.
She didn’t move her finger, but instead joined it with all her fingers, gliding them over the crisp hairs. His muscle flexed and still she didn’t pull away. “Thank you, Hugh.”
“For what?”
“Just for being you. I’ve been to a lot of places and I haven’t met anyone who managed to get me to talk about my past. It’s not easy, but I realize I can’t hold it in. I could be sitting in jail right now, but instead I’m sitting in a treehouse with you.”
He laughed. “Judge Marley wouldn’t have put you in jail. He has a few faults, but he’s not out to jail everyone. You’re not a criminal.”
His phone rang and he gave her an apologetic look. It’s Deputy LaGatta.” He answered and she heard him say, “Yes she is. I’ll put you on speaker phone.”
“Hi, Adira. It’s Carol. My son has the flu. It might be best if you stay at the Sheriff’s house tonight. I’d feel horrible if you would get sick.”
Hugh hesitated and then said, “Thanks for letting us know. You’re completely right.”
Adira gaped at Hugh.
With the phone shoved back into his belt, she blinked. “I can’t stay with you.”
“Why not? I have a guest bedroom.”
“Because…well, because Judge Marley will think I’m sleeping with you as my community service,” she stammered. The whole idea of staying with Hugh at his house wasn’t such a bad idea, and that’s what made it a very bad idea.
He laughed and the rich baritone sound vibrated her nipples. “Darlin’, the Judge won’t think anything about it. It’s called hospitality.”
“What will your family think?”
“Don’t know and don’t care. I’m an adult. Do you have any other options?”
She nibbled her bottom lip, then sighed. “No. I hope you have an extra toothbrush.”
Chapter 6
“Here we are. Home sweet home.” Hugh took a step back and motioned for her to enter. She passed and her shoulder brushed his chest, causing tingles to shoot through him. Her perfume, a mixture of sunshine and heaven, teased his nostrils, only intensifying his need.
He watched her as she examined his place, distracted by her beauty. Her long dark hair hung in soft ringlets down her back with lighter caramel highlights. She had slight, rounded shoulders, slender back, and a damn near perfect bottom. His dick demanded attention, but he forced his body to behave itself. He hadn’t invited Adira to stay to make his every fantasy come true. She had no other choice but to stay here, with him, alone.
His gut tightened. What had he been thinking?
He could have called one of his sisters-in-law and they would have welcomed Adira. Why hadn’t he? Because the only thought that had come to mind was having her here with him.
“Lovely place,” she said as she examined the framed pictures on the fireplace mantel.
“Thank you.”
Turning his back on all her beauty, he took off his hat and hung it on the hook by the door and followed with toeing off his boots, placing them on the mat. His cell buzzed and he checked the screen. Weston. Well, his brother would have to wait.
He strolled across the room to the adjoining kitchen. “Can I get you something to eat? Drink?”
“What are you having?”
“A beer.”
“How about iced water for me.”
He dropped ice cubes into a glass, poured in water and grabbed a long neck from the fridge, then we
nt back to join her. She was still looking at the pictures. “Here you go.” He handed her the glass.
“You and your brothers look so much alike.” She referred to a photo taken of all five of them when they were teenagers.
“I get that a lot.”
“But, you each have different personalities.”
“Do we?”
“Weston is a leader. Roman is logical. Penn is reserved. Urban is laid back. And you, well…I haven’t quite figured you out yet.”
He scrubbed his jaw. “I’m not that hard to figure.”
“You’re not quiet, not really. I think you have a habit of sitting back and watching. That’s how you learn people, observe important things.”
“I’d like to think everything that comes out of my mouth has purpose.”
“When I interviewed Penn, he talked about losing his leg. He told me that you were supportive, the one who stuck by him twenty-four seven.”
“I didn’t give a damn that he lost his leg, I was just glad that he was alive, but I understood how hard it was for him. He hated relying on others to take care of him. Harley reached a part of him that I thought would be lost forever.”
“Seriously, the Jericho kids are going to be amazing.”
He watched her bring the glass to her lips and drink, her delicate, smooth neck moving. He couldn’t believe how much he wanted to touch the length of the silken skin with his fingers, his lips, and continue to follow the feminine lines of her lush curves.
Hugh wasn’t sure where the need stemmed from, but it grew heavier, deeper, the longer he was around her.
As much as he hated to admit it, he wanted her close. Siting in the treetop, he’d had a strong urge to follow through with kissing her, but he wasn’t one to jump into anything, especially when she made it clear that she wasn’t interested in things getting messy.
“I’m going to admit something to you.”
“Ah, secrets revealed. I knew I’d eventually break you down.” She smiled.
Gathering his senses, he drained half his beer and sat the bottle on the table. Did she realize just how true her words were? “When I first laid eyes on you I was attracted to you.”
Hugh's Chase (Saddles & Second Chances Book 5) Page 7
