To Protect the Heart of a Brazen Woman [Brazen Sisters 6] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Rita Sawyer

  “If I promise to get you the next book will you cut me a break?” At least until he could fix things with Bobbie.

  “No.” Her firm answer was accompanied with a shake of her head.

  “Why not?”

  She was silent for so long he didn’t think she was going to say anything. “Because I thought someday Bobbie was going to be my aunt, and I’d get to be part of the Brazen family like Stephanie.”

  Wow. He hadn’t seen that coming. Even Charlie had seen them ending up together. It was becoming startlingly obvious that all his posturing had been for naught where his family and friends were concerned.

  “Okay, if I go see Bobbie, apologize for being…me, and ask her if you can have the next book, will you still be mad at me?”

  “Will you tell me what you guys fought about?”

  “No.”

  “Neither would my dad. He said I’d understand when I got older.”

  “You will, probably sooner than we’ll be ready for, but if not then I promise to explain it to you. For now I have some apologizing to do.”

  “Can I come with you?”

  Jake thought about it for a few minutes. Bobbie might not flip out with Charlie there, but neither of them would be free to talk with her there, either. And there was a good chance he’d be doing some groveling. He didn’t need his niece witnessing that.

  “Not this time. I’ll drop you off at home and then go see Bobbie.” He stood up and held out his hand.

  No longer angry with him, Charlie slapped hers into it and they walked out the big double doors. Jake tugged the sunglasses on his head down to cover his eyes. He tapped Charlie’s head, and she laughed and pulled her glasses down, too. As they reached the sidewalk Charlie let out a squeal.

  Jake followed her gaze to where Bobbie stood down the road with a group of people. Charlie tore her hand out of his and ran in her direction before Jake could stop her. He had no choice but to follow. Bobbie saw her coming and opened her arms, which Charlie flew into. As Jake approached Bobbie’s friends headed inside the diner, leaving the three of them alone on the sidewalk.

  “I was just about to go drop Charlie off and come see you.” Bobbie didn’t respond, or even look at him, so he went on. “Charlie finished the books you lent her and was wondering if she could borrow the next one in the series since the library doesn’t have it.”

  “Really? You finished all four?” Bobbie sounded surprised and proud all at the same time.

  Charlie nodded. “They were so good I couldn’t stop. And you were right. The girl’s uncle is a really mean ogre.”

  “You should have called me.”

  “My dad said it wasn’t a good idea.” Charlie’s pout and sigh hit him hard.

  “I guess I’m going to have a serious talk with him. You can call me anytime you want.” Jake would have given anything for her to say that to him.

  “How about I stop by tomorrow and bring you the next four books?” Bobbie’s offer had his niece practically bouncing in place.

  “I could swing up and get them later tonight.” Jake hoped she’d understand he wanted to talk to her and wasn’t going to be ignored any longer.

  “I can’t wait to see how that scrapbook of yours is coming out,” she said, totally ignoring him.

  Jake knew it would be useless to push her right now. He stood there and listened to them talk. When they were done, Bobbie turned and walked away without even so much as glance in his direction. Charlie’s mood had improved immensely, where his—which hadn’t been great to start with—had taken a downturn. She was now trying to tug him along the sidewalk. Jake let her, but he couldn’t resist taking one more look at Bobbie.

  He looked back in time to see her join her friends in the diner. She sat down, and one of the guys draped his arm over her shoulders. Jake wanted to go rip it off and beat him with it. He figured this was a major difference between him and Bobbie. The jealousy raging through him demanded he react. With her, it seemed to cause some kind of shutdown.

  Jake decided he was just going to have to do whatever it took to start her back up.

  * * * *

  Bobbie could barely breathe. Her eyes stung with unshed tears. None of her friends seemed to notice, or were too nice to say so if they did. Being around him wasn’t getting any easier. Not that she thought it ever would. Especially since their lives were intertwined so much. Bobbie hoped time might lessen the ache, but she feared the attraction would always be there. Her friend, Thomas, slung his arm around her shoulders and tugged her closer to his side.

  She looked over and smiled at him, knowing he was just offering her support and there was nothing romantic about the move. His boyfriend, Joe, winked at her from across the table and she laughed, feeling a little bit better. For now, she just needed to keep her distance.

  Not just from Jake, either. She was still pretty pissed off at her sisters for keeping her in the dark. So mad, in fact, that the night she came home she packed a few bags and moved into one of the cabins. She’d left them a note that told them where she’d gone and to leave her alone. Of course they hadn’t. One by one, they all, including her brothers-in-law, found reasons to come by.

  They asked stupid questions, tried to bribe her with food, and issued numerous heartfelt apologies. After one week, Bobbie had caved and moved back into the house with Sam, Trent, Georgie, and her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Stephanie. Things were still a little tense, but they were definitely getting better.

  With most of her friends returning for the fall semester, at least she had some distractions. And just yesterday at the lodge she’d met Jake’s new deputy, Clint. He’d flirted a little, and she’d let him, which is probably why Jake wanted to talk to her so bad. Bobbie knew that just because she blew off his comments about coming up to the house didn’t mean he would stay away. Actually, she was surprised he’d stayed away as long as he had.

  Mildred, her favorite waitress and a close family friend, came over to the table to take their orders. Everyone joked and made small talk. Bobbie did her best to join in. Before she walked away, Mildred gave her a wink. Bobbie took it as a sign that her façade had passed Mildred’s muster.

  By the time her friends had finished eating their lunches Bobbie had worked up a little ball of fury in the pit of her stomach. She knew it was only temporary, but it replaced some of the sadness she felt in her heart and soul. More importantly, she knew exactly what to do about Jake’s brother Beau. Charlie’s father might have been trying to protect his daughter by keeping her from getting caught between Bobbie and Jake, but he’d made a big mistake cutting her off completely.

  He had to know how much Charlie meant to Bobbie. Even if Jake went off and married someone else Bobbie was still going to be in Charlie’s life. That was a fact they were all going to come to terms with. Beau and Jake could just man up and do what was best for the little girl even if it made them a little uncomfortable.

  “Who’s ready for some shopping?” Thomas asked as they all headed for the door.

  “You guys go ahead. I need to run home and pick up some books and go drop them off at a friend’s.” She just hoped she could get there and to Beau’s before Jake showed up at her place.

  “I’ll go with you if you want,” Julie volunteered.

  “No, you guys go have fun.” She waved them off as she turned toward her Jeep.

  She climbed behind the wheel and instantly got that same little thrill she’d experienced the first time and every time since then. Bobbie turned the key and the engine rumbled to life. She pressed the CD button on the radio and crooner Michael Bublé’s voice filled the air as he sang about swaying with his dance partner. Though she knew she was totally off-key, she joined him.

  They made their way through three of his other songs before she pulled into her driveway. She put the shifter in park and left the car running while she dashed in the house.

  “Whoa,” Sam said as she ran past her on the stairs. “What’s the rush?”

  “Just grabbin
g some books for Charlie!” Bobbie shouted from her bedroom.

  “Really?” Sam sounded a little surprised.

  Okay, more like a lot, but Bobbie understood why since she almost ran her down. Sam had probably thought it was something more important.

  She came out of her room carrying a stack of books. “Yeah, I ran into her…and Jake in town.”

  “You saw Jake?” Sam’s voice and eyes were filled with hope.

  She hated to dash her sister’s bubble, but there was no way around it. “No, I saw Charlie. And now I’m going to see her father and give him a piece of my mind.”

  “Are you sure you have enough to spare?” Sam teased as Bobbie met her at the bottom of the stairs.

  “At least I was able to find my keys this morning.” Bobbie stuck out her tongue.

  “Hey! I have pregnancy amnesia. And besides, I think Trent stole them so I wouldn’t drive.”

  “A blessing for those of us on the road.” Bobbie was only kidding, and Sam laughed along with her.

  “You’re a viper today. I feel bad for Beau,” she said as Bobbie opened the door.

  Bobbie froze on the threshold and looked at her sister. “Don’t you dare. He actually told Charlie she couldn’t call me because of what’s going on between me and Jake. He deserves more than a tongue lashing. The poor kid is dying to read these books and they made her suffer for no reason.”

  Sam laid her hand on her protruding belly. “Want me to come with you to talk to him?”

  “Not this time, but I’ll let him know you want to talk him.” Bobbie was sure all her sisters would have a few things to say once Sam told them what was going on. “Oh, and if Jake stops by, you don’t know where I am or when I’ll be back.”

  Sam didn’t look happy about it, but she nodded. Bobbie climbed back in her Jeep and turned around. She glanced out the window and waved at Sam as she drove by. As she headed into town she kept her eyes open for Jake’s police Blazer. Thankfully, the truck was nowhere in sight. She hoped he’d either already dropped Charlie off at home or that they were out together somewhere. She’d like the opportunity to talk to Beau alone, but then again, it would do the little girl some good to see a woman stand up to her doting yet overbearing father.

  She pulled into Beau’s driveway happy to see just his pickup truck sitting in front of the two-car garage. Not sure if Jake had already been there, she pulled around the side of the building. She shut her car off and was halfway to the house when Charlie came flying out of the back door. A smiling Beau wasn’t far behind her, but when Bobbie glared at him he stopped and his smile fell.

  “Sweetie, take these inside while I have a chat with your father.” Bobbie held out the stack of books to Charlie.

  Charlie took the books and hugged them her chest. “You won’t leave without saying good-bye, will you?”

  “I wouldn’t do that to you. Now go on.”

  “Before you blast me for whatever I’ve done, can I say I’m sorry?” Beau asked as Charlie glared at him on her way by.

  Bobbie stood there tapping her foot until Charlie was in the house with the door closed behind her. “Did you really tell her not to call me?”

  “I was just…well, you were so…I…just shoot me now.”

  “I’d like to, but your daughter is hurt enough without me causing you any pain.” She glanced at the house where Charlie was peeking through the curtains. “I don’t care what happens. That kid can call me, or any of my sisters, any time she wants.”

  “Got the message loud and clear. Want to come in and visit for a while? I’m going to make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.”

  “Sure, but just so you know, Sam was pissed when I told her why I was coming to see you.”

  “So I should be expecting to hear from her and the rest of your sisters.”

  “Probably sooner than later.”

  Bobbie opened the door and heard Charlie run into the living room. She’d probably heard everything they said. By the time they walked into the room she had a board game off the shelf and set up on the coffee table. Bobbie laughed and took a seat on the couch. Beau joined her, and Charlie sat across from them on the floor.

  The next few hours flew by. She and Charlie ganged up on Beau and beat him soundly in all three games they played. Bobbie laughed more than she had in the past few weeks and felt wonderful. Dinner was good even though the pasta was a little chewy, and the garlic bread was a bit hard. After dinner, Charlie excused herself to go start reading, leaving Bobbie and Beau alone. She sat at the counter while he cleaned the kitchen.

  “Why couldn’t I have fallen for you?” She really wished she knew the answer to that question.

  “I’ve asked myself that a dozen times.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. I mean I’m just as good looking as Jake, single, closer to you in age, have a daughter who loves you, and I’m even a passable cook.”

  “All good reasons, but you’re not interested in me romantically, either.”

  “You’re pretty and smart, but no, not like that. We could pretend and see if that lug head of a brother of mine notices.”

  “I’m not into playing games. Besides, if he noticed he’d just be glad he’s free, even though I’ve made it perfectly clear he always has been.”

  “Please, you hooked him years ago. He wants to be reeled in so badly he’s jumping out of the water hoping you’ll scoop him up with a net.” Beau loved fishing analogies and used them all the time, making her and her sisters laugh.

  “Beau, I don’t know what Jake has told you, but I was pretty clear with him about how I feel.” She figured Jake would have told him everything since they were so close.

  Beau closed the dishwasher and turned to lean against the counter. “You know it was one dinner, and they went as friends, right?”

  “See, that’s the problem. Everyone…my family, you, and Jake are under the impression that his going out with Kerri is why I’m upset. Granted, it hurt, but what hurt worse was no one telling me. And finding out after I dragged him into a closet and threw myself at him really pissed me off. But not as much as knowing he let me kiss him—and he kissed me back, by the way—which made everything exponentially harder to deal with.” She took a deep breath and looked at the way he stood there with his mouth slightly open. “Sorry, I guess you didn’t deserve all that.”

  “You dragged him…he kissed you? Like really kissed you?” Beau asked after running his hand across his mouth.

  “He didn’t tell you. Oh my god!” She got to her feet and headed for the door. “I thought you guys talked about everything.”

  Beau’s hand slammed on the door above her head keeping it from opening. “Oh, no you don’t. You are going to stay here and tell me everything. How long has this been going on? I know you two flirt, hell, the whole town knows you two flirt, but how far has it gone?”

  Bobbie closed her eyes and dropped her head against the door. She wasn’t about to stand here and tell him how Jake and her had been stealing kisses for the past year and a half. Or how she wanted, planned, and tried to do it long before that. Once Beau learned how she taunted and teased Jake into responding almost against his will he might lose any respect he had for her.

  “I have to go.” She tugged on the door, but it didn’t move.

  “That son of a bitch.”

  Charlie came running into the room at Beau’s loud cursing. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Just stay with Bobbie until I come and get you.” Beau gently shoved her out of the way and opened the door.

  “I’m going home. I’ll take her with me. Get your stuff.” Bobbie followed Beau outside. “Beau, it isn’t Jake’s fault.”

  “I know you’re tempting, but he’s been playing with you and that’s just wrong.” He got in his truck and sped out of the driveway.

  “Uncle Jake’s in trouble, huh?” Charlie asked as she came down the porch steps.

  “No, honey, your dad just wants to talk to him. Let’s get going.” B
ecause she planned on being long gone by the time Beau was done confronting Jake.

  Chapter Three

  Blue lights flashed, and the siren blared as Jake’s black truck tore down the driveway mindless of the dirt and gravel he was spraying behind him. Jessie looked over at Sam, who just shrugged and lumbered her pregnant body to her feet. Jessie wasn’t that big yet, but her time was coming.

  “Should we at least go see what she’s done this time?” Jessie pushed herself up out of the rocking chair.

  “No. She’s just beginning to forgive us. I think we should stay out of it this time,” Sam said, though she walked over to the edge of the porch, which gave them a clear view of the garage Jake was now striding toward.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so angry.” Sam was right, and Jessie felt a moment of that mother-hen instinct, but pushed it away knowing Bobbie had to live her own life and none of them should stand in her way.

  “Damn it, Bobbie, you have to listen to me!” Jake’s shout carried all the way to them.

  “Anything you have to say should be said to Kerri, because the only thing I have to say to you is fuck off.” Jessie cringed, but Jake had brought this on himself and deserved the hell Bobbie was about to give him, even more in her opinion.

  “Son of a bitch. I don’t have time to fight with you.” His tone got deeper and louder each time he spoke.

  “Then you shouldn’t have come. Now go away!”

  “I’m not leaving here until we ta—”

  “Watch out!” Bobbie yelled as she came barreling around the side of the house up the stairs onto the porch, flying into the house.

  * * * *

  She was quick. He’d give her that. Jake was only a few feet behind her, dripping wet and covered with suds. He stuck his foot in the doorway, but that didn’t stop Bobbie from trying to slam it.

  “Little girl, you are in big trouble now.”

  “Jessie, are you going to let him threaten me like that?” Bobbie stomped on his foot and tried to peel his fingers off the door.