The Maverick's Reward

by Roxann Delaney

  The house was blessedly quiet. Garrett would be attending the city council meeting later and would go straight from his office to there, so she had the house to herself until late. Leaning her head back, she sighed. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to stop fighting for just a little while. Maybe if she let herself fully experience those feelings from the “incident,” they wouldn’t try to keep creeping into her thoughts.

  She was mentally reliving the moments before Tucker had picked her up and taken her to the wrestling storage room, when she was jerked back into the present by the sound of her doorbell ringing.

  “It’s probably for the best,” she muttered as she shoved herself from the sofa and walked to the door. Opening it, she was surprised to find Shawn standing on the other side.

  “Jules asked me to return your punch bowl,” he said. “And thank you for letting us use it at the party.”

  Paige took the heavy, cut-glass punch bowl from him and stepped aside. “Come on in and make yourself comfortable, if you have some time. I’ve been wanting to hear about the trip you and Ryan are taking.”

  “Thanks.”

  Paige slipped into the kitchen and quickly put the punch bowl away in the cabinet, then returned to the living room and settled on one of the chairs across from the sofa where Shawn sat. “It won’t be long now,” she said, smiling. “Less than a week! Are you excited?”

  Shawn nodded. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it’s possible. It’s like I remember my first day of kindergarten, and how Uncle Tanner took me to my classroom. When I think about it, it’s almost like it was only a couple of years ago.”

  “Time flies when you’re having a good time,” Paige said, “or so I heard when I was young.”

  “But so much has happened lately, and it’s all been good,” Shawn continued. “That’s what’s really mind-blowing for me. Like my dad coming back.”

  Paige wasn’t sure what to say. She hadn’t given a lot of thought to Shawn and his reaction to all that had happened in the past couple of months, except to think that there must have been some changes made in his life that no one had expected. As far as Tucker was concerned, she sensed that his whole life had changed when he met his son, and she could only imagine how difficult it was for him. And for Shawn now, too.

  Shawn leaned forward. “I asked Jules if I could return the punch bowl, because I wanted to thank you for helping my dad.”

  Paige wondered if Jules had said something to the boy. “You don’t need to thank me.”

  “I know you helped him.”

  “Did he tell you that?” she asked, wondering what else Shawn might have learned.

  He shook his head and leaned back again. “No, I just guessed. After he hurt his leg so bad before that ball game when he was helping me warm up, I asked him if there was something he could do, and he admitted there was. Then I made him promise he’d do it.”

  Paige couldn’t hide her smile. “And you assumed he came to me.”

  “I didn’t think he’d ever do it, even when he’d promised, but he did, and look at him now.”

  “I’m glad I could help,” she told him, meaning it. She felt good about it, too.

  “He’s a good guy,” Shawn said. “I wish he’d been around when I was growing up. Not that Uncle Tanner wasn’t good to me,” he hurried to say.

  “I know your dad wishes the same thing. It was because of you that he came to me for help,” she explained.

  Shawn sighed and shook his head. “He’s stubborn, like all the O’Briens. I just hope he stays around. I know he and Uncle Tanner have some issues….”

  “Is everything going okay?” she asked.

  Smiling, Shawn shrugged. “Jules says it’s going about as well as it can, considering.”

  Paige wasn’t sure what he meant. “Considering?”

  “Yeah. Uncle Tanner and Dad had a—” He chuckled and ducked his head. “Jules calls it a difference of opinion, but it sounded more like an argument Saturday.”

  Just the mention of the day made Paige’s cheeks heat. “This past Saturday?”

  “Yeah. I never should’ve mentioned the party some of the kids are having after graduation. That’s what started it.”

  And just what, she wondered, did that have to do with what happened between her and Tucker later? She could only imagine what might have gone on with Tanner. She hadn’t forgotten how Tucker had reacted to the mention of his family the first time he’d come to the clinic. “I’m sure they’ll work things out,” she told Shawn. “Give it a little time. Sometimes siblings don’t always get along. Garrett used to make my life miserable when we were kids, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything now.”

  Shawn stared at his hands, now clasped between his knees. “I guess it’s just different for them, what with my dad running off like he did, and then my mom leaving me with Uncle Tanner. I was a handful for a while, I know. We all have Jules to thank for making things better. She’s really special.” He slowly looked up. “It’d be nice if my dad had somebody special.”

  Paige instinctively knew she needed to be careful. “Special?”

  “Yeah. If you and he—”

  She didn’t miss the hopeful gleam in Shawn’s eyes, and she didn’t know what to say to him. “Well, thanks for thinking of me,” she said, trying to make light of it, “but I’m not so sure that’s the best idea.” Especially, she thought, since she’d fallen in love with the man. She really had no idea what was in Tucker’s mind or what his plans were. She hoped he was staying in Desperation, but he’d never really talked to her about it, and she’d never felt she should ask. Just why was that?

  “I think it’s a great idea,” Shawn said.

  Paige stared at him. The glint in his eyes that she suspected was a bit of the devil, as Bridey would say, made it difficult to know if he was serious. She hoped he wasn’t. She’d already made it clear to Jules—at the price of a huge embarrassment—that matchmaking wasn’t needed, and she didn’t need Shawn trying his hand at it.

  “You still haven’t told me about your trip and your internship,” she said, changing the subject.

  The nudge finally took, and Shawn began to describe in detail how he and Ryan had been planning a trip to Los Angeles since they were in middle school. Paige listened, but she wasn’t able to put thoughts of Tucker and Shawn’s hint out of her mind. She really needed to find a way to put what had happened with Tucker behind her. Deep in her heart she wished it meant something important was happening between them, but she tried hard not to believe it did. And that she and Tucker would be the only ones to ever know about it. Even more, she prayed there would be no surprises. Not only had she overstepped the bounds of ethics, but they also hadn’t used protection.

  SEATED AT A big round table, the wooden top worn and scarred from years of use, Tucker looked around the noisy tavern, remembering the time he’d gone in to find his dad and to take him home. It was a period not long before Brody left for the rodeo circuit to look for Sally, when Brody had taken to drinking more than he should. Tucker remembered how angry his dad had been, but Brody had eventually given in to Tucker’s pleadings and gone home. Tucker knew he couldn’t have been more than six, but very little had changed in the tavern, except that it was called Lou’s Place now.

  Country music played on the jukebox that still sat next to the door, and several men, both young and old, were playing a round of pool nearby. For a weeknight, the place was doing a brisk business. Tanner had explained when they’d arrived that part of the reason for the crowd was because of the barbecue beef sandwiches that Dusty’s wife made and were sold at the tavern.

  Tucker was finally comfortable around his older brother’s friends. Once he could remember their names, it hadn’t taken long to get to know them and like them. Dusty, tipped back in his chair, was discussing the merits of handmade saddles with Mac, Nikki’s new husband, while Tanner listened.

  The sudden loud crack of a cue ball hitting another ball behind him at the pool table caused Tucker to grab t
he edge of the table to keep from diving for cover. He hoped nobody noticed. Loud, sharp noises like that always put him on his guard. They reminded him of sniper shots, one of the many things from the last few years he wished he could get over and forget, but hadn’t.

  Around the pool table, laughter followed and then someone shouted. “Hey, we could use some beer over here, honey, if you’d just move that sweet butt of yours.”

  Tucker frowned and glanced at the man in the blue shirt who’d said it. From what he could tell the last thing the guy needed was more to drink. But it wasn’t his place to say so.

  Morgan, seated across the table, leaned forward.

  “Kind of noisy tonight,” he said, glancing in the direction of the pool table.

  “I guess it can get that way,” Tucker replied.

  “So what are your plans for the summer?”

  Not yet ready to let his family know he didn’t plan to settle at the Rocking O or anywhere near Desperation, Tucker shrugged. “I haven’t really made any plans yet.”

  “I don’t blame you. Take it easy while you can. Real life sets in soon enough.” He looked up in the direction of the door and waved. “Over here, Garrett,” he called out.

  Tucker looked over his shoulder to see Paige’s brother walking toward them. Not that he was surprised. Although this was the first time he’d joined this group of men at the tavern, he knew they got together when time allowed. He hadn’t planned to be there, but Tanner and Dusty had both insisted. Now that he was here, and except for the occasional crack of a cue ball, he was beginning to relax and feel glad he’d agreed to come.

  Garrett took the empty chair between Morgan and Tucker, and greeted everyone as the waitress approached.

  “How’s my favorite cowboy tonight?” she asked, setting a cup of black coffee in front of Garrett.

  Knowing Garrett wasn’t anything close to a cowboy, Tucker watched, curious, as Garrett looked up at the blonde woman. “Hungry,” he answered, grinning.

  “I’ll have it for you in just a minute,” she said.

  “Wait,” he said, before she turned to walk away. “Tucker, how about you? Kate’s sandwiches are the best.”

  “Sure,” Tucker answered, not that he was hungry. “Thanks.”

  “Make that two,” Garrett told the waitress.

  She nodded and smiled at both of them, and then moved away. But before she could get past the pool table, the guy who’d yelled for the beer grabbed her. Sensing there might be trouble, Tucker tensed, ready to move if necessary, but the woman deftly extricated herself and shook her head.

  “Keep your hat on, Trent,” she told him, sidestepping another pass. “I’ll bring a round of beer for everyone in a minute.”

  Glancing at Garrett, Tucker noticed he, too, appeared to be concerned. When she disappeared behind the bar, he turned to Tucker. “Good to see you’ve joined us.”

  “Yeah, it’s my first time,” Tucker admitted. “As an adult, that is.” He pointed to the coffee in front of Garrett. “You must stop in often if the waitress knows your order.”

  Garrett laughed. “Libby’s good. She hasn’t been in town long, but she learned fast what the customers want.”

  “The sign of a good waitress.”

  Garrett nodded and took a sip of his coffee. Morgan said something to him, and Tucker turned his attention to his brother, who was deep in conversation with Dusty about their stock company. Leaning back, Tucker listened, while he watched the things going on around him. For some people, being an observer might have been awkward, but for him, it was the way he’d spent the biggest part of his life. As a teenager on the rodeo circuit, he hadn’t wanted to be found and tried not to answer questions about his personal life, so he’d remained quiet and did a lot of listening.

  He’d learned a lot, too. That’s where he’d first heard about the Marine Corps. Once he was in the service, he continued to keep his personal life to himself, but he got to know his fellow marines. Sometimes he thought he knew some of them better than they knew themselves. Yet they knew very little about him, and that’s the way he’d liked it. Staying in the background suited him just fine. He still had no desire to be the center of attention.

  The waitress returned with the sandwiches and set them on the table. “Is there anything else I can get you gentlemen?”

  “Tucker?” Garrett asked. “A beer, maybe?”

  “Sure, that’d be fine.” Now that he was no longer taking the pain medication, he didn’t see a reason why he couldn’t imbibe a little. But a little was all he’d drink. His real drinking days had not only peaked, but also ended when he was young. Oh, he’d had a few wild nights after he’d joined the Corps, but they’d become fewer and farther between. He chalked it up to being older and wiser.

  “How about you, Garrett?” the waitress asked.

  He shook his head. “No, I’m fine with the coffee. Have you met Tucker O’Brien?”

  She turned to Tucker with a smile. “No, I haven’t. You must be Tanner’s brother.” She wiped her hand on the short apron she wore and held it out to him. “I’m Libby. Libby Carter.”

  “Nice to meet you, Libby,” Tucker said, taking her hand for a moment. There was no rush when he touched her like there was when he touched Paige. He knew that wasn’t a good sign. He had no business getting involved with anyone, but he’d been too attracted to Paige and had let it go too far. She made him feel things he didn’t remember ever feeling, and feelings weren’t something he dealt with very well. He never should have made love to her, but it was too late now. And, no matter what, he didn’t regret it.

  “How ’bout those beers, Libby?” the cowboy in the blue shirt asked again.

  Libby turned to look at him, but before she could say anything, another player answered. “Give it a rest, Trent. You’ve still got half a bottle on the table.”

  “Maybe I want a cold one.” Trent called to Libby as she walked away, then he moved around the table, to stand in front of the other player. “If she’d stop flirt in’ with the city attorney, there, maybe we’d get some service.”

  No one gave any notice to the sound of a cell phone ringing. Tucker saw Garrett give a small, imperceptible shake of his head when he answered it. Trent was now directly behind him, and Tucker decided things were heating up too fast for comfort. Libby had thankfully disappeared.

  “Let’s get back to the game,” the other player said.

  “So take your shot,” Trent grumbled, but didn’t seem to notice when Garrett left the table and walked away, the phone to his ear. “I don’t care what you do. But I want my beer.”

  The other player leaned over the pool table, ready to take his shot, and answered calmly. “And I want to finish this game. Maybe if you hadn’t had a bottle in your hand all night, you might’ve beat me, but you’re way behind now.”

  Tucker watched as Trent grabbed his beer bottle from a nearby table and took a swig from it. Moving closer to the other player, enough to bump against the end of his stick, he laughed. “You think I’m drunk? You ain’t seen nothin’.”

  “Don’t want to, either. Now back up and let me take this shot, then we’ll call this game a draw.”

  There was a blur of motion, and Tucker was on his feet. Trent’s beer bottle fell to the floor with a crash of glass, as Tucker knocked it out of his hand when Trent went to bring it down on the other player’s head. Tucker had Trent’s arm angled behind his back and was moving him toward the exit.

  “I’d stay real quiet, if I were you,” Tucker whispered in his ear as he shoved the tavern door open with Trent’s body. Slamming the man up against the side of the building, he shoved Trent’s arm up higher, until Trent finally cried out. It was then that Tucker realized where he was and what he was doing, and eased his grip.

  Turning at the sound of the door opening, Tucker saw Morgan walk out of the tavern.

  “Good work,” Morgan told him, taking the arm Tucker held and putting on the handcuffs. “My deputy’s on his way. Trent doesn’t u
sually get so mean.” Turning Trent around to face him, he sighed. “I gave you a warning a couple of months ago, but this time you’ve stepped over the line. A night in a cell will give you time to sober up and think.”

  Tucker realized he was no longer needed and turned for the tavern, but Morgan called to him. “Don’t leave. I’d like to talk to you, if you have some time.”

  Tucker wondered if he’d have been better off minding his own business. He hadn’t meant to grab the guy or cause any trouble, but when he’d seen Trent raise that beer bottle, ready to use it as a weapon, he knew the other player was in for some hurt, and he reacted without thinking. He could imagine how upset Morgan might be. After all, Tucker knew he didn’t have any right to do what he’d done.

  Inside, the tavern noise had quieted some, and the pool game had apparently ended when Tucker had escorted Trent outside. Tucker was thankful everyone was choosing to go about their business, and no one at the table other than Tanner mentioned what had taken place.

  “Everything okay?” Tanner asked, when Tucker returned to their table.

  “Yeah,” Tucker answered, but he wasn’t sure what Morgan would have to say to him. He’d really stepped out of line, this time, he was sure.

  Less than ten minutes later, Morgan was giving him a friendly slap on the back. “Grab your beer and come over here.”

  Tucker nodded, grabbed his bottle and followed Morgan to a small table away from the others. “Look, I know I was out of line—”

  “It’s a good thing you were,” Morgan said quickly. “I should’ve been quicker, but I know Trent, and I didn’t expect anything like that from him. I’m just glad you were so quick and diffused the situation before somebody was hurt.”