He’d talk to Ward about that in the morning, among other things. “Head home, Diamond. I think I can sleep now.”
The mare turned as he pulled gently on the reins and headed to the barn. When he went in the house, after rubbing Diamond down, it was quiet and dark. He pulled off his shoes and walked in his socks to his room at the end of the hall. It felt good to have Ward and Brittany close.
* * * *
Ward got up early and met Jared in the kitchen. Jared turned from the stove. “Do you want bacon and eggs?”
“No. I’ll get some juice and fix my toast.”
Jared hummed as he cooked his breakfast.
Ward got his juice, coffee, and toast, and then sat at the table. “You appear to be in a good mood.”
“I am.” Jared had put his bacon on his plate, then he added his eggs, grabbed his cup of coffee and put it all on the table. He went back and buttered his toast before sitting across from Ward.
“What did you find out from Chad?”
“He said there were two cars. One got in front and one in back and blocked him in. Then with guns drawn, they told them to get out. Chad and his partner jumped out with their guns blazing. They got two of the guys. Then their other men arrived and took down the last three.
“They’ll be questioning them about their leader. But they also intercepted a message between one of the gang and Ralph, the guy who blackmailed Brittany. There’s a meeting set up for later today. They think he’s the middle man and hope he’ll lead them to the boss.”
“Do you think they’ll send others after Brittany?”
“I don’t know yet. We need to keep her here until the FBI is sure it’s safe for her to return.”
“You think she’ll want to go back?”
“Possibly.”
Jared heard a noise and glanced at the doorway. Brittany had just walked up. Hopefully she didn’t hear their conversation.
“Good morning. Your mother had a good mattress put on the guest bed. I slept very well.”
“You relaxed. I doubt you’ve got much sleep lately,” Ward said.
“True.”
“I’ll cook bacon and eggs for you.” Jared started to get up.
“Stay and eat you meal while it’s hot. I’m sure you have to get out to work. I can cook. Not as good as Sondra, but it’s eatable.”
She went to the counter and put the frying pan back on the stove. They both stared at her as she put the bacon in the frying pan. “What’s the matter? Did you think I was totally helpless?”
Jared grinned. “Other than the lady who cleans our house and occasionally cooks for us, no woman has cooked in this kitchen since our mom died. You’re a lovely sight.”
“Don’t get used to it. I’m not a great fan of cooking, like my sister.”
“Too bad. I was looking forward to someone else’s cooking besides mine.” Jared nodded to Ward. “He burns water, probably on purpose.”
Ward drained the last of his coffee from his cup and stood. “I’m going to call Chad and see if he needs me to help.”
Jared frowned at him. “You planning on leaving today?”
“Maybe, why?”
“Then walk to the barn with me first.” Jared stood and picked up his coffee cup. “Sorry to leave you alone to eat, Brittany.”
“I’ll be fine. But call me Britt. Everyone else does.”
“No. I like the name Brittany. It’s too pretty to be shortened.”
“I agree,” Ward said as he followed Jared outside.
“You were going to leave without our talk. That isn’t going to happen.” Jared kicked the dirt with the toe of his boot. “Tell me all about what happened in New York.”
Ward squinted his eyes, looking off in the distance. Jared gave him time. He never had been one to spill his emotions easily.
When they got to the barn, Jared glanced around. “The men are working the south area today. Come on into the office.” He’d built a small office on one end of the barn years ago. Ward had his office at the house. Jared liked to be here. He could hear the horses, smell the familiar scents of the barn, and put his feet up on the old aluminum desk.
He sat in the chair behind the desk and Ward took the chair across from him. Sunlight filtered through a dusty window.
“I never did understand why you wanted to have your office out here. The smells aren’t great and it’s dusty.”
“The aroma suits me. I’ve smelled it all my life. You’re taking a long time answering my question.”
Ward stretched his long legs out. “You know about what she overheard and the money she gave the guy. I told you all of that on the phone.”
“I’m interested in what happened between you two. Brittany has definitely cooled toward you and consequently me.”
“Hell, we made love.”
“Was it that bad?” Jared leaned forward in his chair. He was puzzled. Most women chased Ward. This one was pushing him away.
“No, damn it. It was too good.”
Relief swept through Jared. He understood what Ward wasn’t saying. Ward had felt too much. He was running scared. “I guess you pulled your cool act, and didn’t show how you were really feeling.”
“That’s about it.” He put his head in his hands. “It happened twice. The second time she held back. I could tell. But still I was blown away.”
“If we’re certain she’s the one for us, then you have to open up to her or it won’t work.”
“I know that. I just don’t know how. It takes me too long to trust.”
“What did you tell her about yourself?”
“That I was adopted and how great your parents, you, and the community have always been to me.”
“You didn’t tell her about your real mom?”
“It’s no one’s business.”
“It’s hers, if she’s agrees to marry us.”
“I don’t know if I can tell her the whole sordid story.”
“Then we have a problem.”
Ward got up and stood over Jared. “See how you feel while she’s here. I’m going back to New York this afternoon. I need some space and time to think.”
“I’ll drive you to the airport. Let me know what time.”
“Thanks.” Ward walked briskly out of the office. Jared sat back and watched as Ward left the barn and hurried back to the house.
He’d wait until Ward left before he set out to get to know their guest better. Maybe the first week or so was just pure lust. It’s been a while since I’ve dated seriously. Jared walked out of his office and into the barn, where he saddled his mare. He’d ride out and see how the men were doing herding the cattle to another field.
Working settled him down and helped him think more clearly. Jared checked his cell. It was on, and the battery was good. Ward would call when he wanted a ride to his plane.
Jared smiled at the thought of coming home today to Brittany. Living on a ranch could be a lonely life, especially if a man was single. It didn’t matter how much he loved the work. At the end of the day, it’d be nice to have a wife to greet him.
His mom and dad had a close, loving relationship up to the very end. That’s what he wanted. Hopefully, Brittany would be the one to fill that void inside of him.
Chapter Six
Britt watched the two men walk off together. They were like night and day. Their eyes and hair color suited their personalities. Ward was much more serious than Jared. His light-blue eyes darkened with his mood.
Jared always had a ready smile that curled her toes. This morning Jared’s blond hair shone in the overhead light. It was wavy and brushed casually to the side. His brown eyes sparkled with amusement, often. But both men were tall, with broad shoulders, and long, lean legs. Ward was about an inch taller than Jared.
They might not be alike in personality, but the strong bond between them was evident in their actions and speech. Each one excited her in a different way.
She liked Jared’s openness and easy manner. Ward’s darker sid
e fascinated her. She wondered what made him keep a part of himself hidden from her, and she suspected most women. She’d asked his age once right after they met. He’d surprised her when he said thirty-four, and he’d admitted he had never even been engaged. Jared was five years younger, making him twenty-nine.
They were enticing and sexy. But would they make good husbands, and did she want two mates? She’d call Sondra and have a talk with her to see how she was handling the two-husband thing.
Ward came in the door, nodded, and walked through the kitchen and down the hall. He must be going to make his call. He’s anxious to get back to New York and away from me, or he likes to be involved in the dangerous jobs.
Britt finished her breakfast and cleaned the kitchen. She checked the freezer and found a small roast. She took it out and put it in the refrigerator to defrost. She did know how to cook some simple meals. Well, even some not so simple, but she’d hold back on that for the time being. Then she walked down the hall toward her room and heard Ward’s voice.
“If I leave right away, I can be back in town to join you. I’d like to see who he meets and what happens. I’ll call when I’m there.”
When she heard him put the phone down, Britt hurried on to her room. She called Sondra’s number at her house.
“Hello.”
“Sondra, it’s Britt. I’m here, and I’m staying at the Jarvis ranch.”
“What?”
“It’s a long story. Can we get together soon?”
“I’m baking my orange muffins. As soon as I get them out of the oven, I’ll come get you.”
“Great. I’m ready whenever.” Britt hung up and walked back to the kitchen. Ward had just poured himself another cup of coffee.
“I talked with Sondra. She’s coming to get me to spend some time with her.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Why not? No one will know I’m here. At least not yet.”
“I’ll call Sheriff Reardon and let him know what’s going on. He may want to post one of his deputies at his house.”
“Surely Sondra won’t be in danger.”
“You never know what steps these kind of men might take to bring you out in the open. I’ll call now and see what he says.”
He punched in one number on his cell.
“Hi, Reardon. This is Ward. I’m leaving shortly. Brittany flew here with me. She’s in a bit of trouble.”
Britt listened as Ward explained the whole scenario to her brother-in-law, the sheriff. Ward glanced her way several times.
“She called Sondra earlier. Sondra plans to come get her so they can spend some time together at your house. I agree. All right, I’ll tell her.” Ward ended the call.
“Reardon will send a deputy to get you. The deputy will stay at the house to guard you and your sister. Then Reardon will drive you back later today. He wants you both protected at all times.
“Jared will take care of you here at our ranch and the deputy will watch out for Sondra. I’m heading back to the city.”
“People are going to a lot of trouble for me.”
Ward moved close to her. He cupped her face in his hands and leaned down to kiss her. His lips were warm, and he tasted of coffee. Ward pulled her closer against his broad chest. His heart beat strong under her hands.
Britt wanted to snuggle even more against his body, but her uncertainty of how he felt kept her from moving. She’d let him do the leading.
“As soon as you leave with the deputy, I’ll get Jared to take me to the airport. I’ll call tonight and tell you what happened with Ralph and his friends.”
“I don’t believe he sees them as friends.”
“No. He’d better respect how dangerous they can be.”
“You’ll stay safe?”
“Sure.”
She went in her bedroom and got her purse and a sweater. If she didn’t get back till late afternoon, it would be cooler.
“The deputy’s here,” Ward called out.
A heavyset uniformed man stood in the kitchen with Ward. Ward had handed him a to-go cup of coffee.
“I appreciate you looking out for them today.”
“No problem. It’s a quiet day and anyway, whatever the boss says, we do.” The man smiled at Britt. “I’m James.”
“Call me Britt. Thanks for coming for me. I’m ready.” She started out the door, and then glanced back. “Have a good trip.” She waved at Ward and walked to the deputy’s car.
* * * *
Ward watched her get in the car and ride off. He’d wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her before she left, but he didn’t. Jared was right. He had to decide if he could open himself up enough to have a wife. Women wanted to talk, to know things about you, and to hear their men say they loved them.
When his other girlfriends had started wanting more, he’d ended the relationship. It had been easy. His emotions were never much involved. Several he had kept as friends. They seemed to understand he liked them, but that was as far as it went.
He tried to picture letting go of Brittany, telling her good-bye, and not seeing her but from a distance when she came to visit her sister. Britt wouldn’t want just a friendship, and he couldn’t keep his hands off of her. He hadn’t planned to kiss her this morning and hold her against his body.
Jared came in the door and glanced around. “Where’s Brittany?”
“Gone to see her sister. Reardon had a deputy take her and he’ll guard them today. I need a ride. I’m going back.”
“I’ll call Carl and tell him I’ll be joining him and the guys after lunch.”
Ward listened as Jared talked with Carl, their foreman. Jared clicked off. “You know you can take it easier. The ranch is doing well. Carl’s quite capable of taking care of what needs to be done.”
“I fully understand. And I may take more time off while Brittany’s here. I want to show her the ranch and the surrounding area. But I like the work. I’d go crazy sitting around or just doing paperwork all day.”
“I know, but I wanted you to understand I wouldn’t think you were slacking off if you took some time for yourself.”
“Come on, big brother. I’m sure you’re itching to get back to the bustling city.” Jared shook his head. “You almost have to hogtie me to get me there. But that last visit paid off. We met Brittany.”
* * * *
Sondra grabbed Britt and hugged her as soon as she got out of the deputy’s car. “I had no idea you were coming back for a visit.” Sondra put her arm through Britt’s and led her through the house and into the large, bright kitchen.
“Sit and tell me everything,” Sondra instructed. “I’ll pour us a glass of iced tea.” She reached in the fridge and pulled out a pitcher of tea and a large plate arranged with fresh fruit. She put the fruit and another small plate with her muffins on the table.
“Can’t I help?”
“Look in the pantry and get two paper plates out for us and a fork out of the top long drawer.” Sondra poured the tea and added sugar to hers. She held up the sugar bowl. “Do you want the real thing or that artificial stuff you usually prefer?”
“Give me the real sugar. I think I need it.”
“My, it must be some story if you’re willing to have real sugar in your tea. I can’t wait to hear why Kel insisted his deputy drive you here and stay to watch out for us. I’m going to take him a glass of tea and two muffins. I’ll be right back.” Sondra hurried out of the kitchen.
Britt glanced around. Sondra had made the room homey like Mom’s. The sunlight shining in the windows warmed the room, and the slight scent still lingering from the orange muffins cooking made her think of home when they were all three growing up. It’d been a good time.
She hadn’t realized until this minute how much she missed her family and the sense of living in a home, not a tiny apartment that was only a way station to go to between her workdays.
“You look sad. What’s up?” Britt breezed back in, put the tea on the tabl
e, and sat. “Tell me what brought the sadness in your eyes.”
Britt told her a shortened version of all that had happened since she’d returned to work.
“And you are here hiding from these guys who might want to kill you?” Sondra’s eyes were wide and her face was pale.
“I know it sounds like a bad gangster movie, but yes. A friend of Ward’s who’s in the FBI and Ward himself said I was in danger.”
“Kel and his men will keep you safe, and Jared, too. Tell me about you and Ward.”
“There isn’t much to tell.”
“I don’t believe you. When you say his name you get a certain look on your face.”
“How are you doing with two husbands?”
“Ah, so you are considering them?”
“They’ve been persistent. Jared has called several times and Ward and I have been thrown together just when I tried so hard to forget them.”
“But why forget them? They’re great guys from what Kel and Boyd say. I think they’d make good husbands.”
“Ward and I made love, twice.”
“Oh.” Sondra stared at her. “Wasn’t it good?”
“Too good.”
Sondra grinned. “Loving can never be too good.”
“It can if the man doesn’t feel the same way.”
“You mean Ward?”
“Yes. We have a wonderful time together. At least it was to me, but he shut up and didn’t say anything.”
“Strange. But then you let him make love to you again.”
“What can I say? I’m easy.”
“You’ve never been easy. You like him a lot.”
“I’m glad he’s gone to the city. Jared is more fun and easygoing. I can relax around him.”
“Watch out for those types. They can hit you the hardest.”
“Speaking from experience?”
“Yes. Boyd is much more intense than Kel.”
Seductive Surrender [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 6
