The No. 1 Sheriff in Texas

by Patricia Thayer

  Nora couldn’t handle his admission. Not now. She had to get away from the temptation, but she couldn’t seem to move when Brandon walked to her, or when his hand cupped her chin, making her look at him.

  “Nora, you haven’t even given us a chance.”

  His coffee-colored gaze locked on hers, causing a mix of emotions. Her knees grew weak, her breathing labored. All the symptoms of a physical reaction, but she knew it was so much more with this man. She’d never met a man like Brandon Randell.

  “Please, Brandon, this wouldn’t work between us.”

  “Tell me why, Nora.” He paused. “Is it because of what happened with your husband?”

  She shook her head, lying again. She didn’t want Jimmy in this. “No, and I don’t want to talk about him.” She started for the steps, but this time he stopped her.

  “Okay, Nora, I won’t ask you any more questions about your marriage or your past. I only want you to know that I’m here for you.”

  “I know,” she choked out. She wanted so much to let go. To let Brandon take away all her pain, to give her hope. “I’m afraid.” All at once she crumbled and his arms came around her, pulling her against him.

  “I’m here, Nora. I’ll always be here.” He rested his head against her hair, wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. “I promise, Nora, it’s going to be okay.”

  He drew back and looked at her. “Do you believe me?”

  She wanted to so much. She looked up at his handsome face, those piercing dark eyes. God help her, she didn’t want to walk away. “Can we just take this slow?”

  “I’ll take it moment to moment if that helps.”

  “Could we just enjoy today?”

  “Sounds good to me.” He gave a half smile. “How about we seal the deal with a kiss?”

  Nora knew he was asking her to reach out to him. She also knew once this got started there was no turning back. She rose up on her toes, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Brandon was offering everything she’d ever wanted, even if it was just for a day.

  On the way back, they’d detoured by Brandon’s parents’ house, after he’d called to ask if Nora could borrow a pair of boots and clean jeans. Abby told her to take whatever she needed. After picking out the clothes, they were back at the rodeo in time for lunch.

  In the dining hall Nora saw Zach was doing well, so she went in search of Brandon’s mother to thank her for the loan of the outfit.

  Abby smiled. “I’m glad they fit you so well.” She examined the jeans more closely. “In fact, it’s a shame you’ve been hiding that nice figure of yours.”

  Nora realized that Brandon had noticed, too. He hadn’t been able to take his eyes off of her since she’d changed into the fitted jeans. Okay, so she liked the attention.

  Brandon stayed close and ate lunch with her and Zach, who monopolized the conversation by talking about all the friends he’d made. Of course, nothing was going to stop him from seeing Brandon in the rodeo.

  When Zach carried their empty plates to the trash, Brandon leaned toward Nora. “Are you going to watch me, too?”

  She couldn’t help but smile. “Of course, it’s my chance to watch a real cowboy in action. I wouldn’t miss it.”

  He sighed. “You might be disappointed—I’m pretty rusty.”

  She felt another rush go through her. “Not a chance.”

  His gaze darkened and he groaned. “You don’t know how badly I want to kiss you right now.” Suddenly they realized from the many sounds of the crowded hall they weren’t alone. “I wish we were still out at Mustang Valley.”

  So did she. “It’s a beautiful place.” Memories of their visit would always stay with her.

  “My parents seem to think so. I’ve heard rumors that I was conceived there.”

  Heat rushed to Nora’s face as her eyes widened. “You made that up.”

  He grinned, causing tiny lines around his eyes. “No, I’m not. Of course, back then there weren’t any cabins or roads to get there. They were pretty young, and since my grandfather Moreau hated the idea of his daughter associating with a bad Randell boy, they had no other place to go for privacy. In the valley, they only had the wild mustangs to share it with.” His gaze moved over her face, stopping at her mouth. “A pretty…stimulating combination, I’d say.”

  Brandon shifted on the bench seat, trying to ease his discomfort. Served him right. He was crazy for trying to seduce Nora with all these people around. Of course, he did enjoy seeing the passion in her eyes. He was falling hard for this woman.

  All at once he felt a hand on his back and his uncle’s voice. “Hey, Brand, I hate to break this up. But we have an event to win.” Travis Randell smiled at Nora. “Hi, Nora.”

  “Hi, Travis,” she returned. Brandon’s uncle was yet another good-looking Randell man with that familiar cleft chin and piercing brown eyes. My goodness, there wasn’t a plain one in the bunch.

  “So you came to see your fella in the rodeo?”

  “Actually Brandon was kind enough to invite Zach. He’s the big rodeo fan.”

  A big smile transformed Travis’s face. “Maybe after you watch Brandon today, you’ll become one, too.” He tipped his hat. “Come on, nephew, it’s time to get to work,” he said, and walked off.

  Brandon started to get up, but Nora reached for him. Before she could think about what she was doing. She leaned forward and kissed him. When Brandon cupped her cheeks, she moaned and he deepened the kiss. Finally he pulled away, his eyes dark and searching.

  Somehow she managed to speak. “Just so you know, I’m a big fan, too.”

  Two hours later, Nora sat in the stands along with Zach, enjoying the rodeo. Several Randells had participated, and most made it into the final round, including Brandon in the team roping event.

  Nora told herself that she’d done everything to discourage the man, but he kept coming back. It wasn’t fair to him to lead him on, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. Just this once she wanted to stop worrying about her troubles. But she knew better.

  She closed her eyes and saw Jimmy’s smirking face, telling her she’d never be free of him. That she’d die before he ever let her go. A shiver raced through her and her eyes shot open.

  “Mom, Brandon’s next to calf rope,” Zach called to her.

  Nora looked down to the arena where Brandon was waving at them. She also heard several other women screaming his name. Why not? He was the kind of man who drew women. She glanced around the crowded bleachers and something caught her attention.

  There was a large man sitting alone. He had on the standard cowboy hat and jeans, but he didn’t seem to fit in. He wore dark glasses, and she had an odd feeling his gaze was settled on her. She shivered and quickly glanced away. Once again she thought about Jimmy sending someone to find her, but brushed it aside. Brandon had caught the man who attacked her. Pete Carlson.

  Was she just being paranoid? Or was someone after her? She knew what she had to do if that happened. That meant she needed to change locations again. She and Zach had to leave town.

  She touched her mouth, reliving Brandon’s kiss. She didn’t want to give him up just yet. She wanted today for both her and Zach.

  And maybe, for a little while, they both could dream about ranches and rodeos and one special cowboy.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  BRANDON stood behind the chute. He held Shadow’s reins, trying to calm his nerves. Limited practice time had only given him a couple days with Travis to hone his roping skills. He did enjoy hanging out with his uncle, and was glad he got to compete today.

  The first round had gone pretty well, but he’d only caught one of the calf’s legs and it had cost them points. Yet somehow, the uncle/nephew team roping combo still made the finals.

  When the announcer called their names, he climbed on his horse.

  “Come, son,” Travis said. “Let’s go do it again. For Randell pride.”

  Brandon sat a little straighter in the saddle. “For Randell pride,”
he answered back.

  His uncle grinned, then took the header position behind the gate on his roan gelding. Brandon had the healer position on Shadow. All he had to do was rope both hind legs this time, and they’d be home free.

  As soon as the horn went off, Travis shot off after the calf, swinging his lasso over his head. Brandon was close behind. With a quick flip, Travis captured the steer, jerking him to a stop. Then it was Brandon’s turn. It all came back to him as he went to work and hit his target, then backed Shadow up, making the ropes taut. The judge’s flag dropped and the crowd cheered. Brandon looked down at the stretched out calf. Both hind legs were caught in the rope.

  He smiled at his work, then it turned to a big grin when he heard their time. They’d won the event. He accepted a high-five from Travis, and then searched the stands for Nora.

  He finally found her and Zach in the overflowing crowd toward the top of the bleachers. His chest puffed out a little when he saw her eager wave.

  Travis shifted in his saddle. “Good job, Brand.” He glanced up in the stands, too. “Seems there’s a pretty lady wanting to congratulate you.”

  “Yeah, it’s kind of nice,” Brandon said, then heard Travis’s name called. He turned to see Aunt Josie. The petite brunette stood by the gate waving and cheering. “Seems someone is pretty happy with you, too.”

  Travis looked at his wife of over twenty-five years. There was no denying the love, showing on the rancher’s face. Brandon wanted that. That same love as his parents, and his uncles had. Hopefully one day…

  “Let’s go get our prize,” Travis said. “I got a lady to kiss.”

  They picked up their buckles and ribbons from the announcer and rode out of the arena into the holding area. His uncle found Josie and claimed his kiss.

  Brandon heard his name being called and turned in time as Zach launched his small body in his direction, and he caught the boy in midflight.

  “You won,” Zach cried. “I knew you would ’cause you’re the best cowboy.”

  Brandon felt a sudden tightness around his heart. “I don’t know about that,” he said. “But today, we were good enough to be first.” He handed the boy the buckle and ribbon. “Here, these are for you.”

  Zach’s eyes lit up. “I get to keep them?”

  “Sure.” Brandon set Zach down, then turned to a smiling Nora. His gaze locked with her blue eyes and he was unable to look away.

  “I got to show these to Buddy,” Zach said. “Can I, Mom?”

  She didn’t move her gaze from Brandon. “Stay close by,” she warned.

  The boy took off and Brandon stepped closer to her. “How about you, Nora, do you think I’m the best cowboy?”

  She nodded. “You are for me.”

  Two hours later, with the rodeo over and the barbecue starting up outside, Brandon sat at Hank and Ella’s dining room table. His mother and father were at the head, with his brother, Jay, and sister, Kristin, across from him on the other side. Talk about feeling alone.

  “Should I have brought my lawyer for this business meeting?” Brandon joked.

  His father frowned. “At least that tells me you’ve been thinking about resolving this.”

  That had been the only thing he’d spent his time thinking about. Suddenly Nora came to mind. Well, not all his time…

  “Maybe.”

  His dad didn’t look happy. “You know, I’m really tired of this…”

  Abby placed her hand on her husband’s arm. “Son, why don’t you tell us what you’ve decided?”

  Brandon glanced at Jay and Kristin. “I know I haven’t been very active in ranch business lately.”

  “No lie,” Jay huffed.

  He glared at his brother. “And you’ve gotten paid well for running things.”

  “But I’m working your ranch.”

  Brandon nodded in agreement, then turned to his young sister. She looked like their mother with her auburn hair and green eyes. And just as pretty. He was sad he hadn’t spent much time with her lately, and a little ashamed he didn’t know what her plans were for the future. “Kristin, are you planning to come back here, I mean after college?”

  “Of course.” She smiled. “I want to teach in the area. But I also want to stay involved in the business.”

  “That’s just it,” Brandon said. “Randell Corporation isn’t a small business anymore. All six connecting ranches need to contribute to make it successful.”

  Always the financial advisor, his father said, “And because everyone contributes the corporation is doing well.”

  “Lately I haven’t been doing my share toward that success, and I don’t know how much I’ll be able to in the future.”

  “You’ve been building your career,” his mother said.

  But it wasn’t ranching, he thought. And this was a ranch.

  Brandon released a sigh and looked at Jay and Kristin. “I was the only grandchild when Grandpa Moreau was alive. He taught me to ride a horse. He bought me my first hat.” He glanced at his mother and saw her smile over the memories. There were bad memories, too. Tom Moreau hated the Randells, and did everything he could to keep Brandon from his real dad. Let it go, he told himself.

  “I also know that if you two had been born then, Grandpa would have divided the ranch equally between all of us. I think the only fair thing to do is share ownership.”

  Jay grinned and so did Kristin.

  “There’s one exception, though. When you and Mom decide the house is too big, I’d like to have it.”

  That brought a grin to his parents’ faces and they exchanged a glance. “How about in about six months?” his mother said.

  “No, please, you don’t have to leave so soon.”

  His father held up a hand. “We’ve already been planning to move, Brandon. Hank gave us land years ago. We’ve already picked out a sweet spot with a great view of the valley, and soon, we’ll be breaking ground for our dream home.” Cade Randell reached for his wife’s hand.

  Brandon knew years ago Hank had divided sections of the Circle B Ranch between the brothers, and Hank’s biological daughter, Josie. “Mom, Dad…are you sure about this?”

  His parents smiled at each other, then turned toward their children. His mother couldn’t hide the emotion in her eyes. “It’s time. It’s time for the next generation.”

  While Brandon had been taking care of his family business, Nora had gone to the car to retrieve her and Zach’s clothes for the evening’s festivities. She had changed into a gauzy black skirt, an eggshell-colored peasant blouse and a pair of sandals, borrowing a long silver chain necklace and a rope belt from Millie. Satisfied with her looks, Nora went in search of Zach.

  In the bathroom in the dining hall, Nora cleaned the day’s grime off her son and had him change into clean clothes. She also tested his blood sugar and administered his shot before he went back to eat with the other kids. Nora strolled outside to the patio area where she had agreed to meet Brandon.

  Happy with yet another successful rodeo, Hank wandered through the crowds greeting old friends and new ones, when he spotted Nora. Not only was she an attractive woman, but he liked her a lot. More importantly, so did his grandson.

  “Well, you look mighty pretty tonight.”

  Nora smiled at him. “Thank you. And thank you for today, Hank. Zach and I are having a great time.”

  “I’m glad. You and your son are always welcome here.” He arched an eyebrow. “I’m sure Brandon will bring you back again.”

  She hesitated, then nodded. “That would be nice.”

  Hank took hold of her hand. “It’s not because he’s my grandson that I say this, but he’s a fine young man.”

  “I know, and he’s been wonderful to me and Zach. He’s been working so hard to help me with all the trouble I had.”

  “I doubt Brandon thinks of you as a job.”

  She released a long breath. “I’m not sure I’ll be staying in the area.”

  Hank frowned. “Oh, that’s a shame. I had a fe
eling you and that fine boy of yours were fitting in here.”

  She swallowed. “Sometimes there isn’t a choice.”

  Hank Barrett studied her. “And sometimes running is not the best thing, either. I’ve found out that it eventually catches up with you. Maybe if you meet the problem head-on then things can be worked out.”

  He saw her tense. “Not this time.”

  He wanted to push for more information, but knew better. “If you need help, I want you to know we’re here.” Then he pulled her into a tight hug and whispered, “Just remember, Nora Donnelly, you don’t have to be blood to be part of this family.”

  She held on. “Thank you,” she managed to say.

  Hank pulled back and gave her a wink. “I better go. I don’t think I want to tangle with that young cowboy.”

  Nora turned around and saw Brandon walking toward them. In a pair of blue jeans and a black Western shirt, he tossed them an easy grin. “Hey, Granddad, you tryin’ to steal my gal?”

  “Tryin’ is about all I’m doing.” Hank placed Nora’s hand into Brandon’s. “She’s all yours.” He turned and walked off.

  Brandon couldn’t take his eyes off Nora. “You look pretty.”

  She smiled shyly. “So do you,” she said. “I mean you look handsome.”

  “Maybe we should go get something to eat. I’m starved for some of that delicious Circle B beef.”

  Together they walked toward the patio area. Strings of lights were hung from tree to tree and soft music filled the background.

  “How did your meeting go?” she asked.

  “Well, as soon as I sign the papers, I’ll only own a third of a ranch.”

  She cocked her head. “Is that what you want?”

  “Yeah. It’s the way it should have been a long time ago.” He filled her in on some of details earlier. “It was the only fair thing to do. Jay wants to continue with the day-to-day operations, and run his own herd. Kristin is still in college, but I want her to have a home here always.”

  She gave him a sideways glance. “You are so lucky to have a big family.”

  He stopped and wanted so badly to kiss her. “I know. And I’m seriously thinking about moving back here. My parents want to retire, and have their heart set on building a place in the valley.” He looked at her. “So the ranch house is mine. Only problem is it’s too big for one person. Got any ideas on how I should fill it?”