"I'll go, too,” Maggie said.
"No. You need to stay here and monitor everything. We have classes going on and one of three of us needs to keep an eye on things."
"Fine.” She wasn't happy but she didn't argue. She knew he was right. “Will you be back for your team later?"
"I should be. If not, ask Jimmy to work with them, will you?"
In his room he dug through his duffle bag and found one of the disposable cell phones he carried. He didn't dare ever leave himself with no way to contact people. With no permanent address, the throwaways were a perfect solution for him. He still had three of them, and he checked to see if they had lost their charge.
Nope. All three were still good.
Sitting on the side of the bed, he took a moment to organize his thoughts. Then he called information for a number that would open doors he'd nailed shut a long time ago. But someone had to do something about Owen Grainger before he destroyed Mercy Creek and Maggie along with it.
Chapter Ten
"We'll have to burn it,” Charlie said.
He and Hawk were sitting on their horses with the two ranch hands who'd discovered the spraying. One of them men had pulled up a handful of the coastal hay grass for Hawk to sniff.
"Yes, we will,” Hawk agreed. “And we'd best get to it while there's very little wind."
"I'll call the Wayback Fire Department and have them bring their water truck out here. They need to know when there's a burn this big, anyway. Then we'll get to it."
"All right. Good.” He looked at the two hands. “You'd better stay out here with those rifles at the ready,” he told them. “Just in case. I don't expect Grainger to try anything again so soon after you shot at the plane, but you never know."
He found Maggie in the barrel racing training arena, watching an instructor put one of her top clients through her paces. Her eyes clouded when he told her what he and Charlie planned, but she nodded in agreement.
"That's all we can do. Then we'll have to neutralize the soil. Damn, damn damn. Another expense we don't need."
Hawk gingerly put his arm around her shoulder, waiting to see if she'd pull away. “We'll get through it, Maggie. Just like everything else."
She slid from his grasp so easily he almost didn't realize she'd done it. Something was wrong, and it wasn't just dealing with the sexual current between them.
"Care to tell me what's bothering you?"
"Not now. Not here.” She raised her eyes to look at him. “After we get the burn taken care of. But only if you tell me your story, too."
"Maggie, I—"
"That's the deal. I know there's something going on under the surface between us, Hawk. This is very hard for me. But either it's time to trust each other or it's not."
"You might not like what you hear,” he warned.
"Same goes.” She stood there, waiting.
"Fine. Okay. But only if I can have a drink first."
She cocked her head. “That bad? Couldn't be worse than mine."
"You'd surprised."
"All right. After dinner. In the den. One drink each. That okay with you?"
"Agreed.” He started back toward the house. “I need to go to my room for a few minutes. Charlie's getting everything started."
"I better make sure our clients don't get nervous about all this.” She headed into the arena.
* * * *
In his room Hawk checked his cell phone for messages. The little icon blinked at him in the corner. His mouth was suddenly dry and his hand shook as he punched the button to return the call. When the voice on the other end answered, he almost hung up. Then he remembered Maggie's pale face and dragged up courage from someplace. In a moment he was connected with the man he'd called.
"Hello, Greg. It's me. Hawk."
There was a long moment of silence. “I wasn't sure if someone was playing a trick on me or not,” Greg Harris said. “I honestly thought you were dead. Or in a rat hole someplace."
"Not dead, but something like that."
"Have you spoken to your family?"
Hawk's body tightened. “No, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell them you got this call."
"Hawk, your parents have mourned you for all these years. Don't you think you owe it to them?"
"I'm sure they remember me every time they lay eyes on my brother. Anyway, he was the golden boy, not me."
"Hawk, listen..."
"I called you for a reason, Greg. And believe me, it took a lot for me to do it. But if I have to have this conversation to tell you, then forget it.” He was ready to disconnect the call.
"You can't blame me for trying.” Greg's voice was neither accusing nor cajoling. “We were friends for a long time."
Hawk paused. Then he said, “Were? As in past tense?"
"Are, okay? But, damn it, Hawk,” he exploded. “How do you expect me to feel? Or any of us?"
"About like you do,” he admitted grudgingly. “But I need a favor, and I'm hoping you can put all that aside and do this for me."
More silence. Then, “Hawk, you and I will always be friends, no matter what. I know if I asked for help, you'd give it to me. Same goes. So all right. We'll put everything aside for now. Tell me what you need."
Greg asked a lot of questions after Hawk told him what he needed. “That's quite a little situation you've gotten yourself into,” he commented.
"Don't I know it?"
"Can you give me a couple of days? It'll take me a while to do some digging."
"Yes, but you know I need this as fast as you can get it."
"Write down this number. It's my direct line, if you need to call me again. And don't worry, I'll get on this right away."
"Thank you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."
"When this is all over,” Greg warned. “Then I'll be asking you for a favor, and you know what it is."
"We'll see."
He snapped the phone shut and tucked it in his pocket. He wanted it with him at all times, was not willing to take the chance of missing Greg's call. As he clumped out to the yard, bitter memories swirled through his brain. Memories he knew would jump to the forefront when he talked to Maggie later. Memories that had haunted him for ten years.
"We're all set,” Charlie told him. “The fire department's on its way and I sent four of the men extra out to help. Maggie's inside making sure the clients don't get skittish. You want to ride out with me?"
"I'll come along later. Listen, is my old truck running again? I need to run an errand."
Charlie eyed the cast on his leg and frowned.
"It's my left leg,” Hawk pointed out. “I can drive. And I need to do this alone."
Charlie rubbed his moustache for a long moment, then dug into his pocket. “Better take one of the ranch trucks. Just in case. What should I tell Maggie?"
"Nothing. Keep her occupied. I'll be back real soon."
He'd looked up the places he needed to go and found both of them easily. The flying service wasn't too happy about giving up information but Hawk made sure they saw the wisdom of doing so. He told the owner if he called ahead with any warnings, he'd come back and take every plane apart himself.
By the time he got to Owen Grainger's ranch, he was steaming. That conversation took a little longer but Hawk was just as vicious.
"I've got proof,” he told the man. “And I can force that little weasel at the crop dusting service to take the stand if I have to. So I'm just telling you. If you want to stay out of jail, stay away from Mercy Creek."
"You think you're such a big shot, engaged to Maggie Devereaux,” he sneered. “I checked into you, Riley. You're nothing but a bum and a drunk. Any time now you'll fall off the wagon and your past will catch up with you. So don't go making threats to me."
"It's my past that ought to put the fear of God in you. I'm not afraid of a fight. Stay the hell away from us."
As he walked toward the front door, Grainer called after him, “I'll have the ranch no matter what,
and the two of you will be begging for pennies in downtown San Antonio."
Hawk slammed the door and clumped over to the truck.
It took all of the trip back to the ranch to get his temper under control. But he didn't intend to back down from Grainger. And once he had the information he needed, he'd have a little more leverage. Meanwhile he'd at least served notice that he and Maggie were on the alert.
* * * *
By seven o'clock all the clients were gone, the training rings closed, and the fire all but out. Two of the hands would stay with a water truck to make sure, but things were well under control. Hawk had not mentioned his little side trips to Maggie, nor did he intend to. Not at the moment. He had other things on his mind.
They wolfed down sandwiches and iced tea at the kitchen table, then he headed to his room to shower.
"Don't forget your promise,” Maggie told him. Her hands were trembling as she rinsed dishes and glasses.
"Maggie, we don't have to do this,” Hawk told her.
"Yes, we do.” She pressed her lips together, then blew out a breath. “You have to know why nothing can ever happen between us. It's not fair for me not to tell you. But in return I want your story. Fair's fair."
"Fair's fair,” he repeated in a low voice and shook his head. “Fine. See you in a few."
She was already in the den when he maneuvered his way in, showered and in fresh jeans and t-shirt. He'd even shaved, cutting himself twice in his nervousness. Two glasses of Jack Daniels with ice sat on the big desk. She picked one up and handed it to him, then clinked it with her own.
He wanted to swallow the whole thing in two gulps but he made himself sip at it. Finally Maggie put hers down and went to stand at the window, hands clasped behind her back.
"It's easier if I don't look at you when I do this, okay?"
"Whatever you need, Maggie.” He lowered himself into the big leather chair and rested his leg on the ottoman.
And so she told him. Her dying father's fear she needed help to carry on with the ranch. The thrill that a man like Alex Rowland, a friend of the family, would even be interested in her. The marriage from hell that began on their honeymoon and Alex's dirty little secret came out. He was an abuser, and sex was a big gun in his arsenal.
"Jesus, Maggie.” Hawk swallowed the rest of his drink and badly wanted another one.
"My father died and I was a basket case. Alex wanted me to put the ranch in both our names but I refused. He was so angry he ... hurt me.” She was silent for a long moment, as if gathering herself.
"God, Maggie.” Hawk started to get up and go to her, but her posture said Leave me alone.
"That was it for me. I called an attorney from the hospital, a shark one of the nurses recommended. Alex apparently realized he'd gone too far this time. Before we could get the papers drawn he'd cleaned out all the bank accounts. I had to float a loan just to operate."
She turned to face him now, tears shimmering in her eyes. “So you see, Hawk. Even if everything else was equal, there's no future for us because I can't ever be intimate with a man again."
For once Hawk didn't know what to say. But he did know that if Maggie would give him half a chance, he could show her how beautiful sex could be. For the first time in his life, Hawk wanted a woman for more than just the moment, and someone else had fucked up that chance. Well, he wasn't giving up that easily.
"Don't say anything,” she told him. “Please.” She refilled their glasses. “I thought we could both use one more drink.” She handed the glass back to him. “Now it's your turn."
"My turn.” He tossed back the drink, steadying himself.
In his mind it was ten years ago. He and his brother, Shane and their cousin were competing regularly in the rodeos in team penning, making good money, winning buckles and saddles. Hawk was doing even better in bronc riding.
But when he got busted up for the third time his father put his foot down. Quit and come home to work the ranch or he was putting the whole thing is Shane's name.
He was quick to anger in those years, and the argument with his father soon grew out of control. He slammed out of the house into his truck, but before he could pull away there was Shane in the passenger seat. Arguing with him. Pleading with him.
"I was wild,” Hawk said, staring into his glass. “Uncontrollable. Refused to go to college. Hated it when my brother did and it cut down on our competition. I couldn't drink enough booze or bed enough women to satisfy myself.” He gave a humorless chuckle. “Kind of like I've been doing for the last ten years."
"What made you leave?” Maggie asked.
"My father and I had a rip-roaring shouting match which ended when he told me in that case he'd be leaving all of the ranch to my brother, Shane. The sensible one. The ‘adult’ one. And that I needn't bother to come around again until I grew up.” He snorted. “Talk about seeing red. I felt as if I'd been tossed out on my ass. Which I guess I was."
He tilted his glass and drained the contents.
"Anyway, I ran out and jumped in my truck, ready to haul ass out of there. Shane ran out after me and jumped in the truck before I could pull away. I was driving down the highway like a crazy person, Shane arguing with me the whole time. I was going so fast I lost control of the truck, went through the guard rail and rolled down a hillside."
"Hawk!” Maggie's voice echoed his pain. “My God. How badly were you hurt? And Shane?"
"I broke a leg—seems to be a habit, doesn't it? Cracked some ribs and had a concussion. But Shane's spine was fractured and he was paralyzed from the waist down."
Maggie sat down on the ottoman next to his leg and reached for his hand. Hawk gripped it as if it was a lifeline.
"My father came to see me once. Wouldn't let my mom come. Told me to get the hell out of their lives. As far as he was concerned, they had only one son. And the rest, as they say, is history."
"How awful.” Her eyes were filled with sympathy. “I guess you figured your life wasn't worth much after that, but that's not true. Haven't you ever tried to contact your family since then? See if you can pick up the pieces?"
He set down his empty glass and cupped her chin. “Your problem is a lot more easily solved than mine, sweet Maggie. That door is closed forever. But I can open one for you. Come here."
Chapter Eleven
"Hawk, please.” She was half-begging, half retreating. “I just don't know if I can do this."
"Ssh.” He stroked her cheek. “Don't you want to know if you can chase your demons?"
"And you're the one to help me?” she asked, a quaver in her voice.
"I've wanted to do this since the minute I woke up and saw you sitting next to me. Just try it, sweetheart. Just give it a shot."
He didn't care if it was pity that made her do it, but when at last she let him pull her head closer and put his mouth on hers, she didn't object. His tongue traced the seam of her rich, full lips, probing.
"Open for me, Maggie."
Her mouth opened and his tongue was inside tasting her, reveling in the sweetness of her. He couldn't remember a woman tasting this good. Ever. He drank from her like a dying man with a thirst.
His body tightened and he felt his erection swell against the fly of his jeans. God, he wanted this woman. More than he'd ever wanted any other. And with a feeling that far surpassed casual sex. God, he was in such trouble.
She made a tentative move to pull her head back but he kept a gentle but firm grip on it. At last he lifted his mouth, tracing her lips with his tongue.
"Don't be afraid. I promise I won't hurt you."
"But what if—"
"Trust me, Maggie. Please. Give us a chance."
She stood up, and looked at her hands, rubbing the ring he'd given her. He could sense the emotions clashing within her and for a moment he was sure he'd lost her.
Maybe it was the two drinks they'd had, or the cathartic feeling of the confessions they'd just made to each other. Whatever it was, she held out a very shaky hand to hi
m, her cheeks a delicate pink.
"Like you said the other day, we need to be more comfortable."
Hawk took her hand and rose as nimbly as he could under the circumstances. He followed her down the hall, trying not to clump too noisily on his walking cast. At the door to her bedroom, she turned to him.
"I trust you, Hawk. But you have to know how afraid I am."
"We'll go very slow,” he promised. “You can call a halt any time."
But please don't. God, if you've ever thought of answering one of my prayers, answer this one.
Still holding her hand, he followed her into the room. He sat down on the bed and snapped on the bedside lamp. Shaking slightly, he moved Maggie to stand between his thighs and caressed her cheek with the back of one hand.
"You are so beautiful, Maggie. I don't know how anyone could think of hurting you."
Reaching out, he tilted her head down so he could release her ponytail, running his hand through the silken strands. As casually as he could, he let one hand trail down her neck to her collar bone, rubbing his thumb against the hollow at her throat. Then very carefully, he began to open her blouse, one button at a time.
She was so tense he thought she might snap in two, but with each button he opened he leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her skin. Each time his mouth touched her she shivered, and her hands tightened on his shoulders.
When all the buttons were free, he pulled the blouse from her jeans and eased her out of it. Her breasts, ripe and full, nestled in an insubstantial lace and satin combination. Hawk couldn't stop himself from sweeping his tongue across the tops of them. He slid his hands up along her rib cage and moved them until his thumbs chafed her nipples. Beneath the lace he could see them darken and feel them harden.
Pressing his mouth to her skin, he reached behind her, unhooked the bra and dropped it to the floor. He could feel Maggie steeling herself for his touch.
"I promised not to hurt you,” he reminded her. “I always keep my promises."
At least these days.
When he took the weight of her breasts in his palms and put his mouth to one nipple, an involuntary moan whispered from her lips. Easy, he kept reminding himself. Very easy. He suckled each nipple in turn, laving it with his tongue, pressing it against the roof of his mouth. He paid long and careful attention to those wonderful breasts until Maggie's trembling began to take on a different meaning.
Shadow of the Hawk [Wayback Texas Series] Page 7
