Tyler

by Jennifer Ashley

  She could lie and say she’d decided to move Dominic far from Elijah’s influence—which was part of the truth—but Tyler wasn’t imperceptive. Her conversation with his brothers at Lanny D’s showed her that the Campbells were smart and resourceful, and savvy businessmen. Tyler hadn’t been able to join in, but Jess had learned a lot about his family and his background that day.

  She let out a breath and spilled all of it—from Elijah announcing he wanted her to be there when Cade was released to leaving the pizza parlor and heading for Riverbend.

  By the time Jess finished, she was shaking with shock and release. She set down the bottle and rubbed her cold arms. “I wasn’t coming here to impose myself on you,” she made herself say, “Or tell you that you have to take care of me because we—” She broke off, her face heating.

  “Had mind-blowing sex?” Tyler finished without a blush. “I wasn’t kidding when I gave you the card. I said to call me, about anything. If you’d have let me know what was going on, I could have rescued you with more pizzazz.” He spoke lightly, but Jess heard the anger in his voice.

  “And had Elijah coming after you?” Jess shivered. “No way. He has a lot of friends, and all of them carry weapons. I have no intention of bringing shit like that down on you. I just want somewhere to start over, and Riverbend sounded nice.” She trailed off, longing in her heart.

  It was so quiet here. The noises coming through the front door Tyler hadn’t shut were birdsong and the wind in the trees. Distantly, she heard voices of men working and the occasional neigh of a horse.

  Horses. Jess started to get to her feet. “I should check on Dominic.”

  “Dominic’s fine, but okay.” Tyler unfolded himself, setting his beer bottle next to hers. “Elijah threatening you and Dominic like that is actionable, Jess. Why didn’t you call the cops?”

  Jess shuddered. She was tired, only a few sips of beer had loosened her tongue, and she was in danger of flinging herself, sobbing, at Tyler. She wanted to relax, tell herself they were safe, but there was no guarantee, never would be. Elijah was too powerful.

  “What good would it do?” she asked. “Elijah has plenty of people on his payroll—cops, dispatchers, assistant D.A.s … Plus, it’s my word against his. No witnesses.”

  Tyler frowned. “None at all?”

  “No—we were out in the parking lot when Elijah said he’d take Dominic hostage so I’d go with him. There was one biker out there having a smoke, but I don’t think he heard. Even if he did, he’d never back me up. He’d take Elijah’s side.”

  Tyler shrugged, his cheeks going faintly pink. “You never know. But what I want you to do right now is stop worrying.” He put his hands on Jess’s shoulders.

  Elijah had done the same thing when he’d argued with her in the parking lot. But while Elijah’s touch had been heavy, oppressing, Tyler’s was kind and lent her strength.

  “Don’t,” Jess said rapidly. “If you try to comfort me, I’ll fall apart. I have to keep it together. Dominic…”

  “Is in the safest place he’s ever going to be.” Tyler’s voice was quiet, gravel deep. “So are you.”

  No. Jess wasn’t, not by a long way. There was plenty she needed to take care of still.

  Tyler’s tug on her couldn’t be resisted. He didn’t force her against him so much as coax her. Jess found herself leaning on his broad chest, his arms around her.

  He rubbed her back, his palm drawing warmth down her spine. The caress wasn’t sexual—this was the embrace of a friend. Jess so rarely had either that his touch, non-threatening, melted her against him. She could believe, for the space of this moment, that she was safe.

  Tyler pulled her a little closer. They stood in silence while Texas heat flowed in the door and around them, the tiniest hint of evening coolness on the breeze.

  Shouting abruptly filtered to them from the stables, and Jess came instantly alert. Dominic.

  “It’s all right,” Tyler said, his voice retaining the soothing rumble. “We’ll go find him.”

  He released Jess, brushing one finger over her cheek. “Come on,” he said with his unfailing energy. “Let’s see what everyone’s yelling about.”

  * * *

  Dogs. Two strays Grace and Faith had been taking care of had gotten into the barn, and a few of the newer horses hadn’t liked them. The dogs, yellow-brown and of indeterminate breed, were friendly enough, but not all horses were good with them.

  Dominic was safe and sound outside one of the corrals with Faith, the two of them watching while the ranch hands rounded up the dogs and calmed the horses.

  About that time, Grace emerged from the kitchen door and rang the huge cowbell dangling from the porch ceiling, summoning the family to dinner.

  Jess looked spooked when Tyler gestured her to the house, Jess saying she and Dominic could order a pizza or something—they hadn’t come here for a free meal. Tyler rolled his eyes, took her by the arm, and marched her to the main house.

  Grace had set places for Jess and Dominic, and Tyler made damn certain this time that he got to sit next to her. He held out Jess’s chair for her and plopped himself down beside her before anyone could suggest otherwise. Carter, without a word, took a place across the table.

  Adam and Grant had gone to their own homes for dinner, for which Tyler was thankful. He loved it when the whole clan was together, but tonight, he wanted Jess more or less to himself.

  Dominic sat next to Carter. Carter welcomed him, Faith taking the chair on the other side of her father. Grace chose the foot of the table, and Tyler’s mom glided in at the last minute and took her place at the head.

  His mom, Olivia Campbell, was a warmhearted woman with a lot of strength. She’d kept the family together and the ranch going after Tyler’s dad had died in an accident so long ago. Her softly cut gray hair and turquoise bracelets didn’t seem daunting, but looks were deceiving.

  “I’m so glad to meet you, Jessica.” Olivia leaned down the table to clasp Jess’s hand. “I’ve heard all about you. Now, don’t you worry about a thing. We always have room at our table for friends.”

  Jess flushed, no doubt wondering a) what his mom had heard, and b) whether Olivia considered a one-night stand to mean “friend.”

  “My nosy brothers told her about you,” Tyler said to Jess. He made an X over his heart. “I didn’t say a word.”

  Faith shot Tyler a grin. “Careful, Uncle Tyler. Not talking about a girl you want to like you can be insulting.”

  Tyler turned to her. “’Scuse me—I mean my nosy brothers and my nosy niece. Leave Jess alone. She’s had a long day.”

  “Quit your moaning, Tyler,” Olivia said good-naturedly. “And say grace for us.”

  Tyler feigned a resigned sigh. But he didn’t mind clasping Jess’s hand as everyone joined around the table, waiting for Tyler to start the brief prayer. Tyler became so fixed on the feeling of Jess’s cool, slim fingers twining his that he almost forgot to take Grace’s hand on his other side.

  Grace didn’t though. She reached out and grabbed Tyler in a tight clasp, her fingers strong.

  As Tyler drew a breath to start, he was interrupted by a sudden spurt of gravel flying up on the drive outside. Through the windows, he saw a police SUV spin to a halt in front of the house, wheels kicking up dust. No lights, no sirens, but Jess leapt to her feet, panic on her face. Dominic spun around to look out the front window, his eyes wide.

  “What’s wrong, Mom?” he asked fearfully. “Do we need to go?”

  A single sheriff’s deputy hopped out of the SUV and sprinted up the steps, banging in through the front door.

  Tyler stood and took Jess’s hand. “It’s just Ross,” he said as gently as he could. “Our baby brother. Sit down, sweetheart. It’s okay.”

  Jess shivered under his touch, but she let out a breath and sank to her chair. She didn’t let go of Tyler’s hand. “Sorry,” she said. “I’m just tired, I guess.”

  Olivia’s wise look told Tyler she understood Jess’s n
erves. Nothing was secret in this family.

  Ross charged through the large living room into the dining room. He was a younger version of Adam, blue eyes sparkling under his buzzed dark hair, his khaki deputy’s uniform creased and clean, badge shining. “Am I too late? Did I miss out on one of Grace’s kick-ass dinners?”

  “Tyler’s about to say grace,” Olivia told him without admonishment. “Sit down, so we can get on with it.”

  “Awesome.” Ross plunked himself into the only empty chair, which was between Jess and their mom. He took Jess’s hand, giving her a thorough once-over. “You’re Jess, right? And Dominic? Pleased to meet you. I’m Ross, the law-abiding Campbell.”

  Ross’s bright blue eyes held way too much interest. He, like Tyler, was single, plus he had that man-in-uniform thing going for him. He also had a big smile, packed a large gun, and carried handcuffs. Tyler didn’t worry so much about his older brothers around Jess—they were happily married—but Ross …

  “Law-abiding now,” Carter said in his deep rumble, the corners of his mouth twitching. “When he was fourteen, he stole a truck and tried to go to Mexico.”

  “I borrowed it.” Ross explained to Jess. “I brought it back. I didn’t realize how far away Mexico really was. I thought it was a few minutes down the road past San Antonio.”

  Tyler made a derisive noise. “Because you didn’t look at a globe.”

  “I was fourteen and never been farther than San Antonio. I thought the Alamo being there meant it was right on the border.”

  Dominic laughed. “Really?”

  “Really.”

  Tyler had never, ever been jealous of his little brother. Tyler had gone through his school days and afterward surrounded by friends and captivated women while Ross had been either cute and adorable, or awkward and nerdy. Now Ross shone, having emerged from his geeky teenaged shell into a strong, smart, capable and courageous man. Tyler was proud of him.

  Did not mean Ross got to steal Jess out from under Tyler’s nose.

  Jess relaxed and smiled at Ross’s banter, which made something inside Tyler loosen. It was good to see her unwind.

  Carter wasn’t wrong about her though. Jess had some baggage, and Tyler would have to help her sort through it. Fine with him. She’d carried her burdens long enough.

  Tyler cleared his throat, took Jess’s and Grace’s hands again, and said the prayer, thanking God for their guests’ safe arrival and the food his sister-in-law had slaved over all day. As soon as he finished, hands shot out toward the serving dishes, Tyler tonight grabbing food to offer to Jess first. Grace had cooked up a feast of fried chicken and roasted potatoes, a mess of vegetables, and biscuits that were about a mile high and came apart in layers of bready goodness.

  As they started eating, talk turned to Jessica’s plans. She asked about jobs in Riverbend, which made the rest of the family laugh. Riverbend wasn’t a booming metropolis with tons of new employment opportunities every day. Most residents were carrying on family businesses or working remotely for companies in other cities or states, or they commuted to jobs in Austin or San Antonio. Austin had grown so much, and continued to grow, that driving to its outskirts to work was a quick trip these days.

  Tyler knew without Jess saying a word that she didn’t want to commute. She wanted to crawl into the hole of Riverbend and never come out.

  “Christina manages the bar now,” Faith said, breaking through the adults’ pondering. “Jess is a bartender. Put it together.”

  “No,” Jess said quickly. “Don’t put Christina on the spot.” She sent Faith a wink. “I am the best though. I can even make a Pink Lady without looking it up.”

  “Not much call for that in Riverbend,” Ross said. “The drunks I take to jail are never there for drinking too many Pink Ladies.”

  “You never know,” Jess said. “They’re full of gin and applejack—a couple of Pink Ladies can land a large man on his butt. I’ve seen it happen.”

  Tyler broke into the hilarity. “If Elijah is looking for you, Jess, the first place he’ll try is a bar.”

  Jess lost her smile. “I know, but it’s what I know how to do. I trained, and I have lots of experience.”

  “I bet there’s plenty you can do at the ranch,” Tyler said stubbornly. “We always have something going on and can use the help. Plus there’s AGCT Enterprises. Our organization that helps local businesses start up or get back on their feet. The office is in the middle of town—I bet they’d have something for you there.”

  “That means she’d have to work with Karen Marvin,” Ross pointed out. “I thought you liked Jess.”

  Everyone laughed, including Carter, who let out a chuckle. They’d all come to like Karen, but there was no denying she could be one scary bitch.

  “Or what about being a tattoo artist?” Tyler went on. “You said you wanted to do that. You could be the first one in Riverbend.”

  “I wanted that when I was eighteen,” Jess said impatiently. “Before I figured out I couldn’t draw. And it’s not like bikers don’t go to tattoo parlors.” She gave Tyler a stern look. “Working at the bar is fine with me. But only if there’s a position open. I don’t want to take away someone else’s paycheck and tips.”

  Tyler made himself shrug under the scrutiny of his family. “We’ll talk about it.”

  Jess might as well have flames coming out of her ears, but she turned away and took a bite of Grace’s meal. The chicken was perfect—crisp and juicy—the biscuits amazing, or at least the rest of the family claimed. Tyler couldn’t taste a bite.

  By the time supper was over, the night had darkened. Tyler prepared to walk Jess and Dominic back to his apartment, but Olivia stopped him on the porch.

  “Need you a sec, Tyler.”

  Jess had already descended to the drive with Dominic and took her son’s hand. “Go on,” she said. “I think I can find the way.”

  Her look said she thought it amusing he’d been intercepted by his mother, but the sparkle in her eyes sent flames through Tyler’s blood.

  He watched in regret as she walked away, but enjoyed the picture of her limber body in the brief shorts. Dominic, still keyed up, danced at the end of her hand.

  Tyler kept his eye on them until Jess climbed the steps to his apartment and let herself and Dominic inside, the light going on to show her through the windows. Tyler watched until she disappeared into the back room then turned his steps to follow his mom around the house to her suite of rooms in the rear with its own private porch.

  This was his mom’s retreat, her sanctuary. Tyler didn’t remember much about his parents’ early years, but Grant and Adam told him that this particular wing of the house had been built first, where they’d all crowded in, their mom and dad madly in love and happy with their growing family. The main part of the house had been finished the year their dad had died. It was no surprise Olivia had remained in this suite and used it as her private refuge, to be alone with her memories.

  Tyler leaned against the porch railing outside the suite’s door, folding his arms and resting one foot behind him on a post as he faced his mother. “You know, I dreamed of walking my girl home tonight, showing her the stars. Not being held after class by my mom.”

  He kept his voice light, but Olivia only gazed at him unblinkingly.

  “Tyler,” she said in her straightforward way. “She isn’t yours.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Tyler knew what his mother meant, but he kept the banter in his voice. “I’m not stepping aside for Ross. He can’t have everything just because he’s the baby.”

  “Not my point.”

  Tyler gave up. He turned to gaze at the rolling hills behind the ranch, the sky dark blue with dusk.

  “You mean I should let her live her own life,” he said, and shook his head. “You didn’t see those goons in the bar where she worked. This Elijah is bad news—and I’m not saying that because he kicked the shit out of me. I’ll do anything to keep her from him. If her ex-husband is anything like h
im—she doesn’t need him finding her either. I want her away from him. From both of them.”

  “Why?”

  Tyler snapped around to see Olivia watching him with calm blue eyes. Folks in town said that the Campbells’ father, Dale, had been a wild charmer, but he’d fallen hard for the quiet young woman with beautiful eyes, who’d graduated high school at the top of her class.

  Olivia still had beautiful eyes, and age had only made her wiser. She’d thrown herself into raising her boys and helping troubled teens—everyone speculated she did so to keep her mind off her grief at losing her husband.

  But Tyler knew that this was just who she was. She’d loved his dad to distraction, but Olivia Campbell was her own woman.

  “What do you mean why?” Tyler asked. “I’m worried about her. Just like you worry about the kids who come out here to work with horses and escape their pasts.”

  “Not the same, and you know it.” Olivia gave him a severe look. “You can’t smother her, Tyler. That’s part of what she’s trying to escape. We can offer her help and support, but ultimately, it’s her decision. You have to let her make it.”

  “You mean stop being a high-handed dick?” Tyler usually wouldn’t use rough language around his mother, but the subject was too touchy for restraint.

  Olivia didn’t flinch, used to working with teens who liked the F word. “Exactly. She’s terrified, and with good reason. Let her calm down and settle in before you frighten her with your well-meaning intentions. And you didn’t answer the question.”

  His mom’s quiet look unnerved him. “Which question?” Tyler pointed at her. “See, this is why we’re scared to talk to you. We always have to figure out what you mean.”

  “You know exactly what I mean. Why are you so concerned about her? A lot of people you meet have problems. Are you going to let them all move into your apartment and get them jobs at the ranch?”

  “Why do you think?” Tyler jammed his arms across his chest. “She’s hot.”

  His mom wasn’t having that. “Your one-night stands are famous, Tyler. I’ve never yelled at you about them, because I understand grief and pulling away. It’s a hard thing to feel, a hard thing to get past. I know you well enough to see that the way you look at this woman is different. And I like her. But you can’t force it. If you try to grab on to her, she’ll go. It’s the old saying—if you hold a butterfly in your fist, you’ll destroy it. You have to let it sit on your open hand and enjoy its beauty.”