Cowboy State of Mind (Tarnation, Texas Book 4)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “Ain’t you one to complain, sassy.” He gave her a big hug and swung her around, lifting her feet off the ground for a long twirl, just like he did when they were kids. When he set her back down, his expression became firm, but his eyes stayed warm. “Why aren’t you staying at the ranch? That’s home. Your home.”

  She pulled back slightly, placing her hands on her hips. “Keep your nose where it belongs, mister. I’ve only been back in town for a week and I ain’t looking for a lecture from my little brother.” She waved a finger at him.

  “I’ve missed you is all. This thing where you come to visit every few years isn’t enough.”

  “Well, last I knew, the road travels both directions.” She tried to hide her hurt. From the time he was born, three years after her, she’d nestled him under her wing and taken care of him, and Susy. After their mother had taken off, Tyler had become more like a mother than a sister.

  “Come on, sassy. You know New York ain’t a place for a man like me. I’m a redneck cowboy and wouldn’t fit into the big city mold. How about you let me take you for ice cream? That always makes a blue-eyed girl feel better.”

  Burying the wounds, she tucked her fingers around his elbow. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than spend time with my favorite brother.”

  “I’m your only brother.” He dipped his hat. “But I’ll still take it as a compliment.”

  “Maybe you can tell me all about the one who’s stealing my brother’s heart. You know she’ll have to pass my checklist, right Ro?”

  “That’ll be a short conversation, unless you’re talking about the horses. It seems they’re about the only fillies I’ve been keeping company with these days. Dad runs the ranch like a drill sergeant, especially since he’s hung up his hard hat for a full-time Stetson. You know that. He likes things run like a well-oiled machine. I think he can’t seem to stay busy enough.”

  “Yeah, I know how he keeps his expectations high.” She couldn’t manage to keep the disappointment from her tone.

  “Ah, now, sass. It’s time you and Dad patch things up. He’s not getting any younger. You have a place at Posey Ranch, working right next to him and me. We both want you there. It’s time to put away those shit kickers and get a real pair of boots.” He snickered.

  She frowned. “What’s wrong with my boots? I found these at a corner boutique in New York—”

  “Need I say more?” He raised a brow. “Baby girl, it’s time you found your country roots again. I know they’re in there somewhere under those city layers. You’ll find the honky tonk real quick when you’re back to mucking stalls.”

  “Now wait just a second.” She stopped and tilted her hip. “Who said anything about me working the ranch? Maybe I have plans here in Bohannan.”

  He smirked. “Sure you do. Now let’s go grab that ice cream before the shop closes and you can tell me all about those wild dreams of yours. Have you seen Kace?”

  She knew his name would come up eventually. Rogue and Kace were friends.

  “Nope, but I’m sure I will soon.” As far as Kace was concerned, he was leaving her no choice but to take things to a different level. She knew exactly what she would need to do…

  “I know that look. What do you have planned?” Rogue actually looked concerned.

  Crossing her arms over her chest, she tapped the toe of her boot. “Only to get him to reopen the case.

  Several emotions flickered over his face. “Tyler—”

  “Don’t do that, Ro. Don’t give me one of Dad’s speeches. She was our sister and we both know she wouldn’t have taken her own life. Sheriff Mansfield didn’t give a rat’s ass about investigating, but now that Kace is wearing the badge…”

  “I understand you don’t want to believe the worst in Susy, but come on, sassy, you and I both know she’d made some bad life choices at the end. Maybe it’s time to let her rest in peace.” He sighed. “You’re not listening, are you?”

  Giving her head a quick shake, she took his arm again. “How about that ice cream. You owe me a double decker paradise supreme with extra whipped topping and three cherries.”

  “I do?”

  “Sure do. After all, I won the bet.”

  “And which bet was that?”

  “That when we saw each other again you would mention Kace’s name before I would.” She smiled.

  “That’s a little dirty. We made that bet years ago.”

  “I have the memory of an elephant.”

  “It’s good to have you home, girl.” He patted her hand.

  And she truly was glad to be back.

  Chapter 2

  CLOSING THE FOLDER on a recently solved case, Kace placed it in the file cabinet with the rest and locked the drawer. He glanced at the clock and sighed. Ten fifteen. Another late night on the job. Since he’d taken over as Sheriff he’d spent many an evening on the old, worn couch in his office. Looked like he’d be testing out the springs again tonight.

  Getting up from behind his desk, he strolled into the outer office and over to the coffee maker, poured a cup of the brew and sipped. It was ice cold. With a disgusted growl, he emptied the cup in one gulp, grateful for the caffeine to get him through another folder or two.

  Back at his desk, he sat back down and eased his body into the cushions of the worn leather chair, staring at the stack of folders that still needed reviewing. His gaze automatically found the pile of sticky notes Mildred had left for him. Picking the top half from the heap, he sighed and then filed through each of them…all twenty, and all from Tyler Posey. She was hell bent on getting his attention.

  Maybe he should just call her.

  That was his job. To make sure townspeople were happy and safe.

  He tossed the sticky notes back onto his desk and massaged his aching temples with his thumbs. An image developed in his mind as it had done hundreds of times over the past fifteen years. Petite brunette. Pale blue eyes backdropped by silky olive complexion. Body like a curvy back road. Nice and tight. He gave his head a disgruntled shake. The thought of her as “the one that got away” had faded some over the years and now a memory of a girl who’d left town to pursue dreams remained like an old battle wound. It had healed, but when the weather was bad, it smarted like a mother fucker.

  Leaning back in the chair, he closed his eyes, feeling a stab in the middle of his chest as he revisited the memory of the last night he spoke to her—the night that changed the course of his life. She’d looked lovely with her long black hair pulled up in a messy top knot, one spaghetti strap had fallen down her shoulder, and her bare feet dipped in the water. She hadn’t looked lovelier with the rays of the sun turning her beautiful eyes surrounded by a thick fringe of dark lashes into thieves of hearts. And that smile. Oh brother…it had made him weak in the knees. The yellow dress she wore that landed mid-thigh had driven him crazy.

  That summer they’d spent night after night making love under the moon and stars. He’d learned her body, her mind, and her soul. He’d never shared so much with one person.

  That one night had been different though. He was getting ready to leave for the Navy and he’d wanted to make her his girl. He’d been nervous as hell and had checked the velvet case in his pocket at least a dozen times, waiting for the perfect moment to ask for her hand in marriage. They’d been young, too young and inexperienced for some peoples’ tastes, but he knew he wanted to spend his life with her. Knew that he wanted to build a life of memories with her. He’d never been good at telling anyone his feelings, but he’d wanted to confess everything to her and vow to never let her go. He’d been a ride or die cowboy…made for one woman.

  Damn, he’d been a fool.

  Before he could drop to one knee, she’d dropped the bomb that she was leaving town and planned to live in New York…and nowhere in those plans did it include being hitched to a good ol’ boy like himself.

  Sure, she’d promised that she’d return one day. Probably said at least twenty times that things wouldn’t pan out in the
big city and she was wasting her time going, but she wanted to audition for a part in a major play. Up until then, she’d been playing roles in the local theater while working on her family ranch. In that moment, the future he’d wanted, dreamt about, was soiled. After all, what could he offer that would compare to New York? He’d wished her well, put on a strong front, and that was the last time he saw her…well, the last time they’d been together.

  He’d gone onto the military, deployed in all parts of the world, fighting for his country, and Tyler had gotten the part in the play, and many more to come. What she didn’t know, he’d visited New York once, even saw her on stage. He never cared much for Shakespeare but watching her had kept his interest. She owned the stage, stealing hearts with her role, and he’d planned to see her after the show …until he saw her receiving two armfuls of red roses from a man who she thanked with a kiss.

  Kace made a quick exit out of the theater, giving the daisies he’d bought for Tyler to an elderly woman who was very appreciative, then he headed home where he belonged.

  She’d visited Bohannan a few times over the years from what Johnny and Rogue told him. Kace had been retired from the military by then, working for the Wyoming DCI for a while, also for the FBI a short spell until he finally decided he wanted a more hands on approach to the law. He liked being Sheriff, liked knowing the people he helped. Seeing the differences he made.

  Living in Bohannan now, he’d eventually have to see Tyler. He wanted to remain indifferent, distant. Was it possible?

  He’d gotten over her. He’d gone on with his life, enjoyed living as a bachelor and all that entailed, so he should thank her for cutting the ties long ago. He could be hitched to her wagon for life, and then what? Wake up with the same woman every morning who expected him to make it for dinner every evening? Kiss her anytime he wanted? Make love to just her for the rest of his life? He shifted and adjusted his fly.

  Yeah, who wanted that life?

  He blew out a long breath. He sort of did.

  Giving his head a shake in hopes to dislodge the errant train of thought, he’d have to man up—way up—and keep his head on straight. He didn’t have time for Tyler or any woman…except for Sadie Mae who didn’t have any expectations outside of the bedroom.

  He’d just steer clear of Tyler, then there’d be no chance of her getting into his head.

  Who was he kidding? Bohannan wasn’t big enough to curse a cat without choking on fur let alone dodge Tyler Posey. She could be a force to be reckoned with. That’s how she earned the nickname Sassy.

  If he knew her, and he did, or at least he did once upon a time, she wouldn’t give up until she got what she wanted. Three years ago, when her sister, Susannah, was found dead at her boyfriend’s house, Tyler had come home to help make arrangements for her funeral. It had been a devastating time for her family and Kace had been too chicken shit to see her, although he had gone to the funeral services and sat in the very back, his eyes naturally staying on her, wishing he could have comforted her in some way. She hadn’t been alone though. Another man’s arm had been around her, some guy who drove a BMW and wore an expensive suit that screamed “yuppie”. She’d traded in a country boy for a rich bastard. Figured. What had he expected? She was a beautiful, talented woman. The man backstage at the play and the yuppie from the funeral were probably only two of the men she had on a string.

  If that wasn’t enough to convince him that she didn’t belong in Bohannan, cowboy capital of Wyoming, then he wasn’t sure what would. She’d always had big dreams of being in the spotlight and he liked everything low key. She was outgoing, and he was introverted. She talked about having a big house, and he liked small. They were completely different.

  Point was, he could lay low during her visit if he really tried. He’d once hidden a whole week in Kosovo on assignment without anyone the wiser. From his special ops missions, he’d learned the skill of hiding in the most obvious places. Yet, he wasn’t on assignment and he wasn’t about to go out of his way for her. He was Sheriff, and if she wanted to find him, she could.

  However, she’d have to get used to the idea that she couldn’t waltz back into town, ring up his phone, and he’d dropped everything to reopen her sister’s closed case.

  Kace understood Tyler’s dismay. No one wanted to believe that a loved one would take their own life, but he couldn’t investigate clues for a homicide where the facts just weren’t there. He’d read over the file and it was an open and shut case.

  Realizing he wasn’t going to get much more work done, he got back up and went over to the couch, dropped down onto the lumpy cushions that squealed like a pig in heat and placed his loaded gun on the nearby table. He laid his arm over his eyes and had quickly fallen into a dream of dark hair, bewildering blue eyes, and a sweet little body when a noise in the outer office brought him wide awake and to a sitting position. He had his gun in hand and was off the couch, taking three long strides across the room, just as a loud clanking noise sounded again.

  Kace stepped out of his office, gun aimed at the floor as he glanced across the shadowed room. Seeing a silhouette in the cell, he growled. What the hell?

  He switched on the overhead light and had to blink twice to make sure what he was seeing was real and not just leftovers from a dream. Sure enough. He wasn’t alone. “What the hell are you doing?” He shoved his gun into the waist of his jeans and scrubbed the sleep from his eyes.

  The petite brunette, the one who’d caused him lots of grief time and again, stood in the center of the cell, one palm on her slanted hip and the keys to the jail dangling from the hook of her finger. She wasn’t laughing otherwise he’d think this was a joke. They’d tipped enough cattle and egged enough bridges in the past that he could see how she might find this funny. He’d grown up though and wasn’t in the mood for any funny business.

  “Answer me, Tyler. What in blue skies are you doing in my jail?” He planted his palms on his hips as he took in the image before him. From her wavy, shoulder-length hair, across the bare skin exposed in the off-the shoulder white blouse, down the length of her long, tanned legs to the tops of her cowgirl boots. She looked just like she had fifteen years ago when she made his world turn and his tires spin. How was it possible that she hadn’t changed a bit? Not one wrinkle. Not a damn thing to prove that she’d aged. How could it be that even now he felt a familiar tension behind his zipper and a stitch in his heart. Hell no. This couldn’t happen. He wouldn’t let it happen.

  “What does it look like I’m doing?” She lowered the keys and that flared hip tilted west.

  “It looks like you’ve gone and lost your mind. Now get out of my cell,” he growled.

  “No, I will not, at least not until you hear me out.”

  “Fine.” He tore his hand through his hair. “I’ll hear you out.”

  “Good—”

  “When I’m fully awake and it’s light outside. Until then, take your exit.” He stabbed a finger toward the door.

  Her chin jutted, and she crossed her arms over her chest, her pale gaze narrowing into slits. “Do you think I’m going to trust anything you say after you’ve ignored every single one of my calls since I came back into town. I refuse to be ignored, Kace Cade.”

  He’d heard that a time or two…or three or four or fifty times. All from her.

  Remembering how she’d left town without a concern for his feelings made him want to unleash, but he wouldn’t give her the satisfaction or have her believe for a second that he still cared. Sure, he thought about her now and again, even liked that fantasies about her kept him warm on lonely nights, but he enjoyed being a free man. Enjoyed Sa…hell, what was her name? He frowned. “I’ve been a little busy fighting crime,” he said a little too harshly.

  “I have a crime for you to solve. As an elected official whose salary is paid by townsfolk, it’s your duty to hear what I have to say.” Her tone took on a stubborn lilt.

  “Paid townsfolk I was elected by, Tyler. You don’t live here an
y longer.”

  “Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong. I’m now a citizen of Bohannan again. Aren’t you going to welcome me?” She could have easily reached up, grabbed a handful of stars and planted them in her eyes.

  The wind left his lungs. This was the last thing he wanted or needed. “No.”

  “Don’t be a bear, Kace.”

  “Did you get tired of the fancy parties and gourmet coffee shops?” He snorted. “Or are you running from the bad reviews you got from the last play?” Yeah, he hit below the belt and once the words were out he wanted to fish them back. What the hell had come over him?

  “Wow, you certainly seem to know all about my life considering I haven’t spoken with you for…how long has it been? Fifteen years?” She whistled through her teeth. “Now, about my sister—”

  “Your sister’s death was ruled a suicide and the case is closed. I know it’s difficult—”

  “You knew her, Kace. Your entire family knew her. She’d never take her own life. Sheriff Mansfield prematurely closed the case because he didn’t want to bother with her. He thought she wasn’t deserving.”

  He tore a hand though his hair, realizing he was overdue for a cut. Mansfield had done a lot of things that had pissed off townsfolk and why he’d lost the election, but on this particular case, Kace couldn’t agree that it’d been neglected. “Yeah, I knew her. The old Susy had a million reasons to be happy and live, but when she got caught up with the wrong people, she took on bad habits, made terrible choices and things changed. She wasn’t herself. You can’t honestly tell me that anyone really knew her, even you, at the end.” She blinked, maybe to blink back tears, but he had no choice but to stick to his guns. He had an entire cabinet full of cases that were left with loose threads. “Now go home.”

  “Have you even read her case file?”

  “Yes, I have.” Susy’s case had been one of the first he’d read when he’d become Sheriff.

  “You don’t think it’s suspicious that her boyfriend, Troy, overdosed three months after her?”