by Piper Stone
I actually liked the guy. In fact, I wanted more.
What the hell was I thinking?
Chapter Ten
Montana
Damn it. The girl really did have some kind of a freaking death wish.
The pictures Julia had brought were damning.
The thoughts in my head worse.
She’d taken the phone call and against my better instincts, I’d attempted to listen in. What I’d heard had riled the hell out of me. She was in danger.
I was certain of it.
And it pissed me off.
I’d had only thirty seconds to shift through the photographs and articles that Julia had obviously brought, but it had been enough. There was something terrible going on in Cheyenne and the counties surrounding the great city. The question remained. How and why was she involved? Had Holland stumbled onto a crime ring of some kind and put herself in harm’s way? Knowing the vivacious and rebellious woman, I’d believe that one easily enough.
My gut was telling me there was something else.
I heard the shower running and tugged the card from the flowers out of my back pocket. She’d not only crumpled the note, tossing in the trash, but had also left the flowers in her hospital room.
Unwanted.
A reminder.
I could almost feel the terror racing through her. There was no reason for the woman to trust me, especially with whatever hidden secrets she might have buried in her past. I fingered the card, my anger resurfacing. The three words written in blood-red ink brought out the very nasty side of me.
Also the protective one.
You can’t run...
I read the words several times before shoving the card back in my pocket. Whatever was going on, Holland was smack in the middle of it.
The lemonade was sickeningly sweet, but I hadn’t been able to quench my thirst. Maybe because all I could think about was the sexy, sultry pain in the ass woman who’d altered my entire life. I grinned as my cock twitched just thinking about her. I’d wanted to sit by her bed all night, but the emergency surgery had been something I hadn’t been able to avoid.
I was still a doctor.
Not even a desirable woman like Holland could steal that away from me.
The rest?
My heart.
My soul.
My need to dominate?
That was another thing entirely.
I grumbled and walked into the kitchen, dumping the remainder of the drink. I was playing with fire with the woman, but I couldn’t seem to help myself. She’d made a deal with me and I intended on keeping it. My cock was now aching like a son of a bitch.
I thought about calling Garland, but only after another conversation with her. She was going to have to learn to trust me.
A text on my phone came through, interrupting my thoughts. A formal invite to the rodeo for charity show. The timing was interesting.
The red flags were waving again.
Better late than never to invite the latest rodeo star. Good ole Walter Gammon must have had a cancellation. As far as the expensive spectacle, I’d pissed Walter off years before and now I considered him an enemy. He’d purposely left me off the venue. Now he needed me. Hmmm... I’d have to think about whether I wanted to participate.
Even if it was for a good cause.
Walter always had reasons for everything he did. He hadn’t gotten to be a wealthy man without being prudent and cautious.
His name had even appeared in a few recent newspaper articles. He was looking to expand his wealth. Glancing back at the screen, I shifted my finger over the information. The last thing I honestly wanted to do was commit to anything involving the overbearing asshole, but perhaps he could provide information. He knew every rancher in town. Then again, as if the jerk would even talk to me.
Sighing, I shook my head and accepted the offer, hitting send before I changed my mind. He and I had sparred too often and for the same reason.
He thought I was a hack.
I thought he was a prick.
Sadly, he was one of the most influential men in the territory, supposedly worth millions. Maybe this was some kind of olive branch after all these years.
Uh-huh. Not a chance.
I had to be out of my mind to delve into this ridiculous mystery, even if it involved the safety of the woman I... I snorted as my mind rolled over way too many romantic ideas. I wasn’t ready or willing to move into any kind of relationship. What Holland and I shared was something else entirely.
I needed some fresh air, or I was going to move into some level of hell. She’d gotten way too far under my skin. I opened the front door, allowing the light breeze to waft into her tiny house. She definitely didn’t live in any grandiose style, her desire to start a practice taking everything she had. Still, I was no savior, no one’s hero in any manner. This was a business transaction we shared between criminal and master.
I had to admit, the thought gave me a huge smile. All the delicious and sinful things I could do to her and she was required to obey.
“I think I’m ready.”
I heard her voice, not quite the same defiant woman I was used to. I turned around slowly, trying to act nonchalant.
Then the sight of her struck me like a lightning bolt.
Fuck...
I was breathless as the vision appeared before me. I was used to seeing her in jeans or shorts, her hair normally in a ponytail. This was... incredible. The sight of her in a flaming hot red dress, the fabric hugging every curve, was too much to take in at one time.
I moved inside the door, slamming it closed. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was stunning, her voluptuous figure highlighted in ways that brought out all the dark and kinky things I wanted to do to her. She had no idea how close I was to losing control.
Taking her like a wild stallion.
“You look incredible.”
Holland peered down at her attire and even from where I stood, I could see the frown crossing her face. “I don’t normally wear dresses. You’ve seen me in the two I own.”
“Then why did you choose to wear something so incredibly hot on a night like tonight?” I wanted to ravage her body, familiarizing myself with every inch. My fingers. My tongue.
My cock.
“Honestly, that’s a good question. This certainly isn’t a date.” Her answer was breathless.
I moved closer. “No, you’re right. This isn’t a date.”
She moved further into the room, smoothing down a dress that had no wrinkles. Obviously nervous around me, she kept her distance as one might with a predator in the room.
Maybe that’s all I truly was, a man seeking prey in any capacity. I required absolute obedience in my profession with my staff, with every woman I’d taken on a date, and even with the rodeo team. I was determined that my time spent with her was going to be no different, but here she stood like a blooming flower.
Tempting me into something else entirely.
She seemed satisfied with my answer, grabbing her purse from the floor as well as her keys that had been placed on the kitchen island. “A quick dinner then we get my truck.”
I wanted to remind her about our deal, but while I was quick to judgment and harsh on just about every level, she was still recovering. “Fair enough. For tonight.”
Her smile was curt, her eyes cutting. “Fine. For tonight, sir.”
“However,” I said as I held up my finger and walked even closer. The scent of her perfume was instantly intoxicating, exotic and musky, filling my nostrils and sliding straight to my cock. I was almost overcome by the sense of burning desire.
“Yes?” Her voice was little more than a whisper.
I used that same finger to slide a strand of hair from her face, the end managing to stick in her sensual lipstick. I wanted nothing more than to devour her on the spot. Food had no meaning for me, but as one of her doctors, I had to accept the fact she needed nourishment. I slid the tip under her chin, lifting until she was forced to
look into my eyes. “Our deal is still on. You’re injured and I accept that, but you’re going to receive harsh punishment for endangering yourself when you’re well and rested. I’m going to blister that pretty little ass of yours.”
“You just had to rub that in my face, didn’t you? You can’t just leave it alone.”
“A deal is a deal. You can certainly adhere to a portion of that even tonight. Can’t you, Holland?” Was I in the mood to push her buttons? For some sick reason, I was, but she certainly did deserve strict discipline for terrifying me to death.
I could have lost her.
“Fine. I get it, sir. You can have all the respect that you deserve tonight, dear. Sweet. Sir.” Her statement tinged with a sassy verve, she walked around me, moving toward the door, refusing to wait. Hearing the door slam, the sound reverberating into my ears, actually gave me a huge smile.
I was falling for this girl and I honestly doubted that I could do anything to stop it.
Everything remained awkward between us as I drove to the restaurant. I’d purposely selected one in what some folks would call the boonies; I wanted to have some quiet time with her. The hostess had balked at taking a reservation for a certain table, but a hundred dollar tip and she’d gladly accepted.
As we were led to the table, I noticed that Holland tried to keep her head down. That wasn’t like her in the least. The asshole reporters had done a number on her. I kept my hand pressed on the small of her back.
Possessively.
Protectively.
This time, she didn’t seem to mind the closeness.
I was given the exact table I’d requested, one with the perfect view of the lake. The sun was dipping over the horizon, a mixture of tangerine and lilac clouds floating across the sky, the glow shimmering across the rippling water. Even the light breeze seemed to add a perfect touch to a lovely evening.
“This is beautiful,” Holland mused.
“I thought you might enjoy the scenery.” I handed the hostess the crisp bill before pulling out Holland’s chair.
She gave me an odd look before allowing the gesture. “Are you always a huge tipper or trying to impress me?”
“I asked for a favor. She deserved a tip.”
“A table far removed from everyone, just like a restaurant on the outskirts of town?”
“Jesus. I thought I had a chip on my shoulder. You have a boulder threatening to derail your life.”
Holland closed her eyes and for the first time, I noticed how her long eyelashes skimmed across her high cheekbones. Everything about her was sexy as hell. “But I’m right. Aren’t I? You’re embarrassed to be seen with me. Not that I blame you. My behavior as of late has been horrific.”
I waited until she finally dared to look gaze in my direction. “I would take you anywhere on my arm and be happy and so very proud. Not only are you the most beautiful woman I’ve been out to dinner with, but you’re spunky and bold, intelligent and vivacious, and you refuse to take crap from anyone. A veterinarian. A bull rider. A sleuth. What more could I ask for?”
I was no poet. I’d never given a damn about romantic movies or walks in the sunset, but the words came easily.
Which shocked the hell out of her.
She sat back, fumbling to grab her napkin as the waiter approached. “I think I need wine.”
“You shouldn’t be drinking after the antibiotics and anti-venom. You almost had a stroke.”
“I know that, Doctor, sir. I’ll well aware that mixing drugs and alcohol can have dangerous consequences. I’m a big girl. I took all the same medical labs that you did. One or two glasses of wine certainly aren’t going to hurt anything.”
Every part of me from doctor to dominating man wanted to command her to stay with water, but I elected to allow her some space. No matter the deal I’d made, I didn’t own her.
Yet.
I nodded to the waiter and ordered the same cabernet.
“Sleuth. You saw the pictures on the table,” Holland said quietly. “I’m certain you have questions. Why am I bothering? What does it matter to me?”
“I noticed the pictures, even read the article, but I don’t need any explanation of why you’re curious. That’s your nature.” Where was she going to go with this?
“Given you’re not surprised in the least, I’d have to surmise that’s what your buddy the sheriff came to tell you about. To ask you questions since you’re the bigwig on the circuit.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “You forget that to Garland, I’m the scrawny kid he used to beat up. However, he did come to ask questions since I’m on the circuit, and before you ask, he refused to give me any information.”
She seemed excited as well as apprehensive. “But there’s a suspicion that these animals have been poisoned?”
I fiddled with one of the forks, sliding it back and forth. “As I told you, rat poisoning was the issue with Misty. Garland didn’t give any specifics about any of the other cases.”
“But you didn’t tell me everything, did you? I mean, sir.”
The slight smile on her face was one of embarrassment, not rebellion. My cock swelled once again, forcing me to shift in my seat.
“Toxicology wasn’t conclusive. Bart just mentioned that there was something else mixed in that hadn’t been determined.”
“You know something is going on, Montana. Why? Why is someone doing this? Running the ranchers out of town? Is the land more valuable? I keep trying to figure out a reason.”
“I think the question is how are you involved?” I hadn’t intended on throwing it on the table until later and I could see she’d instantly shut down. “The extent of your concern is curious. More so than I like.”
“Why would you ask me that?” She tossed down her napkin, jerking to a standing position. “I’m very sorry for being a stupid child and breaking into your house. I’ve never done anything like that before, no matter what you might think. I felt desperate and that was stupid. But doing anything, connected in any manner with a fucker who would ever hurt animals?” She blinked back tears.
“Before you toss the water in my face, you need to hear me out. I didn’t say I could ever imagine you being involved in the crime.”
Her brow furrowed and she scanned the entire restaurant. No one was paying any attention. “Then what in God’s name do you mean?”
“Please sit down, Holland. We’ll have a civil conversation.”
She pursed her mouth as she eased down. “All right. I guess I’m just overwrought. Too many things happening at once. What are you getting at, Montana?”
“You’re being threatened. Aren’t you?” While instantly I knew I was right in my assumptions, seeing the sheer look of horror on her face, the way the blood drained, grabbed at every ounce of anger in my body. I’d find the fucker and destroy him.
“How... Why do you believe that?”
I almost waved the waiter away, but when he dropped off the wine, I reached for the glass immediately. “The note from the flowers that you left in the trash can. The way you looked at them when they arrived. You weren’t just worried. You were terrified.”
She swirled the glass, her hand shaking when she finally took a sip. “So some asshole sent me flowers. Given what appeared in the news after the rodeo, could be some jerk. Could be a cowboy.”
“Who just happened to know you were in the hospital. Red carnations aren’t an obvious choice from some dumb cowboy trying to impress you. You were right. Reminds me of death as well.” My thoughts drifted to the brawny guy from the bar.
“Maybe this person followed me. Or you. I don’t know. I don’t think it’s anything.”
“Then why can’t you look me in the eye? I realize that you don’t trust me. You have no reason to. We didn’t get off on the best foot, but I assure you that I would never hurt you.”
She took another sip of wine. “Maybe I trust you more than you know. I could never believe you’d intentionally hurt me. At least not in the way you’re thinking
.”
“Which is?”
“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“You come to a town where you know nobody. You purchase a business that was failing, including buildings that need at least a hundred k of work done on them, and you get into a second profession that you’ve never really done before. You don’t seem to have a family or a past, at least not one that you’ve talked about and what few belongings you have in that tiny house of yours could likely fit in two suitcases. Even the furniture belonged to old man Tanner. You’re either running or never want to be found. The question is, who’s chasing you?”
She pushed the wine to the side, dropping her head into her hands and taking several deep breaths.
I slid my hand across the table but pulled it back. She certainly didn’t need the likes of me to crowd her space.
“From the time I was seven years old, I grew up with my aunt and uncle in Colorado, people I’d never met before. You see, my mother died in a horrific accident when I was little. I was riding in the backseat.”
“Oh, Jesus.” No wonder she reacted the way she did about the death of my own mother.
“I was very lucky, at least that’s what one of the doctors told me. I had multiple injuries, four surgeries, and spent a long time in the hospital. Of course, I was seven and didn’t understand why they were keeping me away from everyone I loved. No one told me about my mother for two weeks.”
“Certain things are making more sense now. I can understand your hatred of hospitals.”
“Sadly, my father in a sense vanished. Grief. Guilt. Greed. You pick it. He was at the hospital every night for two weeks. Then he came less and less. Sometime after that, this woman arrived claiming she was my aunt. I’m not going to lie that I was one terrified little girl who didn’t understand why she’d lost her mommy. I blamed myself because my mother had been forced to keep looking in the rearview mirror on that fateful day because of her misbehaving little girl throwing a temper tantrum.” Her hand was shaking as she reached for her wine.
I couldn’t imagine what the poor girl had gone through. My heart was aching, myriad emotions thick and ripe. “You don’t have to continue, but you weren’t to blame, honey. You can’t do that to yourself for the rest of your life. Guilt will eat you alive.”
