Cowboy Hank (Cooper's Hawke Landing Book 3)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  There was something else she wished for too. A full night’s sleep because for so long now she’d always slept with one eye open.

  Hank steered the truck up a steep lane that had more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese. Freya giggled, finding the jostling funny as she bounced around the seat. If she weren’t restrained by the seatbelt she would have bounced right up to the ceiling. Helena held onto the door handle to keep herself from hitting the door.

  “It’s a bit rough, I know, but most places out here take a little effort to get to. Trust me, the view is worth it. These roads were made to cross on the back of a horse.”

  Once they reached the crest, Helena witnessed the beauty Hank had promised. The view could have come straight out of a magazine. However, the cabin needed a lot of tender loving care. Obviously, he wasn’t being modest when he said it needed work. The porch had missing railing. Parts of the shingles on the roof were missing. Boards covered one window, and another had cracks in the glass. The window boxes were rotten and sadly bare of what should contain an arrangement of colorful, robust flowers. There were no rockers that welcomed visitors to sit and stay for a while or a dog wagging its tail in greeting or smoke furling from the chimney that also looked like it could use some repair. And yet, with all the renovations needed, she felt a sense of peace here.

  “It looks lovely,” she said, which gained her a lifted brow eye from Hank. “Sure, it needs some repair, but I can see why you bought it.”

  Climbing out of the truck, she helped Freya down who raced over to a tire swing hanging from a frayed rope that was attached to an even scarier looking tree branch. “Freya, don’t get on that.”

  “It’s okay. I tested it,” Hank said when he rounded the front of the truck.

  “Okay, Freya. Be careful. Stay right there. You hear?”

  “Yes, Mommy.”

  “I know it’s not much to look at, but I promise the foundation is in good shape,” Hank said as they stepped up on the porch. “The walls are sturdy. And the plumbing works. The man who owned it had left it abandoned a few years and out here the weather can be cruel. My plan is to have the exterior completed in a few months, before winter settles in.”

  “The porch needs a couple of rockers.”

  That seemed to amuse him. “I guess that means I need to get the porch finished first then. Watch the—”

  He was too late. She walked into a spider’s web, spreading the silky threads all in her hair, over her face and sending her into a panic. She stood statue still. “Oh no. Please tell me I don’t have a spider on me.”

  “Here, I’ll look.” He stepped closer, so close she caught a whiff of his tantalizing cologne and mint.

  While he investigated her hair, lifting strands and searching, she concentrated on gaining control of her insides, and the upheaval had nothing to do with a spider. Then he moved to her face, the tips of his fingers caressed her skin and her nipples beaded. A long time had passed since she’d been this close to a man—especially one who had an undeniable magnetism.

  “Find anything?” She was fully aware of the strain in her voice.

  “No spider. You’re safe.” And yet he didn’t move.

  Their gazes locked and she inhaled deeply.

  Would he kiss her? Did she want him to kiss her?

  Bigger question…did he want to kiss her?

  “Mommy! Mommy! Look,” Freya called.

  Gaining her equilibrium, she cleared her throat and focused on Freya who was swinging high on the tire. “Not too high.”

  “I won’t. I’ll be okay.”

  Hank took a key out from his jacket pocket and unlocked the door, giving the weathered wood a shove with his shoulder. “It tends to stick.”

  Finally, he swung the door wide and stepped back to let her cross first. Surprisingly, the place didn’t smell bad. He turned on a light and she examined the interior. There was a red and black plaid couch that looked like it had probably been pretty in nineteen-seventy, but it was clean. Two mismatched chairs bracketed the stone fireplace that had a stack of kindling in a basket. A stool seconded as a coffee table holding a stack of wildlife magazines. A tiny counter separated the living room space from the kitchen that wasn’t much bigger than her closet back home…or rather her old home. Although in need of a few modern updates, the cabin was tidy, the appliances looked in good condition, and the flooring was newly redone.

  Hooks on the wall held pots and pan and magnets held knives. Doorless cabinets contained dishes and cups. “Did you place these here?”

  “They were here when I bought it. I guess everything’s a bit dusty.” Hank swiped his finger over the countertop and wiped the dust off on his jeans.

  “It’ll wash. I think it’ll suit Freya and me perfectly.”

  “You haven’t seen the rest of the cabin yet. There’s only one bedroom but the couch pulls out into a bed.”

  She leaned a few feet and could see into the bedroom and the bathroom which had just enough space to turn. “Looks comfy.”

  “You’ll need some groceries.” He opened the refrigerator door and peeked in, checking the temperature. “At least my brothers thought enough to turn it on when they dropped it off. Now I wish they would have filled it too.” He laughed. “I’ll take you and Freya to eat and then we’ll grab some groceries.

  “Will you want me to start working tonight?”

  “If you’d like to start this evening, or tomorrow is fine.”

  “If it’s okay, I’d like to go ahead and start working immediately. The sooner the better.”

  “Then I’m fine with that.”

  “You must really need help at the bar, offering to come here and get us.”

  “Jeannie can’t handle the tables alone.” He readjusted his hat. “So you’ll definitely take the cabin?”

  “Yes.”

  Outside, she called Freya over and they climbed back into the truck and Helena watched Hank slide into the driver’s seat. “Who likes macaroni and cheese?” he asked.

  “Me! Me!” Freya bobbed up and down in the seat. as far as the seatbelt allowed her.

  “Are we going to Pelican to eat?” Helena asked.

  “Nah. On occasion I like to stop at the diner. A change of scenery is nice.”

  Helena watched Freya. Her smile hadn’t been this big in a long time. Warning bells went off inside Helena’s head. They needed to be careful not to create ties with anyone, because they couldn’t stay long in Cooper’s Hawk. However, maybe for just a moment she could pretend that things were normal. That she and Freya were settling here without the past hovering like a dark cloud ready to unleash a storm. She looked through the window as they drove back onto the narrow, steep hill that wound around the mountain, battling a foreboding feeling.

  It was okay to find some enjoyment in life, but she also needed to keep her mind on a path of logic, and her heart strings hidden. She snuck a glance at Hank. Somehow, she and Freya had hit the lottery by landing on his doorstep. This gave her some hope that good men existed. Men who knew how to respect a woman and treat her with kindness.

  Craven had been the perfect definition of a bully. Oh, he’d certainly come with a hefty amount of charisma, but she’d seen straight through him almost from the start, and yet she’d agreed to marry him at her father’s persistence. At first, Craven had pulled out all the fake charm and made her believe he had good intentions. He’d promised her a better life, especially for Freya, but Helena had never felt anything for him. When she’d envisioned her future, Craven wasn’t part of the plan.

  Weeks before the wedding, Helena’s father had been arrested and brought up on a list of charges. Soon after, Craven’s offices and residence had been stormed by federal agents, looking for evidence against him and his company. Craven had denied every charge, and, with his expensive attorney’s help, he’d stayed out of jail while the investigation continued.

  Looking at the scenery, she touched the ring that belonged to her mother. What would life be like if she hadn
’t passed away so soon? Her mother had been Helena’s life preserver and when she was gone so was the nurturing.

  The ring symbolized more than just her mother’s promise to Helena’s father on their wedding day. Lois Remington had been the glue that held the family together. Helena wondered how her mother had been strong enough to endure her husband, Helena’s father.

  “We’re here.” Freya’s exuberant squeal brought Helena out of her thoughts.

  The three of them stepped crossed the parking lot and Helena sucked in a breath when Hank laid his hand on the small of her back. Just a light touch of awareness. Once inside, a pretty, tall waitress greeted them. “Howdy, Hank.”

  “Hi, Chynna.”

  “Your usual table is available. Have a seat and I’ll be right over.”

  Freya and Helena slid into the corner booth about the same time the waitress stepped up to the table. Her long dark hair had a stripe of purple down one side. She had a nose piercing and chandelier earrings that flickered in the sunlight streaming in.

  “I heard we had visitors in town. Welcome to Cooper’s Hawk.” Her clear blue eyes reflected friendliness that Helena had come to expect from people in town.

  “Chynna, this is Helena and Freya.” Hank swiped off his hat and laid it beside him in the empty seat.

  “Well, I don’t know what tickles your fancy, ladies, but the special is meat loaf, mashed taters, fresh, not those instant ones, and fresh apple pie for dessert.”

  “I like your hair,” Freya told the waitress.

  “I like your hair too. You have the prettiest curls I think I’ve ever seen.” Freya smiled wide enough to show off her loose front tooth that was barely hanging on by a root or two. “I see you’re about to lose something.” Chynna pointed out.

  Freya nodded wildly. “Mom said I should let her pull it, but I want it to fall out on its own,” she said stubbornly.

  Chynna leaned in, swiping a dramatic gaze from left to right as if she were about to reveal something top secret. “We have a special for kids who lose a tooth. Free ice cream piled high with chocolate fudge or strawberries. So when that tooth finally comes out you make sure you stop by for some.”

  “Really? Mommy, did you hear that? Free ice cream.”

  “Yes, I heard. That’s kind of you but at this rate we’ll be gone from the area before the the tooth falls out,” Helena said.

  “That’s a shame,” Chynna said. “I have an idea. I’ll give you the ice cream in advance, that is if you promise to pull the tooth before you leave town. Deal?”

  Freya seemed to toss the thought around before she finally agreed. “Okay. I can do that.” She touched the loose tooth very gently.

  “Is that okay?” Chynna asked Helena.

  “Sure, as long as she eats all her mac and cheese.”

  “One mac and cheese coming up. Do you two need a moment to decide? Want me to grab you coffee?”

  “Do you need some time?” Hank asked Helena.

  “No. I’ll take a salad and a water.”

  “I’ll take the special and water also,” Hank said. “No coffee.”

  Chynna took the menus and bustled off to grab their drinks.

  “When my brothers and I were kids we used to come in here and play the arcade games they have in the back. Have you ever played?” Hank asked Freya.

  “No.” Freya stretched her neck to look toward the back of the room.

  “If your mom is okay with it, I can show you how to play.”

  “Sure.” Helena started to slide out to let Freya out but instead the little girl slipped underneath the table. Helena watched Freya slip her hand into Hank’s as they walked into the arcade room. This act triggered something deep inside Helena…

  “That’s a cute scene.” Chynna set the glasses of ice water on the table “Do you care if I sit for a second? I need a break.” She didn’t wait for the invitation but dropped into the seat Hank had just vacated. “What do you think of Cooper’s Hawk so far?”

  “Everyone is kind.”

  “Well, I can’t say we’re all good people. We’re like any town with a few bottom feeders, but all in all, this is town where people like to raise their children in. So, you’re not staying long?”

  “No, I’m afraid we can’t.”

  “You staying at Pelican Hawk?”

  “Actually, I’m renting Hank’s cabin.”

  “Oh?” Chynna’s thin brow lifted over curious eyes. “I thought he planned to live there himself.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “We don’t get many visitors around here although they can be the highlight of my year.” Her smile dazzled.

  “My car broke down a few miles outside of town and Hank has been kind enough to help us out. I’ll be working at Pelican Hawk until I can afford to get another car.”

  “Well…” she stood and ran her palms down her clean unform. “If you stick around long enough, once a month a group of us ladies get together for book club. We’d love for you to join us. Can’t say a city girl would find us all that interesting but you never know, if we have homemade wine you might find us very entertaining.”

  “Thank you, but I don’t think I’ll have the time to read a book—”

  Chynna’s delicate snort cut Helena off. “Honey, we don’t get together to discuss a book. It’s just an excuse to get away from the fellows for a short time. Hell, I don’t even know what book we’re supposed to be reading right now.” She wagged her brows.

  “Are you done chatting so you can get back to work?” came a gruff voice from the kitchen.

  “Oh, geez.” Chynna rolled her eyes. “That’s Hal. He’s a man that never ceases to complain. Can’t he see that I’m the town’s spokeswoman?” She pulled out a small notebook, jotted something down, then laid the slip of paper on the table. “There’s my number if you decide you feel like reading a book.” She winked and swiveled on her white Crocs.

  “Chynna?”

  She stopped and looked over her shoulder. “Yes, ma’am?”

  “How’d you know I’m a city girl?”

  She tilted a flared hip. “Honey, the last time I saw someone raise their pinky while they drink I was visiting Rodeo Drive.” She swayed back to the table. “You want to fit in? My suggestion is to stop over at the local boutique. Shay will help you find some comfortable clothes. But then again, if you’re not sticking around you might not want to buy any jeans, boots and flannels.” She gave a slight shrug.

  “Chynna, make me say it again and you’ll be standing in line for an unemployment check.” Hal growled.

  “I better skedaddle.” She turned and yelled at the cook, “What did I tell you about threatening me? You need me more than I need you. Who else will work in this greasy spoon?”

  “We can find out.”

  Helena was still smiling at the exchange when Hank came back to the table. “Don’t let her scare you away,” he said once he sat down.

  “I like her. Reminds me of Astrid.”

  “Who’s Astrid?”

  “A friend.” She sipped half of her water.

  “Freya’s a great kid. And smart.”

  Helena’s gaze naturally went to her daughter who was sitting on a stool and pressing controls and buttons. “Yes, she is.”

  “I put enough quarters in the machine that she’ll stay busy for a bit. I thought you and I should discuss some things.”

  Bringing her full attention on him, something caught in her chest. When someone said they wanted to discuss something it usually wasn’t positive. Had he changed his mind about the job? Cabin? If so, that happened in record time. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap and waited.

  She didn’t know him enough to understand his different expressions, but his clenched jaw and gritted teeth obviously spoke of his anger. “Look, if you’ve changed your mind about the cabin…”

  “Changed my mind? Nope.” He blew out a ragged breath. “I told you earlier that I’m not a snoop, but Freya said something that…well, I guess I n
eed to let you know what she said.”

  Her heart dropped into her stomach. “What?” She darted her gaze over at her daughter and back to Hank.

  “She said you two have been playing hide and seek from a mean man.”

  She gripped the edge of the table. It took her a second to recuperate. “Did you ask her questions?” Helena whispered.

  His brows scrunched. “No, I didn’t, and I wouldn’t. She offered it up freely and I wanted to know if I need to be concerned.”

  “You or your belongings are not in harm’s way.”

  “I’m referring to you and your daughter.”

  She lifted her gaze to his. “I can take care of myself and Freya.”

  “If that were the case, why are you running?”

  “For someone who says he doesn’t like to snoop you certainly do ask a lot of questions.” She grabbed her purse, slid out of the booth and hurried to get Freya. “We have to go.”

  “But Mom…I’m playing.”

  “Freya, don’t argue. We’re leaving.” Helena took her hand and helped her down from the stool.

  “I’m hungry. What about my mac and cheese?”

  “I’ll get you something to eat.” Helena had become a pro at scrambling and figuring out emergency moves. She had enough money to purchase two bus tickets. She’d give Hank back the salary advance. She stopped, dug into her purse and pulled out the bills, slapping them down on the table.

  “Helena?”

  She ignored him and continued outside. Cold, fat raindrops smacked her face and she sighed in angst. “Does it ever stop raining in this town?”

  They’d made it halfway through the parking lot before she heard heavy footsteps. “Helena? Stop. Please.”

  Still disregarding him, she stopped on the sidewalk and looked up and down the street. She’d find a bus station somewhere and started walking. Freya ran to keep up.