“Is everything okay with your room?” she asked.
“Yes, Sandy, it’s lovely,” Kiersten said. “We’re wanting to get out and do some sightseeing and grab some lunch. Do you have any recommendations?”
“There’s a deli right down the street that serves a variety of subs, or Mila’s Grille that is a few blocks south. You can’t go wrong with the pulled pork. And Mila makes a signature sweet potato souffle that’ll remind you of Thanksgiving.” She reached under the desk and produced several coupons. “And for our guests. Special discounts.”
“Thank you.” Deegan took the coupons. “What would you like, dearest? A sub or meat?” He nuzzled her cheek.
Her throat constricted. “Oh, I’ll leave it up to you, snookums.” She patted his cheek a little too hard.
“You two are so adorable,” Sandy gushed.
Kiersten thought she’d be sick.
She and Deegan walked out together, his hand remaining at her waist.
“Watch your hand,” she whispered.
“I’m just wanting to be convincing.”
“How convincing would it be if you lose that hand?”
She spotted his smile, but he did drop his hand.
The town reminded her a lot of her home town. Benches lined the sidewalks, quaint shops housed in historical brick buildings, and passersby raising their hands in greeting. There were times she missed home, missed her brothers because their lives were taking them in different directions. The last time she visited, her mom had announced that she had a heart condition and Kiersten worried Beatrice wasn’t taking good enough care of herself.
Since Kiersten was moving back on the family ranch temporarily while her house was being finished, she’d make sure her ma was listening to the doctor’s advice.
They chose Mila’s Grille and her stomach growled at the welcoming smell of a firepit and smoky barbecue as they were shown to a table close to the window. There were only a couple other late-lunch patrons and, as she would have expected, they stared as she and Deegan passed. He couldn’t be missed. At six foot two and two hundred pounds of lean muscle and good looks, he caught many an eye, including hers. At five-eight herself, she’d always liked tall men who were independent and self-confidant. Although she’d bitterly pointed out to him earlier, she thought he put others in danger, what she left out was that he was a damn good Fed. She’d recently recommended him for a promotion that would put them at equal levels, but she couldn’t tell him.
Since he’d been transferred into her unit, he’d proven time and again that he could bring home any criminal who crossed his path.
Working undercover put his life in danger. Agent’s had been killed in the line of duty, which was another reason why she didn’t date other badges. It was imperative that an agent could leave work at work and enjoy life on their days off. An agent very seldom could shut down but put two badges together and it was impossible.
Once they were seated and had ordered, Kiersten said, “So, where do we start?”
“She’s out there somewhere. She’s worked as a waitress so I’d say she stayed in the same career.”
“That should narrow it down some. Do you have a picture of her?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a mug shot. “She’s been arrested?”
“Petty crimes.” He turned the picture upside down just before the waitress passed.
“I think we’ll get farther if we divide up. I can visit the shops. In a town this size with fewer opportunities for work, she may be working in one.”
The waitress brought their meals and he waited to say, “I’ll do a deeper search in public records. We just need to be careful that we don’t draw attention to ourselves. We don’t know if she’ll talk to us.”
Kiersten nodded and bit into her cheeseburger, following it with a sip of sweet tea. “Let’s meet up at the B&B in, let’s say, two hours. That should give us enough time to come up with something.”
5
“She’ll be here. I guarantee it,” Deegan said.
“Because the librarian told you she would?”
“Janie didn’t tell me that Mont would be here. She said this place draws all the younger crowd, especially on karaoke and live band nights.”
“Oh, Janie, huh?” Kiersten chuckled but it sounded more like a strangled choking sound.
“People are friendly around here. You should let it rub off on you.” Deegan made a second round through the parking lot of the bar. “This place is hopping so Janie was right.”
“You’re a riot. Did you by chance show Janie a picture of our target?” Kiersten wasn’t sold on the idea that the roommate would show up. She also didn’t like that it was getting late and the only clue they had was a promise from a local that all the young crowd came to Owl’s Bar on Monday nights. A neon sign boasted karaoke and half priced wings which was a good reason why they couldn’t find a parking spot.
“No, I didn’t, but trust me. She’ll be here.” He finally found a spot on the street and darted his truck in.
It was a good thing she’d bought jeans, a button-down plaid shirt, and cowgirl boots, as well as personal items today because her dressier jacket, slacks, and heels would have made her stick out like a sore thumb. Fortunately, Deegan fit in with his usual T-shirt, Wranglers, and hat. He seemed to fit in wherever he went, especially with the ladies. As they entered, every woman’s head turned to look at him, admiration evident in their glowing faces. Kiersten slid her arm around his and caught his side-glance. “We are a couple, right?”
There were no tables available, so they took seats at the bar and ordered a beer each. Although Kiersten wasn’t one to drink on the job, she did want them to fit in. Deegan seemed at ease, as always. She wasn’t sure much ruffled his feathers. That’s what made him skilled as an agent.
“Cheers.” He clanked his bottle against hers.
She brought her gaze up to watch him sip his beer. He had nice lips and strong cheekbones. When he wasn’t wearing a beard, he looked younger, but she didn’t find that she disliked the whiskers. Her mind naturally skipped down a path of curiosity…wondering what the crisp hair would feel like on her skin, on her most sensitive parts.
Clearing her throat, she shifted on the stool and drew in a deep breath.
He was right, she was stuck on that night—and the feelings he had evoked in her. When she’d walked into the room at the B&B, seeing the large bed and having desire wash through her, her control had slipped some and he’d seen right through her. Calling her out that she was afraid…and she was. A man like Deegan could turn her world upside down.
What if they had sex one more night, just to get it out of their system?
Who was she kidding? The thought was laughable. Sex with Deegan would only strike up every need and desire within her, awakening a seductive beast she’d wanted to tame for two years.
His phone beeped and he pulled it out to glance at the screen. When he shoved it back in, she smiled. “A girlfriend checking up on you?” Although she completely blew off the question as teasing, she truly wondered. He probably had more than one. A sensation started in her stomach and rose into her chest, almost suffocating her. What was it? Jealousy? How could she be jealous? She had no rights to Deegan and she didn’t want any.
Of course, she didn’t.
“No. I’m unattached,” he said with a wink.
There was that familiar feeling between her legs and in her limbs. That wink was the icing on the chocolate cupcake. Taking a long drink, she hoped the cool liquid would ease the fire in her. No such luck. “I find that hard to believe,” she admitted.
“Why?”
She smoothed her finger around the rim of the bottle. “Oh, just water cooler talk. Something about those eyes and dimples have women blushing. They’re always taking a stab at who warms Deegan Bronx’s bed.”
“I didn’t think you were the type to participate in rumors.”
“It’s my job to know everything that goes on. Is it true you and Hamilton�
��s assistant, Denise Parker, were dating?”
“Wow. A man buys a woman a coffee and he’s said to be in love. How about you? You’re really not attached to the Yuppie, right?”
“Brad is a nice guy.”
“I’m not asking if he’s nice.” Deegan leaned in. “I’m asking if he’s your man.”
“No. I don’t have time for a relationship.” Did she really want to tell him that she hadn’t been in a real relationship in years and had been seeing someone for sex only, and the best thing she had going on was hiring an agency to match her with a candidate to father her baby. Not to mention taking fertility drugs had her libido in overdrive and her emotions a livewire.
He nodded. “The bureau leaves little room for anything outside of crime fighting.”
She twisted her stool to face him and smiled. “And still here we are, neck deep in solving crime. Where are our capes?”
“Mine is at the dry cleaners. Yet, this is an addiction, and a very lonely lifestyle.” He tipped his bottle and drank thirstily. “Who was the guy at the pizza place?”
“Back to him?”
“The curiosity is killing me.”
She moistened her lips. “A friend.”
“Did you dump him?”
“Do you ever mince your words?”
“No.”
“It’s none of your business.” She’d leave it at that.
“Ah, I see. You can ask but you can’t answer.”
“How about we change the subject. Do you think anyone has any idea who we are?” She scanned the room, looking at all the twenty-somethings which made Kiersten feel even older.
“Nah, no one has a clue.” He glanced toward the dance floor. “Completely for appearance sake, would you like to dance?” He had already put his bottle down and was off his stool.
“I don’t dance,” she mumbled.
“Pfft. I don’t believe that for a second.” He smiled and she felt the heat of it all the way into her bones.
She looked back where couples were joining each other on the floor. Fact was, she liked to dance, but she hadn’t in years, back in those days when she attended galas and such. Suddenly she didn’t have any excuses to use to turn him down. Sliding off her stool, she jutted her chin. “Promise not to step on my toes, lawman,” she teased.
The slow country song played from the jukebox and he surprised her when he took her hand and led her the short distance to the dancefloor. He stopped, and she stepped against him, his fingers covering hers as he gently placed his other hand at the small of her back where it fit so perfectly.
The second they moved together her breath came out in a rush like air being released from a balloon, too quiet for any of the small crowd gathering around them to hear. The music played loud, but her heart thudding in her eardrums was louder. Their steps took on a mutual pattern, following the rhythm of a silent union.
She hadn’t been held this close in a long time by any man outside of Brad, but what she had with him was different—worlds apart. In truth, snuggling wasn’t a part of their relationship. No hand holding. No sneaking of kisses when no one was looking or deliberate surprise touches while they made dinner together. Anything of the sort had been off limits and prohibited. She’d set the firm rules from the start.
Deegan’s hand slipped from her back to her hip and the material of her jeans was no resistance to the scorching heat warming her blood. His solid thighs moved against hers and her nipples beaded. Her knees wobbled, but she leaned into him, accepting the security he offered in his strong arms. Feeling the onslaught of a wild mixture of sensations, she laid her cheek against his shoulder and closed her eyes to manage the combustion of feelings. They could easily do something stupid, but she wouldn’t. Couldn’t. This wasn’t the right time to add more to her plate. She was supposed to be balancing work and becoming a mother.
Lifting her head, she cleared her throat. “Any sign of Mont?” This was her simple way of reminding him, and herself, that they were here on a case.
“Mont? Who’s that?” He flicked a glance around the room.
She looked up at him. “Deegan?” His brows raised and their gazes met in a heated exchange. She followed his lead effortlessly as they moved seamlessly together as if there was no beginning or end to each of their bodies. He was sleek, athletic, powerful and a force to be reckoned with. “Seriously?”
“No, I haven’t seen her,” he said quietly. Then he leaned closer and nuzzled his nose in her hair, pulling her closer. His warm breath caressed her cheek sending wave after wave of shivers down her body. “How do you think we’re passing off as a couple?”
“Just watch those hands, lawman,” she warned, but she craved having his hands all over her.
A strong woman could admit her weaknesses and the only one she had was the man holding her in his authoritative grasp. He managed to strip her of all her protective walls and leave her vulnerable. Most people searched for this feeling…dreamed of finding the one person who made her feel like she was the only woman in the world. Hell, she was no different. Every woman secretly wanted a prince charming who saw her as an equal. But this was a fairy tale that ended with a dose of reality. They didn’t have a place together in their lives. She refused to date a lawman and getting involved with him would be professional suicide. Although she had her days where she wanted to walk away, she always woke the next morning feeling convicted in catching a criminal. It was in her blood…or the Cade curse as she and her siblings referred to it. Her grandfather had been a policeman, her father too. Each of her brothers. She’d known while she was still in pigtails that there were two things she wanted in life. To wear a badge and enjoy the family ranch. No wonder her love life was doomed. While most young girls dreamed of their wedding, cutting out magazine pictures and gluing them in a scrapbook, she had been visualizing hooking that shiny badge at her waist, holding the cool steel grip of a gun, and wrapping her handcuffs around a criminal’s wrists.
Yet, Deegan understood above everyone else.
Without thinking, she brought her arms up around his neck and he grasped her hips with those magical fingers as they moved to the hypnotizing tune of the song. He had moves, which didn’t surprise her. She’d already found that out a few years back. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to imagine this being her place in life…in his arms. Would life be easy? That’s how he made her feel. Comforted. Protected. Special. And this left her confused. She wasn’t looking for a man, not anymore. And she most certainly didn’t need protection from anyone. She’d spent most of her life convincing her brothers to back off. They had always scared away interested boys, and later men. Kiersten had a feeling Deegan wouldn’t be easily scared, even by her abrasive brothers. Although they could bring a bad guy to tears with one look, Deegan had that capability too. She’d watched him in action.
What was she doing even allowing her brain to wonder about such things?
The song ended and she removed her arms, although every ounce of her wanted to stay connected with him. His lips thinned as he dropped his hands from her hips.
Once they were seated at the bar again, and two more beers were ordered, she started feeling more relaxed. Every time the door opened, they’d both glance that direction, but neither of them seemed overly concerned whether Mont showed up. “I don’t think she’s coming,” Kiersten said, sucking on a lemon wedge and wincing.
“Stay positive.”
“I’m always positive.” She winked.
He laughed. “If you say so.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but the screeching of the microphone interrupted her.
“Who’s ready for some karaoke?” the portly announcer wearing a bright Hawaiian shirt and baggy beige slacks asked from the stage. The crowd hooted and shouted. Several sitting at the bar whistled.
Wow. Kiersten had no idea karaoke was this popular.
“So, this is the highlight in Folklore,” Kiersten whispered to Deegan.
“Didn’t you grow up in a small
town? You should know that karaoke is always a hit at honky tonks.”
“So are mechanical bulls but I don’t see one here.” She smiled. “Do you sing?”
“If I’m smashed.” He laughed.
“When was the last time?”
“Being smashed or singing? Doesn’t matter. It’s the same answer. Never.”
“Well, considering I did grow up in a small town, I learned nothing goes better with karaoke than something strong.” She waved to the bartender and ordered two shots of Tequilas. She was breaking all kinds of rules since she’d met Deegan Bronx, but if she was going to make it through the night without making a fool of herself with him, then she needed something to ease the ridiculous tension in her body.
*
Her silken hair hung in waves around her glowing face. Deegan loved how he could see the twinkle in her eyes from where he sat at the bar. The overhead twinkling lights seemed to catch the brightness like diamonds from where she stood on stage, gripping the microphone as she sang a popular hit from the eighties. Her smile was wide and fascinating which only drew him in deeper. She’d drank too much and when she said she wanted to sing, he decided it was best she work it off.
The song picked up in beat and she started to gyrate her hips, which rewarded her with whistles and cat-calls from the men in the bar.
Deegan smiled, loving how this was a new side to her. She connected with the crowd, luring them in, just like she did to him.
He really didn’t know anything about her…nothing that he hadn’t heard through the grapevine at the bureau. She grew up on a ranch in a small town with five brothers who were known all over Wyoming for their skills in law enforcement.
Her singing voice wasn’t too bad. She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and she met his gaze across the short distance. He gave her a thumbs up. She wagged her brows and stepped to the other side of the stage. The crowd responded with claps and whistles. He could understand how they melted under her attention because even when she was looking at him with daggers in her eyes, he still wanted to drag her into his arms and hold her…among numerous things.
Taken by the Lawman (Lawmen of Wyoming Book 6) Page 5