“We just arrived a few days ago. Settling in has been a whirlwind. I just dropped Cullen off at school for his first day.” She wasn’t sure if the emotional stagger in her voice was noticeable.
“Lordy, it seems like only yesterday you with your pigtails and spiffy-white shoes were heading off on your first day. My-oh-my, I’m getting old.”
“Aren’t we all,” Kiernan muttered.
“Honey, you ain’t seen nothing yet.” Mila laughed, but it fizzled. “What’s wrong, child? You been sucking on lemons?”
“The change…coming here…it’s a lot. I want this to be a good move for Cullen.”
The woman’s aged eyes filled with sincerity. “It’ll be okay, baby girl. Let me spoon up some biscuits and gravy for you and you can tell me all about it. Catch me up on what’s happening with that little man. Okay?”
Nodding, Kiernan took a seat at the pockmarked wooden table where she and her family had shared many memories over dinners. “Where’s Pops? He didn’t sleepover at Jolee’s did he?”
“He hasn’t made it down yet. This’ll give us some time to have girl-talk.” She scooped up a big bowl of gravy and placed it in front of Kiernan. Her mouth watered and she couldn’t wait to dig in, but her anticipation grew when she spotted the plate of cheese quesadillas sitting in the center of the table. Mila was the only one Kiernan knew who made the cheesy delights for every meal, even breakfast. Grabbing an ooey-gooey quesadilla, she bit into the scrumptious creation and savored the fresh melted cheese and homemade tortilla cooked to a golden crisp. Swallowing with a sip of coffee, she sighed. “My stomach missed your cooking, but my thighs haven’t.”
Mila chuckled and pulled out a chair to sit, wiping her hands on her apron. “Plenty of work here on the land to keep the fat from sticking. I know, out there in California y’all worry about that stuff.”
Kiernan wanted to argue, but she couldn’t remember one time in the last decade when she wasn’t concerned about eating healthy. Disregarding the calories, she cut a large biscuit in half and spooned the sausage gravy over it. “I’ve heard we’ve lost a few hands.”
“They’ve retired. But no shop-talk. Save that for the Everhart boys to discuss. Tell me about Cullen. How’s he doing?”
“I know sending him to school is the right thing to do, but the benefits haven’t quite reached those parts of me that are all worried mom.”
“Ah, dear, he’ll be fine.” She patted Kiernan’s hand. “He has the Everhart blood in his veins. I haven’t known one of you to ever shy away from a challenge.”
“Do you know something that bothers me, Mila? This town doesn’t have a pediatrician. It’s frustrating that the nearest one is over an hour away.”
“No, but we do have a nurse practitioner here in Kerrville and he’s pretty darn handsome.” Mila’s cheeks flushed. “He’s the best, if I do say so myself.”
“Who is it?”
“Mason Sullivan. You remember him, don’t you?”
No way could she forget the cute cowboy who had a sexy smile bracketed by the deepest dimples this side of Texas. Although she’d always been curious what was underneath his Wranglers, they never made it far enough behind the barn one summer long ago. “Mason? He’s a nurse? I’m not shocked that he wound up in the medical field.” She remembered a few games of doctor they’d played, and he’d been pretty darn good with ‘healing’.
“He still lives on Sully. But his brother, Mac, moved when he married Nann Fraley and they built a house on the land. They have a son and baby girl. I keep wondering why Mason hasn’t settled down too, but I guess when the right woman happens along...”
“Life doesn’t always turn out as we plan. I often wonder what would have happened if I’d stayed in Kerrville, but I can’t live on what-ifs. I wanted my independence and I certainly got it.”
“You’re right, sweet girl.” Mila stood and went back to the stove, moving slower than Kiernan remembered from the last time she saw her at Christmas a few years back.
“Will you sit down and enjoy breakfast with us?”
Mila chuckled and waved a hand. “I like my place right here at the stove. Filling you and your kin’s bellies is my enjoyment.”
Scooping up a forkful of the biscuit smothered in gravy, Kiernan enjoyed it before saying, “I’m sure it’ll take some time to get used to things—”
The screen door squeaked as it came open, closely followed by heavy boot steps. She twisted in her chair and her mouth fell open. Kalen dragged off his Stetson, showing off a head full of strawberry blonde curls, and placed it against his chest. “I hope you saved me some of that grubb, Mila,” he said as he planted a loud kiss on the woman’s cheek before turning to Kiernan. “Been a long time, sis. This must be an early Thanksgiving dinner.”
Kiernan stood and crossed the planked floor to her brother. “It’s about time you made it home.”
He swept her up for a bear hug, swinging her around like he did when they were kids. When he set her back down on her feet, he was smiling ear to ear and she was giggling. Although they were twins, and shared many similar physical characteristics, Kiernan had taken after their dad who was stubborn as a mule and never took no for an answer. Kelan was gentle like their mother and loved to make people laugh. As kids, when Kiernan would get into trouble, he’d tell jokes just to make her smile. They both had blue eyes and a splattering of freckles, which their mom had called the Irish gene.
“Where’s that nephew of mine?” Kelan hooked his hat on the coat rack.
“His first day of school.”
“He could’ve waited until tomorrow. The little guy needs some ranch time. If he’s going to be a rancher, he needs to learn the ropes.”
“All in good time.”
“I thought I heard a ruckus down here,” the thick, Texan twang interrupted.
Kiernan and Kelan both spun to see their father standing in the doorway. At six-foot four and shoulders that filled the frame of the doorway, he looked about as mean as a villain from an old western. Anyone who knew Joseph Everhart realized he could shoot a rabbit’s ear off from two-hundred yards and spit fire on an enemy if pushed, but he was equally known for his kind heart.
“Hi, Pops. Do you realize what time it is? You weren’t out gallivanting around last night, were you?” Kiernan teased, borrowing the words he’d used when he would catch her sneaking in after curfew.
“If that’s what you like to call a late night with a birthing cow.” He took a seat at the head of the table and stretched out his red suspenders. She couldn’t remember ever seeing him without them. “How are the new horses?” he directed the question at Kelan.
He dropped into a chair as Mila placed a plate in front of him, stacked full of steaming biscuits and gravy. He dug in, chewed and swiped the back of his hand across his mouth, finally answering, “They’re tucked nice and tight in the stables. I’m telling you, deciding to breed Appaloosas was the best idea. We’ll be back on our feet in no time at all.”
Kiernan sat back down. “What do you mean? Are we off our feet?”
“Just a few downfalls that set us back over the past year. Nothing to worry about.” Joseph waved a hand as if he could brush off her concern. “We’ve been there before, and we’ll get through it again.”
She could see the worry lines and dark circles around his eyes. He looked older compared to the last time she’d seen him. She glanced over at her brother who had his head down, focused on inhaling his food. She sensed there was more to the story, but she’d get to the bottom of things soon enough. Kelan never could keep a secret. “I plan on taking over horse duty full-time. Those stalls won’t get mucked on their own.” She went back to eating, but her food was cold.
“Wow, sis. You’re wasting no time in getting your hands dirty.” Kelan laughed.
Joseph smiled, clasping his hands in a prayer-like position. “It’s about time I have both my kids back here on the ranch. And my grandboy. He’ll make a find rancher one day.”
�
�Don’t get too excited. This is only temporary until I figure out what I’m going to do,” Kiernan reminded them. It was best she didn’t make promises of a long-term commitment.
“You must think of that boy. He needs to be here, breathing fresh air. Working with the horses, just like you did when you were a youngin’. He needs his family,” Joseph said. “Wouldn’t hurt you any either. You’re as thin as a toothpick and as white as a ghost. I thought Cali was known for the sunshine?”
“Pops, it’s not nice to comment on a woman’s weight.”
“Only if she ain’t your daughter.” He lifted his cup and looked at her over the rim. “As your father it’s my job to worry about you until you get married.”
“You don’t have to worry about me.” She started to reach for another quesadilla, but remembered her poor thighs that would pay for the indiscretion.
“Is that so? It appears I should be.”
“Looks like old times around here.” Kelan snorted.
Kiernan hoped that some things had changed, like how her father thought she couldn’t take care of herself.
CHAPTER 2
KIERNAN’S PHONE BEEPED from the passenger seat, making her pull the truck over to the side of the road to answer it. Her best friend’s number showed on the screen. With a click of a button, Ginny’s smiling face popped up. “I’m glad we can video chat. I needed to see your face.”
“All those cowboy butts and fresh air getting to you?” Ginny laughed.
Kiernan didn’t respond. “I see you decided to go natural.” Her friend was known for trying out every hair color possible. Last week she had deep red hair and now she was a brunette.
“Do you like it?” She twirled a tendril around her finger.
“I think it suits you.”
“Well, I figured since I’m meeting Reese’s parents, I shouldn’t shock them too much at first.”
“You’re meeting his parents? Does this mean…?”
“It only means I’m meeting his parents, sweetie. I need your help. Does this look like a dress a woman wears to meet her possible future in-laws?” She switched the view of the phone camera and focused in on the outfit hanging on the back of a door.
“I think it’s lovely, but…well…”
“Well what? This is important.”
“It’s nothing I’d expect to see you in.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s one solid color. Something I’d see you wear to a funeral. You’re a bold print type of girl.”
“I-I just thought I’d want to make the best impression.”
“You will, hun. Just be yourself. Better to start off shining bright as the person you are rather than being someone you’re not.”
“You’re right. That’s why I love you and value your opinion.”
“I’ve got to go. I’ll be picking Cullen up from school and I don’t want to be late. Keep me updated on how it goes with the parents. Okay?”
After hanging up, she dropped her phone into the console and turned the key, but the engine just groaned. She tried again, this time giving the gas pedal a few pumps, and still it wouldn’t start.
“Shit.” She stepped out of the truck and looked both ways down the road with a moan. Not many cars came down the backroad. She didn’t have time to hang out and wait. Rounding the front of the truck to the passenger side, she reached in through the open window and grabbed her phone. She clicked on Kelan’s number and it rang twice. Three loud beeps sounded followed by a click. Checking the screen, her mood soured. Her cell was dead.
Frustrated, she tossed the useless phone back into the truck and kicked the toe of her boot across the pea rocks.
Going back to the driver’s side, she opened the door, removed her white shirt, and popped the handle to the hood. Lifting the top and securing it, she climbed up onto the fender and leaned over the engine. Her dad had taught her two things. One, how to see a wolf in man’s clothing. And two, how to work on a car. She must not have listened very well to either because her last relationship failed miserably and the truck engine might as well have been a spaceship.
~~~**~~~
Mason Sullivan noticed how the sun reflected off something up ahead. As he drove closer, he recognized the truck pulled over as Joseph Everhart’s, but it wasn’t a man’s ass sticking out from underneath the hood.
Stopping his truck a few hundred feet away, Mason watched, wondering who the woman was working on his friend’s truck. She moved her shapely bottom side to side, lifting it higher as she crawled deeper into the engine. The cut off jean shorts rode high up on rounded thighs, skimming a firm behind that made the sunny afternoon feel ten degrees hotter. Although he could sit there admiring the view for as long as she stayed under the hood, he had places to be and he’d guess whoever she was did too.
Reaching for his hat from the passenger seat, he pushed it onto his head as he slid out of the driver’s seat. Strolling up to the other truck, he heard her say, “Damn thing. You should have been turned into a metal pancake years ago.”
“Looks like the lecturing isn’t working.”
She jumped up so fast she hit her head on the hood. “Shit!” she mumbled as she looked over her shoulder with a narrowed expression. Sliding off the fender, she turned and cocked her chin, tucking a lock of strawberry blonde hair behind her ear.
His heart thudded hard against his ribcage and he felt his balls quiver. He’d kissed those scowling lips once upon a time and he’d never gotten the taste off his tongue.
“Well, well…if it isn’t Kiernan Everhart.” Although years had passed, she looked as wicked and desirable as he remembered. Her long hair that once hung to her waist was now cut to her shoulders and wild waves bounced across her flushed cheeks. Her pale blue eyes were surrounded by a thick fringe of eyelashes that didn’t need the help of mascara. Her lips were the color of freshly-picked berries making him wonder if she wore lip tint to accentuate the plump curve. Any changes with age were minimal. She just looked like a sexier version of the girl he knew back in the day.
“Who are you?” she asked. With one finger, he slowly pushed his Stetson higher on his forehead and smiled. Recognition lit her eyes with a flame. “Mason Sullivan?”
“In the flesh.”
She planted her palms on her flared hips, giving him a reason to dip his gaze over the frayed hem of her cut offs, down smooth, toned legs to the tops of brown cowboy boots. Bringing his gaze upward, this time for a slower journey, he paused momentarily on the front of the thin tank top that didn’t hide the outline of her erect nipples. Swallowing hard, he brought his attention to her face, demanding his body to relax. “Having trouble?”
“I’m fine.”
“I meant the truck.” He smiled.
She hooked her thumbs into her front pockets and sighed, her cheeks turning a perfect rose. “I would have called for help, but wouldn’t you know my phone died when I needed it most.”
“You must have a city phone. You need a country phone.” He chuckled. “Built tough.”
“Okay then, would you let me use your country phone?”
“Sure.”
“Great.” One corner of her mouth lifted.
“But I don’t have it with me. You’d think after all the times my brother has bitched at me to make sure I have it I’d remember by now.”
Her frown returned. “Yeah, you’d think so.”
“Why don’t I take a look?” He unbuttoned the top of his shirt. Her dazzling gaze followed his hands and his body reacted in a way it hadn’t for too long.
“You sure you want to do that?” Her voice sounded strained.
“Why wouldn’t I?”
She shrugged. “Have a go at it if you want.”
Although her words were said in innocence, his lower body read in to every word. He continued to unbutton his shirt, then dragged the cotton off his shoulders and hung it on the corner of the hood. He found it flattering that she didn’t bother hiding that she was staring at his pecs.
>
“You’ve grown up since I saw you last, Mason.”
“So have you, Kiernan. You’re a long way from LA. Visiting?”
“Nope. I’ve moved back home.”
“That doesn’t happen often with folks around here.” He bent and looked at the engine. “I’d ask when the last time this thing had been serviced, but knowing how Joseph keeps it running like a well-oiled machine, I think it hasn’t been too long.”
“Don’t let the rust on the exterior fool you,” she muttered.
“We call those marks “character earned with age”. I have a few myself. Joseph doesn’t let anyone drive this seasoned beauty. How did you manage this one?” He looked over his shoulder. She was leaning on one hip against the side of the truck, spearing him with a gaze that made his palms itch to touch something other than the engine.
“I stole it.”
“Did you now?”
“I always could get you to believe the worst, couldn’t I?” The corner of her mouth played with a smile. “I’m helping at the ranch. I have a load of feed in the back. It was either take this…seasoned beauty,” she patted the hood. “or his brand new Nissan Titan with the turbo engine that doesn’t have a single character flaw on its pretty cherry-red finish. Pops thought this would be easier to handle.” She winked.
“He never did forgive you for wrecking the ’53 Chevy, did he?”
“Nope. In my defense, I was sixteen and the deer would have done a lot of damage to that fender. The ditch didn’t cut me a break either.”
“In his defense, the truck was in mint condition and worth thousands.” He focused on the engine when he really wanted to concentrate on her bright eyes. Pulling out the oil dip-stick, he checked the level. “It doesn’t seem to be an oil problem.”
“No. I checked the oil. The belts are all tight and the caps are all snug. Battery looks new, so I doubt that’s the issue.”
Bringing his head out from under the hood, he sighed. “You’re not making this very easy for me to look like the hero.”
“Sorry, Sullivan. I’m not looking for a hero. I can handle myself.”
Taken by the Lawman (Lawmen of Wyoming Book 6) Page 17