Runaway Colton

by Karen Whiddon

  “Here.” He handed her the mug. “You look like you had a rough night.”

  Her half smile lasted only a second. “I didn’t sleep much, despite the whiskey. But the ice might have helped, at least until it melted.” Wincing as she moved, she slid her foot out from under her sheet. “I think the swelling might have gone down.”

  “Doubtful,” he said. “Still looks pretty swollen to me. I know you don’t want a doctor, but how about we drive into Dallas. It’s more anonymous.”

  “I was on the local news. Once they get my name, they’ll know who I am. No doctor. Anyway, I looked it up on my phone. I need to ice it for up to three days and stay off of it as much as possible. My ankle feels pretty stable—not wobbly—so that’s good. It’s not a severe sprain. And it’s definitely not broken. The pain has eased off a lot.”

  “You fell when you tried to walk on it,” he pointed out. “That’s wobbly, as far as I’m concerned.”

  “It’s better now,” she insisted. “Help me get out of this bed and I’ll show you.”

  Placing his coffee cup on the nightstand next to hers, he contemplated the best way to assist her without getting too intimate. Except now that she’d moved the sheet, he could see she wore the same T-shirt without a bra.

  Of course, his entire body sprang to instant attention. As he pondered how to lift her without giving away his arousal, his cell rang.

  Relieved, he answered. He’d barely said hello, when Fowler started talking. As he listened, his disbelief grew. “Wait, hold on,” he began, but the other man wouldn’t let him get a word in.

  As Fowler started to wind down, Cord tried again. “Let me ask—” Click. Fowler hung up without letting Cord get a word in.

  He shook his head and met Piper’s gaze. “That was Fowler. He was pretty agitated.”

  “About what?”

  No wonder Fowler had been rambling. What he’d done defied rational explanation, and made Cord wonder what Fowler’s true motives were for wanting Piper back in the fold.

  “I’ve got bad news,” he said, anger clawing at his gut. “Fowler thought it might put more heat on you, so he went to the judge—who apparently golfs with him—and told him you’d disappeared and he believes you’ve skipped bail.”

  All the color blanched from Piper’s face. “What does that mean for me? Since my court date hasn’t arrived yet, surely they won’t go on Fowler’s speculation, will they?”

  He nodded. “Unfortunately, they already have. Fowler just told me the judge had the police put out a warrant for your arrest.”

  Green eyes huge, she stared at him. He braced himself for her to argue and complain, grimly aware that he wouldn’t blame her, but also knowing that no amount of emotional outburst would change the situation.

  She swore. He eyed her, aware he’d never heard her use profanity before. Then her chin came up and she looked him in the eye. “Fine. We’ll deal with it. What now?”

  “You can go to the courthouse, tell them the truth.”

  “What, that I’m shacked up with the bounty hunter sent to find me?” The hint of mockery in her tone took some of the sting off the words.

  “No, that you have every intention of appearing in court and you’ve broken no laws. You haven’t left the county.”

  She nodded. “I like that.”

  “Of course, Fowler will demand that you return home. Not that you have any legal obligation to do so.”

  “Fowler won’t have to know.”

  He sighed. “I’m sure someone will contact him the instant you show up.”

  “How sure?”

  With the way Fowler threw money around to get what he wanted, Cord felt quite certain there’d be a competition in the courthouse to see who could reach Fowler first. “Beyond a shadow of a doubt.”

  Tilting her head, she considered him. “What would you suggest I do?”

  “For now? Nothing. Stay here. Rest your ankle and hang out with Renee. And me.” He’d added the last as if he’d hastily tacked it on, when he really needed her help to navigate the rocky relationship with Renee.

  Giving him a look full of skepticism, she crossed her arms. “Is this good advice? Won’t I get in more trouble for ignoring a warrant for my arrest?”

  “No. Not until they serve you. The warrant’s bogus anyway.”

  “You want me to hang out, nothing more?”

  “Oh, I could think of a hell of a lot more,” he drawled, aware the heat between them would effectively distract her.

  Though she blushed, her direct gaze never wavered. “You said you never lied.”

  “And I haven’t.”

  “Right. So give me the real reason you don’t want me to leave and try to set the record straight.”

  “I already have.”

  “Maybe so, but there’s more, isn’t there?”

  “All right. Reasons, plural.” He sighed. “But yes, you’re correct. While you should stay here for your safety and also because I do enjoy your company, I have no idea how to deal with Renee and keep her from blowing up at me. Plus,” he tacked on the last, eyeing his dog, snoozing on her bed, “there’s Truman. He’d be lost without you.”

  Piper laughed. An honest, from-the-belly laugh. One he found so sexy his entire body clenched. “You have a deal,” she said, smiling up at him. “But first I need you to help me get up out of this bed.”

  Somehow he managed to do this. If she noticed how badly he wanted her, she didn’t comment. He wondered if this would be his fate as long as she stayed here. Constant arousal, with no hope of fulfillment. Even if she gave him the slightest chance, he couldn’t take it. Sam had drilled into him a sort of bounty hunter’s code. One of the items on the list was never take advantage of a client or a fugitive. Thus far, Cord hadn’t had a single problem adhering to this rule. Of course, Piper hadn’t been around until now. He’d have to keep his craving for her in check. No matter what it took.

  *

  Over the next couple of days, Piper became skilled at maneuvering around using the set of crutches Cord had found for her. Truman stayed by her side, leaving only to go out and do his business and to eat his meals. She’d never had a dog of her own and she found she really enjoyed the canine’s closeness. She’d taken to talking to him like he could understand, and she’d swear he tried, tilting his head as he listened. Piper also spent a lot of time hanging out with Renee, and learned the teenager had a real talent for drawing and painting.

  “Art,” Renee said, grinning. “That’s what I’d really like to do someday. Like a graphic designer, or something. Bartending is fun, but it’s not a forever job, you know?”

  “I do. Maybe you should go to an art school and get your degree,” Piper pointed out. “There are several good ones that aren’t too far away. I can help you look into them, if you’d like.”

  Immediately the joy vanished from Renee’s face. “Oh. No, thanks. I don’t have the money to pay for that, and neither does Cord.”

  “There are grants and scholarships,” Piper began. But Renee’s closed-off expression told her to stop.

  “I’m sorry,” Piper murmured. “Maybe we’ll discuss this another time.”

  “I’d rather not.” Renee turned away. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to be alone.”

  “Of course.” Piper rose clumsily, still not skilled at using the crutches. She hobbled from the room, shaking her head as Renee closed the door behind her. “Did you see that, Truman?” she asked the dog, who stayed close to her left leg. “We’ll have to work on that one, won’t we?”

  When she reached the kitchen, she realized if she was going to do something for Thanksgiving, she’d need to get going. The holiday was only a few days away.

  At the thought, her heart ached. She missed her chaotic family and the large gathering at the dining room table. But, she told herself with determination, she was going to do her best to prepare a meal similar to what she would have had at home.

  “Where’s Renee?” Cord asked as he came through
the garage door. “I thought you and she were going to practice cooking stuff tonight.”

  Piper sighed. “It didn’t work out. I said the wrong thing and now she’s mad at me.”

  Grimacing, he nodded. “I know the feeling.”

  “Hey, do you think you can pick up a few things at the grocery store for me?”

  “Sure?” He glanced at his watch. “I can go now. That way I’ll have it wrapped up before supper.”

  Locating a small pad of paper and a pen, she scribbled a list and handed it to him. “Here you go.”

  “Turkey, preferably fresh, cornbread mix, fresh green beans, chicken broth, sweet potatoes...” He looked up from the list. “What is this?”

  “Thanksgiving dinner,” she told him, using her best this-is-not-debatable tone. “I just realized it’s in a couple days.”

  He hesitated for so long she wondered if she’d made yet another mistake.

  “Okay,” he finally said. “I actually have an electric smoker. I make a mean smoked turkey. I’d be happy to do that if you’re planning on making all the sides.”

  She grinned. “That sounds perfect. I love smoked turkey. Where’d you learn to do that?”

  “Sam taught me. I sure miss that guy. He was more of a father to me than my own father.”

  “I met him once,” she remembered. “He seemed like a nice guy.”

  He nodded, not smiling. “He was. I’ll be back in a few.”

  Though she wasn’t sure she should ask, she did anyway. “Is something wrong? Maybe I shouldn’t have suggested making the dinner, but it’s a huge deal at Colton Valley Ranch. I think Renee might enjoy it.”

  “I understand. Sam and I used to always smoke a turkey and make a meal. It might not have been fancy, but at least it was homemade. I feel bad because I never did that for Renee. By the time she got here, I usually went to eat at the Waffle House.

  Intrigued, she studied him. “Turkey waffles?”

  This time her words coaxed a smile. “No. I feel bad that I didn’t try harder.”

  Aware she had to tread carefully, she lifted one shoulder in a casual shrug. “I don’t know. At least you shared the meal together. Some kids don’t even have that.”

  Though he nodded, she could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced. He glanced at the list again, then at her. “Thank you for doing this,” he said softly. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

  “I’m looking forward to making my first Thanksgiving dinner,” she said.

  He nodded, then took the few steps that separated them and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back,” he said again, and went out the door.

  Stunned, she touched her cheek. Then, more uncertain of her own emotions than she’d ever admit, Piper went to the front window and watched him drive away, heart both aching and so full she wanted to cry. Truman seemed to sense her emotional turmoil. He whined and butted her leg with his massive head so she’d pet him.

  Cord returned with the groceries ninety minutes later. Carrying in numerous plastic bags, he placed them on the kitchen counter before returning to his truck to get more.

  Renee wandered into the kitchen as he brought in the last load and began unpacking. When Piper pushed to her feet using her crutch and hobbled over to try to help, both Cord and Renee looked at her and said, “No,” at the exact same time. After, they shared a companionable grin.

  “Fine,” Piper said, her smile letting him know she’d caught the positive interaction between him and Renee. She sat back down.

  “What is all this stuff?” Renee asked, her gaze fixed on the turkey.

  “Thanksgiving dinner,” Cord replied, helping Renee put some of the groceries away. “Piper has generously agreed to cook us a traditional meal.”

  “With that foot?” Renee appeared torn between wistfulness and a sort of resigned acceptance. “Piper, I know you probably meant well and the idea might have sounded good at the time, but I understand.”

  “You understand what?” Piper tilted her head, clearly perplexed.

  “That you’re not actually going to do it. It’s okay.” Renee’s slight smile had all the heartache of someone who’s had her hopes crashed one too many times. “But you might as well admit it now, so we don’t actually believe we’re going to have a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day.”

  “What, you don’t like turkey?”

  Renee shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t actually ever had it, except for the kind in lunch meat.”

  “What?” This time both Piper and Cord spoke at once. “How is that possible?”

  “Well, you know how Mom was.” Renee looked down. “She wasn’t big on anything even remotely traditional. Though we did have a canned ham one time for Christmas.”

  “Canned ham?” Clearly appalled, Piper stared. Then, as she realized she might sound insensitive, she nodded. “I’ve never had that. How was it?”

  “Okay. Kind of rubbery, like Spam.” Renee looked back at the turkey. “So are you really going to cook that thing?”

  “Cord is,” Piper answered. “I’m making the sides. Though it’d be a lot easier with your help.”

  “Me? I don’t know how to cook.”

  “Would you like to learn?”

  Renee considered the question. “Maybe,” she allowed. “Having another skill might help me feel like I actually could fit in somewhere.”

  To Cord’s surprise, Piper smiled. “Honey, I’ve felt like I don’t belong for almost all of my life.”

  “Really?” Though Renee continued putting away the groceries, she glanced at Piper over her shoulder. “How do you deal with all the emotions? It’s been really hard, moving around so much. Even here, though I’ve been here two years, I don’t feel like I belong.”

  “I found a hobby that I love. I’ve learned if I keep busy, do the things I love to do, what other people think doesn’t matter.”

  Renee lifted the turkey and went to put it in the freezer.

  “Not there,” Piper said. “We don’t want it frozen. It needs to go in the fridge.”

  “Okay.”

  To Cord’s surprise, Renee sounded agreeable. Less...angry. Turning so neither woman would see his expression, he finished putting up the groceries and gathered up the plastic bags to use again later.

  “What’s your hobby?” Renee asked, going over to sit next to Piper. “Of course, I always just sketch, and that helps, but I think I’d like something that makes me move around more.”

  “I repurpose old furniture. I know it doesn’t sound exciting, but it’s a blast. If my ankle wasn’t messed up, I’d take you to a secondhand store and we’d buy something, like a dresser, and strip and paint it.”

  “I have an old dresser that I hate,” Renee immediately said. “Do you think we could work on that?”

  “Maybe we could.” Piper looked thoughtful. “I’d have to send you to the hardware store to pick up supplies.”

  “How about after Thanksgiving?” Cord put in. “Piper’s going to have enough to do with all that.”

  Piper’s chin came up, making him remember what she’d said. “I think I can manage to fit both in,” she drawled, her green gaze flashing. “What about you, Renee? Are you in?”

  “Yes!” Renee grinned. “Let me show you the dresser first, though. It’s pretty ugly. You might not be able to do anything with it.”

  Cord knew exactly which dresser she meant. It had been built in the seventies, and had been the one thing he had left from his childhood with his father. He’d kept it, though why he wasn’t sure. When he’d learned he’d be raising a niece, he’d figured he might as well get some use out of the thing.

  Since he’d never told Renee where it came from, finding out she hated it stunned him. But then, he grinned ruefully, it was an ugly dresser.

  “Give me a second to get up.” Once again, Piper attempted to struggle to her feet. This time, Cord rushed over in time to help her.

  “Lean on me,” he said, putting his arm around her slender waist. As sh
e leaned into him, a sense of contentment and peace flowed over him. Rather than be alarmed, he went with the flow, amused to think he might be getting Zen or whatever.

  Moving slowly, they went down the hall to Renee’s room.

  “Here it is.” With a dramatic flourish, Renee gestured at the four-drawer monstrosity. “Do you think you can do anything with this?”

  “Definitely,” Piper responded immediately. “What’s your favorite color?”

  “Purple or lavender.”

  “How about we paint it that color?” Piper asked. “Though I honestly think it would look better turquoise.”

  “Really?” Clearly intrigued, Renee turned to study the dresser. “You know, I kind of like that idea. When can we do it?”

  “Any time. As soon as we get the supplies.” She looked at Cord. “I assume you have an electric sander?”

  “Sure.” Though he had no idea where it might be. “But are you sure you’re up to tackling a job like that with your ankle messed up?”

  Her brilliant smile made his heart skip a beat. “Oh, I’m only supervising. Renee here is doing most of the work.”

  Renee grinned, apparently nearly as besotted as he was with Piper. “Make me a list and I’ll go get whatever you need.”

  “Great. And I’ll pay for it, of course. As a small gift to you for being so sweet to me.”

  Cord watched as tough, belligerent Renee blushed. He knew she couldn’t afford to buy anything but necessities. No doubt Piper had figured that out, too.

  Watching her and his niece made his chest feel tight and his throat clog. For the first time he could imagine what it must be like to have a proper family, a longing he thought he’d outgrown but now realized he still wanted.

  Someday. Not now. Definitely not now.

  Being around Piper could be dangerous. She made him hope for the impossible. He could easily fall in love with her if he wasn’t on guard, which would be a guarantee of pain and heartbreak. Women like her didn’t settle for men like him.

  Renee and Piper had their heads together, bent over a sheet of paper as they made their list. Truman, also clearly in love with Piper, lay at her feet. Cord cleared his throat, hoping he could sound normal. “I’ll go dig out that sander,” he said. And disappeared into the garage, glad to have something else to focus on.