by Elle James
Becket was there with two dresses and a pair of red cowboy boots.
“What are those for?” she asked, frowning. “I have all I need.”
“If you want to interview for jobs, you’ll need something a little dressier than jeans.” He handed her a hunter green dress. “This one matches your eyes.” He also gave her a soft gray business suit jacket and skirt. “I guessed on the sizes.”
Touched by his thoughtfulness, Kinsey handed him the jeans and shirts and stepped back into the dressing room with the dress and suit. She would need dressy clothes for interviewing. The sooner she found a job, the sooner she’d have money to pay back Becket.
The dress and suit fit perfectly. For guessing, Becket was right on. Back in her oversized clothes, she emerged from the dressing room, selected a nightgown to add to the pile and joined Becket at the checkout counter, where he paid for her purchases. Thankfully, the total wasn’t horrible. Glad she’d insisted on the thrift shop, she took the bag of gently used items and left, feeling a little more hopeful about starting over. “Thank you, Becket. I’ll keep a total of what I owe you, and I’ll pay you back as soon as possible.”
“Take your time. You’ve been through a lot.” He took the bag from her and settled it on the back seat. “I’m just happy you came to us.”
Kinsey climbed into the truck and waited for Becket to slip into the driver’s seat. “About that…”
“About what?”
“That thrift shop supports a women’s shelter. I didn’t know Hellfire had one.”
“Along with the growth in population, there was an increase in battered women. The Ladies Aide Society set one up for the county.”
Though she didn’t relish the idea, she had to offer it to Becket. “Rather than inconveniencing you and your family, I should go to the shelter.”
“No.”
The one word was spoken with such finality, Kinsey was hesitant to continue. But she did, determined not to be a burden on the Graysons. “It would make more sense than sponging off you.”
“You’re not inconveniencing or sponging off us. You are part of the family.” He reached across the seat and gripped her hand. “If Dillon comes looking, who will protect you?”
“Surely, the shelter has security measures in place.”
“I don’t trust they would be good enough. Tell you what, let the rest of the family weigh in. If they want you to stay, this topic won’t be brought up again. Okay?”
Kinsey stared at where their hands connected. Electric currents like she hadn’t felt in so long coursed through her arm, into her chest, and lower. Staying with Becket Grayson was a terrible idea. That crush she’d had on him so many years ago hadn’t gone away completely. In fact, the feelings were getting stronger the more she was with him.
The thought of Dillon finding her raised gooseflesh on her skin. She would feel better protected with the Graysons than on her own with strangers at the shelter.
“Okay.” She aimed a hard glance his way. “But if they want me to go, I’m going. No argument.”
He let go of her hand and turned the key in the ignition. “No argument.” Becket’s lips quirked upward on the sides. “I’ve even invited Rider to the house to have a say. He’s also in a position to keep an eye and ear open for strangers in town. His shop is just off Main Street, but the diner is right next door. He sees just about everyone who comes in and out.”
Back at the ranch, Becket left Kinsey in the laundry room and retreated to the barn where he mucked the soiled shavings from the stalls, and then fed and watered the horses, cattle, and chickens. He’d needed the space. After spending the morning with Kinsey, he was feeling things he shouldn’t. Every time he touched her, he couldn’t deny the jolt of fire that raced through his system, igniting desire he’d long thought buried with his divorce.
Kinsey had grown into a beautiful young woman. Though he could still see the same girl inside her, she was mature now, all the curves filled in and stunning. Why did she have to grow up? Perhaps he should have taken her to the women’s shelter. At least there, she would have a place to stay and get back on her feet. He wouldn’t be tempted by the woman who’d been like a kid sister.
No. Becket would have been on edge the entire time, wondering if Dillon would find her there and take her back to Dallas and her life of hell.
He had to control his increasing desire and be the big brother, even if what he felt was anything but brotherly. Add the fact she was just getting out of an abusive relationship, and he would be in way over his head. Kinsey needed time to recover.
He was filling a trough with water in one of the pastures that led off the corner of the barn when Kinsey joined him, wearing Lily’s jeans tucked into the bright red cowboy boots. Because of her petite body, she looked like a little girl in big-girl clothes. Vulnerable and beautiful. The sexy full lips and the swell of her breasts made Becket reevaluate the little-girl image. He found himself wanting to touch his mouth to hers to ascertain whether her lips were as soft and responsive as they appeared.
She stuck her hands in her back pockets and rocked on her heels. “Could I help you with something?”
Her movement strained the fabric over her breasts.
Becket groaned. You could go away and let my life return to normal.
“Everything’s covered,” he said. “All I had left was filling the trough.”
“What time does your family come home?”
“It varies. They should all be here after seven.”
“If you don’t mind, I can cook dinner.”
“You don’t have to cook. I can have Chance pick up something at the diner in town.”
“I don’t mind. I’m quite good at it.” She laughed. “I had to be, to please Dillon.”
“Well, you don’t have to cook for us. We’re pretty good at fending for ourselves.”
“I noticed some chicken in the freezer. I could thaw it out and make a big pot of chicken and dumplings.”
Becket’s mouth watered. “Margarita usually does the cooking, but with her and Pedro visiting family in San Antonio, and Mom and Dad in Hawaii, we’ve been eating out or making pancakes for dinner.”
Kinsey grinned. “Then let me do the cooking tonight.”
“You don’t have to twist my arm.” He winked. “When do you have to start?”
“Soon.”
“I’ll help.” He turned off the hose and wiped his wet hands on his jeans.
Kinsey’s brows puckered. “I’m not making pancakes.”
“I know.” He closed the barn door and waved his hand toward the house. “After you.”
As they walked, Becket admitted, “I’ve helped Margarita in the kitchen a time or two. Lately, I’ve been too busy, and she shoos me out. Since I took the day off of mending fences and mowing fields to fight fires, I can help out.”
“Okay. But maybe after you shower again.” Kinsey laughed, waving a hand in front of her nose. “You smell.”
Becket laughed, too. “I could always trust you to call it as it is.” Not only was she beautiful, she was the same Kinsey he remembered inside—honest, funny, and caring.
If he ever ran into Dillon, he’d wring the man’s neck. Anyone who’d hurt this woman was one sick bastard.
Kinsey got the chicken boiling with the onions, carrots, celery, and broth, and Becket pulled out the other ingredients and supplies needed to roll out the dough for dumplings.
For such a large kitchen, the space seemed to shrink with Becket in it. Every time she turned around, Kinsey bumped into him. She rinsed a knife in the sink and dried it off. Then she turned, and Becket was right there, reaching over her head for something in the cabinet behind her.
“Sorry,” he said, his breath warm in her hair. “I thought we could use something to drink. It’s getting kind of…” he paused with the glass in his hand, “…hot in here.”
Kinsey’s heated cheeks and body were proof of that. But the air conditioning did nothing to quench the fire inside. �
��Umm, do you know how to make the dumplings?”
“I believe I have everything you want on the counter.”
Everything I want? Kinsey could think of other things besides flour and rolling pins. “Okay, I can roll out the dough.”
“Show me what to do, and I’ll do it.” Becket stood where he was without moving, blocking her escape.
Her pulse humming through her body, Kinsey was tempted to lean into him. But having escaped one man, she didn’t think she was ready to start anything with another—no matter how tempting Becket was. “You could start by letting me get past you.”
He tilted his head, a smile playing across his lips. “You’re not like I remembered.”
Neither are you. “Not the skinny kid following you and your brothers all over the ranch?”
“No.” His gaze seared a path down her length. “Not the gangly teen. You’ve filled out in all the right places.”
Her body tingled everywhere his glance lingered, and Kinsey hiked her brows. “Sounds like a line.”
“No line. Just the truth.” He stepped back and waved to the counter with the ingredients for dumplings. “Show me.”
Hands trembling, she measured flour and shortening into a bowl and cut it together, then added water. Once she had it all mixed into a big, doughy ball, she turned to Becket. “If you want to help, you can sprinkle flour on the pastry sheet.”
He grabbed a handful of flour and dusted the sheet. “Like this?” When he finished, he tossed some at her.
It hit her square in the face, spreading white powder all over her nose and cheeks. She blinked for several seconds, then nodded calmly and set the round ball of dough on the pastry sheet. Without remarking on the flour in the face, she dipped her fingers into the flour canister. “When you roll out the dough, you have to dust your rolling pin to keep it from sticking.” She sprinkled the flour on the rolling pin, and then tossed some at Becket’s face. Her shot missed and landed in his hair, sliding down the side of his head into his ear. He looked so ludicrous, the sight made Kinsey giggle.
He nodded. Straight-faced. “I see. Perhaps we should roll out the dough.” Becket stepped closer, took the pin from her, and rolled it across the big ball, barely making a dent.
“You have to be firm with it.” Kinsey laid her hands over his, pressed the pin into the pastry, and rolled it flatter. He smelled good, like soap, aftershave, and male. The white flour in his hair made him more approachable, fun-loving, and somehow younger than the oldest Grayson brother. He’d changed—grown older, matured, and become the responsible, potential head of the family in the intervening years—and she liked him even more than she had as that young teen. If only she hadn’t just come from the disaster of Dillon.
Flour hit her smack in the face again. Kinsey wiped at the white stuff and sneezed. “Hey. We were even up to that point. Now it’s game on.” She grabbed a handful and threw. This time her aim was true, and the bulk of the flour hit him in the face.
Kinsey clapped her hands and giggled. “Ha! Gotcha that time.”
“You realize that no good aim goes unpunished.” Another puff of flour exploded on her forehead.
“You’re making a mess of the kitchen,” she warned, opening a cabinet door to block his next assault. “Someone has to clean this up.” Kinsey let down her guard for a second. More flour exploded on her shoulder. “That’s it. Gloves come off. It’s time for some payback.”
This time, when she saw him scoop a handful of flour, Kinsey ran.
Laughing, Becket gave chase.
Kinsey dodged him, running around the kitchen island.
Becket ran after her, and then switched directions, ending up in front of her.
In her attempt to stop, Kinsey skidded, her feet slipping on the flour coating the floor. “Whoa.” She teetered, and then fell forward.
Fortunately, Becket was there to catch her, pulling her into his arms before she hit the floor.
With Becket’s arms around her, she froze, her breath catching in her lungs. Her breasts pressed against his chest. She’d never felt more excited and confused as at that moment in Becket’s arms. With all her heart, she wished she could stay right where she was, with his strong arms wrapped tightly around her. Safe, secure, and cared for. This was how love was supposed to be. Not controlling, demanding, and painful.
Becket’s gaze burned into hers.
The look made her want things she hadn’t wanted in so long. His mouth was only a couple inches away. Her attention shifted to his full, sexy lips.
“You should laugh more,” he said, his head tipping toward her.
“I needed a reason to laugh.” She stared at his face dotted with flour, her lips curling. “Do you know how ridiculous you look?” She reached up and brushed white powder from his brow, her fingers sliding across his cheek and down to his lips, her gaze following.
“Do you know how sexy you are?” he asked, his voice low and gravely.
Kinsey laughed, feeling surprisingly lighthearted. “Covered in flour?”
“Yeah. Your eyes sparkle, and your mouth makes the prettiest shape when you smile.” He bent closer.
Breath catching in her throat, Kinsey leaned closer, her lips tingling in anticipation of contact with his.
“Are we interrupting something? Or did the pantry explode?” a female voice said.
The moment shattered. And Kinsey sucked in a steadying breath.
Becket straightened, holding onto Kinsey until she was steady on her feet.
Her knees wobbled, but she could stand alone. She pushed away from his arms and turned toward the door.
Lily, Rider, Chance, and Nash stepped into the kitchen.
“So, where’s the fire?” Chance asked.
“Yeah, why the family meeting?” Nash crossed his arms over his chest, his brows dipping.
“And…” Rider waved a hand in her direction. “Who’s the girl?”
Kinsey gulped. Covered in flour, caught in Becket’s arms…
This wasn’t how she pictured her reunion with the Grayson clan.
Chapter Four
‡
Becket ran a hand through his hair, and a puff of white dust flew out in a cloud around him. “No fire, but an issue you should all be aware of.”
“We’re listening,” Nash said.
Turning to Kinsey, Becket took her arm and drew her forward. “You remember Kinsey Philips?”
“Sure, we remember Kinsey.” Nash glanced at Becket, his brows wrinkling. “She was in my high school graduating class.”
“Yeah, she used to ride horses with us.” Rider’s eyes narrowed. “Is that you, Kinsey?”
Kinsey scrubbed the flour from her face, her checks red beneath. “Yeah. It’s me. I was just…um…making chicken and dumplings.”
“Did you have a fight with the chicken?” Chance chuckled. “I think the chicken won.”
Lily stepped past Becket and Kinsey, sniffing. “Is that what smells so good?”
“We were making the dumplings and got a little carried away.” Becket brushed at the front of his shirt.
“I’d say.” Nash glanced around at the flour all over the kitchen. “Mom would have a fit.”
“We’ll clean it up,” Kinsey said.
“The point is…” Becket rested a hand on Kinsey’s shoulder. “Kinsey is staying here for a while.”
“That’s great.” Lily grinned. “It’ll be nice not being the only female in the house.”
“So, why did you call me in?” Rider frowned. “I don’t care if she uses my old room.”
Kinsey nudged Becket. “Tell them.”
Becket nodded. “Kinsey left her ex-boyfriend and expects he might come after her.”
Nash’s brows dipped. “Left your ex-boyfriend?”
“Yeah. The man abused her.” Becket’s lips thinned into a straight line. “She thinks he’ll try to take her back to Dallas.”
Rider braced both hands on his hips. “Like hell he will.”
“Over
my dead body,” Lily agreed.
“He’ll have to go through us to get to her,” Chance added.
Becket relaxed a little. “That’s what I thought. I don’t know what the man is capable of, but he’s made a habit of using Kinsey as a punching bag.”
“Have you notified the police?” Nash asked.
Becket filled them in on their trip to the attorney, and the clinic. “Kinsey wanted to disappear, but we’ve convinced her to press charges. A female police officer met with her and the doctor at the clinic. She’ll file the complaint.”
“I want it on Dillon’s record. Maybe by doing so, I’m helping to keep him from hurting another woman.”
Nash shook his head. “Once a wife beater…Damn, Kinsey. I’m sorry this happened to you.”
“Yeah,” Rider agreed. “We all are.”
Lily slipped an arm around Kinsey. “And we’ll do whatever necessary to keep you safe from that bastard.”
“Thanks.” Tears filled Kinsey’s eyes. “I didn’t want to cause you trouble. I just didn’t have anywhere else to go.”
“You’re no trouble.” Nash hugged her. “You’re family.”
“That’s right.” Rider walked over to the stove, stirred the pot, and lifted a wooden spoon to his nose. “And I might have to come out to the ranch more often if you’re cooking.”
Relieved by his family’s reaction to Kinsey’s dilemma, Becket waved his hands, herding them toward the door. “Let Kinsey and me clean the mess and finish making the dumplings. We’ll call you for dinner when it’s ready. We can all discuss what to be on the lookout for.”
Lily’s mouth quirked on the corners. “As long as you’re not fighting chickens. We might have to referee.”
Tossing her a glare, Becket pointed to the door. “Get out.”
His siblings chuckled as they left the kitchen.
When Becket turned to Kinsey, he found her chewing on her bottom lip. “What? I told you they’d be on board with looking out for you.”