Colton Cowboy Jeopardy

by Regan Black

  His mental list of the things Mia would need to make her stay easier kept growing. Although easier would only be a marginal improvement. She needed running water, a real bathroom, a refrigerator. He couldn’t make any of those things happen at the warming hut. She needed a lot more than she’d decided to settle for, he thought as the Colton mansion near the main entrance of the Rattlesnake Ridge Ranch came into view.

  Her stepmother’s ugly threats trailed after him as he rode straight up to the stable. It was a cruel person who threatened to kill an infant. He just couldn’t wrap his head around how anyone could say such a thing. Not even Aunt Amelia, who’d reluctantly taken them in when their parents died, had been that cold.

  No mother should have to hear that. He didn’t care for the idea of Mia dealing with the threat on her own. The idea of bunking out there with her flitted through his head and he dismissed it quickly. While being in close proximity to the beautiful woman who had fascinated him through college appealed, he worried that standing guard for her would draw unwanted attention to her location.

  Normally, he would personally tend to his horse’s care after a long workday, but this evening, he handed the reins to one of the other men on duty. “He’s had a full day,” Jarvis said, scratching Duke’s ears. “If we have any apples, he’s earned it.”

  “Sure thing,” Jimmy said. “Got a hot date?”

  Jarvis laughed at the joke. He’d gained a reputation for being the one cowboy every girl in town wanted to flirt with when they went out. Not that he hooked up often. Usually, he danced, made a few women smile and headed back to his room alone. He’d tried to tell the others that a good sense of humor was the key, but they refused to believe him.

  “Got a call for a last-minute supply run for morning. You need anything while I’m going?”

  Jimmy shook his head. “Not this time around.”

  “All right. I’ll be back in an hour or so.” Add another hour or so for getting the supplies into Mia’s hands, but he kept that detail to himself. “Thanks again for the assist with Duke.”

  Jarvis picked up his truck and left the ranch through the service gate. He could get most of the supplies Mia needed at the feedstore that was conveniently located between the ranch and Mustang Valley. No chance he’d bump into Regina or anyone who ran in the same circles as Selina and his Colton Oil cousins there.

  With a case of bottled water, a battery-operated lantern and a couple of blankets in the cart, he stopped to compare sleeping bags. He chose one that included a ground tarp and an inflatable pillow. He turned down the next aisle and decided a camouflage net might do a better job of hiding her car from view. Waiting to check out, he added a selection of meal bars. A nursing mother needed to eat more and more often. At least, that was what he’d learned from caring for the livestock on the ranch. Probably better if he didn’t tell her that was his theory.

  Not perfect, but easier, he thought as he loaded the purchases into his truck. A few small comforts should help her relax and rest. Maybe then she would be thinking clearly enough to make a better long-term plan.

  As he pulled out of the parking lot, he finally gave in and called his brother. “Hey, Spencer,” he said as his brother answered. “I have a hypothetical question.”

  “If it’s about getting your career back on track, shoot.”

  Jarvis was more than a little bit tired of the refrain. “No. I, um, well I overheard a threat,” he said. “A death threat,” he clarified. “If I gave you the details, would the police department do anything about it?”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes,” Jarvis said through gritted teeth. “At what point do you investigate that kind of thing?”

  He heard his brother sigh, could picture him rolling his eyes. “Hell, Jarvis. There are too many unknowns in your hypothetical.”

  “Come on, Spencer.” Nervous, Jarvis adjusted the air vents to blow all the cool, air-conditioned air at him. He didn’t know Mia well, but if first impressions could be trusted, she’d be furious that he’d made this call. “What evidence or complaint would you need to take action if someone threatened to kill another person?”

  “We can’t take action before a crime occurs. Depending on the facts and situation, we might do some surveillance. Most people don’t go from zero to killer in one fast leap. We’d look for other signs of smaller trouble. Who are you worried about?”

  Surveillance wouldn’t work in this situation. There was no way to keep an official eye on Mia and her son without her noticing. “All right. That is helpful.” Except it wasn’t.

  He suddenly understood why Asher didn’t want to use his father as bait to draw out the person who’d shot Payne several months ago. He wouldn’t feel right putting Mia in a killer’s crosshairs and he’d just met her. Not to mention she would never take that kind of chance with her son.

  “All right,” he said again.

  “Are you in trouble?” Spencer asked.

  It felt like it, though the trouble he sensed didn’t fall into a category his brother could deal with as a cop. “No one’s threatening me,” Jarvis replied. “I’m thinking it’ll blow over soon enough. If it doesn’t, I’ll let you know.”

  “Do that.”

  “Is it a crime to have an extramarital affair?”

  “What the hell is going on with you?”

  “Just answer the question,” Jarvis snapped. “Please.”

  “Well, yes, technically it is a crime in the state of Arizona. We don’t make a habit out of hauling in offenders or tossing them in jail. We typically let the divorce lawyers deal with that stuff.”

  “Good to know.” So Mia was wrong about that; Regina’s affair was a criminal offense. “I’ll see you soon,” Jarvis said, ending the call before his brother could ask more questions.

  He hit a drive-through and downed a burger and fries, his mind set on finding a way to help her. He’d hope that if his sister was in trouble, someone would go the extra mile for her. And the baby. He couldn’t get the little guy out of his mind. The kid was so tiny. Vulnerable. Completely defenseless if someone wanted to make sure he didn’t wake up from a nap. Whether or not Regina really did intend to commit murder, Mia believed she was capable of doing so and that was all that mattered right now.

  He considered calling Spencer back, but his brother would need solid evidence, not a chain of text messages. Jarvis didn’t care about the video proving Regina was unfaithful; he was more concerned with her threats to harm Silas and Norton.

  Jarvis didn’t usually worry over the welfare of anyone other than his siblings. He sure wasn’t the ride-to-the-rescue type, yet here he was, charging in to help Mia. She was on his family’s land, whether or not his grandfather’s story held up. And if trouble followed her, he had to be ready for it.

  Instead of driving up through the service entrance used by the Triple R crew and support staff, he circled around, looking for the road she must have taken to get to that warming hut. This end of the property wasn’t neglected, but it wasn’t well used right now, either. Mia had made a smart choice with her hiding spot, though she couldn’t stay indefinitely.

  The light was all but gone, the first stars winking into view overhead, when he found where she’d turned off the paved road and onto Triple R land. The access road was only a single lane wide. Not a high-traffic area, even when they were grazing herds up this way.

  He still didn’t understand how or why Mia even knew to come out here or that the shelter would be available. One of several questions he hoped to ask without spooking her when he dropped off these supplies.

  His truck lumbered over the bumpy road, rutted from the last time they’d had serious rain. When his headlights flashed off the window of her car nestled into a dip in the landscape, he breathed a sigh of relief. She’d stayed. That small act of trust filled him up, smoothing out the parched sections of his soul he largely ignored.r />
  He turned off his lights as he came around to the front of the weathered shelter and then cut the engine. His heart sped up, anticipating another view of her lush curves and sultry gaze. Not that she aimed that specific gaze his way in an inviting manner, but it was enough to remember it was possible. And yeah, certain parts of him were really into the idea of winning one of those famously seductive looks from her.

  He left the cab and moved around the front end of the truck to open the passenger door and take out the gear and groceries. “It’s Jarvis,” he called softly so his voice wouldn’t carry too far. “You can put down the stick.”

  He heard movement and a low exhale. Relief? Disappointment? A soft light flicked on inside the hut and Mia stepped out, her body a mouthwateringly curvy silhouette.

  She’d changed from the dress to form-fitting shorts and a loose shirt. But the sneakers on her feet told a tale. She was ready to run at a moment’s notice.

  “How’s the little guy?” he asked, hoping to put her at ease.

  “Snoozing again.” Her raspy voice and half smile made him wonder if he’d woken her up. “Come in,” she said. “I didn’t expect you to come back.”

  Best not to take that personally. She was clearly rattled and convinced that those dearest to her were in danger. “If my sister was in trouble, I’d hope someone would have the decency to help her.” Did that sound as sappy to her as it did to him? “I brought bottled water, too,” he said, setting the supplies in his arms down on the worn floor. “Give me just a second.”

  Walking back in with a pack of diapers stacked on top of the water bottles and the strap of the sleeping bag hooked around one finger, he saw her swiping a tear from her cheek.

  “What is it? Did I get the wrong flavors?”

  Those dark eyebrows flexed into a frown. “No, the snacks are perfect. Thanks.”

  “Good.” He winked at her. “I should have asked. Are you allergic to anything?”

  “No.” Her mouth twitched.

  “Great.” He smiled. “You said you were stocked, but I hear there’s no such thing as too many diapers.”

  She rubbed her arms as if chasing away a chill. “I wasn’t aware the Triple R had a day care.”

  “Not exactly.” He rocked back on his heels and shoved his hands into his pockets. If there was a protocol for helping a woman on the run survive an insufficient hideout, he didn’t know it. “My boss has a baby under a year old and his fiancée has a day care center. I’ve picked up a few things.”

  She yawned, and though she tried to hide it, he could see weariness embarrassed her. “Go ahead and roll out the sleeping bag,” he suggested.

  “You’re not leaving?” she asked in a rush. “You can’t stay.”

  Again, he refused to be offended. “I won’t stay unless you ask,” he said. “I have a camouflage net for your car. Just another precaution,” he assured her. “Once that’s in place, I’ll be out of your hair.” For tonight.

  She nodded and set to work on the sleeping bag. He dragged his eyes away from the enticing view of her long legs and curvy hips, away from the temptation to soothe or distract her. They didn’t know each other, and while she’d trusted him with her story, he hadn’t actually verified it. More than that, he’d set himself a task out here that was better done without an audience.

  Working in the dark, he added the netting to the scrubby brush she’d used to hide her car. He could come back in the morning to make sure it was all intact and effective. She might think she was alone out here, but she wasn’t. Not while he was on the property. She’d just have to get used to it.

  Walking inside again, she had the lantern he’d purchased set up in a corner, giving off better light than the small flashlight she’d been using. The sleeping bag was unrolled, right next to the baby seat. “All set?”

  “Yes, thanks.”

  “Is your cell phone charged?”

  Another slight frown marred her brow. “It is. I’ve been running the car for a few minutes at a time.”

  Too primitive, he thought darkly. “Add my number to your contacts.”

  “That’s really not necessary,” she said, shying away from him.

  “I can be here faster than any first responders because I know where I’m going. Do you have any kind of protection?” He eyed the stick near the doorway. “Besides the bat?”

  She had the grace to smile. “Would it ease your mind to know I was the top hitter in softball three seasons running in high school?”

  Squinting, he patted a hand around his neck. “Not much, no.”

  She laughed lightly. “Thanks for everything, Jarvis. Please don’t worry. I’ve taken self-defense classes, too. We’ll be out of your hair tomorrow. The day after at the latest.”

  “Don’t leave without letting me know where you’re headed,” he pressed. “You said it yourself, your stepmom is resourceful.”

  “I think it’s best if I reach out and offer to sign a nondisclosure agreement or something. There has to be a way to draw that up. To reassure her.”

  Or something? He didn’t think a piece of paper would stop someone devious enough and mean enough to threaten a baby. “What if I found you a better place to hide?” Why couldn’t his brain remember that her problems weren’t his? The sooner she was off the ranch the better.

  “We’ve talked about this,” she said. “I can’t go anywhere near the Colton house.”

  “I know.” He took a step forward and drew up short. This was so strange, fighting himself to keep his distance. “There are two bunkhouses that we use now instead of this place if we have herds out this way. They aren’t in use now,” he added hastily. “No need for them really this time of year. But they’re updated with power, freshwater wells and septic systems. You’d be more comfortable.”

  He’d be more comfortable. The bunkhouse he had in mind was farther off the beaten path of Triple R acreage. And if he loaned her his truck, no one would suspect a thing.

  “Won’t people notice the bunkhouse is in use?”

  “People really don’t come out here if the herds are grazing elsewhere,” he assured her. He was willing her to take him up on the offer. “If anyone does notice, they’ll assume it’s a grad student taking soil samples.”

  “That happens often?”

  “Not often. I’ve just heard others mention it. Seriously, it would be a better solution for you.”

  “Why does my solution matter so much to you?”

  Seriously? Shouldn’t it matter to anyone with common decency? A new mother and infant should not be in such primitive conditions. “It’s a brother complex,” he hedged. It had to be a sibling thing, because Jarvis didn’t do involvement, romantic interest or relationships. Those ended badly.

  Her gaze narrowed. “What did you do? Did you tell someone about me hiding here?”

  “No.” His denial didn’t help matters at all. Her fingers curled into fists and her eyes blazed. If she had the stick, he’d be on the floor by now. “I haven’t done anything to expose you, Mia. I just called my brother.”

  She muttered an oath under her breath and then bit down hard on her lower lip. “Let me guess—whiny stepdaughters can’t file complaints with the police.”

  Granted, they’d only had two conversations, but he hadn’t heard her whine once. “I was asking about how death threats might be reported.” Damn it. Her brown eyes narrowed and her lips firmed. He kept saying the wrong thing. She was clearly ready to bolt. And then what? If she’d thought she was safe here, he needed to make sure she was safe here. “And adultery is a crime in Arizona,” he added.

  “Good grief.” She rubbed her temples. “That’s probably an accusation that carries more weight when the injured party files the complaint, not the stepdaughter of the unfaithful partner. Forget about me, Jarvis. I’ll just go.”

  “Stay.” His primary goal was t
o help her feel secure. Even here. He stepped forward and caught her hands, holding them loosely between their bodies. He rushed to full alert at the contact. Her skin was silky under his rough thumbs. He didn’t crowd her, but he felt her pulse racing under his fingertips. “I’m saying this all wrong and I’m sorry for making you worry. I was trying to be transparent and reassure you.”

  She stared at her wrists, caged by his fingers. “That failed. Not that I want to be left in the dark, either. I’ve had enough surprise attacks for a lifetime.”

  “Noted. On both counts.” A ghost of an amused smile slipped across her lips. “No one knows anything about you here. No one will. Not from me,” he vowed.

  “What about the rest of the crew?”

  He’d manipulated the weekly schedule of responsibilities to accommodate his search. In his view, this was a happy coincidence, with her crisis and his search intersecting. “Won’t be a problem. I’m the only one who is scheduled to be out this way.”

  She gently extricated herself from his grasp. “Okay.”

  He immediately missed the warmth of her skin. The wall she built between them was practically visible and plastered with no-trespassing warnings.

  “I’d still prefer you move to the bunkhouse. Tomorrow,” he added when she started to argue. The baby stirred, because of the conversation or because he had some other issue, Jarvis didn’t know.

  Mia sighed, scooping up her son before he could really work himself into a crying jag. She was lovely with or without the baby in her arms. That was one more strange new awareness in a day filled with oddities. Watching her struck a chord deep in his chest and resonated through his system. He’d developed a crush on her when she was modeling everything from swimsuits to eyeliner. Watching her devotion as a mother was like opening a safe expecting cash and finding a stash of priceless gems. This side of her was so unexpected, this facet of her beauty so raw and unpolished and alluring. Since when did he find mothers alluring?