Jimmy didn’t seem to need her company, not with Amy sticking so close to him from the time he stepped down from the cab of his truck. So Melissa wandered among the horses, talking to them and soothing their anxiety with quiet words and a gentle pat here and there. Marcus would pay for this! The police said they could pick him up on suspicion of wrongdoing, but without evidence, the charge wouldn’t stick.
Officer Jacobs approached her. “We found footprints about a mile upriver from here. My team is making a plaster cast as we speak. They also found a bloodied glove and some oleander, although we’re not sure why it was tied to a tree. The crime scene unit will continue to scour the creek for oleander and take pictures of any finds. If the glove turns out to be your ex-husband’s, we have him on twenty-four charges of animal cruelty.”
“Good! I hope they lock him up for a long, long time. And Brian will be happy to know who stole his evidence.” She filled Jacobs in on the foreman’s plight.
He nodded. “I’ll have to remember to thank him. As to your ex, this kind of abuse rates right up there with murder. He’ll likely go away for a good long spell. Does this creek supply the ranch water for drinking?”
“No, we’re actually hooked into a natural spring than runs from high in the mountains.”
“Still, you may want to have your water tested to make sure. This particular plant is deadly to humans as well as animals.”
“Thanks. I’ll have one of the men do that now.” She turned to see Brian riding fast, heading her way. “What’s up, Brian?”
“I rode out to the northern line shack. Looks like someone’s been staying there.”
“John and the kids are in the eastern cabin. Maybe they holed up there first.”
“Nope, John was with me. Said they stayed in the eastern shack because he discovered it was closest to the ranch house.”
Officer Jacobs spoke up. “Can you show me this cabin? We need to get a start on collecting evidence.”
“Sure thing, Officer. I left John there to guard the place until we returned.”
“Good call. Let’s go. I’ll follow in the four-wheel drive.” Jacobs went to his vehicle and the two were soon lost to sight.
Jimmy worked with Amy, the town vet, Roger, and the wranglers to keep the horses moving. As she looked around her, Melissa couldn’t believe the havoc Marcus had caused. The closest wrangler was Tippy, so she called him over.
“Tippy, I need you to collect samples of drinking water from the ranch house, bunkhouse, and barn. Take them in for testing, just to be on the safe side.”
“Will do. Just need to find my horse.” He whistled and the big gray came running.
“He’s well-trained.” She offered a weak smile as the horse nosed into Tippy’s shoulder, shoving him slightly off balance.
“Yeah, he’s a smart one, aren’t ya boy?” He mounted up. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Thanks, Tippy.” When she walked over to Jimmy, who was helping Amy get a downed horse on its feet, her ribs protested. She’d done too much today, but these horses were her responsibility.
“When we’ve finished today, you’ll have to show me the nightlife,” Amy said.
“Darlin’, you know I’m not a partier.” Jimmy said. “I bet one of the wranglers would be happy to oblige.”
Amy pouted prettily. “But I don’t know them. Please, Jimmy.”
“All right.”
Melissa had heard enough. Her heart clenched equal to, if not worse than, the pain in her ribs. “Jimmy, is it okay to take your truck to the house? I’ll help Sheila rustle up some food for these guys.”
“Doc said you can’t drive and you’d have a hard time handling the standard shift one-handed, but Brian said the bunkhouse cook was bringing lunch.”
“Oh, hadn’t thought of that.”
He must have noticed her pain-filled gaze, because he spoke again. “There’s not much more you can do out here. I’ll drive you home if you need to rest for a while. You’ve got to be hurting after spending all this time on your feet.”
“Yeah, a little. You don’t mind?”
“Nope. I’ll be right back, Amy.” He smiled at the lady vet and then turned to walk Melissa to his truck. “Need me to carry you?”
She smiled self-consciously. “I don’t think so, but stay close. Okay?”
“You got it.”
He tucked her good arm in his and matched his pace to hers, helping her into the truck when they reached it.
“Thanks. I can come back out after I’ve rested a bit.”
“No need. I think we’ve just about finished all we can do. Nature will have to take care of the rest. Roger says it could’ve been a lot worse if they’d eaten the leaves or flowers instead of ingesting the diluted sap tainting the water. At least we haven’t lost any of the horses.”
“Thank God. Make sure Brian sets up a guard rotation to watch over them before you leave. When their health improves, we’ll move them closer to the barn until the water tests clear. Have you had time to check on your horses?”
“Yeah, I rode out there once we had your horses on their feet and moving. The Mustangs are fine. The pond in that pasture must be fed by a mountain stream instead of the creek.”
“Yes, it is. Maybe we should corral them closer to the homestead as well.”
“Nah. Marcus knows horses. He knows they’re not your thoroughbreds. And with any luck, he should be under lock and key soon.”
“I hope so. He’s caused enough trouble.”
He closed her door then climbed in behind the wheel, driving up to the front steps. She’d wanted to ask him how he knew Amy, but was afraid of the answer. What if they were more than just friends?
“Do you need help getting inside?”
She opened the door with her good hand then turned back to him. Was he that anxious to get back to Amy? “I can manage, thanks. See you later.” Her tone sounded curt, even to her own ears, but she couldn’t help it.
He smiled and waved, seeming in a hurry to return to the field. Or to Amy? She should be mad at him for taking charge in front of her men, but she could only be grateful. There was no way she could’ve hiked the riverbanks riddled with pain.
The kids were sitting on the front porch and Aaron ran to greet her.
“Mom! How are the horses? We wanted to go help but Sheila wouldn’t let us.” He screwed his nose up in distaste.
“And right she was. That pasture was no place for children today. The horses were sick and thrashing about in pain. You guys could’ve been hurt. I counted on you to keep the other two occupied.”
“Oh, that’s okay then.” He smiled and grabbed the picnic basket. “I’ll carry this for you, Mom.”
“Thank you, Aaron.” She smiled tiredly and hugged him close.
“Mo-om,” he warned.
“What? I love you and I don’t care who knows it.”
He laughed and ran ahead to open the door.
Sheila turned toward her as she entered the kitchen. “I saw the truck coming so I put on a fresh pot of coffee. You look all tuckered out. Are you hungry?”
“Famished, but I’m going to swallow a painkiller and grab a quick shower first. Thanks for keeping an eye on the kids.”
“No problem. You need help, Melissa?” Concern etched into her features.
“If you don’t mind. I’m feeling kind of weak and shaky. I think I might have overdone it today.”
“Hmm, you’re probably right.” Sheila wrapped an arm around her waist and Melissa leaned on her as they made their way to her room. “Want me to wait for you?”
“No, that’s okay. I’m hoping a shower will revive me.”
“If not, ring the kitchen.”
Melissa nodded, then went into the bathroom and turned on the taps. The warm, welcoming spray sluiced over her body, loosening her tense muscles, and washing away the day’s grime. She emerged feeling marginally better, pulled on a comfortable sweat suit, and worked her way to the kitchen. It was slow going
and she was grateful Sheila watched for her, assisting her the last few steps.
“I think you need a raise, Sheila.” She smiled her thanks.
Sheila chuckled. “I wouldn’t say no. Have a seat. I’ll pour your coffee and fill your plate.”
“It smells good in here.”
“Dinner’s ready and I made lots. Didn’t know who all would be here and hungry when you finished with the horses. The kids have already eaten.”
The kitchen phone rang and Sheila answered, “Hello…yep…okay.” She hung up.
“That was short and sweet,” Melissa said, curious.
“Yep, just Jimmy boy asking if he could invite the vets in for a bite. John’s coming back with them as well. What did I tell you?”
Melissa giggled. “Sometimes, you amaze me. Thanks for being prepared.”
“No hardship on my part. I love to cook.”
“And I’m helpless in a kitchen.”
“Not quite. You make excellent coffee and toast.”
They shared a laugh as Sheila set the table, then removed the covered dishes from the warming oven. “I’ll set these on the table so the men can help themselves. They’re bound to be hungry.”
“Men and women. Did you meet Amy?”
“The lady vet? Yeah. She’s a pretty one.” Sheila set the bowl of coleslaw down.
Melissa’s stomach nosedived at Sheila’s pronouncement. Did Jimmy think Amy was pretty? “I’ll need you to get a room ready for her.”
“Already done.”
Melissa jerked to attention when the back door opened and Amy waltzed in, followed by Jimmy, John, and Roger. She heard Jimmy tell Amy where she could wash up and the men left to do the same.
When they returned, Roger and Amy had removed their lab coats and the other two had changed their shirts. Jimmy wore a body-hugging muscle shirt that showed off his upper torso to perfection. She fairly drooled, knowing what was under that shirt, and had to avert her eyes. She was hungry for food, nothing else. Well, not with company here anyway.
Chapter Twelve
“I think we might lose two of the horses, Melissa,” Roger said between bites. “The next few hours will tell. I left your men with instructions to give them as much water as they could drink and to keep them walking. We can only hope at this point.”
She nodded. “There’s not a man on the place that doesn’t love horses. They’ll do what needs to be done. Thank you both,” her look encompassed Amy as well, “for making time to come to our aid today.”
Talk turned general after that and Melissa marveled at how much her life had changed. A few short weeks ago, it had been just her, Aaron, and Sheila. Now the house was filled with family and friends, people willing to pitch in and help whenever necessary.
She was especially thankful for Jimmy. He’d opened her eyes and heart to love again. Of course, the sex had been great too.
“What’s that smirk all about?” Jimmy winked.
The telltale heat of a blush crept into her cheeks and she ducked her head, unable to answer. He knows darned well what I was thinking. The rat!
Dinner over, John gathered his grandkids and Jimmy left with Roger and Amy to check on the horses one last time before Roger headed back to town. Melissa sat for one more cup of coffee and read for a while, then wobbled painfully to the front room and settled in front of the TV, waiting for the news to come on. As she’d figured, her ranch was the main story of the day. The news crews must have shown up after she came home. The reporter, a woman, fawned all over Jimmy as she interviewed him—not very professional. The knot of jealousy forming in the pit of her stomach surprised her, but vanquished in a heartbeat as sheer jubilance took over.
The next scene showed Marcus being led, handcuffed, into the police station. He was spitting and sputtering, hollering harassment and everything else he could think of. Melissa laughed when he took a swing at the cameraman. That sure wouldn’t earn him any brownie points. When Jimmy came in, she was laughing out loud and grasping her ribs to still the pain.
“You need to share the joke. After a day like today, I could use a good laugh.”
Too quick, she turned and her ribs screamed in protest. “Oh! You startled me.” She wrapped her arms around her middle again.
“Sorry, didn’t intend to.” He paused and looked at her expectantly.
“What?”
“Are you going to tell me what’s so funny?”
“Marcus. He was hollering up a storm on national television when the police arrested him.” She smiled up at him. Even after putting in a long, hard day, Jimmy looked spectacular.
“Wish I had seen it.” He grinned. “I’m going to grab a shower and work on the payroll. The men expect their pay tomorrow.”
“Okay. Need any help?” At his lascivious grin, she clarified, “with the payroll?”
“No, but I’ll need your signature on the checks later.”
“You know where to find me. I’m too tired to move off this couch. Where’s Amy?”
“Sheila showed her to her room so she could clean up and get changed. Can I get you anything?”
“No, but thank you for all your help today. Normally, I wouldn’t approve your take-charge attitude, but I wasn’t feeling up to making decisions.”
“Not to worry. Your body still needs rest, time to heal properly. I was glad to help.”
She stood, thinking she’d find Aaron and say good night.
“Hey, I thought you were too tired to move.”
“I am, but being a mother doesn’t always allow me that luxury.” She’d only taken one step before her ankle buckled, and she pitched forward. Jimmy caught her and steadied her against his chest. His heart beat against her ear, the steady rhythm increasing in pace as he held her close.
“Are you all right?” His voice was velvety smooth as he spoke softly.
“My ankle…I guess I was on my feet too much today. Either that or I’ve become a klutz.”
“Never a klutz. You move so gracefully that it sometimes appears as if you glide across a room. This will pass, but you have to allow yourself time to heal, woman.”
“Yeah, yeah. I know.”
Jimmy picked her up and held her close, bringing his head down toward hers. When their lips touched, her insides heated. He tasted of peppermint, yummy pink ones, the kind he kept on his desk. When he sat with her on his lap, his kisses set her on fire. How long they sat, arms and tongues entwined, she had no idea. He pulled away and shifted her to sit next to him on the sofa, which left her feeling bereft, until someone thundered down the hallway.
Aaron slid around the corner into the room by hanging onto the doorframe.
“Hey, Mom! Want to play Scrabble?”
“Not tonight, honey. I’m too tired.”
“John’s setting up the board. Come on,” he urged.
“Your mother overdid it today,” Jimmy said.
“She should’ve let me help,” Aaron said, his face set mutinously.
Jimmy shook his head. “It was too dangerous out there today, sport. Those kids of John’s haven’t had much experience with horses. You did a good job keeping them busy here.”
His words brought a smile back to Aaron’s face and his little chest puffed up at Jimmy’s compliment.
“Can you come and play with us, Jimmy?” Aaron asked.
Jimmy’s gaze briefly fastened on hers. Oh yeah, she could see he wanted to play, just not Scrabble.
“Not tonight, buddy. I’m in dire need of a shower, and I promised Amy I’d show her the town.”
“Who’s Amy?”
“The lady vet who helped us today.”
“Oh. Okay.”
Aaron said a hasty good night and hurried off. Jimmy offered Melissa a hand up. She felt wobbly on her feet. “I’m really done in tonight.”
“I’ll carry you.”
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Would he kiss her again? She jerked away from his touch, remembering his date. “You don’t have to keep doing
that. I don’t want to keep you.”
“For now I will. We’ll see what you feel like in the morning.”
She sighed in defeat. “You’re probably right. I certainly don’t want to take another nosedive.”
He got one arm under her knees while the other wrapped around behind her, the tips of his fingers brushing the side of her breast as he picked her up. She inhaled on a gasp as exquisite sensations rioted through her. His soft chuckle was the only indication that he knew why.
Tit for tat! Her arm in its cast rested against his chest. The arm might be broken, but the fingers still worked. She used them to tease his male nipples into hardened nubs as he carried her down the hall.
“Cut that out. You’re playing with fire,” he whispered close to her ear.
“A little heat never hurt anybody.”
“Baby, with you a little heat starts a raging inferno.” He shifted her against him to open her bedroom door, kicking it shut once they were inside. Jimmy strode to the bed then stopped, allowing her body to slide down the front of his until her feet touched the floor. “How likely is it that Aaron will come looking for you?”
She kept her good arm around his neck, playing with his hair as she pulled his head down until their lips touched, tasted. “Not likely at all. He’s busy with the game and he knows I’ve gone to bed.”
“Wait right here.” Jimmy left her standing by the bed to cross the room and lock the door. Next, he checked the patio door, closed the vertical blinds, and toed off his shoes before returning to her.
“I like the way you think, cowboy, but what about your date?”
“No strings…no regrets. That’s what we agreed on.”
Hopes dashed, Melissa tried to act nonchalant as she said, “No strings, no regrets, and not tonight. I’m tired.”
His arms came around her, holding her tight against his chest as he pressed tiny kisses to the top of her head. “You put in a hard day. Can I just hold you for a while?”
She should say no, and intended to say no. Instead, she allowed him to lay her down on the bed and cuddle up beside her. “This is nice.”
“Um, hm.”
Suited to be a Cowboy Page 18