by Wendy Vella
“Bitch.”
Brad found a smile at the hiss from Macy. She looked like an angry angel. Her hair was all over the place in a riot of waves, and she wore worn jeans, sneakers, and a pale lavender fitted T-shirt. She looked like a pissed-off teenager.
“Now, slugger, that attitude is what got this mess all bent out of shape, and your knight in shining armor here charging to your defense.”
Brad could feel them looking at him, but he focused on Newman, who was speaking.
“If we have any hope of winning this, we need to be professional from start to finish. No more raging emotions. No more threats. Nothing to get us off side further.”
“I never used to be violent.” Macy looked confused.
“Well here comes your boy, so let's all dial it back a bit,” Ethan said.
Billy was with his Aunt Milly. Brad watched the woman approach with the boy’s hand in hers. Scowl fixed in place, eyes narrowed, she stomped down the hard wooden floors in her black lace-up boots.
“Hey, big boy.”
Annabelle grabbed him and pulled Billy in for a hug.
“I want to research the land.”
“Ah, sure, Ms. Lawrence,” Newman said, looking uneasy.
“If we can find a reason for it not to be developed, that's the angle we should take.”
Everyone nodded, then the woman stomped out.
“Dad said she was a good lawyer. I just can't see it myself,” Jake McBride said. “Can't imagine she'd endear herself to clients.”
There was a chorus of amens to that.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Macy heard the deep male voice, and knew Brad Gelderman had arrived. Billy had let him into the house, and he was here to go and pick up her son's new puppy. The one she'd decided to let him have after their trip to the Buchanan land.
“Mom, TJ's here.”
“Hey,” she said as he walked into the kitchen, taking up the space and sucking the air out of the environment. He wore the blue shorts today, and a gray T-shirt with the faded word Texas on it and a map of the state. As usual he looked drop-dead gorgeous.
“Macy.” He nodded her way.
“Ethan has that shirt in black.”
“Most of us do. It’s a rite of passage.”
“Like sleeping under your flag?”
“Jealousy is an ugly trait.”
“I live in paradise, remember?”
“But it’s not Texas,” he drawled slowly.
She laughed. “You ready to head out?”
“Sure, whenever you are.”
They were polite to each other but kept their distance, and this was for the best, because there was chemistry between her and Brad Gelderman that would not take much to ignite.
“Let's go then, Billy.”
Brad motioned them through the door, and then followed. She then watched him fold himself into her front seat after Billy had climbed into his.
“If you'd rather bring your bike?”
“No, this is fine, thanks.”
They drove through town, and Macy shouldn't have felt so tense with him beside her after what they'd shared, but she did.
“Would you have a problem with me buying the puppy a new bed, Macy?”
He said the words softly so Billy didn't hear, and she was grateful for that.
“Only if you really want to. If not, I'd planned on it anyway.”
“I want to.”
“Okay then, seeing as you convinced me to let him have one.”
“Fair’s fair, you convinced me to talk to Ethan about stuff.”
“I’m glad you did, and that you’ve sorted the stuff out.”
“Me too.”
He'd protected her last night. Stormed down that aisle to get to the lawyer like an avenging angel, and Macy should not have enjoyed it so much, but she had. Lord had she. The man was doing bad things to her. He was making her hope, and that wasn't good, especially as they'd both decided they were carrying too much baggage to even think about anything happening between them. But she couldn't seem to shut down her traitorous thoughts.
“Why are we stopping here, Mom?”
“Brad's going to get Razzle a bed, Billy. So you make sure you thank him.”
“Wow, really!”
And that was another reason she needed to keep her distance from his man. Her little boy was becoming as infatuated as her. It would be hard on him when Brad left. In fact, she should have stopped him from coming today, but Billy had wanted it so badly she couldn’t deny him. Don't lie to yourself, Macy Reynolds, you wanted him here too.
The vet’s office had a small room off the side that had all the accessories a pet could need.
“Hey, Macy.”
“Mr. Oates, how you doing?”
“Good. Hell of a meeting last night. Haven't enjoyed anything so much in a long while. Especially when you took those big city lawyers on, TJ.”
Brad shook the man's hand and said thanks. Macy could see he was uncomfortable with the praise. He then excused himself to follow Billy.
“He’s a keeper, that one, Macy.”
“Oh no… we’re not. Just friends, Mr. Oates.”
“Sure.” He didn’t look convinced, but thankfully left it at that.
People were starting to pair them up, she realized, and that was not a good thing. After today, she needed to put some distance between herself and Brad Gelderman.
“Billy's getting one of Mac's pups, so we're just picking up a few things for it.”
“Good choice. Those pups are well bred, and will make him a loyal pet.”
She agreed with Mr. Oates, then went to listen to the discussion taking place between Brad and Billy.
“Brown wouldn't get so dirty is my take on this, Billy.”
“I like the red though.”
Billy was chewing his lip, eyes focused on the soft square before him.
“Well then red it is.” Brad got to his feet and picked up the bed. “I'm thinking a nice soft toy too, because Razzle is leaving his family for a new one, and will need something to keep him company in his bed at night.”
“He's sleeping with me.”
“No,” Macy said, “he's not. He can sleep in the kitchen or on the floor in your bathroom, but not in your room.”
“Aww, Mom.”
“I mean this, Billy. He'd do his business, and that stuff’s hard to get out of the carpet. So until he's trained, he's near his dirt box on a tile floor.”
Her son had never been overly argumentative, but lately he'd developed a spine that she wasn't that unhappy about, although it was making parenting harder. Some days she just wanted the easy life, but she knew from personal experience that getting everything your own way was good for no one, especially not Billy.
“I say the fact that your mom's changed her mind and allowed you to get a dog should be enough for you, buddy, so maybe cut her some slack on this one. Why don't you go and choose that soft toy now.”
They watched Billy walk away, his attention already diverted to the next purchase.
“I got this, Brad. I don't need you backing me up, because when you're gone it's just me again.”
Macy knew she sounded ungrateful, but there was a small, mean part inside her that was jealous that this man could reason with her son so easily, when she spent her days battling him.
His eyes looked gray in this light. They were focused on her and she suddenly wanted to shuffle her feet, but she kept still. Macy had had many years of a man intimidating her; she could handle it better than most.
“Just trying to help.”
And didn't that put her firmly in her place.
“Thanks, but he's just finding his argumentative voice, and I'm trying to deal with it my way.”
“Got it, don't interfere if he's giving you a hard time.”
He walked away from her after those words, leaving her feeling pathetic and pissed off at him and herself.
“Well, hell,” she muttered.
They got the
red bed, a puppy-approved teddy, a bag of puppy food, a litter tray, water and food bowls, lead and collar.
“I'm not having you buy him all this stuff!” Macy looked at the pile on the counter.
“I offered, so I'm buying.”
“No, Brad.”
“Yes, Brad,” he said, pulling out a credit card. Macy knew a bit about those things because her ex had wanted one just like the black one Brad was handing over, but he didn't have enough money.
“Just because you're rich doesn't mean I have to accept you buying everything.”
She'd said the words quietly, but he heard them, Macy was sure of it. He pocketed his wallet, took the bags, handing one to Billy, then urged him out of the shop. Hanging back, he walked with her.
“Just because you're not rich doesn't mean I have to accept whatever this attitude is from you either.”
“I don't have attitude.”
He stopped and looked down at her, and she felt the urge to scuff the toe of her sneaker, like Billy did when he’d done wrong.
“Okay, maybe that was out of line.”
“Just that, or maybe the 'I got this, Brad,' comment too?”
“No, that one I meant. The other one was petty, and I'm sorry.”
“No problem. I hate it when jealousy bites.”
“I'm not jealous because you have money, Gelderman!”
“It’s not just the money, honey. There’s my charm and the Texan factor too. It's a hard package to resist at any time, but coupled with this face, jealousy is natural.”
He was laughing at her, and Macy was big enough to acknowledge she deserved it.
“You're not that much of a big deal, Gelderman.”
“No.” He opened the car door for her. “I really am.”
“Hey, Macy.”
The two girls coming toward her were sixteen. Both did part-time work for Buster in the Hoot. Lovely girls, but like most at that age, boys were their main focus. Their eyes were on Brad.
“Holly, Cindy,” she acknowledged them.
“You got the keys, Macy. I'll put this stuff in the trunk. Girls.” Brad nodded to them.
She swallowed her smile as their faces fell when he walked away from them without saying another word. They watched as he put the puppy things in the trunk before walking around to climb in the passenger seat.
“Mom told me he stood up for you last night, Macy. He's seriously hot.”
“Seriously hot and way too old for either of you.”
“We can look though,” Cindy said, giggling.
Rolling her eyes, Macy said good-bye and got in the car. Brad was talking to Billy, so she backed out of the parking space and headed to Mac's place to get the puppy.
“I told you I was irresistible.”
“There's a boy shortage in Howling, so the girls think any man who is average to look at is handsome.”
She didn't take her eyes off the road as he laughed.
“Denial is not just a river in Egypt, Macy.”
“You been sitting on that a while, waiting for just the right moment to throw it out?”
“You're just annoyed you didn't think of it first.”
“Some,” she conceded.
“I'm wounded, deep in my chest, that you think I'm average, Macy.”
She rolled her eyes again. “I think there have been more than enough women in your life that think you're not. You don't need me inflating your ego.”
“None of their opinions mattered.”
She shot him a look, and his eyes were focused on hers. Did that mean her opinion mattered? And if so, she shouldn't feel so good that it did. Lord, he was turning her inside out.
“Besides, you only have to walk out your front door here and you fall over a handsome man,” she added.
“So the women of Howling are immune?”
“Exactly.”
“The men too, no doubt. Because I've never seen so many good-looking women in one place in my life.”
“I've seen Texan women, so don't feed me that line.”
“I do believe you are fishing for a compliment, Miss Macy.”
Macy snorted. “I know my limitations. I have Annabelle and Branna as best friends.”
Macy wished she'd kept her mouth shut as she felt his eyes on the side of her face.
“Annabelle's beautiful, as is Branna, and a few of the other locals, but you… well you're something else entirely.”
“Brad, you don't…. I wasn't fishing for this.” Macy didn't know what to say. She felt embarrassed, and mortified she'd forced him to say what he had, and yet secretly, deep inside she felt a rush of pleasure. Because she'd been nurturing that small kernel inside her. The seed of hope that maybe she wasn't an ugly person. That those degrading, hate-filled words Brian had constantly thrown at her weren't true.
“You can't see that?”
“What?” She shot him a look.
“How beautiful you are. That when the sun hits your hair it comes to life. Your face is so sweet, that men literally stop in the streets and sigh when they see it. And don't get me started on your body.”
“Stop, Brad, really.”
“Most women love compliments, Macy, how come you don't?”
“I don't need them.” She waved a hand about, trying to dismiss his words.
“You are beautiful,” Jillian had told her, and she had wanted Macy to look in the mirror and tell herself those words. She'd never really mastered it. But right here and now, well, maybe she could believe the words a little bit.
She felt his fingers on her check. The touch was brief but it left a trail of heat.
“I've made it a study of mine, kind of a PhD you could say, in women. I know my stuff, Miss Macy, and you are one damn fine lady.”
“Whatever,” Macy mumbled, pulling into Mac's driveway, “and I'm not sure you should brag about having a PhD in women, it's not a great pickup line.”
“Just being honest, honey.”
That drawl travelled through her body as she pulled the car up in front of the barn.
“Okay, buddy, let's go buy you a dog.”
Brad was out first, and Billy second. Macy followed as her son ran beside the tall Texan.
The barn was big, and Mac was standing beside a small pen. Seeing Macy, he raised a hand.
“You go on in the pen now, Billy, and see which one takes to you.”
“How will I know which one, Mac?”
Macy felt it again, that rush of love that always sneaked up on her when her son did something sweet, or showed his vulnerability. Touching his curls, she reassured him that she was close.
“You'll know, boy.”
Macy opened the pen, and Billy slipped inside.
“Sit on the floor now, Billy, and let them come to you.”
Mac talked to him, as he settled on the floor. Macy moved to stand beside Brad and watch her son.
“He's a special boy.”
“He's my life.”
Brad looked at the woman beside him. He saw the love she felt for her son written all over her face.
“He's lucky to have a mother like you.”
“I'm lucky to have him.”
She didn't accept compliments well, and Brad wondered who had made her that way. Maybe that mother of hers, and definitely the husband.
He'd meant what he'd said in the car. She was beautiful, like a Botticelli angel. Lush curves, soft curls, and skin as smooth as silk.
She wore shorts again, cutoffs this time, and a loose cotton top. Her feet were in sneakers.
“Mom!”
Billy's squeal drew his eyes. The pups were white with black patches, and one of them had staggered toward him and was attempting to climb up one of his sneakers.
“He picked me, TJ!”
“I can see that, bud.”
“Give him a pat now, Billy, and let him get your scent,” Mac said. “I’m sorry you both went through that incident on the Buchanan land. Must have been scary for you two.”
“Tha
nks, Mac.” Brad looked at the man. His eyes were moving from Brad to Macy and back, and he saw the question there. He was wondering what was between them.
“Shorts are a good fit. I got them in tan if you're interested.”
“Thanks, but two pairs will do for now. I won't be here much longer anyway.”
“Shame for you to leave so soon, now you and Ethan are getting along so well.”
That he wasn’t surprised that the owner of the general store thought he had a right to pass comment on Brad’s relationship with his brother told him he was adjusting to life in Lake Howling. It was definitely time to leave.
“We'll still talk. They have these things called phones now.”
Mac gave him a look, his worn face creasing into a smile.
“You don't say. Fancy that.”
“I'm taking him, Mom!”
Billy held the pup in his arms now. Brad opened the gate and let him out. Minutes later they'd said good-bye to Mac and his questions, and were heading back to Macy's place.
“He's asleep, TJ.”
“That's because he's comfortable with you, Billy. The pup knows he's found a place to settle.”
“I'm thinking that just for tonight, I should have him in my room, beside my bed, Mom, ’cause imagine if he wakes scared.”
The corner of Macy's lips tilted, and Brad battled the urge to lean over and nibble it.
“We'll make that call later, Billy.”
The drive was quick, and then Brad collected all the stuff from the trunk and they settled the pup in his bed upstairs in Billy’s bathroom. Billy settled down beside him and played with his blocks.
“He needs me to watch over him now he doesn't have his mom.”
“Good call, Billy. I'll make you a sandwich and bring it up, okay?”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Brad watched the little boy leap to his feet and run toward her. He then hugged her hard.
“I love you.”
“Aww, baby, you too.”
Brad had never done that to anyone. Never said he loved them with so much honesty that the recipient could never doubt it.
“And you too, Brad.”
He was stunned when the boy left Macy and threw himself at Brad, burying his face against his legs. Brad bent and hugged him back, fighting the sting he felt behind his eyes.