Black and Blue_Black Star Security

by Cynthia Rayne

  “So, are you ready for the campfire? Katie’s been talking about it all week.”

  “Yes, I went shoppin’ this morning. We’ll roast hot dogs and marshmallows.” He was pleased she was looking forward to spending time with him.

  “And you’ll tell her ghost stories?” She arched a brow.

  “Yeah. Why?”

  West had grown up hearing ghostly tales and thought it was part of the fun. His grandad used to scare the snot out of him as a kid, telling him stories about a killer with a hook for a hand who lurked in the woods.

  “Don’t call me when she gets scared in the middle of the night.”

  Once, he’d made the mistake of letting Katie watch a really scary movie. She’d stayed up for three nights because she was afraid of a hatchet wielding madman in her closet.

  “Maybe we’ll go with a legend instead. So what do you and Steve have planned?”

  “Date night. It will be low key. We’ll grill a couple of steaks, have some wine with dinner, and light a few candles.” She grinned. “See where the night takes us.”

  He rolled his eyes.

  They’d moved past all the bitterness and blame for Katie’s sake. She’d already lost her brother, and her parents had gotten divorced on top of it. It wasn’t fair to put her through any more trauma, so they’d gone to a counselor and sorted out all the remaining issues—the hurt feelings, disappointments, anger. It hadn’t saved their marriage, but it had cleared the air.

  West was relieved. He hadn’t wanted to hate Paige anymore because it was exhausting. They’d known each other as children, grew up three houses down from one another, and not having her in his corner, felt wrong.

  West sighed. “Just out of curiosity, how did you know it was time to move on?”

  Meeting Annie had given him a whole new perspective. He might not have known her very long, but she’d had a profound impact already.

  It made a man wonder about his future.

  “Easy. I met Steve, and I wanted a fresh start.” She stopped chopping, ears perked.

  “Just like that?”

  “Yeah, I met someone worth taking’ a chance on and I reevaluated a few things.”

  “And you’re happy?” West had so many regrets. Paige had been a wonderful wife and mother, and she deserved the best life had to offer.

  “I’m very happy. I know when my husband will be coming home. And I’m not worried about him. There’s rarely a crisis at his office. Know what I have with him? Zero surprises, at least when it comes to the nasty variety. I love that kind of security, stability.”

  Guilt gnawed at him. He’d really put his family through the ringer. When he’d been a SEAL, he hadn’t been able to share a lot of details with her. She’d spent countless nights wondering when, or if he’d make it home.

  “I said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’m so sorry, Paige, I—”

  “Don’t you dare apologize for bein’ you. We just weren’t a match anymore, that’s all.” She snickered to lighten the mood. “And come on, Steve’s hot.”

  “If you say so,” West drawled.

  “I do.” She placed a hand on her hip. “You thrive on a challenge, on excitement. We’re not built the same way, and you need someone who’s just like you, so find a girl who likes all that danger.

  Maybe I have?

  Paige edged closer to him. “Somethin’ tells me you already have.”

  “Could be, but I’m not ready to do anythin’ about it yet.”

  “Tell me about her.”

  “This is weird.” West shrugged. “I don’t think were supposed to talk like this anymore.” They might be friendly, but they didn’t trade confidences.

  “Who says? You’re still my friend, and we’ll make our own rules.” The fire between them had gone stone cold years ago, but she would always be part of his family because they shared a child.

  “Okay, here goes. Annie is a former deputy marshal. She is workin’ with Black Star security for the moment.”

  “An office romance, huh? Tell me more.”

  “She’s in her late twenties, single, never married. No children.” God knows, he had a lot more baggage then Annie.

  “She sounds promisin’, and I’m glad to hear you aren’t cradle robbing.”

  “Very funny.” He rolled his eyes.

  “And you like her?”

  He nodded, sobering. “Maybe too much.” They had a connection, a fire between them, he was at a loss to explain.

  “Then give it a shot. Don’t let your fear make decisions for you.”

  “So you had doubts?”

  “Yeah, of course. I was gun shy when I first met Steve, and dating him was scary, but we were meant to be.”

  Paige made a lot of sense. At some point or another, he’d have to get back on this particular horse.

  “Maybe I will.” West didn’t know if he could deal with any more emotional turmoil after everything he’d been through the past few years.

  “Keep me posted.”

  “Will do. Just so you know, she’ll be there tonight, but it isn’t like I’m formally introducing her to Katie or anything. King and the rest of the crew will be there, too.” West didn’t want to unsettle his daughter.

  “I appreciate the heads up. And it’s probably a good way for them to meet.”

  He thought so too. There wouldn’t be any pressure.

  “I just don’t wanna make any more mistakes.”

  Paige wiped her hands on a dishtowel. “West, we all make mistakes. You’re only human.”

  “I’ve made more than most. I wasn’t much of a father. I missed them being born, most holidays, birthdays, and I nearly missed my son’s funeral. I let you and the kids down, again and again.”

  “You keep holdin’ on to the guilt, don’t you?”

  “Can’t help it.” It was a part of him.

  “The point is, you’re makin’ up for it. It’s never too late to change course.”

  “It’s too late for Tommy.”

  Her face fell. “Tommy would want you to move on. I haven’t said this before, but I give you real credit. You left a stable career and struck out on your own. You’ve turned your life upside down for your daughter. Not many men would do that.”

  “So you don’t think this was a stupid move?”

  “It was a brave move and just a tiny bit stupid.” Paige winked to take the sting away. “Which takes even more courage.”

  “Come on. I’m no longer in a war zone.” West felt much safer stateside.

  “It’s still dangerous.”

  This was an old argument, no point in rehashing it.

  “Got any other advice for me?” he asked.

  “About Annie?”

  He nodded.

  “Show up for her, and the rest will sort itself out.”

  It was damn good advice.

  Just then, Katie came bounding down the stairs and right into his waiting arms. With a laugh, he hoisted her up into his arms and held her close, squeezing her tight. His chest ached from the wound, but he bit the inside of his cheek.

  West didn’t want to worry her. She had enough on her plate for a child, and he refused to add to her burdens.

  “Hey, Katydid. Did you miss me?”

  “Yes, so much.” And then she hugged his neck tight.

  He sighed, squeezing his eyes shut, and savoring the slight weight of her in his arms.

  She pulled back and cupped his face. “What happened to you, Daddy?”

  Katie had a kind heart. She was full of light, and he spent so much of his time steeped in darkness, being around her was like stepping into the sunshine.

  “Oh, I had an accident. I fell down some stairs, but I’m okay.”

  He hated lying to her, but the truth was frightening. West glanced at Paige and she nodded in approval. They’d agreed to hold back some details until Katie was ready to handle them.

  “I’m glad.” She kissed his cheek.

  “Okay, Katydid, it’s time to head ou
t.” With a wave at Paige, he carried Katie and her gear out the door.

  West couldn’t wait to see what Katie thought of Annie, and vice versa.

  ***

  “Let’s get this lit.” West knelt beside the fire pit.

  The sun was sinking over the horizon. In the distance, spring peepers croaked joined the hum of crickets. It was a cool evening, perfect for a warm campfire.

  They’d lined up lawn chair sand the feast was about to begin.

  Annie crouched next to him, along with Katie. She liked the dark-haired little girl. Annie could see a lot of West in her—her boundless energy, humor, and when she smiled, her whole face lights up.

  She’d told them all about her adventures in the capital. Katie had been particularly taken with the pandas and her impressions of them were priceless.

  “Can I do it?” Katie asked.

  “No, you’re a might young to handle fire, but when you’re old enough, I’ll teach you,” West promised.

  “But Daddy…”

  “No arguments, Katydid.” West crumpled up newspapers and tucked them in between the logs.

  As though it were the end of the world, she heaved a theatrical sigh and her head bowed dejectedly. Annie laughed, charmed by her antics and Katie brightened up, pleased to have a new audience.

  “Can I have the lighter, Annie?”

  “Sure.” As she handed him the Zippo, his fingers grazed hers, and they both stopped, staring at one another, sparks flying.

  And I don’t mean the fire.

  Mindful of Katie, she hastily pulled back.

  Then West lit the newspapers one by one.

  He bent near the flames. "Now, to do this properly, you have to be gentle." He blew a steady stream of air, and the fire consumed more of the paper. "If you want to enflame somethin’, you can't overwhelm it."

  West gave Annie a look so scorching she stifled a moan.

  "No?" she asked with bated breath.

  West shook his head. "You've gotta take your time. Coax it. Tease it." Another puff of air and the small fire blazed. "Stimulate it, until it burns for you."

  West’s eyes were locked on hers, making wicked promises she knew he’d keep later.

  Katie tugged on his hand, ending the moment. Of course, the innuendo had sailed right over her head.

  “You wanna blow on them, Katydid?”

  “Yeah!” She leaned over and puffed full force, like blowing the candles out on a birthday cake. The logs erupted into flames.

  And it wasn’t the only thing on fire.

  An hour later, they were all lounging in lawn chairs beside the fire pit. The logs popped and crackled, and Annie got closer, warming her hands.

  King and Zane had made themselves five S’mores a piece, and wolfed down three hot dogs each. Full and happy, they sat by the fire’s edge, nursing their beers and joking. Nox had gone out on the town, instead of settling for a quiet night in. Mack had stayed for a bit but turned in early because she hadn’t gotten much sleep. Storm had hung out for a while, but then he’d gotten on the internet to search for goji berries and other health nutty treats.

  Katie had two marshmallows on the end of her stick, toasting them a golden brown under West’s careful supervision. Her chair was right beside his, snuggled up close. Annie loved the soft look in his eyes, he got when he glanced at her. She could’ve watched the two of them all night.

  It was probably her biological clock ticking away, but his demeanor made her sit up and take notice. West was a natural father, a caretaker, and he was so protective of Katie.

  It made her melt. And then her thoughts took a darker turn.

  Annie felt like this was the calm before the storm, and she should enjoy herself while she could. Everything was coming to an end. Soon, it would be over, and she’d be struggling to find her place in the world, once more.

  And what about West? The thought of never seeing him twisted her into knots.

  “Are you ready for a ghost story?” West asked.

  Nodding vigorously, Katie popped a gooey marshmallow in her mouth.

  “What about you, Annie?”

  “I’m ready too.” Annie leaned closer, determined to enjoy the moment.

  “It’s more of a legend, actually, about the Cherokee nation. We’ve both got Native American blood in our veins.”

  “What’s a Cherokee?” Her brow creased.

  “They’re a Native American tribe from this area,” West explained.

  And then he launched into a tale about two wolves. According to the legend, everyone had two wolves fighting within themselves. One of the wolves is evil. It’s selfish and angry, full of regret and self-pity. And the other wolf is good. It’s kind, full of hope and love.

  “So which wolf will win?” Katie asked.

  “The one you feed.”

  Annie had to admire his parenting skills. It was a story and a lesson, all wrapped into one.

  She and West were both trying to feed the good wolf.

  ***

  West hadn’t felt this content in a long time.

  After the story, Katie was fast asleep, curled up in the lawn chair, head drooping over the armrest. The moon rode high in the sky. The logs had burned down to embers, but they were still warm.

  They’d all blown off some steam tonight, lazed around, drank too much. It had been good for team morale. He’d learned to take advantage of what little down time they had.

  “I should put her to bed.” West took another swig of beer and yet he didn’t get up. He touched his chest gingerly. Hauling her around earlier had been painful, but worth it.

  “I can take care of it. You’re injured, so you should save your strength.” Annie stood, smothering a yawn. “I can barely keep my eyes open anyway.”

  He glanced at her. “Are you sure?”

  West was relieved the two of them got along well. It made everything easier, and perversely, more difficult for him. Annie seemed to slide right into life like a puzzle piece snapped into place.

  “Yeah, it’s no problem.” She picked Katie up and held her close.

  “Dad?” Katie’s eyes fluttered open.

  “Go back to sleep, Katydid. It’s late.” West stood and kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Can we watch cartoons together in the morning?” She asked sleepily.

  “Yup.”

  “And eat cereal?”

  “Yup, the sugary kind your mom refuses to buy.” That promise earned him a grin, and he kissed her cheek again. “Just don’t tell Mommy, okay?”

  “Deal.”

  “Okay, let’s get you into bed, kiddo.” Annie turned to head inside.

  But Katie interrupted. “Wait. Aren’t you gonna kiss Annie goodnight, too?”

  Wide-eyed, Annie froze, and so did he. West had no idea how to respond.

  Katie watched him expectantly, waiting.

  King snorted with laughter. If West didn’t know better, he’d say King sweet talked his daughter into saying that. Thank God, Zane had already turned in.

  Awkwardly, he smooched Annie’s flaming red cheek. Afterward, she high tailed it to the door with his daughter in toe.

  West slumped back in his chair and guzzled the rest of his beer.

  “Even your kid knows something is up.”

  “Shut your face, King.”

  “Never.”

  “Paige and I had a good talk today.” He’d been mulling over what she’d said for hours.

  King shook his head. “You guys have the strangest divorce I’ve ever seen.”

  “Why, because we’re still friends?”

  “Yeah, and it’s weird. What did you two talk about?”

  “Annie.”

  “Seriously?” He gaped at West.

  “Yup.”

  “What did she say?”

  “Paige told me to go for it.”

  “She’s a smart woman.”

  West sighed. He’d begun to think so, too. “Enough about my love life, let’s talk a
bout yours.”

  “Let’s not.”

  “Come on, tell me about Nancy.”

  “She’s no longer in the picture, it’s just me and Savvy.”

  West groaned. “Give it up, brother.”

  Since his wife had died, King had become a player, chatting women up at bars, spending a couple of hot and heavy weeks with them, and disappearing. And West didn’t think it’s what King really wanted. He’d been very happily married until it had come crashing down.

  “No can do.” King settled back in his chair. “She’s got the voice of an angel, and the body of a devil. Mark my words, one day she’ll return home to Kentucky, and I’ll be here waitin’ for her.”

  “Like a stalker?”

  King scowled. “No, like a fan who loves her music and appreciates her beauty. And when she’s here, she might need a bodyguard.”

  Savvy probably had her own security, and if Savannah had to hire local muscle, she’d probably go with an upscale, established firm. They were the new kids on the block and didn’t have any contacts in the entertainment world.

  “Oh, I know you’d like to guard her body.” West gave a dirty chuckle.

  “A man can dream.” King tipped his beer back with a sigh.

  Chapter 14

  Annie couldn’t sleep.

  By the warm glow of the campfire, she’d hadn’t been able to stifle her yawns. There’s something about the warm smell of burning pine that’s hypnotic.

  Now, she was wide awake.

  She’d tucked Katie in before slipping into her own bed. For a second, she thought about sneaking into West’s bedroom, but it would’ve been rude since his daughter was here.

  And that’s when she heard a yelp coming from Katie’s bedroom. She was on her feet and out the door in a matter of seconds. Was she having a bad dream?

  But when she stepped into the hallway, she found Turner, and he had Katie by the throat.

  “Well, howdy, Marshal. Fancy findin’ you here.”

  ***

  A scream startled West out of his slumber and he woke up next to the campfire.

  Beside him, King was fast asleep, snoring like a freight train, a handful of beer bottles at his feet. They’d had a few too many and West was groggy, disoriented.

  How long have I been out here? He shouldn’t have drank so much. Did I imagine it?