Palmer sent Noé a text message to let him know he would be late. Again. It was becoming a bad habit that he was going to have to break before it became problematic. He could only begin to imagine what the ranch hands were whispering about him. In the past, they could set their clocks by his punctuality; missing a full day of work on the ranch was completely out of the question. Lately, he’d been late with some regularity, even not showing up multiple days in a row. Heaven forbid his family found out.
He stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. There was something in his face he didn’t recognize. Something that put a shimmer in his eyes and deepened the dimples in his cheeks. He liked the change, although he would never admit it to anyone aloud. A wide grin filled his face, the smile spreading from ear to ear.
Making love to Soledad had left him exhilarated. The first time had been fast and furious, only about the physical act necessary to release the sexual tension that had grown between them before Lyra had interrupted them. The second time had been more emotional, the sensual act bringing them both to tears. The third time had been about exploration, about discovering each other’s bodies and idiosyncrasies. Like finding that sweet spot just behind her ear that had Soledad writhing with ecstasy whenever he nuzzled his lips and tongue against it.
There would have been a fourth time if Lyra hadn’t interrupted them again. She was a demanding little thing, he thought, her sweet smile deceiving if you didn’t know better. Palmer shook his head, trying to fathom how parents managed to have two, three and four kids when the first never let them enjoy the act of procreation. He laughed out loud as he wrapped a bath sheet around his waist.
Walking into the bedroom, he was surprised to find Jack lying in the middle of the bed alone. Soledad and the baby had disappeared into another room.
“What? The girls abandoned you and now you want to hang out with me?”
Jack grunted at him, disinterest written all over his muzzle. He jumped from the bed and padded slowly out the door.
“So much for loyalty and appreciation,” Palmer muttered. He laughed, moving to the closet to find his clothes.
When he stepped into the kitchen minutes later, Soledad stood in the center of the room, her hands on her hips as she stared at the television set. There was a commercial playing and she seemed to be waiting for something, one foot tapping anxiously against the hardwood floor. She made him smile and he imagined what every day could be for them with her and the baby there.
Lyra sat propped against Jack, who opened one eye to give him a look that dared Palmer to take the little girl from him. His dog had officially become a monster, Palmer thought.
The local station returned to the morning news. There was a clear shot of downtown, the camera spanning the length of Grave Gulch Boulevard toward the police station and town hall. The streets were lined with protesters holding signs and chanting, their voices ringing out in unison. The newscaster’s voice narrated over the images.
“Folks also took to the streets in downtown Grave Gulch today to peacefully protest ongoing concerns with local police chief Melissa Colton and what some are calling a clear lack of accountability and leadership within the ranks. Protesters tell us this issue is particularly concerning in light of the recent discovery that forensic scientist Randall Bowe manipulated evidence in numerous cases, resulting in prejudicial outcomes. Bowe is currently wanted for questioning and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.”
The camera then panned to two protesters, a robust woman who was the spitting image of Dolly Parton and an African American man who owned a local business on the protest route.
“All police aren’t bad,” the woman was saying. “My father is a retired police chief. The problem is the good cops lack the support and resources to do their jobs successfully. We have an issue with that.”
The shop owner was less enthusiastic. “Corruption within the police ranks is rampant, and until those in charge are held to a higher standard, it’s not going to get better. We need a police chief who isn’t afraid to push the status quo and demand better from his team!” he admonished.
The camera went back to the line of protesters, capturing their chants a second time. The newscaster continued.
“The Grave Gulch Police Department took to social media today, posting its response to the protests and calls for Chief Colton’s resignation. To read their full statement, go to our website.”
The cameras shot back to the newsroom and the newscaster. She was an attractive brunette who looked pageant-ready with her overbright smile and bouffant hairstyle.
“New this morning, authorities are looking for a missing Michigan woman who may have been in Grave Gulch prior to her disappearance, and they need your help.”
Soledad’s picture suddenly filled the screen. It was a promotional photo she’d had taken when she’d opened the bakery. One of the few pictures that she liked of herself. The on-air personality resumed.
“Grave Gulch Police Department said thirty-year-old Soledad de la Vega was reported missing when she failed to show up for work at her local business, Dream Bakes. De la Vega is believed to have last been in the company of Annie Stone, whose body was discovered days ago. Dr. Gavin Stone is considered a person of interest in the investigation. However, Ms. de la Vega’s disappearance is considered suspicious, police said. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Soledad de la Vega should contact the Grave Gulch police. There is currently a five-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to her whereabouts. When we return...”
Palmer reached for the television remote and depressed the off button. Soledad spun toward him, her eyes wild.
“That doesn’t make any sense,” she started. “Why would they report me missing?”
Palmer shook his head. “I’m not going to venture to guess,” he said as he pulled his cell phone out of his back pocket and dialed. The number rang three times before his brother answered.
“What’s wrong?” Troy questioned.
“Is that how you say hello?”
“Under the circumstances, I have to be concerned.”
“Local police reported Soledad missing. Do you know anything about that?”
“Technically, she is missing. Melissa was afraid that if it didn’t look like we were looking for her or concerned about her whereabouts, Dr. Stone would figure out we knew where she was and maybe figure out where she is himself. We don’t want to take any chances he’ll find her before we find him.”
“And the reward?”
“We wanted to make it look good.”
Palmer nodded into the receiver, bobbing his head as if Troy could see him. “Any leads on where Stone might be?”
“The investigation is still ongoing. He’s got money and connections, which is making our job harder. Melissa thinks he may have left the state, but there have been one or two tips that have come in, saying he’s been spotted here in Grave Gulch.”
“You people need to find him,” Palmer said.
“You just take care of our witness,” Troy answered.
“You need to step up the patrols around my property. Just in case,” Palmer quipped. “Please,” he added.
“Done,” Troy responded.
Disconnecting the call, Palmer shared the information with Soledad. She shook her head, suddenly feeling completely out of sorts. She moved back to the kitchen and the sink full of dishes. Frustration pulled her mouth into a frown, and her eyes narrowed as she felt her brow crease with worry.
“I have to ask,” Palmer said. “Are you okay?”
Soledad shrugged her shoulders. “I let my guard down. I let myself forget why Lyra and I are here. Then I started playing house with you like this is some fairy tale with a happy ending.”
“It can be.”
She shook her head. “I’m not safe as long as Gavin is out there. And me just being here puts you in danger, too.”
Soledad took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She finally gave him a quick nod, her gaze clinging to him as if her life depended on it. Because in many ways, it did.
Something in the oven had filled the room with the aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Soledad took a peek inside the appliance, then moved back to the sink. Palmer shook his head as he eased up behind her. He dropped his hands to the curve of her hips and pressed a damp kiss to her neck. She purred in response, then turned her face to be kissed, grateful to be distracted from those feelings of dread.
“Hungry?” she asked.
“For you.”
Soledad giggled. “I made cinnamon rolls. They should be ready any minute now.”
“The ones you sell at the bakery with the thick cream-cheese icing?”
She nodded. “Yep. Those ones.”
“Let me grab a very large cup of coffee,” he said as he kissed her one last time. “Or I’ll need a nap when I’m finished with breakfast.”
“You’re going to be late, aren’t you?”
“You mean I’m already late, don’t you? If someone hadn’t been holding me hostage in the shower...”
Soledad laughed. “You are not going to blame me because you got greedy.”
“Greedy? If you weren’t giving it away, all willy-nilly like. I am a man, after all.”
“Willy-nilly?”
Palmer waved his hand in the air. “I am just calling it like I see it.”
“And that sounds just like it might be the last time you get to see it,” she joked.
Palmer didn’t miss the innuendo. He laughed with her, chuckling heartily. Sliding his arms around her torso, he hugged her close, feeling her body settle against his. He kissed her cheeks, the tip of her nose, her forehead.
“It’s going to be okay,” he whispered softly. “I promise.”
Soledad nodded as she lifted her face to his, easing into the vow against his lips. The kiss they shared was furtive, tongues doing a brazen two-step. He snaked a hand beneath her T-shirt, his fingers pulling at the rock-hard nipple that had blossomed beneath his touch. The moment stalled abruptly when Lyra began crying for attention.
Palmer lifted his gaze, amusement in his eyes. “Baby girl,” he said, as he shifted himself from Soledad. “We really need to work on your timing, princess.”
* * *
Feeling completely out of control at having to stay indoors, Soledad was ready to run screaming into the fields and pull her hair out. She was frustrated and ready to take out her anguish on the first person who looked at her the wrong way. Although she loved Palmer’s home, the four walls were starting to feel too close for comfort. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take.
Beside her, Lyra gurgled and cooed in her baby seat. Soledad was grateful that the child had no clue what was going on or that what was going on was beginning to get to her. Lyra was happy and the smile on her face could melt icebergs. She was a great source of joy, and Soledad still worried that, with everything going on, she wouldn’t be able to keep the child safe.
She hadn’t wanted Palmer to see how frightened she was. Because it wasn’t Gavin who frightened her. It wasn’t Gavin who had her heart racing, thinking about what would happen when things were over and her life went back to normal. Gavin didn’t have anything to do with her concerns about where things would stand with Palmer when there was no one and nothing for him to protect her from.
Palmer was trying so hard to ease her mind and to convince her that everything was going to be well. He was also doing a darn good job keeping her distracted. Every time he was near, the heat from their bodies merging, she had a hard time thinking straight. Because Palmer Colton was sexy as hell and damn near perfection in bed! Everything about the man made her heart sing. Taking that step with him had been more than she could have ever wished for. He was definitely some bright sunshine on a dark day.
Soledad suddenly thought about Annie. How she and Annie would have huddled together over the details and a bottle of wine. How Annie would have alleviated her fears and encouraged her to take a risk if it meant she would be happy. How Annie would have been thrilled that she’d found someone she could love. Someone who would love her back.
Annie would have also given her a hard time about jumping into bed with a man she hadn’t known longer than a minute. Under normal circumstances, what had happened between them would have been more of a one-night stand. Annie would have helped her make sense of everything she was feeling, though. She would have made sense out of the nonsense. Soledad missed her best friend.
Lyra giggled, seeming to read her mind. She made Soledad laugh and Soledad had seriously needed the laughter. The baby suddenly scrunched up her face as if to cry, but pulled her big toe into her mouth. Drool trickled down her foot.
Soledad chuckled. “Okay, kiddo, I’m limber, but I’m not that limber. Why are you showing off?”
Lyra looked at her with wide eyes and the slightest pout. Her face twisted a second time, and then she kicked her legs and pitched her body backward.
“Well, that’s not very ladylike. What’s going on, sweet pea?”
Lyra went back to chewing on that toe and her clenched fist. Soledad grabbed a cloth diaper and wiped at the spit that puddled over the baby’s chin. That was when she saw the beginnings of a new tooth piercing Lyra’s upper gum.
“Someone’s teething. Look at that! Poor baby! No wonder you had a bad night!”
Lyra gurgled and chewed.
Soledad leaned to give the baby a kiss on her forehead. Everything about Lyra brought her immense joy. She fully understood Annie’s commitment to the infant because she now, too, would lay down her own life to keep the child safe. Her love knew no limits and she imagined it was what Palmer’s mother felt for him when he’d been adopted.
She suddenly had a light-bulb moment. “I need to bake you some teething cookies,” she thought out loud. “In fact, I’m going to bake cookies for you and for Palmer. Palmer likes my cookies.”
Lyra didn’t look all that impressed, which made Soledad laugh.
Chapter 15
Whether or not Palmer showed up on time, Colton Ranch still operated like an efficient machine. Between the miles of fencing, irrigation systems, corrals for holding the sheep and cattle, the loading chutes and trailers, his crew was quite able to keep things running smoothly. With the new shipment of cattle that had arrived the day before, they now had to be branded with the ranch logo.
Palmer was fortunate in his ranch hands. Between the animals, the land, the machines and dozens of other jobs that needed to be performed, his workers were loyal, giving him 110 percent of themselves. As he pulled up to the site, Noé was already in place, ensuring the branding process went off without a hitch.
Gone were the days of traditional branding, where an animal was captured and thrown to the ground, its legs tied together and a fire-heated branding iron applied to its hindquarters. Palmer and his crew herded the animals through a chute instead, where they ran into a confined area and could be safely secured while the brand was being applied with an electric iron. By the time Palmer reached the pasture, more than half the cows had been marked.
“Good job,” Palmer said, extending his hand to shake Noé’s. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you.”
“All the men are doing great,” Noé said, gesturing at one of the workers with his hand. “This is a good crew.”
Palmer nodded. “Then I’m going to leave you to it. I’ll head over to the north fields. We need to finish the repairs on those irrigation pipes. It’ll probably be dusk
when we get done.”
“I’ll head over to help when we are done here, jefe.”
Palmer shook his head. “No, I need you to move the cattle to the other pasture, so they don’t start overgrazing here. Tomorrow we’re going to need to cut the hay, so we’ll need to check the haying equipment tonight to make sure everything’s in good working order.”
Noé gave him a nod, then went back to focusing on the job at hand.
Jumping back into his truck, Palmer drove to the other side of the ranch. He parked his vehicle and got out, pulling on a pair of leather gloves as he made his exit. A handful of men, already in place, had started to dig out the ditches that needed to be repaired. Grabbing his own shovel from the bed of the truck, Palmer leaped in to give them a hand.
An hour later his shirt was stained with sweat, his face was streaked with mud, and every muscle in his body hurt. The work wasn’t easy and only a select few were able to do it and do it well. These were some of the strongest men he’d ever known, and he was honored to call most of them friends.
Lunch came quickly and they were past the point of readiness when they were finally able to take a break. Most fell to the ground to rest and enjoy packed lunches and bottles of ice water from the cooler in the bed of Palmer’s truck. Laughter was abundant and Palmer took a bit of ribbing from the men who’d known him longest. Shortly after lunch, Noé and two of the other men joined them, helping to knock the job out quickly.
Palmer was first to see the young man in the distance. He was coming from the direction of the main road. He was alone and walking at a good pace toward the crew. As he got closer, Palmer saw that he was fairly young, more boy than man, with dark curls, large eyes and a lanky frame. He wore denim jeans, a white T-shirt, and carried a backpack. He wasn’t the first stranger to pass through the farmland and probably wouldn’t be the last, but given everything going on with Soledad, Palmer didn’t trust anyone he didn’t know.
Noé seemed to sense his concern as he stepped beside him.
“Do you recognize him?” Palmer asked.
Rescued by the Colton Cowboy Page 17