“I guess. I just want you to be okay.”
“Honey, don’t worry about me. Be happy for your father and Sian.”
After a few more minutes of talking about Jane’s classes, they hung up and Mindy dropped onto the bed, feeling the sting of tears. She’d wasted so many years.
Chapter Fourteen
“THIS ISN’T FAIR! I’m tired of living like a prisoner here,” Livvy said dramatically.
“So I’m keeping you prisoner now?” Creed sighed.
“Why can’t I call Mom? Are you afraid that she’ll let me come live with her?” She crossed her arms over her chest, acting like her world was crumbling around her cute, pink flip flops since he’d told her she had to earn her phone back by doing chores on the farm.
“I’m not keeping you from calling her,” he pointed out. “You can call her any time.”.
“Really?” Her face twisted. “How am I supposed to call her, or anyone, without a phone?”
Creed bit his lip to keep from reminding her that her mom hadn’t called in months to check up on her, but he didn’t want to hurt Livvy. “You can call her using my phone. Keep it on speaker phone.”
“See what I mean! Prison.”
He took out his phone from his front pocket and laid it on the table. “It’s up to you.”
She whipped the cell off the table like a gunfighter at the Okay corral. On the fifth ring Mel finally answered, “Hi, sweetie. How are you? Did you get the gift I sent you last week?”
“No. I didn’t.” Livvy paced the floor.
“Oh, I’ll have to track it. You’re going to love it. I’ll give you a little hint. It’s what all the hip young girls are wearing here in New York. Consider it an early birthday present.”
“My birthday just passed.”
“Yes, of course. I knew that.”
“Why haven’t you called, Mom?”
“Sorry, hun. You know I’m so busy right now with the new series. It’s so much fun working here in the big city. I’ve met so many people.”
Creed’s chest twisted as he watched the beginning of disappointment spread over his daughter’s face. Every time she spoke to her mother it ended with more hurt and anger for Livvy. Creed didn’t understand why Mel didn’t just tell the truth. Livvy was getting too old and wise not to see through the cracks and lies. She knew her mother had only started shooting the new TV series in the last three weeks.
“Dad’s being mean. I had to call you from his phone because he won’t let me use mine. I hate it here. He’s going to make me do chores on the farm. I can see why you left.” Livvy rolled her eyes and gave Creed a smirk. “I want to come there with you. Can I come live with you? Please.” Sadly, that was the first sliver of vulnerability Livvy had shown in months.
Mel’s heavy sigh rattled the line. “Livvy, you know—”
“Mom, please! I can’t live here another second. I’m going to scream.”
“I’m on set for twelve hours at a time, sweetheart. Who would keep you company?”
Livvy’s eyes lit because she must have seen a window. “I can stay by myself. Then when you have a day off, we can go visit all those shops you talk about.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t have any time off. Remember, I explained how hard it is to be an actress?”
“It’s okay, Mom! I’m fourteen now. I can stay alone.” Her bottom lip trembled, but her stubborn pride kept the tears at bay.
“Liv, I’m sorry. It won’t work. Cooper’s Hawk is where you belong. I must concentrate on work and not be worried about your safety being here all alone. I promise that as soon as I can I’ll send you a plane ticket and you can come and stay for a bit. How about before school starts? We can plan on shopping till we drop and there are so many fun and exciting things to do out here. You’ll love it. Just be patient. Okay?”
Moisture filled Livvy’s eyes, but she bravely sniffed them away. Silence filled the line.
Then Mel said bitterly, “Put your father on the line.”
Without a word, Livvy handed over the phone, spun on her heels and took each step up the stairs like she was pounding a nail into the wood. Creed turned off the speaker. “I’m here.”
“Why did you let her call? Is this a ploy to make me look bad? You know I can’t take off work right now.”
“I didn’t let her do anything. She misses you and wanted to speak to you—or rather she hoped she could plead her case and you’d come get her.” He took the phone into the kitchen.
“Can’t you control her?” Mel bit off.
“Yes, thanks for asking,” he growled. “That’s what I’m doing. Giving her some accountability.” Why did speaking to his ex feel like a drill being inserted inside his temple? He believed two people couldn’t dislike each other more. He didn’t hate her, but truthfully, he’d rather stay as far away from her as possible.
“Explain to her that I’m working hard. This wouldn’t be a time or place for a teenager. That’s where she should be, with you, at least for now. Remember, that’s why you insisted we stay in Cooper’s Hawk when we got married.” She always threw that fact up in his face, as if that was why things crumbled between them.
“I’m not your cheering section, Mel. You need to explain those things to her yourself.”
“I did but she doesn’t seem to listen,” she moaned. “Why bother.”
“I need to ask you a question. I know it was a long time ago, but I’m curious. When Mindy Sage came back during the time you and I were first going to get married, did you speak to her?”
Her rude groan rattled the line. “How am I supposed to know?”
“Come on, Mel. Search your memory,” he pressured.
“If you insist. Maybe I did. I don’t know why it matters. After all, she did leave. Anyway, count your blessings. Why this question? Please don’t tell me you’re still brooding over the past with her. Didn’t you do that enough when we were married,” she crooned.
He wasn’t about to get into the good, the bad and the ugly of their marriage. “Just curious, like I said. Did you take a letter that she left for me in my truck?” He didn’t want to believe that Mel would have been so underhanded, but he believed Mindy.
“Is this an inquisition? Are you asking if I did something to some letter? Wow, this is ridiculous. I never call because of this reason.”
“You didn’t call. Livvy called you.” He gripped the phone tighter. He knew this conversation would only go in circles. “Forget it. Take care of yourself.” He clicked off.
He turned and looked up, seeing that Livvy was standing at the top of the stairs, giving him the stink eye. “Livvy, I—”
“This is all your fault! She hates you and that’s why she hates me!” There was enough heat off her words that she shot invisible venom into his bloodstream.
“I can’t deny that she hates me. That’s obvious, but she doesn’t hate you, Livvy. She wants to see you, but—”
“Why are you lying to me? I’m fourteen. Not four. You can’t keep me a kid forever!”
He tore a hand through his hair. “I’m not…” But he was. “Okay, I guess I am. Cut me some slack, kiddo. I have no idea what a teenage girl needs and I’m doing my best.”
“Am I supposed to thank you?” She turned and stomped away.
He dropped down on the chair and sunk his face in his palm. Lord help him. He couldn’t win for losing when it came to his daughter.
The phone rang again and he stabbed the ‘talk’ button, “What?”
“Whoa there, bro.” It was Boone.
“Sorry. I was just walking off the battlefield with Livvy.”
“Did you win?”
“No. She has bigger guns. What’s up?”
“Guess where I am?”
Creed wasn’t in the mood for guessing games. “On the other end of the phone.”
“Good one.”
“How the hell should I know?” he said grumpily, feeling a little guilty that his brother was getting the shockwave over the argu
ments with Mel and Livvy.
“I’m at Pelican Hawke.”
“Good for you. So?”
“And I think there’s someone here who you might want to see.”
Creed hadn’t been at his brother’s bar in months.
Hearing a woman’s laughter, Creed’s heart kicked up. That melodic sound was very familiar. “Who was that?”
“Mindy. Apparently, she’s drinking away some feelings.”
“Good for her.”
“Did you do something?”
“Why do I always get the blame?” Creed rubbed the tension out of his forehead.
“Don’t bite my head off. If you don’t care then I guess you don’t care.”
Creed resisted the urge to run out the door. Time had passed and he couldn’t run as if he still needed to protect her. He didn’t have his house in order so how in God’s name could he try to fix someone else’s? After all, she was an adult and if she wanted to have a misery drink then so be it. He could use one too.
Then Creed heard a man say, “How about another dance, pretty lady?”
“And who is that?” Creed pressed through clenched teeth.
Boone chuckled. “Hey, you said you didn’t care.”
“No, brother. You said it. What the hell? You either answer my question or I’m going over to your place and put Nair in your shampoo.”
“Like that scares me. I could use a cut.”
“No, but if I use your toothbrush to clean out the toilet you’d be scared.” They’d played enough dirty tricks on each other growing up that Boone knew better than to pretend he wasn’t worried.
“Fine. That’s the cowboy she’s been dancing with for the last hour.”
“And you’re just now calling me?” Before Boone could answer, Creed muttered, “I’m on my way.” He started for the door then stopped. What the hell am I doing? If Mindy decided to dance with someone, she had that right. She had a freewill. The last thing he should do was go running after her.
He went into the kitchen, poured a glass of water and downed it.
Then washed the glass.
Scrubbed the already spotless counter.
Swept the clean floor.
Bounced a rubber ball he found in the junk drawer.
Then cursed a blue streak.
Strolling into the living room, he grabbed his hat from the hook and practically ran to his truck.
Yeah, he was an idiot for doing this. Mindy no longer needed him, but why did he still need to be needed? No, he wanted to be wanted. Especially by her.
Those were his thoughts when fifteen minutes later he pulled up in between two trucks at Pelican Hawke and climbed out. Several strides took him through the front door and into the crowded honky tonk. Nothing new. The place always drew a crowd, as much for the food as for the alcohol. A live band was playing on stage which brought a crowd from surrounding counties.
Creed always respected that Hank had taken over the place and turned it into a reputable business.
Searching through the swarm of people, Creed finally found Boone sitting at the bar.
“Where is she?” Creed asked once he stepped up to the bar, waving at Hank who was working the bar. He didn’t usually bartend these days, not since he’d hired help.
“Hello to you too,” Boone chuckled. “Right there.” He pointed a finger.
Following the path, Creed found her on the dance floor. He felt a crushing blow in his stomach. She was dancing—or rather arousing the attention of more than one man with the shake of her hips and shimmy of her bottom. Her hands were tangled in her hair as she moved smoothly to the beat of the country song.
My God, he’d never seen a more beautiful woman.
The long-sleeved white shirt was tied at her waist, and the black lace cami underneath gave a teasing glimpse of firm breasts. The waist of her cut off jean shorts rested low on her hips, cinched by a leather belt. The swaying and shaking of her hips reminded Creed of a dangerous pendulum.
Long, toned legs went on for miles and miles, down to ankle length cowgirl boots with an intricate western design carved into the leather. The longer she was back in Cooper’s Hawk, the more he was seeing the girl again who didn’t care what people thought. In his opinion, she’d been a little buttoned up when she first came back, not that it had deterred his attraction in any way.
He’d been staring so intently that it took him a good solid two minutes before he realized she wasn’t dancing alone. Some cowboy was bumping and grinding the air close to her.
Creed laughed, but it quickly turned to a growl when the man got a little too close. Boone elbowed Creed. “Relax there, partner. She’s been keeping him at a decent space.”
The dancing hillbilly rested his hands on her hips and pulled her closer. Creed felt the buried protectiveness rear its head. “You call that reasonable space, do ya?” A football field would have been too close with the way the stranger had his blood thirsty eyes on her firm bottom.
Mindy created more distance between them.
“The tequila shots must be working.”
Creed shot his gaze on his brother. “Tequila?” He knew exactly what Tequila did to her—for her. He lifted off his hat, threaded his fingers through his hair and fixed his hat back into place.
“A couple at least. What did you do to her?” Boone leaned his elbows back on the edge of the bar.
“What did I do to her? I didn’t do a damn thing. I thought I made myself clear over the phone?” Creed turned his attention back to the dance floor, reminding himself to breathe.
“Hell, I just figured.” Boone shrugged, lifted his beer bottle and took a long swig. “Want a drink?”
He could certainly use one. “No.” He needed to keep his wits about him.
Hank came over and shook his head. “Oh I see. A pretty brown-eyed cowgirl can convince you to come inside your brother’s bar, but when he asks you are too busy,” he quipped. All three brothers looked similar. Dark hair. Whiskered, broad jaws. All over six foot and two hundred pounds of solid muscle. People said when the three of them got together they could be intimidating. Probably why they never got into fights with others growing up. You fought one Hawke you’d have to face them all.
“If I wanted to see your ugly face I’d come in more often,” Creed joked. Although he and his brothers played a little harshly, they loved each other. He never had to question if they had his back.
“Yeah, yeah. It’s like looking in the mirror, right bro? Just a better version.”
“You both are ugly. I bet when I was born mama was celebrating that she finally popped one out that couldn’t scare away the vermin,” Boone tossed his two cents into the mix.
“Yeah she celebrated but much later when she praised God that you were born with good looks because you wouldn’t get very far with half a brain.” Hank and Creed fist bumped.
“That’s why you always loved the Wizard of Oz. You wanted the brains like the tin man,” Hank teased.
“It’s the lion, dumbass.” Boone snorted.
“You’re both stupid. It’s the scarecrow,” Creed said with a sniff. When the sitter came over she turned on the Wizard of Oz and made them watch. The brothers had been happy when she moved and Abby decided her boys no longer needed a sitter.
“Oh shit!” Boone muttered, his eyes as wide as silver dollars.
Following his brother’s glare, Creed found Mindy and the cowboy dancing to a slow song.
Creed gritted his teeth.
“Creed?” Hank tapped his shoulder.
“What?”
“Don’t bust up anything in my place. You got it? The last time you got pissed over her you rammed your fist into a wall and broke a few fingers.”
“I’m fine. I’m not jealous.” Creed denied the charge of anger that coursed through him.
“Oh? Did I use that word?” Hank laughed.
“So you always look like you’re constipated?” Boone dared.
“Don’t worry. I won’t break anything u
nless it happens to be a man’s jaw. But that won’t happen. She’d never forgive me if I acted like a jerk.”
“Damn, bro. Why the hell are you still sitting here? If I felt this much jealousy over a woman, I wouldn’t be sitting back watching her dance with another man. I’d make her mine. Isn’t it about time you took the initiative?” Boone patted his shoulder. “That’s not being a jerk. That’s stepping out of your bubble.”
Hell, maybe his brothers were right.
Pushing off the edge of the bar, Creed weaved his way through the crowd, hearing a few greetings from patrons and shaking a couple of hands until he finally made his way to the unsuspecting couple. The cowboy dancing with Mindy was the first one to see Creed.
“I didn’t know she had a husband,” the man blurted, dropping his hands to his sides.
Creed had his eyes on wide-eyed Mindy. Her bottom lip trembled. Her cheeks were rosy and flushed from dancing. He’d never seen her more beautiful. “I’m not her husband,” he finally said to the man, but Creed kept his eyes glued on her. She seemed a bit uncomfortable.
“We’re dancing, Creed.” Her smile was forced.
“You don’t mind if I cut in, do you, Cowboy?”
Without hesitation, the man booked it.
“What are you doing?” she said in a lowered voice so the other couples on the dance floor couldn’t hear.
“Just wanted to dance.” He grinned. “If we stand here much longer, we’re going to have a lot of explaining to do when the rumors start blasting around town.”
“And whose fault is that?” There was slight slur in her tone. He’d seen her drunker, but the glossiness in her eyes told him she’d had a few too many.
Because they were quickly becoming the center of attention, he wrapped his arm around her waist and dragged her against him. A little squeal fell off her lips. He bent his mouth close to her ear and whispered, “Pretend you like being in my arms. We don’t want to give people too much to talk about, do we?”
“You should have thought about that before you stormed up here like a general at Invasion of Normandy.” She placed both of her hands against his chest. Was this her way of keeping him at a safe distance?
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