Cowboy 12 Pack
Page 56
After the song ended and she hugged her family, Brandi took the stage one more time. “Seems only fitting to end with this song since we’re in Texas. This one goes out to the Texas Guard and anyone else who happens to like a little something called “Orange Blossom Special.””
His brows rose. No way. Fiddle? He smiled, sat back and enjoyed the final song from the very talented musician. And that’s what she was, a musician. An accomplished one. No one played like that if it was just a hobby. The woman no doubt had slept with the instrument under her pillow in her youth. Her talent was an eat-breathe-and-sleep talent.
A virtuoso.
What the hell was she doing designing rooms? Not that she wasn’t great at that, but…damn. It was a sin to let all the talent, practice, blood, sweat—the tears go to waste.
When the last strings died and the country band took the stage, it was a good ten minutes before Brandi reached the table. Every few steps someone stopped her, to shake her hand or give her a hug. Kade made sure to have a fresh glass of water ready and the chair pulled back.
After hugging her father and brother, she dropped into her seat and reached for her water. “Thank you,” she said.
He settled into his chair and watched as she downed half the glass before she set it on the table and turned to him.
“You stayed.” She reached for his hand and squeezed. “Thank you.”
Cocking his head, he narrowed his gaze and studied the woman. “Did you make me promise to stay so I wouldn’t leave during your second song?” He couldn’t bring himself to say “Fallen Soldier” out loud. But he needed to know. He didn’t appreciate being manipulated, even if the song somehow released a bit of the constant pressure from his chest.
A frown wrinkled her brow and she shifted closer. “No. I asked you to stay because…I…because you make me feel strong. Like I can do anything. And going up there was tough tonight. I haven’t played since I left the Philharmonic.”
Ah hell. He squeezed her hand and lifted his other to touch her face, uncaring that her father and brother were watching. He’d more than likely panic later. Right now, his concern for her won out. “You are strong, Brandi. You don’t need me or anyone. All you need is you.”
She inhaled as tears filled her eyes. Damn. He hadn’t meant to make her cry.
“Well said, son.” Her father stood and smacked her brother’s shoulder. “Let’s mingle and give these two some privacy to talk.”
With that, all the other soldiers at the table stood, and soon he was alone with Brandi.
“Your dad doesn’t pull any punches, does he?”
She laughed and sniffed. “No. Not hardly.”
“I like him. He’s a good man,” he said, wiping a stray tear from her face with his thumb. “I’m glad he was there for you.”
She nodded. “Me, too. I know I was lucky.” Her hand tightened around his. “Are you okay?”
His insides froze, as they always did whenever the are-you-okay subject came up. “Yeah, I’m good.” And the thumb she used to brush the underside of his wrist made him feel even better. His insides went from frozen to stirred. He needed to fight it for another minute. “Brandi, what did the Colonel mean during your introduction about you being one of our own? Did he mean a Wyne or…”
“I joined the Guard when I was eighteen.”
She was former military? Son-of-a-bitch. Taking the news like a slap to the face, he released her hands and sat back. “You have any more secrets?”
She blinked. “It wasn’t a secret. It’s just not something that comes up.” Sighing, she dropped her gaze and fumbled with her fingers on her lap. “I loved the Guard, but left when my weight started to interfere with my performance. I was worried I’d fail the PT test, and not only embarrass myself, but my dad.”
Understanding instantly cancelled his mistrust. He reached for her knotted hands and gently pried them apart. “I’m sorry.”
She nodded.
He wanted to ask if she’d been overseas, but the thought of her seeing the things he’d seen, experiencing the horrors…did something unpleasant to his insides. And given the way she’d played that song. The emotions she’d tapped into…he knew… Yes, she had been deployed.
“You want to dance?” he asked, because otherwise he was going to give into the urge to kiss her right there in public, in front of his peers, her family…his men. He needed to lead by example. Show restraint.
“Yes,” she replied.
For a moment, he stilled, not sure if she meant the dance or the kiss.
“Both.” A slow smile spread across her lips as he led her to the dance floor.
She was killing him. Mindful of her father and brother in the room, he forced himself to hold her luscious curves at a respectable distance. “And how do you know what I’m thinking?” he asked, unable to resist the teasing gleam in her eyes.
Her hands slid up his chest to hook around his neck. “Because it’s exactly what I’m thinking,” she replied, brushing that damn thumb across the back of his neck, sending shivers straight down his spine.
Then she stepped in close—decimating that respectable distance—to inhale near his neck, and this time shivers shot down the front of him, then back up when she puffed a soft, sexy little moan near his ear.
“Oh… I might have to wear these shoes more often. All our good parts are lined up,” she observed, deliberately brushing against him.
He sucked in a breath and stilled. “Jesus, Brandi. You have to stop that. Your father and brother are here. And my men.”
“Sorry.” She sighed. “I can’t help it. My body has a mind of its own where you’re concerned.”
“I know what you mean,” he admitted close to her ear, fighting the urge to nibble. “But you are right about your shoes. You do need to wear them more often…and without clothes.”
She let out a strangled moan.
He smiled. “What are you thinking?”
“That…that you look so good in your uniform, but…I really want to drag you up to my room and take you out of it.”
Even though all the blood rushed south, his brain managed to hang onto two important facts. One, she actually said something positive about him in a uniform, and two…
“You have a room?”
He could feel her smile against his neck. “Yes. I drove up last night to meet my father and brother.”
Ah hell. He’d forgotten about them. His shoulders slumped. “Oh.”
“They have their own rooms,” she informed, thumb brushing circles on the back of his neck again. “And Dad doesn’t usually stay at these gatherings ’til the end.”
And after three more songs, as if to prove the woman right, the major met them back at the table.
“It was nice meeting you, Sergeant Dalton,” her father said, shaking his hand. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am to know my baby is in good hands.”
He wasn’t sure what gave the man the impression he and Brandi were in a relationship, but was to the point he didn’t care anymore. “Nice meeting you, too, sir,” he replied, deciding to remain quiet on the in good hands subject.
“Will I see you both for breakfast?”
If a herd of tap-dancing elephants danced across eggshells without breaking them, Kade wouldn’t have been more surprised. And judging by the deer-in-the-headlights expression Brandi had going on, she was just as shocked.
“What? You think your old man ain’t hip?” The major grinned. “Just make sure you use protection.”
If Donny came in dragging two brawling bikers Kade wouldn’t have been more surprised. Damn. The major was two for two. And Brandi looked so incredibly cute with her face all red.
“Dad! Really?” She slapped her hands over her ears.
Ben joined them at that moment and smiled. “Ah, Dad gave you the old use protection line, didn’t he?”
“Hey, responsibility is key.” Her father shrugged. “And you haven’t given me an answer. Will I see you both at breakfast?”
> Kade shook his head. “Sorry, sir. I’m on duty at oh-six-hundred. I have to drive back to Harland County tonight.”
“Then I’d best say my goodbyes now.” They shook hands again, and the major squeezed tight. “Just remember, son, it isn’t a sign of weakness if you admit you need help.”
Unsure what he had to do with that statement, he nodded anyway since her father seemed to expect a response. The major released him to turn to his daughter and kiss her cheek.
“You did great tonight, kiddo. I knew you would,” her father stated. “I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight.” Then the man pivoted on his heel and strode for the door.
“It was nice meeting you, Kade.” Ben held out his hand. “Don’t hurt my baby sister. You do not want the Wyne brothers down here, trust me.”
He nodded.
Her brother released his hand and smiled. “Now, if you two will excuse me, I’m going to go ask the pretty blonde server to dance.”
And like the wind, the man was gone.
“I’m sorry about that, Kade,” Brandi said, face still a deep shade of red.
He smiled. “Don’t be. Just goes to show how much your family loves you. Kevin and I put Brock through the same treatment with Jen.”
“Oh, boy. I suddenly feel very sorry for her.”
His smile broadened. “As you know, everything worked out just fine.”
“True.” She fell silent.
“What’s wrong?”
“I…well…” Her cautious gaze held a glint of hope. “It feels as if our non-relationship status changed tonight. Am I right?”
He studied her a moment, not sure where she was going with the statement and question. Something had changed, though. He felt it, too.
“Yes.” Somehow, whether due to her music, their dancing, touching…he wasn’t certain of the cause, he just knew he felt an unidentifiable bond to the beauty. “Just be gentle with me,” he said, pulling her in close. “I’ve never been in anything other than a non-relationship before.”
A sinful smile curved her full lips. “I’ll be whatever you want, Sheriff.”
Her unexpected statement sent his heart into his ribs and growing erection into his unforgiving zipper. He leaned close to whisper in her ear, “I want you to be naked…except for your shoes.”
Chapter Twelve
‡
HOW COULD THE past two weeks have been any more perfect?
Oh, wait, they couldn’t.
Brandi smiled as she shut her cottage door. For the first time in a long time, her insides were as sunny as the day outside. Heat surrounded her and the sun blared overhead as she walked down the sidewalk toward Foster’s. Kerri and Jordan had asked her to join them for some frozen yogurt, and to introduce her to Shayla.
Not even the thought of being in the stunning redhead’s presence, or the other two beautiful women’s for that matter, could dispel Brandi’s good disposition. Kade had set the mood this morning, leaving her bed only after they were both…happy.
He’d been real good at that lately. So far, their non non-relationship was working out great. She’d been to the ranch a few times, but never stayed the whole night. She didn’t want to confuse Cody. And Kade had stayed at her place a couple nights. The sheriff/cowboy/soldier was the perfect boyfriend. He showed just enough interest in her day not to be nosey, and he wasn’t demanding…except in bed, which was okay with her because…well, she was kind of demanding there, too.
Her insides fluttered at the memory of their night at the hotel. He’d driven her crazy, slowly stripping her naked—except for her shoes—and she’d made him wear his beret. Then he took her on the table. Twice.
She was still smiling as she met up with the girls outside the ice cream shop.
“Okay, I know that smile. That’s the smile of a satisfied woman,” Jordan said, pulling her into a hug.
“Well, believe it or not, for once, you’re not going to get an argument from me.”
“It’s good to see you happy.”
“Thanks. I am happy.”
“Okay, then Happy, meet Shayla. Shayla, meet Happy,” Jordan joked, then smiled at the beautiful little girl in the redhead’s arms, the spitting image of her mama. Red hair that curled slightly at the neck and big, blue eyes. “And this cutie pie is Amelia.”
“Hi, Shayla, Amelia,” she said, bending slightly at the knee to look the baby in the eyes. “I’m Brandi.”
Jordan waved a hand at the ice cream shop. “Would you two like to talk first, or eat?”
She glanced at Shayla. “It’s up to you.”
“Talk first would be good if you don’t mind. It’s getting close to Amelia’s nap time.”
She nodded. “No problem.”
“Okay, then why don’t you leave Amelia with us and you two can go have your talk.” Kerri held out her hands and the baby went right for her.
The redhead hesitated, a frown creasing her brow as she stared at her daughter in the cook’s arms. “You sure?”
“Absolutely. She’ll be fine. Now go.” Jordan gave them a small shove.
As they walked to a little picnic area between the beach and the sidewalk, she expressed her condolences on the loss of the woman’s fiancé, then went on to outline the jobs she had going and what she needed. “I don’t expect you to design. What I need is someone to order supplies, schedule deliveries, keep track of them, keep track of the workers, make sure they have the supplies they need, and so on. In other words, your organizational skills.”
“Well, that I have.”
The redhead smiled for the first time since she met her, and if Brandi thought her gorgeous before, now the woman was breathtaking. Choosing a picnic table in the shade of a big oak tree, Shayla informed her of her work history, and explained her duties at the pub, all while keeping an eye on her daughter.
She got the sense the woman was extremely protective of her child and allowing someone else to watch the little one was a bit tough. Which brought up a point. “Some of the job sites are too dangerous for a child, so what will you do with Amelia?”
Shayla blew out a breath. “Mrs. McCall and Mrs. Masters volunteered to watch her until my sister moves in after her semester is done in a few months.”
“That’s right, you’re not from around here, either.”
A brow arched over an intent blue gaze. “Aren’t you?”
She smiled. “Oh, my no. I’m from Pennsylvania.”
“Wow.” The woman’s shoulders appeared to relax a little more. “I’m not the only newbie, then.”
“Nope.” She laughed. “I’m still getting used to the county, but for the most part, everyone seems pretty nice. A good place for your daughter to grow up.”
The redhead blew out a breath and nodded, her gaze once again on her baby happily bouncing on Kerri’s knee. She’d heard all she needed to, and wanted to let mother and daughter get back together.
Rising to her feet, she held out her hand. “The job’s yours if you want it.”
“Really?” The woman stood, her gaze widening. “Just like that?”
“Yes. Jordan and Kerri sing your praises, and from what you’ve told me, you’ll be a great fit. That’s all good enough for me.”
“Wow, thank you, Ms. Wyne, I won’t let you down,” Shayla said, shaking her hand.
“Please, call me Brandi,” she corrected. “And I know you won’t. I’ll have you work with me for a while before I let you handle other sites on your own.”
The woman nodded as they fell into step. By the time they reached the sisters, she’d ironed out the salary, a start date, and was a little alarmed to hear the redhead only had healthcare through the Guard on her daughter, and only for another month, which was the anniversary of her fiancé’s death. Calling around and gathering information on healthcare was the first task she’d give her new hire. And even though she got the impression the woman was secretive and a little untrusting, Brandi still felt really good about hiring Shayla Ryan.
“So, I t
ake it by the smiles that all is good?” Jordan’s gaze bounced between them as Shayla gathered her daughter and held her close.
Brandi nodded. “Yes. Shayla will start on Thursday when we begin your job, Kerri.”
“Sweet.” The cook smiled. “Let’s celebrate. My treat.”
A little while later, they were seated outside at an umbrella table eating their ice cream when Cole and Kevin pulled up and got out. Since the cowboys were still wearing their business suits, Brandi figured Jordan must’ve told them to stop by on their way home. Seated next to her, but across from Kerri and Shayla, Brandi watched the sharp-dressed men turn heads as they ambled near.
Kevin approached, warm gaze trained on the baby looking over her mother’s shoulder. “Who’s the cu—”
And like a ton of blue-eyed bricks, the dreamboat fell to his knees, taken down by an elbow to the groin from a swift acting, startled redhead.
“Kevin, are you all right?” Kerri untangled herself from the bench so Cole could help the doubled-over Kevin sit in her vacant spot.
The grimacing man held up a finger while working to catch his breath. Brandi still couldn’t believe how quick Shayla had moved. She’d seen a look of panic cross the woman’s face, but had no time to stop her or warn the poor guy.
“I will be later,” he said, color starting to return to his handsome face. “Once the fellas drop. Right now, they’re folded in on themselves trying to get away from the redheaded shrew.” He frowned at the mother hugging her daughter close. “What the hell, lady?”
She shrugged. “You’re wearing a suit.”
Kevin’s mouth dropped open, along with everyone else’s. Not exactly the response they’d all expected. “A suit? Really? Christ, I’d hate to see what would’ve happened if I were a biker.”
“Look, I’m sorry. It was reflex. You shouldn’t sneak up on people.”
“And you shouldn’t be around people. You’re dangerous.”