Tempting His Heart

by Dawn Sullivan

  After a good twenty minutes, Sloane finally found them. Cara, Caiden and Ryder were herding some cattle south, but one of them kept escaping. When it did, others tried to follow and it caused more problems. As Sloane watched, they once again got the cattle moving in the direction they wanted them to go. She laughed and nudged the mare in their direction. She had almost caught up with them when one of the steers once again took off out of the herd. Reining her horse in quickly, Sloane spun around and was off after it, laughing the whole way. She had missed riding so much. As Sloane brought the steer back to the herd, she grinned at the others who were laughing with her.

  Sloane spent the rest of the day herding cattle and helping fix fence. She’d never really done either before, but she had been riding horses since she could walk. The other things were easy to learn.

  At the end of the day when they were headed home, Caiden let out a whoop and took off at a dead run. It didn’t take long for Sloane to catch him. This she could do. Riding low over her mount’s neck, Sloane urged the mare faster. As she glanced up, Sloane saw Creed’s truck turning into the driveway. Racing to the barn, she pulled the mare up when she was just a few yards out. Creed got out of the truck and walked toward her, his eyes on the dancing Paint.

  Tilting his Stetson back on his head, Creed grinned up at her. “I see you had a good day.”

  “I did,” she exclaimed with a wide smile. “I didn’t realize how much I missed riding!”

  Chuckling, he said, “Well, why don’t we put Star Gazer away, and you go into town and get ready. I’d like to take you to dinner tonight.”

  Hesitating, Sloane asked, “What about Cassie?” She didn’t want to leave his daughter out, but the idea of spending time alone with Creed had her heart racing.

  “She’s spending the night with Mom and Dad tonight. They’re taking her with them to a horse auction tomorrow.”

  Sloane’s eyes widened. Not only would she get the night with Creed, but he didn’t have to be home by a certain time either. Immediately her mind started going places it had no right to be going just yet. She was the one who told Creed she wanted to take things slow.

  Dismounting, Sloane led Star Gazer into the barn. Following her, Creed stepped forward and removed the saddle and blanket before she could. Quickly, she brushed the mare down with Creed’s help and they put her back in her stall.

  Entering the tack room, Creed and Sloane put the saddle and bridle away. Suddenly, Sloane heard the door shut and found herself shoved up against it as Creed roughly took her mouth with his. The familiar fear wasn’t there. There was only a sweet craving for more of what he was offering. Breathing heavily, Creed pulled back and nipped lightly at her bottom lip. “I’ve wanted to do that all fucking day,” he groaned as he scraped his teeth along her neck, biting down gently. “I want to do so much more, but I understand you need time. So let’s get out of here. You go home and get ready. I’ll be by in an hour to take you to dinner.”

  Pulling him back down to her, Sloane slowly traced his lips with her tongue before pushing past them to stroke inside his mouth. Groaning, he slid his fingers into her hair. Tightening them, he held her head still while he once again took control. When he finally pulled back, she was panting softly. “Sloane,” he groaned as he nibbled her neck gently. “The things you do to me woman.”

  Backing away, Creed turned her around. Opening the door, he gave her a small push, smacking her on the ass as she left the tack room. Jumping in surprise, a small squeal left her lips and she froze as she came face to face with Caiden and Ryder. At Ryder’s raised eyebrows and cocky grin, she glanced back at Creed. He just shrugged. “I’ll pick you up in an hour,” he said, his eyes full of laughter. Scowling, Sloane turned, and ignoring his brothers she left the barn.

  Driving home took less than ten minutes, but by the time she got there, Sloane was over her mortification at Creed’s brothers catching them after their hot kiss. And damn, was it hot. She shuddered as she remembered the way he had caged her in up against the door, grabbing her hair and taking control. She never would have thought she would enjoy something like that. Not after everything she went through with her ex. That wasn’t the case, though. Not only had she enjoyed it, she wanted more.

  After parking her vehicle behind her building, Sloane went in the back door and ran swiftly up the steps to her apartment. Unlocking the front door, she went quickly to her bedroom and undressed. She didn’t know where they were going to eat, but she was starving. After a quick shower, she dried her long hair and lightly applied some makeup. Going into her bedroom, she carefully picked out a matching lavender bra and panty set, just in case. In the closet she found a light pink dress to wear with a pair of tan sandals. Sloane had just finished getting dressed when there was a knock on the door. Smiling, she grabbed her purse and a light jacket before going to answer it.

  Looking through the peep hole, Sloane saw Creed on the other side. Opening the door, she drank in the sight of him. He wore a brown and white, button down shirt tucked into what looked like a new pair of jeans that rode low on his hips. A pair of dark brown boots and a brown Stetson completed his outfit. Damn, the man was gorgeous.

  “You look amazing,” he said with a slow grin. “Absolutely amazing.” When he held out a hand to her, Sloane slipped hers in his and stepped out of the apartment, pulling the door shut behind her. Tugging her close, Creed kissed her lightly on the lips. “We better go. We have reservations at a restaurant in the next town over.”

  Her heart fluttering in anticipation, Sloane followed him down the stairs and out to his truck. He helped her in before shutting her door and going around the front of the truck to get in on the driver’s side. “Tell me something about yourself,” she said as they pulled out of the alley. “I want to know everything about you.” For the next thirty minutes, Creed kept her entertained with stories of growing up on the ranch with four brothers and a tomboy for a sister.

  Pulling into Silver City, Creed drove to a place called Rippley’s Steakhouse. Sloane was charmed by the atmosphere the minute they walked in the place. It had a country theme with all hardwood floors and various signs hanging on the walls. The waitresses were dressed in half tops, short jean skirts and boots. She laughed when she saw peanut shells all over the floor. Creed grinned as he said, “Peanuts are a big attraction here.”

  “I can see that,” Sloane replied, giggling as she watched a child crack a peanut open and then throw the shell on the ground. A waitress came by in front of Creed and Sloane and let them know she would be with them in just a moment, as she swept up the shells in her path.

  A couple of minutes later they were seated in a booth across from each other and deciding what to have for dinner. Sloane smiled to herself as Creed reached across the table and took hold of her hand. It had been years since she had been treated like she was someone special, and she was really enjoying it.

  After ordering dinner, they talked some more. Creed was a wildlife advocate, especially with wolves. His love for them showed in his eyes as he talked about the work he did with them at a nearby wildlife park. Absently, Sloane traced the large brown cuff with a picture of a grey wolf that was on his arm as she listened. The wolf was a beautiful, majestic creature. She could easily understand Creed’s interest in them.

  They talked throughout dinner, staying away from the subject of Sloane’s ex-husband and Cassie’s mother out of mutual respect for each other. There was never a lull in conversation.

  After sharing a piece of delicious chocolate cake, they decided it was time to go. It was getting late and Creed needed to get up early to help on the ranch since his parents were going to be at the auction most of the day. Sloane decided she would wake up early as well so she could start working on the store after taking the day off to play.

  When they got back to Sloane’s building, Creed walked her to her apartment. Taking the keys from her hand, he unlocked the door. Pulling her against him, he placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I’ll call you tomorrow,�
�� he promised as he cupped her cheek in his hand.

  “You aren’t coming in?” she asked softly, gazing into eyes that had darkened with desire.

  Shaking his head, he lightly traced her lips with a finger. “If I come in, I won’t leave until morning. You aren’t ready for that, yet.” After one last kiss, he told her goodbye, waiting until she went inside and locked the door behind her before leaving. Filled with pleasure at how wonderful the night had been, Sloane changed into pajamas and slipped into bed, drifting off to sleep with a sigh of contentment.

  Chapter 9

  The next day flew by in a blur as Sloane cleaned and rearranged the store. The majority of the day was spent thinking about Creed and their time together the night before. It had been perfect and she was on a high of pure blissfulness.

  Deciding in the late afternoon that it was finally time to paint, Sloane drove to the hardware store on the edge of town to pick out her paint and get supplies. She returned an hour later, armed and ready to start on a mural in the children’s section. Sloane unloaded the car, leaving everything just inside the back door. Needing a break, she made her way up to her apartment for a glass of iced tea.

  Her mind on Creed and the hot, sexual chemistry they had together, she almost missed the black rose and envelope lying on the welcome mat in front of her door. Jumping back at the sight of it, she started to tremble. If it was another color she would have thought maybe it came from Creed, but it was black. Who gave someone they cared about a black rose?

  Her eyes glued to the rose, she debated on looking to see what was in the envelope or calling the police. Assuring herself it was nothing, that maybe it really had come from Creed, Sloane moved cautiously forward and squatted down in front of the welcome mat. On the envelope she could just make out the words ‘My Fucking Whore’ in dark red. That was enough for her.

  Scrambling back away from the offensive scene, Sloane turned and quickly ran back down the stairs and out the back door. Climbing in her car, she locked the doors and took out her phone. Her heart racing, she waited for Creed to answer. A tear slipped out when she heard his voice on the other line, “Creed,” she whispered, “I need you.”

  Creed pulled up behind Sloane’s car five minutes later. He was just leaving his parents when she called him, and had come straight there. Sloane was sitting stiffly in her car, her fingers clenched tightly around the steering wheel. Creed walked up beside her door and knocked lightly on the window. He felt bad when she jumped in fear, but then her door was unlocked, flung open and she was in his arms. “I’m sorry, Creed,” she whispered raggedly. “I’m sure I’m blowing this all out of proportion.”

  Leaning back, he tilted her chin up so he could look into her terrified eyes, “Talk to me, Sloane. What happened?”

  Trembling, Sloane whispered, “When I came home there was a black rose on the mat in front of my door. At first I wondered if maybe you left it, but it’s black. I knew you wouldn’t give me a black rose.”

  “No, I wouldn’t,” he growled softly, slowly stroking her cheek with his thumb.

  “There’s a note, too. I didn’t read it, but the card says…” Sloane shuddered and continued. “It says ‘My Fucking Whore’ on it.”

  Taking out his phone, Creed called Katy. “I need you at Sloane’s place now, Kat. Bring Cody with you.” Hanging up, he put his phone away and wrapped both arms tightly around Sloane. “Katy’s on her way. When she gets here, Cody and I will go upstairs to investigate what was left in front of your door. I want you to stay here with Katy.”

  Sloane shook her head vehemently, “No, Creed. I’m going with you. I need to know what’s going on.”

  “I don’t want you up there right now, Sloane,” Creed protested. “Just wait down here until I know what we’re dealing with.”

  “I’m not waiting,” Sloane insisted. “I have to be there, Creed. Please. I need to be.”

  With a deep sigh, Creed nodded and held her closer, her head resting on his shoulder. “Okay, but you stay right by Katy. I’m going to check it out first.” His voice held no room for argument, but she didn’t give him one. They stood by her vehicle in silence until Creed’s deputies, Katy and Cody, pulled in the alley and parked in a space by Sloane’s car.

  “What’s going on,” Katy asked as she exited the vehicle. Placing her hands on her hips above the utility belt that held her handcuffs and gun, she waited for a response.

  “Sloane had a visitor while she was away from her apartment this afternoon,” Creed said as he gently pulled back from Sloane and guided her over to Katy. “I want you to stay out here.” When Sloane would have interrupted, he held up a hand. “I want you to stay here with Katy just while Cody and I clear the area. We need to make sure whoever was here earlier, isn’t still here.”

  As Sloane’s eyes widened in shock, Creed kissed her softly and held out his hand. “I need your keys. I want to clear the apartment too, before I take you up there.” Quietly, Sloane removed the keys from her pocket and handed them over.

  Nodding silently to Katy, Creed motioned for Cody to come with him. Removing his gun, Creed entered the building cautiously, Cody following closely behind him. After quickly clearing the store, they went up the stairs to the apartment. His eyes narrowed as he saw the rose where Sloane said it would be. Crouching down, he looked closely at the card. “Leave it while we clear the apartment,” he told his deputy. “When it’s cleared, you can bag it and take it to the station. We’ll look at it there.” Cody nodded in agreement.

  After unlocking the door, Creed slowly opened it and he and Cody swiftly entered the room, guns drawn. The kitchen and living room were empty. Moving down the hallway, he entered Sloane’s bedroom. On the bed lay another black rose. The son of a bitch had been inside the apartment.

  “Clear,” Cody called from the other bedroom. Coming back to where Creed stood, he said, “Let me go to the car and get what we need to bag this up. Hopefully our guy was too stupid to worry about fingerprints.”

  “Something tells me that’s not the case,” Creed replied as he pulled out his phone. “I’m calling Jace and having him bring a crime scene kit. I want to have everything tested. That bastard made a mistake when he targeted Sloane. He never should have broken into her apartment.”

  Cody left to get Katy and Sloane while Creed placed a call to Jace. He explained what was going on to his deputy in a clipped tone. As he hung up there was a gasp from behind him. Sloane was standing in the doorway looking at the rose on her bed. “Who would do this?” she murmured.

  “That’s what I’m going to find out,” Creed vowed as he took her by the arm and gently guided her out of the bedroom and down the hall to the living room. Sitting on the loveseat, he pulled her down beside him.

  Katy sat in the recliner and took out a notebook. “Sloane, I need to know if there is anyone out there that you can think who would do something like this to you. Someone you have dated, anyone you may have upset? I have Jake on the list, but is there anyone else?”

  Looking at them in surprise, Sloane said, “Jake doesn’t even know I’m here. I haven’t talked to him in over two years.”

  Creed met Katy’s eyes, knowing they were both thinking the same thing. Just because Sloane hadn’t heard from Jake in years, did not mean the man wasn’t still keeping tabs on her. “It’s an option we need to explore,” Katy said as she made a note in her notebook. “Can you think of anyone else?”

  Shaking her head, Sloane said softly, “No, there really isn’t anyone. I haven’t dated since I left Jake five years ago.” Looking into Creed’s eyes, she whispered, “I haven’t wanted to until now.” Creed smiled slowly. Reaching out, he ran a gentle hand down her hair. Blinking back tears she asked, “What did the note say?”

  “I don’t know,” he responded as he brushed at a tear that escaped. “I’m waiting for Jace to get here with a crime kit. I want everything tested for prints.”

  “Jace,” she asked as her eyebrows scrunched up in confusion. “Who’s tha
t?”

  “He’s another one of my deputies. I have three deputies, Katy, Cody and Jace. Claire answers the phones and takes care of the filing.”

  “And Lacey,” Sloane reminded him softly, her eyes downcast.

  “Yes,” Creed agreed. “Lacey is the local coroner. She has an office in our building and stops in when she gets a chance.” He winced when Katy kicked him in the shin. “What the hell?” he groused.

  Shaking her head in disgust, Katy told Sloane, “Lacey is dating an x-ray technician at the hospital,” she clarified quietly. “Now, let’s get back to the task at hand. I need a list of everyone you worked with before, Sloane. Anyone you have had contact with in the past few months that might seem suspicious.”