“Civil? Really? Why in the hell should I be civil to you when all you were ever after was my money?”
Jumping up, she glared at him. “That is not true and you know it.”
Pushing away from the counter, he moved closer to her. Raising her eyes to meet his, she saw his jaw clench as he swore. “I sure as hell don’t know it. As soon as I mentioned living here, you bolted. You liked the nightlife and parties I introduced you to.”
“No––”
“Yes,” he hissed between clenched teeth. “You should have been happy with me no matter what I wanted to do but my wanting to be a rancher and a small town D. A. was beneath you.”
A tear rolled down her cheek because she knew he was right—then, but not now. “I’m sorry.”
Dakota reared back. “What?”
“I’m sorry. I did feel that way, but I loved you. I really did.” She took a deep shuddering breath. “I hated losing you, but it scared me to death to live here.”
“Why would it scare you?”
“I was afraid you wouldn’t have time for me. You’d be working two jobs.”
“That’s a good one.”
“It doesn’t matter what I say, Kota, you won’t believe me.”
“Do not call me that,” he growled.
“I’m sorry, it slipped out.”
“Christ, you are a piece of work.” He shook his head. “You’ll stay here until Aiden is found because I know Caporale will be looking for both of you. Between you cooking for the men and being in here at night, hopefully he won’t get to you.”
Megan rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “I’m so scared,” she whispered.
Dakota moved away from her to enter the mudroom. When he came back out, he had his coat on and then picked up his cowboy hat.
“You’ll be fine,” he said as he stormed out the door.
The slamming of it made her wince. It had such a final sound to it. She admitted to herself that she was hoping he’d hold her, but he only got angry. A tear slid down her cheek and another followed. Damn you, Aiden.
****
Dakota trudged through the snow to the barn. Damn her.
He knew she was lying. It had nothing to do with him not having time for her. It was the life he’d shown her that she wanted. She thrived on those parties and the nightlife. He could see her so clearly in his mind. The way she moved through the crowd, laughing at the right moment, and hanging on to him to let every woman know he belonged to her. Damn her to hell. A pretty face had taken him in. A fucking gold digger.
For years, he’d dodged that bullet. He’d always loved them and left them. It was his reputation. Any woman he took to bed knew the rules going in. He had no desire to be with one woman for longer than one night until Megan came along. The minute he’d looked into those green eyes, he’d been lost and known he had to have her. He fell, and he fell hard. Even his friends were shocked when he told them he was in love. They knew he was in deep.
She’d spent a lot of time here on the ranch and he’d thought she loved it. He supposed it was a nice place to visit but not to live. He thought he’d brought her inner country girl out. He’d been wrong and it hurt. Damn it, it had hurt bad and still did. Some days, he swore he had a knife in his chest and then on other days, it felt like someone was twisting the knife. There wasn’t a day without pain since she’d left but he’d grown used to it. It was going to be worse now with her living in the house with him.
Son of a bitch!
Entering the barn, he came to a halt when he saw Gary and the other ranch hands standing at the indoor corral. Taking a deep breath, he strode toward them and prepared himself for the questions he was sure were coming. It was when he’d arrived at the fence, he noticed Nathan there also.
“You know I could have driven her here. I was there, ya know,” Nathan said as he folded his arms across his chest.
“I wanted to talk to her.”
“How’d it go?”
“All right.” When the men snorted or laughed, Dakota glared at them. “You all have something to say? Then say it.”
“Nothing to say, boss. Just wondering how you’re going to protect her when you’re working the ranch and in town,” Gary said.
“She’s going to be cooking for you men in the bunkhouse.”
“What did you just say?” Nathan asked him as he walked toward him.
“You heard me,” Dakota growled.
“Are you out of your fucking mind? Why would you make her do that?”
Dakota stood toe to toe with his brother. “I have about ten thousand reasons.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it, Dakota. You’re punishing her.”
“I have the right to punish her and you fucking know it,” Dakota said through clenched teeth.
“We all know how she tore you apart but damn it, she’s in trouble and we need to protect her.”
Turning away from his brother, Dakota swore. He knew Nathan was right. He was just punishing Megan because of how she’d hurt him. Making her do the cooking for the men on the ranch wasn’t the right thing to do. Although it sounded like an easy job, it wasn’t. It was long, hard, and tedious work to cook for six men eating at different times. She’d never get a break and he was wrong to do that to her.
“You’re right. I know you’re right. I’ll tell her. I suppose just keeping her on the ranch is enough. Someone is always around. I’ll make sure she stays inside unless she’s with someone outside.”
Nathan gave him a terse nod. “Good.” He put his hand on Dakota’s shoulder. “I know it hurts having her close again, but she needs us. She called you when she was scared. Doesn’t that mean anything?”
Dakota shook his head. “It just means she didn’t have anyone else to call.”
“She could have called me. I’m a sheriff but she called you, little brother. I think she still loves you.”
“No. I don’t think she ever did.” Dakota waved his hand. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s get some work done. Back to the office for us tomorrow.”
“Yeah, and then I won’t have to take orders from you.” Nathan grinned making Dakota chuckle.
****
Vincent Caporale sat behind the huge mahogany desk in his office and stared at the two thugs standing on the other side of it.
“Are you telling me you can’t find him? We’re talking about the sniveling little weasel, Aiden Carson, correct?” The men nodded. Caporale could see sweat beading on their foreheads. He stood slowly, placed his hands on the desk, and leaned forward. “Find him. If you can’t find him by tonight, get his sister and bring her to me. Is that clear?”
“Yeah, boss,” one of the men said, then both turned and walked out of the office.
Sitting down, Vincent picked up a pencil, and snapped it in two. Aiden Carson had been a pain in his ass since day one. Most people he helped were more than happy to pay him back with the interest he asked for. Not Aiden. He was only in it for himself. The first time he’d met Aiden, his gut told him not to help him out, but the man practically begged him. The thing was, Aiden had paid him back the first few times but this last time, he kept putting it off, telling Vincent he was on a roll and the money would be coming in tenfold. Vincent went against his gut...again, and trusted Aiden.
Now Aiden had run and Vincent hated a runner. One way or another, he was going to get his money. If he couldn’t find Aiden, he’d get the sister. Maybe once Aiden knew Vincent had his sister, he’d show up. Vincent would make sure the word got around and if Aiden were anywhere close, he’d know it. Vincent sighed. Thing was, he really didn’t think Aiden would show even if his sister was in trouble. That was the kind of man he seemed to be. He acted like an immature child. Look at the way he treated his sister...the son of a bitch just left her behind.
Aiden embezzled money from the bank he worked at, and then jumped bail. Stupid! God only knew where the little punk was right now, but Vincent would get him or his sister and he’d make sure Aiden never made a foo
l of him again. He’d take care of Aiden or the sister himself.
****
Megan sat in the living room, watching TV. There was nothing on but she needed to do something. An old movie seemed to fit her mood. She couldn’t help but worry about how long she would be here. After all, Dakota didn’t want her here. He’d made that clear.
He was still so good-looking but with the brooding cowboy look going on, he made her panties melt. She still loved him and knew she always would. It didn’t matter since he honestly believed she’d never really loved him. He thought she only wanted the nightlife he’d shared with her. It wasn’t that at all. It had always been him. The minute she first saw him, standing there with a scowl on that handsome face, she’d fallen head over heels and when he grinned at her, showing those perfect white teeth, she fell even more. Dakota Walker had taken her virginity and her heart.
As she leaned her head back, she thought back to the night she’d lost both of them to him...
Dakota picked her up at noon for lunch. She opened the door when he knocked and her breath left her body. He looked so gorgeous standing there. Instead of his usual suit, he wore a black T-shirt and well-worn jeans. On his feet were cowboy boots. She glanced down at her green sundress and matching wedge heel sandals then back to him.
“Am I overdressed?”
“No, you look beautiful,” he said as he stepped across the threshold and lightly kissed her lips.
“But you have jeans on,” she stammered. “I can change.”
“You will not. Come on. We’re going on a picnic, so you’re dressed fine.”
“All right.” She smiled at him, pulling the door closed then they walked out to the parking lot together. He led her to his car and kissed her again before she got inside of the vehicle. She watched him walk around the front of the car and then get inside. She loved watching him move. He glanced over to her and smiled then started the car. Imagine her surprise when he drove to the airport.
“What are we doing here?”
“I told you we’re going on a picnic.”
“In a plane?”
Dakota chuckled. “Yes. I’m taking you to my ranch in Wyoming.”
“For the day?” She wasn’t prepared for an overnight trip.
“That’s up to you. If you want to fly back tonight, we will. If you want to stay, we will.” He shrugged. “Simple.”
It was in no way, simple. The thought of spending the night with Dakota terrified her. Did he think she was just going to sleep with him if he took her out of town?
“And if we stay...um, where––” She cleared her throat. “Where do I sleep?”
“Wherever you want to, Nutmeg. I’m not pressuring you into anything. There are plenty of spare bedrooms to choose from.”
“All right.” She blew out the breath she’d been holding while waiting on his answer.
His hand wrapped around the nape of her neck. “I will never do anything you don’t want me to and you should know you can trust me by now. I’ve never pressured you for anything and just because I’m taking you to the ranch doesn’t mean any different. I want you to see the ranch where I grew up. The ranch that Nathan and I own. I want you to meet Nathan and Shelly. They’re my family.”
She smiled. “All right. I’d love to see the ranch and meet Nathan and Shelly.”
The smile he gave her made her heart soar. When they arrived at the hangar, he turned off the engine, opened the car door, and walked around the front to help her out. She placed her hand in his, feeling that familiar spark, and they walked toward the Lear Jet waiting on the tarmac. She’d never asked him if the jet belonged to him. She’d just assumed he’d chartered it for the flight. He led her up the stairs and then inside to a seat. The interior was teak wood with blue trim. The blue and white seats were luxurious and she reveled in the feel as she sank down into one. Dakota sat in the seat beside her and took her hand in his. When he raised it to his lips and kissed the back of it, she was positive she swooned. He was so romantic and didn’t even have to work at it.
“What about clothes if we stay for the weekend?” she asked him once the jet lifted off.
“I think you and Shelly are close to the same size. I’m sure she’ll be glad to lend you some clothes. Don’t worry about it. If we stay, I’ll show you the land too, on horseback.”
“Oh, no. I don’t do horses.” She shuddered. “They are gorgeous animals but I won’t get on one. No way.” She shook her head emphatically.
Dakota laughed. “You don’t know what you’re missing, but I won’t make you get on one if you’re not ready. I can show you with the truck.”
“I’ll never be ready but I’m more than happy to go by truck.”
“Whatever you say, darlin’.”
The jet landed in Dry River, Wyoming a short two hours later. Once they touched down, Dakota took her hand and walked down the steps with her to a pickup truck parked in the lot. She glanced at him.
“You keep a truck parked here?”
“Yes. I like my own vehicle, so I park it here and that way it’s here when I come home. It’s either that, or have Nathan pick me up every time I fly home, and he’s too busy to do that.”
“What does he do? You never told me.”
Dakota grinned at her. “He’s the Sheriff of Dry River County.”
“Proud much?” She laughed.
Dakota burst out laughing. “Just a little. We used to say we’d always work in law enforcement together when we were growing up. Run the ranch and be officers of law.” He blew out a breath. “At least one of us lived the dream.”
“You didn’t want to be an attorney?”
He helped her into the truck and strode around the front then climbed in. “I’ve always wanted to be an attorney but when I was younger, I liked the idea of being a cop. My goal is to be a district attorney in Dry River County someday. If I do that, I would work closely with Nathan.” He shrugged. “I’d really like to work with my brother. Maybe one day.”
“Maybe one day you will.” She wasn’t sure how she felt about it. The thought of him leaving Denver and her was almost unbearable, and they hadn’t even been seeing each other for more than a month. She was in so much trouble with this man sitting beside her and this close to falling in love with him.
He drove them through a little town that consisted of rows of buildings encircling a large brick building with Dry River Courthouse on the cement surrounding the top of the building. There were a few people walking along the sidewalks but it didn’t seem like a busy town. Megan stared out the window and a smile lifted her lips.
“What a quaint little town.”
“It is. There are less than a thousand people and everyone knows everyone else’s business.”
“It had to be a culture shock for you when you first moved to Denver.”
Dakota chuckled. “Yes. I had applied at different law firms and one of them called me for an interview in Denver. They offered me the position on the spot. They were impressed with my resume, even though it was in a smaller law firm in Cheyenne.”
“That’s because you’re so good.”
“Oh, darlin’, you have no idea,” he said as he smiled at her.
She knew she was blushing but she smiled back at him, fully catching his innuendo. She watched as the scenery passed by. Fields of cows and horses were on each side of the two-lane road. Putting the window down, she smiled as the scents of sweet hay, horses, cows, and manure hit her nose. She glanced over to Dakota and wrinkled her nose.
“Smells like the country.”
He laughed. “It is definitely the country,” he said then indicated an area in front of them. “The ranch we’re coming up on is called Whispering Pines. One of my best friends, Lucas Taggart, owns it with his wife, Emily. It’s a Quarter Horse ranch and a gorgeous spread.”
Sitting up, she stared out the window as they passed a pine tree lined driveway. The house looked beautiful even from the road. “It is gorgeous.”
“I
think you’d like Emily. She’s great for Lucas.”
“I’d love to meet her. I don’t have many friends. I did make one at the bank I’m working at. Allison Cook. She’s really nice.”
“Why don’t you have many friends? You’re a great person, Megan.”
She shrugged. “I don’t really know. I suppose because I spend so much time taking care of Aiden, I just don’t have time for friends.”
Dakota didn’t respond to that as he drove the truck up a long driveway. She gasped when she saw the large two-story log home in front of them. Sitting forward, she stared at the house through the windshield then glanced over to Dakota as he pulled the truck to a stop.
“Is this your place? It’s beautiful, Dakota.”
“I think so. Come on.” He climbed out of the truck and walked around the front and to her side. Opening the door, he put his hand out toward her. She placed her hand in his and felt that jolt she felt every time he touched her. Once out of the truck, she gazed around the ranch. It was truly beautiful. Two large barns sat about a hundred yards from the house. Horses ran around the corral. They were the most beautiful horses she’d ever seen.
“What kind of horses are they?”
“Gypsy Vanner. Beautiful, aren’t they?”
“Gorgeous,” she murmured. She smiled up at him. “I can’t wait to see the house.”
“Come on then. I’ll show it to you.”
“Does Nathan live here with you?”
“No, he has a house on the other side of the pasture.” He pointed past the barns. “He built it right after he married Shelly.”
“So, we’ll be alone in the house?”
Dakota cocked his head as he looked at her. “I told you I won’t do anything you don’t want me to, Nutmeg.”
“That’s the problem,” she muttered under her breath.
“What?”
“Nothing. Show me the house.”
He frowned at her but led her up the steps to the back door. He opened it and ushered her in. She immediately fell in love with the kitchen. Black appliances sat nestled between black and white marble countertops. The cupboards were white with black hardware and the dark cherry floors showed years of wear. A table sat on a large braided rug centered in the room.
Dakota Bad Boys of Dry River, WY Book 5 Page 6