Warrior Girl: A Cowboy Romance (Wild Men Texas Book 2)

by Melissa Belle

  “His wedding is bringing up past pain, I see.” Liza taps one of the cards. “Some old hurts you need to look at and then let go.”

  “I read a piece of my childhood diary to him last night.”

  She nods. “You two are going to do more reading sessions. Not right away, but within the month. You’ll both resist it, but he has to hear your side of things.”

  “Well, forget it.” I frown. “I’m never reading Logan Wild another one of my entries again.”

  Liza closes her eyes and is quiet for a moment. “No, you must read what was in your heart. And Logan must be there as your witness. The angels are telling me you won’t be able to move forward until you do. And neither will he.”

  “Why does Logan have to bear witness?” I say.

  “Because he bore witness to your life, and to your childhood. He, more than anyone, knows you and why you made the choices you have. Let him in, so you can let him go. You can give that gift to each other, my dear.”

  I take a deep breath as Liza returns to the cards. She holds up one card with a beautiful image of bright blue water swirling around a red heart.

  She shakes the card. “I see a wedding on the horizon.”

  “Ginny’s and Dave’s?” My voice rises hopefully. “They’ve hit a rough patch, to put it mildly.”

  “That particular union is still in transit. More needs to be learned. What about your wedding?”

  “I’m never marrying again. One divorce is enough, and it was proof to me that I’m not marriage material. It’s a decision I made a long time ago.”

  “Based on what?”

  I hold out my wrist so she can see the scar.

  “My mother’s misdirected anger.”

  Liza simply nods.

  And I start rambling incoherently. “Mama’s convinced Vivian’s diary is real. Her writings include all these supposed clues from the witch who cast the spell on Jane’s ghost. And the section where Vivian writes that the witch mentions a female who bears a branding on her flesh? Mama is certain that refers to my scar. According to the witch, the branding signifies that this female is also cursed to forever be alone, and that her freedom can only be found when Jane’s is.” I take a breath and quote the passage: “The mark will disappear if she can remove the bars that close her heart from knowing its true match.”

  “Those exact words?” Liza says. “Nothing else?”

  “I think so. The writing’s hard to make out, but it was something about—the only way to break the curse is to find the key to unlock the door to her heart. To Jane’s heart. So of course that’s sent Mama on a wild goose chase to find the soul mates in the Darcy Legend. The whole thing’s made me crazy. I mean, I can’t believe I’m even talking about this with you.”

  Liza lifts my hand gently and turns my wrist so she can see the scar. “You’ve been wounded and need to forgive. You’re so busy putting up walls you’re blind to even seeing your path.”

  “I’m too busy,” I say to her. “Besides, I don’t care. I’m not one of those girls who’s waiting for her Mr. Darcy. Believe me.”

  “No, you’re not. You are extremely discriminating. And you would rather be alone than in the company of misery. That’s what you and the bar ghost have in common. But if there’s a chance for real happiness with the right partner, don’t you want to recognize him when he shows up?”

  I shrug. “He won’t show up. I’m meant to be alone.”

  Liza stares hard at the tarot spread. “Your soul has no problem loving. It’s a timing thing. You’ll only know when you know.” She touches the top of my head gently. “Just make sure you’re not so guarded that you miss the guidance from your heart.”

  Chapter Forty

  “So what happened between you and you-know-who?” Ginny asks the next day as we float down the river.

  Her black bathing suit with a cute skirt covers her growing belly, and my red, skimpy two-piece makes me feel way too exposed. With the way Logan and I interacted yesterday, and how I felt like he stripped away all my defenses, I definitely should have gone Ginny’s route and worn a one-piece with as much coverage as possible.

  Ahead of us in the water, Logan and Gigi are each on a float. Dave and Blake are next with Ginny and me trailing behind. The cypress and oak trees make a gorgeous canopy over our heads, but the strong sun still finds a way to poke through. It’s a gorgeous, steaming hot day in Texas, and being out on the water feels amazing. What doesn’t feel amazing? The state of my friendship with Logan.

  “It’s nothing worth talking about, honestly,” I tell her. “He and I had a…chat after they opened presents. We haven’t talked since.”

  Not unless you count the silent chin tilt and smile he gave me when I arrived at the river, or the quick hello I gave him in return.

  “Oooh. What kind of a chat?” Ginny’s voice rises in curiosity.

  “He was upset about the quilt.”

  “Because you didn’t give it to him yourself?” She bounces on her float. “He wishes you had, doesn’t he?”

  “I don’t know.” I lower my voice even though Logan and Gigi are way too far ahead to overhear us. “Ben told me Gigi’s entering the target contest.”

  Ginny’s mouth drops open. “She can’t be serious. How dare she? How dare she come into our town and try to take your title? You’re the shotgun champion of Hunt County—she doesn’t even live here! There are rules you know. You have to be a county resident.”

  “She’ll just use Logan’s address.”

  “You know what I think you should do?”

  “Tie one hand behind her back?” I joke as I stick my hand into the water and watch the light current move over my fingers.

  “Tell the runners of the contest she’s a fake. A fake citizen of Darcy. And that she’s moving as soon as she changes her name.”

  I nod. “I could do that. But I doubt anyone would care anyway. I’ll just have to beat her in the contest. I’ll kick her ass right back to Manhattan Island.”

  Ginny claps her hands. “I like your idea better. Just don’t lose. For all of us Texans, you have to win.”

  “I’ll do my best. Right now, though, I’m so damn hot,” I say. “I think I’m going to hop into the water. We’re nearly at the cooking grates anyway.”

  Ginny’s already off her float. “I’ll get out, too. This part of the river’s only waist high, anyway.”

  As we reach the edge of the river, and I plunk down to my shoulders, the sound of Logan’s fiancée’s loud giggle overpowers all other noises. I can’t help cringing.

  “Mace, I’m worried about you. Are you okay?” Ginny’s brow furrows as she looks at me.

  “I’m fine. Gigi’s beautiful, and sweet, and sophisticated. Sure, she doesn’t know how to touch him like I can. But little things like actual connection don’t always matter.”

  “That’s not true,” Ginny protests. “Logan appreciates you just the way you are. He always has.” She pauses. “Not to change the subject, but I wanted to ask you for a favor. And it’s something that would help us both. Although, it may sound dumb, I’m warning you.”

  “Gin, nothing you can say to me could sound worse than what I sound like most of the time these days. What’s the favor?”

  “I need you to find me proof that Dave and I are meant to be. Maybe in Vivian’s diary you can locate a clue that proves we’re the match?”

  I raise my eyebrows. “You know that diary’s a piece of fiction, right? It’s like reading Vivian’s fantasies downloaded from her brain onto paper.”

  “I know, but your mama has studied that diary for years. Can you maybe, I don’t know, talk to her and see if you can help me regain some confidence?”

  “I can talk to her, sure. I’m seeing her this week for theater rehearsal, so I’ll have her come by The Cowherd one day. But what’s going on?”

  “I finally bought the electric guitar I’ve had my eye on.”

  I shift forward so I can hug her. “That’s awesome.”

&nb
sp; “But then Dave and I got into something.” Ginny fiddles with the skirt on her suit. “I shouldn’t have pushed it, but you know how I feel about his partying. I mean, I’ve loved him forever, but he’s not the same when he’s drinking, and yesterday there was this girl. I don’t think anything actually happened, but we were supposed to meet at the florist this morning and he didn’t show up. I didn’t know if he’d even come to the river today.”

  I wince. “Is he partying more because he’s scared about becoming a father, or is it just Dave being Dave? Have you asked him?”

  “I tried, and the thing is, I don’t want to just make up with Dave in the bedroom. Physical chemistry isn’t our problem, and sometimes that makes me forgive him too fast, I think.” Ginny chokes up. “Honestly, I can’t stand his flirting. Or his drinking. I don’t know which is worse, and I feel so dumb!”

  I don’t answer her because I’m remembering Mama. “It’s the flirting,” She’d say. “And the drinking! No respect, I tell you. None!”

  I put my arm around Ginny. “You don’t deserve any of that. He seems to be a lot worse than usual. And I think Nickel is super nice and cute, by the way.”

  Ginny whips her head over to look at me. “What are you saying, Macey?”

  “I’m just saying—instead of walking away after her husband was disrespectful and cheated on her, Vivian kept blaming Jane Austen for his indiscretion. Maybe she should have moved on.”

  “But I get why Vivian was confused. Jane Austen was the Queen of Romance. So even though Vivian’s anger was misplaced, she felt betrayed.” Ginny pats her belly. “And my little munchkin doesn’t make walking away an option.”

  After we drag our tubes out of the water, we set up two tents—one for the girls and one for the guys. While we wait for the sun to start going down before we cook dinner, everyone pairs off around the campsite. Everyone who has someone, that is.

  Not wanting to watch Logan and Gigi together, I excuse myself from the group and call out that I’m going to take a walk along the river.

  Luckily for me, I’m not the only one who came here solo.

  Blake jumps up and offers to join me on the walk.

  “I’d love the company,” I tell him, linking my arm through his. “Let’s go.”

  As soon as we’re out of sight and earshot of the others, Blake slings his arm around my shoulders.

  “Nightmare afternoon for you?” he asks me.

  “Pretty much,” I say, my thoughts still on Gigi with her dainty hands on Logan’s chest.

  “You two kids.” Blake shakes his head. “I’m in pain watching you, Mace. Although, I have to say, I don’t get Logan’s angle. And Christ, I’ve tried to get him to crack.”

  “I thought you were up to something.”

  “Of course I am. Don’t tell me you disagree.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “He’s obviously crazy about you. He has been since we were kids. So for him to be on the verge of marrying another woman…and out of fucking nowhere…”

  “Yeah.” I kick at an errant rock on the path. “It’s definitely strange. But love can be like that, right? It sneaks up on you sometimes.”

  “I suppose. I’m not buying it with those two, though.” Before I can say more, Blake chuckles. “And now you’re stuck with me. Although, I am a huge catch.”

  “With such a small ego,” I say with an eye roll. I take a breath before adding, “You know who’s definitely off-limits to you though?”

  Blake starts laughing. “Macey…” He holds up both hands. “You ain’t got to worry about Freedom. I’m just looking out for her.”

  “As am I.” I give him a hard look. “She’s eighteen years old, Blake, and she’s my baby sister. She’s brilliant. And she’s good. She’s going places.”

  “I know she is. And I’m proud of her. I’ve known her forever, too, you know.”

  “I know. But you’ve got women kneeling at your feet to take you on a date.”

  “I am the man, aren’t I?” he says teasingly.

  “For some lucky woman, yes, you will be. For my baby sister, absolutely not.”

  He raises his hand in salute. “Got it, sergeant.”

  I smile. “Good.”

  Chapter Forty-One

  Logan

  Macey’s barely made eye contact with me today, and I know better than to try to talk to her in front of everyone. Our conversation yesterday was intense, and emotions got the better of me.

  So I’ve avoided her as best I could. But Macey’s all I’m thinking about.

  The Orlando wedding was not in the plans. But Gigi’s mother wanted it, and when Gigi tried to say no, Mrs. Phillips teared up.

  She said Gigi was her baby and all she wanted was to plan her wedding for her. Since she can’t do much with the Darcy wedding, she wants complete control over a ceremony.

  Gigi caved. So I did, too. We don’t want any suspicions to be aroused.

  Although one wedding already feels like more than I could handle.

  While Ginny, Macey, and Gigi sit underneath the huge umbrella and keep cool—or try to in this heat—Blake, Dave, and I cook burgers and potatoes for everyone.

  After we eat, I excuse myself and walk out to the edge of the river to ensure I’ll be alone. I need to talk to someone who’s not wrapped up in Darcy and this whole wedding obsession.

  Luke picks up on the first ring. “Hey, Wild.”

  “How is everything?” I ask him.

  “Status quo.”

  Status quo’s never sounded so good. It just further highlights the clusterfuck of a situation that I’m in.

  “Are you coming down here for the Hunt County Fair?” I ask him. “I’m competing.”

  “On Prince?”

  “No one else.” I pause. “I’d love to have you here if you can make the trip.”

  “I could use a break,” he says. “Cooper and Chase can run things for a few days. Maybe I’ll bring Brayden with me.”

  Luke’s brother, Brayden, runs his own ranch a town over from Luke.

  “He’s more than welcome. You can both stay at the ranch. How are Brayden’s wife and daughters?”

  “They’re doing great,” Luke says and I can hear the affection in his voice. “Leleila keeps my brother in line. They’re good for each other.”

  That sounds nice. It sounds stable.

  “You’re burning a hole through the phone line with your fucking anxiety, Logan.” Luke’s tone changes to concern. “What’s up?”

  “I’ve got a few things going on here that I can’t talk about yet.” I stare out at the moving river in front of me. “But I need advice anyway.”

  “Okay.” I can practically hear him try to figure out a solution. “Give it to me in pieces.”

  I think. “If you’re helping a person you care about, but that person can’t know, and because of that everything is all fucked up, what do you do?”

  “Ride it out.” Luke’s voice is confident. “You know you’re doing the right thing, right?”

  “Yeah.” That’s the only thing I know at this point.

  “So all you can do is trust that this person believes in your relationship enough to not let go of you.”

  “I’ve had to push…” I cut off.

  “I understand what you’re saying. Macey will be there, Logan. From what you’ve told me about her—and from what I’ve seen with you two—she’s not going anywhere.”

  “I didn’t say…”

  “You didn’t have to.” He chuckles. “You think I don’t pay attention? Macey is all you ever talk about. She’s everything to you. I’m envious. I can’t imagine that kind of love.”

  “You will. Someday, you’ll find the woman who will turn your world.”

  He lets out a short laugh. “Doubtful. I’m nobody’s romance hero.”

  “Just wait,” I say. “You will be.” I stare out at the darkening sky. “Thanks for the advice, Luke. I know what I’m gonna do.”

  “Good.”

/>   Macey

  I can’t sleep. I’m sunburned from being at the river all day, and I’m burning up on the inside, too.

  After I’ve flopped around in my sleeping bag, I sit up.

  I’m worried I’ll wake up Ginny and Gigi, who are both out like lights on either side of me. But I’m not going to be sleeping for a while.

  “Screw it.” I reach for my phone.

  Are you awake? I’ve just hit send on the text to Logan when a light appears outside our tent.

  I crawl out of my sleeping bag and over to the flap.

  When I unzip it, Logan’s standing a foot away with a flashlight.

  “Hey.”

  “Hi.” I climb out of the tent and cross my arms over my thin, see-through pale pink tank top.

  “Here.” Logan pulls off his sweatshirt and hands it to me. “Let’s go for a walk.”

  I step into my sandals before I turn around to close up the tent.

  Logan’s waiting for me by the edge of our campsite. His dark hair’s a mess, and he’s as sunburned as I am. He’s wearing gray track pants, a white t-shirt, and bare feet.

  We take the wooden steps down to the water. Not a soul is around, and the quiet soothes me.

  When we reach the river, Logan takes a seat in front of one of the large cypress trees. He pats the space beside him, and I sit down.

  Conflict passes over his face, and he hesitates then sets his jaw like he’s made a decision. “Gigi told me about the quilt. How she begged you to help her find a gift and you brought her to your place and she saw it.”

  “She said she wanted to thank you and she couldn’t find you the right gift. You know, the mall’s great for clothing, but not necessarily other stuff.” I probe further. “Why does she want to thank you?”

  Logan doesn’t say anything.

  “Anyway, Gigi didn’t know I’d made it, and before I could say anything, she asked how much it cost. She wanted to give it to you so much. She just thought it was…”

  “Perfect,” he finishes for me.

  I exhale.

  “But it wasn’t perfect for Gigi and me. Even though I love it.”