“Shh, don’t ever mention that again.” Dane lifted her hand to his lips. “Never. Again.”
***
Sometime later, the door opened and Dane looked up from the chair he sat in to see who it was. Sheriff Thompson nodded for him. He quietly left the room to follow Leon. Now what? “Are you here to arrest me?” he asked in the hallway as he shoved fingers through his hair. “Can’t this wait until the morning? I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’m afraid not. This is something you’ll want to hear,” said Sheriff Thompson. They entered a consultation room where he directed Dane to take a seat. “I don’t know why this dark cloud follows you Carlson boys around, but somehow, the sun always shines through. Trevor Houston is dead.”
“What the hell?” Dane stood abruptly. “I know how to kill people and…I didn’t hurt him enough to kill him.” He paced to the door and back, blood pressure hitting the ceiling in an instant. Shit. This can’t be good. “He died at my hand?”
Sheriff Thompson hesitated before going on. “You didn’t kill him. He hung himself in his cell at the county jail not long after they put him in it. A note left behind said he had nothing else to live for. Of course this looks bad for the department…and me, not to mention a man is dead. It’s likely your name will come up in news reports because of the whole ordeal, when this gets out.” Leon put his hand on Dane’s back.
“How?” At least I don’t have to do it. “Sonofabitch, I can hear it now. They’ll blast me for having PTSD and accuse me of going ballistic on the man.” Dane slammed his hand against the table. “I hate when things don’t go to plan.”
“Instead of Houston putting the sheet on the bed, he used it around his neck, stepped off the chair…and that was it. Keep that between us. They couldn’t revive him when they found him. It’s sad in a way to be that mournful, but if you hadn’t arrived on that mountain when you did, your wife would’ve been taken with him. Don’t you worry, I’ll not let them slam your name. They’ll see this maniac for what he was.” Leon waited a minute while that sank in.
Dane looked up at him, speechless. Words wouldn’t come out. If he thought he hated the man earlier, there weren’t any words to describe it now.
“His plan in the beginning was to make her trust him, then tell her dad who he was—give him time to worry before Houston did the job.” The sheriff took a seat across the table. “I don’t know how to say this to you, Dane.”
Dane slid his hands to his knees. “Say it, Leon.”
“Gracelyn never would’ve had the baby. His intention was to harm her earlier, but then you came home and got in his way, so he waited for his moment—”
“How do you know all of this? I couldn’t find out anything. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He stood but dropped back to the chair because his legs were like rubber bands—muscles fatigued.
“We found all the information in his apartment after he was arrested. The whole plan had been recorded in a journal. If we’d had that information sooner, he would’ve been on a suicide watch, but we had no clue.”
A concrete block could’ve fallen on his weighted shoulders and not taken him down as hard. “Damn. Sonofabitch.” His heart pounded so hard it hurt—a heart attack could be in the making. Sweat covered his body. Coward. But, who’s to say what he would’ve done if Houston had succeeded in taking everything away from him? A confused man who needed help and never asked.
How to feel right now? Five minutes later, and he might’ve arrived at a gruesome scene in the mountains. Saliva thickened in his throat. Breath caught and his lungs felt as if they had deflated. Dane peered at his hand. If he hadn’t been injured, he wouldn’t have been home to interfere with Houston’s plan. From this point on, he’d never look at his injury as a burden, but a lifesaver instead—his wife and son’s life.
Breathing became difficult. It’s not like he’d never seen death before, but he killed to protect what was his—his unit, the men under him—innocent civilians. All he did was his job. This was a hundred percent different, and he wouldn’t have been there to help them in time, when he had promised her protection. It tormented him and would for a long time, that he had come that close to losing her and Will. “I don’t know what to say, Leon.”
“Yep, it’s a tough one.” He stood and slid the chair in. “Be thankful you arrived on time, and move on from there. Go back to your wife and child and give them a kiss.” At the door, Leon stopped. “I’ll talk to you later. You all right?”
Dane nodded and the sheriff exited. When alone, he lifted his eyes upward and clenched his head with both hands. “Thank you for saving them.” Unaware of how long he sat there like that or how long his body quivered, eventually he stood and peered at the floor as if forcing his feet to move. Finally, he left the room and made his way back to them. He picked up Will and sat on the bed beside her while holding his son tight. Shivering became uncontrollable.
“Was he crying?” Gracelyn raised her head and laid her hand on his thigh.
The words came out slow and shaky. “No. Go back to sleep. Everything’s under…control.” His voice cracked when he choked up. Those words couldn’t be more untrue. He wasn’t under control.
“Where were you?” She fluffed up her pillow but leaned on an elbow. “You were gone when I woke.”
Words wouldn’t come at first and he was glad for a darkened room. “Leon…called me…out.” His eyes closed. All he saw were explosions, blood—pink mist splattering everywhere, pain in his gut and head, and he heard Hanson’s voice yelling to get out. Get out. Get out. “Get out! Oh, God, I’m sorry.” Breaths had to be forced out but they were short. It hurt to inhale like his ribs were broken. His body shook and crumbled in on itself as he imagined the pain he had felt that day. The fact he thought he was dying on that bird…built up into a quavering mess in and outside of his body and mind.
“Dane? Honey, what’s the matter?” She sat up, reaching out for her son, “Let me take Will.”
“No, I have him.” He held him tighter, but kissed his forehead then handed him to Gracelyn. Composure didn’t come quickly. It took a few minutes before he could speak, but his throat constricted and words held, but… “Babe…” Babe. “Remember when I said…” His head pounded and his chest rose as his heart hammered. Her hand squeezed his thigh and he lowered his over hers. “I said if I thought I needed to talk to someone, I…I’d…I would…”
Tears fell from her eyes. “Yes, I remember.” Her voice was soft and understanding when she peered up at him. She pulled her hand free to caress his face and turn him toward her. “Whatever it is, we’ll work through it together.”
He clenched her hand. “Tomorrow I’ll make that phone call.” He encased them both in his arms. His body calmed from what it was earlier, and her nearness eased his turmoil.
“I’m here,” she whispered, cuddling into him.
“I know.” Thank you for being here. “You’re everything. Everything.” Tomorrow he’d have to tell her about Trevor Houston and his plan, before she heard it from somewhere else. Not tonight. “I love you both…so much.”
“Will and I love you right back. We’ll all be okay, honey. In time, we’ll all be all right.”
“We will…you’re right.”
Chapter 23
Two months later, Gracelyn and Dane stood on their section of the property beside a newly erected barn. Will stayed home with Grandma. “We have to paint this whole thing?” She popped the top off the paint can and gave a cocky grin. “Blue? Barns are supposed to be red.”
“I like to be different. Didn’t I tell you I wasn’t like most people?” He knelt at the paint can with no intention of painting today. Dane turned a minute to peer into the barn. Fresh hay filled the loft. “Wait. Put the lid back on the can.”
Her left hand went to her hip and she huffed, then said, “Make up your mind, rancher. Paint or not?”
“Let’s get this thing sprayed instead.” Her image melted his heart today, and he went into his head
a minute… Life mellowed for the most part—the horrors of their short past were dealt with even though it’d take a while to be forgotten. Talking to someone had helped him immensely, and her, too. He knew before long, his old self would return. The world was right here in front of him…waiting. Their biggest challenge was over.
Peering at her caused a rousing to rush over his body. “You’re looking hot in those jeans, your cute little top. Cowboy boots…and hat. Your braids are pleasantly stimulating.” Dane dropped his paint roller. Contemplating, he rubbed his fingers over his jaw. “What shall I do about this?” One more glance into the barn was all it took. His gaze did a slow crawl up her body and it was enough to fuel the need burning inside. “We’re out here all alone.”
“Indeed, we are.” Gracelyn set her roller in the paint pan. “Start by removing your t-shirt. The way you’re staring at my goods, I want to do the same to you. Strip it off.”
“Be careful what you wish for, darlin’.” Dane removed his hat and proceeded to slowly pull his shirt over his head. “You mean like this?” He tossed his shirt at her then bent his arms to flex his biceps. He held his hat against his thigh and peered at her as if she were a sweet treat. “I’m all pumped up from loading that hay up there. It shows, don’t it…Mama.”
“Who you kidding? You loaded it hours ago.” Her gaze flicked toward the barn door and she smiled.
“This must be natural then. Hmm? What do you think?”
“Of course.” In a seductive promenade to where he stood, she ran her fingertips down his chest, gingerly tracing the scars on his abdomen and side, tickling him in the process. She pulled on his dog tags. One finger pressed against her bottom lip as she winked, “You healed up nicely. Got your strength back, too. Are you suggesting something?” She undid the button on his jeans and slid her hand down the front of him. “Ummm, you’re so sexy like this.” A step in, she whispered, “Shall we sneak back home?”
His breath hitched when she touched him. “No. Come on.” They entered the barn hand in hand. The ladder to the loft stood before them. “I always wanted to do this with a hot babe. You make me feel like a good o’ boy. Step up there, lady.”
She pushed her Stetson back. Her eyes widened, and her hands fisted at her hips. “You’re joking. The hayloft?” Gracelyn rubbed her behind. “Ouch on my tender skin.”
Peering down at himself, Dane took her hand and placed it over him. “Does it feel like I’m jokin’?” He smirked and his eyes narrowed. “The ladder. One foot in front of the other. I’ll be right behind you.” He patted her ass when she stepped up. “I want some of that.”
Swatting his hand away, she said, “You’re being rebellious, Carlson.” Gracelyn headed up. “Either way, I’m looking forward to your little, rowdy adventure.”
You have no idea. “I’ll be right there.” Dane went to the tack room to get a couple new horse pads. At the bottom of the ladder he tossed them up before climbing the ladder. “Incoming. Watch out.” At the top Gracelyn threw down the two blankets over the hay covered floor. Her movements were slow, seductive, a sight he admired. When finished, she dropped to her knees and held her arms out.
“Whoa-oh, damn, girl. I’m senseless when you get like this.” Dane lowered his zipper, stepped out of his jeans and tossed his hat aside. “Your turn. Strip, Mrs. Carlson.”
“What if somebody comes?” Gracelyn stretched her neck to peer over the side to the lower barn. “This will be so embarrassing.”
Dane took her hands to pull her up and backed her against a support post. “Someone is going to come.” He circled his arm around her waist as if to do a dance dip, but he lifted her and took her down right there, landing atop her. “I guarantee it.” Scooting off her a little bit, he lifted her top over her head. “I love your lingerie. Thanks for wearing it to paint the barn.” Squeezing her breasts, he pressed his lips, tongue against her cleavage and licked his way to her neck. “Mm, sexy bra in the hayloft. A country song—”
“You liked my suggestive maternity lingerie so how could I break the habit.” Lifting her back from the hay, she mumbled, yet had a bit of a grin on her face, “This is scratchy.”
“The hay’s good for you.” Dane observed her pink bra while tracing the lace outline that sat low, barely covering half a breast. “Your lingerie wasn’t this sexy the first time I saw you get out of your clothes.” Dane kissed her ear, whispering before he removed his lips, “Still desirous as hell. I liked the white bikini panties for the short time you had them on once we opened your door.”
“My traveling underwear.” Gracelyn wrapped her leg around his hip and eased closer to him. “That was before I met you—before I knew how excited you’d get with silk and lace.” She took his face between her hands, and her voice trembled, “I’m so in love with you. I want you even in the rough hay. It’s been too long.”
“And I want you rough in the hay. Unhook your button for me, sweetheart.” When she did, he lowered the zipper and smoothed his hand over her flat abdomen. Taking it slow, he lowered his fingers to the inside of her waistband. “Lacy panties. All right.” His fingers went lower, caressing her with feather-like touches until she purred and squirmed beside him. Slowly removing them, her jeans were tossed aside. “Come here on my lap.” He moved back to lean against a bale of hay. “Remember this position on our wedding night?”
“Tell me no one’s coming over…” She slipped out of her panties and straddled him, leaned forward to kiss his tattoo, but moved lower to his nipple to flick her tongue against it. “Because I don’t want to be interrupted.”
“Listen to you.” Dane writhed while trying to get away. “You know I like your tongue other places. Please, darlin’, put it there.” He took her hair up into his hand to hold her head, and he held her in that position. Her narrowed eyes scorched his with a heated stare, and it excited him like crazy when she tried to be demanding. “Woman, you’re asking for trouble by licking my nipples when you know I don’t like it.”
“You do like it but don’t know how to handle it. I can tell you like it because I’m sitting on top of you, and I bet that’s not a flashlight.”
Dane laughed. “You’re bold.” Before she knew what happened, he had her pinned to the hay beneath him. His lips went to her breasts, suckling licking, playing, teasing the way she teased him. “You’re getting it all right back.”
“Good.” She screeched when he gingerly bit her nipple, then kissed with warm lips so gentle against her stinging flesh. “You awaken my sexual prowess, soldier boy.”
There she goes with the boy again! Dane clasped her hands and pressed them against the hay. He spread her thighs with his legs, connecting with passion and grit. “Not convinced yet that I’m not a boy.” He thrust deep, hard, and took pleasure in her leg wrapped around his waist, giving full access to her charms as she begged for more.
Clawing at his back and out of breath, she yelled, “This is what happens when I call you boy, boy?”
Dane stilled right there and lowered his head to her chest. He found himself unable to hold in a chuckle. “You’re my kind of woman, and I love your playfulness, but please, not now.” He took her mouth in a fiery kiss, one she boldly returned and gave in to a seductive battle of tongues. Slowly, he began easy, gentle strokes until his passion grew deep in his gut, ready to explode. He tried to hold back…make it last longer. Her yearning moans drove him.
Her fingers scraped down his back like a cat, causing him to arch. In her climatic frenzy, nails dug into his flesh with each desirous outcry, ending with the sweetest of sighs against his ear. His breaths raged on deep, throat dry until he collapsed. His heart thumped in unison with hers. “Holy hell, that was good. Wild. Fast. Sexy—my God. Let’s do it again.”
“Ahhh, this was my first hayloft. My back is all scratched. You’re a stallion like your mustang.” Her chest rose against his as she panted. “I don’t care that my skin smells like a barn. Wow, oh, wow-wee. You’re a fun husband.”
Dane laughed and
rolled to his side. He leaned forward to kiss her breasts to tease with short nibbles and licks. “I won’t be able to get back to work.”
She wriggled through a laugh. “No baby in my belly makes a big difference when it comes to our lovemaking.”
“Sure does. I’d never be that…um—vigorous if you were pregnant.” Dane wiggled his eyebrows. “I loved it. Tell me again you’re taking birth control pills because I spilled it big time.”
“Honey, listen to your words. Vigorous? More like wild and so alpha.” She patted his back. “Of course I am. You don’t think well during lovemaking, do you?”
Still out of breath, he mumbled, “You got me. No. Not when you fry my brain like that. That’s why you got pregnant.” He stretched out on his back. To the side of them laid the soft horse pads. A lot of good it did to toss them up here. “You smell like a rancher’s wife—my wife.”
Gracelyn’s fingers traced invisible lines over his chest. “Is that a compliment?”
“Damn straight.” Dane clasped her hand and held it against his chest. “A huge compliment.”
“Okay, thank you. Not that I want to leave this heavenly place or your hard body, but I need to check on Will. Maybe Grandma needs a break. Our phones are on the bike.” She glanced around the loft. “My clothes are everywhere.”
“Hush and relax. Your clothes are strewn around like our first night—a pleasant reminder.” Dane grabbed her to bring her back beside him. “Settle right here. By now, she’s teaching him to make molasses cookies for the horses…and one dog.”
Gracelyn slipped away from him and sat up. Bringing her knees up, she hugged her legs. “Mmm, no doubt about that.” She tilted her head back to catch the rays of sunlight across her face. “Other than the scratchy hay and barn smells, it’s nice up here. So warm, like my heart is right now.” She gave him a smile.
Of The Cowboy's Own Accord (Double Dutch Ranch; Love At First Sight #3) Page 30