by Aliyah Burke
“Mind if I steal her for the next one, Judd?”
Reluctantly, he released her, tipped the brim of his hat, and allowed Brad to step in. “See you later, Laciee.”
When Judd made it back to the side, he grabbed a beer from the galvanized tin tub that sat full of ice and longnecks. Popping the top, he leaned against the wall and watched Laciee and Brad spin around the room. He took a long drink and noticed how her smile seemed to be a bit more relaxed and came quicker while with the other man. Part of him didn’t much care for that; however, on the other hand, he hoped it was because she wasn’t attracted to Brad.
“How’s it going, man?”
Tipping his head, he saw Wyatt had approached him and stood near. The man had a lovelorn look on his face. Karis currently danced with her father.
“Good here. Congratulations, man. Great wedding.”
“Did you ever think this would be happening? To me?” Wyatt gave a sharp laugh. “I don’t even know if I would have made it through school if you hadn’t friended me. Do you remember that day?”
Judd nodded. “My first day at the new school.”
“Yet you stood up to those other guys and protected the skinny little boy.”
“You’re still a skinny little boy,” he teased.
“And you’re still protecting me.”
Judd didn’t respond, instead he focused back on the vision in jade as she twirled around the floor. He didn’t have many friends in the world but Wyatt Hale was one and therefore he’d do whatever he could to keep his friend safe. Wyatt hadn’t gone into ranching as his father wished, instead he’d gone into banking. He never really grew muscles and still carried the lean body he had in school. They had attended school about a hundred miles from here but when Wyatt had come to Branchwater for his new job, he’d told Judd about a ranch that was up for sale. Judd had come taken a look and fallen in love with the small town, purchased the ranch and the rest you could say was history. His spread was the largest around the area at nearly twenty thousand acres.
“Tell me about Laciee Dupree.”
“Laciee?”
He could feel Wyatt’s gaze on him but never took his own from the woman who’d rocked his world. “That’s what I said.”
“Karis told me she found her in your room this morning when she stopped by to see where you’d dropped her off.”
“Point, Wyatt?”
“I’m sure there should be, but I’m well acquainted with that tone of yours.”
“Tell me about her.”
“What’s to tell, I don’t know that much about her. Karis knows her much better. She grew up here and left at seventeen. Apparently this is the first time she’s been back. She missed the ten-year reunion and according to my wife, has zero plans on attending any of them. Why the curiosity?”
He didn’t answer right away as he watched her go from Brad’s arms to the strong ones of the owner of the Diamond J, Dustin Kane. A low growl rumbled up from his chest at the level of ease she melted into that man with. He and Dustin didn’t have a wonderful relationship but they got along. At least they had. He’s got a wife, his brain chimed in with the bit of information.
“Judd?”
“She intrigues me.”
“Considering Karis said she was wrapped in a sheet searching for her clothing which had been tossed all over the room, including the light, I’m willing to think she does a bit more than that.”
Damn, Karis had seen those panties dangling from the light. He shrugged. “We’re both adults.”
“I know and personally I don’t care other than Karis loves this woman dearly, which makes her important to me as well.”
“If she loves her so much why wasn’t she the maid of honor? Why was it Tamara? From what I can tell, those two barely get along.”
“You know Karis’ family.”
How true. He grunted and shifted his weight. Judd wanted Laciee back in his arms. She looked so beautiful out there, the smile on her face was like a punch to his gut. Obviously, she liked Dustin as well.
“Just do me a favor, man, and don’t do anything which would piss Karis off. She told me she convinced Laciee to stay for another two weeks, not sure how she did that, but she wants her here when we return from the honeymoon. So please, don’t do anything which would send her packing.”
“I’m not an ogre.” Two weeks? Interesting.
“No, I know that. But we both know how much of a loner you are, Judd. You do your own thing, to hell with what others think. You have your own code, your own rules.”
“I don’t have time or energy for bullshit. I have a ranch to run.”
“One of the things I like so much about you, but this is dealing with Laciee. I don’t know all the details of what she went through growing up here, but what I do know is shitty. She didn’t have it easy at all. So…just…I don’t know what I’m trying to say.”
He looked at his friend. “Basically don’t fuck up with your little sister.” Wyatt nodded. He mulled a few things over as he watched Laciee and Dustin Kane dance a second song. “Where’s his wife?”
“Whose wife?”
“Kane’s.”
“I think she went back East for a bit. Why?”
“No reason.” Bastard needed to take his hands off Laciee. “How well do they know one another?”
“Laciee and Dustin?” Judd grunted his affirmative. “Not sure. She and Finn were in the same class together.”
“But she didn’t come for Finn’s wedding.”
“Not sure why she didn’t.”
One of the bridesmaids came up and claimed Wyatt for a dance, and Judd watched them move back out onto the floor. He tore his gaze from the dancers when a gentle hand touched his arm. Karis.
“Come on, cowboy. Dance with me.”
He took her out onto the floor and noticed with frustration Laciee was leaving. He caught the flash of her dress as she vanished around a corner with none other than Dustin Kane.
Chapter Three
Although early morning, the heat already pushed oppressively down on her, making it hard to breathe. Laciee made her way slowly through the grave markers until she found the one she sought. She didn’t carry any flowers with her. Standing before the grave, she took a deep breath and read the name.
Lavina Dupree
At the bottom of the granite, roses had been cut into the stone. Lavina’s favorite flower. Putting her hands in her pockets, she scuffed her toe along the hard-packed ground. The cemetery wasn’t all that well maintained. Not like some others she’d been to. It was clean, however.
“Hi, Grams. Sorry I didn’t come back sooner. Karis got married yesterday and she asked me to be here for the wedding. Before you ask, no, I haven’t gone to see her. Not sure that I will even.”
She took one hand out and reached out to touch the headstone. “I’ll bring you some flowers next time. Roses, I remember how much you loved them.”
Blinking back tears that more frustrated her than anything, she whirled around and made her way to the rental car she’d picked up at the airport she’d flown into. With the backs of her hands, she dashed away the tears that snuck free. Behind the wheel, she pounded her hands and fought for breath. It wasn’t fair.
“Never should have come back.”
Turning the key, she waited for the engine to come to life before guiding the Malibu down the narrow road to the exit. She’d gotten herself back under control by the time she returned to the hotel. Squinting against the sun’s glare, she walked to the front door only to pause, and change her direction.
With determined steps she made her way to the main drag and over to Marley’s. Get it together. She pushed in and immediately was taken back to growing up here. The scents, so familiar, the sounds as well. Clinks of silverware against dishes, muffled conversation by the regulars. All if it, familiar.
“I’d heard a rumor you’d come back to town.”
Marley. Laciee smiled at the woman who’d housed the sanctuary in town. T
his was a place where anyone could eat so long as they didn’t cause trouble. And she ran it with an iron fist.
“Hi, Ms. Marley.”
“Don’t just say hi, Laciee Dupree; you come give me a hug.”
Those damn tears pricked again as she closed her arms around the woman. Marley was so comforting and safe. Refusing to allow those tears to fall, Laciee forced a smile on her face as she pulled back.
“It’s good to see you back home, girl.”
One simply didn’t argue with Marley. “Yes, ma’am,” Laciee said.
“Go grab a booth, I’ll bring you some coffee.”
She did as ordered, taking one in the back where the wall was behind her. True to her word, Marley showed up not much later with a pot of thick black coffee and two mugs. “Food will be coming as soon as it’s ready. I hope you still like your breakfast.” As Laciee added sugar to her drink, Marley took the seat across from her. “It’s really good to see you again, Laciee.”
“Thank you. You’re looking great.”
Marley waved a hand and shook her head. “I’m one of the things around here which never changes. A little grayer, a little fatter, but I’m still me.”
“I’ve missed you.” The statement was heartfelt and honest.
“Should have come home to visit then.” Marley’s reprimand was sharp.
There were so many things she could have said but again, no one argued with Marley. “Yes, ma’am.”
Marley harrumphed. “Let me go check on that food.” Marley stood and glanced at her. “You go see Lavina?”
“Yes, ma’am, before I came here.”
“Lola?”
“No.” She spoke her refusal with force.
Marley nodded solemnly before walking away. Blowing out a breath she’d been unaware of holding, Laciee cupped her fingers around the coffee mug and closed her eyes as she drank.
“You slipped out of the reception before I did.”
The male voice brought her eyes open. Judd Travers stood there, hat in hand and looking all too hot for her own sanity.
“Wasn’t any reason for me to stay.”
“Wasn’t there?”
“Not that I’m aware of.” She ran her gaze over him again. Tight jeans, cowboy boots, large silver buckle and a shirt that showcased the strength in his upper body. “Would you care to join me?”
“Thank you.”
He slid in across from her, setting his hat on the seat beside him. Damn if she didn’t have the desire to push back some of those dark locks which fell forward over his forehead. Marley brought him a cup and filled it with java. Laciee met her friend’s gaze and wasn’t sure what to make of the smile.
“You eatin’, handsome?” Marley asked Judd. Laciee drank some more coffee as Judd put in his own order.
“Seems you know Marley pretty well.”
“I used to work here.” Pain scraped at her as memories tried to escape. “She’s always been good to me.”
He stared at her. More like studied her and she wanted to shift from the scrutiny. Licking her lips, she tilted her head to the side. “When did you move to Branchwater?”
“About seven years ago now. Once Wyatt came here he told me of the ranch which I ended up purchasing.”
“Which spread did you get?”
Marley returned with her food and topped off their coffee.
“Flying T.”
She was impressed. “Largest spread around. Unless something’s changed.”
“Nope, still is. Diamond J is not much smaller though.”
She wondered if he was trying to find out something by his statement about the Diamond J. With a nod, she cut up the French toast that had been delivered to the table. Once she’d cut it how she wanted it, she slathered it below maple syrup.
He was watching her again and she wanted to distract him. “How did you and Wyatt meet?”
“I moved to his high school our freshman year. Some guys were picking on him and I stepped in. We’ve been friends ever since. Guess being beaten on and bloody together before the principal’s office creates a bond. What about you and Karis?”
She tensed slightly. “Same school.”
“Judd Travers. Haven’t seen you in a while. What brought you off that ranch of yours?”
Laciee was amazed by the change in the man across from her. It was as if someone had flipped a switch leaving behind a completely different person. Judd glanced at the man standing at the end of the table and gave a sharp nod.
“Rich. Business.”
That was it. Two words. Nothing more. No elaboration and no questions in return. The man standing there flushed a bit and babbled a bit more, to cover up his embarrassment, she assumed.
“I see you’re busy so I’ll catch up with you later. Great talking to you. Bye, Judd.” The man left.
Dark brown eyes pierced her as he returned his attention to her. Her belly tensed and rolled at the intensity with which he held her gaze. “Bad blood between you two?”
“Nope.” He ate some of his food that had arrived as well. “You and Karis?”
She really didn’t want to get into her past with this man. It was hard enough to sit across from him when her mind was constantly replaying how it felt being in his arms. Would have been better to just have him as a dream. Knowing he was flesh and blood didn’t help her in the slightest.
“So surprising we would be friends?” Okay, even she could hear the defiance in her tone.
“Not to me. I was just wondering how it came about. Cheerleaders together? Some other sport?”
“Nope. It…kinda just happened.”
They ate in silence, for which she was grateful. She did notice how many people kept looking at them with confused expressions on their faces. Only this time she wasn’t sure if it was because of her or Judd.
“Where do you live?” he asked, pushing his empty plate away.
“New York City.”
His hand curled about his mug. “You went from here to New York City?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Why?”
“Easier to be anonymous.” She clamped her mouth shut the second she realized what she’d said.
Judd flexed his fingers around the warm mug and digested what Laciee had just said. Easier to be anonymous. Why would she want to be? She sat across from him, tense, and he knew she was ready to bolt. Problem was, he wasn’t quite ready to let her go.
“’Spect it is. So you just came back for the wedding?”
The relief which spread across her features made him long to reach out and touch her face. Why was she so happy he let her statement pass without questions?
“Karis wouldn’t take no for an answer,” she replied with a wry grin.
“Sounds like her.” He sipped some coffee. “When do you leave out?” He knew, but what he wanted to know was if she would tell him what he already knew.
She pursed her lips and blew out a breath. “Was supposed to be today.”
Judd knew she was here for two weeks but wanted her to tell him. “Miss your flight?”
“Apparently so, since I’m sitting right here. Karis booked me here for two weeks. For some reason she wanted me here when she gets back from her honeymoon.”
A slow grin began to curl up his lips. “Don’t you want to stay?”
“Nope. Can’t say that I do.”
“Nothing around here to keep your interest?”
Her gaze zoomed to his and she didn’t speak for a few moments. He could feel the heat arcing between the two of them and it took everything he had to remain in his seat.
“Just had plans to get back home, is all.”
“Take it as a vacation.”
“That’s what Karis said. She said I work too much and never take one.”
“What do you do in the Big Apple?”
“I’m a paramedic.”
“Hard job.”
She gave a small shrug. “Some days are harder than others, but I do love what I do.”
“So you do need the vacation.”
Her stare homed in on the door briefly before she dropped her gaze back to her plate. Her entire body language changed. Tense, uncomfortable. He turned his head but couldn’t see what, or who, could have caused such a reaction in her.
“I suppose so.” She slid from the booth. “Have a good day, Mr. Travers.”
“Judd,” he corrected. When her eyes found his, he smiled. “I think we’re way past such formality.”
She clenched her jaw but didn’t say another word. Just walked away. Turning in his seat, he tracked her movements to the front where she pulled some cash from her pocket and handed it to Marley. The women shared a brief hug and then Laciee was gone. Immediately he peered out the window, to possibly catch another glimpse of her but she didn’t walk by and he swallowed back his frustration.
Draining the rest of his coffee, he swiped his hat and left the booth. Depositing enough money on the table to cover his meal he made his way through the tables to where Marley sat at the counter, working on something.
“What can I get you, cowboy?” she asked without looking up.
“Which way did Laciee head?”
That got her attention. The pencil stopped moving as she lifted her head to stare at him. “Why?”
“Need to talk to her, is all.”
“Y’all didn’t get your talking done over the meal?”
He scowled and all she did was lift an eyebrow. “Direction?”
“Reckon she went back to the hotel. Didn’t ask and I wasn’t paying attention. Sorry, handsome.”
“Good day, Ms. Marley.” He headed for the door, slapping his Stetson on his head the moment he pushed through. He hadn’t needed to ask which hotel for there was only one in Branchwater. But instead of following her, he returned to his truck then drove there.
Parked, he hurried inside and to the front desk. The small blonde there gave him a large grin. “Can I help you?”
“I need you to call Ms. Laciee Dupree’s room and tell her I’m down here waiting for her.” She hesitated and he hooked his thumbs in his belt. “Go on.”
“I’m sorry, sir, there’s no answer.”
Turning away so he didn’t take his frustration out on her, he spied Laciee walking up to the front door. “Never mind, I see her.” Determined strides took him on an intercept course.