by Aliyah Burke
“Crazy,” she muttered.
He figured he wasn’t supposed to have heard that so let it go. “Have a good day so far?”
“It was quiet.”
Kilburn walked slow and he didn’t encourage him to move any faster. “Bored?”
“A bit different than New York for me. It’s been a while since I’ve just taken it easy. I’m a bit out of my element. And Rosa doesn’t want me in her way.”
He laughed. “She’s like that. House is her domain.”
“I have to go to town.”
Amusement fled and he tensed. “For?”
“I need to get some more clothing. I didn’t pack for two weeks here.”
He liked her saying ‘here’ even if it wasn’t technically for his place. She was here now, and he aimed to keep it that way. “I’ll take you.”
“I don’t need you to do that. I have a car.”
“You may not need it, but I do. I have some things to do in town as well. We can go after I get cleaned up.”
Her hold on him tightened. “You know you can’t protect me every moment of the day, right?”
“I can damn sure try,” he replied. He helped her down then swung down after. “You didn’t mind being so close to me with me covered in sweat and whatever else I got hit with out there?”
“I’m an EMT, Judd. I’ve had plenty of things on me I would just as soon forget.” She gave a quick smile. “Being pressed against you is no hardship.”
He ducked his head for a quick kiss. Lord, it was hard to keep it short. “Good to know, ‘cause we both know I like being pressed to you as well.” Standing tall, he led Kilburn inside.
“Who’s this?” she asked once he’d stripped the tack and began brushing him down.
“Kilburn.”
She reached out and patted his neck. “He’s beautiful.”
No, Laciee was beautiful. He watched her as she loved on his gelding. Her eyes were wide and free of worry, lips curved up in an enticing smile as she murmured to the horse. She looked happy, gentle, and content.
“You can pick a horse if you’d like one to ride.”
“Maybe you should do that for me. I’ve not ridden in years.”
Sending Kilburn into his stall, he patted his horse. “I’ll do that when we get back from town.” They walked to the house in relative silence. He could see the question on her face. “What is it, Laciee?”
“Sonny and Cher?”
He chuckled. “Can’t answer that one. They were named that when they arrived from Australia, and they stuck.”
“I’m surprised you use heelers.”
“Think I’d have Border Collies?”
“A lot do around here.”
“They’re okay with cattle but the ones I’ve seen, their expertise is with sheep. The heelers are an Australian breed and have Dingo in their background. Being used to the temperatures here in Texas isn’t hard for them. England and Scotland are a lot more temperate than here and Borders work great there. Our summers can be brutal and these guys just keep plowing along without any problem. They’re hard workers and handle the large herds with ease.”
He looked to find the dogs sprawled under a tree, tongues out panting. Judd held the door for her and trailed her inside the cool house. He heard Rosa singing as she worked in the kitchen and he removed his hat, hanging it on the hook near the door.
“I’ll be ready to go in about thirty minutes.”
“Sounds fine. I’ll be ready.”
God help him, he wanted to kiss her again but he didn’t, instead forcing himself to leave her alone. His expedited shower didn’t help the lust coursing through his veins. It would have been so easy to give in and get himself off in the water but he’d refrained, wanting to be inside her again when he found release.
Tugging his shirt over his head, he tucked it in his jeans before fastening his belt. It hadn’t been thirty minutes but hey, sue him, he had a beautiful woman waiting for him. Why take his time?
He heard voices in the kitchen and he made his way there.
“Have you gone to see her?” Rosa asked.
“No, ma’am.”
“It’s not my place to speak on this, but you should go see her while you’re here.”
“Things aren’t that simple anymore, Rosa.”
“Doesn’t matter. She’s your mother.”
Judd drew up short. Her mother lived here? Questions streamed through his head. Why had she been at a hotel in the first place then? Why not stay with her mother? Why not call her mother after what happened?
The silence dragged on and he entered the kitchen. Both women looked surprised to see him. “Ready?”
Laciee’s smile was forced. “Yes.”
“We’ll be back, Rosa.”
His housekeeper didn’t say a word, just sent a pointed look to Laciee, who dropped her gaze and wiped her hands off on her pant legs.
Judd guided her out of the kitchen and outside to his truck where he held the door for her. Before he closed it, he turned her face toward him. “You okay?”
“Fine, why?”
“No reason.”
Her smile was more of a grimace, and he shut her door before walking around to get behind the wheel. They made the trip into town in silence, aside from the music playing softly. He liked that about her; she didn’t feel the need to fill silence with chatter and while he’d love to hear her voice, he enjoyed quiet.
She noticeably tensed the moment they entered Branchwater. He wished he could make it easier on her. Pulling up outside the clothing store, Callie’s, he allowed the truck to idle. “I’ll be back for you in about an hour, if that works for you.”
“That’s fine,” she muttered, opening her door and slipping out.
Only when she vanished into the store did he move. Parking his truck along the street, he got out and made his way across the way to the feed store.
“Afternoon, Judd!” Homer Bates called.
“Homer.” He nodded once and kept on his way. They were like a farm and ranch store all rolled into one. Or perhaps a Cenex Co-op but locally owned. Hanging along the front, a large sign reading, ‘Bates’ Feed n’ Seed’. You needed it, you could get it here. Feed, dog items, saddles, clothing and more.
Judd took less time than usual in getting what supplies he needed. I should just admit to myself that I’m anxious to get back to Laciee. He snorted and shook his head. Nothing that he told himself would slow him down and he paid and loaded everything into the back of his truck.
Now I can go find Laciee.
Chapter Six
Laciee stood by the counter while the woman folded all her clothing purchases and stacked them in a bag. She had a large smile on her face and chatted as she worked. Laciee had come here to have a bit—she knew it wouldn’t be much, not in this town—more privacy of purchasing clothes as opposed to the feed and seed store.
“I hear you’re from New York City. I bet it’s just the greatest place in the world. The ‘City that Never Sleeps’ I mean, just from the name alone.”
Jolene was the name on her tag. Tucking some hair behind her ear, Laciee nodded. “It has its perks, that’s for sure.” The Big Apple apparently wasn’t as exciting.
“Time Square, is it like they show it on television? Or Central Park?”
Lord, had she ever been this excited about anything at her age? Jolene’s black hair had been swept back from her face in a simple, yet effective, bun. The style allowed her piercing blue eyes to shine from her heart-shaped face. She was a beauty, that was for sure. Yet, there was something about her that looked so familiar, Laciee just couldn’t quite place it.
“Yes. I like Central Park better than it is on television. I run there most days.”
She never stopped folding. “What about in winter? Do you run there even then?”
“I do.”
Jolene sighed. “I would give anything to get out of this town. Middle of nowhere and nothing to do.” In went another shirt. “How long have yo
u lived there?”
“Over ten years now.”
“I’ve been here for thirteen. I’m seventeen and I hate cattle.” Her expression—one of tortured youth—had Laciee hiding her smile.
“A lot of those around here,” Laciee agreed with a nod.
Jolene blew out a frustrated breath. “Don’t I know it. I hate them, the smell, sound, all of it.”
“City doesn’t always smell like peaches.” Laciee felt like she owed Jolene the truth.
“I know but there are people there to talk to. It’s the only reason I took this job, I wanted some interaction with people. Not that we get a lot in Branchwater, but at least I’m not stuck in the house listening to my cousin ramble on about something or another.”
“Cousin?”
“Charlotte Beaumonde.”
Well shit. That explained the reason Jolene looked so damn familiar. “Charlotte Beaumonde is your cousin.”
“Yes, do you know her?”
Did she know her? Oh, how she knew her, but…couldn’t blame the cousin for her relations. Laciee ran over several responses before opting to merely nod her head.
“She’s trying to get out of town. I think she said she wanted to go to California. I want to go with her. I don’t care where I end up, I just want out of Branchwater.”
Laciee watched the teen shove her final items in the bag. Jolene flushed and ducked her head.
“Guess I got a bit loud there, I’m sorry.”
Laciee almost reached over and touched her hand, at the last moment gripping the counter instead. “I understand wanting to leave. I was where you are.”
Blue eyes met hers. “I don’t have money. I’m not sure how it would work.”
“College?”
“My aunt and uncle say there’s not enough to send me anywhere for a university. If I’m lucky I can go to community college. Assuming I can buy my own car and all that.”
No money? Laciee barely refrained from rolling her eyes in disgust. Charlotte always wore the latest fashions, gold, and diamonds. Stay out of this, her brain cautioned.
“Apply for a scholarship then.”
The expression on Jolene’s face had her wondering if anyone had mentioned it to her.
“I was told I’m not a candidate.”
Small towns. Laciee signed her credit card slip. “Trust me. You are. You need to look for some or ask your counselor. There’s always a way, Jolene. Never let…” She glanced over her shoulder at the opening of the door and saw Charlotte’s mom enter. “…anyone tell you different,” she murmured, facing the young woman again. “Thank you.” This time her voice was much louder, and she grabbed her bags before heading to the door.
Delores Beaumonde blocked her way, disgust and repulsion all over her face.
“I see you returned.”
Laciee wasn’t getting into this with her. One way or another she would refuse to be drawn back in. As she gripped the handles of her bags and prepared to step around the disagreeable Mrs. Beaumonde, the door opened again. This time admitting Laura Raines, Karis’ mother. They’d managed to not even speak at the wedding.
Their gazes locked, and sparks immediately flew between them. Time vanished as she stared at the woman who’d made her life such a living hell during her childhood.
“Still here?” Laura questioned, her tone both dangerous and ice-cold. “Thought you’d be gone. Heard you had an issue with your hotel room.”
“Laura.” Damn it! She was no longer a young child who could be cowed. She wouldn’t show anything. “You must be looking forward to being called Grandmother.”
Laura visibly winced, and Laciee held her gloating smile. Blue eyes narrowed, nostrils flared, and with a sniff Laura inspected her nails.
“Leave. Nobody wants you here. Just a whorish slut like your drug-addled mama.”
Laciee harbored no illusions about Lola Dupree, and the words had long since ceased having any power to hurt her.
“And yet…” Laciee trailed off, giving a small shrug. There was no reason to say the words, Laura would know what she meant. Biting the inside of her cheek, she strode past the two cold women and back out into the warm summer sun. Her chills remained despite the day’s heat.
Lordy, she wanted to get out of town and flee to New York City where she regained the mantle of anonymity, where she was an EMT. No one there knew of Branchwater, Texas. And she intended to keep it that way.
Legs trembling, she walked up the nearly deserted street to a low-rise brick wall where she sat, bags at her feet. A latent breeze ruffled her hair but did little in adding comfort.
“Damn her,” she muttered, eyes flickering up and down the street. Laciee knew why there hadn’t been a confrontation at the wedding, Laura was all about image. But in the store with her friend Delores there and Jolene, there would be no gossip.
“Damn me for letting that wh…bitch get to me. I’m better than that, and I should know better. I’m not a little girl anymore.”
“That’s true.”
The masculine voice startled her, and she jumped slightly before glancing up and squinting against the sun to see Sheriff Randall Bolton. She barely held her snort. Great, how much more did she have to take?
Judd spied Laciee immediately as he turned the corner. Middle of the block seated upon a retaining wall, bags at her feet. What bothered him was the way she sat, stiff and uncomfortable. At her side, none other than Sheriff Bolton. Protectiveness rushed Judd and he gripped the steering wheel harder as a near-feral growl filled the cab. It took a few seconds for him to realize he’d emitted the noise.
He parked and got out. Long strides took him to Laciee’s side. She continued to appear stiff and as he neared he heard Bolton talking.
“We have nothing to go on,” the sheriff said.
“Never thought you would,” came Laciee’s reply.
“We’re a small force, small town. We just don’t have the resources.”
Judd knew a line of shit when he heard one. He waited for Laciee to call the man on it. She didn’t.
“Never asked you to investigate, Sheriff. Let it go.”
“Bull!” Judd interjected. “It’s your job, Sheriff, to figure these things out.”
Bolton jumped but Laciee barely moved at his statement. Randall got up and puffed out his chest.
“Look, Travers. I don’t need anyone telling me my job.”
“Appears to me you do, Bolton, or you wouldn’t be giving excuses. Like you said, small town. Can’t be that many suspects.”
Randall scowled at him while Laciee kept her gaze on the ground.
“Stay out of this, Travers.”
Judd glared at the man he’d really never had an issue with until now. His ranch hands didn’t mess with the law and he rarely had to interact with what passed as the law around here, short of a brief hello in passing. Now, none of that mattered. The man had a job and didn’t seem all too keen on doing it. A fact that didn’t sit well with Judd. Especially not when it came to Laciee Dupree.
“Do your job then, Bolton. You find this person or persons before I do.”
Laciee lifted her head and stared at him with something akin to horror in her light brown eyes.
“You making a threat, Travers?”
Now he sounds cocky? “No threat, Sheriff.” He shrugged. “Beside, how could I threaten someone who according to you, you can’t figure out who it is?”
“Don’t get in the way,” Bolton ground out, his face turning redder.
“Keep this from her. Whoever it is better stay the hell away. She’s at my ranch, and I protect what’s mine. All my men will as well and out there, we shoot first when being threatened.” Every inch of him tensed as he longed to punch the arrogant man. The second he claimed her, he knew it was right. Laciee was his and he kept his safe.
“You can’t just shoot people.”
Watch him. “Mine, Bolton. Mine. You’ve been warned.” Turning his attention to Laciee he moved to her and bent, picking up her purch
ases. “Let’s go, darlin’.”
She rose and he almost kissed her, just to be able to see the light and sparkle back in her gaze. Gritting his teeth against the urge, he led the way to his truck, constantly checking to ensure she followed. He needn’t have concerned himself. She kept pace easily and remained silent as he held the door for her.
“What’s going on here?” he demanded as he climbed in the truck and started the powerful engine.
“Going on?”
“That crap with you and Bolton.” Lord, he was close to losing his patience.
“You know, Karis told me about you but she said you didn’t talk much. Not sure where she got that from.”
He knew the tactic and decided to let her run with it. For now. “You and Karis talked about me?” His lips quirked up briefly.
She gave him a sideways roll of her eyes. “Not what I said. I said she told me about you.”
As they left Branchwater, he watched her entire form relax with each passing mile.
“I don’t normally talk much but you bring it out in me.”
She grunted and stared out the window. He stole glances but she didn’t move. Biting back another curse, he stopped the truck, put it in neutral, and set the brake. Then he pivoted in the seat.
Now she watched him, eyes wide. “Wh…what are you doing?”
“I was going to let it go. Well, for a time. However, I’ve since changed my mind. Tell me what the fu…heck is going on.” Didn’t matter how pissed he was, manners were manners and he’d been raised not to curse before a woman. He was upset enough he’d slipped and had done so the first night she stayed at his ranch. It wasn’t something he would do again. Reluctance and hesitation swam together in her eyes. “Don’t lie to me and tell me nothing either.”
“Let it go, Judd. Please.”
That please was soft and heartfelt. Nearly got to him. Nearly was hella different than did.
“No can do, darlin’.”
“We’re stopped in the middle of the road. You can’t do that.”
“Ain’t NYC around here, darlin’. Not much traffic. You talk or we can sit right here.”
Her nostrils flared, a sure sign of her growing agitation. Good, he hated the void of expression and would gladly take anger over a blank slate.