“You getting hungry? Won’t take long to grill up some burgers although I’m pretty sure I don’t have any buns.”
“I am hungry. Can I help you with anything?”
“I’ll fire up the grill. You can scrounge around in the kitchen for whatever else you feel like eating. There’s not too much on hand. I haven’t been here in a few weeks.”
Trevor went outside to cook the burgers. She removed condiments from the refrigerator and set them on the table. She opened a can of mixed vegetables she found in the walk-in pantry and poured them into a bowl for microwaving. When Trevor returned with the fragrant meat, Ketra yawned.
“Looks like someone’s ready for bed,” Trevor teased.
“I am kind of tired.”
“Well, eat and then go make yourself at home upstairs. You should find whatever you need in the cabinets in the bathroom.”
She finished her meal and carried her plate and the bottle of ketchup to the kitchen.
“I’ll clean up.” He laid a hand on the small of her back. “You go up and take a hot bath or shower or something. I’ll come up when I’m done down here.”
“Do you mind if I call Rocky? A couple of my horses have some special dietary needs. I need to make sure he’s aware of that.”
“There’s no cell service out here. I have a landline in the bedroom. Or my office. Use whichever one you want.”
Since she hadn’t seen it yet, she decided to call from the office. The room was as spacious and comfortable as the rest of the house, with a masculine, woodsy flair she found cheering. Locating the phone on the desk, she dialed Rocky’s number.
She smiled at the surprise in his voice when he answered. “I wanted to make sure you knew about the special food for the appy and the bay.”
“I saw your notes on the board. You okay staying with Trev tonight? He has an extra bedroom, right?”
“Um, yeah. But, we’re…um…he asked me….” She stared out the large window overlooking the creek. Milky ribbons of clouds flirted with the moon in the inky sky.
“He called earlier. I’m glad he asked you to stay at his place. I let Carter go today. I didn’t want him doing something crazy while you were around.”
She sucked in a breath. “How’d that go?”
“As I expected. He made a scene but eventually packed his things and left.”
“I’m sorry.”
“He had enough chances. He’s a liability I don’t need.”
“He was your best roper.”
“You’re my best roper, honey. I’ve hired on Ross Winters. Remember him?”
“Ruth’s son?”
“Yeah. He’s back from his final tour of duty overseas. He’s anxious to get on with civilian life. He was a ferrier when he was a kid. According to Ruth, he’s handy with a rope. He’ll be moving in at the end of the week. Should be a good addition. I think you’ll like him.”
“Well, I’ll probably be—”
“I know, you’ll be wary. But give him a chance. I think you’ll feel safe around him.”
“That’s not what I was going to say.” She fumbled for words, not sure how to break the news of her engagement. “I’m sure he’s very nice. It’s just that I most likely won’t be….”
She couldn’t tell him something this important over the phone. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”
“Won’t be what?”
“Nothing. I’m just tired. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“You sure you’re okay? Nothing else you want to tell me?”
“Yeah. I’m better than okay. I love…you. And I love Trevor’s ranch.”
“Well, I’m glad you love…his ranch. He was excited about showing it to you.”
“And you guys ganged up on me. Shame on you.” She tried to sound peevish, but knew he heard the smile in her voice.
“It wasn’t me, but I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. It was time for you to leave this ranch. Spread those wings of yours.”
She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. “I know.”
“Get some rest, sweetheart. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
She hung up and retraced her steps down the hall. A stab of guilt sliced through her melancholy mood at the clinking of dishes in the kitchen. She fought the urge to help Trevor clean up as she wound her way up the curving staircase and down the hall to the master suite. In the bathroom, she shucked out of her clothes and adjusted the water in the oversized shower. Dual heads extended from the tiled walls.
Moments later, Trevor joined her in the steaming cubicle and positioned her into his chest. They clung to each other under the hot spray. Trevor captured her face between his hands. Slanting his mouth across hers, he kissed her with urgency. His tender command of her mouth, not forcing or demanding, enthused her to yield to his silent supplication for more intimate contact. She became pliant in his capable arms, melting against him. With confident hands he explored her body. Prickles of pleasure plucked her hyper-sensitive skin.
Fanning his hands across her bottom, he lifted her against his erection. Pressed against the slick tile wall, she glued her lips to his. He rocked against her, matching her rhythm with powerful thrusts of his own. They panted and bucked as hot water poured over them. Tension slipped away on currents of passion. They climaxed together.
As the tremors diminished, Trevor lowered her quivering legs, sliding them down his powerful thighs until her toes touched the solid tile floor. He turned her around and massaged soap bubbles across her back and shoulders.
“So,” he rasped, “are we gonna have a double wedding in Vernazza?”
She leaned her head back into his tightly-toned chest. “I don’t want to ruin Kennedy’s plans. She has it all planned out.”
“Then how about we plan our own wedding in Vernazza, after hers? Everyone will already be there, dressed up, bearing gifts….”
She turned and circled the bar of soap across his chest, lavishing in the feel of his warm slick skin beneath her hands. “You want to get married in Italy?”
“I don’t care where we get married as long as we do it soon. I want you living with me. Now. But I’d rather it be legal. Especially since I haven’t met your dad yet.”
Ketra laughed. “I’ll call Kennedy tomorrow. We’ll talk about it. I’ve never been to Italy, but if you say it’s romantic, and Kennedy loves it, then I guess it must have some potential.”
“What do you say we continue this discussion in that big comfortable bed in the next room?”
“I’m pretty sure it’s not the discussion you’re wanting to continue.” She cocked her head so that her hair draped over one shoulder. She didn’t know if she looked seductive, but she sure as hell felt like it.
“What a tease you’re turning out to be.”
He reached behind her and turned off the water then handed her a plush towel. When they were mostly dry, Trevor carried her to the bed and took up where he had left off in the shower. No further wedding plans developed.
Chapter Forty-Two
“I need to talk to Cal and Reed before we hit the road.” Trevor left Ketra standing on the porch with a steaming mug of strong coffee. He walked toward the barn, puffs of red dust rising under his booted feet. The mating call of cicadas punctuated an otherwise still morning. Billowing alabaster and saffron clouds hung low in a peaches and cream sky, prophesying inclement weather. She closed her eyes and breathed in the serenity surrounding the ranch.
“Ready?” Trevor’s voice interrupted her peaceful interlude. Her eyes drifted shut as his thumbs kneaded the knots between her shoulder blades. “You look content.”
“I am.”
“That’s because you’ve been well-loved.” He kissed the side of her neck, right below her earlobe. Shivers fluttered to her lower extremities.
She relished the inviting rhapsody of
nature’s voices, the faintly rustling leaves, trickling water and humming insects a soothing balm to her wounded soul. “I think I’m going to love living here. It’s so peaceful and relaxing.”
“I hoped you’d like it.”
She leaned back into his solid chest. He hugged her close. They enjoyed the quiet for a few moments before he unwound his arms and reached for her hand. “We should get on the road, Babe.”
She sighed. “I’ll rinse this cup and grab my purse.”
“I’ll meet you in the truck.”
As they climbed the Colorado Plateau back toward Flagstaff, Ketra enjoyed the unassuming beauty of the desolate world outside the truck window. She silently rebuked herself for having spent her entire trip to Phoenix brooding instead of enjoying nature’s gifts.
“I’m going to re-submit my transfer request this afternoon when I’m back at my office,” he said.
“Transfer request?”
“A couple of years ago there was an opening at the Yavapai County office. I requested a transfer so I could be closer to the ranch. Heather about had a heart attack when she found out.”
“Why?”
“She hates it out here. She’s a city girl. Likes partying, clubbing, shopping malls, all the suburban stimuli. She refused to live at the uncivilized ranch. So I withdrew my request.”
“She didn’t live here?”
“No. She came with me a couple of times when I was up for a weekend or on my days off, but she couldn’t stand being out here. She said it was too quiet and boring with no internet and no cell reception.” He reached for her hand and drew her fingers to his lips for a quick kiss. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that you want to live there.”
Ketra couldn’t contain her delight at the knowledge that Heather had spent so little time at the ranch. Living there would be even more special for her now.
“What if you don’t get the transfer?”
“I’m pretty sure I will. The Yavapai office hasn’t had a regular detective in their burglary and fraud unit for over a year. They’ve had to call our office a couple of times for help to work some of their cases. I should get it, unless….”
Copying him, she brought his hand to her mouth and kissed his knuckles, one at a time, waiting for him to finish. When he didn’t, she asked, “Unless what?”
He cleared his throat and pulled his hand away. “Unless the psychologist won’t release me.”
“Why wouldn’t he?”
Trevor rolled his head from one shoulder to the other. Heaving a huge sigh he said, “There’s a rumor that I’m not stable. Poor judgment. Yadda, yadda, yadda. I had anger issues. Had being the operative word.”
“Well, finding out your wife was unfaithful is pretty brutal.”
“Yeah, but anger and guns are a bad combination.” He sat taut in the seat, intent on the remote road in front of them, occasionally darting his eyes to the rear-view mirror. The colorful morning had darkened, and the clouds had amassed significantly, now sporting an ominous shade of gray.
“No. I guess not.” She admired him while she contemplated how to phrase her next question. He certainly was a treat for the eyes. “What will you do if you can’t go back yet?”
“I’ve got a lot to do at the ranch. And,” he looked at her and grinned, “there’s a wedding to plan.”
His cell phone rang. Ketra studied his expression, noting how it changed from anxious anticipation to nervous tension. His gray eyes connected with hers for the briefest of moments before returning to the road. His portion of the conversation consisted of grunts and one-word responses. When he disconnected he looked at her and inhaled sharply. Her stomach clenched. Her fingers curled into her palms.
“That was Denny. Brian and Kyle Hamilton have been detained at the state line. I’m not sure why they didn’t fly, but….”
A hissing noise, like waterdrops falling on hot coals, commenced between her ears. She hoped her breakfast wouldn’t come back up.
“Hamilton’s been taken in for questioning. The kid’ll be escorted to the family home in southern California. A condition of his parole is that he cannot leave Riverside County. That’s where he’ll be for a year or two anyway. I don’t think you’re going to have to worry about the Hamiltons again. Denny said IRS compiled enough incriminating evidence against Brian to put him behind bars for the rest of his life.”
She didn’t know what to say. After two very long years, she wouldn’t have to worry about retribution from the Hamiltons. Her queasiness quieted, but her heart continued to race.
“Hey.” He rubbed his hand across her thigh. “You know what that means, right?”
She nodded but didn’t dare speak.
“You okay? This is good news.”
“I don’t know what to say. I never imagined this would happen. I expected to be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life. It’s kind of a shock.”
“You’ve got me to watch over you now. And I am very thorough.”
She covered his hand with hers. “I do feel safe when I’m with you.”
“Hey, how about I drive back up tomorrow and we can go ring shopping?”
At the next junction, Trevor turned onto Route 66 and headed west toward the Diamond D. By the time they slowed for the driveway, thick masses of clouds bunched against the mountains like a fortress, determined to block the sun’s rays from reaching the earth.
Trevor backed the truck between his cabin and hers and switched off the engine. A gold colored Honda Civic sat in front of Rocky’s house. “Any idea who that is?”
“No. I’ve never seen that car before.” She put her hand on the door latch but hesitated before opening it. “Maybe it’s someone talking to Rocky about Lucifer’s services.”
Trevor hurried around to help her climb down from the extra tall truck. “Shall we go see who it is, or…?”
“I want to tell him about us. But I need to call my mom first.”
He pulled her against his thighs and lowered his mouth for a long lazy kiss. “Go call your mom. I’m pretty sure your uncle already knows. I’ll get your dress and stuff from the back.”
Their attention diverted when the front door of Rocky’s house swung open. Rocky and a middle-aged woman stepped onto the porch. Trevor turned curious eyes to Ketra.
“On second thought,” she said, “let’s go see who it is.”
Hand-in-hand they walked the short distance to the main house. Rocky and the woman ceased their conversation as they neared.
“How was Phoenix?” Rocky asked, his gaze dipping to their clasped hands.
“Things are looking up,” Trevor said with a smile. He waggled his brows.
Rocky twisted his mouth into a good-natured smile when his eyes landed on Ketra’s face. “That’s good news.”
The woman standing next to Rocky didn’t look familiar, but from all appearances, she knew Rocky and he was comfortable with her.
“Kettie, Trevor, this is Tandie McCall.” Rocky seemed nervous about introducing Brooks’ mother.
“Hi.” Ketra extended her hand.
Trevor also shook her hand as they exchanged pleasantries.
“I suppose she’s wondering about Brooks,” Ketra said.
“Ms. Weston.” Tandie’s gravelly voice matched her sallow complexion. “I am so sorry about what my boy done. Rocky told me what happened. I can’t apologize enough for him.”
“It’s—”
“No, it’s not all right. I intend to have a good long talk with him when I pick him up. He needs to understand what he did was wrong. I am sick about this, just sick. Rocky’s been so good to me and now this.”
“He didn’t…hurt me really. He just…took me by surprise is all.”
“I done failed him as a momma. I didn’t have the kind of serious talk with him I should have. I see that now. But I will certainly h
ave that talk with him. First thing. I’m on my way there now.” She put a hand on Rocky’s forearm. “Thank you for telling me. I’ll let you know as soon as we get settled some place. I’ve got three more weeks of them lousy doctors. Then I’ll look for a place for us to live.”
“Where have you been staying?” Ketra asked.
“There’s a woman’s shelter close to the center where I take my treatments. I can walk back and forth. They’re not gonna let me stay much longer. ‘Sides, I need a place to stay with my boy.”
“You can have my cabin,” Ketra blurted before giving the idea conscious thought. “I’m sure Rocky wouldn’t mind having an old friend around for a while.”
Rocky opened his mouth to object, but Trevor cut him off. “Or they can have mine. I’m going back to Phoenix tonight.”
“Then when Trevor and I…when we…well, then, Kenny and Marco can have my place.”
“Kettie, you sure you’re okay with this? Brooks’ll be right next door?” Rocky asked.
“That is real generous of you, Ms. Weston,” Tandie said, “but I can’t take advantage of your kindness after what my boy done.”
Ketra eased her arm around Trevor’s waist. “It’ll be fine. I’m sure he won’t bother me again.” She glanced up at Trevor and smiled. “I won’t be here too much longer anyway. We’ll be getting married soon and I’m be going to live at his ranch in Sedona.”
“Congratulations!” Tandie clasped Ketra’s hands in both of hers.
“So, we’re having a double wedding in Vernazza then?” Rocky asked with a wink at his niece.
“No. I’m not going to impose on Kenny’s special day. Besides, I was thinking this morning that Trevor’s ranch would be a perfect place for a wedding.” She looked at him for approval.
Trevor kissed her. “I like how this girl thinks.”
“I need to get going before the rain comes.” Tandie stepped off the porch. “I’ll come by in a few days. If’n you still want me for a neighbor, we’ll work out the details. I promise I will keep constant watch over Brooks. He won’t hurt you again, you have my word.”
On Common Ground Page 29