“We’ll see,” she said, refusing to be cornered on this.
“I’ll call you later,” Brody said, equally determined.
“Thank you, Brody,” Cal said, pulling free of her hold to run to Brody. He hugged the man, a long, tight hug. “And thank you for taking care of Tanner. You saved him like he saved us.” His little voice broke.
Brody’s arms wrapped around her son so he could hug the boy tight. “You can count on me, Cal.”
Brody Wallace had no right to say things like that to her son. Or to her. Damn him and his promises—promises she knew he’d keep. India felt them again—hot, burning tears—singeing the back of her eyelids. She was not going to cry now. Not when Jan Ramirez was analyzing every single thing that was happening. She waited, holding herself rigid, until Cal was holding her hand and tugging her toward the door of the Soda Shop. And even though she knew Brody was watching her, she didn’t turn back—but she thought about it more than once.
* * *
WHEN INDIA AND Cal left, his mother bundled the girls up and headed home. Though Jan had offered to come back another day, Brody was determined to get this done and over with. He and Jan hit every major historical and tourist spot in the region before heading to his place for iced tea on the front porch.
When the WQAI van drove away from his house later that evening, Brody was ready for some peace and quiet. By then, he knew Jan Ramirez was hunting for something specific—and it had nothing to do with his run for office and everything to do with him and India.
India.
He was worried about her. Watching her come back to the table with tear-stained cheeks had been a punch to the gut. But then Cal had hugged him, and his heart turned over. Her boy clung to him, so full of love to give it damn near choked Brody up. He’d teach that boy to ride, no matter how hard India might fight him.
If India wasn’t so hell-bent on leaving, he could imagine a future full of walks, special walks, hidden smiles and that thrum of excitement only India stirred. He felt more awake, more alive, when she was with him.
But he’d have to be careful. Apparently he was wearing his heart on his sleeve, and people like Jan Ramirez were far too observant not to notice. His interview went well. He’d talked the talk, remained charming and engaging and given her exactly what she’d said she wanted—an inside scoop on him. India wasn’t part of the deal. Before Jan left, he made her swear not to include any footage of India or Cal in her reports. She’d been surprised, but she’d agreed.
“Willie called,” his father said, phone in hand. “Seems the grocery store roof is leaking. Probably from the storm.”
“Bad?” he asked.
“Sounds like it.” His father sighed. “You know Willie.”
Brody grinned. “Still got a few hours of light left. I’ll head into town and check it out.”
“Good.” His father nodded. “Make sure he’s got those wet-floor signs up, too, so no one falls and breaks a hip. Don’t want to get sued.”
“Yes, sir,” he said.
“The girls are down?” his father asked.
“Yep.” He had no idea what his mother had told him, so he said, “It was an eventful day.”
“Amberleigh said ya’ll were looking for a baby dragon?” His father scratched his head. “She does know they’re not real, doesn’t she?”
“She’s a little girl, Dad. It’s not gonna hurt a thing for her to believe in something make-believe,” he countered. “She’ll grow up soon enough.”
“I guess.” His father shook his head. “You were never one for pretending.”
Brody didn’t disagree. His parents were practical, hardworking people. Things like bedtime stories and playing pretend didn’t always fit into their schedules—or their way of thinking. He understood that now. His father taught him to hunt and fish, how to fix a tractor engine, everything there was to know about taking care of your horse, things that would serve him well if he was ever stranded far from civilization. Dragons and fairies, mermaids and dinosaurs weren’t included.
“You need anything else?” he asked, heading toward his truck. “Let Mom know I’m heading into town. She’ll text me.”
He enjoyed the twenty-five minutes of quiet into town—not even bothering to turn on the radio. He loved his girls and was thankful for his parents. But people needed time alone with their thoughts. Especially after a day like today.
His thoughts wandered to the girls’ birthday, the campaign and festival, and then the holidays not too far after. What would the holidays look like? Would Barbara want the girls, or would she come to Fort Kyle so they could be together? Whatever it was, they’d make it work.
Cal sprang to mind then.
What sort of man abandoned his son? Three years. He couldn’t imagine going three days without his girls.
He drove down Main Street and parked behind the grocery store. He unlocked the crank on the ladder bolted to the building and extended it fully before carrying his flashlight to the top. A quick search showed a soft patch in the corner, made worse by the slight incline in the flat roof. The water had pooled there instead of running off via the drains. He sighed, ran his hand over his face and shook his head.
His father was going to have to spend some money on this. Which meant Brody would have to smooth ruffled feathers.
He stood, staring down on Main Street. It was getting dark. The old-fashioned streetlights came on, casting the wood and brick storefronts in welcoming halos. The faint strands of music from the Soda Shop jukebox spilled into the night. His home was a pretty little town—even prettier in the fading sunlight.
He took a few pictures of the roof with his cell phone and climbed back down the ladder.
He unlocked the back door of the grocery store and went looking for Willie. Once he’d filled the man in on his discovery, and made sure the area was marked off, he headed across the street for a cup of black coffee.
But seeing India sitting at the desk inside the antiques shop, her sloppy bun stuck through with a handful of pencils, changed his mind.
He took a deep breath and tested the front door. It was unlocked. “India?” he said.
Her head jerked up, sending two pencils flying. She reached up, tugging the rest out and rubbing the back of her head.
“Studying?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Didn’t mean to interrupt you.” Which was a lie. If he hadn’t wanted to interrupt her, why the hell had he walked into the shop?
“No more camera crew?” she asked, tapping her book with her pencil.
“They left a couple hours back.” He leaned against the counter and watched her reaction. “Not a fan of television?”
She had shadows beneath her eyes. “Not a fan of stirring up a hornet’s nest. Rather not draw unwanted attention.”
“Your dad?”
Her eyes met his. “And Cal’s father. I like that he’s gone. I’d like to keep it that way.” She stood, agitated.
“Is Cal here?” he asked.
She seemed to be considering her answer. “Spending the night with Click and Tandy. We wanted to cheer Cal up, try to keep him from worrying over Tanner. Now he’s all fired up about riding and horses.” She shot him a look.
“I’m glad he’s excited. He should be.” He wasn’t going to apologize for it.
She sighed. “We’ll see.”
Brody tipped his hat back on his head. “What happened? With your ex?”
She shook her head. “I’m not in the mood to talk about JT. The only thing good that came out of my marriage was Cal. And the realization that the only person I can really count on is myself.”
“What about your family?” he argued.
“You know it’s never been easy between me and my father. Marrying JT was the last straw. Dad never liked him. He was right not to. Now he barely speaks to me. I’
m an embarrassment.” She glanced at him. “Sorry. Today was a lot. Guess I’m still a little worked up.”
He hurt for her. Surely it wasn’t true. Woodrow Boone was a hard man, but how could he be ashamed of his daughter? Not want her close by? “That why you’re so determined to get out of here?”
“Would you stay someplace you weren’t wanted? Where you had to be reminded all the time of your mistakes?”
His heart sank. “I guess talking to your dad is out?”
Her smile was hard. “He’s made up his mind. He was right. I was wrong. He told me what to do and I didn’t listen—making my situation my fault. When I called him, asked him for help, he reminded me of that.” She broke off. “I came back because I had no place to go. I didn’t want to, but I did—for Cal. And when I’m ready, I’ll be taking Cal and starting out fresh, away from my dad’s judgment.”
Brody nodded. “My dad’s never going to forget I left Fort Kyle. Not ever. I don’t think there’s a thing I can do to fix it—to make him think I didn’t desert him somehow.”
India frowned. “I don’t want to do that to Cal. Hold on to things, hold mistakes over him. I want him to know I’m always here for him, no matter what. No judgment or conditions or guilt.”
“I’ll shake to that,” he said, offering her his hand.
She laughed, eyeing his hand before taking it. Watching her smile was a thing of wonder. Her smile washed over him like a ray of sunshine, blinding and brilliant.
He pulled her into his arms. “You’re beautiful, India.” He shook his head.
Her smile softened, the pain in her eyes fading.
“And you’re an incredible mother. Cal is proof of that.” He liked the way her cheeks turned pink, the shy smile his praise caused. “If no one has told you, you’re doing a great job with him.”
“You’re being awfully charming again, Brody Wallace.” He liked the waver in her voice, uncertain and sweet.
He nuzzled her temple. “Could be I’m just being honest.”
She shook her head, her words soft and low. “I know charm when I hear it. JT was a charmer. Since he left me scarred inside and out, I can’t help but be suspicious of it.”
His brain short-circuited when she’d mentioned JT. Scarred. Inside and out. The bastard had laid hands on her? Hurt her? He was frozen, his hands stiff against her and his heart thumping in his chest. His anger with her ex gave way to something sharper, something crushing. His arms tightened around her, pulling her flush against him, as if he could protect her now...from her past.
“I don’t want to think about my father or JT or anything else.” She looked up at him. “I want you to kiss me until nothing else matters.”
The hunger in her gaze was for him. This was what she wanted. So this was what he’d give her. His lips brushed across hers, featherlight and teasing. Her hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer. He smiled against her lips, his mouth sealed firmly with hers.
“Then, that’s what I’ll do,” he said simply. His lips brushed hers once again. His tongue stroked deep, and she moaned, her fingers tugging his hair.
Their rapid breathing filled the room.
He bit back a groan. She was so damn soft pressed against him. His hands explored, stroking over the thin fabric of her shirt to feel the heat of her skin beneath his fingertips. Her scent was a jolt to the senses. He’d never wanted anything the way he wanted India Boone. Having her in his arms was beyond anything he could ever have imagined. He was holding her, but she was the one in control. He loved her, but she didn’t want his love right now. She wanted his body—and he’d give it to her.
He was, without a doubt, completely under her power.
Chapter Eleven
His hand cradled her cheek. His golden eyes had her trapped, and she liked it. India held on to Brody with everything she had. His kiss was all-consuming, soft yet firm, tender but fierce, flooding her with want. When his tongue touched hers, her fingers gripped his shirtfront for support. She wanted his lips on hers, wanted his fingers sliding through her hair and pressing her tightly against him. Being in his arms chased away everything else.
His touch made it okay to forget—for now.
His mouth traveled along her jaw to the sensitive skin behind her ear, then along her neck. One big, strong hand pressed flat against her back. The other cradled her cheek in his palm, his thumb leaving a scorching trail in its wake. When his lips traveled to the base of her throat, he paused, his breath harsh and ragged against her skin.
She liked being tangled up in him. Liked the feel of his heart pounding beneath her palm. Everything about this was right. When their eyes locked, the raw hunger in his golden gaze had the last vestiges of her control falling away.
She didn’t want control or thought, practicality or reason. She wanted this man, desperately. Wanted him like air. Now. Her hunger was new and raw and slightly unnerving.
His lips lifted. “India?” His hold eased, giving them room to breathe.
She drew in a deep breath, almost groaning as his scent flooded her nose and lungs. “I just... This is... A lot.”
He grinned, his thumb brushing over her lower lip.
She shuddered at the featherlight touch, need setting her blood on fire. “Maybe too much?”
His gaze traveled over her face, the corners of his mouth turning up. “You’re saying I’m too much for you?”
Her laugh was breathy. “I’m saying I don’t know what to do with this.” Her hands tightened on his shirtfront, making her even more aware of the rock-hard chest beneath the neatly pressed shirt. “With you.”
He nodded. “What do you want to do?” he asked, his voice gruff and pitched low.
A dozen possibilities played through her mind. But none of them was acceptable to say out loud. Her experience with JT hadn’t provided a foundation for what was happening between her and Brody. Nothing had prepared her for this. She wanted Brody, to touch him and kiss him and explore the contours of his body. She wanted him to keep looking at her like he was now—like there was no place else he’d rather be.
“This. You. I want you to take me home,” she murmured. “And I want you to stay.”
His jaw tightened. “You’re sure?”
She nodded. “Absolutely.”
He frowned. “It’s been a hell of a day, India. We don’t need to rush things.”
“You’re right,” she agreed. “But there’s no rush. Tonight, we can be like we were. You and me.” She smiled. “Talking. Laughing. Us against the world.”
“I can do that, Goldilocks.” He smiled down at her, his arms sliding from her waist. “Whenever you’re ready.”
She was more than ready. But they still had to get the Fire Gorge work truck from the fort before they could head home. “I’ll hurry,” she said, slipping from his hold to close the shop.
“What can I do?” he asked.
“Check and make sure the back door is locked?” she asked, straightening up the desk, filing the few invoices away and packing up her things onto the bookcase behind the counter.
He returned. “All locked up.”
“Thanks.” She stood, pushed her chair in and turned off the desk light.
“My pleasure,” he said, at her back. His hands settled at her waist as his nose ran along the curve of her neck. He kissed the skin behind her ear and released her. “Anything else?”
“Eager to leave?” Her voice wobbled. She heard it. He probably heard it, too.
“Hell, yes.” He took her hand in his, threading their fingers together as he led her toward the shop door.
He released her when they were outside, but India didn’t let it get to her. They both needed to be careful—for different reasons. They got into his truck.
“I need to let Scarlett know not to come get me,” she said once they were on the road. She typed in a quick t
ext, Got a ride home. See you tomorrow. Then hit Send.
Scarlett’s response was quick. With who? Followed by a string of smiling emojis and hearts.
India giggled. Nothing to tell.
“What?” Brody asked.
“My sister,” she said, taking his hand in hers. “She’s a hopeless romantic.”
“That’s bad?” he asked.
“It’s...unrealistic. A recipe for disaster. Scarlett’s so gentle, I worry about her. I’m afraid her first heartbreak might really break her heart.” She tucked her phone back into her pocket. “We should get the ranch truck. Dad will notice if it’s missing.”
They drove to the fort, shared a handful of stolen kisses and drove the remaining leg of their journey apart. She held her breath as she parked at the truck shed and Brody kept going. It was late, and her parents were probably in bed in their bedroom that was on the other side of the property—ensuring her comings and goings were nobody else’s business but her own.
She walked along the path to her cabin. Tanner was always with her, chasing away any threat the wide-open spaces and thick black of night might offer. But now, without him at her side, she walked a little faster.
Brody’s truck was parked behind the cabin, but he sat on the front porch, waiting for her.
“Any trouble?” he asked, his hand low on her back as she unlocked her door.
“No.” She closed the door and stared up at him. The look on his face tore at her heart. “What’s wrong?”
He took her hands in his. “I was thinking about what you said—about Scarlett. It got me thinking. Is that what happened with you?”
“What did I say?” The whole drive here she’d been thinking about being back in his arms.
“Did JT break your heart?” he asked, his hand squeezing hers.
She stared at their hands, his words ringing in her ears. “Why is this so important to you?”
His fingers brushed along her jaw. “I’ve known you most of my life, Goldilocks. Something happened to plant doubt in your eyes—doubt that wasn’t there before. I want to know how it got there so I can help get it out.”
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