Rodeo Ashes

by Vannatter, Shannon Taylor;

He followed.

  Why had this friend offered her a place to live? Was he worthy of Lacie? Or some jerk trying to take advantage of her grief—and bank account? But if he owned a ranch house, he must be relatively solvent. Unless he was in over his head.

  Quinn leaned against the doorjamb. “Where’s Max today?”

  “Rayna took him home with her.”

  Rayna? He wanted to ask who that was, but the intricacies of her life and relationships were none of his business. He picked up a box marked Dishes. “You want all the glass in your car?”

  “Yes please.” She scooted a box across the floor with her foot. “How’s Hank?”

  “Working, for the time being. Had one dilly of a hangover the other day.”

  Lacie looked out the living room window. “Here he is.”

  The bare windows gave a clear view of a dark-green Dodge 4x4 Crew Cab pulling into Lacie’s drive. Not brand new, but late model. Did this guy have money—or need Lacie’s to pay for his toys? A man jumped down from the truck then helped a pretty redhead climb down. He looked familiar.

  Without knocking, the woman entered first. “Hey Lacie, I got Max down for his nap, and Clay’s mama is supervising, so I came back to help.”

  “Great.” Lacie hugged her. “I don’t know what I’d do without y’all.”

  “You’re Clay Warren.” The words popped out of Quinn’s mouth.

  “I am, and this is my wife, Rayna.”

  The pressure seeped out of his lungs. Lacie’s friend was married and harmless—besides being a four-time CBR Bull Riding Champ, though recently retired. Quinn didn’t know Clay, but his rep was that of a stand-up kind of guy.

  “This is Quinn Remington, an old high school friend.” Lacie labeled another box with her marker. “He offered to help me move.”

  The pungent odor of permanent ink burned his nostrils.

  “I know that name,” Clay said. “You bought the place a few ranches over from ours.”

  “So that makes you our neighbor.” Rayna’s gaze cut to Lacie then back to him. A satisfied smile settled in place. “Small world, indeed. Hey, I’m cooking at our house tonight and inviting a few friends over to welcome Lacie. Clay’s mom is keeping all the kids, so it’ll be relaxing. You should join us.”

  “She makes a mean chicken enchilada.” Clay winked at his wife.

  “Who am I to turn down a home-cooked meal?” Or time spent with Lacie.

  “Great.” Rayna scooped up a box.

  They loaded Quinn’s pickup, and he helped Clay with the toddler bed and chest of drawers from the nursery.

  “This is the easiest move I’ve ever helped with.” Clay clapped him on the back. “That’s all the furniture.”

  “Watch that shoulder, tough guy.” Rayna met them. “This is the last of the glass. Everything else can go in the truck beds.”

  Back in the house, Quinn grabbed a box. “What’s with your shoulder? Should you be lifting that?”

  “Rotator cuff surgery. It’s been almost two years, but Rayna still worries.” Clay headed out with a load.

  Must be nice to have a woman to worry.

  Lacie stood at the end of the hall, staring into what looked like the master bedroom. She dug in her pocket and raised a tissue to her face.

  His heart hurt even worse than usual. Quinn hurried to his truck. “I imagine leaving the house where she lived with him is tough on her.”

  Clay shifted boxes around in his pickup bed for a better fit. “Like she’s turning her back on him.”

  “She doesn’t have much choice.” Quinn wiped sweat from his forehead. “The house sold.”

  “I know. But she doesn’t see it that way.”

  “You’ve known her a long time?”

  “Mel was the best friend I ever had. She’s like the sister I never had, so I watch out for her.”

  “I’m glad.”

  Clay kicked at a pebble with the toe of his boot. “I don’t think she’s ready to start anything new. Don’t push her.”

  “I’m just here to help out.” Quinn splayed his hands in surrender.

  “Just saying. In case you get any ideas. She’s a right pretty little thing—inside and out.” Clay’s gaze bored a hole through him. “Just know that if you hurt her, you deal with me.”

  What would Clay do if he learned the truth? That Quinn had already hurt her? Before he’d ever reconnected with her. With a mortal wound straight to her heart. But he wouldn’t hurt her anymore. He’d be there, help her, protect her. But that’s all. No matter what his heart wanted.

  “Got it. I know she’s alone and vulnerable. I’d like to help out where I can. And to tell you the truth, I worried about you. She called you her friend, but I’d pegged you as some guy out to take advantage of her.”

  Clay laughed. “Glad we understand each other.”

  “Better get busy.” Quinn hurried to the house.

  Sniffling greeted him. Rayna hugged a crying Lacie in the empty walk-in closet. “It’s silly. I mean, what am I gonna do with his clothes—but I can’t get rid of them, not yet.”

  No, Lacie definitely wasn’t ready for anything new. He’d just have to keep reminding his heart of that fact. Besides, if she knew the truth, she’d run the other way as fast as she could. And he didn’t have the right to pick up her pieces when he was the one who broke her life.

  ❧

  Lacie scanned the stripped-of-personal-items house. Only the rental furnishings remained. Another piece of Mel she’d leave behind. They’d been happy here. But it hadn’t been the same since he died. Maybe new surroundings would be a good thing. She rubbed her palms up and down her arms.

  “Ahem.”

  She turned. Sweat soaked the hair around Quinn’s heat-reddened face. “Sorry for picking such a hot month to move.”

  “Not your fault. Sorry to interrupt, but do you want me to take down the curtains in the kitchen? I noticed all the others are gone.”

  “Those hideous roosters.” She held up both hands toward the curtains, as if to block the view. “One of the meanest critters on God’s green earth. They can stay.”

  He grinned. “Why did you buy them if you don’t like roosters?”

  “Mel thought they were manly. Obviously, he never faced a real one on the attack.”

  “Everything’s loaded then. Take your time.”

  The door clicked closed.

  I won’t cry. I won’t cry. I won’t cry.

  Especially since she’d already cried twice today.

  Head held high, she forced one foot in front of the other. Deep breaths. Face the future.

  Without Mel.

  Traverse the obstacle course of life—Quinn thrown into her dinner plans by a well-meaning Rayna. Maybe she’d stay in her suite tonight. But that would be rude, and Quinn had helped her move.

  At the door now. Turn the knob, that’s right. Now, walk out. Don’t look back, only forward.

  ❧

  Quinn sat in his truck in front of Clay and Rayna’s house. He shouldn’t have come. No matter how badly he wanted to be near Lacie, nothing could come of it. Only torture—for no reason—and he didn’t need any more torture. Nor did she.

  A truck pulled in behind him, its headlights spotlighting him. He got out, his overheated skin immediately missing the air-conditioned cab.

  A door opened and closed. A couple holding hands strolled toward him.

  “Adam Landers and my wife, Gabby.” Adam offered his free hand. “I’m Rayna’s brother.”

  “Quinn Remington.”

  “Rayna said you graduated with Lacie.” Gabby, pregnant, brunette, and bubbly, did a little bounce on the balls of her feet.

  News traveled fast in this circle of friends.

  “Let’s get this party started.” Adam headed for the house.

  Quinn followed, his stomach in a knot. Should’ve left while he had the chance.

  The house bustled with activity and greetings. Country charm with lots of wood accents and modern furnishings.
/>
  “Hey, you made it.” Rayna patted his arm. “Dinner’s almost ready. Find a seat.”

  Lacie sat on the red leather couch. Alone.

  He wanted to join her but claimed a matching chair across the room instead.

  Another knock and a familiar woman entered, followed by a cowboy. The woman’s hair was long, straight, and soft brown. Blue eyes. Where did he know her from?

  Her gaze met his. Her smile froze.

  And it all came back to him.

  ❧

  Lacie was used to being odd gal out with her married friends, but Quinn made it even. And she didn’t need an even.

  “This is Kendra and Stetson, our friends.” Rayna introduced the latest arrivals to Quinn. “Kendra is the photographer at the ad agency where I work, and Stetson is a rodeo clown—I mean, bullfighter—at the Stockyards, and the youth director at our church.”

  The two men shook hands.

  Stetson scratched his stubbly chin. “Didn’t you used to announce at the rodeo over at Mesquite?”

  Quinn’s throat convulsed. “A few years back.”

  “I worked there, too. Guess you didn’t recognize me without my grease paint.”

  “The only man I know who wears makeup to work.” Rayna elbowed Stetson. “Y’all make yourself at home. I’ll have dinner ready in a minute. Speaking of which, I’d better go see about it.”

  “I’ll help.” Lacie jumped to her feet.

  “Me, too.” Kendra seemed nervous.

  “You’re not leaving me stuck with the menfolk.” Gabby heaved her eight-month belly forward and awkwardly stood.

  Rayna tsk-tsked. “Gabby, those ankles look like they need to be propped up.”

  “Thanks for pointing out the balloons I used to call ankles. I’ll prop ’em on a chair in the kitchen.”

  “Still beautiful ankles.” Adam slapped Gabby’s derrière.

  Lacie’s heart squeezed. Some of her last moments with Mel were sweet like that, her feeling like a whale, and him trying to convince her she was beautiful.

  The women trailed to the kitchen. The TV clicked on. The clap of a ball in the glove and the crack of the bat followed by shouts from the crowd.

  “Get the feeling they were waiting for us to leave?” Rayna opened the oven door then shut it. “Looks like another ten minutes should do it.”

  Usually talkative, Kendra stared out the window. Though she’d originally been Rayna’s friend, she and Lacie had shared several rodeos since Clay’s retirement and grown close.

  “Kendra, you okay?” Lacie touched her elbow. “You seem kind of distracted.”

  “I’m fine. I hate leaving Danielle with a sitter.”

  “Clay’s mama can handle all three kids, hands tied behind her back, I promise.” Lacie grabbed a stack of plates from the cupboard.

  “It’s not that. I’m terrified Lynn will change her mind and want Danielle back. I don’t want to miss any time with her, just in case.”

  “You know Danielle’s biological mother?” Lacie frowned.

  “Too well.” Kendra hugged herself. “Lynn was in our youth group before Stetson and I married.”

  “Has she said anything about changing her mind?” Lacie circled the table, setting places as she went.

  “No.”

  “She gave her up for adoption.” Rayna clinked ice in the glasses. “You and Stetson signed the papers.”

  “But she’s the biological mother.”

  Lacie took Kendra’s hand and squeezed it. “I’ll tell you what my mama always said: ‘Don’t go borrowing trouble.’ ”

  “That’s what Stetson says. I shouldn’t have come. My funk will ruin everyone’s evening.” Kendra rushed to the door. “I’m gonna go out to the barn and try to pull it together.”

  “Want my funk to keep yours company?” Lacie grinned.

  “Thanks, but I only need a minute.”

  Lacie exchanged a worried glance with Rayna.

  ❧

  Movement out the window caught Quinn’s attention. Kendra. Hands shoved in her jean’s pockets, she strolled out to the barn. She was prettier now. The harsh black hair and fuchsia highlights were gone.

  All the other men were intent on the baseball game. He stood and slipped out, forcing himself to take his time getting to the barn. An eternity.

  She sat on a hay bale, holding an orange kitten. Her mouth opened then closed. “What are you doing here?”

  “Lacie and I went to high school together. I helped her move this afternoon, and Rayna invited me tonight.”

  She shook her head. “I mean, following me to the barn.”

  Sweat tickled a trail down his back. “I felt like getting out of that wonderfully air-conditioned house and coming out here in this oppressive heat where it’s hard to even breathe.” He inhaled deep lungsful of manure-scented air.

  His attempt at humor didn’t draw even a glimmer of a smile out of her. In a bind—and he was definitely in one—the truth usually worked. “I figured you’re as uncomfortable as me. I thought if we talked it out, it might help.”

  “I’m not the same person I was that night.” Her posture straightened. “I’m a Christian now.”

  “I’m glad. Sad thing is—I was a Christian then.” He pulled a straw from a hay bale and clamped it between his teeth. Sweet and stale at the same time.

  “Stetson had a hard time with my past when we first met.” She blew out a sigh. “We’re happily married, and we adopted a little girl. We’ve built a good life together.”

  And she thought he’d jeopardize what they’d built. Why shouldn’t she, after the impression he’d given her in that bar? It was all she knew of him.

  His shoulders slumped. “I have no intention of messing it up for you.”

  A trembly sigh escaped. “Thank you. Lacie’s been through a lot. She doesn’t need anyone messing with her either.”

  “Believe it or not, Kendra, the man you met in that bar two and a half years ago wasn’t me. Yes, I was backslidden”—and still on the outs with God—“but I was never the drunken, one-night-stand type. I haven’t had a drop since. Or another night like that.”

  “Wish I could say the same thing.” She shrugged. “But it took me a little longer to turn my life around.”

  “I don’t want to be uncomfortable around you if we meet up again.” He sighed. “I’d like a second chance to make a first impression on you. Let’s put that night to rest. Like it never happened.”

  Her gaze narrowed. “Nothing happened anyway.”

  “Only because I was too drunk to take something from you I had no right to.”

  Kendra winced. “If I remember right, I offered.”

  “Nevertheless, I’m sorry.”

  In the distance, a cow bawled, piercing the silence between them.

  “Me, too—you were in rough shape that night, and I should’ve left you alone.”

  “I was reeling from. . .life. I turned to the bottle instead of Jesus.” How long had it been since he’d even said that name? Odd how naturally it popped out of his mouth, like they were still on speaking terms.

  “I know exactly what you were reeling from. You told me all about it.”

  Quinn’s heart sped to triple time.

  “Does Lacie know?” Kendra asked.

  four

  Quinn cleared his throat. “I hadn’t seen her since graduation until I ran into her in Fort Worth. I didn’t know who her husband was.”

  “So what are you up to with her?” Kendra picked up a kitten and cuddled it.

  “Nothing. I reckon I feel like I owe her. I want to help out.”

  “You have to tell her who you are.”

  He nodded and gripped the metal gate of a horse stall. Lacie would hate him if she knew the truth—and he wasn’t sure he could handle that.

  “If things were to develop between you, and then she found out, it would all blow.”

  “Trust me, nothing’s going to develop.” He didn’t deserve her.

  “Listen, wha
t happened that night wasn’t your fault. But she needs to know.”

  “Needs to know what?” the male voice said behind Quinn.

  Kendra’s eyes widened.

  Quinn winced, spun around.

  Yep. Her husband. Looking ready to kill.

  Kendra cleared her throat. “Could Stetson and I have some privacy, please?”

  She shouldn’t have to face her husband’s potential wrath on her own, since Quinn was just as guilty for what could’ve happened between them. Maybe she wouldn’t tell him, but it was her call. Not his.

  “Listen, Stetson, this isn’t what it looks like. Your wife loves you, and in my book—married women are off limits.”

  Stetson’s jaw clenched.

  Quinn risked one more glance at Kendra then left the barn. Any minute, Stetson might waylay him from behind. And he’d deserve it. He didn’t look back.

  His truck beckoned in the drive. But Rayna had been kind enough to invite him tonight. He had to go back to the house. At least for a little while.

  ❧

  Lacie stepped off the back porch and met Quinn halfway down the path. “What were you doing in the barn with Kendra?” She tried to keep the suspicion out of her expression and tone.

  “I didn’t know she was out there. Just needed some air.”

  “They’re happily married.” Lacie’s hands propped on her hips. “And Kendra has a lot on her plate.”

  Quinn held up his hands in a hands-off gesture. “Marriage has my highest respect.”

  “Good.” Her gaze narrowed, measuring him. But she couldn’t read anything in his expression. “Food’s ready. I was coming to get Kendra.”

  “Great. I’m starved.” He glanced at his truck, eagerness to escape written all over his tense posture.

  Good, maybe he’d leave. She whirled toward the house.

  He fell in step beside her.

  Frayed nerves stretched to a breaking point. She hurried her pace. But then, he might be checking out her backside. She slowed and ended up beside him again.

  Inside the house, Rayna and Gabby bustled around the table.

  But what was going on in the barn? Kendra had gone out. Then as Lacie started out to get her for the meal, she saw Stetson go in. Hesitant to interrupt, she’d stalled on the porch. Moments later, Quinn exited.

  Had he followed Kendra?