“First, it’s not my fault that she turned out to be a female octopus when the lights turned off. Second, I specifically remember you saying that you were glad I turned her down and walked away.”
“That’s not the point, bro. You and the rest of the Cade crew have always rained on my parades. I could never bring my friends around because you all thought you were God’s gift to women.” She sniffed loudly and gave her long hair a flip.
“Fine. I’ll never flirt with another female friend of yours again.” He held two fingers against his chest. “Scouts honor.”
She rolled her eyes. “About fifteen years too late, bro. So, tell me who the guest is. Prepare me for meeting her.” She plucked at a loose thread on the blanket.
“Her name is Monica.”
She blinked. “That’s all I get?”
“Yes. Stop snooping. You’ll find nothing.” She smiled widely and he realized his mistake. “Ma isn’t trying to play matchmaker either. I’ve already explained to her that Monica is a client.”
“Sure.” Kiersten winked. “We know Ma though.”
“How about we stop talking about me and figure out why Ma asked for you to come home.”
“She didn’t give me any clues. Has she been feeling okay?”
Cull’s heart lurched. “Why? Has she told you she hasn’t been?”
“No, but you’re the one who’s around most of the time.”
“I don’t keep tabs on her,” he said feeling a stab of guilt.
“You should. That’s what being unemployed gets you. Your Ma and Pa’s babysitter.”
He growled. “I’m not unemployed.”
“Oh, you call that bounty hunter thing a job?” She laughed and sat up, crossing her legs.
“Fugitive Recovery Agent. Don’t give me shit because you hate your job at the FBI.”
“Wait! That’s not fair. I don’t hate my job. I just sometimes disagree with what my supervisor says.”
“Yeah, sis, that’s called the Cade gene. How long you staying here?”
“A few days. Unless…”
Cull’s stomach sank. “Are you thinking Ma wants to speak to us about something important? Like there could be something wrong?”
Kiersten cocked her head. “She’s been acting different here lately.”
“How would you know? When was the last time you visited?”
“I’ve been busy. And thinking about having a baby,” she blurted.
He blinked three times. “You’re pregnant?”
“No…not yet.” All humor left her face. That told him she wasn’t joking.
“Whoa! Where did this come from?”
She gave a slight shrug. “I’m not getting any younger, Cull. And neither are you, although a man’s expiration date for having children doesn’t reach a ceiling. For women, our eggs start to dry up in our thirties.”
He laughed. “Honey, you’re thirty-four. You talk like you’ll be searching for a nursing home next year. Who’s the lucky guy?”
There was a long hesitation. “Well…”
“Don’t tell me you’re thinking of doing one of those invertigo baby things,” he sighed.
“It’s called invitro fertilization, and no, I’m not thinking of IVF.” She worked her bottom lip.
“So, adoption?” If he didn’t have to think about his sister having sex only made the idea better.
“Not exactly.”
He scrubbed his jaw. “Okay. I’m lost.” Several expressions flitted across her face. The sinking feeling dipped further south.
“I want to do things a more traditional way.”
Okay, there went the safety net that he wouldn’t have to discuss her sex life. She’d always be his baby sister and he was protective. “Good, get married and have a couple kids.”
“Not quite that traditional, brother.”
“If you don’t stop playing vague I’m going to blow my top.” It was after midnight and he hated word games. He didn’t know much about her personal life and he knew even less about all the ways a baby could be made except for the one he liked to practice…minus the baby.
“Fine! Don’t get your boxers in a bunch. I’m accepting applications.”
He laughed but quickly sobered when she didn’t show any signs of joking. “What the fuck?”
“Shh. You’ll wake up the parents and I definitely don’t want them to know.”
“I can see why. You’re going to send them to their graves. Applications? There’s such a thing?” His mind couldn’t absorb the thought.
“Many single women who want children are going this route. I’m working with an agency that sets up the process. They do a thorough screening, test for everything, you know like diseases and criminal behavior, and the couples work together to…reproduce. It’s that simple.”
“This all sounds so—”
“Wonderful?”
“No,” he snapped.
“Modern?”
“Hell no. I was searching for a word like crazy. Ridiculous. Not natural.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “No, you’re being close minded.”
“I’m being a big brother who loves you. Go to bed and sleep this crazy idea off. Or better yet, stop searching for a baby daddy and think more along the lines of a partner and let things progress naturally.” Once the words were out, he realized he’d pushed her too far.
She jumped off the bed, her chin tight and her eyes shining. “I should have never told you, Cull. If I’d known you’d be so narrow-minded, I would have kept my mouth shut.”
“Come on, sis. I have a right to my opinion.” He softened his voice some.
“Sure, I did ask, but when it comes down to it, I’m an adult and can do what I want. Don’t you dare tell Ma and Pa because if you do, I’ll throttle you. You hear?”
He made a zipping motion over his lips and pretended to toss the key. “I wouldn’t want to be the one that sends them into an early grave.”
“I’m tired.” She yawned. “Good night. I do still love you.” She bent and kissed his cheek.
He watched her leave and stared at the closed door. His sister wants a baby? He blamed it on his other siblings who were reproducing like rabbits. They made Kiersten feel like there was a clock ticking. Not Cull. As far as he was concerned he’d be fine staying…what exactly? Sleeping in his twin sized bed in his childhood home? Lusting after a woman he couldn’t have?
Shit! He was a fucked-up case.
He shut off the light and bounced deeper into the mattress, trying to find his happy spot. Once he found it, he closed his eyes, hoping sleep would come because he was damn tired…but it wasn’t his lucky night.
His mind wandered to the apartment. Was Monica asleep? She’d gone over hours ago, but Kiersten had said that the light was still on. So, was she awake too? Thinking about him?
Cull groaned. He was acting like a teenager. No, she wasn’t thinking of him and he shouldn’t be thinking of her. He bounced to the right and then to the left, and the springs to his bed squeaked loudly. Good thing he never snuck any of his girlfriends into his childhood room. He’d have alerted a five-mile radius to his sexual activity.
The bed was uncomfortable. Too short. Too narrow. And the security light seemed to shine right into his bedroom window.
Growling, he got up, grabbed a blanket from the chair and hung it over the window. That should help!
The room was in complete darkness.
Great! Now maybe he’d get some sleep.
Nope. Wasn’t happening.
He rolled over, clicked on his phone and read the time. 1:10 A.M. He had to be up in less than four hours. What had he locked himself into? Monica wanted to learn the ropes of the ranch and so be it. He’d show her. They could always use another hand.
What had he been thinking? There was no logic with her around. Plain and simple. When she was near he lost oxygen to his brain cells and all the blood rushed to a place on his body that was hard, even now.
The sc
reen to his phone shut off and he was left in the darkness again.
What the hell was his sister thinking?
She wasn’t.
Well, she better stay clear of his friends. There was once upon a time when she’d had a crush on a few of his buddies. He’d once thought she’d be settled down by now, but she’d had a few bad relationships with jerks.
His mind jetted to Monica again.
Oh fuckity fuck!
Tomorrow was going to be a long-ass day. He’d have to make sure he kept a wall erected because if he didn’t, he might convince himself to kiss her. Why did she have to do this to him? He’d never allowed anyone to persuade him against doing his job. After all, he could use one hundred grand more than a kiss.
He couldn’t turn his brain off.
Cull tossed and turned a good two more hours and when his alarm sounded, he begrudgingly dragged his body out of bed, took a cold shower and was out the door with two thermoses of coffee by five. The lights weren’t on in the apartment and he decided he’d give her a few more hours to wake up before he allowed his libido to awaken.
A few minutes later he stomped into the barn and stopped dead still.
Damn! His plan was thwarted.
Chapter 9
MONICA STEPPED INTO the barn and looked around the dimly lit space. It was empty except for the horses who were whinnying as if trying to speak to her. She didn’t know much about horses, but she did watch a hand yesterday feeding one of them carrots and apples. She’d peeled and sliced both and had placed them in her pocket.
She stopped in front of each stall and fed them. Then she came to stand in front of the last where a massive golden horse looked back at her with big, curious, brown eyes. “Hi there, beautiful.” She didn’t know the difference between a stallion, mare, or roan, but when he took two shy steps back she could understand that he was a bit antsy. “Don’t worry. I come bearing gifts.” She reached into her pocket and took out a carrot, holding it in her palm.
The big guy stared for a good five seconds, took a short step to sniff her hand then he cautiously munched. She smiled. “One day I hope I can have a horse just like you.” She had no clue if she liked horses before, but she certainly did now. Yesterday, she’d watched the horses from the fence, running, their tails blowing in the breeze, and she’d been overcome with a rush. When had she ever felt more alive? Never. She was certain of that fact.
While he ate, she petted his strong, muscular neck. He pawed the dirt and rubbed his head against the gate. “Oh, you like this do you?”
****
Cull couldn’t believe his eyes. Monica was standing in front of Mr. Big’s stall and not only was the beast calm, but he was showing favoritism to her. Never before had he witnessed the colt show affection, or even appreciation, toward anyone.
He couldn’t quite hear what she was saying to him, but whatever it was, Mr. Big seemed more than willing to listen and eat her snacks.
Making sure he didn’t make a sound, Cull watched, wanting to see where this led. She didn’t even seem to be fearful like most people were when around Mr. Big.
Cull roved his gaze over her voluptuous backside encased in those same tight jeans that shuttled his thoughts into disobedience. Yearning washed through him and his body reacted as it had done hundreds of times since he’d met the luscious redhead. Full of desire and need, he cursed under his breath. Her long hair hung in soft waves to the middle of her back and each time she laughed, or talked, the ends would swing. He remembered how soft the satin blanket felt in his fingers. She wasn’t tall, probably no more than five four, but she had a killer body. Even over the last three days she’d picked up some weight. He understood that’s what good food and fresh air could do.
When she bent ever so slightly, he choked back a “yee-haw”. His body wanted to jerk forward, but he held steady in his spot hidden in the shadows of the still dark morning. His eyes took in every detail of her and how she responded to the horse—and especially how the colt responded to her. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, not that he wanted to because he was in a pleasurable trance.
Mr. Big brought his head up, sensing they weren’t alone. He nickered loudly and stamped his foot. Leave it to the horse to blow his cover.
Monica swiveled around and nailed him with a shocked wide-eyed expression. “I-I didn’t know you were here. I was just saying hello to the horses. I hope that’s okay.”
He smiled. “Well, we usually like to feed them an oat mixture for breakfast, but they seem to like the treat you brought. And you’ve made some important friends. Mr. Big here is very particular.”
Then she smiled and he ate her up with his hungry eyes.
“I didn’t think anyone was up yet. I didn’t see anyone on my walk here,” she said. “I can’t wait to get out on the land.”
For the life of him he’d never seen anyone so ready to work. He liked that about her, but it wasn’t the only thing he admired. Indeed, he was starting to see less flaws and more positive attributes. She looked more beautiful than ever. Her hair draped her shoulders and she didn’t have a stitch of make up on, and she didn’t need it.
“It’s nice and quiet out here in the early morning. There’s something very serene about the land.”
“I happen to agree.”
Standing there, forlorn, his mind grappled with his rush of emotions and how beautiful she was, how glowing her skin looked. What he wouldn’t give to cross the space between them and kiss her—not just kiss her but leave her breathless and begging for more. Watching how she interacted with his horse only made him appreciate her more. Could he see her fitting in here long term?
Why was he allowing his mind to wander down a road where it didn’t belong?
“You’re staring at me funny.” Her tongue came out to moisten that full, lush bottom lip.
“Sorry.” He shifted his boots, trying to pick his brain out from his jeans. “I’m just shocked that Mr. Big here seems to like you. He doesn’t like anyone.” Cull crossed the space with some discomfort. His jeans felt too tight, like they would cut off the circulation to his balls.
“I can see why he’s named Mr. Big, but I have a hard time believing this beautiful fellow doesn’t like everyone. Look how gentle he is.” She proved it by nuzzling his head and he rewarded her with a rub.
“Yeah, that’s his tactic. He likes to manipulate people,” Cull practically growled the words. That horse had been nothing but a pill since he’d been delivered to the ranch. He couldn’t quite get why he felt a pang seeing how she lovingly petted the equine. Maybe because Cull wished she’d show him that same affection. “You ready to get to work?” he said a little too roughly. He was lucky he could talk with his cock large and throbbing. “I also brought you a thermos of coffee.”
“Thank you.” She accepted the offering. “I hadn’t made myself any so this is a lifesaver.” Her smile shone like the sun rising.
Clearing his throat, he took a long drink of his coffee instantly regretting the decision. The scorching liquid burnt its way passed his tongue and down his throat. “The first thing we’ll do is take the feed truck out. That’s the easiest part of the day.” He jutted his chin for the door of the barn and took off walking, hoping his tension would ease some. This would be a very long day if he didn’t use his head on his shoulders and not the one in his boxers.
Once they were in the truck, he pulled toward the field and gave her a quick rundown of how the machine emptied hay as they drove along. She seemed very keen and willing to learn, but he also realized for a person who’d never worked hard labor on a ranch this could be grueling. He wouldn’t let her overdo it.
“It’s so beautiful out here,” she said, sitting on the edge of her seat staring in bewilderment through the side window. “I can’t remember seeing a more beautiful sunrise…literally.”
He couldn’t help but smile at her energy and interest, and her willingness to make jokes about her situation. None of the other girls he knew would ever be this i
nterested in the ins and outs of ranch life. He liked that she seemed genuinely excited. “You should see it in the winter. I mean, I’m a bit biased but when it snows it covers the land and the trees and everything is white as far as the eye can see. It’s amazing. As kids we’d always be out here, just being kids. We’d take long rides on the horses, sleds, build snowmen, then come inside for Ma’s cocoa by the fire. Man, all kids should be as lucky as we were.”
“You paint a lovely picture. When you have kids they’ll love it here as much as you do.”
He swiped his palm down his cheek. “Well, truth is, I’ve been saving up to build a place. I bought a hundred acres of land a few years ago and I’ve been waiting for the right time to build a house. Eventually maybe a couple of stables and fill them with horses.”
“Cull, that’s exciting.”
Did he see a twinkle in her eye?
“I’m close, real close, to making that wish come true.” He slowed the truck.
“Hopefully you’ll have your personal space back soon.”
“Hey, no rush. I like my childhood room and twin bed,” he joked.
“I’m feeling bad. Especially when the big bed in the apartment is very comfortable.” She winked.
She was teasing him, and he liked it. She was slowly coming out of her shell and showing personality. “Don’t be surprised if I switch beds.”
Several hands were now out on the land and he waved as they passed.
“I’m loving watching the horses from the apartment window. Everything here…it’s so beautiful, fresh. Amazing. Even the people.” She gave him a side glance.
“You haven’t met my sister yet. Kiersten can be a pill.” He laughed.
“I’m sure she is as lovely as everyone.”
Her smile disappeared.
“Hey, why the frown? Am I that bad of company?”
“I just have been really thinking of my situation. I can’t stay here forever. I have a life out there that I might never find again, and maybe I don’t want to find it, but I’m in limbo. Who would hire someone that doesn’t know her social security number?” She looked at him, her brows scrunched. “Without a job what will I do?”
Sheltered by the Lawman (Lawmen of Wyoming Book 5) Page 9