Brotherhood Protectors_Montana Freedom

by Natasza Waters

  His cell rang, and he plucked it from his right jean jacket pocket.

  Hank greeted him and dove right in. “Cory, I just heard from Tania. You start tomorrow at zero-eight-hundred hours. They need another ranch hand at the Bluebell.”

  “Seriously? Sam planning retribution for making the cat into a fur rug?”

  Hank chuckled. “No, but I wouldn’t expect a plate of cookies when you arrive.”

  “I can deal with that.”

  “I’d give Sam a wide berth if I were you. She’s still finding her way.”

  “Aren’t we all,” Cory replied. “Thanks, Hank. I’ll check in every day.”

  “Do that. I don’t expect any trouble, this is more of a favor for my wife. Tania wants to make sure her sister has the funds to run the ranch for a while without her help.”

  “Tania going somewhere?”

  “She’s getting married this summer. Found herself a nice doctor in Bozeman.”

  “Good for her.”

  “Sam won’t give up the ranch. This contract with the studio is important.”

  “I hear ya. I’ll do what I can to fulfill my mistress’ orders. Thanks again.”

  Cory hung up. He could drop by the local watering hole and find a cold beer and maybe some company, or he could hit the hay early and be ready for the grueling day Miss Samantha Dougherty had in store for him.

  He stood and bid the sunset goodnight, then adjusted the growing bulge beneath his fly. Combat hadn’t quelled his healthy sexual appetite. Clearing the image of the retired Army nurse from his mind who caused the disturbance in his pants, he headed inside.

  Chapter Three

  “You did what?” Sam slammed the frying pan with the crispy bacon onto the counter. “We don’t need him, Tee. We can find help in town.”

  “Cory needs a job.”

  “He works for Hank. He’ll find him one.”

  Tania calmly poured two cups of coffee and set them on the kitchen table. “Doesn’t have to, he’s working for us and we need the help.”

  Sam blew out a breath of frustration. Her sister was one hundred percent correct, but why him?

  “You don’t know him, but you act like he kicked your favorite puppy. What’s the deal?” Tania asked, accepting the plate of eggs and bacon Sam doled out. “Hank wouldn’t hire a guy for the team if he thought he was unstable, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  Sam sawed off a piece of toast and poached egg and filled her mouth instead of answering. More so because she didn’t have a good excuse.

  But the morning took a turn for the worse when a knock sounded and Tania yelled, “Come in.”

  Cory stepped into the room, filling it with his dark, dangerous aura. Broad shoulders, muscles taut, a man ready, willing and able to take on the world. With his jet black hair still a little wet and his jaw cut like the sharp edge of a saw, he could make most women kick off their high heels and fling their thongs across a room. Don’t look at him.

  “Good morning. Didn’t mean to disturb your breakfast,” he greeted.

  “Have a seat,” Tania offered. “There’s enough to go around.”

  He raised a large hand. “Thanks, I’ve already eaten. Hank said to report at oh-eight-hundred hours.”

  Sam’s heart strings vibrated from his voice like someone pickin’ a banjo. She put her attention back on her meal and then the large picture window looking out toward the hills.

  “Carl Fraser is our senior hand here on the ranch. He should be in the barns by now. Why don’t you go introduce yourself, and I’ll catch up with you in ten minutes,” Tania said brightly.

  Sam didn’t look up until the screen door clacked shut.

  Tania shook her head. “That man is unreal. If I wasn’t engaged, I’d chase his tight, sexy ass until I had him on the floor.”

  “Thanks for the morning porn imagery.”

  Her sister sat back, palming her cup. “Did you meet anyone over there? I’m sure you must have met a lot of nice men.”

  “Plenty.” She picked up a slice of bacon, nipped off a piece, and savored the smoky taste.

  Tania sighed and put down her mug. “You know, some sisters actually share their lives with each other.”

  Sam slathered her toast with the blackberry jam Tania made last summer. “You want to know what my days were like while you’re eating? Soldiers with their arms blown off or missing both their legs. Or how about how long they screamed until they passed out?”

  Tania’s fork hung between the plate and her mouth. “You were a nurse flying smack dab into the middle of a combat zone. Think you can spare me those details. I’m talking about other experiences. The people you met. What you did when you weren’t on duty. Maybe some of the men you met. You’re beautiful. Way more than I’ll ever be. I’m sure a lot of guys asked you out.”

  While Sam saw herself as tall, dark and gangly, her sister got the strawberry blonde good looks from their father. Sam didn’t see herself as beautiful. Most of the time all she saw when she looked in the mirror was the reflection of lost innocence. Every day her sister tried to pry her open. If she didn’t give a little, Tee would keep prodding.

  “Yeah, there were a few guys I got to know.”

  Tania shifted forward in her chair.

  “Everyone there is transient. Not exactly the type of place to find anything that lasts.”

  Her sister lowered her chin. “But you met somebody that you liked.”

  Sam cleared her throat. “I did.” She rose and washed her plate off and stacked it in the drying rack. “And then he died.”

  “Oh, shit. Sam, I’m sorry. I—”

  She shrugged and leaned her bum against the counter. “Our relationship flared hot whenever we hooked up for a rare weekend. Most of the time, he disappeared without notice on a mission. He’d have a layover at the FOB, but then I’d get a tasking and jump onto a helo bound for the hot zone. Then one day, like every day over there, we got a Code Black. Means four or more injured were inbound.” She swallowed, remembering with a healthy bit of distance between the recollection and her heart. “He was one of them. My team worked for twelve hours trying to save his life.”

  “Was he Army?”

  “Delta Force. It was his invincible attitude that attracted me. And his hot body. I met him my second month over there. I was still a virgin—to war, and sex.” She seamed her lips for a moment. “I was afraid he’d be rough and thoughtless, but he wasn’t. He was sweet. Patient and gentle, until I didn’t want gentle anymore and passion consumed both of us.”

  Tania sat silently listening.

  “Anyway, as I said, he died.”

  “And then you became afraid to get close to anyone,” Tania offered.

  “Not exactly. I never met another man like him.”

  “You’re home, Sam. You don’t have to shun a relationship. No one’s sniping men in Montana.”

  She gave her sister a sideways glance. “In time, maybe. I’ll head out to the barns. Gotta get this day going.” She didn’t share that every time she washed her hands, she saw blood drip onto the white porcelain sink and swirl into the drain, even though it didn’t coat her hands any longer.

  Sam crossed the gravel yard, joined by Dolly and Rufus, both border collies. “Hey, guys.” She picked up a stick and tossed as hard as she could. The yard was littered with wood, thanks to Dolly’s joy of stick chasing.

  When she stepped into the east barn, two men turned. “Good morning, Carl.”

  “Morning, Miss Samantha.”

  “Carl, I wanted to ask you about the barn doors. The other night they were left open. Could you remind the men to make sure they’re closed before they leave?”

  Carl looked seventy years old with his grizzled beard and gray hair always tied in a ponytail and his worn cowboy hat perched on his head.

  “Cory here just asked me the same thing.”

  She eyed the handsome vet wearing a jean jacket, faded jeans and boots. “Is that so?”

  Carl s
crubbed his dusty palms on his pants. “Yes, ma’am. Thing is, no one left it open.”

  “I’m sure it was just an oversight.”

  “No, ma’am. I check every night before I leave without fail for the last twenty years. Don’t want no wild critters getting in here.”

  “Maybe the handle’s broken.”

  Cory turned his gaze on her. “I checked. Not broken.”

  Sam walked down the breezeway to see for herself. Sure enough, but she knew it wasn’t damaged because she’d closed the door after the mountain lion’s first attack. Odd. “If it’s not broken, guess we don’t have to fix it, but unfortunately I shot a hole through the roof the other night.”

  “Got one of the boys working on it today. He’ll patch it up,” Carl said, tapping his hat with one finger.

  “I need to go into town for feed. I’m taking the one tonne, unless you’re using it,” she said.

  Carl shook his head. “Bayley’s Feed and Supply is scheduled to deliver the bags on Wednesday.”

  “I know, but I’d rather knock it off the list today.”

  “You’re gonna need an extra hand,” Carl said.

  “I’ll go with her,” Cory interjected.

  “Ya know, my daddy was a Marine. Don’t matter to me if you’re Army, Navy or Air. Thank ye for your service, son.”

  Sam rolled her eyes as the two men shook hands.

  “Ready to go?” Cory asked, walking too close as he passed her. He smelled like fresh soap and the outdoors. That wouldn’t last long around here. By the end of the day, he’d smell somewhere between horse and horse manure.

  They didn’t talk much during the twenty minute drive to town. Cory sat in a relaxed pose, his thick forearm running along the window frame; his attention on the landscape. He didn’t flinch when she drove a couple corners too fast, nor make comment.

  She parked out front of Bayley’s farm supply. “I’ll be back. Just have to put the order in and then park the truck around back for loading.”

  His solid, strong jaw swayed and he set his gaze on her. “Think I’ll join you.”

  “Suit yourself.” She pulled the keys from the ignition and trotted up the stairs. Cory’s arm stretched past her, and he opened the door before she could.

  “Thanks.”

  While Sam paid for the feed at the counter, she kept one eye on Cory, who roamed the store looking at supplies. Saddles, clothes, boots, tack, it was all available at Bayley’s store. They’d been in business for seventy years, parents handing down their livelihood to their kids. Now Jim Bayley’s grandkids ran the store.

  Sam retrieved the business credit card from the clerk and turned to leave. Cory had stripped off his shirt and pulled a new one from a hangar. It was the taking off and prior to sliding on the soft cotton shirt where Sam got an eyeful of what hid beneath the gingham. Swarthy skin, tight cords of muscle running down his arms. His chest perfectly toned, hairless with smooth rounded pecs. She darted a look around and then marched up to him.

  “Can’t you shop on your own time?”

  He gave her his usual cool stare. “I can. I don’t have many shirts. Thought I’d pick one up while we’re here.” He lifted his arms and rolled those enormous shoulders of his. “Look okay?”

  With the buttons of his shirt undone, she had a close and body temperature rising view of his chest. Her gaze stalled on one tawny nipple and it hardened to a stiff peak. She jerked her gaze elsewhere. “The horses have no sense of style. Buy it and let’s go.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Cory quickly paid for the shirt and they headed toward the exit just as the door opened and Mackenzie Ackerson entered.

  “What a surprise. How ya doing, Sammy?”

  She and Mackenzie had gone to school together. His parents had bought the Ackerson Ranch in the early nineties. Although his parents were ranchers, Mackenzie just liked to goof-off on his motorcycle. He’d dated the prettiest girl in school and had drank beer down by the river with his buddies. At the time, he was the best looking boy in school with hazel green eyes and honey colored hair.

  Now, he was supposed to be all grown up, being thirty-two like Sam, but she got the sense after moving back six months ago and running into him a few times, he hadn’t changed a bit. He’d never married. Probably too busy screwing all the single twenty-year-old girls in town enamored with his looks.

  “Mack.” She nodded. “Just on our way out.”

  Mack surveyed Cory. “Mackenzie Ackerson. Never seen you in town before.”

  Cory didn’t offer his hand. “Helping out on the Bluebell Ranch.

  Mack turned his hazel gaze on her. “Hiring new help? You know something I don’t about the bid for the production company?”

  Obviously, he hadn’t gotten a call, but she had. Bob Tollie advised her they’d won the bid the day before, like Sadie had surmised. “It’s spring, Mack. We always hire extra help.”

  “Yeah.” He sized her up with a wary glare. “Don’t think it was a fair fight since Sadie and Tania are best buddies. I had to bring my price way down to even be considered.”

  “Not a fight, Mack. It’s business.”

  He grunted. “What the hell do you know about ranching? You’ve been gone for ten years. You even got enough horses to make this thing happen?”

  “Nice talking to you.”

  When she tried to walk past, he gripped her arm. Just as quickly, his hand was torn away. When she looked down, Cory had Mack’s wrist in a grip so tight, Mack’s fingers turned white.

  Mack yanked his hand away, but he wouldn’t have gotten anywhere if Cory hadn’t wanted to let go. Mack was a big guy, but her new ranch hand seemed twice as large, and the cold look he pinned on Mack, made him ten times deadlier.

  “Don’t think Sam needs a bodyguard, Rory,” Mack said, rubbing his wrist. “I was just going to suggest we get a beer some time.”

  Cory didn’t correct Mack’s obvious play on his name.

  At one time she’d been enamored with Mack’s hot teenager good looks. He’d grown into a half decent looking man, but his personality made her recoil like a rattler. “Thanks, but it’s all hands on station at the ranch, Mack.”

  He stepped aside while she and Cory exited the store. After hopping into the truck, she started the engine. “Thanks.”

  She gave him a swift look. Just long enough to see his hat tip ever so slightly in acknowledgment, and then she put her gaze on the review mirror to backup.

  The forklift deposited a flat of fifty bags of feed at the end of the bay. She and Cory jumped into the truck bed and started loading. He loaded three bags to her one. Macho military guys. Any kind of physical labor was a chance for a workout. She rolled her eyes but appreciated the help.

  ****

  By three o’clock Friday afternoon, Sam stood on the porch and waved to the ranch hands getting in their trucks to leave. Usually, they worked till five, but on Fridays she let everyone off duty a little early.

  “Bye, Sis. See ya Sunday night,” Tania said, slinging a small bag over her shoulder as she traipsed down the front stairs.

  “Have a good weekend, Tee. Say hi to Loverboy for me.”

  Tania grinned up at her. “Not too late to pack a bag and come along. That dinner invitation is still open. You’d like Tucker’s partner, Brad. And you have things in common.”

  Sam shook her head. Yeah, sure. Things she wanted to forget. “Thanks. Had my fair share of doctors. They’re always on call. Committed to the injured and rarely keep their peckers in their pants.”

  “Oh my God, did you just intimate my future husband is going to be unfaithful? You’re hopeless.”

  Sam shrugged good-naturedly. “Just talking from experience.”

  “Tucker loves me.”

  “I know. He’s one of the good guys,” she said, finished teasing her sister.

  Tania swung her bag into the backseat of her truck. “What’re ya doing this weekend?”

  “Find some trailers to rent, borrow or steal. Gotta
have the horses on site by Tuesday. They want ten to start. Guess the actors need to get used to the animals, and the stunt men want to work them, too.” Sam’s gaze drifted across the gravel yard to see Cory headed their way.

  Tania turned a look over her shoulder. “Why don’t you ask him out for dinner in town, or better yet, make something here.”

  “Give it up, Tee. He’s not interested.”

  Tania was just sliding her leg into the truck when she hopped back out. “But you are?”

  She looked so hopeful, Sam almost laughed.

  “No, I’ll leave the wedding bells and romance to you.” Her romantic dinner would consist of frozen pizza and a bottle of red wine. Besides, it looked like a spring storm headed their way with the grey clouds gathering overhead. Weatherman called for a lot of rain.

  Cory stepped up when Tania said, “You gonna bring the rest of the herd in by yourself?”

  “Probably can’t do it myself. It’s twenty horses, but I’ll check on them. If it’s not pouring, I’ll ride up to the ridge. Carl said he saw them up there a few days ago.”

  “Well, be careful. See ya, Cory. Have a good weekend.” Tania waved before shutting the door of her truck and backing out.

  Sam’s insides shivered a little with Cory staring up at her from the bottom of the steps. The man’s high cheek bones an assault to her good sense. She’d always been attracted to men with harsh angled features and crystal blue eyes made even more brilliant by an unshaven jaw.

  “On your way?” she asked.

  Cory removed his cowboy hat. He never really smiled a lot. Kinda like her.

  “Who’s left here to help you out over the weekend?”

  “No one. If I need a hand, I can call one of the men, but mostly they get some time with their families.”

  “So you feed all the livestock and do the chores by yourself.”

  “The cattle are grazing. Just takes a few hours each day to take care of the horses. Not overly taxing.”

  Cory scanned his surroundings. “Maybe I should stick around.”

  “Not necessary.”

  “Carl thought it might be an idea I check up on you.”