And then Cash returned.
His chest wasn’t rising and falling as fast and some of the demand had left his gaze.
He cursed and rubbed his hand down his face as he handed her a T-shirt. She didn’t need to hear his words to understand what he was silently telling her. Taking it, she pulled it on. His smell lingered on the soft, cotton fabric that fell to her thighs.
He cursed, his warm gaze on hers with unleashed turmoil. “This was a mistake.”
****
Dakota hadn’t slept but a wink or two.
Lying in her aunt’s bed, she stared at the ceiling, her mind drifting to calloused hands and warm lips. Her dreams had been haunted by what happened last night—Cash’s lips on hers, her neck, her breasts, and his coiled muscles under her fingertips.
His last words, “This was a mistake,” rolled around inside of her head. What exactly did he mean? She could have asked him, but instead, she’d left his house like she was escaping a monster.
Cash had sparked something within her and he’d backed away so quickly that it’d taken her a good hour to start breathing normally again.
Although she’d realized Becca coming downstairs had definitely put a wrap up on any chance of things going further, rejection lingered in her bones. She knew it was crazy of her to think Cash had rejected her, but in a way, he did.
She’d never had low self-esteem, but what woman wouldn’t feel disappointed if a man told her he’d made a mistake by kissing her?
Cash wouldn’t want a woman like her anyway. She wasn’t a country girl and she certainly didn’t have large assets like Lanie Madru.
Unfortunately, she had started seeing possibility. Had she only seen what she wanted to see?
Finally dragging herself from bed, she dressed and went downstairs. No one was home. A note from Hope was clipped with a magnet to the refrigerator.
“I’m running errands. Won’t be back until late. Make yourself at home.”
Today was the reading of the will. She had to be at the attorney’s office by eleven.
Taking a quick shower and dressing in a simple sundress, Dakota headed into town.
Her stomach growled and she wondered what the small town had to offer by way of fast food. Probably not much. She drove through the three stop light town, coming to the end of the main street, disappointed. Next to the public library she found a diner and parked on the street. She started to lock her doors, but then laughed. In a town like this, no one would have reason to break into her car. After racing across the street while the light was red, she then entered the diner. The bell above the door chimed loudly as Dakota took a seat at the bar, grabbed a menu from the metal holder, and perused the options.
The waitress, a cute blonde, approached. “You must be here for Delores’s funeral.”
“How did you know?” Dakota asked.
“We don’t get many visitors in town. I’m Sandy.”
“Dakota Childs.”
“She must be here for the funeral too. If I didn’t know any better I would have thought she was Cash’s late wife.” Sandy pointed.
Sitting in a booth in the corner, she saw a familiar looking brunette, and across from her was Cash. Dakota would know that broad back anywhere. Through the reflection in the window, she could see that his hat was tugged low on his forehead. His elbows were leaned onto the table and he appeared focused on the conversation with the woman. Dakota quickly swiveled on the vinyl stool, covering her profile with her hand. “I don’t know her.” But she looked familiar to Dakota as well.
“You’ve met Cash Bailey, right?” The waitress wiggled her brows suggestively.
“Yes, I’ve met him.”
“Nice to look at, huh? If only I was single.” Sandy picked up a menu and fanned her face. “Are you single?”
Dakota nodded. “Very.”
“Take some advice. He’s the pick of the town if you’re interested, and who wouldn’t be?” She sighed longingly.
Dakota wanted to get the hell out of the diner. She ordered the quickest thing she could find. “I’ll take a bagel with cream cheese and a café mocha, please.”
“Honey, we don’t have café mocha. But I can mix a little hot chocolate with coffee if you think that’ll work.”
“Coffee with cream and sugar is fine.” Dakota kept her voice lowered.
“Coming right up.”
Dakota watched the waitress take a bagel from the glass case, silently hoping she’d hurry. Dakota had no desire to see Cash this morning. She had nothing to be embarrassed about, but the last thing she wanted was to face last night before she met with Mr. Jones.
“Here you are, honey. A bagel, cream cheese, and coffee.”
Dakota clumsily reached into her pocketbook and found a wad of dollar bills, placing it on the counter, then slipped from the seat. She gave Cash a quick glance before slipping out of the door.
Her trust dwindled.
No wonder he didn’t want to take things to the next level last night. Maybe this was one of the ladies from the letters. He had plenty to choose from.
Once she was in her car, she watched through the large window at Cash and the brunette. Whoever she was, she certainly had his attention. Dakota sighed. She had no right to him, and she didn’t want any involvement. Sure, they’d gotten very close last night, and she’d wanted things to go further, but the train had stopped before it reached the destination.
She reminded herself that she needed to avoid him. He was danger to her bloodstream and she couldn’t bear becoming a fool under his spell again.
****
Cash stared at the woman who sat across from him. She looked similar to Rebecca, but now that he saw her close up, he could see the differences. Her eyes were lighter, her skin darker, and her hair had highlights. Or maybe Cash hoped he could find the differences.
He’d debated meeting her in a public place, but since she was staying at the bed and breakfast, he couldn’t keep her presence in town a secret. As far as he knew, most people didn’t even notice her since they’d been sitting here, although Sandy had looked twice.
“I’m not here to cause trouble.” Kennedy rolled her short nail around the rim of her cup.
“Then why are you here?”
“Like I told you. I want to see Becca. She is all the family I have left.” One corner of her mouth dipped into a frown.
“And like I said, you’re a bit too late.” He laid his hands on the table.
“Will you give me the opportunity to explain?” One thin brow curved.
“I have some place to be in a short while.”
She wasted no time. “For the last seven years, I have been in South America. I didn’t get the letter Rebecca sent me until it was too late.” Her eyes misted and she blinked. “I brought it so you can see that I’m telling you the truth.” She reached into her purse and brought out an envelope, placing it between them at the table. “As I told you, since she didn’t mention Becca in the letter, I had no idea she’d had a child until the magazine. In the letter, she told me she had only months to live.”
Cash stared at the envelope. The writing on the front belonged to Rebecca. He didn’t make a move to take the envelope. Instead, he lifted his gaze, meeting Kennedy’s. “Why, Kennedy? What happened that you two stopped talking?”
There was a long hesitation. “Growing up, Rebecca and I were very close. Since I was older than she was, I took her under my wing, I protected her, and took care of her while our mother worked. She looked up to me. She said she wanted to be like me.” A smile flickered across her expression, but didn’t last. “When I got engaged to Derrick, I was in my last year of med school. Things changed with Rebecca, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint the cause.” Kennedy laid her hands on the table, the trembling evident. “Derrick and I were married in a small church wedding and moved to a little apartment. While I finished medical school, he opened a law office and we scraped every penny to make ends meet. Life was busy and we rarely saw one another. Things wer
en’t easy, but I believed things were okay between us, until I came home early one afternoon. I found Rebecca and Derrick at the apartment together.”
Cash clenched his hands. “What are you saying?” Acid rose in his throat.
“I was a fool. I loved them both and refused to see the truth staring at me in the face. They’d had an affair and all the sign were there.”
Shaking his head, he couldn’t wrap his head around Kennedy’s words. “I knew Rebecca. She’d never have betrayed you,” he said through tight lips.
“I’m not saying she was evil, I’m only stating the facts. When I found out, I cut all ties with everyone. After school ended, I took off to help with medical needs in Peru, and then on to other remote places.” She waved a hand through the air and shrugged. “No one knew where I had gone, not even Derrick. That’s why I didn’t get the letter until I came back. She’d sent it to his address. She’d probably Googled it and that’s what she got. I guess I had assumed they kept in contact, but once I left, so did Rebecca. I realize now she came here.”
He sat back into the cushioned vinyl seat, his head spinning. “And I’m supposed to believe you?”
She pushed the letter closer. “It’s all here. I understand this is a lot to accept, especially under the circumstances.” She stood up and lifted the straps of her purse over her shoulder. “I’m not the enemy here. No one is, not really. Derrick and Rebecca made a mistake and I’ve forgiven them. It took a lot of years and that’s why I’m here now. And why I want to do right by Rebecca. Think of Becca in this. I do believe she deserves to have as many family members as she can. I can share stories about her mother, things Rebecca would have shared herself. Think it over and you can reach me at the bed and breakfast.” Then she left.
Cash grabbed the envelope and tucked it inside of his shirt pocket. Deep in his gut, he knew Kennedy told the truth. Throwing a few bills on the table, he left the diner feeling the weight of the world was on his shoulders.
****
Dakota shifted in the chair at the attorney’s office and tugged the hem of her skirt down further on her knee. The door opened and she glanced up, doing a double take. Her breath caught. “What are you doing here?”
Cash closed the door behind him and dragged his hat from his head, a grim expression marring his rugged features, as usual.
He started to open his mouth, but the door to the left opened.
“There you two are,” Mr. Jones stepped out of his office. Dakota recognized him from his picture on the wall. He was a tall man, well over six feet and gangly.
She stood up so fast her head became woozy. “Do I have the right time?” Dakota glanced at the wall clock.
“Yes. I’m running a bit late. I had a business call. Are you both ready?”
“I’m confused. Why are we both here?” Dakota kept her gaze far away from Cash who she knew was staring at her profile. She wrapped her arms around her waist, wishing the butterflies would cool it. A flash of him kissing her, his hand in her jeans flashed through her brain and she inwardly groaned.
“I asked you both here because Delores’s will has stipulations you’ll both want to hear.” Mr. Jones waved them into his office. “Have a seat and make yourselves comfy. I’m afraid my receptionist is out for the day and she’s the glue that keeps this place together. Can I get either of you something to drink? The only thing we don’t have is scotch. Unfortunately, I could use some after the day I’ve had.”
“No, thank you,” Dakota answered. The two chairs in front of the desk were too close. She subtly pulled her chair two feet from the other and sat down. Cash sat too and she got a strong whiff of his spicy scent. His knee brushed hers and she almost jumped out of her skirt. She turned and met his gaze, swallowing against the lump building in her throat.
“You’re a little jittery this morning,” he teased.
She narrowed her eyes and concentrated on Mr. Jones as he stacked papers and closed and opened folders. Why did Cash have to sit with his legs so wide spread?
“Delores came into my office several months ago and she wanted to make a few changes to her will. The alterations were a bit unorthodox, but you both knew she liked to laugh and I’m sure she’s looking down now and having a good one.” He looked from Dakota to Cash. Mr. Jones’s ruddy complexion turned redder. Dakota clutched the armrests. “I’m sure she is.” She caught a glance at Cash’s profile and he seemed a bit worried too.
Mr. Jones sniffed and pushed his plastic frames higher on his nose. Dakota focused on his words. “Delores had a reputable amount of money in her savings, stocks, and bonds.”
“My aunt had money?” Dakota narrowed her gaze.
Mr. Jones smiled. “She was worth—” he skimmed a document in front of him. “a little more than a million.”
“Wait, I’m not following you.” Dakota dropped her purse to her feet.
“As you already know, Delores lost her husband and child to a car accident some years ago. Your aunt was awarded a large sum of money as a settlement through the other driver’s insurance. Delores never lived expensively, so the money sat in her account and drew interest.” He sat back in his chair and removed his glasses, setting them on the desk. “In her will, she has named two beneficiaries. You, Miss Childs, and Becca Bailey, minor child of Cash.”
Dakota slid to the edge of her chair. “Delores never said anything.”
Mr. Jones dropped a shoulder. “Maybe she didn’t see the need, but I assure you, Cash’s daughter and you will be very well taken care of. Of course, Becca won’t receive the majority of her share until she reaches the age of twenty-one.” He jotted something down on two pieces of paper and slid them across the desk to Dakota and Cash. “This is the sum she’s left each of you, or what she’s left your daughter, Cash.”
Dakota read the amount and her mouth fell open. “I’m sorry, but this has to be a mistake.”
“Really?” Mr. Jones glanced at the paper. “No, I’m afraid I wrote the right amount. She also has left you a storefront she bought years ago. I never understood why, but I’m sure she had her reasons. She had shop renters come and go until she stopped renting it and it has been vacant since.”
Cash remained quiet, a blank expression on his face. Anger spiraled through Dakota that he showed no surprise, no response.
Mr. Jones clasped his hands on the desk, his expression turning grim. “This is where it gets a bit sticky…”
“Sticky?” Dakota whispered.
“For lack of a better word.”
Cash shifted. His first small sign of awareness.
“You see, Delores wanted a provision placed on the money, or rather a stipulation.”
“Can you just get to it, Dan?” Cash moved, brushing her thigh again. She trembled and swallowed. “Spit it out.”
“It might be best if I read the letter and then I’ll answer any questions you have.”
****
Cash bid Dan a farewell, stepped out of the office and onto the street, scanning the sidewalk for any sign of Dakota. After Dan had read the letter, she ran out of the office like a jet plane
She was already at her car now, pulling open the door. “Dakota,” he yelled. He knew she heard him, but she didn’t acknowledge him. He raced down the sidewalk, but he didn’t catch her before she drove away.
He crossed the street to his truck and climbed in. What happened to him? One day, life was easy, and the next he woke up stuck in an episode of the Twilight Zone. He blew out a long breath, laying his head back against the headrest. Then he remembered the letter in his pocket.
Pulling the wrinkled, folded paper from his pocket, he opened it, holding it up.
He read it. Once, twice, then three times before every word soaked into his brain. As he’d guessed, Kennedy was telling the truth. Rebecca apologized for the affair with Derrick. She’d also wished things could have been different with Kennedy.
And Cash was left dazed.
He folded the letter back up and dropped it onto the pass
enger seat. How had he been married to a woman he knew so little about? Had shame kept her from talking about what drove her from Kennedy? He thought he’d known everything about her, but this proved everyone had a few skeletons in their closet.
He dragged off his hat and dropped it on the seat with the letter. Would he have looked at Rebecca the same if he’d known?
The truth wasn’t always easy to swallow, especially when it involved betrayal.
Starting the truck, he pulled out onto the street and drove toward home.
When he pulled into Havens Ranch, he found Dakota’s car sitting in the driveway. She was leaning against the rail on his porch.
He hadn’t expected to see her, not after the lawyer visit.
He climbed out of his truck and kept his gaze on her as he stepped up beside her.
“Did you know about this?” she snapped.
He swallowed, feeling his heartbeat in his throat. “Sure Dakota, I knew Delores would make you get married before you could get the money.” He sighed. “Do you really think she’d share that news with me? I didn’t even have a clue that she had a nest egg.”
She sniffed and her mouth twisted. “You certainly didn’t seem shocked.”
“Sorry that I didn’t respond the way you expected me to. So therefore, I’m to blame here.”
“I didn’t say you were to blame.”
“Delores explained why she put this stipulation on the money.” He kept his voice low.
“Because she wants me to settle down.”
“If you want the inheritance, you’ll have to do this. Or just as she stated, you’ll have to wait five years, whichever comes first.”
She threw her hands up in the air. “I didn’t even know she had money stashed away. That’s not why I came here.” A tear dropped to her cheek and she swiped it.
His chest tightened. “She did this because she wants you to find yourself—figure out where you need to be in life. And you can have the storefront immediately. It’s worth something.”
Second Sunrise Cowboy (Second Chance Book 8) Page 9