Her Uniform Cowboy (Harland County Series Book 3)

by Donna Michaels

  “Oh, how nice of them.” A smile tugged at Brandi’s lips. She could just picture her friends’ parents making that stipulation so the young Dalton’s had a bright future.

  “Yes, it was.” Kevin nodded. “We got degrees, paid off the loan, and we’re all doing what we love. Jen takes care of the books, I create software with my buddy the bossman, and my cousin loves the Guard, this ranch, and animals, especially those that are tossed aside or abandoned.”

  Closing her eyes, she dropped her head in her hands and groaned. “And I just accused him of doing that very thing.”

  A warm hand patted her shoulder. “Like I said, you aren’t from around here, how could you have known?”

  She opened her eyes and sighed. “Yeah, but…deep down, I did know. I knew he was a helper.”

  “Well, don’t you fret none, darlin’,” Kevin said, slipping an arm around her as they started to walk out of the stable. “My cousin not only has a thick head, he has thick skin to go with it.”

  Whether that was true or not, Brandi wasn’t going to sleep at night until she did a better job of apologizing to the man. And the sooner the better. So, not only did she have to put the finishing touches on the Garnett living room make-over, stop by the Masters’ to pick up a check for the patio job she was starting at the end of the week and meet with Jordan at her restaurant to discuss the preliminary design of her master bedroom suite, Brandi now had to track down a thick headed, thick skinned, sexy-as-sin sheriff and make amends. Today.

  God, she hoped the restaurant had a full pot of coffee on. She was going to need it.

  Chapter Two

  Kade should’ve clued in. Judging by the encounter in the stable this morning, he should’ve known today was going to suck. Now, a false alarm and two nuisance calls later, he finally pulled up in front of the station for the first time that day.

  Situated between the post office and the fire hall on Main Street, the Sheriff’s Department faced the ocean in a fairly new building constructed after the historic one had become a casualty of the last Gulf hurricane.

  The hospitality in Harland County never ceased to amaze him. Everyone had rallied to help those who could be helped, and raised money for those who needed to start over. Now the Sheriff’s Department was as hurricane and tornado proof as possible with state of the art equipment. The two-story building was rather large considering there were only three staff members—him, a pubescent deputy and a secretary/dispatcher. But it was what it was, and he’d make do. He always did.

  Shifting the jeep into park, he was about to cut the engine when his cell began to pound out an AC/DC ringtone. Grateful the call was on his phone and not the radio attached to his dash, he glanced at the caller I.D. and breathed a sigh of relief. Connor McCall. His best friend since grade school. The way his day was going, he half expected it to be work related, or the Readiness NCO calling with a problem about the upcoming drill weekend. At least this was a social call. He could use a quick break.

  “Hey, Connor,” he said into the phone. “How’s the cattle treating you?”

  “Better than your horses, buddy.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I heard there was a report of abuse in your stable this morning.”

  How the hell had he heard? Brandi and Connor’s fiancée, Kerri, were good friends, but he didn’t think the designer would mention the incident. Especially since she had made the mistake, not him.

  “Kevin told Cole and me all about it this morning.”

  “How the hell did my cousin know?”

  “So, it is true.”

  “What? No, it’s not true.” Kade blew out a breath. “Look, I don’t know what that woman has been saying, but you know damn well I’d never abuse an animal.”

  “Calm down, buddy. Calm down. Of course everyone knows you wouldn’t do any such thing. And no, Brandi wasn’t blabbing. Seems your cousin ran into her in the barn this morning. She told him about her mistake and how bad she felt. So, of course Kevin had to gossip like a little girl.”

  She felt bad? Good. She should. Maybe the woman actually possessed a little shred of conscience after all.

  A deep chuckle rumbled through the phone. “You sure have a way with the ladies, Kade.”

  “Shut up.”

  Another deep chuckle met his ear. “Can’t. It’s just too funny. Too absurd.”

  “True,” he replied, feeling a bit calmer. “Anyone who knows me knows I’d never neglect a horse.”

  “That’s not why I’m laughing.”

  “Oh?”

  “No. I’m laughing because you are so whipped and you just don’t know it yet.”

  His head jerked back. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”

  As Connor’s laughter increased, so did Kade’s frown. He was far from amused. He wasn’t whipped. He was in perfect control of his life. Perfect control.

  “Oh, man…” Connor sobered. “It wasn’t too long ago the roles were reversed in this conversation.”

  His mind instantly flashed back to a Skype conversation he’d had from Iraq with his buddy, right after Thanksgiving last year. One where he’d correctly summed up Connor’s relationship with Kerri.

  He smiled. “Yeah, but in that one, I was right.”

  “As I am now, buddy. As I am now,” Connor repeated. “But I’m going to take pity on you and drop it.”

  “Good, ‘cause I was about to drop the call.”

  “You are such a baby. Why don’t you grow a set?”

  “And you’re a big pain in my ass, McCall.”

  “Then my job here is done,” Connor stated. “You still meeting me for lunch at the pub in an hour, or do you need more time to compose yourself?”

  “Now you’re just getting bitchy. And yeah, I’m still meeting you, provided I’m not sent out on another stupid-ass call. They’ve been one right after another today. Was there a full moon last night?”

  Connor snickered. “No, but it is Monday.”

  “True.” Kade sighed, running a hand through his short hair. “Only thirteen more hours to go.”

  “Then I’d better let you get back to it. See you later.”

  “Yeah, later.”

  Kade hung up the phone and shoved it back in his pocket. He had just enough time to tackle the morning paperwork before lunch. His least favorite part of the job, although given the way his morning had gone, it was a task most welcomed. Now if he could just get through the next hour or so without—

  “Mr. Sheriff Dalton, sir…”

  His young deputy’s voice crackled through the radio on the dash.

  He closed his eyes and sighed. Well that wish got shot to hell. Opening his eyes, he grabbed the mike and responded. “Yes, Donny, go ahead.”

  “I’m out at the old Blackwell ranch on a disturbance call and could use your help, sir.”

  Adrenaline instantly washed away Kade’s pity party and straightened his spine. “All right. Stay put. I’ll be right there.”

  The kid was barely out of his teens with less common sense than most, but a whole lot of heart, and a damn good crack shot. Still, the only reason Donny Royal was a Harland County Deputy was because his daddy was on the town council. Of that, Kade had no doubt.

  Six minutes later, he turned off the highway and onto the dirt road leading to the Blackwell ranch. Live oak trees whipped by in his haste. He hoped to God Donny listened to him and waited. The last thing he needed was the young pup walking in on a burglary in progress.

  With the rash of random break-ins going around since before he’d taken over as sheriff, this call could be one of them. Money, electronics and tools had all disappeared from houses and ranches in unrelated locations. No one had been home at the times. Thank God. But sooner or later, that was bound to change. He had no idea how dangerous the perp or perps were and hoped to apprehend them before ever finding out.

  As the ranch came into view, he relaxed a little at the sight of the young deputy leaning against the back of h
is squad car, clothes and hair a little rumpled. Well, what do you know, the kid listened for once. There might be hope for him yet.

  That thought instantly nose-dived the second Kade stepped out of the jeep. The unmistakable odor of skunk filled the air, emanating from the young, frowning deputy.

  Okay, so this wasn’t a burglary.

  He stopped dead, eyes already beginning to water, and he was still a good ten feet from the kid. Even though he could hazard a guess, he had to ask, “What happened?”

  The deputy shrugged, glancing down at the dirt on his boots. “Old man Blackwell called in about a rustling in his barn. I’m sorry, sir. I found them in the south corner. I…I thought they were kittens. They were cute and furry with white spots. They didn’t have the usual white stripe on the back. Honest.”

  Doing his best not to laugh—or hurl—Kade cleared his throat and nodded. “Some western ones have spots, Donny. So, let me guess...” He waved a hand at the kid. “Momma wasn’t too happy you got close.”

  Donny nodded, brown hair flopping into his eyes. “Yeah, she came out of nowhere, hissing and rushing me like a banshee.”

  He could relate. Even though Brandi smelled a hell of a lot better, she did have that banshee move down pat this morning.

  “Did you call animal control?” he asked, stepping upwind, trying desperately to suck in a clean breath of air.

  The kid nodded, swiping the tears from his face. “Yeah, they’re on their way now.”

  “I’ll wait for them,” Kade said. “You go on home and get acquainted with some tomato soup from your mom’s pantry. It won’t do much good, but it’s better than nothing.”

  He knew this first hand, thanks to Cole and Kevin. Several times throughout their youth, he and Connor had been at the wrong end of a skunk.

  “Thank you, Mr. Sheriff Dalton, sir.” The kid practically tripped over his feet to get to his door.

  He shook his head. “Donny, what did I tell you about calling me that?”

  “Sorry, sir…I mean, Sheriff.”

  “That’s better.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Kade resisted the urge to close his eyes and groan. “And, Donny?”

  “Yes, Sheriff?” The boy looked up at him from the front seat.

  “Burn the uniform.”

  “Yes, sir.” The deputy shut the door, started the engine then drove off, kicking up dust in his wake.

  It was going to be months before that squad car didn’t reek.

  Brandi’s morning flew by. After a less than gracious start at the Dalton’s, her day continued to stink. The couch she’d special ordered for the Garnett’s living room, the final piece of her masterpiece, arrived right on time…in a plaid pattern of bright pink. She was on the phone for a half-hour getting that mess straightened out. So much for finishing the job today. It was going to take another forty-eight hours before a replacement would arrive and she could finish the job.

  As if the Kade debacle and Garnett fiasco weren’t enough, she ran out of gas on her way to the Masters’. Thank God Jordan had been visiting her parents before work. Her friend had found her on the side of the road and drove back to retrieve a can of gas for the mower from her father’s garage. It had been enough to get Brandi to the Masters’.

  She parked, then set the empty can near the garage. Too bad her truck decided to share the fuel with her shoe. After she met with her new client, she’d head to the nearest gas station and fill up, then go home and clean up…if there was time.

  Right now, she needed the nearest bathroom to wash the gas off her hands. She glanced down at her foot as she rang the door bell. Unfortunately, a bathroom wasn’t going to help her shoe. Not hardly. Soap and water were no match for the gas-coated black pumps.

  Why couldn’t she have run out before she’d changed for work? Better yet, why couldn’t she have remembered to fill up when the damn light had dinged on her exit from the Dalton’s? Oh, right…probably because she’d been too preoccupied with thoughts of her encounter with Kade. Yeah, she was just full of brainpower today.

  “Hi, Brandi. Come on in.” Mrs. Masters smiled as she opened the door wide.

  She returned the smile. “Thank you. I put the gas can by the garage like Jordan told me. Would you mind if I washed my hands?”

  “Of course not, dear. Go right ahead. You know where it’s at.”

  A few minutes later, she joined her friend’s mother in the great room where she sat having coffee with Mrs. McCall.

  “Hello, Brandi, dear,” the other woman said. “You look like you’ve had a heck of a morning.”

  So much for trying to mend her appearance. Apparently, she’d failed. Miserably. “Yes, it has been one of those days.”

  The petite woman, looking cool and collected in a sleeveless blue dress patted the couch. “Well, sit down, and have some coffee, dear.”

  “Yes, coffee always makes things better,” Mrs. Masters stated with a grin, already pouring a cup before Brandi could stop her.

  “Thank you,” she said, reluctantly sitting down. She didn’t want to stink up the house. “I can’t stay long. I have a few others to see.” And a sheriff to track down. “I just want you to look over the ideas one last time before things get started this Friday.”

  She pulled the electronic tablet out of her purse, called up the plans and set them on the coffee table.

  Her host leaned forward and scanned the screen. “Everything looks perfect, Brandi. Oh, I can hardly wait.” The woman slid the tablet back along with a check. “Thank you so much for fitting us in. I know you’re getting busy.”

  “Yes. Business is starting to pick up,” she replied, slipping the tablet and check into her purse before reaching for her cup. The amount of work Harland County was beginning to supply her was quite a pleasant surprise.

  “Word of mouth will do that.” The older woman pushed a strand of graying-brown hair from her eyes and winked.

  Mrs. McCall turned to her and frowned. “Was work good in Pennsylvania?”

  Music wise, great. Designing, nonexistent. Mainly because she hadn’t been allowed. Too bad she couldn’t say the same for the coffee. It not only existed, the beverage went down the wrong way, and she was now choking on the brew.

  After coughing and making a big spectacle of herself—because she never did things in a small way—Brandi wiped her mouth with the napkin Mrs. McCall had shoved in her hand.

  “Sorry, thanks.” She drew in a breath and forced a smile. “I worked a lot back in PA.”

  At least that wasn’t a lie. She had worked a lot, just not as a designer. After years of pleasing others, doing what they expected of her, she’d finally had enough. Who knew answering Jordan and Kerri’s ad would’ve led to her leaving her job, her home, her father, her brothers, her nephew…Ed.

  “Well, I for one am glad you decided to come down here and work,” Mrs. Masters said. “And dare I be as bold as to say a certain sheriff was, too?”

  “Kade?” She coughed, then coughed some more. Would’ve been smart to swallow before speaking. Another napkin found its way into her hand. She wiped her face, and cleared her throat. “W-why would you say that? We’re just…friends.” She used the term loosely. Very loosely. Especially seeing as the guy kind of hated her at the moment.

  “Oh, it’s just the way he looks at you sometimes,” the woman in blue answered, a knowing smile curving her lips while the other nodded.

  Her pulse hiccupped, but she shook it off. “He probably has indigestion.” The ladies were nice, but really needed to have their eyesight checked.

  “Oh, I don’t think so,” Mrs. McCall insisted. “Mark my words, he likes you.”

  Butterflies decided to take up residence in her stomach. That was new.

  “He’s a good man.” A warm hand covered hers. “You should give him a chance.”

  Okay. Yeah. No. Time to put an end to the tag-teaming. “I’m sure he is, but I didn’t come to Texas looking for a boyfriend. I came to work. I enjoy working, and
look forward to getting started on your project.”

  Her host squeezed her hand one last time before releasing. “And I’m so excited for your design to come to life out back. Nate and I can’t wait to use the hot tub.”

  Brandi smiled, having initially been shocked by her customers’ request. But after observing the couple, and seeing how much they were still in love after being married for over forty years, the request made perfect sense, and she’d gladly worked in a five-person hot tub.

  “Neither can Alex and I,” the tiny woman added, a pretty blush covering her cheeks.

  “And I can’t wait until it’s done so you can all enjoy it,” Brandi said, placing her cup down before rising to her feet. “I’d better go and double-check to make sure everything and everyone is all set to get started bright and early this Friday.” She turned to her host. “You’re sure you don’t mind workers here over the weekend?”

  “Not at all,” her new client reassured. “I’m eager to get started. I know it will take a few weeks.”

  “No more than two.” The job was big, but not huge. She’d allotted a ten day time frame, two weeks should the weather turn uncooperative.

  The women exchanged a glance.

  Mrs. Masters turned to her and smiled. “Whatever it takes.”

  “Okay, then I’ll see you at the end of the week.” She shouldered her purse and nodded. “Thanks for the coffee.”

  Both women were smiling as they walked her to the door where she said goodbye before climbing into her white truck. They were sweet. And content. She’d seen the matchmaking gleam in their eyes, and understood it was because they wished that happiness for everyone. Of course, pairing her with Kade was a complete waste of time. A dead issue. But her friends’ mothers were nice, and she knew they did it out of the goodness of their hearts.