Her Uniform Cowboy (Harland County Series Book 3)

by Donna Michaels

  “I wasn’t taken down by a girl,” Kevin insisted, blue gaze narrowed. “It was a shrew. There’s a difference. Shrews are mean. And she was mean.”

  “And pretty,” Jordan added.

  His cousin shrugged, but Kade could tell the woman’s beauty did not go unnoticed by the guy.

  “And lethal. She nearly maimed me for life.”

  “Oh, you’re such a girl. She barely elbowed you.” Cole frowned and sat back in chair.

  “Yeah, but did you see the size of her elbow?” Kevin blinked at them. “It was pointy and…and…lethal.”

  Cole shook his head. “Forget it, man. You, the mighty Kevin Dalton, was brought to his knees by a pretty redhead and her cute daughter.”

  Kade’s chest tightened. They wouldn’t even be having this discussion if he’d done his job. If Shayla’s fiancé hadn’t died overseas. If the little girl’s daddy was still alive.

  Why did everything always come back down to those thoughts? Would they ever leave his head? Would they ever leave him the fuck alone?

  A small smile tugged his cousin’s lips. “The daughter was a cutie. Now she…she could bring me to my knees.”

  “If there was one thing I learned this past year, Kevin,” Connor said, a big grin dimpling his cheeks. “It’s that there’s nothing wrong with the right woman bringing you to your knees.”

  “Amen, brother.” Cole slapped his brother’s hand then kissed Jordan’s smiling face.

  He didn’t know anything about that, but he did know if there was a right woman for him, then Brandi was that woman. She got him. Sometimes too well. Like now. He could feel her gaze on him. She made him feel too much, and there were times he held back, closed himself off. He was not ready to relinquish that much of himself to anyone. The last two times he did only brought him pain and disappointment. He wasn’t ready to try again. Granted, they were both with father figures, but the pain was intense and deep.

  “So, Kade,” Connor said, pouring himself a glass of beer. “What are you doing about Skippy? You have two deputies now?”

  He shook his head. “Hell no. Donny is enrolling in the art program at the local college. Seems somebody noticed his sketches and encouraged him to give college a try.” His gaze shifted to Brandi and she smiled.

  “He does have talent,” she said.

  “Good, because as a deputy, he sucked,” Kevin remarked, lifting his glass, then stilled. “Speaking of talent, I hear you’re one with a fiddle. When do we all get to hear you play, Brandi?”

  Expecting her to stiffen against him, Kade waited but it never happened.

  “As a matter of fact,” Jordan said, brown eyes twinkling as she glanced at his girl. “Right now. She’s part of the next set.”

  “What?” He turned his gaze on her. “When?”

  Over the past few weeks, Jordan and Kerri had tried to get Brandi to join them a few times on stage, but she’d turned them down. And even though he hated to push, and refused to be like her last asshole boyfriend telling her where to perform, he’d encouraged her to play in public. But she would just shrug and say she wasn’t ready.

  Her warm fingers squeezed his leg as she gazed up at him. “I decided you were right. It’s time to enjoy myself. Enjoy playing when I want and where I want. And I want to play tonight, for all of you.”

  A wave of some kind of positive emotion hit him hard. He cupped her face and kissed her square on the mouth. She kissed him back, and tasted sweet, and happy and full of life, and for nearly a minute he’d forgotten where they were, and that they had an audience.

  Until his cousin’s voice broke through his haze. “So, I guess once Kade relinquishes his hold, we’ll all get to enjoy Brandi’s talent. You guys having open mike tomorrow night? ‘Cause it might take that long.”

  He drew back slightly and caught her happy gaze. “Are you sure? I don’t want you doing this if you’re not ready. I won’t be mad.”

  Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away. “Thank you. But yeah, I’m sure. I’m ready and really want to do this.”

  “Okay,” Jordan said. “You heard the woman. And she’s not going up alone, isn’t that right, Cole?”

  Her husband smiled and nodded. “I have the honor.”

  Kade nodded. “You’ve no idea.” He turned to Brandi. “Has he heard you?” She shook her head and his smile widened. “Then this is going to be real good. What are you playing?”

  “Dueling Banjoes.”

  He laughed. “Oh, man, you’re toast, Cole.”

  Kevin snickered. “Come on. We’re talking about Cole, here.”

  Jordan nodded. “Yes, and Kade’s right. My husband is toast.” She turned to Cole and patted his open-mouthed face. “Sorry, hun. But I love you anyway.”

  “Well, I think we need to get this duel started.” Cole stood and held his hand out to Brandi. “Shall we?”

  “Hang on,” Kerri said, rushing in from the kitchen to hug the smiling designer. “Good luck. You’re going to bring everyone to their feet.”

  Kade nodded. The place was not going to be the same again.

  As he watched Cole and Brandi take the stage, he settled in his seat, pride and some unknown emotion tightening his chest. The woman never ceased to amaze him. She knew her limitations, pushed through her fears and tackled challenges head on.

  “Hello, everyone,” Cole said, and the crowd clapped then cheered when they noticed he was holding a banjo and Brandi a fiddle. “For those of you who don’t know, this here is Brandi, and the two of us are going to do a little dueling.”

  The cheering audience picked up a decibel, then settled down when Cole plucked the first string. Excitement and anticipation skittered down Kade’s spine, and he watched both performers for different reasons. Brandi, because this was a big step for her, and his heart filled to the point of bursting to see such enjoyment light her face as she played with the audience cheering her on.

  And Cole because he was getting his ass handed to him by a girl.

  The faster he played—and the guy had skills—the faster and more complicated the sound Brandi created, all while holding the tune.

  “Holy shit,” Kevin said, mouth opened as he stared at the stage. “Dude.” He elbowed Connor. “You’re brother’s getting beat by a girl.”

  His buddy nodded. “I know, ain’t it great? Damn, she’s good.”

  When the last string was strung, the crowd whistled and cheered. Cole pulled Brandi in for a hug, then held her hand up, declaring her the easy winner. Kade was on his feet clapping for his girl, noting both Kerri and Jordan had wet faces as they, too, stood and clapped.

  “Damn,” Kevin said as they all retook their seats. “Why didn’t you tell us she could play like that?”

  “Oh, trust me,” Jordan said. “That isn’t anything. She’s amazing.”

  Kade nodded. “That she is.” The woman blew him away.

  Soon Cole was trading his banjo for a guitar, a few others got on stage with their instruments, and the crowd was treated to some lively Celtic with Brandi leading the way. She was sweet. Everyone adored her. He adored her.

  And as that thought settled in his mind, his chest tightened further. What did he do with that? He was at a loss. Watching the woman play her heart out, putting it all on the line, he never felt more like a coward. He could never open up like that…take a chance like that.

  When she finished and put away the violin, the crowd complained. He understood. She made you feel, and if she played something upbeat, you felt good. And who didn’t want to feel good?

  “That was fantastic,” Jordan said, pulling Brandi in for a hug as soon as she reached the table.

  He waited until everyone congratulated and hugged his girl. Then he drew her in close and held her. Just held her. “I’m proud of you,” he said against her temple, and felt her indrawn breath all the way down to his toes. “You okay?”

  She nodded and drew back. “Yeah. I’m great.”

  Cole came over, kissed his wife then
cupped Kade’s shoulder. “You were right. I was toast.” His friend smiled at Brandi. “You’re amazing. I hope we get the chance to play together again.”

  “Absolutely,” she said. “I’d like that.”

  As the night wore on, once again he was sitting at the table with his arm draped around the beauty at his side, joking with Connor when Kevin leaned toward Cole.

  “So, tell me, buddy, how does it feel to be married to a deputy?”

  Jordan smiled and gave a slight shake to her head. “I’m not one yet.”

  “True.” His cousin nodded. “But close enough, so spill, McCall.”

  Cole lifted his wife’s hand to his lips. “I don’t care what she does for a living. I just love her.”

  “Oh, man, are you trying to make me puke?” Kevin shuddered. “That’s not what I was asking.”

  “I have no problem with Jordan being a deputy. I think she’ll make a damn good one.”

  Kade couldn’t agree more. In fact, he was counting on it. The thought of having someone else on the force capable of doing the job set his mind at ease. Especially with his annual training coming up next month. He knew he’d be leaving the county in good hands for those two weeks he’d be away at AT.

  Cole turned to him and nodded. “I also know I can count on you to keep my wife safe.”

  He stiffened. Ah, hell. Every hair on his body stood up, while all his blood felt as if it turned to cement. Brandi turned and stared at him. He could feel her gaze, but he couldn’t bring himself to face the woman.

  “Ah, Cole, buddy.” Kevin snickered. “You’re wife can take care of herself, remember? You saw her bring that big guy down.”

  Jordan nodded. “I don’t need anyone taking care of me.”

  Now there were more gazes on him. He felt them, too. The tightness in his chest increased until the urge to leave shook through his body. He had to get out. Sweat gathered between his shoulder blades and trickled down his back.

  Before he knew it, Brandi tugged him to his feet, slipped an arm around him and addressed the table. “Thanks for tonight, everyone. I appreciate the support. I had a great time.” Then she maneuvered them through the crowd and outside into the wonderful night air. “It’s okay,” she said. “You need to breathe, Kade. Just breathe.”

  Fuck. He hated feeling weak. Fucking hated it!

  He released her, walked to his truck and grasped the tailgate while he dropped his head and dragged air into his lungs. This was ridiculous. These episodes had to stop. And if people would stop saying shit like they counted on him, or expected him to do something, then maybe he’d be just fine.

  A warm hand slid up his back. “Jeez. You’re all wet.”

  He grunted. “No shit.” Then felt bad at the harshness of his voice.

  “Come on.” Although her hand stilled, it remained on him. “Let’s go to my place.”

  And because he had every intention of going there, he nodded and opened the passenger door. He even smiled and kissed her hand before he walked around and got in behind the wheel. But he sat for a minute. He still needed another damn minute to regain control. A myriad of thoughts rushed through his head. He counted as he breathed and soon this mind and pulse calmed to a dull roar. The night hadn’t gone as he’d planned.

  Once safety was no longer an issue, he drove the short distance to her house and parked in her driveway. She was staring at him again, and he couldn’t blame her. With nothing to say for himself, he remained quiet as he walked her to her door. He was an ass, and was beginning to realize she deserved better. A whole hell of a lot better.

  She unlocked the door, flipped on the lights and tugged his arm, but he didn’t budge.

  “Not tonight. I’m going to go home,” he told her, his heart squeezing at the disappointment clouding her gaze. Lifting his hand, he traced her jaw. “You did great tonight. I’m so proud of you.”

  Cupping his hand, she pressed his palm to her face. “Then come inside. Please, Kade.”

  God, he wanted to, he really did, but something felt off, not right. An anger resided in him that wasn’t going away.

  Usually, after a few minutes of calming down, or method breathing, he’d manage to move forward. But not now. It was getting tougher and tougher as the weeks wore on. Damned if he knew why. This had happened before, not often, but it had happened, and experience taught him it was best if he spent time alone until this mood subsided. He was not up for company, not even hers.

  “Sorry, I have to go. I’m not good company. I need to be alone.”

  She stepped into him and kissed his neck. “Bet I could change your mind.”

  Any other time, and she would have, but not now. Now, he just wanted solitude. The woman made him feel, and that was exactly what he didn’t want.

  He grabbed her upper arms and gently but firmly put her away from him. “No.” He shook his head. “I need to go. Goodnight.”

  Pivoting on his heel, he strode to his truck, feeling lower than low at hurting the best thing to ever happen to him. But he knew, deep down, somehow he knew this was for her own good.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Brandi wasn’t sure when things had gone south with Kade, only that they had. The relationship was still on, but something had changed. They still saw each other, had sex, all the stuff they’d done before, but something was off.

  It had manifested before he’d gone to annual training, and although she’d hoped when he’d gotten back things would be better, they were actually a little worse. He wasn’t as talkative. Almost closed up. She’d missed him, missed being with him, riding horses at his ranch, listening to him talk about the horses; they didn’t do that anymore.

  She pulled up in front of Shadow Rock, thriving with cars and people with the annual end of summer barbeque in full swing. Hopefully, Kade would be less stressed and they’d get to spend time together. Her heart warmed at the thought. If they could just have some quality time together. That should help.

  Spotting her friend wearing a similar denim sun dress, she waved to Kerri, pasting a bright smile on her face as she slid out of her truck. Brandi refused to bring the woman down. Her friend was happy and excited about the wedding around the corner, and renovations to the Wild Creek Ranch.

  “Hey, you two,” she said to the approaching couple holding hands.

  Kerri slung her free arm around her shoulder and squeezed. “Ready for some end of the summer fun, Dalton style?”

  She laughed. “Boy, am I ever.”

  “Good,” Connor said, every bit the cowboy in his red, button-down shirt and jeans. “’Cause it’s good people, good eats, good fun.”

  “I know you really enjoyed the last one,” she said, watching the couple exchange a quick kiss.

  “Yep.” Connor tipped his hat at her. “I got me the best fiancée during the last one. Maybe you’ll get one during this one…”

  Brandi’s heart hit her ribs. Fiancé? Kade? They weren’t anywhere near that. She exhaled and shook her head. “Hold on there, cowboy. We’ve barely gotten to the actual relationship stage.”

  Kerri squeezed her shoulder. “Which is great. You work with that. Don’t mind my well-meaning-but-clueless cowboy. Take your time.”

  Standing in the food line, she glanced around for Kade, trying to ignore the nagging feeling of…doom. Which was stupid. Everyone was here. Everyone was laughing, eating, dancing to one of the local bands she’d seen showcased at the Texas-Pub. The sky was clear and bright, so weather wasn’t an issue.

  “There’s my sister,” Kerri said, nudging Brandi toward the deputy eating at a table with her husband and Jen, Brock and Cody.

  “Hi, everyone.” She nodded as she sat. “Hey, Cody.”

  “Hi,” the little boy replied, not bothering to look up from his plate of food.

  Kerri sat next to her and smiled at her sister. “Wasn’t sure you’d make it.”

  Jordan returned the grin. “I’d never miss a Dalton barbeque if I could help it. I can be on duty just as easily here as
the station.” Her friend held up her radio.

  She knew from Kade that his new deputy was a godsend. For several weeks now, Jordan had been on the force, and he’d told Brandi he’d rested easier during annual training knowing the county had been left in capable hands. According to her handsome sheriff, her friend knew law enforcement. Knew how to enforce the law. Knew how to write reports, take down bad guys, shoot, and most importantly, make lunch runs without getting the cruiser hung up on guardrails.

  “Damn, Jordan,” Kevin said as he approached in a blue shirt and jeans, appearing every bit the local heartthrob. “You look a hell of a lot better in the uniform than Skippy.”

  She hid a smile as she ate. One never knew what was going to come out of that man’s mouth.

  “Damn straight,” Cole said, slapping his buddy’s shoulder when he dropped next to him.

  Brandi glanced around the cowboy. No sign of his cousin. Disappointment dulled the taste of the wonderful food.

  “He’s in the stables.” Blue eyes, clear and serious, stared at her from across the table. “Been quiet today. I thought maybe you two had a fight.”

  She frowned. “No.” They’d actually had a decent time on the beach with Cody three days ago. Then ended the night at the ranch, watching another DVD and falling asleep.

  “He has been awfully quiet a lot lately,” Jen said, her light eyes wearing the same worried expression as her brother’s.

  What little food she’d eaten turned to lead in her stomach.

  “Yeah, he didn’t even go with me to the auction yesterday.” Connor shook his head as he ate. “Not like him.”

  Brandi carefully set her chicken leg down and wiped her fingers. Kade didn’t go? Her heart dropped to her boots. He’d told her he was going. She hadn’t bothered to call or text him. Hadn’t wanted to interrupt his time with Connor. She’d hoped some time with his good friend might snap him out of his funk. It usually worked. Connor had a way of bringing a smile to Kade’s face.

  This wasn’t good.

  She swallowed and glanced at Kevin. “Where did you say he was?”