She blinked, bringing her brain to a skidding halt. He was only doing what anyone would do. He was being honest, and yet he could have just as easily reached in and squeezed her heart. She dropped her gaze to her feet. “I feel like I’m taking you away from your job. What will your brothers think?”
“I don’t care.” She watched his boots move closer, and he was now standing so close that she had no choice but to look up at him. He lifted his fingers and brushed them against her cheek, leaving a trail of honeyed warmth. “How’s your head?”
It took her a long second to realize what he was talking about. “Oh, it’s fine. I’m okay.”
“Good.” His soft voice played her insides like a harp.
Her body stopped functioning when he touched her. She couldn’t remember ever having a man be so gentle, and look at her as if she was the only woman in the world. Nor could she ever remember having these fireworks in her bloodstream, an awareness of how deeply she wanted him.
His fingers came to her chin. “Harley?”
Oh for heaven’s sake. She could hear the links in her reserve breaking. They could kiss and what would be the harm…? “Penn?”
“I should take you to work.”
She stumbled back as her breath slammed into her lungs. “Yes. You’re right. We were just saying that, weren’t we? I don’t want to keep Jodi there alone too long.”
*****
After Penn dropped Harley off, he headed to the police department and spoke to Detective Carter Jones who had little details and information on the case of missing Ray Patterson except that he was last seen at his apartment by a neighbor. His background check came up boring, which was a good thing. He had no priors, even spent some time as a pastor in South Carolina. Penn gave Carter a head’s up on what was happening with Harley with an understanding of the special conditions. He was a good man and Penn had no doubt that he’d handle the circumstance with care. They’d worked together on many cases and the Jerichos were glad to have someone they could trust.
Penn left the station with a promise from Carter that any new information would be passed along.
Making it back to Second Chances by mid-morning, Penn was ready to work off some steam with hard labor. Pulling up to the barn he saw his brothers standing by the area where they were preparing to build the new fence. When he slid out of his truck and walked up to the group, all eyes turned on him and he had a feeling he was about to be interrogated.
Wes tucked his thumbs into his front pockets. “You have some explaining to do.”
Penn shot Hugh a narrowed glare. “Can’t you keep your mouth shut?”
Hugh, who was busily gathering the fencing material from the back of his truck, stopped and turned. He held up one gloved hand in defense. “I didn’t say a word, but you just did.”
Wes shook his head. “No one needed to tell me anything, bro. I have eyes. I saw your passenger this morning and she looked real familiar.”
Penn rubbed his chin and looked around the circle at each of his brothers who were quiet, for now. Since they were kids, when there was an issue with one, the problem bled to each of them in some way. They also supported one another, but Penn wasn’t sure how much backing he’d get regarding this subject. “Why is it that Roman runs off and gets hitched with a stranger and we’re all okay with it, but I have an overnight guest and I’m facing the Spanish Inquisition.” Yeah, there was a name for what he was doing, but he needed a second to get his head on straight before he explained anything.
Roman laughed. “That’s because I’m the favorite brother.”
“That’s what you’d like to believe.” Penn sniffed loudly.
“Can someone fill me in on what the hell is going on? Did I miss something?” Urban kicked up the dirt with the toe of his boot. “I know I’ve been gone for a few days, but you’re supposed to keep me updated on the shit that goes down around here. Can’t you remember the time I walked in the bar and got coldcocked by that damn son-of-a-gun that had mistaken me for Hugh.”
“Because he slept with the man’s wife,” Roman interjected. “He deserved it.”
“Did you not just hear that I took the blow, bro?”
“And don’t you remember that I told you I had no clue she was married—that she was getting a divorce. I slept with her one time. We didn’t ask a lot of questions and I just assumed I wouldn’t be stepping on some bastard’s toes. Little did I know her husband would come to town ready to plow through me. I did make up for it. Apparently, you have a selective memory, Urban. Do I need to mention her name? You didn’t have the balls to break up with her so I spoke to her for you.”
“My God, isn’t it obvious that you all need to keep your dicks in your pants so there’s no risk of reproduction? If the tests didn’t prove that you all have a high IQ, I’d question your capacities. Now can we stop comparing sad stories and let Penn explain?” Wes rubbed his forehead.
“I’m good with letting them duke it out,” Penn said. Anything to stall what was bound to happen.
“Looks like we have a bit of a problem. Want to tell them Penn, or shall I?” Wes lifted his jaw, his pale eyes turning a shade darker. He was the brawniest out of all of them, and the toughest, hands down. When he was pissed, they learned to steer clear. Penn would rather take a bullet to a limb than face off with his brothers, especially when he was in the wrong. He would have had to confess the truth sooner or later, and it was something they needed to be aware of. “Harley Tate was at my place last night.”
Hugh took a step back from the heat. Urban scratched his jaw. Roman whistled through his teeth. “Isn’t that the woman—”
“That you were investigating for Marshall Reed?” Urban finished.
“Yes. So, what’s the problem?” Penn tried to take the casual route, but he’d have his nuts busted for sure.
“That’s who you had at your place?” Roman’s gaze narrowed. He was an easy-going cowboy, but he had a raw streak that no one wanted to mess with.
“It’s not how it seems.” Penn kept his shoulders squared. He hadn’t backed down since he was a teenager.
“Oh, is that so? Then enlighten us,” Wes said through tight lips, looking angrier by the second.
“I should start by saying Reed isn’t who we thought he was. I think there’s a lot we aren’t aware of.”
Urban crossed his arms. “Did you find this out before you slept with the beautiful Miss Tate, or after?”
“Shut up.” Penn faced his brother.
“Don’t blame me! It’s not my balls on the stake right now,” Urban said.
Penn’s hackles rose. “This isn’t personal,” he grumbled.
“No, it’s not personal. You just invited her home to spend the night,” Wes said. “That’s never personal with you.”
There wasn’t an argument for that except for the truth. “She wasn’t safe at her place. I was watching her house last night and I saw a someone sneaking around. I helped her out of a bad situation. What would you have done?” He darted a glance around to each of them.
“Hell, no one will give you shit over helping a woman out of a bad situation.” Roman crossed his arms. “I guess there are two bigger issues here. How her staying with you was necessary and how this will affect our business relationship with Reed Oil Industries.”
Penn hadn’t thought that far ahead. Maybe he had been wrapped up in Harley’s pretty eyes and dazzling smile. That was a big problem. “Honestly, once he finds out he’ll probably break our contract.”
“So, you’re saying what you and this woman share is business only? You helped her out of a sticky situation and you’ll make sure she gets settled into a hotel room by tonight?” Wes asked, or rather suggested. Penn gathered his thoughts. Damn. What could he say? When he didn’t answer quick enough, Wes blew out a long breath. “Let Urban take the case over—”
“Hell, no.” Penn studied Wes from beneath his thick lashes.
“This isn’t just your choice.” His oldest brother shook his
head in aggravation.
“I can handle this.”
“I’m sure you can.” Wes’s jaw turned solid. “I have to watch out for the best interest of the agency, and you know it.”
“I’m not putting the agency at risk. I’m getting to the bottom of things,” Penn said.
There was a long hesitation. “Fine. Sort this shit out. However, keep Urban close and don’t do anything impulsive, especially when it comes to pretty faces and beautiful curves. Got it?” Wes didn’t seem completely sure of his decision.
Penn nodded. “Loud and clear.”
Wes pulled his gloves out of his back pocket and dragged them on. “Now can we get this fence finished? I’d like to be done before night falls. Brie has a dance recital tonight and if I don’t make it, she’ll trade me in for a new daddy.” They all laughed. Wes grimaced. “What do you think is so funny? She’s expecting every single one of you to show up. Make sure all of you wear your Sunday best too. That was her one request.”
Urban shook his head. “I have my evening planned.”
“Okay, you tell Brie you’re not going,” Wes said, turning his back as he picked up his hammer and nails.
Urban’s expression suddenly changed. “I can change my plans.”
“Wes…I don’t think…,” Penn clamped his mouth shut when Wes looked at him with a raised brow. “I’ll wear my best boots.”
They each gabbed slabs of wood and headed further up the grassy bank.
Penn stayed back a bit.
Hugh patted him on the shoulder. “You knew you’d get the heat, man.”
“Just thought it wouldn’t be this soon.” Penn gave a harsh snort as he settled a plank on his shoulder to carry.
“I told you. I didn’t say a word. It’s not like anything happens around here that will be missed.”
“Well, that’s great so I don’t have to murder you for having a big mouth.”
Hugh winced. “Come on. You know Wes is right. He’s thinking clear headed and you’re thinking with the wrong part of your body. I can’t point any fingers. We’ve all been there, but you know the rules. If it affects one, it affects us all.”
“I won’t let anything negative come back on the business, but I can’t promise we’ll still have Reed on our side when it’s all said and done.”
“Hell, I don’t think that’s the biggest worry. I think Wes is more bothered about your decision making.”
“There’s nothing to worry about.”
“Really?”
Aggravation seeped into Penn’s bloodstream. “Are you doubting me too?”
“No, man. But remember I saw you last night. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so wired before. And can you say that wasn’t sexual tension over a beautiful woman? You said yourself you were afraid you’d do something stupid.”
Penn dragged off his hat with his free hand, rubbed his forehead with the back of his fingers, and pressed the Stetson back into place. “I think that boat has already sailed.”
Hugh sighed. “I hear you. You need to get control of yourself. When your emotions are involved, you can’t see things for what they are. This woman, as sweet as she might seem, you don’t know her or her intentions.”
“I know her well enough.” Penn’s protective side came to head. “I’ve got this, Hugh. I won’t let my emotions make me out as a fool.”
“What happened to that one woman…Seneca? Call her, get your needs met and get your head clear.”
Penn wanted to heed his brother’s words, but when he thought about easing the need in his body, it wasn’t Seneca who came to mind. “I’ll keep that as an option.” The hell he would. He no longer wanted to talk about Harley and the situation.
Hugh snorted. “I bet you do.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I know you, bro.”
“Not everything.”
Hugh shrugged. “I’ve seen Miss Tate. I must admit, I’m a little surprised.”
“About?”
She’s not your type.”
“And why do you say it like that?”
“Because she has a brain, and she most certainly doesn’t seem like the type to enjoy a ride without the saddle, if you know what I mean.”
Penn stopped for a second, balanced the wobbly wood as he thought over his brother’s words, then fell in beside Hugh again. “Harley is gorgeous.”
“I didn’t say she wasn’t. I said she’s not the ‘type’ that you’re normally with.”
Penn grabbed his brother’s shoulder and they stopped. “I wasn’t a straight A student by a long shot, but I’m not an idiot.”
Hugh raised a brow. “Still not getting it, are you? I’m saying you might have found your match with her.”
“There’s no room for love in this, buddy.”
“Regardless, has she fallen into your bed yet?”
Yes, she sorta did. Penn shrugged. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
“So, the answer is no. I wonder…” Hugh shrugged. “never mind.”
“What?”
“Well, you know what they say about bookworms. They’re so straight-laced during the day that they like to let loose at night.” He wagged his brows. “Maybe it’s the challenge that you’re liking.”
“Is this coming from experience?” Penn chuckled.
“Maybe. I don’t kiss and tell either.”
“Since when?”
“When the glasses came off, a little paddling play took shape.”
Penn shook his head. “Trust me, that’s not Harley.”
“Do you ladies need an invitation to pick up a hammer?” Urban called out.
“Bro, I’m going to kick your ass.” Hugh gave Urban a gentle shove.
“In your dreams.” This led to Hugh dropping the plank, grabbing Urban by the shoulders and playfully taking him in for a loose neck hold.
“If you’re all done playing like little boys, I’d like to get this shit done. Did you not hear the plan?” Wes looked like he could bite nails in half.
“I have plans too.” Roman was already at work.
“Oh, let’s not forget, Roman has a wife now. He’s on a timeline.” Penn laughed.
“Well, when you can say that you don’t have to date clients to get one, then you can join the conversation,” Roman shot back.
Oohs and ahhs sounded from the circle of brothers.
Penn shrugged. “I’m a one-legged man and can still move faster than you. Better start moving, slacker.” He was already clutching the hole digger and pounding the hard ground.
And later, when he pulled onto the street in front of Between the Lines, he was still repeating a mantra over and over. Do your job. Stay cool. Do your job. Stay cool. Yet, Hugh’s words “paddle play” were boiled into Penn’s brain. He wasn’t into hardcore kink, but an image of Harley with her hands bound and blindfolded certainly did warm up his groin in a fascinating way.
He checked the time on his watch. He was early. They’d finished the fence in record time.
He’d been anxious all day to…what? See Harley?
He groaned and felt an urgency to take a lap around the block. Maybe closer to five to help rid himself of the unbearable tension in his body. He’d worked his ass off on the land, then did some investigating on Reed, but came up with nothing. His polished buckle that he kept in a case in his closet wasn’t as squeaky clean as Patterson’s background. Odd.
Penn checked his phone to make sure he hadn’t missed any calls from Carter. Nothing, although he did receive a text from Wes reminding him about the dance recital. And a second one…
“Uncle Penn. Be there or I won’t let you play with my dolls anymore!”
He groaned, half suspicious that Wes was pulling his chain. One time Penn let his niece talk him into playing dolls while he was watching her for Wes and she turned on him.
Dropping the phone onto the dash, he looked through the large front window into the store and caught a glimpse of Harley. She was bending over at a bookshe
lf, her long hair fell over one shoulder like a silken blanket. He followed the line of her back, then along the luscious curve of her backside that was lifted high. His mind wanted to head down a path that would only make things harder, literally, but he grabbed his water bottle and downed the liquid in three gulps, spilling some onto his lap. He was a mess.
She stood up and used her slender fingers to pull the drape of her hair away from her face, tucking it over her shoulder. She turned her chin and looked through the window, her gaze meeting his. His body tightened. Could she see him? There was no way. Not through the tinting. He kept his gaze glued on her, absorbing her eyes that were dazzling even from this distance. She tilted her head and smiled. His heart slammed against his ribs. He could only wish he’d be at the receiving end of something so wonderful and magical.
She was joined by a blonde, but he couldn’t have been witness to what the other woman looked like or what she was wearing because he couldn’t tear his gaze off Harley who reminded him of a masterpiece painting. Where were those large framed glasses that he’d gotten used to seeing? Ahh…they were hanging at her neck. As a kid, he would fantasize about the ‘sexy librarian’, and now, Harley was the fantasy.
He laughed. Then it fizzled. He was in deep shit!
He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. When he opened his eyes, he noticed a man crossing the street at the corner. Penn didn’t think anything of it until the man stopped and turned back to face the bookstore, getting a better look at his face. He wore a beard and his hair was scraggly, but something looked familiar about him.
Responding on instinct, Penn slipped out of the truck, drawing the attention of the man who jerked back as if he’d been busted. “Hey. Can I get the time?” Penn asked. He was already stepping into the street wanting to get a better look at the man who seemed nervous.
The stranger turned, shot across the street and into the alley.
“Aw, fuck!” Penn looked both ways, checking for traffic, and took off running. Although he’d run with the prosthetic leg before, he hadn’t tried it in his boots and it wasn’t working in his favor. He hadn’t planned for a foot chase today and by the time he rounded the corner and made his way down the shadowed alley, the stranger was burning rubber from where he was parked. Penn reached for his phone, hoping to grab a photo of the license plate, but he realized he’d left it in his truck. He caught the first numbers on the plate before the car disappeared into the night. “Shit!”
Penn's Fortune (Saddles & Second Chances Book 2) Page 9