A Cowgirl's Pride

by Lorraine Nelson

  “I still miss him.”

  “Yeah, me too, but we have plenty of fond memories.”

  She nodded and resumed eating. Zakia produced a lemon meringue pie for dessert, and Leah relished every bite. “That was an excellent meal, Zakia.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Anytime you guys want me to take a turn in the kitchen, let me know.”

  Zakia nodded. “I will, but I love to cook, and so does Winnie, so it’s no hardship.”

  “Even so, the offer stands.” She rose, gathered the dirty dishes to load into the dishwasher, and returned with the coffee pot. “Is this decaf?”

  “Sure is,” Zakia replied, her smile lighting up her face as Luke groaned.

  “What’s a man have to do to get a decent cup of coffee around here?” asked Luke.

  “If Leah hadn’t asked, you’d never have known the difference. And besides, too much caffeine isn’t good for the baby.”

  Luke grinned. “Too little is not good for papa, but I guess it won’t kill me.”

  “Harumph! It hasn't killed me yet. Come on, Winnie. Let's go cuddle in front of that fire Leah hogged all afternoon.” Winnie rose to accompany him from the room.

  “Where’s Michael?” Leah asked, only just realizing that he hadn’t joined them for dinner.

  “The forensics report came in, and he went to the station. He’ll be back later, but he said not to worry. The Vancouver police have a tail on Kendall. We’ll know if he heads this way again.”

  Worry caused her to chew at her bottom lip. Roddy got through their roadblock. She didn’t doubt that he could lose a tail, but she didn’t want to say anything with the twins listening. “Okay, thanks for letting me know.”

  “Is Michael your boyfriend?” asked Casey, his sincere yet curious expression almost making her laugh.

  “Are you gonna be kissin’ and stuff?” Cammy asked as he curled up his nose in distaste.

  At that, she did laugh. “No and no. We’re friends.”

  “Okay,” came the two little voices just before they scampered off down the hall.

  Her coffee finished, Leah crossed to the sink and ran water to wash the pots. Zakia grabbed a dishtowel. “Oh no, you don’t. You cooked; I’ll clean. Take that husband of yours and go watch cartoons or something with the family.”

  “You sure?”

  “I’m positive.” She took the dishtowel and laid it on the counter.

  “Okay, thanks.”

  Zakia nodded and left. A short time later, a hearty knock at the kitchen door drew her attention, and she called out. “That’s probably Michael. I’ll get it.” She dried her hands on the way to the door.

  “No, Leah! Don’t take any chances,” Luke said as he rushed into the kitchen, but she already had the door open.

  Her welcoming smile died a quick death when she saw a stranger in uniform standing there. She took an involuntary step back, only to bump into Luke. He gently pushed her aside and stepped forward.

  “Hello. Can I help you?” he asked.

  “I’m Sheriff Rawlings. Is there a Leah Manning here?”

  “Yes, I’m Leah,” she said, stepping forward.

  “I have a warrant for your arrest. Come with me, please.”

  He reached out and quickly snapped handcuffs on one delicate wrist.

  Chapter Seven

  “What?” she gasped and jerked her arm out of his grasp. Of all the things that could’ve happened, this was the least expected. “On what charges?”

  “Grand theft auto and murder.”

  “No way! There’s been some mistake. I haven’t done either of those things.”

  “You’ll have your day in court. I’ve been instructed to escort you back to Vancouver to face charges.”

  “Not without showing some ID, you won’t.” Luke’s voice bristled with anger.

  The sheriff flashed his identification and shoved it back in his pocket.

  “Not so fast. Pass it here,” said Luke.

  Luke took the card, grabbed Leah by the elbow, and dragged her to the phone.

  “Now wait a minute,” the sheriff sputtered, making a fast grab for Leah.

  “Luke, what are you doing?” she asked as he anchored her to his side with one strong arm.

  “I’m calling Michael to have him check this guy out.”

  “No need, Luke. I’m right here,” Michael said as he appeared in the open doorway. “What’s going on? What’s with the cuffs? Take them off her.”

  Seemingly affronted by the newcomer, the sheriff spoke. “Who are you to be asking questions and giving orders?”

  Michael gave him a shrewd once-over before answering. “Constable Michael Grayson with the R.C.M.P. detachment in FortMacLeod. Who are you?”

  “Michael, this guy says he has a warrant for my arrest…for murder!”

  “Can you call someone and verify his identification?” Luke asked as he passed him the ID.

  “Well, it looks official. Where’s the warrant?”

  The man searched his pockets and handed Michael the key to the handcuffs, which he then tossed to Luke. “I must have left it in my car. I’ll go get it.”

  “I’ll come with you,” said Michael, but as soon as they stepped outside, the stranger got the jump on him, knocked him to the ground, and took off running. Michael scrambled to his feet and went after him, but the man had left his car idling. He was already inside and speeding away. Michael fired a shot that blew out the driver’s side tail light then ran for his car, hollering to where she and Luke stood on the back step. “Luke, get Leah back inside and lock up. I’m going after him.”

  Michael hightailed it down the driveway and turned his vehicle onto the main road.

  “Come back in the house, Leah. It’s too cold to stand around out here.”

  They went into the kitchen, and Luke locked the door behind them.

  An immediate knock had her trembling in alarm.

  “Who’s there?” Luke asked.

  “It’s me, Cal. Is everything all right?”

  Luke opened the door. “Yeah, we’re fine.”

  “I heard the shot and saw Michael chase someone down the drive and thought I’d come check. What happened?”

  Luke filled him in, and Leah watched the fleeting expressions of anger and concern flit across Cal’s handsome features.

  “I’m going to check the locks on the downstairs windows and doors. Back in a flash.”

  “You okay?” asked Cal.

  She nodded, shivering in reaction.

  He took her in his arms and held her close. Cal never said a word, but his strength and warmth seeped into her bones, and she’d stopped shaking by the time Luke returned. Cal released her as Luke came through the archway.

  “I am so glad you were here, Luke,” she said.

  “Me, too, sis.”

  “Makes me wonder what else Roddy is cooking up.”

  “Yeah, I hear ya. We just proved that we’re smarter than him. Kudos to us.”

  “Kudos to you, Luke. I probably would’ve gone with him.”

  “And that’s exactly what he counted on. You’re not alone in this. Thank God you had the sense to come home when you did.”

  “Luke, what if there really is a warrant?”

  “There isn’t or that phony sheriff wouldn’t have run.”

  “Oh, yeah. I’m not thinking straight,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind one ear.

  “No wonder. That was quite a shocker.”

  The phone rang, and Luke went to answer it. She used the time to talk quietly with Cal and tried to calm down.

  “That was Michael,” he said. “Our phony sheriff hit some black ice, lost control, and crashed into a telephone pole. He’s in bad shape according to Michael. An ambulance is on its way to them. He’ll be back after he gets that mess sorted out.”

  “Okay.” Leah slumped into a chair at the table, suddenly exhausted.

  “Work’s finished for today,” Cal said. “Need me to stick around her
e for a bit?”

  “Actually, yeah. If you don’t mind staying with Leah until Michael gets back, I’ll go help Zakia put the boys to bed. Dad and Winnie are watching TV in the office, but I’d rather not bother them.”

  “No problem.”

  After Luke left, Cal took off his hat and coat, hung them on a hook by the door, and toed off his boots. “Any coffee left from dinner?” he asked.

  She saw the holster strapped to his hip but never said a word. He’d come ready to protect. Who wouldn’t love a man like that? “Yep, lemon pie, too,” she answered. “Have a seat. It’ll just take me a minute.”

  She poured herself another cup while she was at it and joined him.

  “Thanks for coming. That was thoughtful of you.”

  “Thoughtful my ass! I was worried sick. I never got dressed so fast in all my life.”

  “Were you in bed already?” Her mind instantly conjured a picture of him lying naked between the sheets, and she squeezed her legs closed tight against the sudden itch.

  “Showered and resting, not asleep. I heard the gunshot and got here as fast as I could.”

  “It’s a wonder Dad never heard it, but thanks. You’re a good friend to have around.”

  “I’d be around even more if you’d let me.” His declaration was more than she could deal with. If only it was that simple.

  “Not now, Cal. I can’t talk about us tonight.”

  “That’s all right, just so long as you know I’m here for you.”

  She nodded and smiled. “Yes, I do know, and I appreciate it, all things considered. How’s the pie?”

  “Delicious!” He grinned and stuffed another bite into his mouth.

  He really was a handsome devil. Those devastating twin dimples in each cheek drew her focus every time he smiled. His hair, still wet from the shower and a bit on the long side, suited him. The ends curled up from wearing his hat and gave him a boyish look that took her mind back to their last summer together.

  * * * *

  They’d ridden out to the far pasture one afternoon and dismounted beside the creek, instantly coming together in a passionate embrace that had them gasping for breath when the kiss ended.

  “Let’s ride out to the line shack,” he said.

  She’d vetoed the idea, wanting to make love under the shade of the big, old oak tree. And they did—glorious, totally abandoned lovemaking. He, always such a gentleman, insisted on her being on top. She felt the freedom, the power of the moment, as he turned the reins over to her. They’d never tried it that way before, and she gloried in the feeling of impaling herself on his hard cock. She rode him until their bodies were slick with sweat, her tits bouncing freely and his hands holding tight to her hips. He lifted his upper body to capture a nipple and sucked it hard. The climax, when it came, was nothing less than Earth-shattering, and they collapsed in a tangled heap on the grassy bank.

  Once they had their breath back, they waded into the creek hand in hand—the water cold on their heated bodies, but they warmed up soon enough and made love again, buoyed up by the current. The loving she experienced that blistering hot afternoon had stayed in her memory, recalled every time she felt she couldn’t endure another moment in Roddy’s company.

  “Penny for them.”

  She smiled. “Just remembering the good old days.”

  “Yeah, I do that a lot.”

  “We had a lot of fun.”

  “Yes, we sure did.” He grinned. “Too bad it isn’t summer.”

  She laughed. “Do you read minds now?”

  “Nope, but you wear your feelings on your sleeve. You always have.”

  “Maybe with you, but no one else.”

  “Why is that, do you think? Could it be that you still feel comfortable with me?”

  “Could be,” she teased. Then more serious, she continued speaking. “You’ve always been my best friend, my confidante. I missed that. Missed you.”

  “Glad to hear it.” He grinned again. “It’s a start.”

  He got up, rinsed his plate and cup, left them in the sink, and leaned against the cupboard. “You are still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

  “And you’ve grown into one gorgeous hunk of cowboy,” she said as she rinsed her cup and set it beside his.

  She didn’t know who moved first, him or her, but she found herself in his arms being kissed as never before. Her body pressed against his, close, then closer still. The ridge of his cock hardened and pushed against her. Their tongues dueled and darted, tasted and twirled until she forgot where she was and why.

  “Am I interrupting something?” asked Zakia.

  “Damn!” she said as they guiltily jumped apart.

  “Oh, shit!” he said, turning to look out the window.

  Leah laughed as he tugged at the crotch of his jeans, trying to hide the bulge. “Sorry, Zakia”

  “Hey, don’t mind me. Cammy’s thirsty so I came down to get him a drink. I, uh, wouldn’t let Luke or your father catch you making out in the kitchen though. They’re a little on the protective side.”

  “You’re telling me! Come on, Cal. Let’s go see what’s on the tube.”

  They made a hasty exit, and Leah was certain she heard Zakia giggling behind them.

  * * * *

  Cal had rarely been invited to the house, except for the staff Christmas party every year, although he had helped Luke rearrange furniture after Zakia moved back in. To be sitting here tonight, watching television with Leah seemed surreal, yet at the same time, it felt right.

  He’d intended to sit in the recliner, putting some much-needed space between them to calm his libido, but she’d grabbed his arm and tugged him down on the sofa beside her. She palmed the remote and searched through the guide.

  “Oh! Titanic is on. That’s one of my favorite movies.” She tuned into that channel, kicked off her shoes, and curled up beside him, her feet tucked under her.

  She cried softly as the ship began to sink, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

  “Sorry, my hormones seem to be all out of whack.”

  “No problem,” he said as he passed her a box of tissues from the end table. “It’s not every day that a man gets to comfort a woman in distress.”

  She hiccoughed a snort of laughter. “Yeah, and tonight you were lucky enough to do it twice.”

  “I’m not complaining.”

  She turned her face up to look at him then, her tongue sweeping out to wet lips that were only a breath away from his. That slight nervous reaction impelled him to kiss her again. Be damned if Luke caught them. They were both adults.

  He bent his head to hers, their lips touching briefly, once, twice, giving her the chance to pull away if she chose. When she kissed him back, tentatively at first, he deepened the kiss, careful to keep his hands to himself. No way did he want to get caught feeling up his boss’s sister.

  Her fingers tangled in his hair as she pulled him closer, and his arms came around her of their own volition. It felt so good to hold her like this. He wished they had a place of their own, somewhere they could go for complete privacy.

  “Well, isn’t this cozy? How’s the movie?” Luke’s voice sounded more amused than angry, but it had the desired effect. Leah sat back and stared at her brother while Cal wished he could vaporize into the woodwork.

  “The movie is fine, but I’ve seen it before. Thanks for granting us a little privacy, big brother.”

  He laughed and crossed the room to tend the fire in the big fireplace. It took up most of the end wall with Zakia’s matching tiered trinket shelves on each side. “You want privacy? Get a room. Just be glad it was me and not Dad who caught you making out on the sofa.”

  “I already have a room.” She smirked as he glanced in her direction. “Upstairs.”

  Sassy little wench! That’s my girl!

  “Not while Dad’s staying here. That might be enough to give him another heart attack. This has happened awful fast. Are you two serious?” he asked, h
is frowning countenance not boding well for a favorable outcome.

  “Yes,” said Cal decisively.

  Leah stared at him for a moment as if searching for something in his expression, then shook her head and turned back to Luke. “I’m not sure what we are, but is it so bad for me to want a little human contact? Danger is all around us, and that fake sheriff almost had me tonight. Cal and I have been friends forever. Who better to comfort me and make me feel alive again?”

  “Hey, I’m not criticizing here. I think Cal is a great guy. You could do a lot worse.”

  Cal wisely remained silent, his attention on the drama playing out in front of him.

  “I have done a lot worse. That’s why I’m cooped up in here and not out riding, visiting friends or shopping. At least with Cal I feel something besides fear.”

  “Have at ‘er then if that’s what you want. Just remember I have two impressionable little boys to consider.”

  “Credit us with some common sense, Luke. If we do make out, it won’t be with an audience of any kind.”

  “Glad to hear it. Now, can we talk about something else?”

  Zakia joined them, holding a stack of DVDs in her arms. “Want to watch a movie?”

  Leah laughed aloud, and the men grinned.

  “What have you got?” she asked as she took the stack and searched through them.

  “Freedom Writers is good,” Zakia suggested. “It’s about a teacher, and how she convinces her students that education is worth having and fights the system on their behalf.”

  “Sounds king of boring,” Luke said.

  “Not at all. I think you’d enjoy it.”

  “Okay. Hand it over,” Luke said, taking the movie and setting it up to play. He sat in the recliner with his wife in the armchair beside him.

  Cal was pleasantly surprised at how welcome he felt. He assumed that once Luke and his wife came back downstairs he’d have his marching orders. Instead, they’d included him in the evening’s activity. Go figure! He placed his arm around Leah again, pulled her close to his side, and settled in to watch the movie. He didn’t even care if it was a crappy one; he was right where he wanted to be.