“I think the stress has gone to your head.”
“Maybe, so then let me ask, why did you want to be a politician in the first place?”
“Because I wanted to make a difference. I admired you, saw how you made people happy. I want a better place for everyone.”
“What’s changed?”
“Nothing has changed.”
“Didn’t think so. Yet, to make change you must do something to make the change. Consider it, my dear. It doesn’t have to be settled or decided upon this very minute, but I’d hate to see your strengths go to waste.” They stood and hugged. She caught a glimpse of his glossy eyes, but when he pulled back, the emotion was gone quickly.
“But if my own family believes I’m wishy washy, what will voters think?”
He narrowed his gaze. “Why do you think we believe you’re wishy washy? We’re the wishy-washy ones, Hazel. That’s the difference between you and me. I’m weak. Led by what other’s think, but you, wow, you hold to your beliefs. You don’t allow anyone to push you around and think for you. That’s not a flaw, sweetheart. That’s a gift.”
Chapter 27
Fourteen months later
Cox stood near the doorway, scanning the crowd in front of the courthouse where they had gathered to celebrate the new mayor’s inaugural ceremony. He’d listened to the powerful speech, which brought the people to hoots and hollers. He’d balanced his attention from the Mayor on the courthouse steps while making sure there were no threats. A habit of sorts, although he wasn’t there to protect anyone.
When the last word of the address was given, the crowd erupted into applause, shouts for glory and celebration. Cox smiled.
Once the Mayor left the podium the crowd started to disperse.
He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to the woman. “Agent Landon?”
“Yes.”
“The Mayor would like to speak with you. If you’ll follow me, please.”
“Sure.” His chest tightened, but he followed the woman who led him through a side door of the courthouse, down a hallway and stopped at a closed door. She knocked twice and the door came open. She gave him a flash of a smile as she motioned for him to enter, closing the door behind him.
Cox stood in the library for a few minutes waiting. He heard a tapping of heels then the Mayor stepped into the room. His breath whirled out of his lungs. She hadn’t changed a bit. “Great speech, Mayor Levine.”
Her lovely plush lips parted into a wide, tempting smile. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun and the only sign of wild curls were the few strands that had fallen around her cheeks. Her eyes were bright, her cheeks warm, and the modest grey suit jacket and skirt that landed at her knees didn’t hide the fact that she had curves—curves he’d once touched and held. Until things fucked up.
“Thank you, Agent Landon.” Her lashes fluttered against her freckled cheeks.
“Congratulations on your win.” He swallowed hard, wishing he didn’t feel so out of control when she was near. A year had passed since he saw her, but she’d visited his dreams almost nightly, that was when he actually slept.
“Were you surprised?” She stepped further into the room, leaning against the massive desk, half sitting on the edge. She wore tall black heels that made her even taller.
“No, not really. I think you’ve found your calling.” He was quite proud of her.
“I’m a bit surprised. This feels surreal. I hope I can do justice to this seat.” He saw a flash of vulnerability in her features. She’d been anything but vulnerable talking to the small town today.
“Don’t doubt yourself. You’ll make a lot of voters proud. I heard your uncle plans to reopen a law practice.”
Her smile made her eyes bright. “Yes.”
“I was surprised that you invited me here today.”
She uncrossed her ankles and pushed off the desk. “I’ve been told I’ll need a trusted security team.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”
“You did say if I needed a bodyguard, I could call you.”
His breath came out in a hiss. It wasn’t exactly what he was hoping she wanted to see him about. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
She lifted a thin brow. “Why? I think you’d be perfect for the job.”
“I think it would be unethical for me to take the position. It’d be unethical for anyone on your security team to be attracted to you while he should be keeping his focus on protecting you,” he admitted. Why wouldn’t he? There was nothing for him to lose at this point.
Her tongue came out to sweep across her bottom lip. “I’m not sure why, but I was hoping you’d say that.” Her lovely gaze held his.
“Then why did you offer me the job?”
“Truthfully, I wanted to see you. I was glad when I saw you in the crowd.”
“I’m proud of you and where you’re headed. I’ve followed your campaign.”
“You have?”
“Of course.” He chuckled.
The door came open and the young assistant stuck her head in. “Sorry, Madam Levine, but we have to go. You’re late for a meeting.”
“Okay, Susan. Thank you. I’ll be out in a second.”
Once the door was closed again, Hazel shyly looked at Cox. “I guess duty calls.” She took a step toward the door and modestly looked back with her hand paused on the doorknob. “Cox?”
“Hmm?”
“Want to come with me?”
“Come with you? To a meeting?”
She laughed. “No, not to the meeting. I should only be an hour and then I’ll be free. I’d like to celebrate my inauguration and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather celebrate with than you. If you say no I’m afraid I’ll be at home with Boxy watching a movie over a bowl of ice cream.”
“Boxy? I’m tempted to say yes just to see the dog.”
Her brows came up. “I’m glad you want to see Boxy.” She looked hurt.
He growled and strolled across the room, taking the space in four steps, then took her by the shoulders and pressed her against the door. He looked into her beautiful eyes, feeling his heartstrings tug. “Listen, crazy woman. I’ve followed your campaign. I made a contribution that was much larger than it should have been. I’ve been your biggest supporter and fan. I’ve been going insane wanting nothing more than to see you again. You’re ridiculous if you think for a minute I’m going to let you leave this room without this.” He lowered his mouth and crushed her lips, kissing her with all the pent-up need and desire he’d felt for days, months, or a million years. He pulled back and looked down into her flushed features, loving how good she looked.
“Is that a yes to my invitation?” Her voice was wobbly.
“That’s a definite yes. It’s not only a yes, but a hell yes!”
She smiled and took his hand. “I’ll definitely be excited to get this meeting over with.”
“While we’re at it, we should discuss your political views on crime reduction.”
“Oh no, here we go. You truly like to argue with me, don’t you?”
“You bet.” He winked.
Not the end but only the beginning.
From the author:
Thank you for reading. Please leave a review and let others know your thoughts.
Check out the entire selection of books by me… http://www.amazon.com/Rhonda-Lee-Carver/e/B00CQLXKTO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1456497552&sr=1-2-ent
Hugs,
Rhonda Lee Carver
At an early age, Rhonda fell in love with romance novels, knowing one day she’d write her own love story. Life took a short detour, but when the story ideas were no longer contained, she decided to dive in and write. Her first plot was on a dirty napkin she found buried in her car. Eventually, she ran out of napkins. With baby on one hip and laptop on the other, she made a dream into reality—one word at a time.
Her specialty is men who love to get their hands dirty and women who are smart, strong and flawed. She loves writing about the everyday hero
.
When Rhonda isn't crafting sizzling manuscripts, you will find her busy editing novels, blogging, juggling kids and animals (too many to name), dreaming of a beach house and keeping romance alive. Oh, and drinking lots of coffee to keep up with her hero and heroine.
For other titles by Rhonda Lee Carver, please visit: www.rhondaleecarver.com.
Find me on Facebook, too! www.facebook.com/rhondalee.carver
Other books by Rhonda Lee Carver
HERE are a few of her books…
Diamond in a Rose
Double Dare
Delaney’s Sunrise
Second Chance Cowboy (Book 1, Second Chance Series)
Second Ride Cowboy (Book 2, Second Chance Series)
Second Round Cowboy (Book 3, Second Chance Series)
Second Dance Cowboy (Book 4, Second Chance Series)
Second Song Cowboy (Book 5, Second Chance Series)
Second Burn Cowboy (Book 6, Second Chance Series)
Second Hope Cowboy (Book 7, Second Chance Series)
Second Sunrise Cowboy (Book 8, Second Chance Cowboy Series)
Castle’s Fortress
Dreaming Ivy
Friends With Benefits
Sin With Cuffs
With Honor
Wicked Pleasures (Book 1, Wicked Wolves Series)
Wicked Lust (Book 2, Wicked Wolves Series)
Fighting Flames
UNDER PRESSURE (Book 1, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
PRESSURE RISING (Book 2, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
PRESSURE POINT (Book 3, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
SECRET PRESSURE (Book 4, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
RESISTING PRESSURE (Book 5, Rhinestone Cowgirls)
Under the Mistletoe
Cowboy Paradise (Cowboys of Nirvana)
Ropin’ Trouble (Book 2, Cowboys of Nirvana)
Smoke. Fire. Cowboy (Book 3, Cowboys of Nirvana)
Kissed, Spurred, & Valentined (Book 4, Cowboys of Nirvana)
Leather for Two, Wings of Steel MC
An Unexpected Hero (Buttermilk Valley)
A New Year’s Cowboy (Ring In A Cowboy Boxed Set)
Pride & Pleasure (Book 1, The KNIGHT Brothers)
Have you Claimed by the Lawman? (#4, Lawmen of Wyoming)
Blurb:
He won’t stop until he claims what is his…
Years have passed since Tyler Posey last saw Kace Cade. Fifteen years ago, he was a relationship-shy boy with deep dimples who stole her heart right out of her chest. When an opportunity came knocking she went in search of her dreams, but destiny brought her back home to Bohannan, Wyoming—and to Kace who is no longer shy or a boy. In fact, he turned into quite the man.
Being Sheriff had its ups and downs, but Kace liked the challenge. Although he considered his life on track, there was something missing—and her name was Tyler. Not a day had gone by that he hadn’t thought about her, wondered if he’d made the right choice in letting her go.
Now that he had a second chance at loving Tyler, he had to make things right by helping her find closure in her sister’s death. Ruled a suicide, Tyler never believed that could be possible, and neither did Kace, not after new clues came to light.
When secrets and truth start to unfold, and Tyler’s safety is in danger, Kace will need to find the answers before trouble finds Tyler.
The biggest question, who is branding people like they’re cattle? And why? The answers could be where they least expect them…
Chapter 1
“THE CATTLE MOSEYED right onto my land. Possession’s nine-tenths of the law.”
“They’re my cattle, Bane. I don’t plan to leave here today without my beef,” Johnny Posey said as the handful of his hands standing behind him lifted their shotguns just a smidgeon. His son Rogue took a step outside of the circle. The temperature seemed to increase by at least ten degrees. The wind whistled across the field as if carrying a daunting message of history when cowboys took care of problems with brawn…and sometimes a bullet.
“What the hell’s going on here, boys?” Kace pushed his way through the bulk of the cowboys and stood between Johnny and Bane. He could practically feel the heat rolling off the two fifty-something, stubborn neighbors. “Please tell me this is not another one of those crazy disputes. I have better things to do, fellows.”
“The cattle are on my land, Sheriff.” Bane pushed out his chest. His crew of five men were standing in a semi-circle, whiskered jaws tight, shotguns in hand as they blocked their boss’ property and the Black Angus that had no idea they were the cause of a lot of trouble.
This could have gotten out of hand rather quickly with each side packing heat and being so trigger-happy, but Kace couldn’t let the men believe that they had control—guns or no guns.
“The cattle don’t have a GPS, Bane. They don’t know the difference between your land and mine.” Johnny exhaled loudly. His agitation showed in his beady eyes.
“That’s why there’s a thing called fencing. To keep them in.” Bane laughed and looked back at his foreman who gave a thumb’s up approval.
“There was a barbed wire fence up here a week ago,” Rogue interjected. Once upon a time he was a hot-head, but since he’d aged and matured some, he was spending less time with a bottle and more time on the ranch. “Know anything about its sudden removal, Bane?”
“Good question. What happened to the fence?” Kace asked. Having only been sheriff for a year, he’d already been called out five times to break up arguments between the neighbors. He and Johnny went way back, but it was important to keep things unbiased.
Bane’s ranch was about the size of Rhode Island after he’d been buying up neighboring property right and left. He’d been putting the pressure on Johnny to sell so he could expand even more, but Johnny refused, even though he’d been offered seven figures, double what it was worth. Kace had a feeling things were going to get worse before they got better. Greediness for land in the untouched Wyoming mountains made men act like children—and criminals. Coming to the small, quiet town of Bohannan, Kace had no idea that he’d have to babysit the neighbors to keep them from killing one another.
“Now, Sheriff. What makes you think I’d know anything about some barbed wire fence?” Bane smugly adjusted his collar. He had the arrogance of a man who always got his way. “Posey here thinks he can prove these are his cattle, but my boys and I looked and didn’t see one brand.”
“Johnny, is your cattle tagged?” Kace asked, looking at the man in question.
The man’s agitated expression answered the question.
“Everyone needs to clear out,” Kace ordered.
He gritted his teeth at Bane’s satisfied grin.
“Those are my cattle, son,” Johnny said through pinched lips.
Kace resituated his Stetson. “I believe they are, Johnny, but this is a civil matter. There’s nothing I can do without proof. Why the hell didn’t you tag them?”
“We’re a little short of hands right now.”
“Big mistake.”
“And we’re just going to let that bastard steal cattle?”
“I’m not letting him do anything. Now everyone move on or I’m going to take you all in for disturbing the peace!” My peace.
Bane’s men laughed and muttered under their breath as they gathered back into their trucks, some onto the saddled horses to corral the cattle.
The Posey hands reluctantly climbed back into their trucks.
Johnny looked like he could chew through nails.
Kace shifted in his dusty boots, feeling a stab of guilt, but he had to follow the law and his hands were tied. Johnny was a good, hardworking man who didn’t need all the added stress in his life.
The trucks kicked up dust and dirt as they spun their tires and Kace and Johnny stood aside, watching the Bane hands round up the beef.
“This ain’t fair, you know,” Johnny mumbled and spit onto the ground. “Back in the day men got shot for less.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.
You and Bane are acting like fools and this is going to escalate.”
“The man’s a thief.”
“Think about it. If the cattle aren’t tagged, how do either of you know who the owner is? They just happen to be on his land. Make sure your beef are tagged, my friend.” Kace shook his head. “Build the fence back up and keep a man on the line twenty-four seven. If Bane steps onto your property, then give me a call.”
“You know he’s willing to do anything to get my land. He had his men take the fence down. Plain and simple. He’s also the one who’s slaughtered a few of my livestock.”
Going back to his truck, Kace leaned against the hood. He understood the man’s agitation and wanted to help. “You think he’d waste his time?”
“I think he enjoys toying with people. A cat playing with its prey. Since that man came to Bohannan he’s done nothing but crush people.” Johnny looked into the distance, watching the cattle in a cloud of dust.
Crossing his ankles and tucking his thumbs into his front pockets, Kace sighed. “Stand your ground, Johnny, but we both know you and Bane can’t keep going at each other like rams, waving your shotguns around. Someone’s bound to get hurt. It’s not worth it.”
“The hell it ain’t. That bastard, Bane, is taking over everything.” With a shrug, Johnny dragged his worn hat off. He was a large man, strong as an ox too, but here lately he was showing his age in the deep wrinkles in his tanned skin. “I’m sure by now you heard Tyler’s back. Even more reason to keep the ranch in the Posey hands. My hope is she’ll take her place next to Rogue.”
Kace looked at the bright blue sky wondering if all hell was going to break loose. “I heard. She staying over at the Posey ranch?”
“Nah.” The corners of Johnny’s mouth dipped. “She still refuses to talk to me more than a few sentences. Stubborn as her momma, that’s for danged sure.”
“Looked in a mirror lately?”
“Hmph. I’ve got a few stubborn streaks, but my girl owns the corner lot. She blames me for her sister’s death.”
Tormented by the Lawman (Mountain Force Book 3) Page 19