Even now, after fifteen years, the mention of Tyler made Kace’s heart hitch and his stomach twist. “Blames you for Susannah taking her own life?”
Johnny swiped the toe of his boot through the dirt. “You know how it was. There at the end Susy wasn’t herself. I couldn’t trust her not to steal me blind to pay for her fix. I loved her, but I had to stay firm. It wasn’t easy, and I had no clue…” He looked away and Kace saw the man’s shoulders lift and drop as if he carried the weight of the world.
Kace pushed off the truck. “You did what you thought was right. Sometimes we can’t control the decisions others make.” He knew that firsthand.
“I’ve screwed up with my kids, Cade. They needed their mother, but I wasn’t enough to keep her here in Bohannan” There was a new strain to his voice, proving he was becoming softer hearted with age.
“You didn’t screw up. They’ve made a few bad decisions, but look at how far Rogue has come for instance? And Tyler, well, she’s independent. Smart. Beautiful. Can shoot a shotgun better than most men I know and catch fish big enough to make a grown man cry.” Realizing where this was headed, Kace cleared his throat and adjusted his hat.
Johnny’s eyes lit. “Maybe you can check in on her. She’s staying at the Belleview Street rental.”
Making sure he didn’t show his emotions through his expression, Kace said, “Sir, with all due respect, I think it’s best your daughter and I steer clear of each other.”
“Ah, come now, son. You and my girl…you could always seem to reach her when no one else could. I know that she’s been hurting since Susy’s death. I’m afraid with her being back here she’ll feel an overload of emotions and take off again. She has a place on the ranch, along with Rogue. This is her home.”
Giving the other man a long look, Kace shrugged. “She has friends here. They’ll help her.” Since he’d rather not talk about the girl who’d broken his heart, he headed for the truck, climbed in and closed the door. “How’s everything else? Still seeing that heart specialist in Cheyenne?,” he asked through the rolled down window.
“I’m surviving, but the kick isn’t as high as it used to be.” He chuckled, but it fizzled. “As far as that nutjob in the white coat, he wants me to cut back on red meat and potatoes. Said it’ll be the death of me. Hell, if I eat all those green, orange, and purple vegetables, I’ll die from starvation. An old man can’t win, I tell ya.”
“That’s a fact for most of us, pal.” Kace turned the key and the engine roared alive. “If you need me, you know where to find me. Keep the guns at home.” He gave the older man one last wave and headed back toward town.
He had work to do, but his mind wandered down a path where it didn’t belong. Tyler Posey. He’d heard a few days ago that she was back, even received a few calls from her, but he had no clue how long she’d stay. In the meantime, he’d steer clear of her.
~~~**~~~
Ordering a drink so she didn’t look conspicuous, Tyler took her bottle to the end of the highly-polished bar at Lolli’s Honky Tonk and slid onto the torn vinyl stool, settling her gaze on the front door with the flashing neon sign. It was more than the bright red light that kept her attention. Her best friend, Isla, had said that Sheriff Cade came into the bar and grill most evenings to grab takeout, and because he refused to return any of her calls, she had no other choice but to ambush him at his favorite go-to. She’d thought about going to the Sheriff’s station, but their first meeting—after fifteen years—should be casual. If she planned to ask him for a favor she had to be careful how she approached him. Tyler already guessed he’d be stand-offish.
Two beers, a handful of sad songs about cheating and heartbreak, and watching a dozen or so patrons come and go and still no Kace Cade, she was starting to believe he’d gotten the lowdown that she was here and was dodging her. He couldn’t hide forever. Eventually, their paths would cross.
“Want another?” the bartender, Mandy, asked.
“No thanks.” Her stomach was already turning from nerves.
“You’re not from around here, are you, darlin’?”
At the sound of the deep, male voice, she lifted her chin and followed the fancy pearl-buttoned shirt all the way to the man’s smile. “And what gives you that impression?”
He tipped his hat and slid onto the barstool next to her. “Oh, I’d remember if I saw you before. Can I buy you a drink?”
“I already have one.” She chipped at the corner of the label on the beer she’d been nursing for the last hour. The door opened and she darted a glance that direction, disappointment making her shoulders slump. It wasn’t the cowboy she was waiting for. She took a long sip from the bottle and winced. It had long grown warm.
“Looks like you’ve been stood up, ma’am.”
“Looks about like that.” Although technically she wasn’t, she certainly felt let down. She’d told herself over and over that she needed to see Kace to convince him to reopen the case of her sister’s death, but another part of her, a bigger part, was interested in seeing him after all these years. The memory she had of him in her mind closely resembled that of a superhero. It wasn’t possible. No man was a superhero. She knew because she’d dated some real zeroes over the years. Tyler accepted that when she did see Kace again, he will have aged. Maybe have a large belly, missing teeth, unsightly warts all over his face. Then she might finally put the image of the Greek God Cade out of her mind.
“I wouldn’t stand up a purdy thing like you, but today’s your lucky day. I’m here. The name’s Tim.” He winked.
“My lucky day, huh?”
“I’m a free man and nowhere to be but here. Tell me, what’s a classy lady like you doing in Bohannan?”
She gave him a half-smile. “As they say, “home sweet home’.”
“Ah, so you are from around these parts. What made you come back, sweetheart? Let me guess…an old flame? High school reunion? Your ten year? Am I close?”
“Do you think you’re close?”
“I’m hoping I’m getting warmer.” A sloppy smile carved his clean-cut face and he leaned closer, picking up a tendril of her hair and wrapping it around his knuckle.
“My turn.” She winked. “You’re in construction. Bruised knuckles, leather skin and dusty work boots give it away. I’m also going to guess that you’re contracted in, maybe to work with a local construction company?”
He swiped a hand down his jaw, looking a little pale around the edges. “You’re pretty good. How about we grab a six pack and take this somewhere else? I have a room over at the Inn.” He jutted a chin toward the door.
“Let’s see if I’m on a roll. When you said you were a “free man” , you must have been talking free-spirited because your wagon is hitched. A wife, two and a half kids and picket fence around that place you call home. I’m curious though, does the wife know you like to use the tool after working hours?”
He frowned and shot down his tequila. “A man deserves to have a bit of fun, little lady.”
“Sure he does as long as it’s not the ‘lying and cheating’ kind of fun.”
“I made a mistake.” He grunted. “I like my women warm.” He slammed the shot glass to the bar a little too loud which grabbed the bartender’s attention. Mandy and Tyler went way back and there was question in the woman’s gaze. No doubt she had a shotgun hiding behind the bar and wasn’t afraid to use it if needed.
Tyler leaned closer. “And I’m not into men who shame a woman’s intelligence by sliding off the wedding band and slipping it into his front pocket thinking she won’t see the tan line.” She stood and laid a five-dollar bill on the bar. “Growing up with a daddy who owns Posey Construction, I got used to the shenanigans that happen after the machinery is put away for the day. My daddy certainly warned me enough about the likes of men who worked all day and played all night.”
He blinked three times. “You’re Johnny Posey’s daughter?”
“He works the family ranch more these days, but yeah, he owns the c
ompany.” She smiled when Tim’s bottom lip protruded. “A word of advice, Tim. Bohannan’s too small to play the same lines on every female that comes along. Go home before you’re served divorce papers. Some contracting job in the middle of nowhere isn’t worth losing your family.”
“And what the hell would you know?” He sniffed loudly.
“Enough, considering my momma fell for a sweet-talking, deep-dimpled, well-dressed man just like yourself. Twenty years later and the pick-up lines are all the same. He promised her they’d see the world together, make love every night and he’d treat her like a queen. She packed a bag at record speed and left her husband and kids, ready for the fantasy trip of a lifetime that lasted about two days. Once she met her lover’s wife and four kids in some two stop-light town in Ohio, things got a little crowded.” Tyler wasn’t sure what was redder, Tim’s face or the bright neon sign over his shoulder. With a smile, she waved at Mandy. “Bye, Mandy. Tell your ma I said hello.”
“See you, Tyler. Stop over to the house when you get a chance. She’d love to see you.”
There was a gentle mist outside as Tyler headed across the parking lot, her plans thwarted again. Kace was playing hard to get.
Her phone vibrated and she reached for it, checking the screen. It was her father. She couldn’t deal with any of it tonight, so she dropped her phone back into her purse. They didn’t always see eye to eye. In fact, they’d butted heads a lot since Susy passed away. Tyler was having a hard time getting over many things, especially him refusing to come see her in New York, even when she’d played in her biggest role as Juliet. He’d used excuse after excuse, but she’d finally turned a deaf ear. Her father had never liked the idea that she didn’t stick around Bohannan, work on the family ranch, and marry Kace Cade. What was she supposed to do? Rope him and tag him as hers? Once upon a time she’d hoped something more would come of her relationship with the handsome cowboy, but things just sort of fizzled, and when she’d told him she was leaving Wyoming to pursue her dreams, he hadn’t once asked her to stay.
“Well, well. Look what the cat drug back into the backwoods.”
Swirling around on her heels, she almost jumped out of her brand-new boots. “Rogue Posey. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, boy. Last time I saw you that was all high and tight.” She reached up and tugged on the hair that touched his collar. “I bet you’re giving Daddy a coronary with all that fringe .”
“Ain’t you one to complain, sassy.” He gave her a big hug and swung her around, lifting her feet off the ground for a long twirl, just like he did when they were kids. When he set her back down, his expression became firm, but his eyes stayed warm. “Why aren’t you staying at the ranch? That’s home. Your home.”
She pulled back slightly, placing her hands on her hips. “Keep your nose where it belongs, mister. I’ve only been back in town for a week and I ain’t looking for a lecture from my little brother.” She waved a finger at him.
“I’ve missed you is all. This thing where you come to visit every few years isn’t enough.”
“Well, last I knew, the road travels both directions.” She tried to hide her hurt. From the time he was born, three years after her, she’d nestled him under her wing and taken care of him, and Susy. After their mother had taken off, Tyler had become more like a mother than a sister.
“Come on, sassy. You know New York ain’t a place for a man like me. I’m a redneck cowboy and wouldn’t fit into the big city mold. How about you let me take you for ice cream? That always makes a blue-eyed girl feel better.”
Burying the wounds, she tucked her fingers around his elbow. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than spend time with my favorite brother.”
“I’m your only brother.” He dipped his hat. “But I’ll still take it as a compliment.”
“Maybe you can tell me all about the one who’s stealing my brother’s heart. You know she’ll have to pass my checklist, right Ro?”
“That’ll be a short conversation, unless you’re talking about the horses. It seems they’re about the only fillies I’ve been keeping company with these days. Dad runs the ranch like a drill sergeant, especially since he’s hung up his hard hat for a full-time Stetson. You know that. He likes things run like a well-oiled machine. I think he can’t seem to stay busy enough.”
“Yeah, I know how he keeps his expectations high.” She couldn’t manage to keep the disappointment from her tone.
“Ah, now, sass. It’s time you and Dad patch things up. He’s not getting any younger. You have a place at Posey Ranch, working right next to him and me. We both want you there. It’s time to put away those shit kickers and get a real pair of boots.” He snickered.
She frowned. “What’s wrong with my boots? I found these at a corner boutique in New York—”
“Need I say more?” He raised a brow. “Baby girl, it’s time you found your country roots again. I know they’re in there somewhere under those city layers. You’ll find the honky tonk real quick when you’re back to mucking stalls.”
“Now wait just a second.” She stopped and tilted her hip. “Who said anything about me working the ranch? Maybe I have plans here in Bohannan.”
He smirked. “Sure you do. Now let’s go grab that ice cream before the shop closes and you can tell me all about those wild dreams of yours. Have you seen Kace?”
She knew his name would come up eventually. Rogue and Kace were friends.
“Nope, but I’m sure I will soon.” As far as Kace was concerned, he was leaving her no choice but to take things to a different level. She knew exactly what she would need to do…
“I know that look. What do you have planned?” Rogue actually looked concerned.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she tapped the toe of her boot. “Only to get him to reopen the case.
Several emotions flickered over his face. “Tyler—”
“Don’t do that, Ro. Don’t give me one of Dad’s speeches. She was our sister and we both know she wouldn’t have taken her own life. Sheriff Mansfield didn’t give a rat’s ass about investigating, but now that Kace is wearing the badge…”
“I understand you don’t want to believe the worst in Susy, but come on, sassy, you and I both know she’d made some bad life choices at the end. Maybe it’s time to let her rest in peace.” He sighed. “You’re not listening, are you?”
Giving her head a quick shake, she took his arm again. “How about that ice cream. You owe me a double decker paradise supreme with extra whipped topping and three cherries.”
“I do?”
“Sure do. After all, I won the bet.”
“And which bet was that?”
“That when we saw each other again you would mention Kace’s name before I would.” She smiled.
“That’s a little dirty. We made that bet years ago.”
“I have the memory of an elephant.”
“It’s good to have you home, girl.” He patted her hand.
And she truly was glad to be back.
Chapter 2
CLOSING THE FOLDER on a recently solved case, Kace placed it in the file cabinet with the rest and locked the drawer. He glanced at the clock and sighed. Ten fifteen. Another late night on the job. Since he’d taken over as Sheriff he’d spent many an evening on the old, worn couch in his office. Looked like he’d be testing out the springs again tonight.
Getting up from behind his desk, he strolled into the outer office and over to the coffee maker, poured a cup of the brew and sipped. It was ice cold. With a disgusted growl, he emptied the cup in one gulp, grateful for the caffeine to get him through another folder or two.
Back at his desk, he sat back down and eased his body into the cushions of the worn leather chair, staring at the stack of folders that still needed reviewing. His gaze automatically found the pile of sticky notes Mildred had left for him. Picking the top half from the heap, he sighed and then filed through each of them…all twenty, and all from Tyler Posey. She was hell bent on getting his att
ention.
Maybe he should just call her.
That was his job. To make sure townspeople were happy and safe.
He tossed the sticky notes back onto his desk and massaged his aching temples with his thumbs. An image developed in his mind as it had done hundreds of times over the past fifteen years. Petite brunette. Pale blue eyes backdropped by silky olive complexion. Body like a curvy back road. Nice and tight. He gave his head a disgruntled shake. The thought of her as “the one that got away” had faded some over the years and now a memory of a girl who’d left town to pursue dreams remained like an old battle wound. It had healed, but when the weather was bad, it smarted like a mother fucker.
Leaning back in the chair, he closed his eyes, feeling a stab in the middle of his chest as he revisited the memory of the last night he spoke to her—the night that changed the course of his life. She’d looked lovely with her long black hair pulled up in a messy top knot, one spaghetti strap had fallen down her shoulder, and her bare feet dipped in the water. She hadn’t looked lovelier with the rays of the sun turning her beautiful eyes surrounded by a thick fringe of dark lashes into thieves of hearts. And that smile. Oh brother…it had made him weak in the knees. The yellow dress she wore that landed mid-thigh had driven him crazy.
That summer they’d spent night after night making love under the moon and stars. He’d learned her body, her mind, and her soul. He’d never shared so much with one person.
That one night had been different though. He was getting ready to leave for the Navy and he’d wanted to make her his girl. He’d been nervous as hell and had checked the velvet case in his pocket at least a dozen times, waiting for the perfect moment to ask for her hand in marriage. They’d been young, too young and inexperienced for some peoples’ tastes, but he knew he wanted to spend his life with her. Knew that he wanted to build a life of memories with her. He’d never been good at telling anyone his feelings, but he’d wanted to confess everything to her and vow to never let her go. He’d been a ride or die cowboy…made for one woman.
Tormented by the Lawman (Mountain Force Book 3) Page 20