Damn, he’d been a fool.
Before he could drop to one knee, she’d dropped the bomb that she was leaving town and planned to live in New York…and nowhere in those plans did it include being hitched to a good ol’ boy like himself.
Sure, she’d promised that she’d return one day. Probably said at least twenty times that things wouldn’t pan out in the big city and she was wasting her time going, but she wanted to audition for a part in a major play. Up until then, she’d been playing roles in the local theater while working on her family ranch. In that moment, the future he’d wanted, dreamt about, was soiled. After all, what could he offer that would compare to New York? He’d wished her well, put on a strong front, and that was the last time he saw her…well, the last time they’d been together.
He’d gone onto the military, deployed in all parts of the world, fighting for his country, and Tyler had gotten the part in the play, and many more to come. What she didn’t know, he’d visited New York once, even saw her on stage. He never cared much for Shakespeare but watching her had kept his interest. She owned the stage, stealing hearts with her role, and he’d planned to see her after the show …until he saw her receiving two armfuls of red roses from a man who she thanked with a kiss.
Kace made a quick exit out of the theater, giving the daisies he’d bought for Tyler to an elderly woman who was very appreciative, then he headed home where he belonged.
She’d visited Bohannan a few times over the years from what Johnny and Rogue told him. Kace had been retired from the military by then, working for the Wyoming DCI for a while, also for the FBI a short spell until he finally decided he wanted a more hands on approach to the law. He liked being Sheriff, liked knowing the people he helped. Seeing the differences he made.
Living in Bohannan now, he’d eventually have to see Tyler. He wanted to remain indifferent, distant. Was it possible?
He’d gotten over her. He’d gone on with his life, enjoyed living as a bachelor and all that entailed, so he should thank her for cutting the ties long ago. He could be hitched to her wagon for life, and then what? Wake up with the same woman every morning who expected him to make it for dinner every evening? Kiss her anytime he wanted? Make love to just her for the rest of his life? He shifted and adjusted his fly.
Yeah, who wanted that life?
He blew out a long breath. He sort of did.
Giving his head a shake in hopes to dislodge the errant train of thought, he’d have to man up—way up—and keep his head on straight. He didn’t have time for Tyler or any woman…except for Sadie Mae who didn’t have any expectations outside of the bedroom.
He’d just steer clear of Tyler, then there’d be no chance of her getting into his head.
Who was he kidding? Bohannan wasn’t big enough to curse a cat without choking on fur let alone dodge Tyler Posey. She could be a force to be reckoned with. That’s how she earned the nickname Sassy.
If he knew her, and he did, or at least he did once upon a time, she wouldn’t give up until she got what she wanted. Three years ago, when her sister, Susannah, was found dead at her boyfriend’s house, Tyler had come home to help make arrangements for her funeral. It had been a devastating time for her family and Kace had been too chicken shit to see her, although he had gone to the funeral services and sat in the very back, his eyes naturally staying on her, wishing he could have comforted her in some way. She hadn’t been alone though. Another man’s arm had been around her, some guy who drove a BMW and wore an expensive suit that screamed “yuppie”. She’d traded in a country boy for a rich bastard. Figured. What had he expected? She was a beautiful, talented woman. The man backstage at the play and the yuppie from the funeral were probably only two of the men she had on a string.
If that wasn’t enough to convince him that she didn’t belong in Bohannan, cowboy capital of Wyoming, then he wasn’t sure what would. She’d always had big dreams of being in the spotlight and he liked everything low key. She was outgoing, and he was introverted. She talked about having a big house, and he liked small. They were completely different.
Point was, he could lay low during her visit if he really tried. He’d once hidden a whole week in Kosovo on assignment without anyone the wiser. From his special ops missions, he’d learned the skill of hiding in the most obvious places. Yet, he wasn’t on assignment and he wasn’t about to go out of his way for her. He was Sheriff, and if she wanted to find him, she could.
However, she’d have to get used to the idea that she couldn’t waltz back into town, ring up his phone, and he’d dropped everything to reopen her sister’s closed case.
Kace understood Tyler’s dismay. No one wanted to believe that a loved one would take their own life, but he couldn’t investigate clues for a homicide where the facts just weren’t there. He’d read over the file and it was an open and shut case.
Realizing he wasn’t going to get much more work done, he got back up and went over to the couch, dropped down onto the lumpy cushions that squealed like a pig in heat and placed his loaded gun on the nearby table. He laid his arm over his eyes and had quickly fallen into a dream of dark hair, bewildering blue eyes, and a sweet little body when a noise in the outer office brought him wide awake and to a sitting position. He had his gun in hand and was off the couch, taking three long strides across the room, just as a loud clanking noise sounded again.
Kace stepped out of his office, gun aimed at the floor as he glanced across the shadowed room. Seeing a silhouette in the cell, he growled. What the hell?
He switched on the overhead light and had to blink twice to make sure what he was seeing was real and not just leftovers from a dream. Sure enough. He wasn’t alone. “What the hell are you doing?” He shoved his gun into the waist of his jeans and scrubbed the sleep from his eyes.
The petite brunette, the one who’d caused him lots of grief time and again, stood in the center of the cell, one palm on her slanted hip and the keys to the jail dangling from the hook of her finger. She wasn’t laughing otherwise he’d think this was a joke. They’d tipped enough cattle and egged enough bridges in the past that he could see how she might find this funny. He’d grown up though and wasn’t in the mood for any funny business.
“Answer me, Tyler. What in blue skies are you doing in my jail?” He planted his palms on his hips as he took in the image before him. From her wavy, shoulder-length hair, across the bare skin exposed in the off-the shoulder white blouse, down the length of her long, tanned legs to the tops of her cowgirl boots. She looked just like she had fifteen years ago when she made his world turn and his tires spin. How was it possible that she hadn’t changed a bit? Not one wrinkle. Not a damn thing to prove that she’d aged. How could it be that even now he felt a familiar tension behind his zipper and a stitch in his heart. Hell no. This couldn’t happen. He wouldn’t let it happen.
“What does it look like I’m doing?” She lowered the keys and that flared hip tilted west.
“It looks like you’ve gone and lost your mind. Now get out of my cell,” he growled.
“No, I will not, at least not until you hear me out.”
“Fine.” He tore his hand through his hair. “I’ll hear you out.”
“Good—”
“When I’m fully awake and it’s light outside. Until then, take your exit.” He stabbed a finger toward the door.
Her chin jutted, and she crossed her arms over her chest, her pale gaze narrowing into slits. “Do you think I’m going to trust anything you say after you’ve ignored every single one of my calls since I came back into town. I refuse to be ignored, Kace Cade.”
He’d heard that a time or two…or three or four or fifty times. All from her.
Remembering how she’d left town without a concern for his feelings made him want to unleash, but he wouldn’t give her the satisfaction or have her believe for a second that he still cared. Sure, he thought about her now and again, even liked that fantasies about her kept him warm on lonely nights, but he enjoyed being a f
ree man. Enjoyed Sa…hell, what was her name? He frowned. “I’ve been a little busy fighting crime,” he said a little too harshly.
“I have a crime for you to solve. As an elected official whose salary is paid by townsfolk, it’s your duty to hear what I have to say.” Her tone took on a stubborn lilt.
“Paid townsfolk I was elected by, Tyler. You don’t live here any longer.”
“Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong. I’m now a citizen of Bohannan again. Aren’t you going to welcome me?” She could have easily reached up, grabbed a handful of stars and planted them in her eyes.
The wind left his lungs. This was the last thing he wanted or needed. “No.”
“Don’t be a bear, Kace.”
“Did you get tired of the fancy parties and gourmet coffee shops?” He snorted. “Or are you running from the bad reviews you got from the last play?” Yeah, he hit below the belt and once the words were out he wanted to fish them back. What the hell had come over him?
“Wow, you certainly seem to know all about my life considering I haven’t spoken with you for…how long has it been? Fifteen years?” She whistled through her teeth. “Now, about my sister—”
“Your sister’s death was ruled a suicide and the case is closed. I know it’s difficult—”
“You knew her, Kace. Your entire family knew her. She’d never take her own life. Sheriff Mansfield prematurely closed the case because he didn’t want to bother with her. He thought she wasn’t deserving.”
He tore a hand though his hair, realizing he was overdue for a cut. Mansfield had done a lot of things that had pissed off townsfolk and why he’d lost the election, but on this particular case, Kace couldn’t agree that it’d been neglected. “Yeah, I knew her. The old Susy had a million reasons to be happy and live, but when she got caught up with the wrong people, she took on bad habits, made terrible choices and things changed. She wasn’t herself. You can’t honestly tell me that anyone really knew her, even you, at the end.” She blinked, maybe to blink back tears, but he had no choice but to stick to his guns. He had an entire cabinet full of cases that were left with loose threads. “Now go home.”
“Have you even read her case file?”
“Yes, I have.” Susy’s case had been one of the first he’d read when he’d become Sheriff.
“You don’t think it’s suspicious that her boyfriend, Troy, overdosed three months after her?”
“He was mixed up in the same criminal behavior, with the same group, doing the same drugs. There was nothing suspicious about his death.” He blew out a long breath. “I told you, we can talk tomorrow.” He lowered his head and rubbed his forehead.
“Fine.”
“Great. Let’s get you out of—” He brought his head up to find her fluffing the pillow on the cot. “What are you doing now?”
“I’m staying.”
“You can’t stay here.”
“Who said?”
“You’re not a criminal…yet. Now get your fanny out of there.”
She laid down on the cot and bounced around as if to find a comfy position, wincing when her tailbone hit a hard spot. “Not until we talk. Go grab a few winks because we both know how moody you get when you don’t get your beauty sleep. I’ll be right here waiting.”
He groaned. “I’m not fooling with you.”
“Now that’s a thought.” She smiled. “You haven’t “fooled” with me in a long time. That’s not what I’m asking for, Kace. I can’t rest easy until I know I’ve done all that I could. I’d think you above anyone could understand this. Remember when you used to say you’d never stop until every stone was turned?”
His misbehaving body came alert, but he wouldn’t allow his libido to win. “Fine, Tyler. Suit yourself, but trust me, I’ve slept on that cot a time or two and you’ll regret the accommodations when you wake up with a stiff neck. A girl like you doesn’t lay her head on anything less than five hundred thread count sheets. That rough cotton just ain’t for you.”
“Good try, but I’ve slept on a lot worse. Apparently, you’ve forgotten the nights we spent in the back of your truck. Did you hear me complain once? Not about the straw bed or the fact that you snored worse than a bear.” Her brow came up in accusation and when her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip, his breath came out in a hiss.
Yeah, he remembered every single night she’d spent in his arms, and so did his body that reacted in a way that left him gritting his teeth. He hated that his body betrayed logic. This was her game. Suck him in and toss him out.
Wrong choice of words.
Before war broke out, and his zipper snapped, he turned and strolled back into his office, slamming the door behind him, glad he didn’t break the glass window.
Removing his gun for the second time, he laid it on the table and loosened the tail of his uniform shirt from the waist of his jeans. Plopping back down on the couch, he wanted at least a few hours before he had to face the past, but sleep was evasive. He tossed and turned, punching the arm of the couch as if that might help, but after attempting everything he knew, sleep was a lost cause. Several things worked against him. How could he ignore that just outside his door was a woman who’d turned him inside out years ago? Although he’d been with plenty of women since her, women far more skilled, none of them had come close to making him feel so alive. They’d both been inexperienced kids, caught up in the raw emotions of lust, thinking they loved one another. Hell, he’d given up on any thought of soul-mates and everlasting love. Now he preferred to follow his needs and leave his heart out of the equation.
Time had been good to Tyler. Still as beautiful as ever—hell, more beautiful. She could look at him, even when she was pissed, in a way that stroked every sensitive part of his body. He didn’t want her here in Bohannan—or Wyoming for that matter. This was no longer her home and the town wasn’t big enough for the two of them. When morning came he’d listen to what she had to say, but then he’d send her on her way, and hopefully she’d get back to whatever place she called home these days. She’d outgrown Bohannan and the lifestyle of a country girl. She’d realize that. Then he could get back to his way of life and seeing Sadie Mae on the rare occasion when he needed a release. The voluptuous blonde didn’t care that he wasn’t looking for a relationship and they were definitely on the same page when it came to matters of the bedroom. Maybe he’d give her a call tomorrow and take her out for a pizza and a beer that would most certainly end with a good time between the sheets Yeah, that sounded like a good Friday night.
However, as he closed his eyes, it wasn’t Sadie Mae that was tattooed on the back of his eyelids, but instead a saucy brunette that was holed up voluntarily in his jail cell, and brain.
~~**~~
Tyler stirred, rolling to her side and a sharp pain in her neck made her wince. Opening her eyes, she squinted against the bright light flowing in through the wall of windows from across the room. It took her a good ten seconds to remember where she was and what she’d done. She shifted and the springs of the cot squeaked loudly, making her temples throb.
“I thought that was you, Miss Tyler Posey.”
Lifting her head, she was met with the friendly smile of the grey-haired, sixty-something woman that wore large, black-framed glasses with thick lens that made her eyes three times larger. “Mildred? You still work here?”
“. Of course I do darlin’. I gave retiring some consideration when Mansfield got the boot, but the view is so much better around here these days, if you know what I mean. Kace Cade and vitamin B12 shots and I’m as spry as I was when I was thirty. ” Her cheeks flushed. “What in snail’s hell did you do to end up on the wrong side of those bars? Don’t tell me you were caught stealing fish from Old Man Evergreen’s pond again.”
Tyler blinked. “I wasn’t stealing the fish, Mildred. I was only following through with a bet.” Forcing her body to work, Tyler sat up, dropped her feet to the concrete floor and rubbed the sleep from her puffy eyes. She couldn’t complain because sh
e’d stepped into this on her own free will and Kace had warned that she’d be hurting this morning.
“Anyone who knows Tyler knows you can’t call her a chicken. She’d jumped into a gator filled lake, or sleep in a jail cell, just to prove a point,” Kace said from the doorway of his office. Both women turned to watch him stroll into the room, monopolizing so much space with his strapping frame and self-confidence.
Tyler wished she didn’t feel a spark of excitement deep in her chest. He’d always been handsome, but Kace Cade had grown into a man. Standing at least six foot three and around two hundred pounds of solid, toned muscle, he filled out the tight uniform shirt and jeans like they’d been tailor made for him. Although he wore his white Stetson this morning, last night she saw that his coal black hair was now threaded with silver, but instead of looking older, he looked distinguished. Mature. Commanding. Striking. There were a few noticeable lines around his eyes and mouth, and a layer of whiskers on his strong jaw, but all in all, he looked healthy and fit—and insanely sexy. Had she expected anything less? After all, he was a Cade, and good looks and charm ran in their DNA as well as a powerful sex appeal unlike anything she’d ever seen in any other man she’d met. She was ashamed to admit that she’d involuntarily compared every man she’d met to Kace, and they never matched up.
The last she’d heard he was working as an undercover agent, so when she’d come back to Bohannan and learned he’d taken the position of Sheriff, she’d held out hope that he would take her seriously. He’d listen to the reasons why Susy wouldn’t take her own life.
Tyler watched him saunter to the outside of the cell door, a grim set to his mouth and jaw as he leaned one bicep against the bars. He tipped the brim of his hat and his brooding blue eyes warmed her blood. Even when he was upset he was still the best-looking man she’d ever seen.
“I’m confused. Did you say she’s in here to prove a point?” Mildred extended her thumb toward the cell door.
Tormented by the Lawman (Mountain Force Book 3) Page 21