by Susan Stoker
Lennon’s eyes widened and her breath lodged in her throat. “Dallas!” She placed an arm around Sally and gently lifted her down. “Let me get these in to bake.” She turned and slipped the cookie sheet into the oven. “As soon as these are done, we can go check the cameras.”
“I’ve already been. We got something too.”
His casual announcement took Lennon by surprise. “Sally, honey, why don’t you go on into the sunroom and set up for your tea party?”
“Okay.” She patted Dallas’s leg on the way by. “I put spwinkles on the cookies, Dallas. You’ll like them.”
“I’m sure I will.” The way she said his name–Dal-wis–always made him smile. Once she was gone, he turned to Lennon. “There was a gray truck parked on the road last night. The license plate was fuzzy, but I’ve sent a picture of it to Hiram. They have a program at headquarters that can run the image through filters.” He waved his phone at her. “The cell phone service is pretty good here at the house on this hill, but out in the pastures, it’s patchy. Most of the time the cameras will link up to my cell phone. I had to climb the windmill to view the captures, but it was worth it.”
“That’s great!” She was so relieved. “I’m afraid for George and Sally. And I would’ve done the climbing for you,” Lennon informed him. “You’re too big to risk climbing that old windmill.”
“Well, I’m not exactly fat,” he teased.
“No, of course not.” She blushed, then held up her hands to measure. “But your shoulders are wide, your body is big. You’re a man,” she ended weakly.
“Exactly. I’m a man and a Ranger.” He took a step toward her. “Don’t you think it’s my job, it’s my desire, to protect you?” Dallas quit trying to fight the urge to touch her. Lifting a hand, he curled it around her nape, his strong fingers sifting through the wealth of hair to rest possessively on her skin.
Lennon didn’t know what to say. She felt herself tremble as he caressed her neck, teasing the pulse point that betrayed her emotions. Shivers of excitement ribboned down her back as he drew lazy circles on her flesh. Tightening her hands into fists, she drove her nails into the tender skin of her palm–all to keep from touching him. “You’re confusing me.”
“How?” he whispered even as he stared at her mouth, soft–lush–plump. He wondered if it tasted as sweet as it looked. Lord in heaven, he’d sell his soul to find out.
“Last night you didn’t want to kiss me.” Lennon winced as the words left her mouth. Did she have no shame? “Do you want to kiss me now?”
“I’m broken, Lennon. I’m nobody’s prize.” Moving his hand, he ran his thumb over her lower lip. “But I can’t deny that I want to kiss you. I wanted to kiss you then and I want to kiss you now.”
His features blurred in front of her eyes as he slowly lowered his head. She jerked one hand up between them – not to stop him, only to stabilize herself. His chest was as hard and immovable as granite. As his lips settled over hers, her breath hitched in her throat.
Warm velvet. Dallas angled his head to gain control of the kiss, opening his lips and teasing hers with the tip of his tongue. Lennon shivered in his arms. He tensed, using his palm at her nape to anchor her to him. With light brushes of his tongue, he tasted her as if she were candy he meant to savor.
Lennon melted against him, her heart rate stuttering. Heavens above–the man made her want. Low in her secret place, she began to ache, a deep ache that bloomed out to her breasts, out to her fingers and down to her toes, making them curl in her shoes. He was touching her everywhere–nowhere intimate–but everywhere he touched sparkled with life–her arms, her shoulders. When he moved his lips from her mouth to her throat, her head fell back to give him unbridled access. “Oh, Dallas…”
“Lennon! I smell de cookies!”
Sally’s cry caused Lennon to jerk from his arms, wheeling around to grab the oven mitt and rescue the cookies before they burned.
“Wuz you kissing Lenny?” Sally asked.
Dallas cleared his throat, his gaze still on Lennon who was fanning herself with the mitt. He didn’t think the blush on her cheeks was wholly due to the oven temperature. “Yes, I was, Sally. I like Lennon a lot.”
This was news to Lennon. She ignored his comment, clearing her throat. “Let me arrange these on a platter and you two can have your tea after lunch.”
“Won’t you join us?” Dallas asked, then turned to the little girl. “Is it okay if Lennon has tea with us?”
Sally seemed to consider his proposition. With one hand on her hip, she nodded. “Yes, but I get to pour.”
*
“Lennon? Will you do us the honor?” Dallas asked, the hue of his eyes warm.
“I suppose so,” Lennon whispered, thinking she’d rather run to her room and squeal in the closet. Dallas had kissed her! Instead, she filled Sally’s little tea pitcher with cold peach tea. “I hope you don’t mind cool tea; we don’t want to risk burning ourselves.”
“I’d prefer it.” He took Sally by the hand. “Lead the way.”
During the next hour, Lennon fell in love. Oh, she knew nothing would come of it. But watching how gentle and sweet Dallas was with Sally just melted her heart. He drank his tea, ate his cookies and talked with her as if she was a little princess. The fact that he’d lost his own child made the scene even more poignant for Lennon. What a wonderful father he would’ve been had he been given the chance.
As for Dallas, he felt something inside of him begin to thaw. His life so far had been one disaster after another. He’d found a career, settled down with the one he thought he loved, and began to build a family. He had wanted a family–more than anything. Dallas had been honored to be a husband and he’d dreamed of being a father. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. So, instead of starting a life, he’d been left alone to pick up the shattered pieces that were once filled with so much promise. There were just no words to describe the pain he’d endured. Everything in life became meaningless and his heart just didn’t beat the same way anymore. He’d become numb, unwilling to risk his peace again. Like the badge he wore, the lone star, Dallas was a solitary figure living his life by the code of the lawman.
If he were honest, Dallas would admit he was afraid to hope. For so long, he’d believed the pain he’d endured had scarred him to the point he could never love again, never find someone to share his hopes, dreams and fears.
Until now.
Could Lennon understand who he was? Could she look beyond his faults to see the man he wanted to be?
“More tea, Dallas?” Sally offered.
“Please,” he held his cup out. When he looked up, he caught Lennon’s eyes and that sweet blush bloomed on her cheeks. He couldn’t resist, he winked at her. She was making him feel things he thought he’d never feel again. A fire had sparked and was burning inside of him once more. He felt he stood on the brink of something magnificent, something that would make sense of everything he’d endured.
The tea cup Lennon held trembled in her grasp. She needed a bit of time to regroup. The kiss she’d shared with Dallas had been magical for her, but she had no way of knowing if it had meant anything to him. Perhaps he’d just been amusing himself at her expense. “You two enjoy yourselves, I think I’ll clean up the kitchen and put up the food leftover from lunch.”
Dallas wanted to ask her not to go, but he didn’t. What they had to say to one another wouldn’t be said in front of the child.
“Another cookie?” Sally asked as she broke into a great big yawn.
“No, I’m full and I think you’re due for a lazy Sunday afternoon nap.”
“O-kay,” she yawned again, then charmed his socks off by climbing down from her chair and throwing her arms around his neck. “I wuv you, Dallas. I wish you’d stay wiff us forever.”
Dallas hugged her back, but he couldn’t talk, he was too choked up. And confused–one moment he was on this incredible high and the next he was shaking in his boots. “You go take a nap, try to sleep,” he kissed
the little doll on the forehead. “I’ll take the dishes to Lennon for you.
In the kitchen, Lennon was arguing with herself. The kiss she’d shared with Dallas had been magical. And judging by the way he’d acted since–he’d enjoyed it too. Maybe. Lennon pressed her palms to her hot cheeks. She didn’t know! She just wasn’t experienced enough to be able to tell.
“Lennon.”
The way he said her name caused chill bumps to rise on her skin. She laid down her drying towel and took a mini-moment to compose herself. “Did you two have a good time?” When she turned, it was to find him right behind her–right behind her. “Oh, there you are.” He held the teapot and the platter of cookies in his hands. “I’ll take these.”
“I think we need to talk. Don’t you?”
She was just about to agree when the air was split with a cracking noise and the glass of the dining room window exploded inward. Dallas grabbed Lennon and pulled her to the floor, using his big body to cover her.
“Sally! George!” she cried. “I’ve got to get to them. Sally won’t know to stay out of the way.”
“She went to her room to take a nap.” Dallas said, every sense on alert. “You stay down and don’t move.”
The reality that someone had shot a bullet into her house was almost inconceivable to Lennon. She was down behind the bar–in no danger, but she wouldn’t rest until she knew where the others were. “Please don’t go out there, Dallas,” she said. “Please. This might have been an accident, a stray bullet from a poacher. All of this might be pure coincidence.”
“You don’t believe that any more than I do.” Dallas had moved across to the front wall, next to the shattered window. “We’ve got to get out of here. I can’t predict what they’re going to do next. We’re damn sitting ducks.”
“Lenny!” George’s voice came from the hall. “What’s going on?”
“Someone shot through the window. Would you go stay with Sally until I can get there?”
“Dammit!” George huffed. “I feel so helpless.”
“Just go to Sally,” Lennon said. “Dallas will think of something.”
Dallas was racking his brain. He had his gun pulled and was peering out the window. “I don’t see anything. We need to be in the lodge or the bathhouse. Heavy doors, only a few windows. We’re easy targets in this house, every room has more than one window.” He peered out ready to shoot, but there was just no visible target.
Lennon edged along the floor until she was nearer Dallas. “We can go to the lodge. Please get away from the window. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
His heart skipped a beat at her words, but he had to concentrate on the matter at hand. “Right now, it would be too risky. I’ll have to get out and drive the truck right up to the door. Get you all in the floorboard and drive back.”
She came up beside him, going to her knees. “We don’t have to. There’s a tunnel from here to the bathhouse. No one’s used it in ages, but it should still be passable. I never liked to go down there, it was spooky and I’ve never shown it to Sally. There’s a door under the rug in the sunroom.”
“Seriously?” Dallas spared a moment to glance at Lennon.
“I think there used to be some risqué stuff going on here in the olden days. I’ll tell you about it sometime.” Lennon grabbed him by the arm. “Come this way. I don’t want any part of you to be a target.”
Dallas smiled. “How about me and you doing something risqué?”
Another shot rang out, splintering the wood overhead. They both ducked. Despite the danger, Lennon felt a little thrill. “I’m not sure I know how to be risqué, but I’d like to try.” She gave him a slight smile. “Just help me get everyone out of here alive, and I’m yours.”
Chapter Five
‡
Dallas held the flashlight as he led his little entourage through the tunnel. “Watch your step. There’s a lot of debris down here. Looks like it was used for storage sometime in the past. How are you doing, Princess?”
“I’m good. Is this a dungin? Is there dwagons?”
“No, no dragons. This is just a tunnel.”
Lennon kept glancing around, being sure George was making it okay. Dallas held her hand, or maybe she was holding his–she wasn’t really sure. The events of the past few days seemed surreal. She needed to just stop and take inventory of it all. “I’m afraid, Dallas. This isn’t going to stop, is it?”
The beam of his flashlight revealed they were nearing the end. “Yes, it will.” He squeezed her hand. “I give you my word.” He just hoped like hell he could keep his promise. “Just as soon as we get everyone safely inside, you and I are going to sit down and talk about this. I’ll tell you what I think, and you can tell me if I’m nuts.”
“You’re not,” she whispered. “This situation is what’s nuts.”
“Step back,” Dallas ordered. “The door’s stuck.”
They did, standing next to the wall as Dallas manhandled the door, finally resorting to a well-placed kick before it swung open.
“This is fun!” Sally announced, anxious to see where they were.
“It’s good that she’s happy. We’ll just play like this is an adventure,” George whispered to Lennon as they started filing down the hall. “I’ll take this room,” he announced.
“Okay, and Sally can be next to you. And you’re right about the adventure,” she nodded. “The first thing I’ll do is get everyone settled. I’ll go back later and get the food, right after I take care of feeding the livestock.”
Dallas stopped dead still in the hall. George and Sally were making themselves at home. He got right up in Lennon’s face. “Listen to me, shortcake. There is no way in hell you are going back out there. George will drive and I will tend to the livestock–I can feed cows, sheep, horses and chickens just as well as you.”
Lennon started to protest. She’d always been the responsible one, she’d had no choice. “I’m not afraid, but I thank you. It’s been a long time since I had anyone to lean on.” She realized he was being kind. This wasn’t part of his job. She couldn’t forget – this was temporary.
“You’re welcome. Take this room, I want you near.” He carried her things into the bedroom next to his. “Now, sit down and take a breath. I’m going to check with George and I’ll be right back.”
Lennon did as she was told, taking a good long look at her surroundings. She’d never spent the night in one of these rooms. Cleaning them out had seemed like the right thing to do, she hated for anything to fall into wrack and ruin. Now, she was very glad she’d made the effort. Walking around the room, she touched the heavy Spanish style furniture, the jewel tone bedspread, took off her shoes to enjoy the cool Mexican tile. She could barely remember her mother bringing her over and letting her play while she cleaned or organized things. After she died, her father had just let everything go and Lennon’s time had been at a premium.
Letting out a long breath, she hugged herself. Her head was spinning. Everything was crazy. Part of her wanted to concentrate on Dallas–the kiss, his teasing. Was he serious? Or was this just his way of distracting her from what was going on around her?
“Lennon?”
Dallas came through the door. Once again she was struck by how masculine, how powerful he looked. No matter the danger, when he was near, Lennon felt no fear. As a Ranger, he didn’t have to wear a uniform. Instead he favored starched jeans and either white or chambray shirts. To Lennon, he seemed perfect. “What did George say?”
“He’s happy to go, of course. He said he drives for you; he can drive for me.” Dallas saw relief and worry in her expression. “Everything is going to be all right. Come here,” he held out his hand.
Lennon was very aware of a shift in their relationship. She didn’t really understand what had happened. One day he’d seemed distant and the next he’d reached out to her–kissed her. She took his hand, so big and warm in her own. “We can’t go on like this, the ranch, I mean.”
“No, and
I want to talk to you about that.”
For a moment, she thought he would lead her to the bed and she was afraid her knees would give out. Instead, he guided her to the couch–darn it–sat and pulled her down next to him. “What do you need to know?”
“As you’ve probably already figured out, this has to be about more than just stealing cattle. Do you know of any reason someone would want to hurt you? Could this be related to George or Sally? Sally’s mother?”
Even sitting, he kept her hand captive with his right one while his left hand rubbed up and down her back. She almost felt as if he were gentling her. Little did he know that there was nowhere else she’d rather be than at his side. “No. George and his wife were always very well respected and Miranda is footloose and fancy free. She’s happy with her decision and so am I.” She paused, searching for words. “I’m the one who never seemed to fit in, but I don’t think anyone dislikes me to the point of destroying me.”
Dallas didn’t even try to control his impulse, he pulled her into his arms. “No one is going to destroy you while I’m around.” Lennon just closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment, there hadn’t been many like this one in her life. “Okay, let’s think about any reason someone would have to terrorize you. Has anyone shown any interest in the property?”
Lennon played with one of the buttons on his shirt. “I’ve had an offer to buy Apache Springs, but I would never sell.”
Dallas pulled away enough to be able to see her face. “Who? When?”
The expression on his face scared Lennon a little. “About six months ago, and maybe twice more in the last ten weeks. A Mr. Daniels.”
His face became cloudier, if that were possible. “Rooster Daniels?”
“Yea, that’s him. Strange name.”
“What did he say? Did he pressure you?”