“You don’t think this lunatic is something to worry about, do you?”
He shrugged. “I tend to sway on the side of caution.”
She stood and her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “Still don’t think it’s Ethan?”
“I’m not ruling anyone out as a suspect, at least not yet.”
“I can’t let anything happen to my land, cattle, or horses, Duff. I’ll have the hands take turns standing along the property with their shotguns if need be.”
Any other time, he might argue the point, but for now, he didn’t think it was a half bad idea. At least it meant she’d be safe. “Let me keep the letter.”
A few minutes later, he watched through his window as Blake headed down the sidewalk, crossed the street, and was stopped by a passerby. Something the person said made Blake smile and her beauty compared to one of the seven wonders of the world. He could stand there all day admiring her splendor. His heart skipped ten beats and that’s what made this case harder. It was always more difficult to handle cases that involved people a man cared for. He needed to take care of the situation before it got any worse.
Grabbing his hat and keys, he left his office. “Sheila, I’ll be back shortly.”
“Anything I need to be aware of?” she asked.
“I’m running by the vet’s office and then swinging by the Branson Ranch. If you need me, call.”
“Sure thing.” She lowered her head back to the computer and began typing again.
And when Duff pulled away from the street a few minutes later, he looked across to the wiry dog with the matted fur who seemed content in sitting in the passenger seat. “We’re going to get you fixed up, fellow.”
After dropping the stray off at the vet, Duff headed toward the Branson Ranch, but didn’t get too far. He saw Ethan’s candy-red Porsche sitting at the tavern that he’d recently bought.
Slowing his truck, Duff did a u-turn, pulling into the gravel parking lot. Besides the Porsche and a couple of trucks, the lot was empty.
As soon as he opened the weather-worn door, he was welcomed with a Hank William’s song playing on the jukebox.
Once he approached the bar, he was greeted with a smile from the voluptuous bartender, Veronica, who dipped her hat. What can I do for you, sheriff?”
“Grab the man whatever he wants, Veronica. It’s on the house. How about a shot of tequila, my friend?”
Duff lifted his chin to search for the owner of the voice and found it was Ethan. He was sitting at a booth in the shadowed corner of the room. “No drink. I’m on duty.”
“A man who follows the law book. That’s commendable. Then get him the junk burger and fries.”
Veronica waited for Duff’s go-ahead. “How about you pack it up to go?” he said.
“Sure thing.” She winked and disappeared through the swinging door into the kitchen.
Duff surveyed the room and a couple of men sat at the bar with their heads hung over their beer. A woman stood at the jukebox dropping in coins. Ethan’s assistant was sitting at a table in the opposite corner as if waiting to be summoned to do his boss’s work. Duff strolled across the planked floor and to the booth where Ethan sat with his arm dropped over the shoulders of a twenty-something brunette. He bent down and whispered something in the woman’s ear, then she turned and smiled at Duff broadly. She climbed over Ethan, rubbing her bottom over his lap in the process. The young woman winked at Duff as she sashayed around him and headed toward the bar.
“That’s Rita Renee,” Ethan slurred as he watched her until she sat down on the stool.
“Girlfriend?” Duff asked.
“I’d like to refer to her as a friend with benefits.” Ethan picked up his glass and took a sip of what Duff guessed was scotch. “You know those types of relationships.” There was an underlying tone that made Duff wonder if his friend had drunk too much.
“Just curious, Ethan. Does your sidekick go with you everywhere?”
Ethan shot a glance toward Patterson who was nursing a bottle of water. “Enough that he takes care of business and I don’t have to worry.”
“You’re doing pretty well for yourself, my friend. I was a little surprised that you bought this place. Never would have pegged you as a bar owner.”
“That’s the whole intention. To broaden my scope. Just as you have, buddy. Texas Ranger turned small town sheriff. I certainly hope you’re not bored yet.”
Duff rubbed his jaw. “Plenty to keep me busy, more at the homestead than anything. Yet, I do have a situation.”
“I’m glad your back, bringing law and order to this place.”
“Trying my best. Things seem pretty calm except when it comes to the McKenzie Farm. Odd, really.”
Ethan didn’t show any sign of surprise or concern. “I see now. You’re here to talk about Blake.” The only dent in his armor was the slight narrowing of his gaze. “That seems to be the topic of choice these days.”
“Are you shocked that I’m here?”
He shrugged a thin shoulder. “Should I be?”
“You’re still in love with her.” Duff had no reason not to get right to the point.
His lips thinned. “I won’t deny that, but I’m pretty occupied these days.” Ethan waved at Rita Renee.
“Are you angry that Blake won’t marry you.”
There was that casual grin, back into place. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“Then why put so much trouble into getting her land? It’s only three-hundred acres and a few hundred head of cattle.”
“It’s business, Duff. I’d like to expand my property line. I’ve offered her a great deal of money to sell. It’s not as if I’m cheating her.” His tone lowered. “In fact, she’d be out of debt and worry free to do whatever she’d like.” He eased back into the cushion, rubbing his prominent jaw.
“It’s not about the money, though. You know the land means something to her. It’s business for you, but personal for her.”
“Are you her spokesperson now? Didn’t take long, did it? You move fast.” He didn’t bother hiding his cold undertone. “Aren’t there rules against mixing business with pleasure?”
“No, I assure you, this is professional.” Duff reached into his pocket and retrieved the letter, throwing it down onto the table. “Blake woke up this morning with an endearment tucked under her door.” Duff watched the other man closely, each expression, each flicker of movement in his muscles.
“What’s this?”
“Read it.”
Another song wafted from the speakers and the lady he’d seen at the jukebox was now saddled up next to one of the men at the bar, trying to dance seductively to get his attention, but wobbling instead. The man seemed more interested in entertaining his beer.
Ethan unfolded the letter. “Why are you bringing this to me?” He pushed it back across the table.
“It’s obvious that you’d be a suspect.”
“Because I’m the old boyfriend?” Ethan smirked. “Old is a great word in that sentence because it means over.”
“Not because that’s what you want.”
“Once upon a time, I had hoped for more.” There was something close to sadness in Ethan’s gaze. “I’m not one to grovel or spend too much time waiting for someone who can’t get over someone else.”
Duff blinked. He knew perfectly well who his friend referred to. “If you care for her, you’ll leave her alone.”
Ethan blinked. “Or what, sheriff?”
“I’ll protect her with everything I have, Ethan. If you’re behind this letter, and the killing of the calf, or putting someone up to this to force Blake off her land, I’ll do what I have to do in order to keep her out of harm’s way.”
The other man broke out into laughter. It took him a long time until the laughter faded, his eyes then glinting. “I’m glad to see you’re still the hero, Duff. But be careful whose toes you step on. I’ve never liked receiving threats.”
“That’s not a threat, partner.” Duff held Etha
n’s gaze and the moment grew strong with tension.
Ethan lifted his hand, clicked his fingers and waved Rita Renee over. She obligingly came back to the booth and slithered up to him.
Duff nodded. He stood, grabbed the letter and shoved it into his pocket. “Thanks for the lunch, buddy.” He grabbed the brown bag from the bar and started for the door, but then he stopped. “By the way, do you still have the old typewriter your mom had. You know, the one that sounded like a hammer hitting metal?”
Ethan hesitated as if he was thinking back. “Hell, I have no clue where that old thing is. Dad probably got tired of the hammering and tossed it when she wasn’t looking.”
“Enjoy your afternoon.” He dipped his hat.
“Duff?”
“Yeah?”
“I’d really hoped things could be like they used to be. I don’t see that happening,” Ethan said coldly.
Duff shrugged and left the tavern. He happened to agree completely with his old friend.
****
Blake pulled open the door and found Duff leaning against the frame. No words could describe the emotion that flittered through her at seeing him standing there looking like he belonged. He was handsome in a black T-shirt, worn jeans, and his ever present boots. He smiled and the feeling intensified in her core. She had an urge to walk into his arms, but she couldn’t forget logic.
“I hope you don’t mind that we stopped by without calling first,” he said.
“We?” She looked past his shoulder and saw no one else. Then a dog came trotting up the steps to the porch, his tail wagging and his tongue hanging out of his mouth.
Blake dropped to her knees and affectionately scratched him behind the ears. “Who is this?”
“This is Mike,” he answered. “Mike, this is Blake. We’re going to be staying with her for a while.”
Mike was still wagging his tail when Blake looked up, way up, to Duff. “First, this dog doesn’t look like a Mike. And two, what do you mean you’re going to be staying with me for a while?” Her heart skipped ten beats. Had she heard right? Not possible.
He pulled out a toothbrush from his back pocket and held it up. “I’ve come prepared.”
She stood and tucked her hands into the back pockets of her shorts. “Wait…please help me make sense of this. Did you get kicked out of your house?”
He shook his head. “Although I’m sure no one would miss me, I didn’t get kicked out. You need a bodyguard and, being that I’m the sheriff, I think I fit the bill.” He smiled and her heart fluttered. “I hope it’s okay that I brought Mike along. He was seen by the vet today and she said just to keep an eye on him, allow him to get to know me.”
“Sure—I mean, Mike’s welcome, but…” the dog licked her hand and she giggled. “I don’t need a bodyguard.”
“Says you, but I say you do.”
She crossed her arms over her waist. “And you can’t tell me what to do.”
“Would you like to argue this with me standing out here, or inside? I’m sure your hands would get a kick seeing who will win this civil war.”
He was right. The last thing she needed was for a rumor to start. She stepped back and motioned for him to come inside and she closed the door behind him and Mike. “I have a feeling you still don’t think Ethan sent the letter and that’s why you feel it’s necessary to babysit me.”
“I’m not babysitting you, sweetheart. I’m doing my job.”
“Your job as sheriff is to spend the night at a person’s house to keep watch over them?” she lifted a brow.
He flashed her a smile. “It is when she’s my friend.”
She wasn’t sure if she should be flattered with his words or deeply saddened. Did that mean he only wanted her as a friend? Because all she’d thought about all day was seeing him naked. There was nothing wrong with a woman who worked hard and wanted to come home to a hot man. He definitely fit the bill. But there was more to this man than his sexy body. After spending the evening with him and his family a few nights ago, she’d enjoyed herself and wouldn’t mind more family time. She’d always loved Ross and Kelly and the kids…and then there was Duff. She certainly still loved him.
“Well, I get the feeling there’s no use in arguing. So, welcome to you both. Did you bring Mike food?”
Duff’s gaze narrowed. “Oops.”
“It’s okay. I still have some left. It’s under the sink in the kitchen. I just came in from taking care of the horses. Do you mind if I wash up, and then I can scrounge up something for dinner? I bet you haven’t eaten either, have you?”
“I had a burger and fries for lunch.”
“That was hours ago. Okay then. The least I can do is make you dinner for your kindness.”
“Over dinner, I’ll tell you what I know so far.”
Blake slipped upstairs and into the bathroom. She slid out of her stinky clothes and tossed them into the laundry basket in the corner.
Inside the shower, she simply stood under the water spray, more interested in letting it wash away her tense muscles instead of the dirt she’d accumulated from the day’s work. After a few minutes, her muscles were more relaxed, but unfortunately she still was a roadmap of turmoil. Her ex that she once loved, once wanted to marry, was downstairs. The same man she still wanted, but these were completely wild, human desires of releasing the pent-up need burrowed inside of her. Her grandmother would think it wasn’t ladylike for a woman to sleep with a man unless she was hitched, but Blake had a wild hankering for cowboy, and only one man would do. Maybe she just needed validation that he still wanted her too.
Finally grabbing the shampoo, she gave her long hair a good scrubbing, then poured a large dollop of body wash on her loofah and washed her skin until it tingled. As she rinsed off, she thought about Duff again and how sweet it was that he wanted to stay.
Deciding she couldn’t get any cleaner and her thoughts wouldn’t disappear down the drain with the water, she turned off the spray and climbed out of the shower. Her towel was big enough to wrap around her twice. Securing it tight, she tiptoed down the hall, almost slipping from her wet feet on the hardwood floor. She caught her balance and sighed heavily. It wouldn’t be funny if Duff had to rush her to the emergency room for a broken bone.
Rushing into her bedroom, she closed the door and let the towel drop to the floor. Her eyes automatically fell to her queen size bed with an image of her and Duff naked, clinging to each other passionately on the red sheets. She’d dreamed about it enough, especially over the last week. Was it possible he just wanted her as a friend? She’d have to keep her feelings hidden. Would that be possible? She’d never been good at keeping her thoughts to herself.
She wandered over to the chest of drawers and started to pull out her usual—cutoff jeans and strappy tank when an idea crossed her mind. She had sexy, hot, and handsome downstairs. What would a woman wear if she wanted to turn a man on? It’d been so long since she’d contemplated such a thought that she had no clue, but it certainly wouldn’t be her normal every day attire.
In her walk-in closet, she pulled the string that brought the overhead light on. She lingered in front of the cubbies of shoes, racks of pants and shirts and dresses hanging from hangers. Almost immediately, she spotted a pale yellow sundress she’d bought not too long ago but hadn’t had a chance to wear it yet. She took it into the bedroom, first pulling on panties and a strapless bra, then slipping into the dress. The moment she checked herself in the full-length mirror, she knew she’d chosen well. The color complimented her tanned skin and the fabric flowed over her curves nicely, not too tight to be showy, but enough that her toned muscles took front and center stage.
At her vanity, she applied a small amount of makeup, and then dropped her towel into the hamper on her way back downstairs. There she found Duff standing at the stove, barefoot, with Mike sprawled out next to him on the floor. If only she had her camera, she’d take a dozen shots. The sight made her smile, and also kicked up a lot of desire. The dog had alread
y bonded with him and Duff seemed to fit in here in her kitchen. He’d always been good with animals, kind and gentle. That was one of the things that she’d loved about him. She had a feeling he’d be as gentle with his children. Her heart tweaked…imagining him holding a baby, showing a vulnerable side. Once upon a time she’d wanted them to have it all, and she wasn’t quite sure she’d ever managed to rid that dream from the recesses of her mind.
She inhaled deeply. He was cooking scrambled eggs and they smelled delicious. Her stomach growled, a reminder that she’d missed lunch today. She would often forget to eat, but then she’d make up for it by packing away tons of calories in one sitting. Her Gramps was the same way. Grams would have to remind him to eat many times, but even so, he enjoyed eating. He loved steak, potatoes, and dessert—he would indulge in the richest, most sinful desserts. Blake had a sweet tooth too.
Leaning against the frame of the door, she didn’t alert him that she was in the room, wanting to admire how his well-sculpted muscles moved under his shirt. His wide hands moved deftly, grasping the wooden spoon with his long fingers. She imagined that same touch on her, his hands gliding across her naked breasts, her stomach, between her thighs. Her inner thighs pulsated and warm moisture filled her panties. There had never been another man who brought her such desire, such need. This was far different than the sensations she’d experienced years ago. Yes, she’d never regretted giving herself to Duff, her virginity and her heart, but this was unlike anything she’d known before. She was a woman now, wanting to feel desired and appreciated—wanting a man to take control, making her feel special, and not being afraid when she needed to take the reins. Sometimes a woman just needed to feel in control too.
On the table she noticed that he’d made bacon and toast too. No one had ever made her dinner except for Grams. “You’ve gone to too much trouble. I’d have been okay with a bowl of cereal.”
He turned to look at her and she was no longer hungry for food. His gaze dropped over her and lingered for a good minute on her legs. She curled her toes and closed her lips tight, resisting the urge to moan. She saw something that looked a lot like hunger flaring in his pale eyes, but he quickly turned back to the stove. Did he not want her to see the defenselessness? “Shit. I’m going to burn the eggs,” he said in a husky tone. “Can’t allow that to happen. I thought a hard working woman deserved a good hearty meal.”
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