Proposal at the Lazy S Ranch

by Patricia Thayer

  “No need to stay with Megan, I’ll go back, too. Give me fifteen minutes to pack up.” She glanced around for Garrett. “I’m sure Garrett would be willing to drive back.”

  Tori took her sister’s hand. “No, Josie. You stay here.” She paused and pulled her away from the others for some privacy. “I’ve been watching you and Garrett dance around each other all day and this evening in the stall.”

  Josie released a breath. “That wasn’t very smart of me.”

  “You need some time alone to figure out where to go with those feelings.”

  Josie knew that was the last thing she needed. Garrett could hurt her again. “I can’t get involved with him again.”

  Tori hugged her. “Dear sister, that’s the problem. You’ve never gotten uninvolved with the man. And if you look closely, he still has feelings for you. Maybe you should find out where it goes.”

  Josie shook her head. “This isn’t a good idea. I can’t let him hurt me again.”

  “How do you know that will happen? It’s been nearly ten years. Maybe there’s something there to build on, but at the very least you need closure.” She kissed her, then started walking toward the van. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Josie watched Tori climb in, and soon they drove off. Her heart pounded in her chest as Garrett walked toward her. Did she really want to get involved with Garrett again?

  “It seems we have this knack for getting stranded together.” He reached out and cupped her cheek, then leaned down and brushed a kiss over her mouth. She shivered at his touch. Oh, God, she ached for him.

  He pulled back. His dark gaze said so much. “Do you want me to take you back to L.A., too?”

  Darn the man, he was leaving this up to her. “No, I want to stay here tonight. With you.”

  * * *

  Garrett’s hand was shaking as he took Josie’s and they made their way along the path that led to the small cottage with a single light on the porch. The rush of excitement from being with her was even stronger than all those years ago when he’d first met her. He still cared about her.

  He took out the key and inserted it into the lock, then pushed open the door, allowing her to go inside first.

  He followed then closed the door, but quickly found himself pushed up against the raised panels with Josie’s hands wrapped around his neck. She pulled his head down to meet her hungry mouth and didn’t stop there. She went to work on seducing him with her lips, hands and her body.

  He broke off the kiss. “I take it you’re glad we’re staying.”

  “Don’t get cocky, Temple, or I won’t let you get to first base, let alone make all your dreams come true tonight.”

  Well, well! He couldn’t help but grin, remembering that first base had been as far as he’d gotten while they’d dated in school. He quickly sobered, and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “I want to make your dreams come true.”

  His mouth brushed over hers, so gently, so softly she nearly groaned in frustration. She told herself this was crazy, but it felt too good. It always felt good with Garrett.

  Josie shivered at his words. “Oh, Garrett,” she breathed.

  His lips found hers again, and he angled her mouth to deepen the kiss, letting her know how much he wanted her. When he released her, they were both breathing hard. “Let’s continue this somewhere we’ll be more comfortable.” He swung her up in his arms and carried her down the hall into her room.

  “Good idea.” She kicked off her shoes as they went to her bedroom.

  It was dark, only the light from the hall illuminated the room, helping to direct him to the king-size bed. He set her down and kissed her again and again. “I thought you’d appreciate the bigger bed, since my room has singles.”

  Josie looked around the room. Her sister had straightened up the mess they’d left earlier with the rush to leave for the wedding. She looked back up at the man she’d wanted since the first day she’d met him in high school.

  He leaned down and pressed his lips against her ear. “I want you, Josie Slater. More than you could ever imagine, but if you’re having second thoughts...”

  More like third and fourth, yet she reached out with shaky fingers to unbutton his dress shirt. With her heart beating wildly, she parted the material, and her hands came in contact with his chest. He sucked in a breath. “Only if you want to stop—”

  His mouth came down hard on hers. This time slow and deeper, giving her his tongue and feasting on her until she was clinging to him. Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close. It left her no doubt what he wanted. The sensations that he created had her pressing against him as his hands worked the zipper at the back of her dress. Soon the soft fabric landed in a heap on the floor. Her pulse danced.

  This time he sucked in a breath. “You are gorgeous.” He dipped his head and kissed her. No man’s touch had ever affected her like this.

  “My turn,” she said bravely. She pushed his shirt off those wide shoulders, then hungrily ran her fingers through the mat of dark hair that covered his beautiful chest. Next she used her lips to place kisses along his heated skin, causing him to tense.

  “I’m not sure how much I can stand.” He cupped her face and leaned down and kissed her. “I want you so much, Josie.”

  She looked into his eyes, seeing his need, his desire for her. “I want you, too, Garrett.”

  His mouth came down on hers, and true to his promise...he began to make her dreams come true.

  CHAPTER TEN

  IT WASN’T EVEN dawn yet, but Garrett was wide-awake. It might have something to do with the woman lying next to him. Last night had been incredible. Loving Josie had been only a dream, and now that dream had become a reality.

  He wasn’t naive enough to think she would wake up and want to continue what they’d started last night. But he had all morning to try and convince her. Even he wasn’t sure how they could solve many of their problems. She had a life here, and she’d told him so many times that she didn’t want to give it up. How could she give up a thriving business? He had a business, too, and so much more. There was his ailing father and a son to raise. Brody had to come first.

  Josie moved beside him, then she rolled toward him, throwing her arm across his chest. He tensed, feeling her warm flesh against his, stirring him once again. He wanted her even more than he had all those years ago. He made the mistake then of giving up on her. There was no way he would do that again, not easily. Not when he knew Josie still had feelings for him.

  He felt her cheek against his shoulder, her breast brushed his chest. Her legs tangled with his, inciting him further. Then her eyelashes fluttered and she finally opened them.

  He froze and offered her a smile. “Hi, there.”

  She smiled back. “Hi, yourself.”

  She looked a little unsure and started to turn away. He wouldn’t let her. Then he leaned down and opening his mouth against her throat, he kissed her, causing her to shiver. He wanted her to understand that whatever was happening, he wanted more than one night.

  He raised his head and looked at her. “No hiding, Josie. Not after last night. You have to realize that there’s still something between us.”

  She didn’t say anything.

  “Can you at least admit to that?”

  “Okay, so you rocked my world. That doesn’t mean it goes further than last night.”

  She was so stubborn. “It’s not even up for discussion?”

  “I thought we agreed that we had separate worlds, and there’s no possible way we can combine them.”

  He felt the constriction in his chest. There had to be a way for them to be together. “I don’t want you to walk away again.”

  She hesitated. Wasn’t that a good sign? “Garrett, we talked about this. Our lives are so different...”

  “The hell with our lives, what about what we feel?” He placed her hand against his bare chest. “Feel my heart pound, Josie. Only you can make that happen.”

  Josie had tears in her eyes as sh
e moved his hand and put it against her chest so he could also feel the rapid rhythm. “Ditto.”

  Garrett rolled her onto her back and captured her mouth in a hungry kiss. He felt her palm against his chest starting to push him away, but not for long. Her arms wrapped around his neck and brought him closer. When her mouth opened on a groan, he pushed his tongue inside, stroking and teasing her. Soon, his hands moved over her body, caressing her warm skin.

  “Garrett...”

  He looked at her as the morning sun began to slowly illuminate the bedroom. He could see the desire in her eyes and he touched her cheek. He’d never felt such closeness with anyone, only with Josie.

  “I love it when you say my name, especially when I’m doing something to please you.” He felt like a teenager again. “Tell me what you want, Josie Slater.”

  She arched her back as his hand cupped her breast. “You. I want you.”

  “You’ve always had me, Josie,” he said as his mouth captured hers just as a cell phone began to ring. It was Josie’s.

  She sat up, holding the sheet against her, and reached for her purse on the table next to her side of the bed. She checked the caller ID.

  “It’s Tori.” She punched the button. “Tori, what’s wrong?” Garrett watched her expression change to panic. “Get out of there and call the police.” Josie nodded as she listened. “Okay, we’ll be home as soon as possible.” She hung up and looked at Garrett. “Someone broke into my house and trashed the place.”

  * * *

  The trip back from Santa Barbara was fast. Josie didn’t argue with Garrett about his speed, knowing she only wanted to get to her sister. By the time they pulled up in front of her condo, Josie was out and running to her sister, who was standing on the small lawn.

  Josie grabbed Tori close and felt her trembling. “Oh, Tori, I’m so glad you’re safe.” She shivered. “Thank God you were staying with Megan and not here.”

  Tori nodded at Garrett then back to her. “I’m so sorry about your house, Josie.”

  “Why are you sorry? You didn’t do any of this.”

  She saw the tormented look in her twin’s eyes. “If I’d only pressed charges against him before...”

  “No! That’s in the past, Tori. Dane’s not going to get off free this time.” She glanced around. “Where’s Detective Brandon?”

  “He’s inside,” Tori said. “But he wants us to wait out here.”

  “Too bad.” Josie marched up the two steps and through the doorway.

  She bit her bottom lip, trying to hold back the emotion as she glanced around the entry. All the work she’d put into her home and some crazy had broken in and destroyed it.

  She couldn’t hold back a gasp as her gaze roamed toward the living room, where furniture had been turned over, cushions were sliced with a knife and stuffing was scattered all around. Pictures had been destroyed and thrown to the floor. In their place on the walls were spray painted messages. Horrible words.

  Garrett cursed. “They’d better have this creep and bully in custody,” he said.

  Teary-eyed, Tori shook her head. “Detective Brandon said until they find proof that Dane did this, they have to treat it like a random break-in. We’re not to touch anything.”

  Just then Josie saw a uniformed officer coming down the hall. He had on a pair of rubber gloves and was carrying a plastic bag. She fought back her anger that someone was going through her personal things.

  “It’s going to be okay,” she told Tori, but wasn’t sure she believed it.

  “How can you say that? Look at this place,” Tori said, barely holding it together.

  Garrett stepped forward. “These are just things, Tori. It’s you we’re worried about.” When Tori nodded, he hugged her. “We’ll get to the bottom of this,” he promised her.

  He turned to Josie and pulled her close, too. She stiffened, hating that she wanted his comforting embrace. In a few weeks Garrett Temple wouldn’t be around for her to lean on. He’d be back in Montana and she’d be here. And once again, she’d have to learn to live without him.

  Their moment of quiet was interrupted when a middle-aged man dressed in dark slacks and a white shirt and a tie under a nylon jacket that read LAPD walked into the room.

  “Miss Slater.” Detective Brandon nodded in greeting. “I’m sorry we have to meet again under these circumstances.”

  She was working to hold on to her composure. “Sorry, doesn’t cut it, Detective. You know Dane Buckley is behind this. A random thief doesn’t leave personal messages,” she told him, and pointed to the wall.

  The detective nodded in agreement. “But until we have proof who did this, I can’t arrest him or anyone. We are bringing him in for questioning. We’re also talking to your neighbors. Maybe they saw him around.” He frowned. “We should be finished with photos and fingerprints by the end of the day, so you can call your insurance company and make arrangements to clean and paint the place.”

  Josie knew that new paint and furniture wouldn’t erase this memory. How could she ever feel safe here again?

  After exchanging goodbyes, the detective walked out the door, and Garrett followed him, but it was difficult to stay calm.

  “Detective, tell me you aren’t going to just push this case aside and wait for Buckley to strike again.”

  He saw the frustration in the man’s eyes. “Like I said, we find some proof, and I’ll do everything I can to get this predator off the street. If you want to help, I suggest you get both sisters away from here. This guy’s message is clear. He wants revenge.”

  Garrett already knew that. “How would you feel if I bring in some outside help?”

  The cop watched him. “As long as you don’t interfere with the investigation or do anything illegal, I don’t have a problem.”

  Garrett shook the officer’s hand before he walked away. He took out his cell phone, not intending to stand by and let anything happen to Josie or Tori.

  He needed someone he could trust. Brad Richards had helped him out before when someone hacked into his business computer system. He punched in the number and after the third ring it was answered. “McNeely Investigations.”

  “Hey, Brad, it’s Garrett Temple.”

  There was a pause, then the ex-Special Forces soldier said, “What can I do for you, Garrett?”

  “I need you to look into someone’s past. Someone who preys on women.”

  “When and where do you need me?”

  * * *

  Two days later, after contacting the insurance company and scheduling the cleanup, Garrett had finally managed to get Tori and Josie on a noon flight back to Montana.

  Josie had put on a brave front, but he knew she’d been frightened by this lunatic. He’d hoped that she would lean on him. Instead, she’d done everything she could to avoid coming near him.

  She had stayed busy dealing with all the mess, trying to gather up their things to take back to Montana. He’d at least gotten them to move into a hotel, and then their agreement to come back to the ranch until Ana’s wedding. There was no way he was going to leave them behind.

  He was just happy Josie was returning with him, but his true wish was that they were still in Santa Barbara. Before her world had suddenly been turned upside down. Before reality invaded and threw yet another obstacle at them. Before she pulled away from him once again.

  He drove under the archway to the Lazy S Ranch. The pastures were covered in layers of snow, but the roads had been cleared from the recent snowstorm. “We’re almost home,” he told them.

  “This isn’t my home,” Tori murmured.

  Garrett glanced in the rearview mirror. Tori was looking out the window.

  It might not be her home any longer, but as long as Dane was on the loose they were in danger. He prayed both Tori and Josie would stay here for as long as it took for them to be safe again.

  “It will be for the next few weeks.”

  He heard Tori’s sigh. “As long as you don’t tell anyone what happened, I�
�ll stay.”

  He didn’t like that deal. Everyone needed to be vigilant if a stranger showed up.

  “Deal,” he said, and looked at Josie. That meant she’d be going back, too. He honestly didn’t want her to go. Would she even think about staying in Montana to give them a second chance? By the look of her body language, he had no chance at all.

  Garrett pulled into the driveway and saw his dad’s truck. He parked, then the front door opened and Brody came running out. He couldn’t get out of the car fast enough. The bitter cold air stung his face, but he only saw his son.

  “Dad!” The boy launched himself into his waiting arms. “You’re home.”

  “I’m glad I’m back, too.” He set his son down and pulled his jacket together to ward off the cold. “Did you have fun with Grandpa and Grandma Kirkwood?”

  He nodded. “But I missed you.”

  Those were wonderful words to hear. “I’ve missed you, too, son.”

  Brody’s attention went to the passengers. “Josie! You came back, too.” He ran to her side of the car and hugged her. “Colt was afraid you might stay in California.”

  She ruffled the boy’s hair. “No, I had to come back so I can get a video game rematch. You promised to teach me how to get to the next level.” She directed him to the other side of the car. “Brody, this is my sister, Tori. She’s going to be staying for a while.”

  “Hi, Tori. I can teach you how to play video games if you want.”

  “Great to meet you, Brody.”

  Garrett got the suitcases out of the trunk and urged the group toward the house. “Hey, let’s take this conversation inside where it’s warm.”

  Brody ran up ahead calling back to the sisters, “Yeah, Kathleen baked a cake.”

  Josie stopped on the porch and waited as Tori stepped across the threshold and into the entry. She was pretty sure she knew what was going through her sister’s head. It was hard not to think about the past years here along with the father who’d ignored them. It had been a cold existence for the four girls growing up here.

  Josie looked down the hall and saw Colt walking toward them. His gait was slow and maybe not as steady as it should be, but there’d been improvement since Josie had first come home over three weeks ago.