by Sylvie Kaye
"Are you okay, Lili? Did he hurt you?” He held his other arm out to her.
"I'll be fine.” But she wasn't so sure. Her head hurt where he'd hit her, and her ear buzzed.
But she took Luc's arm and let him pull her up. She clasped him around the waist and tried to support some of his weight from his knee.
"I'll call the ambulance.” She grabbed for the phone near the desk.
"No. First the police.” He snatched the receiver and dialed. “Do you know who that was?"
She shook her head.
"That dirty dog was Thad Lowry."
She gasped. “I've heard plenty about him, but never laid eyes on the drifter before now. Guess he didn't hang out at The Blue Bug. Or my beauty salon until today."
Scowling, he reported the incident in short staccato sentences and hung up.
"I have to get out to the homestead. Gretch is home alone."
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Six
Luc floored the gas pedal on the truck, racing out to the homestead. His worry for Gretch burned fiercely in his gut.
Lili had wanted to drive out with him, but he'd insisted she stay behind and get checked out by the emergency techs who arrived with the ambulance.
Chief Raleigh pulled up in a blaze of flashing lights and a screaming siren, but Luc didn't stick around to give a statement to the police.
As Luc neared home, the Chief called him on his cell and reported, “I contacted the county sheriff's office about the slimy arsonist. Lowry skipped out on his bail, and the sheriff has a long-standing warrant."
Moments later, in a cloud of dust and gravel, Luc braked in front of the picket fence, hopped out of the pickup, and raced toward the house.
"Gretch, Gretch,” he yelled out.
"Luc, I'm down near the barn.” She waved.
"Get up to the house now."
She hotfooted up the pathway. Her boots kicked up dust, the pups playfully barking and circling her feet.
By the time she reached the open gate, he was in and out of the house, his rifle in his hand.
"What's happened?” she panted, out of breath. “You're busted up. Were you in a wreck? Why the gun?"
He hugged her to him with one arm, gingerly. His ribs hurt like hell. His knee ached, and his cheekbone burned where his skin was grazed.
"I had a scuffle with Thad Lowry. He robbed the Hair Crazy Salon."
"Oh no.” Horror widened her eyes. Her hands shook. “Is Lili all right?"
"She's roughed up some. Too bad I didn't get there a few minutes sooner. I dropped by to take her to lunch like I usually do. Today it should've been brunch.” Disappointment weighed heavily in his chest. As a man, he should've protected his woman. As mayor, he should've protected his constituent. “He didn't come around here?” He scanned the outskirts of the property again.
"No. Why would he?” Gretch loosened herself from his hold, her eyes darting around the perimeter, taking on that cold, hollow stare again, the one he detested.
Damn Thad Lowry for what he'd done to her.
"Does he have reason to believe you'd aid or abet him?” He lowered his voice, keeping it calm so as not to scare her. He hoped the saddle tramp was finished with his sister for good.
She shook her head. “Last time I saw him, he was in handcuffs. I cursed him, he spat in the dirt. It was ugly."
"Good.” Luc relaxed, and when he did the adrenaline that had been holding him together left in a rush. Agonizing pain replaced it, wracking though his torso. He closed his eyes against the torrent.
"We have to get you to the Trauma Center. If one of your ribs pierced a lung, you're in deep shit.” She hustled him toward her pickup.
"We're not going anywhere on your bald tires."
"They have a lot of tread left, but now isn't the time to argue."
He allowed Gretch to drive him to the center in his truck while he rode shotgun.
* * * *
After the robbery, Luc was advised to stay off Storm Trooper for three weeks to give his bruised ribs time to heal. Lili was happy about that, but unsure how she felt about him popping up everywhere she went. Concerned about her minor injuries, he darted in and out of the beauty salon several times a day checking on her and making sure she was never alone.
Luc even showed up at the flower shop while she sent a congratulatory bouquet to Dianne in the hospital. Her sister had just given birth to Lili's first niece.
"Fancy seeing you here,” she teased, flapping her eyelashes at him.
"Maybe I'm ordering flowers, too.” He raised a brow, and, despite herself, her curiosity peaked.
"For who?” she blurted, covering up her eagerness with a nervous little laugh.
"For you.” He tapped her nose, playfully.
"Why?"
"It's our anniversary."
"We have an anniversary?” This was getting scary. He was getting scary. She didn't want anything binding her to Luc. She was leaving in a few months.
"It's one year since I first danced you around The Blue Bug Saloon.” He smiled, affection in his eyes.
She knew it had been a year, but had tried to push the sentiment from her mind. She didn't want to acknowledge it or celebrate it or make it special.
"Did they catch Lowry yet?” She changed the subject, knowing if the authorities had, Luc would've burst into the shop to inform her or phoned her in the middle of the night.
"No. Not yet, but I'm sure they will."
"I can't believe he's stupid enough to come back here."
"Owen Grainger's out of jail, holed up at his ranch. If Lowry plans on hitting him up for money, he's a fool. Not only did he sign the statement implicating Owen in the fire and putting him away, but the police and sheriff's departments are both watching the Grainger place."
"How's Gretch doing?” His poor sister had taken the public humiliation of dating Lowry to heart. But how was Gretchen to know Mercy Creek's newest ranch hand had been up to no good with Owen? No one had suspected, certainly not the foreman who'd hired him.
"She's holding up. I borrowed Ned Brady from Hawk and Maggie. He's going to look out for the animals and keep a sharp eye around the homestead until Lowry's captured."
"I'm glad she's not alone out there."
"I drive her into town with me in the mornings. She's heading a committee to create sound police-student relationships and win over support for an increase in police officers."
"Good for her."
"And me. They've initiated an after school program, with police as instructors, that utilizes the animals and rodeo events on Monday through Wednesday when the grounds aren't in use. The parent response has been enthusiastic and encouraging. I'm pretty sure we're going to get the tax increase for law enforcement passed at the council meeting this week.” He smiled.
She pouted. “I can't afford the extra cost."
"I'm sorry, Lili. Let me lend you the difference."
"Uh-uh.” No way was she tying herself to Luc by borrowing money from him that she couldn't possibly pay back until she'd been settled in Austin a long while. “I'll put in some extra hours.” She made light of it, not wanting him to press the issue.
The florist came from the back where she'd checked with the other stores in the delivery system. “We can have that bouquet of daisies delivered today."
Lili paid her bill and with a wave headed out the door. “I have to get back to the shop for an appointment."
Luc stayed behind, probably to order anniversary flowers, and she wondered what other romantic gesture he might have up his pearl-snapped sleeve.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Seven
The part-time delivery kid for the florist bustled through the door of the salon with a dozen long-stemmed red roses in a crystal vase.
"For Lili,” he announced and she felt the color rise in cheeks.
The customers clapped with delight at Luc's overt gesture and comments whirled.
"Cowboys in thes
e parts don't send roses unless they're dead serious."
"Especially such a public display."
Suzie handed her the card. “What does it say?"
"Later.” Lili scratched her head with the tail of a rattail comb.
"Oh, come on Lili, tell us!"
"Later. That's all it says.” She smiled for the customers, not wanting to embarrass Luc. Although he deserved a public rejection after his very public proposition. Even if she didn't know exactly what later meant, it sure sounded sexy.
"Ma'am.” The delivery kid shuffled his boots, looking uncomfortable in the salon.
"Oh.” Lili tipped the boy from the register and took the vase from him, placing it prominently on the reception counter for all to see.
Despite her expectations, Luc didn't stop in all that day. No other romantic tokens arrived. Not even a phone call from him with heavy breathing and an irresistible proposition.
After closing up and clearing out the register, she dropped the receipts for the day into the ATM at the bank. Chief Raleigh cruised by at a crawl. She waved, glad to see him. Friday was one of her busiest days, and since the robbery she was wary.
She walked home. The night was clear, the stars touching the rooftops. The moon hung like a lemon slice. And Chief Raleigh cruised by again.
When she opened the front door, the floral scent of roses caressed her. A vase like the one the florist had delivered to the shop greeted her from the table in the foyer.
On the sofa, Luc sat with yet another bouquet.
Tongue-tied, she lifted her hands in surprise and walked toward him.
He grinned and spread his arms. She plopped into his lap, hugged his neck, and kissed him. As much as she shied away from a romantic connection with Luc, she couldn't help but be thrilled.
His mouth was soft and gentle beneath hers. His breath was warm and moist. She felt his heartbeat, rapid and intense, beneath the palm of her hand on his chest. The moment was so charged with emotion, fear made her pull away.
"You like them?” he asked.
"Who doesn't like roses?” She played down her elation. “Did you have the Chief follow me home?"
He nodded.
"Did you break in?"
He shook his head. “Wouldn't be mayoral. I called your mother who gave the neighbor permission to let me in with your backup key."
"You called my mother.” She blinked in disbelief. “My mother and sister will think there's another grandchild on the horizon."
"We can make their wish come true.” He gave her a squeeze, and the soft petals from the roses he held brushed her neck with a tickle. Her womb clenched with his suggestive words. The crotch of her panties warmed.
"I'd better put these in water before they wilt.” She snatched the roses and boot-scooted into the kitchen to put them in a vase and cool her heated desire with distance.
His voice sounded from behind her. “Do you want to go dancing tonight? Reenact our first body bump?"
"How can I refuse when you put it like that?” She laughed and scampered upstairs to shower and change.
Commemorating their first dance wasn't her reason though. Out in a noisy crowd, she stood a better chance of resisting Luc's charms than here in the quiet intimacy of the house, with her bed only a room away.
She was wrong.
At The Blue Bug, when he took her in his arms and danced her in a slow, close circle, she felt more of his sexy body than her libido could withstand. His hard chest against the softness of her breasts tantalized and teased her nipples until her body ached for the relief of his hands and mouth. His hips swaying with hers in a slow rhythm drove home an erotic tempo.
Her crotch fitted against his rising arousal and the heat from their bodies melded. His breathing pulsed in time with hers. When she was ready to chuck it all and proposition him with a quickie in the parking lot, up against the fender of his truck, the music stopped.
They stood on the dance floor, forehead to forehead, hand in hand, waiting for the crowd to scatter. When they were the sole couple left, she was still slow to leave the promise of his body.
"Let's have a drink,” he whispered near her ear, his voice raspy and seductive.
She inhaled and nodded. At the bar, he ordered a TruBlu, and she said, “I'll have the same."
His eyes widened. “You never have anything harder than a wine spritzer."
"Tonight's special.” She wasn't sure if she was reflecting on what had already happened with the roses and the dance or speculating on what might come.
With a clink, they touched shot glasses and downed the whiskey. It burned her throat, and warmed her belly, and mellowed out her keyed up nerves.
"Smooth.” She praised his family blend.
"Thanks, but I can't take any credit for it. I suspect it's a century old moonshine recipe."
She laughed. “The Fremonts were moonshiners?"
"I have more secrets I'm willing to share during pillow talk,” he offered.
Tempted to consider it, she glanced around the saloon to distract herself.
"Holy cow.” Luc scanned the place and thumbed his hat back. “Things are going to get interesting mighty soon.” He pointed toward the end of the bar where a couple had their heads together, laughing.
"See Lyssa Callahan and Hitch Lawrence."
She nodded.
"Now check out the entrance."
"It's Gretchen."
Yep. There stood his sister, her red hair loose and fiery, her dark eyes blazing. Hands on hips, legs spread, she was dressed to kill. Tight jeans tucked into her tooled western boots. Tight blouse tucked to show off the rhinestone buckle on her belt.
His sister was back to normal.
"They're going to mix it up, aren't they?” Lili said.
"I'd bet on it.” He grinned.
Gretch sashayed over to them. “Nice night for dancing."
"My sentiments, too.” He tossed a sexy look at Lili to remind her of the anniversary they still had to celebrate.
"Must run in the family,” Lili said with a lazy smile.
"I'm way overdue. Since interacting with the parents, police, and the town folks all week, I've begun feeling like my old self again. Damned Lowry never did take me dancing.” She winked. “See you later."
After that, arm around Lili's shoulder, he leaned back and watched the show. Lili rested her head on his shoulder. It felt right. It felt like they were a steady couple.
Gretch circled the saloon first, like a fighter in a ring, before zeroing in and engaging her opponent.
The women smiled like old friends, then Lyssa must've introduced Gretch to Hitch. His eyes lit up, his smile widened. He took Gretch's hand and held their handshake a little too long. Lyssa swooped in, breaking the contact.
Mistake.
Gretch moved to Hitch's other side. He turned his head away from Lyssa to hear whatever she said. The band started up, playing a new tune. The couple strolled onto the dance floor, arm in arm, Gretch throwing a backward glance at Lyssa and winking.
"It's over.” Lili rolled her head on his shoulder to look up at him.
"Not by a long shot. Lyssa's working on a comeback."
Lili yawned and lifted her head from his shoulder. Lyssa finger-combed her hair and applied a fresh coat of lip gloss.
"Let's go.” He nodded toward the door. “You're tired."
She didn't argue. “Guess the shot of TruBlu was too much for me after working all day."
After the walk home in the brisk night air she seemed to revive. “Want to come in for a sweet tea?"
"Damn, I want to. I planned to.” He held her to his chest, closing his eyes, wishing he could follow through with the lovemaking he'd fantasized for the evening. But Gretch presented a glitch. “I have to return to The Blue Bug to tail my sister home. I don't want her driving alone on the back roads with Lowry still on the loose."
"I understand.” She looked up at him, smiled. “You're a nice man."
"Hell, nice guys don't end up wi
th the girl?” He asked it, more than stated it.
She ignored it. “I have a seven a.m. appointment anyway."
"I'll see you for coffee in the morning and for my haircut later in the day.” He kissed her hard and fast and walked away before he couldn't.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Eight
A week later, two things happened to send Lili into a panic. On Monday, the mail arrived with the steep business tax bill due in ninety days. On Saturday, she received a phone call from the owner of the salon in Austin.
"I'm sorry to pressure you, but the closing date on the property we're purchasing has been pushed up. We need your down payment sooner."
Her heart stopped for a moment, then pounded like thundering hoof beats.
"How soon?"
A few weeks were all the time she had left. She hung up and plunked herself down on the chair behind the reception desk.
She punched some numbers into the calculator. Even with the cash-in value of her life insurance policy, and without subtracting for the tax bill, she still came up short.
Damn. Damn. Damn.
Insisting on staying calm and levelheaded, she decided to sleep on it. Tomorrow morning a way to pony up the entire amount for the down payment would dawn, if not then, the next morning or the next.
She crossed her fingers and went back to work.
When the overhead bell tinkled, a familiar voice said, “Hey, Lili."
Several customers in the waiting room of the Hair Crazy Salon chanted almost in unison, “Hello, Mayor.” Some were single women and others mothers of single daughters with designs on the eligible bachelor.
Lili waved her comb at him over the wet head of Patti-Pie Murphy, who was getting her hair done on her lunch break. It was another busy Saturday, and she and Suzie had been hustling since seven a.m. after putting in late hours all week.
She hated to say it, but the increased police presence this past week had made a difference. Fewer fights, no drunk drivers, no disturbing the peace.
It was good for business, too. More mothers, grandmothers, and working women felt safe enough to make appointments in the evenings.
"Taking a lunch break any time soon?” he asked.