“She doesn’t need Russell,” Cash said from behind her, “I’m here and nothing is gonna happen to her on my watch.” He draped an arm over her shoulder. “You ready?”
“I am if the boss is.” She stood, leaned into Cash, and waited for Brady to respond.
A smile spread across his face. “Looks like you’ve got all the help you need right here.” He shook Cash’s hand. “Glad to see you two together. I was hoping Russell hadn’t caused a permanent rip.” He motioned toward the exit. “You two go on.”
“What was that all about?” Baffled by Brady’s reference to her father, she started after him. Cash’s hand on her arm stopped her.
“Come on, Sug. Let’s get you out of here.” Cash dropped a soft kiss on her forehead. “You have to be exhausted.”
“I’m whipped, but he shouldn’t stay stuff like that and walk away.”
“We’ll worry about him later.”
Knowing Cash had made a trip to town because of her warmed her all the way to her toes. She relaxed, slid her arm around his waist, and snuggled close all the way to her car.
“Thank you for watching over me.” She went up on her tiptoes to kiss him goodnight.
He buzzed her lips. “I’m following you home. Then I’ll collect a decent kiss.” He opened her car door and stepped back. The smile that turned her insides to liquid slid across his face. “You’re safe for tonight. I like my women awake.”
Under the full moon, she waited until he got behind the wheel of his pickup. Was she falling in love with him all over again? Had she ever stopped? It didn’t matter. He couldn’t be trusted. Who knew when he’d up and disappear?
****
So many cop cars surrounded Stacey’s apartment that Cash had to park a block away. Her curiosity ran wild on the walk to the entry gate. Oak Hill didn’t have a large police department. Based on the number of cruisers surrounding the building they were all here.
Cash shook hands with the cop who’d apparently been assigned to keep anyone from entering the premises. “We need to get into two-twelve.”
“Not gonna happen for a while.”
“I live here,” she said quickly. She lifted to her tip toes trying to see what was happening.
“I heard you’d come home.” The cop stepped in front of her, blocking her line of vision.
Stacey looked closer at the man. “Bubba Henry? Is that you?” His head moved forward slightly, indicating she was right.
“Surprised to see you back in our hick town,” he said with a hint of humor. “Wait here.” He moved to the other side of his cruiser and spoke into the microphone clipped to his shirt.
What the heck? First Brady and now Bubba? Was it her imagination or were the men in town talking gibberish? Why wouldn’t she come home?
“Think maybe my landlady spotted Ray hanging around and called the cops?” She inched closer to the walkthrough gate to her stairs.
An ambulance emerged moving slowly from the parking lot. No lights. No siren.
“Could be. This many cops wouldn’t show up for a routine break-in,” Cash said.
Bubba motioned them to join him. “Wait here. Sergeant Kelly wants to talk with you.”
“Can’t you tell us what happened?”
“No.” Bubba shook his head. “Sarge would tan my hide. He’ll tell you when he’s ready.”
Cash led her back to the sidewalk. “I wish you’d rethink staying at the ranch.”
The seriousness in his gaze touched her. “If you’re sure, I’ll take you up on your offer. Too many unexplainable things have happened. I believe Ray’s been inside my apartment.” She told him about her brush and sunglasses. Judging by the nerve in his jaw, he thought she was right.
“Then it’s settled. If he got in once, he can do it again.”
“I’m sorry to have dragged you into my mess.”
“Don’t you know? I belong in whatever mess you’re in.” Cash tilted his head sideways, leaned down and covered her lips with his.
The fire started slowly, rolling through her, filling her with joy. In the middle of the chaos, she’d found her anchor. The universe settled into its proper rotation. At least for a moment, she belonged here.
“I do know,” she whispered. “Maybe fate brought me home because you’re here.”
“We’ll get your clothes and move you tonight.”
“If Ray is in town, the less you’re seen with me the better off you’ll be.”
Kelly called her name and headed toward them. His expression grew grimmer each time his foot hit the pavement. Stacey had the impression from their prior meeting that he was all business when on the job.
“You speak with Ms. Winston after you called me today?” He’d wasted no time on pleasantries.
“No. I left for work. Did she let you in my apartment?”
“Yes. I asked her a couple of question. She hadn’t noticed anything strange.”
“Is she okay?”
“I’m afraid not. She’s dead.”
“No,” Stacey gasped and stumbled back a step. Shock morphed to anger. “What happened?”
“A tenant found her at the bottom of the stairs. Her neck was broken.”
“No way,” Stacey argued.
“The medical examiner will make the final determination, but I’m inclined to agree with you. I need a little more information on your stalker.” The sergeant waved toward the back seat of a cruiser. “Step into my office and let’s talk.”
****
Cash listened to Bubba but kept a watchful eye on Stacey. Kelly was a newcomer in Oak Hill. Whether he was good at his job or not had yet to be proven.
Stacey had leaned back in the cruiser, making Cash shift positions to keep her in his line of sight. He couldn’t hear her words, but her hands moved rapidly while she talked. The longer she stayed with Kelly, the tighter the nerves between his shoulder blades knotted. After what felt like hours, Stacey emerged and dragged her hand through her hair. Kelly followed her back to where Cash and Bubba stood talking.
“It’s a good idea to have her stay at your place.” Kelly handed his card to Cash. “I’d like your phone number. Just in case I can’t reach Ms. McKinney.”
Cash jotted down his home and cell information then passed the card back. “When can we get inside her apartment?”
“I’ll walk you up.” Kelly glanced at Stacey. “I’d like another look around. Be good for you to do the same, see if something else is missing.”
“Lead the way,” she said.
She grasped Cash’s hand and tugged as if to say, come with us. He squeezed back. No way was she getting out of his sight.
Kelly tried the door and found it locked. Stepping back, he waved Stacey forward. “Appears to be secure. Go ahead and unlock it.”
Words weren’t necessary. Cash caught the look she shot his direction. Stacey was frightened out of her wits. Cash took her keys, unlocked the door and entered first.
“Sonofabitch. Kelly, take a look at this.” Cash stood between her and the doorway. Damn it. Now she’d really be freaked.
“What’d you see?” She pushed past far enough to get an eyeful. “My God.”
“Stay here.” Kelly drew his pistol and stepped into the destruction.
Cash bit back the urge to follow. Protecting Stacy was more important. A few minutes later, Kelly waved them inside.
Unsure how she’d react, Cash hung on to Stacey. He didn’t figure her for the fainting kind, but he’d stay on the safe side. Her living room looked like a hand grenade had exploded. Her couch was in shreds and her one easy chair lay on its side a long slash ran across the headrest. Magazines and broken glass was scattered across the floor.
She broke away and ran into her bedroom. “My clothes.”
Stacey dropped to the floor. She gathered the tossed about and torn pieces of clothing tightly against her chest. Tears trickled down her cheeks. His heart crunched. She’d always carried her head high, but everyone had their breaking point. He feared s
he’d reached hers.
Cash squatted next to her. “You probably shouldn’t pick things up. Kelly will need everything left as is.”
“He’s right,” Kelly said. “Maybe your guy did locate you. This place was intact when I did my walk through.” He stuck his head in the bathroom, stepped right back out, and then motioned for her to join him.
If for no other reason than to give himself something to do, Cash kept his arm around her waist. He’d felt this kind of anger before, wanted to kill somebody with his bare hands, but that was war. Well, the sonofabitch who’d done this damage had declared his own personal brand of warfare. Cash would answer that call too.
Scrawled across the mirror with lipstick were the words, “Now you’re dead.”
“It’s Ray. He’s crazier than I thought.” Stacey paled, and Cash pulled her closer.
“I need you two to wait outside,” Kelly announced. “If you want to hang around until we sort this out, fine. Or I can call you when you can come back.”
“I need clothes.” Stacey balked.
“We’ll get you some new things tomorrow.” Cash steered her toward the hall. “For now, let’s go to the ranch. You’re dead on your feet.”
“Last chance to withdraw your offer.” Her gaze locked on his. The fear in her eyes cut a hole in his chest. “Be sure.”
“I am.” His heart double clutched at the frustration and underlying terror in her voice. “For what it’s worth, I intend to keep you safe.”
She glanced over her shoulder at the carnage. “That means more to me than you can imagine.” She lowered her gaze to her feet. “If Ms. Winston and Lance were killed because of me, you could be in danger. I feel guilty asking you to risk your life.”
“You’re not. I volunteered.” Cash gathered her in his arms and crushed her to his chest. Her sad eyes and downturned lips had ripped him apart. Leaning down, he slid his thumb under one of her eyes, catching a single tear that had escaped. “It’s late. Let’s go home.”
Chapter Six
The phrase “Let’s go home,” replayed in Stacey’s head, wrapping around her like one of her mother’s homemade quilts. She’d never heard sweeter words. She tucked them away in her heart for safekeeping. She prayed they’d find Ray before he did any more harm. No one else could die because of her. The thought of putting Cash and his employees in danger turned her stomach into a churning caldron.
“Hey.” Cash’s fingers on her cheek sent a warm shudder through her system. “Where’d you go?”
“If something happens to you because of me...” She swallowed back the rest of the sentence. He’d just brush off her concerns and worry more about her safety than his own.
“Nothing’s going to happen.” His tone was self-assured and confident.
“I hope you’re right. Locating Ray would clear up a few questions. I really don’t think Dad would break his promise and tell anyone I’d moved home, but I have to call and ask.”
Cash jerked his hand away as if touching her shocked him.
“There’s no need to involve him.” Cash parked next to the house, turning to face her. “Unless you want your dad to come to Oak Hill.”
“You’re probably right.” She blanched at the darkness of Cash’s tone. What was he not saying? Would he tell her if she asked? Maybe she should wait until he was ready to open up.
The house was dark except for one exterior light. Memories of sitting out on the porch counting fireflies rushed her. She was thrilled he’d bought this place and made it his own.
He unlocked the door and led her down the hall, stopping outside her old bedroom.
“You okay staying in here?”
“Of course.” She flipped the light switch unsure what she’d see. Decorated in pastels greens and white oak furniture, a wicker chair occupied the space her old lounger used to fill. The space resembled a picture from a Better Homes and Garden spread. “It’s lovely.”
“Wait.” His arm went around her shoulder. “I should have my ass kicked for not realizing this room would have too many memories. Come to one of the other guest rooms.”
“No. This is fine.” A strange sadness settled on her heart. Did he consider her just another guest? “You don’t want me to sleep with you?”
“More than you can imagine.” His gray eyes darkened like storm clouds. “But when or if you come to my bed, you need to be sure. Positive. We’re not kids any longer, I want more.”
She stood mesmerized by the man in front of her. He was right. She hadn’t had a rational thought since hearing Ms. Winston was dead. Bone tired and scared out of her wits wasn’t conducive for making good decisions.
“Thank you.”
He pulled her against his rock hard chest and held her for a second. Seemed like he’d done that a lot over the past few hours. She couldn’t find words to tell him how much that simple action meant to her.
“I’ll probably be in the barn when you get up.” His finger hooked under her chin, lifting until her gaze met his. “You’ll come down?”
“Sure.” She could’ve stayed inside his strong arms forever, but after a soft brush of his lips, she was alone with her thoughts.
She undressed for bed, fighting back the depression of probably being responsible for two people lying in the morgue. The reality of the possibility pressed hard on her heart.
She slipped between the sheets, thinking the soft colors of the room were soothing. She was safe here with Cash. Tall, proud, and successful Cash. A very different person than the boy she’d known. The horse ranch made her think he’d come home to stay, but had he?
Crickets sang outside in the yard, lulling her to sleep. She drifted off, wondering if this was firefly season.
****
The aroma of cinnamon had pulled her out of a troubled sleep earlier than she normally rose on the weekend. It afforded her not only the chance to eat the best sweet roll she’d ever had, she’d met Cash’s housekeeper, Ginger. Short and round with a twinkle in her eyes, she’d welcomed Stacey. They chatted and laughed like old friends.
She made the short walk to the barn remembering mornings when it would’ve been her dad she was hunting. She entered the building and forgot about the past. Cash was backing out of a stall pulling a wheelbarrow. Her mind whirled at the sight before her. His shirt, damp with sweat, clung to him, outlining his muscular stomach and shoulders.
“Morning, Sug.”
His words slid down her spine, sending chill bumps across her skin. He removed his leather gloves and western hat, and then wiped sweat from his brow. She concentrated her energy on delivering the iced tea she’d brought him.
“For me? Careful you’ll spoil me.” He took the glass and then drank the contents without coming up for air.
“I can’t take credit. Ginger sent it.”
“Her method of delivery has improved.” He settled his hat back in place. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Like a rock. Something about this place always made me feel safe.” She rose on tiptoes for a kiss. “Might’ve been because you were just down the hall.”
“Hmm.” He smiled down at her from under the brim of his hat. “Knowing you were that close had the opposite effect on me.” He eased into her space, lowering his face close to hers. “I smell cinnamon.”
“Ginger saved me a roll. I love her by the way.”
“Good. ’Cause she’s got a heart big as Texas.”
“I could tell.” Stacey glanced around the barn. “This place must take a lot of work. Where are your ranch hands?”
“Ramon’s gone to town to pick up a load of feed, and Henry’s around here somewhere.” An impish grin slid across Cash’s face. “We’re not alone, but I could arrange it.”
Heat churned low in her belly every time he dropped his voice to that sexy whisper. “I do have a few hours before I have to be at work. Don’t tempt me.”
“But I like tempting you.” He moved back to the wheelbarrow, lifting it without effort. “I’m finished here. Let’s driv
e into town and get you some clothes. I had a text from Kelly this morning. He’ll meet us and let you past the crime scene tape to gather a few things. The rest we’ll buy.”
“I’ll try to piece together enough to get by, but I really need my boots. Do you think while he’s there, Kelly will tell us if he’s investigating Ray?”
“Probably not.” Cash rolled his shoulders and slipped on his gloves. “Let me dump this manure and get back to the house. I’ll call Ash Hunter. He’s an old Army buddy who’s on the Houston police department. Maybe he can covertly dig into Ray’s past and whereabouts.”
She leaned against a stall gate and watched him finish his work. A myriad of emotions swirled through her with every ripple of his muscles. Cash triggered surges of hormones, flirted shamelessly, and bent over backwards to watch over her. Still, she couldn’t read behind that storm cloud in his eyes. He’d said he’d want more if they made love. How much more? Was he hinting at a commitment? Could she trust him with her heart? Or should she protect herself?
“Hello?” Cash towered over her. An I-caught-you-daydreaming smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
Geesh, she was losing it. He’d finished and was ready to walk her back to the house. Must be fear bouncing her emotions and decisions back and forth.
“Sorry, my mind wandered.” She fought back the rush of blood to her cheeks.
“As long as it wandered to me.” He coiled his fingers around hers. “Come on, I need to grab a shower.”
Was it the sun or Cash that warmed her heart on the walk to the house? Stacey was pretty sure she knew the answer to that question.
Cash left her at the guest bedroom door and headed for the bathroom. She curled up in the wicker chair next to the bed to wait. She considered joining him but remembered her dad didn’t have her new phone number. She could at least give that to him. She grabbed her throwaway cell and dialed his number. Wait until he heard where she was staying. Talk about irony.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Stacey? Where the hell are you?” he barked.
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