by R. C. Ryan
“I know that. And I’m not finding fault with her. I understand exactly how she feels. I’m afraid, too. But now both my parents are putting pressure on me to move home.”
“That’s not the worst thing in the world. They love you. They want you safe.”
She winced. “But for me, it would be an admission that all my hard-earned independence was just a joke. That when things get tough, I run home.”
“What do you want to do?”
She gave a weary shake of her head. “Honestly? I’d like to crawl into my old bed and hide under the covers, and let my parents fuss over me until this nightmare is resolved. But I can’t.” She pulled her hand free of his touch, but not before he felt the quick, jittery pulse.
She started to pace, arms folded over her chest. “I’ve always been a coward, Ben. Afraid of everything. Breaking any of my father’s rules. Getting less than perfect grades. Dating guys he didn’t approve of.” She paused. Looked over at him. “Don’t you see? I stayed away until I thought I could come home on my own terms. And now, weeks into my noble decision, it’s all falling apart.” She took in a deep, shuddering breath. “You can’t imagine how tempted I am to move home and hide. But I know if I do, I’ll never find the courage to be my own person. And this means so much to me.”
Ben got to his feet and crossed to her, laying a hand on her shoulder. “First of all, look at how you reacted when you were shot at, in the dark, by an unknown assailant. You didn’t cry, or run to your parents’ house. You phoned the dispatcher, reported the incident, and stood your ground even after Will left. That’s not the behavior of a coward.”
When she opened her mouth to protest, he touched a finger to her lips. Feeling the rush of heat, he quickly removed his hand and lowered it to his side, clenching it into a fist. “And another thing. Most people crave the comfort of family when things spiral out of control. It’s the most natural thing in the world to want your parents to be there for you in times of trouble.”
“But most parents wouldn’t try to take over their child’s life.”
“You’re an adult now, Becca. You have the right to set boundaries. Even where your folks are concerned.”
He could see her considering all he’d said.
“Thank you, Ben. It’s what I’ve been telling myself. I’m so glad you stopped by.” She looked close to tears.
He didn’t know what he’d do if she cried.
Yes, he did. If she broke down crying, he’d have to comfort her. And if he did, he might never stop until…
Very deliberately he started toward the front door. “I’m glad, too. I hope you know you can call me any time you need a friend.”
She moved past him and opened the door. “I may take you up on that.”
“Good. Good night, Becca.”
He almost made it out the door. Would have, if he hadn’t looked down to see her struggling to smile, despite the glint of tears on her lashes.
He reached out a hand to her. “Rebecca, don’t cry…”
Ashamed, she turned her head to hide her anguish.
He swore softly before gathering her into his arms. “Hey, now. It’s going to be all right.”
“Oh, Ben…”
His entire body was engulfed in heat.
It seemed the most natural thing in the world to frame her face with his hands and run soft butterfly kisses from her temple to her cheek and lower, to her mouth, while murmuring words of comfort. “You’re safe now. You’ll get through this.”
“I know.” With a soft sigh she returned his kiss with a sort of desperation that had him forgetting all his promises to himself.
The rush of heat became a raging inferno. His hands were in her hair, though he couldn’t recall how they got there. His mouth moved over hers, taking the kiss deep.
She moaned softly.
Her hungry response had him throwing all caution to the wind. How could he resist when the need was so great?
She stood clinging fiercely, returning his kisses with a hunger that caught him off guard.
Her body fit perfectly against his, like the missing piece of a puzzle.
The smell of her perfume, faintly floral, went straight to his head.
With each kiss, she tasted like sin.
He took all she offered, devouring them both until alarm bells went off in his brain.
With a fierce oath, he lifted his head, breaking contact.
God in heaven. His heartbeat was thundering. His breathing ragged. He was surprised at how difficult it was to speak. “I can’t…do this. I’m supposed to be professional…” He tried again. “I…have a job to do.”
“I know.” She stepped back, refusing to look at him. Instead she stared at the floor, color flooding her cheeks. “I have no right”—she spread her hands, still studying a spot on the floor—“to bother you with my personal problems, Ben.”
He put a hand under her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. The mere touch of her sent another series of tremors through his overcharged system.
Almost reverently he framed her face with his big hands. His tone was low with passion. “You know you can tell me anything.”
He was rewarded by the slightest nod of her head. “I guess that’s why I do it. You’re so easy to talk to, Ben.” She stood on tiptoe to brush a kiss over his cheek.
His hands were shaking, and he had to lower them to his side to keep from dragging her close. “I’ll check on you whenever I can. Call me if you need me.”
“I will, Ben. Good night.”
He strode out the door, refusing to look back. If he did, he’d never make it to his car.
Once inside he turned the key in the ignition and noted idly that his hands were still trembling.
Right now, more than ever, he wanted to run back and lock himself inside with Rebecca. The only trouble was, she’d be in even more danger than she was now.
He wanted her. Dear God, he wanted her. And always had.
In the years they’d been apart, nothing had changed.
Yet, in a way, everything had.
She’d come back to Haller Creek determined to make her own way, despite her father’s efforts to take charge.
Rebecca may be winning the conflict with her father, but if she got to really know the darker side of Ben, with all its rough edges, she’d be shocked to her core.
Ben swore. And wasn’t he the biggest fool in the world right now? Even knowing how right her father was…even knowing how wrong they were for one another, he wanted her. And would until the day he died. Probably while engaging in a bone-breaking, head-jarring, knock-down, drag-out brawl.
Chapter Nine
Hank Henderson set down the phone and walked over to the display of building materials. He stood to one side, watching and listening as his daughter finished writing up an order for a rancher.
Her smile was bright as she tore off a copy of the order and handed it over. “I’ll get this to Eli right away. Do you have any other business in town, Roy?”
The rancher nodded. “Planned my day around this trip to town.”
“Good. If you’ll park your truck at one of the loading docks, Eli should have this ready for you within the hour.”
“Thanks, Rebecca.” He tipped his hat. Then, seeing Hank standing to one side, nodded a greeting. “You’ve got yourself one heck of an employee, Hank. She knows her stuff.”
“Thanks, Roy. I appreciate that seal of approval.”
When the rancher left, Rebecca turned. “Do you have a minute to talk, Dad?”
“What about?”
“About that little plot of fenced land by the side entrance to the store.”
“Where I dump those wooden pallets and junk?”
She nodded. “I’d like to rent it.”
“Now what foolishness is this?” He looked at her as though she’d grown two heads.
Rebecca thought about the way she’d rehearsed this request. She would be calm, cool, and collected. And no matter what her father said, o
r how he said it, she would stick to her request. “I’d like to clean it up and use it to display some things.”
“What things?”
She shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. Things that might complement what you sell inside, without being in competition with your business.”
“You mean like fancy, girly things?”
The sarcastic tone had her biting back a comment. If she were to let her father know how she really felt, he would shoot down her plans before she even had a chance to try them.
She turned toward the rear of the store. “I have to get this order to Eli.”
“In a minute.” Hank caught her arm. “Your mother and I invited Will to supper and want you to join us.”
“Sorry. I can’t. I’m working the late shift today. Remember?”
He smiled. “And I just changed the schedule.” Before she could say a word, he held up a hand. “That’s my right. Not only as owner, but also as your father. As of now, your shift ends at four. That will give you plenty of time to go home and change before you join us for supper.”
“What about my plans?”
“Change them.” His smile grew. “That is, if you actually have any.”
“And what do I get in return?”
At her question, he paused before saying, “A promise that I’ll give your request some thought.”
“Fair enough.” Rebecca walked away clutching the order. As she made her way to the back room, she had to admit that, though she found her father’s tactics heavy-handed, he did promise to consider her request. It was a start. And for a man like her controlling dad, a big concession.
Her smile came slowly. In truth, she wouldn’t mind a home-cooked meal. At least she wouldn’t have another night of takeout in front of the television. Of course, as payment, she would have to tolerate once again being offered as the perfect soul mate to the brand-new minister.
She found herself wishing Will Theisen had returned to Haller Creek with a wife. Life would have been so much simpler.
“So, Will.” After a meal of Susan Henderson’s tasty pot roast and candied yams, Hank was feeling expansive as they gathered in the living room. “I hear you had a visit with Reverend Grayson.”
“Yes, sir.” Will settled more comfortably into the high-backed chair arranged to one side of the fireplace. “He said he’s being urged by the women’s committee to host a fund-raiser, to cover the cost of a new roof.”
“That won’t sit well with the congregation.” Hank frowned. “A lot of the ranchers are having hard times.” He nodded toward his wife. “Susan knows I’ve had to arrange for monthly payments from a lot of them who are being eaten alive by debt. A lot of families with hundreds of acres can’t keep up with taxes, insurance, and maintenance on their holdings.”
Will shrugged. “Maybe they should sell.”
Rebecca turned to him. “And then what will they do?”
The young minister looked surprised by her question. “I don’t know. Get a job on someone else’s ranch, I guess.”
“And one day we’ll wake up and realize there aren’t any ranches left.”
Will arched a brow. “I don’t see how that would affect you. You have a comfortable life here in town.”
“A life that depends on the success of the people around us. Without ranchers to buy our goods, the businesspeople in this town would have to shutter their doors and move.”
Hank nodded. “Rebecca’s right. Our success is directly tied to the success of everyone else, especially the ranchers.”
Will looked properly impressed. “I guess I never gave it much thought until now. But I can see the wisdom of everybody working together for the common good.”
Hank gave the young man a knowing smile. “I’m sure at your college it was nothing more than a concept. Out in the real world, it’s an economic fact.”
Rebecca turned to her mother. “That was the perfect comfort food. Thanks, Mom. But now I need to get home.”
As she got to her feet, Will stood. “I’ll walk you.”
“I’d appreciate the company. Thanks, Will.”
As she turned to fetch her jacket from the front hall closet, she saw the smile on her father’s lips. She could almost see him rubbing his hands in glee as his scheme to throw them together was working as planned.
Will opened the door before turning toward his hosts.
“Thank you again, Susan.” He bent to kiss her cheek.
“You’re welcome, Will. Come again soon.”
“Good night, Hank.” The two men shook hands.
“’Night, Mom. Dad. Can we talk tomorrow about my plan?”
Seeing her mother glance at her father, Rebecca’s smile remained. “I’m sure Dad will tell you all about it later.” Rebecca brushed a kiss over both their cheeks and stepped out ahead of Will.
The older couple stood in the open doorway, watching.
“Getting a bit chilly,” Hank called.
“Winter’s coming.” Rebecca turned to smile at her parents. “I can’t wait for the first snow—”
The sound of a gunshot echoed across the night sky. For a moment nobody moved. Then, as realization dawned, Hank and Susan were reaching for their daughter at the same instant Rebecca rushed into their arms and was hauled inside.
Nearby a car door slammed, and tires screeched as a darkened vehicle drove away.
As soon as Will cleared the doorway, Hank slammed the front door and set the lock.
While the others gathered around in a frenzied need to comfort one another, Rebecca fished her cell phone from her pocket and dialed 911 to breathlessly report what had happened.
She listened to Jeanette Moak’s calm reaction. “As long as there are no injuries, don’t move. Sit tight. We’re on it.”
Rebecca had to swallow down the hard knot of fear clogging her throat. “Don’t worry. We’re not going anywhere.”
Ben handed the ticket to the driver of the flashy little sports car. Her girlfriend in the passenger seat leaned over her friend to flirt shamelessly.
“How fast did you have to go to catch us, Officer?”
“Over a hundred, ma’am.” He managed a smile. “You’re both lucky there was no alcohol involved, or you’d both cool your heels overnight in Haller Creek’s jail. As it is, you know that kind of speed could be called reckless. What you did, passing that line of vehicles, was downright dangerous.”
“Fortunately, nobody got hurt.”
“Except your wallet, ma’am.”
The blond driver flashed him a toothy smile. “We were just having a little fun. Thank you, Officer.”
“Ma’am. You may not be so thankful when you pay this fine.” He tipped his hat and walked back to his squad car.
“Ben.” Jeanette’s voice sounded flustered. “Where’ve you been?”
“Writing out a ticket for a couple of tourists.”
“There’s been another shot fired. Over at the Henderson house.”
“Anybody hurt?” For the space of several seconds, his heart stopped.
“No.”
He took a quick breath. “Thanks. I’m on it.”
“I called Sheriff Kerr at home when you didn’t respond right away.”
“Good. I’ll meet him there.”
Ben pushed his vehicle to the limit. Within minutes he pulled up in front of the Henderson house. In quick moves he exited his car and strode to the front door.
When it opened, he could see the disappointment laced with annoyance on Hank’s face. “I called for the sheriff.”
“He’s on his way.” When Hank hesitated, Ben pushed the door wider and went inside.
Rebecca stepped away from her mother and Will and hurried over. “Oh, Ben. Thank heavens you’re here.”
Knowing the others were watching, he resisted the urge to gather her close and kept his tone professional. “Tell me exactly what happened.”
In a few words she described the scene.
“One shot?”
“Just one.”
“None of you saw anyone?”
They shook their heads.
“You all heard a car door slam?”
Several nods.
“And the driver left in a rush,” Hank added for emphasis. “I’m certain you’ll find burned rubber on the street.”
“I’ll be sure to check it out.” Ben looked over at Will Theisen, whose face was as pale as his new collar. “Do you have anything to add, Will?”
He shook his head and was comforted by Susan Henderson, who kept patting his hand.
Ben spoke to Rebecca. “Did you walk here from your place?”
She nodded. “I left my house around six.”
“Did you notice anyone following you? Did you have an uneasy feeling about anything?”
“Nothing.”
He turned to Will. “Did you walk or drive?”
“I walked.”
“Then I ask you the same. Anyone following you? Any sense that you were being watched?”
Will hesitated for a fraction before shaking his head.
The sheriff’s vehicle pulled up in front of the house, and Virgil Kerr limped up the walkway. Seeing Ben, he relaxed a bit. “Glad you got here so fast. Jeanette was worried.”
“A ticket on the interstate. I came right over.”
“Thanks, son.” Virgil turned to the others. “Have you all given your statements to my deputy?”
Hank frowned. “I’d have rather spoken with you, Virgil.”
“I don’t know why.” The sheriff’s gruff tone revealed his annoyance. “When I chose Ben here to be my deputy, I did it because he’s the most competent man for the job. If you’ve talked to him, you’ve talked to me.”
Ben suppressed the little smile that teased the corners of his mouth.
Virgil turned to Rebecca. “You planning on staying here tonight? Or are you heading home?”
“She’s staying here,” Hank said firmly.
“Of course she is.” Susan was equally firm.
Seeing Rebecca start to shake her head, both her parents started to speak at once.
She held up a hand. After taking a deep breath she stood a little taller. “I have a home on Maple, Sheriff. That’s where I’m going.”