by Hebby Roman
He guided her a few feet down along the fence line.
“You sound as paranoid as I feel.” She snorted. “Ramsey’s not smart enough to plant spies. Especially Slim. The idiot couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag. I’m more worried about Jacobs.”
“I haven’t seen him around, but if he is gone, it would sure explain the conversation Ramsey and I shared earlier. Either he’s suspicious or has a pretty high opinion of me. Can’t say which for sure. ‘Course relocating your cattle was a dicey move on my part.”
“I haven’t seen him either. Not since the night of the bar. Now all his stuff is gone too,” she paused as if in deep thought. “Wait a minute. I’m not sure I heard you right. You did what?”
He steered her back to the opening and pointed in the darkness. “The field to the left of this one has the cows and heifers closest to calving. Plus the mother and calf just born.” He pulled her to the right at bit. “And over here is all of your other cattle. There’s a total of twenty-seven including the new addition.”
Addison repeated the number. Though she’d known all along Ramsey was guilty, hearing Sawyer say it out loud reinforced her suspicions. She saw red as a surge of anger burned within and thoughts of revenge clouded her judgement. Warning the other ranchers and a flyer wasn’t nearly enough punishment. She wanted the underhanded rancher to pay for what he did.
“I knew it. Of all the lowdown, crooked things he could’ve done…and to think Jacobs was in on this, too. I can’t believe someone could do something so…so…damn wrong. It’s just wrong,” she sputtered. “I’m going to get my cows.” She started for the fence.
“Whoa…wait a minute. You sure about this? You don’t even have a flashlight to see which ones are yours. Perhaps we should try the sheriff again? Or is there someone else we can turn to? Maybe hire more men?” Sawyer suggested. The desperate tone in his voice suggested he was grasping at straws.
We? Addison shook her head. She was on her own. “Like who? I won’t chance risking the welfare of my ranch hands. Sheriff Gatlin is a joke. I told you he’s in on this. And do you have any idea how long an investigation would take? By then Ramsey will have covered his tracks. He’d sell my stock or…or who knows? I wouldn’t put anything past the man. As for the lack of light, you just told me which field my cattle were in. Unless these are all just excuses. If you don’t want to help, then leave. I can do this without you.”
“Nope. I’m all in. Believe it or not, you could use my help.”
His words filtered in and despite hating to depend on anyone else, she knew he was right. Swallowing her pride, she reached for his hand. “You’re right. I’m just angry and taking it out on you. If it weren’t for you separating the cattle, I would never be able to find which ones are mine. Thank you.”
“Sorry if it sounded as if I were trying to talk you out of this. I was mostly trying to persuade you to hold off for a night or two. I’d like to give the mother and calf a little more time before we move them. And since, you’re the first person he’ll hunt down, we need to side track him. I thought maybe I could make a comment about seeing a strange vehicle circling the area. Or we could plant a trailer by the road. Something, anything, to keep him off your trail.”
“I guess that’s not a bad idea,” she considered.
“Yeah. It may keep Ramsey off your scent. I think he’s questioning how much you know. Perhaps even expecting you to make some kind of move. I’m really not sure what he’s up to. The man’s hard to read. But, he was acting real sketchy earlier. I want to make sure you are covered, in case it gets ugly.”
“What do you mean?” she questioned. As if this wasn’t ugly enough.
“I’m talking about when Ramsey wakes up and sees a good chunk of his cattle missing. He’s not the kind of man you want to mess with. In fact, when this is over, I’ll be looking for another job. Maybe sooner. I won’t work for a liar and a thief. In the meantime, I’ll see what I can do about a trailer.”
She repeated his words in her head. At least the handsome cowboy had morals. However, Addison refused to let him believe she couldn’t defend herself. Dropping his hand, she returned to Chesney and trailed her fingers over the butt of her shotgun again. “I can handle Ramsey. Let him come for me. I’ll be waiting,” she growled. “I’m not the helpless female you seem to think I am.”
Sawyer neared again, standing so close she could feel the heat coming off his skin, then he pulled her into a hug. She welcomed the embrace, breathing in his scent. Longing for more than his arms wrapped about her, she tingled with need. Apparently, she was a liar. When it came to this man, she felt completely powerless.
The warmth of his hand cupped her chin, tilting her head up. His lips grazed hers with a soft kiss. “No, you’re not. In fact, there’s nothing about you which screams helpless. I just want to be there if Ramsey comes after you. You know…in case you need backup.”
Backup? She stepped back. The concept was a little unsettling. For the past few years, the only one she’d been able to count on had been Jacobs. And look how that turned out.
On the other hand, she probably could tighten up around the ranch in case Ramsey showed. At the very least, warn her cowhands. “I was a little worried about relocating the mother and calf so soon,” she admitted.
“Yeah, me too. The calf’s been pretty spunky, but it’d be better to wait. I’ll make sure you get home safely.”
“Really?” A bark of laughter escaped her. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary. Besides, I have my horse.”
“I won’t take no for an answer,” he insisted. Grasping her hand, he pulled her back in for another kiss. “A gentleman always walks his date to the door.”
“Date?” Addison scoffed. “Is that what you think this is?”
“Yep. Why else would you sneak out to see me?”
A giggle bubbled in her throat. The absurdity of his remark was too silly to argue.
“Good. Then it’s settled. We can ride double. I’ll walk back. It’ll ease my mind. Like I said, I’m worried Ramsey has something up his sleeve.”
She considered the offer. She didn’t question the safety of her home, however, the thought of going into a lonely house certainly wasn’t appealing. Perhaps a little company would be nice. Especially, if the so-called date made Addison want to rip her clothes off.
“Suit yourself.” She shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite the sudden quickening of her pulse.
Sawyer left her side, to mount the horse. He held out his hand and she pulled herself up, positioning her body in front of him. Brawny arms wrapped about her mid-section and she leaned back into his chest.
Surrounded in his warmth and the familiar scent of leather, a sense of security calmed her. After a moment she allowed herself to relax. Though foreign, there was something comforting about a man willing to protect her, even if it was only for a short ride home.
Chapter Nine
Once they got to her house, Sawyer breathed a bit easier. Getting Addison home safely had been his number one priority. Now, no longer feeling as if someone were breathing down their necks, he was able to shake free the tension squeezing his shoulders in a vice-like grip. They neared the barn and she dismounted.
Sawyer hopped down and as she took the reins, he studied her face. She held his gaze and forced a smile. The girl looked tired and weary, her skin pale in the bright sliver of light the moon offered. Worry etched her brow, and he couldn’t stop the feelings seeing her in this state brought forth.
Addison was an enticing blend of fearless and fragile. A kitten with claws. Admitting he was intrigued only spoke half the truth. He stepped forward, holding her for a moment without words, as the warmth of her hands settled around his shoulders. He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.
Slow and languid the kiss intensified, quickly spiraling into a storm of pent-up passion. A feverish need took over and he grasped her hips pulling her in closer. Still not close enough, he cupped her backside with a firm
grip causing a moan to escape her. He found the soft part of her ear lobe and nibbled gently.
“I should stable Chesney,” she whispered huskily, planting her palms firmly against his chest.
He could see a war of emotions in her tawny eyes. A mix of desire and responsibility. Hating to let her go, but not wanting to be the reason for the conflict, he stole one last chaste peck, then released his hold. “How about you let me handle the grooming? We can put her in the stall for now, then I’ll go check out the house, and come back out to brush her down before I leave. Sound good?”
Addison shook her head. “No. She’s my horse. I’ll take care of her.”
Sawyer nodded. He knew before he’d offered she’d say no. The woman was as stubborn as she was beautiful. Her animals came first. As she led the horse to the stall, he followed. “The least I can do is help.”
She unhitched the shotgun and placed it by the barn door. Then, he removed the saddle and pad, and carried them to the tack room as Addison grabbed tools needed to brush the mare down. On the way back, he glanced at the neighboring stall and pointed to a midnight black gelding. “Who is this big guy?”
Addison paused. A pained look altered her features. Though fleeting, Sawyer couldn’t place it. Sadness? “Black Jack,” she replied distantly as she stared at the horse. A second later the odd expression was replaced with a fond smile. “He’s a good boy. Even tempered and dependable. Never gives me any trouble. It’s Chesney who has her moods.” Juggling the grooming tools in her hand, she walked into the mare’s stall.
Sawyer neared the horse’s stall, slowly approaching him in an arc instead of straight forward so as not to spook him. Positioning himself on the gelding’s left side, he held out his hand so Black Jack could gather his scent. Once certain he was welcome in the animal’s space, Sawyer scratched the large animal on the withers.
“Does he have any cow sense?” Sawyer stepped back to admire the animal.
Addison peeked over the back of her mare. “Yeah. He loves to work cattle. In fact, he’s better at cutting than Chesney.” She paused, swallowed hard, and then continued. “You may want to saddle him up and take a practice run in the next day or two. We will be pushing cows with him when we make our move. I figured since you’ll need a horse you wouldn’t mind riding him.”
Sawyer nodded. “Good idea. You care if I take him out in the morning? I’ll wake early and swing by if it’s okay.” He left the gelding’s side and walked to the doorway of the stall she was in. Leaning his weight against the railing, he watched as she groomed the mare.
Addison bobbed her head, brushing the horse down with a graceful hand. “If I’m not around, Billy or Cole will be. Just let them know I said you could take Black Jack out.”
Though he’d seen a horse groomed thousands of times, she drew his complete attention. With a brow knitted in concentration, she curried the mare with circular strokes, then placed the curry comb on the stall’s rail and grabbed the dandy brush. After several, quick sweeps she followed up with a soft brush. She glanced up and caught him staring.
Embarrassed, he lowered his gaze and kicked at some straw on the dirt floor of the barn. If the woman could mesmerize him by merely grooming a horse, he was in serious trouble.
“I’m done. You ready?” Not waiting for his reply, she carried the tools to the tack room and then paused to pick up the shotgun.
Sawyer followed her out of the stable and they headed to the house. Though a porch light lit the narrow walkway into the property, it seemed anything but inviting. The thought of her coming home to this tightened his stomach, and he was instantly on edge. He spared a glance behind him and peered into the darkness surrounding the dwelling.
Needles of awareness spiked under his skin and he scoured the entrance. Spruce, Pine and Fir trees shrouded the opening, casting dark shadows and providing shelter for anyone with bad intentions. If someone did want to cause her harm, they could lay in wait without worry of being seen.
Despite Addison having the weapon as protection, he stepped in front of her as the strong need to protect the woman overwhelmed him. Scout took the lead, reaching the stoop first, and waited patiently for them. Sawyer registered the animal’s vigilant stare and raised hackles. Even the cattle dog was on alert.
Once inside, he relaxed a bit. He glanced about the room, taking in a cozy living space with a large wood stove as the center-piece. Embers of a fire could be seen within the window face.
“Mind if take a quick look around?”
Addison shook her head and set the shotgun by the door before locking both the top lock and bottom. She took off her coat and then pointed to his. He slipped out of the heavy jacket and handed it to her.
“Nope. In fact, I’d appreciate it. I can make coffee or would you prefer a beer? I may even have a few cans of pop.” She hung both the coats on a tall rack stationed near the exit.
“I’ll take a beer.”
As she headed to the kitchen, he ventured from the room, to the right and found two spare bedrooms split by a guest bathroom. After checking out the area, he backtracked to the living room and to the left, following a hallway which led him to the master bedroom.
A whiff of wildflowers assaulted him and he took in the rose-pink ruffled bedspread and matching curtains. Caught by surprise, he glanced about the girly room in wonder. Up until this moment Addison had struck him as practical and to the point, however, the private area indicated a much softer side.
The master bathroom set on the left, also shaded in the rich rose color. He inhaled a deep breath of the floral scent before leaving the room and found her cozied on the couch with a glass of wine in her hand.
He stoked the fire, filling the stove with another log, then joined her.
“No one lurking in a closet or under the bed?” she asked. A hint of a grin pulled at the corner of her mouth. She leaned forward and retrieved the bottle of beer from the coffee table, handing it to him.
“You can poke fun all you like.” Twisting the cap, he shrugged off the taunting remark. “I feel much better knowing you are safe and sound.”
Addison swirled the glass in her hand, then raised it to her mouth and sipped. The burgundy red of the wine stained her lips. “Honestly, I’m thankful you checked,” she admitted. “It’s funny. I know so little about you, but I feel safer with you than I ever have with anyone else.”
The remark sank in, shaking him to the core. He’d never felt a stronger bond with another human being. A little unsettling considering they’d only known each other for a few days. “What do you want to know?” He took a long pull off the bottle. Though the idea of sharing parts of his past made him uneasy, he knew Addison needed the insight.
“You made it pretty clear you won’t be sticking around. What’s it like to be a drifter?” She raised the glass again, peering at him over the rim with an inquisitive golden gaze.
“Drifter, huh? I hate that title. It implies I can’t settle down.” He glanced at the fire, then back to her. “To be honest, I simply haven’t found a place I felt comfortable enough to call home yet.”
His past wouldn’t let him.
The thought repeated itself making him feel anxious. He shifted under her intense stare, certain she could see right through him.
“Interesting.” She tapped the tip of her finger against the side of her glass. After a moment, she continued, “I know so little about you. I don’t even know how old you are. Or where you are from. What about your parents?”
“Twenty-six. Born in Willow Creek, Montana. A town so small it’s not worth mentioning.” He glanced down at the beer he held and scratched at the label with his fingernail. “I left the day I turned sixteen. Over…uh…there was a disagreement. My stepfather and I didn’t get along.”
He shrugged, unable to tell her the real reason why he left. Raising his head, he caught her gaze and noted the sympathy in her stare. The truth would trigger a completely different response. One he wasn’t sure he could take.
&nbs
p; He leaned forward, placing his beer on the table. “And that is why I don’t share my past with anyone. I’ve been happy with my life. Seen a lot of places. Done a lot of things. I’ve kept in touch with my mom. I send her a postcard or a letter now and then. Money when I can.”
On Mother’s Day. Her birthday. Every other month or so.
“At least you still have your mother. I lost both of my parents.” She placed her glass on the table. Grasping his hand, she lifted his arm around her and curled up next to his side. “They died in a car accident five years ago. I was told alcohol was a factor, but I have my doubts. Especially considering, they were only going to the feed store for supplies.”
Sawyer tucked her in closer, then kissed the top of her head. “That’s rough. And then you took on the responsibility of the ranch? Quite a bit to handle all at once.”
“Yeah, I’d just turned eighteen. Jacobs helped. I leaned on him for everything. Which is why his betrayal hit me so strong.”
He squeezed her shoulder lightly. “You think he had anything to do with their deaths?”
“Good Lord, no. My father and Jacobs were best friends. They grew up together. Those two were closer than most brothers. Oh my. What if…?” She sat up straight. The shock in her stare told him she’d never considered the idea. “What if he did?”
Sawyer rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand as he considered everything she’d just said. Jacobs didn’t quite fit the bill. He may have been wanting more money, but murder? He shook his head. Didn’t seem likely. “I doubt it. However, I wouldn’t put something like that past Ramsey. How long have you had problems with him?”
“I’d say a good year before the wreck.” Grabbing her wine, she drank a bit, then stared into the glass. “But I do remember a month or so before their accident, he started coming around pressuring my father to sell. My dad refused. This place was his life. Owning a ranch was his lifelong dream. Do you think Ramsey had something to do with their accident?” Her bottom lip quivered exposing a vulnerability he hadn’t seen. Tears followed, streaming down her cheek without warning.