He cast a sidelong glance at Gabe and Julia, who’d arrived a few minutes ago. They held hands across the table as they smiled and spoke softly. Hunter and Tabitha were just finishing their meal. Before their food had arrived, she’d almost talked Tyler’s ear off for a good ten minutes about her new Christmas cards before he was rescued by her husband. Tyler liked the bookshop owner, she was pretty and nice, but at the moment, he had important things to worry about.
Had Courtney forgotten the invitation? Or maybe she remembered but had no intention of showing up. The longer he sat sipping his coffee, the larger the urge grew to help her before she found herself in more trouble than what she might already be in. A warm, intense feeling shoved inside his chest. Something about Jake’s little sister got to him.
Dalton ate alone at a table across the room. He and Frank had exchanged a frosty hello when the deputy had entered, making Tyler wonder. Dalton had stopped by Tyler’s table as well, mentioned he was still holding Wil Lemon, and then took the solitary table when Tyler failed to invite him to sit. He couldn’t. The conversation he had in mind would be for Courtney’s ears alone. He halfheartedly hoped some of these diners would clear out for more privacy before she arrived. Either way, he’d make sure no one overheard their discussion.
Seth Cotton let out a barking laugh, reminding Tyler of a mule at feeding time.
The rancher sat with Ivy, his wife; his sister, Nell; and her husband, Charley Axelrose. Maddie, Charley’s daughter, sat between him and Nell, listening to the grown-ups’ conversation.
In the mix of talk, Tyler picked up plans for Christmas, what they’d cook, Christmas cookie recipes, and the like. Sounded like they were bringing some of the choice wine which had been discovered in the cellar of the Cotton Ranch to the Christmas celebration.
When Tyler had come to town and was hired on at the Broken Horn, he’d met a slew of folks. The town was tightly knit. He’d never seen the like. Where he was from, people were neighborly, but this was different. What affected one of them seemed to affect them all. And he’d been welcomed into the fold. He liked the comfortable feel about Logan Meadows. That was one of the reasons he wanted to make this place his home.
My decision doesn’t have anything to do with Courtney Costner, he told himself. The way the sound of her voice pulled at every fiber of his being was just a coincidence. Seeing a tremble in his hand when he lifted his cup was the last straw. A breath of cold air would clear his head. He stood and started for the door.
“Are you leaving, Tyler?” Roberta asked as she set a plate of food on Frank Lloyd’s table. “I was just about to refill your cup, but I won’t if you’re done.”
“No, ma’am. Just stepping out for a moment in need of fresh air.” He smiled and shrugged. “I’m still waiting on Courtney, but she’s taking a bit longer than expected. Can you keep my table?”
“Of course. That’s no problem at all.” She came closer and whispered, “I can’t handle many more customers on my own, so doing so will be a favor. Daisy is set to arrive any time.”
“Then I’m happy to help. I’ll be back in two.”
“Take all the time you need. No one will steal your table.”
Boyish laughter rang out. Tyler turned in time to see Markus, Stevie, as well as Prichard, dart past him and out the front door, almost knocking over a chair and pulling down coats from the overfilled coatrack. The door slammed shut behind them.
Roberta scowled and shook her head. “If I could catch those three, they’d learn a lesson they’d not soon forget, but there isn’t a chance of that. They’re like wild coyotes drunk on juneberries when out on Christmas vacation. Boys!”
Forcing a smile, Tyler proceeded to the door until Charley waved him over. “Tyler, can you relay a message to Chase for me?”
Tyler nodded. “Sure. Going to the ranch as soon as I finish here.”
“Good. I’m bringing over the yearling stud colt later today. Just want to be sure you’re ready for him. He can be a handful, most times. I wouldn’t want him to get into any trouble already at his new home.”
“You bet. His stall is ready and waiting—and has been for days. Chase and Jessie are excited about getting him.”
“Yeah, I’m glad he went to the Broken Horn as well. I’m anxious to see how he matures.”
“We both are!” Nell interjected, her coffee cup raised to her lips. “Charley likes to take all the credit around our ranch. I rope him in now and then and remind him I’m still a part of the operation.” She laughed, a life full of love shining in her eyes. “He’s old-fashioned. Thinks a woman’s place is in front of the stove, not riding unbroken broomtails.”
“I think no such thing!” Charley scolded. “Stop making up stories.”
Maddie’s wide grin reminded Tyler of his little sisters. “Then we’ll watch for you both.” Tyler remembered the story he’d been told of how they’d rounded up a herd of wild horses to save Nell and Seth’s ranch. Tyler nodded and stepped outside, anxious about the conversation to come. The frosty air stung his face and cleared out the fog permeating his mind.
Two guests from the El Dorado Hotel, unfamiliar faces to him, were out on the boardwalk early this morning, gazing around the town. Logan Meadows was experiencing more and more tourists from the East, and this couple looked as if they belonged in New York. They smiled when their gazes connected, and he could see their curiosity. He was a riddle. A cowboy who’d tamed the West. He’d heard talk how ranch hands were considered little more than a youth in understanding but brawny in build, strong of arm. Strange, indeed. He’d trust Chase Logan with money matters a hundred times more than an Easterner. Because one worked outside in the sunshine and rain didn’t make them any less clever than a man who sat behind a desk. He turned.
Courtney darted out of the sheriff’s office, ran past the saloon, and then stumbled to a halt at the bank. She grasped a post. With closed eyes, she glanced up at the sky.
Was she praying? He squelched a sudden urge to run to her and wrap her protectively in his arms. All that bothered him from the night before vanished, and all he cared about was Courtney—her safety, her feelings, her heart.
Why was she in the sheriff’s office? Looking for Dalton or Thom? Dalton’s mention of Wil being locked up resurfaced. Did he have something to do with what Courtney had done? What other explanation was more plausible? Was he holding something over her head? Since Lemon had arrived, she’d changed. A thousand possibilities, and none that he liked, rifled through his head. Anger sprang up. If Lemon had hurt her in some way, if he’d compromised her, Tyler’d beat the stuffing out of him before he sent him down the river on a waterlogged tree.
Courtney lifted her chin and started his way, not seeing him between boardwalk posts, water troughs, and the few townsfolk milling around on this chilly morning. She’d arrive in only moments. Should he say he’d seen where she’d been or wait and see if she volunteered the information? He didn’t want to be devious, but she hadn’t been forthcoming so far, and he’d guess with the matters of Chase Logan’s money she’d be no different. He had to save her from her fear—and whatever else was pushing her into thievery. The mystery around Courtney Costner just kept growing deeper by the day.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Moving along the boardwalk with resolve, Courtney took several deep, mind-clearing breaths, trying to shake the bad feelings rolling around inside. When she met Tyler, she couldn’t appear nervous or shaken. He’d seemed so different today. A man with a mission, if nothing else. Breathing in and out several more times did little to calm her racing heart.
What had possessed Wil? He had changed so much. The look in his eyes, almost like he was at the finish line and about to win a great prize, had shattered her resolve to appeal to his conscience, get him to understand what this town meant to her, and why keeping quiet was so important. Her insides shrank with disgust and regret. How had she ever been attracted to him? Just the memory of his eyes, shining with victory as he issued
his impossible ultimatum, made her want to retch. That’s the person she’d given her innocence to. A stranger, and not just that, a wicked stranger to boot.
She had to face the truth. Even if she gave him the Logans’ eighty dollars, and somehow found twenty more, he’d never give up. He’d keep blackmailing her until she could no longer pay, and then he’d tell her secret anyway. She had to do the right thing now. Return the money. She’d felt sick ever since drawing them out, the room silent with her conviction. Somehow, she’d return the four gold eagles to their rightful spot tonight.
But along with that, she’d need to confess to Jessie as well. Courtney felt dirty and sneaky. Could she ever right all her wrongs? She didn’t know Reverend Wilbrand well enough to feel comfortable with the preacher, and she didn’t want Jake to know she’d made another stupid mistake. Would she ever stop being so impulsive and foolish? Oh, how she wished her father hadn’t passed away.
Almost to the Silky Hen, she slowed, dreading the confrontation ahead. And then she saw him. Tyler! Out front, waiting for her. How long had he been there? Had he seen her come from Albert’s office? He smiled when their gazes connected, but the expression didn’t reach his eyes. If she had to guess, the answer was yes, he’d seen her and wasn’t pleased.
“There you are, Courtney. I wondered if you’d show up. I thought you might have gone back to the ranch.”
He was acting strange—again. She wished she knew what he knew. “I didn’t forget. I’ve just been busy. I hope you haven’t waited long.”
“Not really. I just stepped out for a bit of cool air. Busy in there. Stuffy, too.”
Nodding, she reached for the doorknob.
He leaned around her and pulled open the door.
His long arm and large chest cocooned around her, bringing a sense of calm. He made her feel small and protected. As he was quite tall, she had to angle her head to glance up to see what he was about. He tipped his head courteously and smiled as she passed through into the busy room.
Roberta darted by, her face red and brow shiny.
He escorted her to a table already set with two cups, one half full. “Here we are.” He pulled out her chair.
He’s very polite! She’d never really noticed such manners before. He’d always been kind, but today the mood between them seemed strained. Once Courtney was seated, Roberta came by with the coffeepot and filled her cup and topped off Tyler’s.
“Would you like something to eat?” Roberta asked.
“No, thank you,” Courtney answered. Why had Tyler invited her? She lifted the small pitcher of cream, the white porcelain cool in her fingers, and added a portion to her cup. Then she stirred in a teaspoon of sugar, something she loved.
He waited for her to finish.
She felt his gaze on her face. Did this meeting have something to do with Adaline? Or Wil? “What did you want to talk about, Tyler?” she asked, suddenly feeling a bit put out. He had no right to question her or stick his nose in her business. What was he up to?
The small smile faded from his face. “I couldn’t sleep last night and went out for some air. The time was late, well past midnight.”
Oh my stars! He knows! Her stomach clenched painfully and her breathing quickened. “And you’re telling me this, because…?” She made sure her voice didn’t quaver and give her away. She’d already made the decision to return the coins, no matter what, but she hated Tyler might know what she’d done in the first place.
He glanced around before speaking. “Courtney, if you’re in some sort of trouble, maybe I can help. Tell me what you’re tangled in. I can’t do anything if you’re not honest with me. Your good word is everything. Trusting me is your best option.”
She glanced down at her cup, fretting over her best course of action. Doubt no longer remained. He knew something, but she just didn’t know what. Had Jake told him everything? The two friends were as close as brothers, but Jake had promised he’d take the knowledge of her past indiscretions to his grave. To not even tell Daisy. She couldn’t imagine her big brother going back on his word.
She looked up at Tyler through her lashes. No, it was bad enough what she’d done, she didn’t need to draw him into her shame—no matter he offered help. “I really don’t know what you mean, Tyler. Me, in trouble? That’s nonsense. People always think that because I prefer my own company to others. I’m a loner. Always have been; always will be. Nothing is going on.” Would her words kill his overcurious mind? Probably not.
His lips flattened, and besides being put out with his overbearing behavior, she was astounded how attractive he was when he was irritated. Sitting directly across, she took a good, long, fascinated look, considering each of his manly features. In doing so she wasn’t being rude or forward, after all, they were having an important discussion—she was required to stare. His healthy tanned complexion, apparently sun-kissed by many hours in the saddle, was smooth with only a hint of beard this morning. His shoulders, wide. He toyed with his spoon with long, tapered fingers. Clean fingernails. Thick brows fell low over earnest eyes the color of the coffee in her cup, lightly splashed with cream—and were so piercing at the moment they seemed determined to delve deep into her most secret thoughts. A handsome nose led down to finely formed lips…
“Courtney! Pay attention! Your mind is wandering! This is serious business we’re discussing.”
Snapping her gaze back to his annoyed expression, she frowned. Paying attention was a good idea. Her future was at stake.
“As I stated before, last night was dark. With the lamp you carried, I was able to see inside the ranch house, even though I wasn’t close to the building. I didn’t go looking or try to peep in. But I saw you in your room and then you went downstairs.”
She gasped and recoiled in her chair. Her anxiety over what he might know exploded into red-hot anger.
Frank glanced over.
Dalton’s fork stopped halfway to his mouth.
She was drawing attention, the last thing she needed.
Roberta appeared. “Is everything all right, Courtney? Did you spill your coffee and burn yourself?” She looked around on her person but didn’t find anything. “Shall I bring a rag?” Next, she bent over and glanced at the floor and under the table.
Mortified she’d been so transparent, Courtney shook her head. “Oh no, Mrs. Brown, but thank you for asking. I’m fine, really. Just being clumsy and frightened myself.”
Roberta’s mouth opened and closed a few times, but she didn’t say anything else, just shrugged and started for the kitchen.
She waited for Roberta to be out of hearing range. “You watched me through the window?” she hissed, struggling to keep her outrage in check so she didn’t make another scene. “Followed me from window to window? Noted my progress through the house! You should be ashamed of yourself, Tyler Weston! If Chase Logan knew what you’ve done, he’d fire you on the spot. Do you watch Jessie, too? How about little Sarah?” Hoping for the upper hand, she flung the last part, although quietly, and knowing it wasn’t true about someone as upstanding as Tyler. What exactly did he know? Maybe he was just confessing he’d watched her and didn’t see the thievery.
“Of course not. And I didn’t start out watching you, either. Went out for some night air and there you were in the window.”
She tipped her brow, mind racing. How should she handle this? She needed to know a little more before she committed. “Did you enjoy the show?”
He stretched out a hand.
She didn’t reciprocate. She had no idea where this was leading. Did she really want to know?
“You’re frightened, Courtney.” Tyler leaned toward her. “The coins probably haven’t been missed. There’s still time to undo your poor decision. I won’t say anything if you promise to return the coins where they belong. They’re special to Chase and Jessie. A memento of starting the ranch. Do you know what a memento is?”
Shame bubbled up around her like sticky quicksand. N
ow she knew where she teetered—on a precipice with a bottomless pit from where there was no return. He not only thought her a thief but a dummy. Humiliation swirled within, and she fought the heat pooling behind her eyes. How far she’d fallen. If he only knew, he could add the word harlot to her other names. Repairing what she’d become was impossible. She might as well run away tonight. Nothing made a difference anymore.
“Courtney,” he whispered with urgency. “Talk to me. Let me help. I saw you come from the sheriff’s office just now. You were upset. Does Wil Lemon have anything to do with the trouble you’re in? Is he threatening you in some way?”
Adaline came through the door with Daisy and Mrs. Hollyhock. They looked as if they’d been washed in cold water and hung out to dry. Adaline carried Mrs. Hollyhock’s revered box of medical supplies.
Daisy hurried into the kitchen.
Adaline saw her, smiled, and started over.
Thank heavens! Relief crashed through Courtney. She’d never been so happy to see her big sister.
When relief washed over Courtney’s face, frustration sizzled inside Tyler. With her reluctance to speak about the crime she’d committed, he was the one in a tight spot. He should tell Chase. Or he could be labeled as a Peeping Tom. But regarding Courtney, he knew he wouldn’t—not now. Or at least, not yet. Not while time still existed to get her to undo what she’d done before anyone was the wiser.
Adaline, with Mrs. Hollyhock holding her arm, approached their table.
Courtney’s sister looked pleased to find them together.
“So, this is where you went after the mercantile.” Adaline gave her sister a secretive smile. “I wondered. I’m walking with Violet to the Red Rooster and—”
“I don’t need no nursemaid,” Violet interrupted, none too gently. “I’m as steady on my feet as ever. And I can make the walk alone, iffin I want.”
“That’s entirely true.” Adaline nodded. “But I’m exhausted and need a nap as badly as you do.” She glanced at their old friend. “Would you deny me that? Just because you don’t want to be seen walking with me?”
Winter Winds of Wyoming Page 17