by Elle James
Once he cleaned off the counter, he eased his leg over the edge of the top of the tub and stood in the shower, letting the hot water wash away the stench of poor living. Using a fresh bar of soap, he scrubbed himself from head to toe, rinsed and scrubbed again.
By the time he left the shower, he felt—and smelled—like a new man.
Less than five minutes later, he’d brushed his teeth, dressed and was on his way down the stairs, taking one step at a time. Going down was always trickier than climbing up. He held on tightly to the handrail and made it to the bottom without plunging to his death. As challenging as it had been, he couldn’t let RJ see that he struggled with anything as simple as descending a staircase.
She was the strong one in this situation. How could he help keep her safe?
An image of a man straddling her, holding his hand over her mouth and nose, suffocating the life out of her, reminded Jake that he had stopped the man from killing her. He’d pulled him off and flung him aside. Jake had breathed air back into her lungs and kept her from dying.
He had purpose. His life hadn’t ended when he’d lost his leg. Not a very superstitious sort, he was beginning to believe everything that had happened to him had been for a bigger reason than simply getting him kicked out of the Navy. Could it be he was supposed to be at the Lost Valley Ranch, and that he was meant to go for that beer he hadn’t really needed?
Jake shook his head. For whatever reason he was there, he had a job to perform. And that job was to protect the woman who’d witnessed a murder.
RJ helped her father fill glasses with ice, load the juicy medium rare steaks onto a platter and carry them into the dining room.
Kujo carried in the pitcher of iced tea and a pot of coffee. When dinner was ready, RJ frowned. “Do you think Jake got lost?”
Kujo laughed. “This lodge is not that big. I’m sure he’ll be here momentarily.”
Jake chose that moment to appear in the doorway to the dining room. His longish dark hair was slicked back and damp, and he wore a white polo shirt with his jeans and boots. The scraggly beard was gone. In its place was a neatly trimmed beard.
RJ’s heart fluttered. The man was ruggedly handsome enough he could have any woman he desired.
And he’d given her the kiss of life.
She shook her head slightly. No. He’d given her mouth-to-mouth. It didn’t count as a kiss. Especially since she’d almost been unconscious when he’d administered the technique.
RJ found herself wondering what it would feel like to have his lips on hers for a real kiss. Her lips tingled at the thought. Something deep in her core coiled into a tight knot.
Dragging her gaze away from the man, she announced, “Dinner’s ready. Please take a seat.”
RJ stood behind the chair to the right of where her father sat at the head of the table. Kujo sat to the left of RJ’s father.
Jake held RJ’s chair and waited as she sat and scooted forward. Then he claimed the chair beside her.
Unused to having someone else attend to her chair, RJ felt heat rising in her cheeks. “Holding my chair isn’t necessary. You’re the guest here.”
“My mother would beg to differ,” Jake said, and then murmured beneath his breath, “may she rest in peace.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” RJ said. “And thank you. Your mother would’ve been proud.”
“I don’t know about that.” Jake dropped onto the chair beside her and reached for the platter of baked potatoes, offering her one before he took one for himself.
“How long has she been gone?” RJ asked as she cut her potato down the middle and loaded it with pats of butter, salt and pepper.
“She passed eight years ago, while I was deployed to Iraq.”
“I’m sorry. That must’ve been hard.”
Jake nodded without saying anything.
“Would you like sour cream for your potato?” RJ asked, reaching for the tub of sour cream.
“No thank you,” Jake said. “I like it with just butter, salt and pepper.”
RJ smiled. “Me, too.”
“RJ,” Kujo said. “Your father tells me you two run this ranch by yourselves.”
“We do,” she answered, stabbing her fork into one of the steaks on the platter. “Except for the bar staff, it’s just the two of us. I take it you’ve decided to rent the lodge.”
Kujo nodded. “I think it’ll work for what Hank has in mind. With a few modifications, the basement is large enough for our operations, with a few additions and modifications. Jake will be running the show after I leave, if he chooses to accept the responsibility.”
“Exactly what kind of operation are you going to operate?” RJ sliced her knife through the steak and cut off a small bite.
Kujo took one of the steaks from the platter and placed it on his plate. “We’re a security firm. We provide protection and other resources to people in need who can’t get enough assistance from the authorities.”
“So, is Jake on a test run?” RJ asked, her gaze going to the man beside her. “Or are you testing the organization before you decide if it’s worth taking charge?”
“A little of both,” Jake said quietly.
“What about the rest of the Lost Valley Ranch operations?” RJ’s glance went back to Kujo. “If we shut down for a year to accommodate your lease, we risk losing our return customers. We start all over from scratch building our clientele.”
Kujo nodded. “We want you to keep running your operations, less the space we’re renting. That way if, at the end of our year, we decide an office in Colorado isn’t viable, you won’t lose customers and can carry on business as usual without the Brotherhood Protectors taking up your space.”
“Fair enough,” RJ said.
“Your ranching operations will provide cover for our guys. Not that we’re all that covert, but it does help. And as the men and women we hire wait for their assignments, they’ll assist with the ranch and bar duties.”
“We can’t pay them for assisting,” RJ was quick to point out.
“You won’t have to. Hank Patterson will pay the team and the rental amount. Our guys will work for free on the ranch. You just can’t rely too much on them as they’ll be assigned out to whatever project comes along.”
RJ frowned. “This deal sounds too good to be true. A big lease payment and free help? What’s the catch?”
Kujo laughed. “No catch. We just want a place to base our branch of the Brotherhood Protectors. Hank trusts Gunny…and if you’re anything like your father, we can trust you.”
Gunny snorted. “She’s just as hard-headed, if that counts. And as mouthy.”
Heat filled RJ’s cheeks as she glared at her father. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
His face straightened. “Seriously, you won’t find anyone as trustworthy and caring as my Rucker. The one thing she doesn’t get from me is her looks.” His expression softened. “She’s beautiful, like her mother.”
“She is,” Jake agreed, his voice so quiet RJ almost missed his words.
The heat intensified in her cheeks. “My looks have nothing to do with this conversation. What’s the next step in this agreement?”
“Hank sent a written contract with me,” Kujo said. “You can take it, review it and let me know what changes you’d like to make. I’m authorized to write a check for the first and last month’s rent and to start the contracting services we’ll need to set up the computer network and security system we require.” He started to get up from the table.
Gunny’s hand shot out and caught Kujo’s arm. “No need to do the paperwork now. That steak isn’t getting any warmer. Eat before it’s cold.”
“Yes, sir,” Kujo said and sliced off a piece of the tender meat and stuck it in his mouth.
RJ stopped eating halfway through her steak. Sitting so close to Jake made her uncomfortable. He wasn’t any closer than her father or Kujo, but he was a big guy. The breadth of his shoulders alone left little space between him and RJ.
> Every time she moved her arm, it brushed against his, sending a shock of awareness through her body.
She cleared her throat. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bed. I have a busy day tomorrow, and it starts early.”
“What time?” Jake asked.
“I’m up by five-thirty to get the animals fed before we start breakfast for our guests.”
“And the trail ride is at ten?” Jake affirmed.
“Yes.” RJ pushed back from the table. “Gentlemen. We look forward to doing business with the Brotherhood Protectors. Thank you for considering Lost Valley Ranch. Anything you need, let me know. In the meantime, I’m calling it a night.”
Her father stood. “I’ll take care of kitchen cleanup. Leave your plate.” He walked with her to the base of the staircase where he opened his arms. “It’s been a rough day.”
She went into those strong arms and wrapped her arms around her father’s waist. It wasn’t often he showed affection. He didn’t have to. RJ knew how much he loved her. Giving up his career as a fighting Marine to take on a recruiting position so that she could stay in one place throughout high school had been evidence enough. Still, those hugs were few and far between. She’d take it. Even with an audience.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” Gunny whispered.
“Me, too,” she whispered back.
He leaned away and brushed a strand of her hair from her face “You remind me so much of your mother. Juliet would’ve been so proud of you.”
“I wish I could’ve known her.”
“You would’ve loved her. She would’ve done a much better job of raising you.”
“Don’t knock yourself. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve done a great job.” She kissed her father’s cheek. “Love ya, Dad.”
He kissed her forehead. “Love you, too, Jules.”
He didn’t call her Jules often, and it was when he was thinking of her mother. RJ having almost lost her life had to have hit him hard. She smiled. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’m not going anywhere.”
“If you do, let it be on your own terms. I want you to get away from here, see the world and experience all that life has to offer. You’ve been too tied down with the ranch and the bar.”
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love it.”
“Yeah, but sometimes, I think we hold you back.” He stepped away. “Maybe having the steady income from the Brotherhood Protectors will allow me to hire some help. You can go wherever you desire.”
Her lips twisted. “Trying to get rid of me?”
“No. Of course not.” He sighed. “I remember how excited you were to join the Army. You were going to see the world.”
“And then, I didn’t.” She nodded. “I have no regrets. I love this ranch and the people who come to stay. Most of all, I love you.”
“Just promise me…” her father said. “You won’t pass up an opportunity to see the world, to get out of here and be open to a different life, if that’s what you want.”
“Dad…” RJ started.
“Promise me. Your mother had so many plans to see the world with me. She never got that chance.”
RJ’s chest squeezed hard. “Because of me.”
Her father’s brow dipped low. “Don’t.”
“If she hadn’t had me, she would still be alive today.”
“Your mother wanted you more than anything in the world. She loved you from the day she learned she was pregnant. To her, there was no choice. She wanted you to be born and live a full and happy life. Don’t ever blame yourself for her death.” He gripped her arms. “Do you hear me? Don’t ever.”
Tears welled in RJ’s eyes. She blinked them back. Her tough Marine father didn’t tolerate tears. “Okay. And I promise, if an occasion arises that I want to leave and travel the world, I won’t hesitate. But I’ll always come back. Because my heart is here with you.” She hugged him.
“Your heart won’t always be only with me.”
She smiled at her father. “There isn’t a man in this world who can live up to the bar you’ve set.”
“Don’t be so sure.” His gaze went to the table they’d left behind.
In the corner of her eye, she caught movement through the door of the dining room.
Jake stood with his plate, stacking her plate on it and her father’s after that. He carried it into the kitchen, limping slightly.
She was thankful Jake had come along when he had. The man had saved her life. But anything more than that? RJ gave her father a narrow-eyed glare. “Don’t go playing matchmaker. Those men are here on business. I’m just a job to them. Besides, I’m not in the market for a relationship. I have enough to do without one.”
Her father shook his head. “I’m not playing matchmaker. But you should keep your options open on that account as well. Kujo and Jake are what heroes are made of. They’re the real deal.”
“Dad, you’re all the hero I need.”
“Hell, Jules, Jake saved your life. Not many men would step into the fray like that. And not many would know to how to revive a person who’s been suffocated.”
“I owe him my life, but that doesn’t mean I have to fall in love with him. And Kujo’s married and has a baby on the way.” She patted her father’s arm. “Nice try, though. I’m going to get a shower and go to bed. I have a full day tomorrow.”
“Get some sleep, Jules.” He hugged her again and set her at arm’s length, his hands holding her arms. “And while you’re at it, think about what I’ve said.”
“Okay. Okay.” She smiled. “You’re a pushy bastard, aren’t you?”
“Only when it counts.”
“Only when you want it your way.”
“When it comes to the happiness of my only child, you’re damn right.” He winked. “Go. Get that shower and the sleep you need after the day you’ve had.”
“Love you, Dad.”
“Love you, too.”
RJ hurried up the stairs. With so many things going through her mind, she doubted seriously she’d be able to go to sleep anytime soon.
A shiver slithered down her spine at the remembered feeling of being overpowered and helpless when she’d been attacked. She could have died tonight.
And then she remembered the feeling of having life breathed back into her and the face of the man who’d saved her. Was it possible to mistake hero worship for love? Not that she was in love with a perfect stranger. Hell, she’d never been in love. She wouldn’t know what it felt like if it bit her in the ass.
RJ turned the shower on full blast and as hot as she could stand it, hoping to relax beneath the spray. All she managed to do was make her skin wrinkled and pink. She was no closer to sleep than she had been before the shower. Instead of sleepy, RJ was itchy, on the edge and…aroused.
Chapter 5
Jake and Kujo helped Gunny clean the kitchen and put away dishes and pans.
“Thank you,” Gunny said. “I’m used to RJ and me being the only ones pulling kitchen duty.”
“We don’t want to add to your workload,” Kujo said. “We’re just happy to have a place to work out of that makes sense for our operation.”
“I’m realistic. It solves a lot of our issues, having a steady income with the rent Hank’s willing to pay.” Gunny hung a dish towel on the oven rail and nodded. “Thanks for the help. Anything you need, help yourself.”
“I’d like to make the rounds of the exterior of the lodge and the barn before I call it a night,” Jake said. He glanced at Kujo.
“I’ll keep an eye on RJ while you’re out there. Take your time.”
Jake nodded. “Thanks. I might be a while. I want to familiarize with the layout at night as well as during the day.”
“We have RJ covered, and you have a key card to let yourself in the front door,” Gunny said. “Have a good night. This geezer needs his beauty sleep. Oh, and be aware. You’re in the Colorado mountains. Be on the lookout for bear.”
Jake let himself out the front door. Motion-sensor lights blinke
d on as he walked around the outside of the lodge. The barn stood a little away from the building. As he walked down to the barn, another motion-sensor light blinked on.
Gunny had done well with the lighting. Not only would the lights be good for guests to get around, but they would also come on if animals were moving around at night. Bears were a real threat. Even in the nearby city of Colorado Springs, they’d had reports of bears in housing developments.
One woman had had an inflatable children’s pool set up in her fenced backyard. When she’d come home for lunch one day, she’d surprised a bear playing in the pool. Jake could imagine the woman’s reaction. The bear, like its human counterpart, had only been looking for a place to cool off.
Jake entered the barn, switched on the interior lights and closed the door behind him.
The barn had ten stalls, five on each side. Each stall was filled with a horse. They greeted him with soft nickers. A couple pawed the ground.
“Which one of you wants to let me practice on you?” he asked.
More nickers.
He studied each of the horses, passing in front of their stalls.
A bay gelding put his head over the door of his stall and reached out, snuffling. Probably looking for a carrot or apple.
Jake made a note to bring a treat from the kitchen the next time he came to the barn.
The gelding appeared big enough to carry him and calm enough to put up with Jake’s clumsy attempts to ride with a prosthesis. He hoped he was right.
Jake took a lead rope from a hook on the wall and clipped it onto the gelding’s halter. He opened the stall door and led the animal out into the center of the barn where he found a place to tie him.
A door near the front of the barn led into the tack room where saddles were arranged on saddle trees, neat and well-maintained. The leather on each was worn, but in good condition.
Passing the saddles, he grabbed a brush and a curry comb and returned to the horse.