The Reluctant Rancher~Badlands (Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense) Read online

  He felt an unreasonable flush of pleasure. He dried off quickly and tucked the towel around his hips. He ran a brush through his hair.

  “You mean you don’t blow your hair dry?” she asked.

  “Only in the winter,” he said.

  “That means you must have a hair dryer tucked away somewhere.”

  “I do,” he said and pulled it out of a drawer. “And I might let you use it for a kiss.” He waggled the hair dryer in front of her enticingly.

  “That seems fair.” She leaned her fingertips against his bare chest and offered her mouth.

  He set the hair dryer on the counter and kissed her. Wrapping both arms around her, he let the towel fall to the floor. The kiss deepened and her arms slipped around his neck. He lifted her against him and felt a fresh rush of lust as her bare legs made contact with his skin. He cupped her bottom through the voluminous robe, admiring the firm flesh he held.

  Her silky smooth legs wrapped around him and he let out a groan. “I hope you didn’t have any appointments this morning.”

  “Not a one.”

  “Good planning.” He carried her back to the bedroom and stopped with one knee resting on the mattress. “You know, if we keep this up we just might get to be good at it.”

  “E.J., if you were a horse, I would put you out to stud.”

  “Wait a minute now. First, I was a jackass and now I’m a stud horse?” He climbed on the bed with Jenna in his arms. “Have I been upgraded?”

  She spread her arms and fell backwards onto the mattress. “I am so sorry I ever called you a jackass.”

  He reached for the belt and unfastened it, opening the robe to display Jenna’s perfect body. He traced his fingers lightly over her flesh, watching in fascination as her nipples tightened. Beautiful. He leaned down to capture one in his mouth, flicking it back and forth with his tongue. She arched toward him, her eyes closed and her lips parted.

  He kissed the side of her neck, her pulse pounding against his lips. Her excitement slammed into him like a truck. He wanted his passion to drive her to new heights. He trailed his mouth down her torso, stopping to investigate her navel with his tongue, heard her giggle and dipped lower. Her perfect little mound, crowned with soft auburn hair. He stroked her firm thighs, spread them apart and heard her sharp intake of breath as he nuzzled her mound with his lips and tongue. Spreading her legs, he settled between them to tease and torment her. Jenna’s little gasps of pleasure stoked the flames of his desire. He felt her shiver and intensified his efforts. When she cried out and went rigid, gripping him with her thighs. Yeah, baby. That’s the way. I’ll be your stud horse.

  “Oh, E.J.! That was fantastic.” Her breath came in little gasps.

  Too cute. “That was the appetizer. Your entrée, M’lady.” He entered slowly, teasing her. Or so he thought. Her strong legs wrapped around him and drew him inside. “Ah, she wants it now.”

  “Yes,” she gasped. “Now!”

  ~*~

  Watching Sara Beth grieve tore at Cami’s heart. She knew Breck was feeling the same way. He had stood protectively by when the sheriff questioned her. She was sure that Breck’s formidable frown kept the questions from battering Sara Beth any more than necessary. It became apparent that the young wife knew nothing of the cause of her husband’s demise.

  “I think that’s enough now, Sheriff.” Breck had interjected when it appeared the man would have gone on and on. “Any fool can see that Mrs. Jessup has no additional knowledge that would be useful to you in your investigation. If you have further questions for my client, you can contact me.”

  A rush of pride bloomed in Cami’s chest. She was proud of her husband’s stern demeanor and that he was standing up for someone so powerless.

  When she’d shown the sheriff out, Cami returned to the room her Aunt Silky had called ‘the parlor’. “Good job, Breck.” She planted a kiss on his grim jaw. “Let me bring some refreshments. You two just relax.”

  She went to the kitchen in hopes of giving Sara Beth some privacy in case there was something she needed to confide in the man who had just declared himself to be her lawyer.

  Cami grabbed a pitcher of tea out of the refrigerator and filled three glasses with ice. She arranged them on a tray and ripped the top off a box of store-bought cookies. Pressing her lips together, she wished she had time to bake something…anything. She spread half the contents on a plate and added that to the tray. Somehow, despite her best intentions, it looked less than appealing. Straightening her shoulders, she picked up the tray and returned to the parlor, but stopped short when she saw Sara Beth sobbing in Breck’s arms.

  He met her gaze and motioned her to enter.

  Sara Beth’s face was crumpled in grief.

  “Don’t you worry about a thing. Cami and I are here for you and the baby. I’ll make all the arrangements for the funeral. You just try to relax and let the sheriff sort this all out.”

  “Oh, my poor, poor Nick,” Sara Beth wailed. “I…I need to see him.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea right now.” Breck patted her shoulder ineffectively as his words sent her into another howl of anguish.

  Cami set the tray down on a small table. “Here, Sara Beth. Have something to drink. You’re going to be dehydrated at this rate.” She poured tea into one of the ice-filled glasses and offered it to the young woman.

  Sara Beth straightened, her face red and eyes puffy. She focused on the tea and reached a shaky hand toward it.

  Cami held the glass for her while she gulped down a few swallows.

  Breck offered his handkerchief just as the doorbell chimed.

  Cami rushed to the front and espied Frank through the beveled glass insert in the front door. He stood on the porch, holding his hat in hand. She swung the door open and motioned him inside.

  He shook his head. “No, Miss Cami. After I heard what happened to Nick, I just...” He shifted from foot to foot. “I was just going to ask if I could quit work early this afternoon. Me and T-Bone wanted to go over to the Jessup place and tend to their little farm. They have livestock and it would be just like someone to steal them or let them out. I feel so sorry for Nick’s widow.”

  Cami nodded. “Thanks, Frank. I think it would be a good idea for you and T-Bone to do whatever you think best to secure the Jessup place. Sara Beth is going to be staying here indefinitely.”

  “Yes, Miss Cami. We’ll do what we can.” He half turned and arranged his hat on his head. “It’s mighty kind of you and Mr. Ryan to take her in like that.”

  Cami shrugged. “I wouldn’t think of leaving her out there alone with the baby. Anything could happen to her. Why don’t you bring her animals over here? At least they’ll be safe and she won’t have to worry about them. Take all the time you need. ”

  “That’s a great idea, Miss Cami. We’ll haul them over this afternoon.” He took a couple of steps toward the steps.

  “Frank,” she called. “You’re a good man. I’m proud to have you working with us.”

  He ducked his head and shrugged off the compliment. “Heck, Miss Cami, I’ve worked here all my life. You and Mr. Ryan are like family.” He took the stairs two at a time and loped off toward the barns.

  She stood staring after him, realizing how different this ranching community was to her former home in Houston. She didn’t ever regret her decision to leave it all behind, knowing she would never have been a part of a family there.

  ~*~

  CHAPTER TEN

  E.J. felt better than he had in months. Probably the past year, at least. He paused to consider his state of euphoria. Truthfully, he couldn’t recall ever feeling so good.

  It was like his entire insides were light as a feather. The heaviness that had weighed him down since he had been ordered to join his father on the ranch had been replaced by a floaty feeling in his chest.

  “What are you grinning about?” Jenna asked.

  “Me? Was I grinning?” He tried to look casual as he rinsed dishes and handed
them to her to place in the dishwasher.

  She bent to fit a serving bowl in the lower rack. “Bigger ‘n’ Dallas,” she affirmed.

  At the mention of his former home, he felt his smile fade. Yes, that’s where I need to be. Maybe I can figure out a way to run this place from the city.

  “Whoa!” she said. “Whatever you’re thinking, it sure killed off the grin.”

  “Oh, um…I was just remembering something I have to do.” He scrambled through the many things on his list of duties, none of which was particularly pleasant. “I have to terminate an employee.”

  “Leon Harwell?”

  He nodded. “I can’t think why dad wanted him fired, but he was adamant that I get him off the property as soon as possible.” He shrugged. “And I have no idea how to find a good replacement.”

  “You can run an ad. That’s how most people find a job, even ranch hands. Or maybe word of mouth.” She gazed up at him. Obviously, she had no inkling that he had been considering deserting her for the joys of the big city. “I can check around to see if anyone is available.”

  A twinge of guilt shot through him. “That would be great.”

  “Why don’t you get it over with now, so it won’t be hanging over you all day?” She tilted her head to one side, looking child-like.

  “Well, that just makes too much sense.” He grinned and put in a call to his foreman, hoping it would go well. He asked Leon to come to the house.

  “Now?” Leon’s belligerent tone boomed through the receiver.

  “Yes, now,” E.J. said firmly.

  Leon rang off abruptly, cursing under his breath.

  In a short time, the doorbell rang and E.J. met him, stepping out onto the porch to deliver his message.

  “Leon, I decided your services are no longer needed. I drew this check to pay you through the end of the month.”

  Leon’s jaw twitched. He clenched and unclenched his fists. “Why you little pissant! I oughtta squash you like a bug.” He was as tall as E.J. and probably weighed half again as much.

  E.J. refused to flinch. “And that would get you thrown in jail for assault. I can assure you I would press charges.”

  Leon leaned close to him, glowering.

  E.J. could smell the sweat and stink of the man.

  “I’ll just bet you would, you little pussy.” He made a swipe at the check and folded it in two. “You can’t run this ranch without me. I’ll give you a week before you come beggin’ me to come back.” He hocked up a wad of something from the back of his throat and spat close to E.J.’s boot.

  E.J. eyed him with distaste. “You need to clear your stuff out of the bunkhouse. And I’ll take your keys now.”

  Leon’s reddened face seemed to swell with anger. “Sure thing.” He reached for the key ring dangling from his belt loop and removed one key, which appeared to be to his vehicle. “I’ll clear the bunkhouse and be on my way. You can go straight to hell, you jackass.”

  An involuntary grin tweaked E,J.’s mouth.

  “Are you laughing at me, you little pussy?” Leon’s back bowed and both fists clenched, making him appear twice his size.

  “No,” E.J. said. “You’re not the first person to call me a jackass. That’s all.”

  Leon snorted. “I sure as hell won’t be the last.” He turned and strode off the porch, slamming the door when he got in his pickup and gunning the motor. He made a u-turn and sped off in the direction of the bunkhouse.

  E.J. blew out a deep breath. He hadn’t thought he would come through that confrontation unbloodied. He gazed at the handful of keys in his hand. Hell, I don’t even know what these keys open.

  He went inside, where Jenna waited for him.

  “How did it go?” she asked.

  “I’m still alive,” he said.

  “Did he leave?”

  “He’s clearing his things out of the bunkhouse.”

  “Maybe you should have gone with him to make sure he doesn’t take anything.”

  E.J. shook his head. “That guy needs some space. I don’t even care if he takes the whole damned bunkhouse with him, as long as he leaves. That is one scary dude.”

  Jenna moistened her lips. “I thought of someone who might be willing to come fill in for a while. He’s got his own place, but he’s been known to hire on at the other ranches from time to time.”

  “Great,” E.J. said. “I’d appreciate any suggestions. You realize, I know nothing about the actual running of the ranch.”

  She gave him a little grin. “Well, hitch up your britches, Mr. Kincaid. You have a ranch to run.”

  ~*~

  Sara Beth lay on top of the covers, fully clothed. Dr. Cami had suggested she might like to rest for a while, and Sara Beth had gone complacently to the room she now shared with her daughter.

  As she was gathering her infant and preparing to go upstairs, she heard Mr. Breck call the funeral home. He instructed the funeral director to take charge of the body as soon as the sheriff’s office released it.

  The body…Sara Beth almost lost her grip on the baby. That’s all Nick is now…the body.

  She plodded heavily to the top of the stairs and turned, momentarily confused as to which room she should enter. All the doors were alike. All tall and white with old fashioned hinges and the knobs were either faceted glass or ornate brass, darkened with age. She opened one door and stared into another guest room, this one fitted with a small mahogany writing desk. She closed the door hurriedly, not wanting to be caught poking into things that were none of her business. The next room on the same side of the hall was the correct one. A flood of relief washed through her. She didn’t like the feeling of being lost, of not being able to find her way home. But just where is home, now?

  She changed Cami Lynn’s diaper and arranged her in her crib. “At least I know where you belong, young lady. Right here with me.” She stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed. “Now if I could just figure out where I belong.” She slipped out of her shoes and stretched out on top of the coverlet, staring up at the ceiling with her hands clutched together.

  She reflected on how little she had known about Nick when they’d met in Fort Worth, her home town. She had been a freshman in college, when Nick Jessup came sauntering into the coffee shop in which she’d been working part-time. His jovial manner and flirtations had swept the eighteen-year-old right off her feet.

  She smiled, thinking how cute he had been when he proposed.

  Then she pressed her lips together when she recalled how upset her parents had been. That was just before her mother had fallen ill and died. She knew her father still blamed her for breaking her mother’s heart. He hadn’t gotten in touch with her since the funeral. Swallowing hard, she brushed a tear away as it escaped the corner of her eye and trickled its way down the side of her temple and into her hairline. “Sorry, Mama,” she whispered.

  ~*~

  Jenna had insisted E.J. come outside with her to supervise Leon’s removal from the ranch. “We’ll just be feeding the calves and we can keep an eye on Harwell. You need to protect what’s yours.” She walked rapidly to the stock pen where a dozen or so calves were gathered.

  E.J. followed along behind her, looking uncertain as to how to perform this simple task.

  “You can supervise and I’ll mix up the creep feeder.”

  He raised his eyebrows as high as they could possibly go. “Creep feeder?”

  She smiled at his expression. At least he admitted his ignorance. “These calves are still nursing their mothers, but we’re giving them a supplemental feeding to help them put on weight.” She stepped into one of the out buildings with E.J. on her heels.

  “So, we’re beefing up the beef?” he asked.

  “Exactly. I’m giving them a mixture of sixty-five percent corn and thirty-five percent oats with some nutritional mineral supplements thrown in.”

  He watched her scoop the grain into a feeding trough and add the supplements. “You can let the calves into the other pen now,” she
said.

  E.J. opened the gate and the calves came bounding into the enclosure, making straight for the trough of feed.

  Jenna looked up to see three trucks pull up outside the fenced area, the first driven by Leon Harwell. He idled and glowered at the couple.

  The other two trucks contained three of the hands who worked on the ranch. One of the men got out of his truck and approached the fence.

  “Mr. Kincaid, me and the boys are gonna quit and we’d like our wages. We’re gonna go with Leon, so if you could settle up with us now, we’d appreciate it.”

  The man seemed to be nervous and couldn’t quite meet their eyes.

  E.J. shrugged and started walking toward the house. “Wait here. I’ll draw your checks.”

  The man who waited was clearly uneasy, shifting from foot-to-foot.

  Jenna cleared her throat. “You sure you want to do this?”

  He sighed and nodded his head, looking down at the ground.

  She glanced up to see Leon smirking inside his truck. Dang! Where will E.J. find a whole new crew?

  The front door opened and E.J. came out with paper in his hand. He stopped by the last truck in the caravan and handed in two of the checks to the men inside, then came to meet the man by the fence. He handed him the check and offered to shake his hand.

  The man shook it and mumbled, “Sorry it had to be like this, Mr. Kincaid.”

  “Yeah, me too.” He watched the man climb into his truck and the three vehicles left the property. Turning to Jenna, he raked his fingers through his hair. “Man! What else can happen?”

  “Don’t ask.” She stepped out of the pen area and secured the gate behind her. “Let’s go inside and let me use the phone. Maybe I can scare up somebody.”

  ~*~

  The next day, Cami went in to her clinic early. The death of young Nick Jessup was on everyone’s mind.

  Loretta sniffled into a tissue. “So sad.”

  Reba snorted. “That young fool never had a lick of sense...but still, it’s a darned shame.”

  “I feel so sorry for Sara Beth. What is that poor little thing going to do? She’s all alone now and with a young baby. I just don’t know.” Loretta’s brow wrinkled as she pondered the problem.