ROUGH RANCHER Page 4

  “What did he say?” Callum asked urgently.

  “Uh, something like, you’re too pretty to be hidden out here in the sticks. I just turned and walked away, then mom came up and sort of, got between us and he left. That was it.”

  “Do you remember what kind of car he was driving?”

  “Yes, definitely, but it wasn’t a car. He climbed into one of those trucks with the lights across the roof. It was black and very shiny.”

  “Dammit…”

  “But Callum, this was years ago. What does it matter? Who is he, and why has this upset you so much?”

  “Smiler ran the gang I was in, and he’s a nasty piece of work.”

  “Oh, my gosh. You were in a gang? What kind of gang? For how long?”

  “Long enough, and I can think of only one reason he’d be so far from home. He was lookin’ for me.”

  “Clearly he didn’t find you, so what’s the problem?”

  “Kelly, two hours is nothin’.”

  “But it’s not a problem now, right?”

  “No, not now, not yet, but if he’d found me back then, it would’ve been bad news. He’s currently in prison. I’ve got time to cover my tracks, though I thought I had.”

  “Prison? Oh, my gosh. What did he do?”

  “A lotta stuff,” Callum muttered. “It’s disturbin’ to know he was a stone’s throw away from here. Damn!”

  “Why was he after you?”

  “That, Kelly, is a story for another time” he said, reaching for her hand and pulling her to her feet. “We have much more important things to talk about.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like—are you thinkin’ about stayin’? Where’s your head at?”

  As she stared into his mesmerizing brown eyes, she wanted to sink against his chest and feel his arms engulf her.

  “I want to say yes, but…”

  “But what?”

  “I just got here and there’s so much to think about. Uncle Ernie has thrown me into the deep end with no warning. How can I make a decision like this in two days?”

  “Who’s fault is that? How many messages did Tom Bateman leave for you?”

  “Yeah, well, my life is crazy busy. Every time I picked up the phone to call him, I’d be interrupted.”

  “Uh-huh. Tell me, how do you like bein’ out here where you can breathe clean air and not have the phone ringin’ all the time?”

  “I love it, I always did, but I’m used to going to work every day, having meetings and making decisions, going out to dinner—“

  “Hey, I get it!” he exclaimed, cutting her off as he stepped back to gaze down at her. “It was the same for me. Well—the same, but different. I mean, my life was pretty crazy, but it was still my life. I walked away, and I thank God every day I did.”

  “I remember how you used to dress. That leather jacket you always wore, the chains on your jeans. But you look like a real cowboy now.”

  “I prefer to call myself a rancher.”

  “Why? What’s the difference?”

  “Do you see any cows around here?” he asked, breaking into a grin.

  “But—“

  “But nothin’. I run a horse ranch. I’m a rancher.”

  “Speaking of the horses,” she said slowly. “Earlier—in the field—they surrounded you and followed you into the barn.”

  “Yeah, what about it?”

  “How did you do that?”

  “I’m their leader. They know they can trust me, and I trust them right back.”

  “Did Uncle Ernie teach you how to make that happen?”

  “Yeah, kind of, though I’ve always been good with animals, but I’m ready for dinner. What about you? After that long drive you must be hungry.”

  “I am, but not because of the drive,” she retorted with a wink.

  “No? Then because…?” he murmured, sliding his hands inside the loose robe to grab her backside.

  “Because I had one helluva workout, and Callum, it was the best one I’ve ever had.”

  “Do you know what’s next?” he asked, leaning down and whispering in her ear. “A real good spankin’.”

  “What do you mean?” she managed as her stomach flipped.

  “You’re still that spoiled girl who left me hangin’.”

  “But I—“

  “And teased me for an entire summer.”

  “I didn’t.”

  “Yeah, you did, and you know it,” he said sternly, squeezing her butt cheeks.

  “I, uh, I should get dressed.”

  “Nope, you’re stayin’ in that robe,” he said firmly as he pulled back, then taking her hand, he led her from the room. “I’ll cook us some barbecued chicken.”

  But as his threat lingered in her head, food was the last thing on her mind.

  CHAPTER TEN

  With the wind and rain still lashing the house, Kelly sat at the kitchen table with Callum’s laptop open in front of her. She was viewing the barn and watching the horses while he prepared dinner. But changing to the exterior cameras, all she could see was the pounding rain in the glow of the outdoor lights.

  “Callum, how long do you think the storm will last?” she asked as he placed a bowl of mashed potatoes on the table.

  “It will probably move out overnight,” he replied, returning to the counter and picking up a platter of chicken. “Wine, beer or something else?”

  “You have wine?”

  “Sure, but probably not the stuff you’re used to.”

  “Do you have any Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc?”

  He laughed, then strolled to the refrigerator and lifted out an unopened bottle.

  “This was left by a woman who came to look at Moon,” he declared, staring at the label. “I think she thought it would impress me. A bucket of carrots would’ve been better, but you’re in luck. Chardonnay.”

  “I take it the bribe didn’t work.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “Moon’s still here.”

  “She’ll be back to ride him again. They met and it went well, but she’s worried he might be too big for her,” he said as he uncorked the bottle and lifted a wine glass from the cabinet.

  “Is he?”

  “Only in her head,” Callum remarked, carrying the bottle and glass to the table. “I’m bettin’ they’ll end up together.”

  “Isn’t it hard seeing a horse leave?”

  “Yes and no. It means I can rescue another one, and it’s a good feelin’ knowin’ it has a forever home. But it can be tough seein’ them walk into a trailer and head off.”

  “I’m sure it must be. Wow, Callum, this looks delicious,” she declared, scooping out a helping of potatoes. “How did you learn to cook like this?”

  “You should know the answer to that!”

  “Oh, Uncle Ernie, of course. He was amazing in the kitchen,” she said with a smile, then lowering her voice, she asked, “Why was this guy Smiler trying to find you back then?”

  “Damn, girl, you sure ask a lotta questions.”

  “You know what they say about inquiring minds, but if you don’t want to tell me…”

  “It’s no secret, but at some point you’ll have to answer some of mine.”

  “I’ll be happy to. So…why was Smiler after you?”

  “He was pissed. I left the gang. That’s not allowed—unless it’s in a box.”

  “Oh, I see. But that was years ago. Surely he won’t care when he gets out of prison.”

  “Ah, yeah, he’ll care—he’ll care a lot. I’ll be at the top of his list. I’m the reason he’s behind bars, but enough about that,” Callum said firmly as he filled his plate with the chicken and potatoes. “When was the last time you were on a horse?”

  “When I was here before college. How many years is that? Five, six?”

  “I seem to remember you were pretty good. You sure looked hot in those ridin’ jeans and boots. I hope you brought them with you.”

  “Actually, I did, though th
e thought of getting back on is a bit scary. Can I ride Goliath? At least I won’t have far to fall if I come off.”

  “Don’t think that way!”

  “It’s hard not to after all this time.”

  “You’ll be fine on any of the horses, but once Goliath starts goin’ up a hill he wants to run. It’s best just to let him. He’s as sure-footed as a mountain goat, and smooth as a yacht on a lake. Did you ever ride to the top of Lone Pine Hill?”

  “I did, a couple of times. The view is incredible.”

  “I have to go up tomorrow to check the fencin’ in the back paddocks after that storm.”

  “But you don’t use them, do you?”

  “Not really, but I have to stay on top of any repairs. Ernie taught me that. Take care of the little things right away, and you’ll have less big things to worry about.”

  “You must have your hands full. I noticed the wood on the windows didn’t look great.”

  “There are only so many hours in a day, and the horses are my priority. Now eat, don’t talk. I’m just gonna fetch a beer.”

  Watching him rise from the table and stride across to the refrigerator, a wave of mixed emotions flooded her heart. She’d enjoyed a whirlwind college romance that ended when her boyfriend was recruited by a company on the opposite side of the country. Following that, she’d been caught up in a couple of so-so relationships. But Callum had never been far from her thoughts, and the intense chemistry they shared was unlike anything she’d ever experienced.

  But she loved her work and her trendy social life, and how would her parents react if she told them she was leaving it all behind to live on the ranch for a year…possibly longer?

  As he sat back down, he shot her a grin and a wink. It was a simple, sweet, sexy moment that made her toes curl. Picking up her glass and taking a drink of the crisp, white wine, she let out a sigh and glanced at his nose. It was completely different. Not bad, or better, just different.

  “Will you tell me how the fist met your face?”

  “You don’t let up,” he quipped, shaking his head. “I was leavin’ the courthouse after testifying against Smiler, and three of the gang—“

  “Didn’t you have protection?” she asked, horrified by the story.

  “Yeah, two cops, and backup came pretty quick, but when it was over I was a mess. I got lucky though. I had a great surgeon. When I came out of it, I was glad it happened. After I had my hair cut I looked like a new man headin’ into a new life. Until you told me about meetin’ Smiler in that store I had no concerns about him findin’ me.”

  “Now you’re worried?”

  “Let’s just say, it’s a loose end, and in the world I left behind, loose ends are never good.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  The thought of Smiler being at the gas station years before lingered in Callum’s mind as he continued to eat his dinner. It was unnerving, and Kelly was sure she’d recognized him. But as he downed the last of his beer, Callum told himself she must be mistaken. At the time, he’d been arrested and his bail had been denied.

  “That was so good,” Kelly remarked, resting her knife and fork on her empty plate, then suddenly let out a heavy yawn. “Wow, I’m wiped out. It’s probably the wine.”

  “No, it’s working all day, then jumpin’ in your car and drivin’ four hours, but that’s just for starters. You found out your inheritance is as twisted as a pretzel, fought with me, then had crazy sex even though you haven’t seen me since you were—what—seventeen? And let’s not forget, you were almost struck by lightnin’.”

  “When you put it like that I guess you’re right, but I’ve been so wound up,” she said, yawning again. “Now I’m dead on my feet.”

  “You should go to bed. I’ll try not to wake you when I come in.”

  “You don’t want me in the guest room?”

  “Hell, no! But when you unpack that matchbox you call a suitcase, you should use the empty closet and dresser in there.”

  “Good grief! All my clothes at my condo—all my other stuff, If I decide to stay here, how will I do this?”

  “You should check with Tom Bateman, but I don’t think it will matter if you go back to your place to pack up—assumin’ you decide to stick around. I didn’t mean to jump the gun there.”

  “You didn’t, but honestly, I’m fried about it all,” she mumbled, a frown crossing her brow. “It’s such a huge decision…though if I didn’t like living here, it would only have to be a year, but then what about my job? God, I don’t know what to make of all this.”

  “Hey, Kelly, don’t think about it right now. You’re exhausted and you need to sleep. Go to bed, that’s an order,” he said sternly. “You know I’ll spank your butt if you don’t listen.”

  Though an embarrassed flush crossed her face, he recognized the look in her eye. She’d found the threat titillating. The sexy, sassy, city girl liked his tough love out of the bedroom as much as she had between the sheets.

  “Okay, okay,” she muttered, and with a resigned sigh, she slowly rose to her feet.

  He expected her to turn and walk down the hall, but she stepped up to him and circled her arms around his neck.

  “Uh, Kelly, I thought I just gave you an order.”

  “You did, and I’m going, but first I need a hug, and I want to say thank you.”

  “For what?” he asked as he stood up and she sank against his body.

  “The wonderful dinner, and helping me through the storm. I was so scared, and you made me feel safe.”

  Wrapping her up, he closed his eyes and breathed her in.

  He never wanted to let her go.

  But as endless seconds passed, it occurred to him she might actually have dozed off.

  “Kelly, are you okay?” he asked softly.

  “I’m not sure. My legs are all wobbly. I’m not even sure I can make it to the bedroom.”

  Her voice had been so quiet he’d barely heard her, and as he slowly stepped back, she teetered. Swiftly scooping her up and carrying her to his room, he laid her on the bed, but as he started to remove the robe, she rolled on her side, already falling asleep. Pulling the covers over her, he left the room, softly closed the door after him, and headed back to the kitchen.

  As he cleared the table and cleaned up the dishes, his thoughts returned to the old photograph she’d found in the unmarked envelope. He’d been meaning to clean out the office but simply hadn’t found the time. Now he felt an urgent need to see what else was tucked away. Hurrying back down the hall, he wondered if Ernie had received the picture from the young offenders office years before. Lifting it off the desk, long-ago memories sprang to mind.

  He’d been born on a farm, but shortly after his seventh birthday, his father had contracted a rare form of pneumonia and passed away. The days, weeks and months that followed had been a confused, impossible mess. At some point his mother had moved them to the city, and he’d hated it. The noise and the traffic had been overwhelming, but the teasing was the worst. The kids had labeled him, the country hick.

  He had just turned thirteen when Smiler recruited him into the gang. Initially the experience had been great. They’d welcomed him, given him money and beer. He’d met girls and felt important. But things quickly changed. The hours spent with them became tough and frightening. He’d found himself trapped in a violent, ruthless world, forced to engage in crime, including terrifying break-ins and drug dealing.

  Then his mother remarried.

  Callum didn’t like the man much, but she seemed happy, and they’d moved from the shabby apartment to a nice house. Things were better, but when he’d tried to leave the gang, Smiler had almost broken his arm. Not knowing where to turn, he’d confessed everything to his mother. She’d told his stepfather, and who immediately contacted the police.

  They’d given him a choice.

  Testify against Smiler and his cronies and he’d escape prosecution for the crimes he’d committed, and they’d give him protection. Callum knew, as dangerous a
s it was, turning against the gang was his only hope for a decent future. The process had been daunting, but after he’d told the authorities what he knew, he’d been introduced to a program for at-risk kids.

  Ernie and the horse ranch had given him a lifeline.

  Not only could he breathe fresh air, he loved the horses, and the horses loved him. Ernie was always kidding around, and Callum found himself laughing again. He lived for the summer, and studied hard, determined to go to an agricultural college. But when he’d graduated from high-school, Ernie had offered him a full time job. Callum had accepted without a moment’s thought.

  But staring at the photograph in his hand, a worried frown crossed his brow.

  “Am I wrong? Is Kelly right? Were you at that gas station five years ago?”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Callum decided to reach out to John Henderson, his contact at the D.A.’s office. John would know if Smiler had been out at that time for some bizarre reason. Feeling a modicum of relief, and wondering what other pictures might be hidden away, Callum turned his attention back to the desk. Rummaging through the drawers, he found them brimming with receipts from years past, and notes about horses once under Ernie’s care. As he tossed them on the floor ready for a trash bag, Waggles trotted in, sat down and barked.

  “Shush, your new friend is sleeping.”

  Whining, he lifted this paw, then turned and walked back down the hall.

  “Seriously? You have to go out in this weather?” Callum muttered, rising to his feet and following him into the kitchen. “Make it quick,” he ordered, opening the door.

  Waggles stood and stared at the pouring rain, then moved to the nearest bush and raised his leg. Waiting for him to finish, Callum idly gazed across to the barn…and caught his breath. For a split second he thought he saw a figure run beneath one of the outdoor lights. Squinting, he searched the darkness, but suddenly bolting past him and back into the kitchen, Waggles vigorously shook himself, spraying water everywhere.