Dream Lover (Denim and Spurs Book 2) (13 page)

“Sometimes demons are too strong for us to even uphold the word we give.”

He knew there was something this woman wasn’t telling him, but he had no desire to push it at the moment. Right now, he had this need to locate Laciee. Taking the back stairs, he paused in the doorway to the room she was in. He blinked. She was supposed to be in.

She wasn’t there.

He checked the bathroom and went back down to speak with Rosa. “Have you seen her?”

“She left a while ago. Said she was going to the barn to help the hands out.”

“You didn’t think to say anything about that?”

She glared at him. “I’m not her keeper. I’m a housekeeper.”

“You’re a pain in my ass, Rosa.” He left the kitchen and headed for his bedroom.

“Just remember who’s making your food,” she called out after him.

He grunted and dressed swiftly. Swiping his hat from the hook, he set out to the barn. The lights were on and as he entered he nodded at the stable hands he spotted. They pointed toward the back at his look. She was in there cleaning the tack.

“You know, I understand the draw of being here, I loved it when I was growing up. At least the openness. But there are times, like now, when I would really love to be able to just be one of the million faces.”

“You want to talk about it?”

She lifted her head from the saddle she was running a rag over. “Always with the talking. You don’t talk much, why do you want me to talk?”

He sank to a hay bale and stretched out his legs. Her eyes had large bags beneath them, and her face still bore the evidence of strain. “I think you could use it.”

“No thanks.” She returned her attention back to the saddle and worked the rag along the saddle horn.

“Come back to the house. Rosa will have breakfast ready soon.”

“I’ll be along as soon as I finish this saddle.”

Judd rose and made his way to her side. Crouching on his haunches, he rested his hand along her cheek. He waited until she met his gaze then he skimmed his thumb along her skin, rose, and left her there.

Cian met him on his way out of the barn. The man looked ready for a raid. “How is she?”

“How do you know she’s there?” Judd asked.

“Saw her enter an hour ago. Debated on coming to the house and offering to show you how to make her too tired to leave the bed.”

Judd sliced his gaze to the left. “Don’t make me kill you.”

Cian’s smile came easy. “I was just coming to tell you that I’m heading out to the north property. We’ll set up there.”

Judd angled his head to take in the buckskin gelding tied to a post and the four dogs who lay awaiting their next orders. “Be careful.”

“You do care,” he said with a chuckle.

“Not really, I just don’t want to have to tell your mother.”

Cian smacked him on the shoulder and ambled to the horse, where he swung up with ease. As one the dogs rose, muscles quivering in the light from the barn, anxious to get on with their job. Cian tipped his hat. “See you.”

Judd gave him a nod and watched him ride out. Two dogs on each side, keeping an even pace with the horse. The darkness swallowed them up in no time, and Judd continued on to the house. True to her word, Laciee arrived later and joined him for breakfast.

Later that morning, he left her and Jolene there when he went to begin his day after a strong kiss to the woman who had changed the game for him. Seated on Kilburn, he spent the day in the saddle, bringing in more steers to be sold.

The day had already segued into darkness by the time he was allowed to relax. Tired and dirty, he walked into the house, finding it silent but smelling delicious. After a swift shower, he made his way to the kitchen.

Laciee stood in the room, back to him, one arm around her stomach as she chatted on the phone. “I promise,” she was saying. “I’m okay. I’ll call you tomorrow. Thanks, Vic. I know, I love you too.”

He stepped closer, cleared his throat, and asked, “Who’s Vic?”

She whirled around at his question, shock all over her features. Laciee put her hands on her hips and shook her head. “You scared me. When did you get back in?”

He stalked toward her. “Vic?” Judd was aware his voice sounded deep and dangerous.

“My best friend.”

“Where is he?”

She narrowed her gaze. “Who?”

“Vic?”

Laciee pinched the bridge of her nose and grunted. “Vic is a she. Short for Verona Carracci. Her middle name is Irene so I call her Vic.”

He gathered her in his arms and brushed his lips over her forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“That’s a loaded question. I just wish Karis would come back so I could go home.”

He set her from him. “Is that what you truly want?”

“Yes.”

Her response fell from her lips so swiftly it was as if she’d plunged a dagger into his heart. “I see.” He walked around her and opened the oven door, pulling out the plate Rosa had placed there.

His hand trembled as he carried it to the table where he set it down with thump and a curse. How could she not see how right they were for each other? How come it hurt so much to know she still wanted to leave as fast as she could? Were he smart, he would forget all about her and go back to focusing on his ranch.

I must be stupid then because all I want to do is show her that here is where she belongs.

Chapter Thirteen

Laciee nodded absently at something Jolene said even as she stared out the window, hoping for a glance of Judd. He’d been distant for the past few days. She wanted to chalk it up to how busy things were on the ranch, but she wasn’t entirely positive that was the only reason. Her time here had nearly come to an end, and she wanted to spend as much as she could with him.

“I’m done,” Jolene said.

“Let’s get you home then.”

“You don’t have to drive me,” Jolene stated, putting her items in the bag.

“Nonsense. You said you had to get to the store, and I see no reason not to take you. I can always swing by the diner and have a piece of Marley’s pie.”

“If you’re sure it’s no bother then, thank you. Bye, Mrs. Sanchez,” the girl called.

“You two be good.” Rosa peered into the room and shot them both a look.

Laciee smiled. “Always, Rosa. Do you need me to bring you anything?”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”

Gesturing Jolene to the front door, Laciee opened it for her. “Now, any acceptance letter will come here and Judd has already said he would bring it to you when it did.”

“He’s such a nice man. When I first met him I was scared.”

“He is a bit growly at times,” she said. But she couldn’t say there was another man whose heart was as golden as his.

“He’s one of a kind.”

Jolene didn’t even begin to know how true her words were. Outside, Laciee squinted against the sun in hopes of spying him. Her plan fell flat and soon they were at her rental. She climbed in as Jolene did the same on the other side.

“Going somewhere?”

His deep voice reached out and stroked her in places only he had the power to do. She whimpered slightly and bit the inside of her lower lip. “Taking Jolene to the store for her job.” Laciee looked to her left and her heart pitter-patted over the man standing there. Kilburn was behind him, ears swiveled forward as he looked at them as well.

“Coming back?”

She held his gaze. “I’d planned on it. Want to meet me for a drink at Denim & Spurs?” She grinned. “Non-alcoholic for me.”

His intense stare heated her from the soles of her feet up to the roots of her hair. “Six?”

She nodded. “Sounds good.”

Emotions swarmed in his gaze, and it bothered her to no end she couldn’t figure them out. “Ms. Jolene,” he said with a nod and a brief tug on his hat’s brim. He stepped back and Laciee just reacted.

She scrambled out of the car and caught his shirt. He paused and arched a brow. Without giving him any time to think, she pushed up on her toes and planted her lips to his.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Back in the car, she turned the key, starting the rental. “You okay?” she asked Jolene.

“Nervous. What if no college wants me?”

“Waiting always is the hardest part. Be positive. It will come. It may not be your first choice, but offers will come.”

Jolene sighed. “I wish you’d be around so I could let you know.”

Laciee smiled as she slowed for the cattle guard before turning onto the road. “Karis can always reach me.”

“Thank you for helping me.”

“No problem. College may not be for everyone, but if one wishes to go, I’m all for helping.”

Jolene tucked some blonde hair behind her ear. “I still appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.” They talked about what Jolene would want to do in school for the rest of the ride in. Once they hit town, Laciee parked her car in the side lot near the main drag. “Good luck, Jolene.”

They parted ways, and Laciee walked to Marley’s Diner. Drawing open the door, Laciee smiled at the woman who waved as she took someone’s order.

“Grab a seat, doll, I’ll be right with you.”

“Thanks, Marley.” Laciee cast a look around the diner, taking note of the faces that were there. Then she settled on a seat toward the back where she could have the wall behind her and no one would be able to come up and surprise her.

Marley showed up moments later. “What can I get you?”

“I’m craving some of your chocolate crème pie, please. And a large coffee.”

“Coming right up.” Marley turned away only to spin back and place her pencil in her apron. “You doing okay, hon? I heard about what happened to Lavina’s resting place.”

Of course you did. Everyone knows yet no one will speak about who did it.
She forced a nod. “I will be. Just another sign I need to be leaving.”

“When’s Karis coming back?”

“Two more days.”

Marley pursed her lips. “I’ll be back with your order.”

Laciee ignored the looks people sent her. Thankfully no one came up to speak. Well, not until the sheriff walked in. He spied her and beelined it directly to her table, sliding his body onto the other seat.

“Why don’t you join me?” she muttered sarcastically.

“You could have come to me,” he snapped.

She lifted her brow. “I’m sorry? Come to you? For what?”

“I know you don’t think I do my job, but I would not have let Miles get away with that. There was no need to assault him.”

“What? Miles, Miles who?”

Marley served her food and said, “Can I get you something, Sheriff?”

She ate some bites as the man thought about what he wanted. As usual the pie slid down her throat in the most spectacular of fashions. Had she not had the company across from her it would have been even better, but no matter who was there, she couldn’t deny how good Marley’s pie was.

“Hotner,” the sheriff said to Laciee before turning to Marley. “Coffee,” he said. “And some pie. Same as Laciee.”

“Coming right up.” Marley left.

“I think you need to explain yourself, Sheriff. I haven’t assaulted Miles Hotner. Hell, I’ve not even seen him since I’ve been here. Why do you think I assaulted him?” Dread filled her gut as she thought of who may have.

“He said you did.”

“Seriously? You’re taking his word that I went and assaulted him, but you can’t find anyone who saw who desecrated my grandmother’s grave, despite the entire town knowing about it? When did I do this?”

“He claims you went after him when he refused to sell you dirt.”

Suddenly, she understood as her fear solidified. Judd had gone to Miles for the dirt he’d brought for the grave. She ate a forkful of pie. “That’s right, I forgot. I did. I was so out of it because of what happened, I forgot. And why would I have come to you?”

“I would have helped convince him to sell you the dirt. I know you don’t think so but I do care about you.”

Marley returned with his food, her blue eyes flickering between them both. Laciee didn’t even pretend all was okay between the two of them. She continued to glare at the man who did a piss poor job of holding up the law around here. Marley cleared her throat and crossed her arms.

“Anything else?”

“We’re good, Marley.” Sheriff Bolton poured some fresh cream in his coffee and stirred it.

Marley glanced at her and Laciee gave her a small nod. Only then did Marley leave. Laciee placed her fork on the plate and picked up her coffee, sipping slowly.

“Plan on explaining yourself?” she asked.

“You heard me fine, Laciee. And I know you well know the meaning. I’m a good sheriff, better to those I like.”

“That’s what I thought.” She pushed to her feet. “You’ve mistaken me for my mother. I’m no whore and I’ll never spread my legs for you, not for any sort of favor. Nor will I get down on my knees for you. You’re a disgrace to the uniform and a bastard of a man.” She tossed her coffee in his face, not caring how hot it was then walked off ignoring his yells of pain.

“On the house, sweetie,” Marley said as she moved toward the whining man.

“Thanks, Marley.”

Laciee meandered around the streets for a while until she decided to head to Denim & Spurs. She checked her phone and saw she’d missed a call from Judd. She pulled up the message and listened to it.

“There was another incident so I have to stay here.”

She checked her watch and figured it best to just go back to the ranch and see if there was anything she could do to help out. Last time there had been some men to patch up. Who knew what it would be this time.

She jogged to her car and slipped behind the wheel. Digging for the keys, she looked around, unease slithering up her back. Shaking it off, she put the car in gear and headed out of Branchwater toward The Flying T Ranch.

Driving along the empty road, she jumped at the loud explosion that took out the front tire. She scrambled to stay upright but as the corner in the road neared, she knew it wasn’t going to work. The car went careening off the asphalt and tumbled end over end. Her last thought as darkness overtook her and the scent of gas reached her nose, was Judd.

* * * *

“Boss!”

Judd glanced between Kilburn’s ears at Frank, who hollered and waved his hand.

“What?” he yelled back over the restless cattle they’d just rounded up and returned to his property.

“Riders coming in.”

He trailed the pointing finger to the duo of horses that thundered in their direction. Even squinting, he couldn’t make out who it was. They rode well, whoever they were. When the horses jumped the log in their way, he frowned as recognition set in. It was Karis and one of the stable hands, Dell. He wheeled Kilburn to his right to meet them as concern leeched into him.

Karis had dirt on her face as she sawed on the reins, bringing her gelding to a halt.

“Wyatt know you’re out here ridin’ hell bent for leather?”

She didn’t crack a smile. “Laciee’s in the hospital.”

Had he not been on Kilburn, he would have collapsed on the ground at her news. He held Karis’ gaze, needing to witness the truth in her eyes. Once he found it, he yelled, “Joel!”

“Yeah, Boss?”

“I’m needed elsewhere.” Then he set his heels to Kilburn’s sides, and his gelding sprung away in response. He knew the men would be capable of handling this and that he would only leave if something dire had happened.

It had.

He ran Kilburn hard and his horse didn’t falter, as if the equine understood his rider’s desperation to get back. Judd wasn’t concerned about Karis, aware Dell would accompany her back as he had out there.

The ride back was grueling and took the remainder of that day, the night and most of the following day. Kilburn had reached his limit as they raced into the yard. One of the other hands met him to take Kilburn while Judd bolted for his truck, grinding gears as he rocketed off down the drive.

His eyes burned as he drove, but his gut screamed for him to get to her side.
Why had no one contacted me?
He knew why, because of where they’d been out on the range.

He barely parked legally before jumping out at the one area hospital. His long strides ate up the ground as he headed through the sliding doors to the front desk.

“Laciee Dupree,” he barked at the receptionist.

She gave him a cool glance. “Who?”

She damn well heard me.
“Laciee Dupree. Which room is hers?”

“Two-forty-seven.” She held his gaze. “Visiting hours are—”

He strode away. Utilizing the signs, he located her room and entered. A sharp breath left him. Her body appeared so small in the bed. He removed his hat, tossed it on the chair, and stepped to her side. Bruises and light burns marred the exposed skin.

“What the fuck happened, darlin’?”

This is what I get for not being there.
He reached out, only to stop short of actually touching her.
I’m so sorry, Laciee.

He went to the bathroom and washed his hands, face, and neck before returning to her side. While he waited, he paced. Finally a doctor entered and started when then their eyes met.

“Who are you?”

Aware he was a bit of a recluse around here, Judd stepped forward. “Judd Travers. How is she and what the fuck happened?”

He frowned. “Are you family?”

“Yes,” he replied without missing a beat.

“She was in a car accident, broken ribs, shattered arm, and contusions. Bottom line, she’s damn lucky to be alive, and yet for all she went through, she’s recovering very well.”

“Single car?”

“That’s what they said.”

Judd scowled. “But?”
I don’t like where this is going.

“Hell of a lot of damage.” He shrugged. “Not saying they’re wrong, just it’s usually been multiple vehicles when I see this type of damage.”

Judd filed that away and walked to the phone. He didn’t have his on him since he didn’t carry it out on the range. It didn’t work that far out there, no point in having it. Dialing the number he wanted, he waited for it to be answered.

“Karis?” Wyatt’s concerned tone fell.

“No, it’s Travers.”

“Judd, thank God Karis found you.”

“She did. She’s riding back with one of my men. What do you know?”