In His Brother's Place (10 page)

By then Jordan had managed to grab Rudy’s collar and haul him away from table. But the damage was done. The room reminded Jordan of a scene from a B-grade frat house movie.

Carlos hung his head. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Cooper. I opened the door a crack, the dog ran right between my legs and I dropped the tray. I’ll take him out to the barn for now.”

Lucas was crying. Angie held him close as Meredith rose, quivering. “I want that hideous creature gone,” she said. “It’s to be off the property by this time tomorrow! Get rid of it any way you have to!”

“No!”
Lucas’s sobs had risen to howls. “Don’t take Rudy! He’s my dog! He loves me!”

“Never mind,” Meredith said. “We’ll get you a more suitable dog, a nice golden retriever like the one your father had.”

“No! I want Rudy!” Tears streamed down Lucas’s cheeks.

“I’ll take the dog out,” Jordan said. “Carlos, you stay and help clean up. Don’t worry, Lucas, Rudy’s just going to the barn. He’ll be safe and warm, and I’ll leave him some food.”

Jordan’s words seemed to lend some comfort. Lucas’s sobs eased. He buried his face against his mother’s shoulder. “He’s worn out,” Angie said. “Once he’s down for his nap, I’ll come back and help with the cleanup. That’s the least I can do.”

“What about me?” Meredith dabbed a spatter of gravy off her slacks. “I’ve had a trying experience, and I want to go home. Who’s going to drive me?”

“I’ll take you, Mother, as soon as this rascal’s safely put away.” Jordan kept a grip on Rudy’s collar as he led the pup toward the back of the house. Minutes ago, he’d been congratulating himself on a peaceful Thanksgiving dinner. He should have known better.

* * *

By the time the Mercedes pulled into the garage, the sun was setting. Marta and Carlos had gone home after clearing away the remains of dinner, and Lucas had yet to wake from his nap.

Curled on the sofa by the glowing fire, Angie was savoring the quiet. She glanced up as Jordan came in from the patio.

“How’s Lucas?” He peeled of his leather jacket and tossed it on a footstool. His hair glimmered with melting snowflakes.

“Still asleep.” She remembered the fuzzy blue blanket on the bed, the small lump beneath, nestled next to Justin’s teddy bear. “He was so tired, he may be down for the night. How’s your mother?”

“She’ll be fine.” He came around the back of the couch and sat down. “We had a talk.”

“Oh?”

“I made it clear that Rudy is part of the family—and so are you. And I told her that if she wanted to spend time with her grandson, she’d have to accept that.”

“That sounds a bit harsh, don’t you think?”

He stretched his long legs before the fire. “My mother has a good heart. But she can be stubborn. Sometimes it takes a little tough love to bring her around.”

Angie stared at him, half amused. “You surprise me, Jordan Cooper, sticking up for poor Rudy like that. And sticking up for me, too. Right now I think I like you better than ever before in my life.”

A smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. “That sounds like a good thing. Is it?”

Angie’s pulse skittered. Jordan had taken giant steps to win her trust. Did it mean what she wanted it to mean? After all that had happened between them, dared she risk her heart to this man?

She lowered her gaze, then met his eyes. “It could be...a very good thing,” she said.

Even before he leaned close and cupped her cheek with his hand, she’d sensed he was going to kiss her. But she was unprepared for the rush that slammed her body when his lips closed on hers. A moan escaped her throat as heat poured through her in a sizzling torrent. She’d wanted this, hungered for it. Heaven help her, she hadn’t known how much until now.

Her mouth softened against his, lips parting, tongue seeking. With a low growl he pulled her against him, hands molding her against his chest. She clasped his head, deepening the kiss as their tongues played a tantalizing game of tag. Moisture slicked the crotch of her panties as his hand slid beneath her sweater. Skilled fingers unhooked the back of her bra. She whimpered as his palm cupped her breast, thumb stroking the nipple with a lightness that triggered spasms of need.

She wanted him so much she could hardly stand it. But things were moving too fast, spinning out of control. And there was Lucas napping upstairs, liable to wake up any second.

Summoning her will, she pulled away from him.

A questioning look flashed across his face. Then he glanced upward in sudden understanding. His breath eased out as he released her. “Rain check?”

Angie managed a shaky laugh. “Rain check. I should probably look in on Lucas again.” She paused, thinking. “Nothing would make him happier than to wake up and see Rudy by his bed. Do you think—?”

“Sure. I’ll go get Rudy and bring him upstairs. Let’s hope the silly mutt’s learned his lesson.”

They rose at the same time. Angie was headed for the stairs when she realized something wasn’t quite right. “Jordan, wait—” She turned her back and pulled up her sweater. “I could use a little help here.”

He chuckled. “Now this is the kind of help I don’t mind giving,” he muttered as he fastened the back of her bra. Lingering, he let his hands slide around her rib cage to cradle the lace-clad cups. Angie closed her eyes. A purr escaped her lips as he brushed a kiss on the back of her neck.

“You’re getting me in trouble,” she murmured.

His laughter tickled her skin as he released her. “I sincerely hope so. Now run along. We can finish what we started later.”

He picked up his jacket and strode, whistling, toward the back door. Angie raced up the stairs, her heart pounding. Was she making a fool of herself, casting aside all caution and common sense to be with Jordan again?

If the answer was yes, why did it feel so right? Was it because he’d stood up to his mother in her defense?

It didn’t necessarily mean a thing, she reminded herself as she hurried down the hall toward Lucas’s room. Clearly Jordan wanted a bed partner, and he could be very persuasive. The question was, did he want more?

The door to Lucas’s room was slightly ajar, as she’d left it. Cracking it open a few more inches, she slipped inside. There was no sign that Lucas had stirred—but Angie noticed something as she was about to leave. His shoes, which she’d taken off and placed on the rug, were missing, and his jacket was gone from the back of the chair.

A thread of panic rose in her. Afraid to breathe, she yanked back her son’s blue blanket. On the bed was a cleverly arranged line of pillows and stuffed toys.

Lucas was gone.

Ten

A
s she bolted down the stairs, Angie saw Jordan rushing back inside. “He’s gone!” she gasped. “Lucas is gone!”

Jordan looked shaken. “I know. The dog’s gone, too. I found their tracks in the snow.” He grabbed his coat off the chair. “I’ll go after them. Do you want to stay here and wait?”

“No, he might need me. I’m coming with you.” Angie raced for the closet. While Jordan found a flashlight, Angie tugged on a thick woolen overcoat. No doubt Lucas, fearing the loss of his beloved pet, had taken Rudy and run away. The snow would make it possible to track him, thank heaven, but it was getting dark and the night was frigid. How long could a small child survive in this weather?

Together they plunged out the back door into the biting wind. Fine snowflakes blasted them like bird shot. Angie pulled the oversize coat around her, thinking of her little boy in his thin jacket. They had to find him before hypothermia set in.

“This way!” Jordan shone the light toward the corner of the barn. “Here’s where I saw the tracks.”

Angie stared at the ground. The prints of Lucas’s sneakers and Rudy’s outsize paws were already filling with snow. How long had they been gone? Too long, she realized with a sinking heart. When she’d checked on her son half an hour ago she’d been fooled by the lumpy form on the bed. At the time she’d failed to notice the missing shoes and jacket. If only she’d taken a moment for a second look.

As she followed Jordan’s flashlight beam, she breathed silent prayers. By now they’d left the open gate behind and were moving fast, Angie running to keep up with Jordan’s long strides. Her light slippers were cold and wet and gave her poor footing, but she struggled ahead. Every few minutes they stopped to shout Lucas’s name and listen. The only answer was the chilling whistle of the wind.

Suddenly Jordan paused, cursing under his breath. Angie drew closer, trying to see the tracks through the flying snow. “What is it?” she asked.

Jordan lowered the beam, focusing the light on a narrow paw print, smaller than Rudy’s. “Coyotes,” he said. “Looks like maybe a pair of them. They’ll run from an adult, but...”

There was no need for him to finish. Lucas was small enough to be seen as prey. And a clumsy, inexperienced pup like Rudy would be no match for a pair of hungry coyotes.

Angie’s knees threatened to buckle. She willed herself to be strong. “You’re faster than I am,” she told Jordan. “Go on ahead. I’ll follow your trail.”

His hand brushed her cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ll find him.”

“Hurry!” She watched him turn away. In the next moment he was lost in darkness and swirling snow.

Head down, Angie pushed after him.

* * *

“Lucas!” Jordan shouted into the wind, ears straining for any sign he’d been heard. If only he’d thought to bring his pistol. The boy might be able to hear a gunshot and come toward the sound. But in this weather, a voice wouldn’t carry for more than a few dozen yards.

Lucas’s trail had become more erratic, as if he were weakening or becoming confused. At least the dog was staying with him. Rudy’s big paw prints were clear and close, the coyote tracks scattered wider as if the crafty beasts had caught up and were working up the courage to move in. Jordan paused to brush the snow off the flashlight, then raced ahead.

What if he arrived too late? Lord, what if he lost that precious little boy—his brother’s only child? He’d grown to care for Lucas. Their rides in the truck and their time on the range had taken him back to his own boyhood and to the simple joys of being alive. He’d found himself looking forward to watching the boy grow up, to being there to help and guide him.

And what about Angie? Lucas’s loss would destroy her. She would blame herself, just as she blamed herself for losing Justin. Even if she survived, emotionally and physically, he’d never see her again.

Jordan had to face the truth. He could no longer imagine his life without either of them.

“Lucas!” He plunged through the dark, half-blinded by snow.
“Lucas!”

On the wind came a faint sound. A shout? No, more like a bark. Guided by his ears now, he pounded toward it.

“Lucas! Answer me!” He waited, praying for the sound of a childish voice. But he heard only more barking. With a silent prayer on his lips he pounded closer.

Two shadowy forms streaked away as he approached. There, in the beam of his flashlight, he saw Rudy. Head lowered, hackles bristling, he stood his ground, guarding something in the darkness behind him.

“Easy, boy.” The pup growled at Jordan’s approach but seemed to recognize his voice. Rudy’s head came up. His tail twitched, then wagged.

Jordan’s flashlight beam found Lucas. He was curled on his side at the base of a large creosote bush, half-sheltered by its branches.

The boy wasn’t moving.

Sick with dread, Jordan flung himself to his knees and scooped the child into his arms. The small body was limp and cold, but he was still breathing. “Lucas!” Jordan shook him gently, then harder. “Lucas! Wake up!”

Lucas stirred. His eyes blinked open. “Tired...” he mumbled.

Thank God.

Stripping off his leather jacket, Jordan wrapped the boy in its warmth. “Let’s go home, son,” he said.

Home. Son.
Strange how naturally the words came to him.

Rudy followed along as Jordan strode back the way he’d come. Angie’s windblown form appeared through the driving snow. She stumbled forward with a cry as she saw him.

“He’s all right, Angie, just cold.” He would tell her later how close the coyotes had come and how Rudy had protected his young master.

She opened the ample overcoat she’d worn. Jordan freed Lucas from the leather jacket and passed the boy to his mother. She folded the coat around him, warming him with her body. By now he was sobbing—a good sign. Broken whimpers came from inside the coat. Impulsively, Jordan gathered them both into his arms, holding them tight against him. They stood wrapped in flying snow, breathing silent thanks for the small life that nestled between them. The moment was so poignant that he was reluctant to end it. But an impatient yip from Rudy reminded him that they needed to get back to the house.

They followed their trail toward the distant lights of the house. Angie stumbled in her thin shoes. Catching her balance, she readjusted her burden.

Jordan reached out to steady her. “You’re getting tired. Let me take him.”

“We’re fine.” Her arms tightened around her son. She’d been through a mother’s hell tonight, Jordan reminded himself. Her strength amazed and humbled him. How could anyone raise children in this dangerous world where tragedies struck without warning? How could anyone have the courage to love when the risk of pain ran so high?

Was he a coward at heart? Was that why, after Justin’s loss, he’d held so much back from his marriage? Was that why he’d drifted from one empty relationship to the next, his emotions safely frozen?

By the time they reached the house they were too cold and tired for conversation. Angie shed the overcoat and rushed Lucas upstairs. Jordan fed the pup and took him up to the boy’s room. From Angie’s bathroom, he could hear the sound of splashing water and the murmur of voices.

Going back to the kitchen, Jordan made hot cocoa with mini marshmallows, took a cup upstairs and rapped lightly on the bathroom door. Angie opened it a few inches. Behind her he glimpsed Lucas in a tub of steaming bubbles.

Her damp face lit when she saw the cocoa. “Oh, thanks! That’ll help warm him up.”

“Careful, it’s still hot.” Jordan passed her the cup and saucer. “How’s he doing?”

“Better. No sign of frostbite. But he’s worn out. I’m hoping he’ll sleep.”

“Rudy’s curled on his rug. That mutt deserves a medal. Stuck right by Lucas the whole time.”

She flashed a tired smile. “See, I told you the dog was worth saving. I hope your mother’s convinced of that.”

“If not, she will be.”

Jordan went back to the parlor and added a fresh log to the fireplace. Then he sank down on the couch to wait. There was no reason to believe Angie would come downstairs again. But he wanted her to.

And if she did, he wanted to be here, waiting.

* * *

Angie tiptoed down to the parlor. It had taken time for Lucas to fall asleep, and she hadn’t wanted to leave him. But now he was deep in slumber, with Rudy keeping faithful watch beside his bed.

The empty cup and saucer had lent her an excuse to return downstairs. But she didn’t expect to need it. Jordan had probably gone to bed. And, after Lucas’s scare, their sizzling encounter on the sofa—and the rain check they’d promised each other—would seem little more than a distant memory.

But if he chanced to be awake she wanted to thank him. Jordan had saved her son’s life tonight. Alone, there was no way she could have found Lucas in time.

In the parlor, the fire smoldered on the hearth, tongues of flame flickering among the coals. A single lamp on an end table glowed through its mica shade. In its light, Jordan sprawled on the sofa, fast asleep.

Setting the cup and saucer aside, Angie gazed down at him. He lay cushioned on his side, as if he’d nodded off while sitting and then slumped over. His hair clung to his face in damp curls; his jaw was shadowed with stubble.

A rush of tenderness swept over her. She found herself yearning to brush a kiss across his lips, imagining the taste of him, the slow stirring of his response. Tempted, she leaned toward him, then caught herself. Jordan looked exhausted. What if he didn’t want to be bothered? Maybe it would be best to let him sleep.

A woolen afghan lay over the back of a chair. Shaking out the folds, Angie spread it gently over him. She was tucking it around his shoulders when he opened his eyes. His gaze was sleepy and disturbingly sexy.

“Hello,” he mumbled. “How’s Lucas?”

“It took him a while to settle down, but he’s fine. Out for the night, I hope.”

“Good.” He pushed himself upright, undressing her with a heavy-lidded look. Angie felt a nervous flutter in her stomach. She’d slept with Jordan once and told herself it meant nothing. But this time, she sensed, she was risking her heart. Were things moving too fast? Maybe she’d have been wiser to stay in her room.

“Sit down, Angie,” he said as if reading her. “You’ve been through a hell of a time. Put your feet up and rest.”

“That sounds like the best advice I’ve heard all night.”

As she sank into the leather cushions, he shifted to give her more room and shoved the ottoman over to support her feet.

“Better?”

She answered with a nod and a little sigh.

“Coffee? I can make you some.”

“No, thanks. It’ll just keep me awake.”

One dark eyebrow twitched upward. What had he read into that last remark? Jordan wouldn’t push her, she knew. He had too much male pride for that. Whatever happened—or didn’t happen—would be her decision.

Rising, he moved to the ottoman and lifted her feet in his hands. Only then did Angie realize that she was still wearing the thin, wet slippers that had trudged through the snow.

Gently, he peeled off the soggy shoes and shook his head. “Poor feet. They’re like lumps of ice. Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

He left the room and returned a moment later with a washcloth, a towel and a mysterious-looking jar. Sitting again, he cradled Angie’s bare feet on the towel in his lap. His eyes held a mischievous twinkle. “Just lean back and enjoy this,” he said.

Angie’s eyes closed as Jordan sponged her chilled feet and rubbed them dry. Her breath eased out in a whispered moan. The cloth was damp, warm and soft, the sensation so sweet it almost brought her to tears. Had anyone, in her whole life, ever done such a thing for her?

“You learned this from the devil, along with that shoulder massage, didn’t you?” she joked, making light of what she felt.

He flashed her a grin. “Sure. In exchange for my soul.”

“I bet you do this for all the ladies.”

“Only the ones with frozen feet.” He opened the jar. The silky cream he rubbed into her skin had a tingle and smelled of sandalwood. His powerful fingers massaged the arches and balls of her feet, awakening sparks of pleasure that shimmered upward along her calves, into her thighs and...

Angie groaned as the heat rose and curled inside her. Her senses simmered, melting like butter over a flame. “This is decadent,” she murmured. “You’re a naughty man, Jordan Cooper.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” His eyes narrowed in the lamplight, flashing a half-hidden challenge. His fingers continued their slow torment. Waves of arousal rippled up her legs. She shuddered with need. How long was the man going to tease her like this?

“I think I’d like to...” she whispered.

“Like to what?”

“To...know the other half...”

With a rough laugh, he rose and swept her up in his arms. Carrying her like a child, he strode down the hall to his bedroom. Angie almost expected to be flung onto the mattress, but he stopped at the side of the bed and gently lowered her feet to the floor. His kiss was long and warm and deep—so deep that she felt the burn of it all the way to the soles of her bare feet.

Through his clothes she could feel the contours of his broad chest, his muscled belly and the strain of his jutting sex. Her hand crept down to tug at the zipper pull.

“Tell me what you want, Angie.” His voice was a velvety growl.

Her fingers opened the zipper and found the slit in his briefs. “This...” Her fingertip stroked the solid length of his shaft. A quiver passed through his body.

“Tell me. Let me hear you say it.”

“I want you, Jordan.” Had she ever been surer of anything in her life? “I want you inside me.”

He took seconds to drop his clothes and add protection. Then his hands jerked her slacks and panties off her hips. As they pooled around her ankles he clasped her rump, lifted her upward and slid her onto his iron-hard length.

Angie gasped as he entered her. Unbidden, her bare legs wrapped around his hips, binding him close, and her arms wrapped around his neck. A whimper stirred her throat as his thrusts began, driving upward, pushing into her high and hard. A storm of sensations surged through her body. She found herself wanting to move with him, but gravity was working against her. It was all she could do to hang on and enjoy the wild ride.