Rustlers and Romance [Saddle Creek 1] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 7

  “Well, who do you think is doing it then?”

  “I’ve got my suspicions, but I won’t know for sure till the sheriff finishes his investigation.”

  “How will you know then?”

  “I brand my horses, so they’re easy enough to identify. We’ll see what comes up in the brands.”

  “The brands?”

  “Yeah, which reminds me. Saddle Creek throws a Sunday-night branding celebration, a potluck kind of deal with dancing and such. I was wondering if you know anybody who might like to go on my arm.”

  “I’d love to,” she said with a smile, gazing up as the first rain clouds moved in to cover the sun.

  He pulled her closer and kissed her. “We better get a move-on, or we’re going to get a shower we didn’t ask for.” Like a true gentleman, he stood and offered her a hand. They finished dressing in a hurry, and he pulled her into his arms and gave her one last kiss.

  The ride back to the ranch was uneventful. She felt like a competent rider who could manage on her own. As they neared the barn, the horses tried to speed up, anxious to get back to the fresh oats they knew would be waiting for them, but being a seasoned cowboy, Chase firmly held them back. As they rounded the bend, it began to sprinkle, and by the time they rode into the barn, it had become a steady downpour.

  They got off their horses and Chase rushed over to a somber Amos. Lauren took Lucy to her stall and began the rubdown. Chase, after a quick word with Amos, was back on Midnight and riding out of the barn into the rain without so much as a good-bye.

  Not wanting to pry, she didn’t ask Amos where Chase was going. She was sure if he’d wanted her to know, he would tell her. He was a man who did as he pleased without anyone’s permission, especially on his own ranch. Nevertheless, a plethora of worrisome thoughts invaded her mind. Did he go to see Edie? Had more horses been stolen? Was the fence line cut again? Oh God! What if they found another body?

  By the time she had finished grooming the horse, the rain had dwindled. She ran through the light drizzle to the house to get cleaned up. She took her time in the hot shower and felt refreshed afterward. She dressed, went downstairs, and made a fresh pot of coffee.

  Standing with her back to the counter, she looked out the window toward the barn. The phone on the wall beside her rang. Startled, she jumped, spilling her hot, black drink down the front of her. She grabbed a paper towel from the dispenser by the sink and quickly tried to dry off. The phone hardly ever rang, and when it did, Chase usually answered it. On the third ring she decided she ought to pick it up in his absence.

  “Hello?”

  “Who’s this?” the person at the other end of the line demanded.

  “Who are you trying to reach?” she asked, wiping coffee off her jeans with a new paper towel.

  Click. The line went dead without another word.

  She replaced the receiver in the base and sat down on one of the stools at the bar. Apparently, the caller had no desire to talk to her. She wondered if Edie or Clint had put someone on the phone to call and see if she was there. Or it could be a number of different people, for totally different reasons. She’d never know, since Chase didn’t have caller ID on the landline, because he used his cell phone most of the time. She shrugged off the weird call.

  She decided on tuna-noodle casserole for supper, so she grabbed cans of tuna from the pantry, along with the other necessary ingredients.

  Lauren pulled the casserole out of the oven at the same time Chase came into the house with Amos in tow. The men talked quietly among themselves at the door of the study, just low enough she couldn’t hear. She placed the food on the table and called them to supper. When they reached the eating area and were within earshot, they immediately changed the tone of their conversation.

  “How ’bout that downpour? It was really somethin’, weren’t it?” Amos asked, taking his usual seat at the table.

  “It sure was, and we needed the rain so bad I’ll take it any way we can get it.” Chase winked at her over his plate.

  “I’m sure every little bit helps,” she responded, trying to ease her way into their conversation. “What are your plans for this evening, fellas?”

  “I’m going to make another run along the fence line,” Chase said. “Looks like it’s going to be raining for a while, though.”

  The men shoveled their food so quickly that in no time at all, Amos was getting up to leave.

  “Good day to stay indoors, if’n ya ask me,” Amos answered as he got up to leave. “I’ll be in the barn if you need anything.”

  “Sounds like the perfect time to get some spring cleaning done in here. Are you sure you don’t want to stay indoors with me and give me a hand?” Lauren asked Chase, her fingers secretly crossed, hoping he wouldn’t leave.

  He reached for her hand on the table and rubbed the top of it with his callused fingers. “I wish I could, but if I stick around, neither one of us would get any work done, because we’d be in bed all day.”

  She laughed. “Well, that’s what I was hoping for. How about I come with you?”

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I won’t be gone long, and I can travel a little faster by myself. You’ll be better off in the house. Just ring the bell on the porch if you need anything, and Amos’ll come runnin’.”

  She stuck out her bottom lip, pouting. “Fine, but can I get a rain check on that day in bed?” she asked, only half playing.

  “Consider it done.” Chase stood to leave. He walked to the door to pick up his hat from the peg, then turned and looked at her. “C’mere, Lauren.” He held his arms out.

  She walked toward him and right into his arms.

  He pulled her close. “Everything will be fine. Just wait and see,” he said in her ear, then pulled her back so he could look her in the face. “Just remember if you need anything, anything at all, Amos is just a holler away.”

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Like you said, you won’t be gone long. I’m just going to do some laundry and pick up a little in the family room, unless there’s something else you need me to do.”

  “No, no, that’s fine. I’ll be back early, and then we’ll talk.” He kissed her on the lips and turned to leave. He opened the door and walked into the rain.

  Lauren stood at the door, watching him longingly.

  Chapter 10

  Chase left the barnyard behind him and carefully searched the eastern fence line from one end to the other. He heard a noise like a motorized vehicle and figured Amos or one of the ranch hands had driven one of the four-wheelers out to find him. He stopped and listened closer. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end and a shiver ran down his spine. When he realized it was the engine of a large truck, anger shot through him as if he’d been struck by lightning. With all the mountainous echoes, he couldn’t pinpoint the exact location. He walked his horse slowly, searching in the direction from where the sound was loudest. Then, just as suddenly, it stopped. He heard only silence on the mountain range. He surmised that maybe his neighbor, Duffy Benner, was doing some construction work and the sound had simply carried on the wind.

  Satisfied his horses were safe, he headed back to the barn to check with his ranch foreman and the new hands they’d hired. He wanted to set up the extra patrols during the remaining daylight hours so they’d be familiar with the territory after dark.

  As he rode back to the ranch, Midnight pulled on the bit, neighed, and sidestepped. An odd feeling came over Chase, like he was being watched or followed. The hair on the nape of his neck stood up and a chill ran through him.

  “Whoa, boy,” he pulled on the reins. He slowed, stopped, listened, and looked over his shoulder. When he didn’t see any movement, he spurred Midnight on and picked up the pace. He had a strong urge to check on Lauren, a feeling that somewhere on his ranch, something just wasn’t right.

  He returned to the ranch and jumped off his horse, handing the reins to Amos. He ran into the house and through the rooms, calling for her. His heart raced and pe
rspiration broke out on his upper lip. He stopped outside her empty bedroom and gasped for air. Where could she be?

  He hurried down the stairs and outside to the barn. Amos was grooming Midnight while talking to someone on the other side of his horse. Chase peeked around the corner. Relief spread to his core as waves of excitement flowed through him. He relaxed.

  “Well there you are. I started to worry about you when I didn’t find you in the house.” He smiled at her as she stopped brushing his horse’s fine coat. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, just fine. Why? Were you worried?”

  “I had a funny feeling come over me while I was out and Midnight, with his sixth sense, picked up on it, too.” He took the brush from her hand and threw it into the bucket. He took her hand in his.

  Amos stopped brushing to hear his answer. “What kinda feelin’?” he asked.

  “Like I was being watched or stalked, maybe followed.” He looked toward the east but didn’t hear or see anybody. But he knew. He knew how the horses reacted. He knew something or someone was out there.

  Chapter 11

  Lauren woke up early. After a restless night she was tempted to stay in bed but wanted to start the day with Chase, talking, over a cup of coffee. She yawned. I can sleep another time.

  She quickly dressed, brushed her hair, and pulled it back into a ponytail. Then she tiptoed down the staircase.

  In the kitchen, she poured water into the coffeemaker and pushed the button to start it brewing. Suddenly, she was enveloped by a pair of strong, lightly furred arms. Chase! Her body shivered as she rubbed her cheek against his warm chin.

  “Good morning, babe. Did you sleep well?” he whispered in her ear, then kissed and nuzzled her neck. The warmth of his body pinned her to the counter while softness grew in her heart.

  “Good morning to you, too. I did some tossing and turning.” She had reached for him numerous times, only to find the queen-sized bed far too large and cold and empty. “How about you?”

  “I wanted to beat you to the coffee, at least once, but you keep sneaking in here before I have a chance.” He kissed her neck and squeezed her tighter. His warm lips lingered along her jawline then kissed her neck all the way to her ear.

  She smiled. “This is my favorite part of the day. I really enjoy talking with you about your plans for the day while drinking coffee.” She turned, locking her arms around his neck. His hair was still mussed from sleep. His usually bright blue eyes now were a sparkling, seductive dark blue. His erection pressed against her stomach. “Of course, I’d love to be with you all the time, but that just isn’t possible, is it?”

  He smiled. “I’m flattered.” He kissed her lips lightly. “But unfortunately, I have a ranch to take care of and things to do.”

  “And you do it so well.” She kissed him back, this time with all the need and urgency she’d had to suppress during her restless night. Her heart beat erratically. She could barely breathe, relishing in the contact of his full mouth. His tongue opened her mouth, twisting and tangling with hers. She wound her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, running her hands through his silk-like hair.

  “Lauren,” he whispered, as he held her head with both hands while he rubbed his thumbs on her cheeks. The sound of her name on his lips sounded like warm honey. Her stomach quivered with anticipation, want, and desire. She loved the surprisingly light touch of his callused hand on her cheek, the way his scent melded with the familiar smells of leather and horses.

  He stood back. “If we don’t stop now I’ll never get any work done, and I’ve got a full day today.” He moved away and reached for his cup of coffee, then settled at the breakfast table.

  She prepared toast and scrambled eggs for their breakfast and joined him at the table.

  “Let’s take a couple hours tomorrow to go to town and find you a dress for the after-roundup shindig,” he offered while he spread jelly on his toast and took a bite.

  She clapped her hands excitedly. “Ooh! I can’t wait.”

  “Good, but I’m afraid you’ll have to be pretty much on your own today.” He scraped up the rest of the eggs from his plate and took a big bite, followed by a swallow of coffee.

  “That’s all right. I’ve got some housework to keep me busy, and if you don’t mind, I might go for a short ride on Lucy.”

  “Fine with me, as long as you stay close to the house. Even with the extra hands patrolling the fence line, we’ve all gotta be careful. Breakfast was delicious, by the way, just like the cook.” He winked, stood, and moved behind her chair, then leaned down for a kiss. After tasting her one last time, he moved toward the door and picked up his hat. “Bye, love.” The door closed and he was gone.

  Lauren sat for a moment, his soft words echoing in her mind. He called her “love.” Her heart quickened. Her hand reached for her chest and settled on her rapidly beating heart. Did he really love her, or was it just another way of saying “good-bye, see you later”? She became caught up in memories of their ride the day before and the beautiful grassy knoll where he’d taken her. She nodded. Yes, she’d head in that direction, albeit a shorter ride, after she did some chores.

  After tidying up, vacuuming, and doing two loads of laundry, she was ready to get out of the house. Eager to get as much out of the warm spring day, she hurried with her chores. The day was on the threshold of summer, before the weather got too hot.

  She met Amos at the barn door. “How are you this morning? We missed you at breakfast.”

  “No worries, ma’am. I got some mornin’ grub in the bunkhouse with the other hands. I like to keep my eyes on the new fellas for a while, till they get used to the place and we get used to them. Chase is already out on patrol if you’re a-lookin’ for him.”

  “Actually, I was hoping to take Lucy for a short ride. I think I’m ready to go it alone.”

  “Well, in that case, let’s get you all fixed up. Miss Lucy’ll appreciate it, too, I’m sure.” He limped to the tack room in the corner of the barn, picked up a bridle, and handed it to her. When he turned around again, he had a large straw hat in his hand. “From the looks o’ that sun out there, you best wear this on that pretty head of yours. It’s s’posed to get pretty warm out there today.” He picked up a saddle and blanket and made his way to Lucy’s stall.

  Within minutes, Lauren swung astride her favorite horse and was on her way. She walked Lucy out of the yard, past the house and toward the fence line. She followed the same trail she and Chase had taken the day prior, only at a much slower pace.

  She took in the magnificent vistas from each craggy point, enjoying the fresh air, a light breeze blowing through her long hair. A few strong gusts of wind made her grab for her hat. She stopped atop a knoll a short distance from the one where they had spent such a wonderful afternoon, and had a good look around.

  Suddenly, the hair stood up on the back of her neck, a chill ran through her body, and she shivered. She looked behind her, thinking possibly Chase or one of the hands had found her, but she saw no one. She had the uneasy feeling someone watched or followed her.

  The horse leaped forward and started to run. Lauren held onto the saddle pummel to avoid toppling off when the horse suddenly swung toward home. She tried in vain to gather the reins she’d allowed to slacken, but it was too late, the horse’s speed had picked up. At a dead run, she struggled to stay on while tugging on the reins and trying to talk soothingly to the mare. Once the horse settled and slowed to a walk, Lauren leaned forward and calmed the horse by rubbing her hands on Lucy’s neck the way she’d been taught.

  Grateful to be back at the barn, she unsaddled the tired mare and groomed her while the horse munched on fresh hay. Eventually Lauren’s tight muscles and zinging nerve endings relaxed. The mundane chores gave her time to recover from the fright the horse had given her, as well as the uncomfortable feeling of being watched. When there were no signs of anyone in the barn, she finished up and headed to the house to clean up and prepare lunch.

  Sh
e rang the bell for lunch and Chase and Amos arrived within a few minutes. They ate heartily and didn’t talk much, everyone anxious to get back outside.

  Later in the afternoon, she wandered out to the round pen and leaned against the rail. A proud-looking buckskin pranced around the corral while Chase stood nearby him with a saddle blanket in his hands.

  Amos came up beside her. “He’s working on preparing that one for his first ride.” He leaned against the fence.

  “What does he have to do? I thought they just jumped on them and rode them till they got used to it.”

  “Not at this ranch they don’t. First, them horses gotta get used to the halter.” He wiped his forehead on his shirtsleeve.

  “What do they do next?” She couldn’t take her eyes off the horse or the trainer.

  “Boss’ll take a blanket or such and wave it around the animal’s back and gently touch him with it.”

  “But why does he do that?”

  “So’s the horse ain’t afraid of bein’ touched. That’s what he’s doing now. Then, he’ll work with the lead rope on his back, and then comes the blanket and saddle.”

  “He’s beautiful,” she rested her arms on top of the railing while gazing inside the ring. Chase looked at her and winked.

  “You talkin’ ’bout the horse or the man?”

  Surprised by his remark, a blush rose up her neck to her cheeks. Lauren smiled at Amos. “I meant the horse, but the man’s pretty easy on the eyes, too.”

  He laughed and wheezed, then slapped his leg with his hand. “Yeah, I s’pose he’s quite the prize stud. He sure has had more’n his share of women, though, let me tell you. He leaves ’em as quick as they come, just can’t seem to find the right one, I guess.” From between his wrinkled lips, the old man spat a sticky stream of black tobacco juice in the dirt. “I ain’t sayin’ that to hurt ya. I’m just tellin’ ya to be careful. A sweet gal like yourself is likely ta get her feelin’s hurt by a fella like him. Take Edie Benner. She’s been after Chase for years. Time was everyone thought they’d get married and combine two of the largest ranches around and now he won’t give her the time of day. That’s all I’m gonna say about that.” He turned and sauntered away.