Dream Lover (Denim and Spurs Book 2) Read online

  “Why are you pushing this?”

  “Because someone is out to scare you or even try to hurt you. Don’t sit right by me.”

  She glanced back over the Texas landscape. “So this is common for you? Rescuing damsels in distress. Or rather ones you feel are in distress.”

  Did he hear jealousy in her questions? He’d like to think so. “No. Never minded other people’s business before.”

  “So why start now?” Her light gaze found his. “What’s your end game?”

  He rested his right arm along the back of the seat. “End game?”

  “Yes. Your angle. What is it you’re after?”

  He shook his head. “You really need to find others to hang around, Laciee Dupree. What you see with me is what you get. Nothing hidden. No games, no hidden agenda.”

  “Why do you care?”

  He didn’t think she was ready for his answer yet so he countered with a question of his own. “Why won’t you stand up for yourself?”

  Her expression closed off and once again her stare migrated from him back out the window. He thought he’d lost her.

  “I stand up for myself when it’s important.”

  Anger churned. “Having that sh…crap happen to you and the obvious discount by the law isn’t important?”

  She barely moved. “Not to me.”

  “Why?” Her jaw set and he knew she was about to ignore him. “Talk, Laicee.”

  “Let it go.”

  Not a chance. He reached out and turned her head so he could see her eyes. “If I don’t know what it is, how can I protect you?”

  “Don’t try.”

  His chuckle wasn’t very amused. “Not trying, darlin’. I’m doin’. And you actin’ like a stubborn filly ain’t gonna throw me. I’m still waitin’ for my answer.”

  She rubbed her temples and moved back from his touch. Judd hid his disappointment and allowed the distance. “Let’s just say I’m not really well liked here.”

  That could—and would—be the understatement of the year. “Need more than that, Laciee.”

  “You really don’t. That’s why I’m treated how I am.”

  “Not really good as far as answers go,” he remarked, dropping his head to rest against the seat.

  “But it was an answer. Perhaps you should move your truck out from the middle of the road now.”

  He worked his lower jaw for a few moments before nodding. “Okay.” Two minutes later he’d parked them on the shoulder.

  She looked at him and shook her head. “Not what I meant, Judd.”

  “I’m still waiting for my answer.”

  “Take me back to the house, give me a beer, and I’ll tell you more.”

  “Beer?”

  “I don’t drink much, I know, and I suck at holding my liquor but I’m going to need something to bolster myself.”

  He put the truck in gear and drove them home, allowing her to withdraw into herself. She did it silently and even appeared to shrink on the seat. Damn it all, he wanted to gather her close to him and chase away whatever it was haunting her.

  The moment he drove up to the house, he knew their chat would have to wait. Laciee didn’t speak, just jumped out as he slowed to a stop, and it didn’t take her long to grab her bags. He shot out instantly after, only heading in the opposite direction. Caleb Sorenson, his foreman, spied him and headed in his direction on horseback, dirt churning up from beneath his sorrel horse’s hooves.

  “What’s wrong?” he demanded the second his foreman reached him.

  “Poisoning in the herd. Out along the eastern border.”

  Rage surged hot and fierce, pounding through his body with each pump of his heart. He hadn’t had a problem with this kind of thing for a long while now. Dashing to the barn, he had his gelding saddled in little time. Caleb awaited him, and they thundered off. As they crested the first hill, Judd thought about Laciee and the conversation they still needed to have.

  Chapter Seven

  Laciee stood at the window of her temporary bedroom, fingers gripping the lace curtain. The clothing bags lay empty on the bed, her purchases scattered about. None of it mattered. Not at this particular moment. Right now, she was all about trying to figure out what the hell was going on with her.

  Why did it matter that Judd seemed as if he actually cared about her situation here? She should just leave now, while he was off handling whatever the emergency had been. No, she couldn’t do that. Her conscience wouldn’t allow her to do such a thing. Not when he’d been so nice to her.

  She flexed her grip on the curtains. They were soft upon her skin and momentarily distracted her. What had happened for him to leave that quick? Was there something she could do to help? The afternoon sun had lowered in the sky, bathing the incredible land in colors that took her breath away.

  “I seriously doubt you could do anything to help the wealthy Judd Travers, Laciee.” She shook her head and dropped the curtain, stepping back from the scene that wasn’t presenting her with the image she longed for.

  Judd Travers.

  It had barely been an hour since he’d ridden away with some of the other men. Obviously they’d been waiting for his return. Guilt surged up within her. Had he not felt the need to watch out for her, he could have been here to handle issues on his ranch.

  She blew out a ragged breath and returned to the bed and the purchases that lay strewn about. Jeans, tees, skirts, she’d more just grabbed items than actually shopped with any reasoning behind it. Now she had to just put them in some semblance of order. And figure out what her next course of action would be.

  “I should just leave,” she muttered as she refolded the third pair of jeans.

  “I don’t think that would be a wise idea, Ms. Dupree.”

  The new voice hadn’t been expected and she jumped, the jeans falling into a heap from her hands. Whirling, Laciee spied Rosa standing there in the doorway, a tray before her.

  “Hi,” she managed to sputter. “I…I didn’t know anyone was there.”

  “May I come in?”

  “Of course. I’m just a guest.”

  Rosa walked in, set the tray down on the bedside stand and Laciee found herself surrounded by the rich scent of Earl Grey tea and iced lemon cookies.

  “Mr. Travers wouldn’t be happy if he were to return and find you had left.” Had she been deaf, Laciee would have picked up on the disproval in the woman’s body language.

  Rosa poured her a cup of tea, and Laciee gratefully took it and sat on the edge of bed.

  “What happened that he had to leave?” she asked.

  “I don’t know.” Rosa reached for a shirt and began folding it.

  “You don’t have to do that,” Laciee protested.

  “I know.” Rosa propped her hands on her waist, canted her head, and stared at Laciee.

  Holding her cup in one hand, she tucked some hair behind her ear with the other. Laciee was used to the scrutiny but that didn’t mean she liked it. She didn’t know Rosa very well and had only spoken to her occasionally while growing up. Not for any reason other than she’d had no reason to interact with the woman.

  “Mr. Travers is a good man.”

  “I know he is.”

  “I love him like he’s one of my own.”

  No mistaking the warning there. Laciee merely nodded and waited for the rest of the caveat to fall.

  “He’s a great boss and all the men working here respect him. I knew something changed the day he brought you here. After Mrs. Hale’s wedding. He looks at you in a way he’s never looked at another before. He’s never brought anyone here before, either. Much less tell me to give her whatever she wants.”

  “I don’t need you waiting on me, Mrs. Sanchez,” Laciee interrupted.

  “Hush, child.” She frowned briefly. “I’m glad you’re here. He needs a woman in his life. But if you hurt him,” she shook her head as she paused, “I’ll make you wish you’d never walked through the door.” Lightning sparked in her gaze and the message
had been received.

  “I’m not looking to hurt anyone. I didn’t want to come here. He didn’t really give me any choice on the matter.”

  Rosa’s look said “you’re here now” and Laciee wasn’t sure the woman was happy with that bit of fact. “You look tired, take a nap.” That was all she said before leaving and closing the door behind her.

  Laciee drank some more tea and moved back to the window. Where was Judd right now? Was he okay? Her fingers flexed about the ceramic mug before she shut her eyes and turned away. It wasn’t any of her business what he did.

  Right. Like that was going to be believed. Something happened between them that night before the wedding. At the time, it had been naught but one amazing dream. Now, it was something so much more. There was an attachment between them.

  I don’t need any of those. I’m here until Karis gets back, then I’m leaving this place before her dust even settles.

  Her cell rang and she picked it up before smiling. “Hey, woman,” she said answering. “How’s things in New York?”

  It was her friend Vic Carracci who worked with her as an EMT and was looking after her apartment.

  “Well, to be honest, I thought you’d be back by now. You did say you were leaving the day after the wedding. So when I stopped by today and you didn’t answer, I was a bit concerned.”

  Laciee curled up in the large overstuff chair by the window, bracing her tea on her knee. I must really have been out of it to not update Vic on what’s going on. No wonder she’s worried. “Damn, I’m sorry, I didn’t think about that. I’m here until Karis gets back from her honeymoon.”

  “Really? Okay, didn’t see that one coming, not from how reluctant you were to go in the first place.”

  “Karis got me a hotel room for the time and asked me to be here when she got back.”

  “You know it’s okay to tell people no, right?”

  Laciee laughed slightly as she sipped some tea. “I’ve heard that, yes.”

  “So, dish. Any hot cowboys out there?”

  Immediately images of Judd Travers filled her mind, and she nodded until it registered Vic couldn’t see that. “Yes. They do grow them nice out here.” No arguing that and it still surprised her she didn’t recall that from growing up.

  “And?” Vic prompted.

  She blinked, finishing her tea. “And what?”

  “Have you had your wicked way with any of them?”

  It was a good thing she’d finished her drink and had placed it on the small circular table at her side. She choked and shook her head as tears formed in her eyes. “Have I what?”

  “Ohh, stall tactic. I know what that means. Who was it and I want vivid details.” Apparently her silence wasn’t appreciated. “Don’t you ignore me, Laciee.”

  “Just choking on this end,” she managed to sputter. “Don’t bother asking me if I’m okay or not.”

  “No need, you’re being flippant. Or evasive. So dish.”

  Laciee had missed her friend. Vic was as close a friend as she had. Not only did they work together, but they lived in the same building, so they often did things together. Hanging her leg over the arm of the chair, she licked her bottom lip and got comfortable.

  “Morning of the wedding I woke up in bed with a man I didn’t know after a night of way too much booze.”

  Vic’s squeal had her holding the phone away from her ear. Laciee smiled as she continued to cheer.

  “You bitch! I knew you had it in you.”

  “Not really. I thought it had been a dream. Well, right up until he talked to me.”

  “And,” Vic prompted.

  “And …it was something I’d only ever read about before. I didn’t know men could actually be that good in bed.”

  “I’m so jealous. What’s he look like and are you seeing him again while there?”

  “He lives here, and I’m actually staying at his house right now.”

  “You’re staying with him?” That screech had her wincing. “How did you swing that?”

  “There was an…issue with my hotel room and he got all protective and brought me to his ranch.”

  “Ohh, cowboy. Wait, an issue? Is that code for someone jacked your shit up?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “I didn’t think they had crime out there in those puny towns. Do you even have a stoplight?”

  “As a matter of fact it does, there’s a flashing one in the middle of town. Yellow, not red.” The chill that had crept upon her at the mention of the hotel incident receded.

  “Oh, my bad. It’s a thriving metropolis then. Do you need me to come there? We can kick some ass together.”

  “I’ll be okay, Vic. But thanks.” She knew her friend would be on the first plane out. But she didn’t want her to know of the ties she had here. Best bet was to keep her away.

  “Humph. Dish on the cowboy who rocked your world. Tell me about him.”

  Lifting an iced lemon cookie, Laciee took a bite and did just that.

  * * * *

  Judd trudged wearily from the barn up to his house. The stars twinkled down upon him as he moved. Seven dead. He growled in the back of his throat as he walked up the four curved brick steps to the porch and then the door. The large hanging light illuminated his way and the roses along the steps added their sweet fragrance to the air.

  He paused for a moment, his hand on the dark wood door. It had been hours since he’d ridden off and his mind drifted to Laciee. He’d seen lights coming from the living room as he’d approached and there wasn’t any on in the room she occupied.

  Gritting his teeth, he pushed open the door and stepped into his house. He crossed the foyer and stepped into the living room. Empty. Beyond that, he could see into the family room and peered there before entering his bedroom.

  Laciee was there. Seated upon his white leather couch, nose buried in a book. Relief filled him.

  “Laciee.”

  She lifted her head and ensnared him with her gaze. A slight yet hesitant grin flitted across her face. “Judd.”

  Christ. No one should be able to say a man’s name in such a manner. It hit him low and stroked his erection, which forgot how exhausted he was as it stiffened.

  She closed the book and rose. More blood headed south. There was no way Disney had ever looked so good to him. Pale purple and blue striped shorts hugged her toned legs while a purple camisole barely covered her torso and full breasts. On the front was a picture of Tinker Bell surrounded by her fairy friends with their glittering wings.

  Immediately he forgot how pissed he was and how he longed for a shower, food, and bed. Not necessarily in that order.

  “Is everything okay? With the way you rode out…” she trailed off, watching him intently. “Rosa left some food for you. Why don’t you shower and I’ll heat it up. It’ll be ready in about fifteen minutes.”

  She left the room by way of the breakfast nook, and he didn’t move until he could no longer see the sway of her tight ass in those shorts. Only then did he slip into his room, make use of his shower and redress in clean clothing. After he finished, Judd made his way through the living room—in nothing but a pair of jeans he didn’t even button, just had zipped—where he paused and stared out at his ranch, bathed in the darkness. Anger resurfaced as he thought about the poisoned cattle out on the range.

  Walking through the foyer to the dining room, he pulled up short at the sight of Laciee entering from the kitchen with a plate piled high with food in one hand, a glass of tea in the other.

  “Perfect timing,” she said, sending him a brief smile.

  He watched her place the plate and glass down before stepping back. “Thank you,” he said. “You didn’t have to do this.”

  “I didn’t. Rosa did it. All I did was reheat and bring it to the table. Not much work there.”

  He held a chair for her and fought against the urge to bury his nose in her hair. Wanting her to stay with him while he ate, he was pleased when she didn’t argue about remaining. He sat a
cross from her and stared at the lasagna on his plate.

  “Are you sure you don’t want anything to eat?”

  “No, thanks. I had some earlier, with Rosa.” She pushed back the chair and he stood out of habit. “Sit. Eat. I just need to get a drink.”

  He lowered himself to the chair again only to rise when she returned, a glass of tea for herself. After she sat he did. Her lips were curved up in an amused smile.

  “What?”

  “Not used to men with manners is all.”

  He held his tongue, and just smiled in return. There weren’t a lot of people with manners anymore as far as he was concerned. Not that she needed to be looking for another one who had them. He had no plans on letting her go.

  “You may as well tell me what you didn’t want to in the truck while I eat.”

  Her fingers tightened around the glass in her hand, and he noticed the way her entire body tensed. Too bad, he wanted to know. Swallowing his bite, he gestured with his fork. “There’s the liquor cabinet over there and you saw the beer in the fridge, if you still need some.”

  “What happened out on the range?”

  He wasn’t a fool; he knew a diversionary tactic when he saw one. “Had a few poisoned head. Now, tell me what’s going on with you and this town.”

  “Poison? Are you sure the rest of your herd is safe?”

  He placed his fork down and stared across the table at her. “The men are out there, will be on rotating shifts. The dogs are out as well. If the fucker who did it comes back, they’ll catch him. Nothing else I can do about that. I can, however, learn more about you and the town if you’d just stop deflecting and tell me.”

  Her hesitation had him sighing with more than a bit of frustration.

  “You want me to pour you a drink?” he asked.

  “You know if I drink I’ll be wasted in the space of a heartbeat.”

  He flashed a grin. “Considering how it worked out the last time you drank, can’t rightly say either option would upset me.”

  She flushed and ducked her head. “You would remember that.”

  “Darlin’, ain’t no man in his right mind ever gonna forget a night like that they spent with you.” He drank some tea and sobered, willing his need for this woman to the back burner. “I can’t help you, Laciee, if you don’t tell me,” he said in all seriousness.