Hearts Unleashed Read online

  He just hoped it was the truth.

  Chapter 19

  The landline rang as Katie fumbled with the front keys, unlocking the door. What now? She dashed into the kitchen and picked up the phone on the fourth ring.

  “Hello?”

  Dad coughed. “Wasn’t sure you’d be home yet.”

  She tugged at her hair at the sound of his voice, so weak and raspy. A lone tear traced down her cheek. “Dad! Oh, Dad. I’m so sorry I didn’t come in to visit.”

  The floor creaked behind her and she looked up to see John standing in the kitchen doorway. She motioned him in as she listened to her dad speak. The sight of his familiar form made her feel obscurely better, like he was a rock of stability in this flood of confusion that had struck her family.

  “They have to fix a blockage,” Dad said.

  “Did they say how aggressive they needed to be? Or how long you would have to stay there?” When it came to being a nurse, she’d always been able to keep calm in emergencies. That was one of the reasons she’d been in the top five percent of her graduating class.

  John placed a cup of coffee on the table in front of her before retreating to the bench at the far end of the kitchen with his cup, not in her space but there if she needed him. She wasn’t sure if that was deliberate, but she appreciated it.

  “They said minimally invasive. Just think of it as an extended vacation,” Dad said. “Sure, I’d rather be spending it at the beach, but the nurses are taking really good care of me.”

  She picked up the coffee. The aroma took her back to the night shift at the wards. “Dad! Thanks for the visual. Remember, I know most of them. Ugh. Yuck.” She turned toward John. “So, does that mean I’m in charge around here now? I mean, do you even know what happened here last night?”

  John choked, sputtering coffee. He raised one palm and waved it, trying to signal her not to say anything.

  Did he really think she was going to tell her father about the suspected break-in here at the house? Or the little show she gave?

  “While you were busy having a heart attack, I was bailing our ranch manager out of jail.” She winced at the cavalier tone of her words—but her doubt was dispelled as she heard her father splutter.

  “What on earth are you talking about, Katie?”

  Her eyes sparkled wickedly. That’s the spirit, Dad! “Just what I said. John didn’t tell you?”

  John hung his head.

  Old man—or naughty child? Doing something normal—even if it was teasing her dad at John’s expense—felt so good. For a moment, the fear and tension of the night eased.

  “See, apparently our new manager decided to take a drive and got into a little too much of a hurry to get back home. A nice man in a uniform wrote him a free pass to stay overnight at their place, but I thought we might need our foreman here so I went and got him. Had to pay for the night’s lodging, but it was worth it.” She savored the shocked silence. “Uh—Dad? You still there?”

  “What are you trying to do, give me a second heart attack?”

  “Motivating you to get out of there faster,” she retorted. “Don’t want you enjoying your stay you forget about us. Do everything they tell you to do and rest up. We’ll take care of the ranch. All right?”

  She smiled listening to her dad grumble, and watching the massive man in front of her pouring a second cup of coffee.

  “Listen to me,” her dad said. “Now, John likes to play the tough guy, but I think he’s hurting a whole lot under that exterior. He doesn’t ever talk about what happened to him, but you can tell something pretty bad happened. Something more than just getting hit by an IED.”

  “I know. And I think you’re right. He’s been a big help around here, especially today. I, uh—I promise I’ll take care of this place while you’re resting up. Okay?”

  “Okay. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Her dad’s voice was heavy with exhaustion.

  “I’ll talk to you later.” She hung up the phone with a definitive click. For a moment, she simply stood, staring at the wall. When she was talking to her father, she could pretend everything was okay. But as soon as she couldn’t hear his voice, the fear flooded back.

  “So, he’s doing okay?”

  “He’s gotta stay in the hospital for a couple more days while they finish checking him out. But, yes, I think he’s doing okay.” She let out her breath.

  “Good, because it’s time for us to get to work. I’ve got several ideas we need to discuss.”

  She laughed. “Excuse me, but who put you in charge?”

  “Your father.”

  She crossed her arms. “No. He. Didn’t.”

  “Yes. He. Did.” He put his cup down, eyeing her squarely. “I went in and talked to him, remember? That’s when he left me in charge. If you don’t believe me, ask him next time you speak to him.” He leaned against the counter, his arms folded over his chest, challenging her.

  Her mouth formed a tight frown. “Listen, jerk,” she began, as her face began to heat. “My father wouldn’t—”

  “I’m telling you he did.” He held up his hand boy scout style, his expression solemn. “Thug’s honor.” He turned back to his coffee cup.

  Before she could think twice, she snatched up the kitchen towel, twirled it, and whipped his butt with it.

  He jumped and spun around, gaping at her in disbelief. He rubbed his ass. “Did you just—”

  She barely suppressed the urge to laugh. His expression was priceless.

  “Cracking the whip.” She smiled sweetly. “Letting you know who’s really in charge. Now, I’m going to make myself something to eat. I’m starving. You want some eggs, too?”

  “It’s lunch time.” He eyed her as though he was unsure of how to respond.

  “Well, then I guess I should make it an egg sandwich,” she said, opening the refrigerator.

  “Just let me know when you’re done laughing, so we can get some work done.”

  She placed the Tupperware of ham and loaf of bread down on the counter. She pulled a knife from the block, pausing before cutting into the bread. “Sure, you don’t want anything to eat? You’ll be less grumpy, old man.”

  She snickered as he fumbled with the files in his hand. “Your dad mentioned hiring at least one other employee while he’s out. We especially need someone to look over these financial records—”

  “That’s my job.” She set a plate down on the counter with a thump.

  “Doing the finances? Or making this call?”

  The knife slipped from her fingers, hitting the granite so hard, it bounced and clanged on the floor below. She leaned across the counter, glaring at him. Her chest tightened into a knot like a cramp and a quiet rage built inside.

  “Look,” he said. “According to your dad, we’re both in charge. Which means we have to work together. Without fighting.”

  And whose fault is it we keep fighting? “I promise I’ll try to be less bitchy, if you’ll try to be less of an ass.”

  “Fine.” He slammed the files down on the counter sending a light breeze her way. “Just stop calling me old.”

  “That’s what you’ve been mad about? All this time?” She stared at him, her eyes wide in disbelief.

  “What? No.” He jerked back, standing straight. “Believe it or not, I don’t have a problem with you.”

  “Yeah, right. You go out of your way to antagonize me.”

  “By suggesting you might want to upgrade your accounting system?”

  A low groan rumbled in her throat. When he put it that way, it did sound like she’d overreacted. “It was the way you did it.”

  He shuffled his feet. “I’m not exactly good at people stuff. Especially when it comes to women.”

  You don’t say.

  “I never mean to offend you. Mitch—Mitch gave me a job. He trusts me. You’ve got no idea how much that means. Last thing I ever want to do is fuck that up.”

  Her heart stammered. “Blunt is not the word I’d use. More like down
right aggressive.”

  His face tightened and turned red. “Listen. I’m sorry. I never meant to be aggressive. Wasn’t even aware that’s how you took it. But I’ll dial it down, be more conscious of it. Think you can meet me halfway?”

  He knows.

  She scratched her forearm, her anger dissipating. But embarrassment took its place along with confusion. “I guess I can try.”

  “Good. So, boss, do you think we have the money in the budget?” he said, clearly trying to move on. “For the new employee, I mean?”

  He knows and he’s treating me like nothing’s changed.

  She nodded, raising her chin. If he could pretend he didn’t know what had happened to her, she could, too. “We do.”

  “Good. I don’t think we should use it to hire another wrangler, though.”

  “Oh?”

  “I figured I could help you with the wrangling.”

  “You? Sure you can work that in, among the rest of your duties?” She noticed him glance at the sandwich on the plate beside him. “That’s for you. And in case you were worried, no, I did not add salt.”

  She pushed the plate closer and he picked up one half of the meal. “Thanks. I’m starving. And yes, I can take care of the wrangling on top of everything else. You need to ride out, I’ll go with you.”

  Her stomach growled and she squirmed, trying to hide the rumbling. She picked up her own food, pinching off a piece of the corner and popping it into her mouth. “If we aren’t going to hire another wrangler, what do you suggest we use the money for?”

  “A housekeeper.”

  She coughed hard, sending a tiny speck of cheese across the table. “A—what? Are you joking? Why would we need a housekeeper? I take care of the house!”

  “Your hands are already full running the ranch. Your dad will need to take it easy when he gets home. A housekeeper will be able to take care of the cooking and cleaning and leave you free for more important things. Simple as that.”

  A sharp retort about interfering in other people’s lives was about to leave her lips. But he picked up one of the folders in front of him, turning to the next page as if the matter was closed.

  He’s not trying to piss you off. He’s trying to help.

  She picked off another small piece of the sandwich. The moist bread and lightly salted ham swirled around her mouth. Each bite was careful, buying her time to calm down. “When you put it that way, hiring a housekeeper does make sense. I’m terrible at cleaning. We’d be doing my dad a favor.”

  His eyes twinkled when he looked up at her. “Think you’ll be ready to go in ten minutes?”

  “What are you talking about? Go where?”

  “Town. I’ll meet you at the car.” She gasped as he shoved the entire half of a sandwich into his mouth.

  “Sure.” She placed their plates in the sink, walking cautiously in case she needed to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him. “Care to tell me what it’s about?”

  He swallowed whatever food remained in his mouth then said, “You’ll see when we get there.”

  Her throat began to close. The familiar swarm of bats beating around in her chest arrived. Sweat covered her palms. Since her attack surprises only caused her anxiety. She wanted to tell him, to relieve the chaos that erupted inside of her. But she couldn’t. She didn’t want to have that talk with him.

  So, she focused on what she knew. He made her feel safe. He was a soldier, and always seemed to have a plan. He was methodical and observant. Too observant. She needed to do this. She needed to learn to trust him. Completely.

  For the sake of the ranch.

  Chapter 20

  Just how long was she going to keep me waiting? Standing beside Katie’s car, John checked his watch again. Seventeen minutes had passed since he’d left the kitchen. She constantly took her time with things, like no one else mattered.

  The distant lowing of a cow called his attention back to his surroundings. Better do a sweep of the barns tonight. Immediate surroundings too—once she was safely locked in the house. He welcomed the familiarity of planning security. He felt like he had a purpose.

  I could make some excuse to take Koda with me. Just like being back in the field again.

  Keeping her safe, even when she didn’t know about it, gave him a good feeling. Keeping people safe was something he could do, and do well.

  Except for Dirk.

  “Okay, I’m ready.” She came down the porch stairs, cradling the manila file folders in her arms. She seemed a little nervous, but the moment he stepped toward her, her hold on the folders tightened, as if daring him to try and take them.

  His chest tightened, wishing he could comfort her, tell her everything would be all right but he didn’t want to set off her volatile temper again. I can’t mess this up. Not when we just came to a truce.

  “I’ll drive.”

  To his surprise, she tossed him her car keys without a word and climbed into the passenger seat.

  Pod-person? Alien abduction?

  Barely five miles down the road, he found himself wishing for a sarcastic comment to remind him of what lurked beneath her surface. Without a caustic remark stinging his ego, his mind was free to notice how she was biting at her full lips. Her fingers clasped and unclasped around the files, and he struggled not to reach over and wrap his hand around hers.

  At least when she acts like a bitch, I don’t keep thinking of how much I want to hold her.

  “We’ll stop at the feed store first. Then swing by my mother’s house.”

  “Your mother’s? Why on earth would we need to go there?”

  The car rumbled down the gravel road, heading toward the highway and the sprawling mountains in the distance. “I’ve still got a few things there. Since it looks like I’m needed at your ranch, I want to make sure I’ve got all my stuff with me.”

  She snickered. “Don’t forget we still have to pick up your truck. Unless you plan on paying after it gets towed. Or making me pay your bills a second time.”

  And there it was. “Thanks for reminding me.”

  They rode the rest of the way to Laurel, Montana, in silence. The weird thing was, the silence felt good. He even found himself whistling a few times.

  At the feed store, she recorded all their purchases in the small account book she’d brought with her, entering them one after another with a stub of pencil. “You don’t have to do that. We could just use the receipt to reconcile later on.” He tapped the piece of paper beside her on the counter.

  She shot him a dirty look and turned her back to continue her record keeping.

  He grinned. This was how things should be with the two of them. They were both so competitive, always ready to challenge each other and outdo one another. Her attitude made him want to stand up for himself, to prove himself to be worthy of her good graces.

  When she finally finished with her painstaking task, he grabbed as much of the supplies as he could carry. “The rolled oats and the salt blocks will be delivered by Saturday?”

  “Sure enough,” the cashier said.

  “You don’t have much patience,” Katie commented as they reached the car.

  The sun was clear and strong today, the summer not ready to give up its grasp on the world. Only the changing colors of the trees revealed fall was on its way.

  He shrugged, stowing the supplies in the back of the car. “I have enough when I need it.”

  “Wouldn’t being in the military teach you a lot of patience?” She climbed into the passenger seat.

  “What? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Why would you think that?” He swung himself into the car.

  “You were a dog handler, right? Doesn’t that take a lot of time? Patience?”

  He ran a hand along his jaw. “I guess. I never thought about it that way. I had already been deployed when I got my dog, and she’d already had two prior handlers. She was a great dog and knew her job.”

  “What happened to her?”

  He fixed his eyes on
the road. “She got adopted through the same program as Koda, after—after she returned to the States.”

  “Wouldn’t it have been weird if I’d gotten your dog instead of Koda?”

  His breath caught. This would have been the right time to be honest, but he couldn’t force the words out. He pushed past the lump in his throat and said, “Yeah.”

  At some point he was going to have to tell her the truth about Koda, but this wasn’t the right time. The dog played an important role in her life. The last thing she needs is to worry I’m gonna take her dog away from her.

  No, not now. Especially with the possible intruder on the property.

  “So, where are we going? Your mother’s house, or to pick up your truck?”

  “To my house. Well, my mother’s townhouse. We’ll get the truck on the way back to the ranch.”

  “So, you’ve been living with your mom?”

  “Hey, you live with your dad,” he said, flushed at her questioning look. She wasn’t being snippy. It was a genuine question.

  Now who’s overreacting?

  “Sorry. Yeah. When I came back from my last deployment and was discharged, I moved in with her. I didn’t have a place to live and I needed help getting around for a little while. She offered, so it just made sense for me to move in with her.”

  “Makes sense. Um, we should probably stop at the grocery store, too. I don’t think we’ve got any food.”

  He stole another glance at the beautiful woman to his right. She wound a lock of her dark hair around her finger, toying with it. A strong urge to pull the elastic tie out of her hair struck him. He wanted to see the fall of those dark strands across the soft skin of her neck. Or better yet, see it spread out across his pillow.

  He shifted his legs in the seat to disguise the growing bulge in his pants. She’s not my type. Grimly, he compared her to the women he usually went for. She was tiny, slim. There was nothing to her. Her breasts were the size of teacups.

  He imagined holding them, her skin unbelievably soft beneath his fingers. He glanced at her, saw her nipples had hardened from the chill in the air. “Dammit.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” His eyes focused out the windshield. If he played it cool, maybe she’d think he almost hit a pothole and wouldn’t notice Mt. Everest in his pants.