The Rancher's Return Read online

  She nodded, clasping Bentley close to her chest. “He had to go out.”

  “He appears improved.” The husky edge to his voice wrapped around her like a silken scarf, dusting over her nerve endings and bringing them fully awake. Though this frightened her, exhilaration also zinged through her veins.

  Fighting panic, she attempted a smile, even though he probably couldn’t see in the darkness. “Here.” She held out Bentley like a peace offering. “Would you like to hold him?”

  “No.” He stepped aside to let her pass, shining his beam of light to make a path back to the house. “Maybe another time.”

  Other than to bring Bentley back in close to her chest, she didn’t move. “You don’t like dogs?”

  “I like dogs just fine. I even used to have one.” He turned and began moving away. “But it’s the middle of the night and I’m tired.”

  Tired. Now she was anything but. Following him back to the house, her sleepy pet cradled in her arms, she tried like hell to figure out how Reed could still affect her like this. After all she’d gone through, how she could even think of touching a man in that way astounded her.

  Still, she couldn’t help but wonder how he’d react if she gave in to impulse and trailed her fingers down his back. Luckily, she wouldn’t dare. The intimacy of such an act would terrify her.

  The instant they stepped inside, she set down the dog. Bentley toddled off and collapsed in an uncoordinated heap a few feet away. With a huge sigh, he closed his eyes and slipped into sleep.

  Smiling shyly at Reed, she picked her pet up and carried him to her room.

  * * *

  The next morning, Kaitlyn opened her eyes and realized she’d overslept. The bedside clock showed ten-fifteen. Groaning, she tossed back the covers and jumped out of bed, just about positive she’d find a canine mess.

  But Bentley raised his head and regarded her solemnly from his position on her bed. Praising him, she hurried him outside. Once he’d done his business, she took a shower and dried her hair. She still hadn’t gotten used to the color or the length, though she supposed she would in time. In fact, it had begun to grow on her. She regarded it as a symbol of change.

  Carrying Bentley with her, into the kitchen, she realized she needed to figure out something to feed him. She found a couple of cans of dog food in the pantry, which surprised her and made her wonder how long it had been since Reed had had a dog. Clearly, not long since they weren’t expired.

  She dished some up in a bowl and once her new pet had eaten, she poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the table to enjoy it. The house was quiet, making her wonder if Reed had gone out riding. She’d have to remember to ask him if he had any dog toys or a bed or something. She’d also need to get Bentley more dog food.

  “There you are.” Reed came around the corner, smiling.

  She jumped, unable to help it, and managed to smile back.

  “I see you found something to feed him,” he said, indicating the half-full can she’d left on the counter.

  “Yes. I hope you don’t mind, but—”

  A knock on the front door startled them both. Little Bentley ran toward the entrance, barking.

  “Shhh.” Chasing him down, Kaitlyn picked him up. He immediately quieted. “I’ll go wait in my room,” she whispered. “Were you expecting visitors?”

  He shook his head. “Stay hidden until I ask you to come out.” He too kept his voice low. “And just in case, put on one of those ugly dresses and the contacts, okay?”

  On her way down the hall, she nodded. Heart pounding, she hustled into her room and closed the door behind her.

  After placing Bentley on the bed, she went to the closet and pulled out the most hideous thing she could find. It looked like it was supposed to be a dress, though why anyone would make a dress out of sweatshirt material, she didn’t know. When she put it on, it hung baggy and shapeless. If she were trying to look halfway decent, she’d try pairing it with a wide belt and leggings. Instead, she decided to wear it over the pair of high-waisted, stretchy jeans Reed had purchased. They were two sizes too big, so she cinched them with a belt, slipped her feet in the ugly, imitation leather black shoes, and took one final look at herself in the mirror.

  Perfect. Even she didn’t recognize herself. She sat down on the edge of the bed and began patting Bentley, glad to have something to do with her hands. Once she stopped moving, she wasn’t surprised to realize how badly she was shaking.

  * * *

  Taking a deep breath, Reed squared his shoulders and opened the front door. Brock and Zoe stood on his front porch, both of them grinning happily.

  “Surprise!” Zoe squealed, launching herself at him for a hug. Behind her, Brock held up two overnight bags.

  “What’s this?” Reed asked, hoping he appeared perfectly normal.

  “We decided to surprise you with a visit. We thought we’d stay the weekend.” At Reed’s lack of response, Zoe frowned. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to invite us in?”

  “Of course.” Stepping aside, Reed ushered them into his living room. He couldn’t help but wonder if they’d been followed. “It’s great to see you, of course. But now might not be the best time....”

  At his words, Zoe’s smile faded. “You must be really serious about this lady friend of yours. I’m sorry. Don’t blame Brock. This was all my idea. I thought you’d be glad to have some company out here in the boonies.”

  “You also thought you’d meet this woman Reed’s been so secretive about,” Brock put in, pulling his wife in for a hug.

  “True.” Zoe’s crestfallen expression made Reed feel horrible. “I didn’t think we’d really be intruding, since we’re all such good friends. But if we are, do you want us to go?”

  One look at his two best friends in the entire world was enough to help Reed decide. “No, have a seat. I’m sorry. There’s something I need to tell you. I confess, I’m hesitant to do so because I don’t want to put you in danger.”

  Instantly, all the laughter vanished from their faces. “Are you all right, buddy?” Brock asked. “You’re not in some kind of trouble, are you?”

  “No, nothing like that.” He pointed toward the couch. “Sit. I’ll just be a minute.”

  As he hurried down the hall it occurred to him to wonder if Kaitlyn would share his belief that they could let two more people in on their secret.

  Tapping lightly on her door, he smiled as she opened it the tiniest crack. “May I come in?” he asked.

  Eyes huge, she stepped back and let him in. He saw she’d put on one of her shapeless dresses and the brown contacts. Bentley slept all curled up in the middle of her bed.

  “It’s Brock and Zoe,” he told her. “I think it’s safe to let them in on the truth.”

  Gaze locked on his, she finally nodded. “Just a minute, then.” She crossed over to the dresser and popped out the contacts. Blinking, she sighed. “Much better. I’m still trying to get used to those. Now turn your back.”

  Startled, he did as she requested.

  “I just need a minute to change.”

  The rustle of cloth as she pulled off the dress had him battling the urge to turn. Instead, he clenched his jaw and called himself every kind of fool for his out of place and utterly ridiculous erotic thoughts.

  “Okay,” she said, sounding nervous. She’d changed into a pair of well-worn jeans and a T-shirt. Other than her hair, she looked just like herself.

  He almost reached for her hand, but stopped himself just in time.

  Brock and Zoe sat on the couch, shoulders touching. Reed watched his friend’s face as he and Kaitlyn stepped into the room.

  “Kaitlyn?” Zoe jumped to her feet, her expression shocked. “What on earth are you doing here?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  “I’d really like to hear it.” Brock looked about ready to explode. “Alex Ramirez claimed you were abducted. And that the man who kidnapped you was armed and dangerous.” He shot Reed a look. “Finding you here
makes no sense.”

  “Before we begin, I’d like to ask you both to give me your word that you’ll keep this between us. Kaitlyn’s life depends on it.”

  Zoe stood, too, glaring at him. “Come on, Reed. We’re your friends. I can’t believe you don’t think you can trust us.”

  Reed swallowed hard. “I do, you know that. But I didn’t tell you because the fewer people who know, the better.”

  Moving over to Kaitlyn and putting her arm around her, Zoe narrowed her gaze on Reed. “We want to know everything. And I think we’d better let Kaitlyn tell us.”

  Chapter 7

  As Kaitlyn told her story once more, the tight ball of tension knotted in her chest began to unravel. Both Zoe and Brock listened without interruption, their rapt attention and sympathetic expressions boosting Kaitlyn’s confidence. She skimmed over most of the really bad stuff, and she certainly didn’t show either of them her scarred back.

  When Kaitlyn finished, Zoe hugged her. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. Honestly, when you up and disappeared we had no idea.”

  Stricken, Kaitlyn gazed at her old high school friend. “Please tell me you didn’t think I was the one who killed Tim.”

  “Of course not.” Zoe’s prompt response left no doubt. “We knew you’d broken up with him. We even thought—” she gave a sidelong glance toward Reed “—that you and Reed were together. Especially since he kept expecting you to show up at his trial, though he’d never say why.”

  Kaitlyn bit her lip, not daring to look at Reed.

  “And then when we saw Alex Ramirez on TV...” Zoe shook her head. “We had to wonder what on earth you’d gotten yourself into.”

  “Not by choice,” Kaitlyn replied. “Believe me.”

  “You know you can trust us,” Zoe continued. “And Brock and I will do anything we can to help you. Either of you. Just say the word.”

  Brock nodded. “Agreed.”

  Touched, Kaitlyn nodded. “Thank you.”

  Glancing from Reed to Kaitlyn and back again, Brock rubbed his hands together. “If what you say is true, you can have this man arrested for Tim’s murder as well as Reed’s wrongful imprisonment.”

  “Closure.” Zoe flashed everyone a soft smile. “And maybe this will bring both of you a chance at happiness.”

  Kaitlyn’s face heated. She pretended not to get that Zoe apparently hoped for a little matchmaking.

  “Buddy.” Brock clapped Reed on the back. “Seriously, if there’s anything I can do to help, just say the word.”

  “The best way you can help,” Reed said, “is for neither of you to say a word about this to anyone.”

  “Of course we won’t.” Brock shot his friend a wry smile. “Next time, maybe try trusting us a little.”

  “Both of you, sit.” With his arms crossed, unsmiling, Reed waited until they’d complied. “Alex Ramirez is a powerful man,” he began. “George works for him and I don’t know who else in the sheriff’s department might, as well. Kaitlyn tells me Alex has a number of people on his payroll. That’s the main reason I brought Kaitlyn out here to the ranch. No one knows about this place, except you two.”

  “And it will stay that way,” Brock promised.

  “Just be careful.” Kaitlyn clasped her hands tightly together to keep from fidgeting. “You have no idea what he’s capable of.”

  From down the hall, Bentley began barking.

  “I guess he just woke up and realized we had company,” Kaitlyn explained.

  Zoe grinned. “You have a dog. That’s great. I love dogs. Can I meet him?”

  “Of course.” Kaitlyn hurried to fetch him, grinning as Zoe cooed over him. As she’d expected, Bentley rolled over for a belly rub and basked in all the attention.

  Zoe had brought lasagna and two bottles of wine. Feeling the need to contribute, Kaitlyn rustled up enough ingredients to make brownies. She wondered about the stash of chocolate chips she found in the cupboard, but went ahead and made the one thing she could bake successfully.

  While the meal was reheating and the brownies baking, Reed opened a bottle of wine. They sat around and talked, almost like old times. For the first time, Kaitlyn felt able to put the past three years away and not let what had happened to her guide her every action and reaction. It was remarkably liberating.

  The lasagna was delicious, the conversation flowed along with the wine, and Kaitlyn finally began to relax. By the time she cut into the perfectly cooked brownies, she felt like another person.

  When everyone had finished, Kaitlyn shooed them into the living room. “I’ll do the dishes,” she said, refusing Zoe’s offer to help. “Ya’ll go and relax. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”

  “I don’t think—” Zoe began, laughing when Kaitlyn chased her off. “All right. If you insist.”

  Alone in the kitchen, Kaitlyn listened to the happy chatter from the other room. She caught herself humming as she rinsed the plates before putting them in the dishwasher.

  “Kaitlyn, you’d better come here.” Something in Reed’s voice.

  She put down her plate and rushed into the living room, Bentley right on her heels.

  “Alex is going to be on,” Reed said. “Maybe you’d better sit down.”

  The segment was just beginning. Instead of sitting, Kaitlyn stood off to one side, her arms crossed, hating the way all the tension had returned to her body.

  The host introduced Alex Ramirez, lieutenant governor of the state of Texas. Despite his tailored, custom-made suit and perfect hair, Alex looked exhausted.

  “Wow,” Brock said. “Either Alex took pains to make sure he looked like he hadn’t been able to sleep or he really is taking Kaitlyn’s disappearance badly.”

  “Considering Kaitlyn has enough information to completely shut down his political career, it’s probably a little of both,” Reed interjected.

  The hostess began by asking him to describe his emotions since he hadn’t gotten a single lead on where Kaitlyn might be.

  Alex leaned forward. He was a rugged-looking guy, despite his obvious wealth. He looked the part of a politician perfectly, and nothing at all like the mobster/criminal Kaitlyn knew him to be.

  “Destroyed,” Alex answered, his cultured voice bleak. “I can’t eat, can’t sleep. All the joy has been taken out of my life.”

  Zoe shot Kaitlyn a look. “I know you were his prisoner, but did he actually have feelings for you?”

  As if that excused what he’d done to her. But then, Kaitlyn had glossed over the details about that. “In his own twisted way, he does,” Kaitlyn admitted. “Though those feelings come and go depending on his mood and how much he’s had to drink.”

  Brock and Reed remained riveted on the screen.

  “I need her back. To that end,” Alex continued, “I’ve decided to offer a reward. Ten thousand dollars to anyone with information that leads to my fiancée’s safe return.”

  “Fiancée?” Zoe, Brock and Reed all swiveled to stare at her. “Is that true?”

  “Of course not.” Kaitlyn felt sick. “Another lie.”

  “I’m wondering about the reward,” Reed said. “What happened to the supposed ransom call?”

  Frowning, the television reporter echoed Reed’s question.

  “That turned out to be a hoax, some criminal’s attempt to extort money, nothing more.” Alex’s quick response indicated he’d anticipated this inquiry.

  Kaitlyn’s stomach turned. The lovely dinner she’d just shared now threatened to come back up.

  Still eyeing the television, where Alex had now begun accepting questions from the audience, she watched as Alex answered increasingly random questions with an air of dignified suffering.

  “He’s good,” Reed grudgingly muttered. “Damn good.”

  “Of course he is. That’s why he’s in politics.”

  “What are you going to do?” Brock asked. “Seriously, I don’t understand why you haven’t gone to the police.”

  “Or the media,” Zoe put in. “Why are you hiding her
e and letting him get away with this?”

  As they all stared at her, Kaitlyn fought the urge to shrink back. She reminded herself she was no longer that person. “I’d say it’s complicated, but that sounds like an excuse.”

  To Kaitlyn’s surprise, Reed got up and came to stand next to her. “We’ve discussed what we want to do. Since Kaitlyn is a witness to Tim’s murder, she feels Alex would have her killed before he’d ever let her go to trial.”

  “What about the witness protection program?” Brock asked. “Just go to the feds, tell them what you know, and let them protect you.”

  Unexpectedly, Kaitlyn found herself blinking back tears. “I’d love for it to be that easy, but it’s not.”

  Reed chimed in. “Apparently Alex has several feds on his payroll as well as various local law enforcement personnel, including George. We don’t know who we can trust. Until we find out, we’re going to have to be very careful.”

  “They’re wrapping it up,” Zoe pointed out. A toll-free number flashed up on the screen. Underneath, it claimed to be a direct link to Alex’s people and by default, to the man himself.

  Reed grabbed a pen and jotted it down.

  “What are you doing?” Kaitlyn asked.

  “I’m working on a plan,” he said, setting the paper aside.

  Immediately, everyone went quiet. Brock even grabbed the remote and turned the TV off. “Let me hear what you’ve come up with,” Brock said. “If there’s any way I can help, I will.”

  “Thanks, buddy.” Reed clapped him on the shoulder. “As soon as I work out the details, we’ll talk.”

  Kaitlyn struggled not to show her disappointment. The sooner they could devise a plan, the sooner she and Reed could move on with their lives.

  “Thanks for a great night.” Brock stood, glancing at his watch. “I think we’re going to be heading back home.”

  “You’re welcome to stay the night,” Reed said. “If Kaitlyn wouldn’t mind sleeping on the couch, you can have the guest room.”

  “No, that’s okay,” Zoe answered before Kaitlyn could speak. “We really shouldn’t have shown up here uninvited.” She hugged Reed, then Kaitlyn. “But I’m nosy, so we did. And I’m glad. It’s good to see you again.”