Page 54 of Seized by the Lawman

Chapter 18

DIPPING THE CLEAN cloth into the polish, Melly then applied it to the saddle, rubbing the leather in circular motions until it shone like new. The work was relaxing and did ease some of the tension, but not all. She was expected to go about business as usual and although she understood, she could barely concentrate.

She was still waiting for the call from “Andy”. He was late, which she was warned that was to be expected for the element of surprise. Still, she couldn’t get beyond how the man knew everything. If he did know “everything” would he know she told Nix and her father the truth? She nibbled her bottom lip with worry.

She couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to either one of them, yet she had to have faith that she did the right thing by divulging the truth. Melly knew she couldn’t have gone through this with without help. The Hawks were skilled in bringing down criminals, and the Cade brothers were celebrated for putting criminals behind bars.

Looking up from her work and through the open door of the barn she saw Kace Cade brushing a horse. She smiled. He was about as large as a horse himself. Nix asked his brother to stay at Shy Brooke under the pretense that he was a new hand. Cullen was somewhere else on the land. Although the Cades weren’t supposed to draw attention to themselves Melly realized that was impossible and Nix must have realized they stood out without even trying, but he’d told Melly her that he wanted his brothers close to her.

Kace had large, thick hands, but worked gently with the horse, much like Nix would. In fact, they looked a lot alike. Handsome in a rugged way. Thick, wavy hair. Beautiful eyes and charming smile. Cullen was a few inches shorter, but he was as toned and intimidating.

On occasion, Kace would check on her to make sure she was alright. Although she didn’t know for sure, she had a feeling Nix had told his brothers about the baby. She felt safe knowing they were around although she missed Nix.The good news in all this, the secret was out.

Her father knew about the baby and Shy Brooke would be officially hers in a few weeks. Excitement bubbled up only to reach a glass ceiling when her thoughts wandered to Nix. What was she going to do? Truly, they had a chemistry between them. Something amazing. He’d become a part of her life and she looked forward to seeing him each day…his smile, his compassion. There were hurdles though. Big, neon ones. Nix was a man who was a lot like her father, married to his job. He bled blue. She’d witnessed firsthand how emotionally and physically distant a lawman could be. How could she trust that Nix wouldn’t slowly sink further into his cases and forget the most important things in life? Would she be enough for him?

And yet…could she imagine life without him?

She’d managed for thirty years to be alone, so why did her life suddenly seem lonely? She hadn’t known such loneliness until she met Nix and wanted him so much. Wanted to kiss him, make love with him. She wanted to have him every day. Melly questioned if her erratic hormones were making her feel so out of whack or was it the four-letter word. Love. Carrying his child connected them and made her sensitive. In his arms was where she belonged, and it didn’t take a genius to realize she’d fallen in love with him and it scared her. Beyond scared.

Melly dropped the cloth and placed the saddle on the hook, then moved on to mucking the stalls.

Lifting a shovel load, she dumped it and repeated the action several times until a hand snaked around and covered her mouth followed by a muscular arm wrapping around her waist dragging her back into the empty stall. She elbowed a beefy chest, twisted, ready to scream for help, but all fight left her as she came face to face with the man she’d been thinking about. “Nix? What are you doing here?”

He rubbed his chest, winked then pressed his finger against his lips. He took the shovel and leaned it against the stall and motioned for her to follow him deeper into the dimly lit space. She did without question, relishing in how good he looked in a blue button down and faded jeans. His gun was in his holster and his star was hooked to his belt. He removed his hat and hooked it on a peg and turned to offer her a beguiling smile. The feeling swarmed her body, especially her inner thighs. “How did you sneak in here?”

“Sunshine, sneaking is my job.” He winked. “Although, I asked Kace to keep a lookout.”

Standing so close to him in the small area instantly warmed her. She caught a whiff of his scent and it tickled her senses. “I didn’t think you were supposed to be here in case that bastard showed up or there’s someone working from the inside.”

“I couldn’t resist seeing you.”

She smiled, feeling excited all the way down into her boots. “Have you found the man yet?”

Some of his smile left his expression. “No. If he was recently released, which I feel that he was, he should be in the database, but no one who meets the description you gave us was found. It’s possible he was lying to you—”

“I don’t think he was.”

“Because a man like him isn’t capable?” Nix lifted a brow.

“Because he has a lot of animosity toward you. I think he is seething with anger.”

“If that’s the case,” Nix swept the backs of his knuckles along her cheek, “angry people make mistakes. He’ll call and we’ll catch him. It’s possible someone could have deleted him from the database.”

“Who could do something like that?”

“Someone who has access or can hack the system. There are ways, sunshine.” He lifted a tendril of her hair and brought it to his nose then dropped it back onto her cheek.

“Do you still think this guy isn’t the one who broke into your desk and sent the email?”

“Carson and I have been thinking about it. My desk and computer were checked for prints, but there were none from anyone outside of the office. I don’t think he did the deed but I’m certain he was behind it.”

“He could have worn gloves.”

“True. I do have a theory though.” He leaned in so close she caught his leather and musk and her nipples tightened.

“Please do tell,” she whispered.

“I think Claire was involved, whether she was forced or willing.”

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