Page 17 of Sheltered by the Lawman

“No, I do believe I’m pretty good at eating. I’m talking family. I don’t think I’m much of a people person.” There it was. It was out.

“Oh, I thought your apprehension was because of what happened earlier.”

Her cheeks warmed. How could he say it so casually? “Maybe a tad bit. I didn’t know you were in the apartment.”

“And I didn’t know you’d be standing in the bedroom in your birthday suit. I don’t want you to think I brought you here to my family’s ranch to take advantage.” He shoved his hands into his front pockets. “I was like a deer in headlights.”

She felt some relief. “How do we pretend it didn’t happen?’

“That might be a little difficult.” His beautiful gaze swept over her again and she understood his meaning. “Now, about the family thing. They’ve never met a stranger and they’re looking forward to meeting you. They’re a bit overwhelming, but the prize is Ma’s blue-ribbon fried chicken and creamy mashed potatoes. And for dessert, her famous apple pie. You haven’t eaten until you’ve supped at Beatrice Cade’s table. Come on. Give it a try.”

Knowing she would have walked across a desert if he’d asked her to, she nodded. “Sure.”

She followed him, so captivated by his bottom that it took her a good five seconds to realize they had made it into the dining room and four pairs of eyes were watching her. Clearing her throat, she looked from each of them, suddenly feeling like she did on the first day at a new school. A new school? Was this a memory?

A man who looked very similar to Cull stood. He had the most amazing blue eyes, dashing dimples, and dark hair threaded with silver stands, and a few wrinkles around his eyes. “Hi, I’m Kace. This is my wife, Tyler.”

The woman was a beauty, which only seemed appropriate. Tyler waved and her smile was infectious. “I’d stand and give you a proper hug, but I’m afraid my feet are killing me and it’d probably take me a good half hour to get up.”

“Sweetheart, you sit and rest.” Kace planted his large palm over his wife’s obvious pregnant belly.

A lovely woman with silver hair and a tender smile stood. “I’m Beatrice. Cull’s mother and that’s Bo, his father. Welcome to the ranch, my dear.”

“I’m glad you decided to come for dinner,” Bo said. “Have a seat.”

“Right here next to Cull.” Beatrice pointed to an empty chair to her right.

Any other time Monica might think this was a set up, but in fact she was grateful to sit by the only person she knew in the house…and in the world.

“Am I too late?” a cowboy yelled as he bounded into the room. He rubbed his hands together as he looked at the spread on the table. “I’ve been dreaming of fried chicken all day.”

“Monica, this is one of my other sons, Zander.” Beatrice sighed and planted a hand on her hip. “What in heaven’s name are you doing wearing those muddy boots on my freshly mopped floor, young man?” She gave him a look that spoke volumes.

“Come on, Ma. I’ve been chasing criminals all day.” Zander started for the table when she held up a hand.

“Not any further, mister. You go take those boots off in the mudroom, wash those dirty hands, then tell me where Wynn is. I thought she was coming for dinner too?”

He turned and retraced his steps out of the room, yelling, “She had a late appointment with a client. I plan to eat fast and head back home so I can be there.” He stepped back in the dining room and into the chair at the end of the table. He picked up the large bowl of potatoes and spooned his plate full which received a clearing of throat from Beatrice.

“Excuse me.” She grasped the edge of the table and shook her head.

Zander brought his blue gaze up above his fork. “What?” All eyes were on him.

“We have company. Mind your manners and allow her to get her plate first,” Beatrice said firmly.

“Ma, you know he doesn’t have any manners, not when Wynn isn’t around that is.” Cull laughed.

“Sorry. I didn’t know.” Zander looked at Monica apologetically. “I’m Zander. You should be able to remember my name because I’m the good looking one.”

She bit her lip to keep from laughing, immediately liking him…liking them all. With the casual easiness of being near them, she could momentarily forget her nervousness, and the fact that she had no clue who she was or how she got to where she was. At that moment she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and her energy level was almost as high as her excitement at seeing how the family interacted with one another. They were funny, and the loved they shared was evident, even when they were razzing one another.

Cull spooned a large helping of potatoes onto her plate and winked. “Remember I warned you. I can grab you a glass of wine if you’d like help to get through this meal. Or sweet tea. That’s sacred water here in our house.”

“Cullen Dean! Leave that poor girl alone,” Beatrice snapped. “We’re not so bad.”

“I’ll have tea please.” Although she was comfortable, even enjoying herself, she also knew that she needed to keep her senses about her. She’d already realized that Cull had the capability of sending her weak-kneed and drooling.

“Where’s the rest of the crew?” Kace asked.

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