Page 46 of Sheltered by the Lawman

Chapter 15

THE FAMILY WAS gathering from every direction. The big house was brimming with joy, laughter, and the smell of his Ma’s cooking, reminding him of the days when they were young and every evening they had dinner together, even when they were busy.

It was a Sunday and Beatrice had asked for everyone to come because she wanted to speak to them.

From his position, Cull watched Monica bend over in front of the oven, giving him a flattering view of her backside in cut offs. His body reacted with a vengeance and he could barely breathe. After last night and almost giving in to his need, he’d tossed and turned all night wanting to throw caution to the wind and allow human nature to rule.

She stood up and placed the pan of taco shells on the sink. A gust of wind came in through the open window and caught strands of her hair that had fallen from her topknot, sending them swirling over her cheek. He clenched his hands into fists to keep himself from crossing the room and pulling her hair back. He wouldn’t stop there. He’d let out the silken mass and run his hands through it and kiss her neck. Then he’d admit to everyone that he had feelings for her. No, he wasn’t ready for that—wasn’t ready to be tortured by his brothers.

Would his family ever believe that she was an escort who could have played a role in the death of her lover? She fit in like she was meant to be a part of the family. Everyone liked her. He knew that all his brothers, sister, and sisters-in-law had a good instinct. Would they feel differently if they knew Monica’s history?

She filled each shell with seasoned meat and her tongue darted out as if she put all her effort into making the perfect tacos. She dropped one shell, squinted, then lifted her fingers to blow on them. That pretty pout puckered and he growled under his breath. He took a step with every intention of helping her, but a grip on his shoulder stopped him. He looked over into his father’s smiling face.

“We need to talk. On the back porch.” Bo pointed.

Giving Monica one last glance, he followed his pa. Outside they took a seat. “What’s up?”

“I found cigarette butts in the stables. Donny has been told twice not to smoke around the buildings and horses.”

Donny was one of the hands who had an issue with authority. “Did you speak to him?”

“Yeah, and he swears it wasn’t him this time.”

“Do you believe him?”

Bo shrugged a broad shoulder and the creases around his eyes looked deeper. “Not any farther than I can throw him. Yet, why would he risk his job? He has a young wife, kids, and he knows we don’t have any choice but to let him go. He’s been warned before and there are no second chances when he becomes a liability.”

“You need me to take care of it?” Cull hated firing people, but he also didn’t want anyone’s life, and his horses, put in harm’s way. Negligence like a burning cigarette dropped in the wrong spot could cost the ranch dearly.

“Nah, I’ll take care of it. I just wanted to run it by you first.” He stood. “We better get inside before we miss out on those tacos. Oh and be careful there, son.” Bo winked.

“In what?” Did Cull really need to ask what his father meant?

“You don’t have to act around me. She’s a good girl, but this could get very complicated.” Bo patted his back. “Follow your instincts. You have good ones.”

Cull hadn’t told anyone anything, but his father had always been perceptive.

The table was already set with many of their favorites when they walked into the dining room. Cheese quesadillas. Mac and cheese. Corn on the cob. Fresh cut watermelon. And when Monica brought the pan of tacos to place in the center of the table, their gazes naturally met. She almost dropped the pan and Zander caught it. “Ouch. That’s hot!”

“Oops. Sorry,” she muttered and quickly went back into the kitchen.

Cull pulled out his chair and sat down, then reached for a triangle of watermelon and bit into the juicy fruit. He then hurried to fill his plate with the feast, but his eyes stayed on Monica when she sat down.

“Damn, bro, that’s my hand,” Nix growled.

Cull realized he’d grabbed his brother’s hand instead of a taco. “Sorry.”

Lowering his eyes, Cull had to stop staring at Monica who was sitting across the table, two seats down. Who would have believed when he’d first brought her here that she’d be sitting at the Cade clan’s table? She wouldn’t be the first stranger they’d entertained, but she was different. A whole helluva lot different.

Biting into the corn, he sprayed his brothers who were sitting on each side of him. Zander wiped his cheek. “Hey, Ma. Cull’s a messy eater.”

Beatrice chuckled. “It takes one to know one.”

“She’s right, sweetie.” Wynn patted him on the shoulder. “You can’t call out Cull, not when I just witnessed you eat a taco in two bites.”

The clan laughed.

And so did Monica. Her cheeks flushed and her eyes lit like diamonds. What he wouldn’t give to make her smile like that.

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