The Maverick of Copper Creek (16 page)

“Thanks, Ira.”

When the chief walked away, Brenna laid a hand on Ash's arm. “I'm so sorry that you and your family have to go through so much pain. My little problems are insignificant compared to what you're dealing with.”

He looked down at her hand and absorbed the warmth of her touch. Just hearing her words of comfort lifted his spirits. “Thanks, Sunshine.” He nodded toward Wylie's. “Ready for some lunch?”

At Brenna's murmur of approval, he caught her hand and led her across the street.

It was a simple gesture, and something he'd done since they were kids. But now, with her hand tucked firmly in his big palm, he felt a sudden rush of heat that had nothing to do with the spring sunshine.

He knew he would be considered shameless for what he was thinking. He ought to be at least a little sorry that Brenna was going through these doubts and concerns, not only about her father, but about her broken engagement to Chris. But the fact was, now that she'd shed that sparkler from her left hand, even a runaway truck, or the fact that the state police had no leads in his father's death, couldn't put a damper on this day.

W
ell, look who's here.” As Ash and Brenna stepped inside the smoky saloon, Nonie Claxton dashed past them with three plates balanced on one arm, and a tray of beers in her other hand. “Grab a table and I'll be right with you.”

Ash kept hold of Brenna's hand as he led her through the crowded tables of raucous cowboys toward a booth in the rear of the room, both of them pausing often to greet old friends and neighbors.

Minutes later Nonie sidled up beside them. She was grinning from ear to ear. “Brenna Crane, what're you doing here with this bad boy?”

Brenna flushed. “Just catching up on old times.”

Nonie winked. “That's what they all say.”

She turned to Ash. “Mind your manners today. Wylie just replaced half a dozen chairs and he'd like to keep them around for a few months.”

Ash and Brenna joined in Nonie's teasing laughter. She was still laughing as she set down two glasses of ice water. “I remember when the two of you would come in and sit at the bar, drinking sodas and eating burgers. You were both too young to be here alone, but Wylie knew your daddy, Ash, and so he'd let the two of you eat, as long as you never tried to sneak a beer. And you never did. At least not while I was looking. Now, what'll you two have to drink?”

“Now that I'm older and wiser, I'll have a beer.” Ash turned to Brenna. “How about you?”

She shrugged. “I'm well past legal age and still don't drink. I'll have a lemonade, Nonie.”

“Sure thing.” The older woman paused. “Today's special is Wylie's famous ranch chili and fries. Guaranteed to make your eyes water and your tongue cry uncle.”

“Sold.” Ash winked at Nonie. “I've got years of missed Wylie's chili to catch up on.”

“I'll have the same.” Brenna shared a smile with Ash as Nonie flounced away.

A short time later she was back, serving up two bowls of steaming chili topped with onions and shredded cheese, and ringed by an assortment of crackers.

After his first bite Ash sighed. “For years I've tried to duplicate Wylie's recipe. But mine has never captured the fire like this.”

Brenna ate hers, pausing to soothe her throat every few minutes with sips of cold lemonade. “You're right. There's definitely fire in this bowl.”

Ash polished off his first and signaled for Nonie to bring him a second.

“Try not to eat that white thing. It's the bowl.” Brenna laughed as, just minutes later, she stared at his empty dish. “You going for thirds?”

He shook his head and sat back, drinking his beer slowly and looking around before taking her hand in his. “I really missed this. Not just Wylie's, but being here with you.”

“I missed it, too.” She looked away, avoiding his eyes.

“Wylie's? Or me?”

She turned to him. “You fishing for compliments, MacKenzie?”

His sexy grin was quick and dangerous. “Hell, yes.”

“Okay. Honestly? I even managed to miss you a couple of times.”

“A couple? I guess that means I'm better'n I thought. I figured the minute I was out of sight, every guy from here to Helena would be plying you with their charms.”

“Oh, they did.” She laughed at the look that came into his eyes. “And I decided to let them charm me. After all, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.”

He glanced at their linked hands and closed his other hand over them. “I hope you'll do that girl-thing on this guy some day.”

She tossed her head. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

Laughing, they drew apart as Nonie paused beside their table. “You ready for another, Ash?”

He shook his head. “One more and I'd explode. But tell Wylie that was the best lunch I've had in almost ten years.”

“I'll do that. But if word gets out to your granddaddy, Mad'll have your hide. He's always bragging on his cooking.”

“Swear you'll keep our secret, Nonie.” He caught her hand and kissed it.

The old woman visibly melted.

With a sigh she turned to Brenna. “A word of warning. Guard your heart, girl, 'cause this cowboy oozes pure sex.”

When she walked away, Brenna deadpanned, “Another conquest.”

“It's a curse. All the MacKenzies have to bear it.” He caught her hand. “Come on. It's time we breathed fresh air.”

Ash veered off the highway and cut across a stretch of meadowland blanketed with soft spring-green vegetation. He continued driving until he came to the banks of a stream. Turning off the engine, he stepped from the truck and circled around to hold open the passenger's-side door.

Brenna didn't need to ask why he'd come here. She was smiling, her eyes looking soft and misty. “Our spot.”

“Yeah.” He took her hand and led her to a large, flat rock overlooking the stream.

They sat side by side, watching as the swollen waters from melting snow in the highlands tumbled over hidden rocks. The stream was at its highest point this time of year, nearly spilling over the banks as it raced past them.

“Did you come here a lot of times without me?” He kept his face averted, watching the play of sunlight on the water.

“I haven't been here at all.” She drew her knees up before wrapping her arms around them.

He turned to her. “Why?”

She shrugged and said simply, “It was our place.”

His heart took a couple of hard bounces before settling back to its natural rhythm.

They sat in companionable silence, listening to the soothing sound of rushing water.

Ash leaned back on his hands. “I'm glad you told me about Pop paying your taxes.”

“He was a good man, Ash. Oh, I know he was a tyrant. Especially with you. But he really loved you. And after you left, he seemed even more driven to look out for all the people that mattered to you.”

“Like you.”

She nodded. “Your father had never been to my ranch until you left. Then he started stopping by on his way to town just to see if I needed anything.” She chuckled. “The first time he did that, I got so scared. Seeing his stern face, I thought he was coming by with some bad news about you, and before he could say a word I burst into tears.” She flushed as she realized what she'd just admitted. “He was so sweet, insisting that he hadn't heard a word. But then, when he offered to pick up grain or groceries, or anything I needed, I couldn't think of a thing to say. After a while, it got easier for me. And before long, we became friends.”

“You and Pop?”

“Yeah.” She laughed. “Isn't that a hoot?”

“Yeah.” He fell silent, digesting what she'd just told him. He felt a sudden warm glow just thinking about his father befriending Brenna and looking out for her in his absence. And then, he felt a sharp pang of regret for all the years he'd missed.

Her voice grew dreamy. “At first, after you left, I stayed away from your ranch, afraid that I wouldn't be welcome, with you gone. But one day your dad insisted that I come over for lunch, and once I got there, it was just like before. I was treated like one of the family. And when I was leaving, Myrna made me promise that I'd come by at least once a month.”

“Did you?”

“I tried. But it was hard, with all the ranch chores, and life and things. Lately, I'd been putting off my visits, because…” She shrugged. “There was just a lot going on.”

He caught her hand. “You don't have to talk about it.”

She withdrew her hand from his. “I want to. I haven't been entirely honest about my reason for giving Chris back his ring.” She decided to say nothing about the kiss she and Ash had shared. A kiss that had caused her a good deal of worry. That was still a little too confusing to talk about. She needed more time to sort it all out in her mind.

She waited a moment before saying, “Chris doesn't respect me for struggling to keep my ranch going, and for spending time on what he calls my ‘hobby.'”

“Sculpting?” Ash's eyes narrowed. “Did he actually call it a hobby?”

“He did. He thinks I'm wasting my time. As for my ranch, he wanted me to sell it.”

At Ash's hiss of annoyance she was quick to add, “You need to understand. His parents spent their lives trying to stay out of debt on a small ranch, and Chris decided early on in life that he would never be like them. I can respect him for whatever he chooses to do with his life, but the fact that he can't respect me for my choices is something I won't accept. I tried, but lately, a few things have made me realize that I can't go on allowing him to disrespect me like that.”

“What changed your mind?”

She lifted a shoulder. “Several things. The first was the day I gave your mother my sculpture of your father. Seeing how touched she was made me so grateful that I'd followed my heart and didn't wait, as Chris had suggested. And then when Percy Hanover phoned to tell me that my sculpture had made Pearl cry, it did something to my heart and soul. I'm beginning to realize that my art can bring real pleasure to others.”

He put his hands on her shoulders and simply stared at her. “You honestly didn't know?”

She shook her head. “I wasn't sure. But when Chris called it my hobby and hinted that it didn't matter to him, it really hurt. How can I share my life with someone who doesn't share my values?”

“He's a damned fool.”

At his outburst, she couldn't help laughing. “And you're not saying that because you're jealous?”

“Jealous as hell.” His snarl turned to a grin. “But that doesn't change the fact that he's a fool.”

They were both laughing then. Laughing so hard, they fell into each other's arms.

“Oh, Ash, I've missed this. It feels so good to be laughing again with my best friend.”

“I know what you mean. I've missed this, too. Missed you, Sunshine.” He lowered his face and brushed his lips over hers.

His mere kiss started a flame deep in her soul.

Her first instinct was to lean into him and enjoy the moment. But instead of returning his kiss she stiffened and pushed a little away.

“What's wrong?” He looked hurt and genuinely puzzled.

“Me. You. Chris. I need time. This is all too much, too soon. I feel all jittery inside. Like I have a fever and any minute now I'm going to be sick.”

“Okay.” He drew away, giving her the space she needed.

They sat in silence for a while.

Finally he slid from the rock and offered his hand until she was standing beside him.

Keeping her hand in his, he led the way to his truck and held her door before circling to the driver's side.

“Let's see how Vern is doing now that he has a working tractor.”

As they turned onto the long, winding gravel driveway, Sammy came rushing toward the truck, yipping and yapping.

Ash stopped the truck and waited while Brenna scooped him up into her arms.

She climbed back inside, gently scolding the puppy. “You silly little thing. Did you sneak out the barn door when Vern wasn't looking? Don't you know that's how little guys like you get hurt?”

She pressed a kiss to his wet nose as they moved along the lane.

Ash pointed to deep grooves in the gravel. “What's this? Have you been doing wheelies lately?”

Brenna stared out the windshield. “I can't imagine Vern ever driving that hard and fast. I wonder who's been here.”

They came to a stop outside the barn. The door had caved inward and lay in a heap of splintered wood. Beyond that, the tractor lay tipped on its side, gasoline spilling from a ruptured gas tank.

Vern stood to one side, staring at the mess.

“Are you okay?” Ash leaped from his truck.

Before he could open Brenna's door, she was out and rushing to stand beside the old cowboy, her hand on his arm.

“I'm not hurt. It was a close call, but I'd just stepped down when I heard a crash, and looked up to see the barn door falling in on me.”

Both Ash and Brenna breathed a sigh of relief, just knowing that Vern wasn't harmed.

Vern looked from one to the other. “I jumped back just as a truck came barreling through the door and slammed right into the tractor. If I'd been sitting on it, I'm sure I wouldn't be talking to you now.”

Brenna wrapped her arms around the old cowboy's neck and buried her face against his chest.

He patted her arms and drew her a little away. “I'm okay now, girl. Don't you go getting all weepy on me.”

She sniffed. “You know I never cry.”

“That's right. So don't start now.” He gave her a gentle smile. “Poor little Sammy was running around and around in circles in the dust.”

“Did you see who did this?” Ash demanded.

The old man shook his head. “Between the splintered door and the tipped-over tractor, all I saw was a blur of a truck barreling out of here in a cloud of dust so thick, I couldn't even tell much about it, except that it was a dark color. Black. Maybe dark blue.” He scratched his head. “Why would someone crash into the barn, hit a tractor, and then drive away without stopping?”

Tight-lipped, Ash glanced at Brenna, whose face had gone ashen. “How long ago did this happen?”

“No more'n a few minutes before you got here.” He shook his head. “Well, maybe more like half an hour. I'm not sure. I waited until my head stopped spinning and my ears ringing. Then I tried mopping up the gas with some rags. All that gas is a fire hazard with this straw and old barn wood.”

Ash was already dialing his cell phone. Turning away from the others he spoke into the phone. “Ira? Ash MacKenzie. There's been an incident out at the Crane ranch. A truck plowed into the barn and upended a tractor. Nobody hurt. Vern was the only one here at the time, and he didn't get a very clear look at the truck or driver before it took off in a cloud of dust.” He paused before saying, “Yeah. We'll be here.”