King Creek Cowboys Box Set 1

Chapter 12

“Stay the night.” Bear couldn’t stop looking at Rae’s beautiful face as he stroked her hair.

She shifted in the bed, adjusting the covers as she faced him. Her smile seemed strained. “Marlee will worry.”

“Call her.” He held her chin in his fingertips. “Knowing Marlee, she’ll be fine.”

“I can’t.” Rae rolled away from him and slid her legs over the side of the bed. She scooped up her panties and jeans and tugged them on.

Bear tried not to frown at her abruptness. They’d shared so much, and he wanted to hold her all night. She meant something to him, a lot to him. Did she feel the same, or had this just been sex to her?

He mentally shook his head. He couldn’t believe Rae had only wanted sex from him. He’d seen the way she looked at him, how she smiled at him. She couldn’t have faked that—could she? Was he being na?ve?

She straightened as he climbed out of bed. She looked so pretty with her hair a mess, wearing only jeans. Her beautiful torso was bare, her incredible breasts on display.

“I—the rest of my clothes are in the family room.” She looked nervous, and maybe even close to tears.

This time he did frown, and he moved toward her. “Are you okay, Rae?”

She avoided his gaze, looking instead at her hands. Her voice came out so quiet he could barely hear her. “I just need to go home.”

He took her by the shoulders. “Look at me, Rae.” When she didn’t, he took her face in his hands and moved her so that she had to meet his gaze. “What happened between the time we made love and now?”

Her bottom lip quivered. “There are things you don’t know about me.” Her throat worked as she stared up at him. “What if you hate me when you find out?” A tear rolled down her cheek, causing his gut to twist.

“Honey.” He gently wiped away the tear with his thumb. “Unless you’re married, nothing you could say could make me upset with you. Even if you are, I couldn’t hate you.”

More tears rolled down her cheeks. “I need to get dressed.”

“Only if you promise to stay longer.” He brushed tears away from both cheeks. “Otherwise I’m going to tie you down until we clear this up. We can’t leave things like this.”

She closed her eyes, her features filled with pain. She opened them, her eyes still glittering with tears. “I’m not married.”

“Are you dying from cancer or something else?” he asked softly. “Is that why you think I’ll be upset?”

“No, it’s nothing like that.” Her throat worked as she swallowed. “Let me get dressed and I’ll stay, long enough to tell you everything.”

“I’ll get some clothes on then we’ll get your clothes.” He pulled on boxer briefs, a pair of old jeans, and a faded T-shirt as she stared at a bronze cowboy on a bucking bronco that sat on his bureau.

When he was dressed, he offered his hand. She hesitated, then took it.

They reached the living room and he found her bra and T-shirt and handed them to her. She dressed slowly, as if putting off the time of truth as long as she could. She dug in her pocket and drew out another band and pulled her hair back into a ponytail before she plopped on the couch.

His gut clenched as he sat close to her and took her hand. What was she about to tell him?

She cleared her throat and didn’t look at him. This time he didn’t force her to face him, he simply prepared to listen to whatever it was that had her so torn up.

“Just over a year ago—” Her voice broke and she gathered herself together before starting again. “Some friends rented a houseboat on Lake Powell and we went to a bar, fairly close to my home in Coyote Lake City.” She spoke slowly, as if stating facts.

“While we were at the bar, a man kept trying to pick me up.” Her face twisted into a scowl. “I made it clear I wasn’t interested, and he started calling me things like ‘whore,’ and other words I won’t repeat.”

Anger warmed Bear’s skin. Rae deserved to be treated like a lady. Every woman did. To hear how this man had verbally abused her made the heat on his skin turn into fire.

“I decided to leave the place and I told my friends I wanted to go back to the houseboat because I’d had enough of men. They tried to convince me to stay, but the man had really gotten under my skin. We’d come in separate cars, so I drove to the houseboat alone.”

Bear tensed, afraid he knew what was coming next.

“I was getting ready for bed when I heard a crash.” Rae’s voice caught. “At first I thought it was my friends, but I didn’t hear any conversation and they’re usually pretty loud. Then I heard a man call out my name and saying, ‘where are you, little bitch?’”

Her throat worked as she swallowed. “I had no idea who it was, and I was terrified.”

Bear’s heart beat a little faster as he listened to Rae’s story.

“I went to call 9-1-1, but I’d left my phone in my car.” She shook her head and closed her eyes tight. “That was so stupid. If I’d had it with me, maybe none of this would have happened.”

Rae looked so distraught that Bear took her hand and lightly squeezed.

“One thing our grandmother had done was teach us how to shoot and had drilled into us that we should keep a gun with us for protection. I got my little Smith and Wesson out of my purse.”

Bear wanted to gather Rae in his arms, but he sensed she didn’t want that.

“I heard another crash and I was even more terrified. I hid in the closet right before the bedroom door opened. The light came on and a man shouted, ‘Where are you, bitch?’ I was so scared I could barely think.”

She went on. “I held my gun, but my hands were trembling, and I almost dropped it. I gripped it tighter right before he opened the closet door.”

Rae took a deep breath. “It was the man who had harassed me at the bar. He started yelling at me, saying I thought I was too good for him and he was going to teach me a lesson. He said other things, too, that I don’t want to repeat.”

The rage Bear felt against the man was something he’d never experienced before.

Tears rolled freely down Rae’s face. “He dragged me out of the closet by my foot. I struggled and screamed and tried to get away. When he got me in the middle of the bedroom, he stopped and stared down at me. That was when he noticed I had a gun.”

Rae looked helpless. “It didn’t faze him. He should have been scared. He should have left. But he didn’t.” Rae started sobbing and Bear gripped his hands into fists. “He lunged for the gun. So many thoughts went through my mind. I thought if I wounded him, it would stop him long enough for me to get away and call the police.”

Her face was red as she cried and told her story. “But he fell on me and the gun went off and shot him in the belly. I don’t know if I intentionally pulled the trigger, or the motion forced the movement.” Her shoulders shook. “Ultimately, it didn’t matter. He collapsed and I managed to get him off of me. There was so much blood and he was screaming in pain and rage. I ran for my phone in the car and called 9-1-1.”

She shook her head as she continued. “I was covered in his blood. I didn’t want to go back into the room. I still had the gun, so he couldn’t take it if he was even able to get up. But I was afraid he’d die.” Her voice cracked. “I didn’t mean to kill him.”

Rae looked at Bear, her eyes wide and begging for something, maybe forgiveness for what she’d done. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing to forgive.

Bear gathered Rae into his arms. “Shhh.”

“I didn’t mean to kill him,” she repeated as she sobbed against his T-shirt. “I didn’t mean to kill a man.”

Bear started rocking her. “You were protecting yourself. The bastard could have killed you.”

“I was eventually arrested and charged.” She buried her face against his chest. “I’m going to trial for manslaughter.”

Bear’s skin prickled. “You’re being prosecuted?”

“You wouldn’t believe the hell I’ve been through since meeting that man at the bar. Public attacks in the media and online, signs in my front yard, and messages in my mailbox. Even death threats.” She clenched her fist in his shirt. “The prosecutor thinks she can prove that I invited that-that bastard to the houseboat. Basically, that I’d asked for it.”

Bear squeezed her tighter to him. “I’m so sorry, honey. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

She turned her face to look at him. “You don’t think I’m a terrible person for killing a man?”

He studied her red, blotchy face. “How could I think that? You’re a wonderful person who doesn’t deserve to be going through this.” He took one of her hands in his. “How could you believe that I would think any less of you?”

She swallowed. “After what I’ve been through, I’m afraid everyone hates me. I lost my home, my career. I’ve left behind what friends and family I have to get away from it all the best I can.” It looked like she had something else to say, but then she sagged against him.

“You have friends and family who care about you,” Bear said. “I care about you.”

“I’m so tired of it all, Bear,” she said. “The trial is in a couple of weeks. I’m so afraid I’ll end up going to prison just for defending myself.”

The thought of Rae going to prison was like a knife through his gut. He wrapped both arms around her as he tried to control the feelings going through him. “Do you have a good lawyer?”

“Very good.” She sighed. “I’ve sunk a lot of my savings on my defense.”

He pressed his lips against the top of her head. “Just know you have me now. I’m not going to let you go through this alone.”

“I can’t ask that of you.” Her voice was quieter now. “You barely know me.”

“It’s like I’ve known you all my life, Rae.” Bear stroked her hair. “You’re a part of me now.”

“Thank you.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Thank you for being you.”

Bear’s mind tried to grasp the enormity of what Rae had been through. How could anyone make it through what she had unscathed? It wasn’t possible.

“Spend the night with me.” He spoke the words quietly but firmly. “You shouldn’t be alone right now.”

She was quiet a long moment. Finally, she said, “I need to call Marlee and let her know.”

Relief poured through Bear that Rae had agreed. He didn’t like the idea of her dealing with this alone right now and leaving this way. As a matter of fact, he didn’t intend to let her go through any of this ordeal alone anymore.

Rae tried to pull herself together. She’d just lost it in front of Bear and had chosen an awful time to do it. They’d shared such a beautiful day and night together, and she’d let loose what was ugly and wrong in her life afterward.

He’d taken it in a way she hadn’t expected. He’d comforted her and told her that he wasn’t going to let her go through this alone. She didn’t know exactly what he’d meant, but it was good to have his support.

She padded barefoot to the kitchen, where she’d left her purse, and dug her phone out. She went to her favorites list and hit speed dial for Marlee.

Rae stared at the doorway to the kitchen as she waited for her cousin to answer. The kitchen was dark, and she jumped when something scampered across the floor. She let out a breath of relief when she realized it was one of his cats. Maggie, she thought.

“Hi, Rae.” Marlee’s voice came on the line. “Everything okay?”

“Everything is fine.” Rae felt like a schoolgirl calling her mom and making up a story that she was staying with a friend instead of her boyfriend. “Did I wake you?”

“You know me. I stay up late to work on my crazy quilts.” Marlee sounded like she had a smile in her voice. “So, what’s up?”

Rae hesitated. “I’m going to spend the night at Bear’s.”

A pause and then a soft laugh. “I had a feeling about you two.”

Rae’s face heated. “It’s been nice. Make that a terrific day.” She added to herself, Most of it.

“And a fabulous night?” Marlee said in a teasing tone.

“Fabulous,” Rae said with a smile. She didn’t clarify to Marlee that the good parts were what had been so wonderful. “I’ll let you go since you have something sporty to do in the morning.”

“I might have a tennis match with Cherie at seven. She’s going to call early and let me know.” Marlee yawned. “Guess I should get to bed.”

“Thanks, Marlee,” Rae said quietly. “You’ve always been there for me and you don’t know how much I appreciate it.”

“I would do anything for you,” Marlee said. “You know that.”

“I do.” Rae’s voice grew more intent. “And you know I’d move mountains for you, too.”

“We are a mutual appreciation society,” Marlee said, a smile in her voice. “Love you, cuz. Enjoy your night.”

“Love you.” Rae disconnected and blew out her breath. She looked up and saw Bear in the doorway, his hands shoved in his front pockets.

“Everything okay?” He moved toward her as she dropped the phone in her purse. “You took so long, I started to worry you’d left.”

“I would never leave without telling you,” Rae said solemnly. “Promise.”

He reached her and wrapped her in his big arms. “Need to talk about anything else?”

She thought about her intention to move to New Mexico when this was all over, but it seemed so far away. Could she change her mind and stay in King Creek?

But would she be forever tainted by what had happened?

“No, I’ve told you everything that I can think of that’s important about what happened.” She pressed her face against his chest, breathing in the scent of his T-shirt that smelled freshly laundered.

“We can go to bed.” He rubbed her back. “Unless cherry pie is involved in staying up a little while longer?”

She couldn’t help a grin as she tilted her face to look at him. “You know the way to my heart.”

“If that’s all it takes,” he matched her grin, “I’ve got it made.”

Bear heated the pie in the microwave and topped each slice with a mound of vanilla ice cream. In no time they were seated with bowls and spoons, and glasses of ice water.

“Best bedtime snack ever,” Rae announced after she’d eaten a bite of warm pie and ice cream. The treat was also making her feel better after her hard cry. “Dessert always helps the world go ’round a little better.”

Bear smiled. “I hear you.” He reached over and placed his hand over hers. “I’m glad you’re staying the night.”

“I am, too.” Warmth flowed through her in a warm wave. “When do you have to leave for the clinic?”

“I don’t go into the clinic on Mondays unless there’s an emergency.” He slid his fork under a portion of the pie. “My tech sets up my appointments at ranches around King Creek and I examine and treat livestock.”

“Are you leaving early for your first appointment?” she asked.

He swallowed the bite of ice cream he’d just eaten. “I don’t leave until 7:30.” He pointed his fork at her. “But you don’t have to leave that early. You can stay as late as you want.”

“I’ll leave when you do.” She grasped her glass of water. “I need to do laundry. I was a bad girl and didn’t get it done Saturday.”

They continued chatting, like she hadn’t just poured out her harsh reality. It was comforting being with Bear, and she wanted to spend every moment she could with him.

After they finished and cleaned up what little mess they’d made, Bear took her hand and led her to the bedroom. He gave her a T-shirt to wear to bed, rather than expecting her to wear nothing.

When they slipped beneath the covers, Bear spooned Rae, but she found she wanted him more than ever. She turned in his arms to face him and traced her fingers along his jaw line.

He studied her, his eyes soft and caring. She kissed him slowly at first, then passion took over. It was like every pent-up feeling took over and she needed him in ways she could never have explained.

Bear seemed to try to slow her down at first, but he got caught up in the intensity of her desire. They made love with fierce passion that drove her to new heights. Afterward, as she spiraled down from the peak, Rae found herself exhausted.

He kissed her gently, then proceeded to make love to her sensually, making her body and senses alive yet again. He took her to the clouds at the same time he kept her grounded.

This time when Rae climaxed, her entire body shuddered, and she went limp. Bear groaned with his own release, then gathered her into his arms so that they were lying face to face.

She’d never felt so protected, so cared for, and maybe even loved. How had she been so fortunate to meet a man like Bear? Did she deserve to feel the intense happiness that she was experiencing at this very moment?

Bear pressed a kiss to her forehead, his lips firm. “Sleep, hon.”

Rae smiled and closed her eyes, drifting off within moments to a peaceful sleep.