Cassie's Cowboy Crave: Witness Protection - Rancher Style (Sweet Montana Bride Series) Read online

  Cassie stood there holding the apron. “Oh, that sounds yummy.”

  “Here,” Betty said. She took the pink thing from her, looped it over her head, and spun her to face away as she cinched up the strings. “In case you want to help with the fixings.”

  “Thanks.” Cassie turned to look toward the front door. “Shane was going to bring in my things.”

  “I’m sure he did then, dear. They’re probably in your room. Would you like to see it?”

  “Yeah,” Jade blurted. “Let her go relax for a bit. Get unpacked. We’ve got dinner covered.”

  Reese nodded in agreement.

  “It’s just down here.” When Betty grabbed hold of her arm, Cassie couldn’t fight back the smile. The woman barely knew her, yet she was handling her like one of her own. “You’ll always enter through Shane’s room, you see?” She swung open the door and motioned inside. “Through here is the bathroom, and then your room is just out the other doorway.”

  A strange burst of excitement spilled over her at the idea of going into Shane’s bedroom. “Thanks,” she said.

  “We’ll just be in the kitchen.” The woman scurried back down the hall, but spun around after a few paces. “One last thing. You’ve got two gals in here who know what it’s like – being in your position, that is. So uh … don’t be afraid to pry a bit. I’m sure you’ll have lots to talk about.” A warm smile spread over Betty’s lovely face before she strode into the kitchen.

  Shane’s room smelled just like him. Fresh pine and cedar with a hint of musk. She inhaled the seductive scent, picturing him in all his perfection. Why did he have to be so … so outrageously attractive? It wasn’t fair. Set things off balance, didn’t it?

  His large bed was covered with a deep blue comforter, and Cassie had to wonder if it was his mother who’d made it up so nicely, since they were expecting company and all. She pictured Shane as the get-up-and-go type, especially after hearing about how busy life was on the ranch.

  She briefly eyed the bathroom as she walked through, noticing a glass of daisies had been set on the spotless counter. The girls had really gone out of their way to make the place nice. And while she loved the charming appearance of the rest of the house, Cassie was exceptionally pleased with the look of her new bedroom. A thick, plush rug covered a large part of the hardwood floors. The sight had her tugging off her shoes at once, anxious to let her feet sink into the softness.

  While enjoying the feel of it, Cassie spun in place, slowly, taking in every beautiful detail. A set of blinds allowed orange streaks from the sunset to spill over the antique furniture and multi-colored quilt. The room smelled of fresh laundry, and she couldn’t help but picture clothes hung on a wind-blown line beneath the wide, open sky. While running her fingers over the soft patches of the beautiful bedding, she wondered if Betty had made it herself, perhaps with her own mother years ago.

  A small knock sounded on the door. “Dear?” It was Betty. “I’ve got your cats here. Shane left them in the front room. I wasn’t sure if they were housetrained or not, but we got a litter box for you just in case, you coming from the city and all.”

  Cassie smiled, anxious to cuddle with the furry little things. She was touched they had gone to so much effort. “Thank you,” she said, twisting at the knob until it popped open.

  Betty gave her a warm smile. “You’ll want to leave this locked while you’re in here, and even when you’re not. Don’t want anything raising suspicion. The guys will just think the thing’s still filled with junk, though it’ll secretly be housing a precious treasure.” She winked while handing her the kennel. “I’m guessing the rest of your things are already in here.”

  Cassie spun around. There, by the closet, lay her luggage and bags. “Yeah, they are.”

  “Alright, hon. We put the banana bread in the oven and set the timer. We’ll meet for dinner when the men get back, but for now me and the girls will leave you to get settled.” She smiled, her green eyes kind and gentle before throwing her arms around Cassie in a tight, comforting squeeze. “I know you’ve been uprooted, but this is truly the best home away from home you’ll ever find. And we’re so very glad to have you here with us.”

  A sudden burst of emotion swept through Cassie. The words were simple enough, but they were meaningful at the same time. It felt nice to be wanted. And to see the genuine care evident in the woman’s eyes. “Thank you,” she managed.

  Betty released her, gave her one last grin, and strode down the hallway. “Oh, and listen for that timer, will you dear?” she hollered over her shoulder. “Don’t want that bread to go burning.”

  “I’ll listen for it,” Cassie assured. “And thanks, again.”

  As she tuned in to the sounds of Reese rounding up her kids, the hustle and bustle of everyone heading out the door, Cassie wondered what this sort of life would be like. Having so many people around, ‘in her business’, as Jade said. She chuckled, warmed by the welcome feel of the charming ranch. Perhaps Betty was right; maybe this was the best home away from home a girl could ask for. Truth was, she could really get used to a place like this.

  ~+~

  Boy, was Shane in a foul mood. He hadn’t known it ‘til he’d had time to ride – get his mind thinking on the turn his life had taken. Thoughts of Cassie were pleasant enough – her generous smile and feminine allure, but it was like dangling candy in front of a child, with no real intent of letting the poor kid have more than a taste. The thought of her leaving already hurt, and she’d only just arrived.

  The sun hung low in the west, suspended in place as if allowing Shane what he desperately needed: a good look at the pasture’s fence. He wouldn’t sleep a wink without seeing the posts had been replaced. And though he’d wanted to make it a priority over the last few weeks, his brothers argued over the urgency of it, like they hadn’t known just how close to calving those cows were. Heck, some of the heifers had already dropped. Winter had dried up fast this year; it was high time to move them to closer quarters.

  Shane focused on the fence as he approached, remembering there were three broken posts along the east side. He growled as he neared, bringing the horse to a stop. “Back up, Drake,” he said. “We’ve got to go back. Looks like those idiots didn’t fix it after all.”

  He pushed Drake in a steady gallop, seething with anger at his boneheaded brothers. Ever since Blake got married, Shane had had to step up and take the lead over the ranch. Gavin hadn’t been around then, and by the time he was it was too late. Jade already had him in her back pocket. Seemed he was the only one who looked after the details – besides his father, anyway. It was a good thing Cassie had a boyfriend back home, Shane decided. Who needed that type of distraction if it’d turn him into one of them – worthless and whipped.

  In no time he’d returned Drake to the corral and was starting up the truck. After pulling up to the back of the barn, Shane loaded the flatbed with shovels, posts, and other supplies, eyeing the sun once more. If those guys were headed to the pasture now, he may not get there in time to fix it. And what about the other spots? Had they neglected the fence altogether?

  With the slam of his tailgate, Shane stomped around to the driver’s seat and tore onto the dirt road. All he could think about was chewing Blake out once he got his sights on him. He could barely consider where to start first. The fence or the girl. The fence, he decided. No need to let him know how angry he was about the rest.

  It took him a while to find the spot from the road with the limited light, but once he did, Shane pulled the truck up to the faulty posts and flashed his brights on the area. Who cared that it was dark, and that the guys were probably headed back home for dinner. He’d be doing what he did best – tending to the field.

  A large part of him hated the idea of those men anywhere near Cassie when he wasn’t there. But what choice did he have? It was possible the cattle may have already been led to the pasture. That they’d find this loose link by sunrise and then where would they be? Sure his mother had most lik
ely planned some sort of welcome party for the new couple, but it’d have to go on without him. ‘Sides, there were times when a man needed to be left alone. And for Shane – this was one of those times.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Cassie reminded herself of Betty’s words as she spread a layer of butter over top the best-tasting banana bread she’d ever eaten. It was a gift. So that meant she could eat it. Good thing, because she’d already eaten more than half a loaf on her own. At least there were three others left. “Mmmm,” she moaned, taking another bite. Betty had some sort of magic. She only hoped it would rub off on her while she was there.

  The stack of magazines on the counter had given her something to focus on. Being an editor as she was, Cassie had flipped through the pages, happily making marks in the articles with her red pen. Sure, she was being nit-picky, but it had kept her occupied all the same.

  A rustling noise sounded alongside the house, and Cassie strode into the front room to peer through the window. Instead of seeing Shane’s truck parked where he’d left it, she saw two other pickups, smaller and beat, off to the side. Beyond the closed mudroom door, she heard feet clomping and men talking. They were back. The ranch hands. Loud laughter ensued, a few deep voices joking, and suddenly Cassie longed to be by Shane’s side. He must be on his way back too, if the other guys were already there.

  She darted into the bathroom, eyed her hair in the mirror and checked her face for crumbs. A quick stroll down the hallway led her back to the front room where she took a seat on the couch, knowing Shane would probably walk in at any moment. Cassie looked around the walls as she waited. She was hoping to see photos hanging, perhaps of Shane and the family from when they were young, but was disappointed to find only paintings and other framed art.

  Another ruckus sounded – feet going up the stairs and onto the landing again. The trucks started up, and before long they tore away. Cassie got up, walked over to the window, heart beating faster as she saw how dark the night was. It looked like midnight all of the sudden. Where was Shane?

  She felt at her pocket, remembering she didn’t have a cellphone anymore. And even if she did, she wouldn’t have his number. A vision of the phone in the kitchen came to mind, and Cassie strode toward it, a sick sort of worry nagging at her mind.

  She secured the phone in her palm, eyeing the hand-written tabs just as it rang. The sound of it made her jump. She cleared her throat while clicking the button. “Hello?”

  “Cassie? I’m glad you answered.” It was Betty, though she hadn’t bothered saying so. “Listen, Shane’s still out in the field, but Jade is headed out to get you and bring you to our place for dinner. Shane will join us once he’s finished.”

  The crunch of tires on gravel sounded out front. “Okay,” Cassie said. “Thanks. I’ll see you in a minute.” She hung up the phone, hoping to see Shane’s truck through the open window. No such luck. A big, black SUV stood out front instead. After flipping on the porch light, she saw Jade seated behind the wheel.

  Cassie felt awkward as she stepped off the porch and toward the car. Before she got to it, the door swung open.

  “Hey,” Jade said, smile plain and easy.

  While climbing into the large vehicle, Cassie greeted her with a nod. “Thanks for coming to get me.” She eyed the short distance down the road to Betty’s, the tail-lights illuminating a dusty cloud of dirt. “I probably could’ve walked.”

  “I don’t mind. Anyway, Kate loves car rides.”

  Cassie closed the car door and glanced over her shoulder, surprised to see a little boy seated next to the baby.

  “Oh, yeah,” Jade said, spinning the vehicle around, “you haven’t met Luke yet, have you?”

  The auburn-haired boy raised his chin, giving Cassie a charismatic smile. “What’s up?”

  She smiled back. “Nice to meet you, Luke.”

  “He’s the same age as Jaxson and Jonah,” Jade said. “I had him while I was living in LA.” She gave her a knowing glance. “Before I met Gavin.”

  Cassie turned back to him once more. “Cool hair,” she said, eyeing the short, gelled spikes.

  Luke nodded. “Thanks.”

  As they approached Betty and Grant’s, Cassie searched the main street, looking for any sign of Shane. “So the guys aren’t back yet?”

  “Oh they are, just not Shane. The others haven’t actually seen him. They just know he’s out there because his truck’s gone. Betty saw him return Drake just after we left.”

  Cassie hadn’t seen him come back. “I thought they didn’t stay out past dark.”

  “They usually don’t. But Shane’s been away from the place, so he’s probably just trying to make up for lost time. I’m sure he’ll be back soon.” They’d pulled up to the house, but Jade hadn’t shut the engine off. She turned to Cassie. “You up for this right now?” she asked. “I could always say you’re not feeling well. Then I could get us a giant plate of food, bring it back to your place, and we’d eat in peace with nobody else around.” She smiled wickedly, and Cassie smiled in return. This girl was acting more like Zoe by the minute.

  “I heard that,” Luke warned from behind.

  The offer was tempting. “It sounds nice, but I don’t want Betty to think I’m antisocial.”

  Jade shrugged. “She already knows I am.” The two laughed.

  “Thanks, though,” Cassie said. “I may as well meet everyone now and get it done with.”

  The house was alive in every possible way. Loud laughter. Bright color and light. And a wonderful aroma that had Cassie anxious to try the pulled pork Betty had mentioned earlier. A large group of men stood further into the room, and the kitchen was crammed with Betty and Reese moving from one side to the next. The entryway seemed to be the only clear spot in view.

  Cassie stood on the braided rug as Jade walked into the room.

  “Come on inside.” Jade motioned for her to follow. “There’s no turning back now,” she added with a laugh.

  Just as Cassie stepped from the rug onto the hardwood floors, one of the twins sped into the room on a big wheel – inside the house. “Hi Shane’s wife,” Jaxson said, after skidding to a halt.

  “Hi,” she returned, hardly able to believe her eyes. Did Betty know he was riding around in the house?

  The other twin rode in on a scooter. She recognized him as being the more talkative twin named Jonah. “Her name is Cassie,” he said to his brother. “And Grandma wants us to take these downstairs now. She’s says they’re too many people in here to ride.”

  Jade reached down, grabbing the big wheel by the handle. She took the scooter in her other hand. “Hop off,” she said, “I’ll bring them down for you guys.” She carried them out as the boys obeyed.

  “Thanks, Aunt Jade.” They followed like anxious puppies, Luke at their heels.

  “Honeymoon over so soon?” A friendly voice spoke.

  Cassie glanced up to see one of the men who’d broken away from the large group. His smile stood out against his rich, dark skin as he reached for her hand. “I’m Trey,” he said. “And you’re Shane’s new bride?”

  She nodded, pulling in a giant breath of courage. “Yes.” Already she hated the lie. Hated saying something that wasn’t true. She was certain the deceit was plain on her face as the stranger, probably the same age as Ryan from the jury, held eye contact.

  “Glad to meet you.” His posture was relaxed and easy, like he felt right at home. “I work full-time here at the ranch, along with Randy and Max. The other guys were brought on to help through spring. Come on over here and you can meet them.”

  She knew it was crazy, but something about the kid reminded Cassie of her recently deceased friend, and it wasn’t just the age. They didn’t look much alike, with as different as their complexion and features were, but something in that smile reminded her of him. Plus he had the same friendly manner Ryan had. He was charismatic. Genuine.

  “This here is Reynold,” Trey said, starting with what seemed to be the quietest of the b
unch; the others were caught up in conversation with one another. “Reynold, this here is Shane’s pretty little secret and brand new bride, Cassie.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Cassie said, stretching her arm toward him.

  In a moment of unsettling delay, the quiet man ran a crude gaze over her body, a near savage expression on his bony face. At last, in what seemed to be an afterthought, he lifted a hand to meet hers, the feel of it wiry and strong. “Likewise,” he muttered.

  She glanced at the guy next to him, anxious to pull her gaze away from the awkward stranger. And as Trey introduced her to the other men, calling her Shane’s internet babe one minute, and his hot new bride the next, Cassie smiled and shook their hands as well. There were too many names to retain all at once, but all of the others were friendly.

  “What if I told you that I was the one you met online,” the guy named Randy whispered in her ear. The overly muscled flirt proceeded to flex his arms for her. “Don’t these babies look familiar?” he asked.

  Cassie smiled. She may not remember all the guys’ names, but she certainly wouldn’t forget Randy or Trey.

  As she rounded the corner, the ranch hands close behind, Cassie spotted Betty in the kitchen, setting out napkins and silverware. Reese held a large bowl lined with a white cloth as Jade piled steaming rolls into the center.

  “And this here’s your new father-in-law, I suppose.”

  It took a moment for Trey’s last comment to register in Cassie’s mind. She turned to see the man Trey had referred to walking in from the hallway, his sleeves rolled up to his forearms. He was lean, tall, and rugged. And though his face wore the lines of weather and time, Shane’s father was handsome enough to be on the big screen. In fact, if his hair were blond instead of peppered brown, he’d resemble a middle-aged Robert Redford.

  “Is this my new gal?” he thundered, breaking through the crowd.