Against the Wall

Chapter Six

Two sharp, massive horns perched ominously on the largest animal head Sophie had ever seen. Gray fur covered a gigantic body that had to be at least double the size of the last animal, and its black eyes shone with a devil’s light. It pawed the ground and huffed, its enormous head swiveling to challenge Jake.

Jake leaned casually against the side fence. “Hi, Buttercup,” he said to the amusement of the watching crowd.

Buttercup flicked its tail and muscles bunched as it snorted again.

“Ready for the timer, Jake?” an older man, his face hidden by the brim of a brown cowboy hat, shouted from the far side of the pen.

Jake looked to Colton and Hawk, who both nodded. “Start the timer.”

Fast as a whip and just as unforgiving, Jake struck. His gloves latched onto those deadly horns. Buttercup blew out a snort and tossed his head. Jake slid to the side, his face set in brutal concentration, his hands holding tight. A roar rose from the crowd as the steer bucked both feet toward Colton while frantically trying to shake off Jake.

Jake’s head jerked back.

With a burst of speed, he pivoted and thrust a muscled thigh into the steer’s side. His foot swept the animal’s hind legs before he threw all of his weight back, his arms twisting.

Dust swirled around the two.

Buttercup bellowed, legs pawing the ground, before throwing his enormous bulk toward Jake. With a fierce grin, Jake dodged to the side, barely avoided being crushed, and let the steer’s momentum propel them to thud against the hard earth.

Smooth as silk, quick as lightning, Jake rolled to his side and wedged one knee against the steer’s neck, his hands pressing the horns to the ground. The beast fought to regain its feet. Both man and beast panted furiously as dirt drifted around them.

“Sorry, Buttercup, I win today,” Jake said softly to the animal.

A round of laughter rose around the pen.

“Whose steer is he?” Sophie released the breath she had been holding, ignoring a sudden buzzing in her ears and a tightening in her belly.

“He’s ours.”

“So are the rest of the steers owned by the tribe?”

Dawn shook her head. “Some are owned by tribal members, some by other ranchers in the area. The entire Maverick County gets together once or twice a year to inoculate the animals. Plus”—she jumped down from her perch and sent dust flying—“it’s a good reason for a party.” She peered up at Sophie. “I’m going to meet some friends by the picnic tables. Do you want to come?”

“No thanks.” Sophie smiled down at her. “I’ll stay here.”

“Don’t blame you. There’s nothing like a man in chaps, is there?” Dawn headed off.

Sophie turned back to the pen where sharp green eyes followed Dawn’s movements. Hmm. Maybe Hawk wasn’t as oblivious as Dawn thought. And the woman was right. There was nothing like a man in chaps.

A tall figure took Dawn’s place at Sophie’s side. “How are my boys doing?” A deep voice rumbled the question as one scuffed brown boot perched on the bottom railing and two broad arms rested on the top fence slat.

“Your boys?” Sophie glanced into eyes the exact shade of Dawn’s.

“Yes. Those two…” He nodded to Jake and Colton. “And that one’s close enough—his mama died way too young.” He inclined his head toward Hawk. “I’m Tom.”

“Sophie.” She appreciated the gentle touch in the large calloused hand enclosing hers. “They’re doing well.” She met him eye-to-eye from her position on the higher rung. Thick gray hair was cut short under a brown Stetson, a prominent jaw claimed a rugged stubbornness, and dark Wrangler jeans showed a man still fit and ready to ride. Competency and kindness swirled around him like leaves around a massive tree trunk. Her chest tightened at Tom’s words. He considered Jake his son. Roger had always referred to her as “June’s daughter, Sophia.”

“Oh man, did I miss Buttercup?” Tom glanced toward the far field.

Sophie shook off old memories and laughed. “Yeah, a few minutes ago.”

“Darn it. Who won the bet?”

“What bet?”

“On how long it took Jake to take him down.”

“I don’t know.”

Tom shrugged. “I would’ve heard if I won. So how was your date with my son?”

“It wasn’t a date,” Sophie protested as Colton wrestled with the newest steer while Jake remained ready on the sidelines.

“Pity,” Tom murmured. “It’s about time that boy had some fun.”

“He’s having fun now.” Sophie nodded toward a grinning Jake. White teeth were illuminated against trails of dirt and sweat.

“He sure is,” Tom agreed. “But I meant the other kind. I thought he might finally be moving on.”

“Moving on?” It wasn’t any of her business, but…

“After Emily died, well, we wondered if he’d ever smile again. But he had Leila to worry about.”

“He mentioned his wife died young.”

“Too young. Way too young to learn what matters in this life.” Soberness mellowed Tom’s words as Colton jumped back from a newly released steer.

“Which is?”

“Hawk, to your left,” Tom called out, tensing until the young man shifted away from kicking hoofs. He returned to their conversation. “You know, learned what’s important. People. Memories. Family.” Tom focused over the fence and acknowledged Jake’s nod with a nod of his own. He turned toward Sophie and extended an arm. “That was the high sign from Jake. Why don’t I escort you over to the picnic tables? He’ll be along shortly.” All around them people stepped back from the fence, though most kept their attention on the pen.

“High sign?” She took his proffered arm and jumped from her perch.

“The next three steers are known kickers. Tulip always goes for the crowd.”

“Tulip?” Sophie chuckled.

“Yep. Tulip, Snuggles, and Lola. The boys have a sense of humor.”

Sophie shook her head as she allowed Tom to lead her across the road to the picnic tables. The walk took some time, since they stopped to chat with people along the way; most had heard of her, some asked about her date, and all seemed to like Tom.

Bright red, yellow, and blue-checked cloths covered massive tables where people dug in to delicious-smelling chicken, steak, and sweet fruit salad. Children ran around gleefully while elderly women patted babies and people chatted. Several were obviously of native descent, but just as many people were blond with blue eyes. The whole county must have been in attendance.

“Here we are,” Tom said as they arrived at a table where a petite Native American woman uncovered plastic containers. “This is my wife, Loni.” Pride filled his words.

“Hi.” Sophie released Tom’s arm to extend a hand to the pretty woman. Jake’s eyes gleamed from a tanned oval face with delicate features and a genuine smile.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sophie.” Loni smiled and shook her hand. “Please sit. The boys should be along shortly.”

Sophie sat and studied Jake’s mother. Intelligence that matched Jake’s glimmered in her eyes. Sophie took a sip of the sweet, tart lemonade she offered. “Thank you.”

“Sure. So what did you think of the branding? Did you see Buttercup?”

“Yes. Very impressive.”

“I heard Quinn won the bet,” Loni informed her husband.

“Again?” Tom rubbed his chin. “Man, that boy has a second sense about that stuff. Unless…”

Loni shook her head. “He and Jake are not in cahoots, Tom. Give it up.”

“I don’t know.” Tom tugged his wife’s braid before pecking her cheek with a kiss.

Sophie marveled at the couple’s closeness. Her mother and Roger had never seemed to actually like each other. Well, the few times she saw them together, anyway.

“Hey, Mom.” Quinn moved into sight, carrying a little girl snuggling her face into his neck. “We have crocodile tears here.”

“Tears?” Loni reached up as Quinn transferred a small girl into her waiting arms. “What’s wrong, Leila?”

A feminine sniff came from the small child. She lifted her head. “Tommy McAlister pulled my braids and the sheriff won’t shoot him.”

“Oh.” Loni stifled a laugh. “I’m pretty sure the sheriff isn’t supposed to shoot people, even if he is your uncle. So, your braids, huh?”

“Yeah.” Sniff.

“Did it hurt?” Loni snuggled her closer.

“Well, no…”

“But it hurt your feelers?”

“Kind of.” Another sniff.

Loni patted Leila’s braids. “Now honey, remember when we talked about boys not being quite as smart as girls?”

Twin heys of protest came from Tom and Quinn, as Jake’s brother slid onto the bench next to Sophie.

Leila giggled and nodded.

“Okay. Well, they don’t know how to talk about important stuff like feelings, so they do stupid stuff instead.” Loni winked at Sophie. “Tommy probably just wanted your attention, and that was the only way he could think of to get it,” Loni said softly.

“Boys are stupid.” Leila turned twin dark eyes on Sophie. “Hi.”

Sophie smiled at the little girl. She was going to be an incredible beauty one day.

“You’re the golf course lady. You went on a date with Daddy.”

“Ah, no, it, ah, wasn’t a date,” Sophie sputtered. Quinn coughed back a laugh, and if she had known him better, she’d have elbowed him in the ribs. She settled for giving him a small glare.

“Did you go on a picnic?” Shrewd black eyes met hers across the table.

“Well, yes.” Sophie fought to keep from fidgeting under the scrutiny.

“Did you have a pretty view?”

“Definitely.” Where was the child going with this?

“And you ate lunch with some wine?”

Sophie’s face heated. “Well, yes.”

“Sounds like a date to me.” Leila grinned in triumph.

Quinn didn’t even try to mask his laugh this time.

Loni bit back a grin. “Here, Leila, why don’t you color for a while?” She pushed crayons and a coloring book in front of her granddaughter, causing a blue pencil to roll to the ground.

“I can reach it.” Leila leaned down and grabbed the pencil before emitting a soft gasp. “I like your boots.” She peeked her little face above the table and stared at Sophie.

“Thank you.” There was no way in hell she’d admit they were a gift from the girl’s father.

“Do you have Manolos?”

Unease pricked Sophie’s skin. “I do actually have a pair. They were a gift from my mother for my eighteenth birthday.” She had wanted an art easel.

“Oh, are they pretty?” Leila breathed out in longing.

“Um, yeah. Pink and sparkly.” Sophie smiled.

“I wish I could see them.” A frown marred Leila’s pretty face.

“Well.” Sophie reached for a blank piece of paper and the pink pencil. “Let’s see what we can do about that.” Her hand moved with sure strokes. Leila watched intently. Sophie handed over the paper.

“Wow, they are pretty.” Leila sighed at the delicate sandals dangling from a pine tree. “Is this for me?” She held the paper as if it were infinitely precious.

“It’s all yours,” Sophie confirmed.

“Sophie, you are so talented,” Loni noted in admiration just as a shadow crossed the table.

Pleasure slid through Sophie. Although these people were all strangers, she felt comfortable. Accepted. She marveled at the little girl surrounded by such warmth and affection.

“What’s that?” Jake asked from behind her. Sophie’s heartbeat increased.

“My Manolos, Daddy.” Leila’s excitement made the effort seem much more than it was. “See?” She held out the paper to her father, who took it over Sophie’s shoulder.

“Wow. They are pretty.” Jake handed the drawing back to his daughter. “My mother’s right—you are very talented.” He slid onto the bench next to her, effectively trapping her between two hard male bodies. Talk about immovable objects.

His compliment had her feeling like she’d just aced a difficult test. Gaining control over her emotions, she glanced at the lawyer. “You showered.”

Jake nodded. “In the bunkhouse. Believe me, it was necessary.” Clean jeans hung low on tight hips over black boots while a light black shirt emphasized the corded strength in his upper body. His dark hair curled over his collar. For once, it wasn’t tied back, and the mass lent him a dangerous air.

Almost primitive.

Jake settled onto the picnic bench, his attention on the woman who had fit so nicely into his family gathering. Though her pretty picture of city shoes should be a dose of cold water.

Except cold wasn’t something he equated with Sophie.

Pure heat. Full sunshine. Raging fire. He wanted nothing more than to jump into the flames and get burned. His cock flared to life behind his zipper, and he fought a groan. Now wasn’t the time.

Quinn sent him a smart-assed grin over Sophie’s head.

Damn younger brother had always been a mind reader. Jake scowled back.

Colton loped up and slid into the seat across the table. He’d showered and stolen one of Jake’s shirts to wear. The guy was a genius with money, but he couldn’t remember to bring a complete change of clothing. “Let’s eat; I’m starving,” he muttered. He flipped open a lid covering freshly prepared fried chicken as Loni passed plates all around. Different salads and cookies completed the meal.

Sophie nibbled on a drumstick, and Jake fought another groan. Those pretty lips were much too talented to be wasted on chicken.

Colton glanced around. “Where’s Dawnie?”

“She went to eat down by the pond with a bunch of friends.” Tom scooped more pieces of watermelon onto Leila’s plate.

“What friends?” Colton handed Leila the napkin she’d dropped.

Loni shrugged. “I just saw her with Adam.” She handed the bowl of chicken over to Colt.

“Adam?” Quinn shook his head. “I don’t like her being in that band.”

“Me, neither.” Jake bit his lip. Maybe it was time to intervene and pull Dawn from the band. She didn’t belong in a bar.

“Dawn’s in a band?” Sophie put her napkin on her empty plate.

“Yes. The gal sings like an angel,” Tom said with a proud grin.

“She should be singing in church, not with Adam,” Quinn muttered.

Loni rolled her eyes. “Adam is Hawk’s best friend, Quinn. He’s as safe as they get.”

“Adam is anything but safe, Mom,” Quinn said.

Loni shook her head. “Leave Dawn alone, all of you. She has to find her own way, and you three”—she peered at her husband—“I mean, you four, are going to do nothing but push her in the wrong direction. Trust me.”

Colton opened his mouth to respond and then jumped as a small hand slapped him on the back.

“Nice job with the steers, Colt,” a curvy brunette said with a smile. “Hi Loni, Tom.”

“Hi, Melanie.” Loni grinned and introduced the young woman to Sophie. “Have you eaten?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Melanie nodded to Sophie and smiled. “I’m just heading down to watch Jonsie ride a bronc in the left pasture.”

“Count me in.” Colton jumped to his feet and slung an arm around Mel. “See you later, Mom.” He pulled the woman away.

“They make a nice couple,” Sophie noted with a pretty smile.

Loni sighed. “They’ve been the best of buddies since preschool. Though,” she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief, “I can’t wait until he looks up one day and realizes she’s all grown up.”

“Boys are stupid,” Leila muttered, and her grandmother nodded.