Her Rancher Bodyguard (13 page)

“Are we breaking up, Stanford?” He tried to keep his tone light.

“Don't be ridiculous. How could we break up? We're not a couple. I'm just saying, this isn't real. Every woman you ever protect is going to fall for you.”

“Is that what's happening?”

She swallowed, then faked a smile. “Stop.”

“Okay, but for the record, I don't have relationships with clients.”

“Right. Silly me.”

He stood, balancing, reaching for her. “There's nothing silly about this. Or about you.”

She moved out of his reach. “I'm making coffee now.”

The dog growled. Boone shot the animal a warning look. “Sally, it isn't an argument.”

Sally stalked to the front door, the snarl coming from deep down in her chest. Boone flipped off the light and moved to the cabinet. He motioned for Kayla to get back. He doubted she'd listen, but maybe this once.

He unlocked the drawer and pulled out his weapon. Kayla's eyes widened and she shrank into the corner of the kitchen. Sally was at the door, her growl low and menacing. He might have thought it was Daron if the dog had just barked. But Sally reserved that special growl for intruders and varmints of the two-legged variety.

Boone moved forward. The doorknob jiggled. He hadn't locked it. Of course he hadn't. He never locked the door.

“Bathroom,” he ordered in a whisper. He heard her scurry down the hall, heard the bathroom door close and lock.

The front door eased open. These people were idiots. They knew he was in here. They knew the lights had gone out after the dog growled. And they were still going to come in.

Boone slid against the wall and waited. He guessed they had him at a disadvantage. His prosthesis was on the other side of the room. His crutches were in the kitchen. But it didn't take much to see he had them outsmarted.

They were inside. He could see that they were young. What did they think they were going to do, take Kayla out of here? Over his dead body.

“You boys always go about breaking and entering? You know, out here in the country, we're usually packing.” He said it low, and about as threatening as his dog's best growl. Sally had moved in next to him and that growl had gone way down deep in her chest. That was the growl that said she'd take the head off any varmint that crossed her.

“Dude,” the kid started.

“Son, don't you
dude
me again. Put your hands up and we'll see that no one gets hurt.”

“We're just going to take Kayla Stanford with us. We aren't going to hurt her.” The taller of the two took a step forward.

Sally leaped, teeth bared. Both of them ran. Boone grabbed his crutches and did his best to catch up. He guessed they wouldn't be taking Kayla anywhere. But he also had hoped he'd be giving them a free ride to the county jail.

Headlights flashed up the drive. He hit Redial on his phone and Daron answered.

“They're heading through the east field. Two of them.” He stayed on the porch. No way was he catching up with anyone.

“Stay with Kayla,” Daron yelled as he jumped from his truck.

“Got it. I'll call County and have them head to the county road.” Boone dialed 911 as he watched Daron take off through the field.

There was no moon. The countryside was dark. He gave information to the 911 dispatcher and then he stepped back inside the RV. Sally had gone with Daron.

“Kayla?” He flipped on lights as he headed down the hall. The bathroom door was still locked. “It's me. Open the door.”

She was leaning against it. He could hear her breathing. He put a hand on the door and felt it shift.

“Open up.”

“Give me a minute,” she whispered.

“One minute and I'm coming in.”

She opened the door. She didn't fall into his arms. She didn't touch him. She walked past him, down the hall to the living room. He followed, tossing the crutches in a corner and sitting next to her, but not touching her.

“I recognized his voice,” she finally said.

“That coffee's done. Let me get us a cup.”

She nodded. He got up and made his way to the kitchen. He poured two cups. When he turned she was standing next to him. She took one of the cups and poured in a few spoons of sugar.

This time she sat in the middle of the sofa. He sat next to her, their shoulders brushing. He stretched, rubbing the muscles of his left leg.

“You're okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, just muscle pains after a long day. You recognized his voice?”

She set her coffee on the table. “Yeah. After all this time, it took hearing the voice to jolt my memory. They were in Mexico. The night I crossed the border. They were younger than me. The senator's nephew hit on me. I'd forgotten. It wasn't one of my best nights. But I do remember telling him I wasn't interested. He tried to force the issue but a friend of his pulled him back, told him to go home to his mommy. He told me he'd make me sorry. It seems so silly now. It was just a stupid bonfire. He's a kid. Why would he do this?”

“Money and bruised ego.”

“I guess.”

The door opened. Daron walked in, gave the two of them a look, shook his head and made for the coffeepot. “They got away. But I got a description of the car.”

“Kayla remembers them.” Boone recounted what Kayla had shared with him. “It should be enough to at least bring them in. If the police get a search warrant, they might find some of the burn phones. And she recognized a voice.”

“It was Ken Jacobs,” Kayla explained.

Daron leaned against the counter with his cup. “Let's move this party to the main house. These two aren't your garden-variety criminals. They aren't thinking. That makes them dumb and dangerous.”

Boone pushed himself up from the sofa. “I've got to change and put things back together. The two of you go on to the house. And call Lucas. See if he's there. He can lock doors and make sure the girls are all accounted for.”

“Boone, with that many sisters it's a wonder you sleep at night,” Daron joked as he was pulling out his phone.

Kayla didn't move. “We can wait for you.”

Of course she would say that. He grabbed his prosthesis and headed down the hall. It didn't take him long. New liner. New sock. He changed to tennis shoes because even he wasn't that attached to boots.

When he walked back to the living room in athletic shorts and tennis shoes, Kayla gave him a long look. She whistled.

“Not bad, cowboy.”

“What does that mean?” He opened the door and stepped out on the porch, motioning her after him.

“I've always been a leg girl,” she said.

“Well, I'm half the guy for you.”

“You aren't half a man,” she said.

Daron pushed past them. “Get in the truck. We know this isn't over.”

Chapter Twelve

K
ayla put on the coffee the next morning, then watched as Maria started cooking French toast. Sausage was already sizzling in a skillet.

“You're okay?” Maria asked. She handed over a fork. “I'm going to let you cook the sausage.”

“I can do that.”

It was just the two of them. Kayla knew she would miss these early mornings. She would definitely miss the Wilders.

Maria put the French toast on a baking sheet. “Well?”

“I'm good. It's been a crazy few weeks. I know it hasn't been easy for you, to have an extra person underfoot.”

Maria waved off the comment. “Oh, honey, you're no trouble. We have so many kids in this house, what's one more? I'm only sorry that your time with us will come to an end soon.”

“Me, too,” she admitted. When she'd first come here, she never would have imagined this being the scenario at the end of her stay. “I've learned so much, Maria. Not just how to cook. But whatever faith I came here with, it's grown. I feel as if I can move forward. It's been a long time since I've felt this way.”

Maria hugged her tight. “I'm so glad to hear you say that. I hope you know that our door is always open to you, Kayla. You've become a part of our family and I hope you'll visit. Often.”

“Thank you.” Kayla glanced at the clock on the stove. “The twins want to go shopping today. Their pageant is in six weeks and they're afraid I won't be around to help.”

“Those girls. Don't let them push you into going if you don't want to go.”

Boone limped into the kitchen and leaned heavily on the counter. “Oh, don't worry. It isn't Kayla who's being pushed into going shopping.”

Maria patted his cheek. “Poor Boonie.”

Kayla raised her brows at the nickname. “Boonie?”

“Only my mom gets to call me that.” He poured himself a cup of coffee. “Don't burn the sausage, Stanford.”

She turned the sausage. “I won't.
Boonie.
”

“Thanks, Mom.” He headed for a stool and sat to watch them finish breakfast.

“You should tell the girls it isn't a good day,” his mom said. “They'd understand.”

“This is important to them.”

“Yes, it is. But it isn't more important than your life.”

“I think we can go without you,” Kayla offered.

“Nice try.” Boone winked as he lifted his cup of coffee to his lips. “We leave in an hour.”

A few hours later they were walking through the mall. Essie and Allie were all energy and no focus. Essie, sometimes a little quieter than her sister, Kayla thought, tried to calm her twin. Boone followed them, watchful and attentive.

“We need a plan.” Kayla had never been in a pageant, so she had no idea what that plan would be.

The girls started to talk at the same time. Kayla opened her mouth, unable to get a word in.

“Okay, girls, listen to Kayla.” Boone grabbed both twins by the arms just as they were about to hare off to a shoe store. “Because I'm not going in every single store in this mall.”

“You need evening gowns, right? And jewelry.”

“Yes.” Allie, the blue jeans, cowboy boots and T-shirt twin, was all giddy at the mention of jewelry.

“This way.” Kayla motioned for them to follow. She glanced back at Boone. “You got this?”

“I've got this.” He gave her a tight grimace that she thought was meant to be a smile.

“Of course you do.” Overnight she'd told herself that she'd be leaving soon and he'd be nothing but a bright moment in her life, sweet but in the past.

And she didn't want him to hurt.

“Keep walking, Stanford. I'm good.”

She reached for his hand. “I'll walk with you.”

“You're only encouraging them,” he grumbled.

“I don't think they need any encouragement.”

He pulled her a little bit closer to his side. “Yeah, and neither do I.”

The shop they entered sparkled with lights, gowns of all colors and sizes and costume jewelry. Boone shuddered a little.

“This is the kind of store that gives a man hives,” he said.

“And you act so tough. There's a bench inside. For men forced to shop with sisters.”

“I'll be here at the door. I would say to take your time but I'm afraid you will.”

“I'll try to hurry them,” she offered. “And you're not okay.”

“No, I'm not. But today isn't the day to worry about it. I'll get it taken care of tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow is the ranch rodeo.”

“It is. Just shop and let me do my job.”

She nodded and backed away, from him and from what she was feeling.

Allie waited for her midway through the store. She had a gown of deep burgundy held up against her. “What do you think?”

“Gorgeous. Perfect color. You should try it on.”

Allie looked down at the gown. “Really? I don't know. We have a budget. We've saved for this, but we can't go crazy.”

“Try it on.” Kayla pulled a similar gown, same color but a little different design, off the rack. “And your sister should try this one.”

Essie suddenly appeared. She took the dress and held it up. “It's beautiful, but I don't know.”

“Try them on.”

She watched them go into the dressing rooms, then she stopped at the register, where she handed over her credit card. “I'm paying.”

Because this family had done so much for her. They'd shared their love and their faith with her. She wanted to give back.

Allie came out, the dress soft and shimmering. “It's gorgeous, but we can't. If we could find something similar but less expensive.”

“Allie, get the dress. It's beautiful. And I've found jewelry that will look beautiful with it. I want to do this for you.”

“Mom would never let us accept it,” Essie said as she walked out of the dressing room.

“It's a gift,” Kayla insisted. “Come on. We can't keep your brother standing out there much longer.”

Essie shot a concerned look at Boone, standing at the entrance of the store. “I think he must have pressure sores. It hasn't happened in a long time. But the weather is changing and he's been going nonstop.”

“What does he need to do when this happens?” Kayla asked as she followed them into the dressing room area and stood outside the rooms where they were changing.

“He needs to go in and get checked. But he needs to stay off it, and probably not wear the prosthesis for a few days.”

They were paying when Boone left his post at the door and hurried toward them. He was on the phone, his mouth a grim line. Kayla stepped away from Essie and Allie. They were busy telling the cashier all about the twin pageant.

“What's wrong?” she asked.

“Dad. They think he's having another heart attack. Jase is driving him to the Braswell hospital.”

“Let's go.” She signed for their purchases, ignoring the look Boone gave her. “Come on, girls, time to head out.”

“What's up?” Essie asked as she and Allie moved to Boone's side.

“Your dad is having chest pains,” Kayla explained. “We're going to meet them at Braswell.”

Allie slipped her arm through Boone's. “He's okay, isn't he?”

“Of course he is,” Boone reassured his younger sisters. “He's fine. He was talking. Jase is there.”

Kayla gave the three of them space. Boone noticed. “Stanford, I'm still paying attention. Come here.”

“I can't catch a break with you.” She moved ahead of the three, leading them through the crowded mall, mindful of Boone's lagging pace. They had a long walk to get to the parking lot.

She hurried ahead of them, ignoring Boone when he told her to stay with him. She grabbed a wheelchair, paid the fee and headed in his direction. He shook his head.

Essie pushed him toward the chair. “Get in, big brother. You're slowing us down.”

“I'm the bodyguard,” he mumbled.

“And you're guarding us. But you can't do it if you end up in the hospital.” Allie kissed his cheek. “Don't worry, you're still tough. No one will argue with that.”

Kayla ignored the look he gave her. She grabbed the handles and pushed. He yanked off his cowboy hat and looked back at her.

“This isn't necessary,” he grumbled.

“It is. You're in pain. Your sisters say the longer you walk like this, the more damage you can do. And we're in a hurry.”

She expected him to be upset but he reached back and touched her hand. The gesture undid her but she kept moving forward. She wondered what he'd do if she stopped in the middle of the mall and kissed him. Because she really wanted to. She wanted to kiss him until she was breathless. She wanted promises from him.

And she'd never wanted that from anyone else.

* * *

Boone led his sisters and Kayla through the Braswell Doctors Hospital. His dad had been put in the cardiac unit. As they were heading out of Austin, Jase had called to let him know it had been a mild heart attack, but they were keeping Jesse Wilder at least overnight.

His mom met them as they were coming down the hall. She looked pale. And tired. He didn't like that everything had been piled on her shoulders while he'd been in Afghanistan, and then while he'd been recuperating. All that he'd done in the past couple of years had been to make things a little easier for her, and for his father.

“He's going to be fine,” she told them. She squeezed his hand and then hugged his sisters. She didn't exclude Kayla, pulling her close.

The hug Kayla gave in return was one of comfort. For his mom. She was a giver, Kayla was. She just hadn't realized it before.

“Of course he's going to be fine,” Kayla assured his mom. “Have you eaten?”

“I couldn't.”

“I'll get you something. If there's a cafeteria. Or I can take Boone's truck. I'll bring something back for all of you.”

“Stanford,” Boone warned. She gave him an innocent look. “You're not going anywhere alone.”

“I'll be fine,” she assured him. Her arm was still around his mom.

“Don't worry about me. Go in and see your dad,” Maria encouraged. “He was worried. He knows Lucas is looking forward to the rodeo tomorrow. And he doesn't want you distracted from your job.”

“Those are two things he doesn't need to worry about,” Boone told his mom.

The twins had already gone into their dad's hospital room. He could see that all of his siblings were gathered inside, making the room crowded.

“Go on in. I'll go see if Samantha is working,” Kayla said, walking away from his mom.

“Stay inside. And keep your phone with you.”

“Will do, Wilder,” she answered.

She pulled her phone from her pocket as she left. Boone's mom touched his arm. He managed a quick smile and then he led her into his dad's room. Jesse looked up, his smile weak, but he wasn't as pale as he'd seemed for the past week or so.

“You know, Dad, you could have all of this attention at home. You don't have to come here.”

His dad's mouth twisted in a crooked grin. “I didn't plan on it being a family reunion.”

“No, I bet you didn't. How are you?”

His dad rubbed his chest. “Better. How are you?”

“I'm good, Dad.”

“We're not going to miss that rodeo tomorrow.”

“Dad, that's the last thing we need to be worrying about,” Boone said as he moved closer to the bed.

“No, it's the one thing to worry about. This rodeo means a lot to Lucas. To all of you.”

“Yeah, so does your health. And this won't be the last rodeo.”

“No, I guess it won't. But if there's a way, I want you all in it.”

For Lucas. Boone got that. “I know.”

Jesse reached for his wife's hand. “Take your mom down and make her eat.”

“I'll try.”

“Jesse, I'm not hungry,” Maria assured her husband, softening the words with a kiss on his cheek. “The kids went down to eat. Jase brought me back a salad.”

Boone made eye contact with his brother. Jase shook his head.

“I want you to take care of yourself, Maria.” Jesse patted his wife's hand.

Boone pulled up a chair for his mom. “Sit. I'm going to find Kayla and we'll bring you back something to eat.”

“I could go,” Michaela offered. He noticed she was alone.

“Where's Molly?”

“With Breezy Martin. She's fine. I'm going to head that way soon. Essie and Allie can go with me. Janie is going to stay here tonight. With Mom.”

Boone's gaze landed on Janie. She was sitting near the window, a book in her hand. She always had a book. Sometimes he worried that she lived her life through fiction and avoided real life.

He didn't know how to help her. For that matter, how did he help Michaela move on from her divorce? How did he help the twins to stay grounded, and Lucas to feel as if he wasn't the son who had been skipped over?

His mom was still standing. He glared at her, pointing to the chair.

She sat down but she gave him a look that he knew well. The one that said he was trying her patience. He leaned down to kiss her cheek, softening her mood the way he'd always done. He'd been told he'd been doing it since he was a little boy. If he tried her patience, he knew it just took a hug, a kiss on the cheek and she melted.

“I'll be back.”

“We'll be fine,” she assured him.

He left, stepping into the hall. Out of eyeshot from the others, he leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. He let it out slowly, letting the pain go with it.

“Hey, cowboy, having problems?” Samantha had walked up, taking him by surprise. Kayla wasn't with her.

“Where's your sister?”

“You're so charming,” she teased. “She went to get your mom something to eat. But first she came to find me because she said you're stubborn.”