Loving Justice (El Camino Real Book 2) (7 page)

He’d told her so.

Enough—she made herself look away, pull back on the road and head on into town. Everywhere she looked there were memories. Nostalgic feelings threatened to overwhelm her. All of it was so familiar, yet so different than the life she lived now. Bronco had an old-fashioned town square with the courthouse in the center. Small family-owned shops lined the streets, all still gaily decorated for the holidays. If she closed her eyes, she’d be able to picture herself and Justice running from Perry’s Drug Store where they’d had creamy hot chocolate to Matthew’s Dry Goods to have their photos taken on Santa’s lap. Her heart hurt, realizing what she’d lost since she and Justice parted ways.

As she sped away from the sad evidence of her past, Charlee wiped a tear from her cheek. When she’d first been assigned to this job, she’d fought it tooth and nail. No matter how much she’d argued, her boss hadn’t relented. Charlee was the most qualified and familiar with the region, so here she was. Justice had initially made the call asking for assistance, and he had no idea it would be Charlee who would be sent to help. So much had changed since she’d seen him last, even her name. Since she had no choice in the matter, she decided to make this trip accomplish more than one goal. Not only would she attempt to find a solution to the problem, Charlee intended to lay some ghosts to rest. There were things she needed to sort out—not only her past with Justice but also the tumultuous relationship she had with her father.

But first things first.

Before she checked into the motel, Charlee couldn’t resist giving in to temptation. Determined, she headed to the road which ran along the northern perimeter of El Camino Ranch, just for the privilege of seeing him the way they used to be. Charlee parked on the hill overlooking the lake where she’d swum so often as a child. From where she sat, she’d be able to observe the lone rider who would make his way across the frosted hay meadow. But he wouldn’t be able to spot her, which was the way she wanted it.

And so she waited. But not for long. Soon, a figure appeared on the crest of the hill, and she held her breath with anticipation.

“Be still my heart. You have got to be the sexiest man alive.” Just the sight of him made her heart pound. Charlee gazed out the windshield of the rented Chevrolet. The wipers had cleared off the majority of the ice, but she still wiped the inside condensation off with her hand, not wanting to risk being unable to see clearly. She clutched the steering wheel, her cold hands folded over the leather circle, knuckles white from tension and nerves. Her Justice was a creature of habit. He always rode his horse right after dawn and today was no exception.

Despite how everything had ended, she still cherished every moment they’d spent together. “I love you so much. I’ll always love you,” she whispered. No one was near enough to hear her on this still winter morning. Charlee’s eyes ate him up. He looked the same as he had in college, just better. His body was bigger, his hair was longer, and he sat the stallion with consummate ease.

Justice was one with the horse. He’d given his mount free rein. The Appaloosa was running like the wind, his mane and tail standing out in the breeze. Sitting in the saddle as if it was his throne, his head was thrown back, letting the rising sun caress his face.

Charlee clenched her hands into fists, fighting down the need to touch him. His shoulders were so broad, and she knew his chest was hard with layers of muscle. If he hadn’t changed, he favored black western shirts with either black or denim blue jeans. In all of her fantasies about him, she always remembered how his shirt was tight enough to mold itself lovingly to his body—just like she longed to do.

But she’d only had the one chance. That one incredible night which had ended so badly. Thoughts of their baby overwhelmed her. A little life lost before it could live. Could she ever tell him? Charlee didn’t know.

As he rode by, her eyes adored him. Charlee’s gaze followed him till he crested the hill, where he sat surveying his domain, giving credence to his last name—King.

And then he was gone.

*  *  *

Justice rode toward home feeling more like himself. Some of the family was gearing up to leave after the holidays, and he needed to be there to see them off. As he and Cochise galloped under the stone arch at the entrance to El Camino, Justice could see Shiloh’s truck was pulled up to the front and the back door of the camper was open. His parents must be loading up to leave. They had retired to Colorado to raise Palomino show horses. Shiloh was going to drive them home.

“I’m glad you made it here before we left. I need to talk to you.”

Justice dismounted, tied Cochise to the gate and walked toward his brother. Something was up with Shiloh. He was private, getting him to open up wouldn’t be easy. He and Justice were more alike than the rest of the King siblings. “What’s up?” They turned and walked down the fence line. He let Shiloh lead and stopped when he did, leaning on the fence. Several horses were frolicking in the snow, kicking up the fine powder as they ran. Just like their owners, the animals weren’t used to this kind of weather.

Shiloh let out a long breath. “I’m going to be gone for a few weeks. After I drop the parents off in Georgetown, I’m heading to Wyoming.”

“You want to tell me why?”

Justice watched his brother fight the instinct to keep quiet. Finally, he stooped and picked up a clod of dirt and chunked it over the fence. “I met a woman at the rodeo in Houston. She’s from Wyoming.”

He waited a few moments to see if Shiloh would tell him more. He didn’t. “Okay. What’s her name?”

“Faith.”

Justice could see by the smile on his face that she was special. “Pretty name.”

“She’s a pretty girl.”

“All right. Be careful and call me if you need anything.” He patted his brother on the back. “And don’t let Mom drive you crazy on the ride back. Buy her a crossword puzzle to keep her busy.”

They started walking toward the house. “We’re all leaving you, Justice. Cade and Abby are on their honeymoon. The twins had to get back to Austin for football practice. And now Jase tells me he’s heading out on the stock run in your place.”

“Jase needs a break to clear his head.” Justice snorted. “Can you believe what went down? Pam eloping and leaving Jase at the altar and Cade proposing to Abby, all at the same time? What other family would that happen to?”

“Dad was grateful.” Shiloh climbed into the back of the camper to see if everything was tied down properly. “None of the wedding preparations and expenses went to waste. We had a church full of guests expecting a wedding and no one went away disappointed.”

“I’m sure they’ll be talking about it for months to come.” Justice pushed his hands down in his pockets to ward off the chill. “Abby has been in love with Cade for most of her life. She was thrilled to marry him, no matter the circumstances.”

The crunch of steps on the frost covered grass drew their attention. Jase joined them. “You be safe driving in those mountains,” he told Shiloh, then abruptly turned to Justice. “Are you sure you’re all right with me taking your place on this trip?”  

“Are you kidding? I’m relieved.” Justice wasn’t lying either, he was tired. “You need to get away.” Even if Jase was better off without Pam, no man likes to be publicly humiliated. “I’ve made the trip so many times, I’m glad to stay home. And if you couldn’t go, we’d have to cancel. I have to be here for that damn meeting.” Delivering stock to the rodeos was a big part of their business. “While you’re gone, stop by Tom Ziegler’s place north of Dallas. He hinted he might be in the market for one of Golden Girl’s embryo flushes.”

“I can do that, I just hate to leave you with this sinkhole mess.” Jase stared off into the distance, watching the mist rise over the nearest pond. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think we were cursed. Me getting jilted, Cade falling through the ice and nearly drowning. And now the ground opens up and swallows trees, fence and a tractor. It’s hard to believe.”

“I’ve called the County Extension Agent for help, and he contacted the state authorities. They’re sending over someone who can help us, a geologist with an archeological background by the name of Cortez. He’s supposedly very familiar with the history of the road and the geography of the area. I’m meeting with him this afternoon.”

“Sounds good,” Shiloh said. They both looked up when they heard the front door slam. It was their parents with the last of the suitcases in hand.

“Are you boys going to be okay without your mama?” She kissed Jase and Justice on the cheek. “I can stay if you need me to. Trace and Trevor will get plenty to eat at school. You two might starve to death without Abby here.”

“We’ll be fine.” Justice shook his father’s hand. “When Jase gets back, we’ll fire up the BBQ pit and cook some briskets. While he’s gone, I’ll eat at the diner.”

This information didn’t seem to make his mother very happy, but soon Justice was standing on the porch waving them off. He was just grateful no one had known to ask about Charlee. Abby had heard Ms. Horne’s announcement about Charlee’s return, but when the ceremony had taken an unexpected twist and Cade had proposed to her, thoughts of Justice, Charlee or anything else had been swept from his sister’s mind. She had been ecstatic, and Justice was grateful. If anyone deserved a happily ever after, it was Abby Grace.

Dusting his black Stetson off on his jeans, Justice led his Appaloosa into the stable and removed the saddle, taking the time to brush him down and feed him. Normally, there were hands to do this sort of thing but at the moment everyone was busy doing something else. Pouring some grain in the trough, Justice scratched his horse between the ears. “You rest, we’ll go back out a little later.”

The sun was high in the sky now, but this morning had been beautiful. He’d enjoyed the ride, watching the colorful spectacle as it spread across the Texas sky in an array of purples, pinks, and orange. It always calmed him. El Camino was his home, and he had no desire to live anywhere else in the world. Taking the steps two at a time, he bounded onto the wide front verandah and let himself into the house. Flipping on lights as he walked into the foyer, his thoughts returned to Charlee. He’d been back by Parker’s Medical Clinic twice more, checking for any sign of her. Once, he’d even parked and gazed up at the window where her room used to be.

How could she have left him, her best friend, so easily? Hell, Justice knew he was kidding himself. He’d taken Charlee for granted. If he had to do it all over again…frustrated, he threw a coffee cup across the kitchen, watching it splinter into a million pieces. Sometimes you don’t appreciate something or someone until they’re gone. Honestly, he didn’t understand what was going on. Their relationship had never been romantic or intimate. He’d been aware Charlee had feelings for him, but Justice had never encouraged her. Hell, he’d been young and stupid, more attracted to girls who flaunted their sexuality rather than Charlee, who was a perfect flower not yet in full bloom. But then something happened, something he didn’t quite understand. Because for eight years he had dreamed about her, dreams so scorching hot, Justice would wake up pumping his own dick like a teenager, moaning her name.

What would happen next, he had no way of knowing. But she was coming home, and Justice intended to get to the bottom of all of this. She might be married. Hell, she might be married with children. And if so, he would greet his old friend and wish her well. But, if she was single—all bets were off. He wanted a chance for a do-over. Going to the kitchen closet, he took out a broom and a dust pan. In a few minutes, he had the mess cleaned up. Gazing around the kitchen, Justice wondered how many times had Charlee sat at this dining table? Too many to count. She’d been a part of the family since the day they’d met at the Madison County Founder’s Day Celebration.

“Give me a kiss, Wild Bill.”

Justice grimaced. He did not sign up for this crap. His mother must have it in for him. “Over my dead body, Zelda.”

Zelda Hines was dressed up like a dance hall girl with a big pink feather in her hair. She had her hands on her hips and her mouth was pooched out in fish lips like a big bass.

“I don’t want to kiss no girl.” Justice looked over Zelda’s shoulder to see who might be witnessing his humiliation. People were milling around the Exhibition Hall, looking at the animals and craft booths. The Founder’s Day Pageant was over, but they’d asked the cast to linger for photographs. Closing his eyes, he hoped Zelda would just leave him alone. All he wanted to do was to get out of this mess and go home. Tomorrow was his birthday and he had things to do. Turning nine was a big deal. His dad had promised him his own horse.

“I’m not just any girl, Justice King. I’m a cowgirl and if you don’t kiss me, I’ll tell everyone Charlee Parker’s your girlfriend.” Zelda sing-songed her threat.

Justice opened one eye. “Who?”

“The doctor’s daughter, that ugly little Indian girl.”

“I have no idea who you’re talking about. I don’t want a girlfriend. And I don’t want a kiss.” Justice started to leave, but Zelda snatched his hat right off his head. His brand new hat. “Hey!” Making a grab for it, he just missed as the ornery female giggled and danced just out of his reach. Hitting girls wasn’t allowed, so he was forced to play nice. “Give me my hat, Zelda. Right now.”

“Not until you give me a kiss.” Her big blue eyes twinkled and the smile on her face was bright, even if she was missing a front tooth.