Serenity's Deception (Texas Sorority Sisters Book 1) (15 page)

A
l
l she expected from Jason was a ride over to Fielder’s Pond and to be dropped off and left there. But he insisted on hanging around while she took pictures. His excuse, to ensure she got to her car in one piece.

He led Sandy to the pond. And after she had her fill of the water, Jason walked her over to a grassy spot under a tree before dropping the reins and sitting down. “You take your time. I’ll be right here in the shade catching a much needed siesta.”

BJ looked in the direction of her Jeep. The thing wasn’t more than a half mile away, next to nothing to walk. She glanced back at Jason. “Look, really, I can walk back from here. And the cattle have already moved on over the hill.”

For an answer, Jason gave a grunt as he adjusted his back against the trunk, stretching his long legs out in front of him, ankles crossed. He pulled his hat down over his face, and didn’t move. Sandy, content to wait patiently, chomped on grass nearby, a sure sign that neither man nor beast was going anywhere soon.

Being summarily dismissed, BJ moved toward the pond looking for an interesting angle to photograph. Fond memories spent here with friends and Jason seemed like only yesterday.

She moved about taking pictures and when done, walked over to nudge Jason. Inside the peripheral of the shade, ten or so feet away, BJ stood, careful not to wake him. Yet she couldn’t resist taking photos of the sleeping cowboy—hat on his lap, eyes closed.

Scrutinizing his familiar face, the relaxed features spoke of a younger Jason, the Jace that had once been her dearest friend. The same one she fell in love with as an idealistic adolescent … before Sheriff Doggett ran her out of town. But that was then and this was now.

If Jason wasn’t married she might have worked through her insecurities and stigma of her birth. The two of them might have had a chance. But now impossible.

The dark circles around his eyes told of sleepless nights. What weren’t visible were his harsh lines, stern looks, and the straight, uncompromising tight lips directed at her.

One by one, she compared the older Jason with what she remembered about the younger. His soft, half-smile told her he could still enjoy life. The slight darkening of his nine o’clock shadow looked good on the angled plains of his cleft and jaw, but also meant he was a man, not a boy any longer. And there was something vulnerable about him, a deep wound still festering. As she witnessed in Horace T’s office, she didn’t think he would be quick to place trust.

She took some more photos as she allowed her gaze a few more moments to wander freely over the unguarded face of her one-time sweetheart. Whether out of curiosity or to understand more about the man, she didn’t know.

A change in his feature alerted BJ he was awake and watching her through his lashes.

“See anything you like?” The laughter in his voice caught her off guard. He looked back at her through lazy, half-closed eyes. His appeal stronger than ever.

Feeling ashamed at being caught, she hurriedly glanced away. “I’m finished. We can go now.” Her breathless words rushed out through tight vocal folds.

When she heard a stretching groan and a yawning noise, she couldn’t help herself. She glanced back at Jason.

Arms outstretched, he rotated his shoulders and arched his back. Jason was the epitome of unadulterated manhood that sparked a desire and a craving so deep she shuddered at the yearning.

Ashamed of her thoughts, BJ tried to reason them away. As an artist wouldn’t she notice these things on other people … men … Jason?
Yeah
. Of course she would
. But not with such a hunger.

Jason shoved his hat on, leapt to his feet, swiped at the back of his jeans, before grabbing Sandy’s reins. The moment of discomfort gone.

BJ, amazed at how quick and easily he could move and hop into the saddle, wondered how he learned to do it so effortlessly.

“Let’s go. Time’s a wasting.” His voice impatient, he reached for her tripod, then her hand, pulling her up behind him. This time it took her only one try to get on the back of the horse. She was barely settled on Sandy’s rump before the horse took off at a trot.

“Did you get all the shots you were wanting?”

Flustered, it took her moment to realize he was talking about the pond, not him. “Yes. Got some good pictures that may be
Texas Highways
worthy. Of course I’ll have to write a short article to send along with the prints. Hopefully, they accept my proposal.”

“You write?” His words registered shock.

“Don’t sound so surprised. I write if I want to sell pictures to magazines.” She wasn’t about to brag that for the last three years running
Texas Highways
had bought a minimum of three of her shoots and articles per year, which added to her income quite nicely.

He didn’t say anything more, just nudged Sandy to increase her speed.

BJ slipped her arms around his stomach, grasping lightly. As she did, she felt the slight tightening of Jason’s already taut abdomen, which worked to confuse her more. Desire ignited. She couldn’t wait to get off the horse and away from Jason onto solid ground again.

The horse stopped just short of the gate. Jason grabbed her hand to help her off the horse, holding on until her feet touched the ground.

Jason’s fingers slipped through her palm. A jolt trickled across every inch of her skin. His mere touch called attention to her defenselessness where he was concerned. When he handed over the tripod and camera, she took special care not to touch him. But even that didn’t stop her wayward heart from craving more.

He’s a married man, BJ. Get your thoughts under control.

He crossed one wrist over the other, resting them on the pommel, reins dangling from his fingers, his gaze intense. “Remember, be a little more selective where you go for your photographs.” He glanced down the road past her Jeep. “Sneaking onto private property with
no trespassing
signs could get you shot. There’s been some rustling around these parts lately. Ranchers losing livestock. So it’s not healthy to sneak onto posted land. Some ranchers shoot first, ask later.”

 “Yes, sir.” BJ saluted him.

“Look.” He cocked one brow, squinting through his eyelids. “I’m serious. You might become a statistic next time.” His look sharpened. “And someone might not be around to pull you out of harm’s way.”

Hard to believe that the bull was anything but coincidence … a fluke. But a rancher mistaking her for a rustler? She didn’t fit the bill, but it could be possible.

“I’ll do my best to follow orders.”

His close scrutiny made her nervous. He probably thought she’d do as she pleased, harm or no harm. And he was right. She would. But she would also be a little more cautious.

With a smirk, he nodded toward the gate. “I assume you’ll leave the same way you came?”

 “You assume correctly, sir. I came in through the bars. I’ll exit through the bars.”

His soft rumble of laughter gave her another jolt and had her wishing there could be more to their relationship than just a casual acquaintance, but she knew better. “Oh, and Jason.”

He gazed down at her from his lofty perch.

“Thanks for coming to my aid and for the ride.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Can’t say much for the bull chase, but the last part I really enjoyed. Didn’t know riding a horse could be so much fun. I just may have to take some lessons to learn to ride.”

 He gave her a cautious glance, then a tug on the brim of his hat. “Have a good afternoon.”

She stepped back. “Same to you.”

He nudged Sandy. The horse swished her henna-colored tail, turned, and then began trotting in the direction of the longhorn herd that had wandered over the top of the knoll, almost out of sight.

BJ didn’t move but continued to watch Jason, amazed that he appeared so at home on a horse and out on the range. She wondered what he and his wife did in their spare time. Ride? The woman had sure made herself scarce around the estate. So much so, BJ hadn’t even caught a glimpse of her.

Reaching the Wrangler, she stored her equipment in the back and walked to the passenger door. She glanced to see how far Jason had traveled and noticed he had stopped, watching her.

Figuring he was waiting for her to leave to ensure she didn’t come back on his property, she waved. He returned the gesture but he still didn’t move.

BJ opened the passenger’s door to grab a juice from the cooler. She jerked back her hand and let loose a blood-curdling scream. Lightheaded, she still had the good sense to scramble backward away from the car as fast as she could go. She had looked death in the face and won.

J
ason’s gut twisted. Something didn’t feel right.

The glint of metal in the bush earlier hadn’t been a figment of his imagination. Neither had the warm unfiltered cigarette butt he’d picked off the ground and put in his pocket. Someone had been watching one of them.
Him or BJ?
No way to be certain.

He didn’t like riding off with her standing at the gate. But he didn’t want to stick around either. She just might get it into her head that he was dogging her. And besides, she did this for a living—running off to who knows where to take pictures.
She’s not my problem
.

He shook his head, amazed at how often he had seen the name BJ Spencer in the
Texas Highways
and yet hadn’t made the connection. Even thought the person was a man. He wasn’t about to let her know he admired her work. Or even that he’d pulled out his old stash of magazines last night, looking for her pictures and articles.

Releasing a disgusted sigh, he kicked himself for being such a sucker for a pair of tawny-colored eyes.
You’re getting in way too deep—back off, buster. Don’t get involved if you know what’s good for you.

He’d already broken one vow … not to become concerned with BJ’s welfare. The agreement … separate lives. Not this constant bumping into her or watching her from his window as she traipsed about the estate. And as fate would have it, he had done it again. Even now, he hovered, watching her back.

And what about that other promise, not to let BJ worm her way into his life. On that score, he didn’t have much say-so. His heart dictated that matter. Having constant contact with her had a way of sabotaging his plans. And he’d relished being with her today, the feel of her up against his back.

Enough!

He could move back to the ranch if he wanted to kiss all his holdings and the inheritance goodbye. But that wasn’t an option.

Giving Sandy a nudge, the horse turned and moved further up the knoll away from BJ. Jason made a clicking sound and the animal gained more speed.
That’s better
. He wasn’t going to wait around to make sure she got off safely, he had work to do. He still hadn’t found out who had been butchering his cattle. And that was priority number one in his book, not BJ.

The person hiding in the bush by the gate could be responsible for slaughtering the calves and the pellet gun that caused his bull to charge BJ. For certain, Beauregard wouldn’t have chased her on his own accord. Just fortunate for BJ, he hadn’t put off his last minute decision to check for newborn calves in the south pasture. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been here.

A nerve-jolting scream rent the air. Jason yanked hard on the reins causing Sandy to dance around into a hairpin spin. He heeled her flanks. With lightning speed, they headed in BJ’s direction.

The front passenger door on the Wrangler stood open. BJ, her back to a tree, one hand covering her mouth, her free arm hugging her waist looked pasty white.

Jason bolted from the saddle the moment Sandy began locking her legs, skidding to a stop. Hands on the top bar, he leapt, swinging over the gate in one rapid movement, racing to a trembling BJ. For the second time today, he pulled her up close, wrapping her tight in his arms, trying his best to soothe and reassure. Her body trembled against his, and he wanted to kill the person who caused her terror.

“It’s okay, BJ. It’s okay.” His words were muffled up against her hair. Her fear palpable. Her smell exotic. The resolve to stay calmly objective where she was concerned dissolved into thin air. He ran his hand over her hair, down her back, rubbing, soothing. Realizing what he was doing, he pulled her back holding her at arms’ length.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” He searched her face looking for injuries. “Are you hurt?”

She looked up. Face white, her eyes twin mirrors of horror. “A-a-a snake.”

Jason shoved BJ behind him, glancing down on the ground, his eyes desperately searching. “Where?”

“In-n my c-c-car.”

Feeling the quiver of her body, yet knowing that immediate danger was over, Jason pulled BJ back into his arms, doing his best to soothe her fear. Foremost in his mind, the overwhelming desire to chop the snake into a thousand pieces. But he’d have to catch the critter first, which he planned on doing, just as soon as BJ calmed down and he could let her go … or she let go of him.

Fairly positive he knew the real culprit raining down havoc for the last two hours was of the two-legged variety. He was determined to find out who the guy was. He wasn’t about to tell BJ his suspicions though.

Hating the thought of releasing her, he felt her tremors subside, and knew he had no choice. The need to examine the car was greater than the enjoyable task of holding BJ. Again he released her, shoving her up against the tree.

“Stay right there and don’t move.” He allowed his voice to sound harsh for the purpose of letting her know he meant business, hoping she’d listen to him.

“Where are you going?” Her hands gripped the front of his shirt with tight fists.

 “To check the car. I’ll be right back.”

He looked down into her blanched face, making sure she understood his orders. “I need to take a look inside your car. And I need you to stay put.” His eyes searched her face waiting for an affirmative answer. When she nodded and released her hold, he pulled away, walked over to the open door, careful to keep his distance.

In a nice round coil, basking in the heat on the passenger’s seat rested a large rattlesnake. Rattle shaking, head arched upward, poised to strike. And by the looks of the creature, it was madder than a hornet’s nest for being disturbed. He heard the crunch of pebbles behind him, before he felt two small hands palm his back.

BJ!
She had disobeyed his direct order.
Why am I not surprised?

“I swear.” He didn’t take his eyes off the snake. “You definitely have a hearing problem. Or is it orders you have trouble understanding?”

He heard a burble of laughter. “Sorry. I just wanted to make sure I hadn’t imagined the snake.”

He felt her release his shirt, even heard her back away but by the sound not very far.

“You didn’t. You satisfied? Now go stand where I told you.” Jason waved with his hand in the direction where he’d previously left her.

“Okay. But what do you plan on doing? Won’t the thing strike?”

“Not if I can help it
and
if you don’t distract me. Now please—”

“I’m going. I’m going.”

By her receding steps he could tell she had retreated a good distance this time. He took a quick glance around on the ground for a long stick or branch, keeping sight of the snake in his peripheral.

“What are you looking for … more snakes?” Her voice sounded on the edge of hysteria.

“No. One snake is enough.” He couldn’t keep the amusement from his voice.

“I was—”

“If you want to help, look around for a long, sturdy stick, six feet or better, while I keep my eye on this snake. I don’t think you want him roaming free in your car, do you. We may never find him.”

“No! You watch. I’ll hunt.”

He knew better. He knew he shouldn’t. But he couldn’t stop the laughter from happening.

BJ called him several names as she stomped off to look for a branch, which produced more of the same from him.

The snake, seeing Jason posed no threat, settled down on the seat content to bask in the sun beaming through the front car window.

Keeping a constant eye on it, Jason yelled over his shoulder, “If you can’t find one come here and watch the snake. I’ll break a limb off the tree.” He pointed in the direction of the oak BJ had been using as a safe distance to stand.

“Will this do?”

He nearly jumped out of his skin. She must have walked up while he was yelling because he hadn’t heard her approach.

“Sorry.” The smug grin on her face said differently.

“I can tell.” He grabbed the stick. “Yeah. This will do. Now, go back where you were, while I work on getting this critter out of your Jeep.”

“Jace?”

“Yes?”

“Please be careful.”

He laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m a devout coward where snakes are concerned. I plan on being
real
careful. Now stand back over by the tree,
please
, so I don’t have to worry about you too
.
”

Jason looked the branch over. He figured the piece was long enough to reach inside the Jeep, slide under the snake, then sling the thing out onto the ground. And hopefully, he could do it all without feeling the sharp fangs in a leg or arm. However, he knew the tricky part would be keeping the snake on the stick long enough without it shimmying off onto the floor of the car to slither under the seat or to places unknown.

Saying a quick prayer, and knowing he’d probably have one chance at this, he shoved the stick under the snake. The head came up, tongue flicking in and out, the sound of the rattle loud and insistent.

In one quick movement, Jason lifted upward, pulling the stick out of the car, snake intact, then slung with all his might. The critter sailed through the air, landed about twenty feet away and laid there as if stunned. One last shake of rattle, it slithered away into the tall weeds.

“
Yesss!
” Jason slung the stick off to the side of the road. Hands grabbed him from behind and arms wound around him tightly, then immediately released him.

“Oh, Jason, thank you, thank you.” BJ jumped up and down, his shirt bunched within her hands. “You did it. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you were here. You got that hideous thing out of my car.” She gave a discussed
yuck,
her face contorting. She hugged him again, short, quick, and friendly. “Partner, I owe you big time. You name it. I’ll do it.”

“I’ll have to think on that one. But you’re welcome. You seem destined for trouble today. Might I suggest you go back to The Rose and work?”

“I think I’ll take that suggestion.” She moved toward the car, stopped, turning toward him. “You don’t think that big fella brought along friends do you?”

Jason laughed. “No, I don’t. But I’ll check to make sure.”

BJ followed Jason to the backdoor, looking over his shoulder so close he could feel her breath on his neck. The sensation caused him discomfort and wanting more.

“How do you suppose that snake got in there in the first place?”

“Not sure. Could have crawled in when you left the door open. They move fairly fast.” The lie tasted awful on his tongue.

“I don’t remember doing that, but I could have.”

He checked the Jeep thoroughly, all the while wishing he could find the person who had left the diamondback in BJ’s car. The cigarette he’d found and the gray plume of road dust had to figure in on today’s incidents. But he couldn’t prove his theory.

One thing for sure, he wasn’t about to tell BJ what he thought. Someone was bound and determined to scare her off one way or another. Or were they trying to kill her? He couldn’t let that happen, it was way too important and personal now. He closed the door on the
whys
.

He turned and bumped into his tagalong. She hopped back; her face changed a delectable shade of pink. “All clear. Didn’t find anything. Just make sure you keep your windows shut and doors locked.”

“I thought I had.” Three little wrinkle lines appeared between her brows.

“Do you have an alarm system on this jitney?”

“No.” Her brilliant amber eyes grew large with concern. “Do you think I should? Why, is someone targeting me?”

“I doubt it.” He had put as much nonchalance in his voice as he could muster, shaking his head. He tried to sound truthful, but the lie still didn’t sit well. “It sure wouldn’t hurt to add a car alarm.” He grinned down at her, raising one brow. “It’s not like you can’t afford it now. Those things are loud and obnoxious. And if someone does tinker with your car, you and all creation within a five block radius will know.”

“A lot of good the alarm would do out where I take pictures. But maybe it would give them second thoughts. I’d at least be aware they’d messed with my car.”

“Yeah. There’s that.”

“Thanks, Jason. I don’t know what I would have done without you coming to my rescue. Twice in one day.”

“Don’t mention it. Glad to help. Just don’t make it a habit.” He looked back to where Sandy stood then looked at BJ. “I’d better get back to work. Do you think you can get home without any more mishaps?”

“I’ll do my best.”

She gave him a saucy smile that he would have loved to kiss right off her lips. He kicked himself for thoughts that left him wanting.

“See that you do. I don’t have time to rescue you anymore today.” He loped off toward the gate knowing his gruff tone and words had left behind a stunned and bewildered BJ. But it couldn’t be helped. His emotions were on the line.

He’d had all the close proximity to BJ Spencer that he could handle for one day.