The Rebel of Copper Creek (Copper Creek Cowboys) Page 7

  Casey looked over at his mother. “Can me and Griff go now?”

  “It’s ‘Griff and I,’” she corrected.

  “You’re coming, too?” His eyes went wide. “Oh boy.”

  Juliet couldn’t hold back her explosion of laughter. With a shake of her head she muttered, “I give up. Yes, I’m coming along. And I think maybe even Ethan will want to sit inside for a moment, as long as the plane isn’t leaving the ground.”

  Chapter Six

  Can we go to the airplane now, Mama? Pleeeease?” Casey drew out the word until Griff had to turn away to keep from laughing.

  “All right.” She pushed away from the table. ”You go along, and I’ll join you when I’ve cleaned up here.”

  “That’s not the military way. First rule. Never leave anyone behind.” Griff winked at the two little boys. “We’ll all clean up the kitchen. Then we’ll all go together to the plane.”

  Though Casey’s little frown revealed his disappointment, he was too excited to refuse. “Okay. I’ll carry the plates to the sink.”

  “Maybe you’d better let Ethan carry them,” Juliet said. “And you can handle the napkins.”

  “Okay.”

  While the boys cleared the table, Juliet filled the sink with hot water and began to wash. Griff stepped up beside her, drying the dishes and setting them in the cupboards. Each time he reached above her head, she seemed to get very still and watchful.

  It was impossible not to notice his body, so close to hers. The ripple of muscles with each movement he made had her throat going dry. She could still feel the power, the strength in him, when he’d held her and kissed her. But despite his strength, there had been such control. It was something she admired in a man. But it wasn’t admiration she was feeling at the moment. Right now, with him reaching above her head to deposit a platter, it was something far different. She could almost feel the heat. The fire. The hot, burning rush she’d experienced in his arms.

  She drained the water and turned away, annoyed at the direction of her thoughts. She was here in Buddy’s family home, sharing chores with his sons, and it seemed somehow disloyal to be thinking about another man.

  Within minutes Griff draped the damp towel over the edge of the clean sink.

  “Okay, little wranglers. Let’s go take a look at the plane.”

  Casey flew out the door ahead of everyone. Griff moved along at a leisurely pace. Ethan walked beside his mother, looking more like he was going to a trial than a treat.

  Juliet studied the way Griff moved. Smooth, sleek, like a panther. He had a quiet way about him. Like a man trained to watch and listen. A marine, who’d seen plenty of combat. It had showed in the way he’d stepped quietly out of that stall to face down Mitch.

  Mitch. She would have to tell Cooper to fire him. At first it had been merely snide insinuations. But he was growing bolder. She liked to think she could handle him, but it had been extremely satisfying to watch the way he’d run when he realized Griff had her back.

  Griff. What was she going to do about him?

  She found herself admiring the view of those broad shoulders. Those strong arms. That trim, fit body.

  She’d actually felt a little thrill shoot through her when he’d raised his arms above her head to stow some dishes. She’d found herself thinking about those arms gathering her close, holding her against that hard, muscled chest.

  She must be a glutton for punishment. Why else would she tempt herself with such thoughts?

  When they reached the little Cessna, Griff opened the door before lifting Casey up and into the small space.

  He turned to Ethan. “Want to look around inside, or would you rather stay on the ground?”

  The little boy shrugged before lifting his arms.

  Griff easily lifted him up and settled him beside Casey in the pilot’s seat before turning to Juliet. “It’s a tight fit, but there’s room.”

  She accepted his hand. Such a big, work-worn hand. He settled her in the copilot seat before crouching behind them, between the seats.

  “What’s this?” Casey already had his chubby little fingers poking at the controls and dials.

  Griff took his time giving a name to every dial and button and control, and explaining what it did. Though Casey did all the asking, Ethan gradually reached out to tentatively touch some of the controls.

  Within a short time Casey was making little engine noises in his throat, and it was obvious that he was mentally high in the air, flying the plane.

  When Juliet glanced at Griff, he winked and smiled. The sight of it did strange things to her insides. It was impossible for her to keep from returning that smile. But even as she smiled, she felt a quick stab of pain at the thought that Buddy should have been the one showing his sons the inside of a plane.

  They stayed for nearly an hour while Casey asked a million questions. Each time, Griff patiently answered, even when the same question had been repeated a dozen times or more.

  “How do you know when you’re high enough?”

  “That dial there. It tells you.”

  “How do you know how fast you’re going?”

  “This dial.”

  “What if you go too high?”

  “This sounds an alarm.”

  “What if your motor stops?”

  “You get it started.”

  “What if it won’t start?”

  Griff chuckled. “You’d better be wearing a parachute.”

  “Have you ever jumped from an airplane?”

  Griff shook his head. “I got ready to jump a time or two, but I never had to.”

  Finally, Casey seemed to have run out of questions and energy.

  As the silence grew, Juliet touched a hand to his arm. “I think it’s time for a nap now.”

  “Not yet, Mama.” Even as he said it, his eyes looked heavy.

  “Come on, little wrangler.” Griff stepped down from the plane and assisted Juliet, then Ethan, and finally Casey.

  As the little boy was lifted down, he wrapped his arms around Griff’s neck and held on.

  Seeing it, Juliet felt a swift stab of pain. It broke her heart to know that her youngest son had never been held by his own father.

  She lifted her arms. “I’ll take him.”

  “That’s all right.” Griff nodded toward Ethan. “You take your big guy and I’ll take your little one.”

  With Juliet holding Ethan’s hand, Griff followed, with Casey in his arms.

  Once in the house Juliet turned, expecting Griff to relinquish his hold on the little boy. Instead he shook his head. “I’m not sure, but I think he’s asleep.”

  He turned, giving Juliet a chance to see Casey’s face, tucked into the hollow of his shoulder.

  Juliet nodded. “Sound asleep.”

  “You lead the way, and I’ll carry him to his bed.”

  Upstairs, Juliet turned down the covers and Griff deposited the sleeping boy on the bed. Juliet removed his shoes and tucked the blanket around him before turning to Ethan, who had climbed in on the other side.

  Juliet bent to him. With a few whispered words and kisses, she covered him before turning away. At the door, both Griff and Juliet gave a last look at the two boys before she pulled the door closed.

  Once downstairs, she turned. “Thank you. This has been quite a day for both of…”

  She looked up sharply at a knock on the door. Seeing a stranger on the porch, she kept a firm grasp on the door as she opened it just a little. “Yes? Can I help you?”

  “Juliet Grayson?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m Jackie Turner.”

  “Turner? The former foreman here?”

  “That’s right, ma’am.” Jackie whipped off his hat in a courtly gesture. Seeing Griff behind her he said, “Hey, Griff. After our little talk, I decided to drive out here and see for myself. Ma’am, I wonder if you might be interested in having me take a look at how things are going.”

  “You talked with…Griff?” She swall
owed her surprise. “I’m sorry, Mr. Turner. I can’t afford to pay for any more help.”

  “I haven’t said anything about pay, ma’am. Maybe you could think of me as an old family friend who’d like to look out for your interest here.”

  “But I…” She bit her lip before saying, “Why don’t you come in?”

  “Thank you.” He stepped inside the kitchen and glanced around with a smile. “Creepers. I’ve been in this room a hundred times or more. I’m glad to see it hasn’t changed.”

  “I know it’s old…”

  “I’m not talking about the way it looks, ma’am. I’m talking about the way it feels. This place has always had a feeling of home. A feeling of family and love. I’m glad to see that’s still here.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Turner.”

  “I answer to Jackie, ma’am. Just Jackie.”

  “And I’m Juliet.” She turned toward the stove. “There’s coffee. Would you like some?”

  “I’ve never refused a cup of coffee, Juliet.”

  She turned to Griff and he nodded.

  She filled three mugs and carried them to the table. “Cream or sugar?”

  “None for me.” Jackie sat and took a long drink before setting the mug down and meeting Juliet’s look. “How many wranglers do you have right now?”

  She shrugged. “Six. I had five, but Randy Cooper said it wasn’t enough.”

  “Cooper’s a good worker. Is he in charge now?”

  She nodded.

  “Is he out in the barns?”

  “The entire crew is up in the hills with the herd.”

  The old man cleared his throat. “I’ve known most of the wranglers around these parts for years. I know the steady ones, and those I wouldn’t put much faith in. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a ride up there, just to see for myself how they’re doing.”

  “It’s a long way to the highlands.”

  He smiled. “I’d know a thing or two about that. Been riding these hills since I was a pup. Since your crew isn’t expecting me, I’ll get a pretty good idea of how things are being run.” He pushed away from the table. “I’ll stop back to report to you tomorrow.”

  She gave a long, deep sigh as she followed him to the door. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’re doing, Mr.…Jackie.”

  “Don’t thank me yet, Juliet. You may not like what I have to say when I get back.”

  “At least I’ll have the advice of an expert.”

  He shook her hand before looking past her to Griff and giving a nod of his head. “Good seeing you, son.”

  Juliet waited until he drove away before turning.

  Her voice turned frosty. “Was there some reason why you didn’t bother to mention the fact that you’d paid a call on Jackie Turner?”

  “The opportunity just didn’t come up. But I’d have gotten around to it sooner or later.”

  “Sooner would have been nice. Why are you making my business your business?”

  He picked up his empty cup and deposited it in the sink, along with Jackie’s. When he turned, there was a look in his eyes that had her throat going dry.

  “I’ve been asking myself that same question.”

  When he took a step toward her, she thought about backing up. Then she thought better of it and held her ground.

  He caught a strand of her hair that had fallen over one eye and tucked it behind her ear. It was a strangely intimate gesture that had her chin coming up even as color flooded her face.

  He stared down into her eyes and she felt the heat of his touch all the way to her toes.

  His gaze burned over her mouth and she knew, in that instant, that he wanted to kiss her.

  Even more, she wanted him to.

  Instead, he very deliberately lowered his hand to his side before turning away.

  He walked to the back door and opened it. With his hand on the door he said, “I know I overstepped my bounds. And I don’t have any good reason why.” His tone hardened as he turned to her. “Now that Jackie’s on board, you’ll be in good hands. I won’t be bothering you again.”

  “I didn’t mean—” She saw the way his brow shot up.

  She forced herself to meet his stern look. “Could we start over?” Before he could say a word she went on in a rush. “Let me just say this and get it over with. Thank you for standing by me today when Mitch got out of hand.”

  “About Mitch.” His tone lowered. “Do you feel safe with him around?”

  She gripped her hands together. “Not really. But I keep Buddy’s rifle in a locked cabinet in the den.”

  “That may give you some peace of mind, but that cowboy didn’t look like the type to wait around while you unlock some doors and load a weapon.”

  She flushed. “It’s the best I can do. I have my sons to think about. I can’t keep loaded weapons around for them to find.”

  “True. But you don’t want them witnessing another scene like the one Mitch created today in the barn.”

  “I know.”

  When he said nothing more she added, “And though I don’t care much for surprises, I want to thank you for talking to Jackie Turner. I never would have had the courage to call him, even though Buddy thought the world of him. I have no idea how I’ll pay him, but I’m grateful for anything he can do to help me.”

  When he remained silent she added, “And I’m sorry for the way I behaved yesterday when you—” she sighed and plowed ahead “—when you kissed me. I wasn’t so much mad at you as mad at myself.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I haven’t felt like a woman in a long time now. I guess, between raising two sons alone and trying to salvage a dying ranch, I’ve forgotten what it feels like to be…” she shrugged “…kissable.”

  His smile was quick and unexpected. “Oh, no doubt about it. You’re kissable.”

  She gave a self-conscious laugh. “I wasn’t fishing for compliments.” She chewed her lower lip. “I’m not doing this well, but what I’m trying to say is, I have deliberately cultivated a reputation for being an ice maiden. I may have lost my husband, but in my heart, I still love him. There isn’t room in my life for a man.” She exhaled. “There. Now that I’ve said it, I hope you understand.”

  “Got it.” He gave her a long look before opening the door and stepping out onto the porch. “If you need anything, call me.”

  “How will I reach you?”

  He arched a brow. “Got a cell phone?”

  She lifted one out of her shirt pocket.

  He gave her his number and watched as she added it to her directory.

  “If there’s ever trouble. If you’re worried about anything at all, you call me any time of the day or night and I’ll be here.”

  She had no doubt he meant it. “Thank you, Griff.”

  She remained in the doorway and watched as he made his way toward the plane parked on the strip of asphalt. Though she felt a pang of regret, she knew she’d done the right thing by telling Griff exactly how she felt. Buddy might be gone, but he was still alive in her heart. And there was no room for any other man in her life.

  She stayed where she was until the little Cessna was airborne.

  Then, with a thoughtful look, she squared her shoulders and began moving through another round of endless chores.

  Chapter Seven

  Well, look who’s here.” Nonie Claxton sidled up beside Griff and winked at Whit and Brady, who trailed behind him. “You sexy things have just lifted this tired old soul considerably.” She pointed to an empty table near the back of the room. “Park it and I’ll be right over to take your order.”

  “Just a round of longnecks,” Whit called. “Cold and frosty.”

  “You got ’em.”

  She walked away to see to another table and returned a short time later with a full tray of longnecks.

  When she left, Griff nodded toward a table of rowdy cowboys across the room. “Either of you know that wrangler called Mitch?”

&
nbsp; Brady took a long pull of beer. “Mitch Cord. I think he’s been fired from every ranch from here to Wyoming.”

  “Fired? Why?”

  “For one thing, he’s got more mouth than muscle. For another, he just can’t be trusted.”

  Griff’s eyes narrowed. “He’s working at the Grayson Ranch now.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Brady shot a glance at the others drinking with Mitch. “Maybe they all work there. Recognize any of them?”

  Griff shook his head. “I’ve never met any of the wranglers. Except Mitch. He showed up at the barn today and made some pretty crude comments to his boss.”

  “I’m not surprised.” Brady took another drink. “But I am surprised that the widow Grayson would keep him on.”

  “Not for long, I’m thinking.” Griff watched as the table of cowboys ordered another round.

  An hour later, the roar of voices in Wylie’s had reached a fever pitch.

  Brady sat back. “I’m ready to head on home.” He glanced at Whit and Griff, who had met him in town. “You two coming?”

  The three shoved away from the table. Griff reached into the pocket of his jeans and dropped a tip on Nonie’s tray.

  As he turned, he heard a familiar voice saying, “…take that bet. Twenty says I’ll have her purring like a kitten.”

  “Not a chance.” Several of the cowboys seated at Mitch’s table shared a laugh. “They don’t call her the ice queen for nothing.”

  “That’s just ’cause she hasn’t been lucky enough to taste my magic potion. I’m telling you. By this time tomorrow night, that frigid widow will be putty in my hands.”

  Griff continued on past the table, aware that the boastful cowboy hadn’t even noticed him.

  Outside, as Whit started to climb into the passenger side of their ranch truck, Griff put a hand on Brady’s arm. “Would you mind driving Whit back?”

  “Sure thing.” Brady gave him a long look. “Where are you going?”

  Griff glanced skyward, at the full moon, and then over at the truckload of rowdy cowboys climbing into a convoy of trucks and heading toward the highway. “It looks like a good night for a long drive in the country.”