Traci looked at him and smiled. She would bet that he’d taken care of her himself. She probably reminded him of Jade. It was strange seeing another side of Jared. He was always in control and demanding. Thinking of him taking care of a strange teenager made her smile.
“Traci, we’ve decided to move you and Jared to one of the line cabins, number 1, right Jared?” At Jared’s nod he proceeded, “If you’re around the house, they could plan on doing something here. There are a lot of people here right now. The security is good, but no security is good enough when you’re up against this type of force. Our only advantage is we know they’re coming. It’s just a matter of when. It will be easier if we have a little more control over where you are. If we put you in the cabin we can watch for them to approach. There’s a tighter perimeter and less chance of collateral damage.
By that, I mean others like Marguerite getting caught in the crossfire,” Colton said and watched her closely for her reaction.
Traci looked from Jared to Colton with her mouth open. They were taking just her and Jared to the ranch’s line cabin number 1, without letting her have any say in the matter?
She had been there before. It was only three rooms, but thankfully had electricity and running water. It had a living area with a kitchen, a bedroom with two sets of bunk beds and a small bathroom. The line cabins were mainly intended for use by the hands during round up. Since a large part of their cows spent the summers fattening up in the higher elevations on leased Federal grazing land, it took several days to find them in all the little gullies and meadows they’d wander in to. One group of guys would stay at a cabin, sleeping in shifts, while they kept the strays brought down in small meadows and clearings , nearby. Others would camp out as they looked for cows. When they had a large but manageable amount, they all drove them down to the next cabin closer in or even all the way back to the ranch. Then they went back up, trading places so the group that stayed at the cabin would have to camp out and vice versa.
This particular cabin was the closest to the main ranch buildings and the last stop before hitting the holding pens. It had a small creek that ran through the backside, and trees that helped protect the cabin from the weather. With the harsh winters and hot summers, a cabin needed the trees for protection. Jade and Traci had often ridden out there on horses to spend the night. It was the perfect chick’s getaway. It was the place where she and Jade first got drunk, the place where they shared their secrets, and the place that they went when they needed space from the world. They had fond memories of the cabin. Traci was not sure that sharing it with Jared would be right. Maybe there was somewhere else. She knew for a fact there was no privacy in the small house.
“Um, maybe it would be better if we split up. Brad’s house is out of town, no one would look for me there. I could stay with him and Jared could stay in the cabin with his brothers,” she suggested thinking of the first thing off the top of her head.
“We don’t have that many resources. Besides, with you two together, it would be too much of a draw for Luca to miss. He could take care of both of you in one place. He’ll take the bait,” Colton said.
“Now I’m bait? Wait, I thought we were supposed to be going out there to get away from him, now you’re telling me that I’m going to be bait?” she yelled.
Jared spoke up. “You will not be bait. I’ll make sure of it. It’s the perception that we’re out there all alone. Colton will be there as well, he’s going to set up a few hunters’ blinds in the trees, people never look up. Lance and Dom will be on their way as soon as they get the last pieces of information. Jade and Zach are going to be here with Miles and Danny, Brad has already been assigned to town, we’re very short handed there with Joe and Karen out. We have the hands that are armed.”
Traci looked wildly around; Jade was smiling at her while the boys were smirking. She wanted to scream in frustration. She had just resigned herself to not having Jared. Now it seemed like everyone assumed they would be together.
“Whatever,” she said and threw up her hands. She was not going to get into this in front of everyone. When they got to the cabin, she would tell Jared that things were not going to be intimate while they were there. That should be easy to accomplish with bunk beds.
Colton nodded and then said, “Traci and Jared will leave in an hour.” Traci and Jade left the room and went to Jade’s old bedroom. She flung herself on the bed like she used to when they were younger in frustration. She fell down face first and screamed into the pillow.
Jade laughed and said, “What?”
“What? You know what. What the hell am I supposed to do in that small cabin with Jared?” Traci groaned.
Jade laughed and said, “Do I need to draw you a picture? You have loved my brother forever. I know that he’s overbearing and bossy, but it didn’t stop you from loving him from afar, it shouldn’t bother you up close. He doesn’t think of you as a child. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. When Brad was with you at the diner, he couldn’t take his eyes off of you. Brad was lucky he didn’t get his lips cut off when he kissed you. I told you it would all work out.”
Traci rolled over and stared at the ceiling. “But I gave up. He did seem to care. I told you a few days ago that I was tired of chasing him. I need to be with someone who is calm and loving.”
“No, Traci, you don’t really want a doormat. That’s not you. The two of you have been dancing around this for years. Now, put on your big girl panties and go get your man,” Jade said and leaned over her and smiled. “I have just the thing for you to pack. It will get things moving, now get your ass up, and let’s plan,” Jade said.
Traci laughed. “No way, I don’t trust you. I bet you have something that will make me look completely stupid.”
Jade rolled her eyes. “Hey, I have taste. Now, I have a few sexy things that I bought for your birthday. I’m just gonna give them to you early.” Traci groaned and said, “No feathers.”
Jade laughed and drug her friend up by the hand and led her to the closet. The men downstairs looked up and frowned when they heard Traci scream and then both of the girls start to laugh, loudly.
Chapter 7
Jared smiled at his brothers and friend. “Thanks, we’re going to have to keep everyone on their toes.”
The men smiled and knew that Jared was talking about the women. Jade and Traci were definitely up to something. He wasn’t sure what it was. But both of them knew how to protect themselves, he had made sure of it. It gave them a false sense of security neither one was equipped to deal with Luca and those like him. He was gonna tie Traci up right when they got to the cabin. That way he could ensure she would remain in place. Zach talked about doing the same thing. Especially because Jade had brought a shot gun with her. Zach said that she slept with it next to her. The night before last they had heard a noise and he’d been afraid that she was gonna shoot the bird that ran into their window.
Brad arrived a few minutes ago; he wanted to have a talk with his deputy before they left. It was only fair to tell him that he intended on winning Traci’s heart while they were gone. He already had some plans. Marguerite was packing them a special dinner for tonight.
He touched his upper pocket on his shirt and smiled. His mother’s engagement ring.
He wanted to give it to Traci. Now that he’d decided that she was going to be his, there was no holding back. He was going to have her in front of the preacher before she knew what hit her. Jared was sick of dancing around the woman; he had for years. Now that she’d asked him his intentions, he knew she was finally ready, the wait was over.
Colton was setting the trap, he was positive that his friend would be able to protect them. He’d watched his back for years. According to the Intel, there were three men in the United States on a visitor’s visa from Germany. They had their names and descriptions. The sketch artist was canceled when they realized who they were after; Colton’s team had begun tracking them early on, and was able to get pictures of them entering the U.S. from
customs, it paid to have contacts in all law enforcement agencies.
Traci only had to identify the man she saw. They had packed several guns for Jared to have. He wouldn’t be defenseless just in case someone got through Colton. But Lance and Dom would be here by nighttime tomorrow. They were sure the men would not try anything until then. Tonight was for Traci.
Jared watched as his brothers and friends talked and made plans for where to set-up the guards. While he was in charge, he knew these men, their strengths and weaknesses.
He gave them a briefing of what result he was looking for and trusted them to strategize and finalize plans. That’s what they were doing. He looked at Brad who was being briefed, and frowned.
The deputy shook his head and looked at the board. They were finished and Jared stood slowly. Still feeling the pull on his abs and side, he walked to Brad and said quietly,
“Can I talk to you for a few minutes?”
“Sure, boss,” the man said and followed him as they went into his office in the back of the house.
Jared leaned against his desk, not sure how the man was going to handle being told that he was taking his girl. “It’s about Traci,” he said and watched as the young man frowned.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen to her?” Brad asked.
“No, it’s about Traci and me. I just wanted to let you know man-to-man that I love her.
If she lets me, I’m gonna make her the happiest woman on earth. I know you have been dating her. I hate like hell that I’m hurting you but Traci has always been mine. She’s stubborn, but I plan on winning her over,” Jared said and tensed when he saw the look on Brad’s face, it didn’t make sense. Humor. He thought it was funny that he was going to woo Traci away from him?
Brad chuckled and pushed his hat back on his head. “Boss, I hate to tell you, but Traci and I have only been friends. Yeah, we’ve gone out a few times but she knows the truth.”
“Truth? She said that she could come out and stay at your house if she needed too,” Jared sputtered. The woman had played him.
“Well sure, I invited her out to my house. She’s been so down since she tried to get your attention and failed. She needed a friend. I guess now is as good as time as any to have this out all the way, I’m gay. She knows. I told her the first night. She said it didn’t matter ‘cause she just needed a friend. It was Jade’s plan to use me to make you notice Traci while she was using Frank, it sounded like a hoot putting one over on the boss while I was doing him a favor, I was along for the ride. I just have to say, Traci is the best woman you could ask for. If I swung that way, I would certainly make a play for her, she’s a great kisser,” Brad said.
Jared stood there shocked. Not only had his sister and Traci schemed to get him jealous, they had also included his deputy to do it. He thought back on the night when he’d been pissed because they were at Jade’s house. Brad had come into work the next day and talked about Jade and Frank, her friend from Fort Collins who was also gay, that had played his part on making Zach jealous. Brad had been singing the praises of Traci, how soft and cute she was when she slept. He had almost beaten the shit out of the man.
“Are you kidding me?” Jared said.
“Uh, no. Sorry, Boss, but Jade and Traci were so convincing. I mean, they’re great.
Besides, they promised to help me find a guy. There aren’t many out here, and none of them are gay. Frank and his partner are having a get together in a few weeks and have invited me,” Brad said sheepishly.
Jared rolled his eyes and then smiled. “Thanks, Brad. I’m glad we talked.”
“Sure thing. Now I gotta get moving. The state police are sending some officers and they’ll be here shortly. Between them, our remaining deputies and state patrol, we’ll keep the town covered. The state patrol is providing an interim Chief since both you and the interim Chief are here,” Brad said and went to the door. Zach was just getting ready to knock and was surprised when Brad opened the door.
“Zach, did you know my sister planned this whole mess?” Jared laughed as his friend came into the room.
“I’m not surprised. I swear, I’m going to handcuff that woman. She and Traci have just come down. They’re asking about communication. Colton is showing them the radios.
Traci and Jade insisted that they have their own with their own frequency,” Zach said and laughed. “You are screwed.”
“So are you, my friend,” Jared drawled and then went to the door, getting around was much easier, today he could manage without help.
“Yeah, but I love that quirky girl.” Zach laughed and slapped him on the back.
“So do I,” Jared said and smiled when Zach raised his eyebrows. “My mama didn’t raise no fools.”
Zach laughed again and they went down the hall to get ready to leave. Jared looked over the chaos in the room and smiled. Jade and Traci were right in the middle, demanding that they needed the radios for talking. They argued that sending a woman alone anywhere with Jared with no other like-minded woman to vent to could result in violence and property damage.
***
Traci saw movement out of the corner of her eye and turned. Jared and Zach stood there laughing at Jade as she argued. Traci frowned at Jared’s relaxed look. The man looked like he was on top of the world. She was not going to make this easy on him, she thought and then smiled. Well maybe a little easy, after all she wasn’t stupid, and she did want him to succeed, eventually, on her terms. She wanted the man more than anything but he was gonna have to realize a few things before she agreed to anything more than sex. He was not her father, boss, or protector. She was a woman who could stand on her own, and he was going to respect that. Until then, she’d just make do with his hot body, well, as much as she could until he healed up. The doctor had said two to three weeks, good thing she hadn’t thrown away those batteries.
She turned back to Jade and Colton who had finally agreed on something and listened as the man told them how to use the hand sets. They had to promise to talk for short periods of time because someone could monitor them and find their locations. Both women promised to limit their contact to a few times a day and only in ten minute increments.
She packed the small radio in her purse and then turned to Brad. He’d been standing there waiting to talk to her. She could see something in his eyes that meant it was important.
“Hey, Brad,” she said and leaned up and kissed her friend on the cheek. She and Jade promised to keep his secret until he felt comfortable in town. They assured him that most of the community would be supportive, but his past prevented him from believing them just yet. The women were bound and determined to find someone for the handsome young man. He needed someone strong that would give him back his confidence.
“Traci, uh, I just wanted to let you know…” Brad started and then she felt a hand on her arm and she turned. Jared was smiling and pulled her away from Brad.
“Sorry, Brad, we have to leave now. I’m sure whatever you have to say will wait until she gets back,” Jared said and pulled her behind him. Even injured she still stood little chance of getting him to release her arm.
“Jared.” She huffed. “I was talking.”
“Yeah, Darlin’, I was there. But we are on a time schedule before it gets too late.
Everyone is in place for our safety now. We need to move,” Jared said and then called to his friends, “Grab the keys, would you?”
Zach answered and she followed Jared to the large four wheel ATV they used on the ranch to get places. They had loaded the cart that they could pull behind. She noticed several boxes of food and their bags. She grimaced when she thought about what was in her bag. Jade had helped her pack. It was crazy; she knew that she was not going to have enough courage to actually wear any of it.
Jared would probably laugh at her. Then she would be humiliated and want to run away. That’s why she needed a radio, in case she had to have someone come and get her. Jade said she would keep her radio with her at all times, and if s
he needed to come back, Jade would arrange it, no matter what the guys said.
She took a deep breath and climbed up onto the machine. She loved four wheeling with Jade. They used to go out more but this year everything had been devoted to the diner.
She missed the fun they used to have.
Jared climbed slowly on to the all terrain vehicle and then reached behind him and grabbed her hands and put them on his waist. She sighed, wrapped them around his waist, and leaned her head briefly on his back.
She savored his scent wishing they were doing this under different circumstances. Traci wished that it were for real. She and Jared taking off for the weekend on the ATV to be by themselves. Damn it, she wanted Jared. She sat back up and looked at her friend Jade who gave her the thumbs up. She would do it, Traci planned on seducing the stubborn man into explaining exactly what he’d meant by calling her something else.
They pulled away and headed toward the cabin. It was situated several miles away. She knew the way like the back of her hand. Jared drove the vehicle carefully, making sure not to jar himself or her too much. She ran her hand over his side. The bandage was thick. She would have to change it while they were at the cabin.
The thought of Jared being shot and dying had almost sent her over the edge. She had tried to drive to the hospital but she’d been unable to make her hands and feet work at the same time. Brad had ended up making sure that she got there. When they arrived, Jade and Danny had not been able to tell her much other than Jared was shot. They waited for hours in the waiting room for the doctor to come and tell them how lucky Jared had been. The gunshot had been a through-and-through on his side. It had missed all major organs, instead passing through his abdominal wall laterally and tearing through muscle. So while it wouldn’t kill him, it would basically just hurt like a son-of-a-bitch until it healed, which would be two to three weeks if he didn’t push and avoided infection.