Give Me A Texas Ranger (10 page)

Something rotten was afoot. What were the odds for so many things to suddenly come up missing? Josh swept through his mind, but he quickly dismissed the boy. The boy was only six years old, for Pete’s sake. Not only that, the boy hadn’t had access to the documents, he didn’t think. No, someone else had taken his official Ranger papers.

Let him catch the thief and it’d be hell to pay.

Meanwhile he had no choice but to wire Texas Ranger Company D in Menardville for replacements. His commander wasn’t going to be happy. Leaving the jail, he made tracks for the telegraph office. They’d send new ones, but it’d take days for them to arrive. And no doubt he’d have to endure a good bit of ribbing over losing them.

Within several minutes, Stoney had that taken care of. Stepping out of the telegraph office, he looked across the street. The barber pole turned in the breeze.

Texanna had opened up.

He reckoned there was no time like the present.

Crossing the street, he told himself that a shave and haircut were the only things on his mind.

But he couldn’t quite ignore his breath, which came just a little bit quicker the closer he drew to the shop.

Intent on lathering up a customer, she spared him a quick glance when the bell above the door jingled. “Have a seat. I’ll be right with you, Ranger Burke.”

Stoney took the chair closest to the door so he could catch what little breeze came through and also keep an eye out for trouble should it come calling. He untied the bandana from around his neck and wiped sweat off his brow. The July day had heated up and promised to be a scorcher.

His attention turned to Texanna.

Despite her shortcomings, there was no woman more desirable than Texanna Wilder.

It seemed odd for a woman to be involved up to her pretty little neck in a man’s occupation. Stoney could tell the way her customer squirmed that her close proximity affected him. But when it was the only barbershop in town, men had little choice but to endure a woman’s bosom inches from their faces. Not that many would complain, mind you. Their wives, surely, but never the men. It occurred to him that possibly that accounted for the reason no one had come to her aid this morning.

He admired the way Texanna had stepped right into Sam Wilder’s shoes and taken the reins of two businesses into her hands.

That she appeared extremely capable came as no surprise. She’d always been a lady who grabbed the bull by the horns instead of standing around wringing her hands. He liked that about her, along with numerous other things.

In fact, their only disagreement had been over Sam.

As if sensing his thoughts, she glanced up and sent him a hesitant smile.

Though her high-necked dress kept everything prim and proper, she couldn’t disguise her soft curves. In the worn calico with its row of lace and frayed hem, she was all woman.

And one he’d carried feelings for since he’d met her all those years ago.

But Sam had been the lucky fellow who’d caught her eye.

It was always Sam.

Stoney watched her expertly sharpen the razor on a long leather strap and begin scraping away the man’s stubble. He wondered what might’ve been, how different his life would’ve turned out if he’d told her how he felt about her years before. He’d once stolen a kiss before Sam wooed her away from him.

Seven years wasn’t long enough to erase the sweet softness of Texanna’s lips. Stoney closed his eyes for a moment to fully capture the remembrance of the taste of her.

But she wanted a husband who’d be home every night for supper. Stoney rarely spent more than two straight days in one place. He liked the freedom to go where his job took him.

Still, thoughts of having a wife and a couple of children to carry on the Burke name had been coming pretty regular of late, sometimes the depth of the fervent wishing catching him by surprise. He wouldn’t deny that a family held certain benefits, especially for a loner like him. He kinda liked the idea of someone somewhere waiting for him to come home.

Again, her words came back to him. “Dreams change for all of us.”

Maybe they did, for a fact. He wouldn’t admit that to her though.

Using long, smooth strokes, it didn’t take Texanna long to finish shaving her customer and then Stoney settled into the chair.

Her arm brushed his cheek when she put the threadbare barbering cape around his neck. Her nearness created warmth that he couldn’t exactly blame on the July sun. The fragrant scent of shaving soap and bay rum mingled in the stifling air.

“Glad you came in. Your hair can use a trim,” she said.

“Can’t recall the last time I was barbered.” He gave her a wisp of a grin. “In my line of work such pleasures are few and far between.”

She ran her fingers through the long locks. A flash of heat raced through his blood. Texanna’s touch was soft and sensual, and made him think languid thoughts of long nights and feather beds. Of sated urges and the tangle of sheets underneath.

Ahhhhh, he’d been without a woman too long.

But this wasn’t exactly what Sam had in mind when he had asked Stoney to take care of Texanna. He wrestled his thoughts back to the barbershop, frowning as the snip of scissors lopped off a handful of hair.

Texanna stilled. “What’s wrong, Stoney? You did want it cut, didn’t you?”

He glanced at himself in the mirror. “Yep. Why?”

“You frowned and looked ready to bolt from the chair.”

“I was thinking about something, that’s all.” Searching for a safe subject far from beds and kissing, he told her about the missing papers.

“That’s peculiar.” Her silky voice put him in mind of a hot, sultry summer day. “When did you last see them?”

“When I left Menardville. I remember folding them up and putting them in my vest pocket. They never left my person.”

“Could they have fallen out?”

“Don’t see how.”

Texanna held the scissors in midair. Her face was stricken. “You’re not accusing Josh? Are you?”

The air suddenly chilled by a good thirty degrees. Her claws had come out. She seemed extraordinarily defensive.

Stoney mentally waved a white flag. “Have no reason to accuse your son. Merely saying it beats me what happened to them, is all.”

Apparently mollified, she resumed trimming his hair, her long slender fingers handling the comb and scissors with practiced ease. He’d noticed her hands that morning. They were calloused and rough and her nails jagged. Probably from making caskets, sawing boards, and hammering and the like.

“Maybe your papers fell out when you were in my home. I’ll look after I finish here.”

“Appreciate it.” He hoped he was making something out of nothing and they’d turn up. A companionable silence, broken only by the snip of the scissors, filled the shop. It was as good a time as any to broach moving away. “Have you ever thought of packing up and leaving Devils Creek? Letting LaRoach have the businesses and be shed of him?”

She came around the chair to stare, as though he’d announced he was studying for the priesthood or contemplating robbing a bank. Worry darkened her gaze to a shade of deep sapphire.

“Where on earth would I go? How would I make a living? I wouldn’t stand a chance in competition with male barbers and undertakers already established in other towns.”

“I can take you to Menardville. Surely there are other things you can do. Seamstresses are always in demand. And if you don’t want to do that, open up a laundry. The Rangers will keep you in business. Menardville’s a bustling community.”

The flash of fire that’d been in her eyes at the seamstress remark faded a bit. “This is my home, Josh’s home. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I buried my husband, laid him to rest in the little church cemetery. I’ll fight LaRoach and anyone else for the right to live here as I see fit.”

“And what if that fight ends up killing you?” he asked tightly. “What’ll happen to Josh? You have to think of him.”

“I do. Every second of the day. He needs roots, and those roots, are here. Marcus talks big, but I can handle him.”

Yeah, it looked like she was doing a mighty fine job, trussed up and dragged through the street. Women could be stubborn as a corral full of donkeys. Would it take LaRoach seriously harming her before she saw reason?

Lord help the fool man if it came to that, because he’d just as soon give LaRoach a case of lead poisoning as not.

Texanna finished the haircut and picked up the duster to brush the hair from his shoulders and neck. “What is this about? I won’t have you feeling obligated for my safety. And just because you and Sam were best friends won’t wash.”

Stoney reached and pulled her around to face him. He gently took her palms in his. “Look at your hands.”

Sparks of fire sprang up again. “What of them?”

“They’re in pitiful shape, all cut up and rough. This life isn’t for a lady. You work way too hard. I care about you and Josh. You deserve an easier life.”

She jerked her hands loose. “I got along before you came and I’ll get along after you leave.”

Wrapping his face with hot towels brought an end to the discussion. While moisture softened his bristles, he could hear her adding water to the hard cake of shaving soap and whipping it into a fine lather with the brush.

After a few minutes, she removed the towels and lathered up his face. Her breasts were at eye level and inches from touching his cheek.

Heat rose from his belly.

There should be a law against stubborn women barbers!

Texanna tried to calm her heartbeat as she cautiously laid the sharp edge of the razor against Stoney’s finely chiseled jaw.

There was a connection, something linking her to this steely eyed Ranger, that stood apart from Sam. Stoney suddenly rode back into her life on a day when she was at her lowest. He disturbed her thoughts, the very core of her being. He’d awakened all those old feelings she’d kept buried for so long and made her think of rainy music on a tin roof. Of the breathtaking beauty of a rainbow after a violent storm.

And hot passion.

Heaven help her! Yes, Stoney definitely made her think of passion.

She couldn’t let him know how deeply he affected her, for the feelings he carried turned more toward the murdering side than the romantic. She prayed he might forgive her in time. But it didn’t appear his feelings would alter soon.

Keep the strokes long and smooth,
she told herself,
and quit thinking about music and passion.
She’d never forgive herself if she marred his handsome profile.

Her breath seemed caught somewhere in her chest.

Stoney had a rugged strength that Sam had lacked. Not that Sam was soft. Her husband just hadn’t had the fierce determination it took to survive in the rough Texas town. He’d believed that no one would harm you if a fellow lived his life and minded his own business.

That philosophy cost him—cost them all—dearly.

The bell suddenly tinkled over the door. Loretta Farris, the stout boardinghouse owner, limped inside. “I see you’re busy. I’ll be quick. Come by my place after you leave here and pick up a loaf of fresh bread. I just took it out of the oven. Josh loves it, the little darling.”

“I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve a friend like you, Loretta. I’ll be sure to stop by and get it.”

When the woman left, Texanna turned to Stoney. “I’ll have supper at five. Josh and I will expect you.” She swished the razor in a bowl of water to rinse off the thick shaving soap.

“I can eat in the hotel dining room.” His deep voice vibrated the still air and the little pocket of hope she desperately clung to. “Or the little café I noticed, Mattie’s Cook Shack. Hate to put you to any trouble.”

“I insist. Josh will be heartbroken if you don’t come.”

And the night would be long and dismal for her as well.

“In that case, I reckon I’d better show up. I’d hate to disappoint Josh. He’s as fine a boy as I’ve seen. You’ve raised him well.”

“Thank you. I’ll admit, it’s not been easy.”

“Nothing worthwhile ever is. Josh is all boy.”

“He needs a man’s attention though. He looks up to you, Stoney. You’re a good influence on him. I’ve tried to keep from coddling him. Don’t want him to be sissified.”

“Glad you brought that up. I’ve been meaning to talk to you. You’re stifling the boy. Loosen the tether a little. For God’s sake, give him room to breathe.”

“Are you criticizing me?” she asked in clipped tones.

“I’m just saying you need to relax a bit and let Josh be a boy. Quit being so damned overprotective. He’s gonna make mistakes, but that’s okay. Life’s about learning.”

“I suppose you could do a better job?”

He let out a long-suffering sigh. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. I’d hate to try to raise a young’un.” There was a moment of silence before he added, “Maybe it’d be better to forget what I said.”

Her chin jutted out. “I’ll thank you to keep your horseback opinions to yourself and don’t try to tell me how to do my job.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t make that mistake twice.”

“Fine.”

Fuming, Texanna adjusted Stoney’s head so she could shave the other side. Concentrating on her task, she didn’t realize how near she was until her breast brushed his shoulder. An electrified sizzle went through her. She quickly moved back.

In the depths of Stoney’s unnerving stare lurked amusement and a challenge.

For a second, she considered telling him it might be better if he ate at Mattie’s Cook Shack after all. Except Josh would mope around all night. She wouldn’t do that to her son.

The breath that had gotten lost somewhere inside her chest found its way out when she finally finished up and Stoney left.

She dropped the two bits he’d paid her into the till. She hadn’t wanted to take his money, but he was a persistent man. In the end he’d simply pressed it into her palm and sauntered out the door in that easy, fluid way of his.

Texanna stood at the window watching his tall form stride down the street, his red bandana flapping in a sudden gust of wind. Too bad he was so opinionated. Not that he was wrong. She just didn’t want him pointing out her mistakes. Truth was, she knew she coddled the boy, but she couldn’t help it. He’d lost his father. She had to make up for that.

Any mother would.

Her attention turned back to the Ranger who’d awakened long-dead dreams. Stoney cut quite a breathtaking figure.

Supple leather britches clung to his long legs.

The black Stetson pulled low on his forehead added a certain degree of danger.

And the lethal Colt in the holster that rode low on his lean hip made him a man to reckon with.

Stoney Burke had galloped straight into her heart and turned her topsy-turvy. All without giving her a say in the matter. And worse, he didn’t give it nary a second thought. When he’d finished his business here, he’d leave and not look back. She’d likely never see him again.

Darn his hide! He made her care. He gave her hope where none existed. Her breath hitched painfully in her chest. Part of her would ride out with him when he left.

If wanting him was a sin, she was doomed!

The multitude of lonely nights crossed her mind. With a man like Stoney beside her, she’d never awaken in a panic, drenched with sweat, aching to feel the tender touch of a hand.

Trembling, Texanna pressed against the window as though she could call the tall figure back. She stayed rooted to the spot until she pulled herself together. It’d do no good to fall apart. She had work to do. Over the next half hour, she swept the shop, washed her scissors and combs, and tidied up. She was just putting the straight razor away when the door opened.

Her heart sank when she saw Marcus. “I’m sorry, I’m closing for the day. I have a funeral to prepare for.”

Marcus LaRoach paid her no heed. The popinjay was too busy admiring himself in the mirror. Evidently satisfied with his reflection, he settled himself in the barber chair and propped his feet on the metal footrest. “Didn’t come for barbering. I saw the Ranger in here. Burke can’t save you, Texanna. He’ll move on, with good riddance, soon. Then I’ll get my wishes.”

Her chin lifted several degrees. “There’s a big difference between wanting something and actually getting it. You’ll have to kill me to get me to the preacher.”

“Believe me, sugar, that can be arranged. Don’t tempt me. My patience is wearing thin.” Marcus rose and leaned close to the mirror, smoothing his hair. “Now, I’ve humored you long enough. I’m the legal owner of this barbershop and Wilder’s Undertaking Emporium, and I’m taking control. Turn all the money over to me.”

She clutched the till, her knuckles white. If Marcus took what money she had, what would they live on? How would she provide for Josh? “This barbershop belonged to my father. It’s my money.”

The pompous weasel yawned. “Not in the eyes of the law, sugar. You know I have the only will Sam ever wrote, and he left everything to me.”

“One of these days I’ll prove it’s fake.”

Marcus grabbed her wrist and twisted. She let out a sharp cry.

Before she could yank free, Stoney crashed through the door and had Marcus in a crushing grip. The Ranger slung him against the wall with such force the boards of the little barbershop rattled.

“I told you what would happen if you didn’t leave Texanna alone. It wasn’t an idle threat.” Cold steel laced Stoney’s soft words. He was a man who wore authority as easy as he wore the Colt not far from his fingertips.

Marcus struggled to speak, but with Stoney’s arm across his windpipe a squeak was all he could manage. “You can’t interfere with the law. I was only trying to take what’s legally mine.”

“Steal it, you mean. You have no claim to Sam Wilder’s property. Not his businesses and not his widow.”

Stoney wasn’t one to back down and neither was Marcus. But Texanna clung to the knowledge that Marcus had never run up against a tough man like her Texas Ranger.

When had she started thinking of him as hers?

Sheriff Ezra marched into the small shop, derailing her train of thought. “What’s going on here?”

“Arrest this man.” Marcus squeezed out the words through the narrow opening in his throat.

“Let him go, Burke. I can handle this,” ordered Ezra.

“Like you handled the way he hog-tied Texanna this morning?” Stoney snorted, backing away from Marcus. “You did a fine job of upholding the law then. What makes you think you can now?”

“Just a cotton pickin’ minute. You start slinging accusations and I’ll lock you up—don’t think I won’t.”

“You might need reinforcements to do it.” A deadly glint filled Stoney’s hardened gaze.

Marcus adjusted his dark satin vest. “I’m pressing charges against Burke for assault. Arrest him.”

Sheriff Ezra hooked his thumbs on his belt and frowned, clearly not wanting to have to cross either man. “Mr. LaRoach, you might want to think about this.”

“If I go to jail, LaRoach will occupy the cell next to mine,” Stoney declared.

The sheriff turned to Texanna. “What do you have to add?”

“Marcus came here causing trouble and Burke stopped him. The one in the wrong is Marcus, as usual. I have his handprint on my wrist to prove it.” Her stomach turned upside down when she met Stoney’s gray stare.

A sudden breeze through the door scampered playfully through Ezra’s long white mustache. “I’m giving you both a stern warning. But anymore trouble between you and I’ll cart your rears to jail.”

Marcus was bending the sheriff’s ear when they left the barbershop, threatening to fire Ezra, as he did anyone who didn’t kowtow to his whims.

Texanna turned to Stoney. “You seem to be my knight in shining armor today. Thank you.”

A wry smile crinkled the corners of Stoney’s eyes. “I’m just sorry LaRoach keeps bothering you. One of these days he’ll not stop at twisting your arm. And I may not be here.”

“Evidently he’d been eagle-eyeing this place. He saw you leave and never in a million years expected you to come back.” Recalling Marcus’s brutal nature brought new waves of anger.

“He hurt you.” With tiny circles, Stoney caressed the dark welts that had formed on her wrist.

“Could be worse. It’ll heal.”

“You’re shaking.” Stoney pulled her into the circle of his powerful arms.

His gentle touch curled her toes. Stoney’s strong heartbeat rose above the roar in her ears. Texanna closed her eyes and reveled in the special scent that was the Ranger’s. He made her more alive than she had ever been.

God help her, she wanted him!

The longing was almost more than she could bear.

She could picture their life together and what she saw made the torture that much worse. She could get her heart broken in a thousand jagged little pieces if she wasn’t careful.

It did no good wanting something she couldn’t have.

He’d already made it abundantly clear the only thing he wanted to be married to was his job.