Teresa Southwick - An Officer and a Maverick

“I was cheated out of that moment, which was bad enough. But she kept this child’s existence from me for ten years.”

Lani couldn’t begin to understand how he felt. But it was the weight of carrying this burden alone that had finally compelled him to confide in her when she caught him at a vulnerable moment. She would help him through it as best she could. Whatever he needed she would do, no questions asked.

“It’s not right, Anderson, what happened to you. But it’s done. All you can do now is fight for your rights. To do that you can’t afford anything but a spotless record.”

“You’ve got a point.” He sighed. “But I hate that you’re in trouble on account of me.”

“Not really. I think I’m in the clear. After Gage let us out of the cell—”

“Us? You weren’t alone?”

“That’s not important.” It was too early and she was too tired to go into it. “Gage pretty much gave me a free pass because he was too busy dealing with other stuff.”

“Like what?”

“Not sure. But I think a lot of people in town are feeling the same mysterious hangover that we are this morning.” She shrugged. “The sheriff just told me to keep my nose clean. I don’t think there will be any charges.”

“If that changes, Dad can probably help.”

“He could help you, too, if you’d let him,” she pointed out.

“I have my reasons.” Anderson shook his head. “I’m just glad you’re in the clear. I don’t want you taking a fall for me.”

“That’s not your call,” she said. “You’d do it for me or anyone else you love. Just like me, you’d protect your family and have their back.”

“You’re right.” His eyes glittered fiercely. “It’s what Daltons do. And that’s why I don’t want anyone else to know about this legal stuff. You can’t say a word to anyone in the family.”

“But, Anderson—”

“No.” He raised his voice then glanced toward the stairs, clearly concerned he’d wake someone. “Child custody cases aren’t Dad’s field of expertise. If Mom found out, she’d get attached to the idea. You know how much she wants more grandkids. And if I lose, not seeing her grandchild would break her heart. I can’t do that to them, Lani, not unless it goes my way and I get visitation rights. You promised not to say anything.”

“And I won’t.” She put her hand on his arm and met his gaze. “No one is going to find out from me.”

“Okay.” He nodded. “I really appreciate this. And I owe you one.”

“I think you’re on the hook for more than one,” she teased. “Going to jail for you should count more than that. I’m thinking you should give me whatever I want for the rest of my life.”

He grinned. “Don’t push your luck, little sister.”

“I’d never dream of it.”

“Seriously, kid, I hope spending the night in the slammer wasn’t too bad.”

“It was really hideous. I don’t care what they say about orange being the new black, it’s just not my color. And don’t even get me started on the food and those mattresses—”

He reached over and yanked her ponytail. “You definitely have a flair for the dramatic. And while it’s very entertaining, we need to get to the ranch.”

“Right.”

Why did she have to go and bring up the mattress where she’d slept with Russ Campbell? Kissing him was a highlight. Being in his arms had a very high degree of awesomeness. She almost wished he would decide to press charges. That would mean he’d have to speak to her again.

The chances were slim to none that he would drop by the Ace in the Hole while she was working, so her best hope of seeing Detective Dreamy again was to break the law.

And she really wanted to see him again...

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