Linda Warren - A Texas Hero

He just stared at her with an irritated expression.

“Okay.” She turned to face him. “How do you feel when you get in that big ol’ truck?”

“What?” His irritation intensified.

“You probably feel in control. Confident. As if you can take on the world.”

“I think the heat’s getting to you.”

She ignored the snide remark. “When I put on these shoes—” she lifted one so he could see the classy, if dirty, little bow “—I feel pretty. Confident. And ready to take on the world.” She paused. “See? Same thing.”

He shook his head. “Does anyone ever get anything past you?”

“No. So stop trying.” She relaxed against the tree feeling as if she’d scored a point with the hard-nosed cop. Neither said anything for the next few minutes. The woods were quiet. An occasional rustling but nothing else.

“What time do you think it is?” she asked.

He raised his left wrist. “Damn. I can’t believe I didn’t put my watch on this morning. It’s the first thing I do after my shower, but I was in a rush to get home. I gathered up my things and put them in the console of my truck.”

“Do you usually work nights?”

“No. My partner and I are working on a murder case and keeping an eye on a person of interest.”

“Who keeps your daughter?”

“My dad, and he’s not the most patient person. I promised Kelsey we’d spend the day together.”

Guilt weighed on her conscience. “Once she finds out what happened I’m sure she will understand.”

“No, she won’t.” He locked his arms around his knees. “She has a chip on her shoulder about the size of the Alamo. It will be just one more time an adult has let her down.”

“I’m sorry, Ethan.”

“Yeah, well, let’s get some rest.” He shrugged off her apology as if it meant nothing, and it probably didn’t. “I’m guessing it’s about four o’clock, the hottest part of the day. We’ll stay here for a while and then trek on.”

“What were you checking out earlier?”

“I lost the tire tracks. I don’t know if they turned right or left or drove straight ahead. It’s as if the tracks disappeared into thin air.”

“Why were you looking at the sky?”

“I was checking for power lines.”

“And?”

“There are none. Fences either.”

“And that means?”

“I’m guessing this land is part of a big ranch and this section is leased for deer hunting. Since the cabin’s in disrepair and hasn’t been used for a while, my thought is that it’s up for sale.”

“But wouldn’t they need electricity?”

“Some guys like to rough it, but if we keep walking we’ll reach power lines and water.”

“I’d kill for a glass of water.”

He leaned back against the tree. “Rest. We’ll start walking when it’s cooler.”

She stretched out her legs and drifted into sleep. When she awoke, her head was on his thigh. She sat up and rolled her head from side to side, feeling a little better. The heat wasn’t so intense, but the need for water hadn’t left her.

Sweat trickled from Ethan’s hair down the side of his strong face. She was mesmerized by it.

“What would you do if I sucked the sweat off your face?”

With a gleam in his eye, he replied, “Depends how you do it.”

Staring into the warmth of his eyes, she felt a heat that had nothing to do with the temperature. It had to do with hormones, chemistry and a titillating attraction between a man and a woman. It was wrong, wrong. Denying that didn’t change a thing.

She’d fallen for her rescuer.

* * *

EVERETT FELT LIKE a fool. He’d had another anxiety attack brought on by stress. His blood pressure was extremely high, too. A bad combination. The doctor had said he could have a stroke if he didn’t reduce the stress in his life. He’d gotten some medication to help, but nothing was going to help until Abby was returned safely.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the den he could see Chloe and Holly playing in the pool. His granddaughter was happy for now, but soon she would be asking for her mother.

“Everett, why don’t you lie down for a while,” Gayle said behind him. “I’ll wake you if the police call.”

“I’d rather sit in my chair. Chloe will be in soon and I don’t want her to think I’m sick.”

“Okay. I’m not going to argue with you.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

“I’ll get you some iced tea.”

“Thank you.”

Gayle was being calm and rational, and that’s what he needed right now. He hated to think he was so weak he would collapse if something happened to Abby. Something had happened to his daughter and he was falling apart. That wasn’t easy to admit. He was an indoor, quiet guy, a retired banker. He was good at numbers. He often wished he was a rough and tough outdoorsman, but that just wasn’t his personality.

As Gayle handed him a glass of tea, the doorbell rang. “That’s probably Doug,” she said. “Please remain calm.”

“I will.” Taking a sip, he set the glass on a coaster. He knew the dangers and he wasn’t risking his health. He had to stay strong for Abby and Chloe.

Doug and a policeman followed Gayle into the den. Doug’s eyes went to the windows and Chloe and Holly playing in the pool.

“What’s Holly doing here?” Doug demanded.

Gayle bristled. “I didn’t realize we needed your permission to invite people over.”

“I didn’t mean it that way. Holly hates me and fills Chloe’s head with nonsense.”

“They’re playing, Doug,” Gayle told him. “So relax.”

Doug moved toward Everett. “I’m here for Chloe.”

“I know,” he replied. “She’s swimming as you can see. I had no right to try to keep you from your daughter.” Those were the hardest words he’d ever had to say and it was killing him to let go of his link to Abby.

“I’m glad you see that. I’ll get her.”

“If that’s all you need, I’ll be on my way,” the policeman said.

“Yes, yes, and thank you.” Doug headed for the pool.

“I’m surprised at you, Doug.” Gayle crossed her arms over her breasts.

Doug swung back. “What are you talking about?”

“I thought you’d be more concerned about Abby.”

“I am. I’m worried out of my mind.”

“No. I meant when they find her. She’s going to need love, support and a shoulder to lean on. I’d assumed you’d want to be that person. But Everett and I are more than happy to be there for Abby. Under the circumstances, it’s probably best, too.”

By Doug’s stunned expression, Everett could almost read his thoughts. This was his opportunity to be there for Abby. To prove how much he loved her. Everett shook his head in disgust.

“You’re right, Gayle,” Doug said. “I’ve been so worried I hadn’t thought about Abby needing me.”

“You seem to forget about Abby a lot.”

Before Doug could respond, Chloe ran in from the sunroom. She climbed into Everett’s lap. “Did you see me swimming, Grandpa?”

“Yes, I did.” He stroked wet curls from her face. “You swim like a fish.”

“That’s what Holly said.”

Holly walked in with an oversize towel wrapped around her waist. Her eyes zeroed in on Doug. “I didn’t know rats came out of the sewer at this time of day.”

“Your daddy is here,” Everett said quickly before heated words could start.

“Hi, Daddy.” Chloe raised a hand, but she made no move to go to him.

Doug squatted by Everett’s chair. “Do you want to go to Daddy’s house?”

Chloe shook her head. “I have to stay with Grandpa. Mommy’s coming to get me.”

“Okay, sweetie.” Doug leaned over and kissed his daughter’s cheek. “Daddy has a lot to do, but I’ll come back for you.”