Linda Warren - The Wrong Woman

Serena slung her purse over her shoulder. “What can I say? I like the tall, lanky Texas look.”

“It’s about time.” Daisy laughed. “Ever since you and that fiancé broke up, I’ve seen guys fall all over themselves to talk to you, but you haven’t been interested.”

“It’s hard to know who to trust these days.”

“Ain’t that the truth. Men can be pigs.”

“I feel I can trust Ethan.”

“Yeah,” Daisy agreed. “He has that look about him.”

“See you later,” Serena called as she left. She climbed into her car, certain her instincts were right. She could trust Ethan Ramsey. And now she’d be able to get a good night’s sleep.

ETHAN DROVE into Dallas and checked into a motel. He showered and changed, thinking this was probably the most bizarre case he’d ever taken. And it all had to do with Serena. In a short space of time, she’d lodged herself deep in his mind. He usually managed to keep a barrier between himself and a client, keep his emotions un-involved. Not that his emotions were involved—he’d make sure of that—but he was thinking about her too much. He’d visit the club tonight and find out about the stripper, and his connection with Serena would be over. Then he’d go back to his ranch and his problems and life as it was.

He scooped up his hat and headed for the door. He planned on having supper at the club where Travis and Molly were singing. They were performing several nights a week. After that, he’d go to the strip joint.

He asked for a table at the back of the club because he didn’t want to make Molly nervous. There was a small dance floor, but most of the people were eating as a trio played softly. Shortly after he’d ordered—steak and baked potato—a man stepped up to the microphone and introduced Travis and Molly. Travis came out carrying his guitar, with Molly beside him—a Molly he hardly recognized. He blinked several times. She had on a short glittery dress with tiny straps that barely concealed her breasts. Her straight dark hair was in a windswept style and her face was heavily made up.

Travis started to sing and strum his guitar, and Molly joined him. Their voices flowed together in sweet harmony and for a moment Ethan forgot about Molly’s shocking new appearance. He sat back and enjoyed the show.

They were on for thirty minutes, then took a break. Molly hurried over to his table and held out her hand. “Let me introduce myself,” she said, smiling. “I’m Molly Crawford.”

He stood and took her hand and pulled her into his arms for a hug. “I know who you are,” he muttered. “But in that get-up…”

She drew back and twirled around. “Don’t you like the new me?”

People were jostling to get by, so they sat down. “It’s…different.” But her eyes were sparkling and she was obviously happy. He hadn’t seen her like this in a long time.

“Oh, Ethan, I’m having so much fun.”

He could see that, too.

“I feel young and attractive again. A few guys have even hit on me.”

“In that dress, I can imagine.”

“Isn’t it something? The owner picked it out for me. I wish Bruce could…”

Her whole demeanor changed as she said her ex-husband’s name. Her smile disappeared, as did the light in her eyes.

She brushed at her hair with her hand. “I wish I could stop thinking about him.” She took in a deep breath. “When does the pain go away?”

“I think that’s up to you.”

“Is it?”

“Sure, and you’ve made a great start. Getting away is exactly what you needed.”

“What about you, Ethan?”

He was taken aback by the question. “What do you mean?”

“I mean you’ve been divorced for ten years now, yet you haven’t even begun to live again.”

He frowned. “Where’s this coming from?”

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately—without feeling sorry for myself,” she added. “I’m going to survive this and have a better life. I’ve made up my mind. But you, Ethan, I don’t think you’ve gotten over your divorce or Ryan’s—”

“That’s enough,” Ethan interrupted sternly.

“No, it isn’t,” Molly went on. “You’ve spent the last few years taking care of me, Travis and Pop. But who takes care of you? Who listens to your problems?”

He shifted uncomfortably. “When I was shot, you and Pop did a damn good job of it. You almost smothered me, and you know I don’t like that. I can take care of myself.”

“But you need a woman in your life—someone special.”

“I still don’t understand where all this is coming from,” he said. “I thought you were off love and marriage and all that.”

“I was, but I’ve met someone who’s making me see things differently.”

Ethan was dumbstruck. She’d been here two weeks and had already met someone? This wasn’t like Molly. She was deeply in love with Bruce, and she couldn’t turn her feelings off this quickly. So who was the new man?

Travis tapped him on the back. “Hey, big brother.”

Ethan stood and hugged Travis. A tall, suave-looking man stood beside Travis.

“Ethan, this is Rudy Boyd, owner of the club, and Rudy, this is Ethan, our older brother.” Travis made the introductions.

Ethan shook the man’s hand and instantly disliked him. He had black hair and dark eyes, and he looked somehow familiar. Where had he seen him before? When Rudy Boyd put his arm around Molly, his dislike grew.

“Your sister’s bringing in the customers,” Rudy said. “I’m trying to talk her into staying on. She brightens up the place.”

Molly smiled at Rudy with an infatuated expression and Ethan groaned inwardly. This was the man who made her feel attractive again. Couldn’t she see he was a slimeball? That was what Ethan had immediately labeled him, although he hoped his instincts were wrong.

“Rudy, you’re the sweetest man,” Molly gushed, and Ethan wanted to drag her out of here and take her home. He’d begun to believe she’d put her life together again, but now he had a feeling she was sinking into something worse.

“Time to get back on stage,” Travis said.

“Are you gonna stay?” Molly asked Ethan.

“No, I’ve got some work to do.”

“Okay, see you later,” Molly called as she and Travis walked off.

“Your sister’s very special,” Rudy remarked.

“And vulnerable,” Ethan murmured with a hidden warning.

The two men stared at each other for a moment, then Rudy said, “Well, nice meeting you, Ethan. Come back soon. I’m sure your sister would enjoy that.”

“I will,” Ethan replied with forced politeness. Rudy strolled away and Ethan continued to watch him. Where had he seen that smug face before? It would drive him crazy until he figured it out, but right now he had a job to do. He headed for his truck and the strip club.

THE PLACE was the same as it had been a couple of weeks ago—dark, sleazy and packed with men. He sat down and ordered a beer just as the lights above the stage came on. The club had several cages suspended from the ceiling, and partially dressed girls were dancing in them. But now the main attraction was starting. The men gathered close to the stage—actually more of a runway. Some of them were college students and some were in their sixties and seventies, but most of the men were about his age—and looking for something to spice up their lives.

Girl after girl came onto the runway, each taking off her clothes seductively, tantalizing the men, who threw money recklessly onto the stage and tried to grab them, but the girls always escaped.

The scene was becoming monotonous and Ethan’s hip began to ache, but he had to wait for the redhead. That was why he’d come to this tawdry place. A scantily clad waitress arrived at his table, asking if he wanted another beer. He hadn’t touched the first one, nor did he plan to; he’d ordered it just to show that he could resist the stuff. He didn’t understand why he had to do that, but he did.