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  “I don’t play fair when it’s about your health. You wouldn’t go to the doctor, so Brandon brought Nora out here.”

  Nora didn’t hesitate; she simply marched across the room to Cade Randell. She smiled, and Brandon felt jealous it was directed at his father.

  “Hello, Cade,” she said. “I hear you’ve had some trouble with your wounds.”

  Brandon watched in amazement as his father’s expression softened. “Nothing to worry about,” Cade said. “But I’m wrapped up so tight I can’t even move.”

  Nora raised an eyebrow. “Maybe I can help with that. Would you mind if I had a look?”

  Cade shrugged. “Why not? I won’t get any peace around here until you do.” He walked to the ottoman and sat down.

  Nora quickly washed up in the connecting bathroom. On her return, she went to work and began removing the bloodstained bandages around his father’s torso and shoulder. His mother came into the room with a large emergency kit. She opened it, but didn’t hang around. She walked out. “Come on, Brandon, help me make some lunch.”

  Brandon had always thought the kitchen was the best part of this big, old house. It had been remodeled about five years ago. Rich cherrywood cabinets lined the walls, with solid granite countertops the color of sand with sparkles of rich brown tones. An oversize farmer’s sink sat under the window that overlooked the ranch’s center of operations: the barn and corral.

  He pulled out a high-back chair and sat at the long table. “Has dad been like this since you brought him home?”

  She nodded. “He isn’t taking anything for the pain, either. That’s okay, but he has to stay still at least for a few days.” She opened the refrigerator and pulled out a platter of ham. “He tried to ride out with Jay this morning.”

  Suddenly his father’s laughter rang from the other room and his mother raised an eyebrow. “Should I be jealous of Nora?”

  “Right now, I’m jealous of Dad.”

  His mother came to the table. “You’re so much like him. Oh, you might not have Cade’s rough edges, but you have the same seriousness, the same loyalty to your beliefs, and the people you love.” She touched his jaw. “Have I told you how proud I am of you?”

  He nodded. “I’ve always known that.”

  His mother sat down next to him. “I like Nora.”

  “So do I.” He sat back with a sigh. “I just wish she liked me a little more.”

  Abby raised an eyebrow. “She has a lot to deal with. She lost a husband at a young age, and her job is demanding, and her son… Zach’s condition has to be a struggle.” She faced him. “A lot of men would walk away from that situation.”

  “Why? Zach’s a great kid. He’s just having some trouble adjusting to his medication.”

  Tears filled his mother’s eyes.

  “What?”

  She shook her head. “Oh, Brandon, you’re definitely one of the good guys.” She leaned over and kissed him.

  “Great. I get kisses from my mother.”

  “Be patient and I’m sure you’ll get plenty of kisses from someone else.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  His mother smiled. “If you don’t come on like a gangbuster. Give Nora some space. If she’s guarded, she might have good reason to be.”

  There was more laughter from the other room. “Except maybe around your father, but that means she’s starting to trust you, too, because we’re your family. Of course, you daddy is a pretty good charmer.”

  Brandon knew he could rely on Abby Randell’s insight. He, too, had picked up his own signs that something in Nora’s past had kept her from being too trusting with people.

  His mother’s green eyes locked with his. “Nora needs to be convinced that you’ll stick around when things get rough.” She placed her hand on his. “But I think you’ve already decided that.”

  “It would be smarter not to be involved, but with Nora Donnelly I can’t seem to help myself.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  LATER that night, Nora drove home after her shift ended at the hospital. It was nearly ten o’clock and she was tired. Another long day. Normally tomorrow would be her day off, but the hospital was shorthanded, so she’d volunteered to help out. She couldn’t afford to turn down the extra money, in case she had to move on quickly.

  Thinking of money. She still had to go to the bank in the morning to have her funds released. It was a good thing she’d kept cash on hand. That way she didn’t leave anything to trace.

  Nora drove down the street and parked in her space. After turning off the engine, she sat for a moment. Was her account getting compromised just a coincidence, or had Jimmy found her? Was he playing with her? She didn’t have any proof that he’d found her. Rey Alcazar, aka Jimmy Archer, was in jail awaiting trial and if she were lucky he’d be sent to prison for a long, long time. Until then she had to be vigilant. That meant she couldn’t get involved with anyone. No more afternoons spent with Brandon, or having lunch with his family. If Jimmy learned the connection he would hurt them.

  Yet, for a few hours today she’d relaxed, even fantasized about how it would feel to be part of a family like the Randells. Where Zach could feel loved and secure.

  Her thoughts turned to Brandon. She couldn’t let herself think of him as anything other than the detective working on her case. She couldn’t even dream about someone like Brandon in her life, or how easily it would be to fall for him. No, she couldn’t let this go any further. Now that Pete Carlson had been caught, there wasn’t any reason for her to see him again.

  She climbed out of her car and walked to her apartment. After unlocking the door, she went in, but stopped short on seeing Brandon in her kitchen. Her son, dressed in his pajamas, was seated across from him eating a bowl of cereal.

  Brandon saw her first. With a smile, he stood. “You’re home.”

  “Mom, hi,” Zach said as he got up and hurried to her.

  For a second it seemed the most natural thing in the world for both of them to greet her. Yeah, if it were a perfect world.

  Nora hugged her son. “Hey, what are you still doing up? And where’s Millie?”

  “She got sick and started throwing up. A lot,” Zach told her. “So I called Brandon and he came over.”

  “Oh, Zach, you should have called me.” She looked at Brandon. “I’m sorry he bothered you.”

  “It’s not a bother, Nora. You came out to check on my dad today. Is this any different?”

  It was different since she’d just sworn off the good-looking cowboy. “It’s still an inconvenience.”

  “Not for me. We’ve been having a good time, right, Zach?”

  He nodded. “Yeah, Mom. We played Star Wars and watched a video. It was fun.”

  She smiled, stealing a look at Brandon. “I bet it was.”

  “It was fun,” Brandon confirmed. “I happen to like Star Wars.”

  She turned back to her son. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine. I showed Brandon how to test my blood sugar.” The boy shrugged. “He said he wanted to learn.”

  “So everything is okay?”

  The boy nodded. “Yeah, Millie helped me with my shot before she got sick.”

  “Okay, then, it’s time for you to be in bed.”

  Her son started to argue, but exchanged a glance with Brandon. “Sure, Mom. Can Brandon read me a story?”

  She felt a twinge of hurt, then realized how much her son needed male attention. She studied the man dressed in jeans and a dark T-shirt, and her pulse shot off. She wouldn’t mind some of his attention herself.

  She felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Maybe you should ask Brandon.”

  “Sure,” he said. “But go brush your teeth, then give a shout when you’re in bed.”

  They both watched Zach run off. Brandon turned to Nora. He wasn’t sure how she’d take to him being here. One thing was for sure, she looked tired. With reason, after spending eight hours on her feet. But take his help? He wasn’t so sure she would.
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  “Millie was going to call you, but when I got here, she was pretty weak. I was more concerned about getting her home.”

  “So when my son called you, you came running.”

  He smiled and nodded. As far as Brandon could guess Nora Donnelly hadn’t gone out of her way to get to know many people. Millie Carter was pretty much it. “There wasn’t anyone else listed. He trusted me enough to call.”

  She sighed. “I just don’t want Zach to keep calling you whenever he feels like it. He’s taking advantage.”

  Brandon wished the boy’s mother would take advantage of him. “I told you both to call me anytime.” He took a step closer. “Don’t you understand, Nora? I want to be that guy. I want to spend time with you, and with Zach.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “And I told you it isn’t a good idea.”

  She stared up at him with those rich blue eyes, and he could see that she was denying the truth. He could see that his closeness was affecting her, too.

  He wanted to push it further. “Then this probably isn’t, either.”

  As Brandon dipped his head, her rapid breath fanned his cheek and fueled his desire. His hands cupped her face, his thumbs sliding over the smooth, pale skin of her cheeks. Her eyes grew wide, her throat worked to swallow, but she didn’t pull away.

  “But I can’t seem to resist you,” he whispered. Then he claimed her mouth with his, lips moving over hers, gently at first. Hearing her soft moan, he gave himself up to the need within and deepened the kiss. He parted her lips, sweeping his tongue into her warmth, exploring her secrets. He felt each and every breath, rushing in and out of her lungs. She clung to him, and gave back everything he asked for. And it wasn’t enough. He wanted more.

  He needed more.

  They were both gasping by the time he finally released her. Still holding her, Brandon rested his chin on top of her head, and fought to steady his own heart rate. When he felt capable of forming words, he finally added. “Woman, you pack a wallop.”

  She slipped from his embrace. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

  He couldn’t help but grin. “Darlin’ it was bound to happen. You and me, we’re explosive together.”

  Nora didn’t deny it, but she didn’t have to like it. “I should check on Millie.” She began backing up and bumped into the counter, but still couldn’t take her eyes off the man who was turning her brain into mush. “Could you watch Zach for just a while longer?”

  “As long as you want. I’ll be here waiting,” he promised.

  That was what she was afraid of. “Thanks,” she managed before she grabbed her keys and left.

  In the cool night, she leaned back against the closed door to catch her breath. What had she done? She touched her mouth. She could still feel and taste Brandon. The sin of it was, she wanted more than anything to go back for more.

  She wanted Brandon Randell.

  “Why did you kiss my mom?”

  Brandon’s head shot up from the storybook he’d been reading. The inquisitive seven-year-old was tucked into the twin bed, waiting for an answer.

  Brandon usually wasn’t at a loss for words. Until now. He’d never dated anyone with a child before. Technically he wasn’t dating Nora.

  “Well… I like your mom.”

  “But she’s a girl.” The boy said it like it was a disease. “You like kissing girls?”

  Brandon had to work not to smile. “I didn’t at seven, but I do now. If she’s the right girl.”

  The boy’s dark eyes turned thoughtful. “And Mom’s pretty, too.”

  “Zach, does it bother you that I like your mom?”

  He rubbed his hand under his nose. “Not if you’re nice to her. I don’t want you to be mean like he was.”

  That immediately alerted Brandon. “Someone was mean to her?”

  The child glanced away and shrugged. “I’m not supposed to talk about it, ’cause he scares me.”

  Brandon tensed. He couldn’t handle men who picked on women and children. “Did he hurt you?”

  “No, Mom didn’t let him. But he hit her and it made me cry.”

  Brandon had to work hard to hide his anger. “Who did this, son?”

  The boy hesitated, then said, “My dad. But he’s not my dad anymore.”

  Brandon was almost happy the guy was dead. “Look, son, you don’t have to worry about me ever hurting your mom. I promise you I would never lay a hand on her or you. I care about you both.”

  All at once it struck him what he was promising. These two were becoming important to him. He wanted to take care of them. As if Nora would let that happen. “Now, I think it’s time you go to sleep.”

  The boy didn’t move. “Do you think seven is too old to hug?”

  Brandon gave an exaggerated frown. “You’re never too old for hugs.” Brandon wrapped his arms around the boy’s small frame. His chest tightened and a feeling went through him that he couldn’t describe, but it was all good. He also remembered being Zach’s age when his dad came into his life. Cade’s love gave him a secure feeling like he’d never had before. He wanted Zach to feel the same.

  Brandon released Zach, tucked in the blanket and whispered good-night and closed the door. He pulled out his cell phone and punched the number he’d memorized as a child. On the second ring, the familiar deep voice answered.

  “Hello, son,” Cade Randell answered.

  “Hi, Dad,” he said, a little hoarseness in his voice.

  “Is something wrong?”

  No, everything was right. “I just wanted to know how you were doing.”

  “Much better now since your lady fixed me so I can move around. I like her, Brandon.”

  “I like her, too.”

  There was a pause. “So this is serious.”

  He didn’t even have to think about it. “I can’t seem to convince her of that, but I’m working on it.”

  “Your mother didn’t exactly make it easy for me, either. It took a lot to win her. We were both pretty stubborn. But I have to say it was definitely worth it.”

  Brandon leaned against the wall. It felt good to talk with his dad. They used to do it all the time. When had it stopped? “Got any ideas on what I can do?”

  “Yeah. Since I won’t be able to team up with Travis in the calf roping event at the rodeo, I told him you’d go in my place.”

  Brandon groaned. “Dad, I haven’t done any roping in years. I’ll make a fool of myself.”

  “Come on, son. You’re a Randell—it comes natural to you.”

  Nora walked in just as Brandon closed his phone. She wasn’t sure what to say.

  Brandon finally spoke. “How’s Millie?”

  “Terrible, but she’s finally keeping some tea and toast down. She’s feeling too bad to watch Zach tomorrow. I need to call work.” She went to the phone, but his words stopped her.

  “Hey, I’m off tomorrow. I can watch Zach.”

  She shook her head. “No, I can’t ask you to do that.”

  He crossed the kitchen. “You didn’t ask, Nora, I offered. If you’re worried about my experience, I was eight years old when Jay was born, then only a little older when my sister, Kristin, came along. I watched them both.”

  Nora knew it wasn’t the same thing. “But Zach has to be monitored.”

  “I know. He needs insulin to help regulate his blood sugar. I took EMT training, I can administer a shot.”

  Brandon Randell was definitely working his way into her life. Problem was, she was letting him.

  “Nora, have I given you any reason not to trust me?”

  Trust had never come easy for her. “Of course not. It’s just you’re spending far too much time with us…and I can’t let that happen.”

  “Because you’re afraid that I’ll turn out to be like your husband?”

  She felt the panic build, constricting her chest, her ability to get enough air. “What do you know about my husband?”

  “Zach let it slip that he wasn’t a nice man.”
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  Oh, God. What had her son told him? “I don’t want to talk about this, Brandon. It’s over now.” She walked out, trying to get away from the questions, from having to make up more lies.

  It didn’t work as Brandon followed her into the small living room.

  “Nora, I understand what you’re going through.”

  She swung around. Suddenly she couldn’t hold it in any longer. “No, you don’t. You have no idea what it’s like to be afraid every day you wake up and wonder what you’re going to do to set him off.” She clamped her mouth shut, but too late, she’d already revealed too much. When Brandon came toward her, she wanted nothing more than to let him comfort her, to lean into his strength and forget all about the past. Instead she automatically backed up.

  “I do know, Nora, because I spent seven years living with an abusive man.”

  She gasped, and her gaze searched his. “Your dad?”

  “No, my mother’s first husband. Cade Randell didn’t come into my life until I was about Zach’s age. That’s when he learned I was his biological son.”

  She watched him, thinking about Abby Randell, recalling her strength, her poise and confidence. “Is that why your mother helped build the shelter?”

  Brandon nodded. “The project helped her deal with the past, too. She’s helped a lot of women over the years. One of them is my aunt Maura. She came to the shelter with her kids, Jeff and Holly. They’d been on the run from her ex-husband. In fact, they were living in Uncle Wyatt’s house when he bought the place. Surprise, you get a house, and a family is included.”

  Nora didn’t want to think about the similarities. “Did her ex-husband ever find her?”

  Brandon’s gaze hardened. “Yeah, he found out where she was, but Dad and my uncle were waiting. Her ex went to prison, and Wyatt married Maura.” He smiled. “And I got two more cousins—Holly is away at college, and Jeff chose a career in the military. They won’t be at the rodeo, but you’ll get to meet a lot of other cousins.”

  She shook her head. “No, I can’t meet any more of your family.” She just realized how sad that made her feel. “They’ll think we’re together…a couple.”