The Texan Takes A Wife

Chelsea turned to face her, shaking off whatever it was in her head. “What? I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.”

She smiled. “You went somewhere.”

“Yeah, I did. Forgive me.”

“It’s okay. I think I know what it’s about.”

Chelsea stared into her eyes for a second and then shook her head. “I still can’t believe some creep actually snapped nude photos of me in the club’s locker room and posted them on Skinterest of all places. I’m no wilting willow, but I’m floored by his or her audacity. This Maverick has been causing havoc at TCC for months now and we’re no closer to finding out who it is than the day it all began.”

Erin sympathized with her. She hadn’t had nude photos displayed to the world, but she had been involved in a scandal in Seattle, and she knew how violated she’d felt when it all came down. She softened her voice. “Will shared some of that with me. Gosh, I’m so sorry. For a while, didn’t they think they’d found the jerk doing this?”

“Yeah, there was some evidence pointing to Adam Haskell, even though the man hadn’t any keen knowledge of computers, certainly not enough to cyber attack the residents of Royal. But it became obvious after Mr. Haskell died in a car crash that it wasn’t him. Evidence had been planted in his car, making him a victim of Maverick too.”

“Poor man.”

“Yes, that’s why I seem so distracted today. Those photos that surfaced are proof that the cyberbully is alive and well, and who knows what else he’ll do.”

“Chelsea, I’ve got nothing but time on my hands right now. I would love to pitch in and help in any way I can to help you find this guy. I’m not as tech oriented as you or Will, but I can come at it from a fresh perspective. Maybe find something hiding in plain sight.”

“I think that’s a great idea. I’ve been splitting my time between the investigation and working at the family business. I could really use the extra help. But are you sure?”

“Believe me, I’m sure. I know a little of what you’re going through. That feeling of being betrayed and the helplessness that settles around your heart.”

“Oh, wow, Erin. Sounds like you’ve had man trouble. Recently?”

Well, Chelsea was perceptive. And Erin wasn’t going to hold back any longer. She didn’t really have anyone here in Texas to talk to, and Chelsea had already shared so much with her. Fair was fair. Besides, Erin could use a friend and her inner voice was telling her she could trust Chelsea Hunt. “Yes, back in Seattle. It was an awful situation. I was involved with a man named Rex Talbot. Have you heard of him?”

“Vaguely, but I don’t know much other than he runs a megacorporation. He keeps a low profile.”

“Yes, well, when I met him, it was at a private school’s music program. I’m a musical director and teacher by profession and initially I thought he was the father of one of the students. He was charming and lovely. My interest in him had nothing to do with money. It was the furthest thing from my mind, and I truly liked him. After our first date, he confessed that he was the school’s anonymous benefactor. I was over the moon thinking I’d met such a kind and generous man. He told me he wasn’t married and had no children and I had no reason not to believe him. He wasn’t over-the-top, we did low-key things that didn’t warrant any sort of glamorous news. I fell for him and we had an intimate relationship for months.”

“And don’t tell me, then his wife showed up?”

“Yes. Cliché, isn’t it? I never thought it would happen to me. I was blinded by his charm and had no clue he was lying to me. But his wife, who had been out of the country the entire time, returned with a vengeance and found out about our relationship. As low-key as Rex was, his wife, a socialite from birth, made all kinds of noise in the local school district, thinking nothing about scandalizing my good name, blaming me, of course, for homewrecking. It was humiliating and the situation brought the school undue negative attention.”

“Oh, wow. I’m so sorry, Erin.”

“Thanks. But if there was a silver lining, it was that the school administration was wonderful, sticking up for me and defending my reputation. They asked me not to resign my position, but at that time, I was distraught and embarrassed for myself as well as the school. I appreciated their support more than they’ll ever know, but I just couldn’t stay on.

“The worst of it was that Rex didn’t stick up for me. He crawled back to his wife and threw me under the proverbial bus. My judgment was way off and I made a big mistake.”

“Honey, don’t you dare put the blame on yourself. He lied to you. He led you on. He was a jerk. That’s a fact.”

A chuckle escaped her mouth and she grinned. “You’re right. I am so over Rex Talbot now. I figure the two of them deserve each other.”

“For sure,” Chelsea said. “I take it Will’s job offer came at a good time for you?”

“It did. I needed change. Will’s a good friend who went through a terrible loss when his wife died. We were both at loose ends, and so because he believed in me, he hired me as Faye’s nanny. Oh, I loved taking care of that little doll. When Will’s job brought him here to Royal, I came along as her nanny.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad we’ve met. And if you’re available to help with the investigation, I’m actually going to the club’s main office tonight. My big brother was supposed to meet me, but something came up and he had to cancel. I plan on diving into some files. If you’re free, you could help me. I know it’s short notice and—”

“Of course. I would love to. What time?”

“Can you meet me at nine?”

“I’ll be there.”

* * *

That evening with a renewed sense of purpose, Erin entered the main entrance of the Texas Cattleman’s Club, and showed her guest pass to the attendant at the front desk. It was late at night and the place, normally bustling with both men and women, now that the club allowed both sexes in equally, was nearly empty but for a few people walking out of the facility as she was walking in.

She strode past the dining area and secondary lobby, and walked down a long corridor of offices until she came to the door at the end of the hallway marked Texas Cattleman’s Club and underneath, Staff Only.

She was ten minutes early and anxious to get started. She didn’t mind the wait. This was the most exciting thing going on in her life since her ride on that bull and her encore ride—showing much more endurance with cowboy Dan—later that night.

She’d giggle and think it funny, but it wasn’t a laughing matter. Not only did she miss the cowboy, not being able to get him off her mind, she’d also missed her period two days ago and she was normally right on schedule, month after month. Stress could mess up a woman’s schedule, and it had only been two days, after all. She filled her lungs and steadied her breathing.

At least she could assist Chelsea in finding the sleaze who’d posted those pictures of her. Erin was glad she’d asked for her help. She’d been just about ready to throw in the towel and scurry back to her studio apartment in Seattle with her tail between her legs, as discouraging as that notion was.

On habit, she pulled out her cell and studied her phone messages, checking to see if Chelsea had texted. Then she heard the definite sound of footsteps on the floor, getting louder and heading her way.

She dumped her phone back into her purse and turned to face Chelsea.

Only, it wasn’t Chelsea, it was a big tall handsome beast of a man, wearing a black Stetson, jeans and a tails-out white shirt. The sleeves were rolled up, hugging his biceps to distraction.

She blinked.

“Erin?”

The low timbre of his voice did crazy things to her, reminding her how he’d whispered her name over and over while making love to her.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

His eyes were so blue, so amazingly bright right now, she wanted to throw her arms around him, but she also wanted to thrash his hide for not pursuing her, even a little.

“I’m, uh, meeting a friend,” she said. “What are you...?” Then it dawned on her like some insanely wicked twist that maybe this wasn’t a coincidence. Oh no. “You’re not Chelsea’s brother, are you?” she squeaked.

“You know my sister?”

Erin’s eyes blinked shut. She couldn’t believe this. She leaned her back against the door so it could hold her upright, rather than having her limbs crumble to the floor. She managed a nod.

“How?”

She opened her eyes. “We have mutual friends.”

Dan moved in on her, his presence surrounding her like a fortress, his lime scent reaching her nostrils. He wasn’t smiling, but his eyes blazed with some sort of relief. He put his hand up to touch her face, but then let his arm drop down before making contact. His gaze stayed on her and she didn’t know which emotion to cling to, which emotion to believe: the one that wanted to invite Dan to touch her, because oh how she craved it; or the one that poured acid into her stomach, warning her not to go near him again.

“I went back to the Dark Horse the next night looking for you,” he confessed.