Wild at Heart (Healing Harts) Page 27

  Bailey felt the two conflicting emotions at war within her. As confused as she was, her soul soared with Chase’s declaration and what he was willing to sacrifice to be with her. She knew what it would cost him to go back to working on a police force like LA’s. She also knew the danger it would put him into. It was a risk she would never want him undertaking.

  “I’m not staying here. Franklin called JD’s bluff and got us out of the bogus contract.” Surprise registered in his eyes and she nearly laughed. “Why would I stay here when everything, every one, I love is back home?”

  “Bailey, I saw you on that stage tonight. You come alive onstage.”

  She glanced down at the inches between them and back to his face. “I come alive right here.”

  A sly grin split his lips. “Okay, that was cheesy.”

  Bailey laughed along with him, letting the freedom of her happiness fill her, making her slightly giddy. “Maybe a little, but it doesn’t make it less true.”

  “I love you, Bailey Hart.”

  “And I love you, Chase,” she whispered against his mouth before sliding the tip of her tongue to trace his lower lip.

  Chase growled. “Please tell me you’re going to move in with me when we get back home.”

  “That’s all you want? For me to move in?” She arched a saucy brow and gently bit his chin.

  “I want far more than that.” His hands grasped her thighs, lifting her as she wrapped her legs around his hips and he walked her to the bathroom.

  “What about your ribs?”

  “They are the least of my concerns right now.”

  Bailey dragged her mouth from his. “Where are we going?”

  He settled her rear on the edge of the sink and leaned to one side to turn on the water in the tub. “First, I am going to run a bath and run my hands over every inch of your body. Then I’m going to take you back to that enormous bed and make love to you.” She couldn’t help the smile that spread over her lips, or the way her breath quickened at the thought. “Then, after a short nap, we’re going to check out of this very fancy hotel that makes me a little uncomfortable, and I’m going to take you home, where you belong.”

  Bailey reached for the hem of her shirt, tugging it over her head, and hopped down from the sink, reaching for the button on her jeans.

  “Whoa!” Chase reached for her fingers, stilling her hands. “You’re taking half of the fun out of this for me.”

  His fingers found the zipper of her pants and slid it down slowly as she grasped his biceps, her fingers digging into the flesh. His hand splayed over her hips and across her belly, low into the front of her jeans, grazing the heat she longed for him to reach, and Bailey arched into his touch. Chase slid her jeans and underwear down her thighs as she stepped out of them before he reached behind her and unclasped her bra, sliding the straps over her arms slowly, dropping it onto the pile on the floor.

  Bailey sighed as his lips moved over her neck, pressing hot kisses over her equally hot flesh. She wound her arms around him, pressing herself into the only place she could find the freedom she sought—his embrace. How ironic that the one place she felt free was in the arms of the man who’d captured her heart, the man who let her soar knowing she’d return to him. Chase understood her agony and she understood his. Together they didn’t care what anyone else thought and sheltered one another from the guilt and regret. Together, they focused on the future instead of the past.

  She tugged at his shirt and he jerked it over his head, unbuckling his belt and kicking his shoes off. Chase dropped his pants and boxer briefs, taking a step back to look at her. The hunger in his eyes made her decide foreplay was highly overrated. She wanted to climb on top of him now. Before she could make her move, Chase twisted his fingers between hers and stepped into the tub, sliding down the porcelain into the warm water with a sigh.

  “Join me?”

  He didn’t have to ask twice. Bailey stepped over the side and maneuvered herself between his thighs, pressing her back against his chest. The tub was large enough for them both to fit comfortably, stretched out, and she immediately began to relax. Chase reached for a washcloth and dipped it into the water, wringing it out over her shoulder and watching the water cover her breast.

  His fingers traced the phoenix tattoo on her shoulder as she looked back at him. “I’d like to hear the song sometime. The one that mother was talking about, about the phoenix.”

  Bailey pressed her lips together until she could swallow the knot in her throat and trust herself to speak. “It might be a little while before I can sing it again, but I will. It was sort of about you.”

  “Me?”

  She nodded. “About how I felt when I was with you. You’ve always made me feel like it was okay to be the real me, that I didn’t have to pretend with you and I could be the person I wanted to be.”

  He pressed a kiss to her temple, the rasp of his unshaven jaw creating a delicious friction that sent shivers of delight to every heated valley.

  “You sure you don’t want to stay in LA? I don’t want you to feel like you’re giving up your dream, like I didn’t listen or denied you the chance to pursue it.”

  “When you got hit by that bull, I thought I could lose you. I heard the doctor talking about what could go wrong, and how close you came. I realized then that if it meant keeping you safe, being with you, I’d give up singing forever. Singing was just a way to find myself. You are my dream.” She moved to her knees and turned to face him. “You are all I want.”

  “I don’t want you to feel trapped. I know what it meant for you to leave. I don’t ever want to take that freedom away from you.”

  “That was before you.” She laughed quietly and ran her hands over his slick chest. “Not to mention, I’d barely left LAX and couldn’t wait to get back home. And that is my home.”

  “Even with all of your neighbors watching your every move?” he teased.

  “There are a few people who love to gossip, but Mrs. Bale reminded me that just because people talk about me, doesn’t mean they aren’t there for me when I need them. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if not for some of those gossipers.”

  “I’ll remember to thank Kristen when we get back.”

  She turned and gave him a glare. “You mean you knew the things she was saying about me the entire time? And you still went out with her?”

  “I’d heard a lot of it. But I also knew how jealous she’s always been of you.” Chase’s hands moved over her waist to the curve of her breast, his thumb toying her nipple to a tight peak, distracting her from her irritation. “I like the idea of getting you back home.”

  “Don’t go all macho on me, Chase. You’re not going to try to make an honest woman out of me and get me to settle down are you?” Bailey straddled his lap, rising over him. “I have no desire to end up barefoot and pregnant.”

  “I wouldn’t dare. You’re a wild heart, and I love you for who you are, Bailey. I always have.”

  “IT’S ABOUT DAMN time,” Justin grumbled as Bailey jumped out of the truck and threw her arms around his waist. “You know I’m not happy you’re forcing my wife to keep secrets for you.”

  “I missed you, too.” She turned to Alyssa and hugged her as well, cooing to Sam on her hip. “And it means a lot that you kept my secret, Alyssa.”

  Gracie bolted from behind Justin’s house and scrambled around Chase’s feet, unable to contain her excitement and whining for his attention. Julia moved in for a quick hug before Jessie could press between them.

  “I’m hoping the fact that you’re back means you’ll still want to rent my house?” Alyssa asked. “I didn’t put an ad for it in the paper yet.”

  “I appreciate that, but I won’t be needing it.”

  Alyssa’s face fell as Chase dropped his arm around Bailey’s shoulders.

  “I was hoping that once you got a look at the shadier side of this business, you’d change your mind.”

  “Oh, I did,” Bailey assured her. “But I’m st
ill moving out.” Gracie began to circle them both, trying to get Bailey’s attention, so she reached down to rub the dog’s head. “And into Chase’s house.”

  “What?” Justin took a step toward the pair and Bailey jumped in between him and Chase.

  Jessie laughed at her brother. “Don’t even think about it, Justin. It’s about time you mind your own business.”

  Justin met Chase’s gaze over Bailey’s head. “I already owe you an ass-kicking. This isn’t helping your case.”

  “Shut up, Justin.” Dylan moved to Bailey’s side, wrapping her in a quick bear hug. “You can’t go around beating every man up who falls for one of them. For the record, people aren’t as afraid of you as you think they are.”

  The entire group laughed at the shock on Justin’s face. Bailey was surprised to hear Dylan come to her backup but appreciated the gesture.

  Justin stood clenching his jaw and Alyssa grinned at her husband, laying her hand over his chest as he puffed it out. “Don’t you listen to him, Justin. Everyone is afraid of you.” She shook her head. “So, moving in together, huh?”

  Chase shot Justin a mischievous glance. “Yeah, at least until I can get her to say yes.”

  Justin growled from behind Alyssa but Bailey spun on her heel, unsure she’d just heard Chase correctly, catching her heel in the crack of the sidewalk and stumbling, nearly falling to the ground. She reached out, catching herself on Chase’s arm.

  He winced at the pain in his ribs but couldn’t help but laugh. “Bailey, I have never met a more clumsy woman in my life.”

  “What did you just say?”

  “You’re a klutz?”

  “No, before that.” Her eyes were wide with shock. “Did you say—”

  “That I’m waiting for you to say yes?”

  “To?” She stood and cupped her hand at the side of his neck, looking up at him with every bit of adoration she possessed.

  The devotion in his eyes was too familiar. It was the look she’d seen in Julia’s and Dylan’s eyes, the same one Justin and Alyssa reserved for one another. It was the expression she’d longed to see but had thought was impossible.

  “Be my wife, Bailey. Let’s have the wildest, most incredibly exciting marriage anyone in this town has ever known.”

  Bailey couldn’t answer him past the lump in her throat. But Chase knew her. He didn’t need to hear her affirmative answer. Rising on her toes, she pressed her lips to his and made her answer known. She’d been so certain leaving was the answer to finding herself, to finding her freedom. Instead, she’d found it in the arms of the man she’d thought she could never have.

  “I love you,” she whispered. “You are stuck with this Hart forever.”

  Acknowledgments

  THE HEALING HARTS series has been an incredibly emotional series for me to write and has, at times, stretched me to my perceived limits, only to take me to the next level. First, I want to thank my amazing editor, Rebecca Lucash. I honestly don’t know how I got so lucky, but I just count my blessings that I did. Knowing I have you in my corner has made this journey a dream come true and I can’t wait to celebrate the next milestone with you.

  I want to thank my amazing agent, Suzie Townsend, who’s been right there for every cheerleading session needed, every reality check, and every emotion in between. Without you, I’d be lost. Thank you so much for the direction and for keeping me focused on what really needs my attention in a world trying to distract me with rabbit trails. You are the Yoda to my Luke Skywalker!

  To my writing buddies and T.J.’s Country Crew, who I can’t live without, you all know who you are! From book blurbs and late-night writing sessions to picking me up off the floor when I’m a shredded, emotional mess, you guys are there for me every step of the way. Even if it only means talking about shoes, food, television shows I should be watching, wine, and coffee. You keep me sane in an insane business.

  Thank you, readers! I pinch myself every time one of you asks when the next book is coming out. Every milestone I have reached, every page that is written is because of you and for you. You give me the desire to get in front of my computer every single day, and without you, I couldn’t possibly do what I do. I love you guys!

  For my family, we are a crazy, dysfunctional, fun, hot mess of a group, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Without you guys, my life would be boring. Boys, know that your mama always loves you and the men you are growing up to become. You’re turning into heroes from one of my stories. Baby girl, I love watching you spread your wings and fly, even if that means I don’t get to see your face as often as I’d like. I see you happy, and that makes me ecstatic. And finally, to the man I love. You give me all of the sappy, romantic moments that any writer could ever need, and then some to spare. Thank you for making it possible for me to follow my dreams.

  About the Author

  T. J. KLINE was raised competing in rodeos and Rodeo Queen competitions since the age of fourteen and has thorough knowledge of the sport as well as the culture involved. She writes contemporary Western romance for Avon Impulse, including four books in the Rodeo series and the Healing Harts series. She has published a nonfiction health book and two inspirational fiction titles under the name Tina Klinesmith. In her very limited spare time, T. J. can be found laughing hysterically with her husband, children, and their menagerie of pets in Northern California.

  Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

  Also by T. J. Kline

  Rodeo Novels

  Rodeo Queen

  The Cowboy and the Angel

  Learning the Ropes

  Runaway Cowboy

  Healing Harts Novels

  Heart’s Desire

  Taking Heart

  Close to Heart

  Wild at Heart

  Give in to your Impulses . . .

  Continue reading for excerpts from

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  EVERYTHING SHE WANTED

  BOOK FIVE: THE HUNTED SERIES

  by Jennifer Ryan

  WHEN WE KISS

  RIBBON RIDGE BOOK FIVE

  by Darcy Burke

  An Excerpt from

  EVERYTHING SHE WANTED

  Book Five: The Hunted Series

  By Jennifer Ryan

  Ben Knight has spent his life protecting those in need and helping abused women escape their terrible circumstances. He’ll stop at nothing to save the lives of his clients, especially the hauntingly beautiful Kate Morrison, a woman threatened by a man whose wealth allows him to get away with everything—including murder.

  Ben pulled in behind several police cars nearly thirty minutes later, their red and blue lights flashing. He turned off the car’s engine and sat staring up at the massive house. Morgan’s prediction played in his mind. This late at night, the woman meant for him had to be in that house. He hoped she wasn’t the dead woman Detective Raynott called him about.

  Evan Faraday hit Ben’s radar when Detective Raynott caught the case of a man found beaten to death in an alley after gambling with some guys in the bar, including Evan. That man was the son of one of his Haven House clients. Ben stepped in as a legal advocate for the family. The guy was only trying to scrape together extra money for his mother and sister. Evan played cards with the guy, but Raynott couldn’t link him to the murder. Not with any actual evidence, but the circumstantial kind added up to Evan drunk and pissed off about losing to the guy. Evan killed him; they just couldn’t prove it.

  More recently, Evan got into another bar fight. Donald Faraday paid off the guy with a heavy heart. He knew what and who his son was, but that didn’t stop him from getting Evan out of trouble. Again.

  Detective Raynott caught that case too. Ben asked the detective to call him if Evan got in trouble again. Ben wanted to take the selfish, smart-mouthed prick down. Then came the DUI arrest. Now he’d killed again.

  Ben got out of the car, tucked in his shirt, and stra
ightened his tie.

  “What am I doing?” He was at a murder scene, not meeting a date for drinks and dinner.

  But she was in there. He knew it. Anticipated it. And hoped he wasn’t a fool for believing in Morgan.

  The anticipation and hope swamping his system surprised him more than a little. He hadn’t realized how much he wanted a woman in his life. Not just any woman, but the right woman.

  “I’m sorry, sir, this is an active crime scene. Law enforcement only,” the officer guarding the police line said. Ben noted the neighbors’ interest. They lined the street, whispering to each other and staring at him. Some in their bathrobes, others in lounge clothes. This late at night the sirens got most of them up out of their beds. In this neighborhood, a murder was the last thing they expected.

  “My name is Ben Knight. Detective Raynott called and asked me to come.”

  The officer held the tape up for him to pass. “He’s in the living room. Give your name to the officer at the door.”

  Ben did and stepped into the elegant home and surveyed the officers and crime scene techs working the scene at the back of the house and what looked like the entrance to the kitchen. He spotted Detective Raynott standing over a woman with long brown wavy hair, a baby sleeping in a car seat at her feet. With her back to him, he couldn’t see her face, but something about her seemed familiar. A strange tug pulled him toward her.

  “Ben, you made it. Thanks for coming,” Detective Raynott said, waving him forward.

  “Anything to nail Evan Faraday and see him behind bars.”