Redeemer Page 8

  Yes, Sophie was well aware of how hard grief was to live with, but at that moment, all she could do was imagine Adrian in a sex-charged club with his choice of women willing to submit to his demands. Maybe that was what she needed to get over her ill-conceived interest in him. If he became engaged with someone else, or several others in the upcoming weeks, she could concentrate on other outlets for herself, like more riding lessons.

  “It has been, for all of us,” Nora said. “It helps having friends who understand though. We should probably get back.”

  “And I have to pick up groceries, if one of you can point me in the right direction.”

  “It’s on the next block. Come on, I’ll run you over.” Nora stood and held up the book. “Thanks again, Skye.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll be sure to come in once your shop is open, and bring a few friends.”

  “She’s nice,” Sophie commented when Skye waved goodbye after they followed her out.

  In fact, everyone she’d met so far had been friendly and welcoming, with the exception of Adrian who blew hot and cold. Funny that he was the one she was drawn to the most. With luck, he would return to the club they mentioned and find someone to distract him from his loss so she could concentrate on other diversions for herself.

  ****

  “You’re aware I can’t open an investigation without something to go on, right?” Shawn asked Adrian. “I read the coroner’s report and the accident report the Parks investigator wrote. No evidence of foul play was mentioned.”

  “I read them, too, but they didn’t know her.” Adrian blew out a frustrated breath, fighting to keep his emotions in check and wishing Shawn wasn’t right. Shawn and Clayton, the county DA, had both listened with an open mind, their faces reflecting compassion for his strong conviction regarding the circumstances of Nicole’s fall. But he craved action, not sympathy. “I may have been late in learning about her affair, but Nicole had been traipsing through those woods since she was a teenager and could hike that trail blindfolded without falling off.”

  Clayton swallowed his bite of brisket burger before saying, “You mentioned a journal. You’ve been friends a long time with the people you suspect. Bonds like that are coveted by most, and a lot to risk if you’re wrong. Would Nicole have written anything negative about any of you, especially the person she was stepping out with?”

  At one time, Adrian would have said absolutely not, without having to think about his answer, even though she was the one who had mentioned she wrote everything in her journal, from private thoughts to discussions and disagreements with others. There were many times when the seven of them were all together that they indulged in a healthy debate over hot topics. Voices were raised, and friendly arguments would take place, but not one of them would turn disparaging toward another.

  “I don’t know about negative, but I’ve no doubt she revealed who she was sleeping with, and that person is the only one who would have a motive if she planned to end it, as she told me that day.”

  He could remember her face, her tone, when he’d confronted Nicole about her affair and informed her he’d filed for divorce. She’d honestly believed all she had to say was she’d planned on ending it already and wanted to make it up to him, as if he would just forgive her and carry on with their marriage that had started deteriorating long before she’d cheated.

  Shawn ran his fingers up and down his glass of iced tea as he regarded him from across the table. Even in the dim lighting of the Watering Hole, Adrian could tell the sheriff had reservations. He didn’t care. That wouldn’t stop him from pursuing every angle until he exhausted all efforts.

  “I understand your quest for the truth, Adrian, and if you find her journal, bring it in and we can go over it together.”

  “Thanks, Shawn. I appreciate that.” Even more so because of his skepticism. “On to a more pleasant topic – what do I have to do to update my membership at Spurs?”

  Both men were happy to talk about something else, and Shawn told him about the second floor and private rooms they had added to the renovated log structure outside of town. The new bondage chair and bed they’d recently purchased put all kinds of images in his head, but when the woman he imagined restrained on either apparatus resembled Sophie, he clenched his jaw in frustration. The point of returning to the club after his long absence was to work his interest in her out of his system, not to encourage those wayward thoughts.

  “Sounds good,” he said as the server returned with their checks. “I’ll take care of my dues when I get back to the ranch.” He signed the credit card slip then reached for his phone at his waist, hearing it buzz. “Excuse me,” he said, seeing Sophie’s number. “Are you ready?” he answered, guessing that’s why she was calling.

  “Yes, but take your time if you’re not. I can wait.”

  “We’ve just finished, and I already went to the feedstore, so I’ll head over.”

  Adrian clicked off and stood, holding his hand out to his friends. “Again, I appreciate the support and you listening to me. This place hasn’t changed.” He looked around the bar, noting there were still people dining and hanging out even though it was midafternoon on a weekday. Jessie didn’t open his place until five but still drew a decent-enough crowd to make a substantial profit. However, he might mention to him about offering lunch a few days a week as that could bring in new customers. “They’ve seemed to do a good business. Next time you want to take an evening drive, come out to the Drop In. A friend owns it, and your first round is on me. You can introduce me to your wives.”

  “Speaking of, I need to pick up Skye. Adrian, you come up with anything, call. In the meantime, as soon as I can get away, I’ll take you up on your offer.” Clayton shook his hand, grabbed his hat off the chair, and put it on then walked out with a wave toward Shawn. “Catch you later.”

  Shawn came around the table and walked out with Adrian, saying, “Same goes for me. If you come up with anything, we’ll investigate. And I apologize for not reaching out sooner.”

  Adrian shrugged as they stepped outside. “My fault for staying away so long. I let Nicole talk me into limiting our play to small parties at the house these past five years. She was more comfortable, and I still tried to make the marriage work even though I realized my mistake early in.”

  “No doubt, you’ve had it rough, but I admire your dedication in the face of everything. Regardless of her behavior, she deserves justice, if it is proven her death wasn’t accidental.”

  Sucking in a deep lungful of cool, mountain air, he nodded, feeling better hearing someone else agreed with him there. “That she does. Thanks. I’ll see you this weekend.”

  Adrian pulled in front of the grocery store and, the minute he saw Sophie, his gut clenched against the impact of those haunted eyes. Saturday couldn’t come soon enough to suit him, he decided, getting out to help her load the groceries.

  Chapter Six

  “Her riding is coming along,” Ashe commented as he and Adrian neared the stable yard, returning from a morning of riding fences.

  “Surprising, since she’s never ridden before.”

  Adrian eyed Sophie astride Nightingale, looking at ease on the large black. Most people who had never been around horses would find the mare’s size alone intimidating, but she had taken to the saddle as quickly as she had the horse. Every time he walked into a room in the house, he noticed the efforts she’d put into eliminating the months of neglect that had piled up. She hadn’t appeared daunted by either the square footage or the work waiting for her this past week; instead, she just dove in and did what needed to be done a little at a time. The job was a huge step down from her position running a bed-and-breakfast in an historic mansion in New Orleans, yet she never acted as if the work was beneath her.

  Altogether, there was a lot to admire about his new employee, and no one had intrigued him this much in a long, long time. In another time, either before Nicole died or after he found who was responsible, he might pursue this interest. But this was now, and he wouldn’t let a mild case of lust-induced attraction deter him from his goal. Once he took this edge off his long celibacy, he was confident he would stop wanting to do something about the pain reflected in her lavender-blue eyes.

  “Nightingale’s a sweetheart, and they make a good match. Nora and Rachel have always been fond of her. Nicole, too, for that matter.” Ashe stiffened then sent Adrian a cautious glance.

  “Relax,” he drawled, pulling up on King’s reins. “I’m not going to fly off the handle because you mentioned her.”

  “Well, nowadays, none of us know what to expect from you. Speaking of Nora and Rachel…”

  He followed the direction of Ashe’s nod and saw the girls getting out of Rachel’s Fiat and Dustin entering the corral to assist Sophie down. Reining in his mount, Adrian heard Sophie ask his hired hand, “Do you have time to ride with me outside the corral? I’d love to explore some of the ranch.”

  Dustin reached up and clasped her waist as she swung a leg over. “Maybe in an hour or two, when I finish a few things.”

  “We’ll tag along, Sophie,” Nora chimed in as she and Rachel reached the fence. “We came out early, before going to the Drop In, to go for a ride. You don’t mind, do you, Adrian?”

  He did, distrust of his friends the reason for his immediate denial. Regardless of believing one of them had argued with Nicole then betrayed her in the worst possible way, he’d never thought that person was a threat to anyone else. Whatever had gone down on that ledge, he was convinced had gotten out of control through unsuspecting, uncontrollable rage. It was the only explanation for why one of them would have turned on Nicole with such deadly consequences.

  Adrian and Ashe dismounted, and he cut his gaze to Sophie, who appeared small next to Nighting
ale. She stared at him with a hopeful expression, her shoulders tense, as if holding her breath for his answer.

  “I can tag along, too—”

  Adrian went rigid and cut Ashe off. “I’ll take you, Sophie.”

  His cousin’s gray-blue eyes flashed with ire, his hands balling into fists, and he took an aggressive step toward him.

  “Come on, you two.” Rachel moved between them, her soft voice enough to defuse the inner turmoil tearing them apart. “Let’s go for a fun ride, show Sophie around your place.” She sent Sophie a teasing glance. “We’ll make a cowgirl out of the city girl.”

  “You can try,” Sophie returned with a small grin that failed to erase the unease on her face.

  Adrian blew out a breath and shrugged at Ashe. “Let’s all go for a short one together. It’s been a while.”

  “Whose fault is that?” Ashe snapped before visibly relaxing his bunched muscles. “I’ll get us some fresh mounts.”

  “I can get your rides for you two,” Dustin told Rachel and Nora, handing the reins to Sophie. “You haven’t ridden her hard enough to need another horse. She’s good to go.”

  Adrian held open the gate and beckoned her forward. “Lead her out here, and I’ll help you mount up when they return. Are you warm enough with what you’re wearing? It’ll likely feel cooler out on the range.” He took in her blue sweatshirt with NOLA in bright pink lettering, and those damn jeans that hugged her ass as she dismounted.

  “Yes, I’m comfortable. I heard it might turn colder soon, so I’m grateful you’re willing to go out with me.” She stopped in front of him with a tentative smile. “If you’re sure?”

  “I’m sure.” She cocked her head at his clipped tone. “I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t. Let Nightingale get a drink in the trough while I unsaddle King.”

  He yanked on the saddle cinch, annoyed with her for reading him so well, and himself for letting that get to him. Within ten minutes, they were all mounted and riding out, Sophie staying close to him as he’d instructed. Midafternoon was the warmest part of the day this time of year, but the breeze still carried a nip and the air a hint of winter.

  “Except for the grasses, everything is still so green,” Sophie murmured, her eyes on the surrounding woods as they rode across the pastureland, her mind on Adrian and his questionable mood. At least the tenseness between him and Ashe seemed to have eased up, so the ride started out on a pleasant note rather than a sour one.

  “The woods are mostly made up of pine and fir trees that stay green year round. The ones around Adrian and Ashe’s home are King Maples and river birches. When the snow comes, it’ll bother us more than the greenery around here.” Nora shuddered. “I hate the cold.”

  “Yet you don’t leave,” Ashe said, riding in between the two women.

  Nora shrugged. “It’s home.”

  That, Sophie understood. Homesickness had plagued her in the evenings this past week when she would go upstairs to her room after dinner. Rather than test her ability to resist the sexual tug her boss had awakened inside her with his intense stares and thick muscles, she thought it best to spend the evenings alone. She had enjoyed her afternoon with Nora and Rachel, so much so, she missed her friends back home even more. There was no one she was as close to as these two were, but the few she did things with had been friends since college, over ten years now.

  She’d been a workaholic until she had Kasey, and then motherhood had consumed her every moment, both at work and home. Since her passing, not much else had mattered, not even maintaining those friendships. It had taken coming here and witnessing this group of friends to reveal the mistake she’d made in turning away those who had reached out to her.

  Adrian pointed toward the woods where a wide path cut a swath through the dense trees. “You can either walk or ride that trail, Sophie. As long as you stay on it, you won’t get lost. It comes out about two miles up ahead, but you can double back any time.”

  She looked up the tree-lined ridge. “Is it a steep climb?”

  “Yes, but gradual enough, if you’re in shape.”

  “She looks in good shape to me.” Ashe nudged his mount forward, into a trot, before Adrian could deliver the retort she saw coming from his tight mouth.

  The Stetsons made reading either man’s expression difficult but not impossible. Between the slow gait lulling her into drifting along and her peripheral vision straying to Adrian’s bunching thigh muscles and corded forearms, her mind went along with Ashe’s. It was a good thing Adrian planned on going out tonight.

  “Ignore him. He’s trying to get under my skin,” Adrian said as Rachel called, “Race you!”

  Sophie envied them their skill as they took off after Ashe, their laughter echoing in the wind. Exasperated with both men, she said the first thing that popped into her head. “You make it easy for him.”

  His head whipped toward her, and he jerked on the reins, halting his horse with Nightingale following suit. She looked up and could see enough of his stormy gray-eyed glare to realize she’d touched a nerve and overstepped her bounds. Before she could apologize, he spoke first, surprising her.

  “You may be right. Want to go a little faster?”

  Excitement replaced regret. “I’d love to.”

  “Hold on tight, legs and hands. If you feel yourself slipping, or get scared, yank hard on the reins. She’ll respond.”

  “Okay.” She took a deep breath. “Ready.”

  “Then kick her sides with your heels. I’ll be right beside you.”

  It only took a small heel nudge to send Nightingale into a jarring trot that Sophie loved. The mare must have been as ready to pick up the pace as she was, and she basked in the speed as well as the surrounding vista devoid of any sign of city life. It didn’t take them long to catch up with the others already watering their horses at the edge of a shimmering blue lake reflecting the mountains. She was breathing heavy from releasing her pent-up breath as Nightingale splashed her front hooves into the water and dipped her head.

  Adrian thumbed his hat back revealing the approval reflected in his eyes. A black shadow covered his rugged, unsmiling face, and sweat-damp tendrils of his hair clung to his nape. Sophie’s labored breathing increased. Nothing and no one had been able to penetrate her grief all these months. Until now, until meeting him.

  “You look like you enjoyed that, Sophie,” Rachel said from atop her pretty chestnut mare. Sophie liked the contrast of the horse’s black mane and tail against the lighter, tan coat.

  “I did.” Taking the water bottle Adrian passed over, she drank half without realizing how thirsty she was. “Thanks,” she told him, handing it back.

  “You did good,” he praised her, stowing the bottle in his saddlebag then looking up at the sun. “We should start our return. The temperature will drop soon.”

  “Are you adjusting to the difference in our weather from what you’re used to?” Ashe asked, coming alongside her as they all steered their mounts around.

  “I admit I haven’t ventured out after the sun goes down. Just hearing the big drop in temperature is enough to keep me in where it’s warm.” Right now, Adrian’s praise was enough to ward off the nip in the air. She would have to concentrate on him being with someone else tonight at his club to douse her interest and the inner heat it generated.

  “I don’t mind the cold so much when you guys have the hot tub fired up, waiting for us. Hey, Adrian, do you think you can talk Jessie into visiting Spurs? I’d like to check out the place again,” Nora asked.

  Adrian shook his head. “Doubtful. He never went for the club scene.”

  Sophie found that odd, given his dominant control over Nora when she stumbled upon their ménage. He certainly hadn’t minded an audience. Adrian and Ashe discussed the buyer coming out to the ranch next week, and she listened with half an ear to the girls talking shop until they were halfway back and she noticed a wooden-framed entry into what appeared to be a cave in the side of a cliff. Trees and overgrown brush almost hid the space.

  She pointed toward the entrance. “What’s that? A cave?”

  Everyone looked over, but it was Adrian who answered. “An old mining shaft, shut down years ago. Don’t go inside; it’s not safe.”