Pinky Swear

Pinky Swear

MIDNIGHT SHOWCASE Erotic-ahh ROMP Digest-Vol. R06-13

Pinky Swear By Jewel Adams

MIDNIGHT SHOWCASE www.midnightshowcase.com

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Pinky Swear Published by Midnight Showcase PO Box 300491 Houston, TX 77230 USA www.midnightshowcase.com Pinky Swear Copyright © 2006 Jewel Adams

Names, characters, and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

ISSN 1555-5496 Vol. R06-13 Credits Editors – Mae Powers Copy Editor – Bridghid Parkinson Format Editor – Jewel Adams Cover Artist: Mae Powers Printed in the United States of America

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Pinky Swear

PINKY SWEAR By Jewel Adams A Pinky Swear between friends, brings Andrea her best friend's baby and all the danger that comes with him. Can Andie keep the child safe from the man that brutally murdered his mother? "Trouble as deep and as wide as a canyon," is exactly what Tanner sees in the woman that captures his attention at the airport. When all the trouble he sensed, follows him home, something tells him that nothing, including his heart, will ever be the same again. www.jeweladams.midnightshowcase.com

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Pinky Swear

PINKY SWEAR By Jewel Adams Chapter 1 Flying about her apartment in a cloud of euphoria, Andrea checked her mental list one last time. “Appliances shut off, plants watered, mail and paper stopped...” She’d have to call and start them a week earlier. She could have kissed Mr. Wang for his announcement this morning. What was a lost week of vacation over the promotion she always wanted? Besides, a week with her mother would be more than enough time for a visit. “Guilt.” Sighing, Andrea knew it was the only reason she finally agreed to her mother’s persistent calls and letters over the visit. “At least he isn’t there anymore.” A chill passed through her with the thoughts of her stepfather. “Even dead, he still scares the hell out of me!” Was that why her thoughts kept returning to Tina? All those terrible memories existed back there, at her mother’s. Tina, what would she have done without her? Against her will time moved backwards before her eyes . . . “What did he do to you?” “Let it alone, Tina.” “Damn you, Andrea Michaels, if you don’t tell me what happened I’ll tell Vincent Manelli you are madly in love with him!” Andrea’s thirteen-year-old face crinkled up in horror. To her, Vincent the Bully, was just a smaller version of the monster she’d just run from. “Alright!” “Come on, tell me.” 5

Pinky Swear Tina’s dark complexion looked red under the anger hardening her friend’s dark eyes. Sometimes, Andrea feared the depth of her friend’s emotions. “He tried to touch…it was horrible!” Tina’s hand reached out and gripped Andrea’s. The painful hold became the most reassuring feeling she could ever remember from another person. “Did he hurt you?” Shaking her head, Tina’s sneer grew so vicious Andrea wished she never told her. “Please Tina, you can’t tell mother.” “No offense, Andie, but your mother is a blind old bat that can’t see her own nose! No, I’ve got a better way to stop that bastard.” “Tina!” “Shut up, Andie. You want I should do nothing and let the creep rape you?” Groaning because she feared Tina’s shocking words would become reality, she shook her head. “No, I’m really scared. Why did she marry him?” “My grandmother always said a woman is a complete fool when it comes to hell’s love.” Andrea wasn’t sure either of them understood the woman’s meaning, but Tina’s grandmother was the wisest and oldest woman they knew. “You’re coming home with me. Tony . . .” “No! No, Tina, you can’t tell your brother.” Tina patted Andie’s hand. “Of course I can, you just pretend he doesn’t know a thing and Tony will never act like he does.” But Andrea’s heart and Tina’s assuring words weren’t in agreement. Of all the boys in their neighborhood, Tony Marcella was the heartthrob of the female population. He was also the leader of the most ruthless gang in little Italy. Tagging behind the girl, Andrea knew Tina was tough. In fact, all the Marcella’s carried themselves as if they owned the streets. Andrea wasn’t blind. Tony’s protective influence encircled his sister like an impenetrable force field. Andrea’s own well being automatically fell within his care by her association with his sister. How Tina and she became friends never ceased to amaze everyone. Tina was Italian, Andrea Irish. Tina was street wise; Andrea feared crossing any street. If confidence came by association Andrea received a good dose the day she’d met Tina Marcella. 6

Pinky Swear True to her announcement, Tina did tell her brother. Andrea sat in Tina’s bedroom crying and listening to the furious shouting coming from Tony. She stayed at Tina’s for three days and would have stayed forever, only Tina announced it was safe to go home. Tina went with her. Andrea didn’t quite know what to expect, but the black and blue bandaged face of the hated man, told her exactly what Tony had done. That her stepfather hated her for the Marcella’s protection didn’t matter, because she also saw how much he feared her friends. Every night until Andrea was old enough to leave the hell her home became, she said a prayer to God to watch over all the Marcellas. Her stepfather never tried to assault her again. Tina and her were inseparable, at least until Angelo Benetto entered Tina’s life. At sixteen Tina found the love her grandmother kept calling ‘hell’s love.’ Andrea hated Angelo from the start. Tina said it she must be jealous, but Andrea felt something more about Angelo, something that scratched her instincts raw. Because of her dislike and growing wariness of the man, Andrea saw less and less of Tina. It wasn’t long until her own home life became unbearable and she left home. Leaving Tina hurt worse than anything that they ever faced before. When Tina burst out crying, Andrea wrapped her arms around her friend until they both calmed down.. “Swear to me, Andrea, that if you need me for any reason you will come back to me. No matter what it is.” They stared into each other’s eyes a long time before Andrea spoke. “Only if you swear the same. Tina, you have done more for me than anyone in my life. I owe you that and more.” Tina actually blushed over Andrea’s heart felt declaration. “Alright, Andie, we’ll both swear…pinky swears are forever.” They locked their pinky fingers together, than ran from each other before the misery of parting overtook them once again. “It’s been a long time, Tina.” Would Tina still be in New York? Andrea hoped so; she failed to realize how much she missed her. She swore, not even Angelo would keep her away from her friend. Andrea didn’t like the sudden desperation she started feeling for Tina. Shaking it off, Andrea told herself it must be the trip and her emotions that brought it on. 7

Pinky Swear She lugged the suitcases to the door just as the cab pulled up and honked. The phone rang, she motioned the cabby towards the bags and rushed back inside to answer the phone. “Yes, hello.” The rapid spit of excited Spanish on the line made her look in question at the receiver. The blast of her earlier ill feelings made her grip tighten on the phone. “Senora? English, por favor?” “Si, Andrea Michaels?” “Yes.” “Tina, she tell me to call you, you come now, very urgent.” “Tina?” “Si! Si! Come now...” The woman rattled off an address, cursing under her breath, Andrea scribbled it on the flight ticket. “Alright, I will be there soon.” The line fell silent before she could finish. “Oh God, Tina what have you gone and done?” That her friend was here in Chicago didn’t help alleviate Andrea’s growing dread. The word premonition kept swirling in her head as she gave the cab driver the address. Realizing Tina lived only twenty minutes from her and never contacted her, made her heart beats echo in her head. “Please wait for me.” Giving the man half a twenty hopefully insured he would. Looking around her, the neighborhood turned into a familiar reminder of what she left in her past. She didn’t have to wait long for an answer to her knock. “Hurry! Por favor senorita.” Disengaging the woman’s hold on her arm, the woman propelled Andrea into the apartment. Andrea tried to listen to the excited woman. “Here, come, Tina left you this.” Andrea made her hand to rise and take the large envelope that the woman thrust at her. “Where is Tina? Donde es Tina?” The paling look and blast of excited Spanish nearly made Andrea groan. When the woman left her standing at the table Andrea sank into the chair. Staring at her name printed on a smaller envelope, taped to the outside of the larger one, she reluctantly pried it loose. Her fingers were shaking, she recognized Tina’s child like handwriting. Fighting back the tears, she forced her eyes to focus on the letter’s words. Hey Andie, 8

Pinky Swear I guess my fears have come to past and Maria needed to contact you. Sorry about not letting you know I was here in Chicago, but I thought it best. You really should have argued more with me over Angelo. I probably wouldn’t have listened. You and grandma were right. Hell’s love, that’s what I have been living. Oh God, Andie, he is the devil! But even after all the pain he inflicted, I probably never would have left him until he killed me. That was before I got pregnant with Bobby. Ahh Andie, he is a precious baby, so loving and sweet. I never thought of myself as the motherly type, but having your own kid makes changes in your thinking. He comes before anything or anyone. I couldn’t let Angelo hurt the baby. He would have killed it inside of me if I stayed with him. He is vicious and if he ever finds me, I know he will kill me. If you are here, I guess he has. Taking a sharp breath, “No! Oh Tina, no…” Never knowing Tina to exaggerate, especially over anything like this, Andrea’s body started to shake. You see Andie, you are the only person I can count on, the only one I have ever trusted. Funny isn’t it, me needing your help. You know I always needed you. You were somehow my rock and always kept me straight. You pulled me back when I went too far. I wish, I should have listened to you about him. But then I wouldn’t have Bobby. I have never had a person so dependent on me or one that took all my love without question as my son does. You will love him too, Andie. You always possessed the loving, gentle heart so lacking in our lives. It became nearly impossible for Andrea to move her gaze down to the next line, as if she knew what would be written, why she'd been called. Her head shook against the words. Andie, I no longer need you, but my son does. I am giving you Bobby. Please don’t deny him, he is the most precious gift I could ever give to the one person I have always held dear in my heart. We were special together, weren’t we Andie? “Oh yes, Tina…very special.” I’ve taken care of everything so that Angelo will never find you or Bobby. Believe me when I tell you he will try to follow and he will kill my son. He hated him since the day he learned of his conception. Angelo is a sick, vindictive creature. You must never forget that…never! 9

Pinky Swear Take care of yourself and Bobby…forever Andie, Pinky Swear, Tina “Oh God, don’t let this be true…Tina?” “You go now.” Maria came rushing back in before Andie had time to fully realize the implications of Tina’s letter. Before she could utter an answer, the woman pushed a small bundle into Andrea’s arms. All the emotions building inside her collided the instant she felt the warm, tiny body in her arms. In breathless wonder, the cooing pink lips and dark luminous eyes captured her heart. “Bobby…” He looked like Tina. So small, he couldn’t be more than a few months old. “Oh Tina.” “Si, you must go, too dangerous here. Please, take the chico, go.” The woman’s fear felt like a splash of ice water. “But his mother…Tina! Where is she?” “She is no more, go!” Shoving the envelopes and diaper bag at her, the woman pushed them out the door. Andrea jumped over the door slamming against her back. Curious neighbors peeked through cracked doors at her. In a protective jester, her hand moved the soft blanket around the baby to shield him from their stares. Realizing what she just did, she inwardly groaned, knowing Tina’s request was already taking hold. Clutching the baby to her chest, she raced to the cab. Her eyes kept searching the sidewalk for any signs of Angelo or his thugs. She prayed over and over that he no one watched her escape. “Jesus, Tina, this can’t be happening.” Yet even as she tried to deny her own fears, the memory of the man that possibly killed her best friend came at her like a blast from a hot furnace. “Where to, miss?” “The airport.” Am I really doing this? Tina’s letter burned in her fist. She needed time to see what her friend put in the envelope and then think everything over. But the baby in her arms wouldn’t let her turn away from what might happen if she didn’t act quickly. Staring down at the dark curls and angelic face, now silent in sleep, Andrea couldn’t believe anyone could be capable of harming him. Anyone but his father! 10

Pinky Swear Was Tina really dead? Her body shook violently at the possibility. Andrea realized there were no choices but to think the worse. Juggling her purse, a diaper bag and the baby proved a new experience for Andrea. The truth that what she knew about babies could be shoved into a thimble sank in fast. With the help of the red cap, she managed to reach the ticket counter without any mishaps. “Can I help you?” “I hope so. I have a ticket for New York.” “That flight leaves from gate nine.” Andrea’s eyes dropped to Tina’s baby. ”I want to change it.” “All right, where to?” “Where?” Don’t panic, Andrea. The warning nearly drowned in a wave of fear. Raising her eyes to the tote board in back of the clerk. “Salem.” Massachusetts wasn’t New York, but close enough. She could contact someone and try to find out what was going on with Tina. “Round trip?” “No, one way please.” Holding the baby at least kept her from biting her nails to the nub, an old habit she’d lost the urge to do, up till now. “I’ll probably never wear nail polish again.” “Pardon?” “Nothing, it's not important.” “Here is your new ticket and your change of $136.00. I hope you enjoy your flight. They say the weather in Oregon is perfect this time of year.” “Oregon?” “Why yes, is there a problem?” “No, thank you, Oregon is fine.” Andrea listened as she directed her to the proper gate. The flight didn’t leave for over an hour. Finding a quiet spot towards the back of the waiting area, she gently settled the baby into the couch, hoping he stayed asleep. Taking her first real look at the child, her fingers absently stroked his velvety cheek. “So much like your mother, beautiful.” Were baby boys called beautiful? Fighting back the choking tears, Andrea tried to rationalize all that just happened. “Maybe I am overreacting.” Pressing her lips together, “No Andie, Tina wouldn’t have done this without a good cause.” Shivering over her memory of the lady 11

Pinky Swear and the fear she witnessed on her face, Andrea prayed Oregon would be far enough to escape whatever Tina feared from Angelo. Controlling the shaking in her fingers, Andie managed to tear the large envelope open. The first item to fall out was another letter size envelope. Opening it, Andie sucked in her breath over the stack of large bills inside. Her hand shook over what she felt it might mean to her friend. She tried to control her nerves, forcing herself to reach for the note stuck in the money band. Andrea took a deep breath to read what Tina wrote. Andi, The money is clean, it is my inheritance from my mother. Please use it to start a new life for you and my son. Love, Tina Almost afraid to see what else Tina gave to her, Andie forced herself to pull out the other articles. She held the papers, knowing that once she looked at them she couldn’t turn back. Funny how she realized that, but knowing Tina, Andrea’s instincts took on a keen sense. Forcing herself, she focused hard on the birth certificate in her possession. All the normal information was there, but when her gaze passed over the mother’s name it froze in horrifying clarity. “Andrea Dunbar?” Trying not to panic, she reached for another and another document until she’d looked over every one; California driver’s license with her picture on it, social security card, Andrea Dunbar’s dog-eared birth certificate and college transcripts. There was even a marriage license and…death certificate, “Robert Dunbar.” Shuffling through the papers she retrieved the baby’s birth certificate. Scanning down the document she found what she suspected. “Father, Robert Dunbar…deceased.” Taking a steadying breath, Andrea tried to deny everything Tina obviously accomplished. That her friend could and did obtain all this wasn’t a surprise. Tina certainly knew the right people and means to get this done. Andie wouldn’t be a bit surprised if they were real; at least no one would ever doubt their validity. Andie couldn’t begin to imagine how much money Tina paid for all this. Looking at the envelope with the money in it and remembering the large amount inside, “No, I don’t want to know how she did it.” 12

Pinky Swear

Chapter 2 For the past half-hour, Tanner sat watching the play of emotions crossing the girl’s face. That she wasn’t aware of his scrutiny didn’t startle him. “Trouble as deep and as wide as a canyon.” Yeah, that’s what he saw in her. Common sense said to stay away, and yet Tanner seemed to be having a hell of a time listening to the warnings. She wasn't exactly a raving beauty. Tanner figured most men would walk past without really noticing her. He liked women that could mount a horse without a stool. She might reach his shoulder…on tiptoe. And her nose, like a young girl’s, small, or maybe it was just that those honey brown eyes were surrounded by brightest coppery lashes that matched her long hair. He owned a mare at his ranch with that color coat, all shiny and sleek. So thick, he wondered what it would feel like falling through his fingers. Shifting uneasily in his seat, his booted feet crossed over each other as he stretched out his long legs. He tried to pull his intent gaze away from her, but found he didn’t really put much strain on himself to succeed. His eyes followed the line of soft facial features. She looked like the type to let trapped flies out the screen door. Nicely proportioned, rather thin and too pale, probably worked inside and never went out in the sun. “Burns easily, I’d stake Jedadiah on it.” Thinking of his stallion, he didn’t think she’d ever been on a horse; city bred was written all over her. “Definitely not your type, Tanner, besides she’s too young.” He figured she couldn’t be much over twenty-four. At thirty-nine, Tanner made it a rule not to get involved with the young ones. They still carried stars in their eyes. The happily ever after kind and Tanner walked well past that stage in his life.

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Pinky Swear But, when the baby started crying, Tanner found he couldn’t look away. He’d never seen a mother so skittish with a baby. Damn, what was it about her? **** Panicking over Bobby’s wailing, Andie gathered everything up and shoved it inside her purse. It took her three tries before she found enough confidence to lift the crying baby into her arms. “Hush sweet thing, if only you were older and could talk.” The large, weathered hand that took hold of the diaper bag froze Andrea in motion and her mouth dropped open at the sound of his deep, rather sexy voice. “He sounds hungry.” His low voice reminded her of cascading water, misty fresh and powerful to the senses. But, the man’s cobalt blue eyes snapped her back to reality. “I hope…think so.” He held out a baby bottle and all she did was stare at it as if she’d never seen one before. She gave herself a mental shake, realizing he probably didn’t miss much. All of a sudden, Andrea felt angry with Tina, herself and especially that bastard Angelo! “You want me to feed him, miss?” “What?” When his meaning finally penetrated, Andrea lifted the baby closer to her breast. “No, I can handle it, thank you.” Thankfully, she found the strength to take the proffered bottle. Bobby’s eager acceptance let a relieved sigh escape her tight lips. She became lost to all but the amazing child in her possession. “The way he’s gulping that down you better let him come up for air.” She couldn’t take back the blank look she gave him, past her surprise at his continued presence. From the deep furrow forming on his brow she sensed he noticed her incompetence. “He needs burping.” Cheeks flaming, Andrea’s lips pressed tighter to keep her embarrassed anger under control. For all the man’s well-meaning advice, he only reminded her of her own inadequacies with Bobby. If Tina were near, Andrea knew she’d give her friend a thorough telling off for placing her in this position. And, who the hell is he? After everything else that happened, why should some overbearing cowboy upset her? God, he even wore 14

Pinky Swear one of those huge hats. She refused to admit that the black Stetson almost softened his authoritative good looks. Getting the baby to her shoulder wasn’t exactly a graceful maneuver, but at least she didn’t drop him. The woman handled the boy as if he’d break, raising Tanner’s dark brow in question. “He must take after his father, a good looking boy.” “He’s the spitting image of…Robert.” Somehow, Andrea caught herself before saying Tina, but internally she felt as if someone just squeezed her heart. Tanner cursed his own stubbornness for remaining in her company. Shit, she was obviously attached; yet the tears flooding her eyes held him in the seat like a vise. He wanted to take hold of her and make her tell him what troubled her. She’d think him a certified nut for sure. “I’m sorry, Mrs.…?” Tanner deliberately emphasized her status and wondered over his own relief for the confusion it put on her face. His gaze automatically fell to her hand for a ring, almost sighing when there wasn’t even a line to indicate an absent presence. Andrea’s throat constricted as she waited for his eyes to return, knowing what they’d found. “It’s Andie, Andrea…” Damn, what was the name? “Dunbar.” The loud belch from Bobby broke their locked gazes. “Good gracious, Bobby, that sounded bigger than you.” Andrea didn’t realize she’d voiced her astonishment over the baby until the man’s deep-throated laughter burst out. Realizing his eyes were locked on her, and not the baby, told her who tickled his humor. She berated herself for being so obvious. But, Heavens… this was all so new to her. Andrea didn’t have time to think on what the man might suspect. The most awful smell assaulted her nose. “I think he let loose at both ends.” Control seemed beyond her reach as the cowboy's meaning sunk in. Staring at the smiling Bobby, her hands automatically held him away from her lap. Dangling a baby in the air wasn’t something a mother probably did. Pulling him quickly back, she sort of kept his behind cupped in her hand and away from her clothes. “I better go change him.” 15

Pinky Swear “Guess so.” Tanner tried hard not to laugh at her again. But when she walked first one way and then the other, in indecision, he pointed her in the right direction. “It’s that way.” Andrea took three steps and stopped. Turning about, she moved slowly back to the gloating man, yes he was laughing at her. Snatching the diaper bag off his finger she hurried to leave him. Shaking his head as she disappeared, his hand closed over the leather shoulder bag at his feet. “That boy better be from strong stock if he plans on surviving with her as his mother.” Settling back in his seat he pulled his hat down low. A deep smile came slowly over his lips, knowing she’d soon return for her purse. **** Studying her handiwork with the diaper, she leaned down and rubbed noses with the gurgling baby. “Not bad for a beginner, hey Bobby?” Snapping his jumper closed, she took stock of the bags contents. Three bottles and five diapers remained, plus two other changes of clothes. Would it be enough to get them to Salem? All kinds of new worries assaulted her. The plane left at nine; would there be any stores open? What did Bobby eat? “I didn’t know planes flew to Salem, Oregon, darn it!” Seeing only the bottles, she hoped her guess that they held formula was right, but what kind? Bobby’s gurgling made her push away the thoughts of flying across the country “Looks like I have a lot to learn in a very short time. Books! Now why didn’t I think of that sooner?” Checking her watch, there were still another thirty minutes until the plane boarded. Gathering up Bobby and the diaper bag, she hoped the gift shop wouldn’t be too far from the gate. Tanner told himself it must be his impatience to be rid of the scatterbrain girl that kept him watching the restroom door. When she emerged, why should he be surprised to see her looking around as if she were lost? Tucking her purse under his arm he shot to his feet when she took off in the opposite direction. But, keeping track of her over the heads of the crowd wasn’t easy and he almost missed the tawny head ducking into the gift shop. The selections pleased her. Andrea picked out two books and a magazine, feeling rather proud that she even thought of looking, 16

Pinky Swear under the circumstances. Andrea’s elation dissipated when she reached into the diaper bag for her wallet. “Looking for something?” The voice stiffened her back. Why did the cowboy latch on to her? Only the fact he was so obviously the wrong type to be one of Angelo’s thugs kept her suspicions from taking flight. Smiling at the clerk that stared from her to the man waiting behind her, Andrea knew she couldn’t ignore him any longer. For such a tiny thing, Tanner decided she could deck a man with just a look. “Mister?” Shifting her weight from foot to foot she never realized how tall he might be, nor how broad. Heavens, there wasn’t a wasted bit of flesh on the man. Pure steel loomed over her. “It’s, Tanner.” Andrea actually felt herself leaning forward as she waited for the rest. When nothing came she felt her cheeks burning as she straightened. Feeling everyone’s eyes on her. “Mister Tanner.” “Just, Tanner.” “Just Tanner?” His knowing smile made her fingers itch to flick off his humor, but her hands were too full. Bringing her awareness back to why she stood there, suffering his scrutiny, she held out her hand. “May I have my purse?” “Do you always go off without it?” Damn him! She didn’t care how gorgeous his eyes were, they were once again filled with humor—at her expense. Her lack of thanks equaled the apology he didn’t give her for laughing at her again as she grabbed her purse and stormed off. The clerk’s call didn’t slow her angry retreat. Tanner figured he didn’t need to follow her, he held the strongest feeling they’d meet again, real soon. Fingering the books she failed to buy, he could only shake his head. She certainly proved quite a puzzle, “I think she needs these, how much?” As he paid the clerk, Tanner latched onto a hunch that all wasn’t as it seemed with the little lady. Thinking she’d left to board the plane, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her standing by the newspaper racks outside the shop. The painful sob that tore from her left him cold to his bones. If he'd thought her pale from lack of fresh air, her deathly pallor soon 17

Pinky Swear became frightening. Standing there watching her, the sudden sway of her small frame sent him into action. The loss of Bobby from her arms sent her reeling to grab him back. The brutal picture of Tina’s murdered body, on the front of the tabloid, left her devastated to her very soul. “You better let me hold him for awhile. Come one Andie, they are calling the plane.” It became so easy to let him take control. The weight of responsibility now upon her overwhelmed any arguments. “She is really dead.” Andrea never felt the arm holding her upright, nor the stiffening in the ample frame for her whispered anguish. **** “I’m telling you she wasn’t on the plane.” The white knuckled fist crushed the beer can. “That old bitch wasn’t lying, it had to be that pest Andie!” “Maybe it was her, but she didn’t keep her reservation and she hasn’t gone back to her apartment.” Angelo came out of the leather chair. “Then you better find out where she went. Check the airport again.” A cold sneer came over the hard face. “She’s running with my kid. I want her for that!” The crumpled beer can hit the door as it closed after the man. “Interfering little bitch!” Yeah, it must be Tina’s old friend, he knew only one girl that fit the description that old woman finally gave him. “You think she has the guts to save him from me… eh, Tina?”

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Chapter 3 “Here, drink this.” “I don’t drink…” Her voice sounded as shaky as she looked. “Would you prefer passing out on me?” “But…” Thinking she was worried about the boy. “He’s sleeping, don’t worry.” When the shaking in her hands quit protesting, Tanner’s hand clasped her own about the glass, refusing to release his hold until she downed the double whiskey. He started to feel relieved when the color began returning to her features, even if it came from the drink. Fighting to catch her breath, “What was that?” “Bourbon.” “Oh, my, God.” Andie couldn’t believe it. How did all this happened to her? Tina was dead, she had Bobby, correction, he held the baby, but then she would probably have dropped him. The drink’s fire still burning through her system didn’t help calm her. She kept seeing, Angelo! Trying to think past the violent image…he’d said it was whiskey! Andrea bit her lip over the new wave of worry. Maybe she should warn the cowboy. Sneaking a look at him and seeing the scowl creasing his brow, she groaned. No, he’d probably jump off the plane. Besides, she’d only been fourteen that first time she drank with…Tina. Closing her eyes she could still picture Tina’s outrage when she finally came to. “One drink and wham, out like a light! What’s with you, Andie, can’t you do anything bad?” Andrea tried not to feel the seductive warmth seeping into her legs and arms. She told herself adults didn’t pass out like she did as a kid. So, the drink shouldn’t effect her that way anymore. Just because she never tasted liquor, since that time with Tina, didn’t mean it would happen again, did it? 19

Pinky Swear Tanner needed to lean towards her to hear her slurred words. “I can’t drink…pass out…one drink.” At first he tried to brush off what he thought she meant, but when her head rolled and came to rest against his shoulder... “Damn! You can’t be real, lady.” But the girl was beyond hearing. “Would your wife like another?” Grinning ruefully up at the hostess, correcting her assumption over the girl’s status seemed a waste of time. “I’ve got a feeling one may have been too many.” He gave the hostess credit, she recovered faster than he did over the situation. “Can I help?” Sighing in resignation. “Could you heat up the baby bottle, I’ve a feeling I’m going to need it.” Staring down at the small dark eyes blinking in question at him. “This flight isn’t going to be long enough, is it, Bobby?” There was something about a man with a baby that made women flock to them. Stroking the gold strands of hair that fell across his chest, he decided not to correct their assumptions that freed him of the baby for a while. “I guess I deserve all this for not listening to my own good sense.” Talking to her did seem foolish, but then it fit the whole scenario since he’d set eyes on her. Reaching around her, Tanner pulled her ticket out of her purse looking again at the destination. His own departure was fast approaching and so did the time for decisions. “Hell I don’t have any to make!” Leaving the baby with her like this went beyond impossible. “But I’ll be damned if I will go to Salem for you.” Imagining the fine state she’ll likely fly into over finding herself at his ranch set another spark to the flame of interest she lit. “A little fresh air couldn’t hurt you none.” His gaze darkened, remembering the paleness that over-took her earlier. Whatever ailed her wasn’t going to heal anytime soon. Tanner wished she’d stayed alert long enough to tell him what she meant by, she’s really dead. Pushing his concern away, he reminded himself she wasn’t his to worry over. Right now he faced enough problems. Hell, she’ll probably accuse him of kidnapping. **** “Thanks, Cherrie, I’ll have the car seat returned in a few days.” “No problem Tanner, he’s a beautiful child.” 20

Pinky Swear “Yeah, thanks again.” Sliding into the driver’s side of the Bronco, he rechecked the baby’s harness and made sure the buckle was fastened. Looking over at the baby’s mother he could only groan. “You weren’t kidding, you really can’t drink.” Not once, during the whole procession of carrying her through the airport and out to his truck, did she stir. Correction, she did cuddle up and wrap her arms about his neck. What those lovely curves did to his male physique really stretched him to the limit. Knowing she was oblivious to what she sought from him, made him down right furious. The motion of the truck soon lulled the boy to sleep. He’d heard her groan over a rut in the road when her head hit the window again. He started feeling his own lack of sleep. He planned to sleep on the plane and then go straight out to the range, unfortunately that would be on hold for a while. At least the trip proved profitable. The price he received for the bull was only the beginning. Coming home with two contracts for the other breeding bulls proved a damn good start. After five years T Haven ranch finally started paying for itself. His hand rubbed across the prickly stubble on his jaw. The sale couldn’t have come at a better time. He’d been gripped in worry over the bleak prospect of letting half the ranch hands go. With fall approaching it would have been tough for any of them to find work. At least for now, he could keep them on through winter and spring calving. After that, barring any further disasters, all should be fine. The yard was still dark as he pulled the truck to a halt before the long front porch. “It feels good to be home.” Stretching out his long limbs from the drive, Tanner decided he’d deal with the girl first, before waking the baby. He’d have to rouse Eddie and send him for some formula and diapers. “From rancher to babysitter, quite a side step, Tanner.” Cautiously opening the passenger door, Tanner caught her before she fell out. “Come on little lady, up you go.” “Hmmm, you feel good.” Smiling down at her closed eyes, “I’ve a feeling you won’t like to be reminded of the compliment.” Thoughts of plying her with liquor wouldn’t be a bad idea if she stayed awake. God, she practically purred in his arms. A gruff curse carried him up the stairs, two at a time, with his snuggling bundle. “Lady you’re not only trouble, you’re down right dangerous!” 21

Pinky Swear Laying her out on the bed, he pulled the quilt over her, hiding the tempting picture she made. He caught himself from slamming the door as he backed out. Laughing at his caution, he felt she would probably sleep through a twister. Ruefully, he decided, she wouldn’t be very easy to approach once she became lucid. Those protective barriers would be as high as a stud pen. His building anger towards the woman faded in the company of her son. Bobby didn’t suffer any ill effects from his mother’s lack of care for him. Giving up any idea of getting any sleep, Tanner devoted his attention to the boy. Settling into the rocker with the baby and bottle, Tanner didn’t bother to rise and answer the rap on the door. He called out for Eddie to come on in. “Back kinda late, ain’t ya, Tanner?” Tanner looked past the man to the lightening horizon. He watched the older man stop cold in his tracks over the unexpected sight his boss made. “My, my…something I should know?” “Knock it off Ed, he’s not mine so you can stop gloating.” “I don’t know, the boy’s got your coloring, too cute though.” “Why don’t you make yourself useful and hand me that blanket.” Tanner’s patience was worn thin as he waited for Eddie to stop watching the baby smiling at him, pass the nipple in his mouth. Eddie chuckled, “Real friendly too.” Watching the exchange taking place between his foreman and Bobby, Tanner thought of the woman upstairs. “Must come from his dad.” Tanner took the blanket the man finally held out, knowing by the rise of Ed’s bushy brow the man caught a surprising side of Tanner, one rarely seen. Tanner gently patted the tiny back. He couldn’t get angry at his foreman, riding the range, roping steers and tackling nature’s elements didn’t come close to holding a baby. “So, where is he?” “Who?” Tanner hid his grin over Eddie’s curiosity. “The kid’s father, who else?” Bone tired, Tanner wasn’t beyond letting the old man stew over the baby. “No father.” “You may think you know everything, Tanner, but let me clue you in on something, there is always a daddy around…somewhere.” 22

Pinky Swear “Well, friend, this one is absent. And the boy’s mother is passed out upstairs.” Ed’s gray eyes practically jumped out of their sockets. “Passed out, as in drunk?” The unexpected urge to defend the girl struck Tanner with its full force. “Hardly drunk, one drink on the plane. I thought it would calm her down.” Ed’s scoffing snort turned into a disapproving glare. “Hey I just met her, Ed, so you can wipe that look away, pronto.” “So why all this?” “I couldn’t leave him to fend for himself after putting his mother out cold, now could I?” “I’ve a feeling you have left a lot out of the telling.” Rising to his feet with the sleeping boy, Tanner took him over to the bed he’d made up. “A drawer?” “It’s the best I could do on such short notice.” Tanner placed the drawer beside the couch. Sitting down he pulled off his boots before trying to fit his long legs onto the short sofa. “What are you doing?” “I hope going to sleep. At least until he wakes up. Could you run over to Cook’s and buy some formula and diapers?” Ed’s refusal died on his lips as he watched the tension ease out of the man’s large body. “You always could shut down in a wink.” Going over to the baby the wizened gray eyes studied the boy and then his friend. “Not like you at all to bring home strays, no sir.” Looking up towards the stairs Ed felt damn curious to meet this woman; especially one that influenced his boss in a way Ed never expected to see. A broad grin spread over his face. “Yup, think I’ll stick around the yard today, ought to prove mighty interesting.”

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Chapter 4 Angelo’s bloody fist rose in triumph, his cruel laughter drew out Andie’s alarmed cry. Rising with a start over the nightmare, Andrea gripped her head to stop the terror hammering in her mind. Taking slow measured breaths she managed to quiet her gasping sobs. Pushing back the curtain of hair, she told herself it was all some horrible dream. But as the sunlight intruded, reality came racing on its heels. Tina is dead! Even the years since she’d seen her, didn’t changed her friend’s features, at least the ones not disfigured by bruises and cuts. “My God, he beat her to death.” Rocking and holding herself under the force of the ugly truth, Andrea needed desperately to cry for Tina. Something held her back. It became so hard to think past the pain and fierce headache assaulting her temple. “There is something I need to remember…Bobby!” Groaning, her gaze shot up in panic taking in her surroundings, “Where am I? Where is he?” Propelling off the strange bed, fear for Tina’s baby took on its own life, sending her racing out of the room. “Bobby? Oh God, please let him be alright…Tina, I’m so sorry.” Racing from door to door she flung them open. A quick search failed to make him appear. Running to the stairs she nearly tumbled down them. Her eyes started their frantic search of the quaint living and dinning room areas. “Nothing!” At the far end of the dinning room stood another door. Andrea moved with heavy steps towards it. The door reverberated off the wall with the force behind it. Tanner never witnessed such a sight. A she-cat couldn’t be more dangerous. Setting the spatula down his own body twitched in caution as he moved to intercept her. 24

Pinky Swear Andrea’s head swung around at the movement coming around the counter. “You! Where is he? Where is Bobby?” An inner sense told her she should be wary of this man, but her fear for the baby clamored stronger. “You better calm down.” Tanner’s suggestion didn’t extinguish the wild fire in the girl’s eyes. At his touch he felt her body tighten like a spring. “What did you do to him?” He’d heard of a mother’s protective instincts, seen it in animals, but hers went beyond reason. “He’s alright, but I think you could use…” The boy’s gurgle pushed her out of his hold. Following the sound she ran around the table. There on the blanket, spread over the floor, lay Bobby rocking on his hands and knees. “Bobby!” Breathlessly she fell to her knees and picked him up. Holding him to her chest and shoulder she rocked back and forth in relief. “Thank God!” “Damn it woman, you are scaring the tar out of that boy…talk to him or something, at least smile.” Glaring at him with a sneer on her lips she barely heard the whimper coming from the baby. She wanted to cry herself over the pouty lips and large eyes staring up at her. Through shaky lips she forced a smile and some calmness into her voice. “Hi, Bobby, what have you been doing? My, look at all these…toys?” Picking up the wooden spoon she looked at the man and frowned. His obvious anger with her didn’t allow any room for explanations. She felt her shoulders relax when he walked back behind the kitchen counter to the stove. Alone with Bobby, Andrea kept up her false gaiety until the boy settled down and became interested in playing with the assorted kitchen gadgets. Plastic lids and bowls, more wooden utensils and a set of car keys. Begrudgingly, they were all harmless, too big to be swallowed, a prerequisite, seeing as everything found its way to Bobby’s mouth. Her headache grew worse as reality sunk in that she must be standing in this man’s kitchen. When the man…Tanner, at least she remembered his name, announced breakfast was ready, the temptation to refuse died over her need for answers. Deciding Bobby would be happy to be left playing, Andrea found no excuse not to join Tanner at the table. She reminded herself to be civil, at least until she figured out what to do. 25

Pinky Swear As she reached for the coffee, he never looked up from his plate when he spoke to her. “Are you sure you can handle that?” “What? The coffee? Why shouldn’t I…” She feared her cheeks were as red as the checks in the table cloth. Watching the way he leaned back in the chair, she figured he obviously expected an explanation. “I, well I can’t drink and haven’t since I tried it at fourteen.” If that was humor lightening his eyes, she thought she might scream. “Did it happen then?” “What?” Damn, all her control disappeared in his company. “Passing out.” “Yes.” She hoped he was satisfied over making her admit it. The way her chin rose slightly and her soft feature took on that defiant glow, Tanner gave up any thoughts she might apologize. Not that he wanted any. And neither did he like the flicker of admiration he felt for her little show of courage. Why was it so darn hard to stay angry with her? “Where are we?” There, she’d asked and forced herself to breathe. “At my ranch.” Okay she could deal with that, but… “Could you be a little more specific?” “You weren’t exactly in any shape to argue.” “And if I remember correctly, I tried to tell you!” “If you had, I sure as hell would have listened!” A loud gurgle of noise made both their heads swing about to glance at Bobby, who looked ready to add his voice to the shouting match. Smiling for Bobby’s benefit and lowering her voice. “You haven’t answered my question.” Sitting back in the chair, Tanner tossed his napkin over the forgotten food. “You’re eighty miles outside of Billings, in Montana.” Swallowing her squeak. “Montana?” “Oregon is a little out of my way. The phone is in the living room if there is someone you need to call.” Lost in thought over how she managed to end up in this man’s house, Andrea didn’t really listen to what he said. 26

Pinky Swear Tanner hated the curiosity eating away at him and she was only adding to it by not jumping up to use the damn phone. “I take it no one is expecting you?” “In Salem?” “That is where you were going.” “No, there isn’t anyone.” Why did he expect her to make this easy for him? All she needed to say is husband, yes or no? Tanner drew the line at voicing the obvious. “There are bottles made up in the fridge. If you need anything just step out the door and holler for Eddie, he’ll help you.” Andrea’s mouth dropped open when he rose and took his dishes to the sink. Was he leaving? She received her answer when he strode past her and headed out the door she came through. “Oh no you don’t.” Jumping to her feet she didn’t stop until she caught up with him at the front door. “Where are you going?” She took a step back when he finally turned around. The hat she remembered sat back on his head, only now it was pulled down low over his brow, giving him a fierce countenance. He’d worn it pushed back last night in a decidingly, friendlier pose. “Lady, I suggest you worry about your son.” “But…” “Look, I’ve been up most the night doing your job, now I’ve got my own to take care of.” Blushing under the implied, I won’t stand for any argument scolding, Andrea’s voice deserted her. An impressive man to begin with, Andrea thought that right now he ranked right up there with the most formidable of his breed. Realizing he still intended to walk away, snapped her out of her stupor. Catching the screen door before it slammed, she bounded off the porch in pursuit. “Hey! When can I leave?” The word never came to Tanner, bringing with it all the irritating anger he’d been foolish to let go of. When he refused to even acknowledge her, Andrea’s temper took control. “Damn you ‘just Tanner’, I want to leave here, now!” Seeing the men coming out of the buildings, she began to feel like the main attraction. An angry growl passed her pressed lips. She refused to be gawked at. Turning on her heel, she stormed back into the house. 27

Pinky Swear **** Shutting the refrigerator door Andrea grimaced. Not only did she find the bottles, a bag of diapers sat beside the substitute drawer for his crib. Pacing back to the living room she gave up on Tanner returning. “Stubborn man.” As dawn streaked the sky, Andrea listened to every little noise in the big house. She’d stayed awake most the night waiting for him to make an appearance. She had little luck in keeping him from her thoughts. “I’ve got enough problems without you.” Regretfully, she blamed herself for his rude behavior. She should have thanked him for helping them, not screamed at him. From what she could see of his place this was no small operation. She counted at least a dozen men about the ranch yesterday and there were probably more. It turned into a miserable admission, but she and Bobby were nothing more than a very large inconvenience to this man. She refused to call ‘Eddie’ for any assistance, already feeling the fool for the scene she made. Thankfully the man came to her. He wasn’t much in the way of help, except to inform her that her bags were lost and the airport put a tracer on them. Her hands rubbed over the jeans at her waist. She looked ridiculous in the oversized pants and shirt Eddie brought to her. She felt the blush in her cheeks again for the man’s humor over telling her how the boys drew straws to see whose clothes she’d get. She felt grateful for their consideration, but straws, really! Attempting to leave on her own, after calling the only cab company in the phone book, proved a waste of time. The man almost started crying from laughing so hard when she told him where to pick her up. “Lady, you could buy the cab with the fare!” Slamming the phone down in exasperation, she was forced to admit she needed to wait for Tanner to drive her back. Staring out the window at the activity in the yard, she realized she could ask one of the men to take her. But after the clothes episode, she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. If she were truthful she should probably be ecstatic over being here. Angelo certainly couldn’t find her. The terrifying conviction he would be looking for her and Bobby couldn’t be dismissed. Her worried gaze fell again to her purse. All of Tina’s papers and the money were still there. Did Tanner look at them? At everything? Double identifications would take some explaining. Tanner didn’t 28

Pinky Swear impress her as the type not to demand one. Because he hadn’t, she felt her secret remained safe. Everyone accepted Bobby as her son. “Andrea Dunbar, it’s better than Smith.” Rereading everything, she found that Tina used her real birth date, which helped. And only the first three state numbers of the Social Security number changed. Her new identity would be easy to memorize, “Only, now I am a mother.” Bobby, a son any woman would ever desire as her own. Such a bundle of love. And happy, she never expected any baby to be so good-natured. Tina must have been a wonderful mother. He was older than she realized. Of course, Andrea didn’t possess any knowledge for a comparison. She also found the books that Tanner must have paid for from the airport. She started reading them last night; there were six months to catch up on. She did wonder what he thought about her wanting to buy them. Feeling her stomach tighten, she realized he must be very suspicious of her. Whatever time she remained in his company, she wanted to insure he believed her to be Bobby’s mother. Her steps moved in slow deliberation toward the fireplace. She stirred the coals from last night and threw on a small log to get the fire blazing. One by one, Andrea, pulled her identification and credit cards out of her wallet. The fire hissed with short bursts of blue flames as the plastic caught and evaporated into oblivion. “I am your mother now, aren’t I sweet boy?” She could melt under one of his baby smiles. Now that the initial shock wore off, Andrea found she liked the idea of having Bobby. And love, she already felt it flourishing between them. “I promise I will be the best mother possible, Bobby.”

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Chapter 5 Watching the sun set fire to the horizon, Andrea tried again to control her temper. “I’m probably as hot as that sky!” Letting the porch door slam behind her, she refused to search another second for his infuriating figure. Taking a deep breath, she told herself that if he didn’t come back again tonight it would probably be for the better. Andrea wondered how long it took a man like Tanner to cool off. “I’m calm, so why aren't you here, Tanner. We need to get out of here.” Not that she possessed any definite decisions as to where they should go. Looking at Bobby, she almost wished he could voice an opinion. “East, west, north or south, which would you prefer, little man?” She wanted to blame Tanner for her inability to decide, but she realized fear created some pretty big stumbling blocks. The main one being that Angelo would find them. She stopped her eyes from drifting back to her purse. “Money certainly won’t be a problem.” Fifty thousand, how did Tina get that much money? Andrea remembered the note, but she figured Tina wrote that for her benefit. She didn’t believe that Tina’s mother ever possessed that kind of money. It didn’t matter, Tina did what she needed to do for her son. Andrea kept asking herself why any of this happened? Sadly, nothing could be changed. Smiling at Bobby as he pounded the spoon on the floor, she fought back her tears for Tina. “I will make it work, I promise Tina.” More than once she picked up the phone to call her boss, Mr. Wang. She even thought of calling her mother, but each time she stopped herself from dialing. She couldn’t take the chance. Andrea didn’t want to find out how far Angelo’s connections might reach. Wrapping her arms around her, she pushed her regret and guilt over her disappearance away. Maybe someday she could contact them and explain. 30

Pinky Swear Tony…she really wanted to call him, tell him Bobby is alright. Andrea held a firm belief that Tina would have told her brother of her plans. Regardless, once they were settled she would find a way to let Tony know where they were, she owed him that and more. Reaching up and turning on the lamp, Andrea supposed she should thank Tanner when he reappeared. He unknowingly gave her the time she needed to focus on the future. **** Twice now, Tanner caught glimpses of headlights traveling along the fence line. Sliding the rifle out of the gun pouch, he checked the chambers. Dismounting Jedadiah, Tanner made his way up the hill for a better look. He fought the temptation to let his thoughts drift back to Andie. The nickname fit after that fiery display on the porch two days ago. Pulling his jacket closer to fight the dropping temperatures, Tanner cursed his own foolishness in not returning to the house tonight. “Damn little minx is turning my life upside down.” Trying to concentrate on why he remained up here, cold as hell, proved useless. Settling back against a boulder he told himself he must protect his property from rustlers, but his attention wasn’t on the dark tree line below him. The image of silken hair flying about those small shoulders seemed to be all he could focus on. Why she affected him is what Tanner still lacked answers for. That, and why he didn’t instructed one the men to drive her back to Billings. Something stopped him from granting her demand. “Hell, she’ll probably be gone.” So why didn’t he believe it? Why didn’t he want her out of his life? “Trouble rolls off of her like thunder. And she sure as hell needs lessons in mothering.” Yet, even as he said the words, Tanner couldn’t erase the memory of her fury concerning the boy. There’d been something unnatural in her then, something he’d sensed before. “Damn if it wasn’t fear.” He tried telling himself she’d only been frightened over the boy, but Tanner couldn’t shake the belief she exposed more than a mother’s worry. All day the scene at the airport replayed itself. “Who’s dead, Andie?” Tanner’s jaw tightened under his growing conviction to find out the truth. Tanner knew in his gut, he wanted to uncover every secret surrounding her. He smiled remembering the way she’d stomped her foot at him. “You’re not leaving, little lady. Not until you answer a few pointed questions.” 31

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Chapter 6 The dishrag slipped from her hand as the incessant honking came closer and demanded her attention. The tingle of warning crept through her, making her suck in a breath, “Tanner?” She couldn't shake the conviction the honking and Tanner were connected. Picking up Bobby, the urgency in the repeated blast drove her to the porch just as a beat-up pickup careen into yard. Andrea sheltered Bobby from the dust storm the truck created. A sense of dread settled about her when the truck ground to a stop before the porch steps. The men raced in from all directions. Andrea found herself moving with an urgency she couldn't ignore. Before stepping off the last step she discovered the emergency. “Oh no…Tanner.” His name passed her lips on a frightened whisper as her eyes raced over his battered body in the truck bed. Her exclamation drew Eddie's stricken eyes away from Tanner. “Bring him inside. Eddie is there a doctor you can call?” Andrea didn't question the authority in her orders to the men. Seeing Tanner like this snapped something inside of her. It took six men to carry him up the stairs. Andrea hid her surprise when they took him into the room she'd been sleeping in. Racing in ahead of them she managed to pull the quilt off the bed. The painful groan that escaped his unconscious form made her fight back a sob. “You!” She didn't care what these men thought of her, helping Tanner became all that mattered. “Me?” “Yes, can you hold Bobby for me?” The man's surprise quickly faded when Tanner cried out in pain. “Sure ma'am, I’ve five brothers and sisters. The name is Cody.” “He's a good baby, Cody.” As she passed him Bobby she felt her instincts to protect Bobby rear, but Tanner needed her undivided attention. “Don't you worry none.” 32

Pinky Swear “If you need me.” Andrea took a deep breath, knowing Cody must have read her indecision. “I'll know where you are.” His smile melted away her concern over placing Bobby in his care. Andrea turned her attention on Tanner. She issued orders, looking at whatever man stood closest to carry them out as she started undressing him. One of the men stayed to help her, but when he moved Tanner's leg the vicious complaint of pain stilled them both. Andrea moved down and gently inspected his leg. Sucking in her breath, she jerked her eyes away from the blood soaking his jeans. “Damn!” It was Eddie's shocked voice, from behind her, that jerked Andrea out of her own disbelief. “The doctor?” “On his way.” “We should call an ambulance.” “Doc White drives it.” Closing her eyes for a second, Andrea forced the swimming in her head to stop. Fainting wouldn't help anyone, especially Tanner. She prayed what they could see were the worse of his injuries. The layers of dirt that covered him made it difficult to tell. Andrea decided it wouldn't help Doc White when he arrived, either. “I’m going to need hot water and disinfectant.” The man by Tanner's leg took off to do her bidding. She couldn't blame him for wanting to escape. Eddie helped her pull his shirt off. Somehow they managed to strip Tanner and clean the dirt away, discovering only a few more ugly bruises. The deep gash at his forehead worried Andrea almost as much as the blood loss from the wound in his leg. She'd witnessed enough fights, while growing up, to know how dangerous a concussion could be. They needed to stop the bleeding in his leg. Folding up a swath of clean cloth she gave it to Eddie, “Here, press it over the wound and keep the pressure on it. How did this happen?” Eddie answered her as he did what she told him. “Jim found him out on the range. Must have fallen off Jedadiah.” Eddie saw the confusion she couldn't voice, “That's his stallion. Awful strange though.” Andrea hated her own ignorance about Tanner's way of life. But the questions were too strong to keep silent. “The horse?” 33

Pinky Swear The old man's eyes locked on hers. She wanted to cry over the pain and concern he obviously felt for Tanner. She saw something more in Eddie, something akin to vengeance, but she couldn't put her feelings into words. When he pulled away from her scrutiny, she sucked in a sharp breath over the anger he failed to hide. “Eddie?” “Damn clumsy of him, that's all!” Her suspicion that Eddie was hiding more than he voiced left her with the oddest feeling. Neither of them said much more. Andrea kept a cool cloth moving over his drawn features, unable to tear her thoughts away from the circumstances that put her beside this battered man. For a moment Angelo's vicious face loomed up replacing Tanner's ruggedly handsome features. Andrea closed her eyes to banish the frightening vision, telling herself Angelo couldn't have been behind Tanner's injuries. That devil couldn't have found her out here! Brushing back the dark hair from Tanner's forehead, Andrea felt as if a boulder fell on her heart. Looking at him, she prayed he would call on that inner strength she recognized in this man, the moment she fell under his scrutiny. Andrea reassured herself he would be all right. “I’ll let you laugh at me, again. Please get well, Tanner” **** Pacing with Bobby across the living room rug, Andrea pulled her eyes away from the silent stairs. The doctor, at least she hoped he really was one, had been up there nearly an hour. She didn't think Doc White's appearance helped her anxiety over Tanner's condition. “Medicine man…” “Actually I am, in the medical as well as spiritual sense.” Clutching Bobby, she spun to face the man that appeared behind her. Knowing he heard her remark, Andrea wanted to fade from sight. “I am sorry.” “Accepted, though there's no need, you aren't from around here.” “That fact doesn't excuse my rudeness.” Embarrassed heat move through her cheeks under the smile he gave her. “How is he?” “Tanner is tough.” His answer didn't help alleviate the frown marring the woman's delicate features. “I need to get him to the hospital for x-rays. The bleeding is stopped, but I want to make sure there are no broken bones.” “Good, then you were able to stitch the cut up. What about his head?” 34

Pinky Swear Charlie cursed his promise to Tanner before he answered. “A severe concussion, needs watching. He may have some cracked ribs.” “Then he will be in the hospital for a while?” “A few days. I doubt he'll allow any more than that.” Hell, Charlie felt lucky that he’d talked the man into even going to the hospital, of course that last shot of painkillers helped. Tanner wasn’t just furious over being shot; he was crazy with worry about leaving this woman. Having everyone swear to keep silent about the gunshot and the guards he ordered about the house, didn’t set right with Charlie. A smile tugged at her lips imagining Tanner's anger over being laid up. “He's awake, then?” “On and off. I sedated him for the ride to the hospital. Eddie told me what you did, thank you, it helped. He should be ready to move now, I best get going.” Charlie turned back at the stairs; he wanted to warn her she might be in danger, but his word to his friend wouldn't allow it. Whatever was going on, Charlie swore he would find out before releasing Tanner. **** Andrea watched until the ambulance's lights disappeared. Bobby's little fingers were wrapped in her hair as if he felt her anxiety over Tanner. Turning away from the door she sighed, knowing it would be sometime before Eddie called with news from the hospital as he promised. She'd wanted to go too, but hours in the waiting room wouldn't have been possible with Bobby. A tiny laugh escaped the nervous hold of her jaw. “A full blooded Apache, and with M.D., D.O. after that illustrious title.” Andrea decided they were only the papered degrees. Doc White certainly came as a surprise with that long black hair, moccasins, jeans and red flannel shirt. His assurance Tanner would soon be his ornery self helped to ease her worry. But seeing all the precautions the man took when moving him, Andrea decided her misgivings over his injuries were justified. **** The magazine pages blurred before her eyes. Looking at the clock and then the phone, she resisted the urge to check for a dial tone again. It was nearly midnight and still no word from Eddie. 35

Pinky Swear Pushing off the couch her gaze wandered back to the keys she'd found in Tanner's ruined jeans. She had a good mind to take the Bronco and drive to the hospital. “Ring, damn you.” As if on command the phone's ring peeled through the room. Grabbing the receiver, “Yes, Eddie?” “He's doing fine. Doc says his leg will mend like new.” “My goodness, how deep was the cut?” The silence dragged on the line, making Andrea wonder if Eddie heard her. “Eddie?” “Sorry I didn't call earlier, but everything has been moving pretty fast since we arrived.” “Is he awake?” “Just coming around in recovery, won't be worth much until tomorrow. I'm staying here, you tell the boys, alright?” Deciding the man sounded upset she didn’t badger him for details. “Of course. Is there anything else I need to do?” Recovery? Did Tanner need surgery on his leg? He lost a lot of blood, but she thought Doc White said he stitched it up? The line fell silent for nearly a minute. “Just sit tight, if you don't mind?” “No, I mean yes, I will stay. If you need anything I could bring it to you?” “Nothing I can think of right now. Oh, I called Cooks and told them to send out some more formula and stuff for the baby.” “Thank you.” “No problem. You just make yourself at home. He won't be home for a few days.” “Alright, call me?” “Sure honey, now don't worry, Doc is the best around.” Andrea smiled. “I know, bye Eddie.” Eddie's hand slowly replaced the receiver. “Damn you Tanner, making me lie like that to the gal.” Eddie wish Tanner were alert enough to tell him why he couldn’t tell her that Tanner had been shot? Eddie cursed under his breath knowing he hadn’t asked her about staying on for a bit either. “Too many unanswered questions if you ask me!” When Doc said Tanner would need looking after, Eddie automatically thought of the gal. But asking her came hard. He'd seen how worried she looked and heard her concern just seconds ago. Yet, 36

Pinky Swear Eddie instinctively felt that convincing her to stay would take some mighty big talk'n. “And maybe some underhanded scheming?” Giving her a few days to get settled in could only help sway her decision his way. Chuckling to himself, he decided keeping her luggage out of sight, at least until Tanner was home, wouldn't hurt none. No sir, whatever made Tanner bring her home, Eddie wasn't about to let her disappear while his friend was incapable of stopping her. “The more I see of that little tike, the more I think you left a lot unsaid, old friend.” And the gal, Andrea, Eddie could see how easy it would be for Tanner's normal standoffish ways to have crumbled where she is concerned. She is a pretty little thing and kind hearted. More spunk though than Tanner gave her credit for. Tanner's order concerning the gal came through all too clear. All that dope Doc shot into him hadn't stopped Tanner from issuing his ultimatum to them, “I forbid it! She's not to be told. Do you understand? No one, and I mean you in particular, Eddie, will tell her I was shot!” Eddie felt his anger rise again. “Damn rustlers, now they are shooting at us!” And more than once! Eddie felt sick over Tanner's brush with death. Looking at the bandage wrapped around Tanner's head, to his leg, made Eddie's blood run cold. “Lucky for you they were bad shots.” “Nope, don't understand a’tall, Tanner” Not only did Tanner order them all to remain silence about the shooting, but he kept insisting that someone needed to baby-sit the gal! Eddie studied his friend. “She takes damn good care of that boy, yes sir.” Tanner's ramblings in the ambulance about not leaving her alone with the boy didn't make sense. Something sure made the man riled up concerning her. Eddie wished Tanner's could explain his concerns for the gal, but between the pain and the drugs Doc pumped into him, Eddie guessed he'd just have to wait to find out. In the mean time Eddie would figure out a way to keep her at the ranch. It was plain she cared for Tanner. Rather the man would admit it or not, Eddie's gut told him that girl got under Tanner's tough hide more than he cared to admit. “Yup, she's a stay'n.”

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Chapter 7 Cleaning Tanner's house seemed like a good idea at the time. Feeling she owned him that much proved a strong motivation. Besides, she needed something to take her mind off the man. Giving Bobby a rueful smile, Andrea never counted on the interference one six-month-old baby could present. What should have taken her a day, turned into three. Of course, she didn’t plan on being so thorough. Seeing the crisp fullness of the curtains moving with the breeze filtering through the windows, she smiled, glad she'd taken the extra time to wash and iron them. “From, Vice President of Operations, to housecleaner and mother. I think fate has an ironic side to it, Bobby.” Watching as he rocked on his knees, she felt like cheering him on. Imagining all the mischief he would get into, when he could crawl, made her groan. After three days of cleaning she finally made it to the kitchen. It wasn't that Tanner's house was dirty, in fact, she’d been surprised over how well taken care of it turned out to be and by a lone man. Tanner's attentions certainly weren't held inside the house. No, the events of the last few days made it clear that the range that nearly killed him captured the man’s attention. Stepping on the stool to wipe the oven hood, “He probably sleeps under the stars more than in his bed.” Frowning, she didn't think he would take it too well being inside these next weeks to recuperate. She laughed at the baby's answering gibberish. Bobby became her only company these last days, except for an occasional visit from one of the hands to check on Tanner's progress. Having the last few days did give her the time she needed with Bobby. Funny how quickly she learned to read his baby sounds and what each meant. It almost felt as if he had always been hers. 38

Pinky Swear He'd scooted off the blanket in his determination to reach the spoon he tossed onto the floor. The high gloss of the waxed floors made the room shine. She wondered if Tanner would notice the bright freshness in each room. Andrea told herself the cleaning would be token payment for their continued presence in his home. She felt proud of her accomplishments. Her entire life had been spent in an assortment of apartments. It felt strange having so much open space to move around in. She refused to dwell on the special feel of the place. They would be leaving soon and it would be foolish to build any kind of attachment for the house, “or the man.” Slamming the sponge into the wash bucket, Andrea scolded her wayward thoughts. They held no place in her life. Tanner certainly didn't! Bobby, he was all that mattered. He needed a home and she'd make one for him, somewhere. She filled the late night hours trying to plan their next move. So far she threw out one state after another, and admittedly most of the reasons were so minor they were silly. Like, Idaho…she disliked potatoes. Or California and the earthquakes. Texas would be way too hot and Maine too cold. The list became endless, but she refused to look any deeper for the reason. “Are you hungry, Bobby?” The way he beat the spoon on the floor made her laugh. She quickly discovered that Bobby actually maintained a pretty set schedule for everything: eating, sleeping, playing, even messing his diaper. She could thank Eddie for helping with her adjustment, when Cooks' store delivered a box of baby cereal and jars of baby food. Bobby drank formula, but he loved eating food. Of course at first, they both wore most of it. More because she lacked the knack of getting the spoon past his lips before he blew on the food. Self-preservation conquered her temerity. Being a mother meant having two sets of hands and the patience of a saint. While she moved about the kitchen she couldn't hide from the troubles plaguing her. Her old life nearly became non-existent. The break must remain. Contacting Mr. Wang or her mother would be too dangerous. “…for all of us.” Chewing the inside of her cheek, Andrea finally admitted the very real danger Angelo posed. The man's vengeance would extend to anyone connected to her and Bobby. “He knows…” As cautious as Tina may have been about everything, Andrea felt positive Angelo would discover her own involvement. Picking up the 39

Pinky Swear baby she settled them at the table. Talking to him as she fed him seemed so natural she gave up trying to stop. “We need a place like this, don't we? Somewhere far away from prying eyes.” Tanner's image never left her thoughts. She wished it wasn't the battered and broken man she kept seeing. They would leave once he returned. Andrea hoped seeing him again would vanquish the horrible memory. “Hello, the house!” Andrea laughed at the call from the front room. Calling back, “We're in the kitchen.” People certainly weren't the same here as in the city. Bobby's reach for the dish demanded her attention, preventing her from seeing who entered. “Whoa, thought I'd come to the wrong place. You've been busy.” Charlie wasn't disappointed by the quick smile of recognition she gave him over the baby's antics. Their conversations on the phone, concerning Tanner's condition, seemed to help her to feel comfortable around him. “There's fresh coffee on the stove.” “Thanks I could use it, just been through a tough delivery.” “A baby?” “Twins, a matched set of prize fillies.” Andrea's mouth dropped open before swallowing her surprise. “I take it, Vet, falls under M.D. out here.” Between another spoonful of applesauce, she watched the man turn the kitchen chair around and straddle it. “Something like that, whatever needs tending.” “How's Tanner?” Charlie wondered if the man deserved her concern. “The worse patient I have ever treated. The nurses are ready to ship him out, head first.” Her coy smile drew his. “You're not surprised.” “I suspect he's getting claustrophobic.” Who wouldn't after living out here, but she kept her feelings to herself. “So, when is he coming home?” There, she asked. She wished it didn't take so much effort. She didn't like the uneasy feelings coming over her concerning Tanner and their imminent departure. The easy way she rose and placed the boy down, in his sanctioned off play area, belied Tanner's tirade concerning her abilities to care for her son. Looking around at the pristine kitchen, 40

Pinky Swear Charlie figured the woman must be competent in handling about anything; except maybe Tanner. Tanner's show of anger became comical considering his constant questions, asking if she still remained in his home. Damn, why did she have to be Tanner's property! Taking her seat she met the intense dark gaze consuming her. “Is there something you haven't told me about his condition? The concussion?” Giving himself a mental shake, he wanted to curse over the worry in her lovely eyes. Worse, he wished he didn't see her feelings for Tanner. “Only the bruise remains, he's totally out of danger.” “Then what's wrong?” “It's his own fault.” She couldn't stand the way he hesitated. “What?” “I can't find anyone willing to take him on.” Her brow rose in confusion, making Charlie wish that he never agreed to Eddie's scheme. Tanner might need caring, only the last person Charlie wanted to leave alone with the man was Andrea! Watching how bright her eyes were getting nearly defeated him. Damn if those weren't tears threatening to fall down her ivory cheeks. “God, I'm sorry Andrea, its nothing to do with his physical well being. Tanner needs someone to take care of him while he recuperates, here at the house. and well, he's so darn ornery he's scared off every home-care nurse I've approached.” Her relief rushed out. “Is that all?” Realizing what she almost revealed, she pushed away from the table. No, he did not ask her to stay. What ever must she be thinking? These men certainly wouldn't want a stranger watching over their friend. Andrea told herself the ridiculous notion rose out of the threat Angelo posed. She felt they were safe here. She certainly didn't want to stay here because of Tanner. The man hadn't even come back to talk her. If he had returned he never would have been hurt! Squeezing her eyes shut, she berated her unkind thoughts towards him, knowing it wasn't his fault. Eddie heard all he needed. He should have figured the Doc would be attracted to the girl. Couldn't be anything else the way he kept side stepping the issue. Remembering Tanner's concern and worry over the gal, Eddie wondered if his earlier suspicions concerning the boy's parentage 41

Pinky Swear weren't too far a field. But keeping a guard on her, here at the ranch, wasn't Tanner's style. Hell, it was obvious Tanner didn't want her going no where. Eddie's reassurances that she was staying put, didn't seem to ease Tanner's fierceness concerning her. Tanner went and called Cody, on his own from the hospital, and put the boys on her like guard dogs. He even made the men pack rifles and such. Finding out that Tanner went behind his back, Eddie demanded an explanation for such drastic action. When Tanner implied she might be danger, Eddie scoffed and chalked up Tanner's insistence to being out of his head on the Doc's drugs. They’d dealt with rustlers before and none dared to come close to the house. Later, when he was alone, Eddie thought real hard on Tanner's actions. He'd held his questions, only because of Tanner's stubborn silence. But something was going on between these two and Eddie would be damn glad when Tanner got his butt home. Shaking his head and watching her now, Eddie knew he was plumb relieved she failed to sense what was going on around her. No sir, she hardly left the house, cleaned it up real nice too. Homier than he'd ever seen the old place. For a city gal, she didn't appear to be afraid of hard work. Her ignorance of how a ranch normally functioned came as a godsend; guns and guard duty weren't a normal part of it, no sir! Listening to the Doc side step the point one too many times, Eddie let out a resigned sight. “Should have handled this myself.” He stepped through the kitchen door. “That coffee I smell, Andie?” “Hi Eddie, black, right?” Andrea ignored his use of Andie, deciding he'd picked it up from Tanner. She refused to feel the warmness that prospect brought her. “Like tar, little lady.” Relieved to have something to do, Andrea fetched him a mug. From the cupboard she studied her visitors, wondering who could be taking care of Tanner. The rather unpleasant glares passing between the two men contradicted the 'howdy' they exchanged. She couldn't help but wonder what they were up to. Placing the mug between his hands, Andrea sensed her suspicions weren't imagined after catching the nudging nod Doc White gave Eddie. Using Bobby as an excuse to leave them, she felt her breath catch when Eddie finally spoke up. “Doc tell you Tanner's coming home tomorrow?” 42

Pinky Swear Not wanting to be too obvious she fringed a mild interest. “Umm, I doubt you could stop him.” “He's been a mite anxious at that.” Hearing the Doc's quaff over Eddie's choice of words, Andrea bit her lip to repress a knowing giggle. “Did he tell you how bad off he still is?” Eddie would have been surprised if his announcement didn't have her spinning around. Her eyes advanced accusingly on the Doc. “No, he didn't.” Yup, she could tear a man up with those eyes of hers. All Eddie cared about is that she still cared about Tanner. “Damn it, Eddie, it's not like his dying or something. He's just going to be laid up for a few weeks. He sure the hell isn't going to be vaulting up on any horse.” Andrea folded her arms and stared at both of them. “What Doc's saying, is that the man can hardly tend himself, let alone cook and feed himself properly.” Andrea couldn't decide which of them took the award as the worse con artist. Stomping on her suspicions of where this conversation would lead, she refused to make it easy for them. “I'm glad to hear he's not critical. Now if you will excuse me, its time for Bobby's bath.” Picking the boy up, she told herself again that staying would be a bad idea. After all, Tanner wasn't exactly the one asking. He never even called her from the hospital. Remembering the way they parted before his accident, she seriously doubted he would appreciate his friends manipulation in keeping her in his home. No, she felt certain Tanner would be livid over the whole arrangement. When Eddie moved to block her escape, Andrea stood in stubborn silence. It would be a foolish idea and she blamed these two for even putting the thought in her head. “Honey, he needs you.” “I doubt he'd agree.” “Course he wouldn't, right now he's good and angry over what's happened to him. He ain't accepting anyone's help.” Juggling Bobby on her hip, she tried to move around him. “Look, it's a bad idea. Doc can hire a nurse.” Eddie stared down wildcats easier than she made it. Damn, he'd known she be tough to convince. Why did people fight what they wanted most? “Done tried that, no one would take the job.” She wished she could be certain he wasn’t lying. 43

Pinky Swear Reaching out, Eddie touched her arm. “Andie, it makes sense for you to stay on. Besides your luggage is still missing and well, damn it all, nobody else would put up with him but you.” Hiding her mounting doubts proved impossible. “What makes you think I can?” Chewing her lip she tried to avoid his pleading eyes. “Eddie the last time we spoke, we weren't exactly on the best of terms.” Yeah, he remembered their fight; he'd never seen so much emotion in Tanner. “No Eddie, he's probably furious I'm still here.” He could tell her how wrong she was, but decided the truth might scare her. Damn straight. If she found out Tanner threatened to fire anyone that drove her off his property, well, Eddie figured her reaction would not be pretty. “Please honey, he really needs you. Will you stay, Andie?” She shouldn't. She argued away every valid reason to stay. He would be furious… “Yes, all right, I will stay.” Pushing past him, before she could think over exactly what she just committed herself to, she took Bobby and fled upstairs. **** Cradling Bobby, Andrea hummed in time with the slow movement of the rocker. His eyes were fighting to remain open. Sometimes, during the last few days, she'd taken to rocking him asleep. They both knew it wasn't necessary, but they needed the bonding that came from this time together. Her thumb absently caressed his little fingers wrapped about hers. Soft as a baby she never understood the truth behind those words before. He fell asleep and yet, she hesitated in putting him in the crib. She smiled, remembering her surprise when the crib arrived. Dear Eddie, he must have bought out Cooks' store. “He'll be home tomorrow.” The house stood ready. Tanner’s room being the first that she cleaned. She moved Bobby and herself to the room across the hall. Her eyes drifted over the comfortable furnishings. She didn't think the dark heavy pieces were antiques, but treasures none the less. Andrea sensed every room held links to Tanner's loved ones. She imagined this bedroom belonged to his grandparents. The gray marble tops of the dresser and nightstands fit her mental image of them. 44

Pinky Swear Family ties, he possessed them. She felt it throughout the house, as if he took each room and placed a memory in it. Was it permanence he sought to hold on to? Her eyes closed against the differences in their lives. She couldn't remember wanting to hold on to her family. What little there be, wasn't worth the memory. Unconsciously her hold tightened about Bobby. “I have you now, don't I sweet thing? How different you make everything. I never really cared before, no, that's not true, I have always been afraid to care.” Her body trembled over the truth she now faced. She cared so very much it actually hurt. Keeping Bobby safe meant everything to her. And she felt more than a little frightened over their future. “Am I being so terribly selfish to stay here?” Not until the reality sunk in, did Andrea begin to feel the true weight of her decision. One question kept hammering at her; was she putting Tanner in danger? What if Angelo found them here? Taking a deep breath, she told herself to stop creating shadows, he couldn't possibly find them here. Rising and taking Bobby to the crib, she stroked his back until he settled back to sleep. “I should tell him.” The defeating shake of her head spoke of the reaction she expected from him. Invalid or not, he would show her to the door. His battered image interfered with her argument to leave. He did need help. Maybe a week or two, just until he could get around and manage on his own. She'd leave then, they must.

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Chapter 8 “They’re coming Bobby.” She almost wished the baby would wake up. Closing her eyes, Andrea wondered how long they could enjoy the comfortable routine they’d established in Tanner’s home. She released her hold on the curtain and tried to straighten the ruffled edging back in place. Another quick sweep of the living room told her everything looked in place. The bouquet of wild flower she and Bobby picked added special warmth to the room. Andrea felt her smile sag remembering Cody’s frantic state when he caught up to them on the hill behind the house. Stranger still, came his insistence to stay and help her finish the pleasant task of picking the flowers. Trying to forget how uncomfortable he made her feel Andrea tossed off the whole incident as nervousness on his part over Tanner’s homecoming. Her own emotional state concerning Tanner did little to settle the flutter in her stomach. Once again she told herself to get a grip. Just the thought of seeing him set tingles off deep inside her stomach. “Stop acting so crazy, Andrea.” Groaning, she decided talking to herself might just be worse than biting her nails to the nub. Andrea’s panic rose when she heard footsteps on the porch. Taking a deep breath she opened the door. Eddie and Doc stood at the top of the porch steps blocking her view of Tanner. She told herself not to interfere, but it proved so damn hard. She wanted to yell at them for standing there and not helping Tanner up the steps. She saw him then; head down, his shoulders hunched over the crutches under his arms. Her anxious gaze swept over him, taking in every detail, centering on the concentrated effort Tanner used to conquer the stairs. Tight as a bowstring his muscles bulged out from his body. The large taut frame held its own warning, forbidding anyone’s interference. Relief rush through her, he hadn’t lost an 46

Pinky Swear ounce of that inner fierceness he projected. If anything, his injury hardened him. The ache in her heart for his struggle wouldn’t be accepted. Andrea schooled her face not to show any of the unsettling emotions he stirred to life. When he stepped onto the porch, she tensed over the strain it took for him to control the tremor surging through his body. In silence she cheered his accomplishment and admired the pride he held to with such ferocity. He dreamed of that smile every night. Not those damn drugs, nor the pain, hindered his memory. His relief over being the focus of her tawny gaze weakened him more than the effort to climb those blasted stairs. To be with her again is what Tanner wanted, and more, he needed answers for the storm she unleashed inside of him. No one moved or spoke to break the fierce concentration he held her in. Andrea couldn’t, fearing the weakness in her knees would rule. Why did he look angry? “Where’s Bobby?” Blinking under the delivered force of his question, she barely managed to answer. “Sleeping.” Of all the questions he’d stored up, laying in that infernal hospital, the one that came out infuriated him. What the hell did he just do? If he kept this up he would bully her out of his life. He could have bet those fragile shoulders would have straightened. Gold flames danced in her eyes. God, she looked beautiful. He didn’t know many men that possessed the control she used not to strike back. “Lunch is ready when you are.” His lips twitched over the graceful turn she made as she headed for the kitchen. Her snub looked regal. Tanner couldn’t believe how much respect he felt for her at that moment. The low whistle let loose by Eddie finally broke through his concentration on the swinging kitchen door. It was Doc’s lowly spoken acknowledgement that yanked Tanner’s attention back to his companions. “Good thing she considers you an invalid.” “Thanks for bringing me home, Doc.” There was no mistaking the silent warning Tanner issued that reverted Doc back to his medical capacity. “You had better get off that leg before it swells anymore.” Admitting the damn thing was killing him didn’t exist in Tanner’s makeup. 47

Pinky Swear “Don’t push it Tanner. It will only make the healing take longer.” Not expecting his patient’s agreement, Charlie decided he'd never known a more stubborn man. “She has the pain pills, use them.” The door slamming on the Doc’s exit seemed to intensify the pain rolling over him. Tanner fought it down, but Eddie caught the effort. “Sure a mule didn’t up and kick you in competition?” “Don’t you have anything to do? I don’t need a babysitter.” The last growled out of Tanner, knowing he was loosing the battle over the pain. Damn, he’d never felt so gawd awful. The worse part came from being away from here and…yes, damn it, Andie! “You want me to help you upstairs?” Bed was the last place he wanted to revisit. “No thanks.” Eddie’s grumbled humph, told Tanner he wasn’t fooling his friend. “Fine, I’ll leave your stubborn ass to fend on your own, but hear me well Tanner, that sweet gal in there busted all records to get this place shining and you better not hurt her feelings!” The man’s tirade raced before his steps out the door. “And another thing, boss! She’s a damn good mother to that boy, never seen a better one!” Tanner actually flinched, almost loosing his balance from the wind following Eddie’s exit. Taking a deep breath, Tanner admitted to being a little unreasonable. Apologies would be in order, but his dark eyes tightened over the obvious. It seemed the little lady accomplished quite a bit in his absence. He hated the pangs of raw jealousy he felt over her success, especially where Charlie White was concerned. Tanner’s thoughts made his body coil and it had nothing to do with the raw pain throbbing through him. While laid up in that hospital, his awareness concerning Andrea sharpened some pretty base instincts. Once awakened, he couldn’t ignore how thorough Andrea’s intrusion into his life extended. Against his will his keen gaze stalked about the room, taking in every crisp detail. Homey came to mind and he realized the house never felt this way before. Trying to shake off the feelings she stirred to life, Tanner forced his arms to work the crutches. Determination drove him toward the kitchen and the small slip of a woman he wished he’d left alone from the first. In the same breath, he thanked the powers for keeping her safe! 48

Pinky Swear Memories of those strangers haunted him. For the hundredth time he cursed his own stupidity for approaching the car that morning. If his head hadn’t been so full of her, he would have seen his foolishness for what it turned out to be. Gingerly touching where the bullet grazed his forehead, he cursed under his breath. Hell, the black sedan should have been enough warning. Rustlers they weren’t. Why they were sneaking around his land is what he wanted to know. The way the big guy fidgeted under his questioning should have set Tanner’s natural alarms off. But when they’d started questioning him about a girl and baby, Tanner lost all commonsense. No, all he’d cared about was keeping Andrea and the boy safe! He went over the fight that ensued everyday since coming awake in the hospital. He’d kept silent and swore Doc to silence about his true injuries from the bullet, knowing he didn’t want the law brought in until he received his own answers from her. He never told Eddie the men were looking for Andie and for good reason. His friend would have confronted her and probably scare her off before Tanner could get back here. Making his way to the desk, Tanner silently opened the drawer and checked his revolver. All arguments that he might have misunderstood those two henchmen were dismissed under each volley of pain. Cody’s report of fresh tire tracks, on the rise above the house, killed off any hopes they were gone. The guards Tanner ordered about the house insured no one got any closer. The ugly feeling that those men knew Andrea was in his home couldn’t be dismissed. The trouble he sensed the first time he’d seen her appeared to have followed her right to his front door. Turning too fast he groaned and cursed the bullet wound in his leg. Thankfully it missed the bone. The aching fear, his injury might prevent him from protecting the woman, left him weak. He swore that somehow he would keep her and the boy safe. Letting her leave here wasn’t an option Tanner would allow. Andrea’s hand stilled over lifting the ladle out of the pot. Knowing he wouldn’t want her to see his clumsy effort to reach the table, she pretended not to hear him. Inwardly, she cringed over each smothered curse of pain he failed to keep silent. She cursed his stubborn pride and the fact it kept her from helping him. Turning to see the torment marring his handsome face was more than any woman could stand. “A goose, frozen in a winter pond, couldn’t be more pathetic.” 49

Pinky Swear Maybe he deserved her whispered cut; after all, he hardly held his humor with her silent in the past. Tanner realized he never got around to apologizing. “Try and eat while it’s hot.” His hooded eyes followed her sharp moves, wondering how long he had before all hell broke loose. He wasn’t sure what he expected from her…pity? Tanner wondered if starting up an argument would get him the answers that he needed. Seeing how tightly she held herself, he dismissed the idea. Hearing his snicker stiffened her spine. Turning back, she confronted him. “Look Tanner, believe it or not I’m a pretty decent cook, its certainly has to be better than jell-o, unless hospital food has improved of late.” She made quite a sight, standing there with those elegant hands balled into fists on her curvy hips. Damn she looked so small, too damn tiny to defend herself against those thugs. She probably stayed because she felt safe, believing they couldn’t find her out here. She wore her fear like armor. His gut told him he better find a kink in it if he wanted to get any answers. Being in the hospital gave a man plenty of time to think. Tanner realized he could be protecting her from her own husband, but something, maybe the innocent way she moved around him, said otherwise. Irate lover or husband, he obviously wasn’t someone she wanted to find her. The girl was on the run, he’d sensed it from the first, and Tanner held little hope that she’d survive against the likes he’d tangled with. No, Andrea Dunbar wouldn’t stand a chance against gun totting mobsters. “Smells good.” Smiling over her exasperated sigh. “Been to one lately?” He didn’t want her to leave and said the first thing that came to his mind. “What?” “Hospital.” Tanner took a spoon full of stew to camouflage his intense study of her and the confusion she failed to hide over his question. “No, friends…they always complain…” Her voice trailed off as if suddenly troubled by her answer. He’d seen that same look at the airport over the baby. “Andie…” “Bobby’s awake.” Without a backward glance she disappeared. Tanner sat there staring at nothing, trying to figure out what just happened. He gave up the effort over the pain assaulting him. He 50

Pinky Swear stared at the bottle of pain pills she must have placed on the table for him. Cursing, Tanner needed a clear head to deal with Andie and the danger lurking too close. **** Andrea dusted Bobby’s bottom with powder a third time before realizing her attention drifted. “Sorry honey.” Smiling down at his gurgling antics. “Mommy’s got to be more careful now that he’s back.” She prayed Tanner didn’t make any connection over her slip concerning the hospital. Any woman that with a new baby would probably hold vivid recollections of their hospital stay. “All but this mother!” The trouble she felt closing in on her intensified the headache coming on. She should take Bobby and leave here, now. Remembering how horrid Tanner looked; she couldn’t make herself do it. Whether he admitted it or not, he did need her help. “A few days. That’s all either of us can afford.” Andrea strengthened her conviction by reminding herself of the danger she placed Tanner in by staying. Andrea refused to believe there could be any other reason for staying. Tanner forced himself to remain still as she came down the stairs. He counted on her kind heart to keep her here as long as she thought of him as an invalid. Damn if he wasn’t at the moment. Settling Bobby down to play, she went over to the couch. Her gaze roamed over Tanner, taking in every admirable inch of his powerful body. The sudden wave of heat flooding her body left her breathless. She remembered how powerful his hold could be. How protected she could feel in his arms and she wished... No! Those kinds of thoughts weren’t allowed! They were leaving, must go. Andrea couldn’t deal with the danger Tanner laid claim to in her heart. Picking up a throw she placed it over him. The couch probably was all he could be capable of reaching. Thinking he fell asleep, Andrea repeated her conviction. “Just a few days, any more and we’ll both regret it.” Through half closed eyes he watched her go back to the boy. He let the lingering scent of baby and roses calm his arguments against her decree. A knowing smile came over his stern lips as his own plans took shape. Ah yes, defying the little lady’s wishes just moved to the top of his priorities. 51

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Chapter 9 The bell started again, “I swear the man is impossible!” Staring at the microwave she dared it not to tick off the seconds remaining to heat his tea water. “Hello, the house! Andie, where you hiding gal?” If only disappearing were possible. “In the kitchen, Eddie!” Andrea called back never stopping her task to prepare Tanner’s demanded tea. “What I would like to know is when he switched from coffee!” “The men are beginning to wonder if there’s a fire that needs putting out over here?” Eddie stepped back in order not to be run over by the woman rushing about the kitchen. She looked ready to take someone’s head off, Eddie figured he didn’t have to ask whose. “You want me take that blasted bell away from him?” Andrea’s hand stilled over the sugar bowl. “More than likely I should stop giving him all this sugar in his tea.” Taking a steadying breath, she let the fourth spoonful fall into the mug. Eddie almost sputter over the fact Tanner even drank tea, but snapped his mouth shut. “Here, let me take it.” “Oh, I don’t know Eddie.” “You take a break, Andie, I’ll be down in a tail’s shake for that list of supplies.” Releasing her hold on the tray, under Eddie’s persistent pull, Andrea didn’t have any strength left to argue. Tanner certainly lived up to his reputation as a rotten patient. “He must be the most demanding man alive!” The raised voices from upstairs didn’t surprise her. Tanner existed in a rotten mood and nothing she tried softened his ornery hide. She giggled, realizing she used one of Eddie’s favorite sayings. “Well darn it, his hide is ornery.” Hearing Bobby stir, she watched and held her breath until the baby settled back to sleep in his playpen. She swore under her breath, 52

Pinky Swear “I swear Tanner, if you wake him up again I will wrap that bell around your ears!” Desperation over Tanner’s constant demands drove her to keep Bobby downstairs for his nap. She never should have given him that old school bell she found in the cupboard. After suffering a cranky baby and Tanner for the past week, Andrea felt at wits end. Bobby didn’t fare well without his naptime and Tanner seemed incapable of taking one. “If anyone needs sleep it’s probably me.” **** “I told you not to hurt her, Tanner.” Tanner opened his mouth to object to the accusation, but closed it, knowing Eddie was right. Maybe he did over do it a bit, but keeping her running up and down the stairs kept her from leaving the house and stumbling upon the guards he placed about the house. Being stuck upstairs seemed like a good idea at the time. From his bedroom window he could watch the hills surrounding the house. Cody could also report to him, from below his window, without stirring Andie’s curiosity by coming in the house. The last thing Tanner wanted was for her to find out about the precautions he put in place. Nothing would convince him that she wouldn’t run. “I’ve never known you to act like such a devil, what’s the matter with you, Tanner? You trying to drive her into those creep’s arms?” Eddie got the man’s attention that time. Tanner must be sick if he thought Eddie wouldn’t figure out all that is going on. Maybe if he threatened Tanner a little he wouldn’t run the poor gal to death. “You keep pestering her like this and I’ll help her pack and sneak out of here. Now just think on that for a bit and get some rest, like the Doc told you to.” Eddie didn’t wait for Tanner’s anger to take hold, grumbling his way out the door and down the stairs. “Don’t even try it, old man.” Biting out the threat, Tanner fell back against the pillows, allowing his exhaustion to have its way with him. Cody whistled from beneath the window to let Tanner know he started his watch. For the moment Tanner could relax, but damn he wished she would stay in his sight. He hated the fear he constantly lived with concerning Andie. If he could kick himself he would. He failed to learn anything from Andrea this last week and the fault rested in his lap. Eddie got one thing right, if he didn’t stop badgering her she might leave. And damn if he could blame her! 53

Pinky Swear The admission forced Tanner to admit that his frustration dictated his actions of late. If those thugs did charge the house, Tanner hated facing the truth that he might not be able to stop them from reaching Andie and Bobby. Tanner’s fist crushed the sheet in his impatient grip. Doc White would be here soon to take the stitches out. Maybe then his tension would abate and allow some straight thinking. Being able to move about held a hefty amount of appeal for Tanner. Watching Andie started to become an integral part of his day. Pushing the thought away, Tanner concentrated on the danger. He couldn’t shake the feeling they were close to making their move and he needed to be ready. “I swear they won’t touch her.” **** “Do you want some more coffee?” Andrea wanted to groan over the way Tanner’s gaze followed her every move. She started acting like a nervous ninny ever since he came downstairs. The man certainly proved to be impossible! She couldn’t have mistaken the flinches of pain he failed to hide. Doc White knew better than to face her right now. She couldn’t believe he gave Tanner permission to walk about. Another thing, it appeared as if he feared having her out of his sight. More than once he called her back when she tried to leave the room or go upstairs. Maybe having him close to her like this worked her imagination into overtime. Tanner never impressed her as needing anyone, except maybe to fetch for him! Tanner jerked his cup up to catch the absent stream of coffee she poured. He never replied to her question, but Tanner figured it wouldn’t have mattered. The woman appeared lost in her own thoughts, ones he wished he were privy to. She acted as jumpy as a cat, making him wonder if she finally saw the ever present car on the ridge overlooking the ranch. “Bobby seems to have a healthy appetite.” Andrea blinked over his statement, “Yes, yes he does.” She stopped herself from saying the boy felt at home here. It would be admitting that she did too. “You are very good with him, Andie.” She started to make a move to leave the table, Tanner moved faster. The rough, large hand suddenly capturing her wrist defeated her escape, his other one took the coffee pot from her hand and placed in on the table. She felt the strength he gentled to hold her. For a second 54

Pinky Swear Andrea let herself feel the warmth flooding through her, wondering how he could affect her like this, where his power came from. The way his thumb moved across the vein near her palm made her heart fluttered like a thousand butterfly wings. “I’m sorry, Andrea.” When his words finally penetrated the spell he wove, her gaze jumped up to his in question. As if his eyes were all powerful they reached out to caress her, all thoughts of escaping this man slipped away like a misty fog. “Tanner…” “Shh, I owe you so many apologies.” She quivered like a doe in his sight. Tanner fought down the urge to pull her into his lap. “I was wrong about you, you are a wonderful mother.” Andrea felt the tears pressing against her lids, she never expected such a wonderful compliment from him. Remembering what a klutz she’d been the first time they met forced a knowing smile. “Thank you, Tanner.” “I'm the one that needs to do the thanking. I wouldn’t have made it through all this without you, Andie.” A knot formed in her throat. Was he telling her he didn’t need her anymore? Andrea told herself she and Bobby needed to leave, should have already left to start their new life. The prospect made her feel sick. She couldn’t stop thinking what their life would be like without Tanner. She would never trade her time in his company, not even his infernal bell ringing... “Andrea, please say you will stay…” She couldn’t be hearing him right. “I know I’ve been terrible, but I need your help, for a while longer. Please, sugar, say you’ll stay?” Tanner watched the play of emotions crossing her lovely face, wishing he could take away all her fears. But what he wanted from her suddenly became more complicated than that. “I shouldn’t...” The words slipped out before she realized. “I promise, no more bell ringing.” The self-defeating grin he gave her destroyed the silent battle she waged to do the right thing. She didn’t want to leave here, leave him! Andrea knew he felt the shivers racing through her by the tightening hold on her wrist. The fierce glare steeling over his eyes said he wouldn’t beg, but neither did she think he would accept her refusal. 55

Pinky Swear “Andrea?” The softly spoken warning couldn’t cover up the force within the man. She should be afraid of him, but knew she wasn’t. “I’ll stay, but only a while longer, Tanner.” She caught her breath over the spark of triumph lighting his eyes. Pulling her wrist from his hold, she stood, her gaze still caught by his own. “I hope neither of us will regret this, Tanner.” He let her go, using Bobby as an excuse, she fled the kitchen. “I intend on making sure you don’t, sugar.”

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Chapter 10 Bobby’s gurgling laughter reached Andrea in the kitchen. Since the day his stitches came out, Tanner spent his time downstairs and mostly with Bobby. Blushing, Andrea admitted he also stayed near her. She almost felt as if Tanner were a part of her. A shadow fell across the backdoor; Andrea stilled her jumpy nerves realizing it must be Cody. The urge to scream at that man grew stronger every day. If it wasn’t Cody, than one of the other hands could always be found near by. She hadn’t mentioned it to Tanner, not wanting to get anyone in trouble. The realization that Tanner would soon be back running his ranch brought a frown to Andrea. There would be no reason for her and Bobby to stay once Doc released him. She fought back the tears that always threatened whenever she thought of their impending departure. She punched her fist into the warm softness of the bread dough, knowing exactly what bothered her. The more days they spent in each other’s company, the more difficult the prospect of leaving became. Andrea bit her lip to prevent blurting out the truth that they should have left long ago. She didn’t like admitting she never decided where they would go. Tanner always seemed to get in the way of making any decisions. It almost felt as if he knew what her thoughts were and somehow managed to steer her away from the subject. Ever since the day he’d apologized to her, things changed between them. Her hands went still as she recalled the way he looked at her. The too near brushes of his body against hers. The way he teased her as if there were deeper meanings to his suggestive words. She really hated to think that it might be just her heart wanting it to mean more. What that prospect meant unnerved her. Andrea silently laughed at her thoughts. “Nothing’s been right since that phone call.” She hated thinking about the day she got Bobby and pushed the ugly memories away. Without thought, Andrea 57

Pinky Swear placed the bread in the tins to rise. Staring at the white mounds of dough she wondered when she’d decided to try baking bread. “So many changes.” “I hope they have been good ones.” Keeping his smile in place became increasingly more difficult when he saw the consternation marring her face. He became pretty good at reading her moods and this one stirred his anger. Any ideas she held about leaving were just those, ideas. The sedan may not have been spotted for a week or so, but the danger still lingered, he could sense it. “Bobby should sleep good tonight, I know I will.” Tanner lowered the boy into the playpen, teasing him with various toys until one caught his attention. Andrea swallowed the familiar lump in her throat that came every time she watched Tanner with the baby. She couldn’t believe the women in this territory let such wonderful father material get away. “Why aren’t you married, Tanner?” Andrea could have crawled under the table for voicing her thoughts! The way his hot gaze moved thoroughly over her only added to her discomfort. “When I find the right woman I won’t be hard to catch.” Each stiff step he took towards her agitated her breathing a little more. She wanted to run from the sensual heat of his intense gaze, but couldn’t. That warming spell he wove held her fast. “And you, Andie? Why hasn’t a man grabbed you up?” Her breath escaped in a whoosh as he pulled her to him. Locked in place within the circle of his powerful arms, Andrea's hands rose away from his chest as if he held a gun on her. Tanner refused to give her even that small luxury of space as he pinned her fully against him. The way she fit against him fascinated her and she closed her eyes trying to absorb the feel of him. “I’m not running, Andrea.” The husky declaration snapped her head up. His eyes were so serious they denied any thought she misunderstood him. Neither could she move away from the slow, deliberate decent of his lips. Sweet as a buttercup, Tanner tasted her. He’d driven himself crazy with dreams of kissing her like this. He liked the reality a whole lot more. Patience be damned! It was time she knew exactly where she belonged! 58

Pinky Swear As if his kiss were a warm wind his essence flowed through her blood. Every nerve shimmered under his touch. He teased her senses until they reached out to hold him. Linger, stay with me, hold me closer. The demands rose in a rush to capture him, stop him from ending the bliss she found in his kiss. “Sweet as sugar. You're a dangerous woman, Andie.” Tanner couldn't have camouflaged his flaring passion even if he tried. It was all he could do to control his hands from reaching and holding the lush breasts pressed against his chest. If he thought he was healing, kissing Andrea just set him back a week and bed was exactly where he wanted to be…with her! He watched her move back as sanity replaced the dreamy look in her eyes. She took the warmth with her. Tanner forced his hands to his side. The powerful urge to pull her back against him turned them into iron fists. Just as he knew she would, he watched as she moved in back of the counter. If she only knew how worthless a barrier it could be if he… No, he didn't want to do anything that might drive her back into that protective cocoon she wrapped about her. He liked what he just experienced of the real Andrea, to risk the return of her shield. Thinking about how open she became these last days made Tanner remember how much he didn't know about her. He'd wanted to expose her secrets while he recuperated. Andrea's open gaze rose over Tanner's laughter. “What's so funny?” “Nothing you would understand.” He brushed away the temptation to be honest with her and tell her how funny he found his failure. He instinctively knew she wouldn't find any humor over his objective. She may have relaxed her guard around him, but he didn't expect her to let him get any closer, not where it counted. She covered up what she suspected by smiling into his hard gaze. He wasn't hiding his curiosity for all the unanswered questions any longer. Andrea could feel the tension between them intensify. Pretending that the bread needed her attention she broke their eye contact. He needed to get back to work and soon. Andie didn't want the confrontation she feared he felt ready to instigate with her. If he only knew how hard it became for her not to confide in him. More than once she started to tell him everything! Only the fear of his reaction held her back. Tanner never impressed her as the forgiving type. She couldn't stand it if he hated her for all the lies between them. 59

Pinky Swear Andrea sucked in the air she forgot to breathe when the knock on the front door forced Tanner to turn away. Her shoulders sank from relief when he left the kitchen and took his scrutiny with him. “Come on Bobby, time for your nap.” **** Andrea could hear the voices outside as she cleaned up for dinner. Doc. She recognized the voice coming from the porch. He should release him from house arrest, as Tanner called it. Andrea knew he healed enough to do what ever he wanted. Strange how she didn't question his motive for staying with her and Bobby in the house. Before she could look any deeper the two men entered the kitchen. Bobby's face lit up as Doc scooped him up. At least she didn't gasp any longer over the man's antics with the boy. It took a while, but Andrea did get used to Tanner and Doc's rough housing with the boy. She hid her smile when Bobby, in full laughter, reached for Tanner as he hung over Doc’s head. Any woman would be happy to have either man as a father to her baby, Andie knew her heart skipped a beat over the proud smile on Tanner’s face for the boy now in his arms. Andie kept watching Tanner and Bobby, almost missing what Doc said. “I’d say you are doing great Tanner, just stay off the horses for another week or so, no sense tearing that bullet hole open.” The gasp that tore through Andrea silenced the room. Tanner felt as if time slid to a stop as he watched her eyes grow large and fill with tears. The violent shaking of her head ripped at his heart, “Andie…don’t sugar.” She raised her hand to stop him from saying anymore as her attention swung to Doc. The man actually took a step back and away from anger he now faced. “A gunshot! You never mentioned a gunshot!” She looked from the silent condemned doctor to Tanner. “You were shot? By whom? Why?” When neither man answered she couldn’t control her fear, “Tell me!” Bobby’s small head came off of Tanner’s chests over her raised voice, the tremor in his small lips undid the last of her control. 60

Pinky Swear Without another word she took Bobby from Tanner and left them to stare after her. Doc made a move to follow but Tanner stopped him. “No, this is my fault, I’ll handle it.” His friend studied him for a minute before easing back. “You better fix this Tanner, I expect an invite to your wedding.” And with that Doc left his patient to stare after him. Tanner raised his attention to the ceiling over the banging he heard. No doubt the lady was packing to leave. It hit him that if he wanted her to stay he needed to face her anger and the fear he caught dulling the vibrancy of her eyes.

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Chapter 11 “I should have realized.” Andrea felt her stomach revolt at the thought of Tanner suffering a bullet wound. She forced her hands to let go of Bobby’s toy, letting it drop in the duffle bag she found in the closet. They needed to leave here before anything else happened. “How did he find us, how?” “Who Andie?” Tanner resisted the urge to pull her shaking body into his protective embrace. The answers he always wanted were there, now was the time to get them out into the open and he prepared himself for what she might tell him. She could feel his body’s warmth at her back and Andie wanted nothing more than to lean back and let him take away all her fears. He could, she knew his strength better than anyone, but the harsh reality of what she already cost him overrode her desires. “I’m so sorry Tanner, I never wanted to hurt you.” He couldn’t stand it any longer and as carefully as he could Tanner took hold of her shoulders and forced her to turn and face him. “You didn’t hurt me, sugar.” His breath stopped as he waited for her beautiful eyes to look up at him. “Oh Andie, don’t…it’s not your fault.” All the warnings sounded, but Andrea let him pull her into the ecstasy of his embrace. She buried her cheek against his chest and let her tears fall to the rhythm of his heart beat. “You could have been killed.” “I wasn’t and I’ve no intention of leaving you.” When she would have pulled back, his arms tightened to hold her to him. She felt so right, so perfect and exactly where she belonged. Tanner couldn’t help but look at the bag she was packing and knew the only way to help her might hurt her. “Andie, tell me who he is?” For a second she went very still in his arms and he wondered if she heard him. When she slipped out of his hold he braced himself for 62

Pinky Swear what would come. Before she could move away he gripped her arms. “No, no more running Andie, tell me who is after you and Bobby.” She could feel the weakness inside her, the one that wanted to tell him everything and let him take on her burdens, but then she focused on the fresh scar on his forehead. “Did you get shot there as well?” That stubborn light in his eyes didn’t hide the truth, she felt sick that she brought this danger to his home. “I need to leave here, Tanner.” If she thought he would just step aside he determined to prove her wrong. “And go where? Where can you go that he won’t follow?” “I don’t know, but I can’t stay here.” When he just stood there, refusing to release her, she wanted to scream. “I almost got you killed for God’s sake!” “You didn’t, my stupidity and those thugs almost did. Do you really think you can win against the likes of them?” The admission he waited for hurt. “No, but I can’t let him hurt Bobby.” Her finger traced the button on his shirt. “He can never get Bobby…you need to let me go Tanner.” She forced herself to meet his waiting glare, knowing of the anger rippling through him. Nothing she could say would take that anger away. “We should have gone a long time ago.” “They were here that first day Andie, they found you that very first day! So where can you go to hide? Come on, tell me where?” Tanner gave her a slight shake, refusing to let her avoid the question. “Why is he after you? Is he your husband?” His question almost choked him, watching her turn white in his hold nearly made him end it, but without answers he couldn’t help her. “NO!” “NO? No, you can’t hide or no, he’s not your husband?” “Both…” He could barely hear her, he gently took hold of her chin and raised her face. “Andrea, come on sugar, it is time you trusted me.” The touch of his thumb rubbing her lips defeated all her attempts to keep her emotions in control. She wanted to lean into the palm of his hand… “He’s not your husband, so why is he after you and Bobby?” He silently groaned over the tear that rolled down her cheek. He brushed it away, knowing exactly what he was doing to her. “Why sugar?” 63

Pinky Swear His other hand brushed her bangs back from her face. “Who died Andrea? Did he kill her?” The slight nod of her head answered so many questions. He couldn’t stand the shiver that passed through her. “Come here sugar.” Tanner brought her back to him and engulfed her in his embrace. “Who did he kill Angie?” “Tina, my friend Tina.” A memory flash of the newspaper she’d been staring at came back to him. “Oh Andie, I’m so sorry.” That poor disfigured woman could only be the woman named Tina. “What’s his name?” “Angelo…” He waited for her to continue as she wiped her tears away and looked up at him. “Angelo Benetto killed my friend Tina. He beat her to death.” The shaking belied the calm statement that came from her. “And now he is after you. Why Andie? Why does he want to hurt you and Bobby?” Tanner felt his own tremor, knowing he was asking her to tell him her secret, the one she lived with everyday, the one that gave her the fear he saw in her every day since the airport. “I’m not going anywhere Andrea and I’ll be damned if he will ever get close to either of you.” She knew he meant every word, he deserved her honesty, but would he hate her? Would he want to take Bobby away from her? “I…Tanner, I…” His lips silenced her denial, she didn’t try to stop him and buried her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, needing to feel him against her, as if she could become a part of him. She practically purred when his hands moved over her lush curves and explored the fine lines of her petite body. Tanner’s large hands cupped her buttocks bringing her in full contact with the evidence of his desire to possess her. In deliberate slowness he ground her pliable heat against the rock solid length of his hard-on. His tongue probed the soft rich depths of her mouth, wishing another part of his body could be buried deep within the velvet heat of her sex. “Andie, my sweet Andie, let me love you.” Between his mastering kisses, Tanner exposed the enchantment of her spell, one she held him in since he first set his eyes on her. With one hand twined in her hair, his other pressed her jean clad heat against the strength of his need. “Let me help you sugar, trust me Andie.” Her legs wrapped about his waist as he lifted her before him and carried her to his room. Tanner lowered them down onto the bed, 64

Pinky Swear relieved that she didn’t release her hold on him. He worked the buttons of her blouse loose, the front hooks of her bra surprised him, but it was so darn good to free her of the garment. Andrea sucked in her breath when his palm covered her breast, the rough skin played over her nipple causing instant hardening that sent lightening right to the core of her womb. The stimulation shot out of every pore of her body, she’d never felt so alive and aware. “Oh my…” “Oh yes.” Tanner smiled just before running his tongue down her neck to suckle the perfect dusky-rose nipple and like a beautiful flower she opened beneath his attention. “So sweet.” Her fingers played with his hair as he played with first one then the other breast, before lathing her stomach in kisses that made her move first away than forward, not sure if she should catch and stop his direction or move up and speed him to his destination. “Oh Tanner, sweet man, you really should stop.” “Hmm, really? Stop?” The tip of his tongue played over her swollen clit. “Are you sure sugar?” “No…” Secrets went further than the danger chasing her. “Tanner…” He finished loving the tender center of her erotic sex before answering. “I’m listening,” he kissed his way back to her breasts “you taste so good.” Her body turned to fire and though Andrea never climaxed in her life, she sensed the pinnacle closing in on something extraordinary. “Tanner, I want to…” How could she say it? “What do you want my sweet Andrea?” If only he would stop, no don’t stop, but she couldn’t think when he rolled his tongue over her like that. “You, I want you Tanner, oh please, inside me…but Tanner…” She lost her thought as she watched him strip his shirt free and toss it away. Andrea looked through the door at Bobby still sleeping in his crib, Tanner looked too and they both laughed. Tanner’s hand worked his belt buckle free, pulling it free of the loops. “Are you sure, Andie?” He held her gaze to his, looking for any hesitation in the pretty, tousled woman on his bed, the only woman he ever had on this bed or even in his house. He admitted he never wanted to see any other woman where she laid. “I’ve never loved anyone, Tanner, never.” There, she said it and she waited for his reaction. 65

Pinky Swear “Neither have I sweet lady, neither have I.” He stood before her in all his naked glory and Andrea realized she’d never seen anything so magnificent as Tanner. His muscles rippled as if her gaze stroked him as she took her fill of his body, stopping only when she stared at his large and very turned on cock. She wanted to ask how he would fit inside her, but lost the thought when he started to tug her jeans off the rest of the way. And as they slipped from her, exposing her before him Andrea surprised herself for she enjoyed how he looked at her, how his cock jumped when his gaze rested on her breasts and then at the juncture of her mound. Tanner stepped forward and eased her thighs apart as he covered her sex with his hand. “You’re beautiful Andrea.” His lips nipped and kissed their way back to her breast where he suckled her tender nipples. She moved beneath him, arching for what he held back. His finger teased her, drawing out fluids, making sure she would be ready for him. She felt wet and warm and he wanted to feel her wrap those velvet folds about him as he claim the woman he wanted to stay in his life. “Andie, sweet darlin’.” “Yes Tanner, please love me Tanner.” He moved up to loom over her, his fingers brushed back the damp hair from her brow. “I think I’ve been doing just that since the airport, Andie.” Andrea’s smile deepened as she looked into his dear eyes, now open for her to see all she dared. “I know Tanner, I know.” “I want you in my bed every morning and night, Andrea, for the rest of our lives.” His thumb caught the tear that escaped her lashes. “Do you understand me, Andrea? I love you, sugar.” Her hands framed his rugged face; she rose to take hold of his lips. Andrea wrapped her arms about his neck holding him to her and she kissed him in the most wondrous way possible. She pressed up and ground her sex against his throbbing manhood, telling him what she felt he wanted to know. Tanner devoured the tender lips that battled his as he positioned himself to enter her heated folds. Slow and gentle Tanner teased her entrance drawing out her cream until she reached for him, asking for more. His hands slowly moved down her body, cherishing the soft flesh on his journey to hold her hips and bring her to him, holding her ready for what he wanted to give to her. 66

Pinky Swear When he pushed to drive into her Andrea bit her lip, her surprised gasp escaping over the flash of pain. As if he felt her body’s shock, Tanner stayed deep inside her, letting her get used to him and his size, before slowly pulling back. Fearing he might leave her, her hand gripped his hips pulling him back to her. She rubbed her head against the side of his cheek as he kissed her neck. “You should have warned me, Andrea.” “I tried Tanner, I did, just love me Tanner, please don’t stop now.” His hand held her jaw as he studied her, his lips barely caressed her own as he captured her attention. “I will never leave you, Andrea, and stopping is the last thought on my mind right now.” As he slid the full length of his cock back inside her, she moaned over the sensations taking hold of her. Over and over, he slowly moved in and out of her until she started to move with him, matching his entry with her own upward thrust. She heard his deep groan and knew she must be doing something right and Andrea let her body rule. Their lovemaking grew faster, more intense with each drive until her breathless cries were kissed away by his lips. And when she felt the rush of contractions engulf her, Tanner held himself deep inside her, letting her body hold him tight in its folds. As her cries of ecstasy grew more frantic, he once again took control and worked his magnificent cock in her sex until she exploded. He held her for one last plunge and she could feel him shoot his semen into her, hitting the wall of her womb and Andrea knew she never felt anything so magnificent! Never releasing her as she calmed from their climax, Tanner pulled her with him as he rolled over on his back. His hand gently soothed the tension out of her back as he worked his fingers up and down the curve of her spine and over her hip. Andrea listened to the strong sound of his heart beat as she let all the feelings settle around her. “I never imagined it could be so beautiful.” His hand hugged her shoulder and then before she could blink, she found herself once again beneath this marvelous man. She smiled, trying to ease the concern look he held her in. “Are you alright Andrea?” “I guess so Tanner, why wouldn’t I be?” 67

Pinky Swear “Damn it woman, you were a virgin!” His lips kissed her collar bone as he tried to regain his control before looking at her again. He wondered if she would always surprise him like this. “Well yes, I told you I never loved anyone, never Tanner.” “I think I understand that now, Andie.” He couldn’t resist smiling at her. How could one woman be so endearing? She could see the questions filling every line in his face. “Bobby, well he is Tina’s baby. She… she planned it all out, Tanner, and I didn’t even know she lived in the same city as me.” “It’s okay Andrea, we’ll find a way to keep Bobby.” “He’s mine!” “Shh, shh, I know love, he is definitely your baby.” Tanner gathered her up in his arms and rocked her as she started to tell him the whole story.

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Chapter 12 Andrea paced in the kitchen with Bobby cradled against her hip. She couldn’t bring herself to put him down in playpen, while she waited for Tanner to get off the phone with his attorney friend. She could hear his voice raise, but she couldn’t understand what he said, she knew he would tell her. All night long, they talked everything out. Tanner probably knew her better than herself right now. She showed him all the paper work that Tina made for her. Andrea made him swear that he wouldn’t use names until he was sure everything would be alright with her keeping Bobby. She flat told him she would take all of this and run if need be to keep Bobby safe. “Maybe I should still go.” “Don’t even go there, Andie.” The edge of warning in his voice wasn’t eased by the love in his heart. One thing Tanner knew for certain is that Andrea was exactly where she belonged. She spun about, “Tanner! What happened?” He took Bobby from her, freeing her to pace faster. “Honey, please calm down, you are going to upset Bobby.” “I can’t, what if they take him away from me, us?” Tanner went over and put Bobby into the playpen sure the boy needed to move around. She’d hardly allowed the baby out of her hold since this morning. When he turn back to her, she started placing two cups of coffee on the table, waiting for him to tell her what he learned. He sat down across from her, his hand reached out to cover hers. “It will be alright, Andie. I spoke with Paul Hunt, he’s the state district attorney.” Her mouth opened to object and he rushed on knowing what she feared. “I didn’t tell him your name, either of them, or Bobby’s. I gave him a scenario and asked him what he would suggest we do.” Tanner explained that his friend would invoke attorney client privilege when Tanner wanted to speak frankly about it all, but he did 69

Pinky Swear explain what needed to be done. Paul felt that with the mother’s letter, stating her wishes as to whom her son should go to, it would be legal for that person to adopt the child. What Tanner didn’t tell her is that there is a national fugitive alert out for this Angelo Benetto for murdering Tina. So far no one in Tina’s family had come forward about the boy, but Paul would look into it. Tanner worried that she would run if she knew how dangerous the situation just became. “What are you trying to hide from me this time, Tanner?” He looked up from his concentration on his coffee cup. “Andie…” “Is it Angelo?” Could she read minds? Tanner leaned back in his seat, knowing he needed to tell her, she must be prepared for what might come. “Paul will be sending Marshals to the ranch, they should be here in about two hours. There is a nationwide manhunt going on for Angelo for murdering Tina…and others.” She didn’t say a word, but he saw her fingers start to shake before she gripped the mug. “It will be alright Andie. I called down to the bunkhouse, the boys are arming and we are doubling the sentries about the house.” “Cody? I should have known.” She gave him a half smile. “He’ll come you know, he’s crazy Tanner, always has been.” Andrea realized that running was no longer an option. Tanner would never let her go and in all honesty she didn’t want to leave him. Memories of last night flooded in on her as he left to go answer the phone. After their love making last night, Tanner went to the bathroom and when he came back to the bed he brought a basin of warm water. Andrea never knew what it felt like to be so cherish. So very gentle, she never realize a man could love like Tanner did her as he washed her and care for her. It took her a long time to convince him that she was fine and that they could make love again. She remembered how she laughed once he decided she would live. Then he’d said that he wanted to make love to her and Tanner showed her exactly what he meant. Andrea never believed in love until Tanner came into her life. Now, she marveled over the man that she loved and she knew loved her. 70

Pinky Swear He came back into the kitchen, stopping at the door as he watched the dreamy look that she’d fallen into. Tanner held a pretty good idea where her thoughts were and wished they could be back to upstairs and make more memories. Andrea held his heart in her small hands, something Tanner never thought he would allow to happen. He remembered the warnings he gave himself when he first saw her and was thankful he ignored them. Loving Andrea is the best thing Tanner ever experienced. Giving himself a metal shake, he focused on the war he expected to be fighting very soon. Whatever it took he would keep them safe. She looked up at him, noticing how her brow creased in worry, bringing a lump to his throat, he never wanted to see her like this ever again and swore he’d find a way to make her forget all this pain. “He’s been spotted up on the ridge.” “Is he alone?” “No, he’s brought his thugs with him. Pete counted about ten, maybe more.” They needed to get ready, but all he wanted to do was hold her, tell her it would be alright. “I want you to take Bobby and go down to the basement, Andie.” “The basement?” “Yes, it is more like a cellar, they used it during the Indian wars a long time back.” As he talked Tanner moved the kitchen table and chairs, then pulled the rug away. “It is a great hiding place, there is even a tunnel, if you need it, that goes over to the bunkhouse and opens right by the sink there.” Andrea listened to everything he told her as she gathered up a diaper bag of supplies for Bobby. He stood by the open trapdoor as she passed him the bag and a few other essentials he asked her for, before he asked her to give him, Bobby. She pushed down all her fears so the baby wouldn’t sense her nervousness before going to get him. The boy reached out for Tanner the minute he saw the man’s large hands raise to take him. “Come on big fella, your mommy and you are going to go camping for a little while. Did you know my grandfather told me to keep this place ready, that I’d never know when it might come in handy?” He held out his hand to help Andie down the stairs as he kept talking to Bobby. “Do you think he knew we would need it now? Stranger things have happened you know.” 71

Pinky Swear She took the boy back as Tanner moved around the dark room lighting kerosene lamps and showing her the tunnel door. He said they checked it out every two or three months to make sure it remained safe. He hated to leave her down there alone, but the time came for him to get up there and get ready for the bastard. “If you hear any kind of scuffle in the house I want you to take Bobby and go to the bunkhouse. Take the flashlight with you, there is another room at that end, stay there Andrea until I come for you both.” He shoved some matches into her shirt pocket before pulling her into his embrace. “Don’t take any chances, my love.” He held her chin up and kissed her. “I want to make more memories with you tonight.” She didn’t know how he did it, making her half laugh, half cry before he kissed her again and then Bobby before leaving them. He disappeared once the trapdoor fell shut, she heard him putting the rug and furniture back over the door. Andrea stood there holding Bobby, turning slowly to look at the small dirt room, wondering how long she and the baby would need to be down here. She pulled out one of the blankets and spread it out on the floor for Bobby. While he played she explored the door and tunnel to the bunkhouse, except for some cobwebs it looked safe enough. She really hoped she wouldn’t need to see it for herself. “You better not get shot Tanner…I love you.” Two hours passed. She managed to keep Bobby entertained until he finally fell asleep for the night. There hadn’t been any noise above her, in the house, for over an hour. She wondered if she would hear anything down here. Another hour crept by with Andrea pacing back and forth within the confines of the room. Once she started up the stairs then realized she couldn’t even open the door with the table over it, finally settle back on the bunk. She sat there hugging her knees to her chest and waited. **** It nearly killed him to leave her down there as long as he needed to, but it was the only way to keep his promise to her about not letting them know she and boy were here. Tanner waved at the last Marshal’s car to pull away from the house. They’d taken that man and his goons away over an hour ago. 72

Pinky Swear He couldn’t believe it when the Marshal showed him the weapons they took from Benetto and his men. They even found a bazooka! Tanner figured they were going to shoot it at the house! Actually seeing this Angelo, Tanner finally understood why Andrea feared him the way she did. Insanity is mild for what Tanner saw in that man. He kept yelling about killing Andie and the boy, how they would pay. He felt relieved that Andie couldn’t hear him. The Marshal said the man killed a couple more people, since he killed his wife, including Anthony Marcella, Tina’s brother. Tanner dreaded telling Andrea. He remembered what Andrea told him about Anthony. From what they pieced together Marcella tracked Angelo down for killing his sister, only Benetto’s henchmen were expecting Tina’s brother and gunned him down. The news of Marcella’s death would be a terrible loss for Andie. He stood there making sure everyone left before going back in the house to get Andie and Bobby.

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Chapter 13 They both tiptoed out of Bobby’s room, it took them most the night to settle him down after Tanner got them out of the cellar. Sleep escaped them all. Andrea still felt like a bundle of nerves. His fingers started to massage her neck and shoulders. “Hmm, that feels so good, Tanner.” “He’s gone and from what I could hear he’s going to be locked up for life.” Andrea felt the tremor move through her. He must have felt it too because his arms wrapped around her and pulled back against him. “It will be okay, Andrea, he can’t hurt anyone any more.” “I know, it is just so hard to stop fearing him.” Her head fell back against his chest as his lips nibbled at her neck and up to her ear. “We will have to work on that, sugar.” She pressed her backside against his erection, tightening his embrace. “Let’s make some memories, Tanner.” Andrea almost squealed when he picked her up and carried her into their bedroom. Setting her on the bed he proceeded to pull her boots off and then her jeans, while she worked off her blouse before reaching and starting on his belt and jeans. He shed his shirt and closed his eyes as her hands moved up his chest. He never realized how much he wanted to feel her against him until her warmth flooded his being. “Andie, I need you sugar.” His hands rediscovered the amazing woman now a part of life; he wouldn’t trade a second since he first laid eyes on her. Her lips gently covered the scar from the bullet before her exploration moved lower. Tanner buried his hands in her lush hair, marveling over how it fell like silk through his fingers. When her lips closed over his cock, his head went back and he groaned in the sweet pleasure of his woman’s loving attention. Before she went any further he wanted to be inside of her and Tanner brought her back up to his waiting lips. Andrea lost herself to his kiss loving how he felt against her sensitive skin. As he laid her back into the bed she spread her thighs, inviting him to come to her. He tried to be careful, knowing she might 74

Pinky Swear be a bit tender from last night and their many joinings. She practically purred when he slid his cock inside her. He marveled at how well she accepted him as if she were made just for him. The truth of it made him smile and push deeper, burying the full length of himself inside her welcoming heat. Andrea matched Tanner’s controlled pace until she couldn’t stand it that he held back, knowing how he tried to protect her from his wild side. She wanted none of it and used her new found knowledge of his body to drive him crazy. Soon he grew as rough and free with her as she wanted him to be and together they drove their pleasure to a full blown climax that they both shared. Andrea’s teeth raked his shoulder over the powerful coupling until she finally began to calm. To her surprise Tanner began to move inside her again and soon he became just as hard and large as before. He moved and she found herself on top, something he knew she enjoyed. Andrea leaned down and licked the tips of his hard nipples causing him to buck beneath her. His hold on her head brought her lips to his and he soon tamed the wildness there, loving her in a way she copied as she moved over and up the full length of his cock. It didn’t take long before his hands were on her hips, guiding her movements and increasing the intensity of each plunge of her pussy over his cock. Her cries soon filled the room and their frenzy peaked in an uncontrollable surge of ecstasy that left her collapsing on top of Tanner in a satisfied heap of exhaustion. “You will always surprise me, sugar.” **** The weeks flew by in a flurry of activity. Paul Hunt proved to be a true friend. He worked with both of them to obtain custody of Bobby until they could get the adoption completed. Tina’s father signed away all rights to the boy, when he found out that Andie and Tanner would adopt him. They arranged to take Bobby to see his grandfather. She would never forget how happy Mr. Marcella looked when he finally held his grandson. “He looks just like his mother.” “Yes, he does.” Tanner’s arm came up around her shoulders, giving her the support she needed. Andrea thought she felt the loss more than ever before, being in the Marcella’s home. It proved 75

Pinky Swear difficult to realize that both Tina and Tony were gone. She couldn’t imagine the misery their father must be going through. When Tanner spoke up, the love she held for this man glowed even stronger. “Mr. Marcella, I’ve left a ticket for you. We want you to come to the ranch and stay with us as long as you wish, we have the room.” The tears in the old man’s eye said it all and Andrea hoped the man would use the ticket. Andrea’s mother was pleased to see her and meet Tanner, but she didn’t accept their invitation to come to the ranch. Andrea decided it might be best to leave it at that. Tanner surprised her when they returned to the ranch by arranging a small wedding at the ranch. He even invited her boss Mr. Wang, though the two men threw daggers at each other every time they crossed paths. It seemed that Tanner told Mr. Wang, she would remain an ex-employee as Mrs. Tanner Montgomery! Andrea soothed both men’s temper, promising that she would accept calls from her replacement, here at the ranch, to help the new girl. Tanner fumed over her announcement, silently telling her he’d get even for that one. She needed a break from all the excitement and people, escaping to the porch. It wasn’t long until she sensed Tanner’s presence behind her. He lifted the hair off her neck and kissed her, “Are you happy Mrs. Montgomery?” “Oh yes, Tanner, thank you.” She leaned back against him loving how it felt to have him holding her as his wife. “What about you Mr. Montgomery? How is married life treating you?” He nuzzled her ear through her hair. “Hmm, I have this beautiful wife and son, I don’t think I could be happier.” She smiled, “Not even if you were to have another baby?” “You know I would love more children…” He stopped talking and turned her about to face him. “Andrea?” She nodded, “Yes, I took one of those test things this morning.” He pulled her into a hug, “Oh sugar, I’m so happy!” “So am I, Tanner.” His laughter joined hers under the stars that blanketed the ranch and two lovers! The End 76