The Lawman's Apache Moon

By Debra Holt

"No more detours!" That was the promise Angelina Lord made to herself when she accepted a ride from a wedding in Texas, with the best man to her destination in Santa Fe, New Mexico. What could possibly go wrong?

Angelina is focused on one thing–opening a fashion boutique in Santa Fe. What she really doesn’t need is one full-of-himself lawman with his aggravating air of superiority and soul-searing eyes…not to mention heart-stopping kisses…coming to her rescue. If she lets him get too close to the truth, he could bring down the wall she erected around her well-ordered life and her heart.

United States Marshal Jace Blackhawke holds family and traditions as the center of his life. He isn’t part of Angie’s world and she certainly isn’t part of his. Will their differences prove to be too insurmountable in the face of the truth that will not stay silent?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Aug 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781946772794

Book preview

Author

A Word from the Author

This is the second book in my series, In the Long Arms of the Lawman. This story follows Angie and Jace’s journey from Texas, to their destination in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Like a mother, I try not to have ‘favorites’ among my ‘children’ (book characters). However, I must admit that these two characters and their romance was so much fun to write and allowed me to revisit some of my favorite sections of the southwest.

Just like my heroine, Angelina Lord, I fell in love with the country, the people, the history in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico, on my family’s annual summer visits to the area when I was growing up. I knew that one of my books had to take place in such beauty. While Texas has my heart forever, it is only right to point out that in Texas history, Santa Fe was part of the early territory of the Lone Star State. Therefore, I am not a traitor! I always knew there had to be a good reason I had such an affinity for that neighboring state.

The beauty and romance of the Land of Enchantment lends itself to the story of Angelina and Jace, and I hope you love these two strong-willed and unforgettable characters as much as I do.

Happy reading,

Debra

Prologue

The outer door of the bar swung open, sunlight poured into the dimness of the room, outlining the tall figure of a man. Pausing for a moment, he allowed his eyes to adjust to the low light of the bar’s interior. His gaze slowly gravitated to the man in the far booth. The door closed behind him and he walked over to stand at the edge of the table, his eyes assessing the state of his friend.

Can I get you something, stranger? Lou, the bartender, sent his booming voice over to the man.

Eyes the color of liquid mercury swung over to the man behind the bar. It was then Lou caught the flash of metal on his chest. The newcomer wore the badge of a U.S. Marshal.

Coffee. Make it a full pot, two cups, and as strong as possible. The lawman swung his gaze back to his friend, Clay Morgan, Texas Ranger, and then slowly slid his tall length into the booth opposite him without waiting for an invitation that might be slow in coming, if at all. He removed his Stetson and laid it on the table next to the ranger’s.

You want some company? You know it’s never a good idea to drink alone.

Seems I’ve heard some such. How’d you find me here? Clay’s words were clipped and not warm with welcome. His fingers were idly twirling his cell phone on the table in front of him. His eyes briefly looked over at his friend, Jace Blackhawke, before going back to the liquid in the glass before him.

It wasn’t hard. I was leaving the courthouse and saw your truck parked outside this establishment. I thought it strange. Since when did you take up the hard stuff?

Since now.

I see. Mind me asking what drove you to the bottle today?

Clay’s eyes narrowed. "She did."

Lou appeared at that moment with the coffee and two cups. Jace set his aside and poured one for Clay. He pushed it over in front of the man. With his other hand, he withdrew the glass of liquor and handed it back to Lou, along with the bottle.

Hey! I paid for that, Clay spoke up.

And you got your money’s worth. Now you need to chase it down with this hot coffee. Jace looked at Lou. Put his name on the bottle and keep it under the counter for him. He might empty it in another year or so.

Sure thing, Marshal. He left the men alone.

"I’m not drunk… yet. Stop acting like an old mother hen."

No matter. You’ll still have one heck of a headache in the morning, and I’ll stop acting like a mother hen when you stop behaving like a jackass. Now what female are we talking about? Kaitlyn Russell?

Bingo. Right on the first guess. That would be the one. He took a sip of the coffee and made a face at the taste. This tastes like sludge.

A bar isn’t exactly known for its coffee. You take it black or you want some cream or sugar? He needed to keep Clay talking. He was glad to see the man finally took a couple more sips of the black liquid. So, she dumped you?

Clay’s mood darkened. The cup clattered onto the tabletop. No. She’s not like that, Clay responded. I take my coffee black.

"You dumped her then."

Don’t be ridiculous. Clay ground back at him. His eyes gave a brief flash of fire, before a swift look of pain replaced the anger. "I let her go. Just like before. Because it was the right thing to do and I always do the right thing. Do you ever get tired of doing the right thing?"

Can’t say that I do since it goes hand in hand with the job I’ve been sworn to uphold. But I guess it can have its drawbacks sometime. Suppose you tell me about it. We’ve got time while you empty this pot of java.

At first, Clay remained silent. When Jace was about to prompt Clay again, he finally began to open up. A long time ago, I thought I did the right thing. It hurt like hell to do it. Then I did something else that seemed to be the honorable thing. And that went bad, too. I paid for it all for twelve long years. Now, Kaitlyn comes back here because her grandmother needed to see her. I thought I was beyond all the feelings, all the memories and the pain from a dozen years ago. But, turns out, I’m still the world’s biggest fool. I put my heart out there once again. But I should have known it was too late.

Jace shook his head. He had a pretty good idea that Clay was leaving out more personal details. He wasn’t going to push him on it. Sounds like you escaped. You should consider yourself lucky. Jace Blackhawke folded his arms across his chest and gave a considering look at the man across from him.

What the hell do you mean by that?

Well, if you wanted her to stay, I can’t see you letting her drive off. In the back of your mind, you must be glad she was mad enough to leave your sorry butt behind.

I’m not glad she left! I screwed up big time. All I ever wanted was for her to stay. I wanted her to stay the first time and even more this time. I didn’t want to believe she fit in with Joshua and the ranch and our lives here, but she did. As much as I kept telling myself to stay away from her, not to let her in, to let her go away… I couldn’t do it. It was clear to Jace that Clay’s admission proved he didn’t want Kaitlyn to leave again.

Then what are you sitting here for? You blew it. So maybe you’ll need to do some groveling. I never knew you for a coward.

We may be friends but you’re treading on thin ice right now, Clay warned. What do you know about groveling or anything to do with relationships? Yours aren’t exactly in the long-term category.

"That’s right. I don’t let it get serious. When you allow it to get serious, then you end up looking and acting like you. But from experience, I know that women want words and their men on their knees begging for forgiveness and holding a big ring in one of those special blue boxes."

Just how did you get to be such an expert? Skepticism was clear in Clay’s eyes.

I read a book. Okay, so maybe it was a couple of paragraphs in one of those women’s magazines that was left open one day on our department secretary’s desk. But it’s better than no advice at all, and more than I wager you ever studied.

Kaitlyn is different. Our situation… our history is different.

Jace shot him a lazy smile across the table. I never knew any woman who was worth going through this over. I spend my time steering clear of those types of women. Why don’t I just drive you back to the ranch and you can sleep it off? Before too long, you’ll find another lady to tie you up in knots.

I don’t want any other woman to tie me in knots. This one is more than enough.

Well, I’ll have to take your word for that. It’s been my experience that most women are the same.

Then you haven’t met the right one. Believe me, when you do… you’ll be miserable too. Clay finished with an ironic twist to his mouth.

Jace slowly shook his head, his mouth curving into a half smile. That’s one misery that I think I’ll put off as long as possible. Anyway, let’s get you back to the ranch. You can have a hot shower and maybe Edie will invite me to stay for some of her home cooking.

Clay stood from the booth as his only response and headed toward the door. Jace made a quick grab for their hats, dropped some money on the bar for the coffee, and then followed. Clay was already slouched in the passenger seat of the big, black SUV with the New Mexico plates.

Backing the vehicle away from the curb, Jace headed in the direction of the ranch. Two blocks down, he pulled to a stop at the red light of the intersection.

Turn around, Clay spoke up beside him.

Jace threw him a look. Are you serious?

Turn around and head for the New Mexico border.

"You want to go after this woman? Now?"

I have to stop her. I’ve got to explain some things. I can’t let her go until I do. It won’t make any difference to her, but I’ve got to say it. It has to be said. Turn around; they left the ranch about two hours ago.

Jace shook his head but did a U-turn when the light changed. Things you do for a friend.

You have it bad. You sure you want to do this?

I’ve never been more certain of anything. Don’t shake your head. You’ll understand one day. Some woman will turn your life upside down and you’ll understand. It’ll slam into you with the force of a Mack truck only you won’t even see it coming until it’s too late.

Jace threw a look at Clay. He slowly shook his head again. Shoot me if that day comes. Put me out of my misery quick.

Finding their target wasn’t as easy as they first thought. They had to do some backtracking and there was some slow going through detours. They caught up with their quarry early the next morning. With lights and siren, Jace had the car pulled over to the side of the road ahead of them. Jace couldn’t help but shake his head as he shut the engine off. You’ve come a long way to be sent packing. Hope you know what you’re doing. I’ll be here if you need backup.

Clay threw him a look that told him he wasn’t finding amusement in the moment. I’m a ranger… we don’t need backup. And one of these days, I’ll be the one smirking at you.

Not in the cards. I’m a lot smarter than to get tangled in that matrimonial net. I prefer to hold on to my title of ‘the one that got away.’

Their attention was caught by the sudden opening of the door of the car ahead of them and the figure of one angry woman stepped out from the driver’s side. Clay pulled his hat tighter on his head and met her between the two vehicles.

Jace had just enough time to exit the SUV and slide into a spectator’s spot. The woman was giving Clay a large piece of her mind in no uncertain terms.

"Well now, this was worth driving all night just to see. Jace’s deep tones matched his lounging position against the front of the SUV, arms crossed and an amused smile on a face half hidden by his own Stetson. Yep, just to see this little lady take you down a peg or two is well worth it." The amused sarcasm was directed at Clay who remained stock still, his eyes never leaving the woman standing in front of him.

Jace’s attention was caught by the sound of the passenger’s side door opening on the other car. A woman exited and tossed a quick look in his direction. And then the glance became a steady gaze.

A shutter clicked. The air charged. A moment frozen in time. Why were those thoughts zooming through his mind in quick succession? Something out of the norm had disturbed the ritual of the day dawning. He couldn’t for the life of him put a name to it. But it happened… whatever it was. Her regard of him did not waver. Speak.

Nice morning. He sent the words across to her, his eyes drawn in and owned by the pair of emerald green ones that dazzled and demanded his attention. Cat eyes? Eyes that held a mysterious pull on his with their feline shape, brilliance, and shielded in a black nest of lashes where secrets could hide.

If you say so. Bit cold… and flat. The voice matched her… smooth and feline and flat-out intoxicating.

Damn. Was the air thinner here? His normal thinking was all out of whack. He made no reply just kept a stone-faced countenance while his mind tried to pry itself loose from whatever strange hold this newcomer exerted. The quarreling couple held no interest for him. With his eyes concealed behind a pair of aviator lenses, he felt his gaze drawn again to the woman.

Her attention was on the pair and her arms rested in front of her on the hood of the car. The part of her body that was visible was not bad. Not bad? Major understatement. He had a feeling that there was a lesson coming his way. He never cared for surprises and this felt like it would be a doozy when it hit. Darn Clay for talking him into coming along. He needed to get a grip on reality and get back to where things were amenable to his control. He pulled his eyes away from the mystery lady and returned to the couple who were definitely in the ‘kiss and makeup’ stage of the argument. Good. Time to get back to sanity and things that made sense.

The woman looked at him once more. His gaze landed on her. And he knew without a doubt that sanity was not going to be an option.

Chapter One

Low lying storm clouds were darkening into a thin, midnight blue line on the horizon. Oncoming motorists switched on their headlights and a few vehicles showed signs of moisture on windshields.

"Are we going through that?" Angelina Lord’s eyes widened as lightning streaked across the churning sky.

That’s the plan, Jace replied.

In the next few minutes, those plans appeared to be in for a change. The winds were buffeting the vehicle with consistency and large drops of rain began to pelt the windshield. They could barely see the neon sign of a hotel ahead on the outskirts of the small town. Its covered portico entrance could provide cover from the approaching storm. Jace maneuvered the vehicle off the road and came to a halt just as the first small hail pellets began to fall.

Stay here and sit tight. I’m going to check on what’s ahead of us. Jace threw the words over his shoulder just before the door closed behind him. Angie watched as he walked through the glass doors into the lobby. Next, she saw him speak to the man behind the desk. Jace withdrew his cell phone from his pocket and punched in some numbers.

Sit… stay… no please or thanks. I’m not some lap dog.

Jason Blackhawke certainly had a thing or two to learn about not being bossy… and lots of things to learn about her. Angie pursed her lips at the sight of the man, who now paced back and forth inside the lobby, the phone at his ear. Oh well, they would soon be going their separate ways in Santa Fe, so what did it matter? They had suffered through a week together working on a wedding for their respective best friends. Another day or two could be endured.

Angie’s eyes fell to the bouquet in her lap. The delicate petals were a little worse for wear. Kaitlyn had aimed the bouquet of yellow roses and white daisies directly at Angie just before they left the reception. They were lovely, but Angie’s bouquet choice would be something more exotic. That thought was interrupted by a sharp rap of knuckles on her window. Angie pressed the button to lower the glass.

The news isn’t good, Jace stated, straightforward and to the point. There’s a line of really bad weather ahead and more to come after it. A section of road is underwater right now with the river flooding its banks. It’s best to stay put and not chance things in the dark. We can start again in the morning. He wasn’t finished. There’s one problem.

Of course, there is, she responded with a dry tone. This trip had been full of problems over the last few weeks. Why should anything be different now?

They have one room left for this evening… a suite. I took it.

Angie’s eyes registered the implication of his words before she could voice a reaction.

Jace forestalled her reply with a raised palm. Don’t worry. You can take the room and I’ll sleep in the truck. He made the statement with a sardonic twist to his mouth.

Right, make me the mean prudish witch in this. Angie shrewdly assessed him with a slight tilt of her head. Don’t be ridiculous. This isn’t the dark ages. A suite should be more than enough room for two people. If he thought she was going to play the part of the indignant female, he was in for a surprise. She would show him she was no fainting hothouse flower from the East.

Throwing open the car door, she swung her feet outwards to stand on the running board. One problem. Angie had not counted on the moisture that made the rubber slippery. With a quickness that belied his size, Jace’s arms shot out and caught her before she could fall flat on her face. It had to be the sudden shock of falling that made her catch her breath in an audible gasp. Or perhaps it was the fact she came up against a rock-hard chest where his arms held her none too gently.

You’re smushing them, she managed on a breathless note.

Angie looked up to find his gray eyes held a mixture of puzzlement and a male’s awareness of a shapely female body plastered against his.

Them?

Angie followed his eyes downward. She felt her cheeks flame as she pushed out of his arms and attempted to smooth her suit jacket. Then one hand moved to quickly push a heavy swath of black hair over her shoulder.

"The flowers, Mister Blackhawke. What did you think I meant?"

Well, if you must know, I— He did not get to finish.

Forget I asked, I can guess. Angie ended the subject, pushing past him to step inside the lobby with as much of her dignity intact as she could muster. She pretended to not take note of the sound of his low chuckle as he followed. He dared to laugh at her? Just you wait, mister. I’ll get you back. While he signed the paperwork at the front desk, she stood silently, also ignoring the interested glances being slid her way by the other staff.

The clerk handed Jace the key with a bright smile. The bellboy will bring your luggage right up to your suite, sir. Please let us know if there’s anything else you require.

Jace caught up with her as she was already headed toward the elevators. While they waited on the doors to open, Angie pretended a slow study of cheap Parisian street scene prints that hung on the walls of their present abode…Le Chateau Inn. She tried to avoid his nearness as long as possible. For some reason, she found her equilibrium affected whenever he came too close.

Just another fine mess. Angie had wanted an adventure. Was it only three weeks ago, that she and Kaitlyn headed to Texas? Time flies when one is having fun. Except here she was in the lobby of a hotel someplace along the Texas and New Mexico border with fake Paris on the walls and an almost American Indian beside her. Who would have thought? What would her friends at home in New York City think of it all?

The elevator doors slid open and she and Jace waited for the occupants to empty first. Just as she was about to take a step toward the interior of the car, another man slipped quickly into the foyer. He gave a brief nod in their direction. Then stopped dead in his tracks; a look of surprise aimed toward them. The man let out a loud whoop that made Angie jump, wide-eyed, back from the elevator.

Jace Blackhawke! Fancy seeing you here! You’re kinda far from home, aren’t ya, son? Is the family with you?

Angie fought to stifle the sudden urge to giggle at the look on Jace’s face. Gone was the usually stoic, cool veneer of the last week. It was evident he had definitely not expected to see anyone he knew at this hotel. The older man was dressed in a dark gray suit whose buttons were straining to keep the

Reviews for The Lawman's Apache Moon

[samantha100_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Set in the enchanting city of Santa Fe, two people who weren't looking for love find it under unusual circumstances. Beautifully told and filled with sensitivity and filled with passion, this book is a wonderful read. Highly recommended.I received a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[vgrimli-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love all of Debra Holts books and who doesn’t love a cowboy! Well written, good storyline, enjoyable. Review as part of LibraryThing Early Reviewers