Chapter Ten

Susie was sure that she was going to go crazy. For four days she had been taking care of Justin and the man whined more than a newborn baby. She had been run ragged. Cooking for him, helping him eat, reading to him, keeping him company.

"He's taking advantage of you," Liza stated bluntly when Susie came out to the porch and fell, exhausted, into a chair.

"I know," she replied tiredly.

"Is he still laying in that bed?" Brody grumbled as he sat himself down gingerly in the chair beside her.

Sally was sitting in a rocking chair with her feet propped up on the porch banister and she raised a brow when she saw how slowly Brody was moving, "You okay, old man?"

Brody propped his feet up beside hers, "The older I get, the worse getting shot hurts."

The chiming of a bell filled the air and Susie groaned and buried her face in her hands, "I can't do this anymore. If I have to read him one more book, or listen to one more story about life in New York City, I am truly going to go crazy."

Brody nodded, stood up and strode into the house. Susie's eyes widened with shock when she heard Justin let out an angry howl of pain, "Shut the hell up you big damn baby," Brody's gruff voice snarled.

Ellie and Jacob came out on the porch. Jacob had baby Eli held tight in his arms, "What's going on?" Ellie asked and Susie, Sally and Liza all shrugged.

A few moments later, Brody came back out the door dragging Justin with him. Justin was wearing a clean pair of pants and shirt. His light blond hair was messy around his head and his face was pale and drawn with pain but he was out of bed and walking on his own, "It hurts," he whimpered.

Brody who looked at the man as if he was a bug he desperately wanted to squish, "I got shot too, you whiny ass. I'm up and moving so there's no reason why you shouldn't be. Take a damned walk. It'll help work out some of the soreness."

"I need someone to walk with me," Justin sniffed.

Everyone looked at each other but no one volunteered. Finally Susie sighed and stood up, "I'll walk with you."

Justin's face lit up, "Thank you, Susie."

She nodded and cursed her family. Why couldn't someone else have offered to walk with him? Then she remembered that no one else here liked him at all and she was the one that had invited him to stay at the ranch and recover. Walking with him was to be her punishment.

Justin held out his arm and Susie looped hers through it. As they started off the porch and toward the river Max, Nathan, Lexi and Bryant all ran to them, "We wanna come!" Lexi exclaimed.

"Stay out of that river!" Elizabeth warned and all four kids nodded. Justin wasn't very happy about their presence. The last four days he thought he was getting closer and closer to having Susie fall for him. He knew he had to hurry. It wouldn't be long before his father-in-law tracked him down.

Susie was such a sweet and gentle soul. She had been taking care of him just the way a woman should take care of her man. Tending to his every need without complaint. Maybe if Lorainne had been more like that he wouldn't have had to seek out other women for companionship.

But these kids would get in the way of his plans. Oh well he'd just have to make it work even with them around. They made their way to the river, though it was slow going because of Justin's injury.

***

"Okay this is where she lives. This is Atkinson Spread," Ryder chattered on excitedly.

Ty couldn't help but smile. Ryder had been bouncing in his saddle, driving the poor mare he was riding crazy, since they had set out this morning because he had known he'd reach his love today.

All Ty had heard for the past four days was 'Susie this' and 'Susie that'; Susie must be one good looking woman for his brother to be this fixated on her. Ryder made her sound like she was some sort of Goddess. If that was the case Ty hoped his brother wasn't disappointed if they found her in another man's arms. Good looking women didn't stay alone for long.

They rode up to the ranch house and Ty stopped short when he saw a tall man with long dark hair, sharp green eyes and a scowl step off the porch, "Who are you.......?" the man stopped speaking when his eyes fell on Ryder and his scowl deepened, "Oh it's you," he muttered flatly.

"Well hello there, sheriff. It's good to see you again!" Ryder exclaimed.

Ty marveled at his brothers lack of fear of this man. This was the kind of man that the devil himself would be afraid of. Strength and a deadly kind of power seemed to radiate off of him. He was obviously someone who had caused death in his life and had come close to it himself a couple times.

"Never thought I'd say this, Ryder, but it's good to see you too," the sheriff replied and it was plain from his tone of voice that he hated having to say those words, "I was wrong when I sent you away. Susie explained what happened to me and I should have been thanking you instead."

"Well gee, Brody, that's real nice. Ty, I guess I didn't need you after all," Ryder said with a laugh.

"Who are you?" Brody asked Ty as Ryder leaped down off his horse. Ty stayed on his horse. He wasn't getting down 'til this man told him he could.

"My name's Ty Hampton, sir."

"He's my brother," Ryder added with a grin as he rocked back on his heels.

Brody raised a brow, "You're this idiots brother?"

"Unfortunately yes," Ty replied as he watched Ryder making faces at the dog who had walked over to sniff at his boots.

"You agree that your brother is an idiot?" Brody asked.

"Yes. Completely." Ty nodded, just as Ryder barked at the dog and the dog wagged its tail and jumped up on him. Ryder laughed and scratched the old hound behind the ears.

Ty looked back at Brody and saw the man nod approvingly, "Why don't you get down off that horse and come up on the porch for a while?"

Ty dismounted and decided to take the sheriff up on that offer but Ryder shook his head, "Actually, Brody, I was hoping I could talk to Susie. Where is she?"

Brody didn't seem to be in any hurry to tell Ryder and then Ty saw a good looking blond with big green eyes walk out of the house. She was wearing a white blouse, brown vest and trouser and she slapped the big sheriff on the back of his head and smiled at both Ty and Ryder, "Forgive my rude husband," she apologized and Ty was surprised when the big man grinned sheepishly. The expression looked so humorous on his sun hardened and scarred face that Ty nearly laughed out loud.

"This is my wife and the owner of the ranch, Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is Ryder's brother, Ty," Brody made the necessary introductions.

Ryder shifted his feet and rolled his shirt sleeves up impatiently, "Susie?" he asked.

Brody raised a brow. He had seen people that were addicted to laudanum before and they twitched, jumped and were constantly moving just the same as he did. Was Ryder on the laudanum? Or did he really just want to see Susie that bad?

"She went for a walk with the kids down to the river," Brody replied and Ryder nodded. He started around the house and Brody hollered out, "Justin's with her."

Ryder stopped in his tracks and turned very slowly. Ty had never seen his brother look angry or jealous before... He had to admit that Ryder looked almost dangerous and an awful lot like a man in that moment.

"Justin Vicks?" Ryder questioned with a calmness in his voice that Ty had never heard before.

"The one and only," Brody agreed, taking a long draw off his cigarette and seeming to completely enjoy himself.

Ryder was silent for a moment and then he scratched at his thick dark hair, "What's he doing here?"

"There was a bank robbery. We both got shot. He needed someone to help take care of him and Susie, being the kind, gentle, somewhat naïve woman that she is, offered to help him."

Ryder looked Brody up and down, "Ouch! Getting shot hurts. Where'd ya get shot at?" he asked, every bit of his anger and jealousy momentarily gone as he got distracted by another topic.

Elizabeth lifted Brody's shirt to reveal the small bandage he still wore over the wound. Brody gave her an irritated glance and tugged his shirt back down, "I'm fine," he grumbled. "But that damn Justin Vicks has been taking advantage of Susie's kindness."

"Where'd he get shot at?" Ryder asked as he stooped to grab a small rock and then stood and tossed it up and down.

Brody smiled as Elizabeth hid a laugh behind her hand, "I'd be more than happy to tell you--" the sheriff said with a chuckle. "--but first you gotta make me a promise."

"What kind of promise?" Ryder asked as he tossed the rock through the air and smiled when the old hound took off after it.

Brody took another draw off his cigarette and sighed, "Never thought I'd say this to any man but ya gotta promise me that you'll go sweep my sister off her feet and get her the hell away from that damn Justin Vicks." Ryder grinned with delight. His dimples deepened and his honey colored eyes flashed in the sunlight, "That is a guarantee, sheriff."

Ty shook his head but Brody and Elizabeth seemed both entertained and satisfied, "Alright then." Brody replied with a nod. "I'll tell ya where that little weasel took a bullet."

***

It didn't take long until Susie, Justin and the kids had walked far enough that the house and barns were out of view. The kids were running ahead laughing and playing and Justin tugged down his shirt and swallowed hard, "You look lovely today, Susie."

Susie glanced over at him walking beside her and realized for the first time just how much shorter he was than her. At least four inches. She had to look down to look into his eyes and from her height she could see that his hair was thinning, just a little, on the top of his head, "Thank you Justin. It is nice to see you out of the house and finally on the road to recovery."

"I would never have made it through the last few days without your company and help. Thank you," he said softly as he reached out and smoothed some of her hair from her face. He cursed the shaking in his hand and gave her the most charming smile he could muster.

Susie smiled back though she couldn't help but notice that he had a piece of food stuck in his too small teeth and his fingers lingering on her hair had her wanting to squirm away from his touch, "It was my pleasure to help you, Justin," she lied, "Perhaps one day it will be me that needs help and you'll be there to assist me."

Justin nodded, "Of course I would."

They walked in silence for a moment and then Justin stopped beneath a large oak tree, "It's hard for me to look at you and know what a kind woman you are and believe that you are not married," he admitted.

Susie watched the kids throwing rocks into the river and shook her head, "I am not the kind of woman that most men choose to marry," she replied absently.

"Fools. All of them," Justin assured her. He wished she would pay attention to him and stop watching those annoying children. Justin had always hated children and he was ever thankful that that shrew he was married to had never given him any.

"What about you, Justin?" Susie asked. "Have you ever been married?"

Justin shook his head and quickly looked down at his feet, suddenly very interested in the polished patent leather, "No," he lied, "No, I've never been married. Most women do not want to waste their time on a man like me. Most women want a man who is tall, dark and handsome. I fear I am lacking in those areas."

Something about the way he said that bothered Susie. It was as if he expected her to fall into his arms simply because of his confession. As a matter of fact over the last four days a lot of what Justin had said had seemed rehearsed. He had tried several times to touch her tenderly and Susie had been careful to move herself out of the way. But now they were essentially alone, since the kids were a ways away down the river playing, and Susie was suddenly very uncomfortable and worried.

She wasn't too scared though. Justin carried no weapons and he was much shorter and weaker than she was... One quick smack to his backside and he'd go down like a rock.... But still, she didn't like this.

"I'm sure you're getting tired. Shall we start back?" she asked, preparing to call for the children.

Justin shook his head quickly and leaned his shoulder against the tree, "I am fine," he assured her, "Better than fine. Being out here with you in the fresh air is just what I needed."

Susie glanced up at the blue sky dotted with clouds, "I guess you'll be moving back into town soon, now that you're feeling better."

Justin frowned, "Are you in a hurry to be rid of me?"

Susie didn't want to hurt his feeling but at the same time she needed to let him know where she stood, "I told you this was just until you got better, Justin," she reminded him.

"I've grown quite fond of you," Justin replied softly as he reached out and smoothed some hair from her face.

Susie jerked her head back and shook her head, "Justin..."

"Don't you feel something for me, Susie? I know you were hoping for a future with that other man but he isn't coming back. I'm right here and waiting for you."

"Ryder will be back," Susie argued, though she had plenty of her own doubts on that account. It had been a week after all and she'd seen no sign of the handsome, crazy man.

"Ryder is gone," Justin replied, feeling his temper building, "You should be with me."

"No."

"Susie, I won't keep asking much longer," Justin warned and the threat was clear in both his voice and his eyes.

Susie suddenly wondered if he would try to take her by force. Before she could swallow her lump of dread and speak, the branches above their heads rattled and suddenly Ryder was there.

Or at least his head and torso was as he hung upside down with his knees hooked around a branch. His messy dark hair hung around his face and his shirt rode up so that Susie could see all the tight rolling muscles of his abdomen. She forced herself to look away from them and at his face.

"Hey there, Susie. Sorry it took me so long to come back. I had to find some back up," Ryder said and then he turned his gaze to Justin, "Well howdy there, banker man. I heard you took a bullet not too long ago. I guess that means you're a real man now."

Susie was still staring in shock at the man hanging upside down from the tree. Where in the world had he come from?

"Ryder?" Justin asked with dread. How in the hell could he compete with a man that could climb trees like a monkey? And just one look at the light in Susie's eyes told him that she was more than happy to see the man again.

Ryder flashed an upside down grin, "The one and only."

"Good to see you again, Ryder," Susie whispered as she blushed and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

Ryder smiled at her and when she smiled back he felt the same pull in his heart that he had felt the first time he had seen her in the jail, in pretty much the same position. Unfortunately the sight of her sunshine bright smile and pretty blue eyes also caused the same loss of motor skills that it had that first day and he let out a groan as he fell from the tree and landed with a thud on the ground.

"Oh my stars!" Susie exclaimed as she fell to her knees beside him and touched his dimpled cheek, "Are you okay?"

Ryder shook his head, "I think I'm broken," he replied with a moan. His face was drawn and Susie felt fear all the way down to her toes. The kids had noticed the commotion and come running over.

"Mr. Ryder!" Lexi exclaimed as she tugged on her braid, "Are you okay?"

"Stay back, kids," Susie said as she adjusted Ryder's torso onto her lap and cradled his head against her chest. Justin watched on with growing agitation and hope. Maybe the stupid bastard would die and he'd be able to be there to comfort Susie.

"Do I need to go get help?" Nathan asked.

Ryder shook his head and Susie felt her blood heat as his face nuzzled against her breasts, "I'll be just fine." he replied with contentment. Susie grabbed him by the hair and pulled his face away only to see him grinning like a child with his hand caught in the cookie jar, "Oh, see now it hurts..." he whined.

Susie couldn't help but laugh, "You're fine!" she exclaimed. She pushed him off of her and he jumped quickly to his feet and held his hand out to Susie. She laid her hand in his, feeling the heat from the contact all the way down to her toes. He pulled her to her feet, but didn't let go of her hand and she didn't pull her hand away either.

"Does Brody know you're here?" Susie asked.

"Yeah."

"How did that go?" she said with a frown.

Ryder grinned and ran his hand through his hair, "We're best buds," he replied and then he turned to Justin, "How you feeling?" he asked.

Justin crossed his arms over his chest and stuck his nose in the air, "Fine." he replied curtly.

"I'm hungry," Bryant complained.

Susie looked up at the sun, "I would say it's lunch time," she agreed. Ryder squeezed her hand and then smiled at the kids, "Let's head back for some lunch then," he said and the kids laughed and took off toward the ranch house.

Justin started after them and Ryder couldn't stop himself. He'd teach this little city boy to try to nose his way into what was his. He noticed that Justin was favoring his right leg and he promptly swatted him on the right portion of his backside.

Justin's howl of pain could be heard across Texas as he whirled around and glared at Ryder with tears glistening in his eyes, "May I ask what exactly you were thinking doing that to me?!" he demanded, his voice laced with pain.

Ryder grinned sheepishly as he felt Susie's eyes glaring at him accusingly, "Just giving you a little encouragement. You looked like you were moving a little slow."

"That's because I got shot!" Justin bellowed and Susie found herself shrinking away from the small angry man. He looked like one of those small Chihuahua dogs, ready to tear both her and Ryder apart.

She didn't even realize she was leaning behind Ryder for protection but Ryder noticed and he filled with pride. No one had ever treated him like he was protection before. It made him feel good to know that Susie knew he'd keep her safe.

"I'm sorry," Ryder said with a tone of voice that clearly said he wasn't really sorry. He had heard the threatening way this piece of trash was talking to Susie. He knew a snake in the grass when he saw one and that's just what Justin Vicks was. Something about him wasn't right. What that something was, Ryder wasn't sure, but he was damn sure going to protect Susie from it. Susie belonged to him anyway.

"Sure you are," Justin grumbled, "Susie would you assist me?"

Susie bit her lip. She wanted to say no but saying no to those in need wasn't something she was very good at.

"Let's let the woman have a break." Ryder spoke up. He let go of Susie's hand and offered his arm to Justin, "I'll.. Uh... assist you."

Justin's ice blue eyes narrowed and he ran a hand through his thinning blond hair, "No, thank you," he hissed and then he turned on his heel and stormed away, though his temper tantrum was dampened a little by the fact that he was limping. Ryder watched him go with amusement and satisfaction.

"You came back for me?" Susie asked softly from behind him and he turned to see her staring at him as if he had two heads sprouting from his neck.

"Of course I did," he replied, "I love you. I know you don't believe me yet but I'd like the chance to prove it to you."

Susie stared at him long and hard and Ryder stood nearly completely still as he waited for her response. The constant commotion inside his mind had stilled now that he was back in her presence, "Are you going to give me a chance to do that?" he asked finally. If she said no he didn't know what he'd do. That wasn't really a situation he had prepared himself for. He wasn't very good at planning things. He usually just did whatever felt good at the time and lived for the moment.

"Yes," Susie said softly, "Yes I would like that very much." She couldn't believe that this handsome man had come back for her. She knew he had been doing more than having fun with Justin earlier. He had been letting the other man know to leave her alone and she didn't know why but she was extremely grateful for his interference. Justin had been beginning to push the boundaries a little too far but she had no doubts that he would begin to back off now that Ryder was here.

"Good," Ryder gasped with obvious relief, "I'm sure you've noticed that I'm not exactly normal.. I was born different." Susie was about to argue but he held up his hand, "When I'm with you I feel better. I know you think I'm just telling you whatever will get me in your skirts but I'm not. Being near you fixes me," he grinned, "Of course if saying these things leads to me getting in your skirts, well, that's a bonus."

Susie found herself laughing even though her eyes were filled with tears of disbelief at his words, "You're not getting in my skirts any time soon, Ryder." she warned, "I'm glad you came back. I owe you an apology for being so rude to you before. I'm not usually like that."

"I liked it," Ryder winked, "There's an outspoken, wild child in there somewhere. She just needs help to come out."

Susie shook her head and laughed softly, "Nope, I'm boring through and through," she replied and then she felt terror grip her heart. Would he realize just how boring she truly was and leave?

"I'm not going anywhere," he vowed as if he read her mind, "I wasn't joking when I said Brody and I were best buds. I really think we have a good friendship blossoming."

Susie shook her head but smiled, "Then you better get me back to the ranch before he thinks you're taking advantage of me again." She held out her hand and Ryder quickly wrapped his strong, rough hand around her smaller, softer one and they started toward the ranch house.