She gave him a stubborn look. “I’m not the enemy here, Brady. So you aren’t going to run me off. Not until I want to leave. That will be when Tess comes back.”

Brady studied her for a few minutes. Lindsey Stafford was different than most women who hung around the base. Those females were overeager to please the hotshot pilots. This woman had a take-me-as-I-am-or-not-at-all attitude.

“Maybe I’ve been a little hard on you.”

Those big eyes widened in surprise. “You think?”

“Okay, I plead guilty. Now please sit down. You’re giving me neck strain from looking up at you.”

She sank down in an overstuffed chair across from him. “That’s a switch.”

Brady felt his mouth twitch. “Get picked on for your size, huh?”

She glared. “Not since seventh grade.”

“That’s a lie,” he said as his gaze combed over her petite body. “What do you weigh? A hundred pounds?”

“One hundred and ten. I work out to build muscle. The added strength helps in my profession.”

He’d like to see those muscles. Dear Lord, he was pathetic. “Why aren’t you working with dogs and cats? It would seem easier.”

She shook her head. “I love horses. My mother and stepfather are horse breeders. I grew up around them.”

“Where are you from?”

She hesitated for a second. “North of Fort Worth. Denton. What about you? Have you always been in the military?”

He nodded. “All of my life, and we moved around a lot. Dad was career air force, so I went into the academy after high school. I always wanted to fly.”

She motioned toward his leg. “Is that how you were injured?”

He hated to think about that day. “Yeah, I had to eject from my aircraft and my landing wasn’t the best.”

“Well, it looks like you’re on the mend.”

He stiffened. “It’s taking too long. I want to get back in the air.”

Lindsey had heard some of the history of the Randell family, but Brady was a surprise to her. There was actually a Randell who wasn’t a rancher. “So you’re going back?”

“Why shouldn’t I? I’m one of the best.”

“And so humble, too.” She forced a smile. “I’m sure the doctors are doing everything possible. Are you?”

His eyes narrowed. “What does that mean? Of course I’m doing everything, and that includes a lot of rigorous physical therapy.”

“That’s good.” Just keep your mouth shut, Lindsey, she told herself as she looked around. Where is Tess?

“You don’t like me much,” he said.

“I barely know you, Captain Randell.” And she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

“You should know that I’m very good at what I do. And I plan to continue flying for the air force for a long time.” He set his injured leg on the floor. “Sitting around a ranch house isn’t for me.”

“You don’t seem to have a choice right now. So maybe you should use this time to count your blessings that you survived your accident instead of taking your anger out on every unsuspecting person who happens to cross your path.”

“How the hell do you know what I’ve gone through?”

Lindsey was going through her own personal pain, too. Her stepfather didn’t have such a rosy future.

“You’re right, I don’t, but I know you’re healthy, with a family who loves you, and all you’re doing is complaining.”

His stony look told her that she’d gone too far. “I should go,” she said. “I’m sure someone will be here shortly.”

She stood, but before she could get to the door it opened and a little girl came running in.

“Uncle Brady, Uncle Brady. Mommy said you fell down.” The little blonde went running to the stoic man on the sofa. “Are you hurt?” she cried.

“No darlin’, I’m fine. I just tripped over my big feet and bumped my head.”

The girl’s worried look didn’t leave until her uncle showed her the damage. “See, it’s just a little bump.”

The child leaned down and kissed it. “There, that will make it better.”

Then it happened. Brady Randell sat back and a big smile appeared across the handsome face. Lindsey’s heart leaped and she tried hard to remember the man with the bad attitude.

The little girl turned to her and smiled. “Mommy said you’re Whiskey’s new vet. I’m Livy Meyers Randell. My new daddy married my mommy and ’dopted me.”

Lindsey smiled. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Livy Meyers Randell. I’m Lindsey Stafford.”

“Hi, Miss Lindsey.” A smile beamed on her cute face. “Thank you for taking care of Whiskey, and Uncle Brady.”

“You’re very welcome.”

The child put her arm around her uncle’s neck. “Did you know I’m gonna marry Uncle Brady when I grow up?”

You can have him, Lindsey thought. “Isn’t that nice.”

Lindsey hadn’t planned to be gone all day, but she also hadn’t planned to babysit an injured fighter pilot, either. That was until she’d been pushed aside by a five-year-old girl. It didn’t matter her age, that female had already staked her claim on the man. What had amazed Lindsey was how Brady Randell’s whole demeanor had changed when the child walked into the room.

She smiled. So he wasn’t the tough guy he pretended to be.

Tired, Lindsey walked into the cabin the Randells had given her to use during her three-month stay. The one-bedroom structure was located in the Mustang Valley Nature Retreat. This cabin had been designed as a romantic getaway.

A big, river-rock fireplace, plush rug and overstuffed love seat were the centerpieces of the main room. The bedroom consisted of a large four-poster bed with satin sheets and an abundance of candles. It connected to a bathroom with a whirlpool tub that easily held two.

Definitely for a couple.

It was off season, so she had the place to herself except for the herd of wild mustangs that roamed freely in this area.

The only drawback was she had to park her SUV at the top of the rise and walk or ride down in a golf cart. There were no vehicles allowed in this area.

Hank Barrett, the patriarch of the Randell family, was adamant about keeping his wild ponies protected. Lindsey felt the same way. So many people thought of them as nuisances, but the Randells had made sure this area was going to be left untouched.

No development in this valley. Ever.

Luke Randell was the project manager for a gated horse community being built on the land that edged the valley. But the project had many strict rules.

It was dusk, and Lindsey looked out the picture window at the scene below. Picking up the binoculars off the sill, she focused in on the grassy meadow. She sighed at seeing the half-dozen mustang ponies grazing peacefully.

Her chest constricted at the incredible sight. How could Jack Randell ever have left this place? More importantly, after all these years, how could she get him to come here? Back to his home…his boys.

CHAPTER TWO

THE following week Brady got some good news. At his doctor’s visit the day before, he learned his fracture was healing well. Well enough that the bulkier cast had been replaced with a walking cast, so he could finally put weight on his leg. That meant he could get rid of the crutches and use a cane. And start more-intense therapy.

Finally it was time to get back in shape so he could get back into the cockpit.

Brady had also succumbed to Luke’s badgering and gone along as he toured the construction site. He cursed as the golf cart bounced over the uneven ground. He grabbed the frame as he nearly flew out of his seat. “Hey, do you think you could have missed a few potholes back there?”

Luke grinned as he continued to maneuver the vehicle along the ridge. “Just wanted to make sure you haven’t fallen asleep.”

“Not the way you drive.” Brady zipped up his flight jacket to help ward off the morning chill. “Besides, I don’t need any more injuries added to my list.”

His brother gave him a sideways glance. “I might have to call on the pretty veterinarian to come by. Seems she’s the only one who can handle you.”

Brady tensed. Not one of his proudest moments. “I didn’t need to be handled by anyone. I was fine then and I’m fine now.” He hadn’t seen the hot redhead since that day. Probably a good thing. If he let her, Lindsey Stafford could be a powerful distraction.

Luke stopped the cart, then he sat back with a sigh. “Now, is this a view or what?” He motioned with his hand. “What do you think?”

Brady looked through the grove of ancient oak trees that shaded part of the valley below. A creek flowed around the sturdy trunks and through high, golden meadow grass.

In the peaceful silence, Brady felt a calm come over him. “Not a bad view.” His gaze went to the other side of the rise where a small cabin nestled on the hillside. Farther on was another log structure, and another nearly hidden from view. “Who lives up there?”

“That’s the Mustang Valley Nature Retreat. It’s part of our holdings, too. There are about a dozen cabins that are rented out through the summer months. Some of the construction staff is living there now. And also your Dr. Stafford.”

Brady refused to take the bait. “Why? Can’t she afford to rent her own place?”

“Since she’s here temporarily, Hank offered her one of the cabins for her stay.”

“How temporary?”

“Just until Doc Hillman is able to handle his practice again.” Luke stole a glance at his brother. “Tess would love for Lindsey to stay on permanently. Maybe it’s because she’s a woman, but she likes how Lindsey seems to take extra time with Whiskey.”

“I take it the stallion’s leg is healed, since I saw Tess working him yesterday. Is he okay to compete?”

Luke nodded. “We’re headed to Fort Worth this next weekend. Tess is entering Whiskey in the nonpro NCHA Futurity. But don’t worry, Bernice will be here if you need anything.”

Brady hated everyone hovering over him. “I’ve managed to take care of myself most of my life, and I can handle it now.”

Luke glanced down at Brady’s new cast. “Seems you can get around better, too. How is the leg? Giving you any trouble since you’ve been walking on it?”

Sometimes it hurt like hell. “No. Between Dr. Pahl and the therapist conferring, I haven’t been allowed to do much. But I get to start real therapy next week.” His therapist, Brenna, was Dylan’s wife, another cousin. She hadn’t been easy on him so far, but he liked that about her. She’d warned him about starting out slow. He wasn’t good at slow. He needed to get back into shape again, and fast. Granted, the wide-open beauty of Mustang Valley was peaceful, but he needed the vast sky through the cockpit of his F-16 to feed his soul.

“Is everyone around here related to us?” Brady asked.

Luke leaned back. “Just about. It takes getting used to, having all this family.”

If he and Brady had anything in common, it was that they were both only children. “Being in the military, we moved around a lot. I didn’t have a chance to make friends, so most of the time it was just the three of us.”

“You had plenty of family—Uncle Jack’s family—our dad just chose not to come back here.”

Brady knew that he and Luke would never agree about Sam Randell. He’d abandoned his oldest son, but in truth, he wasn’t around much to be a father to his second boy, either.

“So Dad chose a military career over ranching. I bet that didn’t make a lot of people happy,” Brady said.

“And he chose your mother over mine.”

And me over you, Brady thought as his anger started to build. In truth, Sam had chosen his career over everyone. “Look, Luke, I thought you and I were okay with this. Whatever happened between our parents didn’t have anything to do with us.”

Luke stared out into the valley. “I’m okay with you, and our partnership. It’s still hard sometimes.” He let go of a long breath. “But like Tess said, I’m back home now.” He turned to Brady. “And I finally got to meet my brother.”

Brady wasn’t about to get all mushy over the reunion. “And about a million cousins. Man, is there something about this valley that causes all these kids?”

Luke arched an eyebrow. “You got something against kids?”

“I don’t mind one or two, but a squadron is a bit much.”

Luke laughed. “I thought the same thing when I first came here. But they’re all great kids, and our cousins are good parents. I believe it’s because of their foster parent, Hank Barrett, who was a big influence on them. A lot more so than Jack Randell.”

Brady smiled. “Oh, yeah, our uncle, the famous cattle rustler.”

They both remained silent, reflecting on the past, when they spotted two riders. Brady recognized Tess on Lady and beside her another woman. A redhead with a familiar black hat.

“Looks like we have company.” Luke leaned forward. “My Tess and your favorite doctor.”

Brady groaned, but he found his pulse racing as he watched the two approach. Luke got out of the cart and went to his wife as she jumped down from her horse. Tess smiled at her husband, but when Brady turned his attention to Lindsey, she didn’t show him any kind of special feminine greeting.

Good. He wasn’t going to be here long enough to get tangled up with a woman. She wasn’t his type, anyway. But as the redhead started toward him in her form-fitting jeans, cream-colored sweater and black nylon vest, his body suddenly called him a liar.

“Good morning, Mr. Randell.”

Okay, he liked her a little, especially her attitude. “Since you’ve had your hands all over my body, don’t you think you could call me Brady?”

She stopped next to the golf cart. “And since you’re not that familiar with mine, you may call me Dr. Stafford.”

He arched an eyebrow, letting his gaze speak for him. “The day isn’t over yet.”

She finally smiled. “How about Lindsey?”

“Oh, I don’t know, I’m kind of leaning toward sexy doc.”

She frowned. “Only if you want me to hurt you.”

He glanced toward his brother and sister-in-law to see they were out of earshot. “When it comes to a beautiful woman, the last thing I’m thinking about is pain.” He climbed out of the cart and stood in front of her. “I’m more a pleasure kind of guy.”

Lindsey didn’t like Brady Randell so close, but she refused to back away. “How about we stop the innuendos and try to have a normal conversation?”

He nodded. “Nice weather for a ride.”

“Yes it is,” she told him. “Tess invited me to go along to help thin the mustang herd and check for injuries. We’re going to meet up with Hank Barrett and some of your cousins.”

“So you’re going to play doc?”

“I don’t play doctor.”

He raised a hand. “I only meant I wish I could go along and see you in action. But all I’m traveling in these days is this cart.”

Lindsey knew the confinement had to be hard for Brady. She glanced down at the new, smaller cast. “It looks like you’re making progress and will be back in the cockpit soon.”

“That’s what I’m shooting for.”

She could see the cocky determination on his face. No doubt he looked even more handsome in his flight jumpsuit. She glanced down at his worn jeans, then upward to his straw Stetson. He wasn’t a bad imitation of a cowboy, either.

“Maybe if your doctor approves, you could go out for a short ride. Nothing strenuous, of course. But I bet Tess has a gentle mount.”

“I’d take anything at this point.”

“Can you drive a car, yet?”

He nodded. “Since it’s my left foot, yes, but only if it’s an automatic. My ’67 Chevy Camaro back at the base is a stick shift.”

She never doubted that for a second, or the fact that the vehicle was a hotrod. Brady Randell was definitely not her type. She was all about settling down, safety and animals. He was a death-defying jet jockey with no intention of letting grass grow under his boots. She looked up into his piercing eyes and her heart went crazy. Okay, speaking from a sensual aspect, this man was any woman’s type.

She really needed to stay clear of him.

“I should get going. I have appointments this afternoon.” She turned to find Tess lost in her husband’s arms. They were exchanging kisses and whispered lover’s secrets. The couple seemed unaware anyone else was around.

Brady came up behind her. “Those two are like that all the time. I hate to say it, but it makes me a little jealous.”

Lindsey felt Brady’s breath against her ear. The warmth of his large body shielded her from the cool morning. She closed her eyes momentarily. Yes, she longed to be part of a couple. To find the right man. Someday.

Right now she had other things to think about. Top on her list was the true reason she’d come to San Angelo, and her time was limited to find the answers she needed. Getting involved with a man would only complicate matters. She finally moved away from temptation.

“Tess,” she called. “We need to get going if we’re to meet up with Hank and the others.” She glanced at Brady. “I’m glad you’re doing well.”

He leaned against his cane. “Like I said, I wish I was going with you, Doc.”

“Maybe when your leg is healed,” she promised as she backed away. Was she crazy?

“I’ll look forward to it,” he called. “I’ll work to make sure it’s soon.”

Lindsey was still chiding herself when they reached the edge of the valley. There was high grass mixed in with thick native mesquite bushes. Ancient oak trees arched over the riding path like a canopy filtering the sunlight. The November day was brisk, causing her skin to tingle. She felt exhilarated.

Her thoughts returned to Brady. She hadn’t expected to see him again so soon. He’d looked considerably better than the last time. He’d shaved and was dressed in jeans and a gray U.S. Air Force sweatshirt under his bomber jacket. In a cowboy hat, he looked cocky and sure of himself.

“How are you holding up?” Tess asked as she rode up beside her.

“I’m fine. In fact if I could schedule it, I’d ride every day.”

Tess smiled. “I come out to check the ponies every week during the winter. I could saddle up Dusty and bring him by the cabin for you.”

“If I’m not busy, I’d love it.” She patted the seasoned buckskin gelding, remembering her childhood days at the ranch. She loved the freedom of riding. It had been her escape from a lot of problems, especially during her parents’ abusive marriage. “You sure you don’t mind me borrowing Dusty?”

“Anytime. Since Dad can’t ride anymore, I appreciate anyone who exercises him.”

Lindsey’s heart softened. Tess’s father was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. “Good. I’ll let you know my schedule.”

“And maybe you can help get Brady up and riding, too.”

Lindsey glanced over to see Tess’s smile. “Shouldn’t he walk before he gets on a horse?”

Tess shrugged. “Maybe he can do both. We’re willing to try anything to get him out of the house. Luke managed today, but not without a lot of prodding.”

She couldn’t imagine the captain doing anything he didn’t want to do. “It’s a start.”

“Since the two had never met until a few months ago, both Luke and Brady are still getting to know each other. If their father, Sam Randell, hadn’t left them both the ranch, I wonder if they would have ever met.”

“Then it’s good they have this opportunity.”

“I feel the same way,” Tess said. “Although they do have very different views of their father. Luke was deserted by Sam when his parents divorced. Brady had him around most of his life.”

Lindsey rested her hands on the saddle horn, letting Dusty take the lead. “Sometimes there isn’t a choice.”

“There’s always a choice,” Tess murmured, then pointed up ahead. “There’s Hank, Cade and Chance.”

Lindsey knew Hank Barrett was the one who’d taken in the three Randell brothers, Chance, Cade and Travis, to raise after their father, Jack, had been sent to prison.

As they got closer to the men on horseback, Lindsey could see the strong family resemblance between the brothers. It seemed all Randell men were tall, with that rangy, muscular build. The square jaw and cleft in the chin was like a brand, telling the world who they belonged to.

She’d met Chance and Travis earlier, but Cade looked even more like the man Lindsey had called Dad for the past fifteen years.

The difference was these men shared his blood. She didn’t.

Jack Randell was only her stepfather.

Just as soon as Jack and her mother returned home from their vacation and discovered she’d gone against his wishes, he wouldn’t be happy.

It wasn’t as though she’d planned to come to San Angelo. It had been curiosity that had her go to the job interview. She told herself she only wanted to meet Travis, one of Jack’s sons. Then she found herself accepting the position. After all, it was only temporary.

Hank Barrett sat back in the saddle and watched Tess approach with the new veterinarian. Ever since Travis returned from Dallas singing Dr. Lindsey Stafford’s praises, Hank had been anxious to meet her.

He smiled as the redhead rode closer. She was easy on the eyes, and if there was one thing he appreciated, it was a pretty female, no matter what the age.

Hank greeted Tess. “Hello, Mrs. Randell.”

“Good morning, Mr. Barrett,” she answered. “Hi, Cade, Chance.”

Chance touched the brim of his hat in greeting. “Tess.” He glanced at the redhead. “Dr. Stafford, nice seeing you again. This is our other brother, Cade. And this is Hank Barrett, the one who started the mustang project.”

Hank nodded at the petite woman who sat comfortably in the saddle. There was something about her name that was familiar. “Dr. Stafford, I’m glad you could join us.

“Please, everyone, call me Lindsey.” Her horse shifted sideways. “And thank you for inviting me along today.”

“Well, Lindsey,” Hank began, “I hope you still feel that way if the ponies don’t cooperate. They’ve been known to be stubborn.”

The doctor rewarded him with a smile. “I hear old Dusty here is pretty good at cutting out his target.”

Cade reined his roan back. “I guess we’ll know soon enough if he likes to chase wild ponies as much as cows.” He grinned and Lindsey tensed, once again seeing the resemblance to his father.

“I’d say we better get going,” Chance said, pointing to the herd off in the distance.

Lindsey looked at Hank for direction as they started down the trail.

“We’ll let Chance and Cade take the lead,” he said. “Wyatt, Dylan and Jarred are at the other end of the canyon to drive the herd toward us.”

“I’ll just follow you,” she said.

Hank nodded. “Okay, let’s go and get us some ponies.”

They rode off, and Lindsey felt she was taking a step back in time. To see the wild ponies in their natural setting. This had been another big draw for her to come here. She just didn’t realize how much she would already love it.

Two hours later Brady sat with Luke in his truck, waiting at the temporary corral at Hank’s ranch, the Circle B Ranch. He was still wondering why he’d come. Of course, it beat the alternative, sitting back at the cottage. That had been what he told Luke, anyway. Not that he wanted another chance to see Lindsey Stafford again.

“They’re coming,” Luke called as he climbed down off the railing.

His own excitement growing, Brady got out of the truck and looked to where his brother pointed. He saw the riders on horseback, chasing after the ponies. An assorted mixture of paints, bays and buckskins. Over a dozen as far as he could see. But he couldn’t find Lindsey.

“There’s Tess,” Luke called.

It was easy to catch his sister-in-law’s long blond hair. Then he spotted Lindsey’s black hat. She was riding drag, a bandana tied around the lower part of her face to help filter the dust.

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