The apartment was straightened up, and Nikki was ready fifteen minutes early that evening. At first she thought she’d meet Tag on the steps like last time, but he said he had a surprise. If it was something that needed to be brought inside the apartment, then that would be awkward. After all, she’d been in his cabin—even shared nachos with him at his kitchen table, and talked about everything and nothing for a while. Not inviting him into her place would be downright rude.
She checked her reflection in the full-length mirror on the back of the bedroom door. She’d curled her hair, put on makeup, and chosen a brown-and-white-checkered sundress for the evening. Her brown cowboy boots matched it perfectly, but maybe she should have chosen sandals? Was she overdressed? Or worse, underdressed? Whatever, she didn’t have time to change now.
After his comment about being on time, she expected him to knock on the door at exactly eight o’clock. She was not disappointed, but the knock still startled her. She scanned the living room one more time to be sure everything was tidy before she opened the door.
Tag had a brown paper bag in his arms and a smile on his face. “You look gorgeous this evening. I’d thought we’d go for pizza, but since you’re so dressed up, maybe we’ll go somewhere nicer.”
“Pizza sounds great.” She couldn’t keep her eyes off the bag. “I’m sorry. Please come in.”
“Nice little place you got here.” His eyes scanned the living room before he set the sack on the kitchen table. He removed a big round clear glass bowl first and carried it to the kitchen sink. Bright colored rocks were the first thing he added to the bowl before he filled it about halfway with water.
“I didn’t know what your favorite color was, so I got the multicolored package,” he said.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Fixin’ up your surprise.” He looked around again and set the bowl of water on an end table. Then he pulled out a small yellow container and set it beside the bowl.
“What is that?” she asked.
The last thing he brought out was a plastic bag with a goldfish in it. “This is your new pet. She can stay all by herself over the weekend. You only have to clean up after her about once a week and feed her every day. Maybe a little extra on Friday since she’ll be all by herself all weekend. She told me that country music is her favorite, so you might want to leave the radio on while you’re gone so it don’t get lonesome.”
For the first time in a very long while, Nikki was speechless.
“If you don’t like it, I’ll take it to the cabin.” His eyes went to the floor, reminding her of her brother when their mother yelled at them about tracking dead leaves into the house or some other minor infraction that upset her perfect world.
“I love it. I’ll tell her bedtime stories and let her listen to country music so she won’t get lonely. Thank you, Tag.” She took two steps forward and hugged him. “But how do you know it’s a girl?”
He raised his head and his smile lit up the room. “It seemed like a good idea last night, but now it’s kind of silly, isn’t it? And it’s a girl because she’s so pretty.”
“Tag, it’s just about the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Does she have a name?” she asked.
“You get to give her a name,” he said. “And you get to welcome her home by dumping her out into the fishbowl. And there’s a little booklet on how to clean the bowl in the bag too.”
“I’ll have to think about it for a few days to come up with the right name. Can I open the bag and set her free now?” She backed away from him.
“Yep, and then you can feed her. Look on the back of the can of fish food there to find out how much and how often,” Tag said. “And once she’s fed, we can go have our supper.”
She picked up the can and read it, and then she opened the bag and set the goldfish free. Big bubble eyes stared at her through the side of the bowl, and then she made a couple of circles to check out the new housing. Nikki carefully pinched a little food between her finger and thumb and dropped it on top of the water. It floated for a few seconds and then began to sink. The fish gobbled down every sliver before it could hit the rocks.
“Is she still hungry?” she asked.
“The booklet says to just feed it twice a day, and the ideal thing is for it to eat all the food so that it doesn’t pollute the water.”
“Did you ever have one of these?” She popped the lid back on the food can.
“Nope. I thought about bringing you a turtle or maybe a lizard, but this seemed to be what would require the least upkeep. I’m glad you like it.”
“I do. I really do,” Nikki said. “Thank you one more time.”
He pulled her back into his arms. “Nikki, I’m not good at this, so bear with me.”
“Now that’s a load of bull crap,” she giggled.
“No, really, I’m not. I can sweet-talk someone I meet in a bar into bed in a heartbeat. I’m an expert at that, but anything more—well, I start to stutter and I’m all thumbs,” he said honestly. “I don’t know where this chemistry between us might lead, but I know for it to even take the first step outside this door, I have to be honest. So there it is.”
He sounded sincere. There was definitely chemistry between them. But chemistry, vibes, sparks, electricity—whatever word was used for physical attraction—did not inspire trust, did it? She’d proven that when she’d given her heart to her last boyfriend, only to find out that he was married.
One date doesn’t mean you’re going to marry the man. Quint’s voice was plain in her head.
“Surely you’ve had at least one long-term relationship,” she said as she picked up her purse.
Tag shook his head. “I’ve lived like I was dying since I was seventeen. That doesn’t leave room for anything except family.”
“Didn’t you ever want something more permanent?” She bent down and put a fingertip on the fishbowl. “You hold the place down, Goldie, until I get home.”
“Nope.” He opened the door for her and then waited on the porch while she locked it. “Truth is, I didn’t think I’d ever want one.”
“And now?” She started down the stairs ahead of him.
“Truthfully, I’m not sure what I want,” he answered.
“Fair enough.” She nodded. “Whatever it is that we’re feelin’—let’s take it real slow. And now changing the subject because I’m hungry. There’s a Thursday night all-you-can-eat bar at the pizza place. Let’s go get our money’s worth.”
The place was less than five minutes from her apartment. When they arrived, Tag escorted her inside with his hand on the small of her back. She was past being surprised at the electricity flowing through her body at his slightest touch. Like he’d said earlier, there was chemistry between them. To deny it would be lying.
He paid the lady at the counter for two buffet dinners. She handed them each a plate, bowl, and glass and said, “Silverware is over by the soft drink machine. Help yourselves. Place is a little crowded, but I see a booth in the back corner.”
“If you’ll take the plates and claim that table, I’ll be the bartender.” Tag handed her his plates and took her glass. “What’re you drinkin’ tonight, ma’am?”
“I’m not picky as long as it’s diet,” she answered.
She made her way to the back of the place, set the plates down, and slid into the booth to wait for him. Positioned just so she could see his every move, she got a full view of the way he filled out those jeans, and his swagger. Of course, nearly every woman in the place was watching him from the corner of their eyes as well.
He carefully carried two full glasses plus the silverware and napkins to the table. She took her glass from him, set it down, and together they went to the buffet to fill their bowls with salad and load up their plates with pizza.
She was back to the booth first, and a movement out the window caught her attention. Four motorcycles had parked, and the guys were wearing no helmets. The sleeves were gone from their denim jackets, leaving ragged edges. Evidently it was to show off the matching tattoos on their upper arms. Crossed swords with some kind of insignia in the middle. One of them had a gold chain from his earlobes to a ring in his nose. The swooping chains looked like they were holding up his bulldog cheeks. Didn’t the fool know that in any fight someone could jerk on that and give him a world of pain?
Tag slid into the booth next to her and shook his head. “Girl, I thought you said you were hungry?”
“This is just the appetizer. I’ll go for the main course after this and then finish up with a plate of dessert pizza,” she said. “I might be small, but, honey, I love food.”
“Well, damn it to hell,” Tag muttered.
“You don’t like women who enjoy their food?” Nikki asked.
“That damn wasn’t for you,” he whispered as the five bikers with dusty jeans headed straight for them.
“Well, well, lookit what we’ve found, boys. Pretty little lady with an ugly old cowboy. Let’s whup his ass and show her what real men are.” The one with the chains leered at her.
Nikki’s blood ran cold as she slowly unzipped the side pocket of her purse and brought out a pink .38 pistol. She aimed it right at Mr. Chain’s crotch and said, “Boys, I only got five shots, but I think I can take two of you out with one bullet so I don’t waste ammunition. Now get your sorry asses back out there on those ratty bikes and leave before you get hurt.”
Tag held up a hand. “It’s okay. They’re teasing. What are you doin’ in Bowie, Texas, Billy Tom?”
“You know these people?” Nikki slid the safety back on the pistol and slipped it inside her purse, but she kept her hand on it—just in case.
Billy Tom slid into the booth and threw his big beefy arm around Tag’s shoulders. He grabbed the top piece of pepperoni pizza from Tag’s stack and took a bite. “We’re on our way over to Tyler to do that little business I talked to you about. Thought we’d stop in here for some food and maybe call you to get directions to your ranch. Maybe talk you into changing your mind about the deal I offered you.”
One of the other bikers reached for a piece of Nikki’s pizza. She slapped his hand as hard as she could. “I don’t share my food, and I’m not real good about sharing a date.”
“Whoo-eee!” Billy Tom laughed with food in his mouth. “You done got yourself a piece of work there, Tag.”
“She’s a helluva bodyguard.” Tag grinned. “Y’all best go on up to the counter and pay for your dinner. Sign over there says that sharin’ ain’t permitted.”
“Bet she guards your body real good.” Billy Tom gave her another lewd look.
She took her gun from her purse, again, and wondered if she could tangle those chains up in her fork. “What business are you talkin’ about?”
“Just a little venture that we need Tag’s help with,” Billy Tom answered.
“No, thank you,” Tag said. “I told you already, I’m done with that stuff. Now you’ve interrupted date night with me and my lady, and I’d appreciate it if you got on with your business and let us have a nice quiet meal.”
“Sure thing, buddy, but remember, once a rebel, always a rebel. You can run but you can’t hide from what’s in your heart.” Billy Tom stood up, grabbed another piece of pizza, and walked out with his posse behind him. The three of them got on their motorcycles and just sat there for a full five minutes waiting until Billy Tom came around the corner of the building and gave them a thumbs-up. When he had mounted his motorcycle, he and the others made a big show of revving them up. Through the window, Billy Tom flipped Tag off before he popped a wheelie and roared out of town.
“Guess they decided not to have pizza tonight.” Nikki picked up the shaker with red pepper in it and shook it over a slice of sausage.
“I’m so, so sorry about that,” Tag said.
“What’re they into?”
“Who knows? It could be some get-rich-quick scheme or else some kind of crazy crap. How they stay out of jail is beyond me,” he said.
“So that’s the Billy Tom you told me about. Somehow I didn’t picture him that big or that brazen,” she said.
“Somehow I didn’t picture you with a gun in your hand. Is that thing real?” he asked.
“Yes, and I have a license to carry it, both concealed and open. Last time I was at the range, I drilled five holes in a target that you could have covered with a half dollar. So as your bodyguard, I can take damn good care of you, Mr. Taggart Baker. Anything else you’d like to know about what’s in my purse?” she asked.
“Hand grenades?” He wiggled his dark brows.
“I left those at home tonight, along with the sawed-off shotgun. I only bring them out when I carry my big purse,” she answered. “Remember how I told you that I moved out on my own at eighteen? Well, honey, it didn’t take me long to realize that a woman of my size needs a little backup companion sometimes. So now you’ve met my mama and my backup, and I’ve met your past. Guess we’re even,” she said.
“I think we just might be. Now let’s talk about us. I started to buy you flowers tonight, but I didn’t know your favorite color or if you like roses or orchids or what. Then I remembered that you’d never had a pet.” He picked up a slice of pizza and bit into it.
“I like gerbera daisies in all colors. My favorite color is sunshine yellow, and I’ve never been fancy enough for roses or orchids. And I like Goldie better than flowers,” she said. “Now my turn. What’s your favorite color?”
“Blue, but I could stare into your brown eyes all night and never get bored,” he said.
“That’s a pretty good pickup line,” she teased.
“It’s the truth, not a line, but since we’re bein’ honest, I have used that one before. Would you fall for it?”
She shook her head and glanced out the window in time to see a black Lincoln parking not ten feet away. “I wouldn’t fall for that one. Give me another one.”
“Is it hot in here, or is it just you?” he said.
“Nope, not that one either. Do you know who’s in that black car out there?”
Tag turned and cocked his head to one side and then the other, studying the vehicle. “Have no idea. Why are you asking?”
“For one thing, I’ve seen it several times and even felt like it was following me. For another, whoever it is isn’t getting out of the car. Why go to the pizza place and just sit there?”
“I’ll take care of this.” Tag eased out of the booth and started that way with Nikki right behind him. But only the taillights of the vehicle were visible when they got outside.
“Did you get a look at whoever it was?” she asked.
He shook his head. “But this has surely been one crazy date. Next time we go out, I’m taking you out of town. Let’s go back in and finish our dinner.”
“Got to admit it hasn’t been boring.” She looped her arm in his and together they went inside and to their booth.
After sleeping all day and then the adrenaline rush of the evening, there was no way Nikki was going to bed when Tag walked her to the door and left her there a little before eleven. She kicked off her boots and slouched down on the end of the sofa.
“Well, Goldie, this has been a helluva night,” she said.
The fish wiggled her big fan tail and did a couple of laps around the bowl. Nikki started to ask her if she was hungry, but her phone pinged. She dragged it out of her purse to find a text from Emily: Call me.
She hit Emily’s number on speed dial and the phone scarcely finished the first ring before she heard, “We need to talk. What’s this about you calling Patsy because you thought it would upset me that you kissed Tag? You should know none of them can keep a secret, especially when they’re worried about you.”
“I’m sorry, but if you want the whole story—”
“I already know y’all were together at the pizza place tonight and that he bought you a goldfish,” Emily said. “I can’t believe that my little brother is going out with my best friend.”
“Are you going to yell at me and tell me that I have horrible taste in men? Especially after the last boyfriend?”
“No, but I might yell at him and tell him not to break your heart or I’ll break his neck,” Emily said. “A goldfish? Why?”
“Because I told him that I’d never had a pet. She’s a beauty. I named her Goldie. Did whoever tattled on us tell you about Billy Tom and his gang of wannabe thugs showing up?”
“Good God! I thought when he bought the ranch out here that he’d finally grown up and left that part of his life behind. What did they want?” Emily sighed.
“Something about a business deal that they needed Tag for,” she said. “That’s all I know except that he turned them down.”
“Well, thank God for that,” Emily said. “I hear you’re going to visit the Fab Five tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be there, too, so we can talk more then. My sexy husband and I are about to take a long shower together.”
“Don’t let me hold up that kind of thing,” Nikki laughed. “See you tomorrow.”
She ended the call and tossed her phone on the end of the sofa. “Well, Goldie, it’s just you and me and late-night television. What do you want to watch, girl?”
She picked up the remote and surfed through the channels until she landed on reruns of Justified. The main character, Raylan Givens, didn’t look a thing like Tag Baker, but they’d be a close match if attitudes could be measured by DNA. She fluffed up a throw pillow and stretched out on the sofa.
“I agree, Miz Goldie, this is just what we need tonight,” she said.
Sometime near the fourth episode of the all-night marathon, she fell asleep only to dream of Tag. They were riding down a dirty road on his motorcycle. Her arms were around his chest, and his heart beat fast against her palms. Her ponytail flew out behind her like a victory flag, and the wind rushed past her face. Then red and blue lights flashed behind them, and sirens started to scream. She yelled at him to pull over, but he just went faster and faster, until they hit a hole in the road. They were floating in slow motion from somewhere up high down to the ground when she awoke with a start.
“It was just a dream,” she told herself as she went to get a glass of water. But she imagined that she could still taste the dust from the dream, and her heart thumped so loud that it hurt her ears. Was fate telling her that Billy Tom was right: once a rebel, always a rebel?