Lawfully Played (Texas Lawkeeper Romance) Read online

  Lawfully Played

  A Texas Lawkeeper Romance

  Annie Boone

  Contents

  Copyright

  Introduction to The Lawkeepers Series

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  It’s not quite the end!

  About Lawfully Charmed from Kate Cambridge

  About Lawfully Loved from Jenna Brandt

  About Lawfully Matched from Lorana Hoopes

  Join Annie Boone’s Readers Group

  Also by Annie Boone

  About Annie Boone

  Copyright

  Copyright 2018, Annie Boone

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written approval by the author, except for short excerpts used in a book review.

  All characters, places, events, businesses, or references to historical facts are fictitious and products of the author’s imagination. Any references to actual people, places, or events are purely incidental.

  This story was fun to write, but the purpose for the series is meaningful.

  Paying such a small tribute to those who put their lives on the line every day for others is a drop in the bucket compared to the appreciation these men and women deserve.

  Thank you to the lawmen who have influenced my life directly. Thank you to the brave lawmen I’ve never met. Thank you to those who love them and support their sense of duty. I can’t imagine what life would be like for those of us who need them. And make no mistake—we all need them.

  Introduction to The Lawkeepers Series

  There’s just something fascinating about a man wearing an emblem of authority. The way the light gleams off that shiny star on his badge makes us stare with respect. Couple that with a uniform hugging his body in just the right way, confidence, and mission to save and protect, it’s no wonder we want to know what lies underneath.

  Yes, what echoes deep inside those beating hearts is inspiring. Certainly appealing. Definitely enticing. Although those ripped muscles and strong shoulders can make a woman’s heart skip a beat—or two—it takes a strong, confident person to choose to love someone who risks it all every day. Anyone willing to become part of a lawkeeper’s world might have a story of their own to tell.

  The undeniable charisma lawmen possess make all of us pause and take note. It’s probably why there are so many movies and TV shows themed around the justice system. We’re captivated by their ability to save babies, help strangers, and rescue damsels in distress. We’re captivated by their ability to protect and save, defend the innocent, risk their lives, and face danger without hesitation. Of course, we expect our heroes to stay solid when we’re in a mess. We count on them for safety, security, and peace of mind. From yesterday to today, that truth remains constant.

  Their valor inspires us, their integrity comforts, and their courage melts our hearts—irresistibly. But there’s far more to them than their courageous efforts. How do they deal with the difficulties they face? Can they balance work and life? And how do they find time for love outside their life of service?

  We want to invite you on a journey—come with us as we explore the complex lives of the men and women who serve and protect us every day. Join us in a fast-paced world of adventure. Walk into our tight-knit world of close friendships, extended family, and danger—as our super heroes navigate the most treacherous path of all—the road to love.

  The Lawkeepers. Historical and modern-day super heroes; men and women of bravery and valor, taking love and law seriously. A multi-author series, sure to lock up your attention and take your heart into custody.

  Visit The Lawkeepers on Facebook

  Prologue

  Fort Worth, Texas; 1883

  “Mr. Hornsley, are you sure that’s what it says?” Tess Bonner pursed her lips as she looked hopefully at the smartly dressed man sitting across the desk from her.

  He removed his half-moon spectacles and looked her squarely in the eye. His gaze made her insides squirm, and she felt tears pricking at the back of her eyes. She was determined not to let him see her be so weak and womanly, so she held her head high.

  “You may read it yourself, Miss Bonner.” He handed the document to her. His eyebrow raised slightly, almost as a challenge.

  She took it from him. “But Papa always said he’d done everything he could to ensure that Mama and I would be provided for should something like this ever occur. He worried about that, especially when we moved here to Texas. Papa was so careful in such matters. I cannot, and will not, believe he could possibly have left his affairs in a mess like this.”

  Tess jutted her chin out defiantly. When Mr. Hornsley didn’t respond, she looked down at the sheaf of documents in her hands. Scanning through the long pages of legal language she barely understood, she took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

  It had only been two weeks since the tragic deaths of her beloved mama and papa, and she was still reeling from the loss. Now it appeared she was to be left destitute, with nowhere to turn. She could feel the panic that lingered so close to the surface these days begin to rise up within her, her breathing growing more shallow.

  She closed her eyes and tried to focus on taking a single deep breath, but her throat was closing in, her chest growing tighter and tighter, and soon she was gasping for air. Tess had always had a weak chest, and the doctors warned her mama that she should try to avoid anxiety as it would only make it worse.

  “Miss Bonner, are you quite all right?” Mr. Hornsley’s nasal tones dripped with false sympathy. “May I fetch you a glass of water?”

  She nodded. She needed a moment alone to compose herself. With the odious little man out of the room, she was able to calm herself. She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes to focus on breathing deeply and evenly.

  Hearing footsteps in the corridor outside, she opened her eyes and sat up straight as Mr. Hornsley came back into the room. He held a mug of water, which he handed to her. His hand brushed hers, and Tess had to stifle a shudder at his inadvertent touch. His skin was cold and clammy.

  “Thank you,” she said as politely as she could muster and took a sip. The water was refreshing, and it did help her to get her thoughts together once more.

  Hubert Hornsley took his seat opposite her and folded his hands primly on his desk. “Miss Bonner, I am sorry to be the bearer of such tidings and can entirely understand your shock at finding out the truth about your father’s estate. I wish I could have given you better news.”

  “I am sure,” Tess said waspishly, sure she saw a glimmer of amusement in the man’s cold eyes. “This will not be the last you hear of me,” she assured him as she stood up and fastened the buttons of her coat.

  He stood and gave a shallow bow, more of a discourteous nod than a show of respect, but Tess didn’t care for niceties any longer. A well of anger was surging inside her, and she wanted to be long gone from this man’s office before it escaped. “Good day.” She swept from the room with as much confidence as she could manage and moved toward the exit.

  She had barely set a foot upon the sidewalk before she collided with a large and unyielding force. She stumbled, putting a hand out to break her fall. “Ouch!” She gasped loudly as she hit the gritty path, her right wrist doubling over.

  “My goodness, I am so terribly sorry.” The voice she heard was gentle and kind, and a large, calloused hand appeared before her face. It was open fo
r her to take it, and she did. Wincing, she realized she’d offered him the hand she’d just damaged in her fall. She gave him a wry smile and raised her left hand instead.

  He helped her to her feet and began to inspect her damaged wrist. “I believe it’s just a strain, but maybe we should take you to the doctor’s office to be sure. There’s a very good physician just a few doors down, if you would permit me to accompany you. I’ll pay the fees, of course.”

  “I couldn’t accept that,” Tess said, feeling awkward at the kindness of this stranger. He wasn’t exactly good-looking, but he had fine features and a gallant way about him, though Tess had a strong feeling that he wasn’t entirely comfortable in his fine suit. He looked as though his muscular body might escape its confines at any moment. “I should have been looking where I was going.”

  “As should I,” he said, chuckling. “May I at least introduce myself?” She nodded. “Thomas Roper, at your service.”

  “My name’s Tess Bonner,” she said, smiling as he tentatively tried to shake her injured hand. “Oh, my. It’s a bit sore already.”

  “And it’s swelling rather rapidly, too,” Mr. Roper said. “Please, Miss Bonner, permit me to put my own mind at rest that I have caused no lasting damage?”

  “I have the feeling you won’t take no for an answer.” She smiled at him and allowed him to usher her toward the doctor’s office. The elderly gentleman doctor assured them that it was indeed simply a strain, that no bones were broken. He instructed Tess to rest it as much as possible.

  “Well, Miss Bonner, that is truly good news, and I am quite relieved to not have caused you lasting difficulties.” Mr. Roper smiled as they stepped back onto the street from the doctor’s office. “Please allow me to escort you home. A young lady shouldn’t be wandering the streets alone.”

  “That’s not necessary, Mr. Roper. I appreciate the offer, but I’ll be fine on my own.” She smiled and took a step away.

  “No, no. Now I insist. It’s the least I can do.”

  She looked at him and smiled. “Well, that’s kind of you. I don’t live too far from here, so I hope it won’t take too much of your time.”

  They walked and talked easily for total strangers. It turned out that Mr. Roper had a sense of humor.

  “Just look at the smart people in their smart carriages. No wagons for them. Wouldn’t be seen in a wagon—that would hurt their reputations as well-to-do people in town, you know. Cattle rich, I call them.” He pointed out one after another as they walked through town.

  “Cattle rich?” Tess wrinkled her nose knowing what he meant but felt to have him clarify.

  “The people who got wealthy because of cattle. Some are ranch owners, some are merchants, some are bankers. They’re all here because of the cattle. Just watch how they turn their noses up at those not in their class.” He chuckled, and she laughed with him.

  Tess was almost embarrassed as she looked up at the lovely townhouse that had been her home these past three years. “I hope you won’t judge me too harshly,” she said as he gave a low whistle at the sight of it.

  “I would never judge you, Miss Bonner. I don’t deride their wealth,” Mr. Roper said, indicating toward the busy street. “I find their attitude toward those who may not have had the benefits they enjoy rude and unfeeling. I doubt you would ever be so unkind or dismissive of a soul not blessed with the same chances you were born into.”

  “You’re probably right. But surely you are a wealthy man in your own right.”

  “Don’t let the linen and velvet fool you,” Mr. Roper said with a wry smile. “I’m a man who has fought for every penny I’ve ever earned.”

  “My papa was the same. He started off as a clerk, but he was able to impress his employers. So much so they promoted him. However, they could never offer him the ultimate honor of a prestigious bank, in an eastern city. It turned out he was the ideal man to deal with the cattle ranchers of Texas.”

  “I’m sure he’s made them barrels of money,” Mr. Roper said.

  “I’m sure he did, too. And yet it would seem that for all his hard work and prudence…” She broke off. It wouldn’t be right to unburden herself to this kindly man. As she stood there, with Mr. Roper’s gentle expression so filled with concern for her, Tess found herself unable to hold it all in. She allowed the tears she had so longed to shed all day fall.

  “Why do I feel that those tears have nothing to do with your poor wrist, my dear?” Mr. Roper asked her, his expression soft and warm.

  “Oh, I should not burden you with it,” she sighed. “I barely know you, and you’ve already been so very kind to me.”

  “I have nothing better to do,” he said with a reassuring smile. “And a cup of tea and slice of cake makes excellent payment for those called upon to listen to another’s woes.”

  Tess gave him a wan smile. “I do, at the very least, owe you afternoon tea,” she agreed and showed him inside.

  “Clarissa!” she called as they entered the grand hallway. A young woman in a black gown and starched white apron appeared. “Can you prepare afternoon tea for two and bring it to the front parlor?” The maid nodded and then disappeared along the corridor once more.

  Tess indicated they should take the door to their left. “This is a beautiful home you have,” Mr. Roper noted.

  “Indeed,” Tess said bitterly. “It came with my father’s position at the bank. I have to leave it by the end of the week.”

  “I’m sorry, Miss Bonner, am I missing some crucial piece of information I should know about, here?” he said, his brows furrowing a little as he took a seat on the sofa in front of the fireplace.

  “No, I should apologize. I’m being a silly girl,” Tess said, pacing up and down a little, before she, too, took a seat in the armchair opposite him. “I barely know you, and I should not have taken such advantage of your kindness. It is just that I have seen so little of friendship in past weeks that I suppose I was feeling starved of it.”

  “Well, you have my friendship—whether you wish for it or not,” Mr. Roper said fervently.

  “Thank you, that’s most generous of you.” Tess paused for a moment as she wondered how to explain. She decided that the best way was to say it very quickly, and all in one go. “My parents were killed in an accident, one that I can find out nothing about. And to make it even worse, it appears that my father made some rather questionable investments before his death, which have come to nothing, leaving nothing. His bank accounts are empty. So, in just three days’ time, I shall be homeless and destitute. I have nowhere to go and nobody to turn to for assistance. I was just leaving Papa’s lawyer when I—” She held out her hand and grimaced. “—so fortuitously met you.”

  “Oh, my,” Mr. Roper said, standing up and reaching out as if he meant to embrace her, but then he pulled back and took his seat once more. “Whatever are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know.” Her response was simple, but her despair and her sadness filled each word. “I’m sure Mr. Hornsley is lying. Papa didn’t make reckless investments. He didn’t trust Hornsley, either. He’d talked for months about moving his affairs to someone else. I can’t help but think I’m being cheated, but I have no idea how to go about finding out for sure.”

  “All of that’s much to bear, and for a young woman, alone,” Mr. Roper said kindly.

  “If only young women were given more of an education than to be able to paint, sew, and play the pianoforte,” Tess joked bitterly. “As much as I hate to admit it, I wish I had listened to my mama and found myself a wealthy husband.”

  “I know we have only just met, and I would understand if you would tell me to mind my own business and leave you to your fate, but I would very much like to help.” Mr. Roper’s eyes were sincere, and Tess was touched at his kindness. “I am not staying in town for long, but please, let me come and see you, help you to maybe find a position somewhere? A well-educated woman such as yourself would make an excellent governess, I’m sure.”

  “I doubt
it,” Tess said, laughing spitefully. “I am dreadful with children. I lack patience.”

  “Ah,” Mr. Roper said, smiling, as Clarissa appeared with a tray of sandwiches, cakes, and a shining silver tea service. “So, not a governess, then. Do you sew? Do you have any particular talents and skills?”

  “Not really,” she admitted. “I was being prepared for a good marriage, though I did not really want one. I wasted so much time and turned many men away just because I didn’t like the way they dressed, or the way they sniffed, or some other childish reason because I thought I had all the time in the world. It’s the height of my own arrogance that despite moving in all the right circles, I have yet to find a suitor. Even the most simple of tasks, to find a man with sufficient wealth and a suitable position in society, has eluded me.”

  “I would not wish to marry someone who sniffed in an unpleasant way, myself,” Mr. Roper teased gently. “Dear Miss Bonner, if I were in a position to do so, I would marry you in an instant, and I am sure that many a younger man must feel the same.”

  “You’re married?”

  “I am. My wife is a brave and kindly woman.” He smiled as he spoke of his wife.

  “She is lucky indeed. I’m sure she is aware of that fact. I’m sure that, in time, I could find someone to wed me, but I don’t have the luxury of time.” She stood up and began to pace anxiously, wringing her hands.

  Mr. Roper sat quietly. Tess feared she had been far too familiar. She had told him things she shouldn’t have told anyone, let alone a man she’d only met that afternoon. She turned to face the fireplace, looking up at the portrait of her parents above the mantel. She heard a footstep behind her. She turned, and as she did, Mr. Roper took her hands in his.