Bartender's Beauty (Culpepper Cowboys Book 11) Read online

  She sighed, snuggling closer to him. “You’re pretty darn awesome, you know.”

  He kissed her forehead. “I’m just the man who knows you better than you know yourself.”

  As her eyes drifted closed again, she hoped it was true. She wanted to be the woman he saw, because that woman was pretty incredible.

  *****

  It was a Monday in early October when Dallas got to school much earlier than usual. She had some papers to grade that she hadn’t gotten to over the weekend. She’d given a midterm exam in every class on Friday, and she’d made the mistake of putting off grading them until Sunday night. Instead Felicity had found out she was pregnant, and it seemed all of Culpepper was celebrating at her house with her, and she’d insisted her best friend did not need to be grading midterms, she needed to be there, excited for her.

  As much as Dallas loved having fun with her friends that evening, she’d been happy to get home. And she’d been much too tired to stay awake grading calculus tests.

  As she passed the classroom of the science teacher, a man who had just started there when she was a senior, she heard yelling. “I don’t know what your problem is! I’ve worked with you every day for over a month and you still don’t have them memorized! How can you be my child and be that stupid? It’s a good thing you’re pretty, because you’re never going to get anywhere with your mind! Get out of my sight. I don’t even want to look at you!”

  Dallas closed her eyes, her breathing coming too quickly. She felt as if she’d been transported back in time. The words were different, but the meaning was clear. You’re not good enough to be my child. You don’t deserve me for a father.

  A pretty young girl in a cheerleading uniform left the classroom, her head down, her shoulders shaking with tears. Dallas stood still for a moment, sure she hadn’t been spotted. She waited as the girl slipped into the bathroom, and then she followed her, determined to keep the girl from hating herself, because Dallas knew exactly what happened when you were yelled at that way.

  She opened the bathroom door as quietly as she could, moving to stand at the sink to wait for the girl, one of her algebra students, to emerge. She could hear retching sounds coming from one of the stalls, and she wondered if the girl was so upset she threw up or if she was forcing it.

  When Deirdre, the pretty blond with her short skirt and green eyes, left the stall and spotted Dallas, she stopped in her tracks. “Mrs. James.”

  “Hi Deirdre.”

  “How’d I do on my algebra test?” Deirdre asked with a fake smile, obviously trying to make it seem like everything was all right. She went to the sink and splashed water on her face, carefully patting it dry with a paper towel.

  “I haven’t had a chance to grade them yet. I was going to do it last night, but one of my friends found out she’s having a baby, and we were all celebrating until late.”

  Deirdre opened her purse and carefully started applying her make-up. “Oh, that’s great. Does she want a boy or a girl?”

  “I heard what your father said to you, and I want you to know that if you need to talk, I’m here to listen. My dad sounded a lot like yours just did. I don’t want you to blame yourself.”

  Deirdre stared at her for a moment, her eyes filling with tears. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Dallas nodded. “I know you don’t.” She set down the big bag of books and tests she carried and scribbled her number onto a piece of scratch paper, handing it to the girl. “If it gets worse, you have somewhere to go and a number to call. I will do anything I can to help you.” She said nothing else, instead turning to leave the restroom. She knew from experience that pushing it any further just then would only make matters worse.

  She walked through the quiet halls to her classroom, bumping into Mr. Slocum, the science teacher and Deirdre’s father, when she’d almost reached her classroom. “Good morning, Mrs. James. I didn’t realize anyone else was here yet.”

  Dallas smiled, refusing to let on that she had any idea what had happened. “I’m not usually here this early. I have lots of tests to grade, and I knew if I stayed home, I’d just crawl right back into bed.”

  He laughed. “I can understand that. Grading papers isn’t one of my favorite tasks either.”

  She walked into her classroom and closed the door, rubbing her fingers over her face. She was obligated as a teacher to report the incident, but she worried Deirdre would only deny it. She could see it in the girl’s face. Still, she’d have a conversation with the principal when she had a free period. She had no choice.

  *****

  “Those are some serious allegations, Dallas.” Mr. Shoemaker sat behind his desk, his hands folded in front of him. “Are you sure of what you heard?”

  Dallas nodded, hating that she was the one to have to report this. With her history, no one would want to believe her. “I’m positive. I talked to Deirdre in the restroom right after it happened, but she denied it.” After a quick mental debate, she told the rest of it. “When I walked into the bathroom, she was vomiting. I don’t know if she just got so upset she vomited, or what happened. She may need to see a professional.”

  Mr. Shoemaker nodded. “Are you sure you’re not seeing something that’s not there?” He held up a hand, knowing she’d become upset. “I have to ask. Most people in town were aware of how your father treated you years ago, and I’m afraid it will be questioned.”

  She closed her eyes for a moment, before nodding. “I’m positive. If you think about it, I’m going to be the person who will spot that type of abuse better than any other. Don’t you think?” She opened her eyes and looked straight at the principal. “I just wish someone had done the same for me.”

  “I can certainly understand your reasoning.” He stood up, offering his hand to Dallas. “Thank you for coming to see me. I’ll do what needs to be done from here.”

  Dallas slipped back into her classroom, dreading her sixth period algebra class. She didn’t want Deirdre to be there, because she didn’t want to see the girl’s accusing eyes, but she wanted her to be there, so she’d know the girl was all right. She took a deep breath and smiled as Austin slipped into her classroom, lunch in hand. “I saw you forgot your lunch on the counter this morning, so I brought it to you.”

  She got up without a word and walked into his arms, clinging to him tightly. She couldn’t tell him what had happened, because it was against the law, but she had to feel his strength.

  Austin didn’t know what was happening, but he did know she needed him. He wrapped both arms around her, the lunch box containing her sandwich still clutched in his hand. “Rough day?” he asked after a minute.

  She nodded. “The roughest in a long time.” She swiped the tears from under her eyes as she pulled back. “Thank you for bringing me my lunch.”

  “Happy to do it. How much time do you have left in your free period?”

  She glanced at the clock on the wall. “Five minutes and this room will be filled with students who are not all that eager to learn geometry.”

  He flinched as if she’d struck him. “Geometry? Who can blame them! Please tie me to a tree and whip me with a cat-o-nine-tails instead!”

  She laughed. “Some people don’t consider all math to be different forms of hideous torture.”

  Austin shook his head. “Those people are masochistic!”

  Dallas pointed toward the door, realizing Austin was, as always, just what she’d needed to finish getting through the day. She’d never loved anyone like she loved him, and she was sure she never would again. The thought hit her like a ton of bricks. She loved him. It wasn’t just that he was good to her. It wasn’t just the physical attraction. She was in love with Austin James. “Go. I’ll see you at home in a few hours.”

  “Did you get your tests graded?”

  “Not yet. I can do one or two more before my next class if you go!”

  He winked at her. “I can sure see where I’m not wanted.”

  As soon as he left,
Dallas sank into her chair. She loved her husband. If she could just get through the mess she’d started with Deirdre that morning, maybe she could tell him.

  When sixth period came, Deirdre was missing as she’d suspected. Trying to not call attention to herself, she asked as she always did when a student was missing, “Has anyone seen Deirdre?”

  One of Deirdre’s best friends, another girl in a cheerleader uniform, answered. “She got called out of fourth period, and no one’s seen her since. She left her books there and everything.”

  “All right,” Dallas said with a nod. “Thank you.” She stood and started passing out the tests that she’d just finished grading. “Most of these were very good. There were a couple of you that didn’t score as high as I hoped, and I made a note on your test asking you to come see me. We can arrange for some tutoring.” She grinned. “Trust me, it’s not shameful to need tutoring in algebra. My husband never would have made it through without me.”

  The kids all giggled. One of the girls, Alexis, asked, “Isn’t your husband that hot Austin James? My mama said all the girls thought he was pretty sexy.”

  Dallas blushed. “I think it’s time to move on to another subject.” It was funny that her students found Austin hot. They were right of course, but it was still funny.

  During seventh period, Deirdre and Mr. Shoemaker entered her classroom while she was frantically finishing up the test grading. Deirdre had obviously been crying.

  Dallas stood walking around her desk, afraid of what was about to be said. She could lose her job if the girl was able to convince the authorities Dallas was lying, but more important to her, she wanted Deirdre to get the help she needed.

  Deirdre sniffled. “I was wondering if I could have my algebra test. I’m going to go live with my grandmother in Laramie for a while.”

  Digging through the papers on her desk, Dallas found the girl’s test paper, taking it to her. “Best grade in the class. You aced it.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. James. For some reason, algebra just feels really easy to me.”

  “You just keep remembering how smart you are.”

  Deirdre nodded, the tears starting again. “I didn’t say thank you this morning when you talked to me, and I should have. No one has ever acted like the way my dad talks to me is a bad thing. Thank you for caring.”

  Dallas closed her eyes, wishing Mr. Shoemaker wasn’t there. “I understand better than anyone. You remember that if you need to talk, I’m here for you.”

  After the principal and student had left, Dallas sat down and rubbed her eyes, trying not to cry. She was thrilled Deirdre was going to get the help she needed, but she couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to Mr. Slocum.

  *****

  After supper that night, which Dallas had cooked despite her protests that she never would, she sat beside Austin on the couch, snuggled against him as she read a book by her favorite author, Katie Crabapple, and he watched Monday Night Football. She wanted badly to discuss the situation at school, but she couldn’t.

  Her phone rang, and she absently reached forward to get it from the coffee table. “Hello?”

  “Mrs. James?” A teenage girl was on the other end, and Dallas immediately knew it was Deirdre.

  “Yes?”

  “I want you to know that I wasn’t throwing up on purpose today. Mr. Shoemaker asked but that’s not what happened. When my dad yells a lot, and I get really upset, I throw up sometimes.”

  Dallas nodded, moving a little away from Austin so he wouldn’t hear as well. “I can understand that. I threw up when my dad got really bad too.”

  “I appreciate you going to Mr. Shoemaker about me. I don’t know what’s going to happen now, but my grandma says she’ll make sure everything is better.” Dallas could hear the girl crying. “I hate that I have to leave all my friends.”

  “I do too. I wish it didn’t have to be that way, but I do think you’re in a better place now. I think you’re safe.”

  There was some sniffling. “Don’t let everyone forget about me.”

  “Your true friends will never forget you. I was gone for eleven years, and my friends didn’t forget me.” At her words, she reached out for Austin’s hand, and he squeezed hers. “I promise.”

  “Okay. Thank you, Mrs. James.” The call ended abruptly, and Dallas looked down at the phone in her hand.

  Austin looked at her. “I think everyone in town knows about Mr. Slocum being suspended today, and about Deirdre leaving to live with her grandmother. That was her, wasn’t it?”

  Dallas shook her head in disbelief. “How do things get around town so quickly?”

  He shrugged. “It’s a small town and people care about each other. That’s just how it goes.”

  “When a teacher was suspended in Cheyenne, no one ever knew where they truly went, whether it was a leave of absence, or a real suspension. Not even the other teachers. Here something happens at school and the whole town is talking!”

  “I know it’s strange. Was that Deirdre on the phone?”

  Dallas nodded. There seemed to be no point in hiding anything any longer.

  “Her dad’s been yelling at her like that for several years.” Austin said the words casually, as if it was a well-known fact.

  “You knew?”

  He shrugged. “The whole town knew. I don’t think anyone knew what to do.”

  “I went to the principal when I heard it, and made a formal report.” Dallas shook her head. “I couldn’t stand by and let another girl be abused the same way I was.”

  He slipped his arm around her shoulders. “I think you did the right thing. For her, and for you.”

  “For me?” she asked, surprised.

  “I think you’re going to find that helping someone out of that situation helps you.” He took the remote and shut the TV off. “Now, let’s go make some new memories.” He pulled her to him, kissing her sweetly. “You’re pretty special, you know.”

  “Keep telling me that, will you? I think I’m getting closer to believing it.”

  Chapter Ten

  By Friday afternoon, Dallas knew Austin was right. Reporting Deirdre’s situation had helped her come to grips with her feelings of guilt. She’d only had one nightmare all week, which was nothing short of miraculous. She felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

  She knew that she would think nothing less of Deirdre for being relieved if her father died, so why did she have such feelings of guilt for the same thing? She didn’t know, but she was going to move past them. Her feelings shouldn’t be keeping Austin from being happy, not when he’d been so wonderful to her.

  They looked at two more houses on Friday evening, not yet seeing one they were interested in. Megan finally turned to Dallas when they finished. “Why not build? Everything you see has something you don’t like. You have the finances to build what you want, ensuring it’s exactly what you’re looking for.” They’d looked at everything available for miles around, and Dallas couldn’t find anything she liked.

  The idea hadn’t occurred to Dallas, and she looked at Austin, who nodded, a smile on his face. “I think we’re looking for land now.”

  Megan grinned. “I know of some land that I think will be perfect. Just two acres, so not a ton to maintain or mow, and there’s a little stream that cuts through it.”

  Dallas nodded. “I’d love to look at that.” She glanced at her phone. “It’s getting late though. Maybe tomorrow?”

  Megan nodded. “That sounds good. I’m hoping to get to Bob’s Burger Barn during the grand opening, but other than that my day is free. Could we go around nine maybe?”

  Austin smiled. “Perfect! And burgers after will be my treat, because I’ve heard that Bob’s burgers are incomparable.”

  “Who said that?” Dallas asked.

  “Bob.” Austin winked. “I ran into him yesterday, and he’s bouncing off the walls about opening this place. Seems he’s been wanting to open a burger joint for years.”

  �
�I’m all about a good burger,” Megan agreed. “All right. I’ll pick you up at your house at nine, we’ll see the property, and then we’ll head to Bob’s. I heard he has some big celebrity coming into town to help him open it.”

  “Who?” Austin hadn’t heard that, but he was interested in seeing who would come to Culpepper to endorse a burger restaurant.

  “He won’t say!” Megan said, clearly annoyed.

  “Well, we’ll find out tomorrow.” Austin reached out to shake her hand. “We’ll see you in the morning.”

  “I’ll be there, and I’m holding you to the lunch offer. I’m going to figure out what that burger barn is all about.” Megan strode off toward her car.

  Austin took Dallas’s hand and led her to his truck. “I’m glad we brought separate cars, because I want to take my best girl out tonight.” He’d planned all week to take her to Laramie to dance. They hadn’t had a night where they were just out to have fun in—ever.

  “Oh really? When will she get here?” Dallas teased, her eyes full of laughter.

  “Don’t get snippy with me, Dallas James! You know there has been no girl in my heart since the nineties, and that’s saying a lot!”

  Once they were in the truck, he headed toward Laramie. “I’m taking you to the place I’d planned to take you on our first Tuesday date.”

  She rested her head against the back of the seat, looking over at him. “Really? It seems like so long ago, but such a short time too.” She watched him drive, thankful he’d finally broken through her wall, and she’d married him, glad he was watching the road, because she knew the look on her face was sappy.

  He glanced over at her, seeing her staring. “What?”

  “I just like looking at you. One of my students told me you’re hot.”

  “Oh yeah? Did you tell them I’m a one-woman man?” He grinned, imagining how hard it had been to respond to that during class.

  “Nope. I just changed the subject very quickly.” She stroked the hand resting on the seat between them. “I’m glad we’re married, you know.”