Chapter Five

Saturday evening, Abbie stood in the kitchen, waiting for Creed to arrive. The weather had cleared yesterday, but since the roads had still been covered, they decided to meet with Lorna and Eli another time. Tonight, she was making dinner for her and Creed. She hoped he liked roasted chicken.

When a knock sounded on the door, she took a deep breath, blew it out, and walked to the door. She opened it to see Creed there, holding a bouquet of pink roses.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi, come inside."

"Thanks. It's damn cold out." He handed her the roses.

"These are beautiful, thank you."

"You're welcome." He stared into her eyes. "Can I have a kiss?"

"Yes, please."

He grinned, lowered his head, pressed his lips to hers and slowly raised them.

"Let me put these in water." She walked to the kitchen and put the flowers in a vase then set them on the table. She turned to see Creed leaning against the doorjamb.

"You look beautiful," he murmured.

She smiled. "I'm just wearing old jeans."

"And you wear them so well."

"Well, thank you. I hope you're hungry."

"Starving and something smells good. Other than you, I mean." He grinned.

"Thank you. I made a roast chicken with stuffing along with mashed potatoes."

"Sounds good and smells even better."

"Let me take your coat and hat. Would you like something to drink?"

"I'd love a cup of coffee, if you don't mind. It will warm me up." He grinned. "Unless you want to."

Abbie laughed. "Let me get the coffee for you and if you're cold later, we can talk about another way to warm you."

"I have a feeling I'll be cold."

"Go sit down. I'll bring you your coffee."

"I'm not helpless. I can wait, then I'll sit down."

"Okay." Abbie made him a cup of coffee and noticed her hands shaking. She jerked when Creed placed his hand over hers.

"Why are you so nervous?" he asked.

"I don't know." She sighed as she looked at him.

"Is it me? I mean, I can go if you're nervous about me being here in your home."

"Oh, my God. No. Creed, I trust you completely. That's not it."

"Okay. If you're sure."

"I'm positive."

The coffee sputtered out and she removed the cup. She turned to hand it to him, but she was surprised when he was right behind her. He took the cup from her, sipped it, and walked to the living room. Abbie blew out her breath and leaned against the counter. Why was she so nervous? The only thing she could think of was all the talk about sex with Lorna made her realize how much she wanted Creed to stay with her tonight, but she was nervous as hell.

Once dinner was ready, she told him to come to the table. He stood beside it, waiting for her to sit first.

Abbie motioned for him to go ahead, but he shook his head.

"After you," he said.

"Your mama raised you right." Abbie smiled.

"Yes, she did."

"So, anything on Pap's case?"

"Not yet. I have gotten in touch with auction houses since your grandfather had the cattle microchipped. They're keeping an eye out. They usually check the livestock anyway."

"I didn't know Pap had them microchipped."

"I'm glad he did. If the cattle are taken to an auction house, they check them, but some rustlers don't always take the livestock there for that reason. Thing is that a lot of people don't microchip their livestock and rustlers are aware of that. If they're willing to risk it, they'll take them to an auction, but some thieves steal for other people for money, so they don't show up at the auctions."

"But, if they did, you'd know?"

"Yes, ma'am. Each chip is assigned a fifteen-digit, unique ID code which is thenregistered in a database such as a livestock registryand stays associated with your animal for its entire life."

"Well, I hope they take them to an auction house then. I know Pap wants his cattle back."

"I hope I can recover them for him. Any number of livestock stolen is a loss of a lot of money."

"I'm sure you'll do all you can."

"I'm going to try. This chicken is fantastic."

Abbie blushed at the compliment. "Thank you."

After dinner, he helped her clean up, then they went to the living room to relax. She sat on the sofa and smiled when Creed sat beside her.

"Dinner was great," he said.

"Thank you." She laughed. "I've said that a lot tonight." Creed smiled and she stared at him. "Is something bothering you?"

"I've been having a dream for the past few nights. I think my memory is trying to come back."

"Tell me."

As she listened, he told her about the dream, and she could see how it was bothering him that he couldn't remember more.

"Don't push it. If it's trying to come back, don't try to force it. It will come in its own time."

"It's a damned if I do, damned if I don't situation. I'd love to remember but I'm also worried about all that happened. All I know is what Dave told me." He sighed. "They think those men were waiting for us."

Abbie gasped. "Really? But how?"

"Dave said only our department knew about our operation. That's when they suspected that there might have been an insider involved. But it couldn't be proven that it was someone from within. According to Dave, those men were ready for us, like they knew we were coming. They had armor-piercing bullets. Despite wearing our vests and having our weapons drawn, we were completely blindsided. This is all hearsay to me. I don't remember any of it."

"But it does sound like your memory is trying to come back."

"I can't tell you how frustrating it is to get so close, only to have it snatched back. I can see the woods, the moonlight through the trees, and I swear, I can even smell the forest, but I get so far and nothing."

"It's always the same dream?"

"Yes. I hear something to my left, raise my gun, and then I wake up."

"I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how that feels." She brushed his hair back from his forehead.

"It's tough. I'm hoping it comes back but I'm also hoping it doesn't. If that makes any sense."

"It does. You want to know what happened, but it could be very painful for you."

"Yeah."

"How about we just watch a movie and relax? Stop thinking about your job and that night and enjoy our evening."

"I'd like that."

They settled in to watch a movie and Abbie made popcorn. She glanced at him to see him watching her. She smiled and watched as he sat up, took the bowl from her and set it on the coffee table, then he cupped her cheek in his hand, leaned forward and kissed her. He raised his lips and stared into her eyes.

"I want you, Abbie, but I won't pressure you."

"What if I pressure you?" She smiled.

"You can do anything you want." He put his face against her neck and kissed her there.

"I do want you, Creed. I'm just nervous. I've only been with one man."

"Take your time."

Abbie shook her head and got to her feet.

"I don't want to take my time. I want you. I just don't want to disappoint you."

Creed stood. "You could never do that."

Abbie huffed. "You don't know that."

"I do. You're too sexy."

"You think I'm sexy?" She shook her head.

"Hell, yes, and I bet very sensual in bed."

She smiled at him. "I don't know about that, but I'd like to find out."

He pulled her to him, pressed his lips to hers, and kissed her deeply. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him. She pressed her hips against him, making him groan.

Abbie stepped back from him, took his hand and led him upstairs to her bedroom. Her heart was beating a hundred miles an hour, but she wanted this. She wanted him.

****

Once inside the room, Creed effortlessly lifted her up and placed her on the bed. He leaned in to kiss her passionately, his lips moving with hers as he ravaged her mouth. She moaned into his kiss, sending shivers down his spine and igniting a fire within him.

Feeling himself getting too worked up too quickly, Creed rolled away from her and sat at the edge of the bed. He reached down to remove his boots and socks before rolling back to her, unable to resist the temptation any longer. His hand traveled along her stomach, under her shirt, and up to her breast. She held her breath as he caressed it gently.

"Breathe, darlin'," he reminded her softly. "And if you want me to stop at any point, just tell me. I'll never do anything you don't want."

"I know," she whispered, her voice laced with desire. "It's been so long for me, Creed."

"I'm sure it will all come back to you," he reassured her.

Her hands found their way to the bottom of his shirt, eagerly pulling it over his head and tossing it aside. A low groan escaped Creed's lips when she ran her nails lightly down his chest.

With one hand still on her breast, Creed used the other to slide her shirt up and over her head, revealing her perfect breasts that made his heart skip a beat. He couldn't help but admire how beautiful she looked.

"I'm glad you're not wearing a bra," he whispered before taking one of her nipples into his mouth and sucking on it gently. She arched into him, tangling her fingers in his hair.

Creed's arousal grew even more as he unsnapped her jeans and lowered the zipper with ease. His hand traveled inside, and he felt the soft fabric of her panties against his fingertips. Her body shivered as he touched her.

"Please," she whispered, her voice desperate and pleading.

Creed slid his hand further down and touched her through the fabric, feeling her heat radiating from within. Unable to resist any longer, he rolled away from her again and walked to the end of the bed. He removed her shoes with ease before tugging off her jeans, leaving her in nothing but a pair of red lacy bikini panties that made his mouth water.

"Damn," he muttered under his breath.

Abbie rose up on her elbows, watching him intently as he unbuckled his belt, unsnapped his jeans, and lowered the zipper. He didn't break eye contact with her as he removed his wallet and tossed it onto the bed before pushing his jeans down. He knew she had to notice the bulge straining against the fabric of his boxer briefs.

As their eyes locked in a heated gaze, he swiftly removed his boxer briefs, leaving him standing naked before her. The moonlight cascaded over his body, highlighting every muscle.

He reached for his wallet and retrieved a condom. He opened it and rolled it down his hard shaft, a small bead of sweat forming on his brow from the anticipation. He then placed a knee on the bed, leaning down to trail kisses across her legs, finally reaching the juncture of her thighs. He slid her panties down her legs and tossed them to the floor.

The scent of her arousal hit him like a wave, causing him to grit his teeth in restraint. He wanted nothing more than to take her hard and fast, but this was their first time together and he wanted to make it memorable.

As he continued to kiss his way up her legs, she squirmed beneath him, unable to stay still. He paused and looked at her.

"Relax, Abbie. If you don't want this, I'll stop," he reassured her.

She shook her head frantically, desire evident in her eyes.

"I do. I—" she began before shaking her head once more and stilling.

"Then I'll get back to it," he said with a grin.

He returned to kissing her above her curls, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from her. When he slid his tongue through her slick slit, she arched off the bed with a moan. He focused on her clitoris next, sucking on it gently as he heard her breathing quicken.

"Let go, baby," he whispered against her skin.

A deep groan escaped her lips as her orgasm washed over her. Moving up her body, Creed leaned in close until their lips were barely inches apart; hot breath mingling between them. His thumb brushed across her cheek as he tilted her face up to meet his. Then, their lips touched in a soft and teasing kiss, sending sparks of electricity through both.

As the intensity between them grew, Creed's hand slipped around the back of her head, pulling her in closer. With a careful bite, he captured her bottom lip and tugged gently, eliciting a deep moan from her throat.

Their tongues danced together in a sensual exploration, each touch igniting a fire within them. The desire that had been building since their first encounter now burned hot and fierce, consuming every inch of their beings.

Breaking the kiss, Creed's gaze met Abbie's and he inched into her slowly, giving her time to adjust before moving his hips. A hot flush of desire spread through him as she willingly moved with him.

"That's it, baby, just like that," he murmured in her ear, his voice low and gruff with need.

She wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, pulling him even closer, and he felt his control slipping away with every thrust. She was so warm and tight, enveloping him in waves of pleasure. Increasing his pace, he plunged deeper into her hot wet depths with a growing sense of urgency.

"Creed," she moaned out his name, her voice filled with longing and ecstasy. He gritted his teeth, determined to hold back his release until she was there with him.

Feeling her body begin to tense around him, he reached between them and touched her clitoris, stroking it gently until she gasped and trembled beneath him. He continued to touch her until he could feel her walls clenching around him, and then she screamed as she reached her orgasm. But instead of collapsing in exhaustion, she began to laugh in pure joy. Creed couldn't help but raise his head and join in her laughter.

"Good?" he whispered huskily.

"Oh God, yes," she managed to reply between breaths.

He grinned and sealed their lips together once more before pounding into her with renewed intensity. A growl tore from deep within his chest as he finally let go and came undone with her.

As Creed raised his head, he watched her slowly open her eyes, the long, dark lashes fluttering against her cheeks. When they met his gaze, she smiled and reached up to cup his cheek in her hand.

"That was more than amazing," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder and satisfaction.

He pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss, savoring the taste of her on his tongue. He gazed into her eyes.

"It was definitely that," he murmured before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Rolling onto his back beside her, he took a deep breath and tried to steady his racing heart.

She rolled toward him, placed her arm across his waist, and snuggled next to him. After a few minutes of catching their breaths, Abbie sighed.

"You mentioned your mom before. What does she do?"

"She's a retired college professor."

"Any siblings?"

"A younger sister. Tracy lives in Missoula with her husband. They just got married last summer."

"Do you want to get married again?"

"Maybe."

"Kids?"

"I don't know."

"I see."

"What about you? You said you're from Spring City. Is that where your parents live?"

"Yes. Mom is a nurse and Dad owns a construction company."

"Is she why you became a nurse?"

"Yes."

"Siblings?"

"I have an older sister. She lives in Australia with her husband and five kids."

"Five? Damn."

"I know. She's a saint." Abbie laughed.

"Why didn't you have kids?"

"We were too busy getting our careers started. When I first became a nurse, it seemed like I never got time off. I was constantly busy. Don't get me wrong, I'm still busy but having set hours helps."

"What did he do?"

Abbie laughed. "He became an attorney." She looked at him. "A divorce attorney."

Creed laughed. "How is that good for business? A divorced divorce attorney."

After a few moments, he kissed her forehead, got up and made his way into the bathroom to dispose of the condom. As he washed his hands, he couldn't help but stare at himself in the mirror and shake his head. Amazing? What an understatement.

Returning to the bedroom, he found her still lying in the same position and couldn't resist grinning as he dressed.

"Are you ever going to move?" He chuckled when she shook her head.

"I can't," she replied with a breathless laugh.

Striding over to the bed, he sat on the edge and reached out to touch her hair. She turned to look at him, and their eyes met once again, sending a jolt of electricity through him.

"I should probably get going," he said regretfully. "I didn't realize it was so late."

"You can't stay?" Her plea was evident in her tone.

"No, I have a dog waiting for me at home."

"Oh, I didn't know you had a dog." She sighed as she threw off the covers and got up from the bed. Pulling on her robe, she turned to face him.

"I enjoyed that," he said with a genuine smile.

Abbie laughed. "I'm glad. I don't do that for just anyone."

Creed chuckled in response. "Damn good thing, woman." He walked over to her and wrapped his hand around the nape of her neck, gazing into her eyes. "I told you before, you could never disappoint me. You're a sensual and passionate woman, Abilene Wells, and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."

"Thank you," she whispered, a soft smile on her lips.

"You're welcome," he replied sincerely. "Your ex-husband was an idiot, but his loss is my gain." He leaned down to quickly kiss her lips.

As he turned to face her, she gave him a sad look. "I hate that you have to leave."

He pulled her into his arms. "I don't like it either. But we'll see each other tomorrow, and how about next weekend? You could come stay with me. And if you want, you can even bring your cat along."

Abbie laughed at the thought. "I'll leave her here. I'm not sure how she'd do around a dog."

"Sounds good to me. It's up to you." He reluctantly let go of her and made his way out of the room, following her down the stairs and into the living room where he retrieved his coat and hat. After pulling on his coat, he opened the front door, stepped out onto the porch and placed his hat on his head.

"Dinner was great, but dessert... damn," he teased with a grin.

"Stop." She laughed.

"I'll talk to you soon, darlin'. Sleep well." He kissed her once more before making his way to his truck.

"I will," she called after him as he climbed into his truck and drove off into the night with thoughts of their evening together still swirling in his mind.

****

Abbie grinned as he drove away. He certainly knew his way around a woman. Shaking her head, she couldn't help but think of Jeremy's shortcomings in comparison. In every aspect. She snorted with amusement.

As she entered her house and was about to close the door, she noticed the curtains rustling across the street at Mrs. Smith's house. Abbie was certain that the gossip would spread quickly throughout the neighborhood tomorrow.

She waved at Mrs. Smith before bursting into laughter as she saw the curtains swiftly close. She pushed the door closed, leaned back against it, and let out a contented sigh.

After locking the door, she climbed upstairs to her bedroom and crawled into bed. Pulling Creed's pillow close to her, she breathed in his aftershave.

A smile stayed plastered on her face. It was hard to believe that she initially disliked him when they first met. If only she had known then what she knew now, she would have pounced on him.

Turning off the bedside lamp, Abbie closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep with a satisfied smile on her face.

Monday morning, Abbie entered the hospital to begin her day. She hadn't stopped smiling since yesterday. She'd been hoping to tell Lorna about her night with Creed but after sending her a text, she didn't hear back from her. She hoped everything was all right. Lorna usually responded quickly.

She'd try again on her break but for now, she checked on patients in the rooms waiting to see a doctor.

At lunchtime, she was starving since she missed her break. They'd been busy all morning with minor things but she rarely had a chance to breathe, let alone grabbing a quick snack. She let the other nurses know she was going to lunch and headed for the cafeteria.

As she sat at the table, she sent another text to Lorna. She hoped she heard back from her this time. She smiled when the phone vibrated and looked to see a text from her friend.

Sorry I didn't respond. Eli and I went away for the weekend alone and I didn't even turn my phone on.

I was so excited to tell you something and you go away!

What is it?

Creed and I had sex.

OMG! How was it?

Amazing. Incredible. Toe-curling. I screamed!

She burst out laughing when Lorna sent a screaming emoji face next to an eggplant, which most people used to symbolize a penis. She glanced around to see some people staring at her. She shrugged and got back to her phone.

I'm so happy for you. See? It wasn't you. All it takes is the right man.

So true. Let's have lunch one day. I have to get back to work. Love you!

Love you back!

Abbie smiled as she put the phone back into her pocket, finished her salad, then returned to work. The weekend could not get here soon enough.

****

Creed rapped his knuckles on the glass door of Dave's office, waiting for his boss to wave him inside. He took a deep breath before stepping into the room and settling into a chair, facing Dave.

"I think my memory is coming back," he began, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation.

Dave set down his pen, folded his arms across his chest, and raised an eyebrow in interest.

"Have you remembered something?" he asked, leaning forward in his seat.

Creed nodded, feeling a knot form in his stomach as he recounted the recurring dream that had been plaguing him. "Every time, it's the same thing. I keep hoping it will lead to more but it never does."

Dave's expression remained unreadable as he listened to Creed's words. "Don't push this, Creed. Let it come naturally. You can't force yourself to remember."

Creed huffed in frustration. "I know, but it's maddening not knowing what happened to me that night."

"Have you talked to your therapist about this?" Dave asked, concern evident in his tone.

"No," replied Creed. "I haven't seen her in over a year. But she did tell me to reach out if I ever needed anything."

"I think you should give her a call. She may be able to help guide you through this process," Dave suggested with a shrug. "I'm no expert on trauma and memory retrieval."

"I'll consider it," said Creed, standing and running a hand through his hair before leaving Dave's office.

He returned to his own desk and tried to focus on work, but thoughts of the missing pieces of memories weighed heavily on his mind. As he sifted through case files, the phone on his desk rang and he answered.

"Agent McBride."

"Hey, Creed. It's Jeff Hanover from the auction house in Kalispell. We may have some of the cattle you've been looking for," said a voice on the other end.

Creed sat up straighter in his chair, his interest piqued. "That's great news. Which ones?"

"The chips trace back to Arthur Fields. We have seven of them here," replied Jeff.

"So, three are still missing, but seven is better than none," mused Creed. "I'll head there tomorrow. Do you know where the men who brought them in are?"

"They took off as soon as we realized they were stolen," answered Jeff. "But we have CCTV footage that may help identify them."

"Good to know. I'll see you tomorrow," said Creed before hanging up the phone. He couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that these recovered cattle would settle this case.

Creed made his way back to Dave's office to inform him of his upcoming trip to Kalispell to retrieve the stolen cattle. He then returned to his desk, where he was greeted by Luke.

"Hey, Creed."

"Hi, Luke. What's up?"

"Not much. Anything new with you?" Luke took a seat in front of Creed's desk.

"I'm heading to Kalispell tomorrow to pick up some stolen cattle." Creed explained the situation and his plan to get the cattle back.

"I'm just finishing up a case now. Do you want some company on your trip?"

"That would be great. It's a long journey, especially hauling a trailer."

"I'll check with Dave and let you know. I should be free after I finish this paperwork."

"And you know there will always be another case, but I could use the help tomorrow."

"If it's okay with Dave, I have no problem coming along."

"Good. Keep me updated."

Luke stood up. "I'll talk to him in a few minutes. See ya."

That afternoon, Creed drove over to the Fields' residence. He climbed the steps and before he could knock, Art opened the door with a smile.

"Creed. How are you? Come inside."

"Thank you." Creed removed his hat and wiped his feet before entering the kitchen.

"Cup of coffee?"

"If it's no trouble."

"Not at all. Have a seat."

"Yes, sir." Creed pulled out a chair and sat down. Art placed a hot cup of coffee in front of him and joined him at the table.

"What brings you here?"

"We found seven of your missing cattle. Unfortunately, we're still searching for the other three."

"Well, seven is better than none. Where did you find them?"

"Kalispell. A local auction house contacted us about them. I'm going there tomorrow to bring them back. I'm sorry we couldn't retrieve all ten."

"Don't apologize, son. I'm just grateful to have seven back."

"I am too, but it would have been nice to get them all."

"It's alright. Replacing three is better than replacing ten." Art chuckled.

Creed grinned. "That's true."

They finished their coffee and Creed got up to leave.

"I'm not sure what time I'll be by tomorrow. Should I call you?"

"No need for that. I'll be here all day. I hardly ever leave the ranch."

"Okay then. See you tomorrow."

Art extended his hand for a shake and Creed obliged.

"Thanks for everything you're doing to help get my cattle back."

"It's my job." Creed grinned.

"I know it is, but you guys go above and beyond, and us farmers and ranchers truly appreciate it."

"We're happy to do it. See you tomorrow." Creed put on his hat, exited the house, and drove back to the office. On the way, he noticed that it had started snowing. "Great, just what I needed before a trip to Kalispell."

Later that evening, Creed sat in his recliner watching the news to check the weather forecast for tomorrow. He decided to call Abbie.

"Hey there," she answered cheerfully.

"Hi, sweetheart. How was your day?"

"Good. And yours?"

"Well, I have good news and bad news."

"What's the good news?"

"We found seven of your grandfather's missing cattle. The bad news is that we're still missing three of them. Tomorrow, Luke and I are headed to Kalispell to bring them back."

"That's wonderful! Does Pap know?"

"Yes, I went to see him earlier today. Hopefully we can find those other three. Once the thieves were confronted about the stolen cattle, they took off, but the auction house has CCTV footage so we might be able to track them down."

"Who's Luke?"

"Luke McCallister. Another agent."

"I see. Please be careful. I think it's calling for more snow."

"Yeah, it is. I'm keeping an eye on the weather report. It looks like there will only be light snow until tomorrow night."

"That's good to hear, but still, stay safe."

"I will. I just wanted to give you a heads up in case you try to reach me, and I don't answer right away."

"So, you're saying you might ignore my calls, McBride?"

Creed chuckled. "Not on purpose."

"Good answer." She laughed.

"I should probably go now. I need to take a quick shower before heading to bed. I have to leave at five in the morning, so I need some rest."

"Okay. Be careful. Talk to you tomorrow."

"Yes, ma'am. Goodnight, darlin'." He ended the call.

After plugging the charger into his phone, he headed for the master bath to shower, then he'd head to bed. It was just too bad Abbie wasn't there with him.