Redeem My Heart: A Wounded Hero/Curvy Girl Romance, page 1
redeem my heart
saddle creek, tx: the whitmores
book three
Kat Baxter
contents
Redeem My Heart
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Thank you for reading!
Excerpt from Dad Bod Cowboy
About the author
redeem my heart
A Wounded Hero/Curvy Girl Romance
Dane
When I left the military and came home to Saddle Creek, I was looking for peace and solitude, not love. I have too many scars, inside and out, to hope for that kind of thing. But a random encounter brings me face-to-face with Shelby Coleman, and I find myself in a fake relationship. She's short and sweet with curves for days, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I’ve never wanted a woman more. I don't have much of a heart left but Shelby makes me wish I had more to give.
Shelby
I've crushed on Dane Whitmore from afar since I was a teenager. With his worn in jeans and scuffed cowboy boots, he's a walking thirst trap. Being his pretend girlfriend requires public displays of affection. Every kiss and touch light my body up. But I have to remind myself its just for pretend.
Redeem My Heart
Kat Baxter
Copyright 2023 by Kat Baxter
This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission of the author or publisher, except where permitted by law.
Edited by: Emily Beierle-McKaskle
Copyeditor: BookReadingJenn
Book cover: Cormar Covers
With regard to digital publication, be advised that any alteration of font size or spacing by the reader could change the author’s original format.
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chapter
one
Shelby
“Kidnapping is a felony, you know,” I say, keeping my tone light even though I’m only half joking.
“Bah,” Lily says. “It doesn’t count if I’m your boss.”
I laugh. “I don’t think that’s true.”
“It doesn't count if your boss is taking you to a party. That is definitely not kidnapping,” Lily chirps.
“So what is this party?” I ask.
I suppose, technically, it’s not kidnapping if your boss lures you into her truck with the promise of post-work drinks and snacks, and just happens to not mention that these drinks and snacks will mean talking to other people. Maybe this is on me. Maybe I shouldn’t have been so eager, but it was a long day. I’m a vet tech for Lily’s large animal mobile veterinary business. By definition, ‘long days’ involve animal poop. And piss. And sometimes other animal liquids I like to think about even less.
Have I earned a post-work drink, compliments of my boss?
Yes. Yes, I have.
Do I want to meet strangers when there’s even the slightest chance I still have cow jizz on my shoes?
No. No, I do not.
Lily and I live in, and both grew up in, the small town of Saddle Creek. So it’s not like there are that many people I don’t know or at least know of. But she’s a few years older than I am, so most of her friends were far enough ahead of me in school that I don’t know them well.
Lily maneuvers her truck onto a county road. “It's just a little get together where the women will watch a movie and the men are playing poker.”
I stare at my boss. “So it's like a couples gathering? I'm not part of a couple.”
She waves one hand dismissively. “No, it's not about that. Besides Forest is out of town so my person won't even be there. We’ll stick together.”
“But you have a person. I don't even have a pet.” As much as I love animals, my work hours would keep me away from the house too long. Even the pothos ivy I bought a year ago died of neglect. I stare out the window and watch the scrubby cedar trees and prickly pear cacti pass by. “Maybe I should get a cactus.”
“Huh?”
“Nothing. Just talking out loud. Where even is this party?” I finally ask because I realize we're heading out of Saddle Creek.
“It's at one of the Whitmores’ house,” Lily says.
My heart thunders in my chest. I lick my suddenly dry lips.
The Whitmores are a ranching family from the area with a bunch of siblings and cousins and roots deep in Saddle Creek. I went to school with Daphne, and we were friends when we were little. But then sorta drifted apart as we grew up. But she’s not the Whitmore I'm worried about.
The one I’m worried about is Dane. Stunningly hot, achingly broody Dane. Dane, the object of my life-long secret crush. The guy so far out of my league we aren’t even playing the same sport.
“Which Whitmore?” I mean it’s very unlikely out of all the Whitmores, he would be the one hosting a party. But stranger things have happened.
“Uh,” Lily says. “Grady.”
Shit. I’m not sure that’s much better. Though for very different reasons. “As in, Grady the one married to the pop sensation, Jess Munoz?”
“That’s the one.”
“So we’re going to a party at Jess Munoz’s house?” I look down at my blue jeans and simple graphic t-shirt. The one that has a pirate skull and the words, ‘Goonies never say die.’ My black low-top Chucks round out my super casual look and my dark blond hair is piled on top of my head the messiest of all messy buns. I glance over at Lily to find she’s not dressed much differently.
My boss, the large animal vet in town, is already married though. And she’s never seemed to care much about what other people think. I wish I could do that. Instead, I have a constant replay of my mother’s voice in my head.
Sugar, girls your size can’t wear shorts like that.
You really need to fix yourself up, Sugar. You never know who you’re going to see when you go out.
I got you this magazine, Sugar, because there’s the newest diet inside.
She means well, I suppose. Or not. Honestly, I don’t even know. I haven’t spoken to her in years. Not since she left my dad and me and my siblings. She still sends us birthday cards and I get the occasional email about the next diet fad to which I send a quick, ‘thanks,’ and leave it at that.
(XX - something about her sister)
Our brother Max, despite the fact that he’s younger than both of us, is fiercely protective. So he has no fucks to give when it comes to dear old mom.
It doesn’t take too much longer before we’re turning down the road that leads to the Whitmore land. I think it was originally just one big ranch, but Mr. Whitmore, the patriarch, parceled if off for his kids as they grew up. Now they each have their own spaces. I don’t believe Daphne nor Garrett, the two youngest, have started building houses out here, despite the fact that they’re both married.
When it comes to ranching families, the Whitmores are up there with Saddle Creek royalty. Only the Crawfords and Blankenship’s have more land each.
Lily turns down the gravel drive that leads to Grady’s house.
“I cannot believe you’re making me do this,” I mutter.
“I know, right? What was I thinking, bringing you somewhere they have free snacks, your favorite pop star, and fun to be had? I am the worst.”
I roll my eyes and then reluctantly follow her to the door where she doesn’t even knock, just opens it and strolls on inside. I can’t let her get too far ahead of me though because I really don’t want to be alone.
Yes, I grew up in this town. Yes, I was once friends with Daphne, the only girl in the Whitmore tribe. Still, I don’t like situations where I might stand out. I’m more of a blend into the background kind of girl.
Which maybe won’t be hard once we get past the introductions.
“Lily! I’m so glad you could make it,” a voice coos. And then there she is, pop sensation, Jess Munoz in the flesh. It’s kinda weird seeing her barefoot and in leggings and a t-shirt. I’m used to her being in sequins. Still, even dressed as casually as she is, she radiates star power. It’s not blinding, not like the one time I saw her in concert, but it’s there. Jess squeezes Lily’s shoulder, a testament that she knows my boss well and that she’s not really a hugger.
“I brought a co-worker,” Lily says, then shifts her body so I can step up next to her. “Jess, this is Sugar. Sugar, meet Jess.”
Sugar. Ugh, how embarrassing.
“You can actually just call me Shelby,” I say. “Sugar is just a nickname from when I was kid.”
Lily spins to face me. “Do you wish I wouldn’t call you Sugar?”
I shrug. “It’s okay. You’ve known me my whole life. But when I meet new people…” I let my words dwindle.
&n bsp; “Then I will call you Shelby,” Jess says, linking our arms together. “So you’re another native Saddle Creek-er?”
“I am. Born and raised.”
“Then you probably know my husband and my in-laws.”
“I do.” I glance around and thankfully don’t see the one Whitmore I simultaneously want to see and hope won’t be here. I turn to Jess. “Can I fangirl all over you for a minute? I know we’re in your house and that’s probably obnoxious, but OMG I really love your music.”
She gives me a genuine smile. “Thank you. Truly.”
We enter into the big open space that houses the kitchen and living room. The house is gorgeous and spacious and has obviously had some renovations done since Jess moved in. I’m about to comment on them, when I see Dane standing leaning against the island that creates a natural separation between the two rooms.
Just like that, all coherent thought vanishes, along with the nerves I had about meeting Jess.
Because it’s him. Dane. Looking as beautiful as I remember him being. Nope, he’s even more attractive.
Thick and big, like his older brother, Grady, Dane Whitmore is barrel-chested with a thick neck and massive thighs. His biceps threaten the t-shirt he’s wearing. He’s obviously got a tattoo sleeve on his right arm, but his left looks bare. There’s a hint of some ink creeping up from his shoulder to the right side of his neck.
And he’s scowling. Which somehow makes him even sexier.
chapter
two
Dane
“Grady,” I call to my older brother. He ambles over, a long neck dangling from two of his fingers.
“What?” he asks.
I nod across the room. “Who is that?” I say about the blonde that I haven't been able to take my eyes off of since she walked into the room.
He looks at me, kind of up and down and then into my eyes as if he's trying to see into my soul.
“What?” I ask.
He just smirks and shakes his head a little. “That's Sugar Coleman.”
Sugar? “Why does that sound familiar?”
“She and Daph were friends growing up. I think she came over for a slumber party or a birthday party or something a couple of times. She's Luna’s little sister.”
“Luna.” I nod. “Yeah, okay. Makes sense.” But I can't reconcile any memories in my head of pigtailed girls with the curvaceous bombshell across the room.
Her tits look amazing in her Goonies t shirt. And even if I wasn't already a huge fan of the movie, I would be now just because of the way that shirt molds to her curves. And that's not even taking into consideration the way her jeans hug her ass and her thick, thick thighs.
For a brief moment her eyes catch mine and it’s like the world around me freezes. She bites down on her lip, then her eyes drop away from me.
“If you keep looking at her like that, you're gonna incinerate her clothes with just your eyeballs,” Grady says.
“Fuck you.” I take a swig of my own beer. “I’m just looking. You know I don't mess with girls like that.”
“Girls like what exactly?”
“Good girls. Sweet and naive. They don't have the necessary skills to deal with someone like me.”
Grady snorts. “Because you’re so tortured and broody? Give me a break.”
I glance over at my brother. “Again, fuck you.”
I scan the room and it’s comprised of mostly couples. It seems like everyone in my life has paired up. “I’m not a relationship guy. Never have been. That woman screams relationship. Like get-down-on-one-knee-and-promise-me-the-moon kind of romance. I am so not that guy.”
Grady chuckles. “Well, it looks like she's a fan of your favorite movie.”
I shrug. “Everybody our age likes that movie.”
He makes a noise in his throat. “No. Everybody dad's age likes that movie. He just saturated our childhood with all of the 80’s goodness.”
I say nothing.
“All I'm saying is that maybe you should give dating a try. If you remember correctly, I wasn't open to it either. But somebody I know told me to go for it.” He gives me a knowing look.
Okay, yeah, when Grady and Jess first met, he was being a whiny-ass pussy about going after what he wanted. Maybe I gave him a nudge. But this situation is different.
“No, I told you to fuck her, not marry her.”
“I did both,” Grady says.
Instantly, I’m struck with a vision of me fucking Sugar.
Yeah, I probably should not have brought up fucking. I force my gaze away from her.
“What exactly are we supposed to be doing tonight?” I ask.
“Jess called it Pride and Prejudice and Poker,” Grady says.
“I don’t think that’s a thing.”
“If my wife says it’s a thing, it’s a thing.”
“Okay.”
We live in the south where nicknames are not unusual. Still, I want to know why she’s called ‘Sugar.’ Is it because she was such a sweet little girl. Or is it something else? Of course, all I can think of is the sugar that's nestled between her thighs. Fuck, I need to get laid.
“How's the new endeavor with the dogs going?” Grady asks. “Is Liam really shipping them all to you?
I blow out a breath. “Not great. The dogs are being delivered in two days and I still have no idea how I’m going to pay for all of this. Liam is sending all their records and the food supplies that he has, but it won’t last long enough to cover all the expenses.”
“Jess and I could pay—”
I hold a hand up to stop him, already shaking my head. “Absolutely not. I will not ask my sister-in-law to pay for this. Besides, I need a long-term solution to fund this. Liam says there are new dogs nearly every week.”
“What dogs?” Natalie, Linc’s wife asks. She’s perched on her husband’s knee.
That’s when I realize that all eyes are on me.
I clear my throat. “My unit commander started a sanctuary on his land after we all came home the last time.” When the shit hit the proverbial fan and we all came home scarred and a little more mangled than we’d been before.
“A dog sanctuary?” Daphne asks.
“Yes. But Liam has run into a problem with the rights of his land (XX or medical problem) and has to find a new place for the dogs. I offered my land since I’m not exactly doing anything with it.”
“How many dogs are we talking about?” Cain asks.
I scratch the back of my neck. “Thirty-five to start out. The other guys from the unit are dividing up the rest, but I’m the only one with enough space for the bulk of the dogs.”
“Problem is, he doesn’t have the funding for all of this,” Grady interjects.
“I’ll pay,” Jess says cheerfully.
I roll my eyes. “No. I’ll figure something out.”
“You need to file papers to create a non-profit organization first. It will make it easier to solicit donations and then when you do have funds rolling in, you won’t be taxed on them.” This comes from Sugar.
I’m not even gonna lie; her voice has my dick stirring in my jeans. What is it about this woman?
“You should do what Sasha did for her uncle Cain,” my niece Taylor says around a mouthful of macaroni and cheese.
“Oh yeah, we made loads of money,” Sasha agrees.
“Girls, I really don’t think—” Cain starts, but his wife puts a hand on his arm.
“That’s actually not a bad idea.”
“I have no clue what y’all are talking about,” I admit.
“Ever hear of the Shirtless Lumbersnack?” Jade asks.
“For fuck’s sake,” Cain mutters.
“Language,” Grady barks.
Cain responds with a flip of his middle finger.
“No. Should I have heard of that?”
“Social media sensation,” Jade says. “It’s just Cain chopping wood and working on his furniture pieces (XX - is this what he does?). But he got endorsements and then came the click pays,” Jade says. “It’s been a steady source of income.”
I shake my head. “I’m not following.”
“I think she’s suggesting you have someone film you, or you do it yourself, walking around your property with all the dogs, sans shirt,” Daphne says.
“Shirtless Dog Whisperer,” Sasha suggests.
