Big Sky Love

by Cate Dean

  “Talk to me, Kate.”

  Instead, to his surprise, she leaned her head on his shoulder. “I don’t know what to do, Charlie. My father’s hurt, which means the daily running of the ranch is on me. I’m not complaining,” she lifted her head, and he wanted to take her in his arms when he saw the grief in her clear blue eyes. “I’m scared,” she whispered. “I’m so scared we’ll lose the ranch, and every dire prediction Evan keeps throwing at me will come true.”

  “Evan is an ass.” She choked out a laugh, and some of the grief eased. “I will do whatever you ask of me, Kate.”

  “Thank you.” She cradled his cheek, and heat drove through him. Surprise replaced the grief, and her breath caught. “Charlie...”

  She pressed her lips to his. That heat flared, and before he could stop himself, Charles hauled her off the stool and against his chest, taking the kiss deeper. She moaned, her fingers digging into his shoulder as she arched into him.

  Good God, she felt right in his arms. She was tiny, but so strong. His hands slid over her curves, waiting for her to push him away. Instead, she straddled him, and pressed herself against his already throbbing length.

  Too soon, she freed her lips, and stared at him.

  “Charlie—ˮ

  “No need to apologize, Kate.”

  She smiled, shaking her head. “You constantly surprise me. I wasn’t going to apologize—at least not for jumping you.” Her finger traced the line of his lower lip, and he swallowed. “I want more, Charlie, and that terrifies me. Why do I trust you?”

  “I do have a trustworthy face.”

  “You have a beautiful face. Which is why I shouldn’t trust you. I’ve always found beautiful men to be vain, and shallow.”

  His nostrils flared. “I am not—ˮ

  He cut himself off, because he could hardly deny. When it came to a woman’s delicate heart, he was vain, and shallow. He had broken more than he cared to remember, taking what he wanted from them before he left them behind, without so much as a second thought.

  That was the definition of vain and shallow.

  Charles wanted nothing more than to kiss her again, but he knew that Kate had to take the lead. So he waited.

  She leaned her forehead against his, her body trembling in his arms.

  “I want you, Charlie, but I’m afraid of the consequences.”

  “What if I said damn the consequences?”

  Her laughter aroused him as much of as the feel of her against him. “I like you, Charlie. More than I should.” With a sigh, she climbed off his lap and stood. “I’m going over to talk to Evan.”

  He pushed to his feet. “You are not planning on going alone, are you?”

  “Evan might be an idiot when it comes to me, but he’d never hurt me.” She studied Charles, as if deciding something. “I want you to be Mike’s right hand. I need someone I can trust, someone who hasn’t been here to cause the earlier sabotage. I still can’t explain why I trust you, Charlie—but I do.”

  She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek, then walked out of the tack room. Charles watched her go, then adjusted himself. It did not help. He wanted to love her, not only her body, but her, as a woman. She was remarkable.

  He went in search of Mike, to give him the news. He had a feeling that Mike was not going to be receptive.

  KATE STOPPED AT the house before she headed over to Evan’s, and found Sally on the back porch. The scent of one of her signature, spicy stews drifted out of the kitchen, and Kate’s stomach growled.

  Sally laughed, waving her inside. “I know you’re in a hurry, Miss Kate. You have that look on your face,” she said when Kate glanced at her. “The same look Mr. Maguire gets when he’s in a determined mood.”

  Which hadn’t been lately—not since the hay bale had fallen on him.

  Kate shoved the worry to the back of her mind, and sat at the table.

  “Just a small bowl. I want to go and shout at Evan before he heads into town for his weekly poker game.”

  “One small bowl of pre-shouting stew, coming right up.”

  Kate smiled, watching Sally expertly dish up her lunch. She was grateful for the presence of another woman. Some days, she felt overwhelmed, surrounded by nothing but men. And Sally proved to be good company, with a kind heart—once she came out of her shell. The thin, obviously terrified young woman who had shown up at the back door six months ago was hardly recognizable now.

  Something had happened to her, but she still refused to talk about it. Kate dug into the stew, wanting to finish before the men showed up for lunch. It would be much harder to duck out with a kitchen full of overcurious men, who all seemed determined to shelter her, whether she wanted it or not.

  “Thank you, Sally. That was delicious, as always.”

  The young woman blushed. “Thank you, Miss Kate.”

  “You’ve been here long enough to call me Kate.”

  “Oh, no.” Sally picked up the bowl and spoon, her back to Kate as she washed them in the sink. “I know my station, Miss Kate. You have earned the respect I have for you, by the way you took me in without question, and—ˮ she cleared her throat, and Kate forced herself not to go over and comfort her. She knew better now. “By not asking why.”

  “I figure you’ll tell me when you’re ready.” Kate did move to her when Sally’s shoulders stiffened. “That can be never, Sally. You have a home here, for as long as you want. I think Pa would tie you to the nearest chair if you even hinted at leaving.”

  Sally gave her a watery smile. “Thank you, Miss Kate. I feel safe here, and it’s been a long time since I felt safe.”

  Kate wrapped her arm around Sally’s waist. They stayed that way for a minute—until the distant sound of hoof beats warned Kate that the men were headed in.

  “I have to go.” She kissed Sally’s cheek, and tucked some of the fine blonde hair that had escaped her neat bun behind her ear. “Flirt with Mike—he’s had a tough day.”

  “I—ˮ Her eyes widened. “You—ˮ

  “I would be thrilled if something happened between you. Don’t let that stop you, if he makes you happy.”

  She left Sally standing at the sink, speechless and blushing. It would make a pretty picture for Mike.

  By heading out the front door, she missed the men, and found an empty stable. Saddling Buster soothed her, which she needed. The last thing she wanted when she faced Evan was her temper on boil. It was already hard to control her sarcasm around him—her temper would only make that worse.

  She mounted, and guided Buster to the small path leading to his ranch. It was time to let Evan know she was on to him—and that he wasn’t going to get away with scaring her into his bed.

  CHARLES FOLLOWED THE other hands through the ranch proper, heading for the main house. He thought he had done quite well—until he tried to get out of the saddle.

  Every muscle in his thighs throbbed, and his backside felt as if it were on fire.

  He hardly appreciated the snickers of the men behind him when he finally managed to extricate himself from the saddle. They turned to outright laughter when he started to walk, or rather, hobble. He used the need to relieve himself as an excuse to leave their dubious company. Then he started to walk out the soreness, slowly warming his stiff muscles.

  When he returned, the men had formed a line at the back door, and a delicious scent wafted from what had to be the kitchen.

  Mike nodded to him as he joined the line.

  “Feeling the ride?”

  Charles pushed one hand through his sweat-soaked hair. “I have spent years on the back of a horse, and yet, I have never been quite so sore.”

  “Not surprising. Even the most experienced riders are sore after the first day around cattle—you tend to tense up when a couple hundred antsy, long-horned animals could stomp over you at any second.”

  Charles had not thought of that. Now he would most likely think of nothing else. “I will remember that, and hopefully, compensate for it.”

  “Y
ou’ll get there, faster than you think.” He gave Charles an appraising look. “Kate wouldn’t have let you on the ranch if she didn’t think you weren’t capable.”

  Charles followed him and the other ranch hands up to the back porch of the main house, his stomach grumbling as the intoxicating scent surrounded him.

  When he stepped inside, he picked up a bowl from the line on the counter, held it out for Sally to fill. His stomach grumbled again after he got a better whiff of what was some kind of spicy stew. He nodded his thanks, and carried the bowl and a wide spoon outside, deciding to stand to eat it, since his backside was still more than a bit tender. Several of the other men ignored the long wood table and benches to stand as well. He figured it was because they spent so long in the saddle that standing was a relief. It made him feel less obvious.

  To his surprise, the stew was delicious. It left a spicy aftertaste on the tongue that he quite enjoyed. Especially when a long drink from the pail of well water on the table helped cool that spice. If this was the caliber of meal he would have during his time here, he knew he would eat quite well. He also knew that he would earn every bit of it.

  His muscles had just started to relax when Mike’s shout tensed them again.

  “What do you mean, she went over there alone?”

  Sally’s voice trembled when she answered him, sending Charles straight for the back porch. “She didn’t want to make a scene—ˮ

  “Damn it!”

  “Back down, my good man.” Charles stepped between Mike and Sally. “You are frightening her.”

  “I didn’t—ˮ Mike rubbed his face, clearly appalled at Charles’ accusation. “I’m sorry, Sally. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “No harm done.” She kept her face averted, but Charles recognized the posture of a woman who had been badly used. His younger brother, Jarron, was a notorious rake, and Charles had spent more money—and more time than he cared to count—on cleaning up his brother’s messes. “She isn’t afraid of Mr. Kransky, but I’m afraid for her.”

  Mike glanced over at Charles, who nodded. “We’ll go after her, Sally. Don’t worry.” Mike reached for her, stopping when she flinched away from his hand. “Sorry.”

  He stepped off the porch, heading for the line of horses. Charles smiled at Sally before catching him up.

  “Give her time, Mike,” he said, watching the other man mount his horse, frustration clear on his face. “She has been poorly treated, and is still recovering from what has been done to her.”

  “She—shit.” He turned his horse, and Charles was relieved to see that his temper did not extend to the way he treated his mount. “If I ever come across the bastard who hurt her, I’ll kill him.”

  “I will be happy to assist.”

  Mike glanced over at him, smiling as Charles struggled to swing into the saddle with anything resembling grace. “I thought all you nobles played house with your staff.”

  “Another misconception I have spent many years attempting to change. The actions of the few reflect badly on the many.”

  “I hear that.”

  Mike slapped his reins, and his horse surged forward, toward to a small dirt path. Charles could see it snake through the tall grass, headed for the buildings in the distance. Evan Kransky’s ranch was closer than he expected.

  Hopefully, Kate did not have too much of a lead on them. She may trust the man, but Charles knew better.

  Evan was the least trustworthy man he had met in some time.

  Six

  “I DIDN’T COME here to accuse you.” Kate found it harder and harder to keep the frustration she felt out of her voice.

  The conversation with Evan was not going as she had planned. He had been combative since she walked into the drawing room, which spiked her suspicion. Evan had always been so easy to read, and when he was like this, it meant he had something to hide.

  “It sure as hell sounded like an accusation.” He took a deep breath, and lowered his voice. “Look, Kate—I’m sorry about your calf. I’m sorry your pa was hurt, and I’m sorry you’re stuck with getting the cattle ready for your buyer. But I can’t be too sorry—not when I offered to help you and you turned me down flat.”

  “Your offer came with strings, Evan. A real offer would be just that—an offer to help, not blackmail me into marriage.”

  His nostrils flared. “You made it more than clear that you don’t want to marry me. I won’t mention it again. You’ll have to be the one to come to me, if you want it.”

  She’d have to be in desperate straits to ever need what a marriage with Evan would give her. She would never want to marry him.

  Because you’re already falling for someone else.

  Shut up.

  “Can you just do as I asked, Evan? Talk to your men, see if they know anything.”

  “I’ll do that, but only because it’s you asking, Kate. I’d punch anyone else for even suspecting what you suspect.”

  “Good to know.” That time the sarcasm slipped out.

  Evan raised his eyebrows. “You’ve changed, Kate. I don’t know if I like it.”

  “You don’t have to like it, Evan. We’re neighbors, and as long as my change doesn’t affect your ranch, you have no say about me or my life.”

  “Fine, fine—you don’t have to beat me over the head with how little you think of me.”

  She sighed, feeling a headache come on. He was almost as stubborn and hardheaded as Pa’s Longhorns. “It’s not that. I’m just—tired of you pushing your way into my life. Let me be the one to take the next step, all right?”

  “All right.” He held out his hand. “Shake on it? Like friends?”

  “Like friends.” Relieved, she took his hand—and gasped when he yanked her forward. His lips cut off her protest.

  Kate tried to turn her head to escape his unwanted kiss. He dug his fingers into her chin, holding her in place. His tongue pressed against her lips, trying to find a way into her mouth, and she started to struggle. He picked her up, trapped her against the nearest wall, and freed her lips long enough to frown at her.

  “Stop fighting me, Kate. I know you want this.”

  Before she could do more than take in a breath, his mouth closed over hers, his tongue forcing its way between her clenched lips.

  With her arms trapped, she used her legs and kicked up. Her knee hit Evan’s thigh instead of her target.

  He tore his lips free, his breath scorching her skin as he dragged his mouth down her throat. Kate tried to recoil, and smacked her head against the wall, almost knocking herself out.

  “God, Kate—you taste so good, feel so good—”

  “Let me go.”

  Her hoarse whisper stopped him inches from her breast. To her horror, she discovered that he’d torn her shirt open in his frenzy to get to her.

  “I want to love you, Kate. Let me—”

  “Let me go, Evan.” Her heart pounded so hard against her ribs it hurt. “Right now.”

  Anger flared in his eyes—and a lust that scared her. “No, Kate. I’ve been patient long enough.”

  He caught her scream with his mouth, forced his knee between her legs, and ground himself against her as his tongue plunged inside her mouth. His assault shocked her—then the need to be free set in and she fought him.

  Her struggles had no almost no effect on him, and that terrified her. He became more aggressive, his harsh breath hot on her cheek. Kate started to think she wasn’t going to get out of this unscathed. The hand digging into her hip moved up—and she started to fight in earnest as he fumbled with the buttons on her waistband.

  She finally worked one hand free and dug her fingernails into his cheek.

  Evan shouted in pain and jerked back.

  “You bitch—ˮ

  “Let go of me right now, Evan, or so help me, the second I’m free I’ll ride straight into town and press charges against you.”

  That finally seemed to get through. He backed away, and Kate grabbed the torn front of her shirt.
/>   “I just—I want you so much, Kate.”

  “That doesn’t give you the right to paw at me like an animal.”

  She heard commotion in the other room, and familiar voices shouting. Mike, and—heaven help her, Charles.

  Evan faced the double doors, right before they burst open. Charles took one look at her and punched Evan. He flew backward, landing on one of the delicate side tables. It collapsed under his weight, taking him to the pine wood floor.

  Charles stalked over and yanked Evan to his feet before he could recover.

  “Touch her again, you cowardly bastard, and I will take you apart myself.” He shoved Evan away from him and turned to Kate, keeping his distance. “Are you all right, Miss Maguire?”

  She nodded, his concern threatening to do what Evan’s pawing didn’t—break her control.

  Mike appeared, holding her coat. She turned, let him help her into it. Her body was telling her that she’d be sore for the next few days, and not only in body. Evan had shaken her spirit, and she’d never forgive him for what he did.

  By the time she had her coat on, she was ready to find the nearest flat surface. Her strength deserted her, now that she didn’t need to fight for her life. A strong arm curled around her waist, and she looked up, meeting Charles’ concerned blue eyes.

  “We are going to walk out slowly.” He kept his voice low, so only she could hear. “Once we are out of the bastard’s sight, I plan to carry you.”

  “I don’t—”

  “Do not deny what is all over your face, Kate. I saw what he did to your shirt. You have bruises on your face from his hands.” The muscles in his jaw jumped, and she knew he was fighting to control himself. “If it did not reflect poorly on you, I would go back in and wring his neck.”

  “I’d enjoy watching,” she whispered. She may regret saying it later, but right now, she wanted Evan to hurt as much as she did.

  A smile tugged at Charles’ lips. “I do like your spirit, Miss Maguire.”

  “Kate, please. I can’t stand having you at arm’s length, Charlie.”