Her Big Sky Cowboy

by Alissa Callen

  She smiled. Zane and his horses. She could only imagine how his love for them had sustained him through his lonely and harsh childhood.

  *

  While Zane rode and checked the cattle, Trinity kept Finn busy for the afternoon. They caught bugs in the pond, collected firewood, kept Cricket out of trouble and feasted on Cookie’s flapjacks.

  The shadows lengthened and Zane returned. Dusty, and with the left side of his shirt ripped from shoulder to hem, he dismounted with a grin.

  “Meet a bear?” she asked, with a smile.

  “No, just an ornery bull calf who didn’t take kindly to being doctored.”

  “Let’s hope he doesn’t need any more help. I don’t think your shirt could handle getting up-close-and-personal with another unappreciative patient.”

  The breeze caught the rip and blew the shirt apart to reveal the firm, golden skin below. Her mouth dried. She knew his tan went all the way to his biceps, along his wide shoulders, down the flat planes of his abs and disappeared under his cowboy belt buckle.

  Zane unsaddled the grey horse and when he went to take a shower, Trinity lit the campfire with Finn.

  Zane returned, his hair shower-damp, his skin smelling of fresh soap and a clean shirt hugging his torso. Trinity focused on helping cook the sausages and kebabs Cookie had provided and not on how good Zane looked and smelled.

  Dinner over, Trinity pulled out a packet of marshmallows to roast. Earlier she and Finn had selected three long toasting sticks.

  Finn had already eaten his first s’more in the time Trinity had taken to burn two marshmallows.

  From across the campfire, Zane chuckled as her third incinerated. “I see your marshmallow roasting skills haven’t improved.”

  Their gazes held and from the darkness of his eyes she knew he too remembered Rhett’s Christmas bonfire and how they’d stared deep into each other’s eyes over the fire pit.

  Zane’s marshmallow burst into flames.

  “And your skills are not much better, cowboy.”

  The white grin he shot her caused her toes to curl. She worked hard to make sure her expression remained unchanging. Zane couldn’t know what he did to her. She had to relax and let whatever existed between them develop at a slow and steady pace.

  Finn yawned and snuggled up beside her on the log. She brushed the hair off his forehead. “Had enough s’mores? Ready for a story and bed?”

  He yawned again, nodded and made his way over to Zane for a goodnight cuddle.

  Trinity took Finn and Cricket to the cabin and tucked them in for the night. At the bedroom doorway, she blew Finn a kiss. “Remember, there’s nothing to worry about. I’ll be sleeping on the bed beside you and your dad will have his bedroll near the fire.”

  “Okay,” Finn mumbled, his eyes already closed. Cricket lay beside him curled into a small black and white ball.

  Trinity returned to the fire and as she sat on the log, she wrapped her arms around her chest. The cool night air funneled through the tear over her collarbone and down over her chest.

  Zane stared at the rip in her shirt and then stood to place more wood on the fire. When he sat, he seated himself beside her. His thigh brushed hers before he lifted his arm and placed it around her shoulders.

  “I should have warned you, the nights get cold up here.”

  “I should have known myself. I made sure Finn packed a sweater but didn’t think to pack one for myself.” She leaned against his solid warmth.

  The wind eddied around them and wood popped in the campfire.

  She knew she should hide her feelings but was powerless to stop herself resting her head on his shoulder. His arm lowered to wrap around her waist. She closed her eyes, the heat from the fire bathing her face.

  Zane’s lips touched her brow. The kiss was so light she would have missed it if she hadn’t noticed the shift in his muscles as he’d turned toward her.

  She opened her eyes. In the firelight, his eyes were dark, unfathomable pools and his features etched with tension.

  No words were said but it was as though their bodies had their own language. Her breathing quickened. She moistened her dry bottom lip and tilted her face toward his.

  “Trin.” Her name was half groan and half sigh.

  His mouth slid over hers in a kiss that was again tender and sweet. She leaned closer and wound her arms around his neck. Need burned in the heat of his skin but in the corded strength of his muscles she felt his restraint. Her heart ached. It was only natural he kept a part of himself back from her. Marlisa had hurt him and his instinct would be to protect himself.

  All too soon their kiss ended. Zane stood. Her hands slipped from around his neck. Clasp light, he pulled her to her feet. She swayed and his hands secured her waist. She curled her fingers into her palms and anchored her boots to the ground to make sure a safe distance remained between them. She had to give Zane time. She had to be patient.

  *

  Zane stood statue-still, his hands on Trinity’s narrow waist. He’d stayed strong and managed to keep their kiss light. Now was the part where he let her go and wished her goodnight.

  But the words wouldn’t come.

  The rip in her shirt had teased and taunted him. He’d never thought the delicate curve of a woman’s collarbone would make him so hot and bothered. But it had. Every flicker of firelight over her smooth skin called for him to trace his mouth over the fragile hollow.

  He shook as he fought the urge to tip her over his arm and sample the sweetness of her skin.

  Let her go.

  But no sooner had the thought formed when his head lowered. All logic fled as he tugged her against him. She clutched his shirt and stretched so her mouth met his. This time there was no caution and no restraint. Only hunger, need and a dark, driven desperation.

  He found the neat curve of her jeans-clad butt and took her weight. She wrapped her legs tight around him, her mouth catching his deep groan. His breath burned in his lungs. Through his shirt, her nails dug into his shoulders. He carried her to his bedroll and as he gently laid her down, breaths ragged, he stared deep into her eyes. She smiled and arched her back so she could kiss him full on the mouth. No words were needed. There could be no turning back, for either of them.

  *

  What had he done?

  Zane lay in his bedroll. Above him stars lay strewn across the night sky and beside him Trinity’s bare skin warmed him. Her silken hair covered his arm and her cheek lay over his heart. Her gentle breaths fanned his chest.

  He swallowed. So much for not telling Trinity he loved her. He mightn’t have said the words but his every action would have communicated what he felt for her and that this was no casual one-night stand.

  Trinity’s fingers trailed along his side. “Zane?”

  He grunted not trusting himself to speak.

  He could feel her smile against his chest. “What no words? Just grunts again.”

  He kissed the top of her head, still not able to speak.

  She remained silent, the slow caress of her fingers telling him it was okay if he didn’t have the words.

  An owl called somewhere to their right and the sound roused Trinity.

  She pushed herself up on her elbow to peer at him. The campfire was little more than red embers but there was enough light to make out her features.

  “Zane, it’s okay. It’s no –”

  “Big deal. I know.”

  “Actually … it is a big deal. It’s not every day I roll around with a cowboy in his bedroll. What I was going to say was that it’s nothing we need to talk about now.”

  “For once, you don’t want me to talk?”

  She dipped her head and kissed him, her hair brushing his chest. “There will be time enough later. You already have enough to think about.” She glanced at the cabin. “I see Finn’s flashlight, so had better check on him.”

  She reached for her clothes, slid from the bedroll, touched his cheek and was gone.

  Zane sighed and rested h
is head on his elbow as he stared at the stars. For the first time he’d prefer to talk than think, especially when crazy thoughts careered around in his head.

  After what they’d just shared how could he walk away from Trinity at the end of the summer? Hank said she was a woman to be trusted. Could he take the risk and place his faith in her? Could he find the courage to put his past behind him and … trust her with his heart?

  Chapter Twelve

  ‡

  “So, Trinity, you are still alive?” Ivy’s teasing voice filled the car as Trinity answered her cell phone via the button on the steering wheel.

  Trinity laughed. “Yes, I am alive.”

  “I was beginning to wonder. I haven’t seen you since you dropped Milly off on the way to Payton’s to look at Bella’s puppies, let alone heard from you.”

  “I know. I’ve meant to call but keep getting sidetracked.”

  “I hope being sidetracked involves a certain cowboy called Zane Nash.”

  Trinity didn’t speak. After sharing Zane’s bedroll last night she still hadn’t got her emotions or hormones under control. She only had to hear his name or have him smile at her and she was a giddy mess.

  “Trinity … you still there?”

  “Yes, I’m here.” She took a deep breath. “And, yes, my silence does have something to do with being sidetracked by Zane.”

  “I knew it.” Excitement quickened Ivy’s words. “He spent the whole bonfire looking at you when you weren’t looking at him.”

  She sighed. “And yes, I know, I spent the night looking at him too.”

  Ivy laughed. “So you’re admitting it now?”

  “Yes, I am.” She paused and when she spoke her voice was quiet. “I’m also admitting he’s Mr. Right.”

  “Oh, Trin, I’m so happy you’ve found him. See, you weren’t a hundred like you thought you’d be and now I don’t have to make sure you catch my bridal bouquet. We have so much to talk about today. I can’t wait to see you. Where are you now?”

  “About five minutes from town.”

  “Okay. I haven’t left yet but will soon. We’ll meet Risa at three o’clock to discuss wedding flowers and then you and I are going for coffee. We have Zane to talk about and we are also yet to finish our discussion about a certain delivery of red roses.”

  “I’d hoped you forgotten about the red roses. It’s going to be a very long coffee.”

  “It sure is. Oh and Trin, for the record I had Zane at the top of my list of who would be right for you.”

  Trinity laughed. “You and your lists. See you soon.”

  She was still smiling when she turned into Marietta and drove along Main Street. She stopped at a stoplight and waited for a mother and a small boy to pass. The boy looked familiar. As he crossed the road she recognized his elfin and freckled face. It was Andy, Finn’s friend from the Marietta Mad Scientist School. She waved and he smiled and waved back.

  Trinity continued past the hair salon where Mandy had cut Zane and Finn’s hair what felt like a lifetime ago.

  She still had some time to kill while Ivy drove into town so she took advantage of a free parking space outside Java Cafe. She’d have a coffee and then walk across to the Sweet Peas florist store for the meeting with Risa. Her cheeks warmed. After the little sleep she’d had she’d need caffeine.

  With her order placed Trinity searched the busy cafe for a spare seat. Over near the window a woman with her long grey hair coiled into a bun sat reading a book. When she stared out the window at the summer tourist traffic, Trinity recognized the customer from Lesley’s bookstore. Upon seeing no other spare seats, she approached. Maybe the elderly lady wouldn’t mind Trinity sitting with her? She’d been friendly in the store. There was also something about the bowed cast to her thin shoulders that suggested she might like company. When Trinity drew near, the woman gave her a shy smile.

  Trinity introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Trinity. I met you at Paradise Books.”

  Behind her thick glasses, the woman’s blue eyes smiled. “I remember. Would you like to join me?”

  “Thanks. If that was okay, I’d love to.” Trinity slid into the upholstered booth.

  The woman looked around at the bustling cafe. “Is it always this busy?”

  “Yes, especially this time of year.” Trinity smiled. “So how did your grandson like his caterpillar book?”

  The woman closed her own book before answering. “I haven’t given it to him yet. He’s out of town and I’m waiting until he gets back.”

  “Well, when he’s back and you give it to him, I’m sure he’ll like it.”

  Trinity’s coffee arrived and she took a mouthful, savoring the rich and creamy flavor.

  The women sipped from her cup of tea.

  “I haven’t seen you in Lesley’s store before, are you new to town?” Trinity asked.

  “Yes. I’ve bought a little house in the new development off highway 89.”

  “That’s a great part of Marietta. Does your family live close?”

  Trinity lifted her mug to take another mouthful of coffee.

  “No.” The woman took off her glasses and rubbed at her eyes as if she was experiencing a sharp pain.

  Trinity lowered her coffee and stared at the woman’s face. Her heavy glasses had hidden high and delicate cheekbones. She would have been a beauty when she was younger.

  “So has your grandson been away on vacation?”

  She settled the glasses back on her nose. “No, not a vacation, he’s been away for a day or two but should be back now.”

  Trinity nodded, her mug halfway to her mouth. But instead of taking a mouthful, she slowly lowered her coffee to the table. She now knew exactly who this woman’s grandson was.

  “I have no doubt he’s back. I only saw him a little while ago.”

  The woman stilled. “You did?”

  Trinity reached across the table and took her bird-like hand. “Yes and I know where he’ll be right now. I can take you to him … Clara.”

  *

  The drive to Hollyhock Creek Ranch passed in silence. Trinity respected Zane’s mother’s right to privacy as well as understanding that her silence was a way to control her anxiety.

  When she’d removed her thick glasses, it had been her cheekbones that had given Trinity the clue as to who she was. Zane and Finn shared the same bone structure. Add in the anguish in her blue eyes, eyes the same color as Finn’s, whenever she mentioned her grandson and Trinity had no doubt she’d been looking at Clara Nash. Lesley had made the introduction on purpose that day in the bookstore. Perhaps she’d thought that one day Trinity could somehow help Clara be reunited with her family? And now Trinity was doing just that.

  After leaving the Java Cafe, she’d made a quick call to Ivy saying she couldn’t meet with Risa and that she also had to cancel their coffee to head back to the ranch. Ivy had heard the urgency in Trinity’s voice and hadn’t asked any questions. All she said was to drive safe and to call her later.

  Trinity drove beneath the wooden arch signaling they’d soon arrive at the ranch house. Clara gazed at the ranch name and flinched.

  Trinity slowed the car.

  “Clara, it will be okay. Hollyhock Creek Ranch is a different place now. Harold is long gone.”

  Clara didn’t respond. She stared through the windshield, face white.

  “Hank will be glad to see you,” Trinity added softly.

  A fleeting smile brightened Clara’s features. “Lesley said he was still around. He’s a good man. He tried to … help me and I knew he’d look out for … my boys.”

  Trinity’s heart broke at the way Clara’s voice cracked when she mentioned her boys.

  Clara looked at the caterpillar book Trinity had helped her choose and that now sat on her lap.

  “Finn will love his book,” Trinity said, gently.

  Clara nodded. “Thanks for choosing it and also for all of this. I just haven’t had the nerve to come out here by myself. Lesley said she’d bring me but I wa
sn’t ready.” The desperate grip Clara had on Finn’s book, relaxed. “I am now.”

  *

  From the stable door, Zane saw Trinity’s white sedan return from Marietta. He frowned. Trinity said she wouldn’t be home until late afternoon. Maybe she’d forgotten something? There’d been talk of meeting Ivy and showing her some wedding bouquet pictures. He returned inside to finish brushing Comet and getting Venus used to him, then headed to the ranch house.

  He’d check on Finn who was in his bedroom with Cricket building a Lego town.

  With every stride, Zane’s conviction firmed. After holding Trinity in his arms last night he couldn’t go back to a life in which loneliness was his only companion. He’d listened to his self-preservation long enough, he now had to listen to his heart. He couldn’t live his life closed off from the world because of the fear he’d be deceived or betrayed. He needed to let Trinity in. He had to trust that she’d never hurt him because the alternative was untenable, he’d lose her. He had to do everything he could to keep the woman he loved in his and Finn’s lives and would start by telling her how he felt. It was time to have their ‘big deal’ talk and when they did he was sure he’d find the right words. Thanks to Trinity, he was no longer the silent and voiceless cowboy she’d first met.

  He kicked off his boots in the mudroom and as he walked along the hallway toward the kitchen, he heard female voices. There’d be no talk with Trinity now, she must have brought home Ivy to see the wedding pictures. But as he drew near, his steps slowed. The other woman’s voice was older.

  He stopped. Just like when he was in the mountains and he sensed danger, whether it was from a mountain lion or a bear, his intuition cautioned him to tread carefully.

  He quietly pushed open the kitchen door.

  Trinity stood at the coffeepot, her back to him. A grey-haired woman, her thin shoulders bowed, sat at the table staring at a caterpillar book.