A Cowboy's Midnight Kiss (Romancing the Stones)

by Victoria Vane

  Although he let her walk on her own, she noticed that he stayed close to her side until they reached unit two-zero-six. He swung the door open and beckoned her inside. As he’d forewarned, the place was a mess, drywall dust coated the plastic that covered the hard wood floors and cans of paint were stacked against the walls.

  “I took down a wall over there,” he pointed, “to open up the kitchen to the great room. I also updated the bathrooms and refinished the wood floors. Now I just have to pretty it up a bit with some paint.”

  “It’s going to be beautiful, Griff,” she said. He guided her through the rest of the rooms. She paused in the spacious master bedroom where an air mattress lay on the floor. “Are you sleeping here?”

  “Yeah,” he confessed. “My other places are leased out right now so I’m crashing here while I’m working on it.”

  “Doesn’t look very comfortable,” she said.

  He shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I work sixteen to eighteen hours a day when I’m here, so I really only need to sleep and shower.”

  “Liz would hate knowing you were sleeping on an air mattress. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you stayed at her place. Want me to ask her?”

  “That’s not a good idea,” he said.

  “Why not?”

  “Because you are staying at her place.”

  “And that’s a problem for you?” she asked.

  “Frankly, yes. I don’t think I’d be able to sleep a wink knowing I was alone with you. I’m already having a helluva time keeping my mind on work since you got here.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve been distracted by random thoughts about you.”

  “Random thoughts?” she repeated blankly.

  “The kind I’m having right now.” He gave her a long heated look that made her heartbeat accelerate. “The idea of kissing you is just about driving me crazy.”

  “Oh?” She swallowed hard as his gaze locked on her mouth. He came closer and laid his big warm hands on her shoulders. He dipped his head and closed his lips over hers. Warm and soft, they slowly explored hers. She shut her eyes on a sigh, savoring the sensation—the teasing trace of his tongue, the gentle nibbling of his teeth. It had been too damned long since she’d been held and kissed. He deepened the kiss, pulling her closer, tighter, demanding a response. Sensing an impending freefall, Cassidy panicked and pulled back.

  A question filled his eyes as she gently pushed him away. “Did I just make a complete jackass of myself?”

  “I’m sorry, Griff,” she answered, feeling breathless. “But I just can’t do this kind of thing.”

  He cocked a brow. “Kissing?”

  She shook her head. “You know that’s not what I mean. I’m talking about where kissing could lead. I admit I’m attracted to you, but I’d like to think we’ve become friends and I don’t want this to get awkward between us.”

  “It was only a kiss, Cassidy. I wasn’t expecting anything. I hadn’t even thought beyond the impulse...” He paused and cocked a brow. “But it seems maybe you have.”

  Her face heated. There was no denying she’d thought about sleeping with him.

  “It’s all right,” he reassured her. “I don’t want this to be awkward. It won’t happen again... unless you invite it.”

  “Thank you, Griff.”

  “For what?”

  “For helping me out in Liz’s absence. For being a friend.”

  “I’d be lying if I said I did it for Liz,” he said. “I did it for me. I wanted to spend time with you. Are you ready to go?” he asked. “We have a long drive.”

  “Yeah. I’m ready.”

  They exited the condo and Griff locked up. It had begun to snow. The stairs were already covered with it. She gazed down chewing on her lip. “How are we going to do this?” she asked. “I’d rather you didn’t carry me, but I still need some help.”

  “Let me have that,” Griff said, taking her crutch. “You can use me instead.” His arm came around her waist, holding her tight against his big, strong body. “The first step is always the hardest.” he said softly, his deep blue gaze holding hers long enough to make her wonder if he only referred to the stairs. “You can trust me, Cassidy. I won’t let you fall.”

  “I know you won’t,” she said, but tumbling down the stairs wasn’t the fall she was most worried about.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  GRIFF LIFTED Cassidy into the passenger side of his truck. He stowed her crutch and bag behind the seat, then climbed into the cab and started the engine.

  “Where exactly is this ranch of yours?” she asked as they pulled out onto the highway.

  “Just on the other side of Dubois,” he replied.

  “And where is that? Sorry, but I’m geographically challenged once I cross the Mississippi.”

  “Dubois is a small town about fifty miles due west, but we have to drive over eighty miles to get around the mountains.”

  “Did you grow up there?” she asked.

  “Yup. But I never intended to stay,” he replied.

  “Why not?”

  “I had bigger plans than ranching.”

  “You don’t like it?” she asked.

  “I do, but owning a ranch means you’re always tied down to it. I wanted more freedom. I came close to leaving once but I’m still here.”

  “Why’s that? What happened?”

  “I told you I was engaged. She also wanted out of Wyoming. Little did I know I was going to be her one way ticket. When I told her I needed to stay and help my family through a rough patch, instead of sticking by me, she bailed. Last I heard she’d moved to Denver. What about you? Are you sorry about your break up?” he asked.

  “Part of me is, but the divorce was my idea. After I married Doug, our lives became all about money and success, but it meant nothing to me. In the end, we had everything but the things that mattered most. We also had nothing in common anymore. It was better to end it before we had kids.”

  “Do you want them?” he asked.

  “Kids? Yes, I do. It’s part of the reason for the divorce. I wanted them and he didn’t. That was huge for me. I’d already given up my career plans for him. I wasn’t about to give up children too. What about you? Do you want a family?”

  “I never thought much about it until I became an uncle,” he said. “But Kaden and Kelsey have changed all that. Yes, I do want some kids of my own one day.”

  “Kaden and Kelsey? How old are they?”

  “Kaden is six and Kelsey’s almost three. They’re really cute kids.”

  “I can’t wait to meet them,” she said. “Christmas is always more fun with kids around. I miss my own nieces and nephews. I haven’t seen much of them. Doug wasn’t into family gatherings. He wasn’t close to his own family so he always made a point to plan a trip around the holidays, which meant I didn’t get to see mine either.”

  “He sounds pretty self-centered if you asked me.”

  “He was. He is. It just took me a long time to see it. So have you decided to stay in Wyoming permanently?” she asked.

  “Probably,” he replied, “But not as a full time rancher.”

  “What got you interested in real estate investing?”

  “It all came about when my ol’ man passed on suddenly. His will divided the ranch between my brother and me. Derrick was deployed overseas at the time and I couldn’t run cattle all by myself, so I talked him into downsizing. We kept the original homestead and a string of good horses but sold some of the acreage and most of the cattle to get it down to a more manageable size.

  After that, I built a few guest cabins so we could start operating as a small dude ranch. Dubois is very popular with tourists and hunters so we decided to accept guests through hunting season and during the summertime. Our location is ideal for taking people on mountain trail rides and backcountry hunting trips. It’s easy enough work and it pays the bills. I then took a portion of the ranch proceeds to invest in Jackson real estate. It all seems to be working out
, so I’ll probably just stay here and keep doing what I’m doing.”

  “It sounds like a smart business plan, Griff. You’ve diversified but still kept your family’s heritage. I really respect what you’ve done.”

  “Thanks,” he said, slightly coloring. Griff’s modesty was refreshing after Doug’s constant need to be in the limelight. “It was a gamble, but it looks like it’s going to pay off. What are your plans?” he asked. “Are you staying in Florida?”

  “I don’t know much of anything yet,” she replied. “It’s partly why I wanted to come out here with Liz. I thought a change of scenery would give me some perspective.”

  “Has it?” he asked.

  “Not really,” she laughed. “I keep hoping that moment of epiphany is right on the horizon.”

  “Maybe you’re thinking about it too much,” he said.

  “How can I not think about it? I don’t even have a place to live when I leave here. What’s worse is I don’t even know where I want to go.”

  “Then don’t,” he said.

  “Don’t what?”

  “Don’t go.”

  “You mean stay here?”

  “Why not? Rash decisions are almost always a mistake,” he said. “Oft times the best action when you’re uncertain is to do nothing at all.”

  “But I don’t even know anyone here.”

  He slanted her a sidelong glance. “You know me, don’t you?”

  “Hardly,” she said. “We only met three days ago.”

  “But Liz has known me for as many years,” he said. “She trusts me. You should too. If you wanted to stay longer, it would be easy to arrange. The place I’m working on is almost done. It just needs paint, cleaning and furniture which I’ve already bought.”

  “This is crazy,” she said. “What would I even do here?”

  “What would you do if you went back to North Carolina?” he asked.

  “Well, I was toying with the idea of getting back into photography,” she said. “But not portraits. I like to photograph landscapes. You know things like waterfalls and wildlife.”

  “Then you need to visit the national parks,” he said. “We have things you’ll never see anywhere else. If you take your camera to Yellowstone, you’ll never want to leave.”

  “That’s exactly what I had wanted to do, but now I can’t even drive myself.”

  “You can’t get to the best places by car anyway, at least not this time of year.”

  “Then how do people go?”

  “By snowmobile. Ever been on one?”

  “No, I haven’t. We really don’t get enough snow for that in North Carolina. The ski resorts usually have to make snow.”

  “Mother Nature more than makes up for it here,” he said with a laugh. “People come from all over the world to ski here.”

  “I was hoping to enjoy it also, until my stupid accident screwed up everything. And now Liz’s dad... Nothing about this trip has gone as planned.”

  “That’s not such a bad thing,” he said, holding her gaze. “If you hadn’t sprained your ankle, we might not have met.”

  “I guess that’s true,” she said. “Do you believe in fate, Griff?”

  “Dunno,” he replied with a shrug. “But I do believe everything happens for a reason. Both good and bad. Usually something good comes out of everything even if we don’t see it right away. If your ankle is well enough in a couple of days, I’ll take you into the park.”

  “That really sounds great,” she replied and then frowned. “But then I’d be taking you away from your work again.”

  “I don’t mind taking a break,” Griff said. “I only have a few days work left anyway. You’ve given me an excuse to have some fun for a change. I promise it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget. To be honest, I think I’ll enjoy it as much as you do. It’s always interesting to experience the things you take for granted through someone else’s eyes. Gives you a better appreciation.”

  Cassidy’s phone buzzed before she could respond. She frantically searched her purse, pulled out the phone and looked at caller I.D. “It’s Liz.” She hit the answer button. “Hello, Liz. Are you home now? Is everything okay?”

  Griff stared down the road, trying his best not to listen in.

  “He’s had the cath? They’re going to release him? Already? You really need a second opinion, Liz. I’ll call Doug... I know it’s almost Christmas but you’re my best friend. Of course he’ll see your father. I’ll make the call. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear back. Bye.”

  “Bad news?” Griff prompted.

  “Yeah. Her father had a heart cath. They found several blockages. She said he needs coronary bypass surgery but they’re releasing him on medication.”

  “Doesn’t that make him a ticking time bomb? My ol’ man died suddenly of a heart attack at sixty-two. I wish we’d known he had heart trouble, but he always was a stubborn cuss when it came to doctors. He refused to go and get checked out. Now he’s gone. If they know Liz’s father has a blockage, why wouldn’t they go ahead and do the surgery now?”

  “That’s a good question,” she replied. “They said he’s stable, but I suspect they just don’t want to overload the surgery schedule over the Christmas holiday. I know how it is. The surgical staff want time with their families too, but Liz is my best friend. I couldn’t live with myself if she lost her dad because I didn’t pull some strings to get him in as soon as possible.”

  “Pull some strings? You mean to call your ex?”

  “Well, yeah,” she replied. “I know this is really awkward, not to mention rude as hell, but do you mind if I make that call?”

  “You’re not going to put my nose out of joint. Do what you gotta do, Cassidy,” he replied.

  “Thanks, Griff.”

  “There’s a rest stop a few miles up ahead. If you can wait a little bit, I’ll pull over and give you some privacy.”

  “There’s nothing I have to say that’s private,” she replied. “I’d rather make the call now, if you really don’t mind.”

  “You can try but signal’s iffy in this altitude. I’m surprised you even got Liz’s call.”

  As she punched in the number, Griff turned his full attention back to the highway, gripping the wheel with both hands. It was snowing heavily now. It had also grown dark. Although he was accustomed to the treacherous drive, there were a lot of holiday travelers on the road who weren’t. Soon, it was coming down so hard he had to turn on the wiper blades. He wondered how much accumulation they’d already had at the ranch. As he strained to make out the lines on the road, he was thankful for four wheel drive. He’d probably need to engage it once they got off the highway.

  “Doug? It’s me, Cass,” she said. “Please call me as soon as you get this. I need a big favor. It’s urgent. Thanks.” She hung up. “I got his voicemail but he’ll call back. He checks it often.”

  “Do you two still speak?” Griff asked, annoyed at the thought but not really understanding why.

  “On occasion,” she replied. “It wasn’t a vindictive parting. We just agreed to call it quits and go our separate ways.”

  “He didn’t fight it?”

  “Not very hard,” she said. “I think he only really objected out of a bruised ego. His arguments for us to stay together had nothing to do with our happiness. All Doug cares about is his reputation and career.”

  “Are you happier now?” he asked.

  “Not really,” she replied wistfully. “But I will be. That’s my New Year’s resolution—to be happy again. What about you? Do you make resolutions?”

  “Not usually,’ he said. “But I’ve promised myself to make some big changes too. With my brother coming home I’m starting to think again about my future, about what I want.”

  “Any ideas on that?” she asked.

  “What I want?” He cast her a sidelong look. “Let’s just say I’m considering some new options.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  “I’M GLAD you’re driving and not me,�
�� Cassidy said. “All this white stuff on the road makes me very nervous.”

  “Doesn’t it snow where you grew up?”

  “Yes, but not as heavily as this, and I always avoided driving in it if I could.”

  “It does get really heavy in the mountains,” he said. “And total whiteouts aren’t uncommon, so I always keep an emergency kit in the truck.”

  She grimaced. “That doesn’t do much to ease my anxiety, Griff.”

  “Don’t worry, we don’t have that much further to go. Had we left Jackson any later we might have run into some trouble, but we’re probably through the worst of it.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” she said. “I don’t relish the idea of getting stuck in the mountains in the middle of a snowstorm.” She wasn’t about to admit that if she had to get stuck in a blizzard with anyone, she’d choose him. Something about the man inspired trust and confidence.

  “Don’t worry, beach bunny,” he replied with a teasing grin. “I wouldn’t let you freeze.”

  “Beach bunny?” she snorted. “Look at this skin! Do I really look like I spend my days baking in the sun?”

  “I haven’t seen enough of you to say one way or the other,” he replied, “but I’d be more than happy to take a closer look for tan lines when I give you that full body massage.”

  “I don’t recall accepting your offer,” she replied, dismissing his teasing remark.

  Although he’d made his interest clear, she knew he wouldn’t make a move without an invitation. He wasn’t at all what she’d first thought—a hot cowboy just looking for a good time. Griff was thoughtful, considerate, good humored and easy to be with. The kiss had revealed a lot about him. And that brief kiss still lingered in her mind. Why was she still thinking about it? Did she want him to do it again? Her physical awareness of him hadn’t waned. If anything, the attraction had grown the better she got to know him. She wondered what might transpire between them if given a chance. She wished she had more time to find out.