Pursued by the Rich Rancher

by Catherine Mann

“Glad to hear it. Well, keep those photos coming. Night.”

  “Night,” she responded, disconnecting and flopping back again. Her thoughts swirled and she felt she was missing something in her exhaustion.

  She couldn’t account for how she’d gotten the slot this week, but she knew everything about meeting Alex McNair felt as though it was meant to be, each day more perfect than the last. She was tired of being wary and cautious. Her time with Alex had been a personal fairy tale and she wasn’t willing to question that. He was different than her frog-prince ex-husband. Alex had to be.

  Sleep tugged at her and maybe a bit of denial too, because she just wanted to enjoy her remaining days here and let the future wait.

  * * *

  With only the moonlight in his bedroom to guide him, Alex tugged off his shirt, which still held the scent of smoke from the bachelor party and a hint of the antiseptic air from the hospital. The ER doc had diagnosed Gran with dehydration. An IV bag of fluid later, they’d released her to come home under the care of her nurse.

  Or rather she’d insisted nothing would keep her from making the most of the wedding weekend with her family. She would check with her doctor every day and she already had round-the-clock nurses staying at the house. But she was dying and no amount of meds would change that.

  Anger and denial roared through him. He didn’t want to stay here and he didn’t feel like sleeping. He yanked a well-worn green T-shirt from the drawer and tugged it over his head. The grandfather clock in his suite chimed three times in the dark. Regardless of the time, he had to see Nina.

  He opened the doors out to his patio, leaped over the railing and jogged across the lawn toward her cabin. He had a key. She’d given him one for tonight right before he left. The full moon shot rays through the oak trees, along the path. Most of the cabins were dark. The only sounds were bugs and frogs. He took the steps up to Nina’s two at a time and let himself inside quietly.

  He checked on Cody first. A buckaroo bronco lamp glowed on the dresser. The boy slept deeply, his blond hair shiny in the soft light, his room cool and his weighted blanket on top of him. Nina had told Alex once that the cocooned feeling helped her son with serotonin production or something like that he’d meant to read up on.

  He closed the door carefully and stepped into Nina’s room. She was beautiful, princesslike even. Her bold red curls piled around her neck. Causal. Desirable. She was asleep on top of the covers, her cell phone in her left hand and her e-reader on the bedside table. She had on a light pink C’est La Vie T-shirt with a picture of the Eiffel Tower. The shirt barely covered her thighs. He thought about taking her there. To Paris. To Rome. And so many other places. To bed.

  If she could forgive him for his half-truths this week.

  Sitting on the edge, he eased the covers back. “Nina, it’s me.”

  “Alex,” she sighed, her voice groggy as she rolled toward him to portion of the bed with the quilt pushed aside. “How’s your grandmother?”

  Her concern was apparent, even if she wasn’t fully awake. Damn.

  “Gran is at home resting peacefully in her own bed. She was just dehydrated from the summer heat.” He tugged the covers over Nina, kicked off his shoes and slid into bed beside her. “I hope you don’t mind that I’m here. I know it’s late, but I missed you.”

  “So glad you came.” She cuddled closer, her arm sliding around his waist. “Missed you too.”

  Her warm soft body fit against his, the sweet smell of her shampoo filling every breath. He stroked her back in lazy circles, taking comfort in touching her. Hell, just being with her. His body throbbed in response, but she was asleep. So he gritted his teeth and tried to will away the erection.

  Easier said than done.

  She wriggled closer with a sleepy sigh. He bit back a groan. Maybe coming here and expecting he could just sleep hadn’t been such a wise idea after all.

  Her leg nestled between his. The soft skin of her calf added fuel to his already flaming fire. He ached to be inside her, to hear those kittenish sighs of pleasure mixed with demands for more. She was a passionate, giving lover. He wondered what it would have been like if her last name wasn’t Lowery and she’d just been a regular mom bringing her son to camp.

  She slid her hand down his side over his hip, wriggling against him. Was she dreaming? The thought of her having sensual dreams turned him inside out. But he couldn’t take advantage of her that way.

  Then her hand slipped around to cradle his erection.

  He grasped her wrist and willed himself to move away. “Nina, you’re dreaming.”

  Her eyelashes swept up and she smiled at him. “Dreaming? Not hardly.”

  Her voice was groggy, although she was very obviously awake. She unzipped his pants and wrapped her fingers around the length of him. His eyes slid closed and he allowed himself a moment to enjoy the sensation of her touch. The outside world would be intruding soon enough. This could well be his last chance alone with her before she dumped him—or his family scared her away.

  “Nina...” he groaned, his arms going around her as he rolled to tuck her beneath him. “I need you.”

  “How perfectly convenient,” she murmured in a husky voice, “because I’ve been dreaming of you and I need you too. Now. Inside me. I’ve been thinking about you all night long.”

  He fished out his wallet and tossed a condom on the bed before sweeping her underwear down. She kicked them aside with an efficient flick. And his whole body shouted to thrust inside her. But he needed to imprint himself in her memory—her in his own—in case this was their last time together.

  No. It couldn’t be their last night together. He refused to entertain the possibility.

  He kissed along her jaw, her neck, then lower, between her breasts and lower still. Her breath hitched as she picked up his intent seconds before he nuzzled between her legs. He blew a light puff of air over her and she shivered, her fingers sliding into his hair, tugging lightly. She arched up as he stroked and laved. Each purr and moan and sigh from her had him throbbing with the need to take her. Her head thrashed back and forth on her pillow, her pleasure so beautiful to watch.

  Then she tugged at his shoulders, scratching, urging him breathlessly, “So close. I want to come with you inside me, but I can’t hold out much longer.”

  He didn’t need to be told again. Pressing a final intimate kiss to her, he slid back up her body, nipping along her stomach and her breasts. Her hands impatient, she took the weight of him in her palms stroking, coaxing until he growled in frustration.

  Smiling with feminine power, she sheathed him with another arousing stroke. He covered her, settling between her thighs, waiting even though holding back was pure torture. Finally she opened her eyes and looked straight at him. Holding her gaze, he pushed inside her velvety warmth with a powerful thrust. And damn, he was glad she was near her own release, because his was only a few strokes away. He moved inside her, again and again, her legs wrapping around his waist, drawing him deeper.

  The bed creaked and the ceiling fan blew cool gusts over his back. But even blasts from the air conditioner couldn’t stop the heat pumping through his veins. He saw the flush of impending release climbing up her neck, and he captured her mouth, taking her cries of completion, his own mixing with hers.

  Perfection. Nina. Coming undone in his arms.

  Rolling to his side, he held her to him, the aftershocks rippling through them. The night sounds of bugs and frogs sounded along with a gentle patter of a rain shower starting up again. He smoothed his hand over her hair, her face tucked against his chest until eventually her breathing returned to normal, then slower as sleep grabbed hold of her again.

  So much weighed on his heart—between his grandmother’s illness and the impossible position she’d put him in. He couldn’t wait another day to unburden himself, even if he knew Nina was
sleeping. And yeah, maybe he also needed to test out the words to find a way to tell her when the time was right. “Nina, I need to tell you something.”

  “Mmm,” she answered, her eyes closed. Her arm draped limply over him.

  He knew she likely couldn’t hear, but still he confessed everything his grandmother had asked him to do, how torn he felt, how much he wanted her... And the unheard words didn’t make him feel any better. So he just held her until the sun started to peek from the horizon. He needed to leave before her son woke. Alex had to prepare for his cousin’s rehearsal dinner.

  And for the proverbial storm that his mother brought to every occasion.

  * * *

  Nerves made Nina restless about her date with Alex. Her hand shook as she swept on mascara, leaning toward the mirror and praying she wouldn’t end up looking like a clown this evening. She had tried out a makeup tutorial from the internet to update her look since she didn’t get out much these days. Winged eyeliner. Classy and timeless but she would have to watch the sweat this weekend.

  It was only a date. She was just Alex’s plus-one for his cousin’s rehearsal dinner. Except it wasn’t just any party. It was a McNair affair, an exclusive event.

  And Nina was sleeping with him. They’d gone beyond a one-night fling. And he’d left her the sweetest note on her pillow, in Spanish this time. Not perfect, but perfectly adorable. He’d complemented her beauty while sleeping and said she would be in his thoughts all day. She’d already tucked the note into her suitcase along with the card he’d given her with the wildflowers.

  So yes, she wanted to be at her best and only had the limited wardrobe she’d packed for a children’s cowboy camp.

  She’d taken two hours this morning to race around and find new dresses to wear to the rehearsal party and the wedding, and an outfit for Cody tomorrow. She’d thought she misheard Alex when he said he wanted her son to attend the wedding, and she was more than a little nervous for her child. But Alex assured her it would be a casual affair with a Texas flair Cody would enjoy. There would even be three other children there.

  It was almost as if she belonged here. With Alex.

  A dangerous thought. They’d only known each other a few days. But she damn sure intended to leave an indelible impression on his memory.

  She clipped on a brass bracelet with Spanish inscriptions, another acquisition from Diamonds in the Rough, and smoothed her loose chevron-patterned sundress. She admired her freshly painted toenails peeking out of her strappy sandals and stepped out of her bedroom into the living room, then stopped short, her heart squeezing at the sight in front of her. Alex and her son, both catnapping.

  Cody curled up on the sofa, hugging his blanket and wearing new puppy dog pj’s she’d picked up for him during her shopping spree this morning. The actual wedding rehearsal had already taken place and she’d skipped that to prepare her son before Alex came by to pick her up.

  Alex snored softly in the fat leather chair, his booted feet propped on the ottoman. Her gaze skated from his boots, up muscular legs in khakis, past a Diamonds in the Rough belt buckle, to broad shoulders in a sports coat. A Stetson covered his face. He looked so much like his cousin Stone it would have been easy for someone to mistake the two men for each other. But she would know her man anywhere.

  Her man?

  When had she started thinking in possessive terms like that? And after such a short time knowing him?

  They’d stolen late-night dates, but his days had been taken up with work and she’d focused on Cody’s camp—other than keeping her cell phone in reach at all times, treasuring each quick call or text from Alex.

  Oh God, she was in serious trouble here.

  He tapped his hat upward and he whistled softly. “Nice!”

  “Thanks,” she said, spinning, the skirt rustling along her knees, “I guess it’s time?”

  “The sitter is already warming Cody’s supper in the kitchen.” Standing, Alex walked toward her, eyes stroking her the whole way. “And I queued up his favorite videos, since he’ll probably be up late because he napped.”

  She stepped into the circle of his arms. “Is there anything you haven’t thought of?”

  “I sure hope not. I’m doing everything in my power to ensure that this evening is as pleasant as possible to make up for having to spend time with my mother.”

  “She can’t be that bad.” Certainly not as bad as Nina’s in-laws. They’d been distant while she was married, but grew outright hostile after her divorce. And now? They barely acknowledged Cody existed. They rarely spoke to her. “I’ll be fine.”

  He squeezed her arm. “Okay, then. But if you need me to rescue you from her, give me a sign. Like tug on your earlobe.”

  Laughing, she hooked arms with him, then ducked her head in to say hello to the sitter before they left. One of the camp counselors had agreed to watch Cody.

  After a short walk to the open air barn full of family and friends, Nina found herself searching for his parents. Curious after all she’d heard. Alex went straight for them as if to get past the introductions and move on. An older couple stood together under an oak tree strung with white lights. The pair was easily identifiable as his parents by the resemblance. Although their idea of casual sure came with a lot of starch and spray tan.

  “Mother, Dad,” Alex said, placing a possessive hand on Nina’s back, “this is Nina Lowery.”

  Bayleigh McNair was a beautiful woman, no question—except for her beady eyes, which moved around quickly, assessing without ever meeting Nina’s gaze. “Lovely to meet you, dear. How long have you and my son been seeing each other?”

  “Mom, I already told you she’s here with her son for Stone’s new camp.” His hand twitched ever so slightly, even though his voice stayed amiable.

  “So you just met this week.” Eyebrows raised, Bayleigh looked at Nina as if she were a gold digger.

  Indignation fired hot and fierce. How unfair and judgmental. And Nina had no choice but to keep her mouth closed and be polite. “We met my first day here. I thought he was one of the ranch hands. Can you imagine that?”

  “How quaint.” Bayleigh half smiled.

  Amie joined them, the feathers on her skirt brushing Nina’s legs. “Mother, you’re being rude. Stop it or I’ll wear white shoes after Labor Day.”

  Her mother sniffed, looking offended. “No need to be obnoxious, dear.”

  Alex’s father folded her hand in his. “Nina, it’s lovely to meet you. And your last name, Lowery... If I remember correctly, you married into the Lowery Resort family.”

  “Yes, sir.” She shook his hand briskly, then twined her fingers in front of her. She wasn’t comfortable talking about money the way these people were. That was her son’s money, her ex-husband’s wealth. She’d grown up in a regular middle-class neighborhood.

  Garnet clapped his son on the shoulder. “That’s mighty big of you, son, letting the competition in here this way.”

  Nina frowned. “Competition?”

  Bayleigh swatted her husband’s arm. “Leave the poor girl alone before Amie threatens us again. You heard Alex say she’s here with her child, you know, for that special camp. For special kids.”

  Nina bristled. That last comment went too far. Digs at her were one thing. But her son was off-limits. Was this woman that clueless or deliberately baiting her?

  Alex’s father hooked arms with his wife to steer her away—thank heavens. “We should check on Mother. Inside.”

  Bayleigh patted his hand. “I know it’s so hard for you to see her that way.”

  Garnet’s chin trembled and he leaned on his wife. Amie cursed softly and walked into the barn full of tables and a dais.

  Alex’s jaw flexed and he hung his head, sweeping his hat off to scratch a hand through his hair. “I am so damn sorry for my mother’s behavior.
It’s inexcusable.” He dropped his hat back on his head. “I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to leave now.”

  Nina rocked on her heels. “I have to confess, she’s a lot to take in all at once, but I’m fine. There’s plenty to celebrate here and other people to meet. Let’s have fun.”

  “That’s diplomatic and kind of you.” He caressed her shoulders, comforting and arousing at the same time. “Is there something I can do other than gag my parents?”

  As angry as his mother had made her, Nina could let it go. The woman was superficial and catty. However, Nina’s mind was quietly turning over the “competition” thing Alex’s father had mentioned. What had she missed? She thought about how Reed had insisted spots at this camp were impossible to come by. Had someone in the McNair organization wanted to keep the competition close?

  Certainly there was no way Alex would know about her relation to the Lowerys, was there? She shook off the suspicion.

  Alex was clearly hurting now over his mom’s behavior, and it wasn’t fair to blame him for his mother or take out her frustration on him. “I know your parents are grieving too. People are rarely at their best when they’re hurting.”

  His hands slid up to cup her face. “That’s more generous than she deserves. More generous than I deserve too, because I should have given you a stronger warning.”

  “You’re not responsible for your parents.” Now that her anger had faded to a low simmer, she saw the pain they’d caused him. “Are you okay?”

  He folded her hand in his. “I’m a big boy. I know my parents. I just want better for Gran, especially now.”

  “Your grandmother has better. She has you.” Nina took in the angles of his face, touched by the wind and sun, nothing affected or fake. “And she has Amie—I like your sister.”

  His mouth twitched. “She’s a character.”

  “From everything I’ve seen of Stone and his fiancée, they’ve made your grandmother very happy with their wedding. And I assume seeing you there with a date on your arm will reassure her, as well.” Another suspicion blindsided her, one she hadn’t considered. “Is that why you’ve been pursuing me? To make your grandmother happy by having a date at the wedding?”