She touched his hand. “I’m all right. Thanks.”
His alert gaze had remained on the deer, who still hadn’t moved. He slowly turned his head, saw the problem and lowered his arm. “She’s got her baby with her,” he said, returning his attention to the animal.
“Where?”
“Right there next to that juniper tree.” He leaned close, using his chin to guide her. “That fawn isn’t more than a few weeks old.”
Seconds later her vision adjusted to the murky shadows that hid the little one. “Oh, she’s adorable.” A sick feeling threatened to ruin the moment. “We almost killed her mother.”
“But we didn’t.” He looked at Lexy, his face unnervingly close. Gradually, he leaned back to his side. “I was going slow. This kind of thing isn’t unusual out here. You just have to drive cautiously and keep your eyes peeled.”
“Why do they do that? Of course I’ve heard the deer-caught-in-the-headlights saying, but I would think their basic instinct would be to run in another direction.”
He shrugged. “It’s also instinctual for animals to protect their young. For the four-legged variety, anyway,” he said with a hint of cynicism, enough to draw her gaze back to him. Someone had disappointed Will Tanner. “Maybe she somehow knew they couldn’t both make it across in time.” The corners of his mouth lifted. “There they go.”
Lexy thought of her own father. Why hadn’t her return, hat in hand, been enough to allow him to play the magnanimous parent while he privately gloated? He’d sent her on this ridiculous errand to what end? If it hadn’t been for Norma, Lexy doubted she could’ve found the right cowboy in such a short period of time.
And if she’d failed, would he have turned his back on her? None of it made sense. Her father did not stick his nose into anything so trivial. For that matter, the whole fragrance line seemed fishy. But it was Harrison’s project and maybe dear old Dad wanted to make sure they could play nice together.
The doe waited for her fawn, much like a mom would show her child how to use a crosswalk. It was really sweet, watching the pair until they disappeared into the brush. Lexy couldn’t recall the last time she’d felt a surge of gratitude for such a simple yet special moment. She leaned back against the headrest and closed her eyes as Tanner put the truck in gear and they slowly moved forward.
Lexy straightened with a jerk. “Oh, my God, I was asleep.”
“Yes, you were,” he agreed, the amusement in his voice clearly intended to tease her.
But she didn’t care if she’d snored or even drooled. This was major. “For how long?”
“A couple of hours.”
She stared at the dashboard clock, trying to remember when she’d last been aware of the time. “I don’t usually nod off like that.”
“I’m honored to have that effect on you.”
“No, really, I have horrible insomnia. I can’t sleep since I—” She bit down on her lip. What was wrong with her? She’d been about to confide in a virtual stranger. Her money problems were her own. “Has your attorney called?”
“No.” His terse response brought them back to even ground.
She stared into the darkness. “When we stop, I’d be happy to go over the contract with you.” A yawn snuck up on her, and she snuggled down in the seat again. Who knew a truck could be this comfortable? “Wait a minute.” She brought her head up. “Where are we?”
“Minutes away from our destination.”
“Which is?” She didn’t like the cheery note in his voice or the ambiguous answer.
“The Lone Wolf.”
Interesting name for a trailer park. It was also quite out of the way. She found the map on her phone. “What town are we in?”
“We drove through Blackfoot Falls fifteen minutes ago.”
She covered another yawn, then blinked at the map. “No, can’t be. That would mean we went west. We’re headed south.”
“Eventually, we’ll do just that. Tonight we’re staying with my friend Matt.”
“No.” She glared at Tanner. “No, you can’t do this.”
“Do what? Sleep? Matt’s got a couple of guest rooms for us. I talked to him an hour ago.”
“We had a plan. A schedule. You can’t just—”
“No, you had a plan. Me, I have business with Matt.”
“This isn’t fair,” she said, trying to hold on to her temper.
“Damn right, it isn’t. You hijack a man and then expect him to drop everything and jump to it. This ain’t your rodeo. You don’t like it, I’ll stop the truck and you can walk back to town. Say the word.”
Lexy pressed her lips together. She believed him. Oh, she doubted he’d make her walk. But he’d love the excuse to drop her off in town and be rid of her. What she didn’t doubt was that that would be the last she’d see of Will Tanner.
* * *
UNSURE HOW SHE should handle this new twist, Lexy hovered near the truck, parked several yards from a two-story house. It was a large, older, well-maintained home with lots of stone accents, shutters and beige trim around the windows. Behind her were stables, barns, corrals and other outbuildings. The Lone Wolf was quite a spread.
Seconds after Tanner had clapped the brass knocker, the red door opened and a couple close to her age greeted him. She knew their names and that was about it.
“Good to see you again, Rachel.” He kissed the woman’s cheek, then shook Matt’s hand. “You two set a date yet?”
Rachel shook her head, and Matt nodded.
Tanner laughed. “That seems about right.”
“He doesn’t understand that planning a wedding isn’t that simple.” Rachel flipped her hair over her shoulder, the long auburn curls catching the porch light.
“You call the Justice of the Peace, show up when he tells you to and say I do.” Matt spread his hands. “How is that hard?”
“I’m the only daughter. You know I can’t do that to my mom.” Rachel looked past Tanner and smiled at Lexy, who pretended to fish a pebble out of her shoe. “Come in, everyone. Tanner, introduce us to your friend.”
He turned to her with a faint smile that she knew meant he was about to annoy her. “If she’ll hurry and get her cute little behind over here, I will. Honey, what was your name again?” His grin broadened at her stony expression, then he turned back to Matt. “These buckle bunnies,” he said, “hard to keep them straight.”
Rachel’s mouth opened but nothing came out. She apparently didn’t know Tanner well enough to judge if he was joking or not.
“Oh, man, a bronc must’ve kicked you in the head today.” Matt moved back into the foyer, smothering a laugh. “You’re gonna get it from both of them for that.”
“Jeez, Tanner.” Rachel huffed. “Matt didn’t tell me you were a jerk.”
Lexy liked her immediately and decided she’d go inside after all. “I didn’t mean to be rude...” she said, extending her hand to both of them and completely ignoring Tanner. “I’m Alexis.”
“I’m Rachel McAllister. Come on in.” She had a friendly smile and mischievous green eyes. “We’ll go have something cold to drink while these two jokers take your bags upstairs.”
“Oh, no.” Lexy should’ve foreseen this would be awkward. “Not my bag, but thank you.”
Rachel barely blinked. “All right, but you’ll come inside?”
“Sure.” Lexy slid Tanner a glance. His arms were folded, his hat pulled low and shadowing his face. She wished she could see his expression better. Okay, she didn’t really think he’d take off without her, but... “Coming?”
“In a minute.”
She hesitated, then Matt slipped past her to join Tanner. Knowing Matt would be out here with him put her at ease.
Rachel led her to the surprisingly modern kitchen with its blue-pearl granite countertops.
“Have a seat,” Rachel said, gesturing to an older oak table with matching chairs that seemed out of place with the gleaming steel appliances. “We have iced tea, soda, beer, wine or I can make coffee.”
Lexy was tempted by the wine but decided she’d better stick to something that would keep her alert. “Iced tea sounds wonderful.”
“Sweet?”
“Please.”
Rachel smiled. “I went to school in Dallas. Everyone seems to love sweet tea there.”
“In Oklahoma, too. At least my family members are devotees. I attended college in California and a lot of people there thought I was nuts.”
For the next ten minutes, they drank tea and made small talk, Lexy surprised to learn that the seemingly urbane Rachel had grown up on a spread not far from the Lone Wolf. Even more unexpected, she’d returned to Montana to marry Matt and help him run the family ranch.
When the two men joined them, Lexy noticed how Rachel’s eyes lit up at the sight of Matt. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her shoulder before getting beer from the fridge. The touching exchange both warmed Lexy, and sparked a wistful yearning deep inside that startled her.
How long had it been since she’d had a meaningful connection with a man? Too long, apparently. She hadn’t even been dating lately. In her circle, the pool of desirable candidates was quite shallow. It hadn’t helped that after seeing David exclusively for a year, he’d turned out to be an opportunist more interested in her last name than her.
Tanner pulled out a chair, the noise drawing her attention to him. He was watching her with the oddest expression. Not quite disapproval, but almost.
“Hey, how did Cody Lawson do?” Matt asked as he set down a bottle in front of Tanner. “He rode today, didn’t he?”
“Yep, poor kid got his left spur caught in the rails the second they opened the chute. I thought he was nuts for hanging on. Turned out his hand got tangled in the rope. Baby Blue kept bucking. That son of a gun is one ornery bull. Nearly pulled the kid’s arm out of its socket.”
Shaking his head, Matt sat next to Rachel. “He take the reride?”
“Oh, yeah. Shouldn’t have, though. His arm was bad.”
“Hey,” Matt said, shrugging. “We’ve all been there.”
Lexy realized Matt was also involved with the rodeo. He looked to be late twenties and probably still on the pro tour.
“Hey, have you two eaten?” Rachel asked. “There’s leftover meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, and plenty of stuff for sandwiches.”
Considering her impoverished circumstances, it would be sensible to accept the offer, but Lexy’s hunger had passed and eating would mean drawing out the evening. What she needed was to be alone and regroup. This road trip seriously threw off her budget. But at least Oklahoma City was on the way, and hopefully her corporate credit card.
“I’m fine,” she said at the same time Tanner said, “Lexy needs to eat.”
“Thank you, Mr. Tanner, but I can speak for myself.” She sent him a warning look, then turned back in time to see the amused curiosity in Matt’s and Rachel’s faces.
“So on top of feeling faint, you get grouchy when you don’t eat. This is gonna be one hell of a long trip,” Tanner muttered, then tipped the bottle to his lips.
“You’re one to talk.” It was a stupid, childish and completely unnecessary remark. She really did need more sleep. “Thank you so much for the tea. Very nice to meet you both, but if you don’t mind—”
“Ms. Worthington tell you folks why she’s here?” Tanner said, cutting her off, his gaze locked on her face. “Matt’s the guy you want,” he added, motioning with his chin. “Not me.”
“For what?” Rachel spoke first, while Matt frowned.
Tanner smiled. “The name Gunderson ring a bell?”
Lexy hesitated. Obviously, it should. But she knew so little about the rodeo world. “I’m sorry,” she said, giving Matt an apologetic look. “I don’t know...”
“No reason you should.” Matt grinned. With his blue eyes and sun-streaked hair, he was very good-looking and had a terrific smile. “Unless you’re a rodeo fan and I’m guessing you aren’t.”
She didn’t take offense at the skeptical way he eyed her clothes and hair. This was business and she was dressed appropriately. At least now she knew why Tanner had brought her here. He wanted her to leave him alone and go after Matt.
“This guy here is a three-time world champion bull rider,” Tanner said. “And he ain’t finished yet.”
“Want to bet?” Rachel looped an arm through Matt’s. “After this year, he’s done.”
“That true?”
Matt nodded. “I haven’t kept it a secret.”
Tanner sipped his beer, his expression thoughtful. “I heard rumors.”
“Those weren’t rumors,” Rachel said. “He’s going to raise rodeo stock here at the Lone Wolf.”
Tanner looked as if he had more to say on the subject but he stayed quiet. Perhaps his thoughts mirrored hers. Did Rachel have something to do with Matt quitting?
“All right, I’ll admit it,” Rachel said, glancing between Tanner and Lexy. “I’m curious. What’s going on between you two?”
“Oh, I’m going to make Mr. Tanner famous.” Lexy made it a point to look at him and meet his deadpan expression. “We’re on our way to a photo shoot in Houston.”
He stared at her for another few seconds, shook his head, then drained his beer.
Lexy expected him to zing her but he didn’t take the shot.
Rachel let out a laugh. “You can’t stop there.”
Matt didn’t bother asking if Tanner wanted another beer. He cleared his throat, got up and brought him one.
Tanner nodded his thanks then eyed Lexy. “I thought you were leaving.”
“I am.” She got to her feet. “Thank you so much for the tea,” she said to Rachel, smiled at Matt, then at Tanner. “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Bright and early, I hope? And not too much beer, okay? We don’t want you puffy for the camera.”
His warning gaze dueled with hers and then he took a huge gulp.
“Wait. Is this about the calendar?” Rachel asked. “Do you know, um, what was her— Karina?”
“Yes.” Well, Lexy hadn’t seen that coming. “How do you know her? Was she here?”
Rachel nodded. “She was a guest at my family’s dude ranch a few months back. She tried convincing my brothers and Matt into doing the calendar but, putting it kindly, they weren’t interested.” Rachel grinned at Matt. “See, you can still change your mind.”
He muttered a mild oath and peered at Tanner. “You’re doing it? That’s a shock.”
“He has no choice—he has a contract with my company,” Lexy said absently, still thinking about Karina. She’d claimed to have made the rounds but Lexy assumed that meant Texas.
“I can speak for myself,” he said, echoing her earlier words and aiming his gruff frown at her. Then he turned to Matt and Rachel. “I have a contract with her company.”
They both laughed. Tanner didn’t share their humor.
“Cheer up,” Lexy told him. “The contract expires in ten days.” She lightly patted his shoulder, and when he gave her a sharp look, his stubble grazed the back of her hand. She almost jumped out of her skin at the jolt of awareness shooting up her arm.
“Well, good night again.”
“I thought you were staying in the guest room,” Rachel said. “It’s ready for you.”
“Thanks, but I’d prefer to sleep in the trailer. On the couch,” Lexy added. “Though I wouldn’t turn down coffee in the morning.”
Rachel looked as if she wanted to argue but sat back and smiled instead. As for Tanner, he wasn’t smiling or talking. He was probably debating where to bury her body.
/> * * *
“YOU REALLY GONNA do that calendar?” Matt shook his head. “You’re the last guy I’d expect to do something like that.”
“Hell, no, I’m not gonna do it. You heard her...my contract expires soon. Even if I didn’t drag my feet all the way to Houston, they can’t make me resign.”
“So that’s why you stopped here. You’re stalling.”
Tanner shrugged. “That’s not the only reason.” He’d wanted to talk to Matt, find out if the rumors about him getting out were true. A guy at the top of his game like Matt just didn’t walk away. But Tanner didn’t want to bring it up in front of Rachel. “This calendar crap,” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense since I’ll be outta contract.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Rachel stared off in the direction Lexy had disappeared. “She seemed surprised Karina had been here. Either they don’t communicate well or this is some sort of competition between them.”
Tanner sighed. “That would piss me off. Dragging me all the way to Houston to win a bet.”
“Aren’t you from Texas?” Matt asked. “You got family there, if I remember right.”
“My grandparents live in West Texas. But that’s a far cry from Houston.”
“Why is she sleeping in the trailer?” Rachel asked, her mind obviously still on Lexy. “Does she think she’s putting us out?”
“I don’t know.” Tanner snorted. “Probably thinks I’ll drive off and leave her here.”
Rachel laughed. “Would you?”
“Sure is a pleasant thought.” Tanner smiled at Rachel’s eye roll. He liked her. Matt was a lucky guy. “Don’t let that gal fool you. Ms. Worthington can be a real pain in the ass.”
“You just met her today?”
Tanner nodded, then said no to Matt’s offer of another beer.
“You can’t let her sleep out there,” Rachel said, and he shrugged. “On the couch? And no bathroom. Really?”
Alone with You Page 6
