“Morning, Pap.” She kissed him on the head as she slid eggs and toast in front of him.
“Morning, girl. You have a nice ride last night?”
Maddie could feel the heat climb over her features. “Ah…really nice. You were asleep by the time I got home. Sleep well?”
“As well as can be expected, I suppose. You got anything on tap for today?”
“Plenty. I’ve got to spend some time at the computer, check on the horses, the usual. You going to be okay if I head out to the barn?”
“Yeah. I’m tired. Maybe I’ll read a bit, catch up with you later.”
Pap grabbed his book and settled in his recliner as she cleaned up the kitchen. By the time she was finished, the book lay on his chest, and his head lolled to the side.
As soon as she heard the first snore, she called the doctor and made an appointment. He could see them first thing tomorrow morning.
This time they’d go in together, and she’d find out what she could do to make him feel better. The pallor of his skin, lack of appetite, and weight loss told her he was weakening. Thinking about it broke her heart. Somehow she had to come to terms with the inevitability of it all, do what she could to make the most of the days they had left, and assure he was as comfortable as possible.
Pushing back the futile sadness, Maddie booted up her computer and pulled up the website for the State Board of Education.
From what she read, if she received a passing score on the test in Cheyenne, her certs would be mailed and she’d be licensed by the state to teach or work with exceptional children. That first step sounded simple enough, as long as she could safely leave Pap for the day.
She’d already registered for the earliest test date, the week after next. Tomorrow she would mention it to the doctor and make sure Pap could be left alone. If Doc Crawford said it was all right, she’d overnight in Cheyenne and get that part of the plan accomplished. Just thinking about it had her squirming in her chair—could she really make this happen?
Adrenalin pumped, and it wasn’t because of the coffee. For the first time in over three years she felt like she had a real purpose again—making life a little more normal, a little brighter, for those restricted by physical and mental challenges. It had her heart going again. Surely there wasn’t anything more satisfying than extending a helping hand to another, especially a child.
She knew what direction she wanted to go with the camp—offer a real ranch experience for children who were ignored by most of the world. Give them a fun, stress-free, and safe chance to be like everyone else. Emphasis on fun. Ride, swim, sing songs around a campfire, make friendships…just be happy and carefree, away from constant doctor’s visits and therapies. To supply all that would take time and planning and money.
Other than general repairs, the first order of business would be providing a place for the children and their parents to stay. That meant cabins. They didn’t have to be elaborate—the families would enjoy a rustic experience, but they must be handicapped accessible.
The bunkhouse could be converted into five family areas. That would mean a few walls and furnishings, and renovating the central bath would make it sufficient for communal living.
Then if she could build five cottages, each with one central room, opposing bedrooms and baths flanking a great room for lounging, with a kitchen/dining area… She sketched as she thought. Wraparound porches with swings would be perfect.
Losing herself in figures and notes, time slipped by. When a knock at the front door interrupted her work, she glanced at the clock—twelve noon. Pap would be getting hungry.
She peeked out the front window and smiled. Gideon. Her heart danced to the beat of a gazillion butterfly wings.
Looking like a dream in worn jeans that hugged his drool-worthy body and a clean shirt with sleeves rolled midway up his arms, he adjusted his Stetson as he patiently waited. Geez Louise, he was sexy. Remembering last night had heat rising to her face and moisture pooling between her legs.
She smoothed her hands over her clothes, straightened her shoulders, and swung open the door.
His slow smile grew as his gaze raked her before coming to rest on her face.
“Hey,” he said with a deep rumble that sparked a shiver up her spine. The sound of his voice, the hungry expression in his deep blue eyes, the way his mouth formed around one simple word had her aching to be in his arms.
“Hey yourself,” she replied, breathless, frozen to the spot.
“Are you going to let me in?” His crooked smile tilted to the side and made her want to rise on her toes and lick the dimples framing his mouth.
“Oh! Oh, sorry—yes. Of course, come on in. I was just doing some work at the computer, and my mind isn’t on my manners.” She stepped back to let him duck and enter the room.
Gideon removed his hat, grabbed her waist in one smooth move, pulled her against him, and tossed his Stetson on the closest chair. Her heart fell to her tummy, and she forgot to breathe.
“I missed you this morning,” he said before claiming her lips.
That first contact had her melting into him. Fresh air and sunshine, coupled with the spicy scent from his aftershave, assailed her senses. Just as his tongue touched hers, she inhaled, tasting him, drawing him in.
Widening his stance, he braced, taking her weight, letting her feel the outline of his hard body pressed into her softness. His hand slipped to her bottom, and she felt him, rock hard, solid and strong. God, she wished he’d never let her go.
“Wow,” she breathed, finally breaking from his mouth. “You really know how to say good morning.”
“That’s what happens when a man thinks about a woman all night long.” He released her to brush a strand of hair from her face. “You busy?”
“Actually, I kind of was, but I can take a break. Would you like some coffee?”
“I’m headed into town and wondered if we could grab some lunch at Loretta’s. If you’d like to join me, that is.” He glanced toward Pap’s room, his smile turning to concern. “He still in bed?”
Maddie drew her lips between her teeth and stared at her grandfather’s closed door. “I checked in on him an hour ago. Breakfast must have worn him out. He was reading his Zane Grey and must have fallen back asleep. Let me see if he’s okay, and then I’d love to have some lunch.”
She tiptoed to Pap’s door, Gideon following close on her heels. They poked their heads around to see Pap hadn’t moved, his head back against his chair, open book resting on his chest, mouth open and gently snoring.
Maddie put a finger to her lips and quietly closed the door. “I’ll leave a note by his phone. If he needs me, we can come back, okay?”
Gideon nodded. “No problem.” His brow furrowed as he grabbed his hat and settled it firmly on his head. “Does he do this often? Sleep during the day?”
“Lately, yes. He’s been taking care of a few light chores, a little ranch business, eats a light lunch, and the afternoons he spends reading and napping. We have an appointment at the doctor tomorrow.”
Meeting his solemn gaze, she inhaled a long breath before slowly releasing it. “I don’t expect good news. He’s growing visibly weaker day by day, has been for a while now.”
“I hate to hear that.” Gideon’s sympathy soothed her. “If you need anything, all you have to do is ask.”
“I know.”
Grabbing her purse and keys, Maddie locked the door behind her. Gideon helped her into his truck, then reached across and buckled her seatbelt. Two strong arms caged her in as his gaze lingered on her face.
“Do you give four-star service to all your lady friends?” she teased, her lips inches from his.
“I only have one lady friend, and I’ll give her any service she desires, any time.” He grinned and rubbed his mouth over hers before stealing a leisurely kiss.
She laughed when he was done. “I’ll just bet you will.”
“Keep looking at me that way, sweetheart, and we’ll never make it to town,” h
e warned. “Aren’t you hungry?”
She tossed him an are-you-for-real glance. “I’m always hungry.”
Gideon grinned at the implied innuendo in her remark and responded with a wicked wink. Framing her face with his two big hands, he pulled her in for another long, wet, kiss full of promise. “I could do this all day long, but food first.”
“Wise man,” she teased, the tempo of her heart doing a quick-step. Maddie edged closer to the precipice, in danger of falling head over heels for Gideon. The thing that most confused her was that it felt so right—so natural.
Her eyes followed him as he hurried around the hood of the Silverado, slid in, and slammed the door. Before turning the key in the ignition, he laced his fingers through hers and brought her hand to his mouth for a kiss. Capturing her gaze, he asked in a low, intimate voice, “You okay?”
Maddie’s gaze skirted his, more than a little embarrassed. “I’m good… A little sore.” And a little confused. And a lot overwhelmed.
When he winked and pressed another kiss on her knuckles, he slipped the smooth machine into gear and pulled out of the gravel drive, onto the county road, and headed into Snowy Range.
Watching the miles go by, feeling his body heat next to her, Maddie couldn’t help but wonder at how quickly things had happened. As though in a film whose action scene had been manipulated and sped up for effect, her feelings had circled three hundred and sixty degrees—from never wanting to be with a man to having a complete change of heart. It was disconcerting, to say the least.
Gideon’s deep baritone interrupted the silence. “Wipe that frown off your face and stop fretting, Maddie. Nobody’s going to rush you into something you aren’t ready for. What we had last night was good—beyond good—but I don’t want you to think I have any expectations. I like you, I’d like us to get to know each other, see where this leads. That’s all I have on my mind.”
He likes me?
“You’re a pretty nice guy, Gideon Branch,” she said.
“That’s what all the girls say.” He grinned, then pretended to be wounded when she smacked him on the arm.
Parked in front of the diner, Gideon released her seatbelt and helped her out of the truck before taking her arm in a possessive grip. They both grinned as they walked into Loretta’s. The overhead bell tinkled, and Maddie swore she could have knocked Loretta over with a feather when they walked in the door. Gideon’s big warm hand rode low on her back as if proclaiming to all the world she was his.
He wasn’t shy about staking his claim.
Chapter Sixteen
“Well, well, well,” Loretta exclaimed as she seated them. “Look at the two of you this bright and cheerful day. Guess you want the usual, Maddie.”
“You guessed it.”
Gideon handed Loretta back the menus. “Bring us a couple of Stan’s burgers and fries. For some reason, I’m as hungry as a horse today.” He grinned at Maddie, and the all-too-familiar heat once again flooded her cheeks.
Gideon raised a wicked brow, making it worse.
Loretta’s eyes grew wide as she watched the exchange. “Hmm…I’ll just put in your order and get your drinks.” She walked directly behind the partition where Stan waited with a smug grin on his face.
Gideon’s attention was all hers through lunch, asking questions about Boston and her job. Avoiding any mention of Harrison and all that mess, Maddie found herself opening up, telling him not only about her previous work but about her ideas for the special needs camp.
“That’s a terrific idea, Maddie. If you need any help, the Branch family, via yours truly, is offering. Muscle we’ve got plenty of. Eli should be home in a few weeks, and by that time the few exterior repairs at our place will be complete. I’m certain I can volunteer some hours when you’re ready to start. At least until we get our livestock bought and delivered.”
Of its own volition, her hand snaked across the table to rest on his forearm. Warm, muscled, veins running down from under his rolled-up sleeves. Rough hair sprinkled his skin, tickling her fingers, sending little sparks of electricity straight to her core. The touch reminded her of the heat of his body as she’d held on to those same strong arms while he rocked deep within her.
Touching him felt good—right. She enjoyed the feel of this man beneath the tips of her fingers. His smile held hers. Warm, familiar, possessive.
She wanted him—again.
Mercy. She hadn’t realized just how far he’d gotten under her skin. How could she be so attracted to this man, want him so much, yet not want to get involved? Everything about him compelled her, but her response to him raised a warning flag, urging caution and common sense.
Maybe he wasn’t going to push her, but she was afraid he’d opened a door that wouldn’t be closed, and she gently pulled her hand back, letting it fall to her lap. He’d said they would take things slowly, see where this crazy attraction would lead. Nothing about this morning suggested he was anything but fully invested. Suddenly aware of the current passing between them, her eyes flew to meet his darkened stare.
“Relax, Maddie. You hold the reins, I promise.” His voice reassured her as he regarded her with a steady gaze.
She could see the sincerity and innate honesty hidden in the depths of his eyes, and she believed him.
“In that case, I accept. I’m pretty sure I know what it’s going to take, and I have a few dollars to get started, but I’ll need some plans drawn up before I can put together a bill of materials.”
Gideon nodded. “Rowdy Culbraith is your man. Architect, builder, contractor—he does it all. He has an office over in Laramie. If you’d like, I can put you two in touch, even take you there, if you want to speak with him in person.”
“He’s a friend?”
“We served together in Afghanistan. He’s a good man, straightforward and talented. And he won’t take you for every dollar you’ve saved, just to draw up a simple set of plans.”
“In that case, I’d love for you to give him a call.”
“Consider it done.” They dug into their meal, and sat for a while with Stan and Loretta, who were inordinately curious about the state of their relationship. Had she and Loretta been alone, Maddie would have spilled the beans. Like sisters, the two women shared many confidences, but in this case, she was certain Loretta would approve of whatever was going on between her and Gideon.
It was clear both Loretta and Stan approved. So maybe she could take a chance. Who was she kidding? She was more than halfway in.
When they took their leave of Loretta and Stan, with Loretta wildly pantomiming “Call me” behind Gideon’s back, Maddie slipped her hand into his. He led her out with a smile on his face, helped her into the truck, and drove them toward home. Rather than sitting next to him on the bench seat, she sandwiched herself in the corner and enjoyed the view.
“You’re creeping me out, sweetheart. What are you staring at?” He cut his eyes in her direction while swerving to avoid a deep pothole in the road.
“You.”
“You’re going to make me have a wreck if you don’t stop,” he threatened.
“Does it make you uncomfortable? My staring at you?” she asked, eyes wide with false innocence.
“Not at all.”
“You’re a very interesting subject,” Maddie observed, only half teasing. “Handsome, smart, a little serious, mysterious.”
“Nah—I’m a pretty simple guy. If you think I’m handsome, that’s on you. Smart—I’ll give you that. I worked hard in school. Serious? I’ve seen things…done things. Things I don’t want to think about or remember. I suppose those experiences have sobered me through the years. But mysterious? I’m an open book, sweetheart.”
“I don’t think so,” she replied, cocking her head and playfully narrowing her eyes. “There’s something you’re holding back, but I’m an expert at ferreting out the truth.”
“Ferreting?”
Maddie nodded emphatically. “You know what I mean. Whatever it is you’re not tell
ing me, I’ll find out. I’ll go much easier on you if you ’fess up and don’t keep secrets.”
The words were playful. Her meaning was not.
****
Gideon flinched internally but still kept a smile plastered on his face.
This sweet little woman made him feel guilty as hell. God help him if she ever found that damning document hidden in Pap’s rolltop desk. Not that it meant anything. He’d known last night after he dropped her off that he was all in for her.
Care for her? Without a doubt.
Marry her? As soon as he could convince her to say yes.
Land or no land, river or no river, he wanted Maddie Mae Lowry any way he could get her. Hook or crook. But he had to be careful—she’d been burned. Bad. And had the scars to prove it.
He needed more time to cement their relationship—to make her fall for him. The fact that her grandfather was failing more every day meant that his plan to take things slow and easy between them was in jeopardy. She sat quietly, enjoying the ride back to the ranch. But he wasn’t fooled. What they’d done—what they’d shared—was percolating in her intelligent mind.
Last night, he’d introduced her to intimate pleasure for the first time. It astounded him that she’d remained a virgin. Even with Harrison in the picture, men had to have been breaking her door down to have a chance with her. The gift of her purity had him more determined than ever that he would keep all that she’d given. She was his. He’d staked his claim, and she belonged to him.
But he needed to convince her that he was the one. His voice, smooth but insistent, broke the silence. “I want to see you tonight.”
She seemed surprised. “But tomorrow Pap and I go to see the doctor, and since it’s Wednesday, I’ll be over to clean at your house and fill your freezer.”
“Just for an hour. Come out for a ride.” His voice was full of entreaty. He was doing exactly what he’d said he wouldn’t—pushing. There was nothing for it; he didn’t have much time.
“I don’t really want to leave Pap again. Why don’t you join us for dinner? We could watch a movie, and I’d love to run my plans for the camp by you—pick your brain.” She smiled.
Never Say Never Again Page 13
