Whoa. For Geena to have such a strong reaction meant she was still keeping something from him. “You didn’t ask. I offered.”
“But I’m only an employee.”
He blinked. Last night she’d reminded him he was the boss. At the time it had gotten under his skin, which was absurd because it was only the truth. And yet he didn’t feel like her employer. The lines separating them had been blurred from the beginning and they were getting more blurred all the time.
She wasn’t like the help he employed on the ranch—not like a friend or relative. Geena had arrived on the ranch during the night and had gone to sleep beneath a pine tree. Titus had found her first. She was something else entirely different and growing on him in ways he couldn’t explain. Colt only knew he was craving her company more and more.
He started the engine. “Before we leave Rapid City, would you like to run by your grandmother’s house?”
She averted her eyes. “I don’t think I could handle that today. I’ve done enough crying already, but thank you for being willing. You’ve been wonderful to bring me here. It’s meant everything, but now I feel emotionally drained. If you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to the ranch and I am sure you would too.”
Colt had no doubts this had been a big morning for her, but he knew in his gut there was more to the story about Janice than she was willing to divulge. He wanted to help her, but he needed a way to gain her confidence.
“You wouldn’t have any way of knowing I’ve taken the whole day off. Hank’s in charge. Since you and I could both do with a break from our problems, how would you feel about going for a horseback ride with me when we return? I could give you a few pointers. We’d only stay out as long as you feel comfortable.”
She glanced at him with a worried expression. “It’s part of my job, isn’t it?”
His hands gripped the steering wheel tighter. “No. Only if you want it to be.”
He watched her bite her succulent-looking lower lip. “To be honest, I’m scared of them.”
The bands around his lungs relaxed. “Why?”
“When I was little, my friend’s father had horses. We’d go in the stable to look at them. One day I tried to feed this horse some hay, but I got too close and it kicked me in the ankle. I never went near horses again and still have a small scar.”
Colt had to suppress the urge to pull her into his arms. He could hardly keep his hands off her.
“Then it’s time you learned to feel comfortable around them, but only if you want to. We have a mare named Carrot Top who’s gentle and patient. I could introduce you. The two of you could take a long look at each other and decide whether you want to take the relationship any further.”
“Colt—” She half laughed.
He liked the smile on that gorgeous mouth of hers. It was her first one of the day. “By the time we’ve had lunch in Sundance and get back to the ranch, let me know your answer and it can be arranged.”
* * *
“Up over this next rise you’re going to see something spectacular.”
While Carrot Top followed Colt’s gelding, Digger, over terrain only a horse could traverse, Geena watched the play of muscles across Colt’s back and shoulders. To her he represented masculine beauty in action.
After being in the saddle for a half hour, she wasn’t nearly as nervous as she’d been. The grandeur of the scenery made this first effort of hers worth every second. And of course there was Colt, who’d been incredibly patient and gentle with her while he taught her the fundamentals of horsemanship. Earlier, when he’d unexpectedly pulled off her cowboy boot to see and touch her ankle scar with his fingers, the sensation had felt so erotic, she’d almost fallen out of the saddle.
She loved him with an ache that would never go away, but she was playing with fire and knew it. There was a price to pay for every minute she spent with him. Though she admitted they had chemistry between them, for her to think he had feelings for her beyond a moment’s pleasure was ludicrous. Colt had been married once and since then had stayed single for a reason. That wasn’t going to change. She was his housekeeper, for heaven’s sake!
This day with him had gotten away from her, but if there weren’t any more days off that included him, then she could prevent mistakes from happening.
“Oh—” she cried when her horse drew alongside Colt’s. She lowered her cowboy hat to the back of her neck and took in the scene before her. “It’s absolutely glorious! Those wildflowers swaying in the high meadow—they’re beautiful beyond description. No wonder Custer wrote about it. You have to be the luckiest man on earth to have all this in your backyard.”
Beneath his hat he eyed her speculatively. “So you’re not sorry I got you on a horse?”
“How could I be?” she answered in a breathless voice. “This makes you want to go up there and roll around in them.” She regretted those words the second they escaped her lips. He probably thought she meant rolling around in them with him. He wouldn’t have been wrong.
“You’re a good sport, Geena Williams, but I think you’ve had enough for your first day. If I keep you out here any longer, you’ll be cursing me tonight when you’re too sore to walk.”
Her lips curved. “Maybe, but I don’t feel it yet.”
“You will,” he answered with a heartbreaking half smile of his own. “Next Saturday we’ll ride clear to the top.”
No. They wouldn’t, because she wouldn’t let there be a next time. Every outing with him would make it harder to be separated from him. If there came the day when he asked her to stay on the ranch because he wanted to marry her, well that would be different. But she couldn’t imagine that happening and needed to keep her plans firmly in mind.
With a mental sigh, she urged her horse to turn around and follow Colt down the mountain. Neither of them were inclined to talk. Her thoughts were too full of him as she relived every moment of their day together. By the time they reached the stable, she dreaded their separation. In fact she couldn’t stand the thought of it, but to spend any more time with him was dangerous.
Another time today at the cemetery when she’d felt his hands kneading her shoulders, she’d come close to turning around and crushing herself against him. That would have been a serious error on her part considering he’d driven her to Rapid City out of his innate generosity and concern.
Before he could come around to help her, she got off her horse by herself. No more touching. Not any. “Shall I brush down Carrot Top?”
His gaze took in all of her, sending curling warmth through her from head to toe. “That’s my job right now. What you need is a good soak in the tub.”
At the mention of a soak, a picture of the two of them luxuriating together refused to leave her mind. “That sounds like a marvelous idea. Thank you for this, for everything. I’ll see you later.”
She practically ran down the hill to the ranch house. Once inside she hurried through to her bedroom, thankful she didn’t see any of the family. After a quick shower, she changed into fresh jeans and a short-sleeved, filmy, melon-colored blouse. Donning her sandals, she was ready to leave again.
She hoped Colt was still at the barn and wouldn’t see her drive away. Naturally when he walked down to the house, he’d notice the white truck was gone. But that was okay. She’d be back in Sundance, having put twelve miles between them.
When they’d been in the downtown section earlier today, she’d remembered seeing a beauty salon. After finding it now, she parked in front. The ad in the window explained they accepted walk-ins as well as appointments. She approached the girl at the counter who told her it would be a ten-minute wait.
No problem. Geena grabbed a magazine and thumbed through it, not really seeing anything. The day spent with Colt had been too memorable for too many reasons.
When one of the beauticians called to her, she pu
t the magazine back and took a seat in the chair. “What can I do for you today?”
Geena looked at herself in the mirror. “I need a haircut.” She hadn’t worn it short since she was in middle school. “In my job I do a lot of cooking and always have to wear it in a braid like this or swept up. I used to have semi-curly hair. How about a tousled wavy bob to the neck with a part on the side so I don’t have to think about it?”
“You have the perfect facial shape for it. Leave it to me.”
A half hour later Geena left the shop feeling pounds lighter. It wasn’t the weight of the hair gone, but the image. She liked her new look that had no association with the past and her prison photos. Communing with Todd this morning had helped free her of a lot of pain she’d been carrying around because she hadn’t been able to say goodbye to him.
Again, it was Colt who’d been her fairy godfather. He’d done everything for her. She didn’t know how she’d repay him, but one day she would figure out a way.
Until that time, she needed to concentrate on finding Janice without Colt’s help. When she met with Mr. Phelps next Saturday, she’d ask him if he knew a good attorney who could steer her in the right direction. She’d ride her bike to Sundance. From there she’d take the bus to Rapid City. It had a bike rack so she’d be able to get around once she was there.
With her plan solidly in mind, she gathered the mail from the post office, then decided to drop by Bradford’s Department Store where she’d purchased her Western clothes. If Steve was working, she’d say hello and see what happened.
But when she parked near the corner and walked to the store, she saw that it closed at five-thirty on
Saturday. She checked her watch. It was quarter to six. As she walked away she heard a voice call to her. “Ms. Williams?”
Geena spun around. To her shock, there he was. “Hi! I’m surprised you would remember my name.”
He grinned. “Are you kidding? I’ve been hoping you’d walk in one of these days. Are you with your boss?”
She chuckled. Steve could be forgiven for asking that question. “No. This is my day off. I had some shopping to do and thought I’d grab a quick dinner.”
“What a nice coincidence. I was just leaving the store to do the same thing when I saw you through the doors. But I wasn’t sure if it was really you. You’ve cut your hair. It gives you an entirely new look. I like it.”
“Thanks. This style makes a nice change.”
“How about walking around the corner with me to get a pizza? They’re pretty good. There’s a theater next door. We could catch a movie if you’d like.”
“That sounds great.”
Three hours later they left the theater. As he walked her to her truck he said, “I’ve been invited to a private party at the Lariat Club tonight. Some of the forest rangers are throwing it for the guys who helped them fight a fire a few weeks ago. Besides free appetizers, there’s going to be a live band and line dancing. Come with me. Whenever you want to leave, I’ll follow you back to the ranch to make certain you get home safely.”
Steve was a very nice guy from Sheridan. She found out that since college he’d been working his way up in business management after being assigned to this store. Even if she was beginning to feel the aches and pains from her first horseback ride, why not spend a few more hours having fun with him? Anything to put thoughts of Colt out of her mind for tonight.
He asked her to follow his car to the other side of town. After she’d parked across the street from the bar and got out, she could hear the music coming from inside. Steve caught up to her. “Sounds like the party’s in full swing.”
The place appeared to be packed. He ushered her through the crowd to the dance floor. “Let’s do this before the band takes a break.”
Geena hadn’t been line dancing since her last date with Kevin Starr from FossilMania. Steve knew all the moves. His energy infected her. For a little while she simply went with the country-and-western sound, hardly able to believe she was a free agent instead of wasting away at the prison in Pierre.
When the music stopped, Steve’s smiled faded and he got the oddest look on his face. “Maybe I’m seeing things, but I think the ranger who invited me to the party is coming this way with your boss.”
Colt was here?
Geena’s heart thudded so fast, it almost suffocated her.
“Hey, Steve—I’m glad you could make it. Who’s your friend?”
Of necessity Geena had to turn around. Her gaze collided with Colt’s. The gold flecks among the green of his eyes flashed molten as he took in her new haircut. She could feel the tension emanating from him to her bones. Unless his feelings for her ran deeper than she’d supposed, it made no sense. Oh Colt…if that was true…
“This is Geena Williams. She’s the new housekeeper on the Floral Valley Ranch. Geena? Meet Sheila
Wilson, one of the forest rangers assigned to Sundance.”
The blonde woman nudged Colt in the ribs. “You didn’t tell me that job had been filled. You’re a dark one, you know that?” She turned back to Geena with an alluring smile. The ranger was good at covering up her feelings, but Geena had witnessed her shock knowing that she lived under the same roof with the man Sheila had invited to the party.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sheila.”
“I’m glad you could come. The more the merrier.” Her blue-eyed gaze swerved to Steve. “How did you two meet?”
Steve moved closer to Geena, as if he were establishing his territory, but there was no contest for going up against Colt. In the coffee-colored shirt and jeans he was wearing, no man would ever compare. “I helped her buy a new outfit.”
Colt studied Geena for a moment longer, but she couldn’t read the expression in his eyes. “I take it you bought something else this afternoon.” His voice sounded an octave lower than usual.
She shook her head. “No. I told Steve that the next time I came to town, I’d stop by and say hello. We’ve just come from a movie.” She’d decided to tell the whole truth because Colt deserved nothing less. And if that bothered him, then why didn’t Colt ask her out?
“If you’ll excuse us, we’re going to grab some hors d’oeuvres.” Steve put a hand at the back of her waist and led her to a table near the front. Even in the crowded room Geena felt those piercing hazel eyes staring at her back. Colt would be able to tell she was having some difficulty walking after their horseback ride.
“Let’s get out of here, shall we?” Steve whispered at last. She nodded. Seeing Colt here tonight had shattered her plan to try to forget him for one night. The whole evening had been ruined. She knew it. Steve knew it.
They walked across the street to her truck. The cool air met her hot cheeks. When they reached the driver’s side, he put a hand against the door to prevent her from getting in. “Do you want to tell me what’s going on with your boss? If looks could kill—”
“He didn’t look at you like that!” she cried.
“I’m talking about the way the big rancher was looking at you, as if you were his property.” Steve really thought that? “It was the same way he acted the other day. Tell me the truth, because I don’t like to play games. Are you two involved?”
She lowered her head. “Not in the way you’re thinking. I’m just his employee, but it’s complicated.”
If she explained about her false imprisonment, she had no doubt Steve would understand why Colt came off so protective around her. Todd would have been the same way. But Steve wasn’t the man she loved, so there was no point in leading him on, let alone telling him about the horror of the past year.
“You’re telling me,” he muttered. “Do me a favor. If it ever gets uncomplicated, you know I’m interested.”
“I’m sorry, Steve. I never meant for this to happen tonight. I’d hoped to spend an evening with you and was shocked when I saw
Colt with Sheila.”
“The other day she told me she’s had a crush on him since she first met him. I think seeing you pretty well explained why their relationship has never gotten off the ground.”
“I’ve only been at the ranch a week.”
“Sheila fights fires and would tell you it only takes a single spark to ignite one.”
That’s what it had felt like that night in his kitchen. Colt had taken pity on her and had offered his hospitality. When she’d looked at him, something had leaped between them. Call it a spark. Whatever it was, she’d been on fire since then.
She sucked in her breath. “Thank you for the dinner and the movie. No matter what you think, I had a great time and enjoyed your company very much. Otherwise I wouldn’t have come by in the first place.”
“I believe you.” He nodded and opened the door so she could get in. “I’ll follow you home.”
“No. It’s only nine-thirty. Not that late. I only have twelve miles to go. Steve—I saw quite a few girls inside without partners. Go back in the bar and have a good time.”
“Don’t worry about me. See you around, Geena.”
She’d hurt him, darn it.
Jabbing her key into the ignition, she started the engine and took off for the ranch. Colt had turned her whole world around today. Maybe she should give her notice, then work for the next three weeks to earn the money he’d already put in her account. After that she’d get on her bike and ride out of his life. Thanks to him she had some new clothes and a little money to find work somewhere else. In time there’d be more money. She just had to wait.
Once she’d turned off the highway onto the dirt road, she saw headlights behind her. It appeared Steve had decided to follow her home anyway. She wished he hadn’t, but he was one of those nice guys who didn’t deserve a situation like this.
She pulled in next to Hank’s truck and got out of the cab. To her dismay she walked right into a wall of steel. “Colt—I thought it was Steve behind me.”
His mouth had flattened into a thin white line. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
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