“Mom and Dad aren’t happy with his occupation,” Melissa added. “They’d rather him work the ranch.”
“I hear being a bank teller isn’t a safe job either,” Paula said.
“It had seemed like a rather uneventful occupation until a couple of days ago,” Kelly stated.
“Have they caught the guy?” Suz asked.
“Shortly after his getaway,” Trey responded.
The gate opened and the calf leaped out of the chute. Again shouts and words of encouragement came from all in attendance, even Kelly as she cupped her hands around her mouth and hooted.
When Jason announced that was enough, his son moaned.
“Hey, buddy, how about a race? I’ve got a couple of remote control trucks in the car and I’m dying to see how they take the berms on the track your grandfather made for the quads and dirt bikes.”
“Yeah. Let’s do it,” Jay yelled.
When they headed back to the house, the front door sprang wide. Samuel and TJ burst through the opening, breaking into a run when they saw them, their grandmother hot on their heels. Barbara was laughing when she finally caught up with them.
Kelly watched with interest the Burstyn family dynamics, which were very different from her own family. They were the true definition of family—loving and supportive. She glanced toward John, who had Samuel in one arm and TJ in the other. He chatted with them both as Trey and Jay retrieved the toys from the truck. When John laughed at something Samuel said, she realized that even with what the man had done regarding TJ it showed his determination to keep their family tight and together. She couldn’t fault him, but he did scare her.
“You don’t have to worry about TJ. John is good with the boys,” Barbara said, drawing a chair close to where Lance had set a lawn chair for Kelly to watch the races.
“I’m not concerned, I can see that he enjoys his grandchildren.”
“After that little spat in the kitchen, I think John realizes what you and TJ mean to Trey. I’ve never heard my son raise his voice in rage at his father.” Barbara narrowed her gaze on Kelly. “None of us have seen him act this way over a woman. Because believe me, when you walked out on him earlier, I swear I’ve never seen him so frightened. My gut says it wasn’t that he thought he’d lose only his son.” She tilted her head and paused as if considering her next words. “He’s different with you. If I had to wager a guess, I’d say Trey has fallen for you or is on his way down that path. I trust you won’t break his heart.”
Shocked speechless, Kelly could only stare in disbelief at the woman. Her sudden shortness of breath held her back from forming words as dizziness swept over her. Surely she hadn’t heard Trey’s mother correctly.
Barbara patted her hand. “That’s what I thought.” Releasing a heavy sigh, she said, “I feel much better,” and then turned her attention to the track.
The spinning hum of the trucks started and the children in John’s arms fought to get down. Trey and Jason held the controls as their boys started to chase the moving trucks. There was a moment of laughter as the men kept the vehicles just out of the reach of their running sons. Then the two men looked at each other and something sparked between them and the race was on.
Both of the trucks hit the first mound of dirt at the same time, soaring over it and landing on two wheels before settling on all fours and zooming down the worn path. Melissa, Lance, and John took Trey’s side cheering his truck on, while Jay, Paula and Suz shouted for Jason’s.
Each team exchanged smack talk as Trey’s truck would take the lead and then Jason’s. TJ didn’t know what all the fuss was about, but he jumped and hollered as if he knew exactly what he was cheering for.
Mix emotions assailed her. As hard as it was to admit, the Burstyns were TJ’s family, too. They offered a life she could never give him.
Barbara must have read something in Kelly’s eyes or expression, because the woman leaned over and gave her a hug that almost made Kelly cry, but she held on to her control, barely.
When Jason’s vehicle flipped over on the next berm, Trey’s team threw their hands in the air and roared. Jay ran over to Trey and he handed the boy his control, his gaze roaming to where Kelly sat. He took one look at her and headed her way.
His troubled gaze slid to his mother before returning to Kelly’s. “Something wrong?”
“No,” they both said at once.
“C’mere darlin’, and give the winner a victory kiss.” He extended his hand and she took it, walking into his arms. Instead of the peck she expected, he captured her mouth in a wild, frenzied kiss, one that left her blushing, while everyone’s eyes were pinned on the exhibition.
“Uncle T,” Jay groaned. “Do you have to do that around us kids?”
“Yeah,” Lance agreed with a smirk.
All the adults laughed while Heather and Janice, who had just walked up, giggled softly.
Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, Trey led her to where the rest of his family stood watching father and son race the trucks. Kelly knew Jason was taking it easy on his son. If she didn’t know better she’d even say he gassed it at the right moment so the truck took a flip. Jay pumped the air with his fist as everyone cheered.
“I suppose you want a kiss, too,” Kelly teased.
“Oh yuck. No.” The boy pulled a face.
“Give me that control,” Lance said. “If the prize is a kiss from the fiery redhead I want a go at it.
Again a burst of merriment prevailed.
“Hey, y’all. It’s time for dinner,” Barbara called out.
“Well, damn,” Lance huffed. “Maybe later?” He wagged his brows at Kelly, receiving a shove against his shoulder from Trey. “Hey, bro, I was just kidding.”
***
The juicy scent of prime rib roast filled the dining room where an additional table had been set up for the children, with the exception of the highchair that was given to TJ, who sat between his parents.
Trey’s mouth watered at the spread before him. His mother and all her little helpers had outdone themselves. Along with the biggest roast he had ever seen, there was au jus and gravy, crockpot garlic smashed potatoes, a green bean casserole, Paula’s marshmallow-covered yams, Suz’s pecan pie, and Mel’s special watercress salad with miso-lime dressing. Knowing his mother, she had a pumpkin pie and an apple pie cooling on the racks in the kitchen.
As everyone took a seat, his father bowed his head. “God, of all the gifts received, we thank you for the many ways you have blessed us this day. We are grateful for those who are gathered around this table, especially the new additions to our family. We ask you to bless us and our food and those we love who are not with us today. Amen.”
A choir of amens followed, but while everyone dug into the offerings upon the table, Trey shared a look with Kelly. Misty-eyed, she sniffled and then began to dish food up on TJ’s plate.
As a cherry tomato soared across the table, bouncing once before landing in his father’s plate, Trey gently grasped TJ’s hand and gave it a shake. “No, buckaroo. We don’t throw food.”
“I’m so—” Kelly started to apologize, but his father interrupted her.
“Thank you. How did you know Grandpa wanted a tomato?” Then he popped the pulpy fruit in his mouth and began to chew.
After that, Kelly seemed to relax and even appeared to enjoy the company, including his father’s as they chatted about the weather and how she was actually looking forward to the hot summers.
Trey’s heart swelled. His father’s attempt at making amends meant everything to him, especially when he saw the genuine smile on Kelly’s face. She was so beautiful. What he wouldn’t give to take her into his arms and feel that grin form beneath his lips, but the high chair kept him from touching her.
“Uncle T, will you go with Dad and me dove hunting? I’m a pretty good shot.” Sitting at the children’s table, Jay pushed a piece of meat into his mouth.
“When is dove season?” Trey asked.
“Duh. Now. It goes
through January, huh, Dad?”
Jason nodded, his mouth full of his wife’s yams. He always took an extra serving just to please her.
Trey caught TJ’s wrist before he could chuck a green bean at Lance, who was making faces at him across the table. “No, TJ. Dammit, Lance, stop. So when do you and your dad plan to go?”
“Well, I thought maybe—”
“Not today,” both of his parents said at once.
“Maybe next weekend. Do you think we could go next weekend, Dad?”
“That sounds like a plan, son. Maybe we should ask Uncle Lance and Grandpa to go too.”
“Yeah. That’d be great.”
The rest of the meal went well, no flying projectiles from TJ. As Trey anticipated, Suz’s pecan pie was to die for. He had two slices before it felt like he’d bust if he took another bite. Leaning back in his chair, he began to chat with Lance and Jason about their last hay harvest. The crop had been so large they had to hire additional people to assist this year.
“You know, Trey, maybe it’s time you rejoined us. You’re a family man now,” his father said.
“I’ll think about it, Dad.” He, too, had been wondering whether a change was necessary.
“And while you’re doing that, everyone can help clear the table,” Barbara said. “The girls and I will do the dishes while you boys saddle the horses.” Then she rose, which was the sign that dinner was over and it was time to clean up.
Kelly was amazed at the efficiency with which everyone grabbed their plate and something else off the table to carry into the kitchen. In no time, the dining room appeared as if it had never been used. Even the children’s table was stored away. Together with Paula and her two girls, Kelly helped transfer the food into smaller containers and place them inside the refrigerator, while Barbara, Suz, and Melissa rinsed dishes and placed them into the dishwasher.
Kelly nervously wondered exactly what everyone expected to do with the smaller kids. “So does everyone go riding, even the children?” TJ had never been on a horse and Lord knows his attention span was as big as a nit’s. “I could stay back and watch them.”
Melissa looked over her shoulder. “Don’t you ride?”
“Yes, but—”
“No worries, dear. The children love to ride and I’m guessing TJ will take to it like a fly to honey.”
Kelly’s skin felt like it shrunk with Barbara’s response. “Uh. He isn’t expected to ride his new pony, alone?”
“Heavens, no. He’ll ride with Trey, or you if you’d prefer.” She gazed around the kitchen with an expression of satisfaction. “Well, it looks like everything is done in here. Should we join the men?”
As they filtered out of the kitchen, it looked as if a posse had descended upon them. Kelly had never seen so many horses saddled at one time, well, except during parades and on television. It appeared everyone had a ride, except for Chastity, Samuel and thankfully TJ. Each of the smaller children rode with their fathers.
Heather and Janice and the rest of the women went straight for their horses, leaving a small buckskin, which Kelly assumed was meant for her. She approached cautiously. It had been a really long time since she had ridden.
“Do you need help?” Trey asked.
“No. I’m fine.” She inhaled a deep breath for courage, receiving instead a good whiff of the horse, which smelled like, well—horse. But there was also the heady scent of leather and the oddly sweet aroma of alfalfa.
Sticking her boot into the stirrup, she grabbed the horn of the saddle and heaved herself in the seat. Trey smiled and she got the distinct impression he’d expected her to have trouble. Oh, ye of little faith. With reins in hand, she gave the horse a little kick and joined him.
Wide-eyed, TJ looked around and yelled, “Momma.”
Kelly waved at him and he returned the gesture, bouncing up and down.
“He’s a natural.” The pride on Trey’s face made her nose clog with tears, but she didn’t allow them to fall.
“He’s a daddy’s boy,” Barbara said as she passed by to join John.
As they moved away from the house, Kelly was amazed at the beauty of the land. Arizona was a desert, but here there were acres and acres of irrigated green pasture fenced off in smaller sections. Some held additional horses, while cattle roamed others.
The evening was cool and thankfully Barbara had a spare jacket of Samuel’s and a pair of mittens for TJ to wear, since his was covered in mud. No one spoke for a while and the moment felt blissfully serene. Even TJ appeared entranced by the scenery.
Then all hell broke loose when Suz kicked her horse and shot by them like a speeding bullet, Melissa, Jay and Lance with Chastity not far behind her. It wouldn’t have been so bad, but Kelly had to rein her dancing horse in not to follow. It appeared the rest were having the same problem, including Trey. But he held safely on to their son while he got his horse under control.
“I swear those kids have a wild streak a mile long,” Barbara said. “They didn’t get it from me.”
“The hell you say, woman. I remember a time—”
“Hush,” she shushed John. “You just keep those memories to yourself.” A flame flickered to life in the depths of her eyes, her lips slowly tilting into a naughty smile.
He leaned over his mount and kissed her softly before he muttered something that was meant for her ears only. Her grin deepened and she nodded.
That’s when TJ began to fuss. When it appeared that it wasn’t just a momentary thing, Trey reined his horse to a halt.
“Well, it looks like that’s our cue to go home,” he said. “Merry Christmas, everyone. Thanks for another wonderful holiday.”
After saying their goodbyes, he and Kelly headed back to the barn. Kelly would have liked to ride a little longer, but TJ was already starting to nod off and the sun was beginning to set. It had been a busy day for him and a special one for her. After the rough start she had enjoyed herself.
TJ had found a new family and maybe, just maybe, there was room for her too.
Chapter Twelve
Night approached by the time Trey pulled to a stop in front of his house. The porch light beamed brightly and the automatic lights inside popped on, glowing through the closed curtains. In the dimly lit sky the moon fought for dominance, pushing the sun further behind the mountains in the west.
Trey glanced from Kelly to his sleeping son in the backseat, judging this day a success. Well, except for the moment he thought Kelly and TJ were walking out of his life.
Unleashed anger had surprised him as he verbally struck out at his father. His entire family had been speechless. Before Trey could regain control, fear and panic had swallowed him up. The impossible emptiness in the pit of his gut had made him run after Kelly. And he had never chased a woman, no matter the circumstances.
How it happened he might never know, but over the past couple days, Kelly and TJ had become an integral part of him. It was as if he needed them more than air itself.
Reaching for her, he leaned over the console to capture her mouth with his. Kelly willingly parted her lips to his probing tongue, giving as much as receiving. He melted into her sweet caress as desire so hot and urgent made him tremble, leaving him breathless and aroused when the kiss ended.
Her warm palms cupped his face. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
It was the first time she’d ever called him by an endearment and it shook him to the core while his groin tightened even more behind his jeans. “Need you. Now.” Fixated on her full lips, his baser impulses were fast erasing his common sense. He wanted her so badly he ached. His fingertips brushed over a breast.
Heat flickered to life in her eyes. Her chest rose and fell as her breathing quickened. But unlike him she had more willpower. “Why don’t you take a shower? I’ll get TJ ready for bed.”
Maybe a cold shower would clear his head, because staring into the emerald depths of her eyes wasn’t helping him.
They both exited the vehicle and opened the backseat doors at
the same time. Their gazes locked, trapping them into a mental web of arousal. Then they both moved at once.
Carefully but hurriedly, she gathered TJ in her arms. Trey followed them to the house with his own arms filled with the gifts they had received from his family. The gentle sway of her hips made him wish they were somewhere else, alone and naked, their limbs entwined and their bodies united.
Juggling the boxes and bags in his arms, he unlocked the door and kicked it wide so that she could enter with their child. While she disappeared down the hall, he laid the presents upon the kitchen table and went back to shut and lock the door. After he was finished securing the house, he traced her steps, stopping before TJ’s room.
Her soft voice rose in reassuring words as she attempted to lull their son back to sleep while she changed his diaper. Trey slowly eased backward and went to the kitchen, grabbing a sippy cup before opening the refrigerator to retrieve the milk. He poured a generous helping, snapped the lid on, and put the milk away.
Moving quietly down the hall, he entered TJ’s room. Kelly had the boy in her arms, stroking his back. Quietly Trey set the cup on the nightstand. She mouthed thank you, and then laid TJ on the bed. Picking up the drink and pressing it into his little hands, she began to slip his pajamas up his legs.
Trey rubbed the back of his neck and walked out of the room. There was no telling when Kelly would join him. A hot shower would keep him occupied until they could pick up where they left off in the truck. When the temperature was bearable, he stepped beneath the sluicing flow.
His cock arched angrily against his belly. When he touched the sensitive flesh with the soap, he hissed. A hand-job was out of the question. He needed more tonight, he needed the warmth of a woman, and not just any woman, but one that rocked his world. Thoughts of Kelly made washing that much more difficult. He made short order of his shower and got out. He was drying off when she entered the bedroom with a bag in her hand.
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