She turned away. “I have an idea. I want you and Lilly to come with me to a gathering tonight. I’ve been invited to dinner and my friends won’t mind two more.”
“And was your buddy invited also?” Some of the tension had left his voice.
“If you’re talking about Dillon, yes, he was invited.”
“That could be a sticky situation and you know how much I love awkward moments.”
“This isn’t about you, Stryke. This is about Lilly. She needs to be around people. Are you willing to do what is needed?”
His jaw slacked. “Anything. She’s all I have.”
“And you have—” No, she couldn’t finish. She was no longer in his life, at least not like they were. Although, every memory remained—every touch, every kiss, every sweet whispered word they’d shared.
There was no going back, but forward wouldn’t be bad. She found herself wanting to climb back into the saddle and go for a ride. She wasn’t quite sure if it was her heart or inner thighs that ached more for the man who stood before her—confident, heady and sexier than any other cowboy she’d ever laid eyes on.
Stryker was an unfastened door into a danger zone. He’d been the only man who could strip her of all defenses and take her to a level where rewards were as appealing as heaven. When she was sad, he knew exactly how to uplift her spirits. He’d been supportive and kind…and she’d left. Would he understand if she told him the truth? Would he realize that her sorrow ran deep and he couldn’t fix her as he’d done so many times before?
CHAPTER FOUR
“ARE YOU SURE they’re going to be okay with you bringing a couple of strangers?” Stryker asked as the three of them made their way up the sidewalk to Carly and Chance Taylor’s large farmhouse.
Leslie caught a glance of Lilly who had a hold of Stryker’s hand and her knuckles were white.
“I’m more than sure. More the merrier around these parts. You’ll see.” Leslie stopped and bent at her knees to look Lilly in the eye. “And they’re going to love you.” Although the child didn’t respond, Leslie did notice that Lilly’s gaze softened.
Knocking on the door, it swept open and Carly appeared. As always, the woman looked beautiful. Once upon a time, Leslie and Carly were more enemies than friends. Times had changed and Leslie couldn’t be happier that they’d buried their issue.
“I’m so glad you could make it.” Carly gave Leslie a quick hug. “Come in, all of you.” She stepped back.
“Carly, I love the bob,” Leslie said.
Carly reached up as if she’d forgotten she’d cut her long hair into a short cut. “I miss my hair, but it’s so much easier to care for. And with two wee ones, I need all of the extra time I can get. You look great also.” Carly’s gaze moved to Stryker.
“Carly, this is Stryker and his niece, Lilly. They’re visiting and I thought they needed a healthy dose of southern hospitality.” Leslie patted Lilly on the shoulder.
“Welcome, welcome! I’m glad to meet you both. There are no strangers around here.” Carly shook Stryker’s hand then squeezed Lilly’s shoulders. “What a beautiful child.”
Lila appeared from around the corner. “Well, well, what do we have here?” Her curious gaze slid straight to Stryker who’d always stolen the attention with his strapping frame and handsome looks.
“Lila, I’d like for you to meet Stryker and Lilly.”
“Where have you been hiding him?” Lila chuckled as she gave Leslie a knowing smile.
The woman’s bantering didn’t require an answer, thankfully. Leslie’s cheeks must have turned a bright red because they felt like they were on fire.
Carly winked as if in silent support.
“Where are the men?” Leslie changed the subject.
“They are in Chance’s office talking shop.” Carly rolled her eyes. “My darling husband asked that I send you in when you got here. They have a question regarding a horse.”
“Do those two ever stop working?” Leslie groaned.
“Good question. I warned Duke that if he doesn’t start helping with the wedding plans, there will not be one. He’s been non-stop at the McAllister. Two weeks until we get hitched, and it’s coming fast.” Lila’s gaze twinkled.
“Lila, you know as well as I do that you wouldn’t call off the wedding, no matter what that cowboy gets himself into. You’ve waited too long for this and I’ve never seen you happier.” Carly patted her shoulder.
“True.” Lila shrugged. “I don’t know what I’d do without my family. And I complain, but it’s not so bad. We only want a small ceremony so there’s not much planning involved.”
Leslie envied the love she saw in Lila’s gaze. Leslie had been in love with Stryker, so full of hope and thankfulness. Yet, they’d been young and foolish in many ways. They’d believed they could conquer the world, but Leslie knew better.
Stryker’s arm rubbed against hers, by accident or otherwise and adrenaline rushed to the tips of her toes. She hoped no one could see her sudden discomfort. “Okay then, I’ll search them out and see what they need. Then I promise I’ll get them out of the office and out here to socialize, even if I have to drag them out myself,” Leslie said. She turned to Stryker. “You’ll be okay?” She’d never known him to be uncomfortable, but Carly and Lila certainly could be intimidating at times. Both were strong, independent women.
“No worries.” Carly said. “We’ll take good care of him until the boys crawl out from their hiding spot. Do you like to cook, Stryker?” She was already leading him to the kitchen and Lila had Lilly’s hand. “And tell us where you’re from…”
Leslie laughed. She knew Carly and Lila would interrogate him with questions, but the women were harmless. Stryker could take the probing.
She found Duke and Chance sitting in the office. Duke was sitting on the couch, his legs were stretched and relaxed on the corner of the cherry wood table. Chance was at his desk. A look of irritation marred his features.
“Looks like you fellows are real busy in here.” She laughed.
“We’re doing some real thinking.” Chance smiled, and it struck Leslie why she’d been attracted to him once upon a time—a time when he and Carly were divorced. Chance and Stryker had similar looks and character. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t put the connection together before. “Are you okay?” Chance asked.
Gaining her thoughts, she nodded. “I’m fine, but I’m not sure about you two rogues. There are two pretty women out there who’d love your company,” she said. “And what do you need me for? Isn’t this the man cave?”
“I need a woman’s opinion.” Duke dropped his booted feet and scrubbed his jaw.
“My opinion? Maybe you should ask Lila, that is what partners do after all.” Leslie sighed.
“Not when I’m keeping a secret from her,” he said.
“Oh, no! Don’t get me involved in any schemes, plans, activities or secrets. Not going to happen. Carly and Lila finally like me. Carly even hugged me—hugged me, you hear?” Leslie started to back toward the door. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear a word of whatever you two are doing.”
“No, not a bad secret. A good one. It has to do with our honeymoon.” Duke laughed.
“I didn’t know there were good secrets when it comes to a woman.” Chance shook his head.
Leslie clicked her tongue. “Let me be the judge of that. When it comes to surprises—good surprises—we do like those secrets.”
“I’ve booked a two week vacation in Cabo San Lucas,” Duke said.
“Ooh, very nice. I’ve been there. It’s lovely,” she said.
“Wait for him to tell you what he’s done,” Chance added.
Leslie lifted a brow.
“I planned for Ava to go with us.” Duke shrugged. “No biggie.”
Chance’s chuckle bounced off the walls. “Trust me, it’s definitely a biggie to take your baby on your honeymoon.”
“But it’s two weeks. Two weeks! I know if I don’t want to be away from Ava that long, Lila
certainly wouldn’t want to be.” Duke narrowed his gaze on Chance.
They both turned to her as if she should referee. “Okay, I see both points,” she said. “A honeymoon is a time for a newly married couple to enjoy one another…privately.” She cleared her throat. “But, I know Lila well enough to say she wouldn’t want to leave her little one that long. I do have a suggestion though—ask Carly what she thinks. She knows Lila.”
“Can’t do,” Duke said. “Lila will see straight through Carly and know she’s hiding something.”
“Alright then, I’ll make another suggestion. Is there someone, like a nanny or relative, who would love a free trip to Cabo? I mean, who wouldn’t, right?” she said.
“Are you available?” Chance asked.
“No,” she said without a sliver of hesitation. “I’m talking about someone who won’t mind watching Ava in the evening, or when you and Lila will be busy.”
Duke seemed to toss around the thought. “I think our sitter would agree. She’s young and I don’t think she has a boyfriend.”
“There you go then. Perfect plan. Glad I could help.” Leslie started for the door again.
“Not so fast.” Chance got up. “I’ve got something else to run by you.”
“Men, did you not hear me when I said your ladies are waiting? Isn’t it enough that you both work way too much as it is?” Leslie pushed a sigh through her tight lips.
“Are you nervous about something?” Chance asked.
“No, I’m not.” She couldn’t tell them that her ex-fiancé was in the other room and her sort-of-but-not-quite new boyfriend would be arriving any minute. How had her life gotten so complicated?
“Okay. I’m looking at buying another stallion. Can I get you to run over to Miller’s Ranch soon and look at him? If you give me the go-ahead, I’ll bring him home.”
“Sure.”
The door swung open and Lila stepped in, an exasperated expression directed at Duke. “Since you would rather hang out in Chance’s office, then I guess I’ll have to come and haul you away. Any argument, Chance?” Her icy stare left no room for hassle. Lila had spunk. It wasn’t too long ago that she couldn’t be in the same room with Chance because they rubbed each other the wrong way. Leslie guessed it had something to do with their similar stubborn streak and strong opinions. Their love for Carly had created a bridge of friendship, one that took great patience on both of their parts.
“No, not at all. We were just finishing up.” Chance went to his desk and straightened papers, placing them into a folder.
Duke got up, reached for Lila’s hand and pulled her against him. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m all yours for the rest of the night. Is Ava still sleeping?”
“No, she woke up a few minutes ago and she’s hungry. So is Chancelor. You hear that Chance?” Chance turned. “Carly is waiting on both of you.”
“Can’t keep a child hungry.” Chance moved toward the door at a faster pace than usual. He’d grown into a wonderful father and his love for his children shown in every layer of his being. His workaholic inclinations were his only downfall. However, truth was, he didn’t work nearly as much as he once did. His wife and kids took priority over his ranch.
“Chow time.” Leslie followed Chance and she heard laughter from the kitchen. She inhaled deeply and forced a breath through her nose, repeated it several times, but the butterflies remained in her stomach. Although Stryker had never been here before, he seemed at home. It almost felt like family.
“He sure is a handsome cowboy,” Lila whispered into Leslie’s ear. She caught Lila’s mischievous grin.
In the kitchen, the hub of the house, Stryker was standing next to Lilly who sat on a barstool. Leslie could swear there was a hint of a smile on the child’s lips.
“I see we have a new cowboy.” Chance aimed his attention at Stryker as he passed making his way to Carly. Chance wrapped his arm around her waist. “I wasn’t gone too long, was I, sweetheart? Did you already find another man to fill my boots?” Chance chuckled.
“You were gone a while, and I may have been thinking of trading you in, but he’s here with Leslie.” Carly kissed Chance on his cheek and they stared into each other’s gaze. Leslie believed their love grew each day, as any love should.
Chance held out his hand to Stryker. “I’m Chance.”
“I’m Stryker.” They shook hands.
Chance brought his attention to Leslie. “Is there something you’ve been hiding?”
“Not at all.” Leslie’s attempt at laughter came out as a gurgle. “Stryker and I…well, we go way back We grew up together in Hollyville. Stryker—” She kept her gaze from him, afraid everyone might see something revealing in her eyes. “—this is Lila’s fiancé, Duke McGraw.”
“Nice to meet you.” Stryker and Duke greeted one another. The testosterone in the room was strong enough to create a mini army with the three brawny, masculine men with equally strong characters.
Duke took Ava from Lila. “This is our wee one.” Duke’s smile held a multitude of pride as he introduced his child. Leslie had never seen Duke look as gentle as he did now. The scene before her, two happy couples with their children, tugged at Leslie’s heart.
“I met Ava already.” Stryker tickled her plump cheek and she erupted into giggles.
“I think our girl is flirting, Lila.” Duke shook his head. “Way too early, young lady.”
“And this is my niece, Lilly.” Stryker put his hand on Lilly’s shoulder, but the little girl kept her gaze locked on Ava.
“Hi, Lilly. Nice to meet you.” Chance stepped forward. He certainly could be charming when the need arose, and as he held out his calloused hand, Lilly turned to stare at him. Leslie half expected the child to ignore his effort or run, as many kids would when faced with a burly man like Chance. Instead, she surprised them all by placing her tiny palm against his.
Leslie looked up and found Stryker smiling.
There was a moment of clarity and understanding of how much Stryker cared for Lilly. Leslie blinked back tears. Her walls were coming down and she could only lose so much protection at once. She’d have to cling to what barriers were left. Otherwise, she could find herself in a heap of cowboy trouble. “And you’ve met Chancelor, right?” Leslie asked Stryker. She’d grown a fondness for the little guy. “And the baby?”
“Chasity is still sleeping, thankfully. I think she has less need for sleep than I do.” Carly laughed but Leslie got the feeling that the baby was the reason why there were dark smudges under Carly’s eyes.
“Truth is, Carly is typically up all night worrying and watching over Chasity like a hawk. The pediatrician told us she thinks the baby has colic,” Chance said.
“Don’t all mothers worry?” Carly frowned.
“Yes we do,” Lila chimed.
Carly shrugged her shoulders, grabbed Chance’s hand. “Let’s not bore them with the woes of parenthood. We’ll have Leslie so scared she’ll never have a child.” Carly winked at Leslie. “Anyway, dinner is ready. Shall we eat before it gets cold?” Carly asked.
“Let me lead the way.” Chance started into the dining room and everyone trickled along. “I’m starving.” He grabbed a plate from the sidebar and started helping himself.
Lila motioned for Leslie to step into the foyer.
“All okay?” Leslie asked.
“I have a feeling Carly is suffering from post-partum depression,” Lila whispered.
“Depression? She seems happy to me.”
“She does today. She hasn’t been sleeping, she worries all of the time and I don’t remember her being so concerned when Chancelor was a baby.”
“Have you talked to her about this?” Leslie asked.
“Carly would deny feeling anything but joy. I mean, I know she’s happy, but she’s suffered through a lot.”
“Talk to Chance.”
Lila nodded. “I will when I get him alone. By the way, Dillon called and said he couldn’t make it. That wouldn’t have anything to do w
ith that tall drink of water you brought with you would it?” Lila wriggled her brows.
“No, of course not. Did he say what happened?”
“Only that something came up. But let me just say, you’re the target of two hot cowboys right now.” She laughed.
“Things aren’t like that with Stryker. He’s an old friend,” Leslie explained.
“Hmm, is that why you act all giddy around him?” Lila teased.
“I don’t—” Seeing Lila’s doubtful expression, Leslie didn’t bother hiding the truth. “Okay, I may be a little awkward because I haven’t seen him in years and he showed up, uninvited. And he’s worried about Lilly and needs my help.”
“Yes, Lilly is very quiet.”
“She lost her mother,” Leslie clarified.
Tenderness flooded Lila’s expression. “Oh, my.” There was a slight catch to her tone.
Leslie knew, above anyone, Lila would understand. Not only because she was a nurse, but because she’d suffered trauma too. Duke had been in a coma for eighteen months. During that time, Lila had given birth to Ava and had almost given up hope that he’d ever wake. Surprisingly, for many, he did and with the strength of love, they found each other again.
“It’s a very sad situation.”
“If you need anything, just let me know.” Lila laid her hand on Leslie’s arm.
As she followed Lila into the dining room, her gaze automatically found Stryker who was sitting next to Duke. They were laughing and seemed like old friends. Leslie cringed. How was it possible that he’d just met this group and already he seemed to belong?
Scratch that!
This was only a temporary situation. They were two different people now—two different worlds. He wanted help with Lilly, and she didn’t know what she wanted.
His gaze met hers.
Had everything gone silent around them?
She could fall mindlessly into his stunning eyes, then allow sweet respite to wrap around them like a warm cocoon. It had been so long since she’d shown any weakness and she’d reached a point where she wanted someone to care—needed someone to kiss her on the cheek, touch her lovingly.
Second Round Cowboy (Second Chance Series) Page 4
