Second Round Cowboy (Second Chance Series)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “And leave Lilly? No. I can’t do that.”

  He didn’t mind her sticking around. He liked the company. “The nurse will be back in a few minutes to check her vitals and wake her. She said they’ll be in every few hours.”

  “I definitely want to be here when she is awake.”

  “She missed you when you left. She liked having a woman around.” And so have I.

  There was a long pause before she responded. “I missed her, but I had a lot of appointments to catch up on. It’s easy to get behind. One of Duke’s mares is pregnant and we had started a special diet.”

  “How is he after the ordeal with Frances? Any more horses get sick?”

  “No, thankfully. He is worried though.” She remained tense.

  “I wish you’d talk to me about what’s on your mind. I know something’s bothering you.” He saw denial rush over her features. “Don’t try to deny it. It’s me you’re talking to.”

  “Okay, I won’t. I do have some things that are troubling me. I’ve been thinking about Lilly.” She picked at her fingernail as if what she was about to say took a lot of courage. “She needs a mother.”

  “Funny, I’ve been thinking about that also.” He’d thought about it every day since Justine died, especially now that Leslie had returned in his life.

  “Have you?” One thin brow curved, her glare nailing him with curiosity.

  “Does that surprise you?” Her cheeks slightly flushed and it reminded him of how she looked when he was inside of her. Damn, there went his package—stiff and needy. She licked her bottom lip and the tremor would have been no different if she’d swept her tongue across the tip of his erection. She leaned forward and her hair skimmed along her chest, drawing his attention to the tops of her breasts exposed by the low neckline of the red shirt. His cock twitched in warning that combustion could happen.

  He scrubbed his jaw, wishing he could swipe a hand across the hardness in his jeans. As he grew, the confines became smaller and painful.

  Did she have any clue just how beautiful she was? Or how she affected him every time she walked into the room? She’d had that same power since high school. Every time she pushed her wire framed glasses back into place on her nose he fell more madly in love with her. She’d called herself a nerd, but whether she knew or not, a lot of the boys liked her. Hell, men liked brains as much as they liked soft curves. Leslie had a great balance of inner and outer beauty. He knew with her he could have an intelligent conversation and that excited him. He remembered he could give her any math problem and she’d figure the answer out in her head. He bet she still could.

  What would he do if she disappeared again?

  He’d lost her once and he didn’t want to face the thought. He wasn’t the young man any longer with pride bigger than brains. There came a point in a cowboy’s existence that he had to get his priorities in place and open his heart. He needed to act fast, before she hightailed it back to Shelby.

  “A little. But I guess it shouldn’t. A woman like Tessa…”

  “Obviously you would be a perfect choice…”

  They both stopped and stared.

  It took him a good three seconds to recover enough to use his voice. “Tessa? What makes you think that I was talking about her?”

  Her eyes grew wide and one corner of her mouth twisted. “And why would you think I’d be perfect?”

  “Because my sister thought you were. That’s why she made you Lilly’s godmother.”

  “As Lilly’s GOD mother—different than mother. And don’t pretend that you haven’t looked at Tessa as more than Lilly’s therapist. She’s only a counselor from nine to five, after that I’m sure she’s a prime catch.”

  “For some other man, not me.” When her gaze narrowed, he sighed. “Seriously…not for me.”

  “She’d make a great mother to Lilly.”

  “I’ll give her that, but Lilly has taken to you. It’s obvious.”

  “Tessa is lovely, smart, and—”

  “Not you,” he said. Hell, he could be setting himself up for defeat, but at this point, he didn’t have much to lose.

  A tendril of hair fell over her brow. She lifted a delicate finger and pushed it back into place. “This is impulsive.”

  “This situation isn’t normal, right?” He got up from the bed and paced the floor, then stopped in front of her.

  She picked at her nail again. “I’m…well, I’m not sure what to say. We don’t have to be married to be good role models for Lilly.” She shifted her gaze to the bed. When she turned her cheek to him, he swore he saw a glint of moisture. “I plan to be in her life no matter what.”

  The opportunity was slipping through his fingers. Would he allow her to drift away? No! “She needs us, here or in Shelby.”

  Confusion marred her features. “Are you saying you’d move to Shelby?”

  He gulped, but in that second he knew the answer. “If that was best for Lilly, yes.”

  “What about Mason Ranch?” she asked. “What about your life?”

  He shrugged. “I’d make a huge profit if I sold the place.” He realized she had no clue that the ranch wasn’t his only source of income. “I know they have ranches in Shelby too.”

  “Now this is really impulsive.” She shook her head. “And think about things…we’d be marrying to become parents for her. I’m not sure how that works long-term.”

  “Would that be the only reason?”

  “I guess Ms. Berard would be happy.” She smiled, but it didn’t last long. “I want what’s best for Lilly. I see myself in her when I was that age. I didn’t lose my father to death, but knowing that he didn’t love me enough to stay or want me hurts. I’ve been somewhat selfish when it came to my mother because the truth is he didn’t only walk out on me. I know she loved him and it placed fear inside of her so when she remarried she went overboard in wanting a happy home, but instead she created a prison.”

  “Whether you realize it or not, your mother did love you and your father was a jerk. What man walks out on his kid?” He ripped his hand through his hair. His protective side reared its head when thinking of Leslie as a child. He remembered how heartbroken she’d been when her father walked out of her life. “As for marrying, I think two people could wed for worse reasons than to become a family.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  THE AIR WAS unusually nippy that afternoon as it swept across Leslie’s cheeks. She nuzzled deeper into her parka as she made her way into The McAllister barn. Met with a wave of heat, she was glad the space was warm for the horses.

  The pregnant mare rubbed her nose against the gate when she saw Leslie.

  “Hello there, Star.” She patted the horse’s neck. “You certainly are friendly.”

  The love from the horse eased some of Leslie’s sadness.

  Lilly was released from the hospital the morning after her fall and Leslie had spent the day with her. They’d baked brownies and cupcakes and that evening when Stryker had come back from work, all three of them had watched a movie.

  Leslie felt torn when she left Hollyville, but life had called for her…more like the mare Star needed extra special treatment now. Duke said she’d been acting feebly and he was worried. After losing Frances, he’d been on high alert. She didn’t blame him.

  Opening her bag, she took out the items she needed and retrieved a blood sample from Star. When she was finished, she dropped the specimen cup in her bag and snapped the lid closed.

  “You’re back.”

  She lifted her head as Duke walked into the barn. “Yup, got back this morning.”

  “I was beginning to think we’d never see you again.” He rubbed Star on the head.

  “And what would you do without me? Where would you find another vet who’d come out here at all hours of the day to check on the horses?”

  He shrugged. “It’d be hard, but everyone needs a life sooner or later.”

  “Are you saying that I didn’t have a life before?” She crossed her arms o
ver her waist.

  “Do you think you had much of one? You worked non-stop and you went out on a date or two. By the way, are you the reason why my supervisor took off like a bat out of hell?” He scratched his jaw.

  “Dillon left?” She was out of the loop after being gone for a while.

  “He took off sometime yesterday. Haven’t heard from him yet. This isn’t the time for this craziness. I’m getting married in days and don’t have time to play investigator.”

  “Calm down. You know he wouldn’t leave without notice unless something happened. Have you tried calling him?”

  “Lila has been trying. She seems to have the same idea as you. He wouldn’t just get a hair up his ass and ditch his job. I don’t have as much faith in him. He’s a good guy, and a helluva worker, but nothing would shock me.”

  “Best thing for you to do is stop worrying about the ranch and go and enjoy your bride-to-be. Everything will be okay here.” She knew Lila would appreciate his presence.

  “Okay.” He pushed away from the gate. “Things won’t stop if Dillon isn’t here.”

  Bidding Duke goodbye, Leslie finished up in the barn. Every part of her was exhausted. The conversation she’d had with Stryker at the hospital had stayed with her like a constant hammering in her heart. He hadn’t mentioned the idea again, and she hadn’t talked to him since she’d pulled out of the Mason Ranch.

  Was she crazy to consider the idea of marrying him?

  She zipped up her jacket as she stepped outside. The rain had started and the cool wet drops splashed against her face. Running to her truck, she climbed in and turned on the heat. Once the cab was warm, she started home.

  Flipping through the radio stations, she found one she liked. She recognized the song and sang along to the lyrics about a woman who missed her man and was willing to travel across the world to get to him. The tune ended and another heartbreaker started. She pushed the off button, not needing her raw emotions tweaked by a couple of country singers singing the blues. She could do lonely alone.

  She drove onto her street and noticed a family getting out of their car. The father had the baby in his arms and the mother had the toddler’s hand as they raced toward the house through the rain.

  An image swept in Leslie’s tired mind. Stryker holding a baby—their baby.

  Parking on the street, she stayed in the driver’s seat, hands clenched on the steering wheel.

  The truth was becoming clearer. Being away from Stryker and Lilly left her feeling empty. She’d been alone for far too long and now something was missing, certain wonderful things that a partner adds to another’s life. She wanted those things from Stryker.

  After finally dragging herself from the truck, she went inside her dark house and locked the door behind her. Besides the occasional crack and pop, there was only silence.

  She wondered what Stryker and Lilly were doing?

  Taking her phone out of her pocket, she found Stryker’s number and hit call. It rang four times with no answer. Disappointed, she hung up, not waiting for his voicemail.

  In the bathroom, she stripped off her damp clothes and pulled on her robe. Her cell buzzed and she grabbed it from the sink. Stryker!

  “Hello?”

  “Sorry I missed your call.” His husky voice oozed through the line and over Leslie like aged whiskey. “Lilly and I were at Tessa’s for dinner.”

  Her skin froze and her stomach fluttered. There were so many responses she wanted to give, but she went for the sweetest one. “Sounds lovely. I’m sure Lilly had a good time.”

  “She did and she’s taking a bath now. I was surprised that you’d called.”

  Her grip tightened on the phone and she didn’t realize her strength until she heard a crack. “I won’t keep you long, but I wanted to remind you that Duke and Lila’s wedding is this Saturday. You’re still planning to come, right?”

  “Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Okay, then. Tell Lilly I said to sleep tight. Bye.” She clicked off and did some positive self-talk. Jealousy didn’t do anyone a bit of good. Although, it wouldn’t hurt to keep her eyes wide open. Tessa seemed kind and harmless, but Leslie knew the other woman had feelings for Stryker, and that could make her dangerous.

  Saturday came, Leslie had bought a new red, sequined dress for Duke and Lila’s wedding. The stilettos she wore always made her feel sexy and the new bra and panties were for later—when she had Stryker alone. As promised, he came with her, but Tessa had volunteered to watch Lilly. He planned to drive back first thing in the morning.

  The backyard wedding turned out to be a spectacular event. Duke and Lila exchanged nuptials as the sun set and were surrounded by arrangements of colorful flowers in white pots and the glow of lit candles dotted the landscape of The McAllister Ranch. Lila wore a strapless, knee-length dress and her favorite cowgirl boots. Duke wore a blue button-down and dark jeans. After exchanging vows, eight doves were released, along with every guest letting go of a balloon. The strikes of color spotted the dusky sky.

  Just as soon as the ceremony ended, the band on the makeshift stage burst into music. Couples began to dance and Stryker held out his hand for her, “Care to?”

  “I’d love to.” She placed her palm into his. His calloused knuckles brushed against her sensitive skin, a reminder that he spent his days wrangling cattle and riding horses.

  Side by side they moved closer to the dance floor until he stopped and moved his free hand to her waist, gently tugging her against his muscular chest and lean hips. His musk scent twirled around her senses. She loved his smell that seemed to belong only to him—a mixture of soap and mint.

  The slow drawl of the melody surrounded them as he splayed his large palm across her lower back. The tips of his fingers skimmed across the top of her buttocks and she didn’t mind. He moved his cheek and his mouth was near her ear. “I love this dress on you.” He brought his free hand up and subtly followed the neckline with his finger. “It leaves a man wondering what’s underneath. I’d love to sweep you away from the crowd, but I’m afraid it’d be too risky at the moment. For now, I’ll fantasize.”

  Verbal foreplay. She enjoyed it. “You’re not so bad yourself, cowboy.” She tangled her fingers in the soft chambray shirt when all she wanted to do was rip it from his steely muscles.

  The violin played a serenade for lovers. They moved together, his hips skimmed hers, their fingers entwined. Slowly and surely every barricade she’d built around her heart was falling. Every logical thought gave way to desire. She didn’t fight the feeling—wouldn’t have if she could.

  His warm breath brushed across her cheek. Her nipples tightened and her stomach quivered—along with other places of her body. He was as into the dance as she was, obvious by the bulge that pressed her bellybutton. She bent her head back, looking up into his amazing eyes that glinted in the dim lights. If only she could fall into the depths. Could she look into the same gaze everyday for the rest of forever? She moistened her lips, hoping her voice worked. “Remember the conversation we had while Lilly was in the hospital?”

  “I remember.” He whirled her in a circle then brought her back against his burly frame.

  “Have you thought anymore about what you’d said?”

  His laughter teased her nerve endings. “I’ve thought about nothing else.”

  Her heart beat faster. “Same here.”

  “Is that right?” He slipped both arms around her waist. The hold was intimate, reminding her of all that they’d shared, and all that could be discovered.

  He was everything a woman could want—sexy, skilled and a great dancer. He was kind and passionate. He had bad habits, but didn’t everyone? She knew he snuck a cigarette occasionally and he could be stubborn at times. Those were hardly deal breakers.

  The music slowed and the singer’s lovely voice sang a lover’s tale. Other couples moved around them.

  “Marriage is certainly a lot to think about it. Were you serious when you asked?” She s
tared up at him.

  “I don’t play games, unless it’s in the bedroom.” He nuzzled his chin against her hair.

  Being here, in his arms, seemed so right—so good.

  She could easily forget that they weren’t alone. She could erase the history. Could he?

  “I’m thinking…” She clung to him like he was her lifeline, breathing him deep into her lungs. “If the offer still stands, I think it’d be best…for Lilly.” And for me because I need you. She couldn’t reveal everything—not yet.

  The sharp intake of his breath told her he was surprised. “Music to my ears.”

  The song ended and neither made a move to sit down. They waited for another to begin and they continued to dance. Surreal as it was, she was now Stryker’s fiancée—for the second time in a lifetime.

  ****

  Stryker followed Leslie into her living room, watching the sweet sway of her hips underneath the dress. She’d driven him crazy all night.

  He stopped short when he saw the pictures strewn out over the coffee table. Picking up one of the glossy images, he laughed. “I remember this photo. You and I were in one of those tiny photo booths at the fair. Hell, what was I? Seventeen?” He went through a phase where he slicked back his hair and he wore his football jersey.

  Leslie peeked over his shoulder. “Yup. It doesn’t seem that long ago, does it?”

  “I still have my jersey.” He dropped the picture and turned to her. She slid off her heels and left them by the couch. “I know I’ve told you, but you’re lovely.” He couldn’t imagine ever seeing any woman more beautiful. He’d long realized he was in love with her. He’d never stopped and guessed it was high time he told her.

  “Care for a drink? I have whiskey, beer or wine,” she said on her way to the kitchen.

  “A beer is fine.” He picked up another snapshot from the bunch. This one was of Leslie. She was riding a horse. Her long hair waved in the breeze and her cheeks were flushed.

  She came back in with a bottle of beer in each hand. “Here you go.” She handed him one.

  He took his, taking a long drink then went and placed the picture of Leslie on the mantle. “That day was special.”