Second Round Cowboy (Second Chance Series)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  He shrugged, hearing a few seams break. “If that makes you happy. It’s only two hours away, not thousands.”

  “I guess I could rearrange my schedule and only work three days a week and then travel here the other four. A change of work hours wouldn’t hurt.”

  So why did he still feel less than satisfied? He was a confused man, but at least the smile returned on her lovely face.

  “Now, it’s time for Lilly’s bedtime. I read that children her age need at least nine to ten hours of sleep a night,” Leslie said.

  He had to give it to Leslie, her intention was to help Lilly and he appreciated everything. “I’ll remember that.”

  “She also needs lots of fruit and veggies. Eating out is unhealthy.” Leslie placed her hands on her hips. “I’m going to have to go get groceries.”

  He watched her walk back into the living room. Leslie sat with Lilly and he watched the twosome. This could easily have been his life if things had been different for him and Leslie. They could have had a family of their own. She seemed to fit here with him and Lilly, things seemed right. His heart raced when he pondered all of the possibilities of the future.

  Leslie and Lilly gathered the toys off the floor and placed them in a basket.

  Happiness mingled with the sadness in his soul. What had he agreed to with Leslie? A long-distance marriage?

  I’m screwed.

  Lilly ran toward him and wrapped her arms around his legs. He lowered his gaze and his chest tightened at the affection the child gave him. He knelt down, looking into the sweetest blue eyes and held back the ache of emotion. “Are you ready for bed? You have fantastic dreams of horses, okay?” He didn’t get a response but the hug pacified him.

  Later, Stryker heard Leslie’s footsteps coming back down the stairs. He looked up from his paperwork as she rounded the corner into the room. “Is she asleep?”

  “Two bedtime stories later, yes.” She stopped to stand before him.

  Her hips were at eye level and he slowly followed the soft curves encased in tight shorts, skimming each button on her shirt, sweeping across her long neck and to a pair of eyes that attached to him. “Now that’s a look that I’d classify as impish.”

  “I hate to interrupt.” She took the papers off his lap and set them on the couch cushion.

  “Are you sure you hate it?”

  “No, not one bit.”

  Excitement rushed over him as he she brought her fingers to the top of her shirt and slid the button open. “If you have the time—” Two more unsnapped. “—I’ve been thinking about something.” She released each snap and he licked his lips in anticipation. She shimmied her shoulders, sending the shirt sliding away to reveal her pale mounds of flesh popping out over top of the lace. She certainly knew how to drive him crazy.

  “I can’t wait to hear what’s been tinkering around in your mind.” He had a good idea he’d like where this would lead.

  “Remember that trick you showed me the last time we were together?” Her eyes glistened with mischief.

  “Hmm…you might have to refresh my memory.” His finger itched to touch her silken skin, but instead he gripped his thighs and waited for the show.

  She took a step back and placed her hands on her waist, rolling her hips. “The move where I put my legs over your shoulders, our bodies pressed together, and you hold my ass in your palms. Does that ring a bell?”

  It became harder to talk as his body blocked logic. “Yes, that one. Wow! I reached every part of you and I came so quickly.”

  “What would a ride be without flexibility?” Her words oozed from her lips like honey, and all he wanted to do was lap the sweetness up.

  He could no longer wait. He stood and reached out, grasping her bare waist and tugging her against him. “Flexible and sexy as hell. I wonder if you’d be interested in trying a few other positions.”

  She slid her hands along his chest, nicking his skin with her nails. “I’m always up for trying new things. Shall we move into your bedroom and play teacher/student? Or, are you more the doctor/nurse type?”

  “I like the way you think.” He was already leading her down the hall. For now, sex with Leslie would be a great diversion from the other obstacles in their life, but eventually they’d have to smooth the wrinkles out.

  However, not tonight.

  ****

  Leslie woke the next morning, stretched her arm to the other side of the bed and came up empty. She lifted her head and saw the piece of paper. Grabbing the note, she read it…

  “Meet me in the kitchen.”

  Pulling on one of his oversized shirts and a pair of shorts, she made her way downstairs, following the savory deliciousness of bacon. She hadn’t had any in a long time.

  He lifted his head when she came into the room. His warm gaze fell down her body. “Hungry?” he asked.

  “Starved. You wore me out last night.” She winked when he smiled.

  “I think it’s the other way around. You never get tired, do you?” He wiggled his brows. He plated the eggs, bacon and toast on two plates.

  Her stomach growled, pleading that she nourish her body. “Where’s Lilly?”

  “She’s with Tessa.” He pulled out a cushioned stool and motioned for her to sit. She did as he requested.

  “Have her therapy days switched?” She grabbed a piece of bacon and popped it into her mouth, chewing the smoky meatiness.

  He shook his head as he sat in the chair across from her. “No, they’re shopping.”

  Leslie almost choked. She grabbed the orange juice and gulped it down. Choking no longer a threat, she set her glass down. “Shopping?”

  The area between his brows crinkled. “Something wrong?”

  Leslie went from hot to cold in a matter of seconds. “I guess not. I just thought I’d take her out alone for a few hours today. After all, I have to go back later. I don’t remember you and me discussing these plans.”

  He sighed. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d stay the entire weekend.” He forked eggs into his mouth.

  “I have to get back. I want to check on the mare.”

  “Oh, I see.” He grabbed a piece of bacon and downed it with coffee.

  The air became uncomfortable. “I guess it’s my fault since I didn’t tell you my plans.”

  His shrug was taut. “And I assumed.”

  “At least Lilly is happy.” She didn’t want to discuss Tessa. “This is a very lovely gesture, breakfast and all.” She scooped eggs. The rest of the meal was spent in awkward silence.

  After the table was cleaned and the dishes washed, Leslie slid off her rubber gloves and tossed them onto the counter. Turning on Stryker, he was drying the last dish. “Are you mad at me?’

  “No, I’m not mad.” He didn’t make eye contact with her.

  Nibbling her bottom lip, she played with the heart ring on her right hand. “Not mad, but maybe hurt? Disappointed? I need to know something, Stryke.”

  He threw the towel onto the sink and looked at her. His jaw was tight and his lips turned downward. “I’m really fine, Lesi. I’ve got to get used to your schedule.”

  “Fine, yet your words seem pretty bitter,” she said.

  “When do you think you’ll be back?”

  “I thought we chatted about this last night. I will come later in the week. You were the one who mentioned the long-distance thing.”

  He blinked. “I think I spoke too soon.” The air snapped.

  “Is that right? My head is spinning. Changing your mind every few days doesn’t help.” She didn’t want another argument. “We agreed that the arrangement would work.”

  “An arrangement is exactly how you see our relationship.” His words were harsh.

  There wasn’t a sliver of compassion visible in his granite gaze and her skin crawled. “I know I should have told you that I wouldn’t be here all weekend. I lapsed in my communication, but so have you. We should discuss Lilly and her plans too.”

  “So, let me get this straight. Shou
ld I call you every time something comes up asking if it’s okay?”

  “Relax, Stryke. That’s not what I’m saying.”

  “Then what are you saying?” He slid his hand through his thick locks then crossed his arms.

  “I believe Tessa shouldn’t have come to get Lilly, especially when I’m here. It feels like an intrusion.” She moistened her lips and swallowed bile. This wasn’t how she wanted to spend the last few hours in Hollyville.

  “Is that what this is about? Tessa again?” He rubbed his temples and blew out a long breath.

  The hair on the back of her neck lifted. “I’m beginning to wonder what your priority list is. I hope you realize that I’m not a woman who will share a man.”

  His jaw dropped. “I have no clue what you mean.”

  “Come on, Stryke. You’re not ignorant. Isn’t it obvious what’s going on here? Tessa is in love with you and I’m not so sure that the feeling isn’t returned in some way.” She started to turn but he caught her elbow. “What?”

  “That’s the craziest thing I’ve heard. I respect her for caring for Lilly. With her help, Lilly is doing better.” His eyes turned dark. “She is a great role model and is here if Lilly needs her.”

  “That’s my job, remember?”

  He shook his head as if he wanted to toss away their conversation. “You mean it’s your job when you’re here.”

  His words ripped her insides to shreds. “Honestly, I’m not sure what we’d call this relationship or what my role is in Lilly’s life. At times, it seems I’m expected to stand behind Tessa and wait my turn.”

  “Maybe that’s where you want to be. When you’re hiding in the shadows you don’t have to face your failures.”

  Poison slashed her veins. “You’re an ass.” Jerking her arm free, she marched out of the room.

  “Lesi, wait—”

  “Forget about it.”

  Climbing the stairs, she made it to the bedroom when she heard Stryker’s heavy footsteps behind her. She didn’t look but knew he stood at the threshold of the bedroom “My attitude this morning stinks,” he said.

  Grabbing her suitcase, she tossed in the clothing she had on yesterday.

  “What happened to us working things out?” The pleading tone of his voice made her acknowledge him. “Can I explain what I meant?”

  “What’s the use? You’re right, I have failed at times. The bigger issue is, we’re not even married yet. How the hell are we going to get along when we are wearing each other’s ring?” She plopped down on the edge of the bed and crossed her arms. Frustration grew within her.

  “Probably like we always did. We argued, and then made up before bedtime. It worked then.”

  “We were young. We are mature adults now and we have to communicate better.”

  “We’re still young. I don’t like you leaving again so soon. I did agree to this though.” He leaned against the doorframe. “You have a life and so do I.”

  “And soon both will be joined.”

  “I’m sorry that I let Tessa pick Lilly up this morning. The plan had been in the works for a while.”

  “It’s okay. I have to put aside my own feelings. It’s good for Lilly.”

  “For the record, you’re not failing now. I only meant that you’re new at this, and so am I. Having someone like Tessa to lead us toward the right path isn’t a bad thing, is it?”

  “I’ll be the first to admit that she is a great help with Lilly. I just don’t want to feel like I’m the odd man out. Isn’t that fair?”

  He nodded.

  “Have you told Tessa that we’re getting married?”

  He shook his head. “No, I haven’t.”

  The blade slid deeper as she absorbed the fact that he hadn’t told the other woman. She knew Stryker and believed he’d tell her. There was no reason not to trust him.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  DRAINED AND READY to call it a day, Leslie pulled into Mason Ranch just as the rain started. Lightening lit the sky followed by a deep roll of thunder.

  She’d had a long week and the two hour drive had felt more like twenty-four. After helping deliver a foal that afternoon, she’d wanted to go home and go to bed, but she’d promised Stryker she’d come tonight.

  Pulling up next to the BMW, she glanced at the digital clock. It was almost Ten P.M. Lilly would be asleep and Stryker didn’t tell her he was expecting company.

  Grabbing her suitcase from the passenger seat, she opened the door, jumped out and made a mad dash up the walkway to the porch. By the time she made it to the porch, she was wet and freezing, making her mood worse.

  Knocking on the door, she waited. Goosebumps covered her skin and her teeth clattered. “Why aren’t you answering?”

  Impatient, she dropped her bag and slipped her purse off of her arm. Stryker had given her a key but she hadn’t used it and couldn’t remember where she’d put it. After digging through pieces of gum, store receipts, paper clips, and mini marshmallows, which she tossed into the yard, she finally found the key at the bottom. Her fingers were numb making it hard to slide the key in and turn. When the lock finally clicked, she breathed a sigh of relief.

  She hurried inside, shut the door and absorbed the warmth. Water dripped from her hair and her clothes were stuck to her skin.

  She started to call out to Stryker, but the sound of a woman’s laughter stopped her. Who the hell?

  Leaving her bag by the door, she followed the sounds into the living room, her tennis shoes squeaking, and stepped right into a cozy setting. The gas fireplace was on, dim lighting was set and Stryker and Tessa were sitting on the couch.

  Stryker had a beer. Next to him, Tessa held a wine glass. Both were laughing. Leslie’s gaze fell to Tessa’s hand casually placed on his arm.

  Her stomach turned and she wanted to pretend she’d never seen the two of them.

  Who was she kidding?

  He was her cowboy. And Tessa was intruding!

  When neither realized she was there, she dropped her purse and it landed with a thud.

  Tessa noticed her first. Hand quickly left Stryker’s arm.

  “Hello.” Leslie forced a smile to her quivering lips.

  Stryker then turned, his curious gaze lowered over her. “What the hell happened?”

  “Not much. I just waded through a storm for the joy of it.” Her bottom lip trembled.

  He placed his bottle on the table and stood up. Tessa lowered her bare feet to the floor, but remained seated. Neither showed any guilt or betrayal. “You made it. I expected you a few hours ago.” Stryker grabbed the blanket off the back of the chair and came to her, wrapping her in its warmth.

  “Yes, I made it.” Her voice wavered. After working all day, feeling exhausted, being stuck in traffic, and soaked to her panties, she was in no mood for pleasantries.

  Tessa stood up, concern creasing the area around her eyes. “Can I get you a glass of wine?”

  Leslie started to turn down the offering, but she thought better of it. “Sure. I’d love one.”

  Tessa left the room.

  “Damn, you’re going to catch cold.” Stryker pulled the ends of the blanket closer around her body.

  “I’m okay now.”

  “You say that but your lips are blue,” he said.

  Tessa came back with a filled wine glass and handed it to Leslie. She took it and downed the liquid in one slurp. Licking her lips, she handed the empty crystal back to a stunned Tessa. “Would you like another?” Tessa offered.

  “No. I’m good.” She blinked and her wet lashes stuck together.

  “Tessa was nice enough to sit with Lilly today while I was working,” Stryker said.

  “That is very kind of you, Tessa. Dropping everything and helping out, especially sitting this late in the evening.” Leslie wanted to pat herself on the shoulder for doing such a great job of controlling the part of her that wanted to lash out like a spurred demon. Showing horns had never been her style, but backed into a corner, she’d do what sh
e needed.

  “It really wasn’t a problem. Stryker offered me dinner and I couldn’t refuse.” Tessa beamed.

  “It was so much trouble throwing a frozen pizza into the oven,” Stryker added.

  “Oh, listen to the two of you. How sweet.” The forced laughter came out as a snort. Leslie swallowed the sound.

  Stryker and Tessa stared.

  Seconds ticked into misery until finally Tessa nervously smiled. “I guess I should be off. You two probably have lots to talk about.” She slid her feet into the black flats by the couch where she’d been sitting.

  “No, you two go ahead and continue whatever it was I interrupted. I’m going to take my bag upstairs and call it a night. It’s been a long one. Enjoy your wine.” She caught Stryker’s look of confusion in her peripheral vision.

  Leslie was past the point of caring. She certainly didn’t want to jump to conclusions. What she’d seen could have been innocent. So what that her fiancé was having a drink with his female friend. It didn’t mean a thing. Of course not.

  She left the room and headed up the stairs, dragging her suitcase along behind her, not having the energy to lift it and hoping she didn’t wake Lilly.

  Inside her room, she closed the door and leaned against the heavy wood. She was a car on a roller coaster, spinning on a loop, and the ride wasn’t slowing down. She held on for dear life.

  Exhaustion blanketed her mind. No logical reasoning could happen when she could barely see straight.

  Taking clothes from her bag, she went into the adjoining bathroom and dragged the moist clothes off her body. The dry T-shirt felt heavenly on her chilled skin. Stepping back into the bedroom and, although it was quiet, she knew she wasn’t alone. She searched the shadows and found Stryker standing by the dresser. Going to the nightstand, she turned on the light. She saw his agitation in tight jaw and narrowed gaze.

  “Tessa left,” he said.

  “Sorry that I interrupted.”

  “You didn’t interfere with anything except two people having a discussion about a child. I wish you would have stayed and visited.”

  “I’m afraid I would have felt like a third wheel.” Why hold back?