“Quit looking at me like I’m some kind of monster,” he said brusquely, feeling defensive. “There are plenty of bull-riding champions out there still traveling the circuit that would be more than willing to meet Chad and spend time with him.”
She stood and moved toward him. “His wish is to meet you, you hard-headed idiot!” Her voice lowered, turning as soft and imploring as her moss-green eyes. “Don’t you see, Rafe? This kid has placed a lot of hope in you.”
“He thinks I’m a goddamn hero!” Pacing to the open back door, he braced his hand on the frame above his head and stared out the screen to the green pasture where three Quarter Horses grazed. When the tumultuous emotions in him calmed, he said in a low voice, “I didn’t ask for this. I don’t want this.”
“This isn’t about you, Rafe,” she replied with steadfast determination. “It’s about a little boy who has lost so much and wants something that will give him a little faith in life. You obviously do that for him. And maybe, if you just gave a little of yourself, you can find the man you used to be, and make peace with the man you’ve become.”
He clawed his hand through his thick hair and rubbed at the stiff muscles at the nape of his neck. Turning, he met his sister’s gaze. “I don’t think it’s possible to go back to who I was.”
“You’re wrong, Rafe. You lost so much a year ago, but that kind, caring man is still there. I know he is. Deep inside, beneath all the anger and pain is the brother that used to make me smile. And do you have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve heard you laugh?”
Forever, it seemed. He dropped his head, sensing defeat.
“Maybe you need this kid as much as he needs you,” Kristen said, her caring voice reaching deep inside him. “If you can’t do this for yourself, then do it for me, Rafe.”
He lifted his head, knowing he’d never be able to refuse his sister anything. She knew it, too. “You play dirty,” he murmured.
Her shoulders lifted in an unapologetic shrug. “Whatever it takes to make you see reason.”
Rafe thought of a young boy with stars in his eyes. A young boy who had him on a pedestal and thought he could do no wrong. A young boy who believed he was a hero.
He shuddered. “What do I know about kids?” he asked gruffly. His own father had hardly been a good parental example.
“Probably more than you realize,” she offered, not caving to his pitiful excuse. “Kids are amazingly adept and have a tendency to show you what they need, and you’ll instinctively know.” When he gave her a look of disbelief, she smiled. “Trust me on this one, Rafe. During the school year I’m surrounded by a dozen different seven-year-old second-graders, each with their own distinct personalities, and I know what each student wants or needs before they even express it.”
Doubts curled through him. “I don’t know, Kristin . . .”
“Give the boy a week of your time, and you may change the direction of his life forever.” More solemnly, she added, “Reject him, and you risk damaging his young self-esteem, especially at this stage in his life after losing both of his parents.”
Finding nothing in Kristin’s statement he could argument with, Rafe looked away.
“Remember how we felt after Mom died?” she asked softly.
How could he ever forget? They’d both felt so lost and confused. Except they’d had each other, and together they’d shared their grief, and struggled to deal with the devastating pain of losing a sweet, loving woman who was so opposite of their insensitive, uncaring father.
Chad Evans had no one to share his burdens with.
He glanced back at his sister, seeing the hope in her eyes, feeling the emptiness in his chest, and knew in that single moment what he would do.
He drew a slow, steady breath, and eased it out just as carefully, praying he didn’t come to regret his decision. “Fine, I’ll do it.”
Rafe paused anxiously on the other side of Lauren’s motel room door, feeling like a teenager about to pick up a date for the first time. The notion was ridiculous, considering how many women he’d been with over the years, but the sweaty palms and tumbling in his stomach was the same as he remembered. He was nervous about the reception he’d receive after being such a jerk the night before, and fully expected a few awkward moments between them when she opened the door.
His sister told him he owed Ms. Richmond an apology for his rude attitude, and although the instincts he’d honed the past year rebelled at the thought of groveling for forgiveness, he knew Kristin was right. He’d never treated a woman so badly before, and the personal bitterness he harbored was no excuse for the contemptuous behavior he’d exhibited toward her.
Shifting on his feet, he cast a surreptitious glance around the small motel parking lot. There were only six units available, and the “Vacancy” sign was still posted. Not many visitors to Cedar Creek required a motel room, so Rafe was fairly certain he’d set a few tongues to wagging when he’d entered the registration area and asked Bernice Jones for Lauren Richmond’s room number. The old, gray haired woman had pursed her lips disapprovingly and informed him that she didn’t run that kind of establishment. Rafe assured her the visit was strictly business, but that hadn’t stopped the old biddy from keeping an eye on him out the glass enclosed check-in area.
Shoving his misgivings aside, he forced himself to knock on the motel door. Another thirty seconds passed, which felt like an eternity, then her door opened.
Rafe stared. The polished business woman dressed in city sophistication had vanished, and in her place was a young woman with a flush on her cheeks and sleek blonde hair pulled into a ponytail. She wore dark blue jeans that gave definition to the curves she’d hidden beneath her fancy suit the night before, and a casual t-shirt that hinted at firm, full breasts. She looked pretty and wholesome, like she belonged in Wyoming, in the country . . . in his bed.
A dazzling smile lit up her face. “Rafe!”
He’d expected reservation or disdain, not such an open display of enthusiasm. “Mornin’ Ms. Richmond,” he drawled, applying a pleasant tone he hadn’t used much in the past year. It sounded hoarse and rusty to his ears, but she didn’t seem to notice.
She clasped her hands in front of her, nearly bursting with elation. Her gaze searched his, and judging by the excitement electrifying her bluer-than-the-sky-above eyes, he guessed she found what she was looking for.
“You changed your mind!” she blurted.
It wasn’t a question, but a statement of fact. One issued with unwavering confidence and complete triumph. He gave a curt nod in response.
With a squeal of delight, she threw herself against his chest, wrapped her arms around his neck, and hugged him tighter than he’d ever been embraced before. He tensed, but his discomfort didn’t seem to faze her.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she said fervently, her warm breath tickling his ear.
Damn, Rafe thought, overwhelmed by her uninhibited display of gratitude. He didn’t know what to do with his hands, so he settled them lightly on her hips, using the strategic placement to maintain a modicum of distance between their bodies. The attempt was no use, not when the woman in his arms clung with such tenacity.
Awareness quickly settled in, stirring senses that had lain dormant for too long. The lush softness of her body complimented his perfectly, making his own respond with a rush of heat that spiraled low in his belly, ruthlessly reminding him how long he’d been without a woman. The fresh, feminine scent of her skin filled his head when he pulled in a deep breath, eliciting the reckless urge to nuzzle the fragrant curve of her neck and use his tongue to taste the silky, sensitive skin along her throat, to explore the resilience of her supple lips, her mouth, and discover the honeyed essence deep within. To slip his hands around to her bottom and lift her more snugly against him.
Just like that, he wanted her. He craved her warmth and the energy and joy that filled her and surrounded him as she hugged him with such unreserved affection. Emotionally, and physically, she made
him feel, made him need things he’d lost the inclination to care about.
He was in trouble. Big trouble. Getting involved with the well-bred, citified Lauren Richmond would only lead to disaster and possible expectations he had no intentions of fulfilling. She didn’t seem the type to accept a night of mutual pleasure, no strings attached, and that’s all he was willing to offer any woman.
The lecture didn’t lesson his desire for her any.
Finally, she let him go, sliding slowly away from the length of his body and creating a sensual friction that had him gritting his teeth.
“Oh, Rafe,” she breathed, her eyes as bright as rare jewels. “I can’t begin to tell you what this means to me. Chad is going to be absolutely delighted that you’re granting his request.”
He was still less than thrilled about the situation, but with Kristin’s sermon still fresh in his mind, he kept the comment to himself. He’d do the deed, albeit reluctantly, then continue on with his quiet, peaceful life.
She stepped back and opened the door wider, motioning him inside. “Come on in.”
He shook his head and stayed put. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” He hooked a finger in the direction of the check-in area, where Bernice watched them with undisguised interest, her brows slanting downward over her eyes in a frown. “Bernice is bound to think something improper is going on.”
Lauren’s eyes widened in understanding, and her cheeks colored. “Oh.” Her smile turned adorably sheepish. “I didn’t think about how that might look.”
He wasn’t surprised, considering where she came from. “I suppose in Los Angeles people don’t pay any attention to such things, but Cedar Creek is a small town, and gossip is a favorite past-time.” Reaching for a dose of fortitude, he extended a more personal invitation. “How ‘bout I buy you breakfast at Fran’s Diner next door, and we can talk there.”
Open pleasure touched her features, matching the smile that curved her mouth. “I’d like that, but I’ve got to be on the road in about an hour to catch my flight back to Los Angeles.”
He glanced at his watch, noted the time, and mentally counted the minutes until he’d be back at his ranch with his horses. “That won’t be a problem.”
He waited outside while she grabbed her purse, and together they walked to the diner. Lauren gave Bernice a friendly wave on the way. The old woman appeared flustered at being caught watching them, and quickly busied herself at the registration desk.
Since it was late morning on a Wednesday, the place wasn’t very busy, though the few patrons that were present tracked their progress to a booth in the back of the establishment. Not only was it a novelty to see Rafe Dalton out in public for something other than groceries or a trip to the feed store, but the unfamiliar woman he was with heightened their curiosity.
Rafe retrieved two plastic menus from between the salt and pepper shakers and napkin dispenser, and handed one to Lauren. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see their waitress sashaying her way to their table. He recognized the woman as Andrea Ferris, one of the many women who’d traipsed through his house when he’d come home after the accident, trying to take care of him and fuss over his injuries when he didn’t want anyone near him. He’d been filled with anger, and surly enough to offend many of the women he’d grown up with—women who’d tried for years to catch his eye and rope him into a commitment he wasn’t ready for, Andrea included. Shortly, the visits stopped and word quickly spread that Rafe Dalton was no longer the sweet-talking charmer he’d been since his youth.
She stopped at their table, pencil and tablet in hand, and gave him a slow, thorough once over. “Well, what a surprise it is to see you here, Rafe.”
He gave her a curt nod. “Hello, Andrea.”
The woman’s green, cat-like eyes slid from him, to Lauren, and back again. “Who’s your friend?”
Belatedly, Rafe realized the mistake in bringing Lauren here, which put her, and him, under as much scrutiny as if he’d entered her motel room. In his estimation, it wasn’t anyone’s business who Lauren was, or what she was doing in Cedar Creek. The last thing he wanted was the town having a field day with what he’d agreed to do for Lauren.
Both women waited for an introduction, and when he didn’t issue one, Lauren took the initiative. “I’m Lauren Richmond,” she said with a congenial smile. “I’m from Los Angeles.”
“Really?” Intrigue suffused Andrea’s voice. “What brings you to a town like Cedar Creek?”
“I represent Bright Beginnings, which caters to foster children,” Lauren said before Rafe could formulate an excuse for her visit. “I have a client who wants to meet Rafe. He’s agreed, so now we’re hashing out some details.”
“Ah, who can resist Cedar Creek’s rodeo champion and local hero?” Andrea’s comment spilled out with a sarcastic bite, and she shifted her gaze back to Rafe. “What you’re doing is just too sweet for words, darlin’. It’s nice to know there’s still a gracious side to you, after all.” She followed that remark up with, “So, what can I get you two today?”
Rafe was grateful for the change in conversation, especially since Lauren looked totally confused by the exchange between him and Andrea. It was obvious his unsociable attitude the past year hadn’t won him any popularity votes. Once, he’d been well-liked and respected in Cedar Creek. Now, the people of the community treated him like they did his father when he’d been alive . . . civilly, but not making any attempt to breach the hostility he’d cloaked himself in since the accident.
It was his own fault, but the knowledge that he was becoming exactly what he’d always despised was a tough pill to swallow.
“I’ll have the ham and cheese omelet with white toast,” he told Andrea, not looking at her. Setting the menu aside, he looked out the window to the Lazy Daze Motel while Lauren placed her order.
“I’ll have the same,” she said. “And I’ll take cream with my coffee, please.”
Andrea wrote the order down on her pad. “Coming right up.”
Once they were alone, Rafe glanced back at Lauren and found her regarding him with concern. He instantly felt uneasy.
“Are you okay?” she asked quietly.
Why did she care? “Just fine.” A tight smile stretched his lips. He wasn’t about to admit just how uncomfortable this entire situation was making him.
Andrea returned with two mugs, set them on the table along with a container of cream, and filled both cups with the steaming brew. Once she moved on to another table to take a customer’s order, Rafe swallowed his stubborn, irritable pride and attempted to make amends for his behavior the evening before.
“I, uh, owe you an apology for last night.” He could have made the excuse that she’d caught him at a bad time, but didn’t. More often than not his mood was as dark and ominous as a thundercloud.
She waved a slim hand in the air, dismissing the incident. “I think both of us were a little short-tempered yesterday. I was tired and cranky after my long flight and probably came on stronger than I normally would have.” Her expression filled with warmth and understanding. “Why don’t we wipe the slate clean, and start out fresh?”
“All right.” His reply was stiff with a reluctance he couldn’t shake. “So what, exactly, do you expect from me in all this?”
“To be hospitable, if that’s a possibility.” Her tone was light and teasing, but underlined with honesty, too. She stirred cream into her coffee, and added a packet of sugar. “That scowl of yours is enough to make a young kid cower.”
He braced his forearms on the table, clasped his hands around his mug, and tried to relax his facial muscles so he was no longer glowering. The technique took more effort than he’d expected, and made him think about how a scowl had become such a natural form of expression for him. She made him think too much.
“Entertaining kids isn’t my specialty,” he said, his voice low and defensive.
“You entertained hundreds of kids during your rodeo days,” she pointed out, a sassy grin
curving her mouth. “And according to Chad, you were quite amicable about it, too.”
“Yeah, well, things have changed.” A gruff note infused his voice. He took a drink of coffee to ease the roughness. “I don’t follow the circuit any longer, and I don’t make it a habit of turning my spread into a dude ranch for some kid with a hankering to play cowboy.”
“I’m not asking you to change your daily routine, just give a little time to a young boy.” A wispy strand of hair had escaped her pony tail, and she took a moment to tuck it behind her ear. “When Chad’s father was alive he took him to a working ranch a few times, so he knows what to expect. He’s taking riding lessons and is quite adept with horses. And, he’ll be chaperoned so it’s not as though he’ll be in your way while you’re working.”
“His foster parents are coming, too?”
“Well, no, not exactly.” She absently fiddled with the fork and knife on her side of the table, but her gaze remained focused on him. “Both of them work and can’t take the time off. Since I’ve accumulated vacation time at Blair, I offered to chaperone him during his stay and be his guardian for the week.”
A rumble of heat coursed through Rafe’s blood that had nothing to do with the hot coffee he’d just swallowed. He thought about seven days of this woman living in his house, sleeping in the spare bedroom next to his, leaving her scent in every room she entered, and wondered how he’d survive when she already proved to be a temptation he was hard pressed to resist.
She brought her mug to her lips and took a sip of the sweetened brew, suddenly looking uncertain. “Your, um, girlfriend won’t mind us staying at your place, will she?”
Her question caught him by surprise, and it took him a moment to figure out a response. Eyeing her cautiously, he asked, “What gives you the idea I have a girlfriend?”
She shifted against the vinyl booth, and for as uncomfortable as she appeared, that determination he was coming to admire fueled her gaze. “Yesterday, when I knocked on your door you thought I was Kristin.”
The Bachelor’s Surrender Page 3
