"You ever been on a horse, Little Lady?"
"Yes."
Kiki tried to hide her grin. She'd ridden plenty of times on the Big Island. No one would guess, looking at her in her designer suits and pumps, that she knew how to handle a horse.
"You wouldn't want to see some of the ranch this afternoon, would you? Weather's supposed to stay nice."
"I'd love to," she answered.
Lickety-split, he was out and around the truck, reaching for her. Harden lifted her from the truck and placed her on the drive.
"Meet me here in ten minutes?"
"Deal," she said, heading for her lodgings.
Kiki tore off her dress and grabbed her jeans, new boots, and a T-shirt. She rummaged through a chest of drawers and found a sweatshirt that must have belonged to Noble. She pulled it on over her T and drew her hair through a rubber band, creating a pony tail. A swipe of lip gloss, and she walked out the door.
Noble leaned against a porch railing, his hat slung low over his eyes, long legs stretching ahead, crossed at the ankle, arms intersecting over his chest. The sight reminded her of how he looked that first night at the airport. He'd changed into old jeans and a chambray work shirt.
"Wow, Sweetheart. I didn't know you owned any shoes besides those six-inch pumps you trudge around in."
The man grinned from ear to ear.
"I'll have you know they're three-inch heels with a one-inch platform, and I don't trudge anywhere."
"I stand corrected," he said, pushing his brim up with his forefinger.
Noble took her hand and led her past the big log home and down a path towards the bunk houses. Located on the opposite side of the compound as her lodgings, the buildings the ranch hands lived in couldn't been seen from the courtyard. She looked back towards the houses and realized they'd descended a ridge. Trees blocked the help's dwellings from her windows.
Four long, narrow houses stretched before them. Each had a porch, and she spied five front doors across one of the facades.
"Does everyone have their own studio apartment?" she asked.
He laughed.
"That's big city talk, Little Lady. The first building is where Mr. and Mrs. Briggs, Peg, and a few more senior employees stay. They each have their own space, with a kitchenette and bathroom. The next two buildings are true bunk houses, just large open spaces with one large attached bath, kind of like a college dorm. The far structure is set up with two living areas. We used to use that for married cowboys with families, but we don't have any of those at the moment, so they remain empty. That small house off to itself is where Nash lives," he explained, pointing to the ranch manager's cottage.
Beyond the housing, she could see a long, low barn and several corrals. She guessed the barn served as stables. They continued past the living quarters towards the outbuildings. One of the younger cowboys emerged, holding the reins of two horses which trailed slightly behind the man.
"Is that your horse?" Kiki said, pointing to the larger of the animals.
"Why, you want to ride that one?" he said, joking.
"No way. I'll take the little one."
"Thanks, Tom. I'll take it from here," Noble said, and the boy disappeared back into the barn.
Kiki grabbed the saddle horn and Harden gave her foot a boost as she slung her free leg over the horse's back. He handed her the reins before climbing on his own animal.
"You're on Shoo-fly and I'm riding Ranger," he said, clicking his tongue at his horse.
The animal trotted forward. Kiki gave Shoo-fly a gentle nudge with her boots and the speckled horse sauntered after Ranger. She'd fall far behind at this rate. The Hawaiian encouraged her horse to pick up the pace with another nudge. The horse complied, narrowing the gap to Harden.
It had been years since Kiki rode. In her younger days, the up and down bounce of a trot never bothered her. Now, the jarring movement hurt her bum. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all. She wouldn't complain though.
Harden twisted in his saddle and jerked his head, telling her to come up beside him. She gave her horse a small kick and soon caught up with the cowboy. He pulled back on his rein, bringing Ranger to a halt. She followed suit.
He pointed towards a series of switchbacks that led down to the river she'd seen from her great room.
"We'll need to go single file until we reach the river bank. Then, I'll show you a shallow spot where we can cross. Follow me."
The trail traversing the incline seemed steep and a little dangerous. On the Big Island, she'd only raced through pastures and grasslands or followed gentle sloping paths. Kiki fought off the worry that nagged at her brain and allowed Shoo-fly her own pace. The animal seemed to know exactly where to go. She braced her hand against the leather horn and used her arm to stay back in the saddle. Otherwise, she feared she might just slide off the front of the horse.
She breathed a sigh of relief when they reached the river. Both horses trotted across the slow moving body of water and leapt up the opposite bank. They paused to look back at the Big House.
"That's amazing. No wonder you've got such a wonderful view."
The buildings all perched high on a ridge line. From up there, the scale of the vista in front of the houses fooled the eye. She'd never guess their position soared above the rest of the terrain.
"You like the house?" he asked in a casual tone.
"Of course. It's beautiful. How old is it?"
"The great room and kitchen were built over 100 years ago, when the family outgrew the original, small cabin. The wings on each side are additions. My great-grandfather built one on the right—where my study is—in the 1920s, my grandfather added the wing on the left during the 1950s. I built my own house, where you're staying, after I inherited the ranch, but I grew up in the big house. My room was right there, to the right of the big stone chimney."
He leaned close to her, pointing to the dormer window of his boyhood bedroom.
"It was kind of you to sacrifice your house for me. I've been meaning to thank you."
Noble smiled, then shifted his gaze ahead.
"You're welcome. When I spotted you at the airport, you didn't look like a bunkhouse kind of girl. So, I called the office and told Nash to have Peg get the bungalow ready for you."
A moment of silence followed. She appreciated the trouble they all went to in order to ensure her comfort, right down to Harden giving up his bed.
"What was it like being raised on a property like this?" she asked, breaking the quiet.
"Wonderful. Of course, it wasn’t all fun and games. We had plenty of chores. The older I got, the more responsibility Dad gave me. But, we still found time for fun, and gettin' in some trouble now and then."
He winked and chirped his horse on. Her animal followed, trotting behind Ranger. After about thirty minutes, they halted near the lip of a canyon. Layers of rock, each a different color, disappeared below, near the gully's floor.
"I hear water. Is there a stream down there?" she asked.
The cowboy nodded.
"Up for a hike? A spring forms a natural pool at the bottom. We used to swim there as kids."
Her legs had experienced some cramping. Ready for a break from the horse, she agreed to the walk. Noble pulled her from Shoo-fly, holding her longer than necessary. He loosened his grip just enough so her body slid slowly through his hands. It felt as though he'd caressed her sides from hips to chest. His touch made her tremble, and she purposely drew in a long, slow breath to try and calm herself.
Harden tied the horses' reins to a scruffy tree, grabbed her hand, and headed down what appeared to be a varmint path. In a few steps, they were below the rim of the canyon. In several places, he had to find a way over rocks and boulders before helping Kiki down to the next portion of the trail. The ravine seemed quite narrow at the bottom, so the stream still was not visible, although its sound grew louder every few yards.
Finally, they came to a wide ledge where they could walk without too much effort above the
stream. Ahead, she spotted a waterfall, the source of the sound of rushing water.
"Almost there. How are you holding up?" he asked.
"Terrific," she lied.
At the base of the falls, water collected in a shimmering blue pool. Bright green plants had begun to leaf out in this protected area, creating a small paradise. Kiki guessed the few trees surrounding the spot must provide ample shade on hot summer days. Noble led her to a rocky outcrop filled with flat stones, creating a smooth seating area. He chose a spot high enough above the water so he could dangle his long legs over the edge without getting his boots wet. He pulled her down next to him and draped his arm over her shoulder.
"That's better," he groaned. "I'm not as young as I used to be. Haven't been down here in years, and I didn’t remember it being such a climb."
She laughed.
"I'm just worried about the hike out of here," she admitted.
Now he chuckled, giving her a gentle squeeze with his arm.
"What do you think?" he asked after a few minutes of comfortable silence.
"I think this is a special place."
"It was my special place growing up. Whenever anything bothered me, I'd come down here to get away and think things through. Of course, it's a great spot for skinny dipping too," he added, nudging her rib with his elbow.
"Not on your life," she mumbled.
He let the comment slide.
"A spring up above supplies the water," he explained, pointing to the waterfall. He continued, "It flows into the river about three miles downstream from where we crossed. There's another deep pool up there. In bad drought years, you can take a plunge in it without fear of being washed over the falls. Since the cows can't get down here, the water stays fresh and unmuddied. I can't say the same thing for the river."
"It's so beautiful," she said, turning to admire more of the canyon.
"Dad shot a mountain lion in here once. Tracked it from where it killed one of the herd."
"Really?" she squeaked.
"They're very rare in the Panhandle, and that was years ago, so you've nothing to fear."
Harden leaned back, stretching out on the flat rock, his arms behind his head. Kiki watched as he pulled the brim of his hat over his eyes, shading them from the afternoon sun.
He's crazy if he thinks I'm going to lay down with him and—
"Hey!"
He'd played a dirty trick, whacking the inside of her arm behind the elbow. One arm collapsed, throwing her backwards towards him. He'd grabbed her arm and pulled her the rest of the way down, her head landing on his chest. The laughter rumbling through his torso bounced her head up and down.
"That's better, now isn't it?" he said, keeping her from moving with the arm he'd draped around her waist.
"It certainly is not!"
She tried to wriggle free, but the forearm she'd so admired clamped down like a steel girder, holding her against him.
"Shhh, Bea, just relax. We need a rest after that grueling hike." His voice sounded dreamy, like he was about to fall asleep, but she didn't trust him any further than she could throw him.
"Don't call me . . . hey!"
He'd given her side a small jab, tickling her.
"Shhh, Tiny One," he repeated, sliding his arm across her torso so his hand landed on her hip.
He ran his free hand through her hair, and she became instantly still. Kiki knew this would lead to no good. She was heading back to LA next week, and the spell this cowboy held over her would dissolve. She just had to make it to Friday. When he slid his hand from her hair to her neck, she knew she needed to act.
"How can it be so hot today and freezing just a couple of weeks ago?" she asked, attempting to distract him with conversation.
"You know what they say about March. In like a lion and out like a lamb."
He caressed the sensitive spot on her neck just below the ear lobe with his thumb, while his other fingers rested over her windpipe. Conversation wasn't working.
Kiki's body went rigid.
"What's wrong?" he whispered.
At first, she didn't answer.
"Kiki?" he said, concern in his voice.
"Noble, there's a mountain lion on that rock over there, and he's got a bead on us," she whispered little by little, her voice shaking.
She heard him take in a deep breath. He loosened his grip on her.
"Slide off me, as slow as possible," he whispered, but his words still sounded like an order.
"All right," she replied, inching away from him.
"Noble!" she yelled, terrified.
He sprang up onto his haunches right at the edge of the rock. He scanned the surrounding area, his eyes darting around the pond. She couldn't resist. Kiki shoved his back with all her might, sending him off the ledge. He landed in the water with a huge splash, disappearing below the surface. She bent over with laughter, grabbing her sides. If only she could have seen his face! She hadn't planned on pushing him in the pool, but when the opportunity presented itself, she decided to teach him a memorable lesson.
Expecting to see a water logged cowboy, she scooted over to the lip of the stone, careful to keep her limbs far enough above the water so he couldn't jump up and grab her. But he hadn't resurfaced. She scanned the edges of the swimming hole to see if he'd climbed out, but she spotted no sign of him. Her heart began to pound in panic.
Oh, God, what have I done? Please let him be all right.
She screamed his name several times, then decided to scramble to the water's edge. On the bank, she continued calling his name, then waded, with care, into the pool. She bent over and used her hands to feel the bottom, working towards the deeper areas, hoping she'd locate him in time. He must have hit his head on a rock.
Oh, God, help!
"Ahhhhh!" she screamed when something clamped down hard on her ankle, yanking her leg out from under her. Engulfed in the frigid spring for only a moment, she felt Noble haul her drenched body up from the water.
She felt like she couldn't catch her breath while he laughed. She balled her fists and pounded on his chest with what remained of her strength.
"I hear a faint buzzing," he said between guffaws, then grabbed her wrists, tugging her arms behind his back and jerking her against his chest.
"A word to the wise, Little Lady," he growled. "When you've got a good plan, stick with it. That way you won't end up soaking wet."
He continued laughing until Kiki raised her chin to look him in the eye. Harden held her gaze for several seconds, trying to judge her frame of mind, then captured her mouth with his. The girl attempted to struggle free, but he wouldn't allow it, deepening their kiss until she yielded. Then, he released her, just long enough to scoop her up and carry her out of the pond.
"You could have given me a heart attack!" she scolded him once on terra firma.
"Same back atcha. I thought we might end up cat food, with that yarn you spun about the mountain lion. You were darn convincing too. Don't lie to me about something like that ever again!" he said, anger entering his tone. "I should turn you over my knee," he threatened.
"Well, don't lure me off on a tour of Texas and try to seduce me. Not very Christian of you, Cowboy," she spat.
The look on his face proved her dart hit its mark. He quickly recovered, flashing her a grin.
"Your imagination is getting away from you, Missy. I thought you were trying to seduce me."
Kiki's jaw dropped.
How dare he?
He continued, "You’re a small package that spells big trouble!"
"I spell trouble? I'm trouble?" she said, her volume rising.
She kept her arms at her sides, fists clenched to keep from slapping him. Kiki stomped away from the pool, her boots squishing. She didn't hear him mumbling something about how she didn't exactly bring out his spiritual side, and it was just as well.
She started giggling before she reached a large, flat boulder. She climbed on top and took off her shoes, emptying out the water trapped wi
thin. She snatched the socks from her feet and wrung every drop of water she could from them. Then, she pulled off his sweatshirt and tried to wring it out, not realizing her wet T-shirt revealed lacy lingerie.
"Hey!" she yelled at him, standing up.
His back to her, he leisurely turned to see what she needed.
"I'd give almost anything to have seen your face when I shoved you off that rock!"
She pointed at him and laughed with exaggerated movements, bending at the waist again.
All he noticed was a scantily clad beautiful girl, trying to get his attention. It only took a second for Harden to reach the rock and scamper up next to her. He grabbed her shoulders, straightening her torso, then held her face in one of his large hands. He searched her eyes with his own, and she gradually stopped giggling.
"I'm sorry I got carried away with my revenge," he said with a soft tone. "It was a stupid thing to do."
"Tell me just one thing." She gazed at him in earnest.
"What?'
"What did your face look like on the way to the drink?" She spewed her words just as she broke out laughing.
Noble swatted the girl on the butt before sitting to remove his boots and wring out his socks, concentrating on keeping his eyes off her clinging, wet T-shirt. She plopped down beside him, still chortling, and he gave her a disgusted look.
"Don't be a sore loser, Cowboy."
He leaned over and gave her a peck, gently catching her lower lip between his teeth before releasing her mouth.
"What am I going to do with you, Kiki Tam?"
Chapter 9
-Los Angeles is My Home-
The ride to the Amarillo airport proved far more comfortable than the ride back to the house after her spill into the spring. Wet clothes on horseback chafed. She kept her nose to the grindstone the next week, getting as much of the collection catalogued as possible. Noble kept out of her way, but stopped by the shed a few times to check on her progress. She couldn't figure that man out. The chance to escape for several days to Los Angeles became a welcome idea. Throughout her adult life, she'd had many clients and coworkers pursue her and make passes. She'd always managed to beg off their offers in a way that kept everyone on good terms. Her techniques didn't work in this situation, maybe because she couldn't resist the cowboy whenever he came within ten feet of her.
A Lone Star Romance: Book 2 in The Only Love Series Page 9
