She blew out a breath. If she could just hang on, keep things going until she sold her herd, she’d be able to make the mortgage. That would give her a bit of breathing space. Not much, but some.
After a quick shower she brushed her teeth and dressed, then headed for the kitchen. A couple of cups of hot coffee and a bowl of oatmeal later, she stepped out of the house onto the front porch. The ground was finally drying from three straight days of rain. Her boots left slight imprints in soft dirt as she drudged across the yard.
Entering the barn, she came to an abrupt halt. Every time she saw the hay stacked high against the wall in the barn, she thought of Deke. No wonder she couldn’t get the man off her mind! When he’d bargained with her for dinner, she’d had no idea of how much hay and feed he’d purchased. She’d intended on sending him a check immediately, but at the end of each day, she’d been too darn tired to make the effort. Today she’d take care of it!
She fed the horses, turned them into the corral, then began cleaning their stalls. She was just about done when she heard the distant sound of a truck approaching.
Her eyebrows dipping, she put down her rake and pulled off her gloves. As she walked out of the barn, she shaded her eyes from the glare of the sun. Looking in the direction of the driveway as she headed toward the front of her house, she blinked, then suddenly stopped in her tracks.
Deke! Heavens, she’d just been thinking about him! Paralyzed, Mary Beth watched as his truck rolled into the yard and parked near the front of the house.
He got out of the truck and called her name.
What was he doing here? Her heartbeat accelerated at the sight of him. It nearly tripled its rate as he came around the truck in that slow, deliberate pace she was coming to recognize.
Sexy. Oh, yeah.
Trouble to her heart.
Definitely.
Trying to recapture her composure, she stuffed her shaking hands into the pockets of her jeans, unwilling to let him see how excited she was to see him.
Then she saw them. Two black-and-white blurs of energy bounding out of his truck, barking with excitement as they raced toward her. She grinned. Kneeling down, she greeted the spirited dogs.
“Hey, there!” The two animals competed with each other for her attention. She patted both dogs on their heads, then ran her hands lovingly over their glossy coats. “Oh, you’re so sweet.”
“If I got a greeting like that when I came to see you, I think I’d have to come by more often,” Deke remarked. He stopped in front of Mary Beth, his grin wide enough to show his straight, white teeth.
“Oh, yeah?” she answered, looking up at him, her eyebrows raised. “I guess I’ll have to work on my greeting skills, huh?” Her spine tingled as his gaze dropped to her mouth. Though he was teasing her, the thought of greeting him with a kiss was awfully tempting.
“You can start now if you want.” He spread his arms wide, as if offering himself as a sacrifice.
She couldn’t help but smile. “I didn’t say I’d practice on you,” she replied sweetly. Deke frowned, and she was a little pleased with herself for not giving in to his flirting. She didn’t know why he was here, but there was one thing she knew for sure. He wasn’t staying.
Still patting the dogs, she looked up at him. “What are you doing here?” she asked, changing the subject before it moved to dangerous ground. “And who are your friends?”
Deke crouched beside her. One of the dogs immediately came to him, eager for more attention. “They’re great, aren’t they?” he remarked.
He hadn’t expected to come back to see Mary Beth at all, but he hadn’t been able to get her off his mind. Though he hadn’t come in first at the rodeo, he’d scored well enough to stay in the lead in total points. His last night there, he’d spotted a young couple outside the arena, with three small kids and two dogs. The kids had been holding a sign, offering the herding dogs free to a good home.
Curious, Deke had struck up a conversation with them and had learned they were moving and couldn’t take the animals along. Deke had immediately thought of Mary Beth’s situation, and before he could stop himself, he’d offered to take the dogs. His mission to bring the dogs to her had been altruistic. It bothered him that she was alone and had to work so hard.
But the moment he’d seen her crossing the yard and coming toward him, his libido had kicked into high gear. All he could think about was what was hidden beneath those tight jeans and that baggy T-shirt. She looked even better than he remembered. And the huge smile on her face made him feel that the trip was worth the time it took out of his schedule.
“They sure are.” She wrinkled her nose when one long, pink tongue licked her cheek.
Deke looked the dog in the eye. “Sit.” Both dogs sat in unison, their mouths open, their eyes alert. “This one is Lightning,” he told Mary Beth. “See, he has a white lightning streak on his head.” He nodded toward the other dog. “And that’s Lady.”
Both dogs were mostly black, with white patches of fur. They also had white fur on their feet, and their tails had a white tip. “They’re border collies, aren’t they?” She looked at Deke for confirmation and found him watching her. “They’re absolutely gorgeous. But I thought border collies had long hair.” The coats of Lightning and Lady were soft and much shorter than she’d seen on other dogs of the same breed.
“They’re smooth border collies so their hair isn’t as long or thick,” he explained.
“Oh.” She watched the dogs a minute. Both of their tails were wagging, making semicircles in the dirt as they dragged the ground.
Deke gave her a grin and winked. “I was hoping you’d like them.”
Mary Beth’s eyes locked with his. “You were?”
He nodded and stood, then waited for her to do the same. Once upright, she turned toward him, her expression curious.
“Happy Birthday.”
“What?” She stared at him, and her mouth dropped open.
“Today is your birthday,” he reminded her. “You didn’t forget, did you?”
Forget? Stunned, Mary Beth very slowly shook her head. Deke was there because he’d remembered her birthday? “No, but—”
“Well, I didn’t, either.” Deke explained about how he met the dogs’ owners at the rodeo. “They didn’t want to leave them behind, but felt since they been raised on a ranch, they wouldn’t be happy in the city.”
She frowned, still trying to comprehend what he was saying. “Oh, how sad.”
“I felt bad for them, but they were relieved when I told him I’d make sure they were taken care of. The kids seemed especially happy to know they were going to a good home.”
“It must’ve been really hard for them.”
“It was, but I assured them that the dogs were perfect for you.”
Still reeling from the shock of Deke making a special trip there for her birthday, she shook her head. “You came all the way back to bring them to me? For my birthday?” Tears filled her eyes. It had been years since her birthday meant more than going through the motions of the day, then coming home to spend it alone.
He cleared his throat. “Well, yeah.” That and he couldn’t stay away, couldn’t get her out of his mind. And now that he was here, he wanted to do a whole lot more than just look at her.
Mary Beth suppressed the desire to cry and focused on the dogs. Worry creased a line between her eyes. “It was a very sweet thing to do, Deke. Really, I appreciate it. But, I can’t take these dogs in right now.” It broke her heart just thinking about letting them go. “I have my hands full keeping this place up.”
She looked at the two dogs, who were still sitting side by side, eagerly looking at her with chocolate-brown eyes, begging for attention. The aching feeling in her chest accelerated. Her funds were already low. How could she afford to care for two dogs, as well?
Deke could see that she was already half in love with the dogs. “Do you know anything about border collies?”
“Not a lot,” she admitted. “
I know they’re smart. I heard somewhere that they’re the whiz kids of dog breeds.”
Deke grabbed her hand and started tugging her toward the corral. “Lightning, Lady!” The dogs were already at their heels before he’d finished speaking.
“Where are we going?” She tried to pull her hand free. His touch was doing crazy things to her insides. But he didn’t let her go until they were at the fence.
“Watch,” he said, then he left her and led the two dogs inside the corral with the horses. “I’m gonna show you how much you’re gonna love these two.”
Mary Beth knew that wouldn’t take much. She was already falling for the darling creatures and could just imagine how much company they’d be for her. But even without the monetary aspect, she really didn’t have the time or energy the two dogs would require, no matter how tempting they were to keep.
As Deke entered the corral with the dogs, she stood at the fence, her eyes glued to the three of them. The horses began moving about from the sudden disruption. Deke called out to the dogs, who began moving about inside the corral. Within minutes Mary Beth was fascinated by watching the animals work.
Using a series of spoken commands and hand signals, Lightning and Lady started working, herding the horses, bringing them together in the center of the corral. They took their job seriously, darting back and forth until the horses were herded together in short order. Then, at another command, they crouched low and guarded their prey.
“They’re working dogs,” Deke called to Mary Beth. “They’ll herd just about anything, and they’re gonna help you herd your cattle.”
Mary Beth was speechless. She’d heard of the ability of herding dogs before, but she’d never seen one of them at work. Finding her voice, she said, “Oh, my! I can’t believe they can do that.” They were so smart. And absolutely adorable. And Deke was sweet to have brought them to her. She’d have to spend money on their food, but they’d be worth it ten times over by helping to herd the cattle.
And would be a lot more dependable than a man.
“You’ll have to be careful that they don’t work too hard,” Deke warned, looking at the sun, then back at her. “C’mon guys,” he called to the dogs, and slapped his hand against his thigh. Moving at what seemed like warp speed, they shot toward him, anxiously prancing around his legs. He gave both dogs a caress. “They love what they do, and sometimes they don’t know when to quit.”
Deke exited the corral with the dogs and shut the gate. “The commands they know are easy enough to learn. I’ll teach you. They already know what their job is, so you won’t even have to tell them most of the time. You just need to know when and how to call them to you so they’ll learn that you’re in charge.” He looked expectantly at Mary Beth. “So, what do you think?”
“I don’t know what to say. I mean, I can’t believe you did this.” Overwhelmed by his kindness, her throat tightened as she came up to him. She reached her hand out to touch him, then stopped herself, unwilling to trust her emotions.
It had been a long time since anyone had shown her such kindness. She was torn between laughing and crying.
He shrugged. “They needed a home on a ranch, and you needed some help. It seemed like a perfect match. They’ll be company for you, as well,” he added, as if to convince her. “You’re pretty isolated out here.”
Mary Beth brushed a wisp of hair behind her ear as she stepped closer to him, telling herself not to read anything into his good deed. “It must’ve been out of your way to come here.”
“I was headed to the next rodeo in Lubbock,” he said, as if it was on his way. He started for his truck, then turned and waited for her to join him before he began walking again. As if they’d received a command, the dogs followed along. “I stopped and bought them some food. I didn’t know when you’d get a chance to get away.”
His thoughtfulness shouldn’t have surprised Mary Beth. She was discovering that Deke wasn’t as carefree and reckless as she’d believed. “I still owe you for the supplies you picked up before you left. I’ll write you a check for all of it before you go.”
Deke shot her a frown as he reached his truck, picked up a huge sack of dog food from the bed, and hoisted it up on his shoulder. “We’ve already settled that. You fed me dinner, remember?”
Mary Beth stared at him in fascination, watching as his muscles bunched and worked as he settled the sack on his shoulder. She had to tear her gaze away from his body. “That hardly repays you for the money you spent. I had no idea at the time how much you’d bought.” As she was talking, he’d turned and started for the house. She quickly followed, trying to keep up with his longer stride.
“A deal’s a deal,” he called over his shoulder. “I’ll put this on the back porch.”
Mary Beth rushed to beat him to the door so she could hold it for him. They went inside, Lightning and Lady following as if they’d done it all of their lives. Deke lowered the dog food to the floor, then turned to face her.
“So, are you gonna keep ’em?” He made himself at home by opening the door from the porch to the house and walking inside.
Mary Beth and the dogs followed him. The two animals checked out the new surroundings, then they disappeared from view. “Looks like they’re already making themselves at home.”
“Is that a yes?”
She nodded, then tilted her head slightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as her throat tightened with emotion. “Thank you, Deke. I can’t remember the last time anyone even remembered my birthday, let alone gave me a gift.” A lone tear rolled down her cheek. She hadn’t meant to cry, but his generosity and thoughtfulness destroyed her defenses. Embarrassed, she wiped the tear away with the back of her hand.
Deke couldn’t stop himself from touching her. His hand went to the back of her head, his fingers in her hair. His thumb caressed the delicate skin of her neck. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“It’s not you,” she assured him. Standing only inches away, she could feel his body heat. Her own temperature went up a few degrees. “I mean, it is, but not…” She bit her lip, hesitated and then, as if was the most natural thing in the world to do, she moved toward him. Her palms rested against his chest as she brushed his lips with hers. “Thank you.”
She started to move away, but his arm slipped around her back and held her to him. All of her senses went on alert. She was keenly aware of his masculinity, of how much she wanted, needed to be in his arms.
He tilted her face up, his gaze intense. “You’re welcome,” he murmured. He stared at her silently, holding himself in check.
Mary Beth knew what he wanted; she wanted the same thing. Despite all the warnings she’d given herself about getting further involved with Deke, she wanted nothing more at this moment than to make love with him.
He sighed. “I didn’t come back here to seduce you.”
“You didn’t?” His blunt words seared her heart. She stared at him, her eyes questioning. Had she misread his intentions? Pink color tinged her cheeks.
“I can get sex anytime I want it,” he told her. He cupped her chin with his hand.
“Oh.” She stiffened and tried to move away, but his arm was like a steel band, holding her to him.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Mary Beth.”
A sigh escaped her lips as understanding dawned on her. He wanted her sexually, but as before, would leave the moment they were finished making love. She appreciated his honesty, but she hadn’t really expected anything more from him.
His thumb slid across her mouth. Mary Beth parted her lips. She touched his thumb with the tip of her tongue and watched a blazing fire light his eyes. “It’s okay,” she whispered. This was her birthday, and this time she didn’t want to spend it alone. She deserved to be happy tonight, didn’t she? Being with Deke would fill the loneliness inside her. It didn’t have to mean anything more. If she sacrificed her pride, wouldn’t it be worth it for even a few intimate hours alone with him?
Her breathing became rapi
d as he lowered his head and kissed her. Burrowing closer, she pressed against the hard length of him. Her nipples tightened to a pleasurable ache as he spread his legs and settled her between them. A groan of sheer pleasure escaped her lips. He lifted his mouth, and she gasped for air before he covered it again, kissing her deeply. His tongue slid into her mouth, increasing the desire raging deep within her core.
“I want to be inside you,” Deke said roughly, his voice strained.
There was a desperation in his voice Mary Beth hadn’t expected. It made her move more fully against him. His hands sought her buttocks and lifted her against him.
They both groaned.
Deke yanked Mary Beth’s shirt out of her jeans, shoving it up and out of his way, then pulling it over her head. Her hair cascaded down around her creamy shoulders as he reached behind her and released the catch on her white cotton bra.
“I’ve seen you like this a million times in my mind,” he murmured. His mouth moved with erotic skill across her skin.
Before Mary Beth could digest his staggering confession, his tongue traced a scorching path to her nipple. Leaning her over his arm, he suckled her, giving equal attention to both breasts. Her eyes slid closed. The roughness of his tongue was so exquisite, so incredibly wonderful that she trembled in his arms. Her bones seemed to melt from the heat building between her legs.
Deke scooped her into his arms, kissing her as he made his way to her room. He wanted her in her bed, wanted to make love to her until he had his fill. Maybe then he could get his mind on the rodeo.
In her room he shoved the door shut with his shoulder, then laid her gently on the bed. Mary Beth stared up at him as he unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off. Hungry for the taste of her, he leaned over her and kissed her hard. She wound her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her. Deke grunted with satisfaction as her breasts grazed his chest.
Still kissing her, he made short work of the clasp and zipper of her jeans. He slid his hand inside her panties as his mouth continued to plunder hers. She was wet, her body already responding to his lovemaking.
Her Texan Temptation Page 8
