When Bruce Met Cyn

by Lori Foster

  "She has secrets that she won't share. I feel it." He dug the heels of his hands into his eye sockets. "I kissed her."

  Bryan's eyebrows shot up. "And?"

  His laugh was harsh and filled with self-loathing. "She was stunned. She said she didn't know kissing could be nice." He dropped his hands and stared at Bryan. "She's been used most of her life. Her experiences with men aren't pleasant."

  Filled with sympathy, Bryan put his arm around-his brother's shoulders. "So you'll show her that there are a lot of nice tilings between men and women. You'll help her forget the past. You'll be there with her as she moves on." He squeezed Bruce hard enough to break a few ribs. "Trust me on this. I've watched her watching you in church. She's got it worse than you do." He released Bruce and grinned. "Shay loves it. She's hoping to see you all settled and happy."

  It had surprised Bruce to see either of them there. Bryan wasn't a big churchgoer, but Shay had dragged him in. Not long after, Cyn had crept in, trying to be inconspicuous as she seated herself in the middle of a crowd.

  But she couldn't be near without Bruce knowing it. His eyes were constantly drawn to her, and all through his sermon, his attention had veered back to her again and again.

  Bruce wanted to take Bryan's advice, he really did. "I don't know."

  With a frown, Bryan said, "You're going to force me to get all mushy and stuff, aren't you?"

  "Mushy?"

  Bryan sighed. "All joking aside, you're a terrific, intuitive person, Bruce. You'll know if you're pushing too hard. I'm not saying to toss her into bed tonight. But I don't think letting her know how you feel will hurt anything. Cyn's not exacdy shy, despite her past, or maybe because of it. She'll let you know if she's not interested."

  A memory intruded, bringing with it a grin. "When I first met her," Bruce confided, "she elbowed me. Right here."

  "Ah." Bryan grinned with new admiration. "In the solar plexus. Good place to land a blow. Even a small woman can immobilize a big guy that way."

  "Yeah. She's read some books on self-defense, too."

  "Smart girl." Respect filled his voice.

  "But still just a girl," Bruce felt pressed to point out.

  Bryan glanced out the window at Cyn. "Looks like a woman to me. A really hot babe, in fact, and if you don't make a move, someone with fewer scruples is likely to. Then where will you be?"

  Bruce whipped around. Sure enough, two of the workers were chatting with Cyn and she was smiling back. It made his blood boil. "I was going to have dinner with Julie tonight."

  Bryan rolled his eyes. "So ask Cyn to go along. Afterward, you can drop Julie off and spend a few private minutes withher.Let naturetakeits course."

  "I have spent time with her. I've ridden with her when she's exercising the horses."

  "Well, unless you're an acrobat, I doubt you can accomplish much on the back of a horse."

  Which was the point, as far as Bruce was concerned. He'd done his level best not to be with her where opportunities might arise. He'd never had his moral strength tested the way it was around Cyn. Truth was, he didn't trust himself to do what was right

  Bruce continued to watch out the window until the two men walked away and Cyn returned to work. He came to a sudden decision. "All right. I'll doit."

  He wasn't sure if he could only kiss her. If ever a woman was designed to push all his buttons, it was Cynthia Potter. But he could at least invite her along for dinner. With Julie there, he'd be forced to be on his best behavior.

  And after he dropped Julie off? Well, he'd just have to see.

  * * *

  In the two weeks she'd spent in Visitation, Cyn had changed in many ways.

  Working with the horses had made her physically stronger, thanks to using a wheelbarrow, big shovel, and manure pick. On a daily basis, she removed horse "apples" and cleaned up the stalls, the barn, and the area around it. Mary told her she was almost too meticulous, but Cyn adored the animals already, and she enjoyed being with them.

  Once a week, she completely emptied the stalls, replacing the bedding and making everything fresh. It was dirty work, but she didn't mind at all. As Mary had said, it felt good to use her body, to feel the stretch and ache of new muscles. And being near the horses brought its own kind of peace.

  Feeding them was a pleasure because they were always so happy to see her. She checked on them several times a day, and Mary was teaching her how to ride. She wasn't very accomplished yet, and Bruce laughed at her efforts, though he wasn't much better.

  The first time he showed up, she was stunned. He'd brought her a book on horses to add to her collection, but then hung around for over an hour. When Mary suggested they exercise the horses, Bruce had been quick to agree. Since then, he'd been over several times, but only when it was time to exercise the horses. And he never accepted her invitations into the loft.

  If Cyn didn't know better, she'd think he was afraid of her.

  Thanks to Shay, when Bruce didn't come to her, she went to him. After Reverend Thorne, she'd had great reservations about attending Sunday service. But Shay had convinced her to show up, and she was so glad she had. Twice now, she'd heard Bruce speak, and his sermons were not what she had imagined.

  He spent his time praising people who had done good deeds for the community. He never failed to say a few prayers for Scott Royal, the deputy, or men from the fire department, asking that they be kept safe in their duties.

  He praised Joe Winston for hosting benefits at the lake, Shay for her donations, the children who had written letters to the president. He'd asked the congregation to remember a neighbor who was in the hospital, and after some discussion on that, they agreed to send a variety of flowers and cards to cheer the elderly man.

  All in all, Bruce celebrated life and love with a wholesomeness she hadn't known existed. He didn't judge or condemn. He accepted and encouraged.

  She hadn't known a man like him existed, much less that she'd ever meet him.

  There was a lot of work still to be done before the church could open its doors to the membership. Construction was a messy business, so Cyn always had a reason to be there, helping out.

  She'd been at Bruce's home since noon, but everyone had been so busy, she hadn't had much of a chance to talk to him. Sometimes it felt as if he avoided her.

  But other times, when she had his undivided attention, she felt special. Like an average woman, with average problems and an average life. It was strange, and she was cautious about getting too close. But in the end, she knew she didn't really have a choice. She already cared far more for him than was wise.

  She was sweeping up a pile of drywall chunks and dust, lost in thought, when she felt unwanted attention. Surreptitiously, she glanced toward the two rangy young men who had spoken with her earlier. They watched her with heated expressions and a lot of speculation, whispering, probably bragging. She'd been polite and they'd gotten the wrong idea.

  Such infantile idiots.

  Then Shay's laughter drew her gaze in another direction. Like a golden goddess, Shay stood in a ray of bright sunshine chatting with Luna Winston and discussing trim work. Cyn had met Luna a week ago, and she couldn't get over her. The woman changed her hair almost weekly, dressed in the most flamboyant clothing, and loved to laugh. Shay held three pieces of crown molding, and she was very animated in her comparisons. Today, Luna had reddish hair that caught and held the sunlight as she tried to talk Shay into a different piece. Several men were eyeing them with prurient interest.

  "If Bryan caught them, he'd be bashing heads." A smile already forming, Cyn turned to Bruce. "I think Joe Winston would have something to say about it, too."

  "Naw. Joe just acts, he doesn't talk about it." Cyn laughed. "That's probably true." Bruce glared at the men, cleared his throat loudly, and with sheepish expressions, they began storing their tools.

  Bruce might be the original "nice guy," but no one wanted to get on his bad side. He didn't instill fear or issue physical threats. He didn't exude menace
the way Joe Winston did, and he didn't have that aura of danger like his brother. But because he was so respected, no one messed with him.

  It was one of the reasons Cyn found herself falling head over heels for him. "Sometimes guys are just idiots."

  Still watching the men, Bruce said in distraction, "It's hard to blame them for doing what comes naturally."

  "Oh?" She'd gotten used to the sometimes silly, sometimes profound things that came out of Bruce's mouth. "And that is?"

  "Appreciating the sight of a beautiful woman." The men were forgotten as he faced her, then touched the tip of her nose. "There's a reason God made you so different from us, and it sure wasn't to discourage interest."

  Pretending disgust, Cyn pulled in her chin. "Too bad He didn't give you a few more brains to go with the eyesight, because even a doofus knows it's rude to stare."

  Bruce accepted her insult with a smile. "They'll learn eventually."

  Cyn picked up her dustpan and walked toward the garbage can, aware of Bruce following on her heels. "I was thinking about that," she told him. "Men watching women, I mean."

  "Oh?"

  They were now out of hearing range of the others, and Cyn leaned the broom against the brick wall. "Some guys were watching me—"

  "Who?"

  His sharp tone had her lifting her brows. "It doesn't matter who—"

  "They made you uneasy or you wouldn't have noticed." His gaze scanned the area. "Who was it?"

  Though it was entirely foreign to her, Cyn appreciated his protective nature. Still, she'd sooner put up with a groping, never mind a simple stare, than have Bruce arguing with his friends and neighbors on her behalf. "Will you let me finish?"

  She could tell he didn't want to, but he subsided. "Go on."

  Now that she had his attention, she felt self-conscious. "It, well, it still makes me wonder if they somehow know me."

  The bright afternoon sun added golden flecks to his brown eyes as he stared at her. 'You've worked with us almost every single day. Of course they know you."

  "I don't mean that."

  Dark brows lowered in grim warning. "Then what?"

  Her temper sparked. "I have to spell it out?"

  Stubbornness could be his middle name. "Yes, I think you do."

  Cyn gave up. "I always wonder if they know I was a hooker, if they can somehow see the things I've done, like the reverend said—"

  Bruce turned away with a muffled curse.

  Surprised, Cyn blinked. Bruce never cursed. "What was that?"

  He whipped back around to face off with her. "You're beautiful. Stunning, in fact. My brother just pointed it out to me, as if I didn't already know it. And yes, Cyn, you're sexy."

  His ire left her breathless. "You sound awfully mad about it."

  Ready to explode, Bruce jutted his chin toward her. "You're also smart, and you have a great smile and the work ethic of a mule. No non-blind man with a pulse is going to be able to ignore you. Not because they know your private business, but because you're you, a very noticeable woman."

  Trying for a little aplomb, Cyn propped her shoulder against a tree. For early May, the weather was unseasonably warm and today she wore only a T-shirt with jeans. "Your sweet-talking abilities could use some work."

  His face went blank. "What?"

  "Shouting compliments at a woman is a new approach, but hey, I'm up for new things."

  Bruce appeared confused for a second, then he scrubbed his hands over his face and groaned. "Okay." His arms fell to his sides and he said, "I admit, I overdid it. It's been a rough day. But I want you to like yourself, and to realize that other people like you, too."

  He could be so darn sweet. "Well, if someone would let me finish."

  He pretended to zip his lips, making her laugh.

  That's what I was trying to tell you before you did your Tarzan impression. I saw those men staring at me and felt exposed, but then I saw more men staring at Shay and Luna, and I just knew they weren't thinking dirty thoughts about them."

  "Depends on what your idea of dirty is. If you think mey're exempt from male attention, you're wrong.''

  Cyn nodded. "They were admiring the women, because they're so attractive. And I thought, well, maybe they were just looking at me the same way."

  WHEN BRUCE MET CYN ...145

  Very slowly, Bruce's expression changed until he looked downright smug. "Eureka! I think she has it."

  Cyn playfully punched him in the chest. "Smartass."

  He caught her fist and tugged her closer. "Want to take a ride with me?"

  His voice was low, somehow intimate and, to her hopeful ears, suggestive. "To where?"

  "We need more window blocks. A box got dropped and several pieces were broken. It's about an hour's drive."

  Her heartbeat sped up. "I'd love that."

  "Julie and I were going to have dinner, too. There's a really wonderful Italian restaurant near the building supply store."

  Her brain sputtered, then stalled. No, he hadn't just done that to her, hadn't made her think...

  "Julie?" Had she really thought he was sweet? Well, he was a jerk. Her mouth felt too tight to form a smile. Why did she have to continue being a gullible idiot around him?

  "She's got some errands to run, too."

  At that moment, Julie called Bruce's name and then started toward them.

  She was smiling, as usual.

  She wore a dowdy, very proper outfit, as usual.

  She picked her way across the debris-filled yard with prim determination.

  Cyn knew it was wrong to dislike the woman, but she couldn't seem to help herself.

  Julie shamed her by gifting her with a bright smile. "Hello, Cyn. How have you been?"

  Cyn blushed—and tugged her hand away from Bruce. "Great. And yourself?"

  "I just broke the engagement to my fiance."

  Cyn's mouth fell open. Talk about dropping a bomb. "You were engaged?"

  "Yes, but that's over now." She beamed at Bruce. "Thank heavens."

  Bruce nodded in satisfaction. "So you finally did it, huh?"

  "Yes, and I feel much better. You were so right about that."

  "Wonderful." He took both her hands. "We can celebrate at dinner."

  No way did Cyn want to be part of their little party. She waited in strained silence. She felt invisible. She felt mean—until Julie declined.

  "Thank you, but no. I've decided to put off my errands for now. I want to make some new plans, have some run."

  "Celebrate in your own way?"

  "Exacdy."

  Julie leaned forward and hugged Bruce, and damn him, he hugged her right back. Her head fit into the hollow of his shoulder and his big hands moved over her back.

  Cyn's eyes nearly crossed.

  "You've been such a good friend," Julie told him. 'Thank you."

  "My pleasure."

  Cyn wanted to puke. "Look, I've got work to do—"

  Julie didn't take offense. She pushed back from Bruce, and her smile now made her almost look pretty. Then I'll let you get back to it. Have fun today." And she was off.

  Bruce, the sap, smiled after her. But just before Cyn could march off in a huff of annoyance, he turned to her as if that whole private exchange hadn't occurred. His smile strained, he said, "Looks like it's just us, then."

  Cyn seriously considered hitting him with her broom. Not that she'd ever expected Bruce to get moony-eyed over her, but damn it, he'd let her think... Or had he? He was so nice to everyone, always smiling, always welcoming. He made a great preacher.

  While she was just learning how to make it in normal society.

  "I should stick around and help Shay." It'd be less fun, but safer for her heart. "It wouldn't be right to go off and leave her alone."

  "Shay is never alone, you know that. And I already spoke to her about it."

  He'd asked Shay before he even asked her? "Oh, really?"

  As obtuse as a man could be, he grinned. "She sends you off with her blessing."<
br />
  "Well." Cyn was back to feeling mean. "As long as it's okay with Shay, how could I possibly refuse?"

  Bruce eyed her warily. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

  "Like what?"

  "Like you want to take my head off. Don't you want to take a drive?"

  Damn it, she did. But more than that, she wanted to know if he had something serious going with Julie Rose. And deep in her heart, she knew it didn't matter either way. "I don't know."

  He suddenly turned resolute. "Come with me. I won't take no for an answer. It'll be fun. And now that I don't have to worry about Julie, I'll be better company."

  "Why would you worry about Julie?"

  He took Cyn's broom and started her toward the house. "She wasn't happy."

  "Why not?"

  They stepped into the kitchen. "Her uncle wanted her to marry, but she's not ready, and she definitely wasn't in love with her fiance." Bruce leaned back against the sink while Cyn washed her hands. "Don't you think people should be in love before they get married?"

  She shrugged. "I never figured on getting married, so I never gave it much thought."

  "You don't want to marry someday?"

  She'd made it a point not to daydream about the impossible. As a kid, she'd wanted to fly. As a hooker, she'd wanted to win the lottery. Wishing had never done her much good. "Do you?"

  He showed no hesitation. 'Yes." He looked at her mouth, sending a shiver of excitement down her spine. "The idea of spending my life with the right woman, having children and setting up house, is very appealing."

  Oh. That did sound so nice ...

  Then, as if he realized what he was doing and what they were discussing, Bruce shook his head. 'Tell me you'll keep me company."

  Cyn was still reeling over his impassioned "right woman" speech, so she said without thinking, "Yeah, okay," then she stared at him, appalled at herself and wanting to renege.

  He didn't give her a chance. "Great. Let's get going." He pulled her away from the sink before she'd even finished drying her hands. She grabbed her windbreaker and readjusted her purse.

  She still kept it on her at all times, and more than one person had remarked on it. Sooner or later, someone would realize she had something of value inside.