by SJ McCoy
The way his eyes softened made her so glad she hadn’t beaten him down. He offered her his arm and she took it. “Good, let me walk you to your car then.”
When they reached the Beetle he smiled down at her. “Dinner tomorrow?”
She nodded again. She felt as though she was admitting defeat in some way, but she didn’t want to fight for the win. Losing to him like this felt like a different kind of victory.
He held her gaze as he brushed two fingers over her lips. “Thank you.”
She waited, surely he was going to kiss her? He didn’t! Damn him. He just kept on smiling that sweet and very un-Shane-like smile. She wanted to kiss him! But no. She unlocked the car and he held the door open for her as she climbed in.
He closed the door and watched her pull her seatbelt on. “See you tomorrow, Princess.”
“Why do you keep calling me that?”
He shrugged. “It suits you.”
Was that a compliment or an insult? She had no idea, and she couldn’t stick around to get him to explain. She turned the ignition and pulled away. If she stayed a moment longer, she’d be begging him to come with her!
Chapter Eight
At lunchtime Shane headed back up to the cabin; he needed to get away from the guests for a while. Lena had stayed back at the ranch today, apparently determined to get him to take her in the barn. He would never have done that, not a guest right here on the ranch. He did have some boundaries. He had no interest whatsoever in her now anyways. His head was filled with thoughts of Cassidy. He couldn’t stop smiling—or whistling. He stopped in his tracks as he rounded the corner of the barn. He was surprised to see Carter out here.
His brother laughed. “What’s going on, littlest bro? You like a cartoon stereotype of happiness!”
“What do you mean?”
“Strolling along with your hands in your pockets, whistling a happy little tune. That’s what I mean.”
Shane shrugged. “I’m a happy guy. Little Mr. Sunshine. You know that.”
“I do, but even you aren’t this happy for no reason. Come on, tell your big brother what’s going on?”
Shane grinned. He couldn’t help it. “I finally talked Cassidy into having dinner with me tonight.” His heart started pounding at the way Carter’s face fell. Did that mean he really was interested in her himself? “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. It’s just that I said I’d get with her before the weekend about her landscaping plans. I haven’t had a chance yet, and I was going to call her to see if I could stop by this evening when I get finished on Beau’s rental house. She wanted to look that place over, remember?”
“Is that all?”
Carter gave him a puzzled look. “All? That’s my business, Shane. If I tell a client I will get with them before the weekend, I get with them before the weekend. I just don’t want to hold her up if she has plans with you.”
Shane smiled. He was being overly sensitive. Carter’s only interest in Cassidy was, as he had said, in her landscaping. “I’m sure she can do both. I was going to pick her up early and go for a walk by the river before we head out, but we could kill two birds with one stone. We could walk up to Beau’s place and meet you there.”
“What, and you’re going to sit around twiddling your thumbs while she and I talk about landscaping?”
Shane grinned. “It might win me some brownie points.”
Carter laughed. “Okay, then. You talk to her first. I’ll give her a call later to confirm it’s okay.”
“Will do. What are you doing out here anyway?”
“Since I’m working on Beau’s place I said I’d come have lunch with the folks.”
Shane smiled. Carter was good at hanging the family together in a way the rest of them weren’t. “Has Dad said anything more to you about dividing the place up?”
“Not in a while,” Carter looked sad. “I know we have to do it, and he wants to do it soon, but I just wish everything could stay as it is.” He met Shane’s gaze. “I’m dreading it, if I’m honest. I want Chance to get his fair share, but Beau doesn’t like the idea. I know he’s going to make it difficult.”
Shane nodded. “I wish I could argue with you, but he’s had a problem with it ever since Dad first mentioned it. To me, Chance is just another brother. It’s only right that he should get his share. I know Mason feels the same way. You…” He punched Carter’s arm. “You’re too laid back to kick up a fuss about anything. But Beau’s always resented Chance. I just don’t know why.”
“Come on, Shane. You don’t know why? It’s plain as day! He feels as though Chance stole his place. Mason’s the eldest, you’re the baby. It’s easy for the two of you. Me…” He grinned. “Like you say, I’m just a big old chump who doesn’t let much of anything bother him. But Beau always felt the need to compete, as though if he didn’t excel, he wouldn’t get Dad’s love or attention or…something. When we were kids he was always trying to outdo Mason. It’s why he studied so hard, played every sport so hard, had to be captain. When Dad took Chance in, made him part of the family in the way he did, Beau took it personally. Chance and Mason became so close so fast, it was like Beau was knocked out of second place and down to third, when he’d spent his whole life trying to compete for first.”
Shane stared at him. “Jesus!”
“What?”
“You! You’ve got it all figured out haven’t you?”
Carter shrugged. “It’s hard to miss if you watch and listen to what’s going on around you.”
Shane thought about it. He never really had watched or listened to what was going on around him when they were growing up. As Carter had said, he was the baby—and he’d made the most of it. He loved the attention and the extra leeway that being the youngest had given him. He was naturally happy and upbeat. When others weren’t, he tended to stay out of their way—which was why, of all his brothers, he was least close to Beau. “Now you put it like that, I kinda feel bad for Beau. I’ve always thought he was just being an asshole about Chance.”
Carter shook his head, “Never dismiss anyone as an asshole before you know their story—their motivation, their pain. Everyone has reasons for the way they behave, the way they think. You can’t judge them from where you sit. Well, you can, but if you do, it makes you the asshole, not them.”
Shane laughed. “Good point, though I’d never thought of it that way before.”
“It might do you some good to start thinking that way.” Carter gave him a sly smile. “Especially if you’re finally going to attempt a real relationship.”
Shane raised an eyebrow. “And what makes you think I’m going to do that?”
“Ah, nothing much. Just the way you were tootling along whistling to yourself and the fact that it’s because you’re seeing Cassidy tonight.” He smiled. “I think you two might be good for each other.”
“Don’t get carried away. I’m taking her out for dinner, that’s all. She says she’s not interested in going out with me.” He shrugged. “Or even just sleeping with me.”
Carter laughed. “But you think you can change her mind?”
“I don’t know. But I’m going to have fun trying.”
~ ~ ~
Cassidy checked herself over in the hallway mirror. She looked good. She always did! But she’d made an extra effort to this evening. That was weird. But it felt good, so she wasn’t going to question it. She was just going to head out onto the deck and wait for Shane to arrive. She had no clue yet how she wanted to play this evening. She’d been wrestling with the options all day; as far as she could see, she had three. She could stick to what she’d told him last night—friendship and banter. She could revert to where they had been—sparring while determined not to let things devolve into anything more than that. Or, and this was the scary option, she could just keep being honest with him and see where it went. She kept coming back to that third one. But she didn’t know why. Was Shane really worth it? Was the obvious attraction between them so undeniable that he w
as worth taking the risk? Or was she just doing what she did—amusing herself, like a cat with a curious mouse? No! It wasn’t that at all. Was it?
She smiled at the sound of the buzzer letting her know a car had entered the driveway. Here he was. She went out onto the front porch to greet him. When he jumped down from his truck and grinned up at her, he helped her make the call. She was going to keep being honest with him and see where it went.
“Are you ready to go?” he called.
“Sure. Just let me grab my purse.” She went back and grabbed it from the island in the kitchen and then ran down the steps. She stopped before him when she reached the bottom.
“Hey.”
He really was gorgeous. “Hi.” She realized that they had never started up a normal conversation. Shane usually hit her with some inappropriate comment and she came back with a put down. She had to wonder if they’d have anything left to say to each other once that was taken away.
He offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
She laughed and linked him. “Lead on. I don’t even know where this house is.”
He led her down the path toward the river. “You mean you haven’t even explored your own property yet?”
She frowned. “I guess I haven’t. I’ve been down by the river, but I haven’t wandered too far.” She looked up at him, wondering if she should share. The look on his face encouraged her to risk it. Now he wasn’t hitting on her the whole time, he was warm and sunny. “Okay, you have to promise not to laugh at me.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t like to make promises I can’t keep.”
“Then I’m not telling you. I feel pretty stupid as it is, and, if you laugh, I’ll be mortified.”
He nodded. “Okay. I won’t laugh.”
“It’s just, well…I’m a bit scared.”
“Of what?”
She laughed herself. It felt a little ridiculous, but she was also aware that her fear could be totally justified. “Of everything! I mean, I love it here. I love that I get to see the deer and the eagles and the bunnies in the morning, but there have to be other creatures around, too—less friendly ones?”
Shane nodded.
“Every time I’ve asked about hiking trails, the first thing people tell me is to never hike alone. So, how can I come down here by myself? I wouldn’t have a clue what to do if a bear jumped out at me. I hear the coyotes every night, and it sounds cool—but what would I do if I ran into them? What would they do? And everyone is always arguing about the wolves. Where are they? And what do they eat?”
Shane smiled, but he didn’t look as though he was about to laugh at her. “It must be strange for you. Not so long ago, I would have laughed at everything you just said. But that’s because I grew up here. It’s all so familiar to me. That isn’t the case for you. It’s all new, and I can see how it would be scary.” He squeezed her arm with his as they reached the bottom of the path. “Stick with me; I’ll keep you safe.”
She smiled. He was back to his flirting, but this time it felt good. She was looking for more than protection though. She wanted knowledge, wanted to know how to protect herself. She chewed the inside of her lip, wondering how to tell him that without it coming across as another put down.
She didn’t need to figure it out though. He surprised her. “Knowing you though, you want to know how to handle it by yourself.”
She nodded. “I don’t like not knowing what to do. I don’t like not even knowing what’s a valid fear and what’s just ignorance.”
“Then I’ll help you learn the difference…if you like?”
“Yes, please. I would like that.”
“It’ll take a while though. You’ll have to come out in the backcountry with me…hiking.” He gave her a saucy grin. “Maybe even camping?”
She laughed. “Are you just trying to get me alone out in the wilderness?”
He winked. “Not just that, no. But I promise you’ll enjoy it if you come.”
“And you think you can make me come?” She chuckled. She couldn’t help it.
“I believe I can. If you’re interested?”
She shook her head. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. We’re not going to go there.”
He stopped walking and turned to face her, resting both hands on her shoulders as he looked down into her eyes. “Why not though, Cassidy?”
Her mind was screaming the same question as her body reacted to his touch. Why not? She blew out a sigh. “You’re testing my willpower, Shane.”
That made him grin. “Good.” He lowered his face to hers. “Tell me you don’t want me. Tell me you don’t think I can make you come.”
She searched his face as he brushed his fingers over her lips. “I’m not a liar.”
“So what’s the problem?” He stepped closer sliding one hand into her hair and tilting her head back so she was looking up at him.
Her willpower was packing its bags, about to admit defeat and abandon her, leave her at the mercy of her desire. She made one last attempt. “I just don’t want to make a mess. I don’t want to end up hating you or having you hate me. You’re a guy, you have an ego. I tend to bruise those…or shatter them. I’d hate for that to happen with you.”
“I don’t know what happened in your past, but he was an asshole. I’m not like that. I’m happy-go-lucky, easy come easy go. Have some fun with me. We can make a deal that when we’re done, we’ll walk away as friends.”
She considered it. “That sounds all well and good, Shane, but what I happens when I piss you off, just by being me. What happens when you piss me off, by wanting me to be less than I am?”
“Less than you are?”
“Yeah, less strong, less intelligent.” She gave him a rueful smile. “Less stubborn. Less independent, less confident. I could go on.”
“Please do, because I don’t want you to be less of any of those things. They’re what makes you different, they’re what I like about you. And if you think I’m some insecure prick who can’t handle you, you’re wrong…very wrong.”
She looked into his eyes. He wasn’t defending himself or making a point; he was just stating his truth. What the hell, here she went again. “Then kiss me.”
She saw the smile in the moment before his lips met hers. He closed his arms around her and she reached hers up around his neck. God he felt good. She pressed herself against his hard chest, loving the feeling of being all wrapped up in him. He nibbled her bottom lip, then thrust his tongue into her mouth. His kiss wasn’t like any she’d known before. It wasn’t demanding, but it was assertive, confident. She willingly kissed him back, opening up to him as he explored her mouth. It was the sexiest kiss—she moaned into his mouth as he stepped it up, unwilling and unable to deny him. She loved the way his arms felt around her, pressing her to him and at the same time enveloping her in his warmth. Damn, she wanted him! Eventually, he lifted his head and smiled.
She smiled back. “Wow!” was all she could say.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” He took her hand and led her on down a path she hadn’t seen before that followed the bank of the river.
She followed, unable to wipe the big smile from her face. She might be about to make one hell of a man-mess, but she was determined now that she was going to enjoy the hell out of him before disaster struck.
Chapter Nine
It was a beautiful walk along the river to Beau’s rental property. Cassidy was really hoping that the house would be suitable for Summer. It would be awesome to have her friend living this close, awesome to be able to make this walk to visit each other. She shuddered once she had a handle on what she might have to expect along the way in terms of creatures that might want to eat her! She hadn’t given that a thought as she walked with Shane. She felt totally safe. That realization was quite something in itself. Normally being around a guy made her feel less safe in her environment. Normally a guy presented some kind of threat she needed to defend herself against. Why? And why didn’t Shane?
He tur
ned to smile at her. “We’re almost there. When we come out of the cottonwoods on the bend there you’ll see the house. It’s a great place. What’s the story with you friend?”
Hmm, she really didn’t want Shane taking a liking to Summer, and she was prepared to admit to herself now that it wasn’t out of protectiveness toward her friend! “She’s a singer. She needs to get away for a while and rest her voice.”
“Anyone I might have heard of?”
“Depends if you like country music.”
“I love it.”
“Well then yes, I’m sure you’ve heard of Summer Breese.”
“Really?”
She had to laugh at the expression on his face. “Good grief, Shane, your tongue’s hanging out! Put it away and calm down, would you?”
He laughed. “She’s awesome. I love her voice.”
Cassidy was surprised at the little pang of jealousy she felt. It wasn’t a familiar feeling to her. Jealousy was something other people did—insecure people. That wasn’t her. “I’m sure you’ll love her when you meet her. She’s a real sweetheart.”
“She’s not one of those people who’s a bitch in real life, but acts all sweet for the cameras?”
“No!” Cassidy hated it when people thought that about her friend. “She is genuinely one of the nicest, kindest, most beautiful people you will ever meet!”
Shane grinned. “And beware, she has the ferocious Cassidy to defend her.”
Cassidy smiled. “She does.” They rounded the bend and her smile grew when she saw the cabin. She turned to Shane. “Is this the place?”
He nodded. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s perfect! I’ll have to look around inside, but I think Summer will love it.”
“Can I tell Carter that it’s her?”
Cassidy raised an eyebrow at him. “Of course, but please don’t go telling everyone else. She wants to come here for some peace and quiet, to rest.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean like that. I wouldn’t say a word, it’s none of my business and none of anyone else’s, it’s just Carter.” He grinned. “He has a crush on her. He doesn’t date or anything, but he goes all goofy whenever she’s on the radio. If he sees her on TV he just sits and stares with a big daffy smile on his face.”
