“Hey, was the ride fun?”
He whirled at her voice, smiling when her remarkable eyes met his gaze. “Hey, yourself. Fantastic. He flies when you let him go.”
“Next time I go out, I’ll ride him again with a saddle this time.”
“Good luck with that. He don’t take kindly to…” Nope, he better not say women, however it was true. “Break him in easy in the corral. Show him who’s boss, boss.” Zach chortled.
“Yes sir. But you saw me ride him once.” She gave her pretty smile, the one that made his head dizzy.
Zach dried his hands. “I better check on the guys. I got bored standing around watching.”
“Understandable. I’ll change clothes and brush and exercise Honey.”
She had on a flared navy skirt where she’d be in trouble if a strong wind came up, and she wore it with a white pullover top enhancing her narrow waist and flat tummy he’d yearned to run his fingers over. Not to mention boobs that… He tried not to notice. Sunlight caught the sparkle from diamonds in her ears. “Yeah, I’ll see if they’re done. Wade’s here.”
“I know. I talked to him. He’s helping the installers.”
“Like hell…” he muttered.
“What?” Her brow lifted.
“Qualified installers had to do it according to the warranty. I doubt Wade is doing any of the work.”
“Oh, I see how it is.”
Did she? He’d sounded like a jealous bastard. “He’s experienced at it though from what I’ve heard, and he and I could’ve done it until Jake gave us the warranty rules.”
“I don’t care who does it as long as it’s done right.”
Wade walked in to get a cup of coffee. “They’re almost done. I nearly grabbed the other horse and took out after ya, Zach. Damn ridiculous to watch somebody else do the work.” He gave Kimber a sideways glance and chortled.
Zach walked away giving a subtle shake to his head. He made his way out to the guys as they picked up the few tools they used. One guy handed him an invoice for his signature with a business card attached. He signed and handed it back then waited for his copy. “Appreciate it.”
“Have a good one.” They’d rushed out as if they’d had another job to do.
Kimber and Wade walked past him and to Wade’s truck. She continued to the house. Zach went up to Wade. “I’ll need to pick up some sawdust this week—a bigger order this time.”
“Yeah, no problem. Come over when you need it.” He opened his truck door and got in. Wade tossed his hat to the seat and frowned. “I have to get home. Got a blind date tonight with a teacher Brenna knows. Do you know Brenna?”
“Yeah. I hate blind dates. Good luck, dude.”
“Me too, but Jase and Dane couldn’t keep their asses out of my business. I guess since they’re hooked, they can’t stand seeing me running around having so much fun. It didn’t take much for Brenna to convince them this is what I need. Yeah, right.” Wade set his hat in the back seat and chuckled.
All of a sudden Wade didn’t seem so bad. They had the same women problems. “I know what you mean. Maybe I should send my little brother over there to save your ass.”
Wade grinned. “Let me see if I like her before you go breaking us up. Her name’s Bambi. I bet the kids in her classroom have fun with her name.”
Zach laughed at that one, but looked up when Kimber came out the door with jeans, boots, the same top, and her hair in braids. He sucked in a breath. Those jeans, tight in all the right places, would put him in a grave from a heart attack or the ER for a hard-on that wouldn’t go away.
Wade’s gaze went that way, too, but he looked back at Zach with an all-knowing smirk. “Talk about good luck. You both got it bad.”
“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. Go home.” He gave an evil eye back at Wade.
“Hey, if I thought I had a chance with that one, you wouldn’t stop me from stepping in, but I’m not stupid.” Wade shoved the shifter into first gear, nodding to Kimber on his way past.
“Want to go for another ride?” Her smile was casual and friendly. To be more descriptive, her smile was irresistible.
“Nah, I have to get some food. Let me run home, and I’ll return late afternoon, then take care of the stalls tonight. While I’m at it, I’ll take inventory of what is needed to finish the inside of the barn.”
“It’s looking good so far. Have you slept yet?” She came toward him, held his arm, and she didn’t smell like a barn like he did, but instead, her fragrance was suggestive and delicious.
“Not yet. The ride rejuvenated me for about a minute.”
“You better rest. I appreciate you doing the inventory, but later after you sleep. There’s leftovers in the house. I’ll fix you a plate.”
Zach shook his head and sauntered toward the barn with her. “Before I go I’ll check the temp. We don’t want it too cold in there, but cool enough to keep it comfortable.”
She grasped his hand. “We never finished our conversation from earlier.”
“Which one?” He teased. Kimber flattened her lips and breathed deeper. He knew which one, but he walked on in long strides. Squeezing her hand, he stopped. “Have dinner with me tonight.” No response. They continued walking. “If you’ll be home after your ride, open the doors. The temp is reasonable, and it needs aired out in here.”
“I’ll have dinner with you,” she calmly remarked. “Let’s go where you had reservations last night?”
“The Golden Nugget? All right. Seven too late for me to pick you up?” That’s where he’d planned on going anyway. Perfect.
“It’ll be fine, but take a nap.” The stare between them lingered and nearly had to be pried apart before their eyes drew away from each other’s. Kimber got what she needed from the tack room, but Zach carried the saddle.
She smoothed the blanket over Honey’s back, and Zach lowered the saddle.
He stood back, removed his hat, and nodded. “Enjoy the ride. Keep close to the ranch. See you later.”
“I have dessert left.” Her genuine smile was soft, the way he liked. It made her face look like an angel. “I mean for after dinner.”
“Sounds good.” He stepped away before he made a fool of himself and got something started again. Regardless, he drew her against him. “Mmm, you smell good.”
She cuddled closer. “Thank you. It’s my favorite.”
Smiling, he pressed his head against hers. There’s always tonight. Drawing apart, he winked. “C’ya later.” Zach got in his truck and smiled all the way home. He pulled up at the JL Ranch. His brother was in one of Jake’s rings with Randy. Zach strode over. “Hey, guys, what’s up.”
Randy came up to the fence. “What’s up yourself? You look like shit.”
“I didn’t get any sleep last night. I’ll make a sandwich and shut my eyes a few minutes. Keeping little brother busy for me, eh? Thanks.”
“No sleep? What’s buggin’ ya? Like I have to ask.”
“Right. I can’t shake it this time of year, Randy.”
“I know. It’s hard. Let’s take that drive we’ve been talking about to see some of our old buddies at the VA. It’ll do us both good.”
Zach nodded. “Sure, it sounds like a plan. I gotta go. I wrangled a date for tonight.”
Randy pulled off his t-shirt to wipe his face and neck. “Good for you. With who?”
He turned around and walked backwards. “The redhead. Kind of scary, huh?” It made Zach proud to admit he had a real date with Kimber. The look on Randy’s face looked hopeful. If anyone knew Zach’s history, he did.
Randy chuckled. “I’ll invite your brother for dinner tonight in case you want to bring the redhead back to the loft.”
“Don’t push it, buddy. Say hi to Roxanne.” He ignored Randy’s statement. Funny that Jake had mentioned something similar about the bed in the loft.
Chapter 13
Zach showed up at her door wearing a box-pleated shirt in the color of dark teal. Long sleeves were
turned up a couple rolls. He donned black jeans and boots. This hot guy made a simple shirt look better than any model, and the color made his eyes shine. It looked like he’d rested a little, for his eyes weren’t as bloodshot.
She chose to wear a dark green, scallop-hemmed short skirt, an ivory top with a lace overlay at the front, and heels. Her small purse had an over-the-shoulder strap. His flashing smile showed approval. Beaming with pride and confidence tonight, she could conquer the world at his side. She smiled softly, “You look nice, Zach.”
“Yeah? You too. Ready?”
“I’m starving.” Had her compliment embarrassed him?
“Let’s take your SUV. My truck is dirty inside plus has some dog hair, and I haven’t taken time to clean it.” He escorted her out.
Kimber handed him her keys after locking the house door. “Do you mind driving?”
Zach chuckled. “I prefer it.”
“You’re not one of those guys who complains about a woman driving, are you?” Of course, he was.
“Nope.” He handed the keys back. “Here. I’ll prove it.”
Touché. Kimber took them, but he slid his hand down her back as he opened her door before going around to the other side. His touch gave her a thrill.
She looked over at him, grinning. “How do I get there?”
“Hit the 60. It’s across from the grocery store.” Out on the road, he seemed edgy. “Watch that car slowing up ahead. One thing I like about driving a truck is the height. I can see over these idiots who don’t know how to drive. Go around him.”
“Uh huh. Let me drive, Zach.” She peered at him, noticing how the belt buckle lay flat against his abdomen. The same abdomen she had a peek at, but she couldn’t wait to see it full on. She swallowed hard. “I’ll pull over and let you take control.”
“If you pull over I might take control.” He glanced at her legs with her skirt high on her thighs. “I don’t think you’d like it.”
“You might be surprised, mister.” She meant it, welcoming him to try if the gleam in his eyes meant what she suspected. She whizzed around the slow vehicle.
“Ya have to go right up here. Hit the blinker.” He pointed, “Right there.”
“Damn you. I went around only to slow down in front of the car I passed? Shame on you. He’s probably flipping me off.”
“Flip back, darlin’.”
Humph. They turned into the parking lot where two restaurants sat. A smaller building set far back, but the two didn’t look anything alike. The Golden Nugget appeared to be more upscale then the Sunset Grille in town, but the other little restaurant had a sign with a neon light flashing “Coney Dogs.” “No, you don’t mind a woman driving at all.”
“It isn’t a woman driving, Kimber. Contrary to what you might believe, I’m not an asshole.”
“I didn’t think so, and I only teased. I’d never have kissed you if I thought you were.” Well, that was debatable because at the time he kind of was a number one ass-hat. To be fair, so was she. Inside, the atmosphere of the restaurant gave a romantic ambiance with candles aglow and dim lighting from recessed ceiling lights. This evening her heart glowed. Black tablecloths adorned the tables. The chairs were red leather with dark wood framing to match the bar and stools. Wall sconces hung on the walls. “This is nice.”
“I’ve only been here once with a couple friends. It looks different in the daytime. Lower key.”
“Were you here with Randy?”
“Yeah, and a couple others. What would you like to drink?” He picked up the menu the hostess had sat down with them.
“Hmm, how about a glass of sparkling wine to begin?”
“Merlot for me. I’d prefer a couple longnecks, but I’ll be falling asleep before we get out of here if I drink too much.”
“On second thought, I’ll change my order to red wine.” Tressa would’ve had sparkling wine. “I hope you sleep tonight.”
“So do I. I have a long day tomorrow.” The server arrived and stood on Kimber’s side with pen to pad. “What kind of wine do you want?” Zach lifted his amazing eyes to Kimber’s for her choice.
“I’ll have pinot noir, please.” Kimber replied cheerfully.
Zach ordered a half-carafe of pinot noir. “I can drink that. Do you like hot stuff?”
Kimber grinned. She sat across from hot stuff. His foot brushed against hers under the table. “Are you looking at the stuffed pasilla peppers? They sound delicious.” He ordered them as an appetizer. “Mmm, everything looks so good. What did you have last time?”
“Ribs. My weakness.”
His ribs were her weakness. The muscle sure to be on his chest had to be appealing if they looked underneath as good as they felt on top. “I used to eat ribs, but I’ve changed my whole outlook on food. I’ve recently lost thirty-pounds, and I’d like to keep it off.” She shifted her gaze away from his, for she’d given too much away. Tressa had lost thirty-pounds, not her.
He gave an admiring once over. “Congratulations. Thirty pounds is a big deal.”
“Thanks.” She perused the menu to keep from saying more, and to keep from staring. Kimber closed it after making her choice.
“Ready?” He tapped her foot then left it to rest beside hers.
She nodded, but glanced away to observe the restaurant. Out of nervousness, she picked up the menu, held it in her hands a while, and then laid it down to read the back. “What is this? A ghost?” She peered at Zach then lowered her voice, “They have a ghost in this place.”
He chuckled. “So I’ve heard. Jase Carlson mentioned the history the day I was here with the guys.” Zach took her hands and held them in the center of the table. “Thanks for having dinner with me tonight. I admit I haven’t cooked a lot since I’ve been back.”
Their hands came apart when they were interrupted by the server delivering their appetizer. She enjoyed the warmth of his skin while the moment lasted.
“Ready to order?” The server glanced at both of them.
Zach picked up his menu, waiting for her to go first. Kimber ordered their baked chicken breast, and he ordered roasted prime rib. They both ordered baked potato and salad. Each asked for ranch dressing.
“How long have you been out of the Army?”
Zach had been looking toward the bar, but he jerked his head back and gave her a skeptical look. “How’d you know I was in the Army?”
“Ah, ah…The tip of the tattoo on your right arm.” Oh, dammit, here I go again. She couldn’t tell him Jerry had told her. “Your sleeve rose above it when, when you lifted the saddle onto my horse.”
Zach lifted a brow. “My tattoo has nothing to do with the Army.”
“I assumed…I mean, I didn’t get a good look at all of it, but it reminded me of my dad’s.” That part was true.
“That’s crazy.” His puckered brow lingered, which was a part of his normal thing when he spoke to her at times. He would’ve made an intimidating interrogator.
She relaxed and became lost in the gaze boring right through her until his frown softened then disappeared. Kimber blinked, peered at the plate, and served him one of the appetizers. Her heart pounded a little bit harder tonight, and her heart swelled. Zach would be one angry man to find out Jerry had checked into his background. Regardless, she’d enjoy the night with him, and if he asked again about how she knew, she’d be truthful.
Later, when they had finished dinner, Kimber still had a quarter of a glass of wine left. Zach barely finished his second.
She set her glass down and touched his hand. “How long have you been here, Zach.”
“As long as you have.” He laughed. “We came in together on the plane.”
She stretched across the table and slid her hand to his forearm. “I mean before you went back home the last time.” He turned his head toward the bar again. With the soft glow shining beneath the dim light above the table, the scar showed on his face.
“Remember, I told you before it was almost a year? Randy had a potential job set up
for me with Jake, but instead I got a job as a horse wrangler leading trail rides up into the mountains. I witnessed an engagement on a ride.” He chuckled. “After hearing about my dad’s craziness at selling off the land, I had to get back home to check it out.”
His smile sure made her giddy, and she’d been blown away. Be still my heart. “How romantic. The rides sound like fun.” She had a good time seeing him like this, and she fell a little harder with each new moment. Kimber wouldn’t mind sitting beside him instead of having a table between them. She reached for his hand, and he turned his over to hold hers. “Should you be saying your dad is crazy to a woman who will soon become a business partner?”
Zach gave a subtle smile. “Dad finally admitted to me he was glad to see our interest. He’s giving us a fantastic deal. It isn’t like we’ll be living there twenty-four seven and doing all the work. The cowpunchers can stay on and continue what they’re doing, for now. Don’t forget, we’ll have to make trips there on occasion.”
“I’m fine with going, and looking forward to seeing what your ranch looks like.”
Zach squeezed her hand. “I don’t think Tyler and I mentioned it, but we’re a seedstock ranch, more interested in genetics and breeding. In other words, we raise the parents. Tyler has the smarts when it comes to doing the computer work matching cattle up for breeding. The number one foreman and I are in charge of all the nutritional efficiency, among other things to keep the ranch running smoothly.”
She became enamored with what he’d said. “Wow, this is fascinating. Who does your books?”
He paused, peering at her as if analyzing her question. “Dad, but Tyler and I are trying to get him to modernize the system. We will when we take it over. Listen, there’s a lot more to it, Kimber. More than what I can tell you over one meal. You need to see the day-to-day workings to understand how it all works, and what it takes to keep it going month-to-month and year-to-year.”
Finding Kimber (Canyon Junction; Hearts In Love Book 2) Page 17
