by Ciana Stone
She couldn’t tell him of the days she went without food or a roof over her head. Or the number of times Danny had stolen what little they’d managed to earn, gambled it away, then cried in her arms over having disappointed her.
“And?” he prompted.
Roxie blew out a breath. “To make a long story short, I found work, and over the years managed to claw my way up from waitressing to dealing. I took classes to get my high school diploma and enrolled in college classes. And Danny kept gambling. Spending everything we had.”
“Why didn’t you leave?”
How could she possibly make him understand the love she had for Danny when she’d never fully figured it out herself?
“He was my best friend. He left his family and his home for me, Cade. And he stood by me, no matter what. I couldn’t abandon him.”
Cade didn’t want to acknowledge the respect he had for her, for standing by Danny. Hell, he didn’t even want the man to exist. But that was jealousy working on him and he had to shove it aside. Everyone had a past. What mattered was the now.
“So what happened?”
Roxie climbed off the bed and walked to the window to stare out. “Danny begged me to get him into a high stakes game. He’d had a run of luck and scored fifty thousand. I tried to talk him out of it, but you know how it is with gamblers. A little luck and they’re playing the rush. That’s how it was with him. I begged him to stop while he was ahead but he just kept at me. He said it would be his last game. He wanted to change. He was going to give up gambling, get an education, and make something of himself. Make me proud.”
She leaned her forehead against the glass, her voice almost too soft to be audible. “So I did it. And Danny won. He walked away with a quarter of a million dollars.”
Roxie straightened and turned to face Cade, tears streaming down her face. “Because he cheated. Of course, two others at that table were cheating as well. I saw them. It was a crooked game all around. I should have stopped it, but I didn’t.
“One of the players was a mean piece of work. He couldn’t stand losing, and he couldn’t let it go that Danny had won. And maybe he figured out Danny had cheated. I don’t know, but less than a week after the game, Danny was attacked coming out of a casino.”
She walked over and took a seat on the bed. “He survived, in a manner of speaking. He’s in a permanent care facility in Tennessee. I took what was left of his win and had him put there. What was left of his brain is enough to keep him conscious, but not functional. He’s like a newborn. He feels pain and hunger, knows the comfort of a full belly and but not much else.”
“So that’s what happened to the money you won?”
She nodded. “I didn’t cheat, Cade. I just did the only thing I could do to get the money I needed to make sure he’d be taken care of. No matter what you were told, I won fair and square. I never told Dini or anyone. I met her later—after all that. You’re the only one who knows. Dini just thinks I don’t gamble because I have a problem with it, you know like being an alcoholic.”
She fell silent. Cade’s mind was in a whirl. Part of him wanted to pull her into his arms and erase the haunted look in her eyes. Another part wanted to smash something. She belonged to another man.
Then light split through the dark thoughts. “You said you have feelings for me.”
“Yes, but I’m married.”
“Only on paper.”
“Cade, I’m responsible for Danny. There’s no one else. I have to—”
As much as he hated himself for it, he couldn’t stop the words that poured out of his mouth. “You’ve already made sure he’ll be taken care of, Roxie. What more is there for you to do? You think you should spend your life alone because of it?”
She was quiet for a long time. “I should’ve stopped him. Should have made him quit gambling. Not gotten him in that game. It’s my fault, Cade. I don’t deserve to be happy when I’ve destroyed his life.”
That confession compelled him to act without thought. He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. “Oh, honey, that’s not true. You were a scared kid who did everything you could. It wasn’t your fault.”
“But he loved me,” she whispered brokenly. “He depended on me and I let him down.”
Cade felt her body shake with the force of her sobs and held her as she cried. He’d been so caught up in his own desires that he wasn’t really taking Roxie’s feelings into consideration. Thinking about what she’d been through and what she’d sacrificed certainly spoke to the kind of woman she was, her loyalty and dedication.
It also spoke to the depth of her love.
That clawed at him, twisted him up in knots. He didn’t want her to love Danny, didn’t want her to feel that depth of emotion for anyone but him. He wanted her all for himself.
What kind of self-centered jerk did that make him? Or did it make him a jerk? Was it wrong to want the woman he loved to be all his? To give as much of herself as he was willing to give?
Which raised a question. Just how much was he willing to give to have her? For the first in a long time, Cade was faced with proving what kind of man he really was. He thought about it long and hard as she cried, searching himself.
When the sobs became sniffles, he pushed her back gently to look into her red-rimmed and swollen eyes. What he was about to say could lose him the one woman he’d ever loved, but he knew he had to be honest and tell her what he felt.
“He let himself down, Roxie. No one can be responsible for the actions of another. We all own our conduct. And if he really loved you, would he want you to carry around this guilt? To give up being happy?”
“No. I don’t know. I don’t know, Cade.”
“Well, I do. You said you have feelings for me. Is that true?” She nodded and he smiled at her. “I’m pretty sure I love you, Roxie. I can’t say I know for sure because to be honest, I’ve never really loved anyone. But what I feel for you is strong and real and I really hope you’ll give us a chance to see if it’s the kind of feelings that are meant to last. Can you do that? Can you take a gamble on us?”
“I don’t know. I want to but…”
“But what?”
“I’m scared.”
“Me too,” he said with a smile. “But maybe between the two of us we can muster up enough courage to see our way through.”
Roxie shook her head, a reluctant smile on her face. “You’re a real piece of work, Beckett.”
“Beckett? We’re back to Beckett after I bare my heart and soul? Woman, you wound me.”
The slight laugh let him know the worst of the pain was past. At least for the moment. He longed to kiss her, make love to her and heal the wounds but knew now was not the time.
So instead, he lay back, pulling her to his side. “Sleep, honey. I’ve got you.”
The sigh that preceded her words sounded like relief to his ears. The words, however, sounded like resignation. “Yeah, I guess you do.”
*****
Cooper spotted Liz and Kyle sitting at a table on the other side of the bar and waved. Cody was working the bar on the end closest to the door. On the other end was Hannah, chatting with Pressley.
Hannah looked exceptionally pretty. She had on a green dress that was fitted and reminded him of something from old movies of the forties. It was feminine and modest and yet very sexy all at the same time.
Her hair was worn loose tonight, a tumble of blonde waves that made his fingers itch to run through those silken strands.
Cooper waved as Cody yelled out a greeting and he noticed that Hannah and Pressley both looked his way. Cooper made his way to them.
“Didn’t expect to see you,” he said to Pressley.
She shrugged. “A girl’s gotta eat. Oh! I’ll bring that folder from the realtor back to you in the morning.”
“Find anything interesting?”
Pressley looked at Hannah and they both grinned before Pressley returned her attention to him. “We rented a house.”
Coope
r looked from her to Hannah. “Together?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “We’re going to be roommates.”
“Well, congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Hannah responded and smiled. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“A beer.”
“Coming right up.”
As she moved away to get his beer, Cooper looked at Pressley. “Roommates?”
“Yeah. Is that a problem?”
“No. Of course not. I just didn’t know you and Hannah were such good friends.”
“Getting there. I’m excited about it. More than ready to be out of Uncle Herbert’s house.”
“I can understand that.”
“Here’s your beer.” Hannah returned. “Are you having anything to eat?”
“Yeah, meeting Liz and Kyle.”
“Okay, just give a wave when you’re ready and I’ll take your order.”
“Will do. Thanks.”
Cooper headed for Liz’s table.
“Hey,” she said and smiled when he took a seat.
“Hey. Kyle, how’s it going?”
“No complaints.”
“Well, you must be the only one.”
“Something wrong?” Liz asked.
“No, not really. Just tired, I guess.”
“Well you’ve pretty much been working non-stop the last couple of months. Maybe you need a break.”
“I wish. Hey, did you know that Pressley and Hannah have rented a house?”
“Yeah, Pressley told me earlier.” Liz replied. “It’s cool. I think they’ll make good roommates. She said they were headed up to San Antonio tomorrow afternoon to do some furniture shopping and have a weekend on the town.”
“Oh, that’s interesting.”
“Okay, what’s the deal?”
“What deal?”
“You’re interested in Hannah.”
“I didn’t say I am.”
“You didn’t have to. I know you’ve been out with her a couple of times and in fact, talk has it that Hannah and Cody were fighting over you.”
Cooper laughed. “Yeah right.”
“Just telling you the gossip. I know they’re not, but you know how fast gossip spreads in a small town. Anyway, I think it’s great that Pressley and Hannah are getting a place and hope it works out for them.”
“Same here. I was actually thinking of heading up to San Antonio myself this weekend.” Cooper looked around the bar rather than at his sister.
“Oh? Business or pleasure.”
“A little of both.”
“Well, it might do you good to kick back for a couple of days and I know how much you enjoy a five-star meal and luxury hotel.”
“Are you calling me a snob?”
“If the shoe fits, brother. Oh, there comes Hannah. Do you know what you want? I’m starving.”
Cooper turned to watch Hannah approach and couldn’t help but see the way other men noticed as well. She seemed completely unaware of it. In fact, her gaze was on him. That gave his ego a boost and also brought about another reaction. He actually wanted Hannah Sweet to like him. Not just be attracted to him, but like him.
It surprised him a bit.
“So, what can I get you all?” she asked.
Liz and Kyle both answered at the same time with, “The usual.”
Cooper had eaten there before and knew the food was good, so he smiled up at her. “I’ll have Kyle’s usual.”
“Not Liz’s?”
“Have you seen her eat?” Cooper asked.
Hannah chuckled. “She’s like Cody. Can out eat a man and never gain an ounce. I don’t know how they do it.”
“Doesn’t look like you have a bit of problem with weight from where I sit.”
Hannah actually blushed. How long had it been since he’d seen a woman blush? Would she be that shy when it came to intimacy?
“Why thank you. That’s so kind. And I’ll get this right out. Want another beer while you wait?”
“I’m good.”
“All righty then, it’ll just be a few minutes.”
Cooper turned to face Liz and Kyle. “What?” he asked at the expression on his sister’s face.
“Nothing. So, what did you decide to do about finding a place yourself?”
“You know you’re welcome to stay in the Creek House as long as you want,” Kyle said.
“And I appreciate that. But I’d really like to find a place in town. I just can’t decide whether to rent or buy.”
“I guess there’s no point in buying if you’re not planning on staying,” Kyle pointed out.
“Yeah, and I guess that’s what’s holding me back. I don’t know.”
“Well, I guess you’ll figure it out.”
“Yes, sooner or later.” He glanced toward the bar to find Hannah looking his way. He knew he was interested in her but he also knew that the interest wasn’t enough to get him to commit to living in Cotton Creek forever.
He’d tried the commitment thing and it had been a disaster. He didn’t know if or when he’d ever want to give that another try. The problem as he saw it right now was he didn’t know if Hannah Sweet was the kind of woman who would get into a possibly temporary relationship.
He didn’t have much time to ponder it. Wes and Lily showed up and joined them and before he knew it, the meal was over and Cody was yelling Honky Tonk Angels. She headed for the dance floor, dragged Liz to her feet and pulled her along as Hannah and Pressley joined them.
Who would’ve thought that a woman dressed in a 1940s style dress would look so damn sexy performing a country western line dance? He couldn’t keep his eyes off Hannah, and the couple of times she favored him with a sexy look, his estimation of her shyness was brought into question. Looks like that made a man think of all the physical pleasure two people could enjoy.
When the dance ended, Liz returned to the table to drag Kyle onto the dance floor with her. Cody, Pressley, and Hannah headed back toward the bar as other couples got up to dance. Cooper stood and as Hannah drew near and stepped in front of her.
“Care to dance?” He offered his hand.
“I’d love to.” She placed her hand in his and he led her to the dance floor, swung her into his arms, and pulled her close.
There was no stiffness or tension in her body. In fact, she molded against him, making him aware of her lush full breasts against his chest and the rhythm of her hips. It was intoxicating. Her feel, the slight smell of gardenia that seemed to waft from her hair and those green eyes looking up at him and going all smoky was like an aphrodisiac.
Yes, it was enough to have him making a conscious effort not to have a male reaction. Last thing he needed was for things south of the belt to stand up and salute.
“So, I’ve been meaning to ask if you’re busy this weekend?”
“Oh, darn. Yes, I am. Pressley and I are headed up to San Antonio to do some furniture shopping.”
“Well, that’s an odd coincidence. I’d planned on being in San Antonio myself this weekend. Maybe we could have dinner one night.”
The smile on her face told him she liked the idea. “Oh, I’d love that.” Then the smile faded. “But I should probably check with Pressley. I don’t want to leave her on her own with nothing to do.”
“When are you leaving and coming back?”
“We’re leaving on tomorrow and coming home on Sunday.”
“Okay, so how about asking her if she’d mind you having dinner with me on Saturday?”
“I’ll ask.”
“Great, just let me know.”
“I will.”
The music ended and Hannah pulled away. “Thanks for the dance. I better get back to work.”
“Are you working until closing?”
“No, just until ten.”
“Then maybe I’ll hang around and get another dance when you’ve finished.”
Hannah smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’d love that.”
Cooper watched her walk away an
d then returned to his table. Wes Pursel and Lily Matthews had joined the party.
“You and Hannah are looking real cozy,” Lily commented.
Cooper shrugged. “She’s nice.”
“And a Sweet,” Wes said.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning tread carefully. There’s probably not a person in this town that wouldn’t be ready to string you up if you hurt her. Most of all her father. Billy might seem like a simple guy, affable and easy going but I’m telling you that if you screw with his family, the man will take you down.”
“Good to know.” Cooper didn’t take Wes’ advice lightly, and it gave him pause.
Was satisfying the itch he had for Hannah worth putting himself in the position of having a town full of people ready to lynch him if things didn’t work out?
Chapter Eight
Roxie woke, feeling the steady rise of fall of Cade’s chest beneath her cheek. For a few minutes she lay there, eyes closed, savoring the moment. Then it hit her.
She hadn’t woken with a feeling of anxiety.
The constant weight that had been attached to her for the last five years was gone.
It was almost frightening. She started to rise, but his arm wrapped tighter around her. “Roxie,” he murmured, still more asleep than not.
And it dawned on her. She was free. Somehow, being honest with Cade had freed her from the prison she’d built around herself. She’d never stop caring about Danny and would always make sure he was taken care of, but the boy she knew was gone and couldn’t come back.
The boy she’d loved had left and it was time for her to move on. And the man who’d stolen her heart was there with her, murmuring her name like a caress as he slept.
She was broke, had no home, no possessions but a broken down car, and yet she was free.
Love welled so strong inside her that she nearly cried. But this wasn’t a time for tears. This was the time to celebrate life.
Her hand moved down his chest to the buckle of his belt. Cade’s eyes opened and she sat, undoing his jeans. He helped and soon his clothes were in a heap on the floor. Along with hers.
Cade started to roll her onto her back but she stopped him. “Huh-uh. My turn.”
