“I’m thinking it’s exactly how it looks,” Sam said. He took his Stetson from the desk. “Thanks for a good time. I’m outta here.” He slammed the door behind him.
“Who the hell is he?” Rod asked.
“A friend. A brother of a friend, actually.” At least that was the truth.
Rod grabbed her hand. “Where’s your ring?”
“At home. In my safe. You know I don’t wear jewelry when I compete.”
“A good excuse to leave it home, isn’t it?” Rod’s lips twitched. “Did he spend the night here?”
How had she made such a mess of things? The last five years had been the most wonderful and the most terrible of her life at the same time.
How had it come to this?
“I asked you a question,” Rod said again. “Did he spend the night here?”
Sydney shook, afraid. Rod was not a violent person, at least as far as she knew, but he was a powerful businessman. He could hurt her in worse ways than physically.
She slowly nodded her head.
“I see.”
“I’m sorry, Rod.”
“Sorry?”
She nodded again. “Yes. I never meant to hurt you.”
“Hurt me? You think a little slut like you could hurt me?”
She shuddered. His words shouldn’t hurt, but they did. They rang with truth. “I’m afraid I can’t marry you.” She turned away from his gaze.
“Why not?”
Sydney’s neck whipped around. Had she heard right? “Excuse me?”
“I said, why not? You don’t think I’ve been faithful to you all this time, do you? A man has needs. You said you wanted to wait until we were married. Although obviously you got over that last night.”
“You mean you—”
“Of course. Don’t be naïve. As far as I’m concerned, the engagement can proceed as planned. I never planned on being faithful to you.”
She stood, her body numb. “Are you kidding me? This is the kind of marriage you wanted?”
“This is marriage, dear. My own parents have been married nearly forty years, and they’ve both had strings of lovers. My father likes twenty-something blond girls. Ironically, so does my mother.”
The reality of the rich—way more information than she wanted. “Rod, I’m really glad I haven’t hurt you.”
“You don’t have the power to hurt me.”
“Be that as it may, I’m glad I didn’t. But this engagement is over.”
“No, it’s not.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m afraid it is.”
He stalked toward her. “The announcements have already been made in all my circles. It is not over.”
“But I don’t love you.”
“I don’t love you either.”
“Then what’s the big deal?”
“You are the kind of wife I need. Beautiful to the eye. From a modest background, so you’re attracted to money. You’re tall and athletic. You’ll bear me strong heirs. You’ll be a good hostess.”
Anger boiled under her skin. “I’m more than just arm candy, damn it.”
“Darling, you are the ultimate arm candy, but I’m afraid that’s all you are.”
Why did his words cut her? She didn’t care, but it still hurt to be spoken of in that manner. “Why does it matter? If that’s all I am, I’m easily replaced.”
“I’ll lose face. And I don’t take kindly to that. My parents have gone to a lot of expense and trouble for our impending marriage. Besides, you have value you can’t even fathom.”
What the hell does that mean? “Your parents are richer than God. They won’t care. And I don’t care what kind of value you think I have. I’m not marrying you. You can’t make me.”
Rod shook his head. “Fine. Have it your way.”
“Why did you come here?”
“I told you. I missed you.”
“That’s crap. You just admitted you don’t love me. You just wanted to see what was going on. You want to control me.”
The man was a control freak in his business. Clearly he was also a control freak in his personal life. How had she gotten involved with him?
Unfortunately, she knew the answer to that question.
Money.
Sydney and her parents were carrying some major debt. Rod had been her savior. But right now, money didn’t matter to her. She wanted out.
“I think you’ll change your mind. But for now, if we’re no longer to be married, I guess I don’t have to worry about controlling you.”
“That’s right. Now get the hell out of here.” She pushed him out the door and slammed it shut.
Rod’s words stung because they were mean, but not because they’d come from him. That realization made her even more comfortable with her decision to break it off. She hadn’t wanted to hurt him, and she hadn’t. For that, she was glad.
Now, what to do about Sam?
She couldn’t have a life with him. That was out of the question. But she didn’t want to hurt him. She didn't want to hurt anyone, but especially not Sam.
She wanted him to know that last night had meant something to her. That their time five years ago had meant something.
That she’d never forgotten him, and she never would.
How, though, could she convey that while also telling him she couldn’t see him again?
* * *
How could he have misjudged her?
Sam raked his fingers through his disheveled hair. He needed a shower. He drove up to his small guest house on Zach and Dusty's ranch and took refuge inside.
He inhaled. Pears. Musk. Sex. He could still smell her. Yep, he definitely needed that shower. And it needed to be a cold one. Even now, his cock still throbbed for her.
As the lukewarm water streamed over his tired body, images of Sydney’s dark, brooding eyes haunted him. She’d been acting strange yesterday, no doubt. Yet after they’d made love, he’d been sure he imagined it.
No such luck.
The woman was like a disease. She got into his body and wreaked havoc.
The sex had been amazing, though. He connected with her on a level unknown to him with any other woman.
He was tired of trying to replicate the feelings he’d had when he was with Sydney. He’d tried for five years, to no avail. He was done trying.
Sam O’Donovan would live out his life as a bachelor. Yes, he’d always wanted to be a father, but he could still be a father figure. He didn’t need his own kids. He’d dote on Seanie and his cousins on Zach’s side. Dallas and Annie had four adorable kids, and Chad and Catie had a beautiful little girl named Violet. They all loved their Uncle Sam. Or Uncle Sammy, as Dallas’s girls, Sylvie and Laurie, called him.
In a flash, an image of a smiling little boy with sandy brown hair and dark brooding eyes soared into his mind.
His son with the woman he loved.
Loved?
Make that the woman he’d never have.
The child he’d never have.
He let grief consume him for only a few moments. Then he washed his hair, stepped out of the shower, and dried off.
Sam wasn’t one to wallow in misery. He’d had his share of it, losing his mother when he was only ten, his father years later. Nearly losing his baby sister. If he’d wallowed in it, he would have had a shitty life.
Still, life had grown stale.
He needed a change. He’d hoped against the odds that Sydney might be that change.
Nope. Not to be.
He dressed quickly and headed over to the main house to see Dusty. She and Zach were sitting at the table, drinking coffee.
“Glad I caught you,” Sam said. “I thought you all might have headed over to the grounds already.”
“No, not for a few hours yet,” Zach said. “Have a seat. Want some coffee?”
“Don’t mind if I do. Don’t get up. I’ll get it.” Sam poured himself a cup and sat down next to his sister.
“Rumor has it you left the party with one Sydney
Buchanan last night,” Dusty said.
“Rumor has it that’s none of your business, little sis.”
Zach smiled. “Give the man a break, darlin’. You know men don’t kiss and tell.”
“This isn’t a man. He’s my brother,” Dusty said. “Now spill it.”
“There’s nothing to spill,” Sam said. “I gave her a ride home.”
“Now I know darn well you and Chad hooked up with Syd and her friend at the stock show that time. You remember, don’t you, Zach?”
“Dust, you’re gonna have to give your big brother a break here. He clearly doesn’t want to discuss this.”
“There’s nothing to discuss, and that’s final.” Truer words had never been spoken. He and Sydney were over. Heck, they’d never begun. Sam took a long drink of the coffee. Good and strong, just as he liked it. “Case closed.”
Dusty sighed. “Fine. I understand.”
“In that case, Dust and I have something we need to talk to you about,” Zach said.
Sam took another sip. “Yeah? What is it?”
“Well, our ranch foreman is retiring, goin’ down to Arizona with his family.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“We need a new foreman, and Dust and I think you might be the perfect man for the job.”
Sam perked up. “I’m listening.”
“You wouldn’t have to sell the Double D, Sam,” Dusty said. “You could have your foreman run it. It’s a small operation, and you’ll be making more than enough here to keep it running. I know you don’t want to sell it. It has sentimental value to both of us.”
He set his mug on the table. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to do business with family.”
“Which is why I’m offerin’ you a cut,” Zach said. “That way, you’d be an owner of sorts. Dust and I have discussed this at length with Dallas and Chad and their wives. We all agree you’re who we want.”
“Plus, it’d be great to have you here, Sam,” Dusty added.
A new place. A new job. New challenges. New people to meet, and family to spend time with. It might be just the cure for a life that had grown stale.
Sounded like a gift dropped from heaven.
“I’ll definitely give it some thought.”
“Please consider it,” Dusty said, refilling his coffee. “Zach and I would love to have you here.”
“And make no mistake,” Zach added, “this ain’t nepotism or anything. This was actually my idea, not Dusty’s. You are the best man for this job. I don’t offer just anyone a share in my ranch, not even my wife’s brother. I offer it to you because I know you’ll earn it.”
Sam opened his mouth to speak, but the doorbell interrupted him.
“Stay put,” Dusty said to Zach. “I’ll get it.”
A few minutes later, Dusty returned with Sydney Buchanan at her side.
Sam’s heart leaped.
Then dropped to his belly.
He stood. “I need to get going. Thanks for the coffee.”
“Can’t you stay for a few more minutes?” Dusty asked.
“Wish I could, Sis, but I’ve got stuff that can’t wait.” He grabbed his hat and nodded to Sydney. “Nice to see you again, ma’am.”
He walked out the door without looking back.
Too bad his heart was still in the room.
* * *
“Sit on down,” Dusty said to Sydney, “and I’ll get you a cup of coffee. You want some coffee cake? Seraphina left a nice one. She took Seanie out for the day.”
“Oh, no, thank you.” The cake looked delicious but it would taste like sawdust. She couldn’t eat right now.
Sam had run from her like an ant from a grasshopper. Not that she blamed him.
She hadn’t thought it would cut into her heart like this, though. Crap. Of course she had. That was a big ol’ lie.
Zach rose. “I’ll leave you ladies to your girl talk. Got work to do.” He gave Dusty a quick kiss. “See you later, darlin’. And nice to see you, Sydney.”
“You too.” Sydney sat down and took a sip of the coffee Dusty had given her. “I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Not at all. I’m glad to have the company.”
“I was hoping we could talk.”
“Of course. What’s up?”
“I know we don’t know each other that well. But really, you’re my only friend here. I’m actually surprised you remembered me yesterday.”
“How could I forget the woman who beat me in that race?” Dusty smiled.
“You should have won.”
“Nah. It turned out the way it needed to turn out. Sometimes it takes a while to see the ultimate plan, but it eventually surfaces.”
Does it?
The last five years had been a both a blessing and a hardship. Sydney wasn’t sure where she was going next. At least she wasn’t marrying Rod. That whole relationship had been a mistake, further evidenced by his visit this morning.
“I’m glad you see it that way.”
“I do.” Dusty patted Sydney’s arm.
The warmth of friendship infused her. Could she really talk to this woman? After all, she was Sam’s sister. But she had no one else, and she needed Sam to know the truth. Or at least part of it. She’d start with Dusty.
“I suppose it’s no secret that your brother and I met five years ago in Denver.”
“Yes, I remember. We all sat together for a few minutes at the Bays’ party at the Windsor.”
Sydney nodded. “Sam and I, we spent that night together.”
Dusty remained silent.
“I hope that doesn’t shock you.”
“Shock me? Goodness no. I know my brother’s not a monk. I just don’t really know what to say. But truly, I don’t think less of either of you for it.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. The thing is, we hooked up again last night, but…”
“But what?”
“You may think less of me now.”
“Why is that?”
“Well, someone showed up this morning and interrupted us.”
“Why would that matter?”
“Because of who it was.” Sydney cleared her throat. “My fiancé.”
Dusty’s eyebrows shot up.
“But please believe me,” Sydney continued, “Rod and I were over. I was going to break up with him as soon as I got home. In fact, I should have done it sooner. At any rate, it’s done now. We broke up this morning.”
“He ended it because he found you with Sam?”
“No. Oddly, he was okay with that. If you knew his family, you’d understand. I was the one who ended it.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t love him. I never did. Rod is the heir to a huge hotel business in Carson City. He offered financial security.”
Dusty nodded. “I understand.”
“You do?”
“Yes, I do. Believe it or not, I was once in financial trouble myself. I know how it feels. I nearly sold my Regina to get money I needed.”
“Regina?”
“My barrel racing mare.”
“Oh! She’s a beautiful horse.”
“Thank you. Yes, she is.”
Sydney sipped her coffee. “Rod came into my life by accident. I applied for a job at his office. I didn’t get it, but I caught his eye. He recognized me from a magazine article on the WPRA. He wanted a woman who had a recognizable name and a good face and body to be arm candy. He also liked the fact that being a barrel racer, I wasn’t all that financially secure. That was evident when I applied to work at his company.”
“I see. So he asked you out?”
“Yes. It was a whirlwind courtship. I think his daddy told him it was time to get married or something. Within a month, my face was plastered all over the society pages in Carson City. Hotel heir Rodney Kyle and his fiancé, barrel racer Sydney Buchanan. We were the talk of the town.”
“Did you love him?”
Sydney shook her head. “No. And I found out today he never l
oved me either. This was to be solely a business arrangement.”
“Do you still need money?”
“Yes, but I’m hoping to win a purse here.”
“I think there’s a good chance of that.”
“I sure hope so.” She sighed and took another sip of coffee. “I’m sorry I hurt your brother. I never meant to.”
“Sam’s a big boy. He’ll be okay. Just talk to him.”
“That’s the thing.” Her voice cracked and she steadied it. “I can’t talk to him. I can’t ever see him again.
Chapter Five
“That’s a good boy.” Sam smoothed the jet-black horse’s mane.
“He’s a beauty, ain’t he?”
Sam turned to see Zach. “Yeah, he is. What’s his name?”
“Midnight.”
“It fits.”
Zach nodded. “Want to take him out?”
“I was hoping to, thanks. I need to get out of here for a while.”
“Something wrong?”
Sam wasn’t one to talk about his problems. He wasn’t a woman, for God’s sake. But Zach was his brother-in-law and a good friend. “Sydney Buchanan.”
“I figured as much, the way you hightailed it out of there this mornin’. What’s going on?”
“I suppose it’s no secret that she and I hooked up in Denver. You know, back when you and Dusty hooked up.”
“Yeah. Did Chad ever tell you about the problems he had with the woman he hooked up with that night? Linda?”
“Yeah. I’m glad that all worked out for the best.”
“Me too. Though it came at a rotten time. Right after our ma died.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” He gave Zach a pat on the back.
“Water under the bridge. Chad’s happy as a clam now with Catie.”
“I know.” Sam chuckled. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever see him settle down. He did love the ladies.”
“Now he loves one lady. He’s as smitten as can be with his wife and baby daughter.”
“They’re both beauties, that’s for sure.”
“So what’s going on with Miss Buchanan?”
Trusting Sydney: The Temptation Saga: Book Six Page 4
