Cody frowned. “Did watching today ease your fears any?”
She wrapped her arms around her middle. “If anything, it made them worse. When that first bull turned back toward Justin my heart stopped.”
“I won’t let anything happen to him. I give you my word.” The look on Cody’s face was dead serious.
“Thank you,” Laney whispered.
Rayanne felt as if she’d just intruded on a profound and very private moment. She thought the vow might have been sealed with a kiss if she and Luke had not been standing there. She glanced at him and he gave a slight nod as if he agreed.
The mood was broken and they turned toward the house again.
Only after they settled around the grill at the back of the house, and the adults each had a beer in hand, did the mood lighten. The boys vanished upstairs with sodas, and soon, the sounds of loud rock music came from an open window.
Cody placed hamburgers on the grill and the scent of cooking meat and fresh spring grass filled the air. Rayanne sighed with contentment and leaned back in her chair. “What a nice day.”
“Better enjoy it while you can,” Luke said. “We’re supposed to get a late snowstorm next week.”
“Ugh. I’m so over winter,” Rayanne said.
“Not me.” Luke stuck his broken leg out and wiggled his toes. “I can’t wait for next December to redeem myself and win the championship.”
Rayanne twirled her beer. “You aren’t frightened to get back on one of those big animals?”
“Hell no!” Luke looked at her as if she had two heads. “If I were it would be time to hang up my spurs and find another career.”
“What do you see yourself doing if not bull riding?”
“Something like this, maybe. I enjoy helping kids. Possibly raise bucking bulls…” He shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t ever given it a lot of thought. All I’ve ever wanted to do is rodeo.”
“You sound like my son,” Laney said.
He looked her direction. “It gets in your blood, and it’s hard to shake off.”
“Wyatt gave it up when he became a father,” she said. “And never regretted his decision.”
Luke visibly tensed. “I don’t have kids to worry about, so that’s not an issue.”
“You might someday though,” Laney said.
He took a long swig of beer. “Not likely.”
Rayanne wondered again what he had against fatherhood. He seemed to like kids, at least the two boys she’d seen him interact with. Was it his career that made him child-phobic? Or something else?
Cody heaped a piled of hamburgers on a platter. “We can eat as soon as I get the potatoes out of the oven and the corn off the stove.”
Laney stood. “I’ll help you.”
“My potato salad is in the fridge,” Rayanne told her.
“I’ll get it.”
“Cute couple,” Luke said after they disappeared inside.
“Are they a couple? I didn’t know…”
“I don’t think they even realize it yet,” he said. “But they sure enough act like one.”
Rayanne recalled Laney’s husband. “Wyatt will be a hard act for anyone to follow. He was handsome, funny and loyal to the bone to those he loved.”
“Sounds like a great guy.” Luke lifted his beer in a salute. “And a lot like Cody.”
She hadn’t thought of it like that, but he was right. Although Cody was more reserved than Wyatt had been. He’d always had a smile or a joke. Luke reminded her more of Wyatt, than Cody did.
Laney, however, appeared to have no draw to Luke whatsoever. The attraction arcing between her and Cody was almost visible. A little stab of envy pricked Rayanne. She wished Luke had similar feelings for her, but at most it seemed he liked her only as a friend.
CHAPTER SIX
After dinner, Luke patted his flat stomach. “I’m stuffed.”
Rayanne looked at him enviously. Weight stalked her like an ex-lover, unwilling to let go. She constantly fought it, usually losing the battle. She sighed. “Me, too.”
“Want to go for a walk?” He stood and held out his hand.
She took it, his warm fingers curling around hers. A zap of desire so strong it nearly made her gasp rocketed through her. What was it about this wild cowboy that made her body get all shaky whenever he touched her? Not trusting her voice, she nodded.
He let go of her hand to pick up his crutches, and although logic said he needed to, disappointment filled her when he released her.
They walked, or she did, as he hobbled down the lane. The sun began to slip behind the San Juans making the early evening air chilly. Rayanne wrapped her arms around her middle. She should have brought a sweater.
“You cold?” Luke’s husky voice warmed her.
“A little,” she admitted.
He propped his crutches on the fence and leaned against it. He held his arms wide. “Come here.”
Rayanne’s heart stampeded. What was he doing? She debated. Was he playing with her? Uncertainly, she stepped into the circle of his arms. He hugged her close, his warm, earthy scent enveloping her. His heart beat a steady rhythm, unlike hers that pounded wildly. He rubbed his hands up and down her back. “Better?”
“Much.” Her entire body had heated. Her nipples pressed into his chest and the vee between her legs dampened.
God, if she were this turned on by a simple caress, what would happen to her if they made love? She’d probably self-combust.
Make love?
What was she thinking? He had shown no interest in her in that way. Embarrassed, she pushed away, but his arms tightened, holding her close. “Where you running off to?”
“I should go—”
“Stay.”
Startled by the command, she bent her head back and looked into his eyes. They were hooded, intense.
Rayanne’s breath caught.
She had no time to think, or react as his lips moved over hers, seeking entry. She automatically opened her mouth and his tongue ravished hers. He tasted her, teased. No one had ever kissed her like this—hot, intense, demanding. She sagged against him, and his arms tightened around her.
With a whimper, she crowded against him.
The man was solid as rock, from head to toe. Chest, abs, legs all hard.
That wasn’t all.
His erection pressed against her stomach. She, Rayanne Whitfield, had somehow excited Luke Greer, world famous bull rider. He wasn’t the only one turned on. For two cents, she’d throw off her clothes and let him take her right there in the driveway.
The thought shocked her into pulling away. She pressed the back of her hand to her mouth and stared at him.
He smiled, slow and sexy. “Damn, girl.”
She forced her voice not to shake. “Why’d you do that?”
“Cause I’ve been wanting to.” He shrugged.
“I’m not easy.”
Laughter gurgled out of him. “Honey, easy is never a word I’d pin on you.”
Not sure whether to be insulted, or pleased, she jerked her head. “Good.”
He picked up his crutches. “Let’s go a little farther.” When she hesitated, he added, “I need to cool down a little before we head in.”
Heat flooded her cheeks. “Oh. Okay.”
He chuckled. “I’m not the only one. You look as guilty as a fox in a henhouse right now.”
She gasped. “You’re the sly fox.”
“And you’re the little red hen.” The image wasn’t entirely flattering, but when he winked at her the sting went out of his words.
Silently, they walked to the mailbox at the end of the driveway. Rayanne’s head spun. Why had Luke kissed her? Because he wanted to? Why her, when he could have any woman? She wasn’t sexy and she didn’t sleep around. Two requirements she suspected Luke required in a partner.
~*~
Cody handed Luke a beer from a cooler. They were seated out back on the deck, enjoying the last of the heat in the fire pit. The ladies had gone
home, and the boys were upstairs playing video games.
Luke leaned back and unscrewed the lid from the longneck. “Nice evening.”
“Yep.” Cody twisted his bottle. “Listen, buddy, there’s something we need to talk about.” He sounded as serious as if someone had died.
“What’s up?”
“It’s about Rayanne.” Cody shifted. “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t comment on your personal life, but I live here now. I plan to stay for a long time—”
“And you think I’m going to screw it up for you?” Luke stared at his friend incredulously.
“Not on purpose, no. But you’re not known for sticking with any woman for long, and Rayanne’s not like most of the women you date. She’s not used to cowboys who ride away with the morning light.”
“You think I don’t know that?”
“It’s just if you leave her brokenhearted, I’m the one who has to deal with it for a long time. A bad reputation with the local ladies could affect my business—”
Luke glared at his lifelong friend. “You don’t think much of me, do you?”
Cody held up his hands in a position of surrender. “You know I do. I also know how you are with the ladies. Love ’em and leave ’em Luke.”
“You’re not known for getting caught in any loops yourself,” Luke reminded him. “And from where I’m sitting it looks like Laney is swinging a wide one.”
His friend flinched. “We’re just friends and neighbors.”
Luke snorted. “And acting like lovers.”
“Laney has a son.” He didn’t have to explain—growing up fatherless had made him never want kids of his own.
Talking about kids, or the lack of them, was the last topic Luke wanted to cover. “It might surprise you to learn that I like Rayanne. A lot, in fact.”
Cody raised a brow. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. I do.” His declaration surprised him, but it was true. Rayanne was sweet, down-to-earth and not all googly-eyed over his celebrity. In fact, he doubted she’d ever heard of him before. Surprisingly, he appreciated her lack of fawning over him. Something he would have never believed in the past.
But, it didn’t matter how much he liked her because there was one big road block between them—kids. She made it painfully obvious she wanted them. And he was unable to provide any should they get serious. He sighed. “You’re right, Cody. She’s a nice lady. Too good for a rodeo bum like me.”
“You’re no bum,” Cody said. “But you’re not the settling down type either.” He took a long swing of beer. “Neither one of us are.”
“Nope. Footloose and fancy free, just the way we like it.” Depression settled around Luke as he stared at the mountain peaks fading away in the dark. Life sure had a funny way of reminding you not to get too big for your britches, or it would bring you down a few pegs. He changed the subject. “I think both these boys have a future with bull riding.”
“I do, too,” Cody said. “I remember Justin’s dad and he was a hell of a talent.”
“Why’d he leave the circuit?”
Cody glanced around, then shrugged. “I heard he got married right out of high school.”
“Had to?”
“That was the rumor,” Cody said.
A shudder ran down Luke’s back. In his opinion to be forced to quit the rodeo circuit would be a fate worse than death. He’d always liked wild women for a reason—most didn’t want to settle down and have babies. Now that he couldn’t have children, he regretted some of his choices.
No sense looking in the rearview mirror. There was a lot of open highway ahead, and he was young and healthy with a pass to drive full speed ahead.
Why then, did he have the urge to put on the brakes?
He blamed Cody and his new lifestyle. It was entirely too tempting. Luke reminded himself he’d fled a similar environment back in Wickenburg. Anytime he wanted to go back to ranching, his parents would welcome him home with open arms.
He hadn’t desired that lifestyle years ago; he didn’t want it now. Rayanne was part of that life. He had to remember she represented all he couldn’t have and didn’t want anyway.
~*~
Luke sat staring at his puny, white leg. He rolled on a sock, slipped his foot into the lightweight cast and stood. “Wow. Strange feeling.”
At the clinic in Black Mountain, a doctor had sawed off the cast, taken x-rays and proclaimed him fit to start putting weight on it as long as he wore a walking cast and used the crutches when his leg got tired. Riding was still out. Doing so would put him at risk.
Carrying his crutches, he limped toward the front office.
He opened the door to the lobby and stepped through. As he headed to the desk to hand over his insurance information, a bright red head bent over a magazine caught his eye. Rayanne? What was she doing here? Was she okay? He changed direction toward her. “Rayanne?”
She jumped. Her gray-green eyes grew wide, startled as a sage hen’s. “Oh, hi.” Her gaze went to his leg. “You had your cast removed?”
“Yup.” He stuck out his leg and gave it a little shake. “Still can’t dance, though.”
“I bet you’ll be able to soon enough.” She set the magazine aside. “You sustained a terrible injury.”
She only knew the half of it. He’d managed to keep the extent of his injuries out of the press and the only ones who knew about his sterility were his parents and brother. “I’m almost out of the woods. A few more weeks and I’ll be riding again.”
Her lips turned down at the corners and she changed the subject. “How are the boys?”
“Really good. Learning a lot.”
“Is Rafe staying out of trouble?”
“He’s been great. I like that kid a lot,” Luke said.
“I’m glad. I do, too. He’s had some tough breaks in his life, and he deserves something good.”
Luke took a long look into her face. “Not to pry, but are you okay?”
“What do you mean?” She refused to make eye contact.
“It’s just that you’re here at the doctor’s—”
Heat rushed into her cheeks. “I’m fine.”
He waited, but she didn’t say more. “If you need anything, let me know.”
“I’m perfectly well, Luke.” Her hands fluttered in her lap. “It’s just a checkup.”
He recognized evasion when he saw it, but he was the last person to pry into someone else’s medical business. “Okay. I better get home.”
A nurse opened the door to the examination rooms. “Miss Whitfield, the doctor will see you now.”
Rayanne stood. “Guess I better go.”
Luke impulsively put a hand on her arm. “How about dinner tonight? Celebrate my cast coming off.”
“You’ve had me out to the ranch several times, so why don’t you come to my house?” she invited. “I’ll cook. Around six?”
“Can I bring something?”
“Just your appetite.” She edged toward the clearly impatient nurse.
“I’ll be there.” Her bright smile warmed his heart.
As Luke hobbled out of the clinic and climbed into his truck, he wondered why Rayanne was there. None of his business, but still he was concerned. She seemed healthy enough, but outward appearances could be deceiving.
What if she had cancer? Or something else life-threatening? He would hate to lose her. He froze. She wasn’t his to lose. They were friends, nothing more. And according to Cody they had to stay that way.
Well, Cody could stuff himself. Luke didn’t tell Cody who to date, or who not date, and Cody wasn’t going to tell him. He wouldn’t hurt Rayanne. Hell, a blind man could see she was different than the girls he’d dated previously. She was a special lady and deserved to be treated as such.
With that thought in mind, he turned into the parking lot of the small grocery store. Maybe they had a floral section.
He parked close to the door and limped inside.
As he circled the store, looking for flowers, he spotted a famili
ar figure near the pharmacy section. As he drew near, he recognized Rafe and Justin talking to two girls around their age. Curious, Luke ducked behind a stack of green beans and peeked around the edge. He thought the boys were home. Where was Cody, and did he know the kids were in town?
“We can meet in our barn later,” Justin was saying. “My mom thinks I’m at Cody’s.”
“Mine does, too,” Rafe said.
“I’ll tell my mom and dad I’m staying at Amber Lyn’s,” one of the girls said.
They giggled.
“Can anyone get some beer?” the other asked.
“I can,” Rafe said. “My mom won’t notice if I take some from the fridge because she’ll probably be at work.”
“What are you going to tell Cody and Luke?” the other one asked.
Luke stepped around the stack of green beans. “I’d like to hear that, too.”
The teens stared at him in shock. Finally, Justin spoke. “We were just kidding around.”
“I don’t think you were,” Luke said. “My truck’s out front. Go get in it and wait while I buy a few things. I’ll be there shortly.” As they walked away, heads hanging, he gave the girls a stern look. “Ladies, the gentlemen will not be joining you this evening. I hope you understand.”
With wide eyes, they nodded, then fled.
“Damn it,” Luke muttered. “What now?”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Megan coughed, but couldn’t hide her laughter. “You were at the clinic for birth control? And Luke was there, too? Did he know why you were seeing your doctor?”
“Yes, he was. And no, I don’t think so.” Rayanne’s face flamed. “I just thought it might be prudent to be prepared.” Now that she voiced it out loud, it seemed silly to go on birth control pills. Wishful thinking on her part. Luke had only kissed her once.
“I think you were smart to do so.” Megan turned serious. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“I’d love to have a houseful of kids, but I’m putting the cart way before the horse,” Rayanne said. “I’ve only seen Luke a couple of times.”
“I don’t think you are,” Megan told her. “From what you’ve said, I think he likes you a lot. A guy like that doesn’t ask a woman out more than once if he’s not interested.”
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