“We all could.”
She looked into his face. “You really care about those kids.”
He nodded. “I do. They are a lot like Cody and me when we were that age. Acting up and acting out. I wish Rafe’s mom would’ve let him continue, but it’s her decision, not mine.”
“I understand what’s making Rafe and Justin seek attention—they’re both missing a dad, but what made you bratty?”
He shrugged. “I was bored. My dad’s a driven man and he wanted us to be like him—happy with cattle ranching. My brother loves the life, but I wasn’t crazy about dawn-to-dark chores. I messed up daily to show my displeasure.” He turned to face her. “What about you, darlin’? Did you ever spin out of control?”
She shook her head. “No. I’ve always been a good girl. Followed the rules, done what’s expected…”
“Stayed away from bad boys,” he teased.
“Far, far away.” She nodded solemnly.
“Until now.” His grin was slow, sexy. “Decided to take a walk on the wild side with a cowboy?”
She spoke without thinking. “Thinking about dipping in a toe.”
He laughed loud and long. He wiped the corners of his eyes. “Oh, baby, you kill me.”
His laughter made her stomach flutter. “Just being honest. I find it’s always the best policy.”
Something flashed in his eyes as his laughter faded. “In that case, I’ll say I’m not the settling kind. You need to know that from the first jump. I’m only here for a short time—” he tapped his leg “—until this heals. Then I’m gone.”
Although his words hurt like the devil, she nodded bravely. “I know.”
His arm went around her shoulders and he nuzzled her ear. “We can have a good time together while I’m here, though.”
His warm breath on her ear sent a flash of desire through her so strong it jolted her entire body. “Luke—”
Was that her voice, all breathy and hoarse?
“Don’t talk it to death, darlin’. I have a better idea.” His lips covered hers.
Taken by surprise, she didn’t immediately respond. His tongue worked the seam of her lips until she opened them and allowed his tongue inside. Still partially frozen, she automatically lifted her arms and wound them around his neck. Her breasts pressed into his chest.
His seeking tongue played with hers, teasing until it met his thrust for thrust. He tasted like yeasty beer and desire. She’d never experienced anything like it before.
Kissed?
She’d been kissed, but never like this—with every fiber of her being set on fire.
Lips still locked on hers, he reached between them and covered her right breast with his hand. When he squeezed, she arched into his palm. He swallowed her startled gasp.
This was moving too fast, yet so slow. Her entire body tingled, from the roots of her red hair to the tips of her toes. She wanted him to make love to her right now.
Consequences be damned.
There would be no tomorrow morning. Only here and now.
Confused by the rush of emotions charging through her, she scooted out from under his seeking lips and hands and pushed to her feet. “I need to check on dinner.”
In the kitchen, her mind raced. She wasn’t a hookup kind of girl. But she was also lonely. Could she take what he was offering—a no-strings affair—and watch him ride away? It wouldn’t be easy. Probably break her heart. But she would have danced, like Garth Brooks sang about. Lived. Experienced life.
She forced a smile and walked back into the living room. “Almost ready. I hope you’re hungry.”
He popped a grape in his mouth. “Starving.”
The tingle his wicked grin reignited in her lower belly had nothing to do with dinner. “Me, too.”
A few minutes later, Luke surveyed the table. “This looks great.”
“Thank you.” Rayanne spread her napkin across her lap.
He tasted, then moaned. “Delicious.”
Rayanne cut her roast and took a bite. “I’m glad you like it.”
If the way he packed it away was any indication, he more than liked her food—he loved it. He had two helpings with no sign of being stuffed. How could he eat like that and still have a flat stomach?
She speared a baby carrot. “How do you get from rodeo to rodeo? Drive?”
“When Cody and I traveled together we flew on his private plane. Three or four other buddies would usually come along, too.” He finally pushed away his plate. “Damn, that was good.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, still processing that they flew. She had no idea bull riders had that kind of money. Just another thing that set them apart. She lived on a teacher’s salary. Her house was hers—well, the bank’s—and she owned her car. A plane seemed like a rich man’s vehicle. “What will you do now that Cody has retired?”
“I’m considering buying my own plane. I’m looking into one I saw on the internet.”
“Amazing,” she said.
“That I can buy a plane, or that I know how to use the ’net?” he asked.
“Both,” she deadpanned.
He laughed. “There’s a lot of stuff I know how to do that might surprise you.”
“I have no doubt,” she said around a suddenly dry mouth.
“For instance—” he stood and began gathering tableware “—I can do dishes. My mama taught me.” He hobbled toward the kitchen, calling over his shoulder, “I can do my own laundry, too.”
“Good to know.” Rayanne followed him and leaned on the counter and watched as he rinsed the plates and put them in her dishwasher, then found clear wrap and covered the leftover roast and vegetables. She put them in the fridge.
Working together like this was nice. She allowed herself to fantasize for a moment that it could be permanent. She shook off the crazy thought. “Coffee?”
“Sounds good.”
She poured them both a cup and carried it into the living room. Luke followed her, stopping to look at some photos she had placed on a shelf. He picked one up and studied it. “This one must be relatives, right?”
She moved close to his shoulder to peer at the photo he held. “Yes, that’s my sister, Reggie, and her baby, Lydia.” She stroked a finger over the baby’s sweet face. “I wish they lived closer so I could see them more often.”
He replaced the picture. “Where are they?”
“Cheyenne.” She shrugged. “Not so far, but enough that makes seeing the baby difficult. And that kills me. I’d be with her every day if I could.”
“You really love kids, don’t you?” He moved away with a slight frown.
She turned toward him. “Adore them. That’s why I got into teaching, to be around children until I have my own. Then I hope to stay home with them. I know that’s old-fashioned thinking, but it’s my dream.”
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Nothing like a dream to hold onto. Mine is to win the world championship.”
She twisted her fingers together. “After you win, then what?”
“Set another goal,” he said.
Ignoring the pang in her heart at his words, she asked, “Will attaining all your goals matter if you don’t have anyone special to share them with?”
“I’ve got plenty of people to celebrate with me.” He ticked them off on his fingers. “Other bull riders, Cody…”
“Family?”
“I have my folks and brother. They support me all the way.”
Not what she meant. She had parental and sibling support, too, but she wanted more—the love of a husband and children. Before she blurted out her longing again, she changed the subject. “Did you save room for some cobbler?”
“Love some.” He seemed relieved she changed topics.
As Rayanne spooned vanilla ice cream on top of the warm peach dessert, she thought over Luke’s declaration that all he wanted was another trophy buckle.
How he thought gold and silver could replace children, she couldn’t fathom. A roomful of belt
buckles couldn’t keep him warm. Or hold him close in his old age.
CHAPTER NINE
Shortly after dessert, Luke left Rayanne with the excuse his leg hurt. He had been with his share of women and he knew when one was ripe for the picking. If he wanted to bed Rayanne he could easily enough. The message had been clearly conveyed by her hot kisses and desire in her sage-green eyes.
When she’d said she was always open and honest he’d almost blurted out his secret, but held back at the last minute. Unless they were in a serious relationship, there was no reason to share.
He wasn’t immune to her considerable charms, but somehow his little voice always managed to remind him she was a nice lady and one who would be hurt by sex with no ties. And he wanted no one holding him down. As soon as his leg healed he was out of Black Mountain.
Halfway through town he drove past The Waterfall. He spun a U-ey and swung into the parking lot where he found a parking spot by the front door. He limped inside.
Dark wood walls with green sconces on them gave the large room a homey feel. Country music blasted from the stage where a dark-haired singer stood front and center, singing out her lungs. He leaned an elbow on the polished bar and watched her. Wearing a black leather vest and skintight pants, she looked more like a rock star than a country music singer. But the tune coming from her was most certainly country. He recognized a decades-old hit by Tanya Tucker.
A stunning blonde leaned across the bar. “Can I get you something, cowboy?”
He glanced at her, then away. “Who’s the singer?”
She hesitated a moment. “Maura Whittaker.”
“She’s good.”
“Yes, I know. That’s why I hired her.”
He turned his full attention to the stunner behind the bar. She wore a white, gauzy tank top, tight jeans and strands of turquoise jewelry both around her neck and on her wrists. “You have good taste.”
“I’d like to think so.” Her lime green eyes were cool, appraising, as they met his with a frank stare.
“This is your place?” He braced his aching foot on the brass bar rail. “It’s nice.”
“Yes, thank you.” She held out her hand. “Starla Jamieson.”
“Luke Greer.”
She showed no sign of recognition as they shook. “You new in town, Luke?”
“I am. I’m helping a buddy for a few months.”
She smiled, showing perfect white teeth. “This buddy have a name?”
“Cody Utah.”
This time, acknowledgment flashed in her eyes. “Of course. My friend Laney’s new neighbor. The bull rider.”
“That’s right.”
“Nice guy according to Laney.” She placed both palms flat on the gleaming bar top. “What can I get you, Luke?”
“Coors in a bottle, please.” A little miffed that she knew Cody, but hadn’t heard of him, he took the ice-cold drink with a nod and turned to watch the singer. In most circles, he was as well-known as Cody, but not here.
Because Cody had set down roots in Black Mountain, he realized. He’d made a home here, settled down. Something Luke didn’t want. So that the locals didn’t know him shouldn’t matter. It wasn’t as if he were looking to hand out autographs.
That he wasn’t being hounded by fans should make him happy, not annoyed. Just one more sign he wasn’t ready to follow Cody’s lead and drop his bull rope here.
And the reason he shouldn’t spend any more time with Rayanne. “Give me another beer, will you, honey?” he asked Starla.
Wordlessly, she handed it over.
He paid and carried the beer toward an empty table near the stage. In his past experience, the best way to get over a woman was find a new one. And the sexy singer in black leather intrigued him.
Ignoring the guilt churning in his gut, he settled down to listen to her sing. Hell, why was he feeling guilty? He and Rayanne weren’t exclusive. They hadn’t even gone to bed together.
When the set ended, and the singer came offstage, he met her with his best smile and a cold beer. “Hi, sugar.”
She took the drink. “Hi, yourself.”
“You sure can wail, darlin’.” Beyond her amazing voice, she was striking—with the ebony hair and the palest skin he’d ever seen. Her eyes were so blue they looked purple. A vision of Rayanne with her adorable freckles flashed through his head, but he banished her.
The dark-haired beauty drank, then looked at him over the rim of the bottle. “You some kind of music expert?”
“As in a producer, or record executive? No. But I know a good voice when I hear one.”
“Yeah?” She arched dark brows over midnight blue eyes. “Where? On the radio? Or in the shower?”
He laughed. “I can carry a tune, but no, not me. I’ve heard a fair amount of singers at one event or another.”
“Where? The circus? You one of the clowns?” Her full lips lifted at the corners.
“Ouch.” He put his hand over his heart. “No, but I’ve been saved a time or two by a rodeo clown.” He blocked out the one time they hadn’t been there quick enough.
Her big eyes widened. “You ride bulls?”
“Yup. Luke Greer.” He waited, but she didn’t seem to know him. What was with this town? Didn’t they get ESPN here? Had none of these women ever been to a professional bull ride? Or a rodeo?
“Maura Whittaker.”
“I know.” At her confused expression, he added, “I asked.”
“Why?”
“Because I wanted to find out the singing angel’s name,” he said.
She rolled her eyes. “Please.”
He winked at her. “I’m serious.”
“I’m sure you are,” she said. “And I bet you’ve never used that line before.”
“Guilty.” He grinned. “Will you hold it against me?”
“Not if you promise not to do it again.” By her smile, she forgave him.
“Promise.” He made an X across his heart. He liked this girl already. She was quick and not going to take any crap from him. Just like Rayanne.
Rayanne again.
She was also the reason he wasn’t going to take this any further than banter.
The realization hit him like a kick to his injured leg.
The woman had put a spell on him, or something. The only explanation why he couldn’t get her out of his head.
He took a business card from his shirt pocket and handed it to her. “Call me. I know a musician or two in Nashville.”
She took it, glanced at it and stuffed it in between her breasts. “Maybe I’ll do that.” Before he could come up with a snappy comeback, she edged by him. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to freshen up before my next set.”
He watched her go with no regrets.
Nice girl. Sexy as hell. But not for him.
~*~
Rayanne and Megan gave their orders to Jill, the waitress at the Wagon Wheel, then sipped their coffee.
Megan pushed hers away. “How was your date?”
Avoiding eye contact, Rayanne stirred cream into her cup. “Okay.”
“Spill, friend,” Megan ordered. “I need details.”
“There aren’t any details to give.” Rayanne shrugged. “We kissed, we ate dinner and he left.”
“Whoa.” Megan held up a hand. “I missed something. You kissed, then ate dinner?”
Rayanne nodded. “I pushed him away because I don’t know if I can have a no-strings fling. I want more than a quickie, you know?”
Megan lifted her cup and looked into it. “Yeah, I do.”
“He ate and bolted out of my house like it was on fire,” Rayanne said. “Not even a goodbye, or goodnight kiss, and definitely no promise to call.”
“Well, if it’s a dead-end relationship, then maybe that’s for the best.” Megan tried to sound convincing.
“Yeah, I know.” Rayanne’s mind knew Megan was right, but her heart wasn’t as sure. “By the way, Luke told me he caught the boys making plans with Amber Lyn Lev
ine and McKenna Pelletier to meet and drink beer.”
“Oh, dear.” Megan shook her head. “What happened?”
“I guess Laney gave the go-ahead for Justin to stay in the school, but Bonita pulled Rafe and grounded him.” Rayanne glanced around because Amber Lyn’s parents owned the café. “I don’t think the girls’ parents know about it. I never would have suspected those two girls of being wild.”
“They’re both good students,” Megan said. “At least they were last year. I would’ve said they were levelheaded young ladies back then.”
“I’m glad Luke caught them in time and put a stop to any shenanigans,” Rayanne said. “Although I’m disappointed Rafe can’t continue.”
“Most of my stupid actions were in college.” Megan laughed. “And, thankfully, undocumented.”
Rayanne laughed, too. “Same for me.” She sobered. She doubted her wildest escapade could compare to Luke’s tamest one. They were simply not suited.
Rayanne looked toward the door with a slight frown. Her stomach churned and breakfast lost all appeal. “Luke’s here. He’s coming this way.”
Jill placed Megan’s omelet and Rayanne’s short stack in front of them and asked if they needed anything else.
“We’re good,” Megan said.
“Thanks.” Rayanne poured maple syrup over her pancakes and dug in, pretending to ignore the sexy cowboy limping her direction.
When he came even with her table, she glanced up with a bright, fake smile. “Oh, hi. I didn’t see you there.”
Without waiting to be asked, he sat beside her and nodded at Megan. “Miss.”
“Megan Olsen, meet Luke Greer. Megan is my best friend.” Rayanne opened her mouth to say what Luke was to her, but snapped it shut. The truth was she didn’t know.
“Nice to meet you.” Megan studied him with open curiosity.
“Likewise.”
Jill appeared with a coffee cup. “Coffee today, Luke?”
“Please.” He smiled at her and Rayanne’s stomach twisted into a little knot of jealousy. Ridiculous. Jill was happily married, and even if she weren’t, Rayanne had no claim on Luke. Her tone was slightly waspish when she looked at him. “What are you doing here?”
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