Two nights had passed since she, Mitch and Dani had gone to dinner together. She'd forgotten what good company Mitch could be. He'd been charming and funny. Dani had the time of her life giggling and smiling at Mitch while she ate her plate of pasta. Mitch's mood had been light. Lexie smiled as she pulled back on her work gloves. Yes, she'd actually had fun in spite of herself.
Mitch's heated statement of conviction about wanting the hospital to preserve Parker's memory flickered through her mind. She didn't want to believe him, but his words held a startling ring of truth and believability. What if he truly believed what he was saying? Would she be able to give in, let go of the ranch and set herself free from the past?
She knew he and Judson had suffered at the hands of her father. She knew they had grieved over Parker's loss. But she had suffered too. Why couldn't she make him understand? Every time she looked at him, she saw determination in his eyes, determination she knew reflected the pain of the past.
Dani had already fallen head-over-toes in love with her father...what if she loved him too much? She stopped for a moment, her heart thudding. What if Mitch didn't love her in return? Where would that leave her little girl then? She couldn't stand the thought of Dani being hurt and brushed aside.
Lexie walked over to one of the large bales and grabbed the heavy twine binding the hay together. Mitch's hands gripped the twine right beside hers. She lifted her head and found herself staring into his misty green eyes. A charming grin spread over his handsome mouth. He winked at her. She recognized the hum of feminine appreciation, but pushed the feeling away.
"Hold on a minute. I'll help you."
He was dressed in faded jeans and a dark blue sport shirt that deepened the green in his eyes. A worn, gray Stetson sat on his head. He looked sexy and appealing. She didn’t want to be attracted to him. He was here to take her land after all and probably hurt Dani in the process.
Together, they lifted the bale and tossed the bundle onto the flat bed of the truck. Mitch climbed in the truck and slid the bale to the back, where he stacked the hay on top of another row of bales. He leaped to the ground and moved close to her. With a smile, he swept off his hat. "I heard Tommy and Emily Flowers are throwing their annual fall dance on Saturday. Will you go with me?"
She glanced around to see if he was talking to someone else then back at him. "You're asking me on a date?"
A twinkle lit his eyes. "Yeah."
The pulse jumped in the side of her neck. She'd wanted to go to the dance, to forget her troubles for a while. She knew without question that Dani would enjoy it. The dance was for everyone, adults and kids alike. No booze was served only soft drinks and tons of food. She knew it would give Dani a chance to spend even more time with her father and Mitch could get to know his daughter a little better. She rubbed a hand over her hair. At least a century had passed since she'd been to the salon. She made a mental note to have her hair trimmed. Maybe she would splurge and have a manicure as well. "Okay, but Dani will be joining us."
He set the hat back on his head. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll have the two prettiest girls in town as my date."
Lexie rolled her eyes then grasped another bale. To her surprise, Mitch reached out and cupped her chin in his glove covered hand. She was forced to look directly into his eyes. The bright sunlight toned down the gray and enhanced the green color of his eyes. Her throat felt tight and a startling rush of awareness heated her skin. Why did she feel this way every time he touched her?
"You don't think you're pretty."
Her old inadequacies about her looks sprang to the forefront. She gazed up at him while embarrassment heated her skin. His gaze moved over her face. "Why are you blushing?"
Lexie lifted her chin from his grasp and straightened her shoulders. "Don't tease me about my looks. I know I'm no raving beauty.
He frowned. "Your old man really did a number on you, didn't he?"
Lexie lifted the bale. "Doesn't matter now. He's dead. End of story."
"Dad always said you were pretty. Didn't you believe him?"
Fond memories of Judson filled Lexie's mind. Growing up, Judson saw her father's indifference and his preoccupation with Parker. So, he had paid attention to an awkward teenage girl when Mason wouldn't.
He taught her to ride and to care for horses. He gave her advice when he thought she needed it. Judson even took her down to the recreation center and taught how to swim. He was more of a father to her than Mason Dare ever thought about being. He even looked out for her and protected her when her own father wouldn't.
"He always told me I was pretty even when my hair was stringy and my face smeared with dirt.” She shrugged. "But he was just being kind."
"No, Lexie. He meant what he said," Mitch stated firmly.
She smiled. "Look, I just need to keep my mind on running the ranch. I don't need to believe I'm beautiful to get the job done. Dani will be thrilled you're taking us on Saturday," she said quickly in an attempt to change the subject.
"You believe in the land beneath your feet, but you don't believe in yourself."
She halted at his nail-on-the-head observation. Mitch always did cut to the chase. How could she make him understand that she was a no nonsense woman who'd never had to compromise? She believed in the land, the ranch and her daughter. "Daddy didn't know what to do with a little girl.” Why was she making excuses for him? Because she loved him...even now. "Besides, he was too wrapped up in Parker to really notice me. I'm plain. I don't think I ever wore a dress until I turned thirteen."
Mitch moved closer, took the bale from her hands and tossed it aside. He lifted his hand and pulled a piece of hay from her hair. "Look at me."
She didn't want to look at him. Every time she did he chipped away a little more of the protective armor surrounding her heart. When her gaze finally met his she wanted to drown in the green pools of his eyes. "You're not plain, Lexie. Far from it. You're a beautiful woman.” His aura encompassed her pushing and pressing at her defenses. She wasn't beautiful. He was only saying those things to get to her, to make her trust him. Compassion bloomed in his eyes.
She pushed against his chest in annoyance. "I don't want your pity, Mitch."
"I don't pity you, Lexie.” His voice whispered over her skin and a shudder of longing swept through her chest.
With aching slowness, he lowered his head, his breath fanning her mouth. His lips brushed over hers, tender and light. Her breath hitched and her blood slowed to a syrupy glide in her veins. He lifted his mouth but his gaze never left her face. "You're beautiful. Don't ever forget that."
# # #
Lexie stood in the doorway of the barn, sipped her cup of punch and scanned the crush of people. Lusty music from the band flowed around her then out into the early evening air, along with the scent of food and idle chatter. Fairy lights and paper lanterns were strung through the rafters; potted palms and fresh flowers adorned the band stand.
Mitch stood next to Vivian and laughed at something she said. He wore a white shirt and snug jeans that made her mouth water. Vivian was dressed in a bright printed skirt and an off the shoulder top. She’d draped herself around a good-looking blonde man. The blonde looked as though he’d like to take a long lick. Poor guy didn’t know what hit him.
Vivian stopped flirting with the blonde and threw her a big smile. The three of them started toward her, and Lexie was glad she'd gone to the hairdresser and had a manicure. She still felt a little self-conscious about the old dress and pumps she wore. She wished she knew something about fashion and makeup, but who would care if she did?
Mitch stepped up beside her. His green gaze caressed her face with warmth and charm. She remembered the whisper of a kiss he’d given her the other day in the middle of the hay field. She’d thought about that kiss a hundred times since then.
Her gaze surreptitiously rested on his lips wishing his kiss had been more than just a light caress. A corner of his mouth tipped up. She flicked her gaze up to his and found him
watching her. Her heart tripped once then stumbled in her chest. What was she doing thinking about kissing him? Lexie forced herself to relax and pasted on a smile.
"Nice evening.” His voice sounded casual but the way he looked appeared anything but. A breeze blew in from outside and molded her dress against her body. His gaze moved slowly over her figure. She thought she saw desire in his eyes, but she must be mistaken.
Lexie knew she didn’t have the kind of body men drooled over. She’d resigned herself to that fact long ago because she didn’t have the curves to attract a man. And she wasn’t going to get caught up in a stupid fantasy about Mitch wanting her. He may have wanted her that long ago night, but Mitch wanted only one thing now--to take her ranch.
Vivian broke away from the blonde and gave her a quick hug. "Hi honey," she said warmly, then turned to slip her arm around the man's waist. "This is Chris. He just moved to town."
"Nice to meet you, Chris," Lexie said and stuck her hand out for a shake. Instead of a shake, he enclosed her hand in his and raised it to his lips. His lips felt warm when he pressed them to the top of her hand.
Something very feminine and indulgent slid through her veins at being reminded in such a subtle way that she was indeed a woman. Maybe she didn’t look so bad after all in her plain dress and shoes.
# # #
A fast, toe-tapping song vibrated through the barn and bounced off the rafters. Mitch watched Lexie as she danced with one of the locals. The man slid his hand lower down her back, leaned her over his arm in a dramatic dip then lifted her up so they were face to face. He said something in her ear. Lexie tipped her head back and laughed.
Mitch felt something new and totally unexpected twist through his gut. No way was he jealous. He stepped forward intending to cut in on the happy couple, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Tommy Flowers, the party's host. A pair of dark trousers and a light casual sport shirt covered his slightly overweight frame.
His face was tanned, his brown eyes warm and his smile friendly. Right on his heels trotted a petite woman with a froth of bright, copper hair, flashing blue eyes and a wicked grin.
A floral print dress, made out of some kind of gauzy material, shifted over her body with every twitch. Between the bright hair and the careful steps she took, Emily Flowers reminded Mitch of a poodle on parade. She sidled up to her husband. "Emily, sweet pea, could you see how the punch is holding out?" Tommy asked.
She gave Tommy’s hands a squeeze. "Okay, sugar plum. I’ll be right back.”
Tommy smiled and extended his hand. They shook hands and Mitch was surprised to find his palm rough and slightly calloused, rather than the smooth hands of a town mayor, who spent his days cutting ribbons and kissing babies.
"Mitch, how are you son?"
"Fine. You?” Mitch let go of his hand and realized how much he'd always liked Tommy. He’d been instrumental in helping his father get into the house in town. His gaze couldn't help wondering back to Lexie and her partner. The song ended and the man gave her a light peck on the cheek. She turned and walked toward them.
Tommy shifted his attention to Chris. "And who might you be?"
Introductions were made and Mitch explained the plan to buy Lexie’s ranch and build the hospital. Mitch watched hungry interest light Tommy’s eyes.
"A hospital?" Emily echoed as she walked over. Her hands grasped two cups of punch. She handed one to her husband, then snuggled close to his other side.
"Yes, honey."
She pursed her generous lips and drew her pruned brows together. "Oh, that’s right. You told me about that."
Lexie walked to his side, her cheeks flushed slightly from the dance and a glint of happiness in her eyes. It made him feel good to see her this way. He fingered a strand of her hair. "You had your hair done. Looks nice."
She smiled. "Thank you."
Dani stepped up beside them and clasped Lexie’s hand. "Mommy, I don’t feel so good."
Lexie leaned down close to Dani and brushed her hair back from her forehead. "Did you eat too much ice cream again?"
Dani shook her head with her big eyes gazing up at her mother. "No, I haven’t had anything to eat yet.” She rubbed her stomach. "My tummy hurts."
Lexie frowned and laid her hand on Dani’s forehead. "You do feel a little warm. I’d better take you home.” She turned her attention back to Mitch. "You don’t have to drive us. I see some of our neighbors leaving early. We’ll catch a ride with them."
"Dani’s my daughter too. I want to help."
Lexie threw him a puzzled look. "Okay."
# # #
Lexie sat on the edge of Dani’s bed and pressed a cold compress to her hot forehead. She looked across at Mitch standing on the other side of the bed. She’d never seen him scared before. The big bad executive didn’t have such nerves of steel after all. "Relax she’s going to be fine. I called the doctor remember? This thing has been going around."
"Shouldn’t you give her something for the fever and not just put a wet rag on her head?” He paced a few short steps them back again impatience evident in his face and eyes.
Lexie smiled at his inexperience with sick children. "The compress is for comfort. She has a stomach virus and she’s already been throwing up. She can’t keep anything down yet so we have to wait."
Mitch scrubbed a hand over his face and shifted from one foot the other. "Yeah. Okay. Right. But for how long? What can I do?"
Before Lexie could answer, Dani opened her eyes and glanced anxiously from her mother to Mitch and back again. She laid a hand on her stomach then started to cry. "I feel sick again."
Lexie grabbed the small waste basket she’d lined with a plastic bag as Dani leaned over and vomited into the bag. She calmly helped Dani lie back down and wiped her face with the cool cloth. Tears dribbled from her daughter’s eyes and down her cheeks. "I don’t like to throw up," she whimpered.
"I know, baby. But you’ll feel better soon, I promise."
"Can I have something to drink?"
Mitch reached for a glass of water sitting on the night stand and prepared to give Dani a sip. Lexie raised her hand and stopped him. "No, we have to wait at least twenty minutes. If she doesn’t have another episode after that time, then we can give her a spoonful of water. If she keeps that down after another twenty minutes we can increase the amount."
He put the glass down in frustration. "Well, how long do these things last?" he asked impatiently.
Dani started to cry. Lexie gave him what she hoped was a harsh look. "Keep your voice down. She’s already upset and you’re not helping. It’s important to remain calm."
Mitch closed his eyes briefly and nodded. "Right. Sorry. But she won’t be sick all night, will she?"
Men. They wanted to fix the problem immediately. They never tried to simply understand it. "She might.” She wiped the cool, wet cloth over Dani's face. Dani sighed and closed her eyes. "But if the vomiting continues for much longer, I have some suppositories on hand just in case.”
Mitch’s eyes widened and a look of horror spread over his face? "Suppositories?"
Lexie couldn’t help but tease him a bit. She put her thumb and index finger together then moved her hand in an upward motion to illustrate how they were administered.
He scowled at her. "I know what to do with a--with one of those things."
Lexie arched a brow. "Really. Did you know that children Dani’s age can’t do it by themselves? They need help."
He cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders. "Sure. I knew that. I could"--he gestured toward Dani--"help if I had to."
Lexie started laughing and shook her head. "Please. You’d probably faint."
"Don’t bet on it. I’ve never fainted in--"
Lexie heard the doorbell ring then the sound of her ranch foreman’s voice. "Lexie!" he called from downstairs.
She looked at Mitch. "Stay with her for a minute.” She looked down at Dani. "I’ll be right back, sweetheart. Okay?"
Dani nodded. "Promise?"
"I promise."
It didn’t take long for her to find out the bad news. Some of her cows had broken through the fence again and wandered onto the side of the road. Her foreman needed help getting them back in and temporarily repairing the fence line. Of course, he didn't really want her help. He'd asked for Mitch specifically.
Lexie stepped into Dani’s bedroom and found her crying with Mitch attempting to calm her. "The cows have gotten out again. Would you mind helping Skinny round them up?"
He looked at her with relief covering his face that she had returned. Then he gazed at his daughter and his eyes filled with concern. He brushed Dani’s hair back from her face. "It’s okay, baby, daddy’s here.” Mitch threw Lexie an inquiring look. "You go. Let me stay with Dani."
Lexie flicked her gaze to Dani then back at Mitch. He was out of his mind. "I can’t do that. I’ve never left her when she’s sick. Besides, you have no idea what to do."
"I’ll figure it out," he said with assurance. "Please, Lexie."
"Mommy, I want my mommy," Dani cried.
Lexie leaned over Dani and touched her cheek. "I’m here, honey, I’m here."
Mitch laid his warm palm on Lexie's shoulder until she looked up at him. "Please. Give me this chance. I can take care of our daughter. It won’t take you that long and it’ll give me some time with Dani. I need her and you to trust me."
How could she do this? How could she leave Dani and allow Mitch to care for her? She had always taken care of everything and everyone by herself. Now, Mitch was asking her to trust him. How could she? She gazed down at Dani.
Dani shook her head. "No, Mommy, you stay."
Her voice sounded small and weak. Mitch held Dani’s face gently between his hands and turned her head so that she looked directly at him. "Dani, I know how to do a lot of things except take care of a little girl," he said softly. "I’ve never done it before and I need you to teach me how. You see, I need to prove to your mommy that I can."
The Secret Truth at Dare Ranch Page 6
