by Ruth Langan
“Maggie’s special.”
Hazard blinked. He hadn’t been expecting this. In fact, he’d come in here spoiling for a fight. Now he’d have to change tactics.
“Special in what way? As in…marriage?”
The thought of commitment slammed into Chance’s gut, and he had to take a deep breath. He’d been too many years riding herd on responsibilities. The family. The land. The businesses. Sometimes he thought he’d never had a childhood. There had always just been hard work. Commitment? He’d had his fill of it. Still, when it came to Maggie, he couldn’t reject it completely.
“I don’t know. But I know this. I have feelings for Maggie. Feelings I’ve never had before. I need…I need time to sort them out.”
“Okay.” Hazard digested that and nodded. “I just want you to know that I think she’s special, too. And I don’t want to see her hurt.”
“You don’t want to see her… Why you condescending…” Chance lunged forward and did what he’d wanted to do earlier. He grabbed a handful of Hazard’s shirt and dragged him close, until their faces were inches apart. “I don’t need my smartass little brother telling me how to act.”
Hazard’s hard, calloused fingers closed around Chance’s shoulders and squeezed as he shoved him backward. His eyes were as hot and fierce as the smokey ones looking back into his.
“In case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t been your little brother in too many years to count. So if you’re spoiling for a fight, I’ll be happy to oblige.”
Still holding on, fingers digging so deeply they could snap bones, the two brothers circled each other like a pair of angry bucks.
Hazard’s voice was low with anger. “But that won’t change anything. I still intend to look out for Maggie. In case you’ve forgotten, she came here looking like a wounded bird. Anybody with half a brain can see she’s been hurt and is running scared. And I won’t have her wounded any deeper. Not even by you, Chance. So, unless you intend to treat her very carefully, be prepared to answer to me.”
With their breath coming hard and fast, the two men stared at each other for the space of several more seconds. Then, as if by mutual consent, they released their holds on one another and stepped back.
As Hazard turned away and started out of the room Chance’s voice stopped him. “Hazard.”
He refused to turn around. The anger was still a hard, tight knot in his gut. He paused. Lifted his head.
“You’re right. She is special.” Chance’s voice was little more than a whisper. “And I…I think I’m in love with her.”
Hazard’s scowl turned into a smile. He pivoted slowly. “There now. That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
“What?”
At Chance’s look of fury he calmly said, “I’ve been seeing it coming on for weeks now. The only ones who couldn’t see it were you and Maggie. I just figured you were too dense to recognize what was happening.”
“Why you…” In one swift motion Chance’s fingers closed around the can of shaving cream.
Seeing what he intended, Hazard managed to pull the door shut seconds before the can slammed against the wood and crashed to the floor.
“That was a great meal, Maggie.” Cody sat back and drained his third cup of coffee.
The others nodded their agreement.
“You sure do know a million different ways to cook beef. What do you call that?”
“Herb-and-spice-roasted beef tenderloin in a red wine and shallot sauce. It’s really not that hard to make.”
“Not for you, maybe.” Cody accepted another refill of coffee. “You ever give any thought to writing a cookbook?”
At his question Maggie paused before returning the carafe to the kitchen counter. A smile touched her lips. “I did think of it once. My sister really wanted me to try my hand at it. She was so proud of me when I graduated from culinary school and got my first job.”
Chance looked up in surprise. It was the first time that she had actually volunteered anything about herself or her life before coming here.
“Cody’s right,” he said quickly, before she could close off the thought. “You ought to consider it. You’d be a natural.”
She shrugged, pleased with the compliment. “Cooking’s one thing. Writing a cookbook is another. But maybe some day.”
“I have a great title.” Ace downed another slice of homebaked bread. “Maggie’s Fabulous Ranch Recipes.”
Hazard stabbed another piece of tenderloin. “I’ve got a better one. All About Beef.”
Cody drawled, “Naw. You should call it plain old Cooking with Maggie Fuller.”
Chance put in his two cents. “I agree with Ace. Something about ranch cooking. And you could try out all your recipes on the cowboys in the bunkhouse and use their remarks. I think it would be sensational.”
Maggie laughed as she shook her head. “Amazing. I haven’t even written the first page, and you guys already have titles and quotes in mind. Now, who’s ready for chocolate cake?”
“I might have just a sliver.” Cody patted his stomach.
“Me, too.” Hazard polished off his second helping of tenderloin.
“I’ll have what they don’t eat,” Ace said with a laugh.
“Chance?” She glanced over and saw that Chance was watching her without saying a single word.
She felt the familiar tingle along her spine and wondered if he would manage to find some time alone with her. Since their return from the cabin, they’d both been too busy to find even one minute together.
“No, thanks. I’ve had enough.” He stayed where he was, watching as she moved around the table, serving dessert and coffee.
He’d been sitting here thinking that ever since her arrival, everything had changed. There was a warmth here at the Double W that had been missing for so long. It wasn’t just the wonderful fragrances of cooking and baking permeating the air. Or the fact that he and his brothers were eating food they wouldn’t have even considered tasting just weeks ago. It was Maggie. Her smile. Her smell. Her sense of humor. The house felt like a home again.
He and his brothers had stopped hiding out in their offices, drinking the disgusting mud Agnes used to pass off as coffee and taking endless business meetings whenever they could, just to escape. As for Agnes, there was a spring to her step that hadn’t been there for years. She could be found these days sipping tea and smiling as she worked. Even old Cody lit up like a Christmas tree every time Maggie walked into the room.
Chance drew in a breath. Just seeing her made him realize how much he’d missed her all day. And now, this minute, he wanted her. Desperately.
“…go with us, Chance?”
He blinked, and realized Ace had been talking to him. “What?”
Ace swallowed back his smile. If his brother could see the look on his face right now, he’d realize he wasn’t fooling anybody. He practically went into a trance every time he looked at Maggie Fuller. And she was just as transparent.
“I said the rest of us are going into town tonight. Do you want to go with us?”
Chance shook his head. “I’m tired. I think I’ll just hang out here.”
“Sure. Suit yourself.” Ace winked at Cody.
Then he turned to Maggie, who had begun to clear the table. “Great dinner, Maggie. You sure you don’t want to go with us to Prosperous? You could visit with Thelma.”
“Thanks, Ace. I think I’ll just stay here and tidy up.”
“Well.” He pushed away from the table and managed to bite back the smile that tugged at his lips. “I hope you two aren’t too bored out here all alone.”
“I’ve got a lot of paperwork to catch up on.” Chance even managed to yawn. “I think I’ll get to it.”
“Yeah. Right.” Ace signalled to the others. “Come on, Hazard. Cody. Clancy’s waiting.”
The three men retrieved their parkas and called their goodbyes as they exited the ranch house.
As soon as they were gone Chance stood and walked to Maggie. Wrapping his arms ar
ound her, he drew her back against him and pressed his lips to the little hollow between her neck and shoulder.
“I thought they’d never leave.”
She leaned into him, loving the feel of his arms around her.
“I’ve thought of nothing but…”
Just then Ace slammed back into the kitchen. “Sorry. Forgot my keys.” He plucked the keyring from a hook beside the door and shot them a knowing grin. “Um. The coast is clear now, bro. We won’t be back for hours.”
Chance glowered. “Good. Is that a promise?”
“Yeah. Sure.” Ace was still chuckling as he sauntered away.
Chance gave a hiss of impatience. “If he comes through that door again I’m going to have to kill him.”
As he swept Maggie into his arms and started toward her suite of rooms she protested, “Chance. What about the dishes?”
“We’ll do them later.” He covered her mouth with his to stifle any further protest, enjoying the quick rush of heat and the eager way she responded.
Once in her bedroom he kicked the door shut behind him and set her on her feet. “I wonder how you’ll look wearing nothing but an apron?”
She gave him the kind of heart-stopping smile that always seemed to melt his bones. “I could show you.”
“I’ll hold you to that. Later.” His hand moved to the buttons of her blouse. “Right now I’d like to see you wearing nothing at all.”
He undressed her slowly, though he was tempted to tear off her clothes. And then, just as slowly, he carried her to the bed and laid her down, before settling himself beside her.
“Do you know how beautiful you are?”
She sighed and touched a hand to his heart. “Tell me.” She needed the words. Needed to hear him say them aloud.
“I love your skin. The softness of it.” He kissed the curve of her cheek. Traced his tongue over the outline of her lips. “The sweetness of your mouth. I can’t seem to get enough.” He took the kiss deeper, before lifting his head to study her. “I love your hair. The way it curls around your face just so.” He caught a strand of her hair and watched it sift through his fingers.
He leaned close and brushed a kiss over her eyelids. “I love the color of your eyes. Like honey. And I love the way they warm when I touch you like this.” He traced a finger around the curve of her breast and watched as her eyes darkened.
“And the taste of you.” He bent to touch his lips to her breast and heard her soft sigh. Felt the sudden tightening of his loins.
“I love everything about you, Maggie. Everything.”
And then there was no need to speak as he showed her all that he was feeling.
Chance stood by the window of Maggie’s room and watched the dawn light just beginning to color the horizon. The entire night had been like a special gift. A gift he would always treasure.
They had made love as slowly, as lazily, as though they had all the time in the world. Afterward they had remained in Maggie’s big bed, whispering, laughing, as comfortable as old lovers.
They had even found time to return to the kitchen and clean up the mess left from dinner. They had been as playful as children, laughing for no reason at all, savoring all the guilty pleasures as they sipped wine and nibbled the last of the cake. And true to her word, Maggie had allowed him to see how she looked wearing nothing but an apron.
That, of course, had led him to carry her off for another round of lovemaking. And then they had slept in each other’s arms.
It had been the sweetest pleasure of his life to watch her as sleep overtook her. To watch her eyes shutter and close. To feel the soft, sweet rhythm of her heartbeat, keeping time to his own. And when at last sleep had claimed him, he had drifted off, still holding her in the circle of his arms.
He would be sleeping still if it hadn’t been for Maggie’s nightmare. Afterward he had held her and rocked her and soothed her until she’d fallen back to sleep.
But sleep was impossible for Chance. Though Maggie’s nightmare bothered him, what bothered him even more was the fact that she still didn’t trust him enough to confide in him.
He closed his hand into a fist at his side. He loved her. Loved her enough to be thinking about a commitment. A lifetime with her. But until she was willing to trust him with her secret, it was proof to him that she didn’t return that love.
The knowledge ate at him.
He thought about the firm he’d hired to look into the discrepancies in the Miller contract. Thorpe and Associates were thorough, efficient and discreet. They ought to be, considering the fee they charged. But he trusted that they would get to the bottom of whatever trouble was brewing at WildeOil.
He made the decision instantly. He would contact them in the morning, and hand them another assignment. If Maggie couldn’t bring herself to tell him what was going on in her life, he’d find out for himself.
The thought of another man, a husband, an ex-husband, flashed through his mind. Just as quickly he dismissed it.
Whatever Maggie’s trouble was, it wasn’t marital. He’d gotten by on his instincts too long to have them fail him now. If there was one thing he knew, it was that Maggie Fuller didn’t give her love lightly. If there were another man, she would have never permitted herself to come to his bed.
It was one more reason why he loved her. And why he was determined to protect her the only way he knew how—by knowing everything he could about her past. And then, once he knew, he would deal with it. No matter what the cost.
His eyes narrowed. No matter what the cost. But what if the cost proved to be too great? Knowing how independent Maggie was, he could be treading on dangerous ground. She could very well consider his involvement too intrusive. There was the real risk that she would not only refuse his offer of help, but also run away again, once she found out that he’d violated her right to privacy.
Chance turned away. He came from a long line of gamblers. He knew how to weigh the odds before jumping into the game. He wasn’t going to back out of this now. He was already in over his head. Now he’d just have to play the cards that were dealt him. And trust they were enough for a winning hand.
Chapter 10
“Well.” Maggie turned from the stove as Chance walked into the kitchen. “Don’t you look dashing.”
“Thanks.” He grimaced. “It’s funny. I love everything about my job. The risks. The freedom to go where I want, when I want. The chance to see the world, deal with knowledgeable businessmen. But I absolutely hate wearing suits. I’ve always hated them. They’re the one thing I’d change if I could.”
“I don’t know why, when you look so good in them.” She cast an admiring glance at the custom-tailored fabric that draped his muscled body to its best advantage. “Of course, I like you just as well in jeans and an old plaid shirt.” Her smile was quick and naughty. “Or in nothing at all.”
“You’re turning into one very wicked woman, Maggie Fuller.” He set down his suitcase and crossed the room to wrap his arms around her waist.
“And whose fault is that?” She leaned against him, loving the feel of his mouth on her temple. “You’ve brought out the worst in me.”
“Or the best.” His mouth whispered over her cheek, her jaw. “I wish I didn’t have to leave for Dallas.”
“You said you’d only be gone a day or two.”
“Yeah. But that could turn into three or four days, if anything else goes wrong with these contracts.”
“Are you expecting trouble?”
He shook his head. “Simmons and I went over everything yesterday in Cheyenne. He knows I’ll have his head if there are any more delays.”
Just then Cody and Hazard walked in from the barn. Chance moved aside and busied himself pouring juice from a pitcher.
The two men wrapped their hands around mugs of hot coffee and sipped gratefully, pretending they hadn’t noticed the way Maggie and Chance had been all but crawling inside each other’s skins just seconds earlier.
“Getting colder out there.�
� Cody breathed in the fragrance of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. “Darned if that isn’t just about the best smell in the world, Maggie. Are those for eating or just for looking at?”
She laughed. “You know better than to ask that, Cody. Everything I bake is for eating. In fact, I just sent a platter of these out to the wranglers in the bunkhouse. And this time, Agnes didn’t even mention tossing the leftovers to the critters.”
At their laughter Maggie pointed to the platter of cinnamon rolls. “Help yourself, Cody.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” He bit into one and closed his eyes. “I think maybe I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
Maggie filled a plate with omelettes. “Do you think you could hold off dying long enough to eat breakfast first?”
He grinned, then shot a meaningful glance at the oldest of the Wilde brothers. “With food like this, a man’d be a fool to ever leave.”
They looked up at the drone of airplane engines.
Chance picked up his bags and gave a sigh of resignation. “Well, this fool has no choice. My plane’s here.” He shot a grin at Cody. “And somebody has to drive me out to the landing strip.”
The old man heaved himself out of the chair. “Looks like I’m elected.” He turned to Maggie. “Think you could save me some of that food?”
“I’ll not only save it, I’ll keep it hot in the oven. I promised Agnes I’d keep hers hot, too.” She touched a hand to Chance’s arm, wishing they had a moment of privacy, so she could send him off with more than a mere touch. “Safe trip.”
“Thanks. I hope I’ll be missed at least a little.”
“You’ll be missed a whole lot.”
She watched as he led the way out the door, Cody trailing behind. When she caught sight of Hazard staring at her with a grin, she turned away and busied herself at the stove.
