“Hi, Levi.”
At her husky greeting, he snapped this head back to her face and almost stumbled sideways when her smile hit him. It was warm, sweet and seductive and could still stop his heart. No matter how many miles or years had passed between them, standing so close to Selah now proved one thing: There was still something between them. The sudden tightness of his jeans only enhanced this theory.
“We didn’t get the chance to talk at Grey’s,” she said, flicking her long, brown hair over one shoulder.
He bit down on asking whose fault that was.
“I admit to being a little bewildered at seeing you again,” she said, “but I couldn’t stop thinking about you last night.’
Levi raised an eyebrow, a little surprised—and, if he were honest, pleased—by her confession. It was nice to know he hadn’t been the only one losing sleep.
Although he generally knew exactly what to say to women, his tongue failed him now. As he racked his brain for a reply to Selah’s words, his gaze fell on her ring finger, and he couldn’t help the jolt of joy inside him at the lack of any marital bling. He guessed he’d have heard on the Copper Mountain grapevine if she’d tied the knot. Em or Cole would have been sure to slip it into conversation. But just because she didn’t wear a ring didn’t mean she didn’t have a significant other.
He wondered if she was still a virgin. Almost as soon as this thought landed, he dismissed it. No way she could have made it to thirty with her hymen still intact. Some lucky bastard would have worn her down. Levi’s chest burned at the unfairness of that.
“Anyway”—she smiled, her cheeks flushed ever-so-slightly—“I’m writing an article on cowboys and the rodeo for the magazine I work for, and I was wondering if you’d give me an interview.”
His heart sank. What had he expected? She’d come to seduce him? He chuckled at his stupidity.
“What? What’s so funny?” Selah glanced behind them, as if looking for the source of his amusement. But all she would see was typical rodeo grounds—the yards, the chutes, the bleachers, bathroom blocks, canteens, sheds and the goosenecks of the competitors who’d already arrived—and Copper Mountain standing all tall and impressive behind everything. Even if he didn’t have a history in Marietta, the Copper Mountain Rodeo would have been his favorite place to compete.
“Nothing.” Absolutely nothing. And then, when he should have told her he’d be too busy competing and also pursuing the possibility of leasing land from Sam McCullough, he asked, “What exactly would this interview entail?”
He saw her swallow, adjust the bag on her shoulder and then slip her hand up to her hair, where she twisted chocolate-colored strands around her fingers in a way that always used to drive him insane. “A couple of questions. It wouldn’t take long. Maybe an hour? Half an hour?”
“I’ve got plans today, and I’m competing tomorrow and hopefully Sunday, but if you want to take a drive with me out to the McCulloughs’ place, I’ll answer the best I can.”
“Now?” Her eyes widened.
“It’s the only window I’ve got.” And call him childish, but it felt good to be the one calling the shots for a change.
“I’ll take it.”
*
Selah settled into the passenger seat of Levi’s truck, her heart pounding and her hands sweaty as she fumbled to shove her seat belt into place. What game was she playing? He slammed the door shut for her, and she watched as he swaggered around the front of his truck, tipping his hat at a couple of cowboys and cowgirls who happened to be passing. The smile he tossed their way was easy and carefree, totally the opposite of the way he looked at her.
The driver’s door opened, he climbed up into the seat beside her, and her heart stilled, yet her breathing sped up. Her eyes snapped to his strong thighs sitting only inches from hers, and she wondered how on earth she’d survive the fifteen-minute journey to the McCullough ranch in such close proximity to all that delicious masculinity.
“So,” he said, not even glancing at her as he started the engine, “hit me with them.”
“With what?” He had really nice hands, and her imagination fantasized about them being on her again, making it almost impossible to think about anything else. Her gaze traveled up his strong forearms to his impressive biceps and shoulders, and she bit her lip to stop from whimpering.
“The questions.” Levi’s sharp answer snapped her from her lusty-trance, and their eyes met as she looked up. Despite the frown that creased his brow, she swore there was heat in his gaze, too.
“Oh, right.” Selah shifted in her seat as the truck crunched over the dirt tracks of the rodeo grounds, Levi navigating between the buildings, trailers and people setting up camp as they headed for the exit. Right, questions… As a journalist for more than ten years, questions generally came easily for her, but right now, her mind was blank.
“How long have you been on the rodeo circuit?” It was a lame question, one she could have answered herself with the help of her faithful friend Google, but Levi appeared satisfied.
“I started pretty much out of high school, so about twelve years, I guess. I won a place in a rodeo school back home and found I wasn’t half-bad at it. The thrill of riding a bull, of battling such a massive beast and conquering, gave me a feeling like none other. I won the first contest I entered, and although the prize money wasn’t huge, I decided it was something I could do to help Mom out. I—”
He’d been on a roll, but he broke off now as if he’d said more than he meant to. “How is your mother?” she asked.
“I thought this article was about cowboys.”
“It is, I just…”
“Mom died a couple of years back,” he provided with a sigh, the defensiveness gone from his voice.
“I’m so sorry to hear that.” She resisted the urge to reach out and touch him. Aside from the McCulloughs, who were distantly related to Levi, his mom had been his whole family. His dad had died of a drug overdose long before Levi had been sent to Marietta, before he’d even met Selah, and he’d never spoken highly of him.
Levi shrugged. “It was probably for the best. The first stroke changed her, left her incapable of doing many of the things she loved, and if the second one hadn’t killed her, she’d likely have ended up a vegetable in some awful institution. She would have hated that.”
Although Levi said all this in a matter-of-fact tone, Selah detected the tiny wavering in his voice, and her heart went out to this big, strong and highly capable man. Her family might drive her crazy half the time, but at least they meant well. She blinked back tears, guessing Levi wouldn’t appreciate her sympathy.
He turned right toward the center of town, and before Selah could come up with another question, he said, “I’ve just got to stop and grab something for Em.”
“Okay.” She smiled, nodded and then glanced out the window. It was far safer watching Marietta prepare for the busy rodeo weekend than looking at him.
The stores that lined Main Street were all circa nineteenth century with classic Western shop fronts, but they went that extra mile for the rodeo, each of them decorating their windows with rodeo-themed displays. In the streets, workers were setting up barriers for the three blocks considered the heart of town, readying for the events that complemented the rodeo. Although Selah hadn’t been home for the rodeo since moving away from Marietta, nothing much had changed from what she remembered from her childhood. Tonight, there’d be a welcome dinner in the park. Tomorrow morning would see a pancake breakfast and then a parade, before the rodeo events kicked off in the early afternoon.
Even if you weren’t into sweaty men, horses and/or bucking bulls, there was something for everyone in Marietta during the Copper Mountain annual rodeo weekend, and she’d be sure to get this across in her article.
In the last year or so, her friend Sage’s chocolate shop had become famous in Marietta and beyond, and knowing how much Levi adored Em McCullough, Selah assumed they’d be stopping there for one of Sage’s unique crea
tions. Instead, the star of her fantasies found a parking space outside a new addition to town—The Copper Mountain Gingerbread and Dessert Factory—and looked to her as he killed the ignition. This time she saw the hint of a smile, and her insides melted. Maybe her plan wasn’t so farfetched after all.
“You wanna come in with me? If you haven’t had breakfast yet, Rachel’s pastries will hit the spot. She was just starting out selling gingerbread when I was back at Christmastime, and I’ve been dreaming of the way it melted in my mouth since.”
Selah wasn’t sure she had an appetite for anything but him, yet the way he spoke about Rachel’s creations tempted her. Thankfully, she’d heard this Rachel person was married to rancher Nate Vaughn, or no doubt, Levi’s raving words would have sparked jealousy.
“That sounds good,” she said, unclipping her seat belt.
Heads in the street turned as she emerged from Levi’s truck. She smiled at the busybodies and made a mental note to expect a phone call from her parents within the next few hours. Word traveled fast in a town the size of Marietta, but she couldn’t help the kick she got at being seen with this man. She no longer cared what people said. In fact, she hoped to give them plenty to gossip about.
They stepped in time as they walked along the sidewalk to the store, and Selah found herself relaxing a little. “You come back to Marietta quite often, then?” she asked.
“A bit. Em’s not getting any younger—not that I’d ever say that to her face—so I like to visit as much as I can.”
“You’re a good man, Levi Monroe.”
He snorted at that and then pushed open the door of the store they’d just arrived at, holding it for Selah while she stepped inside. Living in Seattle, she’d be forgiven for thinking manners and chivalry were a thing of the past, but it looked like Levi still had them. Warm with this thought, she inhaled the tempting aroma of freshly baked sweetness. She didn’t need to taste any of Rachel’s creations to understand why Levi raved and half the town appeared to be waiting at the counter. They stood in line together, Selah’s senses overloaded with the smells of the bakery and the press of Levi’s arm against hers as they stood close. It felt surreal to be with him again.
When they finally got to the front, they were served by Rachel herself.
“Hi, Levi.” Rachel smiled. “Great to see you back in town. Is it true this is your last rodeo?”
Selah’s eyes widened as she looked to Levi for his reply. From the way he walked to the way he dressed to the way he talked and tipped his hat, he oozed cowboy.
“Pretty sure.” Clearly not that comfortable with talking about himself, Levi pointed at a sign advertising a dessert box. “Can I grab one of them, and can I get a ribbon on it, please?”
“Of course.” Rachel retrieved a cardboard cake box from a shelf behind her and began filling it with treats from the display cabinet. As she worked, she looked to Selah. “I don’t think we’ve met yet. Are you a friend of Levi’s?”
“Um…” Selah looked to Levi for direction.
“Selah is Pastor Davis’s daughter. We went to school together, and she’s back in town for the weekend to write an article about the rodeo.”
Selah’s heart squeezed. While Levi’s description of their relationship was technically accurate, she had a desperate urge to tell Rachel and anyone else in hearing distance about their romantic history. Of course, she swallowed it and smiled at the bright and cheerful bakery owner. “Nice to meet you.”
“And you, too.” Rachel closed the box and expertly wrapped curling ribbon around it and formed a bow, all the while engaging in conversation. “Your father is a darling. He married Nate and I only a few months ago. It was such a beautiful service.”
“I can imagine,” Selah replied, visualizing the woman before her dressed all in white, looking like one of the meringues she baked, and glowing from head to foot.
Rachel handed the box to Levi. “Anything else?”
“Do you want anything?” Levi asked Selah.
She surveyed the choices in the glass display—everything from elaborate tortes and cheesecakes to crumbly pastries and even some fudge. In the end, she settled for a couple of gingerbread biscuits in the shape of cowboy boots, which seemed fitting for her company and her reason for being in Marietta. They even had “Copper Mountain Rodeo” scrawled in tiny iced writing across the top.
After paying for their purchases, Selah and Levi stepped back outside onto the street, which was even busier than it had been when they arrived. The air buzzed with the excitement of the rodeo, but miraculously they made it back to Levi’s truck without running into anyone either of them knew.
“Do you mind holding this?” Levi asked, offering the box to her as they settled back in the truck.
“Of course not.” Selah reached out to take it from him, her breath hitching as her fingers brushed against his in the exchange. She squeezed her legs together as hot, liquid desire swept through her.
“Thanks.” Levi’s voice was low, and she saw him close his eyes briefly as he turned back to the wheel. Had he felt it, too? That explosion of something hot when they’d accidentally touched?
“Next question?” he asked as he started the truck.
Selah swallowed, still trying to recover from that teensy-weensy brush with him. “Um…Rachel mentioned this might be your last rodeo. Why?”
“I guess it’s time to settle down, secure my future,” he said.
“By settle down, you mean what exactly?” Selah’s heart pounded. Was there a girlfriend waiting on the sidelines for this next stage in his life? The thought didn’t bear thinking about, but logically she knew it was a likely possibility. Levi—with his good looks, hot body and impressive rodeo history—must have women beating down his door.
“You know…consolidate a few things, work out a solid career that doesn’t push my body to extremes. I’m not getting any younger. I’ve had success on the rodeo circuit, but I can’t go on forever.”
She tried to focus on the last part of his sentence, not the reference to his body, though with his denim-clad thigh only inches from hers, that was pretty damn tricky. “That sounds sensible. And have you got any ideas about what you might do next?”
“Well, I already play the stock market, and I’m not too bad at that, but I can’t turn my back completely on the rodeo. I’m hoping to open a school for teens wanting to learn cowboy sports.”
“Wow. Where? Back in Tulsa?”
“No. My friend and mentor, Lane Burke, already has that ground covered. I’ve done some work for him during the rodeo off-season, and he’s got a good concept going on. I’d like to do something similar in Marietta.”
A funny feeling squeezed her chest. “You’re going to move back here?”
“That’s the plan.” He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, his gaze on the road ahead as he drove. “I’ve been talking to Sam McCullough about leasing some land on his ranch.”
“Wow,” she said again, aware that for a journalist she should vary her vocabulary, but he sounded so grown-up, so together.
Levi glanced briefly at her. “Shouldn’t you be taking notes or something?”
“I’ve got a really good memory.” It was the truth, at least where Levi was concerned. Besides, she could write an article about cowboys and the Copper Mountain Rodeo with her eyes closed.
“I’d love to hear more about your rodeo school plans,” she said, “but I suppose I should get some more info on the life of a cowboy. Can you tell me about the highs and lows of being on the circuit? What’s it like living the rodeo? The good, the bad, the ugly.”
Levi chuckled, a sound that reverberated right through her body. “Geez, where do I start? How long do you have?”
She wanted to tell him that where he was concerned she had all weekend, but decided to play it cool for now. “How long till the McCulloughs’?”
Chapter Three
‡
As Levi turned his truck onto McCullough land, he gave himself a
mental shake. The journey out here with Selah by his side had been far more enjoyable than he’d imagined. After the initial awkwardness between them, they’d slipped into easy conversation, and although he knew she was writing an article, she also seemed genuinely interested in what he’d done with his life and his plans for the future.
He had to keep a grip on reality and remember what they had together was in the past and, even if things hadn’t ended the way they had, they would have eventually fizzled out in the way of most teenage romances. Undoubtedly, she still made him hot and hard with one glance, and when their fingers had brushed against each other as they’d exchanged the box, he’d almost combusted on the spot, but he needed more in a woman now than simple off-the-radar chemistry. Once upon a time, he’d slept with anyone he found attractive—as long as they both knew the score—but lately he wanted more in a hookup. He wanted someone who could make him laugh, provide stimulating conversation, and perhaps most important, someone he could imagine going the long haul with.
Selah checked the first three boxes, but their lives were so far removed now that anything vaguely resembling commitment would be impossible. It was hard to make babies with someone who lived in another state, and from the way people talked, he couldn’t see her exchanging her high-flying city career for life on a ranch in the middle of nowhere.
“Oh, look, there’s Em.” Hopefully oblivious to his thoughts, Selah pointed ahead as Levi slowed the truck. He’d driven past pastures, the bunkhouse, the old shed and the faded red-and-white barn on autopilot and now slowed in front of the 1970s wood-frame house that Em McCullough, her son Sam and his new wife Jane, called home.
Sure enough, his mother’s second cousin, the woman who’d taken him in as a teenager the year his mom suffered a stroke, stood on the porch surveying the land before her like the matriarch she was. Dressed in her ranch clothes of jeans and a shirt, Em’s familiar face lit up with a warm smile, one she used sparingly but sincerely.
Tease Me, Cowboy (Montana Born Rodeo Book 1) Page 3
