“I only brought you supper.”
He sighed. “Go to your daughter.”
Those green eyes met his as she leaned in close. “Do you need anything before I go?”
He could think of a million things he wanted from her. He shook his head. “I’ll probably sleep,” he lied.
She glanced down at his jeans. “You should take off your pants, you’d be more comfortable.”
Yeah, that would do the trick. “I’m fine, Lacey. Now, go.”
“Okay, Mr. Tough Guy.” She brought the food tray to the bed, tossed him a grin, then walked out. When the door closed, he released a long breath. He wasn’t going to survive this. He popped a pill into his mouth and took a hearty drink of water, hoping he’d be able to sleep. More importantly, that he wouldn’t dream of Lacey.
Hours later, Lacey jerked awake and sat up in bed. She’d heard a noise. In the pitch-blackness, she pulled back the sheet and got up. Since Trevor’s death, she’d left her bedroom door open, wanting to be able to hear the kids if they needed her.
She checked their rooms, but both Colin and Emily were sound asleep. She glanced at the door at the end of the hall. No, she wasn’t about to disturb him. Before she was able to turn to go back to her bed she heard the sound again. It was coming from Jeff’s room.
Without hesitation she opened the door, allowing the hall light to illuminate the bed where he was thrashing around in the tangled sheets. He cried out again. She went to his side and called his name. She gripped his arm and immediately felt the sweat. “Jeff, wake up.”
He tried to push her away. “No, don’t.” His expression was a grimace.
“Jeff, you’re dreaming. Wake up,” she called, but finished with a gasp as he grabbed her and pinned her down on the mattress.
He leaned over her, breathing hard. In the shadowy darkness, he looked disorientated as he tried to focus. “Lace? Oh, God. What happened?”
Too aware of his body on hers, she was suddenly breathless. “You cried out. I thought you were in pain.”
“You have no idea.”
She shivered. “Are you okay, can I get you anything?”
“Many things,” he told her. “But I don’t think you want to hear what they are.” He finally rolled off her and dropped back onto the pillow. “Go back to bed, Lace. I’m not in the mood to talk.”
She missed the feel of him. What was wrong with her, that she couldn’t resist this man? “Were you having a nightmare?”
Although she wasn’t touching him, she felt him tense and sat up. “Was it about the accident?”
“First of all,” he began, “it wasn’t an accident. It was the enemy’s job to kill me. Just like it was mine to do everything possible to get them first.” There was a long pause. “I lost.”
“That’s not true. I hear you saved the lives of several men.”
“So my uncle has been doing some talking. I was in the army, Lacey, I was doing my job. What I’d been trained to do.”
“Don’t you dare make it sound like it was nothing, Jeff Gentry.” She felt as though she was on a soapbox. “You went in under heavy fire to get those men out of harm’s way.”
His head snapped around to her. “In the end, they had to carry me out.”
“And you all made it out alive. You have to look at the positive, Jeff. You came home alive. You may have lost part of your leg, but for those of us who care about you, what’s important is that you’re still around.” She couldn’t help but think about Trevor. “I think you were pretty lucky.”
When he didn’t say anything, she started to stand. “What’s the use? You’re not going to believe me, and I don’t have to listen to your self-pity.”
He grabbed her arm and stopped her from leaving. “Don’t go, Lace.”
The gentleness of his touch surprised her. “Why shouldn’t I? Everything I say is wrong.”
“It’s not. It’s just being in the hospital today brought back bad memories.”
“I understand that, Jeff, but don’t turn on your friends. I’m just trying to help.” She saw his sweat-stained T-shirt outlining his muscular chest. She was tempted to put her palm against his skin, wanting a connection with him again.
“I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I appreciate it.”
She got up and went to his duffel bag. She pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. “You should change out of your clothes and try and get some sleep.”
“I’m not one of your kids, Lace,” he said.
“Then stop acting like one.” She tossed the shirt at him.
He cursed as he fought with the damp T-shirt but managed to get it off. She couldn’t help but study the impressive body, the toned arms and chest, the flat stomach. A lot different from the young boy she once knew.
He caught her surveillance of his semi-naked body. “Shouldn’t I get to return the favor?”
She was shocked at his words, then suddenly realized she was only wearing a pair of boxer shorts and a tank top. “Sorry, I just ran in here when you called out.”
“No need to apologize.”
Jeff shifted in the bed, knowing he had to be crazy not to get her out of here. He’d been working so hard to resist her that he’d used up all his energy, and yet he still wanted her. And now he had no fight left.
“You should have gotten out of your clothes earlier,” she said, her voice a shaky whisper. “I mean, sleeping in jeans can’t be comfortable.”
“I didn’t need to take them off.”
Her hair caught against her cheek as she glanced away.
Jeff reached out and drew her back down on the bed. His pulse raced out of control as he cupped the back of her neck. In the shadowed light he watched her eyes widen, but when she didn’t resist, he gave a gentle tug.
His lips brushed over hers and she gasped, but didn’t pull away. He took it as a go, and closed his mouth over hers. His lungs tightened as he fought to breathe, but who needed air anyway? He deepened the kiss as he pulled her close, crushing her against his chest. His long wait was finally over; Lacey was in his arms at last.
With soft whimpering sounds, her lips parted and he swept his tongue inside, tasting her sweetness. Her hands went around his neck and she clung to him as they drank from each other.
He broke off the kiss, but went to work on her neck, feeling her shivers. He raised his head and looked down at her. “Tell me to stop, Lace.”
She opened her mouth and hesitated, then finally said, “I can’t.” Her breath rushed out as she lifted up and placed her mouth against his.
He swiftly shifted the position as he rolled his body over hers. She moved under him, causing him to groan.
“Damn it, woman. You’re not making this easy.”
“Jeff,” she gasped as she pushed him onto his back and began kissing him. He enjoyed the assault until she started to unfasten his belt.
He finally came to his senses and broke off the kiss. He pressed his head against her forehead, feeling their hearts pounding in unison.
“We can’t do this again,” he said, somehow finding the breath to speak.
Jeff rolled away and sat up. What was he thinking? He couldn’t make love to Lacey. He couldn’t let her see him this way.
“Jeff.” She touched his back. “If it’s because of your leg…it doesn’t make any difference to me.”
He nearly jackknifed off the bed. “I don’t want to talk about this, Lace.”
She didn’t move. He had to get rid of her, whatever it took.
“Of course, what do you expect when you come into a man’s bedroom in the middle of the night?”
She blinked at his cruel words, but it worked. She got up. “Go to hell, Gentry.” The door slammed behind her as she left.
“I’m in it right now,” he whispered to the empty room.
CHAPTER NINE
THE next morning, right after breakfast, Lacey gathered the kids and went to work in the barn. Colin and Emily cleaned out the stalls and fed the horses, wit
h the promise that she’d take them riding later.
As hard and as long as she’d worked, it couldn’t erase what had happened with Jeff last night. Good Lord, what had possessed her? First of all, she had no business being in his room in the middle of the night. Definitely, she shouldn’t have gotten into the position of ending up in bed with him. She closed her eyes a moment, recalling years ago when Jeff had rejected her the first time.
You’d think she’d learn her lesson.
She straightened and began to smooth the straw. Well, it wasn’t going to happen again. Getting Gentry out of her house was going to be her main goal.
Coming out of Fancy’s stall, Lacey saw Hank Barrett walk down the aisle toward her. He was probably here to see his grandson. Good. Maybe he’d take Jeff home with him.
Hank smiled as he tipped his hat. “Mornin’, Lacey.”
“Hello, Hank.”
“I’m sorry to come calling so early, but I hear Jeff got a little too close to his new stallion yesterday.”
“He did, but he won’t be happy that you heard about the accident.”
Hank shook his head. “It’s amazing how much pride a man’s got, isn’t it? And the Randell men seem to have more than most.”
How true. “Would you believe he’s been the perfect houseguest?”
They both laughed and it felt good to Lacey.
“That’s not the intense young man I remember.” He sobered. “Years in the military have had a lot to do with that. It’s hard to accept change sometimes. I’m hoping I can help.”
“Well, you’re welcome to try. Jeff is upstairs in the room at the end of the hall.”
Hank started to walk off, then stopped. “If I haven’t said it before, thank you for all you’re doing for him.”
“We’re partners, and friends.” The last part was what she needed to concentrate on, and nothing more. It was getting harder and harder, not because she didn’t like him, but because she was beginning to care too much.
Jeff was tired of lying around, but he had to agree with the doctor, it had helped the swelling go down on his knee. It was feeling much better today, yet, he wasn’t sure he could handle even one more night here. Not with Lacey playing nurse. No matter what, he was headed back to the cabin tomorrow. At least there he would have some privacy.
Although no one had come to see him this morning. Only Colin, when he’d brought breakfast. Since he’d wakened, he managed to make it to the bathroom for a shower, but on coming out he’d noticed the house was silent.
Good. Dressed in a pair of sweats, he’d removed his prosthesis and was able to relax on the bed. He leaned back and closed his eyes, but memories of last night came flooding back. Kissing Lacey, and feeling the softness of her body pressed against him. The way she’d put her hands on him, eager to please.
He shifted on the bed. What if he hadn’t stopped her? He didn’t want to see her reaction when she saw what was left of his leg. He didn’t know if he could handle that.
There was a knock on the door, and he tossed the sheet over his legs. “Come in.”
Hank peered in and smiled. “I hear you tangled with a stallion.”
“Hi, Granddad. Uncle Chance told you, didn’t he?”
Hank shook his head. “It was Nora. But you should have let your parents know.”
“It’s nothing. I got bruised.”
“That’s what Nora said. And that you needed to stay off of it for a few days.”
“Which means my time will be up tomorrow and I’ll be gone. So there isn’t anything to worry about.”
“Did I say I was worried? I needed to talk to you, that’s all.”
“Have a seat.”
Hank pulled a chair over to the bed. “I came to see if you’ve given any more thought to the cattle drive? I still want you to head it up.”
Jeff still had doubts. “Wouldn’t Jay or Drew be better?”
“With your background, I believe you can keep everyone in line. And believe me, your cousins can get out of hand real fast. I want one person in charge. You.”
He felt honored. “I haven’t herded cattle in a long time.”
“So? You’ll have several men helping to do that. We already have twenty-six want-to-be-wranglers signed up and paying for this experience. I’ve assembled a team of the cousins. The next generation of Randells, including your brother, Drew, and your sister, Kelly. There’s at least a dozen.”
“It sounds tempting,” Jeff told him. “I haven’t spent any length of time in the saddle in years.”
“You have time to get in shape.”
“I’ll never be in perfect shape again, Hank.”
“Yes, you will. In fact, right now, you’re in better shape than most. Jeff, you’re the boy who overcame an abusive father. And the man who always strived for perfection. None of us are perfect, son. We’re only human.” Hank laid his hand on Jeff’s stump. “You have to accept this, but it’s not all that you are. If you believe anything, believe this. You are the man you always were, because that comes from within here. Your heart.” Hank’s work-roughened fingers touched his chest. “Please, don’t let what happened to you change that.”
Jeff swallowed. “I’ll try not to.”
Hank nodded. “Good. You’ll be my trail boss, then?”
It was hard to say no to this man. “Yes, sir.”
His grandfather grinned. “That’s what I like, a man who shows respect to his elders.”
There was a knock on the door, and Emily peeked inside and gave them her best smile. “Hi, Jeff. Hi, Mr. Hank.” She strolled in. Today she was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt that looked pretty dirty. “Did you come over to see Jeff’s owie?” she asked Hank.
“Yes, I did, and to ask him to help with a cattle drive.”
Another head poked through the door. Colin. “A cattle drive! Who’s going on a cattle drive?”
Hank looked from the children to Jeff. “You know, Brandon is bringing Zach along. Colin’s about the same age.”
“Would you like to go?” Hank asked.
The boy’s eyes lit up. “Wow! A real cattle drive. Could I?”
“You need to ask your mother,” Jeff quickly added, not sure that Lacey wanted anything to do with him after last night.
The door opened wider and Lacey came in. “Ask me what?”
Jeff hadn’t seen her since the night before, and he found his hunger for her hadn’t diminished any. She had on her standard work jeans and an unbuttoned blouse over a tank top. Most of her hair had come loose from her ponytail, yet she looked sexy and capable.
Hank handled the explanation. “We’re talking about the cattle drive.”
Lacey didn’t know what was going on. She’d come up to invite Hank to stay for lunch, but she hadn’t expected to find a party going on in Jeff’s room. She couldn’t help but notice that, although Jeff had the sheet covering his legs, he wasn’t wearing his prosthesis. Trying not to seem too inquisitive, she saw that he still had a lot of his leg. She glanced at his face, their gazes held, and she tried to relay to him that she didn’t think of him any differently.
Hank once again broke into her thoughts. “I just had a thought,” he said. “Lacey, can you cook?”
“She’s great,” Colin chimed in. “She can cook everything. Beef stew is my favorite.”
She shook her head, coming back to the present. “Well, we’re not having stew for lunch,” she told her son. “But you’re welcome to stay, Hank.”
The older man’s face lit up in a big grin. “I’d love to, and we can discuss this idea I have.”
Lacey would have preferred it if Jeff had stayed up in his room, but with the aid of his crutches, he found his way down to the kitchen. That wasn’t so bad, until the kids stole Hank away to show him something and they were left alone.
She tried to stay busy putting together sandwiches from the cold cuts she had in the refrigerator. When she brought plates to the table, Jeff reached for her hand and she couldn’t move.
&
nbsp; The sudden strength and heat of his touch startled her. She finally looked into his eyes. “What?”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I was out of line last night. I had no right to treat you like I did.”
She took a ragged breath. She hadn’t expected this, or the feelings that still lingered between them. “I have to take some of the blame. I should have left sooner.”
He shook his head. “I took advantage of you, your vulnerability. It hasn’t been that long since Trevor died.”
She nodded, but inside she knew she hadn’t been thinking about her husband when she’d been in Jeff’s arms. “Sometimes it feels like he’s been gone a lifetime.” She nodded toward the door. “Then other times, I expect him to walk in the door any minute.”
With a nod, Jeff released her hand. “The last thing I want to do is tarnish his memory.” His gaze bored into hers. “We’re partners now. I don’t want to mess that up. So you don’t have to worry about me…overstepping again.”
Well, wasn’t that just like a man, making all the decisions, as if her feelings didn’t count. She leaned toward him. “In case you haven’t noticed, Jeff Gentry, I’m all grown up. I can make my own decisions whether I leave or I stay. Most of all, I don’t need to be protected from things. That was something Trevor never realized, and now, I’m getting the same from you. I also make my own choices.” She turned and went to the refrigerator.
Jeff was at a loss, but before he found his voice, Hank returned with the kids. His granddad was smiling as Emily tugged him into the room, but not before he caught Jeff looking at Lacey and sent him a wink.
Well, darn. How had his life gotten so complicated?
“Mom, did you know that Mr. Hank doesn’t have any little granddaughters my age?”
“No, I didn’t.” She looked at Hank. “I hear you’ve got a great-grandson. Zach, isn’t it?”
Hank nodded. “A nice boy. But my other grandchildren seem to be taking a long time to settle down and get married.”
Jeff wasn’t going to get involved in this conversation.
Emily climbed into the chair beside Hank. “How many grandkids do you have?”
The Lionhearted Cowboy Returns Page 9
