“That’d be great.” She peeled the girls off him. “We should get going. Dad promised to save us a good seat for the race.”
Spence bent and opened his arms. “Give me a hug, kiddos, and wish me luck.”
They squealed when he squeezed hard. All Frankie gave him was a wave over her shoulder while walking away. He nodded in return. If she wanted to act as if something hadn’t just passed between them, well, he could, too.
Not that he’d had much of a choice. Like it or not, Frankie was calling the shots. For now.
Chapter Eleven
With everything ready at the starting line, and assurances from Ethan Powell that he would wait on the signal, Spence hopped a ride in the back of Ray Hartman’s pickup to the finish line.
When he arrived, the local TV news reporter was interviewing Cara Dempsey. She did an admirable job plugging the mustang sanctuary and the plight of wild horses not just in Arizona but all over the western United States.
After they were done, Spence approached the attractive young woman and her camera operator. “Can I ask you folks a favor?”
She flashed a megawatt smile that had undeniably helped her career along. “What’s that?”
“You mind filming the finish? I can’t imagine the race will be neck and neck, but just in case the winner’s in question, might be a good idea.”
“Perfect. We were going to ask you if we could film the race.”
Spence showed them the best place to stand. “You should also have a good shot of them coming down the track.”
Ultimately, Spence had decided on a three-quarter-mile, straight-line track. The mustangs, while fast, weren’t racehorses, and a shorter track was probably best for their health and safety.
Seeing the crowd grow, he phoned Ethan for an update. Spectators had started lining up on the west side of the track, down the entire length. Ranch hands and volunteers were managing the crowd, keeping them far enough away to avoid distracting the horses and potentially causing an accident.
The trailer they’d used was parked a hundred or so yards from the starting line and separated the jockeys and their mounts from the crowd. At the designated time, they’d walk the horses to the starting line, somewhat like at a real race, then climb on and wait for the flag to drop.
“Theo McGraw’s going to call the start of the race,” Ethan said. “We located a bullhorn for him to use, and a flag.”
Spence strained to hear above the noise. “That’s great!”
He had the utmost respect for the owner of The Small Change Ranch and knew of no one better for the important job of official starter. Not only was the older gentleman a respected lifelong member of the community, he’d donated the use of his ranch for the auction event and the race, as well as cleared and graded the back road for the makeshift track.
“I think we should delay the start,” Ethan said. “People are still coming.”
“Okay. How are the horses and jockeys holding up?”
“They’re fine. Just a regular day for them.”
As Spence had expected. These mustangs weren’t high-strung Thoroughbreds. They weren’t even excitable racing quarter horses.
“Check back with me in ten or fifteen minutes,” he said.
Disconnecting from Ethan, he turned and found himself face-to-face with Frankie’s dad.
“How are you holding up?” Ray asked.
“Not bad.”
He clapped Spence on the back. “I imagine you’re busier than a hound dog in flea season, but can you spare a couple minutes for me?”
“What’s on your mind?”
Ray began walking, and Spence fell into step beside him, his curiosity piqued.
“I’ve supported the sanctuary since it was first started,” Ray said. “It’s nice to see you taking an interest. Means a lot to folks here in town.”
“Glad to help.”
“I’ve been wanting to tell you how happy it makes me that you finally got the chance to be a father to those beautiful girls. When Frankie made it clear she wasn’t going to tell you, and said none of us should go behind her back, well, I didn’t agree with her. But she’s my daughter, so I respected her wishes.”
“I understand, sir.” Here was that talk Spence had been expecting yesterday.
“I’m not the kind to butt in, and don’t want you taking what I’m about to say as interfering.”
“Guess that will depend.”
They stopped where the dirt road turned, far enough away not to be heard by anyone, while close enough for Spence to keep an eye on things.
“You’ve done right by Frankie these past few weeks,” Ray continued. “You could’ve made it hard on her. Taken her to court. Punished her for being unfair to you. And maybe she deserves it.”
“I’m not like that.” Spence wasn’t offended. He remembered Ray as someone who spoke plainly.
“Mighty glad you aren’t. Because the girls are the ones who would’ve suffered the most if you had.”
“I agree.”
“Are you planning on staying, then?”
“That’s what I’ve been saying all along.”
Ray hitched his chin at the gathering crowd. Frankie’s blue minivan had arrived and parked while they were talking. She opened the rear driver’s side door, revealing Paige and Sienna.
“Those two little girls are falling for you,” Ray said. “Please don’t hurt them.”
“That’s the last thing I want.”
“Or Frankie. I don’t think she could survive a second time.”
Did no one have faith in him? How much, Spence wondered, did he have to do, how hard did he have to work, to prove himself? To earn their trust?
His phone rang, and he answered it without looking. “Yeah.”
Ethan’s voice filled his ear. “I think we’re almost ready.”
Spence watched Frankie take the twins’ hands and glance around. When she spotted him and her dad, she waved.
“Give me five minutes. I’ll call you.” Spence repocketed his phone. “Going to have to ask you to excuse me, Ray.”
“’Course. Good luck with the race. Pretty exciting.”
Spence went right to Frankie and the girls. “What are you doing here?”
“We’re watching the race,” Paige announced.
Not to be outdone, Sienna said, “We gave away all Mommy’s flyers.”
“That’s great.”
“Is it all right?” Frankie looked at him expectantly. “That we’re here? I asked Ethan. He said he didn’t mind.”
Spence leveled a finger at all three of them. “You have to stay out of the way. I’m serious. And no running off. We practiced a few times with the horses. That’s no guarantee they won’t act up or run off the track.”
“We will.” Frankie didn’t move. “I thought you should know the race has raised almost four thousand dollars. Your friend Annily Farrington donated five hundred. She didn’t even want any tickets.”
“She’s a good person.”
“All this—” Frankie gestured “—what you’ve accomplished, it’s special, Spence. I’m really proud of you.”
Proud? She’d never said that to him before. Certainly not with such sincerity.
“Thanks.”
“We’re also here because we...” She shrugged. “Because I would like to be at the finish line with you.”
“Why?”
Her admission had to contain a deeper meaning. His question certainly did.
The answer to both would have to wait, because his phone rang again.
“Everyone’s getting impatient,” Ethan said.
“Hold on.” Spence took Frankie’s elbow and gave her a small nudge. “Get behind the line. All of you.”
They obliged, hurrying to catch up with Frankie’s dad. He lifted first one twin and then the other into the bed of his truck for a better view.
Spence spoke to Ethan. “We’re ready at this end.”
A minute later, Spence heard the distant sound of Theo’s voice blaring from the bullhorn. “And they’re off!”
He clicked his stopwatch. Ethan should be doing the same.
The thundering of hooves came an instant later and was immediately drowned out by the cheers of the crowd. Dust rose from beneath the horses, giving the appearance of a small cloud moving at rapid speed. As they and the riders neared, the ground started to vibrate beneath Spence’s boots.
Behind him, Frankie and the twins shouted, “Go, Sam, go.”
The teenager and Prince were indeed in the lead. Spence watched them through his binoculars. Esteban and the gelding he rode were a close second. Andy and the mare were already one length behind, not any real competition.
Spence suspected Esteban was holding back, giving the teenager a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Not that Prince wasn’t the fastest horse competing, but the experienced jockey could probably win this race on a Shetland pony.
The cheers reached fever pitch as the horses closed in on the finish line. Spence was proved correct when, at the last second, Esteban and the gelding pulled forward and crossed the line in front of Sam and Prince.
Some of the cheers died, probably fans of Prince and friends of Sam. Those who’d bet on Esteban and the gelding whooped and hollered, and the crowd shifted as people began drifting off. All three riders had slowed their horses to an easy lope and were now turning them around, letting them catch their breath.
“Good job, everyone,” Spence said as they walked up to him. “Congratulations, Esteban.”
“I almost won.” Sam’s face glowed with excitement, and she couldn’t sit still in the saddle.
Were she not a novice, she might have encouraged that last extra burst of speed from Prince and possibly placed first. Esteban could have let her win, but he was too much of a competitor. Spence understood.
Volunteer handlers came over to help the riders dismount and hold the horses while pictures were taken and interviews filmed. Sam was a natural: cute, bubbly and with the right amount of girl-next-door appeal.
Hearing a child crying, Spence looked over to see Paige having what appeared to be a meltdown. Even Grandpa Ray couldn’t seem to console her.
Spence joined them. “What’s wrong, angel face?”
“Sam didn’t win.”
“She did, kind of.”
Paige stopped crying and lifted tear-filled eyes to him. “No.”
He knelt on the ground in front of her and Sienna. “Sam made a lot of money for the mustang sanctuary. That’s kind of like winning. And she gets to be on TV. That’s like winning, too. You can watch her tonight. She’ll be on the nine o’clock news.” He glanced up at Frankie. “If your mom will let you stay up that late.”
“Only if you behave,” she warned.
“We will,” Sienna promised.
“Will you watch with us?” Paige asked.
“Um...” Spence rose. “I—”
“Please,” Frankie said, bestowing an incredibly warm smile on him. “Come for dinner. About eight, if that’s not too late. I told Dad we’d help clean up after the event, and we won’t get home for a couple more hours.”
“I accept.” He grinned in return. “And I have things to do, too.”
“Come on, girls.” She started to leave, and then hesitated.
“You forget something?”
“I did.”
To his shock, she returned and threw her arms around his neck. There was nothing sexual about the hug, just a friendly show of appreciation.
That didn’t stop Spence from enjoying the sensation of her lovely curves pressed against him. Neither did it stop the surge of desire exploding inside him. She smelled incredible. Felt wonderful. And when she touched—
“See you tonight.” Frankie abruptly withdrew, shattering the fantasy he’d been enjoying far too much.
“Yeah. Tonight.” He swallowed, his throat having gone dry.
The next two hours dragged. Spence had trouble concentrating, his mind constantly returning to their hug earlier and dinner later tonight. Cara approached him while he was checking on his mares to give him the final tally. In addition to adopting out twenty-seven mustangs and two burros, the event, including the race and raffle, had brought in almost eight thousand dollars.
“Is that good?” he asked. This being his first time, he had no idea what was typical.
“Our best event yet. The goal has always been to adopt out as many horses as possible. Any additional money is a bonus. Thanks, Spence. Say you’ll volunteer next year. If you’re still in town.”
“You can count on me.”
A commitment one full year in advance? That wasn’t something Spence did. Used to do, he corrected himself. Things were different now.
Finally, he was able to leave the ranch. Stopping at Eddie’s first for a quick shower and change of clothes, he headed to Frankie’s. Only one light shone inside the house when he arrived. Maybe they were already watching TV.
He rang the bell, and Frankie answered the door, her finger pressed to her lips.
“Shh. The girls are in bed already.” She stepped back to let him in. “They were just too tired and fell asleep on the way home.”
He remained standing there. “What about watching Sam on the news?”
“I set the DVR to record it.”
“Maybe I should go.”
Everything about her softened, from her eyes to her posture to her demeanor. “Is that what you want?”
“No.”
“Then come in. Stay.”
His gaze traveled the length of her, noting her snug sweater top and hip-hugging jeans. “The way you look and the way I feel right now, it might not be the best idea.”
“What if I’m having the same idea?”
“Pardon my confusion, but you’ve been keeping me at arm’s length for over a week.”
She smiled seductively. “Arm’s length is much too far, don’t you think?”
He went still, forced his brain to pay strict attention. He couldn’t afford to misconstrue her meaning. “I need an explanation.”
“Fair enough.” She evaluated him in return. “I’ve been resisting you since the day I saw you in the café. And you’ve been breaking down my defenses one by one. Not with your talk, not with your charm, but by being exactly the kind of man, exactly the kind of father to our daughters, I’ve been wishing for my whole life. I established rules, and you adhered to them. I set boundaries and you respected them. I asked for help and you gave it. You’re not wearing me down, Spence. You’re not coercing me. You’re showing me what I’ve been missing. And believe me—that’s a lot more effective. Now.” She tilted her head appealingly. “Are you coming inside or do I have to ask twice?”
Spence stepped over the threshold and, without losing any momentum, swept Frankie up into his arms, kicked the front door shut behind him and carried her into the master bedroom.
* * *
FRANKIE LAY ON her side, staring over Spence’s naked shoulder at the slit in the drapes. Moonlight peeked in and cast a silver line on the carpet. If she focused really hard, she could see one tiny star twinkling against a blanket of darkest black.
Should she wish on the star, as she’d taught the twins to do? She wanted so many things, picking just one was next to impossible.
For the girls to be happy and healthy. Except now their happiness depended in part on Spence and whether or not he continued to be a part of their lives.
For I-Hart-Catering to be a success. The upcoming family reunion could make or break her fledgling busine
ss. While the profits were currently being reinvested, her goal was to eventually withdraw a small salary for herself. Only then could she reduce her hours at the café or possibly even quit.
She snuggled closer to Spence, the heat from their contact warming her. Please don’t let this be the biggest mistake of my life.
He stirred briefly at her touch, rolled over to face her and slung an arm over her middle, all without opening his eyes. The next moment, his steady breathing resumed. He was like that, always sleeping soundly regardless of where he was and what was on his mind.
Not Frankie. Guaranteed, she’d lie awake most of the night, alternately worrying about the fallout from their actions and remembering their exquisite lovemaking.
You let him into your bed.
She should follow that up with a What is wrong with you, girl? Only nothing had felt wrong from the moment he’d carried her into her bedroom until he’d utterly exhausted her.
There’d never been anyone else for her besides Spence. He was the only man she’d ever been intimate with, even during those long weeks and sometimes months he’d been gone while they were dating. Also the four years since he left.
Kissing didn’t count. Not that she’d kissed very many guys. Frankie mentally added them up. Five? No, six. None of them had ever tempted her to go further. Not because they weren’t good-looking or nice or hadn’t treated her well. They just hadn’t been Spence.
As much as she tried to fall out of love with him, she always failed. And now, after tonight, she might never be able to.
His skill at lovemaking had improved. She didn’t dare contemplate how that had come about, convincing herself their insatiable longing for each other and extensive time apart were responsible.
She suppressed a moan as memories of the last two hours returned. Her body arching beneath his while his hands and mouth sought her most sensitive places. Pausing here, lingering there, giving her breasts and tummy and the inside of her thighs extra special attention.
He hadn’t stopped despite her protests. Not until he’d brought her to a stunning climax. Finally, when she could stand no more, he’d entered her. Frankie had gasped, the shock reverberating throughout her body, before she’d surrendered to a rush of sensations.
The Cowboy's Twin Surprise Page 15
