That felt like a trick question. She nodded, running the back of her hand over her forehead. “I think so.” Ann hated that answer. So much that she dared herself to spit out the truth. Her chest ached at the thought. Her throat tightened. Yet suddenly she forced the words out. “Actually, no. I don’t want Jenessa here.” She’d blurted the words so fast it took her by surprise.
Trey pulled a slight grin, which said her admission might have surprised him as well. He leaned closer to Ann. “I don’t want her here either,” he said in a whisper. “She said her grandpa’s on his way to pick her up, so it shouldn’t be too long.”
If anything could have brightened her mood it was that. “Really?”
He grinned. “Yep. I told her that we’d appreciate a little privacy, so she sent him a text. Then we can get back to our date. I’ve still got a few things planned, you know.”
She eased into a smile of her own. “You do?”
Trey gave her a nod and leaned even closer. Ann’s heart hammered. Her mind raced.
Trey’s free hand wrapped around the back of her neck just as he pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.
“C’mon,” he said. “Let’s go get some food.”
Chapter 16
Trey had been told he had the patience of a saint. And while he never could agree to being anywhere near a saint, he could admit he had more patience than most. The twins had put him through enough tests over the years. Swiping his expensive aftershave only to douse their shirts so thoroughly they’d emptied the bottle. Or the time they snuck in the back of his Mazda before he’d taken off for a date. He’d dealt with those issues just fine. Still, every once in a while, someone would come along and prove, to his disappointment, that he was no better than the rest in that department. Jenessa was one of those people.
Dinner had long since past, the leftovers tucked neatly in the fridge. The sun had set completely, and while Trey hadn’t given up on his plan to watch the beautiful sight from the front porch, he hadn’t pictured having to share the moment with a woman who insisted on being the third wheel. Trey had taken a seat beside Ann on the patio swing, and Jenessa had the nerve to drag a lawn chair up to the end of the swing on his side. Talk about awkward.
Trey pulled his phone from his pocket, lowering it between him and Ann to sneak a look. Hopefully one of the ranch hands had texted him back. Trey had sent out a code red: Someone come get Jenessa and take her home! He’d sent it out halfway through dinner when he started to suspect Jenessa’s grandfather wasn’t on his way after all.
Still no text.
He shot Ann a conspiratorial look that he hoped she would understand. What he wanted to say was follow me over to the banister.
With that, Trey climbed off the swing chair and strode over the creaky porch. He listened for sounds of Ann’s following footsteps as he peered into the night. He’d already offered to take Jenessa home, saying that he could show Ann some of the sights along the way, but Jenessa had insisted that would only upset her granddad. She didn’t want to make him drive out there only to find she’d already gone.
Trey looked over his shoulder, disappointed to see Ann still seated on the patio swing, her aimless gaze toward the shadows while Jenessa sat picking at her glittery nails. Frustration boiled deep in his chest. He could hardly believe Ann had to leave tomorrow. Tomorrow. And Jenessa was ruining their night.
“Remember that time we made the dunking tank in the back yard?” Jenessa strode toward Trey while trilling out an amused laugh. “Weren’t you the genius behind that whole thing?”
Trey shrugged. “It was Max’s idea. I just helped him put it together.”
Jenessa rested a hand on Trey’s arm and laughed again. This time louder. “That’s right.”
None too subtly, Trey moved his arm out from under her touch, his desperation spiking to the point it hurt. He would insist on taking her home. Obviously what she’d said about her grandfather coming to get her was a lie. He tuned back into her words, ready to speak up at her next breath.
“…And remember the look on Randy’s face when you took him out on the first shot and everyone else tried and failed and—”
“Goodnight!” came Ann’s voice from her seat on the front porch.
Startled, Trey spun around to see Ann walking toward the house. “Wait. What?”
“I’m really tired so I’m going to hit the sack.”
Desperation turned into panic. He sped to catch the door for her, but he was too late. Ann was already swinging it open for herself. “I don’t… are you sure you can’t stay up for a while longer? We could watch a movie or something.” But she was already shaking her head.
“I wish I could. My head is pounding, and I didn’t sleep a whole lot last night. I think I’m just beat.” She took a step inside before turning to face him. “Thank you for everything,” she said. “I really do appreciate it.”
“Let me at least walk you to you room.”
“That’s not necessary.” Her voice cracked, and Trey knew he shouldn’t push her. Not in front of their unwelcome company.
“Goodnight, Ann,” Jenessa call loudly from over his shoulder. “I hope your head gets feeling better.”
Trey gulped hard as he watched Ann disappear around the corner leading to the hallway.
“Guess there’s something to that whole ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ thing after all,” Jenessa said with a laugh.
If Trey’s patience had been wearing thin before, it was thinner than thin now. Nonexistent was more like it. He was half-tempted to follow Ann inside and leave Jenessa on the porch. But what he really needed to do is take care of the problem.
“Why don’t you get in the truck and I’ll take you home, Jenessa? If your granddad comes and we’re not here, I’ll personally tell him that it’s my fault. But we’re not going to wait around anymore.”
Jenessa shuffled toward the truck, her slumped shoulders reminding him of the way the twins looked when they got sent to their rooms.
On the way to her granddad’s place, Jenessa tried to convince Trey to take her back to the wedding party, but he refused. He’d already driven in the opposite direction to take her home, and he wasn’t about to waste any more time on the little troublemaker.
The night had turned black in the last hour or so. Jenessa’s house did nothing to brighten up the quiet street. Not one light glowed from inside the place.
“Oh, no,” Jenessa said. “I was afraid of this.”
“Afraid of what?” Trey grumbled.
“Afraid that no one would be home.”
Chapter 17
Yellow lamplight spilled over the room as Ann typed furiously on her laptop. She’d started out by writing the piece about the ring ceremony. The way she’d actually caught the bouquet. She’d given it all of the celebratory excitement it deserved, including the moment Trey told her that she surprised him.
The piece was almost enough to bolster her confidence until she started writing about the date. Ann managed to keep her momentum throughout the barnyard bowling scene, but how could she write about dinner when Jenessa had intruded like that? And then proceeded to dominate the conversation for the next hour or two.
Ann groaned. She’d crawled right back into her wallflower shell, and the truth of it sickened her. How impressive would it be if she included that in her article? The only alternative was to write the evening out like Jenessa had never shown. Or just stop after the bowling thing. Yes, of course! She didn’t have to write about all of her time there.
She let out an ironic chuckle. Perhaps she had no business writing this piece at all. Maybe Ann would never really have what it took to assert herself when it mattered. The bulb in the nearby lamp seemed to dim at the thought.
Aw, well. She’d simply send in her progress and see what happened next. It might be that Tom would give up on her. Who could blame him? At least if he did, she could stop pretending to be someone else. That’s right, Ann. Just go back to being your miserable, lonely self.
She gave into an eye-roll, pasted her work into a new email, and typed out a line on top.
I couldn’t write about the rest of the evening because I totally failed.
Not sure I’m cut out for this.
Might have to wave the white flag.
And with that, Ann hit send, closed her laptop, and leaned it against the side of the headboard. It would probably be hours before Zoe got back. And who knew how long it would take for Trey to drive Jenessa home? At least she hoped that’s what he was doing. Ann had peeked through the blinds as they’d climbed into Trey’s truck, and Jenessa hadn’t looked too happy.
She just hoped she was asleep by the time he got back. It might not have been Trey’s fault that all of this happened, but she felt angry about it all the same.
In one quick move, she reached for the small switch and turned out the lamp. Rather than lie down, Ann folded her arms and stared into the darkness. Her eyes were starting to adjust when she reached down and snagged her laptop once more. She’d just clicked open a new game of solitaire when her email dinged. A quick preview showed up on the screen. Something from Tom.
Ann perked up with interest as she clicked on it, squinting from the brightness of the screen.
No giving up, Ann. We’ve already got some interest on your piece. I’ll tell you the details soon, but for now—keep up the good work! And in case you haven’t noticed, Granny, the night is still young. Go get yourself another good reason people should buy that book, and more importantly, a reason those magazines should buy your article.
Ann’s eyes shot to the corner of her screen. 10:10.
“What?” The night really was young. The realization—coupled with the news that there was already interest in her article— planted new life in her.
Trey had taken Jenessa home. Not because he wanted to come back to a dark house and go to bed early—but because he wanted to finish his date with her.
Quickly, she flicked her lamp back on and scurried over to the mirror. Earlier, she’d thrown on a pair of pajama pants with a soft pink T-shirt. Looked good enough. She’d been intent on skipping her nighttime facial routine, having been too anxious to get her thoughts on the page. Now she was glad she hadn’t washed off her makeup and smothered her face in night cream. She dug through her suitcase, retrieved her zip-up hoodie, and slipped on a pair of comfy moccasins. There.
Hopefully Trey would be home soon. When he arrived, Ann would be waiting. After striding purposefully down the hallway, she headed out the front door, and took a seat on the top stair. Leaning a shoulder against the banister, Ann stretched her legs along the wide, slatted step. The night air was cool against her skin. She filled her lungs with it, a burst of exhilaration taking over her form. She had to admit it was a rush. Stepping out of her box. Taking control of a situation she might have fallen victim to instead.
A pair of headlights came into view. The crunch of pebbles along the dirt road grew louder as he neared. Soon the aim of the lights changed, which allowed Ann to verify that it was, in fact, Trey’s truck pulling up to the fence. Once the headlights went out, Ann realized she hadn’t turned on the porch light. Had he seen her while he was pulling up? And what if he went through the backdoor instead of the front?
That last question took flight as she saw him approaching. Ann had left the front door open a crack, and a splash of warm light spilled through the screen door and onto the porch. He slowed as he approached the stairs, then stopped at the base completely. The light reached him now, illuminating part of his face.
Trey lifted a brow, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You’re up?”
She nodded. “Um, hmm.”
“I’m glad.”
Ann gulped. She was too.
Trey took the first step, and then another. Wordlessly, he extended a hand. “Shall we?”
He led her to the basement, where a stack of wood waited beside a rock mantle fireplace. While Trey built a large, crackling fire, Ann arranged pillows and blankets on the carpeted floor, a list of questions warring in her mind. How was the ride home with Jenessa? Did she have any final tricks up her sleeve—some fake lockout or last-minute sob story to keep him around longer? She cringed at the cruelty of her thoughts. That girl seemed to really bring out the worst in her.
Still, Ann kept the thoughts to herself, and soon she and Trey were lounging before the flames. Like spoons in a drawer, as her mom always said. It been years since she’d spooned anyone. Maybe her nieces. But as she backed into the warm nook against Trey’s muscular form, Ann realized this was much different.
“So what were your favorite subjects in school?” he asked.
Ann grinned. “English. Definitely.”
“That makes sense,” he said. “Anything else?”
“Writing, literature, and history, I’d say.”
“Hmm. I knew you were a smarty-pants.”
She chuckled. “You mean a geek?”
“No. Just one of those smart, pretty chicks who don’t look at guys like me twice.”
“What do you mean like you? What subjects did you like best?”
“Not English,” he assured. “I liked shop, gym, since I got to lift weights, and science.”
“Hmm.” Ann could tell that Trey lifted weights even still, probably the set she’d seen on the other side of the basement. “Science is hard,” she said. “That and math were my least favorites.” She could just picture all the high school girls going crazy over Trey… “What’s your last name, Trey?”
“Richardson.”
“Trey Richardson. I like that.”
“What’s yours’?” he asked.
“Simpson.”
“Annie Simpson. I like that too.” Trey readjusted his solid arm around her ribs and gave her a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here, Annie,” he said under his breath.
She smiled, unable to muster a reply. The feel of Trey’s warm breath on her neck had her paralyzed.
Trey loosened his squeeze and ran a hand along her arm. The slightly calloused tips of his fingers sent goose bumps racing over her skin. It seemed like an invitation. His touch, his words. She had the sudden urge to spin around and kiss him. Of course, there’d be no subtle way to initiate such a thing. It wasn’t as if she could simply give him a look or lift her chin. She’d have to turn completely from one side to the other.
Ann’s heart pumped faster, hotter, as she considered doing just that. And suddenly she was in action. She twisted, two simple shrugs—from one side to the next until she faced him. And what a magnificent face it was.
Yesterday when they’d kissed at the bar, it had been an incredible rush. Not exactly kissing a stranger, but close to it. Later, when they’d kissed beside the pond, there’d been more to it. Her hope of who Trey seemed to be adding layers to their connection. And now that hope had grown stronger.
Inhaling an extra breath of courage, Ann lifted her chin and set her gaze back on his handsome face.
Trey curved a warm hand around her neck. The action making her feel delicate in his grip. And wanted. Oh, so wanted. He glided his thumb over her throat, his touch like a whisper.
She remained motionless as he leaned in and traced her lips with his, gently, making Ann feel more than just wanted. She felt cherished. If there’d ever been such a thing as heaven on earth, this was it—the teasing touch of Trey’s lips.
Infused with anticipation, Ann let out a shaky sigh.
And then it came. The full press of his mouth to hers.
Once, and then twice.
Mmm, yes. Definitely heaven. A slight moan sounded from her throat as he slowed the kiss. Each breath and pause demonstrating a tender patience.
She vowed to memorize each sensation. The blissful strength of his lips, the gentle glide of his tongue, and the masculine sound of his groan when he deepened the kiss.
Ann was all in. It wasn’t a conscious thought—some purposeful act of forcing herself to let go and give into the moment. It was already
done. And no matter how things turned out, she couldn’t imagine regretting a moment like this. She only wished she had more time to spend on Emerson Ranch and in Trey’s arms.
Chapter 18
Trey had never tasted a kiss so sweet. What was it about Ann that made him want to toss all cares to the open breeze and focus on what rested before him—Ann. Warm and wonderful and … and leaving tomorrow.
The thought was jarring—like a vicious buck from the meanest bull, throwing Trey off his ride in a blink. He brought the kiss to a slow, regretful end, and stole another soft kiss. The fire crackled and popped beside them, the flames lighting Ann up like an angel.
She met his gaze, cheeks rosy and red. Dang, he was drawn to her. The innocence. The bouts of courage that seemed to take her by storm. The intimacy that passed between their gaze was a lure all its own.
“I’m going to be in trouble,” he mumbled, and gave into another long kiss. When he pulled back, she searched his face, her lids heavy.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“You’re leaving tomorrow, and I don’t want you to.”
Her eyes widened. “You don’t?”
“Of course not.” He went to elaborate, but Ann swooped in before he could, pressing her tempting mouth to his once more.
Trey returned her kiss, urgency and all. He wrapped an arm around her back, ran a hand down the warm, slender length of it. But that didn’t stop the warnings in his head: This was happening way too fast. Heaven help him—how would he ever tell her goodbye?
With great effort, he slowed the pace of their kiss, brought things down to lingering teases, and then groaned. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, resting his forehead on hers.
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