Be My Warmth

by Shanade White

  Finally, Flynn couldn’t take the silence any longer, “I probably shouldn’t bring it up, but what were you doing riding Devil like that the other day. I shouldn’t have blown up at you, but that was really dangerous. Devil is really dangerous; he’s taken all of us on at least one wild ride.”

  At first, Tani was annoyed that Flynn was once again questioning her, but then she realized that he was only concerned and softened. “I promise you we were well under control. I missed a turn in the trail and saw the opening in the trees and knew that it would be safe. I’ve been riding for a long time and it was only for a short distance.”

  Flynn still didn’t look convinced so Tani added, “I have a way with horses. I don’t know why but I’ve always been able to communicate better with them than most people.”

  Flynn couldn’t help but snort, “So you’re a horse whisperer.”

  “I wouldn’t exactly call it that.” Tani said, embarrassed that she’d said anything. Many people were skeptical about her ability to communicate with horses, and she’d long ago gotten tired of trying to explain it.

  Flynn was instantly sorry he’d said what he had so he redirected the conversation, “What do you do at the ranch in Colorado? I hear that they raise cattle.” He couldn’t help the sneer that came into his voice when he said cattle.

  “I take it you don’t like cattle ranchers.” Tani said, glad that the conversation had moved on.

  “Not really, I mean we have to raise cattle on the ranch in Australia now, but that doesn’t mean I like it.”

  “Well good thing I’m not a cattle rancher.” Tani said, then blushed realizing that she’d said too much.

  “I think I might like you even if you were a cattle rancher.” Flynn was surprised by Tani’s joke but pleased to see her blushing. “So, if you’re not a cattle rancher, what do you do?”

  Tani had been asked this question many times since she’d gotten to Coldwater Canyon so her answer was easy. “I work at the rehabilitation center on the ranch. I take care of the horses and work with the patients.”

  Flynn was instantly interested, “What kind of people do you treat?”

  Tani wasn’t prepared for his question, most people were satisfied with the short answer. “Well, I don’t really treat them; I am more like a riding coach. I take them on rides around the ranch, sometimes it’s only in the pasture and sometimes we take long rides, it just depends on the patient’s ability level.”

  “So these are people with physical disabilities?”

  “Not just physical,” Tani paused because she was about to describe herself when she first got to the ranch, “We also treat people who have suffered mental trauma as well.”

  Flynn was even more interested, “You mean like violent crimes?”

  “Yes, that would be one example.” Tani couldn’t help but notice how interested Flynn had become. “We have psychologists on staff who specialize in different problems, they help everyone, but we’re known for helping people heal from traumatizing events.”

  Flynn was silent for a long time, what Tani was describing sounded wonderful to him, a way to use the knowledge he already had for some good. Before he could stop himself, he unloaded all his confusion about where his life was going on Tani, who sat quietly and listened. When he’d finished, he looked at her for the first time, shocked that he’d told her so much so quickly.

  “I can’t say that what I do is perfect for everyone, I came to the ranch for a different reason, but if you like helping people and love horses, it might be right for you.” Tani said, realizing that the man sitting beside her was more than just a good-looking billionaire, he was kind and caring as well, the kind of man she’d always imagined marrying.

  “I might just have to make a stop in Colorado when I leave here and check things out for myself, if that’s okay with you.” Flynn said, feeling hope about the future for the first time in a long time.

  “I’m sure Leslie would love to have you, but don’t forget that you’ll have to put up with all the cattle.” Tani said, with a big smile.

  “I think I can manage that.” Flynn said, returning her smile, thinking that she was even more beautiful at that moment.

  Chapter 3

  When it was time to go into dinner, Tani was feeling more relaxed with Flynn, the tingling in her middle nothing more than a mere distraction. But when dinner was served and he put his hand on the small of her back to escort her to their seats, the tingle intensified to the point that she was forced to inhale a quick breath of air to calm herself. If Flynn noticed he didn’t show it, simply guided her through the crowd to the table where they would sit with the wedding party.

  Tani had all but forgotten that she was with one of the wedding party until she realized that all eyes were on them. Normally that kind of attention wouldn’t have bothered her, but it didn’t escape her attention that several women in the room were shooting her dirty looks. Flynn didn’t seem to notice at first but when he did, he stared each woman down until they looked away embarrassed, but she could tell that they weren’t happy with the situation.

  Once they were seated she asked, “Was that my imagination or did I just get a bunch of dirty looks?”

  “I’m sorry about that, it won’t happen again.” Flynn said, “Single men are hard to come by up here and I guess I’m at the top of the list.”

  “So, you could have come with any of those women.” Tani said, her voice quiet when she realized just what he’d given up coming with her. “You don’t have to do this, you know. I wouldn’t be offended if you wanted to call tonight good.”

  “Why would I want to do that? I thought we were getting along fine.” Flynn said, confused.

  “Well, I mean look at them.” Tani said, pointing to the room full of women who were all dressed up and many much better looking than her. “And look at me.”

  “I am looking at you and I like what I see. Tani, you’re a very beautiful woman, I wanted to tell you that the first time we met.” Flynn said.

  Tani wanted to believe his words, but long years of hearing differently had made that almost impossible. “I just think you’d rather be with one of them.”

  Flynn looked at Tani and realized right then that some man in her past had wounded her badly and knew that his next words had to be just perfect. “When I came out on the deck and saw you tonight, I was happy for the first time that I’d agreed to this blind date. You’ve been on my mind ever since you covered me in snow up on the trail and now that we’ve spent some time together I know for sure that I’d like to get to know you better.”

  “Oh, um okay.” She didn’t know what else to say, but what she did know was that Flynn had reached a place inside her that she’d thought was inaccessible.

  By the time the main course was served, Flynn had managed to charm her back into her good mood and the stares from the other diners didn’t bother her so much. In fact, it thrilled her a little bit to know that she was with a man that all the other women wanted, that had certainly never happened to her before. But she cautioned herself not to get too wrapped up in the emotion of the night. They were simply two people who were enjoying each other’s company. The fact that with each passing moment she was becoming even more attracted to Flynn was her own problem.

  When the dinner was over, she walked him to his truck since she was staying at the main house glad that Marissa had insisted that she get the boots she was wearing. She wasn’t sure what to expect when they got to his truck, but when he swept her into his arms and kissed her she knew that it wasn’t that. His lips were warm and firm on hers and she felt herself melting into his strong arms, allowing her to forget for just a minute all the pain she’d been through because of a man.

  When she finally got control of herself, she pushed away from him, shocked that she’d let herself get so carried away. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have done that, but I just wanted to see what it would be like.” Flynn said, putting a little space between them, and hanging his head like a kid caught do
ing something wrong.

  “It’s okay.” Tani said, unable to meet his eyes, her cheeks flaming with desire she didn’t want or need right then.

  Flynn reached out and gently lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes. “I can’t promise I won’t do it again.” He said, then closed the space between them and kissed her again. When the kiss ended this time, he added, “See I told you.”

  Tani was speechless as he got into his truck, her entire body alive with feelings she didn’t know she was still capable of. She knew that she should say something but she was too confused to utter a word. All she managed was a wave as he pulled out of the yard and onto the snow-packed roads. She made her way slowly back into the house, all but oblivious to the snow that was falling gently around her turning the night to day. When she got to her room, she undressed and climbed into bed, not sure if she could believe what had happened that night, romantic adventures like tonight didn’t happen to people like her, that was reserved for the rest of the world.

  She’d have to be very careful around Flynn Montgomery, a man like that could easily break her heart with his pretty words and rough good looks and she wasn’t strong enough for heartbreak yet. Maybe someday, she’d be ready to date again, but for now she was happy with her single life; she’d just have to remember that this week. Besides she and Flynn were destined for different lives, she in Colorado and him wherever he finally found his destiny.

  For the next few days, Tani went with the flow of the wedding, attending dinner parties, lunches, and even a high tea one afternoon. By Thursday, she was ready for a break and more than happy that they had an entire day off to rest up for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding. She’d had no idea how exhausting it was going to be attending all the functions they had. Equally exhausting was trying to keep herself from falling for Flynn who had turned out to be one of the nicest men she’d ever known, no matter how attracted to him she was, nothing could come of their romance.

  Each time he dropped her off at Honey Hills, he kissed her just like he had that first night, leaving her wanting more. But as if sensing her fragility, he never pushed it past that kiss and for that she was thankful. Had he pushed, she probably would have given in to the desire that continued to build inside her. A desire that shocked her in its intensity and left her questioning whether her choice to stay as far away from men as possible was the right one, maybe she’d set herself up to fall for Flynn by being alone for so long.

  She awoke early Thursday morning, her only thought of saddling Devil and riding off into the mountains to escape all the confusing thoughts that had been plaguing her since the first night that Flynn had kissed her. The sun was barely coming up over the mountains when she opened the barn door and called out to Devil. If he cooperated and let her saddle him easily, they could be well on the way to the upper meadows before the sun was fully up.

  Devil whinnied when he heard her voice and stirred in his stall, although they hadn’t been riding again since the day she’d nearly collided with Flynn, she’d managed to sneak a few minutes every day in the barn with him. Sensing that today would be different, he was at the rail before she could reach him, stomping his feet in anticipation of what was to come. She stopped and gave him the carrots she’d hidden in her pocket before heading for the tack room and her saddle, stroking his nose and whispering calming words to him.

  When she got to the tack room, she was surprised to see a light on inside, and even more surprised to see Flynn contemplating the rows of saddles. He turned when he heard her enter the room, “I thought I’d find you here this morning.” He said, giving her one of his boyish grins she’d come to love so much.

  Tani wasn’t sure if she was happy or sad to see him, the lure of a day alone on the trail overpowered by the way her heart leapt when she saw Flynn. “I’m going to take Devil out for the day. I’m supposed to be evaluating him, but I seem to be spending all my time at parties.” She said, laughing.

  “I thought maybe I could join you.” He said, pulling a saddle down off the wall.

  Tani considered this for only a second, unable to fool herself into believing she didn’t want him there. “I guess that would be okay, but I don’t know if you’ll be able to keep up, I’m going to push him hard again today.” She said, with a teasing smile.

  “Well, I’ll pick a fast horse and do my best.” Flynn said, then asked, “Which saddle do you want?”

  Tani pointed to her saddle which was up against the wall in its traveling case. “That’s mine, but I can get it.”

  In only a few minutes, they were riding out of the yard at Honey Hills, Devil pulling at his bit, his need to release some pent-up energy clear in his high steps. Tani held him back until they were in the pasture, then gave him his head, letting him leap into a gallop that left Flynn staring open mouthed at them as they went by. She waved her arm in the air to show him that she was in control and raced into the forest, barely finding the trail as Devil flew across the ground faster than any horse she’d ever ridden.

  Tani barely managed to control Devil as they wound their way through the forest toward the main road, all the time thinking that this was an amazing animal who wasn’t allowed to live up to his potential. She knew then that her recommendation to Scott and Marissa would be to let her take him home with her where she could work him and train him until it was possible to control him. When they finally hit the main road, Tani gave Devil his head and he seemed to understand that she wouldn’t hold him back.

  By the time Flynn caught up with them, they’d made several trips up and down the road and Devil was finally beginning to tire. When Tani reigned him in next to Flynn’s horse all he could say was, “You’re a little bit crazy.”

  Tani laughed and said, “Yeah, maybe but he’s tired out enough that we can actually ride at a reasonable pace now.”

  Flynn felt a huge stab of desire wash over him when he looked at Tani, as beautiful as she was all dressed up for the parties they’d been attending, she was even more beautiful sitting on the back of a horse. Her cheeks had taken on a glow from the cold and her eyes were sparkling with pleasure. It was shocking to him how much his desire for her had grown over the last few days and he was dreading the day she had to leave. But they had an entire day together, a day without a party or a dinner to distract them and he intended to make the most of it.

  “I’d love to show you a special place in the canyon. I brought some food and I thought we could have a picnic.” Flynn said, taking a trail Tani hadn’t noticed before.

  Tani had been looking forward to some time alone, but as she rode behind Flynn she realized that she was glad that he was here. Spending time with Flynn had turned into something she looked forward to, even when it included getting all dressed up and making a spectacle of herself, which is exactly what she felt like she had been doing for the last few days. But here it was just the two of them and it was just as good being alone, maybe even a little better. She’d found that Flynn was a good listener and although she hadn’t told him anything of her past, she knew that if she did he would listen patiently to her story.

  “Can I ask where you’re taking me? This trail doesn’t look like it’s being used much.”

  “This is a highly restricted area of the park; the only way people get to see it is with special permission.” Flynn said, a glint in his eyes. “Hope you’re not afraid of ghosts.”

  Tani knew that there was an Indian burial ground in the canyon, she like everyone else in the country had watched the story of hidden treasure and Indian bones unfold on the news a few years ago. “Are we going where I think we’re going?” She said, a trill running through her, a little piece of her father emerging from where it had been buried since his death.

  “Have you ever seen an Indian burial ground?” Flynn asked, as they emerged into a clearing.

  “No. But I’ve seen Egyptian tombs. Is it anything like that?” She asked, dismounting when Flynn did.

  “You’ve been to Egypt?” Flynn hadn’t picture
d Tani as the type to travel much.

  Tani was instantly sorry that she’d let that slip out, but instead of skirting around the truth like she usually did, she said, “I grew up in Egypt.” Hoping that Flynn would be happy with that much information.

  Flynn could sense the hesitation in her voice so he dropped the subject, “It’s nothing like that, although I guess they did find some valuable artifacts in the cave.” Flynn said, pointing to the side of the mountain where an opening was visible through the undergrowth. “But we can’t go into the cave, it’s off limits, apparently it very unstable.”

  Tani looked at the side of the cliff where Flynn was pointing and could see what he meant. It looked like the entire mountain could collapse at any second. “If I remember right, that’s where they found the treasure.”

  “Yep, a small fortune in gold coins and jewels. If we climb up that trail, we’ll be in the burial ground? You want to see it?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.” Tani said, thinking how excited her father would have been to see something like this.

  When they got to the top of the rise, at first it only looked like a clearing in the forest, but as she studied it closer, she could see the slight mounds that must represent graves. Flynn took her hand and they wandered around the clearing as he explained how Paige Montgomery was systematically exploring the burial ground with radar and sonar technology. When they reached the farthest side of the clearing and several new graves, he explained that not only had they had to rebury several bodies, but that they had begun to allow additional burials there as well.

  Tani was speechless at what lay before her and felt closer to her father than she had in years. He would have happily spent hours here imagining what it looked like years ago when it was in full use. A few tears escaped her eyes and rolled down her cheeks which she quickly wiped away, but not quickly enough because Flynn noticed.