“Is that so bad?”
It would be wonderful, she wanted to shout. But she’d never be free to have a real life. “I don’t want to get Zach’s hopes up.”
Brandon felt Nora was holding something back. “You know and I know, Nora, outside of school Zach doesn’t get to interact with anyone but you and Millie. He needs to be around other kids.”
“He’s only seven. He’s too young to go outside by himself. Besides, I have to work.”
“Then let him come with me tomorrow. I can take him out to the ranch.” He saw her tense. “I won’t take him riding, but I’d like to show him around—by Jeep.” He raised an eyebrow. “Would you trust me enough to do that?”
She hesitated. “I trust you, Brandon, but there’s more to this than a day on the ranch. I know you want more from me than just being my son’s babysitter. And I can’t give it to you.”
He held up a hand. “Friendship, Nora. Can you agree to a friendship? No pressure. I’m watching Zach because you need help. I’m taking him out to the ranch because I need to brush up on some calf roping skills. I thought he’d enjoy it, but if you’d rather have him here…”
She looked thoughtful. “You really mean it about no pressure?”
He nodded, feeling a spark of hope. Maybe he was winning her over. “I swear, Nora. I won’t make a move on you. No touching, no hugging, no kissing. We’ll just be friends.”
This time she folded her arms over her chest and fought a smile. “I’m supposed to believe you.”
He acted hurt by her comment. “Please, I’m a sworn officer of the law. When I say I will not make a move on you, I mean it. In fact, if there’s going to be any fraternization it’ll have to come from you.”
Her pretty eyes narrowed. “There won’t be.”
Brandon leaned forward, leaving mere inches between them. “Think about it, Nora. No more kisses. Kisses where you can’t get close enough, you can’t taste enough of each other, and feeling as if you’ll die if you can’t get into each other’s skin.”
He heard the catch in her breath, watched her eyes darken, but he didn’t stop the torment for the both of them. His own body stirred with need and he struggled with his breathing.
“It’s not going to be easy for me, either. I’ve never tasted anyone as sweet as you.” His voice grew hoarse with every word. “Talk about a rush. Since the first time I saw you, I can’t get you out of my head. At night, I dream of those rich blue eyes of yours.” His gaze lowered. “And, oh God, your perfect mouth.” He groaned, closed his eyes momentarily, working to gather it together.
“But if you want to be friends…” He shrugged as he took a step back. “Just remember the next time we kiss, you’ll be the one who initiates it.” He nodded. “I can live with that,” he lied as boldly as if his life depended on it. He had to win Nora’s trust, and even though this was killing him, he’d do whatever it took.
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE following weekend, Nora drove out to the Circle B Ranch with a chatty Zach in the backseat, announcing all his plans for his day at the rodeo. Since Brandon had brought her son to the ranch just days before, he hadn’t talked about anything else.
Nora wasn’t going to come today, but Brandon had already invited Zach, so she didn’t have any choice unless she wanted to be labeled the meanest mom in the world. There were so many things Zach had already missed in his short life, so she didn’t want to keep him from this experience.
Good excuse, girl, she told herself. It had nothing to do with the fact that she, too, wanted to see Brandon today. It had been a long five days since he’d walked out of her apartment, but not before he’d announced she had to make the next move if they were to have a relationship. Coming today, she was not only encouraging her son, but also giving Brandon encouragement that they could possibly have a chance.
This was a bad idea all around.
She’d give anything to be with this man, to live a normal life without the threat of her past intruding. But she couldn’t.
“Mom, look,” Zach called.
There were rows of multicolored streamers hanging along the fence, and a big banner over the archway, reading, Circle B Annual Rodeo Everyone Welcome.
A tingle of excitement raced through her as she drove though the gate. She was going to see Brandon. She shook off the thought and concentrated on the guy directing them to park in an open field. They got out of the car and walked with the others heading toward the barn and corral. They passed several concession stands that offered a variety of food and drinks. Although they arrived early, there were a lot of people milling around, setting up tables and bleachers for the rodeo.
“Look, Mom, that’s where Brandon’s going to do the team roping event.” The boy looked around, frowning. “He said he was going to meet us.”
“Remember, he’s on the roundup.”
Zach couldn’t hide his disappointment. “Oh, I wish I could go with him.”
Before Nora could console her son, someone called to them. A smiling Abby approached, dressed in black jeans, a beautiful royal blue Western blouse, topped off with a black cowboy hat.
“Good, you made it,” she said. “Hi, Zach, you ready for the big day?”
He nodded. “I just wish Brandon was here.”
Abby smiled. “Let’s see what I can do about that.” She pulled a slim phone from her hip pocket and punched in a number, then turned to Zach. “The men are driving the cattle in now.” Abby paused and spoke into the phone. “They’re here. Okay, I will.” She hung up, then motioned them to go with her. “Come on, all the action will be in the branding pens. Brandon is out with the herd, but he wanted to know when you got here.”
Once they reached the large group of pens, Nora noticed groups of women already camped out. The young and pretty groups were dressed in their best Western gear, tight jeans, boots and fitted blouses.
Suddenly she felt a little frumpy in her own faded jeans and tennis shoes. She had splurged on a Western-cut blouse when she bought Zach a new shirt and jeans for the occasion.
“Look, Mom, here comes Brandon. He’s riding really fast.”
Nora glanced at the other side of the pens, seeing a man racing toward them on horseback. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Brandon on the powerful black stallion. She heard cheers from the rest of the ladies.
Several called his name, and he acknowledged them with a tip of the hat. Then he turned toward her. A big smile crossed his handsome face as he walked his horse to the side of the pen.
“Hi, partner,” he called to Zach as he leaned an elbow on the saddle horn.
“Hi, Brandon,” her son said.
Brandon turned his attention to her and winked. “Hello, Nora. Glad you could make it.”
She struggled for a breath. “Thanks for inviting us.”
“Anytime.”
Brandon couldn’t take his eyes off Nora. The contrast of her startling blue eyes and rich brown hair was breathtaking. “You’re always welcome.” He glanced back at Zach. “Are you set to go?”
“I have to ask Mom first.”
Nora looked puzzled. “What are you talking about?”
Brandon frowned. “Zach was supposed to ask you if he could ride back with me and help bring in the herd.”
“Oh, Zach. You’re too young.”
About that time Abby showed up with the pair of boots Zach had worn on their first visit, but she carried a new hat. The one Brandon had bought for the boy.
“Mom, all the kids get to ride. Brandon’s going to watch me.” He gave her a pleading look then he slipped on the boots and stood. “Please. I’ll never ask for anything again. I promise.”
Brandon could see the pained look on Nora’s face. She glanced up at him on the big horse.
“Nora, we’re not going far. You can see the dust from the herd. We’ll be back in about twenty minutes.”
She hesitated, but finally relented. “Okay, but be careful.”
Brandon grinned, then pointed t
oward his mom. “Hey, don’t forget this.”
Abby handed the new straw hat to Zach. “Here, we thought that you needed your own.”
“Wow, thanks, Brandon.”
“Well, try it on to see if it fits.”
Zach did as directed and grinned with his new hat on, then he hurried through the fence gate and to his ride. Brandon reached down and pulled Zach up into the saddle in front of him.
Nora’s chest tightened at her son’s bright smile as he sat in the saddle in front of Brandon. Brandon then gave the reins to her son. Zach made the clicking sound, then wheeled the horse around. Together they rode off.
She had a feeling that her son had been practicing his riding. He looked too at ease for a raw beginner.
“I know it’s hard to let go, Nora,” Abby began. “But Brandon will take care of him.”
“It’s just he’s so young and I worry.”
Abby watched the riders disappearing in the distance. “I was five when my dad took me out the first time. Of course, my mother nearly skinned him alive. Here in Texas, it’s like a rite of passage, especially for boys.” Her voice lowered. “And we both know Brandon would never let anything happen to that precious boy. He cares about the both of you too much.”
Nora glanced away. She didn’t need to hear this. She didn’t want to dream about what could happen between them. But this wasn’t a dream. It was real life. And for her there wasn’t going to be any happy ending.
Brandon was enjoying this roundup more than he had in a long time. Teaching Zach about cattle, and answering his many questions about growing up on a ranch helped put things into perspective.
They were nearly back when he started searching for Nora. He’d been foolish enough to make that promise about no kissing, and he had no choice but to honor it. But she was here today. That had to be a good sign.
“There’s one, Brandon,” Zach called, bringing Brandon out of his reverie.
“Let’s get him.” He dug his heels into Shadow’s side and they shot off after the stray calf. Zach was steady in the seat, but Brandon made sure there wasn’t any way he could fall off, especially being on a cutting horse with quick moves.
Once the horse had the small animal cornered, Zach waved the lasso and the bawling calf raced off toward the rest of the herd.
“We work pretty good together,” Brandon said, suddenly remembering when his dad had taken him out the first time. Although Zach wasn’t his son, he felt close to the boy. And his mother, too.
“This is fun,” Zach said. “The most fun ever.”
“Yeah, this ranks right up there.”
They stayed vigilant until the herd approached the pens and were greeted by loud cheers from the gathering crowd.
All Brandon cared about was seeing one person; Nora. He searched the group and found her standing with Hank and Ella. They smiled and waved.
“Hey, Brand, pay attention,” Jay yelled at him.
Brandon turned back in time and quickly blocked the path of two strays running out of the chute. “I guess I’m a little rusty.”
His brother closed the gate. “I know how to fix that. Spend some time at the ranch.”
All at once Brandon was reminded of the family meeting late afternoon, and his decision about the ranch operation.
“We’ll discuss it later,” he told his brother, then walked Shadow away from the pens.
His thoughts turned to Nora and Zach. What would she think about living out here? He knew Zach would love it here. A ranch was a great place for kids…a family.
Whoa, he was getting ahead of himself. First of all he had to find a way to kiss her. There had to be a way around that one. Right now, he’d take what he could get, spending some time with the mom and her son.
Once he dismounted, he helped Zach down, then handed the animal to one of the ranch hands. They headed toward Nora.
“Mom, did you see me?” Zach called. “We chased that calf back to the herd.”
“I saw. You were good.”
“Hank, did you see us, too?”
The older man dipped his head. “I sure did, son. I’d say we got us the makings of a cowboy here.” Hank turned to his wife and made the introductions.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Ella said. “The kids around here call me Grandma Ella.”
Although Hank or Ella weren’t blood, they’d stepped in to help raise Cade, Chance and Travis when no one else would take them.
Brandon heard Jay call to him. He turned around, knowing that his brother wanted help with the branding. “It looks like I’m not done.” He looked at Nora. “I was hoping you’d hang around until I finish. I wanted to take you out to see Mustang Valley.”
She shook her head. “You don’t need to take me out there. Besides, you have so many things to do today.”
“Yes, Nora, you need to go,” Hank said. “It’s too pretty a place to pass up.” He looked at his grandson. “Brandon, you take this lovely girl out there now. I’ll find someone to fill in for you.” Hank glanced around, searching. “There’s got to be someone who wants to show off for all these pretty cowgirls.”
Twenty minutes later, Nora sat beside Brandon in the Jeep. She counted her blessings that she wasn’t atop a horse. Due to lack of time, and all the activities of the day, Brandon decided to drive her out to the valley.
With Abby’s and Ella’s insistence, she’d left Zach in their care, but not until she checked his blood sugar levels and made sure he’d eaten. Abby had promised that she wouldn’t leave him. Nora had to admit that she was more afraid of being alone with Brandon than of Zach having problems with his insulin.
Brandon turned off the highway onto a gravel road. About half a mile further on, they came to a clearing where he parked at the edge of a rise.
“There aren’t any vehicles allowed past this point, so we have to walk the rest of the way. Is that okay for you?”
“Only if my tennis shoes will hold up.”
Brandon tipped his hat back and grinned at her. “Guess we’re going to have to take some of the city out of the girl and get you some boots.” His gaze moved over her body. “You’d look mighty cute in a pair of Western jeans.”
Nora started to deny she needed anything, but was distracted seeing the heated look in his eyes. By the time she regained some composure, he climbed out. When he opened her door, she stepped out and was suddenly speechless as she stared at the incredible scenery.
From the ridge she could look down at the lush, grassy meadow. Rows of huge oaks lined a winding rocky bottom creek. The leaves were just starting to change color, in an array of gold and red hues.
Brandon stepped up behind her. “Besides disturbing the mustangs, there aren’t any vehicles beyond this point because we rent our cabins to people who prefer quiet and solitude.”
She looked around and spotted the nearly hidden cabins scattered along the hillside. Brandon took her hand and led her to stone steps down the ridge. When they reached the bottom, he didn’t relinquish his tight grip on her.
“Welcome to Mustang Valley Nature Retreat. You get a better view if you come in on horseback, but we didn’t have the time today.” He glanced at her. “Next time we won’t have to rush.”
“Brandon, I probably won’t have a chance to come out here again.”
Brandon ignored her statement. He wasn’t going to give up on her. He was going to concentrate on enjoying being together today. He wanted her to see the special part of this valley. The mustangs.
“Come on.” He led her toward one of the large trees, which helped to shield their presence. Brandon stood behind her and pointed toward the meadow where a herd of five ponies wandered toward the creek.
“Oh, Brandon,” she whispered.
He felt a shiver run down his spine at her closeness, and forced himself to turn his attention back to the scene. “See that buckskin mare?” His voice was low. “She’s been around since I was a kid. That mud-brown and spotted one I don’t recognize. It’s nice to see th
ey’re all in good shape. Of course, Hank makes sure the animals stay healthy. He has a lot of help from our aunt Lindsey. She’s the resident vet.”
Nora gave him a sideways glance. “Keeping it in the family, huh?”
Seeing the wonder in her eyes, Brandon could only nod. She turned back around to watch the herd and he inhaled her soft scent, causing his gut to tighten.
This isn’t the time to think about how much you want this woman, he told himself and fought to keep from touching her. He concentrated on the group of ponies drinking from the creek. Soon a young colt began to run through the high grass.
“Oh, they’re precious.”
He smiled. “In a way they are. They’re part of our country’s history. Some people want to destroy them. Others, like Hank, want to keep them safe.”
“He’s done a wonderful job of it,” she said in awe. “He even found them a home. You have to be so proud to be a part of this.” Again, she looked at him. “And so lucky to be part of a family that has roots, a home.” Her eyes glistened with tears as she quickly glanced away. “We should go back.”
He wanted to argue, but stopped himself. From what he knew about her past, she didn’t trust easily. He wasn’t about to cause her any more stress.
She pushed away from the tree and started up the slope, but the soft wet ground was slippery. With a gasp, she lost her balance and started to fall. Brandon reached her as her knees hit the mud.
He managed to help her stand, then examined the mud on her once white shoes as he pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket. “Like I said, we have to get you some boots for the next time.”
She wiped her hands. “I don’t need any boots, because I can’t come back here again. I came to the rodeo today because of Zach.”
The only sound disturbing the silence was the running water in the creek. Luckily it covered the sound of his pounding heart. “I don’t believe you, Nora. You’re using your son as an excuse for what’s happening between us. How can I convince you that I’m not going to hurt you? I care about you and Zach.”
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