by T. J. Kline
“Here!” She threw the pillow at him, only somewhat mollified when it hit his face with a soft thump. “I wouldn’t want you to complain you’re cold and try to make your way to the bed after all.”
She almost laughed at him trying to dig his way out of the blanket tangled around him. “How very kind of you, Your Highness,” he mocked.
“Go to hell.”
“I’ll meet you there,” he said, rolling onto his side and turned his back toward her.
“You are the most arrogant, conceited ass I have ever had the misfortune to meet,” she raged, assuring herself that if her mother had ever had to deal with Scott Chandler on a regular basis, she wouldn’t think cursing was unladylike.
Scott’s laughter reverberated in the small trailer. “Sweetheart, you need to get out more.”
If I were a man, she thought, I’d punch him. She wanted to scream in frustration. Blinking back her angry tears, she reached down and grabbed a handful of the blanket. “On second thought, I hope you freeze!” She pulled as hard as she could, storming back into the bedroom, dragging the blanket as Scott fell off couch and hit the floor with a thud.
Chapter Five
* * *
“DAMN!” SYDNEY HEARD a voice just before something clattered to the floor. “Crap!”
Sydney opened her eyes and raised herself onto her elbow to see what the commotion was about. She could only see Scott at the sink, but it sounded like he’d dropped every pot and pan at least twice. She slipped from the blankets and made her way to the doorway between the kitchen area and bedroom. In no way was she prepared for the sight that met her eyes.
Scott stood in the middle of the small trailer covered in milk and eggs. The small sink was filled with dirty dishes. The entire counter and some of the floor were covered with egg shells, raw egg, and milk. On the stove, smoke was pouring from a lump that looked as if it could have once been bacon. Scott was waving a towel, trying to push the smoke to an open window, so he didn’t seem to have heard her approach.
Sydney stifled a laugh, but Scott heard it and turned her way, giving her a murderous glare. It might have been enough to end the humor of the moment if he hadn’t already used the towel to wipe up some of his mess. He flipped the towel and raw egg yolk flung backward, landing on his forehead and slipping down, dropping from the end of his nose to land at his feet. At his look of utter distaste, Sydney’s giggles exploded into outright gales of laughter.
“Are you going to keep laughing all day?” he asked as he turned off the stove and wiped the mess from his face. “Or do I need to drag you down here to help me?” His irritation only made her laugh harder. Scott glared at her, his black eyes flashing.
“Okay,” she finally managed between spurts of laughter. “I’ll help.”
She had barely cleared the stairs when Scott pulled her into his arms, his body pressing fully against her own. “So,” he growled. “You think this is pretty funny?” Sydney was sure her smile belied the negative shake of her head. “What am I going to do with you?” Scott asked as he maneuvered her toward the counter.
Her pulse raced wildly as he held her wrists behind her back. She was completely at his mercy but she knew his playful mood was only dangerous to her heart. “You could let me go,” she suggested, trying to appear nonchalant.
Scott released her wrists and circled her waist with one arm, molding her body to his. He leaned closer, brushing his lips across her check to her earlobe. She closed her eyes in anticipation of his kiss, surrendering to the desire coursing through her. She’d dreamt about his kiss when sleep had finally claimed her in the early morning hours.
“I have something much more enjoyable in mind,” he whispered, his lips brushing her earlobe, sending shivers down her spine.
Scott pulled back and looked her in the eye, his eyes as dark as she’d ever seen them but almost sparkling with wicked charm. Sydney was confused when he gave her the same smile she’d seen so often from her brother when he’d just pulled off a prank. She quickly realized she’d been had. She followed his gaze to his hand, raised in the air just above her head, just in time to see him crack an egg against the cabinet above. She squealed and tried to squirm away from him as the wet, slimy mess landed on her forehead.
“Bull’s-eye.” Scott’s deep laughter rumbled through the trailer. “Now we’re even.”
“Ugh!” Sydney groaned as the egg yolk slid down her face and into her t-shirt.
“Need some help cleaning that up?” he teased, raising an eyebrow impishly, his eyes gleaming dangerously.
Sydney looked down to see her shirt clinging to her breasts and felt the egg yolk slide down her stomach. She spun away from him, reaching for the towel on the sink, and began to wipe the mess from under her shirt.
“You sure you don’t want an extra hand?” Scott chuckled.
Sydney spotted the soapy water, complete with bits of cooked eggs floating on top. With her back still to him, she silently scooped up water in a dirty glass. “Actually, maybe you can help.” She spun to face him, her hands around the glass of water.
“Don’t,” he warned.
“I think you need to cool off a bit,” she threatened. He surprised her, moving quickly to disarm her of the glass, but she had quicker reflexes than he’d assumed. Sydney pitched the water at him, feeling satisfied as it connected squarely on his chest and splashed water in his face, momentarily blinding him.
Scott yelled in surprise, giving her a moment to scoot away from his grasp in the confined space.
“There!” she said, triumphant. “Now, we are even.”
“Oh, sweetheart, we aren’t even close.” Scott’s voice was too calm as he made his way toward her, and she realized exactly how a kitten must feel when it teases a snake, awakening danger it didn’t expect.
She quickly searched the area for any sort of weapon. Grabbing a handful of cold scrambled eggs, she whirled to confront her attacker. “One more step and you’ll be wearing these, too.” Scott regarded her with an amused smile and took another step toward her. “I mean it, pal.”
Scott dodged the eggs flung toward him. He wasn’t as lucky, however, when a well-aimed handful of what had once been hash browns immediately followed and hit the side of his head. Sydney realized her folly too late and ran for the door, hoping to seek refuge outside. She flew out the door, leaping off the top stair just in time to see Jake walking toward the trailer, a worried frown creasing his brow.
“Jake,” Sydney screamed, laughing again, trying to run toward the confused man.
“Oh, no you don’t.” Scott grabbed her by the waist and swung her over his shoulder like a sack of grain.
“Jake, help!” she screamed, pounding helplessly on Scott’s solid back.
“Oh no, honey,” Jake chuckled. “He’s my boss. I’m staying out of this.”
She cast him an evil glare but didn’t think it had any effect with her hanging upside down. Jake was quickly forgotten when she realized that Scott was heading toward the water trough.
“Scott, don’t you dare!”
“Well, Sydney, you seem to like water. Maybe you need to cool off.” He stopped directly in front of the trough. She could see the leaves of alfalfa floating on top. “You did say you might need help cleaning up your shirt. I’m just being helpful, the way you were.”
Begging for forgiveness wasn’t usually her style, but then again neither was sitting in an icy water trough at seven AM in a deserted rodeo arena. She had to try. “Scott, I’m really sorry that I threw that water at you.”
“And . . .?” he encouraged.
“And, um, I’m sorry I laughed at your attempt to make breakfast.” He didn’t move, and she wondered how long a person could hang upside down with all of the blood rushing to her head. “Well?” She was getting anxious to have her feet on solid ground again.
“You apologize real pretty-like, honey.” Scott mimicked Jake’s drawl.
“So, can you put me down now?”
“’Cour
se,” he agreed amiably.
Before she knew it she was flipped upright, waiting for her feet to hit ground that never arrived. Suddenly, water splashed overhead and she found herself seated in the livestock trough.
“Now, that would make a fun picture.” Scott stood with his fists firmly planted on his hips, not even trying to contain his laughter as she swiped wet curls from her eyes. He reached down to pluck a piece of alfalfa from her hair and she swatted at his hand.
“Ass,” she muttered under her breath.
“Is that any way for a lady to talk?” Scott leaned close and grasped her hands, helping her out of the water. “Besides, you’re repeating your insults.”
She glared at him as she stepped out before shoving him out the way, ignoring his laughter as he walked behind her back to the trailer. Jake led the way and stepped through the doorway, but stopped so suddenly that Sydney ran into his immobile form. He let out a low whistle as he looked inside the trailer.
He turned and faced them both. “Does this mean I’m heading out to pick up breakfast?”
Sydney’s eyes met Scott’s, and neither bothered to contain the laughter that burst from within.
“JAKE, GET THOSE horses in the trailer.” Scott’s shout echoed across the empty rodeo arena.
Sydney rode up on Dakota. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come along?”
“No, we need those other horses exercised before we head out.”
“Fine,” she answered tersely as she turned the horse and rode toward the arena.
Scott shook his head as he watched her departure from his side mirror. He’d thought that after this morning they’d be able to call a truce, but she hadn’t spoken to him while they cleaned up the mess in the trailer. He knew he was partially to blame. He’d allowed himself to get carried away this morning. But she looked so tempting in nothing but a t-shirt, her long legs bare to her shorts. He knew she was nervous about meeting everyone on the ranch later, and he probably should’ve allowed her on this first trip and gotten the instructions over with, but it was taking every ounce of control to be around her without kissing her senseless. And he was doubtful that being locked in a truck with her for the five-hour round trip was going to help any.
This morning after a sleepless night on the couch, he’d tried to do something nice and make her breakfast, but that only ended up with him needing a cold shower. Not that he’d entertained any ulterior motives like crawling into bed with her. He barely contained a groan at the thought. It was worth it for just a moment when he held her body pressed against his. He hadn’t realized how a punishment could be so doubled-edged until he decided to give her the dunking she deserved. She’d looked so tantalizing as she stood from the water, her shirt clinging to her, he could just imagine how it would feel to hold her without the barriers of clothing. He shook his head to rid him of his reckless thoughts. The last thing I need, he thought adamantly, is to get involved with someone like her, like Liz.
Just the thought of the tall, waifish blond brought back the pain of her betrayal. He found out sooner than most cowboys that a rodeo queen’s beauty, especially Liz’s, was only skin deep. Looking back, he could see where she’d manipulated him. It had been easy, since he’d been so taken in by her looks that he’d forgotten how spoiled Mike’s daughter had become when she returned to the ranch after college.
All he’d seen was her emerald eyes and long silken blonde hair; she was like an angel on Earth. Before she’d headed off to school, she’d always been the annoying girl that constantly pestered him and his best friend, Kurt. Once she’d returned fully developed after her first year, both men had vied for her attention. She had mastered the art of flirtation, but Scott was attracted to her vulnerability, as if only he could shelter her from the rest of the world. He liked being her knight. And the first time they’d made love had been initiated by her desire for him to hold and protect her. With professions of love, they were soon engaged. Everyone on the ranch was happy; it finally looked as if the two families would join in more than just business. Even Kurt was happy for them—or so he thought.
Arriving home from a trip to purchase cattle a day earlier than planned, he’d hoped to surprise Liz. He searched the house for her, and when he didn’t find her he’d assumed that she must have gone shopping with his sister, maybe making more wedding plans. Scott made his way out to the barn to get some work done until she came back home. Entering, he could see that someone had left a light on in the office. The horses whinnied at his arrival, and he could hear voices over the sounds but couldn’t make out words until he reached the doorway.
As if someone else were controlling his body, and with a calm his heart wasn’t feeling, Scott cleared his throat. Kurt and Liz, caught in the middle of their lovemaking, looked up to see Scott in the doorway.
“Scott,” she cried. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she pushed away from Kurt. She tried to gather her clothing around her and ran toward Scott. “He tried to . . . I mean . . . he . . .”
Scott wondered what possible excuse she was going to try to make. “What, Liz? Spit it out.” His voice was tight, and he felt like he could barely get the words out. His mind was beginning to cloud over with rage, and he wanted to beat someone senseless.
“Scott, he raped me,” she whispered.
Scott’s eyes met those of the man who had been his friend, or so he’d thought. Kurt was pulling his pants up and buckling them. Had Kurt feigned disbelief, anger, or even denied the charge, Scott would have believed her. Instead, Kurt leaned back on the desk, almost bored, and Scott knew this was another performance designed to reel him back into her web of deceit. For her to even claim something so audacious, she must not have realized how long Scott had been standing at the door. Long enough to hear her passionate words for Kurt and insults toward Scott, who was “too stupid to see what went on in his own office.”
Scott wanted to hurt her, hurt them both, as he’d been hurt. He looked down at her and removed her hand from his chest, where she was trying to cuddle up against him. “I hate to be blunt, but you were riding that pony willingly.”
The slap sounded like a gunshot in the small room. Liz shook her hand, but Scott refused to react. Instead, he looked at Kurt. “If I ever see you around this ranch again, if I ever see you on the circuit again, under any circumstances . . .”
“Don’t threaten me, Scott.” Kurt’s gaze was dangerous yet slightly glazed. “You can’t do anything. We both know I’m bigger, faster, and stronger.”
“If I ever see you again, you will lose your card.” Scott saw Kurt’s eyes narrow. “I will report your drug use without a second thought.” Kurt reached for his shirt.
“You bastard!” Liz spat at him. “If you’d really loved me, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Scott was struck by the absurdity of her words. His fault? Between him and her father, this woman had never wanted for anything. He looked down at her tearful emerald eyes, now glimmering with fury at not getting her way. He would never give her the satisfaction of knowing that she had ripped his heart out.
Scott turned on his heel, chuckling, and left the barn. He immediately loaded his truck, intent on heading out to the first rodeo he could find. Throwing himself into his work had proved to be his only distraction until the pain of her betrayal had been buried deep enough that it didn’t rise up. And any woman who decided to flirt with him usually ignored the bitterness that tinged his intimacies. He’d been able to avoid any sort of emotional tie, until Sydney.
Liz had disappeared after that final confrontation. Scott never told Mike what had happened, but he hadn’t needed to. When he returned home, Mike informed him that she had taken off that same day with Kurt, saying she had decided to “ride the circuit.” Scott wasn’t sure if Mike was more hurt because of the way Liz had treated him or because she had once again abandoned Mike and the ranch to run away.
“She acted like it was an adventure.” Mike withdrew an envelope from his pocket. “She left this fo
r you.”
Scott reluctantly tore it open, its contents spilling into his hand. Mike picked up the engagement ring and held it up. “It just didn’t work out, Mike.”
Scott could see that Mike wanted to ask more questions but that he also wouldn’t want to hear the truth. “So, how’d the rodeo go?” Scott’s respect for Mike grew as he allowed Scott his privacy.
Scott had tried to focus on the endless stretch of road, watching for exits, leaving behind the highway for a road banked by lush, green pastures. They’d been lucky that Liz had stayed away the past two years. She’d only kept in contact with her father in short letters and emails with an occasional phone conversation, usually begging for more money, which Mike always sent her. The further away Liz stayed, the better off everyone was, Scott decided.
As Scott made his way down the driveway to the main corral, he saw bodies pour from the house. Mike led the way, followed by Clay, Scott’s huge brother-in-law. He questioned whether the man had been lifting weights in his absence again. He saw his sister following behind and wondered again how the two of them could have such similar personalities and ethics, yet Derek, who hadn’t even shown up, could be so different. Silvie, short and heavyset, with her apron still tied around her waist, brought up the rear.
“Scott,” Mike yelled as he turned off the truck engine. “I didn’t expect you here so soon.”
Scott headed to the back of the trailer. “I wanted to get started since we’re making two trips today.” He opened the back gate and, unclipping the first two horses, backed them out together.
“How many horses did you end up getting?”
“Seven, plus the stud is coming back, too.” He passed the lead ropes to Clay, who took the horses to the corral. Before he could say anything else, he heard Jennifer squeal as she threw her arms around his neck.
