She pretended his strong hands sliding up and down her arms had no effect. Truth be told, seismic waves scorched their way to the ends of her fingertips.
“Unless you want your boots wet, you’ll leave me alone.”
“Then meet me at the Cactus Club tomorrow at two.” One corner of his mouth lifted. “You remember how to get there?”
“Sunday is my day for scullery maid duties.” Her brain issued a stern warning. His tone of voice said he was glad to see her, but his eyes gave nothing away. Meeting him wasn’t a good idea. Unfortunately, her heart wasn’t in the mood to listen.
“Since when do you do housework?”
“A lot’s changed since...” She bit off the sentence. Confiding in Cash served no purpose.
Letting him touch her had been a mistake. Did she pull away? Nooo. She stood there while his hands travelled down until his fingers twined through hers.
“I’ll be there tomorrow at two. I hope you’ll come.”
Her bladder, which was soon to erupt like Mount Vesuvius, issued a final warning. Stacey nodded her agreement and rushed into the restroom. When she came out, Cash was nowhere to be seen. And she had no way to retract the date.
Her bar was stacked three deep when she returned, and Jonathan’s expression of disapproval wiped Cash Butler from her thoughts.
“Sorry.”
“The crowd’s killing me,” he muttered, moving to the tubs of beer and turning his back to the bar.
Again after closing, the baby cowboy waited next to her car. She sent him on his way wondering how many times she’d said no to him tonight. At least he took her refusals like a gentleman. She thanked Jonathan for waiting and drove away.
Tired beyond imagination, she stared at the ceiling. She tried to fall asleep, but Cash’s appearance pulled on her emotions. Could they ever be just friends? She couldn’t allow more.
Even by the light of the pool tables, his smoky gray eyes hinted at a hard edge to his personality. Had his time in the military left him harsh and bitter?
He’d grown up poor with no father and an absentee mother. Back then, Stacey hadn’t agreed with his belief that love didn’t last forever. Obviously, he’d meant it or he wouldn’t have professed his undying love and then deserted her.
****
Stacey pulled into the Cactus Club parking lot and killed the engine. Even during the daytime, neon lights blinked a frantic rhythm around the outline of a monster orange Cactus. The building sat at the back of a huge parking lot, making the location the perfect place for a secret rendezvous. Which, she reminded herself, was not why she’d come.
She was still adjusting to the cave-like atmosphere when a pair of hands slid around her waist and snuggled her body against his. Instinctively, she breathed in his woodsy scent and leaned back against him. “I’d recognize that touch anywhere.”
He laughed, and his chest rumbled against her. The sound was real and sincere. Controlling her emotions around him was going to be like treading water in a tidal wave.
“Sug,” he breathed her old nickname into her hair. “It’s good to hold you in my arms.”
He buried his face in her neck. His warm breath sent a flush up to her hairline. Turning to face him, her skin heated. She might have been standing in the middle of a forest fire. Back away.
“It’s been a long time.” Stacey dragged her hormones under control. “Your self-confidence has improved in the past ten years.”
“Age and the military taught me to reach out if I want something.” He tilted his head, leaned in and brushed her lips lightly with his. “I’m glad you’re here.”
In an effort to regain control over her hormones, Stacey backed away. She slipped her arm in his. “Lead the way.”
He escorted her to a booth back in the corner where the lights were dim but at least you could see the person across from you.
The desire to hear how life had treated him churned in her stomach. Had he been in love? Married? Missed her? His unreadable eyes gave nothing away.
“Last night you said you’re not bullet proof. How badly were you hurt?”
“Took a bullet in the leg. Screwed up the bone.” He shrugged. “No big deal.”
He avoided her gaze, contradicting his statement. Having to leave the military was a really “big deal” to him. “I think maybe it was.”
“The Army needs men who are a hundred-ten percent ready.” He lifted one shoulder. “I’m a hundred.”
“After all your world travels, what does Oak Hill have to offer?”
“A lot, now that you’re here. Want to tell me why you’re back?” Typical Cash, he went straight to the heart of the matter.
Stacey’s heart skipped a beat. He’d been her protector when they were kids, long before young love complicated their lives. He’d watched over her, even protected her from a couple of schoolyard bullies who thought they could take her swing. Thinking back, she’d probably fallen for him then.
The need to touch him won. Reaching across the table, she took his hand. “I’m fine.”
“You’re lying, but I’ll respect your privacy.” Cash stroked her knuckles with his thumb, scorching her flesh. “For the time being.”
Stacey smiled at his insinuation. “What? Are you going Billy-Bad-Ass on me again?” She leaned back and looked him over.
Cash coughed out a laugh, “Are you saying I was overprotective of you back when?”
“Not at all. After Mom died, Dad was always too busy. You were there for me.”
His smile turned angelic. It gave him the look of elegance. His lips, full and tilted upward at the edges, gave him a sensuous hungry mouth and made him look as if he knew something no one else did. His movements were fluid and deliberate.
They’d never talked about her father’s money or Cash’s poverty. She’d blamed his financial situation for him surprising everyone by joining the Army. He’d broken her heart when he left without saying goodbye.
Funny, after all these years, part of her still ached.
Cash was all Texan—boots, black Wranglers, tailored white shirt and always, no matter the season, a black western hat. He was an optical feast for the eyes, ramping up his sex appeal by looking down behind long black eyelashes.
“Do I pass inspection?” Leaning across the table, he whispered, “I can be had, you know. You keep looking at me like I’m the lunch special, I’ll pay the tab, and we’ll locate the closest mattress.”
“Hmm, generous offer. It sounds incredibly romantic.” They shared a laugh, and Stacey marveled how easily she’d relaxed. “You didn’t answer my question. This part of the country can’t have much of an appeal to someone who’s been all over the world. What’s next?”
He stared at her hand in his, and a cold vise gripped her heart. Was he leaving again?
“I bought a place outside of town. Nice spread for a horse ranch. Take a drive with me?”
She hesitated, trying to decide if accepting his invitation was a good idea.
“Come on. Leave your car here. I’ll bring you back.” He extended his hand.
“I’d like to see your home.”
Probably not a smart move, but she’d committed. He’d been wild and restless in his youth. Had age settled him down? Not that it mattered. A temporary relationship with him was like waving a red flag at an angry bull—a sure way to get trampled or gored.
He stood and helped her to her feet. They walked outside together. His hand rested on her lower back, making her knees weak.
Cash opened the pickup door for her and then leaned across, fastening her seat belt. She wasn’t helpless, but who was she to deny him the pleasure? She closed her eyes, allowing his scent to wrap around her. The fresh aroma of the woods, clean air, and sunshine turned her bones to jelly. Soft lips pressed against hers. She opened her eyes to find his face inches from hers. Storm clouds gathered behind his eyes.
“Uh-uh,” she said despite wanting to lean in for another taste. “Not happening. I’ve sworn off men.”
/>
“All men?”
“Yes. You in particular.”
“A challenge? We’ll see if I can change your mind.” He dragged a finger across her jaw line, sending a shiver up her spine. “Besides, I couldn’t help myself. Your eyes were closed.”
Chapter Two
He’d lost his mind. Must have. Cash had no other excuse for pretending their prior relationship hadn’t been a disaster. His Stacey, the fresh-faced girl with the innocent bloom of youth, had haunted his dreams many hot nights during his stint in the Army. This Stacey had grown into a stunningly beautiful woman.
Locating her had crossed his mind, but he’d figured she’d be caught up in the high-society life her father wanted for her. Dear Old Dad hadn’t approved of the kid with holes in his jeans whose mama scrubbed toilets for a living.
Cash’s belly rolled into a knot. Was taking her to the ranch without telling her a mistake? How would she react? And why was it so damned important she be pleased? Better to warn her. He pulled the truck onto the gravel shoulder and stopped.
“I need to tell you...” He paused when her blue eyes reflected concern.
She touched his arm, sending napalm-like streaks straight to his groin. “There’s nothing you can’t tell me.”
He stared, mesmerized for a second. Oh, hell. Grow a pair and tell her. “I bought your old home place.”
She sat silently for the longest time. Cash tried to keep up with the myriad of changes that passed behind her gaze. He waited patiently, letting her sort through her feelings. He needed the truth, not a lie to placate him.
Unless she’d changed, she’d never been a good liar. Her honesty about the two of them had resulted in a visit from her father and the sheriff. Looking back, Cash understood how he and his mother had allowed themselves to be bullied. He’d opted to join the Army to avoid a trumped up charge designed to send him to jail. Her dad had laid it out plain and simple. Cash wasn’t good enough for his baby.
“Are you happy living there?” The corners of her mouth lifted, but her expression shouted help me out here ’cause I’m at a loss for words.
“I guess that’s an honest first question.” If only he had a good answer. “The place feels more like home now that the renovation is complete.”
Now who was lying? He could’ve been honest and confessed he’d originally bought the ranch out of spite. A stupid effort to prove his worth. Thankfully, after the first horse was unloaded, he’d released those old resentments.
Or had he?
“Show me.” Her tone sounded sincere, and Cash’s bunched shoulders relaxed a little.
Back out on the highway, he hooked a right and drove under the archway where the McKinney Angus Cattle Ranch sign had hung. He’d had it replaced with one that read, Butler Quarter Horse Ranch. If she had pangs of resentment, her face didn’t show any signs.
“You graveled the road back to the house.” Stacey rolled down the window, allowing her long blonde hair to billow around her shoulders.
“Not me. The woman I bought the place from made some changes of her own. When the husband died, she wanted to move into the city. I was in the right place at the right time.”
He parked in front of the ranch house and hopped out to open Stacey’s door. Her gaze scanned the area and then came to rest on his face. Chills raced up his spine. What was going through her mind? He hoped bringing her out here didn’t dredge up sad memories.
“I’m glad you bought it. The place suits you.” She stepped down and wrapped a strand of hair around her finger, a habit he remembered her having when they were teenagers. The familiarity of her action sent surges of undefined emotions racing through him.
What thoughts were running through her mind? Did coming here reopen the pain of losing her mother? Did Stacey remember his declaration of undying love sitting right there on those steps? Or did she think of how her father made an impoverished, unworthy eighteen-year-old feel when he ran him out of town?
A lot of time had passed. Seeing her—being near her—sent ideas racing through his mind and made him wonder. Could a person ever really go home again? He’d walked away from her once, didn’t think he could do it again. Things were different now. The poor kid from the wrong side of town didn’t exist anymore. This grown man ran scared from no one.
“House or barns?” she asked.
“What?” He hated to ask her to repeat herself. Felt stupid for letting his thoughts wander.
“Where to first?”
“Barns. I want to introduce you to someone.”
Stacey accepted his extended hand and followed him to what once had been a cattle barn. Inside, his chest swelled with pride when her face lit up at the changes. Horse stalls lined the walls. A wash rack, tack room, and feed storage finished the transformation.
“I can see why we came here first,” she said, sounding pleased. “This is impressive.”
“I wanted you to see the changes, but there’s more.” He walked down the aisle, stopping outside a stall.
Stacey peeked over the gate. Her jaw dropped. She was staring at a magnificent sorrel foal, a colt. “He’s beautiful.” She glanced around. “Where’s his mother?”
“Died two days after giving birth.” He caught the shift in her eyes. Damn, he hadn’t brought here out her to make her sad. “Luckily, he got that first mother’s milk. Gave him a good beginning.” Cash’s throat tightened. A lot rode on this colt. The first offspring of his stallion, a good showing in the sale barn could establish the ranch’s name. “One of the boys located a nurse mare. She’ll be delivered today. If the foal won’t nurse, we’ll bottle-feed him every hour.”
Stacey held out her hand, and the young horse backed away. “It’s okay,” she spoke in soothing tones. “You don’t have to trust me.”
Fearlessly, she opened the stall door and stepped inside, moving slowly. She stopped a foot away and held out her hand again. Cash’s heart did a weird squeeze when the young stallion moved closer, allowing her to stroke his neck.
“He likes you.” So do I. And that could be a mistake. The fact she hadn’t answered his phone calls all those years ago still stung. That she’d bowed to her father’s belief that Cash wasn’t good enough for her shouldn’t still nag at him, but it did. He shook off those thoughts. She was here and that’s all that mattered.
Stacey stepped out of the stall into the aisle. She turned when the colt nickered, and she stumbled over a water hose. Cash reached to steady her, but she tumbled to the hard floor. Sweeping her into in his arms, he carried her to a bale of hay.
“I’m fine. Put me down.”
“You sure you’re not hurt?” He sat her down and knelt in front of her. He brushed her cheek to inspect for bruises. Her eyes flashed wide, and her lips parted. Lush, pink, and moist, her mouth begged to be kissed. So he took off his hat, leaned in, and did exactly that.
****
Lightning bolts shot in every direction, mostly in the area of Stacey’s lower belly. Cash’s earlier kiss had been a beginning, an exploration. This was a full out assault. Tossing resolve aside, she put both hands on the back of his head and pulled him to her. Her lips reacquainted themselves with his. The effect swept away all reason. His tongue painted exotic pictures of future delights. He wanted her. The evidence pressed hard against her leg.
Holy crap. She’d jumped on a runaway train. Her brain warned they were screaming downhill out of control, but her body begged for more. She shifted her position, allowing him to slide between her thighs, moaning when he rubbed against her.
A cease and desist signal kept circling, refusing to be ignored. Finally, with great effort she pushed him away. She straightened her blouse and smoothed her hair. He tilted his head to one side, ran his thumb down her jaw and then gently kissed her forehead.
“Look.” Her ragged breathing made speaking difficult. “I can’t explain what’s happening. Maybe it’s old memories. Maybe there’s something real happening. I don’t know if I can handle it right now.”
“Then we take baby steps, because what’s happening is ‘real.’ But there’s more going on here. What’s got you so skittish? I can’t lend a hand if you won’t tell me.”
“I don’t need help.”
“My gut tells me you’re wrong.” He sighed when she didn’t speak. “Come on, I’ll show you the stallion barn and the house.”
The exterior grounds, with the new horse corral and hot-walker, bore little resemblance to when she’d called this place home. When they started toward the house, her heart stumbled. She half expected to see her mother step out and wave. Losing her to cancer had left twelve-year-old Stacey heartbroken.
Cash’s arm rested on her shoulder. The smile he’d worn earlier had vanished. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I should’ve realized. Let’s get out of here.”
She leaned against his muscular frame. With him supporting her, she could do this. “No. I want to go inside.”
The walk up the path and through the gate was eerie and threw her a little off balance. Memories of how hard she’d fought against the move to Houston flooded her. In the dreams of her eighteen-year-old brain, she’d expected Cash to ride in on a white horse and save her. He hadn’t.
“You sure?” Cash stood so close his warm breath caressed her skin.
“Yes.” She straightened her shoulders and stepped through the door, hoping to embrace the place as his home.
The interior had taken on a distinct masculine feel. Gone were the bright colors her mother had loved. Dark paneling covered the living room walls and hardwood floors displayed a collection of original Indian handmade throw rugs. The coffee table was one of those constructed out of a tree stump variety and had been varnished many times to produce a dazzling sheen. A mahogany leather couch and two overstuffed chairs flanked by small tables reflected Cash’s taste.
A painting hung over the fireplace, an old cowboy sitting in front of a roaring fireplace, worn out boots by his chair and sleeping dog at his feet. The man appeared to be dozing with a dream overhead of a young man on a wilding bucking horse.
Someone to Watch Over Me Page 2
