by Linda Broday
“Well, you know how things are. It was such a nice day, and Miss Delta needed some fresh air.” Rand boldly winked at her.
“And you can’t resist a pretty female. I know. I’ve heard it all before.”
Heat flooded Delta’s cheeks. “I’m sorry, Mr. Thorne. I wouldn’t have come if I’d known I’d be unwelcome. Rand, take me back to town please.” Her stiff words mirrored her spine. She shouldn’t have come.
“Now, just hold on a minute.” Rand leaped from the buggy and jabbed Cooper’s chest with a finger. They stepped out of Delta’s hearing, and from the looks of things were about to come to blows. Angry words flew, judging by the hand gestures, and though their voices were low, she had no doubt about the subject of their “discussion.”
Well, they didn’t have to worry. She knew when she wasn’t wanted. She’d learned that lesson a long time ago.
Without a word or a backward glance, Delta climbed from the buggy and stalked toward the road back to town. Cooper could go jump in a lake, preferably a deep one. She wouldn’t bother him anymore. In fact, both brothers could go straight to perdition. She’d walk to the boardinghouse on her own two feet.
The devil take them both.
She managed to get several yards before Cooper caught her arm. She whirled and her angry gaze slammed into his stormy grays. “I don’t need this, Mr. Thorne. Let me go, please.”
His right eyebrow arched as he released her. “I apologize for being a donkey’s smelly behind. You’re welcome at the Long Odds. Me and Rand just had a little disagreement, an old argument between brothers. I promise I’ll mind my p’s and q’s. Besides, you haven’t seen Bandit. I think you’ll like his progress.”
Delta hesitated. Cooper, a gentleman? She’d have to see that. “Fair warning. If I continue to feel out of place, I’m leaving.”
Cooper nodded. “Anytime you want to leave, just say the word and I’ll take you back to town myself.”
“So you named the dog Bandit?”
Cooper gave her a crooked smile. “Kinda fitting, don’t you think?”
“It’s perfect.”
“Rand is going to pitch in with the branding for a bit. Why don’t you let me take you to see the pup? That is, if it’s to your liking.”
“I’d like that just fine, Mr. Thorne.”
“Now, why is it that you can refer to my brother as Rand yet you call me Mr. Thorne?”
“You and I are still trying out this friendship thing.”
“And?”
Delta couldn’t help smiling. She liked keeping the man who seemed so sure of everything off-kilter. It was probably a place he hadn’t been very often.
“Haven’t decided. After all, you wanted to run the other way when we first met, if I recall.”
“Like I said, I’m a donkey’s rear end.”
“Your words, Mr. Thorne, not mine.”
“Can’t you consider calling me Cooper? Mr. Thorne sounds like a doddering old fool with half his teeth missing.”
“I’ll give it some thought.” Didn’t mean she’d honor his request.
She watched Rand mount Cooper’s buckskin and take off after a runaway calf. He wore a big goofy grin. Rand reminded her of a kid just getting his first pair of long pants.
On the other hand, Cooper seemed never to have worn anything but long pants. She’d always heard the expression that still waters ran deep. That described this man perfectly.
She admired the corded muscles in his arms, the firm jaw and sensual mouth, from under the shadow of her lashes. Where had all the air gone? The rugged rancher who rescued mistreated dogs and gave peaches to his friends seemed to have stolen it.
In an effort to cover the effect he had on her, she glanced around for the small orchard Mabel spoke about and located it not far from the whitewashed two-story house. He’d built a fence around the little grove or else the cattle would’ve tromped down the trees.
A strand of silence spun between them.
“Please, take me to see Bandit. I’m anxious to see the change.” The words came out breathless and quite unlike her.
Cooper offered his arm and they strolled back to the buggy. For all his confidence and surety about everything, his touch seemed more than a little hesitant as he helped her up. Bandit must’ve been keeping a sharp eye out, because he shot from the barn like a bullet before Cooper could get the buggy stopped. The dog was like a whirling dervish, dancing around the horse and yipping, evidently excited to see Cooper. The listless look in Bandit’s eyes was gone.
Delta expected Cooper would politely offer her a hand down, but she wasn’t prepared when he placed his hands around her waist and swung her easily to the ground. The movement brought her against his hard body, and he held her for a long moment.
It seemed as though the world had suddenly shifted. The ground had become sky and the clouds were beneath her feet. To cover her startlement, she knelt and buried her hot face in the dog’s fur. When she glanced up, Cooper was staring as though seeing her for the first time, amusement twinkling in eyes that had darkened to a deep, strange hue.
Delta quickly looked down at the dog, unsure of what Cooper’s strange expression meant. Maybe he was laughing at her for being such a ninny. “He’s changed so much. I can’t believe he’s the same dog you rescued.”
“About to eat me out of house and home,” Cooper growled. “Can’t get a blooming day’s work out of my men either. Seems all they can think about is feeding the mutt.”
The complaint carried no weight. He didn’t fool her. She knew Bandit’s recovery meant everything to him.
The door to the house opened and a tall, skinny man stepped out. Luckily, he wore wide suspenders, or else his pants would’ve fallen around his ankles. A big grin covered his face as he ambled toward them.
“Boss, I wonder if the lady would like some refreshment? I got some lemonade and a batch of fresh cookies that I made for Bandit. Ain’t often we get someone as pretty as her out here, beggin’ your pardon, ma’am.”
She smiled and nodded to him.
“Miss Delta, meet my cook, Mack Malone.”
“I’m right proud to meet you, Miss Delta.” The man’s slick, bald head glistened in the sunlight. “Come inside an’ take some lemonade with the boss an’ me.”
“Thank you, Mr. Malone. I’d be delighted.”
“Shoot, ma’am. I’m just plain ol’ Mack.”
And that’s how she came to be sitting in Cooper’s small parlor with Bandit lying with his head on her feet. For the last two hours she’d sipped on lemonade and eaten cookies while Mack told stories of times past when he cooked for General Lee during the war.
Rand entered the house a while later, bringing pure bedlam in with him. “Well, damn! Here I was busting my rear tackling ornery calves, up to my boot tops in cow patties and horse apples, and you’re in here being treated like a queen.” Rand’s grin still hadn’t slipped but he was a sight. His shirt was torn half-off, his arm was bleeding, and he walked with a limp.
“Rand, are you all right?” Delta leaped to her feet.
“Never better. Whooee, that was fun!”
“My brother had his brains scrambled sometime back, Miss Delta.” Cooper stretched his long legs out in front of him. “Hasn’t been the same since. I learned a long time ago to just accept his shortcomings and try to make the best of it.”
Rand snorted and turned to her. “I hope Coop hasn’t been too prickly and gave you a true Long Odds welcome. Hopefully he didn’t bore the socks off you.”
“I’ve enjoyed myself.” She didn’t know what to make of Cooper and Rand’s exchange. Were they being sarcastic or merely teasing? Hard to tell. But one thing was clear—they cared about each other more than any brothers she’d ever seen.
“I’ll wash up and take you back to town. Didn’t mean to keep you out here so long,” Ra
nd said.
“I’m fine. Truly.”
“Glad to hear it.” Rand glared at Cooper.
Cooper brushed back a lock of hair that had fallen onto his forehead, untangled his long legs, and got to his feet. “It’s not every day I get to spend time with something that doesn’t snort and bellow.”
Rand left the room. But when Mack followed him, Delta fidgeted under Cooper’s stare. The silence became uncomfortable. She leaned to pet Bandit.
At last, Cooper spoke. “I’m glad we have this chance to speak in private.”
“Why’s that?” If she’d had those hackles Cooper spoke about, they’d have been standing on end.
“Wanted to warn you about Rand. You’ll get your heart broken if you get too close. He likes all women…for a while. But like me, he’ll never find the altar.”
Delta covered the space between them so quickly Bandit scurried for safer territory. She glared up into eyes that reminded her of a cold winter’s day. “I can’t believe this. You have a lot of gall, Mr. Thorne. The way I see it, you gave up your right to meddle in my affairs when you told me in no uncertain terms that you weren’t looking for a wife. Therefore, what I do is none of your concern. If I want to—”
“Do what? Live in sin with Rand?” Cooper brushed her cheek with a fingertip. “You won’t. Women like you won’t throw your reputation to the wind. You want it all or nothing.”
She glared. “You’re awfully sure of yourself.”
“I know more than you think.” His words were soft. “I see the yearning for permanence in your eyes. Dear God, you’re a difficult woman to forget.”
Cooper tugged her against his lean body, lowered his head, and pressed his sensual lips firmly on hers. The long kiss held passion and promise and warmth. Delta’s breath got caught somewhere between the need for more and wishing she’d stayed in town, far away from men who indulged in contradictory behavior.
Her knees grew weak and she clutched the shirt covering his broad chest to keep from falling as the world tilted on its axis.
As the kiss deepened, their breaths mingled in a heated flurry while blood pounded in her ears. She heard a low moan and realized it came from her. Strange how it sounded so very far away.
Her stomach whirled and dipped as though she’d fallen from a great height. Tingles raced up her spine in some kind of mindless confusion. The anger that had propelled her into dangerous territory melted away and left a strange desire in its wake. She shouldn’t have let this happen. Before she could unclench her hands from his shirt to take a step back, he released her.
The kiss ended suddenly, leaving her wanting more.
Cooper’s sinful half smile turned her knees to jelly. “And that, Miss Delta, is how we do things here in Texas.”
Twelve
In a daze, Delta turned to escape outdoors. She noticed Rand standing in the doorway and her face flamed even more. Fury hardened his blue gaze and she knew he took offense to Cooper kissing her. At the moment, she wanted nothing to do with either brother. She pushed past Rand and raced into the fresh spring air.
She was mortified. What had she done that made either of them think that she welcomed their attention? Or vied for any man’s affection, for that matter? She’d done nothing except tend to her own affairs.
Burying her face in her hands, she wondered how she could ever look either of them in the eye again. Gathering her skirts, she climbed into the buggy and fumbled with the reins. All she could think to do was get back to the boardinghouse.
And yet, the lingering taste of Cooper on her tongue, the memory of his firm mouth on hers, sent waves of pleasure washing over her.
Maybe this was just another kind of torture for someone like her.
Maybe Cooper hadn’t meant to kiss her.
Or maybe he was used to taking liberties with women. After all, he’d spoken plainly about the many women he’d kissed. Had even bragged about it. It could be he collected kisses like old men collect lint in their pockets.
All she knew was that she had to leave as soon as possible. She was in the process of turning the buggy around when Rand charged from the house.
“Wait,” he hollered.
Delta pulled back on the reins and Rand got into the buggy. When she glanced up, Cooper stood in the doorway of the house, his face bathed in shadows. She wondered what had happened between him and Rand.
Or more importantly, between her and Cooper.
Dear God, help her. The man bewildered her and complicated her orderly life.
***
Cooper watched the buggy until it vanished from sight. He called himself every name he could think of. He had no idea what had come over him. The fresh fragrance of her, that damn beauty mark beneath her mouth, had driven him crazy. When she’d sprung to her feet, her temper flaring, all he could think about was kissing her senseless.
Hell would likely freeze over before he ever got another chance to taste her lips.
Miss Delta Dandridge was the most maddening woman he’d ever met. Most of the time he didn’t know if he was up or down. She had no idea what she did to a man. How she tied him in knots and made him forget his good sense. Hell!
Quite possibly after today, she’d never speak to him again.
The one thing he regretted was Rand. Cooper had never meant for the kiss to happen, but that his middle brother witnessed the act was unfortunate. They’d had words, had both said things they shouldn’t. Never had they let a woman come between them.
Until now. He winced.
He’d have to apologize the next time he went into town. But first, he’d give Rand time to cool off. Then he’d do his sorry-saying and everything would be all right again. They wouldn’t stay mad long. After all, their bond was strong.
Exactly why seeing her with Rand had burrowed deep under his skin he didn’t know. But it had. He wasn’t up to examining the reasons.
Not yet, anyway.
With regret weighing heavy on his chest, Cooper turned his attention to the branding. He’d best get on with it. He had lots to do before dark.
He meant to take the first shift of guard duty for the section farthest from the main gate when night fell. If anyone crossed onto his land, they’d probably do it there. Swinging into the saddle, he pointed Rebel toward the corral and the branding that couldn’t wait.
Then the day was gone before he could blink. The hot supper filled him, even if the fried potatoes were black underneath. At least the beans were good and the corn bread hit the spot. He looked longingly toward the bedroom and his soft bed before grabbing his rifle and trudging out to saddle Rebel.
It was going to be a long night.
A short while later, he pulled up the collar of his jacket against the chill and settled under a big tree, with the rifle lying across his stomach. The buckskin nibbled on some rye grass nearby. A quarter moon dimly lit the countryside.
He’d stationed three more men at intervals up and down the mile-long stretch of land. Cooper was grateful that steep cliffs guarded most of the Long Odds. Sure made his task a lot easier. He’d told his men to fire three shots in the air if they saw intruders.
Somewhere in the distance, coyotes howled. The night predators had come out, it appeared. Sudden rustling of the brush made the hair on his neck stand on end.
Pointing the rifle in the direction of the sound, he slowly stood. Surprise and relief came in equal measures when Bandit bounded out.
The way the scamp’s tongue lolled to one side, it looked like he was grinning to beat all. The dog jumped up on Cooper’s leg.
“Hey, boy.” Cooper knelt to take the animal in his arms. “Don’t know what you’re doing out here, but I’m happy to see you. Long as you’re here, you might as well learn how to guard. You appear to be a natural at tracking already.”
Resuming his place under the tree, he reflected on how bl
essed he was. A man couldn’t hope for more than a good horse and a faithful dog. Sure helped ease life’s trials.
It neared midnight when strange sounds reached his ears. Hooves struck the ground and brush snapped under the weight of something. Bandit’s ears perked up.
Cooper quietly stood, his finger resting on the trigger of the old Winchester. He crept forward on the balls of his feet as the moist night air swirled about him.
All of a sudden a horse came into view, pulling an oxcart that had a steer in it.
“That’s far enough,” Cooper warned.
In the next instant, another horse and rider came at Cooper from behind at a full gallop.
He aimed the rifle, but before he could get a shot off, he had to leap out of the way to avoid being trampled.
Hell and be damned!
Rolling out from under the horse’s hooves, he jumped to his feet. The rider pulled hard on the reins and the horse turned. Back they came even faster. Cooper grabbed Bandit and scrambled behind the tree. He’d lost his Winchester during the fall. The moon’s rays glinted off of the rifle where it lay several yards away.
Jerking his pistol from the holster, he squeezed off three shots. The rider yelled and grabbed his arm. The man driving the cart returned fire, all the while trying to get his cart turned around.
Evidently seeing it was useless, the obscured trespasser scrambled onto the back of the horse that carried the lone rider and they galloped off into the blackness.
Reinforcements arrived about five minutes later. Cooper and the men inspected the abandoned cart and the steer inside. The poor beast had thick mucus hanging from its mouth and could barely stand, leaving no doubt about its purpose.
“Did you see the varmints, Coop?” Zeke asked.
“Just barely. Both men had their hats pulled down low, and I was too busy trying to stay alive to try to get a better glimpse of them. This is the last button on Mabel’s drawers. You can bet I’ll pay a visit to the few neighbors around here bright and early tomorrow. Should’ve long before this.”
“An’ I’ll go with you,” Zeke declared.
