“So we’re all on our own for dinner tonight,” Reese said. “Are you guys going out?”
Cassie eyed the spotless kitchen, unable to think of what she could possibly throw together at such short notice. “I haven’t even thought about it.”
The boys began pounding at the back door. Jade darted toward the mudroom. “You don’t want to let those animals in, trust me. See you tomorrow night.” With her large bag secured over one arm, the carrier looped beneath the other, Jade hobbled toward the door.
“Thanks for helping me with the garden,” Cassie hollered. “And for lending me the books,” she added, recalling the novels she’d brought.
Reese stepped over to give Cassie a hug. “Call me if you want any last minute recipe ideas for tonight. I’ve got a million,” she said. “And about that little blow-up between you and Shane last week – it’s better that you got all that out in the open. Makes it easier to move ahead.” She gave her a friendly smile, her face looking thoughtful.
“You’re in the right place, Cassie. And I’m not saying that because it was right for me and Jade. I just … I can feel it.” She leaned in closer. “Truth be known, I prayed you here, knowing it was the only way Shane would give a girl a chance. And no matter what happens now, I will care about you forever.” The tender-hearted woman wrapped her arms around Cassie once more.
Reese was a lover and a dreamer, and Cassie adored that about her. As she returned Reese’s embrace, the kids noisily wrestling outside, she mused perhaps Shane’s sister-in-law was right. Maybe she was meant to end up here – be a part of their lives. For how long she didn’t know, but Cassie planned to enjoy it while it lasted. Embrace the family who’d welcomed her into their lives – one day at a time.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Shane worked to steady the odd-shaped boxes and bags in his arms as he headed up the steps, grateful Cassie had thought to turn the porch light on. He gave the door a small series of kicks once he reached it, unable to do more.
Cassie gasped as she creaked open the door. “What is all this? Do you need help with anything?”
“No,” Shane grunted. “Got it. Just uh, close the door behind me if you don’t mind.” A warm dose of air spilled over his body as he entered the room, making him realize just how cool the night had become.
Cassie had been following him into the family room, eyeing the items in his hand, but at his suggestion, she hurried over to close the front door. “You sure you’ve got it?”
“Well, maybe you could take these here from me – the drinks.” He felt her small hands, cool next to the hot drinks, as she pried the cups from his palms.
“Is this gas station hot chocolate?” she asked.
With his hands free, Shane was able to grab at the things in his arms. He hunched down, setting them on the coffee table. “Sure is,” he said. “Tried to make it how you showed me, but I basically just threw some of everything in there.” He glanced up in time to see that gorgeous smile work its way onto her pretty face.
“Then I’m sure you nailed it.” She circled around the small table before dropping to her knees, snooping in the bags. “No way. This is sushi. How far did you have to go for this stuff?”
“Let’s see. I had to stop and fill the tank twice…”
She gasped. “You did not.”
He smiled. “Naw, I made it there in one tank. My baby likes raw fish, who am I to deny her?”
Cassie’s face reddened as she chuckled in response. “This is going to be amazing,” she said. “Thank you. And you know what? Reese brought us a movie to watch. Do you trust her?”
“Hardly,” Shane said. “But go for it.”
Cassie approached the TV, cracking open the DVD case. “Reese said this thing works just fine. I don’t know why I hadn’t bothered to even try before.”
“Probably ‘cuz we’ve only got a bunch of westerns,” Shane said.
She let out that laugh of hers while setting the DVD into the player. “Probably.”
“They said this one here’s pretty popular,” Shane said, pulling a Styrofoam box from the sack. He opened it a crack so she could see.
“Holy Moses – seared tuna? You are fulfilling my every seafood fantasy right now.”
Shane laughed, liking the idea of fulfilling Cassie’s fantasies. He didn’t bother mentioning that he’d ordered fully cooked food for himself. “Well let’s saddle up, eat some grub, and watch whatever chick flick Reese brought over.”
“You’re so sure it’s a chick flick?” Cassie asked, joining him at the table. “Did you see the cover?”
“Didn’t have to. But don’t worry – I’m man enough to take it.”
“I bet you are.”
As harmless as the cheesy romance show was, Shane was glad once it was over. Mostly because he wanted a chance to talk with Cassie.
“Well,” Cassie said, reaching for the remote, “what’d you think?”
“Wasn’t too bad,” he said.
Rather than shutting the television off, Cassie hit the mute button, silencing the sound.
It reminded Shane of their first night back at the hotel, sitting in a room lit only by the silent screen. He allowed himself to mentally relive the moment – from the tempting curve of her hips beneath his hands, to the taste of her sweet and far-too-innocent kiss.
His thoughts were drawn back to the present as Cassie snuggled into him, her alluring scent filling his mind with thoughts of tasting those sweet lips again.
Shane cleared his throat. “You wore the boots today?” He motioned to the pair in the corner.
She nodded. “Still breaking them in.”
“They hurting your feet?” he asked.
The apprehensive look on Cassie’s face said she didn’t want to answer. She gave him an apologetic grin. “Maybe a little.”
“Well,” he said, an idea coming to mind, “let me see them. I’ll give you a good rubdown.”
Cassie bit at her bottom lip. “No, you don’t have to do that.”
“I want to. You’ve massaged my hands. Let me do the same. Here,” he urged, patting his lap. “Give ‘em here and let me work my magic.”
“Magic?” Her voice sounded playful. “Why didn’t you say you were magic. Have at it.” With that, Cassie scooted to the other end of the couch, straightened her legs over the length of it, and rested her small, sock-covered feet on his lap.
“These tiny little things actually keep you upright day after day?” he asked, gripping a foot in each hand.
Cassie wiggled her toes beneath his grasp until he let go. “Yes. And don’t make fun. These beauties are one of my best features. I don’t know how you manage to get around on those … ogre feet of yours.”
“I’ve got man feet,” he assured.
She lifted her shoulders proudly. “And I have woman feet. Now, are you going to rub them or not?”
“Let me just take a look first.” He pulled the white sock off one foot. “Hmm,” he said, tugging the next sock off as well. “You do have good-looking feet.” Shane glanced her way, starting to rub one foot. “You didn’t have a lot of friends growing up, did you?”
Cassie’s eyes closed as she leaned her head back. “That feels good,” she practically moaned. “And what was that supposed to mean – not having a lot of friends?”
“Just that, girls don’t like having perfect friends do they? Somebody as pretty as you are should at least have some physical imperfection, but no. Not Cassie Lovell. Even your feet are attractive.”
“You are way off,” she said. “And let’s change the subject. I want to enjoy this.” She sighed after requesting he let the topic drop, and Shane let her have a moment’s silence while he pressed into the ball and heel of her foot, the way she’d done with his palms. Staying consistent with Cassie’s method, Shane pinched at the sides of her outer foot next.
His eyes drifted up over her body. She was so tempting then; lying on the couch, her neck lengthened as she arched back, exposing the delicate slop
e leading to her shoulders. She bit at her bottom lip as if stifling a moan.
He’d rather she didn’t hold it back. “Good?” he asked when she’d been quiet for so long.
“Incredible,” she mumbled.
Shane smiled. “Okay, next foot.”
“So tell me what your ex-girlfriend was like.” Cassie’s eyes remained closed, but he could tell she had tightened up in anticipation for his response.
“Really?” he asked. “You wanted to change the subject from your perfect feet to something more pleasant – all so you could enjoy your foot rub – and you bring up my ex?”
Cassie only giggled in response. “I know. That was lame of me. But I still want to know what she’s like.”
“Spoiled,” Shane answered honestly. “Natasha didn’t like country living. Thought she was too good for it. And, I don’t know, I guess I thought if she spent enough time around the ranch, our family, she’d change her mind.” He shook his head. “I had a lot of growing up to do.”
“Hmm.”
“I’m just glad she fessed up about what she wanted. Saved us both a lot of trouble.” He glanced up, smiling when he saw Cassie biting her lip again. She stayed quiet for a while, save the occasional moan of approval as he massaged her foot. Once Shane was just about done, she spoke up once more.
“Where did you meet her?” she asked.
“Barn raising,” Shane said. “My aunt and uncle, the ones Gavin and Jade lived with, started having these barn-raisings each spring and fall – without actually building the barn – just so everyone could socialize, being so far apart from one another as we are. Anyway, they say the barn-raising part happens when the party starts – like, raising the roof, you know?” He rolled his eyes.
Cassie chuckled. “Ah. I see.”
“Problem is, Natasha already hated it here, so for me to think I was going to change her mind was foolish. Can’t believe I was even tempted to try.” He shook his head. “Now if someone wants to leave, I’ll help them pack myself.”
He paused after he’d said it, frozen in place and hardly breathing. He studied Cassie with a challenge set in his gaze. Shane had sent her a message with those words – that he was looking for something long term. Not just a roll in the hay that would leave him worse off than he’d been before.
A wistful smile crept over her lips. “I can’t imagine a girl not wanting this life. Here, with your family. This ranch.” She sighed, removing her legs from is lap and tucking them beneath her. “All of it.”
He should just soak that in. Those tantalizing words that came straight from her pretty little mouth. Cassie would want it. Could see herself being happy there. And though he hated to spoil the mood, and knew he was perhaps lighting another fuse, Shane couldn’t help but ask about the supposed ex in her life. Wouldn’t exactly be wise to invest in someone who was just as unavailable as Natasha. “Don’t hate me for asking this,” he started, “but I’ve got to know why you picked someone like Griffin.”
Her brows furrowed as she tilted her head. A hint of amusement showed at the lift in her corner lip. “What do you mean – the whole vegan thing?”
Shane shook his head, an unexpected ache for the woman burning within his chest. “No, Cassie. Why did you choose to be with a guy who would leave you – the way your parents left?” He sat up from his lounged position on the couch, so agitated suddenly he wanted to pace the floor. He settled for bouncing his foot instead while waiting for her reply.
Cassie’s lips had parted, as if she’d been ready to speak, but at his prompt, she tightened her mouth and shook her head. “I’m not sure I have an answer for that. Except, well, maybe I do.” She hunched forward, a fresh spark of recognition in her sea blue eyes. “I had to sort of let go of my parents at an early age. Get used to the idea that they were never coming back. And though I believe I did it as well as I could, somewhere inside, I must have felt like the whole situation was broken.”
She shrugged, shaking her head. “It probably won’t make sense, but I think I sought out a way to fix that. I mean, I chose a guy who told me he was leaving the country – that he’d be gone for an entire year. I picked him knowing that, probably hoping that if I could get him to come back, it would prove that I was worth coming back for. Even if my parents never thought so.”
Shane remained quiet, unable to speak as he admired her beauty in that moment. The soft curves of her profile. The timid smile she flashed him before looking down at the couch, following the pattern with the tip of her finger.
“Kind of back-fired on me,” she said without looking up.
Shane leaned forward, hoping to meet her gaze. “It’s not you, Cassie. You know that, right? These are people who don’t know you at all.”
Finally she glanced back at him, nodding slightly while biting at her lip.
As he searched her face, Shane wanted to tell her how he felt. That he, unlike Griffin and her parents – did know her. He knew who she was and how she was, and he craved being around her more than anything.
His thoughts stirred up the anger he felt for the people in her life. There was so much he wanted to say, to do. He wished he could fly out to meet her parents - take hold of them and shake them. Tell them what they’ve been missing out on.
“Cassie…” he started, only nothing more came out. Not a single word he could speak would make it right. But perhaps something else could.
With a gentle, quiet approach, Shane reached out to touch Cassie’s face. Softly caressing her lips with his thumb, cradling her cheek in his palm. Her eyes drifted shut as she let out a sigh, along with a shallow sound of a whimper.
The enticing tension in the room erupted over Shane’s skin. He scooted closer, an unseen force drawing his focus to her mouth. An inner voice reminded him that this was not the reason he wanted to spend time with her – so he could move in as quickly as he’d done the first few times. If he kept this up, Cassie would think he didn’t care about her either – that he’d only been after one thing.
Still, all Shane could think about in that moment was taking her into his arms and kissing the pain away. He wanted to carry her into the bedroom, make her belong to him in every way. He mused that if there were a preacher in the house, he’d beg Cassie to be his forever and marry her on the spot.
The high ringing of the kitchen phone snapped Shane out of his daydream.
“I can get that,” Cassie said, hopping off the couch. She fiddled with the loose bun at the back of her head as she moved.
Shane listened to her voice – pleasant and friendly as she spoke.
“That sounds fun,” she said. “Let me hurry and check with Shane.” It took only a second for her to step around the corner, the receiver covered by her palm. “Bon fire at Reese and Blake’s,” she whispered. “Your parents are heading over, and so are Gavin and Jade.” He could read from the look in her eyes that she liked the idea. At least he thought he could.
“You want to?” he asked quietly.
Cassie nodded. “Yeah. Do you?”
What he wanted to do and what he should do were at a crossroads. He opted for the one he knew he should and gave Cassie a smile. “Sure. Sounds great.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“Well, it’s time for the little ones to come with us.” Grant, lit only by the crackling flames, squatted low to the ground. “Tell Mom and Dad goodbye, boys.”
Cassie watched as Luke and Jaxson gave fleeting hugs to their parents before racing into Grant’s open arms. Just as she began to wonder where Jonah had run off to, Cassie felt a warm little hand tap against her arm.
“Bye, Aunt Cassie,” Jonah said, his voice small and sweet. Unlike the other two boys, Jonah’s lids were heavy and tired. His lips pulled into a broad smiled while he leaned in and wrapped his arms around her.
Cassie reached hers around him in return, relishing in the feel of his tender, heart-felt hug. “Goodnight, Jonah,” she said. “You have a fun sleepover at Betty & Grant’s, okay?”
H
e nodded before stumbling sleepily toward his grandpa. Grant let the little guy ride piggyback while the other two tagged along, carving lines in the dirt with their whittled fire sticks.
“I think Jonah has a crush on you,” Shane’s voice was no more than a whisper against the curve of her neck.
She chuckled. “The feeling’s mutual. I’m crazy about that kid.”
Shane backed up, eyeing her where she sat on the log bench next to him. “Should I be jealous?”
Betty had been going around the circle, hugging each couple in turn. Cassie stood up as she neared them, just in time to receive the sweet woman’s embrace.
“You kids don’t stay out too late,” Betty warned as Shane rose to his feet, “the coyotes will be out soon.”
Shane wrapped his arms around his mother, who suddenly looked much smaller next to her tall, broad-shouldered son. “Trust me, Ma,” Shane replied, “the later we stay out the safer Cassie is – from me.” He flashed Cassie a devilish grin while raising his brows. “I’m more dangerous than any four-legged animal out here.”
Betty stifled a laugh as she swatted him on the arm. “I swear you boys say those things just to get my goat.” She shook her head as she scurried to catch up to the boys.
“I do say a lot of things to get Betty’s goat,” Shane said. “But that – what I said to her just now – I meant.” He fixed his smoldering gaze on Cassie. And though she could see the colorful bonfire reflected in his eyes, the intensity in them was hotter than the flames. A flash of heat rippled over her body in a slow wave as he let out a deep chuckle.
“Well,” Gavin said, adding a few logs to the fire. “The kids are away, now the grown-ups can play.” He wasted no time establishing the rules to a game he called if you. “I’ll start,” he said. “Your job is to answer each question honestly, no matter the price.” He looked directly at Cassie and Shane from across the fire. “This one’s for the women only, starting with Cassie. If you had to make out with one of the ranch hands, which one would it be?”
Cassie's Cowboy Crave: Witness Protection - Rancher Style (Sweet Montana Bride Series) Page 15
