In the Cowboy's Arms

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “Absolutely sure.” Rosie opened the passenger door and reached for the overnight bag.

  “Oh, no, let me get it.” Geena edged her out of the way. “It’s bad enough that I arrived unannounced and uninvited. I won’t have you schlepping my luggage.” She pulled out the small carry-on and closed the door.

  “The way I figure it,” Rosie said as they started back toward the porch, “you came unannounced because you had to. If you’d told Matt, he would have met you at the airport and sent you right back.”

  “Guaranteed.”

  “I realize there’s a crisis here, and it’s a shame you and Matt don’t see eye-to-eye on how it should be managed.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Just so you’re clear on my position, I agree with him that he shouldn’t have to make a public apology. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “I know that now.” Geena lifted her bag so it would clear the steps. “It’s one of the things I want to tell him.”

  Rosie glanced over, her expression eager. “You have proof?”

  “Unfortunately not. But when I started thinking about what a gentleman he is, I knew he wouldn’t have deliberately embarrassed a woman in public.”

  “Ah. That’s a good start. You’re beginning to see who he is under the pretty packaging.”

  Geena choked on a laugh. “Excuse me?”

  “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed that he’s a beautiful young man, because I won’t believe you.”

  “Okay, I’ve noticed.”

  “I’m sure that Briana noticed, too. I have a feeling we don’t have the whole story, but like you said, Matt’s a gentleman. We might have to get the info out of Cade.”

  “Cade?”

  “One of Matt’s brothers. He’s inside with his fiancée, Lexi, so you’ll get to meet both of them, plus my husband, Herb. This is all working out for the best.” She opened the door. “After you.”

  A knot of anxiety settled in Geena’s stomach as she walked into the living room carrying her overnight bag. Sure, she was good at handling awkward situations in the world of glitz and glamour. Somehow it was easier when a large number of the participants had an agenda, often a self-serving one.

  She hadn’t spent much time around people who weren’t jockeying for a spot on the next rung up, people who got up at dawn to feed the chickens or whatever it was they found to do at that hour. She’d never set foot on an honest-to-God ranch, let alone a ranch that used to be a foster home.

  Had she ever known someone who’d been a foster kid? If so, they hadn’t told her about it. Matt hadn’t told her, either. He’d obviously considered it private information and she respected that.

  The comfy-looking living room furniture had been shoved against the wall, probably to create a dance floor. Even without a fire in the fireplace, the room had a cozy, lived-in feel. She could imagine how much it would appeal to a homeless boy.

  The good-looking, dark-haired cowboy standing next to a woman with short brown curls had to be Cade, the one most likely to have the inside scoop on what had gone down between Matt and Briana. The woman must be Lexi, who fit right into the casual setting in her jeans, boots and long-sleeved yellow T-shirt.

  Cade wore a cowboy hat indoors, like Matt always did. Apparently that was the custom around here, although the older gentleman wasn’t wearing one. She pegged him as Herb, Rosie’s husband.

  For one awful moment there was total silence in the room. It made her realize that the heels, nifty black jacket and pencil skirt she’d worn on the plane were out of place on a working ranch, but she didn’t own Western wear and she’d wanted to look professional.

  Matt was the first to move. “Let me take that.” He came forward and divested her of the bag.

  “Thank you.”

  He gave her a curt nod. “You’re welcome. Mom, where should I put it?”

  “The green bedroom’s all made up.”

  “Right.” He disappeared down a hallway.

  “Hi, Geena.” Lexi walked over to shake her hand. “I’m Lexi Simmons and this is my fiancé, Cade Gallagher.”

  Cade touched the brim of his hat. “Ma’am.” The greeting, polite but with no warmth, was identical to the farewell Damon had given her a while ago.

  “I’m Herb, Rosie’s husband.” The wiry guy had kind eyes and a firm grip. “Welcome to Thunder Mountain.”

  “Thank you.” She swallowed a lump of nervousness. “I’m glad to be here.”

  “And we’re pleased to have you.” Rosie said it as if daring anyone to contradict her.

  Geena couldn’t remember when she’d felt less sure of herself. “Look, you were all doing something before I barged in here, so please continue.”

  “We were working on a dance step,” Lexi said. “I don’t suppose you’d want to learn—”

  “Why not?” Geena nudged off her heels and put them in a corner.

  “Before you get into that,” Rosie said, “are you hungry? Can I make you a sandwich?”

  “I’m starving.” Her hunger pangs wouldn’t allow her to say anything but the truth. “I headed out here as soon as I picked up the rental.” Her gaze swept the room. “I knew it was late, although I didn’t realize how late. I apologize for that.”

  “Then let me fix you something. Any issues? Food allergies?”

  “I’ll be grateful for anything, but let me make it myself. I don’t expect to be waited on.”

  Rosie waved her off. “Tomorrow I’ll put you to work, but tonight relax and enjoy yourself. What do you want to drink?”

  “Water, please.”

  “That’s it? How about an adult beverage?”

  Geena considered where she was and what they might have on hand. Under the circumstances, alcohol would be welcome. “A beer would be great.”

  Matt came back at that moment. “I’ll get it. You can sample my brother’s brew.” He said it with enormous pride before leaving the room.

  “Cade?” She glanced to him. “You make beer?”

  “Oh, no, not me. That would be Finn O’Roarke. He has a microbrewery in Seattle. Very successful.” His gaze issued a challenge. “We have a lot of talent in the brotherhood. Brewers, lawyers, horse trainers, firefighters. You name it, we got it.”

  “Impressive. You called it a brotherhood. What’s that all about?”

  “Nothing.” Matt arrived and handed her an open bottle of beer and a glass before turning to glare at Cade. “Absolutely nothing.”

  “Yeah.” Cade exchanged a glance with Matt. “Just a figure of speech. Not important.”

  Geena didn’t push it, but her PR instincts were telling her that if Matt belonged to a group calling themselves the brotherhood, she needed to pay attention. A public apology for the kiss didn’t interest her anymore, now that she knew Matt would have to lie in order to make one. But apparently he had a rich tradition of family and loyalty.

  She could work the heck out of that angle. Fans would love to know that he was part of a close-knit group of foster brothers who’d grown up on a working ranch. Talk about wholesome. She wasn’t sure what would be the best promo vehicle to get the story out, but it probably didn’t matter. Judging from his reaction so far, he’d never let that story be told.

  Chapter Four

  Matt hadn’t wanted Geena anywhere near his family, and yet here she was, and damned if she didn’t fit in much better than he could have predicted. Barefoot and wearing a tight skirt that restricted her movements, she still managed to execute the dance moves Cade and Lexi taught her.

  Worse yet, she was very appealing doing it. No, not just appealing. The glasses paired with her excellent sense of rhythm created a dynamite combination of brains and sexy moves.

  In the months he’d known Geena he’d had many inappropriate thoughts a
bout her, even though mostly she’d sat behind her desk while they talked. She wasn’t behind her desk now, and every time she wiggled her hips, his johnson gave a twitch in response.

  She was making inroads with his family members, too. His mom had defected immediately and he wanted to know what those two had talked about outside. Lexi and Herb had both warmed to her, as well. Cade had been a holdout for quite a while, but her willingness to learn the new dance step was slowly winning him over.

  Then Rosie brought in Geena’s sandwich and everyone took a break. Matt fetched some chips and more of Finn’s beer from the fridge in the rec room. That was another thing. Earlier, Geena had put down the glass he’d brought her and was drinking from the bottle like everyone else. It was a small thing, but small things added up. She was easy to be with.

  While Geena ate, the group lounged on the displaced furniture and talked about Thunder Mountain Academy. Matt hadn’t wanted Geena to know anything about that, either, but it was a logical topic because several chores were in the works during this break between sessions.

  Geena seemed fascinated by every aspect of the program. Matt’s family softened even more in response to her enthusiasm. It wasn’t artificial enthusiasm, either. That was a quality he’d liked about her from the beginning. Hollywood was crawling with fakes, but Geena never pretended to be something she wasn’t.

  Perfect example—she could have arrived all duded up in an effort to present herself as a cowgirl. Instead, she’d worn the type of clothes he’d always seen her in. This was his first glimpse of her bare toes, however. She’d propped her feet up on the coffee table and he couldn’t help noticing her sea-blue polish. And her delicate ankles and shapely calves.

  He looked away. The situation was complicated enough already.

  “Do you ride?” Lexi asked her.

  “I don’t know the first thing about horses.” Geena finished off her sandwich. “I take that back. I know what a Clydesdale is because I’ve seen the commercials. My hat’s off to whoever came up with the idea of using them to market beer.”

  Lexi smiled. “Yeah, everybody loves those big ol’ horses, me included. I just thought you might be a rider since you’re so interested in the academy.”

  “I wouldn’t mind trying it sometime, but I’d be a total beginner.”

  “Want to try it while you’re here?”

  Matt bit back a groan. That was so Lexi, eager to introduce the uninitiated to the wonders of horseback riding. That was why she was such a good teacher, but in this case he wished she’d zip her lip.

  “I’d love to, but all I brought to wear was stuff like this.” Geena gestured to her skirt and jacket.

  “I can find you some clothes and boots,” Rosie said. “I’ve stocked up on spare items for the students.”

  “I don’t know. I’m pretty tall.”

  “So are some of the girls we get here. I try to be prepared when pants get ripped and kids come with expensive boots that shouldn’t be worn to muck out stalls.”

  “So they have to be financially well-off to attend?”

  “At first they did.” Herb hadn’t spoken much but this was a favorite topic of his. “We’re working on changing that. We already have one scholarship opportunity thanks to Ben Radcliffe, a local saddle maker who conducts a class every semester. We’re looking for more sponsors. There are plenty of kids who would benefit but don’t have the tuition.”

  “I’ll offer a scholarship,” Matt said. “I can probably handle two or three if the money stays good. I can’t believe I haven’t thought of it before.”

  “That’s brilliant.” Geena smiled. “Too bad we can’t get it organized this week because a picture of you with a recipient would be—”

  “Not happening.” Matt gazed at her and wished they didn’t always have to be on opposite sides of this particular fence. But she didn’t seem to get his need for privacy. Maybe he’d have to fire her, after all. “The scholarships would be anonymous.”

  She frowned. “You’d be throwing away a great PR opportunity if you do that.”

  “And keeping my personal life separate from my public one. That’s always been important to me, but after what happened two days ago, it’s critical.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “That makes it tough to do my job.”

  “I know. But that’s the way it has to be.”

  “It’s okay. I’ll think of something else. I—” She stifled a yawn. “Sorry. It’s been a long day. I guess the beer and food made me sleepy.”

  “I’m sure you’re exhausted.” Rosie switched into mothering mode. “You should get some rest. I know what I said about getting up at dawn, but you don’t have to.”

  “Oh, no, I want to.” She glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner. “When is dawn, anyway?”

  That got a laugh. Even Matt couldn’t help grinning. She was such a city girl. But she was also game for anything, which meant she’d get along fine in this new setting. Resilience was a valued commodity around here.

  “It’s around five fifteen,” his dad said.

  Her eyes widened. “That early?”

  “But you don’t have to get up then,” Herb continued. “We do because the horses need to be fed and turned out to pasture. Rosie likes to organize the food for breakfast, but we don’t eat until after six, so you’ll have some extra time to ease into the day.”

  “Well, um, I never eat breakfast.”

  “You’ll want to eat this one.” Lexi glanced over at Cade. “Nobody fixes a better breakfast than Rosie. Am I right?”

  “Except for you, sweetheart.”

  “Nice try, Gallagher.” Lexi gave him an affectionate nudge. “Flattery will get you nowhere. You’re still responsible for fifty percent of the cooking at our house.”

  Cade sighed. “But I’m still no good at it.”

  “You’re improving. That’s what’s important.”

  “You’re both invited down here in the morning, though,” Rosie said. “It’s not every day we see Matt at the breakfast table. But Geena, you’re excused. I’ll have the coffeepot on until at least eight, so if that’s all you need, come in and help yourself. We don’t force food on anyone.”

  “I’ll be there at six and I’d love to have your breakfast. I’ll also get up at dawn to watch Herb feed the horses. I’ve never seen anybody do that except in the movies.”

  Herb smiled. “It’s not all that exciting.”

  “Maybe not to you, because you do it every day. Me, I get up, get dressed, hit the drive-through at Starbucks and head to my office. Feeding horses at five thirty in the morning is exotic.”

  “Then you’re welcome to show up at dawn.”

  “Great. Thank you.” She turned to Matt. “Listen, before I toddle off to bed, can I have a word with you?”

  His mom stood. “We can leave you two alone so you can talk.”

  “Heavens, no! You’re all settled in. Matt and I will step out onto the porch.” She glanced at him. “Okay with you?”

  “Sure.” He shouldn’t have had that last beer. He was feeling way too mellow and he had to stay sharp. But refusing to have a chat on the porch would seem rude and his mom would call him on it.

  Geena walked out there barefoot and that charmed him. He didn’t want to be charmed any more than he wanted to have sexy thoughts about her. He needed to be tough and uncompromising as he sought to protect his family from...he was no longer clear what that was. He hadn’t wanted any part of his life in LA to intrude on his life here, and yet Geena had inserted herself into his inner circle and the sky hadn’t fallen.

  After he closed the door, she turned and leaned her slim hips against the porch railing. She looked tired, which was understandable. The trip from California was taxing, especially for someone who wasn’t used to long layovers, little planes and country roa
ds. She’d probably fare better traveling to New York or London than making her way to Sheridan, Wyoming, home to folks who climbed out of bed at the crack of dawn.

  He found a spot to lean against the front wall of the house so they’d both be standing. He suspected she hadn’t taken one of the Adirondack chairs because she doubted she’d have the energy to pull herself back out of it. A cricket chirped nearby and a breeze stirred the tall pines not far from the house.

  Geena sighed. “This is nice.”

  “Yeah.” A little too nice. Even though his family was just beyond that door, he knew they wouldn’t come out. They understood this was private

  That left him with a feeling of intimacy he’d never experienced with Geena. They were truly alone for the first time since she’d arrived. He began thinking about how she’d feel in his arms and how her lips would taste. Did she have a lover? After watching her dance, he could easily imagine that she did.

  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Apparently she was in no rush to begin the conversation, but unless they started talking he would continue with his inappropriate thoughts. If he walked over and kissed her, would she resist? Or would she part her lips and invite him in?

  Finally he had to say something, anything, to keep him from acting on his fantasy. “You picked up that dance step pretty fast.”

  She opened her eyes and smiled. “Thanks. I should be able to, after fifteen years of ballet and tap.”

  He liked having another key to her personality. “When was this?”

  “My mother enrolled me when I was three. Voice and acting lessons, too, so I’d be a triple threat. She named me after Geena Davis. I was supposed to be a star.”

  “I didn’t know that.” Not surprising. What he didn’t know about Geena was seriously out of proportion to what he did know. “What happened?”

  “A common story.” She gave a little shrug. “I can dance and sing okay but I have no talent for acting. If I’d been movie-star beautiful that might have made up for my bad acting, but I’m not.”

  “I think you look nice.” That just popped out. Hadn’t meant to say it at all.