She brushed imaginary lint off the skirt of her sundress and concentrated on the color. It was a gorgeous shade of blue that reminded her of Leo’s eyes. It calmed her.
Still, this was a huge step. One that excited and terrified her. She’d never gotten this far in a relationship. She usually bailed before this point. But she didn’t want to bail this time.
The thought of it made her stomach ache almost as much as her chest. So, no. She wasn’t going anywhere. She wasn’t leaving. Not Leo. She loved being with him. He made her smile. Made her heart race. Made her body quiver with so much pleasure she sometimes forgot how to breathe.
That wasn’t something she wanted to stop. Ever.
He reached over and covered her hand to halt her movements. She hadn’t realized she was still brushing her skirt. His touch was warm and firm, and his strength seeped into her body like a much-needed spring thawing.
“You’re thinking too loud,” he said. “There’s no need to stress. It’s going to be fine. You’re going to do fine.”
She blew out a breath. “I just want your friends to like me.”
Dammit. It felt like she was a teenager in a new school all over again.
He turned onto a country road and slowed down. “Kaydee.” His hold tightened on her hand and continued to do so until she met his gaze. “They’re not going to like you. They’re going to love you like…” He paused and blinked as a dazed look came into his eyes. Then he blinked again, and they cleared. “Like crazy.”
She smiled. “Okay. Good. I’m so happy you asked me to come. I just don’t want to screw it up.”
“You could never do that.” He brought one of her hands to his lips and kissed it.
She opened her mouth to respond, but movement outside caught her eye. “Um…there’s a guy walking a…cow?”
Chapter Fourteen
A very good-looking guy, and a very big cow.
Leo turned to look, then laughed. “That’s Stone and Lula Belle. She has a thing for him and is always breaking through her fence down the road to look for him at the ranch.”
Kaydee recognized the name. It was the one Leo mentioned the most out of his buddies. Well, that one and Vince. She returned his grin. “That’s adorable.”
He snickered. “Tell that to Jovy, his wife. Lula Belle is not a fan.”
Now that was funny.
“I better give him a hand,” he said, pulling off to the side.
They got out and crossed the quiet road to join his buddy on the other side, and as Kaydee neared, she understood the cow’s fascination with the guy. Stone was even better-looking up close. No wonder the cutie followed him around. She’d swoon, too, if her heart hadn’t already belonged to Leo.
As that thought sank in, her heart dropped into her fluttering stomach. The heart that belonged to Leo. The sometimes brooding, sometimes charming, and always sexy former Army Ranger had broken through her walls and captured her heart. Once again, she was both happy and terrified, and…wow…she had absolutely no idea what to do with that information.
For now, she’d concentrate on meeting his friend. And the cow.
“Hey, Stone,” Leo said, then grabbed her hand and tugged her close. “This is Kaydee. Kaydee, my former squad leader, Stone.”
“Nice to meet you, Kaydee.” Stone grinned. “Nice to meet the reason Leo’s been walking around with a smile on his face.”
Fiona had been right about Leo smiling…and her being the cause. Warmth funneled through Kaydee’s chest again and up into her cheeks.
“Good to meet you, too,” she said. “And your cow.”
Stone laughed. “Lula Belle is one headstrong female.”
Leo snorted. “So’s your wife.” He nodded toward the cow. “What happened this time?”
Stone sighed and shook his head. “She trampled Jovy’s petunias. Again.”
“Again?” Kaydee asked and spent the next few minutes laughing until she cried as the two men regaled her with Jovy-versus-Lula Belle stories. “Man.” She inhaled and wiped her wet face. “Sounds like there’s never a dull moment.”
Leo snickered. “There isn’t.”
And she could tell by the gleam in his eyes that it was a good thing.
“Looks like she got out down here,” Stone said, walking toward a section of busted fence a few feet away.
Lula Belle followed, her tail swishing as she lumbered. And ten minutes later, the cow stood and mooed on the other side of the repaired fence, while they climbed into Leo’s truck and headed for the ranch.
“Thanks for the help,” Stone said as they drove down the road.
As he and Leo chatted, Kaydee used the opportunity to take in the open fields surrounding the road, and the large oak trees dotting the landscape.
It was quiet and so darn peaceful. No wonder the town was named Joyful. It was fitting.
Leo’s hand rested lightly on her knee, and the thin material of her sundress did little to stop his heat from seeping through to her skin, making her hyperaware of him.
Which normally was great, but not with his friend sitting on her other side. She inhaled slow and steady and pushed back her needs, and by the time they parked in front of a beautiful white two-story house with a large front porch, she was able to focus.
The main house, no doubt.
“This place is amazing,” she said as Leo held out his hand and helped her from the truck.
To the left were several large buildings and two large barns. The ranch was bigger than she expected. At quick count, twenty-three people milled about. Some sat on benches near a large oak, others jogged—although she didn’t know how in this heat, and yet they seemed unfazed. Three card games were going on at three different picnic tables. Two women sat reading up against the tree, and beyond that, she could see horses in a field, some with riders, others grazing.
All in all, the vibe was peaceful. At ease.
Exactly what the name promised.
“I’ll give you a tour later,” Leo said with a grin. “But right now, it’s time to eat.” Still holding her hand, he guided her toward the house behind Stone.
Once inside, she caught glimpses of wooden floors, Southwestern decor, and white walls. He ushered her past an office, a living room, and what appeared to be a large den or game room of sorts, with a vaulted, beamed ceiling. Then they took a left into a big dining room with two long tables with bench seating. Another quick head count came up with six. For some reason she expected the house to be teeming with people, too.
Leo must’ve read the surprise on her face because he explained, “The main breakfast for the ranch is over. Sunday brunch is the only time we eat separate from the rest.”
“It gives us all a chance to catch up,” Stone said, then his face lit up as a stunning dark-haired woman with beautiful blue eyes approached.
“There you are. I was beginning to think you got lost,” the brunette said, and lifted up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “Lula Belle back safe and sound?”
“Yep.” Stone smiled and pulled the woman in for a proper kiss that went on longer than Kaydee expected and had her glancing at Leo.
A smile tugged his lips. “They do that a lot.”
When the two came up for air, Leo introduced her to Jovy, and soon she was surrounded by three other couples, all of whom appeared genuinely happy to meet her.
The incredibly handsome Italian gave her a bear hug and thanked her for putting life in Leo’s eyes. His fiancée, Emma, echoed the sentiment. A large, handsome dark-haired Thor type introduced himself as “the better-looking Mitchum brother” before his beautiful green-eyed fiancée told her to ignore him and gave her a “welcome to the ranch” hug. She’d barely recovered when her heart stuttered for a split second as a Jensen Ackles look-alike shook her hand, and his pretty wife hugged her.
Then Leo’s hand found hers, and he entwined their fingers. “I know they’re a lot to take in.”
She laughed, a little nervous, and a lot happy to be by his side. He got he
r. He understood the situation was a bit overwhelming. He was in tune with her inner makeup. Without thinking, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.
Whistles and catcalls echoed around them, and she felt her face heat, but laughed it off with the others as they all sat down. Except for Vince and Emma, who disappeared through a swinging door Kaydee assumed was the kitchen. A second later, they returned with their arms full of steaming dishes. She offered to help but was shot down by the smiling couple, and soon she was asking and answering questions while eating a plateful of delicious food.
When they were nearly done, Brick leaned around Leo to grin at her. “Are you responsible for turning him back into a man?”
Stone choked on a mouthful of food, and Emma spewed her iced tea all over poor Jovy, who unfortunately happened to be seated across from her. Jovy just laughed as she wiped the tea off her face and neck, and good-naturedly insisted Emma not worry about it.
Grateful she had nothing in her mouth at the time, Kaydee picked up on the teasing tone and smiled at Brick. “Trust me. Leo’s all man. Always has been.”
Leo’s hand settled on her leg and squeezed while he and the others chuckled.
“Actually, Kaydee,” Beth said, craning her head around Brick to look at her. “I was dying to ask you about Leo’s hair, too, just in a nicer way than my handsome goof. Are you responsible for the gorgeous cut?”
The compliment brought a flush of heat to her face. “Yes,” she answered. “Leo stopped by the rec center to support me during our first haircut clinic.”
“Haircut clinic?” Brick frowned at her. “Is that where you teach him to cut hair?”
She chuckled. “No.” Then explained the concept to everyone, including how Leo was responsible for encouraging her to submit the proposal in the first place.
“So you and your friend cut hair for free, and the customers leave a donation and all the proceeds go to support a cause?” Stone asked.
“Yes.” She nodded.
“I freakin’ love that.” Jovy’s gaze was bright as she smiled at her. “Would you consider doing that here? Not for charity. Just free haircuts for the vets. But we’d pay you, of course.”
“Oh, I couldn’t take any money,” she said with a shake of her head. Fiona wouldn’t want to, either. “But I’d be happy to donate my time, and I’m sure my friend would, too. So…sure.”
Stone shook his head. “No. We’ll pay you.”
“But I wouldn’t feel right,” she insisted.
“Neither would I,” Jovy said. “Use the money as an investment toward your friend’s shop.”
Fi’s shop?
Raising a brow, she glanced at Leo. He told them? He actually talked to them about her and Fiona?
“Yes.” He smiled. “They know about your search for commercial space. I’m proud of you for helping your friend, and for going after what you want at the rec center.”
And she knew this to be true, because she saw it reflected in his eyes. “Thanks.” Warmed by his pleased look, she covered his hand with hers and didn’t think her chest could expand any further.
Jovy continued to smile at her. “So…will you help us out and let us help you out?”
The woman sure was persistent. And kind. And Kaydee caved. She agreed to contact Jovy later that week, after she talked to Fiona.
The rest of brunch went by fast, with the women filling her in on how they met their guys, and before she knew it, someone shoved a giant mouthwatering piece of chocolate cake in front of her.
Kaydee moaned. “What is this place? Shangri-la?”
“Close.” Beth chuckled. “Wait until you taste it. Emma’s cakes rock.”
Kaydee would’ve agreed, but once she took a bite, she didn’t come up for air until it was gone.
“I’ve been thinking,” Leo began.
Brick snorted. “Bet that hurt.”
Holding a hand up to Brick, Leo cupped it with his other, no doubt to shield the fact that he was flipping the guy off. When Brick’s chuckle confirmed it, Kaydee smiled. Everyone was so at ease with one another here. She relaxed in her chair and enjoyed the exchange.
Leo turned his attention back to Stone. “Ever think about building a proper mess hall here?” The room grew silent. Even his goofy friend sobered. “Maybe use my money to build it. This way Vince and Emma would have an industrial kitchen to cook and bake in.”
“Damn…that would be great,” Vince said with a grin.
Leo sat back. “And I’m betting more veterans would show up to eat.”
“They would?” Stone frowned from across the table. “Why do you think that?”
He cleared his throat. “I know from experience that it’s a little too intimate in here. I mean, we’re inside a house. Your house, Stone. Granted, your dining room here is big, and the long tables and benches help, but it can still be off-putting when you’re in military mode…or living with demons in your head. It’s not a place you want to be when you’re not up to socializing.”
Kaydee’s chest squeezed.
At the rec center months ago, she’d overheard about Leo’s past, and yet his tone and his words about broke her heart. God, she hated the thought of him ever feeling the way he just described. She knew this had happened before they’d met, but still, she thought back over the past several months, recalling their encounters. He never gave any signs of feeling that way. God…if he had, she would’ve done something. What? She had no idea, but she never would’ve sat by and let him go through that alone.
Inhaling slowly, she clenched her jaw and fought the onslaught of tears, knowing he absolutely would not want them. But she squeezed his hand, needing to convey to him that she was there for him. He squeezed back.
“Huh.” Stone ran a hand through his hair. “I never thought about it like that.”
The more Leo talked, the more she fell for the man. “We can make the mess hall wheelchair accessible. With a lot more tables, so if anyone wants to sit alone, they can, or if they want to join others, they can do that, too.”
“They’ll have a choice,” Brick said.
Leo turned to his buddy and nodded. “Exactly.”
“This is a real good idea, Leo,” Cord said.
“Damn good.” Stone smiled and turned his attention to Vince. “I’ll need you to sit down with me and tell me what you’ll need, then I’ll crunch numbers with Jovy and draw it up.”
As they talked shop a little more, her mind fuzzed over with thoughts of how much she admired Leo.
Big-time.
The rest of the day and all through the evening, those thoughts stayed uppermost in her mind. During her tour, their horseback ride and picnic, supper, and even now as they hung out in the game room with the other couples and played a round of darts. Something she was actually good at.
“You should’ve warned us you had a ringer,” Brick said to Leo, after she placed all three of her darts in the three-point area and won the game.
Stone snorted. “She wouldn’t be a ringer if he told you, dumbass. Ringers are secrets.”
“True.” Leo chuckled, sliding his arm around her waist and dragging her in close. “But you’re giving me too much credit. I didn’t know Kaydee was this good.”
“He’s right,” she said. “We’ve never played before.”
At least…not darts. She held back a grin, but Leo didn’t. He smiled outright, and heaven help her, his gaze smoldered behind his amusement. The sudden urge to strip him naked and lick him from toe to head rippled through her.
He must’ve read the intent in her eyes, because his smile disappeared, and he straightened. “Well…time to turn in. It’s late.”
Brick glanced at the clock over the bar and frowned. “It’s not even eight.”
“It is in Philly,” Jovy said.
Leo nodded. “Good enough.”
Laughter echoed through the room as his hand pressed into the small of her back and he guided her toward the door.
“Good night,” she managed to say.
They entered the hall and headed toward the stairs. She should probably be embarrassed. It had to be obvious to his friends where they were going and what they were about to do. But since she knew the endgame, she was more excited than mortified. The instant they were out of view of the room, he crushed her close and kissed the strength from her legs.
Leo’s specialty.
He released her mouth and kissed his way to her ear. “God, I want you.” His words and the need in his tone made her tremble.
She clung to him to keep from falling. “I want you, too,” she said, her voice breathless and low. “Where’s your room?”
“Upstairs.” He swept her into his arms and took the steps at a fast pace, not slowing until he strode down a hall and entered a room.
“Hey.” She laughed. “Save some of that energy.”
Chuckling, he shut the door with his foot. “Think you know that’s never been a problem, but I’m more than happy to remind you. All night.”
“All night?” Heat flooded her belly. Another all-nighter with Leo sounded like heaven. She wasn’t going to want to leave his bed. “But my bag—”
“Is already up here, so we have no reason to leave.”
Leaning close, she breathed him in. The smell of soap still lingered on his skin. Inhaling again, she kissed a path along his jaw, nipping at his chin on the way to his mouth. “Good,” she said, brushing his lips.
He let her body slide down his until her feet hit the floor. She moaned.
Damn, he was hard. Everywhere.
His body was solid and muscular and felt amazing against hers. She rocked into him, and he muttered an oath. So she did it again. And still again. He growled before pressing her against the wall and trapping her with that incredible body as he took possession of her mouth.
His kiss was hungry and demanding, and heat rushed through her so hot and fast she shook with raw need. Never in her life had she ever burned for someone. But she burned for Leo. Burned bad.
“I swear I’m going to combust,” she uttered when he broke the kiss. “I need you in me now.”
The Army Ranger's Surprise (the Men of At-Ease Ranch) Page 11
