by Lita Lawson
Extending the lead rope, he allowed the pace to slow down. Minutes later, he brought the horse to a simple walk.
Jumping off her perch, Cassi walked over to them. Austin was talking softly to the animal. She focused on watching Austin’s tanned hands
Transfixed her as he patted Foolish Gamble’s neck. Strong hands that could be gentle—and bring a woman desire.
Turning toward her, Austin commented. “He appears to be in good condition.” Wiping a trickle of sweat from his brow, he continued, “I’d like to ride him. Get a feel for his capabilities.”
“Sure, let me get him ready.” No one except she and her father had ridden Foolish Gamble and it concerned her how he would react.
Cassi walked Foolish Gamble to the barn and Austin followed. Quickly, she arranged the blanket over his back, secured the saddle around him, and held the reins as Austin mounted the horse. Cassi stepped back and without warning, Austin took off at a trot and had Foolish Gamble in a gallop before they reached the edge of the meadow.
While she awaited their return, her stomach twisted with anxiety. This one ride would determine whether or not he would become a partner with her. That decision would determine whether there was still a chance she could salvage her farm.
Pacing up and down the center of the barn, she tried to ward off negative thoughts. She knew Foolish Gamble and she was sure Austin would recognize his potential. The horse had the natural ability and potential to be a winner.
Hearing approaching hooves, Cassi rushed outside, her heart racing wildly, filled with both hope and fear. She saw Austin holding onto Foolish Gamble as they raced at a full gallop. Austin was hunched down in the saddle, his shirt puffing out with the wind. His black hair was swept back from his face, showing his strong nose and hollowed cheeks. Her heart beat erratically at the powerful sight of him rhythmically riding along with Foolish Gamble’s strides. Man and animal looked as one as they galloped past her and back into the corral.
Waiting as he dismounted, she held her breath, aware her future hinged on his reaction to this one single ride. Mentally crossing her fingers, she hoped for the best.
Leaning against the fence, she waited as Austin loosened the girth and cooled down Foolish Gamble, walking him around the ring. Cassi prepared tepid water to wipe the horse down and fetched a fresh bucket of water for the horse to drink from.
Cassi went to remove Foolish Gamble’s saddle, but Austin gently nudged her aside.
“I’ll do it,” he said, dismissing her.
Once he had taken the saddle to the barn, Cassi began giving Foolish Gamble a quick bath. She needed to keep her mind occupied so she could remain calm about what Austin’s decision might be.
Hearing his returning footsteps behind her, she continued her methodical movements. She sensed his gaze upon her and despite her anxiety, a slight thrill ran along her body. Without turning to face him, she forced herself to ask the inevitable question, “So what did you think?”
“I think you’ve got yourself a potential winner here.”
Cassi almost sighed out loud with relief, but held her breath as he still hadn’t said ‘yes.’ She concentrated on washing down her horse. Austin’s hand encircled her wrist and the wet suds splashed Austin’s jeans with the sudden movement.
“Will you stop for a minute?” Austin demanded.
Cassi looked up into his face, wishing her heart wasn’t in her throat. She forced a tentative smile.
“I’d like to be partners with you. If you’re still interested, I can call my lawyer and have him draw up the necessary papers.”
She’d be a fool to no longer be interested in this partnershipit was her only hope of saving her farm and horse. Training side by side with Austin Keller would bolster her status in the horseracing community. The thought of having to be around Austin so much was the only doubt about the agreement she had. Since it was her last option before foreclosure, she had no choice to accept the offer. She would have to work harder at resisting his charms than preparing her horse for racing.
“Absolutely.” Cassi made sure her voice sounded excited to hide her nervousness. With one word, it was a done deal.
“Good. I’ll give you a call when the papers are ready.”
When he released her wrist, she dropped the brush in the soapy bucket of water, splashing herself. Wiping her hands on her jeans, she offered to shake on the deal. When Austin firmly grasped her hand in his, her pulse quickened at his touch and she forced herself to keep her thoughts professional.
“One more thing.” Cassi knew she’d have to make this point now or it would mean future trouble. “I had a good time at dinner last night, but we should keep things strictly business.”
Austin arched an eyebrow. “I’ll give you a call and let you know when and what time we’ll meet at my lawyer’s office.”
“Okay,” was all she could manage to say. Without another word, he walked toward his car. She couldn’t help wondering what he was thinking as she watched him slide behind the steering wheel of his car and drive away.
For a long time, she remained staring after him, even when she could no longer see his car. With the deal made, she was left with a new dilemma. She knew this was her only chance to save her farm, but she was now concerned about protecting her heart.
The next day, Cassi couldn’t get Austin Keller off her mind. When they met early in the morning at Austin’s lawyer’s office, the lawyer turned out to be none other than Don Ashworth, Annie Mae’s brother. She was embarrassed seeing him again, knowing Annie Mae was his sister, but Don treated her nicely.
They had drawn up their business contract and signed all the necessary papers. Although Austin offered to celebrate their new partnership, Cassi declined. She wanted things to remain simply business and knew he was temptation to her. Ashamed that Austin’s kisses had made her melt, she wanted to spend as little time with him as possible. Despite her disappointment, she knew it was better that they didn’t celebrate together.
Instead, she called one of her friends and insisted they go to Cassi’s favorite bar, the Roadhouse, where they played country music. It would give her a chance to line dance and release her pent-up frustration over Austin. To celebrate the fact that she might actually save her farm, she wanted to kick up her heels and have a good time.
Cassi lingered as she showered for the evening, unable to resist imagining Austin kissing her again. He’d been the perfect gentleman in front of Don Ashworth, but she assumed it was because he was Annie Mae’s brother. A doubt formed in her mind. Maybe Austin didn’t want to let the “horse-society” know they were partners. She pushed the idea from her mind. It didn’t matter. This was simply business. In the long run, she figured that the way he had kissed her and looked into her eyes the other night was common practice for a playboy like him.
After stepping out of the shower, she toweled off and rubbed citrus scented body lotion on her still damp body. She wiggled into her oldest, tightest pair of jeans and flopped on the bed to pull up the zipper. She pulled on a white short-sleeved cropped T-shirt and finished the outfit with an old sleeveless jean jacket, inherited years ago from her brother. Pulling on her cowboy boots, she tucked her jeans into them and inspected herself in the mirror. It wasn’t a designer outfit, like the ones Annie Mae Ashworth wore, but this was her style. This was how you dressed for the roadhouse when you planned on dancing all night long.
On the drive to the bar, Cassi’s friend, Sandy Thompson, kept her distracted with tales of Sandy’s new baby and how excited she was to get out of the house. Girl talk made the time pass quickly and they arrived at the Roadhouse before they knew it. As they got out of the car, Cassi could hear the booming bass of the music before they even opened the door to the club. The parking lot was full of pickups and compact cars, a stark comparison to the Porsches and Mercedes at Austin’s party. They followed a couple into the place. Another friend of theirs, Tina, had already commandeered a table near the dance floor.
They ord
ered a pitcher of beer to share. Before the waitress was back with the drinks, Cassi saw Billy Joe making his way toward them.
“Hello, ladies,” he said, tipping his hat toward them.
“Hi, Billy Joe,” the three girls chorused back in unison, causing them all to fall into giggles.
“Anybody feel like dancing?”
Distracted, Cassi watched as she caught sight of Austin and Don threading their way through the crowd. Stealing glances of Austin’s strong profile, she wondered if he would notice her. She wondered if he would come over to say hello or ignore her like they’d never met before. Cassi didn’t want to know the answer to that and quickly agreed to dance with Billy Joe.
After several line dances, Cassi had worked up a thirst so she sat back down at the table and took a long drink of her beer. The foam tickled the top of her lip.
“Anyone else?” Billy Joe asked Sandy and Tina.
“Me, me,” Tina jumped up and left with Billy Joe.
Following Cassi’s gaze, Sandy asked, “Who are you scoping out?”
Austin Keller and Don Ashworth had sat down at a table against the back wall and were looking in their direction. “Nobody.” Cassi yelled over the din of the music. Turning back to Sandy, she ignored them, and instead was intent on catching up with her friend.
A shadow fell across the table and Cassi looked up to find Austin Keller standing there. Now she knew why her friend had become silent all of a sudden.
“Hello, Cassi.” Austin’s husky voice was barely audible above the deafening music.
“Hi Austin,” Cassi half-shouted over the music. “What brings you here? I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.”
“I’ve been here once or twice.”
Cassi introduced him to Sandy, who appeared to have become tongue-tied, then returned her attention to Austin. “I take it you know how to line dance?”
“Nope. Never have,” he replied, “I plan to keep it that way.”
Cassi looked coyly at him. “You mean to tell me there’s something I can do that you can’t?” Amused, she stood and held out her hand for Austin, “Come on. I double dare you.” She laid the challenge on the table and wondered if he would take the bait.
He leaned over and spoke into her ear so she could hear, “I guess there’s a first time for everything.” Grabbing her hand, he replied, “I never turn down a dare.”
Sandy exhaled, “Holy shit.”
When the next song started, Billy Joe and Tina returned.
“Do you believe that?” Sandy asked Tina. Billy Joe and Tina turned their heads in the direction she was looking.
“Is she with who I think she’s with?” Tina asked Sandy.
Sandy nodded yes.
Tina exclaimed, “You go girl!” The girls clinked their beers in mock salute.
A classic country song was playing, the lyrics about what a woman wants from a man. Austin watched Cassi as she did all the right steps. He tried following the quick maneuvers, but would turn the opposite direction he was supposed to. When Cassi laughed at him, he laughed along with her. Entranced, he watched her beside him, her breasts slightly moving with each step she took, the auburn tresses of her ponytail swinging side to side. He couldn’t help but notice that dancing brought a touch of pink blush to her cheeks. She looked so innocent. So honest. Trusting.
I’m such a heel. How could he contemplate Cassi in a romantic fashion when he was trying to gain control of her farm? But her kisses the other night had stirred him like no others. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
He rationalized he didn’t have a choice about trying to gain control of her farm. His back was to the wall like hers. His stepfather was taking all control of the farm. There would be no place for him in the empire his father and grandfather had built. He needed a farm to make his own mark and, with limited funds, he couldn’t afford the few tracts that were available. Since he had dumped Annie Mae for giving his horse away, her father was no longer interested in selling him a hundred-acre parcel of his thousand-acre farm, at a below market price. Austin would have to get back together with Annie Mae to get it. He wasn’t that desperate. But he didn’t like how his desperation was making him treat Cassi.
Pushing his self-derision aside, he concentrated on enjoying her nearness, the feel of her skin when they brushed against each other. Never taking his eyes off her the whole time they danced, he regretted his ulterior motives. Regretted that she’d lose her farm to him when she believed he truly was helping her. He would let her and her brother remain at their house, but he’d eventually have to live there. Desperate people take desperate measures. Like her, he was desperately trying to hold on to his dream.
The next song that came on was about friends in low places, prompting Austin to laugh out loud. If Annie Mae and his friends could see him now, wouldn’t they think that he had sunk to that level? Then again, he didn’t care what they thought. He dragged Don here tonight in hopes that he might run into Cassi.
When the song ended, it was replaced with a slow one. Austin pulled her close against him and she rested her head trustingly on his shoulder. He closed his eyes and cursed himself. All the years of dating casually had surely turned him into a cad. She trusted him, believed in him. Somehow they could both win—if she never found out. Never knew that he planned to make sure Foolish Gamble didn’t win so he could get her farm. If she never knew, maybe she’d still trust him and believe in him. But if she found out, it would be over. He would have crushed her trust and ruined any chance they might have together. She’d never forgive him. He couldn’t say he’d blame her.
He held her tighter. Chasing thoughts about the future away, he noticed how fragile she was. Austin inhaled the sweet scent of her as they finished the dance.
His hand moved under her vest and T-shirt, and he reveled in the contact as he rubbed her naked back. Her skin was smooth as silk and warm to the touch. He groaned when she leaned into him, her breasts flattening into his chest. His body reacted and he whispered in her ear, “How about we get out of here and get some fresh air?”
Cassi looked into his hooded eyes. She would be crazy to walk out that door with him. It could only mean one thing—he would kiss her. She would melt, and she was bound to regret it later.
“OK. For a few minutes,” Cassi replied. Austin took her hand in his and she followed him through the throng of people until they were outside in the cool, fresh night air. Several others apparently had the same idea. A couple was off to the side, making out. Cassi could still hear the rhythmic pulsing of the music. With Austin so near, her own pulse quickened.
“I wasn’t too bad, was I?” Austin’s sultry voice asked her.
Cassi laughed, “Well, you weren’t very good.”
“We’re talking about line dancing, aren’t we?”
His voice sent a shiver through her. The man was unabashedly sexy and she knew that he knew it. Cassi could resist. All she had to do was remind herself he was a playboy. That should keep her senses intact.
She grinned up at him. “Of course we’re talking about dancing.”
Austin grabbed the belt loop of her jeans and drew her closer to him. Her pulse jumped in her throat. Being near him was delicious, and her body’s reaction threatened to weaken her resolve to keep their arrangement purely business. She closed her eyes, wanting to savor the moment.
When she looked at him again, those tiger-eyes were staring deep into her. From that look, Cassi knew exactly what was coming next.
Austin’s roughened thumb traced a trail down her cheek. Then his hand entwined itself in the loose hair that had fallen from her ponytail.
“I like it when you let your hair fall free.”
His voice was alluring and hypnotizing, like that of a snake charmer. She knew she should go back inside, but was paralyzed before him—wanting him to kiss her and fearing it at the same time.
She watched, mesmerized, as Austin leaned closer to her, bending his head until finally his lips touched hers
, oh, so gently. She caught a whiff of bourbon mingled with his spicy male scent. In a move so smooth, he wrapped both his arms around her and she leaned into the side of the building.
A shudder of desire raced through her body as his tongue traced the outline of her lips. She could feel the beat of the music vibrate through the wall of the building, and her own heart pounded out a rapid tempo fueled by Austin’s hot kiss.
When his tongue parted her lips, she let him enter—his mouth possessing hers. His tongue delved deeper, exploring. She could feel herself giving in, responding, the pulse at her throat quickening as his fingertips traced trails up and down her neck.
His hands slid up and down the exposed skin of her midriff. A slight moan escaped her lips as he scattered a trail of kisses down her throat.
“So,” Austin murmured, “you only want to be business partners?”
“Um-hum,” Cassi replied, trying to regain control of her senses against his sexy onslaught.
“Yes, definitely,” she lied emphatically as her own lips sought out his. “What’s a harmless kiss between business partners?” Cassi suggested softly while Austin blazed a new burning sensation as his hands slid under her T-shirt. She inhaled sharply as his fingers traced a path to her breasts and she felt him harden in response.
“My sentiments exactly,” he growled.
Cassi heard the music momentarily get louder as someone came out the door. A male throat cleared, interrupting their intimate moment. She looked over at Billy Joe, as he tipped his hat toward her.
“Cassi. Boss.” Billy Joe tipped his hat in acknowledgement.
“Billy Joe,” Austin’s voice was curt. “We really need to stop meeting like this.”
Cassi couldn’t mistake the fact that Austin sounded displeased at being interrupted. She wasn’t too happy about it either, but knew it was for the best.
Billy Joe turned his attention toward Cassi. “The girls were wonderin’ if everything was all right.”
