“No worries. After that last go-round, I doubt I’m seduce-able.”
He chuckled. “Is that a challenge?” He ran the washcloth over her stomach.
“It’s a fact. That was a primo experience. I want to bask in it for a while.”
“Me, too.” He continued to move the warm cloth over her sensitized skin. “I have something I’d—” He paused. “Maybe you should finish up.” He stood and swept a hand toward his crotch. “A mind of its own.”
“Wow. I’m flattered.” She scooted to a sitting position and took the washcloth from his outstretched hand.
“You get to me, Nell.”
“Ditto, Zeke.” She smiled. “You might want to turn your head.”
“Good advice.” He looked away while she finished the job.
“Thank you. I’m done.”
He glanced at her, his gaze warm as he took the washcloth. “I really do want some cuddle time. I’ll take this back and have a talk with my friend.”
“Would you please take this, too?” She rolled away from the towel and picked it up.
He reached for it. “See you soon.” When he returned, his friend no longer stood at attention. “This is a wonderful bed.” He climbed in and gathered her into his arms.
“Yeah, well, you sleep in a bunk.”
“And I’m fine with that. It’s the best option for now. Your bed is nicer, though, especially with you in it.”
“You’re welcome anytime.”
“I know. Wish it could be more often.” He drew her close and cradled her head against his shoulder. “That business we talked about in the truck—”
“You don’t have to tell me.”
“I do, though. Whatever this is between us—it’s important.”
“Yes.”
“We’re important to each other. And to Claire. What I’m about to tell you—she doesn’t know and doesn’t need to know. Not now, anyway. Someday she’ll find out, but I want to postpone that moment. She’s already had to deal with a mother who…”
“Wasn’t ideal.”
“That’s a nice way of putting it.” He rested his cheek on the top of her head and tucked her even more securely into the curve of his body. “My father—and Jake’s—is a bigamist.”
“That still happens?” It didn’t sound real to her.
“Unfortunately.”
“But we have databases, now. Everyone keeps records. How does he get away with it?”
“I don’t know. Don’t really care. But he’s somehow convinced two different women that he’s their lawfully wedded husband—Jake’s mom and mine.” His body had become increasingly tense.
She rubbed his back, attempting to soothe his agitation. “When did you find out?”
“When I compared notes with Jake. My dad told me I had a half-brother and he led me to believe Jake was the result of a former love affair, one he’d broken off when he met my mom. That’s what Claire still believes.”
“But he had to know you’d figure out the truth when you came to Montana and talked to Jake.”
“I’m guessing he’s counting on my loyalty not to turn him in. Maybe even Jake’s loyalty, although I can tell you Jake has no interest in protecting him.”
“A man like that doesn’t deserve loyalty. How does he live with himself?”
“You’d have to ask him.”
“And how does he physically manage the logistics? That can’t be a simple matter.”
“I’m sure it’s not. He travels for business, which gives him plenty of leeway. He and my mom have been married for thirty-two years and she’s… she’s very trusting.”
“But since Jake’s the reason you guys moved here, your dad must have told your mom that much, at least.”
“Not after he swore me and Claire to secrecy. He convinced us the shock would be too much for her.”
“My God. What an operator. How did he explain your move?”
“He told her he’d heard about the place during a recent business trip and knew it would be perfect for Claire and me since we’ve always wanted to live on a ranch.”
“What about Jake’s mom? Does she know about you?”
“She doesn’t, but Jake says she wouldn’t be surprised that my dad fathered a kid with another woman. He repeatedly divorced and remarried Jake’s mother. I guess there were periods when he wasn’t a bigamist, but he just remarried Jake’s mom, so it’s true for now.”
“I’m sorry, Zeke.” She hugged him. “You must hate this.”
“Oh, yeah, I do.”
“Have you thought of turning him in?”
“Constantly. Now that Jake knows, he has the same thoughts. But we’d ruin our mothers’ lives in the process.”
“Ruin them? You’d free them from a toxic man!”
“Would they thank us? I’m not sure they would. The most innocent victim would be Claire. I doubt we could expose him and keep her in the dark. The truth could send her into a tailspin. She loves her Grampa Bud. And she’s a romantic. If she found out how he’s treated her Gramma Frannie….”
Nell took a shaky breath. “What a mess.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m glad you told me.” Her heart ached for him. First his wife, then his dad. He’d been knocked six ways to Sunday. No wonder he wanted to hang onto the status quo. “Even more than that, thank you for trusting me with the information.”
“You can’t even tell Val.”
“I won’t. Is Claire close to her grandparents, then? Does she miss them?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Now that you mention it, she told me something about a playhouse they’d built for her in their backyard.”
“They did that last year, when Claire and I were living in an apartment. It was their way of giving her something special. My dad and I built it and my mom and Claire painted, furnished and decorated it.”
“Are they in touch?”
“They call my cell and I let Claire do most of the talking. My mom wanted us to come back for a visit after school let out. I told her I was a new hire and couldn’t leave for that long. And my dad’s throwing up roadblocks to keep them from coming here.”
“Poor Claire. Poor you. I wish there was something I could do.”
Putting a finger under her chin, he tilted her face up. “There is.” He brushed his mouth against hers. “And you’re doing it.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Once again, Zeke found comfort in Nell’s arms. And so much pleasure. She was a bountiful feast, one he appreciated far more this time than the first night they’d spent together. He learned to sip and taste instead of gobbling voraciously.
She also taught him to play. The flavored oil had been a start. Then she reminded him about the pushups he’d teased her about. Coaching her in that exercise started with laughter and ended with a steamy episode featuring Nell taking the top position and driving him insane.
And finally, she offered the radical suggestion of getting some rest. Holding her close, he drifted into a deeper sleep than he’d had in many months, maybe even years. Good thing he’d set his phone alarm.
Silencing the soft chime quickly, he slipped out of bed and headed for the shower. The bungalow’s fixtures and plumbing were old and cranky. They groaned in protest when he turned on the water.
He winced at making so much noise. Couldn’t be helped. He needed to be fresh as a daisy when he picked up Claire at Henri’s. Maybe Nell was a sound sleeper.
But as he dried off, he smelled coffee. Not such a sound sleeper. Dressing quickly, he breathed in the scent of raisin-bread toast. When he walked into the kitchen, she turned from the counter where she was spreading peanut butter on the toast. “I hope you have ten minutes.”
“I do.” He’d rather spend it kissing her than eating toast and drinking coffee, but kissing Nell when she was wearing nothing but a fluffy bathrobe would be a recipe for… well, not disaster. Extreme lateness, though.
She handed him a mug of coffee and a
small plate with the toast cut in four triangles.
“Thanks. Nice presentation.”
She laughed as she picked up her coffee and toast. “Kids like their sandwiches cut that way and I just automatically do it, now.”
“No worries. I’m just a big kid at heart.” He set his plate and mug on the kitchen table so he could pull out a chair for her.
“If you dig deep enough, most of us are still kids underneath. That’s why I can relate to my third graders. My eight-year-old is alive and well in my grown-up body.”
“I know.” He settled into his chair, dug his phone from his pocket and laid it by his plate so he’d keep track of the time. “I couldn’t say who was more excited about that greenhouse, you or Claire. When the frame went up, you looked just like she did—so happy you could bust.”
“I was.”
“So was I.” He’d never forget that moment. Or this one—Nell smiling at him across the tiny kitchen table, her hair piled on top of her head to get it out of the way while she made coffee and toast. For him. His chest tightened.
She reached over and touched his hand, her forehead creased. “You okay?”
“I just… you’re… beautiful.”
Her expression softened. “Thank you.” She held his gaze. Then she glanced at his plate. “Eat your toast.”
“Yes, Miss O’Connor.” Smiling, he picked up one of the triangles.
“I didn’t mean it like that.” She looked adorably flustered. “I just know you have to—”
The sound of a text on his phone was loud in the quiet kitchen. He checked the screen. Call me if you can. “It’s Jake.” He stood. “Sorry. I need to call him. He wouldn’t contact me unless it’s important.”
“By all means. I can put your coffee in a thermos.”
“No need. I’ll only be a minute.”
Jake answered on the first ring. “Hope I didn’t interrupt.”
“Nope. What’s—”
“Henri just called. A reservation request has come in from Fran and Bud Lassiter.”
His stomach twisted. “Damn him.”
“She can tell them she’s booked.”
“All summer?”
“It could happen.”
“They might just find a different place to stay and come anyway. Claire said my mom wanted to visit after school let out, but my dad was super busy and didn’t see how he could get away.”
“Probably because he planned to use his vacation time to take my mother on a cruise.”
“You know that?”
“No, I made it up, but that’s how he’s worked things in the past.” Bitterness laced his words. “Look, this is your call, since it involves Claire. Now that I think about it, Henri can’t tell them we’re booked. Claire would be over the moon if they stayed in a guest cabin for a few days.”
“I can’t believe he has the cojones to—”
“Can’t you? I totally believe it. The guy has solid brass ones. He thinks he can get away with this like he’s gotten away with everything else.”
“And it looks like he will, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, it sure does. I’ll tell Henri to confirm their reservation. We’ll talk soon.”
“Wait. What dates are they asking for?”
“Next Friday through Monday morning.”
“Son of a—”
“No, son of a bastard. Or rather, sons. You and me, little brother. We both drew the short straw. I’m off to check on the raptors. See ya.”
“Later, bro.” He disconnected and looked around for Nell.
She stood a short distance away, her arms folded and her expression sad. So very sad.
He cleared his throat. “My parents are coming.”
“I figured that out.” Unfolding her arms, she came toward him. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.” He tucked his phone in his pocket and gathered her close.
She hugged him tight, nestling her face against his chest. “Your heart’s going very fast.”
“Because I’m ready to beat the tar out of him. How the hell can he—” No point in finishing that rant. Jake was right. His dad had always done whatever he wanted without suffering any consequences. Why stop now?
“When are they coming?”
“Next weekend. Friday through Monday.”
“I’ll be glad to help you deal with this if you need me to.”
“I don’t want you anywhere near that bastard.”
She glanced up. “I’m not sure you’ll be able to get away with that. Claire will want to show off her setup, her uncles and aunts, even me and Val.”
“You’re right.” His gut twisted. “And everyone will be forced to play nice because they love Claire.”
“And because they want to support you.” She cupped his face in both hands. “So do I. If you’ll let me.”
Taking her hands in his, he brushed kisses over her fingers and held her gaze. “I’d be a fool not to.”
“Yeah, you would.” She stepped back and pulled her hands free. “Now get out of here. And take your toast with you. You can eat it on the way.”
“I will.” She’d made it and he’d eat it. Stacking the triangles together, he glanced at the mug of coffee which she’d also made. “Maybe I should take a thermos, after all.”
“Sorry, but I wasn’t thinking straight when I offered. You’d have to explain to Claire where you got the thermos.”
“Oh.”
“I’m assuming she doesn’t know we spent the night together.”
“I don’t think so. That’s something I wanted to talk about—how I should handle the subject if the time comes when she figures it out.”
“Okay. We’ll discuss it later.” She made a shooing motion with her hands. “Go, go.”
He backed toward the door. “I thought you might have some insights about age-appropriate ways to explain sexuality. Being a teacher and all.”
“I’m no expert, but—we can talk when there’s more time. Bye, Zeke.”
“Bye.” He couldn’t stand it. Storming back across the room, he cupped the back of her head with his free hand and kissed her, hard and fast. “That’s better.” Turning on his heel, he walked straight to the door, grabbing his Stetson from an end table as he passed by.
Hat on and kiss bestowed, he glanced back one last time. “I love it when you smile like that.”
“Your kisses make me happy.”
“Good, because you’ll be getting a lot more of them.” He touched two fingers to the brim of his hat. “See you soon.”
He ate the toast in three bites on the way to his truck. He took the residential streets at the required limit, but once he hit the two-lane out of town, he ignored the signs and boogied, watching for critters and cops as he drove.
He encountered neither and pulled up in front of Henri’s place on the dot. Not too shabby, all things considered. Bounding up to the porch, he crossed it in two strides, rapped on the door and went on in. Henri was expecting him.
Claire raced out of the kitchen. “Dad! Gramma Frannie and Grampa Bud are coming to stay at the ranch!”
He acted surprised. “They are? That’s great!” He almost choked on the words, but he got them out. “When?”
“They’ll be here next Friday. Gramma Henri says she’ll rearrange your work schedule so we can pick them up in Great Falls.” She hopped up and down. “I can’t wait, I can’t wait!”
Henri walked out of the kitchen and stood behind Claire, her hands on his daughter’s shoulders, her eyes filled with sympathy. “Exciting news, huh?” Her tone was enthusiastic but she made a face.
“Yes, ma’am. Very exciting. Well, I’d better take this wrangler and head for the barn. We have critters to feed and stalls to clean, right, pardner?”
“Right, pardner!” She made for the door, grabbed her overnight bag sitting beside it and plucked her hat from the coat tree. Then she gazed at him. “Dad, you have peanut butter on your shirt.”
“I do?” He checked, and sure en
ough, he’d dripped. “Whoops.”
Claire sighed and shook her head. “I know exactly what you did.”
Henri’s eyes widened.
Stay cool, dude. “Oh, you do, do you?”
“Since I wasn’t there, you didn’t bother to fix yourself a real breakfast. Instead you made toast, ate it too fast and washed it down with coffee. Am I right?”
“More or less.”
“I thought so. After we finish barn chores, we need to go back to the bunkhouse so you can get some real food into you.”
“Good idea.” He glanced at Henri, who’d ducked her head, no doubt to hide her grin. “Thanks so much for keeping Claire last night, Henri.”
She looked up, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re welcome. Did you have a nice time?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He didn’t have to fake his response to that question. “I had a wonderful time.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Keeping Zeke’s secret from Val wasn’t an issue over the weekend. Nell didn’t hear from her friend, not even a text. Either things had gone exceedingly well with Teague or truly awful. Either way, Val might need some space.
At least she didn’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. On the other hand, she struggled to find a distraction that filled the hole left by Zeke.
Laundry, cleaning and walks through the neighborhood weren’t cutting it. She loved to read, but she couldn’t sit still long enough to get into the story.
She missed him like crazy. He didn’t text and that made sense. Claire was shadowing him this summer so she’d always be around. Hobbies had never been Nell’s thing, but maybe that needed to change. She couldn’t spend the entire summer pining for that cowboy.
At last Monday arrived, along with a text from Val asking if she could come over early. She wanted a chance to talk about Teague before they picked up the girls for the riding lesson.
Did she have good news or bad? No telling from her text, but the minute Nell opened the door, her friend’s glowing face gave her the answer. “You had a good time.”
“We had a fabulous time. Friday night was so amazing that he asked me to spend the weekend at the ranch, which is why I was out of touch.”
Single-Dad Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 8) Page 11
