Vegas Vows, Texas Nights

by Charlene Sands

  “Ready?” Luke asked, opening the door for her.

  “Yes... I think.”

  “Yeah, I know what you mean. Snow’s a special one.”

  Katie climbed in and grabbed her seat belt while Luke closed the door and took a seat behind the wheel. They drove off in silence and as they approached the canyon, she shivered.

  “Cold?” he asked.

  “A little.” She hugged her arms to her chest. “I forgot my jacket.” She’d forgotten how chilly the canyon could get in the later hours of the day.

  “I can warm you up real fast,” he said, giving her a smile.

  His dimpled grin brought heat to her body instantly. She flashed back to Vegas and those hours they’d spent in bed together.

  He reached for the dials on his dashboard and soon a flow of warm air surrounded her. “Better?”

  She nodded.

  “I’ve got an extra jacket in the back. I won’t let you freeze to death out here.”

  That he was talking about “letting” her do anything or not gave her nerves a rattle. He wasn’t really her husband—just thinking it seemed completely foreign to her—but he was taking care of her needs and that wasn’t something she was used to, with any guy. “Thanks.”

  A few minutes later they approached Red Barrel Horse Rescue and Luke parked in the gravel lot in front of the small building that served as the office. “I’ll go in and let Wes know we’re here,” he said. “You want to stay in the car and keep warm?”

  “No, I’ll go with you.”

  “Sure,” he said. He stretched way back and grabbed two jackets from the back seat of his car. “Here you go.”

  He handed her a suede jacket lined with lamb’s wool, while he took a lighter weight cotton one. They tossed them on, hers almost reaching her knees, and Wes came out of the office to greet them.

  The men shook hands, then Wes gave her a gentle hug. “I knew you two would come out as soon as you heard. Snow’s in the barn. I’ve made her as comfortable as possible.”

  Luke met her eyes, then looked back at Wes. “We’d like to see her now.”

  “You two know the way. Stay as long as you want.”

  “Thanks,” Luke said, his hand closing over hers gently. They began walking toward the barn and Katie took note of all the other horses in the corrals on the property. They were the lucky ones who’d been given a second chance at Red Barrel. There were so many others who were sick and hungry running wild in the canyons.

  Once they reached the wide wooden doors, Luke turned to her. “No matter what happens in there, just know we did the very best we could for her.”

  “I know that,” she whispered. “It’s just that she’s a special one. And she’s been through so much.”

  “Well then,” he said, his eyes softening. “Let’s make her final hours the best they can be.”

  She held on to a breath. And then exhaled. “Okay.”

  They walked out of the daylight and into the darkened barn. A cold shiver ran through her. It was definitely jacket weather in the canyon.

  “There she is,” he said, pointing to the largest paddock in the barn.

  Katie moved closer to the stall and as she laid eyes on Snow, she clutched her chest. “Oh, sweet girl.” It hurt so much seeing Snow weak, giving up the fight.

  “She’s down,” Luke said. “But she’s still with us.”

  “Yes, she still is. You’ve waited for us, haven’t you, my pretty Snowball?”

  Snow lifted her head and eyed them both before laying her head back down on a pillow of straw.

  Katie took off her jacket and entered the stall, laying the jacket on the straw beside the mare. “Do you mind?” she asked Luke.

  “Not at all,” he said, doing the same with his jacket.

  They lowered down and sat on the jackets next to Snow.

  “Hey, girl. I’m here,” she whispered in her ear. “You don’t have to do this alone.” Katie laid her hand on Snow’s mane and used the gentlest touch to comfort her. “I know you’re struggling to breathe. Just stay calm. I’m here.”

  Luke stroked Snow’s flank and whistled a soft, mellow tune. He was actually pretty good and not only did the whistling relax the mare, it soothed Katie’s nerves as well.

  “That’s nice,” she said, closing her eyes. “How did you learn to do that?”

  “A buddy of mine taught me when I was overseas.”

  Katie opened her eyes. “When you were in Afghanistan?”

  He nodded. “We had time to kill when we weren’t on active duty. You know, something to fill the void from being away from home.”

  “Must’ve been hard.”

  “It wasn’t a walk in the park,” he said.

  “Yet you signed up for it. When you had family here and a multimillion-dollar company to run. You didn’t have to enlist.”

  “I felt like I did. I think the time away helped.”

  “Are you talking about my sister now?”

  He nodded. “I never meant to hurt her. I know she hates me, but a lot of time has passed since we broke up.”

  “You mean, since you walked out on her? Humiliated her?”

  “Yeah,” he said, frowning. “If that’s the way you want to put it.”

  “It’s just that my family trusted you,” she said, stroking Snow’s mane. Luke hadn’t stopped his caresses either. “And your decision sort of came out of left field.”

  “What can I say that I haven’t already?”

  Katie was at odds with her feelings. She wanted to support Shelly and their mom, but Luke had a point. He couldn’t marry a woman he didn’t love. It was just too bad he’d come to that conclusion right before the wedding was to take place.

  “I know they hate me, Katie. But do you?”

  The question took her completely off guard. “Hate’s a strong word.”

  “So you don’t?”

  “Let’s just say I hate how things played out.”

  Luke nodded. “Fair enough.”

  “Speaking about the way things played out, any news from your attorney about our dilemma?”

  Luke frowned. “No.”

  She drew a deep breath. “Too much to hope, I guess.”

  Snow became agitated, moving around on her bed of straw.

  “I think you need to keep whistling,” Katie said. “It really does help her.”

  Luke put his lips together again and the melodic sounds filled the barn. Soon, Snow calmed and her breaths came more evenly.

  Afternoon gave way to evening, and the ole girl hung on. Snow’s eyes were closed now, her breathing more labored. “That’s my girl, Snow. Ease over the bridge now. You’ll be in a better place soon.” Katie bent to kiss her and stroked up and down her nose.

  Luke took a break from whistling. “I remember when I first spotted her. She was covered with sores and bruises, yet she had soulful eyes. They were filled with such life, such hope.”

  “I was appalled at the way she’d been treated. For heaven’s sake, the poor thing didn’t have a name,” Katie said.

  “Yeah, I remember. Her coat was black underneath the dirt, and that circle of white on her forehead right smack between her ears couldn’t be missed. It looked like she’d been struck by a fat snowball.”

  “And I named her Snowball.”

  “I named her Snowball,” Luke said, raising his voice an octave.

  She smiled, seeing the feigned indignation on his face. In truth, she didn’t know who’d said it first, but they’d agreed on the name. “Okay, maybe we both named her Snowball.”

  Luke smiled, too. “I think that’s the way it happened. Finally, we agree on something.”

  Katie liked this Luke, the one who showed compassion. A man who could laugh at himself and not put on airs. He was a zillionaire, yet he never seemed to fla
unt it. “It’s the magic of Snow. She’s...”

  They both gazed down at the mare. She was still. No longer breathing. “Oh no.”

  Katie looked at Luke as both their smiles faded. The mare had taken her last breath as they were conversing. Snow had heard them, recognized their voices and felt at peace enough to slip away without struggle.

  Tears stung Katie’s eyes.

  Luke, too, was pinching the inner corners of his eyes.

  “She’s g-gone.”

  “She is,” he said. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her in close. “But she went knowing she was loved.”

  Katie couldn’t hold back any longer. She nodded, bobbing her head as the truth of his words sank in. She wept quietly and turned to Luke, her tears running down her cheeks and soaking his shirt.

  “It’s okay, Katie. Don’t cry, sweetheart.”

  “I knew this day would come, but I didn’t think it would be so soon. I thought we’d have more time with her.”

  She had never owned a pet. She’d never had an animal to care for, to nurture and love, until she’d started working at the rescue. She loved all the horses here; they all had a story. But for some reason Snow was special. She’d touched Katie’s heart and they’d shared a deep connection, a bond that she didn’t have with any of the others. Katie had taken it as a personal challenge to make Snow’s days comfortable.

  Luke clearly felt the same way. His eyes moist, his expression sad, he couldn’t mask his sorrow either. He brushed his lips across her forehead. She needed his warmth right now, his strength.

  “There’s nothing more we can do.” His voice was shaky and he seemed reluctant to release her, to let go of the bond they’d shared. “We should go.”

  She nodded, wiping her face with the back of her hand and then attempting to pat his shirt dry from her tears. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” he said softly.

  “I hate to leave her.”

  “I’ll let Wes know she’s gone. He’ll take good care of her from now on.”

  It was hard to let go. To say goodbye.

  Luke rose and helped her up, entwining their hands. “Ready?”

  “I think so.” She glanced at poor Snow one last time, her heart breaking.

  Luke picked up the jackets and brushed the straw off them. “Put this on. It’ll be cold outside.”

  He gave the fallen horse one last glance, too, a look filled with sadness and regret as he grabbed a woolen blanket from the stall post and covered her body.

  Katie slipped into his jacket and he clasped her hand again, his warmth and strength seeping into her. He led her out of the barn. “C’mon, sweetheart. Let me take you home.”

  She didn’t mind the endearment this time; she couldn’t fight it. Couldn’t argue. She’d had a rough twenty-four hours and she was just too numb to think anymore. His shoulders were there for her to lean on, he seemed to know the right things to say and this one time she would accept what Luke had to offer.

  Without guilt.

  Three

  Luke stood facing Katie at the threshold of her apartment. He’d insisted on escorting her upstairs after entering the bakery, probably because she couldn’t quite get her emotions in check. She’d wept most of the drive home, little sobs that broke from her lips every time she pictured Snow lying still on the ground, lifeless. In the car, Luke had glanced at her often. She’d felt his concerned gaze but she couldn’t look him in the eye. She didn’t like showing her vulnerable side to anyone, but tonight she couldn’t help it. Her emotions were running out of control.

  “Are you going to be okay?” he asked her.

  “I think so.” She bit her lip. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

  He stared into her eyes, then ran a hand down his jawline. “But I do.”

  “You have no obligation to me, Luke. Really, I’ll be fine.”

  “Is that what you think this is?”

  He said it softly, without condemnation, and suddenly she felt small and petty. “No, no. I’m sorry. I know you’re just as upset as I am about Snow. Really, I’m glad we shared her last night together. You cared for her as much as I did. Gosh, I can’t believe I’m speaking of her in the past tense.”

  “It’s strange, huh?”

  “Yeah.”

  She stared at him, so many thoughts racing through her mind. But mostly, she was glad he was there tonight, lending her comfort, helping her come to grips with losing Snow.

  “It’s been a long day. I should let you go, get some rest,” he said.

  “That sounds...good.”

  “Okay, well. Good night then.”

  He turned to leave and Katie blurted, “Luke, wait.”

  He turned, his dark brows lifting.

  She took both of his hands in hers and gave a squeeze. “I just wanted to thank you for coming to get me today. It meant a lot to me to be there. Honestly, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through it all, if you weren’t with me.”

  Then she reached up on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his cheek to give him a chaste peck, but suddenly she turned her head, he turned his, and their lips were locked in a real kiss. Luke made a sound from deep in his chest and a warm delicious sensation sparked inside her.

  She might’ve kissed Luke dozens of times in Vegas, but she didn’t remember any one of them. This kiss she’d remember. This kiss she didn’t want to end.

  A moan rose from her throat, one of need and want, and for a moment she flushed, totally embarrassed. But Luke didn’t stop, he didn’t hesitate to devour her mouth. He was all in, too, stirring her deepest yearnings to be held, to be comforted. She was hurting inside and this kiss was a balm to her soul.

  He moved forward, backing her into the apartment, kissing her endlessly. She went willingly, relishing the taste of him, the raw pleasure he was giving to her. He tossed his jacket off and then removed hers without breaking the kiss. Then he cradled her in his arms, holding her so close to him that his need pressed against her belly.

  A surge of heat raced through her. It was astonishing how quickly he made her come alive. She was glad of it, glad of the sensations rocking her body. In Luke’s strong arms, she suddenly wanted what was forbidden to her.

  “Luke,” she said when the kiss came to an end.

  He looked deep into her eyes. “Don’t tell me to stop,” he whispered, grazing his lips over hers again.

  “I’m not, but maybe we should come up for air?”

  The quick smile on his face devastated her. He was so darn handsome. Why did it have to be him? She took a deep breath, pausing for just a few seconds. “Okay, that’s enough.”

  “You’re good with this?” he asked, brushing a wayward strand of hair off her face. “Don’t answer that,” he murmured. “I already know you are.”

  He cupped her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes, before claiming her lips again. The absolute pleasure overwhelmed her, helping to ease the pain in her heart. It amazed her how easily she welcomed him, how much she wanted more of his kisses, more of him. Her insides heated, and a spiral of warmth traveled through her body, making her hot, needy.

  “You feel it, too, don’t you?” he whispered in her ear.

  She shouldn’t. But yes, yes. She did. “Yes,” she said softly, hating to admit it, but she couldn’t lie to him. Couldn’t try to deny how his touch shockingly turned her on. How his kisses made her melt. How she wanted more.

  This was all about Snow and the loss she felt. It had to be. Because no other reason would do.

  Luke unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it off. He clasped her hand and set it flat on his chest. The taut muscles under her palm intrigued her and she moved her hand over him, gently mapping out the broad expanse of his chest. He was stunning, hard, firm, tough.

  Electricity sizzled between them, an
invisible connection pulling her closer, making her head swim. She pressed a kiss to his shoulder and felt him shudder.

  “Katie.”

  Her name came from deep in his throat, not a plea, not a warning, but a mixture of awe and reverence that set off a barrage of tingles.

  She hadn’t had a man in her life for two years, and even that hadn’t been anything serious, just casual dating. And now here she was with Lucas Boone, for heaven’s sake, wanting him, needing his strength and compassion. Her body reacted to his, and she was sure it was mutual grief heightening the sensations, making a hard day a bit easier.

  He began kissing her again, drawing her tight into his arms, his big hands caressing her shoulders, her back and then lower yet. Everything below her waist throbbed in the very best way.

  She moaned, a guttural sound erupting from her throat that she didn’t recognize as her own. Yet she relished the way Luke touched her, and soon his hands were caressing her chest, undoing the buttons on her blouse, pushing it off her. His eyes gleamed as he took in her small round breasts overflowing the cups of her bra.

  “So beautiful,” he murmured between kisses.

  His praise brought more tingles, more heat. She was lost in the moment, totally and fully engaged. He removed her bra and cupped her breasts, taking one into his mouth, stroking it with his tongue gently, reverently, making her feel more alive than she’d ever felt before.

  Soon she was wrapped in his arms and being carried into her bedroom. He didn’t let up, didn’t stop kissing her until he set her down, her boots touching the ground.

  “Invite me in,” he rasped.

  That made her smile. “You’re already here,” she whispered.

  His lips quirked up in a sexy way and she wouldn’t have been able to deny him, even if she’d wanted to. “I guess I am.” He kissed her again and before she knew it, the rest of her clothes were off and she lay waiting for Luke on the bed.

  She had a moment of panic, the realization of what was happening finally dawning. This was Luke, her sister’s ex, the man she’d accidentally married in Las Vegas. Yet she’d bonded with him tonight while they were saying goodbye to Snow and shared a deep loss together. It was complicated, and she’d deal with it later, but now...now she needed the comfort he provided. The thrills were an added bonus.