When they finished with the last horse, they trooped back into the house. With eight of them, including Nathan and Lauren, along with two ranch hands who had been left behind, it hadn’t taken long to unsaddle the horses, rub them down and put warm blankets on them.
They all smelled like horse when they entered the kitchen and were met by a rousing cheer.
Reese held up a cup of steaming coffee in a salute, followed by those of his crew.
“Taking care of the horses meant a lot to us,” Reese said. “Believe me when I say that, the proof being these people stayed here to say thank you rather than rushing to a shower and bed.”
The words were followed by another round of “yahoos” from the men and two women behind him.
The teens, including her daughter, looked stunned, then stood a little straighter. Lauren suspected they weren’t used to a lot of praise by adults. She vowed to herself she would do better.
Reese turned to business. “We’ll have our ceremony for passing the first week with flying colors Wednesday night when everyone is awake. It might be a little later than planned and your parents won’t be there, but you deserve it. As to getting back on schedule, Julie and Jenny will have their riding lessons in the morning, and the boys will work with their mustangs. You’ll switch in the afternoon. And again, thank you for the homecoming surprise. I assure you it is greatly appreciated.”
Another shout of approval came from the ranch hands, and then they started to disperse for the bunkhouse and showers, grabbing additional sandwiches as they did. After the last one, including Reese, left, the teens followed. Julie gave Lauren a big smile before following Jenny up to bed.
Lauren thought about lingering to see if Reese returned but realized he was dead tired and probably wanted nothing more than some sleep. She wasn’t tired, though. She was exhilarated. She’d loved seeing the grateful faces on the incoming riders and the proud ones of the teens. She wasn’t ready to go to bed.
She went into the corner library in the living room. Most of the books were old Westerns. She selected a classic and curled up in a big cushy chair. She was on the second chapter when Reese stepped inside. She knew it before she looked up and saw him. It was the musky male scent mixed with a tangy aftershave lotion.
He looked entirely different than he had a half hour earlier. He’d obviously taken a shower. His eyes were red, and lines of exhaustion were etched on his face as he sank into a chair near her.
“I thought you would be in bed,” she said.
“I will be, before long.”
“Rough night and day and night?”
“One of the lesser joys of ranching.”
“And what are the big ones?”
“Watching a mare give birth. It’s always a miracle to me.” He took her hand in his. “And,” he added, “nights like this. I was really proud of the kids tonight. Whose idea was it?”
“Does it matter?”
“No. What matters is they did it together and took pride in it. And the ranch hands appreciated it, probably more than you think. I appreciated it more than you’ll know.”
“You should probably go to bed,” she suggested.
“I should,” he agreed, “but I would rather talk to you. What are you reading?”
“A Western. I found it in the bookcase. The Big Sky.”
“It’s a good one.”
There was a pause as if he was considering whether he should say something more or not.
She tipped her head in question.
“I was impressed with what you did with the computer,” he said.
The switch in topic made her head spin. She shrugged, “It was just play money and it wasn’t that hard. And you certainly couldn’t spend it. It’s toy money.”
He hesitated, then asked, “Are you good at math and contracts?”
Puzzled, she stared at him. “I’m good at math, have to be at the academy. Now contracts, not so much.”
“But you are good on computers?”
“Aircraft are highly computerized these days,” she said. “We have to know technology. Why?”
“Would you consider staying here longer?”
“Why?” she asked, puzzled, even if an odd expectation started poking her.
“I think I told you computers and I do not have a good relationship,” Reese said.
“You did.”
“Whenever I use one, something weird seems to happen. So I try not to use them. Sally isn’t much better. Nathan has some skill but if something goes wrong, he’s not much help, either.”
“And?” she asked.
“You seem to understand the things,” he said with that slow smile that charmed her. “Our bookkeeper, business manager and computer wizard is in Chicago because her mother is gravely ill. She was supposed to be back this week, but she called Sally earlier and her mother is worse. I don’t know when she’ll return, and we have some important bids and contracts going back and forth. We can’t afford delays or mistakes. It wouldn’t take much of your time.”
She was stunned. “I don’t know,” she said. “As far as bookkeeping goes, I’m not so sure I’m your person.”
“Anyone new would have a learning curve,” he pressed. “Sandra could help you out via computer or phone. It would only be temporary.”
Excitement filled her. She really liked the ranch. She liked the people who worked here. She loved the mountains. And it would be an intellectual challenge, one she badly needed.
And then there was Reese.
“I would have to ask Julie,” she said. “I don’t want to ruin this program for her. None of the other kids would have a parent hanging around.”
“I wouldn’t want that, either. Would you be comfortable talking to her about it?”
She wasn’t sure, but excitement started to build in Lauren. She was good with computers. She had to be, since so many weapon systems were computerized. She’d felt aimless since she resigned her commission. She’d always needed goals and challenges.
The last week in Covenant Falls had been bearable because she’d been busy. She’d taken the riding lessons and did some exploring of the area but it wasn’t what she wanted to do for weeks. She wanted to be involved in something worthwhile. Eagles’ Roost’s equine therapy program met that standard. So did the historic ranch.
And it would only be temporary.
He was regarding her steadily. “It might,” he tempted, “bring you and your daughter closer. Riding is something you can have in common, and the other teens seem to really like you, not to mention all my employees after tonight.”
“That was the kids tonight,” she protested.
He raised an eyebrow. “I just wonder which one came up with the idea.”
“It was a joint project,” she said.
“I noticed you jumped in readily enough.”
“Tony organized the work force.”
He looked up, astonished. “Tony?”
“Yep, but don’t let them know I spilled the beans. They wouldn’t trust me again.”
“I swear it,” he said, “but I’m glad you told me. And you didn’t answer my question. Will you consider staying here while Sandra’s gone?”
It was a terrible idea. She knew it all the way through her bones. She couldn’t stay away from Reese now.
“Don’t you need some sleep?” she asked. Avoiding the answer.
“Yes, ma’am.” He grinned at her. “You look swallowed up by those jeans.”
“Which is why I’m driving to Covenant Falls in the morning,” she shot back.
“But you look adorable.”
They both stood. She was tall but he was a good six inches taller. She lifted her gaze to him, and his dark eyes seemed to smolder. He touched her cheek and ran his fingers along her cheekbone.
She turned her head slightly,
and their lips met. Softly at first. Then hungrily as if they couldn’t get enough of each other.
An internal voice warned her to stop.
But it was too late. As need and desire exploded between them she wondered whether from the moment they met if it had always been too late.
When his lips touched hers, she responded with all the need that had been building from the moment they first met. His kiss was not tentative but hungry. His arms locked around her as his mouth invited a response, even as his hands kneaded her back, sending ripples of sensation through her.
The quickening in her heart became a tattoo. It pounded so hard she knew he must hear it. There was something so solid about him, along with being immensely sexy. Her heart pounded an erratic rhythm as his kiss deepened, shaking her down to her toes. Torrents of sensation ran through her.
His arms tightened around her and she felt the quickened beat of his heart. He was compelling, had been since the first time they met. Maybe it was the toughness mixed with gentleness that so disarmed her. Maybe it was the time and heart he put into his mustang program or the way he worked with his employees. They not only respected him but also went way beyond what was expected of them. Maybe it was the dark eyes that hid emotions she was discovering deep within him.
Whatever it was, she felt she was standing in the middle of another storm. Electricity sparked and sizzled between them.
She should move away from him but her legs wouldn’t cooperate. His lips touched hers. Searching. Asking. Her arms went around him and their bodies radiated heat. She trembled as every nerve within her came alive. His mouth explored hers, awakening every nerve ending.
His hands ran up and down her body, then he pulled her even closer and she felt every muscle on him. A fiery craving spread through her as her arms went around his neck and her fingers played with the still-wet tendrils of his hair.
“You’re so damn irresistible,” he whispered.
Heavy approaching footsteps ended the moment abruptly. They swiftly moved apart as Chet walked in. The kiss was so unexpected she hadn’t considered that there was no door. The room just opened to the hallway.
The foreman looked from one to the other. “Just checking in before leaving. Everything looks good in the stables. The kids did a great job...and I’m heading home unless there’s something you need. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You didn’t,” Reese replied easily. “I just asked Mrs. MacInnes to stay a few days and fill in for Sandra. She seems to have a knack for computers.”
“Good idea,” Chet said to Lauren as if he hadn’t noticed how close she and Reese were. “Turn this guy loose on a computer, and something bad happens within minutes. I can’t say I’m much better. Well, I’m off to bed.” He turned red then.
Reese chuckled. “Good night,” he said, obviously dismissing him. “Say hello to your wife for me.”
“She’s probably not all that happy with you right now for keeping me so long.” He turned to Lauren. “And a good-night to you, Mrs. MacInnes,” he added as he turned and walked swiftly away.
Reese stepped back farther. “I keep forgetting there’s not a door here. There’s usually just the three of us, and Sally and Nathan usually stay in the back wing.” His hand went to her shoulder. “Chet won’t say anything.”
Part of her had been relieved when Chet entered, while another less cautious part of her brain resented it. This—whatever “this” was—was moving so fast. Maybe too fast. He was exhausted. Truth be told, she was, as well. They were both susceptible to runaway feelings.
She grabbed at the thought as if it was a lifeline even though her heart was still speeding. She hastily drove the subject into another lane. “Sally said you and Chet grew up together.”
“We did. Chet’s father was my father’s foreman. Both thought the ranch gave them God-like authority, like in the old Western movies. Chet and I grew up together, learned to ride together. When he finished high school, he went to work at the ranch, and I went to college.
“It’s a long story,” he continued, “but when my father was badly injured, Chet’s father tried to wrest control of the ranch. I was at college and Sally was only fourteen.
“I came home. My father wasn’t the same after the accident. Half the time he didn’t know where he was, and he now had a physical disability. There was no one on the ranch I could trust, certainly not Chet’s father, and he’d hired most of the employees. He thought he would be running Eagles’ Roost after my father’s accident. It wouldn’t have lasted long if he had gained control,” he added. “The ranch was already in trouble. He was stealing cattle, inflating cattle counts for loans, and couldn’t keep ranch hands more than a month or so.
“He claimed in court that my father had made him half owner and designated him to operate the ranch. He had a paper with a signature. Chet knew it was fraudulent. He also knew what would happen to the ranch if his father succeeded. It would have been broken up and sold. He loves this valley as much as I do.
“When it was all over,” Reese continued, “I fired his father but, because of Chet, with a healthy payment, and asked Chet to stay as my right hand. He’s the brother I’ve never had. Sally feels the same about him. I’m not telling you anything private. It was all over the Colorado newspapers twenty-two ago.”
“I knew I liked him. I just didn’t know why,” Lauren said. “What happened to his father?”
“He left, became foreman of a ranch in Texas and was fired. Chet gave him money until he died of a heart attack.”
She had so many other questions to ask. She wanted to know if he’d ever married, ever been in love. He seemed so self-contained.
But instead, she played with his hand. It was strong, calloused. “That kiss...that was the first since Dane.”
“What do you think he would want for you?” Reese asked gently.
She thought about it, but then she knew. “He would want me to be happy. You two have a lot in common. He was disowned by his father because he joined the air force instead of the family business, and he loved us especially hard because there was no one else to share his love with.”
“I doubt that was the only reason,” he said.
“No. I shouldn’t have said it like that. It’s just he had so much love bottled up inside. It was just so damn unfair...a drunk driver after he’d survived so many missions. I don’t know if either Julie or I can stand pain like that again.”
He wrapped his arms around her. “I think you can handle anything, including rampaging elephants.”
She felt his warmth and strength flow through her. She was falling in love and was amazed at how quickly it had happened. It had been so different with Dane. It had developed over years, not days or weeks.
How could she believe in it when she’d only known him for such a short time?
“Tell me about Dane, or is it too difficult?” he asked as he led her over to the sofa. He gently pulled her down and put his arms around her as he waited for an answer.
“Dane came from a family, a wealthy one. He was the firstborn son and was raised from birth to run the family’s business, a large financial firm in the Northeast. Problem was he hated everything to do with his father’s firm and the fancy schools he attended.
“Like me, he looked up one day and watched a plane cross the sky,” she said softly. “And he knew that was where he belonged.”
He nodded, his hand grasping hers as she continued, “He quit college, joined the air force as an enlisted man and worked his way up, and that’s extremely difficult in the air force. Nearly all pilots come out of the academy. Anyway, his family cut him off cold. Never spoke to him again, never acknowledged him. Not even Julie.
“I don’t mind,” she said. “Who wants contact with a family like that? But Julie does. She was the only one of her friends who had no relatives other than her father and myself. Her adored father died. T
here’s no one but me left. That scares her.”
“I can understand that. Poor kid.”
Lauren nestled in his arms.
“Can I ask you something?” she said.
“Sure.”
“Why do Sally and Nathan have different last names?” She’d heard the boy referred to as Nathan Howard.
Reese was silent for a moment. “It’s really no secret,” he said. “My father treated her terribly. He took his frustration over his situation out on her. She disappeared after graduating from high school, fell in love—or thought she did—with someone who thought she had money. She married him, and he came to me for money.”
He paused, then went on, “I knew it was just the beginning, and that he was mistreating her just as Dad had. When I wouldn’t give it to him and urged her to divorce him, he beat her. Badly. I found him, gave him a taste of his own medicine and told him what I would do if I ever saw him again. He believed me.
“She found out she was pregnant soon after he left. She didn’t want her son to have his name and refused to put it on the birth certificate, said she didn’t know it. He became Nathan Howard... She’s considered taking her maiden name back.”
“What about the father?”
“He was long gone by then. When I did a search later, I discovered he’d been killed in a fight. No surprise there.”
“Does Nathan know what happened?”
“Yes. Everyone in town pretty much knew when she turned up pregnant here. It’s next to impossible to keep secrets in this valley. We told Nathan when he heard the rumors. He had a hard time at first, but the horses, and Leo, helped a lot. So does music.”
“How did Sally become a physical therapist?”
“She’s a lot like you. She needs to be useful. When Nathan started school, she went to the university and got her PT degree. Betty looked after Nathan during the week and Sally returned on weekends. She’s still a traveling PT except during these few weeks of our Junior Rancher program. But she chooses her jobs for only short periods of time.”
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