Sunset Seduction

by Charlene Sands

  She curled her arms around his neck. He pulled her closer. His hand cupped the back of her head and strands of her hair flowed over his arm. The kiss went on a good, long time.

  Finally, Luke allowed her to come up for air.

  The impact of his passionate kiss pleasantly stung her lips. She stared at him, trembling. “Wh-what was that all about?”

  “Sweetheart,” Luke said, his brows gathering and a question in his expression, “I wish I knew.”

  * * *

  “Good news,” Logan said, walking into Sophia’s office at Sunset Lodge and interrupting Luke’s conversation with his good friend. Sophia not only managed the place but was now a full partner. “Justin will be home in time for our wedding. He’ll be here in a few weeks.”

  Luke was glad to hear it. Justin had been gone for too long. Luke and everyone else at Sunset Ranch missed him. “Don’t you knock?”

  “Why should I knock on my fiancée’s door?” Logan asked with a wry smirk. “I didn’t expect to find you here wasting her time.”

  Luke caught Sophia grinning at Logan. The two of them were ridiculously happy. “She was my best friend before she was your fiancée.”

  “Old news, bro. I’m so tickled about our little brother coming home, I won’t even let you rile me,” Logan said.

  “You mean the little brother who could probably whoop both our butts without breaking a sweat?”

  “That’s the one. Just don’t let him hear you admit that.”

  “You think I’m crazy?” Luke asked.

  Logan strode over to where Sophia was sitting behind her desk to give her a kiss.

  “Looks like there’s good news for all three of the Slade brothers,” Sophia said. She shot a quick look at Luke, giving him the opening he needed. “Luke was just about to tell me something important.”

  He sat in a comfy leather seat at an angle to her, his legs stretched out, his arm braced on the edge of the desk as he toyed with a ballpoint pen. Click, click, click.

  “Oh, yeah?” Logan took a seat beside him and shifted his gaze to him. “Our wedding, Justin’s homecoming and what else?”

  Luke had to face his brother with the truth and it pained him to admit that doing the right thing by Audrey wasn’t in his hands. She held all the cards. “Audrey and I are having a baby.”

  Logan’s mouth dropped open. He blinked a few times, absorbing the shocking news, and Luke couldn’t fault Logan his reaction. Audrey had always been off-limits. It was an unspoken rule, a code of honor between friends. At least in the Slade world it was. “You and Audrey? I’ll be damned. Does Casey know?” Logan examined his face. “Oh, wait a minute, is that what happened to your cheek?”

  Luke’s mouth twisted. The bruise was barely visible anymore but his brother was as sharp as a tack. “He wasn’t too happy about it. But it’s not his concern. This is between me and Audrey. I’ve asked her to marry me.”

  A smile formed on Logan’s face, and he put out his hand. “Well, congratulations.”

  Luke didn’t make a move to shake his brother’s hand. His fingers gripped the pen tighter. Click. Click. Click. “She turned me down.”

  Logan’s hand dropped to his side. “Why would she do that? Anyone with eyes in their head could see she’s crazy about you.”

  “Logan,” Sophia said, her voice sweet with warning. “It’s a little more complicated than that.”

  “How complicated can it be?” he asked.

  Luke tossed the pen down. “You’d be surprised.”

  Without going into the intimate details, Luke painted a picture for Logan and Sophia, explaining the situation between Audrey and him. Logan could be an ass at times, but not today. Today, both he and Sophia listened and gave their support.

  “Well, you gotta give her time,” Logan said. “You can’t blow this. There’s a baby involved.”

  “Not too much time, though,” Sophia said. She appeared thoughtful. “Women need reassurances.”

  “Go after what you want,” Logan said. He’d been persistent with Sophia and it had paid off.

  “Be genuine,” Sophia said.

  “Got it,” Luke said. Maybe getting Audrey to agree to marry him wasn’t as impossible as it seemed. Maybe he hadn’t tried hard enough.

  Or maybe you don’t want to hurt her anymore.

  Luke gave his head a quick shake. He’d been reeling from Audrey’s rejection and stressed out about how to change her mind. He couldn’t lie to her and tell her what she wanted to hear. That would be cruel. And she’d see right through it.

  Sophia walked around the desk to give him a hug, her embrace tight with affection. Logan congratulated him about the baby if not an upcoming wedding. Luke strode out of the lodge, grateful to both for their advice. A sense of relief curled in his belly that at least his family knew the situation now. Audrey would be the mother of his child.

  All day long, Luke had been thinking about her. There was something sexy and beautiful about a woman carrying your child. The notion had settled in his gut and clung there, making him smile at times, making him look at Audrey Faith Thomas differently.

  Later that night, Luke sat in his bed thinking about going after what he wanted, about being genuine and about giving Audrey reassurances. He didn’t know if he could do the last thing, but two out of three wasn’t bad and he had to try something.

  He picked up his phone and hoped to heaven Audrey wouldn’t ignore his text messages the way she had for the past few nights.

  R u asleep?

  Her reply came quickly.

  No. I should be but I’m not tired.

  Not tired, either. Keep thinking about today.

  She wrote back.

  Meeting the doctor and realizing we’re going to be parents?

  That, too. But thinking about what happened after.

  Chipmunk Café?

  Kissing you, Audrey.

  There was a minute delay in her response.

  It was a good kiss, Luke.

  He had to keep her talking. He was glad she responded. Glad she hadn’t shut him down.

  I bought a What To Expect When You’re Going to Be a Daddy book the other day.

  R u reading it?

  No, I’m texting with you. Want to read it together?

  Now?

  Yes.

  R u really asking me to come to your room to read a baby book?

  He went for broke. Be genuine. Go after what you want.

  That would be my second choice when you got here. It’s up to you, darlin’.

  * * *

  She was chilly from every part of her body the do-me black negligee didn’t cover. That had to be why she was shivering. Any second now, things could get really hot, though. Gosh, she hoped so. Audrey squeezed her eyes shut, stood at Luke’s door and knocked.

  A few minutes ago, she’d nearly dropped the phone from her hands reading Luke’s message. And the rebellious, wild, sadistic part of her told her to put on the skimpy black nightie, march into Luke’s room and spend one last glorious night with him, reason be damned. Oddly—or maybe rightly so—she’d followed her gut instincts. Now, here she stood, trembling like a kid watching her first horror flick, her blood pulsing and her heart zipping along.

  She heard footsteps approach from behind the door. Her breath caught and she choked with fear as all semblances of bravado and courage abandoned her.

  The door opened to Luke, barefoot, wearing unsnapped faded jeans and nothing else.

  Mercy.

  The moment his eyes landed on her, they flickered and blinked and turned warm as honey as he pored over every ounce of her body. A slow, sexy smile gradually eased the corners of Luke’s mouth up, making this devastatingly good-looking man even more beautiful.

  How was that possible?

  To think she was having a child with this man.

  The notion warmed her heart.

  She would love Luke until the end of time.

  “I came to, to, uh—”

  “Read?”


  She moved her head to nod, but Luke was too fast for her. Before she could complete the gesture, he pulled her through the doorway and backed her up against the wall. He pressed his body so close she could feel the steam radiating off his broad, bare chest. “Some say reading is overrated.” He cupped her shoulders, tucking his index finger underneath the spaghetti straps that held her negligee in place. He teased the straps to and fro. “I don’t agree,” he whispered. “You can learn a lot from the written word.”

  Tenderly, he slid the straps down her arms.

  Her breasts popped free.

  As she absorbed the impact of Luke’s quick intake of breath, her eyes gently closed.

  “Some books are page-turners.”

  He kissed her shoulders, taking little nips.

  Her skin sizzled like hot oil from his touch.

  “Some books you want to keep on reading.”

  He weighed her bosom in his hands at the same time as his mouth covered hers. A groan of pleasure and satisfaction rose from his throat and for the first time since she’d knocked on his door, she was certain she’d made the right decision coming to him tonight.

  He looped her arms around his neck and continued to kiss her, giving her the sliver of heaven she’d needed tonight.

  “You’re beautiful, Audrey Faith.”

  “So are you,” she whispered.

  The room was cast in shades of light and dark. The silence of the empty house surrounded them. She loved him with all her heart. He didn’t love her back. She wished he would. She wished it wasn’t lust but love spurring his desire for her.

  “I don’t know what I am doing here,” she breathed through tenderly bruised lips.

  Luke didn’t offer platitudes but seemed to speak straight from his heart. “I’m just glad you decided to come, sweetheart.”

  It was enough for her. For now.

  He picked her up and carried her to his bed. Laying her down carefully, he peered at her with an expression of tenderness and began to peel her nightie off. His fingers were gentle on her skin as he pulled the garment past her waist and down the legs. “I like this.”

  She didn’t say he could thank Sophia for the do-me outfit. She only smiled.

  He set the nightie at the foot of the bed and then lowered down next to her. “The doctor said lovemaking won’t hurt the baby.”

  Audrey gave a nod. At the doctor’s office, she’d blushed down to her toes when she’d heard that comment.

  “I want you, Audrey.” He cradled her face in his hands and kissed her again. There would be no guilt and repercussions on Luke’s part. He couldn’t claim foul or use his code of honor to back away. He’d invited her here tonight.

  “In case you didn’t notice, Luke, I’m naked on your bed. That’s got to tell you something.”

  He chuckled and covered her with his body.

  It felt right. It felt so very good.

  Making love to Luke was better than ever.

  And afterward as they lay together, arms and legs entwined, Luke kissed her good-night and she sighed inwardly, wishing Luke had whispered in her ear, “Some books you never want to end.”

  Ten

  Audrey woke to an empty bed. Well, not entirely empty. She glanced to her side and picked up a lavender shoot with light purple buds lying across the sheets. She brought the pretty flower to her nose. The scent was fragrant and sweet and flavored the air in Luke’s bedroom. Then she lifted the note he’d left beneath the stalk and read it silently.

  Sorry to leave you. I have an early appointment in Carson City. See you tonight at dinner.

  Luke

  “You’ve got a date,” she breathed softly. Pain squeezed her heart. She wished he’d declared his love for her and asked her out on a real date. Last night, she’d ignored her internal warnings to stay clear of him, to protect herself at all costs. And today, she’d pay the price for her one night of indulgence. Nothing had changed.

  She rose, her bare feet hitting the hardwood floor from the tall four-poster bed. On impulse, she turned to run her hand along the smooth Egyptian cotton sheets where Luke had made love to her. A sigh of longing escaped her throat. His hot kisses, his sensual caresses and their joined bodies totally in sync with each other meshed in her mind. She savored the heady memory.

  The rest of the morning flew by. At the barn, she saddled up three horses and led each one of them up into the hilly country for long, brisk walks. Then she took time to wash down and groom each one. Audrey was in her element among the animals and the ranch hands. Today, especially, was a productive day.

  Ward Halliday approached her as she was putting away tack. “Hey, Audrey.”

  “Good afternoon, Ward. How’re you doing today?”

  She turned to face him across the length of the tack room. The friendly smile that brightened his leathery face was gone. The usual spark in his eyes was gone, too. “I’m doing fine.”

  “Really? Because you’re looking a little frazzled around the collar.”

  He shrugged a shoulder, his lips tight with regret. “My boy has to leave for college a week early. They moved up orientation and it’s no point him going all the way to Texas and back. He’s gonna stay put once he gets there.”

  “Oh, no! When’s he leaving?”

  “On the red-eye tonight. My wife, Molly, is fixing him a big farewell supper, all his favorites.”

  “So what are you doing here?”

  “Well, I’m working. Gonna finish out the day.”

  She began shaking her head. There was no way Ward was going to miss being with Hunter on his last day home. “Ward, please let me finish up the few chores that are left. You should go home and be with your family. The boys can help me with anything else that needs doing.”

  “I appreciate that but—”

  “Please, let me do this for you. Go home and spend time with Hunter today. He’s probably excited and nervous and can use you around to settle him down.”

  Ward lifted the rim of his hat and gave her a sheepish look. “Who’s gonna settle me down?”

  “Molly.”

  Ward chuckled.

  “I’ve got this, really. I’ll make sure the horses are fed and stabled for the night.”

  He looked at her like a child opening an early Christmas present. “Thank you, Audrey. I’ll be sure to stop by the house on our way to the airport so Hunter can say a proper goodbye to you all.”

  “Darn right you will. I’ve gotta give Hunter a big hug and some tips on college life.”

  Audrey walked with Ward arm in arm outside the barn doors. She watched him get into his truck, start the engine and drive along the road that led to the main highway.

  Jewel brushed against her legs and she glanced down at her cat, who had pretty much taken over the Slade house perimeter. “What are you up to, Jewel?”

  Meow.

  “Same as usual, I see.”

  Audrey finished up her chores and then strode over to the other barn to see Trib. It was her daily outing, and she was thrilled to see the horse really beginning to relate to her. He no longer shied away when she opened the half door of the paddock and Jewel jumped up. The horse was turning the corner in the trust department and Audrey couldn’t be more pleased.

  Jewel took her seat on the ledge of the half door and looked for her new friend. Then the cat meowed and glanced at Audrey curiously. Audrey scanned the paddock. Tribute wasn’t in his stall.

  In her haste to convince Ward to head home, she’d forgotten about Trib and apparently so had the foreman. Now, as she walked outside and peeked around the corner of the barn, she saw Trib standing on the far end of the corral, blending into the shadows under an oak tree.

  “There you are,” she said congenially.

  Trib spotted her and snorted. He could make this hard for her, or he could make this easy. “Come here, boy,” she called to him. “Gotta get you settled for the night.”

  The horse gave her a stubborn stare and didn’t budge. “Are you kiddi
ng me,” she muttered under her breath. Apparently Trib was going to live up to his nickname of Tribulation today.

  Jewel’s nose nudged her leg. “Would you look at our friend over there,” she said to her cat. “I think he wants me to come get him.”

  The horse whinnied softly and took a few steps forward, toward them. Audrey smiled. “He does. He’s telling me to come get him.”

  Audrey knew he was ready. He was giving her his trust. Over the past few days, she’d made incredible progress with him. She had to thank Jewel for some of that; the two had become cautious, but endearing friends.

  She didn’t waste another second. This was an opportunity to really earn her keep around here. She was being paid to do a job, and with Ward gone, and no one else close enough to the stallion to bring him in, she knew she could do it.

  Trib would cooperate.

  She felt it in her bones.

  The horse took another step closer, then stopped and watched her. “I’ll be right there, I’m coming to get you, Trib.”

  She quickly walked into the barn, grabbed a handful of sugar cubes and gathered up a bridle and lead rope.

  Jewel seemed bored with it all and began swatting at flies buzzing around the feed bags in the barn. Audrey left her there and walked back outside.

  Taking measured steps, she kept her eyes on the horse as she made her approach with the rope and halter in one hand and a fistful of sugar in the other.