by R. C. Ryan
“Did she say where?”
He shrugged. “If she did, I don’t recall.”
Minutes later Lily hurried into the kitchen with her backpack stuffed. She set it carefully in a corner of the mudroom before taking her place at the table beside her sister.
As she began to nibble scrambled eggs and steak, she suddenly looked over at Grace. “Oh. What will we do for food? Will we have to fish in a creek?”
“Don’t you worry. We may plan on roughing it, but it’s not all that primitive.” Grace nodded toward their cook. “Yancy will see that we won’t go hungry.”
He pointed to the plastic pouches, all neatly labeled and stacked in a metal container. “If you decide to stay in the hills for a month, you won’t run out of food.”
Lily’s eyes went wide. “Could we? Stay for a month?”
Frank started laughing. “Not on your life. I can’t stand to be apart from my Gracie Girl as it is. If you’re gone more than a week, I’ll find you both and drag you home.”
“Or you could stay up in the hills with us, Grandpop.”
The old man’s eyes watered just a bit at her easy use of his name before he leaned over to tousle her hair. “I could be easily persuaded to do just that, Lily darlin’. I might decide to stay with both of you.”
Around the table, the others listened in silence and smiled.
Ingrid gave Lily a fierce hug, closing her eyes for a moment before letting her go.
Lily climbed up to the passenger side of the truck, where Grace sat at the wheel. She lowered the window and waved until they were out of sight.
While the others made their way to the house or the barns, Ingrid remained, staring at the cloud of dust.
Luke took her hand in his. “She’ll be fine.”
“I know.” Ingrid managed a weak smile. “But I keep thinking about all the things that could go wrong. An angry mustang stallion. A lightning strike during a sudden storm. A fall, far from civilization. A—”
“Has she ever left you before?”
Ingrid lifted her chin. “This isn’t about me, Luke.”
“That’s right. We were talking about Lily.” He gave her a heart-stopping grin. “But I’m just asking.”
“This is the first time she’s ever gone anywhere without me.”
“She’s going to have the time of her life.” He put an arm around her shoulders and drew her close. Against her ear he murmured, “And her big sister will survive.”
She couldn’t help laughing as she pushed away and punched him in the arm. “You’re being mean.”
“I’m being honest. This will do you both good. And if Lily is serious about photography, she couldn’t have a better teacher than Gram Gracie.”
Ingrid slowly nodded. “I know. I still can’t believe that the photographer of Lily’s favorite photo is your grandmother.”
“Small world.” He nodded toward her ranch truck parked near the porch. “Looks like Yancy wants to make sure you have enough provisions for a year.”
Ingrid caught her breath at the boxes being loaded by Yancy and Mick into the back of the truck.
“Is that all food?”
Luke chuckled. “You saw what Yancy sent along on the safari. I’d say he and Mick conspired to double that amount before you head home.”
As they walked closer, Mick turned to her. “You ready, girl?”
She nodded. “I’ll just say my good-byes and get my things.”
Mick held out the keys to Luke. “You want to drive?”
“You drive.” Luke headed toward the barn. “I’ll be right back.”
Minutes later, with Mick behind the wheel, Ingrid walked down the back steps and tossed her overnight bag into the passenger side of the truck before turning to hug each member of Luke’s family, including Yancy. “Thank you for all that food, Yancy. It will certainly save poor Mick from having to tolerate my cooking.”
“That’s what he said.”
The two shared a laugh before she turned toward the truck.
Before she could climb inside, Luke roared up on his Harley. He tossed her a helmet and indicated the spot behind him. “Climb on.”
She stood a moment, staring in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, he’s serious, all right.” Reed slapped his grandfather on the back. “I wondered how long it would take before Luke got the itch.”
“Well, I don’t have an itch to ride on that thing with him.” Ingrid turned to Luke’s family, none of whom seemed surprised to see him waiting for her to make up her mind. “Aren’t any of you going to tell him he’s crazy?”
“Oh, we all know that.” Matt winked at his wife, who was covering her laughter with a hand over her mouth. “What we want to know is whether you’re as crazy as my brother.”
Vanessa added, “Nobody can be that crazy, Matt.”
Ingrid turned to Colin. “You strike me as the sensible one. Am I taking my life in my hands by riding with him?”
“I guess you’ll never know unless you try.” Colin leaned close to add, “It’s true that Luke’s always been wild and crazy. But I’m betting he won’t be taking any chances with you onboard. I’m thinking he considers you precious cargo.”
Precious cargo.
Ingrid drew in a breath before accepting the helmet from Luke’s hand. To his family she explained, “I know. Just call me crazy.”
Then, with a shake of her head at her own foolishness, she settled herself behind him on the Harley and wrapped her arms around his waist. With a wave, he revved the engine and they took off in a roar. Mick followed more slowly in the ranch truck.
“You okay back there?”
“I’m fine.” And, she realized, she was.
After the first mile or so she learned to take the dips and curves of the road by following Luke’s movements. When he leaned left, she did the same. When he straightened, she would relax her hands a bit. But she kept her arms firmly around his waist, feeling a sense of being anchored.
Anchored.
She could get used to this.
The press of her body to his. The fresh breeze cooling her face, despite the heat of the helmet. The amazing feeling of flying as they sped along a smooth track. The dizzying blur of movement when they crested a hill and, seeing no one for miles, opened up and soared.
Every once in a while he would point to something, and she would be alerted to a herd of deer or elk, heads lifted, watching in silence as they rolled past.
She’d driven these roads and trails for a lifetime, but suddenly she was seeing them in a brand-new way. Without the encumbrance of a truck, she felt small and insignificant amid the towering hills and buttes.
It was, she realized, an experience like no other. She felt part of the scenery. She felt free. And wildly exhilarated.
When the motorcycle started up a steep dirt trail, she tightened her grasp around Luke’s waist and pressed her face to his shoulder.
He turned his head slightly. “You’re going to love this.” Each word seemed to vibrate inside her head as they reached the top.
For a moment they were on level ground. But without warning they began a sudden descent, racing headlong down a steep hill at breakneck speed. It was more thrilling than any roller-coaster ride.
There was no time to react as the road raced past them in a blur of movement. Minutes later they were once again on a level stretch of road, moving at a normal rate of speed.
“How’re you doing?”
“I’m loving it.”
And she was. Though she should have been terrified, there had been no time for fear. It dawned on her that the presence of this man had made all the difference.
Colin had said she was Luke’s precious cargo. If that was true, he was equally precious to her. She had somehow learned over these past weeks to trust him. Completely. She had the sense that, without a doubt, no harm could come to her as long as she was with Luke Malloy.
Was that the same as love?
The question f
lashed into her mind with such clarity, she was forced to suck in a breath.
Could it be? Was it possible for someone like her, who had vowed to never trust a man with her heart? Was it possible to love a man she’d known for such a short time? A man who was everything she wasn’t?
Where she’d always been cautious, straightforward, Luke was fearless, jumping in where even angels wouldn’t tread.
Yet here she was, having the time of her life on a dangerous vehicle, without an ounce of fear.
Because of Luke.
A wide smile split her lips, and she raised her arms above her head while giving out a shout of pure joy.
As they rolled up to her ranch, he brought the Harley to a halt and stepped off before taking her hand and helping her.
They both removed their helmets and listened for a moment to the silence around them.
He took the helmet from her hands. “Was that a victory shout-out?”
She couldn’t stop the laughter that bubbled up. “Yeah. My version of the happy dance.”
“I guess that means you’re not sorry you gave up the truck in favor of this?”
“Not sorry at all. Oh, Luke, I loved every minute of it.”
He was looking at her with such intensity, she knew he was going to kiss her. She actually lifted herself on tiptoe, barely able to contain herself as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
At that moment the old truck wheezed up behind them and came to a stop.
Luke leaned close to whisper, “Hold that thought. Sooner or later we’re bound to find some time alone.”
“You two crazy bikers going to stand there all day, or give me a hand with this food?”
At Mick’s challenge, they turned and made their way to the back of the truck. But as they hauled the parcels inside, they kept exchanging knowing smiles.
Ingrid found herself tingling with a wild sense of anticipation at the thought of what was to come.
Chapter Twenty-One
As Ingrid carried in a box filled with food packets, she began reading the labels aloud. “Roast beef. Fried chicken. Stuffed pork chops. Garlic mashed potatoes.” She glanced at Mick. “We’ll be eating like guests in a five-star hotel.”
He chuckled. “Without paying a five-star price.”
Ingrid unpacked the boxes and handed the packets to Mick, while he loaded them into the freezer.
Luke walked in with another box and set it on the table.
Ingrid was beaming. “This was so sweet of Yancy.”
“He’s a sweet guy.”
“So is your family. All of them. I still can’t believe your grandmother invited Lily to go on one of her photographic safaris.”
He began unpacking the second box. “You should have heard Nessa when she returned from her first time up in the hills. She couldn’t stop raving about the experience. The herds of mustangs. The chance to sleep under the stars. The fact that she was so far from civilization. For a city girl, it was pure heaven.”
“Lily may be pure country, but I think she’ll feel the same way. Just being in the presence of a woman she admires is such a treat. And then there’s the chance to learn all about the techniques of photography that none of us could ever help her with. I’m betting she’ll be in little-girl heaven.”
Luke tugged on a lock of Ingrid’s hair. “Yes, but will her big sister survive?”
Ingrid blushed. “I’m trying to stay positive.”
“And doing a damned fine job, girl. You’re not used to sharing Lily with anyone.” Mick closed the freezer and wiped his hands on a kitchen towel. “Now the biggest decision we have to make today is which packet I should open for our dinner.” He looked at the two of them. “Anything in particular you craving?”
“Nothing I can say out loud.” Luke covered his words with a cough.
Ingrid colored. “Your choice, Mick.”
“Okay. I’ll surprise you.”
Luke looked out the window. “I don’t see Nadine’s truck.”
Ingrid’s smile faded. “I guess, after the show she put on for your family last night, she isn’t ready for the quiet ranch life yet. She’s probably gone back to Wayside.” She turned toward the door. “I need to get busy with chores. First I’ll tackle the barn, and then I’m going to ride to the hills and check on the herd.”
Luke kept his tone casual. “We’ll both tackle the barn chores, and then we can check on the herd together and still get back in time for supper.”
“Thanks, Luke.” Ingrid’s smile returned. “Okay. I’ll see you in the barn.”
When the door closed behind her, Mick put the kettle on before turning from the stove. “That was smooth, son. I’m guessing you intend to see she’s never alone.”
Luke’s tone hardened. “You got that right.”
“Then you believe that shooter didn’t make a mad dash out of town?”
“Who knows? He could be lying low. He could even be gone. But what I do know is this: He’s a coward, who used the cover of darkness to shoot at an innocent woman. That sort of lowlife doesn’t usually give up.”
“Then how do you plan on keeping her safe? You can’t be everywhere.”
Luke managed a lazy smile. “Neither can he. But if I’m at the right place at the right time, he won’t get a second chance.”
“It’s such a relief to see my herd still standing.”
Ingrid and Luke kept their horses to a steady pace as they moved among the cattle.
They’d tackled the hard, never-ending barn chores before riding across the hills. In the heat of the late afternoon their shirts were plastered to their skin, their hair damp beneath their hats.
Spotting a calf that seemed to be favoring one leg, Ingrid slid from the saddle. Kneeling in the grass, she began to probe the animal’s leg.
Luke studied her, wishing he had his grandmother’s skill with a camera. Whether wielding a pitchfork or tending one of her herd, she moved with all the grace and poise of a dancer.
He sat back, enjoying the way her faded denims molded every line and curve of her backside. The fitted tee she’d bought in town provided him with a clear view of the body she’d always kept hidden inside those baggy tops. Her hair, cut in a haphazard manner, fell in damp wisps around her face.
As she worked, Luke couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She did everything with quiet competence. From mucking stalls to hosing down the barn floors, from spending hours in the blistering heat to checking out her herd, she moved with both authority and competence, two traits he admired.
Of course, if he were being honest, it wasn’t admiration he was feeling. It was lust, pure and simple.
He watched the darkened trail of sweat along the back of her shirt and had a vision of his hands following that trail. With every movement she made, he felt his throat go dry and his temperature climb.
If he thought she was beautiful in those trademark baggy shirts, she was dazzling in these new, skin-hugging tees.
“Ready to head back?” He remained in the saddle, watching as she finally pulled herself up on her horse’s back.
“I guess so. There doesn’t seem to be any discomfort in the leg. I think he was just feeling frisky and missed a step.”
He couldn’t keep the grin from his lips. “Yeah. Feeling frisky can do that to a guy.”
With a last look at the herd, she turned her mount toward home with a smile. Their horses moved easily across a meadow alive with wildflowers.
As they splashed through Glacier Creek, Luke shot her a sideways glance. “That water looks mighty tempting. Care to go skinny-dipping with me?”
“Oh, you don’t know how tempted I am.”
At her words, his hopes soared.
She lowered her voice. “But Mick will have supper ready, and it wouldn’t be fair to keep him waiting on his first day home with all that fancy food to choose from.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Luke slid from the saddle to drink, allowing his horse to do the same. “We wouldn’t be that late.”
Ingrid stared longingly at the cool water.
To add to her temptation, he caught a handful of water and tossed it at her. “Can’t you forget your schedule for a little while and just play?”
“Oh. You want to play?” Without warning, she was out of the saddle and into the stream, kicking a spray of water in his face.
A sexy smile curved his mouth as he wiped water from his eyes. “Lady, you just sealed your fate.”
He made a dive for her, but she evaded him and sent another spray of water his way. She almost managed to run away, but he caught her ankle and she dropped face-first into the water.
She came up sputtering, only to find him standing over her, wringing out his soaked shirt, dripping a steady stream of water on her head.
She wiped at her eyes before making a grab for Luke. His reflexes were quick, but his foot slipped on a submerged log and he fell backward. Ingrid was on him in a flash, ducking his head below water when he tried to surface.
With a shout, he wrapped both arms around her and dragged her under with him.
They came up laughing. But as they continued wrestling, each fighting to topple the other, their laughter suddenly died in their throats when Luke lowered his head and captured her mouth.
For a moment Ingrid pushed back, eyes wide with surprise. Then, without a word, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with a hunger that caught them both by surprise.
They lingered over the kiss, taking it deeper, then deeper still, until they were both struggling for breath.
With his chest heaving, Luke nibbled the corner of her jaw. “Lucky thing we have all this nice, cold water. Otherwise, at least one of us would have gone up in flames.” He stared into her eyes. “For a woman who doesn’t like to be kissed, you really seem to have mastered the art.”
“Thanks.” Her voice was a purr of pleasure. “I thought I’d give it a try.”
“Let’s try it again.” He lowered his face, his lips moving ever so slowly over hers, tasting, teasing, until, on a sigh, she wrapped her arms around his waist. When her hands came in contact with his naked flesh, she paused for a heartbeat before sighing and giving herself up to the purely sensuous feelings that curled along her spine.