The Cowboy’s Bride Collection: 9 Historical Romances Form on Old West Ranches
Page 23
He allowed her to precede him into the cozy parlor that she’d glimpsed upon her arrival yesterday, the fire still blazing cheerily on the hearth. “Won’t you have a seat?”
She moved to stand on the large handwoven rug placed between the two sofas in front of the fireplace and shook her head. “This is lovely. I’ll stand here, if you don’t mind. But shouldn’t we hurry? Won’t Connie“—she lingered a moment over the name—“wonder where we are?” She almost bit her tongue after the last word.
Grant grimaced. “I had that coming. I asked you here to apologize for my poor behavior. It seemed as though there was no opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding about Connie and Thomas, with my men arriving when they did, then the trip here in the bitter cold and with others around. I meant to tell you, but stopping you on the porch and doing so there felt—awkward.”
Addie’s lips parted at his statement. She hadn’t expected a heartfelt apology, but rather possible censure for her withdrawn behavior last night. “Thank you. This is your home, after all, and you don’t have to apologize.” She turned her head away and avoided his gaze.
She felt a gentle finger touch her chin and turn it toward him before the light touch disappeared.
He smiled into her eyes, his warm and inviting her in. “Oh, but I did. Whether it’s my home or not, I could tell I’d put you in a position that embarrassed you. That wasn’t my intention, and I didn’t think it through. That was my fault, and I’m sorry.” He took a step closer. “Forgive me, Addie?”
She could barely breathe, her heart was racing so fast. She wanted to press herself into his arms and stay there, and the impulse frightened her so much she stepped backward. She pressed her hand over her heart, trying to calm it, and barely kept from stammering. “Of course, and I do appreciate your kindness. Hadn’t we better go in to breakfast?”
Grant gritted his teeth as he pushed back his chair and rose from the table. It had taken all his willpower to not wrap Addie in his arms and hug her before they’d left the parlor. He knew he’d embarrassed her, and he wanted to make it right—he just wasn’t sure his apology had done so. But if her reaction to his nearness was any indication, it was the last thing she wanted.
He felt the impulse to kick something as he headed out the front door for the barn. Addie was betrothed to Sam Tolliver. He was starting to hate the very thought of that man, in spite of the fact he didn’t know him. But from the way Addie had jumped away from him when he’d stepped closer to her, it wouldn’t matter if Tolliver wasn’t in the picture. Of course, he had no right to press a suit, no matter how she affected him. And she certainly did affect him.
“Grant?” A hesitant voice called out from the doorway as he started down the steps. He swung around, and his heart lurched. Addie stood with her hand against the door frame, and her loveliness surprised him anew. Not that she was perfect, but there was something about her sweet spirit combined with her competent nature—not to mention the clear blue of her eyes and up-tilted lips—that drew him. He wanted to focus his gaze on her eyes, but he forced himself to look away. “Yes?”
She scrunched her brow. “Is something wrong?”
He jammed his hands in his pockets, only now realizing how cold it still was. “No. Why?” He hated being short with her, but all he wanted now was to get to the barn and do his chores—away from the temptation of those lips and eyes.
“You rushed outside without your coat, and you mentioned at breakfast that we could talk over a plan for getting me to Mt. Dora.” She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. “It really is cold out here. Were you going somewhere in particular?”
“I have chores to do. You’d better get inside before you chill clear through. We’ll have to talk later.” He pivoted and stalked away.
“But what about you? Aren’t you concerned about getting sick again?” Her words drifted after him, but he didn’t turn.
He slowed long enough to call over his shoulder. “I’m fine. Go back in the house. A little cold isn’t going to hurt me.” He muttered the final words he’d like to say loudly but couldn’t. “I already feel sick—at heart—and I don’t want to talk to you.” He kept walking. If he turned or slowed, he’d run back to the house and tell her that the last thing he wanted to do was to talk about her leaving. But quite obviously, she was anxious to leave his ranch and get to her betrothed, and he couldn’t stop her. It wasn’t right to try to entice a woman to break her pledge. No honorable man would do that, and if nothing else, he’d always prided himself on being a man of honor. And he’d continue to be, even if it killed him.
Chapter 9
Addie stared at Grant’s retreating back, feeling numb from more than the cold. Grant had been kindness itself in bringing her here and promising to help her as much as he could, then something had changed. After his apology in the parlor, he’d been withdrawn at breakfast and left the table as quickly as was courteous. Even Connie had given him a strange look, and Thomas had winked at his wife and chuckled. Addie didn’t have any idea what that was about, but she did know she needed answers.
She’d followed Grant, hoping he might take the time to truly talk to her. She’d been longing to get better acquainted with this soft-spoken, kind man. Apparently, he didn’t feel the same. More than likely he felt a sense of obligation to her for nursing him through his illness, but deep inside, she’d hoped for something more. What, she wasn’t sure. After all, she was as good as betrothed to Mr. Tolliver, so what could she possibly hope for with Grant?
She stood in the parlor, still shivering. He’d said he didn’t want to talk to her. Those words were uttered so low he must have assumed she wouldn’t hear them. Her mother always said she had the hearing of a jackrabbit. Grant wasn’t sick again, and she knew it. He’d eaten a hearty dinner last night and looked no worse for wear this morning—so what had he meant by being sick at heart? She’d apparently outstayed her welcome here, no matter how much he tried to protest. Somehow she needed to find a way to leave and get to Mt. Dora, even if she’d prefer to stay here.
“Miss Addie?” Thomas’s deep voice swung her around. “You all right?”
“Oh! You startled me.” She placed her hand over her heart to try to still the thumping. “I’m sorry. I guess I was lost in thought.”
“Worried about getting to your intended in Mt. Dora?” He raised one brow and smiled. “Can’t see how you’ll be able to leave the ranch for at least a week. Maybe longer.” He shot a look out the front window toward the barn. “If you get bored, you might ask Grant to show you the pretties he’s whittled. He has some stories that go with a few of them. Might be amusing for you and help pass the time.” He winked, grabbed his heavy sheepskin coat from a peg by the door, then hurried outside before she could answer.
Now what was that all about? She wasn’t bored; she was lonely—had been ever since her parents died. At twenty-two she’d assumed she’d be married and have children by now, but that hadn’t happened. And from the tone of Sam Tolliver’s letters, she wasn’t certain how he felt about children. Surely he’d want to pass on his name and legacy, wouldn’t he? Her mind drifted to Grant and what his children might look like.
She jerked out of her daydream as warmth rushed into her cheeks. Why did her imagination turn to Grant instead of Sam when thinking of the future? Maybe she was bored, and she should follow Thomas’s advice. Asking to see Grant’s carvings and hear his stories would at least help pass the time until she could leave. Surely Grant wouldn’t begrudge her a little time after finishing his chores.
But right now she needed to be useful. Addie traveled back down the hall toward the kitchen. As she neared the room, the sound of clinking pans and swishing water met her ears. She stepped into the cheerful space and paused, reliving the surprise and the sense of relief she’d felt at discovering Connie was Grant’s housekeeper rather than his wife.
Addie tapped on the door frame leading into the kitchen. “May I help with something?”
Connie turned,
a smile lighting her face. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather rest? Or sit at the table and drink a cup of tea while I finish?”
Addie shook her head. “I’m used to being busy, and I’d truly like to help. I can dry the pans and put them away, if you’ll direct me where they go.” She plucked a small towel off a peg on the side of a cabinet and began wiping the first pot in the stack growing on the sideboard. “How do you keep up with everything? The cooking, laundry, dishes, and the rest of the housework?”
Connie tsked. “I don’t think a thing of it. I love carin’ for my menfolk.”
“How long have you known Grant?”
“Since he arrived here years ago as a young man—little more than a boy, really. We had our own small farm, but Thomas and I were both tired of tryin’ to grub a living from the land. When Grant offered Thomas a job and said he’d love to have help with his house, we took him up on it, right smart.”
Addie raised her brows and lifted the pan in the air, and Connie pointed at a shelf in the corner. Addie placed it where it belonged and turned. “What was he like when you met him?”
“Grant? A sweet young man who’d lost his pa and was strugglin’ to make it on his own. His pa left him enough money to buy this place and build the house, but all the rest of it he’s done by his own sweat and workin’ dawn to dark. I declare, I’ve never seen a man so determined to make a success of himself.” She twisted her mouth to the side. “Guess that’s why he’s never taken a wife. He’s always been too busy to meet someone, or pursue her if he did.”
Addie thought about how Grant had rushed from the room to do his chores, and nodded. “I wondered if he’d been married or betrothed. In fact, when we met I thought…” Warmth rushed up her neck, and she ducked her head, hoping Connie hadn’t seen it.
The older woman glanced at her and gave a perceptive nod. “That I was his wife. I know. Grant told me. He was embarrassed he’d allowed you to think that. But no, he’s never been married or even been in love, as far as I know.”
Addie barely held in a sigh of relief then almost immediately chastised herself. It was no concern of hers if Grant didn’t have a sweetheart. She was already betrothed. There was no choice but to go forward with her commitment, even if Mr. Tolliver had given her an inkling of escape. She couldn’t do that to the man who’d been patiently waiting for his bride these last few weeks since they started corresponding. She’d keep her word, even if it broke her heart to do so.
Grant kicked the snow off his boots before he entered the door into the large enclosed porch that doubled as a pantry and led into the warmth of the kitchen. A cup of hot coffee sounded wonderful before moving on to the next chore. More than likely Addie was napping by now, after her grueling ordeal in the wagon and the trip to his ranch. He’d had little experience with women, and while Addie seemed to be made of sterner stuff than most, she had probably collapsed by now.
Feminine voices just beyond the pantry entrance caught him off guard. Surely Addie wasn’t helping to prepare the next meal? He eased forward and looked inside. Addie stood next to Connie at the sink, swiping a pan with a towel and laughing, the warm sound floating across the room and stirring his pulse.
She pivoted and started toward the shelves then paused as her gaze caught his. “Oh my. I didn’t realize you’d come in. Connie and I were having such a good time chatting I guess we didn’t hear you.”
Grant glanced at Connie, who tried to hide a little smile but didn’t quite succeed. He turned his attention back to Addie. “I thought you’d be resting.”
She waved a hand in the air. “Piffle. I’m young and fit as a fiddle. Besides, I want to help, not loll around the house all day and cause Connie more work.” She used her cloth to grasp the handle of the coffeepot. “Are you finished with your chores? Would you and Connie like to sit and have a cup of coffee? Then I was hoping to ask for a favor.” She sank into a chair and poured the brew into two mugs and reached for a third.
Connie waved her hand. “Nothing for me. You two go ahead.”
Grant hesitated, unsure which direction to go with his response. “I’m not finished—I’m typically working most of the day and only take a dinner break midday, but I’d be happy to help if you need something. Besides, the snow is still too deep to fix any fences or do much with the stock. I suppose I can spare an hour or two.” He hated the brusque way he’d responded—certainly without much graciousness.
He wanted to spend time with this woman and get to know her, but wouldn’t it only bring more pain when she had to leave? It took all of his willpower not to spin and race from the room, but he held steady. Surely whatever she wanted couldn’t take too much of his time—or his heart.
Addie pushed a mug toward him then took a sip of her own. She set it down, clasped her hands together, and seemed to hesitate, then plunged forward. “Thomas told me about the wood carving you do, and I wondered if you’d show me. I’d truly love to see them.” She lifted her lashes, and her blue eyes gazed into his.
All the air whooshed from his lungs. How could he possibly deny that request? “I suppose I could spare a few minutes, if you’d like to see them. And thank you for the coffee.” He still didn’t sit, wondering why she cared about his carvings.
She only nodded and smiled, took another drink of her coffee, then started to rise. “I would, very much. Lead the way.”
Grant extended his hand to help her rise and instantly realized it might not be appropriate. Somehow, he’d been unable to stop himself. But as soon as he touched her, he almost tossed her hand to the side as a powerful jolt went up his arm. Instead, he clasped it tighter, not wanting to offend Addie, or let her know how her touch had affected him. But her face was serene and calm, nothing at all like a woman who’d noticed more than a friendly helpful hand. He wanted to groan and go back to his chores, but he headed for the door instead.
A quiet chuckle followed them, and Grant looked over his shoulder. Connie stood with her hands on her hips, her smile wide, and she gave him a wink.
What in the world was his housekeeper and longtime friend thinking? He didn’t care for that gleam in her eyes or the look on her face. He dropped Addie’s hand and tucked his own in his pant pocket, suddenly wondering what Addie was thinking as well—a woman who was recently betrothed and waiting to meet her intended for the first time. A woman who was far beyond his grasp.
Chapter 10
Addie knelt by the wooden box. She raised the carved horse Grant had handed her to eye level and inspected it, all the while trying to calm her still-drumming heart. They’d been in his office for over ten minutes now, and she had yet to completely catch her breath. For those brief moments when Grant had touched her, all thoughts of her obligation to Sam Tolliver had disappeared, and she’d dared to dream of a different direction for her future.
Those hopes were dashed when Grant suddenly dropped her hand and stepped away. How foolish she’d been to think he might be starting to notice her as a woman. He’d only been helping her from her chair as he was convinced she should be tired and needed support. “This horse is truly lovely. Is this the only animal you carve, or do you do others? The detail is quite exquisite.”
He appeared to hesitate then drew in a breath and reached into the box by the desk. His hands cradled a carving of a dog, so lifelike she wanted to reach out and touch the fur. “This is Hunter.” The words came out as a whisper.
Addie started to reach for the carving then stopped. Grant had spoken in a reverent tone, and he hadn’t held the carving out for her to view. She put her hands back in her lap. “He was special to you.”
“Yes.”
“Would you rather not discuss it?”
His body went completely still, then he raised his gaze to hers. “It’s fine. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.” He handed the likeness of his dog to her and sat back in his chair.
“It’s truly amazing. I’ve never seen anything like this. Is Hunter…” She wasn’t sure how to ask the question burning i
nside.
Grant shook his head. “Is he still alive? No. He died a little over two months ago, trying to guard the horses out on the range from a wolf attack. I didn’t get there fast enough to save him, but I did take down two wolves and drove the rest off. And Hunter saved my best mare.” He pointed to the carving of the horse.
Addie cradled the dog in her hands. “What a brave boy. I’m so sorry you lost him. I’ve never owned a dog, but I’ve always wanted one.”
His brows arched. “Never?”
“That’s right. My mother was afraid of them, so my father wouldn’t allow one on the property.”
He pushed to his feet and held out his hand.
Addie drew back, wondering what she’d said to upset him. She placed the carving in his outstretched hand. “I’m sorry. What did I say?”
A warm smile relieved the solemn lines of his face. “Not a thing. I’d like to show you something, if you care to put your coat on and walk to the barn with me.”
She took his hand and stood, then stepped away, wishing she could grasp it forever. “How mysterious.”
They walked to the entry, and Grant helped her on with her coat. “The wind has completely died, and we removed the snow from the path to the barn, so you shouldn’t get your feet wet or be too uncomfortable. We needn’t stay in the barn long, if you get chilled.”
He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and walked carefully along the scraped path to the barn, making Addie feel like someone who mattered, rather than simply an uninvited guest.
Grant swung open the barn door then pulled it shut behind them. The overcast sky didn’t allow much light through a nearby window. He took a lantern from a hook inside the door and lit it, then held it up and motioned her forward. “Only a few more steps.”
She followed close beside him and stopped outside a closed stall when he halted. “A horse?”