by Diana Palmer
“Aw, Mommy, I don’t want to take a nap. I’m too big. Tammy doesn’t make me.”
“Since Tammy’s off today, you’re out of luck.” Molly gave Trent a pointed look. “So don’t start whining.”
He made a face, which she ignored. “I’ll join you and Granna in a minute, after I clean up the kitchen.” Molly paused and ruffled his hair. “First, though, tell Worth bye.”
Reluctantly, he did as he was told.
“See ya, fellow,” Worth said. “Hey, how would you like to look at some of my horses, say maybe tomorrow?”
“Oh, boy,” Trent shouted, his gaze landing on Molly. “Could I, Mommy? Could I?”
It was on the tip of her tongue to say not only no, but hell no. She didn’t say either. “We’ll see. Okay?”
Trent knew not to argue, but his reply was glum. “Okay.”
Once he left, a silence fell over the room. At last, Worth broke it. “Come on, let’s get this mess cleaned up.”
“I don’t need your help,” Molly said in a stilted tone, then realizing how she must have sounded, she softened her next words. “But thanks, anyway.”
“Suit yourself,” Worth almost barked.
She turned her back and went to the sink, thinking he would leave, only to have him say, “When you finish, I’d like to talk to you.”
Molly swung around, her breasts rising and falling rapidly.
For a millisecond, his gaze honed in on her chest, which created more chaos inside her. “Ah, can’t you talk to me now?”
“No. I want your full attention.” His tone was thick and low. “I’ll be in the sunroom.”
The entire time Molly cleaned up the kitchen, dread hung over her. And panic. Had Trent said or done something that had made Worth suspicious? God, she hoped not. But Worth had sounded so serious she couldn’t help but worry.
By the time she joined him, Molly was a bundle of nerves. “So what did you want?” she asked without preamble.
His eyes seemed like black holes as they pinned her, as though her directness pissed him off. “Sit down. Please.”
“I’ll stand, if you don’t mind.”
“If you’re trying to test my patience, you’re doing a damn good job of it.”
“Sorry,” she whispered, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
“I’m sure you’ve heard that I’ve been considering having a political rally here. Anyhow, I’ve decided to have it and I want to do a barbecue.”
Feeling slightly shell-shocked, she peered into his face, knowing her eyes would rival the size of silver dollars. “Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Yes,” he said in a clipped tone. “What else?”
“Ah, nothing. I’ll take care of it.”
“No, you won’t.”
“Excuse me?”
“I don’t want you messing with all that. Hire someone to cater it.”
“Why?”
“Because I said to.”
They glared at each other.
“That’s what I was hired to do.”
He laughed without humor, which raised her ire to the next level. “If my mother were still in charge, would you hire an outsider?”
Worth didn’t hesitate. “No.”
“Point taken, I hope.”
Faster than a streak of lightning on a stormy night, Worth crossed the room and grabbed her arm.
The very air around them seemed to have dried up, making speech impossible.
“Did anyone ever tell you you’ve got a smart mouth?” he asked.
“Let me go,” she demanded.
“When I’m ready,” he shot back.
Molly parted her lips just in time to collide with his mouth in a raw, wet, hungry kiss that sent her senses reeling. She clung to him for dear life.
Ten
From some foreign place in her mind, Molly heard Worth groan, then the next thing she knew he had shoved her at arm’s length. With his breaths coming in shuddering gulps, he stared down at her, a dark, tortured expression on his face.
Molly couldn’t move. She couldn’t even breathe. Like him, she was too stunned at what had just taken place. Thank goodness, he hadn’t abruptly released her, or she would have fallen to her knees. They were weak and trembling just like the rest of her body that still felt the imprint of his lips adhered to hers. To make matters worse, she continued to feel the way he’d pushed into her, making her aware of his hard and urgent mound. To her horror, it had felt so good, she had pressed back.
What on earth had she done? The unpardonable.
As though he read her mind, Worth muttered in a low, agonized tone, “I must have lost my mind.”
Those cold, harsh words were the catalyst Molly needed to strengthen her body and her resolve. She jerked herself free and gave him a bitter look. “How do you think I feel?” she flung back in much the same tone.
“Okay, so it was a mistake,” Worth responded, his tone bordering on the brutal. “Still, I’m not going to apologize.”
Molly laughed, but it, too, was crammed with bitterness. “You apologize? The great Worth Cavanaugh.” She laid the sarcasm on so thick a sharp knife wouldn’t have cut it. “Why, that thought never crossed my mind, not for one second.”
“Dammit, Molly.”
“Don’t you dare damn me. You’re the one who—” She stopped suddenly, hearing her voice—along with her control—crack. She could easily go to pieces right in front of his eyes. As it was, she was barely keeping body and soul together. But she couldn’t let him know that. She feared he would use that weakness to his advantage.
After all, he was fighting on his home turf, which definitely gave him the upper hand.
“Kissed me,” Worth finally said, finishing the sentence she’d started earlier.
“That’s right,” she countered with spunk.
“And I don’t know why the hell, either.”
“I hope you’re not asking me.”
“Maybe I am.”
“You’re wasting your time.”
“I’m not so sure about that.” He paused and their hostile gazes collided. “You damn sure kissed me back.”
“That I did,” she admitted, then felt heat seep into her face and scorch it. He was right. She had kissed him back. Had she ever, and even though it had been so long, Molly felt like she had just reentered the gates of heaven. But again, she didn’t intend to share feelings so personal even she was having trouble digesting them.
She had tried so hard to keep from stepping into this hornets’ nest and getting stung, but she had failed miserably. The truth was, she hadn’t stepped in; she’d jumped in.
Jamming a hand through his already mussed up hair, Worth stepped further back, though he continued to stare at her under hooded eyes. “Maybe you shouldn’t stay here.”
Molly panicked, widening her eyes. “Are you kicking me out?”
“I didn’t say that,” he said tersely.
“Then exactly what did you say?”
“Dammit, Molly.”
“That’s the second time you’ve damned me.”
He blinked.
“That’s right, and I don’t like it. It takes two to tango, Worth. So maybe you should stop damning me and take a look in the mirror.”
She watched the color drain from his face as he took a step toward her, only to pull up short when Trent came bounding in.
“Mommy.”
Her son certainly had a knack for timing, for which she was grateful. Reclaiming her composure was difficult, but she managed to do it. “What, honey?”
“Granna she needs you.”
“I’ll be right there.”
“I’ll go back and tell her.”
Molly forced her gaze off Worth and onto her son. “No, that’s not necessary. I’m on my way.”
“Can I stay with Worth?” Trent asked out of the blue.
Worth’s eyes darted to hers, a question in them.
“No, Trent,” she said in a scolding
tone. “You know better than to ask.”
She felt Worth’s gaze purposely pull at her. “It’s okay. I don’t mind if he comes with me.”
“Well, I do.”
“Mommy, please,” Trent begged, pulling on her hand.
“I said no, Trent.”
His chin began to wobble, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he turned and ran back down the hall.
No doubt about Worth’s reaction to the rejection, either. His features were taut as their eyes sparred. “In that case, I’m outta here.”
“No, please, wait.”
He pulled up and whipped around, his jaw clenched, indicating he was pissed. Well, so was she, but they both had to get over this incident and move on, or else she would have to go.
“I’m waiting,” he said in a ragged voice.
“We need to talk specifics about the barbecue.”
He gave her an incredulous look. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
She ignored that, and enunciated her words very carefully. “No, I’m not kidding you.”
“Look, I really don’t give a damn about the particulars.” His gaze held her captive. “Especially right now.”
“You know,” she spat, “you really can be a bastard.”
“So I’m told.”
“I’m not going to disappear.”
He looked taken aback, then recovered. “What does that mean?”
“It means I’m not leaving.” Her tone was soft yet her eyes drilled him. “Short of you kicking Trent and me out, that is.”
A scowl twisted his features. “You make me sound like some kind of monster.”
“No, I believe I said bastard.”
He looked like he wanted to strangle her, probably thinking she’d crossed way over the line. Frankly, she didn’t care what he thought. Even for Worth, his obnoxious behavior was a bit over the line.
She was about to make another suitable retort when she was interrupted by Trent.
“Mommy! Granna wants you. She says she’s all hot.”
“Go see about your mother,” Worth said brusquely. “Let me know what’s going on, and if she needs anything.”
“Now, Mommy.”
“I’m coming, son.”
At the door, Worth turned. “Call if you need me.”
Molly’s eyebrows rose at the concern she heard in his voice, but didn’t say anything.
“Later,” he muttered and walked out.
Molly turned and practically ran to her mother’s suite, certain something was wrong, making her feel badly about dallying with Worth. Suddenly, she wanted to yell at someone; she didn’t care who. She’d known coming back here would be difficult. She just hadn’t known how difficult until now, still feeling the brutal, yet hungry imprint of Worth’s lips on hers.
What had she done?
“Mom, are you okay?” The instant Molly asked that question upon entering Maxine’s room, she knew the answer. Her mother’s face was extremely red, like she’d been stung by fire ants.
Without saying anything further, Molly raced into the bathroom, grabbed a rag and wet it with cold water. Then racing back into the room, she bathed her mother’s face. Then she folded the cloth and laid it across Maxine’s forehead.
On the beside table was a bottle of Tylenol. She grabbed two tablets, then proceeded to give them to her mother.
“Mom, do you hurt anywhere, like your stomach, for instance?”
“No,” Maxine responded weakly. “Just tired.”
“I’m calling the doctor. He may have to make a house call.”
Five minutes later she was off the phone, assured that if Dr. Coleman was needed, he’d be here, but that he thought Maxine had probably just picked up a bug and would be okay in twenty-four hours or so.
Molly’s thoughts ran along the same line, but she’d still wanted the doctor’s opinion. By the time their conversation ended, Maxine felt less feverish, and she’d fallen asleep. However, Molly did not leave, choosing to remain in the sitting room with Trent in her lap, reading to him.
It was only after her mother’s fever broke entirely and she was feeling much better that Molly left with Trent in tow to find Worth. Whether he liked it or not, she was determined to get his input concerning the upcoming barbecue, as well as her mother’s. A week was not long to make plans, and her personality didn’t lend itself to waiting until the last minute.
Besides, she wanted to make a good impression. Worth was convinced she couldn’t do it. She was convinced she could. Another battle of wills. Besides, proving him wrong would certainly buoy her battered spirits.
“Mommy,” Trent whispered, “I like Mr. Worth.”
“I’m glad.”
A moment of silence followed. “Why don’t you like him?”
Molly’s chest constricted, and she had no comeback.
She was the stubbornest, most hardheaded female he’d ever known. He’d thought Olivia had that top honor, but she couldn’t hold a candle to Molly. After all these years, he had never quite figured her out. Maybe that was one of the reasons she still interested him.
“Get a life, Cavanaugh,” he muttered savagely, kicking at a clod of dirt with the toe of his boot. He’d made the rounds of the stables, met with Art and was now heading to the new barn. He hated that his other one had burned down, but since it had, he’d built a state-of-the-art one this time.
It was his pride and joy, too. He loved to spend time there, and he loved to show it off. In fact, he would like to live in it. If he were truly a free spirit, he could move in and be perfectly content.
He liked his home, too. After all, he’d designed and built the sprawling ranch house with the help of Art and several subcontractors. But again, there was something unique about the barn. Perhaps that was because it was spacious and smelled of hay and horseflesh.
Whatever the reason, the massive structure—painted red, of course—had become a sanctuary when he needed it. Like now.
It would be a perfect place to have his barbecue. Thinking about that stopped him in his tracks, and he muttered a curse. He’d been excited about entertaining until Molly took over the housekeeping duties.
The thought of her working as a maid still soured his stomach.
She should have been his wife, not his housekeeper. Suddenly, he upped his pace, like the seat of his pants was on fire.
By the time he made it to the barn, his heart was pounding unusually hard, though he prided himself on being in great physical shape. Emotionally, though, he was a cripple—thanks to Molly. She apparently still had the power to turn him like a combination lock, thus exposing his emotions so easily.
He gritted his teeth, picked up the nearby pitchfork, and began spreading hay that didn’t need spreading. But he needed something to do with the overabundance of energy raging inside him.
He’d lost his mind.
That was the problem. He’d kissed her. Hell, he hadn’t just kissed her; his mouth had practically raped hers, especially when he’d felt the lush roundness of her breasts poking his chest. To make matters worse, his hands had dropped to her hips so that she’d feel his arousal, which made it even harder to let her go.
She’d tasted so incredibly good, smelled so incredibly good, felt so incredibly good that he’d lost all perspective, his body wanting a satisfaction it wasn’t getting.
Just when he’d realized what he was doing and was about to thrust her away, she had gone limp in his arms, and had begun returning his wet, savage kisses. She’d even gone so far as to entwine her tongue with his.
Yet he’d eventually done what he’d had to do and that was to put her at arm’s length. But that small endeavor took every ounce of fortitude he had in him.
Looking back on it now, he didn’t know how he’d done it. Without thinking, his eyes dipped south and he let an oath rip. Whenever he thought about her, or she was around, he went hard. Somehow he had to figure out a way to stop this crazy rush of blood to his groin.
Maybe what he needed w
as Olivia. She could give him what he wanted in the way of sex. But the thought of touching her after Molly was repulsive and not going to happen.
That added to his fury and frustration. How dare she come back into his life, wagging some other man’s kid, and tormenting him this way?
How dare he let her?
Eleven
“Mom, how are you feeling?”
Her mother tried to sit up. Molly placed a hand on her shoulder and stopped her. “Don’t. I’ll do the sitting.”
“I’m fine.”
Molly rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right.”
“Don’t use that high-handed tone with me, young lady.” Maxine’s smile took the sting out of her words.
“Yes, ma’am,” Molly countered with mock severity at the same time she felt her mother’s forehead and it was indeed cool to the touch.
“See, I told you I was fine. My fever’s gone.”
Molly smiled her relief. “Guess it was just a twenty-four hour bug, after all.”
“Where’s Trent?” Maxine asked, looking around.
“He’s with Tammy, running around outside.”
“My, but that boy seems to have taken to this place like ducks to water.”
Molly gave Maxine a suspicious look. “Don’t let those wheels of your mind turn in that direction.”
Maxine huffed, as though insulted. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Damn straight you do.”
“Why, Molly Bailey, I don’t recall ever hearing you say that word.”
“I don’t often.” Molly paused for emphasis. “Unless it’s called for, or I need to make a point.”
Maxine picked at the blanket on the bed. “So what’s wrong with me wanting you and Trent closer?”
Feeling like a terrible daughter, Molly clasped Maxine’s hand. “Nothing, Mom, nothing at all.”
“Then why won’t you consider it?”
“Why don’t you consider moving to Houston?”
Maxine went stark-eyed. “And leave Worth?”
“Yes, and leave Worth,” Molly replied in a pointed tone.