by Rue Allyn
I couldn’t agree with him more, Hawke thought to himself. Fascinating.
Chapter 7
Sitting just inside the open French doors of his bedroom, smoking a slender cigar, Hawke replayed the evening in his head. After the Misses Jonston and Roberts left, he and Alec continued talking to the guests. He felt very comfortable, and surprised at how quickly they accepted him. No games, no having to prove you were more intelligent or had more money. A refreshing change from the world he had grown up in.
He’d noticed the women returning to the party, but it had been impossible to find a chance to talk to Miss Jonston again. She made it clear she wanted him gone. His eyes were drawn back to her lithe figure time and time again.
Her avoidance was certainly not what he had expected after her magnificent display of temper. He knew at some point he would be raked over the coals by her blistering anger and felt a perverse disappointment he wasn’t treated to a tongue lashing, just so he could observe her up close once again.
The cool evening breeze brought the scents of roses, wisteria, and lilac up from the garden below. The fragrances conjured her face. She was the most unexpected of all. Drawing deeply on the cigar, he watched the smoke drift lazily into the dark, a slow smile playing across his mouth. Yes, she definitely was a surprise. He had never expected to find such a delicate beauty out here. He longed to touch her golden skin and see those sapphire eyes burn with desire for him. He ached at the thought of her lying naked beneath him, eyes dark with desire and body flush with the same burning need he was feeling at this moment.
Shaking his head to dispel the vision in his mind, he stood, leaning one shoulder against the doorframe, one leg crossed over the other. God, I’ve just met the woman, and already I want her. The thought stunned. I’m not some green boy in the throes of his first passion. He had never been a man to let a physical attraction control his thoughts and his body. Why did this particular woman have him enthralled after just one meeting? I’d better get control of myself, or I’ll be walking around like some moonstruck lad. I’m certainly not going to chase a woman around. Warm willing women in his bed had never been a problem in the past, and wouldn’t be a problem in the future, so why worry about this prickly one?
Hearing a noise, he looked and saw one of the French doors open across the patio. He remained still as Kara stepped out on the balcony. Heat fired through him seeing her in only a thin gown, illuminated by the moonlight.
A low groan escaped his lips. The shadows of her narrow waist, trim hips, and long legs made him want to reach across the space separating them to stroke her. She tilted her head to one side, brushing her long hair. The urge to feel the dark silken mass slide over his bare skin was overpowering. He was going to burst with wanting. He felt himself harden with desire to possess this beauty.
• • •
Kara had come outside to cool off. The night had been so disturbing, and her room felt small and stifling.
Gazing at the dark blue velvet sky studded with stars, she idly brushed out her hip-length hair, while reflections on the barbecue ran through her head. The thought of Mr. Pryce brought an uneasy tightening to her belly.
Liquid fire raced up and down her veins, finally pooling deep in her abdomen as she remembered his intense gaze. Even though she had tried her hardest to ignore him, awareness of him watching her throughout the evening jangled her nerves. She didn’t know how to react.
Lord, this man has a bewildering effect on me, but why? Her reaction confused her. She had met handsome men before, but none had ever caused such an immediate response as this annoying, aggravating … attractive Scotsman. She puzzled at her emotions. Angrily she reminded herself that despite his abundant physical attractiveness and smooth dark voice that seemed to twine itself sensuously around her nerves, this man had not only become her father’s partner, but also had the temerity to insult her. The brush strokes came harder and faster as she thought about the gall of that man. How dare he question my ability one minute, while making me so intensely aware of him the next? What am I going to do?
Knowing brushing herself bald would not help, she stopped torturing her hair, leaned forward against the railing, tapping her brush against the wood over and over, and contemplated how to handle Mr. Pryce.
• • •
Across the patio, Hawke watched her. The sleeveless shift gaped from her body; only the dimness of the light protected her modesty.
He couldn’t stop looking at her even though he knew it was ungentlemanly to watch her like some Peeping Tom. Seeing the agitated way she brushed her hair, he knew the brush to be a poor substitute for his head.
Laughing quietly, he wondered what revenge she would try to exact. Oh yes, he knew she would try to get back at him, if not for his remarks, then for his audacity at becoming her father’s partner. He looked forward to her attempts and contemplated the multitude of ways her plans would throw them together. Taking a final drag on the cigar, he ground it out on the railing and withdrew into his room.
• • •
Kara jerked up, the scent of cigar catching her attention. Looking about she found no lights on nor did she see the glow of a cigar. A prickle of apprehension washed over her. Moaning with embarrassment, she knew if anyone had been watching her, it was probably him.
One more reason to prove to the arrogant wretch he didn’t belong on her ranch, she thought. Resolve steeling her spine, she turned back to her room determined to climb in bed and dream of a fitting retribution.
• • •
She was too busy seeing off the guests the next morning to dwell on the evening’s fiasco. Papa, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Pryce, and Mr. MacCairn were in the study talking business. The Roberts were staying over a few more days.
Waving goodbye to the last guest, she and Alicia walked back into the house to see what help they could offer Consuelo and Alicia’s mother. The morning passed quickly. They prepared lunch and gossiped about the party. Kara was careful not to mention her father’s new partner even though Alicia bubbled about his friend.
“I swear, Alicia,” she groused as they walked from the kitchen back outside towards the portals to the corral. “One more word about ‘your Scotsman’ and his broad shoulders and his beautiful teeth and his warm looks and I am going to strangle you and leave you out for the coyotes.”
“My, my, aren’t we just a little touchy about Scotsmen,” Alicia laughed.
• • •
The men were walking out the front door, having quit their business talks for luncheon. Hawke watched the two women. They were dressed simply in straight skirts and shirtwaists. It was strange to see women so plainly dressed. No crinolines, bustles, bows, or other furbelows to hide the female figure. The simplicity of the clothing only emphasized the lush curves he had glimpsed the night before.
“I never thought such simple garments could make a lass so tempting,” Alec voiced Hawke’s thoughts. The gold and red threading through her simple bun made her dark mane glisten in the bright sunlight, sparking an image of her hair wrapped around his naked body. He was so caught up in the fantasy he didn’t notice a rider approaching.
“That must be Austin,” Mr. Roberts said behind him. “He said he’d ride over after he got through with the herd this morning. He’s going to be happy to see Kara. He hasn’t had a chance to visit since she got back from school.”
An unfamiliar stabbing in his gut surprised Hawke. Was Austin Kara’s beau, or possibly her fiancé? He reminded himself that he’d come to conduct a business deal and track down Tompkins. He did not need to get tangled up with some woman, especially not with the prickly Miss Jonston, no matter how tempting the idea or seductive the fantasies.
The horse and rider galloped up to them. He saw the young man pull his horse into a sliding stop on its rear haunches and step off its back in one fluid movement. It was a neat bit of horsemanship, Hawke acknowledged grudgingly, but it was Kara’s reaction to the man that caught his complete attention.
“Kid!�
� Austin smiled broadly, approaching the women who had turned at his arrival. “You’ve gone and grown up on me!” Reaching the women, Austin grabbed Kara up in his arms and twirled her around. Her head fell back and she laughed as she clutched his shoulders to keep from falling. Smiling down at the man holding her, she snatched his hat off and thumped him on the top of the head with it. “Austin Roberts, you coyote, put me down now before you drop me.”
“Oh kid,” Austin pretended to stagger under the weight of her slight form. “I didn’t realize you’d become such a heifer since you went away! I’ve thrown my back out for sure.”
“You … you, put me down this instant,” she cuffed him lightly with her other fist. The young cowboy continued to twirl her around and she hugged him tightly around his neck.
A rush of unease raced up Hawke’s spine. Trying to ignore it he turned back towards the men on the porch.
• • •
Kara became aware of the men standing on the porch, watching the scene in front of them. Her eyes narrowed, seeing the look of annoyance — or was it disgust? — on Stoneham’s face. What was his problem? She probably insulted his oh-so-proper manners. Well, it didn’t matter to her. Did it?
Looking down at Austin’s smiling face, she realized he held her in a rather intimate fashion. Her face flamed with embarrassment. Blast! Now that odious man probably thought she had no manners at all, and she’d probably upset Papa with her wild display. Blast! How could she put Stoneham in his place if he thought her an uncouth, backwater idiot? It was bad enough he had already heard of her work on the ranch. Now this.
“Please, Austin,” she spoke softly, suddenly stiff in his arms, “please; you’re embarrassing me in front of Papa, your father, and the others.”
Austin set her down. Reaching up to cup her face, he replied softly, “Hey, kid, I’m sorry — I forgot you’re a young lady now.” A mischievous grin lit his face. “In spite of you hitting me in such an unladylike manner.”
She leaned her face into his work-worn hand and smiled, appreciating his attempt to ease her anxiety. Reaching up, she took his hand in hers, then stepped back, shaking off her dismay. “You grabbed me so fast I didn’t have an opportunity to look at you. My, my,” she admired his lean, tanned face, bright brown eyes and laughing mouth. “I’ll just bet the girls in White Oaks line up for a shot at you. Don’t they?”
“Why, Kara, stop!” He feigned embarrassment. “You might make me blush.”
Women had been throwing themselves at Austin since he was old enough to notice them.
She cuffed him on the arm, her good mood returning. Grabbing his hand in both of hers, she pulled him towards the house. Alicia joined them, taking Austin’s other arm. Leaning in, Kara whispered conspiratorially, “Wait till you meet Papa’s new partner, he’s been here all of one day, and already he has grandiose ideas about how to run a ranch.”
• • •
Running a ranch was the furthest thing from Hawke’s mind at that moment. A surge of jealousy and possessiveness raged through him as he watched Kara and the Roberts’ son hug and play, and then walk hand in hand. He didn’t know where these emotions were coming from. I’m not here looking for any type of romantic involvement, he had to remind himself once again. The last thing he needed or wanted was an emotional entanglement … especially from this particular female. But then why do I want to pound Roberts into the ground for touching what is mine?
Mine? The last thought floored him. She wasn’t his. He didn’t even know her.
Kara, Austin, and Alicia had reached the top of the porch where Hawke stood. Austin greeted his father and Case, and turned to Alec and Hawke for introductions.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. MacCairn, Mr. Pryce,” Austin smiled, shaking hands with the two men.
Austin turned to speak to his father and Case about the schedule for gathering and shipping the spring calves.
Kara stood quietly between Austin and Hawke, listening to the discussion, adding her opinion when necessary, still holding hands with Austin, unaware of the effect it was having on Hawke.
Unable to resist the urge any longer, Hawke leaned down to Kara.
“So tell me, lass,” his deep voice rumbled softly, “how well acquainted are you with the young Mr. Roberts?” He felt a small amount of satisfaction as her eyes flashed angrily in his direction and a delicate blush stole along her cheeks. If looks were flame, he’d be ash.
Smiling brightly at him, she hissed between clenched teeth, “Better than I’ll ever be acquainted with you. I guarantee.”
Hawke chuckled, leaned closer to her ear. “I wouldn’t be making any bets on that, lass.” He straightened up.
• • •
Stoneham’s warm breath and soft burr sent shivers down Kara’s spine. Turning in surprise at his words, she saw the merriment dancing in his silvery eyes, and flushed clear to her toes. The man was insufferable. How dare he be so forward right in front of her father? Looking around, she was relieved to see no one else had been aware of the exchange. Turning back, she saw a look of aggravation as his gray eyes darkened, seeing her and Austin’s still joined hands.
Well, if this bothers him, she smiled smugly to herself, I think I’ll have to gig his temper a little more. She slid up closer to Austin, tugging on his hand to gain his attention, and asked him to find her later so they could spend more time together … alone. She was going to make sure she continued to irritate the Scottish giant. Maybe it would be enough to make him stay away from her. Smiling into stormy gray eyes, she turned to Alicia, congratulating herself on winning that round as they walked away.
Chapter 8
At dinner, Kara was seated next to Austin and across the table from Hawke. Alec and Alicia were seated on the same side with Hawke, engrossed in each other. Hawke had been seated next to Mrs. Roberts, a charming woman, a more mature and still quite attractive version of her daughter. A peal of silvery laughter drew his attention back across the table to Austin and Kara. She sparkled in a pale green gown, her hair gathered loosely in a knot on her head with tendrils of curls lying lightly on her shoulders. It seemed the two were inseparable, and it was beginning to grate on Hawke’s nerves. Every time he looked at her, she made a point of turning her considerable charm on the man seated next to her. Knowing it was on purpose didn’t make it easier to watch.
Well, if she thought her obvious attempts were going to get to him, she was wrong. He had seen these games played by the best flirts in the drawing rooms of London. This battleground he was familiar with. He was not here to get involved in her games or in her life, he reminded himself again. He was here for business reasons only.
Hawke decided to draw the other man into conversation. “Tell me, Austin. Alec and I were discussing the various game available out here. Perhaps you’d be willing later in the summer to guide us on a hunt?”
“You bet,” Austin replied eagerly “Great hunting out here. Be glad to take you up into the forest. The elk and mule deer are huge. It’s quite a challenge tracking them in the mountains. Or if you prefer, we can stay down here and hunt the pronghorn.”
Alec turned from Alicia, hearing his favorite subject. “I’ve heard these elk you have out here are something to see. Antlers spread wider than a man can spread his arms.” Anticipation gleamed in his eyes. “Hard to believe.”
“Oh, believe it.” Austin nodded, clearly enjoying both the topic and the audience. “I’ve seen an old bull up in the higher meadows with a rack so big the tips curve back and almost touch his rump. I generally don’t hunt them. Meat’s too tough.”
“Austin.” Alicia glared at her brother. “Do you have to talk about hunting at the table? I know you can go on for hours, but,” she pleaded, “don’t.”
“My pardon … Brat.”
Kara announced the ladies should go to the patio and let the men have drinks, cigars and discuss business or hunting.
• • •
A short while later the men joined them outside. A fire
was lit in the large fireplace at the end of the patio even though the evening was warm. The young people began discussing the fiesta to be held the middle of June, while Case and the Roberts chose to return to the house and retire for the evening. Hawke watched the women animatedly discuss what they’d wear to the big dance in town. By that time, Austin explained to Hawke and Alec, the branding would be finished, the stock moved to the summer pastures and the pace on the ranch would slow, allowing more free time for entertainments.
Watching her movements, Hawke still couldn’t picture this completely feminine creature working alongside men. It must be a joke, and soon they would admit she didn’t do anything more strenuous than work in the garden or with the orphan animals he had heard about.
“Hey, kid.” Austin smiled. “You’re saving the first dance for me, right?”
“You want to dance with me? Why, Austin, I’m flattered. Last I heard the only female you were interested in dancing with was Sandy Burleson. In fact, she was quite disappointed you weren’t here last night, right, Alicia?”
“Oh, definitely disappointed,” giggled Alicia.
Austin shifted uneasily, obviously embarrassed as Kara told the story to the other men.
Sandy, a rather plain girl, had adored Austin for ages. She practically clung to his shirttails every time he was in town. Austin had been kind to her when she had been younger and other children had teased her. From then on, he was her hero.
“I’m sure Sandy will already have your name all over her dance card,” Alicia teased her brother.
“Behave yourself, brat,” he leveled a warning gaze at his sister, lowering his voice. “Or maybe I’ll tell that Scot you’re eyeing like he’s a prime side of beef a few tidbits about you.”
Hawke laughed watching the interplay between brother and sister. It reminded him of Bethany before … .
Sadness and anger washed over him. She no longer teased or laughed and her eyes were dead. She spent her days closed up in the house refusing to talk to anyone. Heart-rending sobs could be heard coming from her room. This was why he’d decided to track Tompkins down. He hoped to hear from the detectives shortly. He must remember to talk to Alec about their next moves to find the sorry bastard and make him pay. He wished he and his sister could find the warmth and love they’d once shared, as Austin and Alicia did now.