The Rancher Who Took Her In (The Bachelors of Blackwater Lake)

by Teresa Southwick

  “What’s your point?”

  “I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.”

  That was flattering and disconcerting in equal parts. But Kate wondered if Diane had ever seen him look at his wife. “It’s probably just because he thought I was a flake who ran away from her wedding.”

  “That could be why he looks angry about it, but I’d say the expression on his face is more about what he wants.”

  If Cabot was that transparent, Kate figured her face and feelings were like an open book. Protesting would only lend weight to what the other woman had said and there was no point to that. She and Cabot had acknowledged the attraction and also their understanding that it would end soon.

  She looked at the other woman and said, “I honestly don’t know what to say to that.”

  “I understand. And I’m sorry. It was inappropriate to bring it up. I just feel protective of him. And I’m surly today.” Diane sighed. “You know, I should go down there and help supervise the kids, but I’d sure love to put my feet up for a few minutes. I hate to play this card, but I’ve got my period and the cramps are killing me after the hike.”

  “I can go.” Did she sound too eager? Kate wondered.

  “Would you mind?”

  “Of course not.” It was scary how much she didn’t mind. Being with Cabot made her happy. And what was the harm in enjoying the feeling while she could?

  Kate walked down the slight bank and stopped beside Cabot. “Need any help?”

  When he glanced down, something smoldered in his eyes. “Everything is quiet right now, but if anyone actually catches anything, it could get exciting.”

  “And if they don’t, you know someone is going to ask about eating bugs.”

  “I wish I didn’t have pasta in my backpack as an alternative because I’d really like to see you herd grasshoppers.” He grinned. “It would be even more interesting to see you cook up a batch.”

  “That’s not my best event. I’d much rather clean fish.”

  “Have you ever done that before?”

  “Do bears poop in the woods?” She laughed at his pained expression. “Companies pay me to advertise their products, which requires me to be competent while engaging in outdoor activities, including but not limited to catching and cleaning fish.”

  “So that rod you were holding on the cover of that magazine wasn’t just a prop?” Again his eyes darkened with intensity.

  It seemed to her that they’d been over that already, but whatever. “As difficult as it might be to believe, I actually know what to do with it. And don’t look so surprised.”

  “Can’t help it. I find myself unable to picture you putting a worm on a hook or gutting a trout.”

  “Why?” She wasn’t asking because she was annoyed. Being underestimated had happened all her life. In his case, for some reason she just wanted Cabot to say the words out loud, right here in the outdoors.

  He shifted uncomfortably. “All right. I admit it’s tough to imagine you doing it because of the way you look.”

  “How do I look?”

  “You know.”

  “Not really.” She shrugged. “I have no idea what you mean.”

  “I’ll spell it out for you. You’re so beautiful it’s hard to picture you grimy and wet and smelling like fish. Go ahead. Call me a chauvinist, opinionated, closed-minded pig.”

  “I don’t have to. You just did that for me.” She laughed, pleased beyond words that he thought she was pretty. “Seriously, is it such a stretch that I could be capable in the outdoors? Or that I love it?”

  “Yes.” He met her gaze with a stubborn, determined set to his mouth.

  Kate was sorry she’d made him say it because she got more than she’d bargained for. The truth was he didn’t want to believe she could embrace the wide-open spaces because that was his world and would give him a reason not to let her into it. He’d made that mistake with his wife and wouldn’t make the same one again.

  Funny how differently they responded in this situation. He was counting on her crumbling under the pressure and inconveniences of being in the wilderness, but his deep respect for the land had only made her like him more. Because her family had moved often, she’d never felt connected anywhere. Until now. The first time she’d seen Blackwater Lake—the town, mountains and lake itself—she’d fallen in love with it. After spending time here, nothing about that had changed.

  She wasn’t anything like the woman who’d walked out on Cabot, the one he still had feelings for.

  The shame of it was that if he could let go, Kate had a feeling they could have something special. But that was impossible because he was still holding on to the past with both hands.

  * * *

  Normally when Cabot was sitting with a tin cup of coffee between his hands out under the stars by a campfire, he felt completely at peace, but not tonight. The kids had been bunked down for about an hour. David and Rob shared a tent. Gina and Samantha had paired off in another. Ty was with Aaron. When they’d given the flashlights-out order, there’d been a lot of hollering back and forth, but that had faded to quiet conversation. He’d expected the girls to go on the longest, but his son held that record. Now all was quiet.

  The two female counselors were in the last tent and he had one to himself. That was the source of his restlessness. He was wishing pretty hard he was sharing a tent with Kate. But that wasn’t possible and no amount of stargazing or fire-watching could change what was.

  She was really something. He knew no one had named that terrible hurricane after her, but it would be fitting. Katrina Scott had blown into town wearing a white gown she hadn’t gotten married in and proceeded to turn his life upside down.

  He was certain she’d been bluffing when she’d looked him in the eye and challenged him to donate her paycheck to his favorite charity. But she’d been telling the truth, and he wasn’t sure whether or not that was a good thing. She had a life and didn’t really need his help. That should have been a relief, but it bothered him and he wasn’t sure why.

  The dying embers kept the tin pot of coffee warm. He reached over and lifted it out to fill his cup. Caffeine wouldn’t keep him awake, but thoughts of Kate sure would. She was so near yet completely out of his reach.

  That was when he heard movement behind him from Kate’s tent. He had a better-than-even chance it wasn’t Diane because his luck just didn’t run that good.

  “Is this log taken?”

  Kate’s hushed voice tied his gut in a knot. He struggled with the stupid happy feelings pouring through him and tamped down the urge to pull her into his lap.

  “I guess I can share.” He slid sideways. “I thought everyone was asleep.”

  “Everyone but you and me.” She rubbed her hands together and held them toward what was left of the fire. “Are you standing guard to make sure the fire is out? In the wilderness-survival rules, it says someone has to watch for forty-five minutes in case there’s wind and sparks that could compromise nearby trees and brush.”

  “Rules were meant to be broken.” In addition to the faint glow of the dying embers, a propane lantern illuminated the clearing. He could see the teasing laughter in her eyes. “I’m pretty sure if I douse what’s left of this fire with what’s left of the coffee, then stir that up to smother any sparks, it will be enough to keep the wilderness safe and only take about thirty seconds.” His mouth quirked up. “Or maybe I’ll get wild and throw dirt on it for good measure.”

  “Oh, no.” She faked a horrified look, then laughed. “Knock yourself out.”

  “How come you’re still awake?” He’d hoped for a neutral tone, but it was ragged with what he recognized as longing.

  “Couldn’t sleep,” she answered.

  “Not even after that hike?”

  “Nope. You know how s
ometimes it’s a challenge to shut your mind off?”

  Sadly, he did. Maybe she’d caught it from him, and by that he meant he had a bad feeling that he was on her mind just like she was on his. But that thought was going to stay safely in his head.

  He changed the subject. “Nice night.”

  “Beautiful.” She sighed. “I’ve spent a lot of time outdoors, and this is one of the prettiest spots I’ve ever seen. Thanks for letting me come along.”

  “It was Ty’s idea,” he reminded her. “But I’m glad you like it.”

  “I do. And, it has to be said, you are very impressive, sir.”

  “I’m glad you think so,” he said, “but I can’t say I know why you do.”

  “Oh, just teaching the kids about respecting nature. Leaving the land the way they found it. And you showed them by example that it’s still possible to have fun.”

  “You think they did?”

  “Absolutely.” She shifted and their shoulders brushed.

  Talk about sparks, he thought. No one could see them, but he sure as heck felt them all over just from that small touch. And he had on a denim jacket. This wasn’t good at all.

  “So,” he said, “you’re pretty impressive, too. Nice job cooking that trout Tyler caught.”

  “I’m glad someone liked it. The kids sure turned up their noses, but at least they tried.”

  “It was delicious, in my opinion. But I’ve learned that mac and cheese goes over better than fish when you’re talking about what kids will eat.” When she didn’t respond, he glanced over and saw that she was looking pensive. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. It’s just—” She caught the bottom corner of her lip between her teeth. “You seemed to enjoy yourself today, too.”

  “I did.”

  “Diane said that’s a change.”

  He thought for a moment about past outings and realized the other counselor had known him a long time and would see differences. Finally he said, “Maybe.”

  The way Kate was looking right now told him that the counselor had said more than that. Kate’s husky voice was inviting him to confirm, deny or explain.

  He didn’t want to do any of the above, even though Diane was right about him. He hadn’t been aware that his attitude showed, but today was the most fun he’d ever had on one of these campouts.

  In fact, he’d spent a lot more time hanging out with the camp kids in general this summer, and that was all about Kate. A subconscious need to see her had him visiting the activities more often and reminded him how much he enjoyed interacting with the campers. He’d wanted more kids of his own before that option left along with his wife. That taught him a man couldn’t count on a relationship being solid and, without a guarantee, he wouldn’t be responsible for more kids growing up in a single-parent home.

  Kate rubbed her hands together again.

  “Are you cold?” He was only too happy to change the subject.

  “No. It’s chilly, but my sweatshirt is fine.” She folded her arms across her middle. “Should we be worried that the kids high-fived about not taking showers?”

  “They’re okay until tomorrow.” He chuckled. “It’s just one night. They’re kids. I’m pretty sure none of them will need therapy.”

  “Good. Just saying...” She laughed, then rested her head on his shoulder.

  It felt good—too good. Made him ache to put his arm around her, hold her hand, do those intimate things a man did with a woman he cared about. He couldn’t say anything without his voice giving all of that away, so he let the silence stretch out between them.

  Finally she said, “I can’t believe how fast this summer has gone.”

  When it was over she’d leave. She didn’t say that, but Cabot could read between the lines. “Yeah, it did go fast.”

  She sat up straight, turning off the intimacy. “When you said it was Ty’s idea for me to come along—”

  “I know. I’m sorry I haven’t talked to him yet. I will when we get back tomorrow.”

  “He’s your son, Cabot. No one knows him better. If you think it was best not to burden him, I’m sure you’re right about that.”

  “So are you. He’s getting attached and there’s probably no way to stop that. But a reminder is a good idea. A warning would be smart.”

  “Maybe.” She sighed. “But I’m a grown-up. I’m warned. And I don’t think I’m ready to face the world yet.” She met his gaze. “There was a lot of publicity when I ran out on the wedding and completely disappeared. When I resurface, that will make news, too.”

  “You can handle it. You’re strong.” He kind of wished she wasn’t and would stay in his spare cabin just a while longer.

  “Having the time to decompress has been great. I will have to give interviews, and I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I’m going to say.”

  “Will you tell the truth?”

  “You mean that my fiancé is a lying, cheating toad?”

  “Yeah, that.” He grinned.

  “You bet I’m going to.” She looked up at him, a softness in her eyes. “But now I can talk about what happened from a position of strength, not an emotional meltdown.”

  “Good girl.”

  “The thing is,” she said, “it’s beginning to sink in that my feelings about wanting to stay aren’t about hiding from all of that.”

  He knew he was going to be sorry, but he had to ask. “What, then?”

  “I like Blackwater Lake and just don’t want to leave.”

  Again he had the sensation that she was waiting for him to say something, but he couldn’t go there. “We all have to do things we don’t like. What will you do when you go back to your regularly scheduled life? Train for another Olympics? Continue competing? Endorsements?”

  “I still have contracts. But I’m not sure about competing.” She sounded disappointed, as if he hadn’t said what she’d wanted him to. She looked at him. “Will you miss me?”

  “That goes without saying.”

  “What if I want you to say it?”

  The words and pleading in her voice were like a punch to the gut. It was a willpower test, and he would do his best to meet the challenge because if he didn’t there would be hell to pay.

  Ignoring the question, Cabot stood. “I think it’s time to turn in. We have an early day tomorrow and should get some sleep.”

  “Okay. I understand.” Without another word, she got up, too, and walked back to her tent, disappearing inside.

  Cabot made sure the embers of the fire were completely put out. He wished there was another chore to keep him busy because he knew when he got in his sleeping bag sleep wouldn’t be coming his way.

  No, he would be trying to figure out a way to get the look on Kate’s face out of his mind. He felt as if he’d drop-kicked a kitten. But what was he supposed to do? Acting on his feelings, even though he was pretty sure she would willingly respond, was a very bad idea.

  She was leaving soon. Too soon. He would never forget how hard it was when a woman you cared about walked away. The fewer memories of Kate he had to deal with, the better.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Four days after returning from the campout, Kate was sitting on her bunk in the stray cabin. She’d read the same page in her book three times without comprehending what it said. With a sigh, she set it aside. Obviously even a steamy romance novel couldn’t distract her from what was on her mind.

  Cabot. Now, there was a hero. A living, breathing three-dimensional man with positives and even negatives that only made him more appealing.

  In the wilderness she’d learned that this summer he had been hanging around the camp more than usual. Until now, that was. She hadn’t seen him at any of the activities since they’d returned.

  She’d come to the conclusion that he wa
s keeping his distance from her because she’d flat-out said she wanted him to say that he would miss her. He hadn’t. The silence spoke volumes. Ty had been as cute and sweet as always, but his father was missing in action.

  Looking around her small cabin, she felt a pang of regret. Oddly enough, this minimal space was more appealing than her spacious condo in California. This felt like sanctuary, a haven from her crazy, busy life. It sounded weird and overly dramatic, but this time in Blackwater Lake had repaired and replenished her soul. She loved it here.

  But her time-out was coming to an end, and it would be good to repair something else. Family relationships. She’d spoken to her parents only a few times to let them know she was all right. She hadn’t talked to her brother or sister at all and it was time to fix that. After pulling her cell phone from her shorts pocket and scrolling through her contacts list, she found the number she wanted and highlighted it before pressing the call button. She waited while it rang, expecting to get voice mail. A smile curved her lips when she heard her older brother’s familiar voice.

  “My truck better be in one piece.”

  She laughed at his fake growl. Obviously he’d checked his caller ID. He was a big softy with her and they both knew it. “Hi, Zach.”

  “You better be in one piece, too.” He paused, and then she noted real concern in his voice when he asked, “Are you okay, Kate?”

  “Yes. And so is Angelica.” She paused for a moment, then meaningfully added, “Now.”

  “What did you do to her?”

  “Nothing. She just stopped one day. In the rain, which was inconvenient.” Although the silver lining was that she’d ended up spending the day with Cabot and the night in his bed. The sensuous memory made her shiver and brought on a yearning that was never far away.

  “Kate? Are you there?”

  “Yes. What?”

  “Why did my truck stop? What’s wrong with her? You know how much she means to me.”

  “Stand down, Zach. Your baby just needed a little tender loving care, and Sydney gave it to her.”