Harlequin American Romance October 2013 Bundle: Twins Under the Christmas TreeBig Sky ChristmasHer Wyoming HeroA Rancher's Christmas

by Marin Thomas

  “I can’t answer that question. My job is to search the premises for them.”

  “You don’t need to search. I’ll take you to them in my truck. I was with them all day until about a half hour ago when I dropped them off. They’re in their cabin.”

  The sheriff scratched his head. “You say you were with them all day?”

  “That’s right. I’ve been with them 24/7 since they came to the ranch. Today we were out at the eastern end of the property. I had a meeting with Mac Dawson from the Dawson Gas Company in Jackson. He can vouch for them since I introduced them to him.”

  “I’d be obliged if you’d show me to their cabin.”

  “My truck’s around the side.”

  They walked out past a bewildered-looking Willy. Once the sheriff got in beside him, Ross headed for the cabin. He wished he could have prepared Kit and Andy, but his hands were tied. This could be a frightening experience for a young boy whose only fault was to be the grandson of Genghis Khan.

  There was something mentally wrong with Charles Wentworth to be willing to scare his grandson like this in order to make Kit cave to his demands.

  Over Ross’s dead body.

  He pulled up and followed the sheriff to the porch. The older man gave a loud knock.

  Soon Kit opened the door. Andy was right behind her. He could see the puzzle they’d been working on set up on the table.

  The sheriff examined them from head to toe. “Good afternoon, ma’am. I’m Sheriff Barton from the Teton County Sheriff’s Office in Jackson. You’re Kathryn Wentworth?”

  Ross could read Kit’s mind. She knew exactly what was going on and lifted her proud chin. He admired her more than anyone he knew for her sheer guts in handling a bad situation.

  “I am, and this is my son Andrew Wentworth. How can I help you?”

  “I’d like to see your identification, please.”

  “Just a moment.” She went over to the table for her purse and pulled out a wallet. She came back to the door and showed him her driver’s license. While he was at it, he looked through her pictures.

  Andy had lost a little color, but he stood there at his mother’s side like a man. A feeling of love for the boy swept through Ross.

  “I was issued a warrant to locate you.” He handed her back the wallet.

  “By whom?”

  “Your father-in-law has been looking for you and was ready to file a missing person’s report.”

  “Be he knows I’m here. I don’t understand. Andy and I have been on this ranch since the moment we flew in from Bar Harbor on Saturday. We’ve been in constant telephone contact with Andy’s grandparents until today when Mr. Livingston took us sightseeing on the property.

  “Check his telephone records and mine. They’ll verify we’ve had several phone calls, sometimes twice a day, proving we’ve been in contact. Unless someone told him we’d been kidnapped today, Charles has no reason to think anything. At the invitation of the owners of this ranch who made this trip possible for us, Andy and I have been having a marvelous time!”

  “Is that true, son?”

  “Yup. Ross has shown me the best time ever.”

  Oh, Andy. The boy’s genuineness and innocence stuck out a mile.

  Ross had it in his heart to almost feel sorry for the sheriff who’d been sent on a fool’s errand. By the ruddy color that crept into his face, the man knew it.

  “How long will you be on the ranch?”

  “We leave Saturday.”

  “And your plans after that?”

  “Does that warrant include finding out my future plans? Because if it does, I’m not sure of them yet.”

  Kit knew what she was doing. She wasn’t about to disclose her destination once she left here.

  “No, ma’am.”

  “Then is that all, Sheriff?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Sorry to disturb you.”

  “That’s all right.” She shut the door, but not before her eyes flicked to Ross with a glimmer of mirth. Kit Wentworth was a prize, packaged with the stuff men’s dreams were made of.

  He got back in the truck and drove the sheriff to his decked-out police van parked in front where everyone walking around could see it. Their guests had to wonder what was happening. After learning that Charles Wentworth was at the bottom of this warrant, Ross bet he’d driven in here all bells and whistles. He probably hadn’t had a mission this exciting in years!

  Carson stepped outside from the foyer. No doubt Willy had already told him about the visit. He walked over and tipped his hat. “Sheriff Barton?”

  “Carson.” They shook hands.

  “Haven’t seen you in a while. Did you find the people you were looking for?”

  “Yup. They were at their cabin.”

  “Anything else we can do for you?”

  “Nope. I have a hell of lot of things more important to do than come chasing out here for someone who’s not missing.”

  “Oh, well. It’s all in a day’s work, right?”

  He nodded and climbed in his van. “Looks like you’re doing a right fine business. Your granddad would be proud of you.”

  Carson smiled at Ross. “Thanks to my partners here, it’s growing. That’s for sure. Take care now.”

  They both watched until the van was out of sight before bursting into laughter. Ross turned to him. “You should have seen Kit after she opened the door. She handled him like a pro. So did Andy.”

  “To do this in front of Andy, that father-in-law of hers is a real nasty piece of work, Ross.”

  “You can say that again. I’m going back to the cabin to make sure they’re all right.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “I take it the kids aren’t back yet.”

  “Tracy called. They just got out of the movie and will be home soon.”

  “Good. Tomorrow I’m planning to take Andy and Kit on an overnight campout to Bluebell Lake. If the kids could join us, Andy would like it.”

  “I think we’d all love it! I’ll talk to the girls and Buck about it.”

  “Good.”

  “Just so you know, I was reading over your notes on the meeting with Dawson when Willy came in the office and told me what was going on. We’ll get together later with Buck and talk about it.”

  “I’ve got a feeling about this well, Carson.”

  “Yeah?” His friend’s blue eyes darkened with emotion. Ross was glad Carson wasn’t going to let his grandfather’s reservations prevent them from trying this experiment. If it was successful, he’d be perpetuating the Lundgren legacy far into the future. One day Johnny and any other children they might have would be in charge and it would go on from there. “Your hunch means a hell of a lot.”

  On that happy note, Ross took off for the cabin. Instead of knocking, he called through the door so they’d know who was on the other side.

  Andy flung it open. The concern on his face was too much. Without thinking, Ross pulled him into his arms and gave him a hug. The boy clung to him. “I was proud of the way you handled yourself in front of the sheriff. That took real courage.”

  “That’s what I told him.”

  Ross saw Kit standing in the background and let go of Andy. “Neither of you should have been forced to go through that experience. If there’d been any other way...” His voice grated. “But since he had a warrant, I couldn’t stop him or warn you. He had to come out here and see for himself.”

  “I know, and believe it or not, I’m not sorry. I’ve had a lifetime learning experience within the last half hour. Not only did I discover new things about myself, I learned a lot about my son who’s much stronger than I’d ever imagined he could be, thanks to your example. And there’s something else.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Andy, honey? Wou
ld you mind going outside for just a minute? I need to talk to Ross in private.”

  “Okay.” He grabbed his cap gun and went out the door.

  She shut it and backed up against it. “Andy doesn’t know that this morning I listened to Corinne’s phone message, and I have to admit it shook me up a little. But no longer. After this experience, I know I’m doing the right thing to move out. There’s a cruel streak in Charles. I’m positive Florence is disturbed by it, but long ago she made the choice to stay and support him.

  “By sending that sheriff out here, he’s committed the ultimate crime against Andy, in my opinion. No child should have to endure what happened today because Charles is upset with me.”

  “Amen.”

  Kit took a second breath. “He’s done an unconscionable act.”

  Ross knew he was talking to the most extraordinary woman he’d ever met. For years she’d undergone a form of emotional abuse within the walls of the Wentworth mansion. He couldn’t find the words to tell her how pained he was for her ordeal. But she was standing up to Charles. That told Ross what this woman was really made of.

  In the next breath his hands shot out on either side of her, trapping her. The heat generated by their bodies worked like an aphrodisiac on Ross. His body moved closer until they were molded to each other.

  “Ross—no—we mustn’t.” Her voice came out on a strangled whisper.

  “A man can only take so much. I warned you.”

  He lowered his head and covered her mouth with his own, parting her lips because his hunger was so great. At first she held back, but with each kiss he drove deeper and deeper; she began to succumb until they were giving kiss for kiss.

  Her response released an explosion of feeling he could hardly contain. While he was immersed in sensual ecstasy, she wound her arms around his waist, creating greater intimacy. Driven by this mindless passion for her, time ceased to exist.

  “You have no idea how beautiful you are to me, Kit. I’m talking inside and out.” Their kisses grew more prolonged. Somehow he’d moved so his back was against the door and his legs were cradling hers. Each kiss felt natural. Her soft, sweet body melted into his. He couldn’t get enough of her as their mouths clung.

  “I want you,” he cried, “but you already know that.” The feel and taste of her transcended any of his dreams. She was all warmth and beauty. Slowly their kisses grew more urgent. He pressed her closer, running his hands through her hair and over her back.

  “I’ve been so afraid for you to touch me,” came her feverish response.

  “There’s nothing to be afraid of. How could there be?” Growing along with his desire was this powerful need to protect her. Ross wanted to make up to her for the years she’d suffered at the hands of the Wentworth men.

  Charles had been so blessed to have a daughter-in-law as sweet as Kit. Since his son’s passing, he’d figuratively trampled her beneath his feet and had lost a lot of the love of his grandson in the process. Ross couldn’t comprehend it or the sorrow she’d suffered, having lost a spouse who hadn’t been there for her. If Kit would let him love her in all the ways she needed to be loved...

  “You don’t understand. This can’t go on—” She tore her lips from his on a moan.

  “Why are you pulling away from me?” he asked.

  “Because I feel...cheap.”

  Ross was incredulous. “Do I make you feel that way?”

  She eyed him with a frazzled look. “Of course not. It’s not you.”

  “Then explain what you mean. You owe me that much.”

  “I owe you everything!” she cried. “That’s the problem. I only arrived here last Saturday. Set free from my prison, I’ve already taken your protection, your good will. I’ve involved your partners in the ugliness of my life. Andy and I have taken up all your time.”

  “We invited you here, remember?”

  “Yes I remember, but my husband only died ten months ago, and yet I’m here in this cabin making out with you like a high school girl looking for a good time with the first guy to look my way.”

  “By your own admission you fell out of love years ago. It’s a wonder you’ve taken this long to feel alive again. I’m only thankful it’s happened with me because you’ve made me feel alive again, too.”

  “But this is wrong.”

  He needed to understand. “Surely you realize that’s your fear talking.”

  “Yes. I know it is and I’m sorry, Ross. Forgive me for venting,” she begged. “I must seem like the most mixed-up, ungrateful wretch who ever lived. Can we just start over again and forget what has happened?”

  Ross studied her features. “No. At least I can’t. To try to forget would be pointless when I’d be fighting against nature. Would it surprise you to know I wanted to kiss you before I left the cabin the first day?”

  Kit smoothed the hair away from her temples. “You didn’t even like me.”

  “You’re wrong. I didn’t want to like you for the reasons we’ve already talked about, but I couldn’t help myself.”

  “Now you’re simply trying to make me feel better like you always do.”

  He let out a bark of harsh laughter. “I’m glad to hear that. Don’t you know I’m trying to be as honest with you as I can? Here this grieving woman comes to the ranch with her grieving son at our invitation and I find myself desiring you. What does that say about me? So much for my being a saint.”

  She shook her head. “Don’t you see? We shouldn’t be spending this much time together alone.”

  “But we haven’t actually been alone until now.”

  “And look what’s happened!”

  “Didn’t you enjoy it?”

  “Yes, but it was a guilty enjoyment I’m not proud of.”

  “Guilty?” he whispered.

  “Yes. Don’t ask me to explain.”

  “Then after I’ve figured it out, how about we try it again and see if you haven’t changed your mind.”

  She pressed her hands against his chest. “Ross?”

  “Yes?” He coughed.

  “Please, be serious.”

  “In other words, try to pretend that you’re not a beautiful woman I’d like to get to know better?”

  Kit swallowed hard. “You don’t want to know me.”

  “What in the hell does that mean?”

  “You deserve a woman who can be your counterpart in every way. If we’d met under ordinary circumstances, you would have gotten your full measure of me in about two minutes and passed on by.”

  “Two minutes? You don’t give yourself any credit, or me for having discernment.”

  “You’re just being a gentleman. That’s the trouble with you. I’ll never get to know the Ross Livingston who lives inside his own skin. You’re saving that for the special woman who’ll come along one day. That’s one of the reasons why it would be wrong for us to get physical because of chemistry alone.”

  “What’s the other reason?”

  “Andy and I will be gone soon. I don’t want to leave with regrets.”

  “Do you regret kissing me?”

  “Yes.”

  “I think you actually meant that.”

  “I do. The fact is, I need a clear head.”

  “So any intimate involvement with me would muddy the waters?”

  “After my past with the Wentworth men, I don’t need more complications that will lead nowhere.”

  She’d pressed on a nerve. “You think having a relationship with me will lead nowhere?”

  “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. All I’m saying is, it would be better if we don’t start up anything. In a few days I’ll be gone. My whole focus needs to be on making a home for Andy and getting on with a career.”

  On a groan of protest he buried his fac
e in her dark, luxuriant hair. “A fire’s been lit. There’s no way we can let each other go. Not now, not ever.”

  Somewhere in the periphery he heard children’s voices and caps firing. “Mom? The kids are here. Can we come in?”

  “Ross—we have to stop!” Kit sounded frantic.

  He pressed another hot kiss to her mouth before finally releasing her and taking a step away. “Only for now,” he vowed and staggered his way over to the fridge. He opened a can of pop while he tried to get himself under some semblance of control.

  One look at Kit and he saw she was having the same problem. She rushed into the bathroom and shut the door.

  “Come on in, guys!” he called to the children and opened the front door.

  Johnny was the first inside. “Daddy told us we’re going on a campout tomorrow.”

  Ross stood there with his hands on his hips, still shaken by the desire he felt for her. “What’s this? No hello first?”

  Jenny came inside with Andy. “Hi, Uncle Ross.”

  “That’s more like it. Hi, yourself! Did you guys have fun at the movie?”

  “Yes. Are we going to Secret Lake?”

  His laugh brought on a cough. That was the kids’ favorite place on the ranch so far and the first thing on their minds. “Nope. We’re going to one you’ve never seen before.”

  “Huh?” Johnny looked shocked. “Another lake?”

  “It looks like a sea horse,” Andy spoke up.

  “Andy’s right,” he said when he saw the other children’s surprised expressions. “Carson calls it Bluebell Lake because of the wild bluebells that grow near the tail. Since we’re going to be doing some hiking, we won’t be taking the ponies this time. We’ll go up in the truck and set up camp.”

  “Goody!”

  Kit came into the living room. Except for her glazed eyes, she looked composed for someone who’d just been kissed senseless. “I’m so glad to see all of you. You’re just in time for us to go to dinner.”

  Jenny stared up at her. “After we eat, will you read some more to us about Buck?”

  “Absolutely. I’m glad you reminded me.” She reached for the book on the coffee table.