“Ten years older, and don’t forget wiser.”
“I’m not the one with the broken leg,” Barry mumbled, and Kylie had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. “You don’t have to tell me why you dropped out of rodeo.”
“Nah, it’s fine. My oldest brother had an accident at the ranch, so I went home to help out. When things got back to an even keel, I had to think long and hard about what to do, but I decided to ride again. I’ve got no regrets about that. Most days, anyway.”
This time when they quieted, Kylie ordered herself to go to the kitchen but her feet couldn’t seem to move.
“Well, I’m glad it worked out for you,” Barry said, his voice serious and gruffer than before. “But I’m the oldest son.”
“Does your mom ever talk to you about your future? What she expects of you?”
“She wants me to be happy. That’s all she ever says. But Julie and Ned are teenagers now. They’ll need more things for school, clothes and stuff.”
“Sounds to me like they’re about ready to get jobs themselves.”
“No way. That’s the whole point.”
“Listen, Barry. I’m not telling you to change your goals, to work any less, do anything different. But you know how you feel about helping your family? That sense of satisfaction that sits deep and low? And how even when it’s a pain, there’s still pride in every extra job you take on?”
Sanding again. Then, “Yeah.”
“Don’t you want Julie and Ned to feel that? To know they stepped up? That they helped so that you could take advantage of the things you’ve earned, like that scholarship. College?”
Kylie sniffled. But only because she’d been smelling all those flowers. Things got real quiet in the garage, and when she heard Landon’s one-crutch walk, she scurried like a mouse into the living room, grabbed her purse, and walked into the kitchen, innocent as the day she was born.
“Hey, you just get here?” Landon asked, his smile warming her better than the sun.
“Thought I’d make you two some lunch. Hungry?”
“Yeah. I’d meant to put something together a while ago, then I got sidetracked.”
“How’s your leg?”
“Good.” He leaned the crutch against the wall. “I’m just taking precautions, like I promised.”
Guilt shot through her, but she hadn’t peeked, so technically, Kylie was still in the clear.
“Tell you what. I’ll knock on the door when lunch is ready, how’s that?”
“What, no kiss first?”
Kylie glanced toward the garage door.
“He won’t see us,” Landon said, moving closer. “And if he did, would that be so bad?”
“Does he know you’re staying here?”
“I doubt he’s given it a single thought.” He put his arms around her and pulled her against him. “But I didn’t say anything.”
She lifted her chin, getting tingly just knowing his lips were about to touch hers. Lowering his head he gave her a quick kiss. Way too quick. She was about to complain, then felt his mouth skim the side of her neck, leaving a damp trail to her ear. He caught her earlobe between his teeth and gave a slight tug, before returning to slip his tongue between her lips.
Kylie shivered down to the soles of her feet.
“You’re nervous,” he said, leaning back. “Because of Barry?” Landon lowered his arms.
“No, that’s not it. If I’m worried at all it’s because I’m afraid I’ll get carried away.”
“Oh, well in that case...”
Kylie laughed, swatting his hands away when he tried to take hold of her. “Go. Wash up. I have to hurry if I want to eat with you guys.”
“Sure, tease me like that, then push me away. Don’t worry about my hurt feelings.”
“You should be more concerned about that,” she said, glancing at the bulging front of his jeans. “Wash up first, then get Barry.”
Landon looked down. “He’s seen this condition before, I promise.”
“Oh, I can’t hear this.” She laughed as she turned to the fridge, knowing her cheeks were pink.
“To be continued.” Landon kissed the nape of her neck, then jumped back to avoid a swat. “See you in five?”
“Make it ten.” She got busy, knowing this was going to make her later than what she’d told Celeste, but not sorry she’d stopped to listen.
She hadn’t known some of that stuff about Landon’s dad and his family. He’d told her his father had died, and only recently about his brother’s accident having been the family emergency. She’d even known about him breaking mustangs as a teenager. But his brothers encouraging him to return to the circuit, his guilt over it...that he’d never mentioned.
While they had talked about personal things, she sure hadn’t shared anything about her mother. As it was, she feared Landon knew more about Darlene than Kylie cared to acknowledge.
Mostly though, she was impressed with how he’d opened himself up to a kid he’d barely known a week. Barry was self-effacing, quiet, but he couldn’t hide the fact that he thought he was pretty awesome at wrestling and carpentry. Nothing wrong with believing in yourself. If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have The Cake Whisperer right now. But Landon had seen deeper and reached out.
It didn’t take long to finish making their lunches, and both men washed their hands before they sat down. She didn’t have much to say about her day, so she mostly listened to the two of them. Barry asked about breaking mustangs, and Landon was all too happy to fill him in on what it was like and how much he loved it.
Then Barry started bragging about his wrestling injuries, and added a couple from construction mishaps.
She just ate and smiled. Grateful for the day, grateful that she liked a man who could share himself with someone in need. Someone who, despite his big muscles and skillful hands, was just a kid trying to fill shoes far bigger than the ones his father had left behind.
Leaving Landon to clean up the kitchen, she hurried back to work. During a lull in customers, she confronted Joe, listened to him complain for about fifteen minutes, then made sure he would make up for his lost time. Finally, though, she hung out the closed sign, and while she was more than ready to go home, she had a stop to make, first.
Kevin was in his office at the motel, as she knew he’d be, and the way he lit up when he saw her made her stomach tighten. But not being honest with him would be worse. She’d already begged off on a second date.
“What brings you here?” he asked, rounding his desk. He put his hand on her back and kissed her cheek, before he held the visitor’s chair out for her.
Once they were both sitting, she took a deep breath. “I wanted to let you know that something’s changed.”
“Oh?”
“It’s about my friend Landon.” She looked away, then forced herself to meet Kevin’s gaze. “We were strictly friends back in Iowa but...”
He started nodding as if this wasn’t new information. “Now it’s more.”
“Yes. And I honestly have no idea what’s going to come of it.”
Kevin looked at her somberly. “I like you, Kylie. A great deal. But I don’t want to make a fool of myself. Any more than I already have.”
“You haven’t. You’ve been nothing but great. And I’m being as honest as I can.”
“I appreciate that.”
She stood, and he did as well, but before he could come around the desk, she went to the door. “Thanks for being so understanding.”
He just looked down and didn’t respond.
* * *
AFTER CROSSING THE STREET, she saw Landon’s truck coming down the block. The moment he stopped, she climbed into the passenger side and before she could get a word out, he pulled her straight into a kiss.
When
they finally took a breath, Landon relaxed in his seat. “I’ve been thinking about that all day.”
“I imagine you had a few other things on your mind.”
“A few. But we could get arrested for those.”
Grinning, she buckled her seat belt. “Yeah, let’s not do that.”
“You sure? Might’ve been a slow day. Could give Grace something to do.”
She picked his hand up off her thigh and put it on the wheel. “Drive.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, putting the truck in gear. “Where to? Feel like going out to dinner?”
“Nope. Let’s stay home.”
“Works for me.”
“Oh. I almost forgot. Rachel and Matt have invited us to dinner at their place tomorrow night.”
“That sounds good.” He checked the rearview mirror then pulled away from the curb. “I told you about him stopping by the other day?”
“Yes. And I’m sure it wasn’t because he was worried you’d ruined his worktable.”
“Maybe just a little.” His mouth curved in that lopsided smile she loved so much. “Tomorrow I’ll pick up a nice bottle of wine.”
“Uh, maybe we should get them something Rachel can enjoy also?”
“Well, that eliminates chocolates. Flowers?”
“That’s perfect.”
“I’m still getting a bottle of wine, though.”
Wondering about her decision not to mention her visit with Kevin, Kylie sighed.
Landon glanced at her. “Is that a no on the wine?”
“What? No. I mean, yes. Wine would be great. In fact, get two bottles. Trace and Nikki will be there, and probably another couple. Also, I’ve been thinking about my neighbor’s flowers.”
“Okay,” he said with a laugh. “What, you want me to go steal them for Rachel?”
“Ha. Funny. Anyway, the white house with the green shutters? Do you know the one I’m talking about?”
“Vaguely.”
“You really can’t miss all the dahlias and gladiolas growing along the porch. They’re absolutely stunning, but I was surprised anything would still be blooming this far north.”
“Not for much longer, though.”
“Still, it gives me hope for my own garden. I can’t wait till next summer to plant some flowers and vegetables. There’s room for a small greenhouse in the backyard, too, and I want to grow dwarf fruit trees and lots and lots of berries.”
“Don’t you rent the house?”
She nodded. “But I think the owner might be willing to go for a rent-to-own deal. The place is perfect for me. It’s close to work, and it’s big enough for me to have people over. I really miss having homegrown veggies and fresh blooms for the table.”
Landon was silent while they waited for some teenagers to cross the street. Kylie wondered if she should’ve been more diplomatic. But it had only been a week and they hadn’t spoken about the future, and if anything, he should be relieved that she wasn’t expecting a commitment. Still, she wished she’d thought first.
He looked at her and smiled. “Barry’s turned out to be a hell of a helper. He’s really good, and without him, no way I’d be this close to finishing.”
“So you’ve said.” Three times so far, not that she would bring that up.
Instead of turning onto her street, Landon went around the block, then drove down the only other residential street off Main. “I was thinking, since Celeste is doing so well and Joe’s working over the weekend, and Barry’s finishing up the bench seats, how about going with me to see my family?”
“What?” She stared at him. He looked serious. “For how long?”
“It’s only six hours away. We can leave Friday after you close. Drive back Sunday night. Or Monday morning if you think Celeste can handle things.”
Kylie didn’t know what on earth to say. Sunday was the only day she closed. But her reluctance wasn’t just about that. “I planned on opening for half a day on Saturday, then giving Joe the afternoon to work.”
“Won’t Celeste be there? We won’t be gone long. My mom would like to meet you. In fact, so would the rest of my family, but I don’t care about them.”
“Liar.” They passed Mrs. Ramsey’s but Kylie barely noticed the flowers. She was thinking about what he’d told her at dinner. “Wait. Is there something going on with your brothers? Did you guys have an argument or something?”
“Us? No. Why would you ask?”
“I don’t know, I just remembered something you’d said about circumstances at home having changed.”
Landon shook his head. “I’m the youngest brother, and crap rolls downhill. They’re always yanking my chain about something. But no, we’re tight.”
“Okay,” she said, “I just didn’t want to be surprised. But seriously? Your mom wants to meet me? What did you tell her?”
“She’s known about you for a while. I mean, it’s no big deal. She wants to make sure I still have both legs, and I promised to come see them. You can meet the whole gang, kids, brothers, sister-in-law...everyone except my sister who lives in Utah.”
The tummy butterflies had turned into hundreds of hummingbirds. He wanted her to meet his family? “I’m not sure I can. I mean, Celeste would have to make arrangements for her children. And she’s still so new...”
“Maybe you could close all day Saturday and give Joe an extra few hours to work.”
She just smiled.
“Hey, no pressure,” he said, catching her hand and squeezing it. “Look, if you don’t want to go then we won’t.”
She believed him, but could see that he was genuinely disappointed. “If I can’t swing it, you could still go.”
“Not without you.”
They turned onto her driveway, her thoughts a complete jumble. She wanted to go, but she couldn’t abandon her responsibilities. “I’ll talk to Celeste. If she can work it out, I’d love to go.”
“Excellent,” he said with a heart-stopping smile and kissed the back of her hand.
Kylie melted like a stick of warm butter.
Chapter Fourteen
“You’ve got to be joking.”
Rachel looked so shocked, Kylie thought there might be something bad in the fruit she’d brought for dessert, but she’d cut up everything fresh herself...
“Come. On.” Rachel put the hefty bowl down on the dining room sideboard, and faced Kylie. “I was counting on you. It didn’t even need to be chocolate. Turnovers. An apple fritter. A cupcake. You could have at least brought a cupcake.”
Kylie met her friend’s disappointed gaze. “I thought you said no sugar.”
“No, the doctor suggested that. Because of the mood swings. Clearly he was wrong. I’ve had no sugar for a week. You tell me, do I seem like I’m in a good mood?”
“This is temporary,” Kylie said, patting her arm. “Only a few more months, and you’ll be able to have sugar again. You’re strong enough to handle this.”
“I’m not. I’m really not. You know what I dream about? Brownies. Your brownies.” Rachel slumped, looking so defeated Kylie wanted to run to the bakery and grab a basket of goodies.
She didn’t dare glance at Landon standing off to the side, even when he quietly cleared his throat. Kylie had thought fruit was the perfect answer for this small gathering, but then she looked at the sideboard. There were now three bowls of fruit lined up like soldiers. “Did you ask everyone to bring dessert?”
“I suppose I did,” Rachel said with a shrug. “But when I asked you, I expected—”
“Things that would make you feel terrible?”
“Well, if you’re going to put it like that...” Rachel sighed. “No. You’re right. I can’t have sugar. I’m already a hormonal, raging lunatic, so that makes everything swell. Sorry.” She t
urned to Landon, who was juggling a bright bouquet of flowers and two bottles of wine. “Oh, those are beautiful.” Finally, she smiled as she took the flowers.
“I’m glad you like them.” Landon was either afraid to say anything more or was trying not to laugh. Kylie couldn’t tell.
Rachel turned to go to the kitchen. “Let’s just pretend that didn’t happen. Okay?”
Kylie smiled. “Need help?”
“Always.”
“Um, what should I do with the wine?”
Rachel’s steps slowed. “That’s something else I miss. Wine and margaritas.”
Landon looked at Kylie, and they both laughed.
“Oh, shut up,” Rachel said, sounding grumpy again. “Matt’s huddling with the guys in the family room. Mind asking him?” She pointed to the open door across the foyer, even though the sound of male laughter gave it away.
“Thanks. If there’s anything I can do to help, just holler.” He gave Kylie a kiss on the lips, then walked away.
“Uh...” Rachel, who was also watching Landon’s butt as he headed for the other room, finally glanced at Kylie. “Just a friendly kiss from a friend who’s nothing but an old friend who’s really friendly?”
“Now you can shut up. It was friendly, and now it’s...friendlier. And don’t get hysterical, but we’re also going away for the weekend.”
“When?” Rachel asked, her voice an octave higher than a minute ago.
“This weekend. I’m going to close the shop on Saturday afternoon and all day Monday. I decided I could use the break and Celeste volunteered to cover for me on Saturday morning.”
“Well, hallelujah, I can quit worrying about you. The man’s as hot as a firecracker and you were keeping him at arm’s length?”
“Don’t get too excited. We don’t know where this is leading. If anywhere.”
“Well, if you want my opinion, I think he’s mad about you. And it’s leading toward a very happy ending.”
“Your opinion, Ms. Hormonal Nightmare? Now tell me who’s here. Nikki and Trace?” Kylie started toward the kitchen, refusing to let this conversation continue. Thank goodness Rachel hadn’t asked where they were going. Kylie wouldn’t hide it from her, but she didn’t want Rachel making a big deal out of it.
Stealing the Cowboy's Heart Page 13