Ash muttered under his breath as he set his water bottle down, picked up a bale of hay, and tossed it onto the stack.
“Go for it, if you want but she’s not the type for just sex, and that’s all you do.”
“Look who’s talking. Christ, Ash. Isn’t that all you did with Belinda?”
“Yeah, and it was meaningless. I want something more, one day. Like what I had with Angie, only better. Like Brayden has with Melissa.” Ash placed his hands on his hips and glared at his brother.
Gray snorted. “Yeah, good luck with that. I’ll never be in a long-term relationship again.”
“We’ll see. Never say never.”
Gray shrugged. Picking up another bale of hay, he tossed it on the stack, and Ash knew the conversation was over. Ash looked at his brother and hoped that one day he’d get over Ellen. As far as Ash was concerned, Gray was better off without her. She stuck her nose up at this little town and the people in it thinking she was so above them all. At least, Gray found out before he married her. Shaking his head, Ash picked up a bale and tossed it onto the stack.
****
Cassie practically ran to the other barn to finish putting fresh straw down. She really needed to stay away from Ash Beckett. The man was just too damn good-looking, and there was no way she could get involved with him. What if he turned out to be like Ross? Of course, he’d never made her think he was even interested in her except to tell her he thought she was beautiful. Did he really think so?
In her heart, she knew not all men cheated, but how did a woman really know? Until it happened to her, she didn’t know. The thought of going through that again was enough to make her stay away from men forever, but Ash Beckett sure had her thinking how nice it would be to get close to him.
“Cassie?” Everett stuck his head into the stall causing her to let out a small scream.
“God, Everett. You scared me to death,” she murmured with her hand over her heart.
“Sorry. I just wanted to see if you wanted me to help you in here. The hay is stacked, and Ash and Gray are getting ready to leave.”
“Ash…they’re leaving?”
“Yep. Got it stacked pretty quick. Those two are big men. Tossed those hay bales as if they weighed nothing.”
Big men? Oh yeah. She’d bet Ash was a big man. Stop it!
Clearing her throat, she looked at Everett. He stood there staring at her. Then she remembered he’d asked her if she needed help.
“No, I’m good, Everett. This is the last one.” After leaning the rake against the wall, she walked out of the stall, pulling her gloves off. She tilted her head to look around him to try to get a look at Ash. Then she saw him walking toward her with Gray. She bit the inside of her cheek to hold back a groan. His shirt was off, and his chest was glistening with sweat.
Dear God! He had a fantastic chest and abs, and that sexy happy trail—for the first time in her life, she wanted to follow it…with her tongue. She almost shouted at him to stop when he removed his hat and pulled his T-shirt over his head but the image of those hard pecs and six-pack stomach had burned into her eyelids.
After running his fingers through his hair, he resettled his hat. Glancing at Gray, she noticed his body was just as hard, but she wanted to lick every bit of sweat from Ash. Sighing, she knew it would never happen. He might think she was beautiful, but he had never made a single move toward her. Damn it!
And she’d never admit it to him, but she loved it when he called her by her full name. It just seemed more intimate for some reason, and she would love to hear him whisper it to her while he was inside her. God, woman! Get your mind out of the gutter. She smiled then groaned. Apparently, being a romance novelist had her thinking about sex all the time.
Cassie had to stop this obsessive thinking about Ash. It could never be. Being too afraid of getting hurt again kept her away from any kind of relationship as well as knowing Ross would be coming to Montana eventually, since he’d left several messages on her cell phone. She needed her wits about her.
****
Ash jerked awake and sat up. Running his hands down his face, he swore then swung his legs over the bed and stood. Bandit came over to him and pushed his nose against Ash’s side.
“I’m all right, buddy.”
He rubbed the dog’s ears then strode naked to the kitchen. Pulling open the fridge door, he reached for a bottle of water, leaned against the counter, twisted off the cap then took a drink. Glancing at the clock on the microwave, he saw it was only three in the morning. Damn. He had to be up in two hours.
Rubbing his hand on the back of his neck, he wondered what had woken him. Was it a dream he just couldn’t recall now? Was everything all right on the ranch?
After taking another swig of water, he set the bottle down. Pushing away from the counter, he headed back to his bedroom, pulled his jeans and T-shirt on then his boots, and strode out to the back door. He quietly opened the door in case someone was around outside. Stepping onto the porch, he glanced around the yard then toward the barn.
It was still hot. The moon lit up the yard bright enough that he could see while the sound of crickets and bullfrogs filled the air. Ash made his way across the yard with Bandit on his heels. The dog suddenly ran ahead of him and disappeared into the barn. Ash stopped to listen but didn’t hear anything. Bandit came trotting back out toward him with a happy pant and a wagging tail. Taking a deep breath, Ash entered the barn and turned the lights on. Nothing seemed amiss, and the only sounds were from the horses stomping in their stalls or softly neighing.
Once he was sure everything was okay, Ash returned to the house and pulled a chair out from the table then sat down to remove his boots. Striding to the living room, he took a seat in the recliner rather than returning to bed. He knew he wasn’t going to get back to sleep. Picking up the remote, he aimed it at the TV, turning it on to watch the news and weather. The temperatures predicted for the next few days were high with rain later in the week. Ash leaned his head back and closed his eyes. They could use a good rain shower.
Two hours later, he was in the barn working with another wild horse. A man he didn’t know had shown up yesterday and asked him to do something with the beast. The man didn’t seem too interested in the horse, making Ash wonder why he even had the animal. He only agreed to work with the horse when the man mentioned that Nora and Brian suggested he bring the horse to Ash. As he stood in the center of the corral and watched the horse run around him, Ash circled the rope above his head, then tossed it over the horse’s neck then little by little, pulled the horse toward him and reached out a hand when the mare was close enough to touch. She suddenly reared up making Ash jump back and loosen the rope’s hold.
“Come on, girl. No one wants to hurt you,” he murmured.
“She doesn’t seem to like anyone, boss,” Ernie said from where he sat atop the corral fence.
Ash didn’t take his eyes from the horse. “It sure seems that way. I’m pretty sure she’s been abused, but I don’t think it was by this owner.”
“She does seem a little skittish. I’m going out to check the fence. It’s a nice day for a ride.”
“All right. I’ll call you if I need you, Ernie. Tell the guys to cut the east pasture tomorrow morning, and then go to Bonner’s place and get that cut,” Ash said.
“On it,” Ernie said as he walked out of the barn.
Pulling the rope in toward him, the mare shook her head and tried to rear up again but Ash kept the line tight. Slowly, he pulled her toward him all the while talking to her in a low soothing tone of voice. Reaching his hand out, he lightly rubbed her nose then let the rope out again. He repeated this several times until the horse finally came to him without rearing up or shaking her head. Ash knew he was wearing her down. He wondered why he even took this challenge in. He’d made up his mind a while back that he wouldn’t take in anymore horses to train. He was just too busy with growing feed.
When he turned to lead the horse around the corral, a movement
caught his eye. He looked to the fence to see Cassidy, and her dad, watching him with their arms folded along the top rail.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” Ash asked, surprised but happy to see her.
“Dad suggested I ask you if you’d like to go to the auction with me in Butte next week. He says you know good horseflesh.”
“I wouldn’t lie about that. I’m going to talk with Wayne for a minute,” Brian said as he walked off.
A trip to Butte with Cassidy? Alone? Hell yes.
Ash walked toward Cassidy leading the horse. “I’d love to. Are we going to take a trailer?”
Cassidy smiles at him. “Yes. Another reason to have you drive…I can’t back those things up to save my life.”
Ash grinned. “Oh, I get it. You only want me to go so I’ll drive.”
“Of course.” Cassidy laughed. “Why else?”
Ash stared at her until a blush stained her cheeks.
“Maybe you’re trying to get me alone.”
“I wouldn’t have to go to Butte for that,” she murmured without looking at him.
“Damn right, you wouldn’t, darlin’.”
Her eyes met his and held then Cassidy cleared her throat and looked away from him to the horse. “She’s a beautiful horse.”
Ash hid a grin knowing she’d changed the subject on purpose. “She is, but I think she’s been mistreated. I’ll get her to trust again.”
****
Cassie looked back to Ash. She knew he would succeed. She’d seen what he could do with a horse, but could he get a woman to trust again? Could he get her to believe in love again? Blowing out a breath, she turned away from him.
“We’ll leave first thing in the morning next Tuesday. Will that work for you?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll pick you up around six.”
“Sounds good. I’ll get us hotel rooms.” She looked around for her dad and spotted him by the open doors.
“I need a king size bed. Should I pick you up at the cabin?”
“At the main house. I’ll see you then,” she told him as she started down through the barn.
“If not before, Cassidy.”
She smiled as she continued down the aisle of the barn without turning around. She wouldn’t mind seeing him before then, but she wouldn’t hold her breath. Mentally shaking her head, she climbed into her vehicle, waited for her dad to climb in then started it, and drove home, all the while knowing this next week would drag by.
The following Tuesday, she sat at the kitchen table drinking her coffee when she heard a truck pull up. Pushing her chair back, she stood, strode to the door and peered out. Her heart hit her stomach when she saw Ash climbing out of his truck and walking toward the steps. Cassie opened the door and stepped onto the porch. He hesitated then smiled up at her. Damn, the man made her heart skip a beat or two.
“Good morning, Cassidy,” he said in a low tone of voice, making her suppress a shiver.
“Good morning, Ash. Would you like some coffee?”
“I’m good, thanks. We should get going.”
“Sure. I’ll be out as soon as I get my suitcase,” she said.
Ash tugged on the brim of his white straw cowboy hat in his cowboy way of acknowledging what she said then walked back to his truck. Cassie turned to watch him climb into it to wait for her. Sighing, she quickly went inside and picked up her suitcase up then started for the door. Her mother entered the kitchen just as she was about to leave.
“Have fun, honey,” Nora said.
“I’m not going on vacation, Mom. Quit matchmaking.” Cassie frowned.
Nora laughed. “Where’s the fun in that? What woman in her right mind wouldn’t want Ash Beckett?”
“I just got divorced, Mom,” Cassie growled.
“Yes, but don’t waste your life by thinking every man is like Ross. You hear?”
“Yes, I hear you. I just know that Ross will be coming here soon. He keeps texting me. I’m thinking about getting a new number. I just need to keep my wits about me concerning Ross.”
“Please don’t let him talk you into going back to Nevada with him,” Nora said with a concerned expression.
“No way that’s going to happen. I promise. I’ve had it with him. I don’t love him anymore. He killed whatever love I had for him a long time ago.”
“A long time ago?” Nora tilted her head in question.
Cassie blew out a breath. “Mom, this wasn’t the first time he screwed around. I was a fool and took him back two other times. This last time it happened did it for me. I’m done.”
“Oh, honey, why didn’t you tell me?” Nora put her arm around Cassie’s shoulders.
“I was too embarrassed. The first time, we’d only been married five years then he did it again a year later. I left him, but he begged me to take him back. I did, and I caught him again last year. I quit loving him the second time but was afraid to go out on my own. I’ve never been alone, Mom. I lived here until I married Ross, and here I am again.”
“We’re here for you. We love you,” Nora whispered low.
“I know. I’d better go. I don’t want Ash to get impatient. I’ll see you in two days. Love you both.” Cassie smiled, picked up her purse from the table, hurried out the door, and nearly ran down the steps.
Ash opened his door, stepped out, reached for her suitcase and put it in the backseat then climbed back in the truck. Cassie climbed in the passenger side then looked over to Ash. “Sorry. My mom and I were talking.”
“That’s fine,” he said and smiled at her then started the truck and drove out of the driveway.
“Did you eat?” Cassie asked.
“I had some coffee. We can stop for lunch if you’d like.”
“Sounds good. I’m sure I’ll be hungry.”
Ash laughed. “Are you telling me you eat a lot? You don’t look it.”
“I do eat a lot. Bring me chocolate, and I’ll do anything for you.” She blushed when she’d realized what she’d said.
Ash glanced at her then back to the road. “I’ll remember that.”
The heat poured into her cheeks even more, so she looked out the window at the passing scenery. The sun was beginning to peak over the Glaciers, and the sky was turning from pink and yellow to a brilliant blue. She leaned down and pulled her sunglasses from her purse she’d set between her feet.
“What do you do, Cassie?” She jerked and turned to look at him with wide eyes. “What? Is that a question you can’t answer? Are you CIA or something?” Ash chuckled.
“No. You called me Cassie.”
Ash seemed startled. “I did, didn’t I?”
Cassie laughed. “Yes, but to answer your question—I’m a writer. Didn’t Dad or Mom tell you? I’m shocked at that. They tell everyone.”
“Come to think of it, I think your dad did tell me, but I forgot. What do you write?”
“Romance novels.”
“Yeah? Do they do well?”
“New York Times bestsellers list—several times,” she said with pride.
“Wow. I suppose women like those types of books, huh?”
“Oh, please don’t be like Ross,” she muttered, turning to stare out at the passing landscape.
“I am, in no way, like your ex-husband,” Ash growled, making her turn to look at him.
“No, I honestly know you’re not. It’s just that Ross always made fun of my books, but he loved the money they brought in…and how would you know how he is?”
“Your dad mentioned it a few times.”
“Oh. So, you know Ross cheated on me. Wonderful,” she said under her breath.
“Yes, and I think he’s a fool. Why any man would cheat on a woman as beautiful as you is beyond me.”
Cassie noticed his hands wrapping around the steering wheel. Her eyes moved up his arms to see his jaw clenched.
“Thank you, but you really don’t know what kind of woman I am. Maybe I’m a real bitch and cold in the bedroom.”
He glanced at her then b
ack to the road and laughed. “I don’t believe that for a second. If you’re cold in bed, it’s because he wasn’t doing his job.”
Cassie sputtered out a laugh. “I don’t like to talk about what he did or didn’t do for me.”
“You just did by saying that, Cassidy.” Ash looked at her and winked.
Cassie shook her head and turned back to continue watching the scenery pass by. It was going to be a hot day. The dew on the grass glistened but would soon evaporate from the heat. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes as the truck ate up the miles.
****
Ash glanced over at Cassidy to see her eyes closed behind her sunglasses and smiled as he thought back to their conversation. It was the most she’d ever talked to him, and he was surprised she’d even come close to mentioning sex. The smile left his face as he thought about her husband cheating on her. A man shouldn’t need another woman in his life if he’s married and in love with his wife. He had promised to love and honor her, and that was what he should do. If he had a woman like Cassidy—he mentally shook his head—he would sure as hell never cheat on her.
Glancing over at her again, he raked his eyes over her. She was beautiful and natural. He was sure she wasn’t wearing any makeup. Most women wouldn’t be caught outside without it and especially in front of a man. Come to think of it, he was almost positive she hadn’t worn any in his presence since meeting her. He smiled as he thought of how much he liked that. Cassidy Marlowe Porter was a natural beauty. Her lips looked so damn kissable as she sat there, her face, her mouth so relaxed in sleep.
Damn it. He shifted in his seat as he thought of her having those long legs wrapped around his waist. Not the time for a hard-on, Beckett.
Driving into Butte, he pulled into the hotel parking lot, found a spot to fit the pickup and trailer into then shut the truck off. He reached over and tugged on her braid, wondering what her hair looked like down around her shoulders or spread out on a pillow. She sat up quickly, took her sunglasses off, and looked around. When her eyes met his, he watched a blush roll across her cheeks.
“I fell asleep?”
“Are you asking me or telling me?”
Ash: A Beckett Brothers Novel Book 2 (The Beckett Brothers) Page 5