by Kate Pearce
He almost forgot what he was supposed to be doing as he imagined unpinning her hair and watching it fall down on her shoulders before he buried his hands in it and brought her mouth to his in a searing, searching kiss....
“Rio?”
Yvonne was staring at him, and he hastened over to the table, glad that the tint of his skin wouldn’t show he was blushing.
“Here’s the tea.”
He sat back and listened as Priscilla sketched out her idea of bringing a camera crew in to watch Yvonne bake, operate the café, and make her signature cakes. She stressed that they weren’t looking for drama and wouldn’t try to manufacture it. Greg was wolfing down pastries, and nodding occasionally, which seemed like a good reaction to Rio.
“I like the idea.” Greg finally stopped eating long enough to contribute to the conversation. “I think our viewers would respond really well to the less extravagant, get-back-to-basics, hometown kind of vibe you’ve got going on here.”
Priscilla winked at Yvonne. “I told you he was going to love it.”
“So what’s the next step?” Yvonne asked.
“We’d like you to come to our office in San Francisco and meet the entire production team, including the boss. By then, we’ll have sketched out some preliminary guidelines, and can talk specifics such as length of series, financial remuneration, and all that kind of interesting stuff.”
“I’d need plenty of notice for that meeting,” Yvonne said. “I’ll have to find someone to mind the café for at least a day or two.”
Rio admired her calm firmness. She certainly wasn’t overawed by the idea of being on TV and she wasn’t going to rush into anything headlong. Despite loathing his father, he’d learned a lot from watching him work and knew that maintaining a relaxed front during a negotiation process always put you in a more powerful position.
He wasn’t quite prepared to admit to enjoying himself, but it was interesting doing something so different from his current day job. After leaving his father, he’d sworn never to pick up a business book or watch the stock market ever again. Until now, he’d kept that promise, but his brain was ticking over, his business instincts were reigniting, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that at all.
* * *
Priscilla and Greg left, both carrying boxes of pastries. Yvonne came back to the table with a fresh pot of coffee and set it in front of Rio.
“That went okay.” She let out her breath. “I still don’t see it happening, but it’s kind of fun to imagine what it might be like.” She looked around the café. “This place is so tiny, I can’t imagine a camera crew fitting in, can you?”
“I’m sure they’ll make it work somehow.” Rio consulted his notes. “I didn’t get any negatives from them at all, did you? But this is the honeymoon stage. It sounds like Greg is onboard, and now they’ll just punt the proposal up the chain of command, and see whether it sticks.”
Yvonne poured the coffee. “Wow, for a cowboy, you sure know your way around a business cliché.”
Rio grinned. “It’s all coming back to me. I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
She rested her elbow on the table and leaned her chin into her hand. It had been nice having him sitting there, watching her back, and true to his word, he hadn’t interfered at all. “Why did you and your father end up fighting?”
He sighed. “Years of mistrust and resentment on my part, and a need to control me on his?”
“How did he mistreat you?”
“My parents got divorced.” This time, his smile was definitely of the keep-out variety. “You know how that goes.”
For some reason, she kept going. “Usually, the mother gets to keep her child, but you ended up with your father, correct?”
“Yeah. He remarried the day the divorce came through so I had a new eighteen-year-old stepmother. She was supposed to take care of me.”
“Did your Mom just up and . . . leave?”
“No. She was forced out. My father had all the power back then.”
She tried to imagine how that must have felt, because he wasn’t giving a lot away. “How old were you?”
“Seven.” He looked down at the legal pad in his hands and ripped out the first two pages, his mouth a stern line. “I’ve got to get back. Here’s a summary of the meeting. Let me know if I missed anything, or if you want to discuss any of the points I raised.”
Before she could say another word, he handed her the notes, and headed back to the kitchen, presumably to retrieve his hat and make a quick escape.
She didn’t glance at the notes, but continued to stare at his empty seat. So Mr. Easy Going did have some secrets after all. She couldn’t imagine how it must have felt to have his mother replaced by a teenager, but it had obviously left its mark.
The thing was . . . it only made her more curious about him, and that wasn’t supposed to happen right now. She had a new business opportunity, he’d offered to help her, and that was as far as she needed to go with him. But for one second, she’d seen the hurt behind his confidence. That made her want to hold him and tell him that she’d make everything all right again, which was, quite frankly, ridiculous.
He had a mother he loved. He certainly didn’t need another one. She smoothed a hand over the sheets of paper. The trouble was, she didn’t feel motherly. Her making him feel better involved getting naked and kissing every inch of his hard, muscled body. . . .
“Hey.”
She jumped and looked up into the face of her best friend, Nancy, who worked at the Red Dragon Bar in town, and helped out her mother at the general store. This week, Nancy’s hair was dyed black and orange to celebrate her favorite baseball team, and her nose ring was gold. Nancy took Rio’s empty seat, and helped herself to coffee.
“How did the meeting go?”
“Fine. They want me to come to San Francisco, and meet the whole team.”
“Awesome.” Nancy drank her coffee with cream and lots of sugar. “So why are you looking so worried?”
“I’m not,” Yvonne defended herself. “I was thinking about someone—I mean something else.”
“Like that cowboy guy who’s practically moved in here these days?”
“He was very helpful this morning.”
“I bet he was.” Nancy helped herself to a cream slice. “He wants to get in your pants.”
She was always direct—usually a positive in Yvonne’s eyes, but not today.
“As I’ve already told you, it’s not like that. We’ve agreed to be friends.”
Nancy just looked at her, one pierced eyebrow raised.
“You are so not helping here,” Yvonne grumbled. “I need you to remind me of all the reasons why I can’t get involved with anyone.”
Nancy pointed her finger at Yvonne. “Ha! I knew it! He is hot though.”
“And he’s only here for a few weeks before he goes off on tour to beat off challengers to his world championship. You know how I feel about long-distance relationships. They never work.”
“One bad experience doesn’t mean you give up altogether,” Nancy argued. “Sure, your ex was a dirt bag, but not all men are the same.”
“Says the woman who won’t go out with a guy more than once,” Yvonne countered.
“We’re not talking about me.” Nancy was never one to back off from a problem, especially when it involved one of her besties’ love lives. “How long is it since you went out with anyone?”
Yvonne looked anywhere but at her friend. “I can’t quite recall.”
“Well, I’ll recall for you. Every single, living, breathing male in the county who has asked you out comes into the bar to cry into their beer when you turn them down.”
“I went out with Matt,” Yvonne said weakly, appalled that she’d forgotten already.
“To the hotel for dinner. That hardly qualifies as a date. Don’t be lame. When was the last time you got laid?”
“None of your business.”
“Which means not since
Mr. French Fry left.”
“I—” Yvonne sank down into her seat. “So what if that’s true?”
“It’s just a damn waste of prime womanhood,” Nancy said. “Do you think Paul has remained celibate for the last four years?”
Yvonne guiltily recalled the pictures she’d Googled of her ex earlier in the month. He’d had an arm around a different woman in each shot. “I doubt it.”
“Then isn’t it time to move on?”
Yvonne groaned. “Why are you bringing this up now? You’ve always been incredibly supportive of my choices to stay single before.”
“Because I’ve never seen you take an interest in anyone before.” Nancy’s gaze softened. “You like this Rio guy, don’t you?”
Yvonne replayed Rio’s kiss in her head. “He’s . . . okay.”
“I suppose that’s a start.” Nancy finished her coffee. “If he asks, will you go with him?”
“Who are you, my mother?” Yvonne asked. “He won’t ask me. I told him not to.”
She’d also told him not to kiss her, and he’d gone ahead and done that anyway. . . .
“But if he does?”
“I’ll think about it,” Yvonne said firmly.
“You do that.” Nancy nodded. “And remember, I’m doing this because I love you.”
“Now you sound just like my mother,” Yvonne groused.
“Good.” Nancy gave her an unrepentant grin and blew her a kiss. “I’ve got to get back to work. Jay’s off today, meeting Erin’s plane, so I’m in charge.”
“Words to terrify every single man who ventures into the Red Dragon Bar tonight,” Yvonne murmured.
Nancy rolled her eyes. “They love me. God knows why when I treat them all like idiots, but they do.”
“Probably because the vast majority of them are idiots, which is why I don’t want to go out with any of them.”
“Good point.” Nancy hesitated by her chair. “Any chance you can come by the bar tomorrow night?”
“Why?”
“Because Jay’s going to ask Erin to marry him, and it should be epic.”
“Are you going to cry?”
“Probably. Jay’s been through hell, and the thought of him getting married and having a family is just so awesome. I like Erin. She’s the perfect match for him.”
“True love strikes again in Morgantown.” Yvonne rose as well, sticking the papers in her apron pocket, and gathering up the coffee things. “What next?”
“Hopefully you’ll be getting some,” Nancy said.
Yvonne tried to ignore the bolt of lust that ran through her. “And how about you?”
“I don’t fancy Rio, so I’m good.”
Yvonne pointed at her friend. “One day you’ll meet a man you want to go on a second date with.”
“I can’t see it happening, but you know what? If I do, I give you permission to double down on me until I get with the program.”
“Like you’re doing with me?”
“That’s what friends are for, right?” Nancy blew her a kiss. “See you tomorrow night, babe, and don’t forget to bring Rio.”
Chapter Six
“You’re coming with us, right?”
Blue Morgan, retired Marine and all-around badass, fixed Rio with his penetrating blue stare. He’d arrived at the ranch during dinner, and had eaten enough for two men before raising his head to speak.
“Where?” Rio asked cautiously. He’d partied with the Morgan twins in the past, and had learned to be wary.
“Down to the bar in town. My friend Jay Williams is going to propose to his girlfriend, and he’s nervous as shit.”
“Language, BB,” Ruth admonished him.
“Sorry.” BB winked at Rio. “They’ve been shacking up together for a while and, now Jay’s feeling better, he wants to make it all official.”
“He’s been sick?”
“Wounded during the war in Afghanistan and invalided out of the Navy SEALs.” Blue grimaced. “He had a hard time getting his sh—I mean getting himself back together.”
“Of course I’ll come.” Rio smiled and finished his coffee. For once, it was only the Morgan brothers sitting around the table. All the women apart from Ruth had gone out to the movies.
“He’s asked me to be his best man.” BB grinned. “Second time in a year.”
“Maybe third if Ry gets around to asking Avery to marry him,” Ruth piped up.
Ry shoved a hand through his blond hair. “I’m in no rush to get hitched, and neither is Avery. It should be you next, Blue Boy.”
“I’m already on it.” BB leaned back and stretched until the chair creaked in protest. “As soon as our house is completed, I’m going to ask Jenna.”
“What if she says no?” Ry asked.
“She won’t.” BB’s complete overconfidence made Rio shake his head.
“And what about you, HW?” Rio had to ask. “Any plans?”
“Not yet. I’m still working my way into Sam’s good books.” HW winked. “She sure is hard to please.”
Rio looked over at Roy, the ranch foreman, who was probably in his late seventies, but still worked like a youngster half his age. “Looks like we’re the only two sensible men left at this table.”
“Sensible?” Roy snorted. “I’d marry Ruth if she’d take me, but neither of us can be bothered with all the fuss.”
“He’s just kidding,” Ruth said. “He’s terrified I’ll take him up on it.”
Roy opened his mouth as if to dispute that, but Ry was already speaking. “That just leaves you, Rio. And a little bird tells me that you’ve got something going with Yvonne.”
“Would that little bird be called Avery?” Ruth wondered. “Yvonne would be perfect for you, Rio, but you already know that.”
“I’m just helping her out with this business proposal,” Rio said mildly. “We work well as a team.”
“Yeah, right. I’ve seen the way you look at her.” Ry grinned. “Boy, were the women ever wrong thinking to pair her up with Matt. I can’t wait for them to eat some crow.”
“Everyone looks at her like that. She’s beautiful,” Rio said.
“True,” Ry acknowledged. “She’ll probably be at the bar tonight for the great proposal. The ladies are planning on ending their evening there, and seeing as Erin went with them to the movies, they have to get her back for the grand finale.”
“Sounds like a great evening.”
Rio finished his coffee and got up to clear his place. The thought of seeing Yvonne again made his heart beat faster. He couldn’t keep denying it. Despite all his mistrust of relationships in general, Yvonne made him want things he couldn’t have and maybe didn’t deserve. In his limited experience, love hurt, and waiting for it to end or be wrenched away from you wasn’t worth the risk.
But he couldn’t keep away from Yvonne. So what did that make him—a fool or a liar?
* * *
By the time they reached the Red Dragon, it was almost nine o’clock, and Yvonne was beginning to tire. She was usually in bed by now, and not contemplating a noisy end to her night in the only sports bar in town. But she’d promised Nancy, and she liked Erin and Jay, so seeing them get their happy-ever-after was a must.
The bar was unusually full for a midweek night, and Yvonne had to push her way through quite a crowd to get to the bar, where Nancy was working alongside her boss, and another guy.
“Hey!” Yvonne shouted over the din.
“Hey.” Nancy looked up. “We reserved a table for you ladies by the back wall. Would you be a love and take some drink orders for me? It’s crazy in here tonight, and Jay’s too scared to go over there in case he blows it with Erin.”
“Like I don’t get to take orders all day?” Yvonne fake grumbled as she winked at Jay, who was looking rather pale. “I’ll be right back.”
She threaded her way back to Erin and company, directed them toward the table, fished a pen and pad from her purse, and wrote down everyone’s drink preferences. By the time she’d don
e that, someone had put the jukebox on and was attempting a line dance in the very limited space.
Skirting the group of shufflers, she bumped into a warm body and took hold of an arm to steady herself.
“Sorry.”
“Not a problem. You can grab any bit of me you like,” Rio murmured close to her ear.
“And rip it off?”
A shudder rang through him, and then he chuckled, setting off a slow burn in her stomach.
“Hey, not nice.” Rio grinned. “Be gentle with me.”
She looked up into his eyes, noticing his laughter lines and the soft curve of his mouth. He really was pretty to look at.... She reluctantly let go of his arm.
“Did you come with the Morgans?”
“Yes. I understand there is a big event planned.”
It was Yvonne’s turn to smile. “If Jay can get over his nerves.”
“I can totally understand how he feels.”
“Have you been married before?” Yvonne asked.
“No. You?”
“Yes.” She angled her head in the direction of the bar. “I’ve got to give these drink orders to Nancy before my friends start complaining.”
“Then I’ll come with you.”
“There’s no need.” She gave him her brightest go away smile before turning on her heel, and plunging into the melee.
She really didn’t want to discuss her marriage in the middle of a bar and wished she’d avoided answering the question so honestly. She already knew Rio wouldn’t let things go, although why he’d be interested in her failed marriage was beyond her.
To her surprise, after she’d collected the tray of drinks and distributed them to her friends, Rio made no attempt to come over and take up the conversation again. Maybe the idea that she’d been married before had put him off. A lot of people didn’t like getting involved with someone who had baggage.
She snorted into her cocktail. Like most people who’d almost reached the age of thirty didn’t have baggage. Her restless gaze returned to Rio, who was chatting to HW and laughing like he didn’t have a care in the world. If he’d avoided a serious relationship his entire life, then maybe that said more about him than about her. Or with willing buckle bunnies and fans to choose from every night on the road, had he ever had the chance to settle down and attempt a proper relationship? Or even wanted to?