by Desiree Holt
And then what?
Amy smacked the steering wheel. Why couldn’t she fall for someone less electric, less sensual, less…less…masculine? She snorted at that. Yeah, right. Because men like that turned her off at once. She could barely get past a kiss. But men like Buck had broken her heart more than once. She’d have to guard it very carefully where he was concerned.
Buck drained the last of his soda and set the glass back on the table. He hoped the chill of the drink would kill the heat consuming his body. Eating lunch with Amy Stark had been bad enough. Accepting the dinner invitation had to be his stupid move of the day. Maybe the week. Had he not told himself after the auction that she was off-limits to him? That she was out of his class? If she knew his background, she might even take back her dinner invitation.
He’d struggled to keep it from Matt the few times they’d spoken. Of course people would be curious. A strange face in a small town surrounded by a close-knit group of ranch families? Stood to reason. A couple of times he’d caught people looking at him curiously. As if they thought they recognized him but weren’t sure. He’d cut his long hair, which drastically altered his appearance—who’d have thought it would make such a change?—and he’d changed the style of Stetson he wore. Additionally, he’d deliberately picked an area where he hadn’t appeared, a place where people were less likely to know about him or his reputation. Somehow he’d always missed the big event in San Antonio, and now that worked to his advantage as he tried hard to settle down in this ranching community nestled in the Texas Hill Country.
After all the hell-raising he’d done, he’d made up his mind to stay away from women until he established himself and left his past well behind. He certainly didn’t need to get involved with a woman like Amy Stark, high class, smart and sexy as all hell. The minute she found out about his past, she’d kick him out with the toe of those fancy boots she wore. And rightfully so.
But holy shit. Every time he saw her, his cock took over his thinking and led him straight into temptation. He couldn’t stop staring at her all through lunch. And that little smear of mustard on her lip had just been so enticing. He’d wanted to touch the softness of her mouth beneath his thumb, to press his lips against hers. His fingers itched to run through her thick, silken hair. To stroke her skin that looked smooth as satin. To—
He jerked himself back to reality.
He considered himself fortunate that he was getting this opportunity. God only knew he’d put up with enough shit accumulating enough money and making his plans. The last thing he needed to do was screw things up now. Matt Stark, who obviously had some clout in the area, had offered his friendship and his help. He couldn’t imagine that offer would still be in place if Matt knew about Buck’s background. Or if Buck got involved with Amy.
Shit, shit, shit.
Maybe he should just cut off his dick and hide it someplace. He knew it was going to get him into trouble.
Sighing, he slid out of the booth and headed for the cash register to pay the check. As he turned to leave, he nearly bumped into a tall man just entering the restaurant.
“Excuse me,” he said.
“No problem.” The man grinned. “I wasn’t paying attention. Had my mind on something else.” Instead of heading for a seat, he stopped and gave Buck a searching look. “Don’t I know you from someplace? You look real familiar.”
Buck’s gut tightened, but he put a polite smile on his face. “Probably around town.” He held out his hand. “Buck Montgomery. I recently bought the Hayes Ranch and I’m working to get it up to speed again.”
“Nice to meet you.” The man shook his hand. “Ted Rawlins. I have a spread about five miles from yours. Run a couple thousand head of Charolaise cattle. Stop by sometimes, if you’d like.”
“Thanks. Nice of you to offer. Right now, though, I’m hip deep in getting my place going again.”
“Well, maybe we’ll see each other again. The town’s not that big.” He frowned. “Sure you’ve never been here before?”
“No. Sorry.”
Buck shoved his hands in his pockets so the other man wouldn’t see how tightly he fisted his hands to maintain his control. Damn. Just his luck to run into this guy.
“Yeah, maybe you’re right.” Rawlins rubbed his jaw. “But I could swear I’ve seen you someplace else.”
Buck shrugged. “Never been around this area before. But I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.”
The other man nodded. “No doubt. Well, nice meeting you.”
“Same here.”
Buck didn’t draw a full breath until he was back at his truck. Damn. He’d chosen this place because he’d never performed here before, so the chances of someone recognizing him were very slim. He hoped Ted Rawlins was the exception rather than the rule regarding the number of people who might recognize Narsimha. He’d left that person with all his problems far behind. He hoped that part of his life would soon be buried completely. Maybe then he could settle completely into his new life and indulge his overwhelming need to plunge himself into Amy Stark’s small but lush body.
Meanwhile, he still had Saturday night dinner to get through without pissing someone off. Why the fuck did he have to have a deep desire for probably the one woman he should stay away from?
Chapter Three
Amy changed clothes a dozen times before six o’clock rolled around Saturday night. She’d taken out the plates and silverware, made sure there was plenty of cold beer in the fridge, and left Matt marinating the steaks and heating the grill and Reenie tossing the salad. That afternoon, she’d baked and frosted her special Decadent Dose of Chocolate Cake. Now, showered, hair freshly washed, she had half her closet strewn across her bed.
What is the matter with me? Why am I even worried about his impression of me? He’s a jerk. Keep that in mind.
Yes, indeed. Buck Montgomery was irritating, frustrating and everything in between. She still smarted from the condescending attitude he’d carried when he stopped to help her with her truck. And what was up with him blowing hot and cold the way he had at lunch? One minute he was all friendly, and the next he made a freezer look hot. If he had personal problems, she sure didn’t want to deal with them. She was still smarting from the last disastrous breakup that had thrown her into a tailspin. That one had been so humiliating she’d made a resolution to avoid any relationships of any kind for a long time. So why couldn’t she get Buck Montgomery out of her head?
However, despite her internal arguments and self-admonishments, she still took her time in the shower, trying to settle her mind, convince herself this was just a friendly dinner with a neighbor and that’s how she’d look at it. Matt and Reenie would be there, for God’s sake. What was the big honking deal? Even as she slathered on scented lotion and sprayed a light mist of perfume around herself, she was still cursing the part of her that was attracted to him.
Just remember all the assholes, and add him to the list. They’re all the same.
But, she reminded herself, hope springs eternal in the breast of foolish women. She’d just have to quench it, play hostess and move along.
She finally decided on a pair of embroidered jeans and a peasant blouse that set off her thick brown hair and her lightly tanned shoulders. She knew she was probably playing with fire, but she was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.
Everyone was on the patio talking and drinking by the time she finally made it outside. Matt was checking the grill, Reenie next to him, Buck a few feet away. The sparks flew the moment she stepped outside and spotted Buck Montgomery.
Oh lordy.
Tonight he wore jeans that outlined his narrow hips and long legs. Paired with them was a startlingly red, short-sleeved knit shirt that contrasted with and emphasized his dark complexion and black, black hair. He turned at the sound of her footsteps and something hot sparked in his eyes.
Heat sizzled through her body and singed her good intentions.
Damn.
“Evening.” He nodded at her an
d gave her a slow smile that nearly melted her panties.
“Sorry I’m late,” she apologized. “Must have lost track of the time.”
“What are you drinking, Amy?” Matt asked. “Your usual white wine?”
“No.” Her eyes were still locked with Buck’s. “I think tonight I’ll have a beer. Lone Star.”
Her brother raised an eyebrow at her but pulled a cold brew from the ice-filled tub, unscrewed the cap and handed it to her. Still watching Buck, she tipped the bottle back and took a deep swallow. She hoped the chilled beverage would cool the sudden heat flushing through her body, but it didn’t even make a dent.
“Thanks for the invitation.” His voice skewered her. “Your brother’s been giving me some great tips.”
“Yeah,” Matt told her. “I told him about the high school and college kids out looking for summer ranch work. Said I’d pass his name along so he could at least hire himself some temporary help.”
“I appreciate it too,” Buck said.
“We also invited him to join us at the Cattleman’s Ball next month,” Reenie added. “Matt’s going to get the membership application for him.”
“How nice.” What else was she supposed to say? “It’s a good way to get to know people.”
For a brief moment, something hard and cold flashed across Buck’s face, gone even before she could recognize it. But the smile that replaced it looked a little forced.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he told her.
“I figured it would work better if Buck went with us—you, me and Reenie—and we could make the introductions.”
She nearly choked on her beer. “Oh, um, well, um, sure.”
Buck’s gaze seemed to look right inside her. “I told Matt that’s very nice of all of you, but I don’t want to horn in. Anyway, I haven’t decided yet if I’m even going.”
“Of course you are,” Reenie insisted. “It’s a very important event.” She grinned. “And you can satisfy everyone’s curiosity about the man who bought the Hayes Ranch. Listen, why are we all standing up here? Let’s sit down under this umbrella and get some shade.”
Matt took a seat close to the grill so he could keep an eye on the fire. With only four people at the round table, of course Amy ended up next to Buck, where she felt the heat radiating from his body. Or was that hers? How on earth was she supposed to conduct a normal conversation when a man she unfortunately lusted for, one who pissed her off, was practically touching her?
Was actually touching her. His arm brushed hers where it rested on the arm of her chair, and his leg bumped hers beneath the table. The man was driving her crazy. One minute he obviously rebuffed her, the next he looked like he wanted to strip off all her clothes. What was going on with him, anyway? And why was he so reluctant to tell her anything about his background? She couldn’t decide if she wanted to find out or not.
Make up your mind, stupid. Just because you’re still scorched from a succession of jerks doesn’t mean you can’t take a chance again.
But it does, she thought. Especially when she couldn’t get a clear read on Buck. There was just something there…
She was so lost in her own muddled thoughts, letting the conversation wash over her, that she wasn’t aware Matt was speaking to her.
“Amy?” He reached across the table and snapped his fingers in front of her. “Earth to Amy. You with us, kiddo?”
“What?” She blinked. “Sorry. I must have zoned out for a minute.” Heat crept up her cheeks. “What did I miss?”
Matt grinned. “I asked you what you thought about the cattle Buck bought at the auction.”
Cattle? Auction?
She wanted to smack herself in the face to jog her brain into place.
“Oh, um, yes. The auction.” She gave everyone what she hoped was a warm smile. “I’d say he made some good purchases. Good start for his herd.”
“Thanks.” The deep timbre of his voice vibrated through her. “I value your opinion as much as your brother’s. Matt says ranching’s in the Stark blood, and I’m beginning to believe it.”
Conversation seemed to flow easily, at least for Buck, her brother and her sister-in-law. Amy did her best to pay attention, all the while reminding herself that Buck Montgomery was bad medicine for her. A man who gave out mixed signals where women were concerned. Or at least where she was concerned. She’d had enough of that from the jerks she’d dated. If he and Matt became close friends she’d deal with it, just like she’d have to deal with the feelings he stirred in her. But it wasn’t as easy as she wished. And sitting this close to him didn’t help any.
She finally decided it was time to move the evening along. Finishing the last of her beer, she looked over at Matt. “How’s that fire coming, Matt? About ready for the steaks?”
He glanced at it. “I’d say it’s just about right. Reenie, you and Amy want to bring out the goods?”
“Sure.” Reenie finished her drink and stood. “Come on, Amze. I’m getting hungry too.” The moment they were in the kitchen, she grabbed Amy’s arm. “What on earth is going on with you and Buck? The air between the two of you practically sparks with all the electricity.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. There’s nothing going on with us. Nothing.” Amy jerked her arm away, pulled the steaks out of the fridge where they’d been marinating and opened the patio door with her elbow. “I’ll just take these right out to Matt.”
“Wait,” Reenie called after her.
Amy ignored her and made her way to the grill, where Matt was poking at the wood chips over the hot coals. Buck had risen and was standing next to Matt, drinking a diet cola. It suddenly occurred to her that was all she’d seen him drink. Hmm. No beer? No booze? A teetotaler? That was pretty hard to find in Texas. Maybe he had an allergy of some kind. She’d heard that happened in rare instances.
Except not usually in a cowboy. Or was he? A real cowboy? Maybe she’d have a chance to ask him without looking too rude. She wouldn’t be so curious if he weren’t so secretive, but it had become something like a thorn in her foot, an irritant.
Right now, though, she focused on the food and on occupying herself enough that Reenie had no time to pepper her with questions
“Here you go.” She placed the tray on the extended shelf of the grill, ignoring Buck. “Make mine medium rare.” She smiled. “Please.”
“Is there any other way?”
The patio door slid open again and she heard Reenie’s voice. “Amy? I could use a hand in here with the rest of this stuff.”
“Go on,” Matt said. “I’ve got this under control.”
Yeah, I’m sure, but you haven’t got your wife and her curiosity under control.
“Come on,” Reenie called again.
Amy sighed and headed back inside.
“No questions,” she said firmly before her sister-in-law could say a word. “Not one word.”
“Oh, come on,” Reenie teased. “Holy crap, Amy. The way he looks at you I expect both of you to self-combust.”
“Hot looks don’t mean a damn thing.” She grabbed the stuffed baked potatoes that had been resting in the warming drawer, wincing when her hand hit the edge of the metal. “Ouch.”
“Careful.” Reenie’s voice held an edge of humor. “You get too close to heat you can get burned.”
“See?” Amy whirled around. “That’s what I mean. I’ve been burned so many times my scars have scars. And Buck Montgomery is no different than any of the other jerks that have passed through my life. Worse maybe, because he keeps sending out mixed signals.”
Reenie took the potatoes from her and set them on the counter. “Stop,” she said. “Just stop and take a breath.”
Amy sucked the burned spot on her hand and stared at her sister-in-law.
“How long have we known each other?” Reenie asked. “A long time, right?” She grinned. “Didn’t I help you drag your brother’s naked body to bed the first time we got together after years?”
Amy h
ad to laugh. She still had flashbacks to that really weird night. “But you two ended up together.”
“That’s what I mean. Despite the fact he was the biggest, baddest player in the area. If you had asked me then if I’d consider even going out with such a jerk, I’d have said you were crazy. But look at us now.” The look on her face softened. “Maybe there’s something there for you and Buck, maybe not. But don’t write it off so quickly because of the past. Yours or his.”
Amy shrugged. “I’ll give it some thought. Now can we finish bringing the food out?”
Reenie laughed. “Let’s do it.”
The evening seemed to go more smoothly after that, probably because she’d forced herself to relax and just be part of the conversation. But she was still acutely aware of Buck’s nearness. Of his masculine scent. Of the invisible attraction simmering between them. And the conflicted feelings he projected. She wished to hell she knew what that was all about.
They sat for so long over dessert that it was full dark when Buck rose from his chair.
“This has been great, and I really appreciate it, but I think I’d better get going. Tomorrow may be Sunday, but I’ve got a hellacious amount of work to do.” He reached out a hand to Matt, who shook it. “Thanks for the hospitality and the great food. As soon as I get set up at the ranch—hopefully in this century—I’d like to reciprocate.”
“Just say you’ll go to the Cattleman’s Ball with us and we’ll call it square.”
Buck paused, then nodded. “Only if you let me pay for the tickets.” He held up a hand as Matt started to object. “Take it or leave it. It’s the least I can do after this and all the help you’ve given me. And offered.”
“That’s very nice of you,” Reenie said. “We accept, and I’m glad we’ll all be going together.”
“Me too,” Matt echoed. “Amy, why don’t you walk Buck to his truck? I’ll help Reenie carry this stuff into the house.”