Texas Tango: Texas Montgomery Mavericks, Book 2

by Cynthia D'Alba

  “Right,” Noah said. “That’s what I said.”

  “But, honey—”

  “Waste of breath, Travis. Ain’t gonna happen,” Caroline said. She kissed his cheek. “Enjoy being a kept man tonight, honey, because you are not driving my car.”

  Travis scowled. “I ought to make us take my truck.”

  Noah laughed.

  Caroline waltzed past him, leaving a trail of floral scent in her wake. He had to smile at the swing of her hips and the pep in her step.

  Looking back over the past month, he’d come to see her in a totally different light. She wasn’t the quiet, soft-spoken practice partner of his future sister-in-law. She was a strong, determined, intelligent woman who, when she loved, gave her whole heart. And sexy? Yeah, she had a sex appeal that rocked his world.

  He found he liked the surprise that was Caroline Graham—or for a while at least, Caroline Graham Montgomery, although he wasn’t sure how much he should. She would be gone in four short months.

  On second thought, anything could happen in four short months, something that could change her departure date, maybe forever. He needed to give some thought to that. Caroline pulled the Rolls out of the garage and got out. She glanced at Noah. “This is my first chance to see my baby since you drove her down.” She walked around, studied a couple of areas and then smiled. “Looks like no harm done, but, Noah, I better not ever catch you taking my car—or any car—without prior permission.”

  He nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “She’s been washed,” she said, referring to the car.

  “Yes, ma’am. Travis and me did it.”

  “Travis and I,” she corrected.

  Noah nodded. “Right.”

  Travis tried to make it around the back of the car and into the driver’s seat before Caroline saw him, but she was a little too sharp. Her head snapped toward him edging alongside the car and gave him a wicked glare.

  “Where do you think you’re going?”

  Travis laughed and threw his hands in the air. “Caught me.”

  Caroline shook her head. “Okay, fine. You can drive…this one time.”

  Travis knew the grin that plastered itself across his mouth probably made him look like a six-year-old on Christmas morning instead of a mature thirty-six-year-old man. He didn’t care. He grabbed Caroline, dipped her back and kissed her hard. He meant for the kiss to be playful, but the minute his lips touched hers, a fire ignited in his gut, shooting flames through his system.

  It’d been a long time since a woman had affected him like that. Sure, he’d been aroused by lovely women and had had lovers since his wife died, but he hadn’t felt that heart pang in years.

  He stood her back upright and grinned. “I like to drive.”

  “Well,” she said with a pat on her hair to make sure it was still up, “if I’d known I’d get that kind of response, I might have agreed sooner.”

  Travis held out his arm. She took it and he walked her around to the passenger side. Since the Rolls was a two-door convertible, she stepped back and let Noah climb into the back before she got in. Travis shut her door and jogged around to the driver’s door.

  “Ready?” he asked as he started the vintage automobile. “Let’s go pick up Amy.”

  After he pulled the car into the Websters’ drive, Travis shut off the engine and got out of the car. He pulled the driver’s seat back forward. “Get out, Noah and go to the door for her.”

  Noah shrugged. “Just blow the horn. She’ll come out.”

  Travis heard Caroline stifle a laugh with a cough. “No. Real men do not blow the horn for ladies. You go to the door and get her.”

  Noah scooted out. “Yes, sir.”

  They didn’t have to wait long. Amy answered the door to Noah’s knock. She was dressed in a short red dress that hit a couple of inches above her knees. The satiny skirt was covered with some type of net overlay. A pair of red high-heel shoes put her at almost Noah’s height.

  Great. He’d be fighting men away from Caroline and the teenage boys away from Amy.

  Travis smiled. “Good evening, Amy. You look lovely.”

  A red flush rode up her neck to her cheeks. “Thank you, Mr. Montgomery.” She slipped past him and into the back seat, followed closely by Noah.

  Travis got back in and turned toward the rear seat. “Tell you what, Amy. You’re going to be with a quite a few Mr. Montgomerys. For tonight, call me Travis.”

  Her blush deepened. “Okay, Mr. Montgomery.”

  Caroline looked at him and winked. “Well, Mr. Montgomery. What do you say? Let’s get this show on the road.”

  The rest of the family had already assembled at his parents’ house by the time Travis and his crew arrived. He parked the Rolls behind Jason’s Lexus and turned to the teenagers in the rear seat.

  “We’re going into my parents’ house for drinks. We’ll only be here a short while then we’ll go with the family to the country club.” He laughed at the look on Noah’s face. “And, no, you can’t have a drink.”

  Noah grinned and snapped his fingers. “Dude.”

  As they exited the car, the front door opened. Olivia and Lydia stepped out.

  “Oh my God!” Olivia shrieked then hurried down the front steps. “How beautiful.”

  “Why, thank you,” Travis said and straightened his tie. “I knew I was looking good but…”

  “Not you, idiot,” his sister said. She lovingly stroked along the hood of the car. “Where did you get this?”

  “Special delivery from Arkansas,” Caroline said with a nod of her head toward Noah. “Seems my little brother used it for transportation down here.”

  “It’s yours?” Olivia asked. When Caroline smiled and nodded, Olivia looked at her brother. “Man, bro, you married up.”

  Travis laughed and cupped Caroline’s elbow in the palm of his hand. “I know, sis. I know.”

  Olivia walked to Noah. “I’m Olivia, Travis’s sister.”

  Noah nodded. “Yes, ma’am. I remember you from last night.”

  She looked at Amy. “Amy. You look lovely.”

  “Thank you.” The teenager blushed again.

  “Travis, y’all come on in the house. It’s hot out there,” Jackie Montgomery said from the door.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said. “Let’s go, gang.”

  His parents greeted Caroline with warm hugs. They really liked her. He hated knowing how disappointed they were going to be in four months, but he didn’t know if he could do anything about that. He couldn’t keep her away from them. They’d practically adopted her when she came to town, had included her in all the family activities. Not because his parents thought they had to but because they sincerely liked her.

  He understood. He had come to like her too…a lot.

  “What can I get you to drink?” Travis asked as he led Caroline into the family room. He stepped behind the bar to scan the supplies he had on hand.

  “Something non-alcoholic, I think. I’ve rushed around all day and I’m hot. What do you suggest?”

  “Trust me?” He smiled.

  “Of course,” she said with a shrug.

  “Got you covered then.” He motioned to Noah and Amy standing uncomfortably in the hall. “Hey, Noah. Amy. Y’all come here. I’ll make you something to drink.”

  The teens hurried over to the bar and slipped onto stools.

  Travis chuckled at their expressions. “What do you want? Cokes? Sparkling water?”

  Noah slammed his fist on the bar. “I’ll have a beer, bartender.”

  Amy and Caroline laughed.

  “Not gonna happen. Got a second choice?”

  Noah grinned. “A Coke I guess.”

  “I’m making something special for Caroline. You two want to trust me to make you something different?”

  The teens exchanged glances. “Sure,” Noah replied.

  Travis pulled out cranberry, pineapple and lemon juice from the under the counter refrigerator. After filling a shaker with ice
, he poured the juices in and shook. He pulled three highball glasses off the wall shelf behind him. He strained the mixture into each glass then filled the glass to the top with club soda.

  “There you go. A Flamingo for each of you.” He slid the glasses across the bar.

  Caroline was the first one to try his concoction. “Oh my. That is wonderful.” She licked her upper lip. “You will have to teach me how to make this. It’s my new favorite drink.”

  He grinned, ridiculously pleased with Caroline’s comment. Then it dawned on him he’d be teaching her to make this drink so she could replicate it after she left. The acid in his stomach bubbled, making him a tad nauseous. He forced the expression on his face to remain pleasant.

  “Sure.” He looked at the teens. “What do you think?”

  “Awesome,” said Amy.

  “Dude,” Noah said, and exchanged a high-five with Travis.

  Jackie Montgomery put her arms around Noah and Amy. “Why don’t you two come join the family? I’ve known Amy her whole life, but I’d like to get to know this guy better,” she said with a smile directed toward Noah.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Amy said and slipped off the stool.

  Noah followed her actions.

  Jackie led them across the room to the seating area where the rest of the family was gathered. “Now, we need to talk about what you’re going to call me,” she said to Noah.

  Caroline shook her head. “Your mom is something else.”

  Travis poured a club soda over ice and added a slice of lime. “I know. A force to be reckoned with for sure.”

  “Shouldn’t we go over there too?”

  Travis gave a short snort. “She’s giving the newlyweds some private time, I’m thinking.”

  Caroline leaned forward. “Travis, I don’t feel right about this.”

  He leaned toward her to whisper. “We’re in too deep now. What would your brother think if we began telling everyone we lied? Great role models, both of us.”

  “I know, I know,” she whispered back. “I really thought we could keep this whole marriage thing quiet, just between us. Now?” She sighed.

  “I have an idea. Come on,” He came around the bar and took her hand to lead her over to where his family was seated. “Okay, family,” he said in a tone that demanded attention. “Caroline and I want to talk to you about this marriage situation.”

  He hoped he was doing the right thing, whatever the right thing was.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Caroline’s knees quaked under her long gown. Panic wrapped itself around her chest like a boa constrictor squeezing so tight she could barely draw a breath. Travis tightened his work-hardened hand around her fingers as he whispered, “Trust me.”

  His whispered words should have calmed her. Instead, his hot breath sent an army of goose bumps down her arms.

  The group quieted. Travis put his arm around her. His clean, woodsy cologne tickled her nose. Man, he smelled so good. She wanted to bury her face in his neck. At least that way she wouldn’t have to face his family right now.

  “Caroline and I are just getting used to being married. I hope y’all understand when I say that we wanted to keep this quiet as we figure out all the changes in our lives.” He looked at Noah. “Now, I’m not sorry to have Noah here with us, so don’t go blaming him for spilling the beans. We don’t. But we’d rather not make a big deal out of this, right, honey?”

  “Right.” She saw exactly where he was going with this. Keep the damage contained within the immediate Montgomery clan. “So we’d appreciate it if you didn’t do anything, like a party or some big announcement. We’d like to keep the news within the family circle for now.”

  She removed the wedding ring and placed it inside her purse. He slipped his ring off and tucked it in his front pants pocket.

  “Exactly,” Travis said with a nod. “Think y’all could do that?”

  The group looked around at each other before Jackie Montgomery spoke up. “You’re kidding, right? Do you remember where you live, son? Who you are? If you believe for one minute the news that you’ve married won’t spread through the Whispering Springs grapevine like a wildfire in dry grass, then you’re pulling your own leg.” She shook her head and began to laugh. “Oh my. You two almost had me going for a minute.” She elbowed her husband. “Can you imagine? I thought they were serious for a minute there.” Her laughter got the others chuckling along.

  Lane Montgomery joined in his wife’s amusement and his loud booming laughter filled the room. “Right, son. It’ll be just among us Montgomerys.”

  “I don’t think your idea worked,” Caroline whispered in Travis’s ear. “Nice try though.”

  Olivia stood. “Thanks guys for the best laugh I’ve had in a while.” She pulled Mitch off the sofa. “We need to get moving or we’re going to be later than is socially acceptable.”

  The rest of the party stood and began collecting personal items to leave.

  “Oh my God,” Olivia said in a loud voice. “I have the best idea. Why don’t all the females ride with Caroline? We can talk girl stuff during the drive. You guys can meet us there. Travis, you ride with Mitch. Okay?”

  “Wonderful idea,” Lydia said. “Can I drive her car?”

  Travis shook his head. “No way, sis. I know exactly what’s going on in your little pea brain. You want to arrive in her Rolls at the country club. Nope.” He pointed his finger at her like a pistol. “Not gonna happen. I’m driving to the club.”

  Caroline snatched the keys from his hand. “I’ll drive,” she said and headed for the door.

  “Aw, darlin’. Wait a minute,” Travis said as he rushed behind her. “We had a deal.”

  She could hear the rest of the family laughing. She stopped short. Family. Suddenly she didn’t feel so alone in the world anymore.

  Travis insisted on parking the antique Rolls far from the other cars. He’d finally talked Caroline into letting him drive, and he hadn’t wanted to chance any other car dinging it, or at least that’s what he said when he dropped her at the front door.

  She was standing at the stairs leading into the club when a green Range Rover pulled into the lot and parked. A tall, attractive blond man exited from the driver’s side and hurried around to open the passenger door. Elsie Belle Lambert slipped from the large SUV, her azure dress shining under the full moon. After securing her hold on her date’s arm, she led him directly over to Caroline.

  “Hello, Dr. Graham,” Elsie Belle said. While her voice was Southern sweet, the sharpness could have sliced Caroline’s jugular vein.

  “Good evening, Elsie Belle.” She looked at the man at Elsie Belle’s left. She’d have sworn she saw a twinkle in his eyes. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Caroline Graham.”

  “Drake Gentry,” the man said. “I know your date well. And I’ve heard wonderful things about you. I believe you’ve seen my mother in your office. Mary Gentry?”

  “Of course. I adore Mary. I know you are close with the Montgomery clan. I’m surprised we haven’t met before now. Travis should be here any minute. He’s parking the car.”

  Elsie Belle looked around. “Where is that old truck of his? I don’t see it. Or is he driving that new Porsche? I heard it’s been seen around town lately.”

  Caroline exchanged glances with Elsie Belle’s date. He seemed more amused by Elsie Belle’s preoccupation with Travis’s location than jealous.

  “Oh, we’re not in his truck.” She caught a glimpse of Travis walking down the parking lot. “Here he comes. Travis,” she said with a wave. “I’m over here.”

  Travis picked up his pace as soon as he caught sight of her and he hurried to her side. Once there, he put his arm around her shoulders. “Sorry. Couldn’t find the right place to park,” he said as a way of explanation. He held out his hand. “Hey, stranger. I wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight. I thought all those co-eds at SMU would have you tied down with urgent questions about dinosaurs.”

  Drake chuckled as he shook
Travis’s hand. “Not yet. Still early in the semester. I believe you know my date, Elsie Belle?”

  “Of course.” Travis nodded to her. “Nice to see you, Elsie Belle. Beautiful dress.”

  “Why, thank you, Travis,” Elsie Belle cooed and stroked her hand along the front of the long skirt. “You are looking mighty fine in that suit tonight.”

  Unfortunately for Elsie Belle, her Southern drawl woke the sleeping green-eyed monster inside Caroline. She snuggled closer to Travis then straightened his tie. “I agree, sugar,” Caroline responded, channeling her inner Scarlet O’Hara. “Good enough to eat.”

  Travis laughed. “Good to see you both,” he said in dismissal of Elsie Belle. “We’d better head in. The rest of the family’s already inside.”

  Caroline lifted the hem of her dress as they made their way up the stairs to the club’s ballroom. Travis’s hand at her back warmed her way beyond simple body temperature. First that dazzling kiss at the car earlier tonight and then his subtle contact at her back left her breathless and hungry for more of his touch, even if she knew that was probably a bad idea.

  Behind her, she’d have sworn she felt the sharp points of daggers slicing into her back.

  “So,” she whispered to Travis. “Is there a knife jutting from my back?”

  “I’m not sure,” he whispered back. “I’m afraid to look.”

  She chuckled. “She really had you on her radar, didn’t she?”

  He shrugged. “I guess.”

  “I’m guessing she had plans to be the next Mrs. Travis Montgomery.”

  “Maybe, but trust me. I haven’t been out with her in months.”

  She gave him a gentle nudge with her elbow. “How many other women am I going to have to fight off tonight?”

  He looked at her with a wide grin. “Well, sugar,” he said in a dead-on imitation of Elsie Belle’s overdrawn Southern drawl. “I guess that remains to be seen.”

  She was still laughing as they walked into the ornate ballroom. A large hardwood dance floor, packed with women in long gowns and men in suits, bisected the room. A stage at one end held a live band, currently playing an up-tempo country song about hometown girls and their loving ways. Large round tables had been set up on the other three sides of the dance area. Across the room in the most advantageous location for seeing and being seen were the designated Montgomery tables.