Need You Now

by Debbi Rawlins

  “You have to stop.”

  She blinked. “Stop what?”

  “Moving.”

  “Right.” She laughed when she realized that he’d had to move along with her or lose his grip. “I was daydreaming. Sorry.”

  The light seemed to be slipping quickly all of a sudden. Before long the twilight shadows would start playing tricks. Already Lucas’s seductive eyes had turned a deeper shade of blue as he walked the few feet to join her.

  “You can let go,” he said, taking her corners.

  About to protest they could do better as a team, she closed her mouth and watched him fold the more manageable half into thirds, then smaller. He finished the task with startling precision. Very neatly he slid the compacted blanket into the saddlebag.

  “Were you in the military?”

  Shaking his head, he finished securing the saddlebag, then turned to her. “Why do you ask?”

  “You’re so neat.”

  “My mom could’ve been a drill sergeant. Does that count?”

  “So could mine, though not as successfully as yours,” she said drily and glanced up at the sky. It was clear overhead. Toward the Belt Mountains and Rockies, salmony-pink clouds shrouded the peaks. She loved sunsets and really needed to take more time to enjoy them. “The Sundance ranch takes in guests,” she said, noting that Lucas had been watching her. No reason to get nervous, she told herself and walked over to untie their horses. “I can call to see if they have room for you. Jesse McAllister, the man I mentioned earlier... His family owns the ranch.”

  “A dude ranch?”

  “Yes and no. They’re cattlemen. The family have raised cattle on that land for generations, but times are tough. They have a lot of hired hands to keep working, so they expanded, did what they had to do.”

  “Good for them.”

  “If there’s any chance they can put you up, they will. I know them. Really terrific people.”

  “If it’s no trouble, yeah, I’d appreciate you making the call.” He paused. “Hey, what about the old cabin? In exchange I’ll make a donation to Safe Haven.”

  “Annie’s cabin? The one that made you claustrophobic?”

  He shrugged. “It beats driving all the way to Kalispell tonight.”

  Discovering that he didn’t intend to leave town over inconvenient accommodations pleased her more than was warranted. “Unfortunately, a couple of volunteers are using it tonight. But it should be free tomorrow,” she said, holding out the gelding’s reins.

  Lucas made a move to take them, only he didn’t. He closed his hand over hers. “Tell me if I’m wrong, but it seems you’ve been dying to say something.” His voice was so low and compelling she almost didn’t notice that he was drawing her closer. “Do you have something to tell me, Melanie?”

  She felt his warm breath on her chin, and her mind went blank. Blood raced through her veins and roared in her ears. “Thank you for fixing the tire.”

  He didn’t laugh or mock her for being a coward. But he knew. “Is that all?”

  To her surprise, she glimpsed a shadow of uncertainty in his eyes. Not trusting her voice, she slowly shook her head.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” He’d released her hand but their arms still touched. “I’ve got all night.”

  Go on, you chicken, make the move. He’s waiting.

  “I think I should call the Sundance as soon as possible,” she said, completely disgusted with herself.

  Briefly searching her face, he gave her a faint smile and started to turn.

  “Wait.” She pushed herself at him, pressing her palm against his chest, putting her other hand on his shoulder. Stretching up on her toes, she brushed her lips across his mouth.

  His lack of response sent panic and embarrassment spiraling through her. How could she have read him so wrong? Before she could flee, he pulled her into his arms. His mouth came down on hers, and she froze in surprise.

  His fingers cupped the back of her neck while his warm lips moved across her mouth. He tightened his arm around her lower back, and she felt herself begin to yield to the soft gentle tugs at her lips. Just as she was about to open for him, he drew back and looked at her.

  “You want me to stop?” he asked, studying her closely.

  “No.” She understood the problem. Her initial shock had come across as resistance. “No, I don’t.”

  He started kneading the tense muscles at the back of her neck, his light erotic touch relaxing her. She felt her chin dropping to her chest and couldn’t seem to stop it. He nudged it back up, then cupped her head with both hands and slipped his tongue between her parted lips.

  Everything inside her melted. His mouth was warm, damp and skillful, and he took his time, erasing any doubt. He ran his hands down her back, pulling her against his body, and she started to tremble. She’d always liked kissing well enough, but when Lucas touched his tongue to hers, then lazily swept her mouth, a slow aching burn in the pit of her stomach started, an ache she’d never felt before.

  She could feel him hardening against her belly, could feel her heart race, could feel her nipples tighten. His mouth wasn’t so gentle anymore. She understood his growing hunger. She clutched his shoulders, wanting more, wanting him to quench that burn of longing that flared hotter but not sure how to ask for it. Or even if she should. A kiss was one thing....

  She swayed a little, and he pulled back to look at her. She blinked, trying to focus. He brushed another kiss across her lips and released her.

  “That wasn’t planned,” he murmured, “but I won’t apologize.”

  “I’d be annoyed if you did.”

  Lucas smiled. “If I’d had a teacher like you, high school might not have been so painful.”

  Melanie stiffened, then turned to hide her reaction. She was a teacher and to some degree a role model. But she had a right to a private life. It wasn’t as if she made a habit of kissing good-looking strangers, and certainly not in front of her students. No, it was the “stranger” part that had her shaken. And on her home turf. Clearly she was overworked.

  “So you didn’t like school, huh?” she said, unnecessarily cinching Candy’s saddle strap. He’d tasted faintly of peanut butter, and the lingering flavor on her own lips calmed her, fooled her into thinking he was more familiar.

  “I hated sitting indoors all day. What you’re doing for these kids by bringing them out here shouldn’t be underestimated. I bet they learn more by being involved with the sanctuary.”

  Delighted by his observation, she turned back to him. “A few parents objected at first. I think they equated coming out here to field trips instead of an actual learning experience. But now, as long as this doesn’t interfere with football practice, everyone’s okay with it.” The corners of his mouth quirked up. “What?”

  “Don’t like football, huh?”

  She shrugged. “It’s okay, I guess. I don’t really have an opinion about it.”

  “You rolled your eyes.”

  “Did I? Just now?”

  Watching her, Lucas nodded. “I bet you fought like a tiger for the program.”

  How could she not be aware of rolling her eyes? She didn’t like that, not one bit. She prided herself on remaining centered, keeping her expressions impassive, especially when dealing with the students and their parents. And especially with her father’s congregation. Even when she disagreed with his dogma.

  “Melanie?”

  She blinked at him. “I doubt I was that fierce. But yes, I felt strongly about bringing the classroom outside. Some of the kids will be moving to cities, but a lot of them will end up taking over the family ranch. They need to know they have other options and not just do what their parents and grandparents have done.”

  A slight frown drew his brows together, as if she confused him. Though she couldn�
��t imagine why. She was straightforward and predictable, much more likely to inspire a yawn than confusion.

  “A tiger?” she said and turned to Candy when the mare moved restlessly. “That was a strange analogy.”

  “Why?” He watched her mount, then swung into his own saddle. “You strike me as someone who would go all out for something they believed in.”

  “Really?”

  “Why are you surprised?”

  She led him past the thicket of aspens, wondering how on earth he’d gotten that impression. Obviously he was seeing something that just wasn’t there. She rarely made waves, whether at school or at church. Occasionally she might tweak the status quo, but no one would accuse her of hoisting the rebel flag.

  Heck, she hated that her neighbor hung wet rugs on the shared picket fence that was now beginning to sag from the weight. But Melanie hadn’t said a word to Mrs. Sutter.

  Anxious to let the subject drop, she dug her phone out of her pocket, then glanced back at him. “I’ll call the Sundance if you’re still interested in staying overnight.”

  “If it’s not a problem.”

  “Calling the Sundance?”

  “Me staying.” Lucas tried to hold her gaze as he rode up alongside her, but she looked away.

  “No, of course not. Why would it be—?” She knew better than to ask a question that could produce an answer she might not like. She hit speed dial and prayed for the call to go through. Up here the reception could be dicey.

  The connection dropped after the third ring. She kept the phone to her ear while she gathered her composure. The weird thing about him having misread her was that Lucas was observant. The kind of quiet, intense observant that made her nervous. Made her feel self-conscious, as if she needed to explain herself.

  She knew he didn’t mean to upset her. After living under a magnifying glass half her life, she could tell the difference. And she also knew he was watching her right now.

  “Oops.” She lowered the cell phone. “Lost the call. I’ll have to try again in a few minutes.”

  He gazed up at the sky. “If they don’t have room, I keep a sleeping bag in my truck. Looks like a nice night to sleep under the stars.”

  “You’d do that?”

  “Sure.” He glanced at her. “I love sleeping outdoors. Only problem is I gotta have my morning shower.”

  A stunningly vivid picture of him wet and naked flashed in her mind. She let out a gasp that startled them both. What was wrong with her?

  “Not a fan of outdoor living, I take it,” he said, amusement lacing his tone.

  “Um, no, I’ve enjoyed camping, but yeah, the, um, shower thing...” She cleared her throat and hit speed dial again. “That’s a deal breaker for me.”

  She’d never been so glad to hear Rachel’s voice. “Hey, it’s Melanie. I know it’s last-minute, but have you got an extra room?”

  “Actually, we do,” Rachel said. “But only for one night. We have a ton of arrivals tomorrow. Who’s it for?”

  Melanie gave Lucas an affirming nod, and then it dawned on her. “Oh, wait, do you accept male guests?”

  He was looking at her, his eyes narrowed and curious.

  Rachel laughed. “Yeah, sure, but you’ll have to warn him. You know how some of these women are.” She lowered her voice. “Subtle as a mare in heat.”

  Letting out a chuckle, Melanie briefly met his eyes. “He looks pretty tough. I think he can handle them.”

  “Hey, you giggled. Who is this guy?”

  Melanie groaned. “Goodbye, Rachel, and thank you.”

  “Wait—”

  Melanie disconnected the call but didn’t bother pocketing the phone. Rachel was probably already texting her little heart out. “There’s room for you at the Sundance but only for one night,” she told Lucas without looking at him, because her pink cheeks would only invite more curiosity. “If you’re still interested in sticking around, we can see if the cabin’s available tomorrow.”

  “I’m interested.” He nudged Sergei to keep up with her and Candy Cane. “I think.”

  “You can decide tomorrow,” Melanie said, pleased at her cool even tone. Despite the dreaded thought he could change his mind and leave first thing in the morning.

  “Is there something you should tell me?”

  She turned to him. “Like what?”

  A small cautious smile curved his mouth. “You asked if your friend takes male guests.”

  “Oh.” Her phone buzzed. No surprise, it was a text from Rachel. “Excuse me—I think this is about your reservation,” she murmured, assuring herself she hadn’t lied.

  WTF? CALL ME THE SEC HE LEAVES.

  Melanie hurriedly stuffed the phone in her pocket. “You’re all set.”

  “Are you purposely trying to make me nervous?”

  “No, of course not....” She saw he was kidding. Duh. It probably took an earthquake to rattle him. “The Sundance sort of caters to young single women.”

  “Sort of?”

  “They’ll be crawling all over the place.”

  “Great.” He sighed, clearly not pleased.

  And that suited Melanie just fine.

  5

  LUCAS STEPPED ONTO the porch of the McAllisters’ large three-story log house carrying his bag, the brim of his Stetson tugged down low. Normally, he wouldn’t have bothered wearing his hat from his truck to the front door. But it helped eliminate unnecessary eye contact.

  He’d assumed Melanie had exaggerated about the ranch being overrun by female guests. Hell, he must’ve seen two dozen of them already, and he’d only just arrived. Fortunately, it seemed most of the ladies were headed to the row of rental cars parked near the stable. Though that hadn’t stopped a few from trying to engage him in conversation.

  The door opened before he could knock.

  “Hi, you must be Lucas.” The woman had long auburn curls, bright green eyes and a friendly smile. “I’m Rachel McAllister. Come in.”

  He saw a trio of women approaching from behind her, and he automatically stepped to the side.

  Rachel glanced over her shoulder. “I think this is the last wave,” she whispered, then moved to let the women pass.

  The curvy brunette and her smaller friend flashed him smiles as they walked past him and hurried down the porch steps. A tall blonde wearing red heels and a short denim skirt lagged behind them, pausing to say something to Rachel that made her laugh.

  “My brothers are spoken for,” Rachel said. “You see them in town, you leave them alone. Same goes for Matt.”

  “You know I’m harmless.” The blonde gave her a mischievous grin, then continued onto the porch. She stopped again when she spotted Lucas. Eyeing him up and down, she drawled, “I haven’t seen you before.”

  “Nope, just got here.” He had a good look at her ample breasts. Couldn’t miss them, molded by the clingy shirt.

  She let her gaze drift down to his bag, then made the trip back up his jeans to his face, her blue eyes frank and challenging. “Are you checking in?”

  “I am.” He touched the brim of his hat. “You have a nice evening.”

  Her brows lifted, partly in surprise but mostly in irritation. A woman like her rarely got turned down. Any other night, he might’ve been interested. Not now. He was tired and anxious to hear more about Safe Haven from the McAllisters. Maybe even learn something about Melanie.

  “See you in the morning, Angela.” Rachel motioned for him to enter.

  Angela clearly wasn’t happy about being dismissed but she gave him a slight shrug, then continued down the steps to join her friends.

  “I hope Mel warned you that we cater to women,” Rachel said, closing the door as soon as he crossed into the foyer. “Maybe you don’t mind the attention, which is fine, too.” She
gave him a subtle once-over herself, but only out of curiosity. “Everyone else is at the Watering Hole in town or in Kalispell.”

  Lucas smiled and removed his hat. “I’d prefer the peace and quiet.”

  “Good.” She smiled back. “I’ll take you to your room. You can leave your bag, wash up, whatever, then I’ll show you the kitchen. We have leftover short ribs, chicken and potatoes, maybe some peach cobbler. There’s a pool table in the den, if you’re interested. Also a fridge stocked with beer and soft drinks.”

  “Shouldn’t we settle up first?” he said when she headed for the stairs. “I’m not sure how early I’ll be checking out.”

  She stopped on the first step. “Oh, please. I’m not taking your money. You’re a friend of Safe Haven. We’re happy to put you up.”

  “Much as I respect what they do at the sanctuary, to be honest, I’m here asking for a favor.”

  “To foster mustangs on their way to the prison system, right? Sounds like a win-win to me.” She started up the stairs again. “You’re looking out for the animals instead of looking for profit. That equals no charge. Don’t argue.”

  Lucas chuckled. “How much sway do you have with Melanie and Shea? I could use someone like you on my side.”

  “Surely they aren’t giving you a hard time.” She stopped on the second floor, her eyes narrowing. “Well, not Shea—she’s in California. I can’t imagine Melanie opposing the idea.”

  “No, she doesn’t, but it’s not her decision alone.”

  “Do they have to put it to a vote?” Rachel frowned. “I guess the board will have to approve it, but that seems silly.” She shook her head. “It’s not a real board. It’s more...” She pressed her lips together, looking as if she regretted saying too much. “My brother Jesse is involved. He’s out in the barn but maybe you two can talk later.”

  “I was hoping either he or Trace might be around.”

  Rachel continued down the long hall but he didn’t miss her smile. “So I see you and Mel had some time to chat.”