“You know, maybe I should.” Rosie’s color was still high, but there was a gleam of anticipation in her blue eyes. She looked years younger.
With extra motivation to get the job done, everyone had the kitchen shipshape in no time. Giving Rosie hugs, they all left the house and headed for the barn. Ringo was on mice duty every night, so he trotted along beside Cade.
They met Herb on his way back. “Both mama and baby are doing fine,” he said. “Linus is fast asleep and Lucy’s dozing.”
“Would it be okay to look in on them?” Aria didn’t want to leave without seeing them one more time.
“Sure thing.”
“Thank you, Herb, for all you’ve done.” Aria gave him a hug.
Herb hugged her back. “You’re more than welcome. That meal was amazing.”
“Rosie wants to learn how to make it.” She considered that a professional victory.
He looked surprised. “She does? Even with the flaming brandy?”
“She does,” Lexi said. “I heard her say it. Listen, I have an idea. Since we all loved it so much, how about a private lesson here at the ranch? I’m thinking this coming Tuesday night if you’re available, Aria. On Wednesday the students will arrive, so it’s now or never.”
Aria nodded, happy that her cooking skills were valued. “I could absolutely do that.”
“Great! Just figure out what you need to charge us and we’ll divide up the—”
“Hey, I wouldn’t dream of charging you guys. If you decide to take my regular lessons on Monday nights, I’ll accept payment for that. But this is special. You were all here for Linus. Let me give something back.”
“That’s very generous of you,” Herb said. “After all Rosie and I have been through lately, I’m getting much better at accepting the generosity of others. Thank you.”
She smiled at him. “Then it’s settled. Tuesday night it is.”
“I look forward to it. And on that note, I’ll bid you all good-night.” Herb set off toward the house, his pace brisk.
Lexi sighed as the four of them continued on toward the barn. “They’re still in love after all these years. That’s inspiring.”
“Yeah.” Cade wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“Apparently the coq au vin was inspiring, too.” Brant fell into step beside Aria. “Good job.”
“Just a lucky coincidence. When I suggested fixing it tonight I had no idea I’d stir up honeymoon memories. But that’s the thing about food. There’s often an emotional connection to it.”
“You’re right,” Lexi said. “Assuming I learn how to make it, I’ll always think of Linus being born and all of us enjoying a great meal together afterward.”
“Me, too.” Cade gestured toward Brant’s truck. “And I’ll remember our epic Battle of the Sacred Flame. Too bad you didn’t win, though, Ellison. That sucker needs a wash bad.”
“You know what? I like it that way. The mud covers up the dents and scratches. Besides, I’d rather wash a pretty red van named Matilda any day.”
Cade laughed. “I figured.”
Aria tingled with awareness. Brant was flirting and Cade had just acknowledged it. She liked feeling sexy and carefree for a change. Ever since Josh’s accident she’d focused most of her attention on his recovery, and the process hadn’t been a lot of laughs. But guilt followed soon after with thoughts about Josh. How could she enjoy herself when he was stuck in that wheelchair?
“Since my truck’s parked at the cabin,” Cade said, “I planned to hitch a ride over there with Brant and then drive back and pick up Lex.” He looked at her. “Unless you want to come along?”
“I’d rather stay with Aria and check out the baby.”
“I thought as much. I’ll take a quick look when I get back.”
Aria turned to Brant. “I should say good-night. You’ll probably want to turn in.”
“Not yet. After I dump my stuff in the cabin, I need to see how mama and baby are doing. I’ll ride back with Cade.”
“Then we shall return, ladies.” Cade gave Lexi a quick kiss before climbing into Brant’s truck.
“Cade’s a great guy,” Aria said as she and Lexi started toward the barn.
“He is a great guy and I love him to death, but I want to make absolutely sure we’re ready before we take the big step. It’s a huge commitment.”
“Definitely.”
“I didn’t realize that at twenty, but I do now.” She slid aside the bar holding the doors closed and swung open the right-hand side. Ringo dashed through it. “Plus Damon and Philomena are getting married at the end of this month. That’s enough wedding hoopla for the time being.”
“Their relationship seems solid.” Aria followed Lexi into the dimly lit barn. Damon and Phil had fallen in love last summer while working together to build a fourth cabin for the students. They were bank customers, and every time she saw them together they looked very happy.
“They’re perfect for each other,” Lexi said. “Cade and I are, too, but our relationship still needs some seasoning.”
“I can’t even think in terms of marriage right now.” Aria lowered her voice as they drew closer to the back of the barn so she wouldn’t disturb the mare and foal. “There’s Josh to think about in the immediate future, and once he’s better, I’ll concentrate on getting my cooking school up and running. That’ll take years.”
“I understand.” Lexi kept her voice down, too. “I built my riding clinic business myself, and you get really protective after putting in all that time and effort. Any guy you’re involved with has to realize that you won’t be the little wifey who caters to his every whim.”
“Does Cade expect that?”
“Not really. Once in a while he’ll say something that comes from outdated thinking. But I’m tough to please. I’ve been making my own decisions for quite a few years.”
Aria nodded. “I’m pretty much the same. I know what I want and I’m not looking for some guy to provide it. On the other hand...”
“Brant Ellison is pretty to look at?”
“Yeah.” Aria glanced over at Lexi and smiled. “Yeah, he is.”
They both stopped talking as they reached the birthing stall. Standing side-by-side, they gazed silently at the newborn curled up beside his mother. Aria felt a tug of love so strong it was almost painful. Surely, Josh would soften once he met this little guy.
Lucy’s head was up but her eyes were closed. When Aria turned sixteen and was allowed to have her own horse, she’d chosen the mare for her golden coat. Dramatic color had been important to her at that age, but Lucy was a great deal more than a beautiful horse. Gentle and sweet, she’d become a cherished companion.
Three years ago Aria’s mom and dad had sold their small ranch and moved to Texas, which had meant boarding Lucy. Aria had vowed that someday she’d buy horse property and have both Lucy and her cooking school on site. Maybe Linus, too.
“I hear Cade’s truck,” Lexi murmured.
Male laughter drifted in through the open barn door, but once inside, the guys toned it down. They even managed to walk quietly on the wooden floor, which had to take skill since they were wearing boots.
As they drew closer, Aria and Lexi moved away from the stall door and motioned them forward. Aria was blessed with a tantalizing view of Brant’s wide shoulders and tight buns. He had the slight bow-legged stance of most cowboys who spent time on horseback, and Aria found that endearing.
Lexi was right—he was pretty to look at. Feelings she hadn’t entertained for quite a while warmed her. Even if nothing could come of those feelings, she was glad to know they weren’t hopelessly buried.
The men stepped back from the stall door and gestured for Aria and Lexi to walk out ahead of them. Aria held up her hand so she could go over for one last look.
“Lexi and I will just head out, then,” Cade murmured.
She wondered if Brant would go with them, but instead he joined her at the stall door. They stood very still, not quite touchi
ng, but she inhaled his earthy, masculine scent with pleasure. No designer fragrance for this guy.
Desire uncurled and stretched within her, creating a sweet ache that made her shift her position. She accidentally brushed against him. “Sorry.”
“No worries.” His low voice worked as effectively as a caress.
As heat shot through her body, she shivered.
“Cold?”
“A little,” she lied.
“Let’s go.”
She nodded and walked beside him down the wooden aisle. The air seemed to crackle between them, but maybe she was the only one who could feel it. She wished he would take her hand. No, she really didn’t. That would be the beginning of something she shouldn’t want.
He chuckled softly.
“What?”
“I thought they’d be gone by now, but apparently they’re having a little tiff.”
She’d been concentrating so hard on Brant that she’d missed the sound of voices. The argument didn’t sound serious, though. Lexi and Cade were both laughing.
“Okay, here’s the guy who can settle this,” Cade said when they walked outside.
“Settle what?” Brant closed the door and slid the bar across.
“Lexi seems to think washing her truck includes detailing it. I don’t recall a word about detailing, do you?”
Brant gazed at him with a smile. “I was planning to detail Aria’s van. Otherwise it’s not a complete job, and I know how you hate doing something half-assed.”
“Ah, I see how things are.” Cade clapped him on the shoulder. “Okay. I guess keeping the women happy is worth it.”
Lexi glanced at Aria. “Like that remark, for instance.”
“Oh.” She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing.
“What remark? I was only—”
“Quit while you’re ahead, bro,” Brant said. “Although I think you might be behind. In any event, you need to shut the hell up.”
“Listen to your brother.” Lexi linked her arm through Cade’s. “Let’s call it a night, shall we?”
“All righty.” Cade touched the brim of his hat. “Good night, all. See you in the mornin’.”
As they drove away, Brant started laughing. “I swear to God, if he doesn’t quit making those bonehead comments, Lexi’s never gonna propose. ‘Keeping the women happy.’ What a moronic thing to say.”
“Lexi’s supposed to propose to him?”
“Yep. Last summer he popped the question a few days after he’d come back to town. It was way too soon. After she turned him down, he decided she’d better choose the timing. At this rate they might tie the knot in their golden years.”
“She’s an independent woman.”
“Which is the best kind, in my opinion.” Brant nudged back his Stetson. “Speaking of that, on the way over to the cabin Cade told me you plan to open a cooking school.”
“Eventually.” The glow of the barn’s dusk-to-dawn light gave her a better chance to admire his handsome self. Coming upon Cade and Lexi had momentarily interrupted the buzz she’d had going on, but once she looked at him she got it back.
“So that’s why you’re working so hard.”
“It is, although I’ve become sidetracked with Josh’s accident.”
“I’m sure.” His gaze warmed. “It’s a generous thing you’re doing for him.”
She shrugged. “He’s my brother. Anyone would do the same.”
“Not necessarily.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m trying to say I admire you, and making a poor job of it.”
Her heartbeat sped up. “Thank you.”
“Let me make it a little plainer.” He looked into her eyes. “I like you.”
“I like you, too.” She swallowed. “Quite a bit.”
“I had a hunch. So...?”
“We should probably leave it at that.” Damn it.
“Why?”
“I’m really busy.”
“Okay.” He sounded skeptical.
“I don’t blame you for questioning that tired old excuse. Plenty of busy people find the time to indulge in...stuff.” Her cheeks grew warm.
“So I’ve heard.” His lazy smile ramped up his sex appeal several more notches.
“But there’s also Josh to think about.”
“I’m not following you.”
“He’s stuck in a wheelchair with not much of a life. Working to change that has to be my focus.”
“Ah.” He rocked back on his heels. “And indulging in stuff with me might cause you to forget about Josh’s situation.”
“Yes.” Guaranteed. Just talking about indulging in stuff with this gorgeous cowboy had short-circuited her brain.
“Temporarily, anyway.”
“Right but—”
“Is that such a bad idea?”
“You’re suggesting I need a break.”
He shrugged. “Only you know if that’s true.”
“I hadn’t thought about it that way.” Her pulse began to race.
“We could try a kiss and see how that works out.”
She could barely breathe. This was the moment that would either stop him dead in his tracks or invite him to go further. Although she shouldn’t, she yearned for Option Two. Someday she might regret this, but she wanted him so much. “I suppose we could.”
Slowly he took his hands out of his pockets and stepped closer, his breathing uneven. “You get to me.”
Excitement coursed through her. “You get to me, too.”
He cradled her face in his big hands and looked into her eyes. “One kiss. Just enough to see if we suit.”
She slid both palms up the soft, warm material of his shirt and felt the rapid thump of his heart. “Maybe we won’t.”
“I’m guessing we will.” Angling his head, he settled his mouth over hers.
5
IMMEDIATELY BRANT KNEW he was in trouble. One kiss from Aria would make him want a hundred. But he’d announced that he’d only claim one, so he’d better make it count.
He started slowly, learning the contours of her lips as he listened to her breathing change. When he connected more fully and began to explore the sweet depths of her mouth with his tongue, she moaned and curled her fingers into the fabric of his shirt. That moan traveled straight through him, firing his blood and sending it south.
He desperately wanted her lush body pressed tight against his rigid cock. But that would lead to more than they’d bargained for. He thought they’d get there eventually, but not tonight.
Savoring Aria’s plump lips would feel like a party no matter what, but the flavor of champagne added to the celebration. She cooperated with each move he made, giving him access to every delicious part of her mouth. She obviously liked kissing him and, oh, man, did he like kissing her.
He was so involved in the sensuous feel of her tongue sliding against his that he almost missed the fact that she’d wound her arms around his neck. He didn’t miss her next maneuver, though. When she molded her hot body to his, it was like touching a match to brandy.
If this was a test of his restraint, he was failing miserably. Before he realized it, he’d cupped her bottom and pulled her hard against his straining erection. He’d meant for their kiss to be subtle and classy. Somehow it had morphed into a demonstration of primal lust.
Ah, but how encouraging that she wanted him. He didn’t need more than that to figure out the next step. Consoling himself that there would be a next step, he slowly ended the kiss and lifted his head. A breeze ruffling his hair indicated his hat was now on the ground. Small matter.
He gazed down at her, and slowly she lifted her lashes to reveal eyes darkened with the same urgency he felt. He took a shaky breath. “I need to stop while I still can.”
His comment seemed to take a while to penetrate, but at last she gave him a slight nod. “Me, too.”
“Were you about to take advantage of me?”
“I thought about it. Would you have gone willingly?”
/> “Probably, God help me. You pack a punch.”
“You, too.”
Looking into her eyes, he fought the urge to start kissing her again. Not tonight. “But you need to get home and talk to your brother about tomorrow.”
“I do.”
“It’s lucky that you’ll have your next three days free so you can hang out with Linus.”
“Yes, but the restaurant will be busy over the holiday weekend, so my nights...”
“You have a full schedule.”
“Unfortunately.” She reached up and traced his mouth with her finger. “But you’d think I could make room for a top-notch kisser.”
“I surely hope so, because if you liked that kiss, you’re gonna love the rest of the program.”
“Can you make me float in the air?”
“You bet.”
She smiled, but then her expression turned serious. “It’s just that I’m not sure of the logistics.”
“Usually folks start by taking their clothes off—at least I’ve found that it works better that way. But the floating part is a professional secret and I’m honor-bound not to reveal it.” He was gratified when her smile reappeared.
“I meant the logistics of when we’d get together.”
“I know. I just saw you getting serious all of a sudden, as if you needed to plan it all out. You don’t. Let’s see how it goes.”
“I want to spend time with you. But it’s complicated.”
“No worries.” As much as he wanted her, he wasn’t going to push. “If it’s supposed to happen then it will.”
She gazed up at him. “You really do take life as it comes, don’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He wondered if she had the power to mess with his usual approach. He combed her hair back from her face. “And now, much as I hate to do it, it’s time to say good-night.”
She sighed. “Okay.”
After scooping up his hat, he draped his arm lightly over her shoulders and walked her to her van.
As he opened the door for her, she turned to him. “I don’t want to leave.”
He searched her expression and found desire mixed with confusion. For one brief moment he imagined tipping the scales in his favor and asking her to stay. She might do it, and then she’d miss her chance to convince Josh he needed to visit Linus.
Cowboy All Night (Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, Book 5) Page 5