What other aspects of her foreman should she be aware of? Or were they wondering if she knew who he was? That he was the one offering to buy her out?
She wished she could have seen him at a rodeo, all cocky and arrogant, strutting around like the cowboys she'd seen. She'd only been to a couple of rodeos in her life and had found than fascinating. She would make sure she went to any held in the area.
"Daydreaming again, Boss Lady?" Trace asked as he pushed his horse against hers, his hard thigh brushing hers.
She looked up. Jose and Josh were already several dozen yards across the section, heading up a steep incline. Trace watched her with those dark eyes, his look holding hers.
"I was thinking about rodeos," she admitted reluctantly. "Are there any around here?"
"Will be later on. Jackson has a big one later in the summer. If you're still here, I'll take you."
"If I'm still here? Oh, I assure you, Trace Longford, I'll still be here whenever it comes to town." She tilted her chin and kicked the side of her horse, moving to catch up to Jose and Josh before Trace could stop her. How like him to tell her she'd go with him. Maybe she'd find another date. Or maybe...
Maybe she would go with him. Her heart sped up a little at the thought. Who better to escort her than someone who knew all about rodeos?
It was early afternoon by the time they returned to the homestead. Kalli was so tired and sore she could scarcely stay in the saddle. Yet every time she felt Trace's eyes on her, she made an effort to sit up and look at ease. She wouldn't admit to any weakness before him. He already didn't think she'd make the grade. She refused to give him any ammunition to strengthen that belief.
But when they pulled up by the corral she looked longingly at her house. Would it be possible to ride the horse up to her bedroom window, flip open the screen and fall directly into bed? She wasn't sure she could walk the distance. She hurt!
Trace, Jose and Josh quickly dismounted, tying their horses to the rail and loosening the cinches. Trace slapped his mount on the rump and walked over to her, eying her suspiciously.
''Going to stay on the horse all day?"
"I thought I would," she said, slumping a little.
"Tired?" He rested his hand on her thigh.
Kalli felt it like a brand. She stared at his tanned skin, the long fingers, the strong wrist. The heat from his palm seared her. She flicked a look into his eyes and thought she detected a glimpse of sympathy.
"Actually, I thought I'd ride over and get a better look at the mountains. Maybe see how high the horse could climb-"
She gave a shout as he reached up and pulled her down.
"Trace!"
Once on the ground she sagged against him, her legs like rubber. He held her easily, turning to call to Josh.
"Come get her horse and turn him loose after you unsaddle him. She's not riding any more today." He leaned over a bit and swept her up into his arms.
“Trace, put me down." But her arms encircled his neck and she held on for dear life. Fighting the urge to lay her head against his shoulder and close her eyes, she glared at him instead as he marched determinedly across the yard toward the back door.
"I thought you said you'd been riding since you learned about inheriting the ranch," he said.
She was impressed he could carry her so easily, talk in a normal tone and not be out of breath.
"I did. But only a couple of hours a week. In a ring. How do you do it day after day?"
"Practice. We've been riding since we were kids. And this is an easy day. Some times during roundup or bad weather, we're twelve, eighteen hours in the saddle."
He opened the screen door and set her on her feet. "Can you manage a bath and then bed, Boss Lady?" he asked, his hands still on her shoulders, giving her support.
"Let's get one thing straight here, Trace. My name is Kalli. Calling me Boss Lady won't cut it. We both know I haven't called a single shot since I arrived. “Fix me something to eat, let's go riding, go do the accounts!” You're the real boss of the Triple T, and until I learn lots more I guess it’s going to stay that way."
He smiled into her glaring eyes. "Yeah, I guess it is."
His eyes warmed and the rough planes of his face softened just a little with the smile. And Kalli lost her train of thought. He was the sexiest thing she'd ever seen, and her heart began pumping hot blood through her veins. She stared, mesmerized, longing for more, knowing he had to get back to work. Knowing she was probably no more than an amusing incident to him. But it didn't matter. Her gaze dropped to his lips and her body shivered traitorously. She wanted--
As if he could read her mind, his mouth covered hers in a hot kiss. His lips moved persuasively over hers until she opened at his silent command and welcomed him. His tongue slipped in, tracing her teeth, moving beyond to tease then dance with her tongue.
Blood roared in her ears, and her breathing became labored. Kalli pressed closer, feeling weak and feminine and invincible and desirable. Her hands gripped his arms, holding on lest she float away in a cloud of sweet delight.
He pulled back and stared at her, gently wiping her lips with his thumb, the hard calluses lending an erotic roughness to his touch. Again he traced her lower lip, his thumb exquisitely gentle.
"Soak your muscles and then take a nap. You'll feel better in a day or two. In the meantime, get to work on those accounts," he ordered.
"Yes, sir, boss," she whispered, her eyes clinging to his.
"Hell, Kalli, don't look at me like that unless you want to start more than I think you do."
She remembered he'd told her he wanted her. It would be unfair to continue if she wasn't ready to take the next step. And she wasn't. She'd just met the man. It didn't matter that he attracted her more than anyone she'd ever met before. It didn't matter that she felt special beyond imagination when she was with him. It did matter, however, that he didn't seem to like her much. With a soft sigh, she pulled back and tried a small smile.
"Thank you for seeing me home," she said in a throaty whisper. She turned and limped toward the bathroom, refusing to let her mind dwell on the possibility of the two of than in bed together.
But her body remembered his touch--and tingled.
Kalli soaked in the tub until she was as wrinkled as a prune. Slipping on a long T-shirt she'd swiped from her brother Tony, she lay across her bed face down. Her bottom was so sore it hurt to lie on her back. Closing her eyes, she relaxed her tired, aching muscles. It felt so good. There was so much to do, she'd just rest for a few minutes. It felt so good
It was dark when Kalli awoke. She lay in the peaceful evening, almost too lethargic to rise. Her stomach grumbled, letting her know she hadn't had anything to eat since breakfast. Slowly she pushed herself up and padded barefoot into the kitchen. She ate a quick sandwich standing at the counter, making her grocery list as she ate. At least the day wouldn't be a total waste, though she absolutely had to go get groceries tomorrow or end up eating with the men. Which wouldn't be all bad, unless Trace was there to undermine her authority before them.
She frowned. He wouldn't do such a thing. He'd never hinted at any conflict before the men. But just instructing her on the way to run the ranch could undermine the men's confidence in her. They'd do better to continue to eat apart.
Finishing that task, she wandered into the office. Sitting gingerly on the chair, she put the March bills and payments in chronological order. Restless, she pushed them away. She wasn't up to working on the computer tonight.
She hunted up her boxes of books and rummaged around until she found a favorite Louis L'Amour. Taking it to bed, she propped herself up and began to read.
When the alarm rang the next morning, Kalli shut it off and lay back in bed. God, she did not want to get up! She was stiff as a board and every movement spiked pain into her muscles. How did Trace and Jose and Josh do it day after day? Even with practice, she couldn't imagine becoming used to riding for hours at a time.
Slowly she stretched, forcing
her muscles to respond. Sitting on the side of the bed, she wondered if she should just throw in the towel.
The phone rang. She jumped. The ring was loud in the silence of early dawn.
"Hello?"
"Kalli? It's Trace."
"Is something wrong?" She turned to look out the window. It was still dark, but dawn was only minutes away.
"Yeah, problem here. I was up all night and I'm just dead on my feet. I can't come by this morning."
"What's wrong? Do you need my help?"
"No, had a mare in foal, there were problems, complications. The vet's been here all night, too. Anyway, it’s all over now. We have a nice filly and the mare's doing fine. But I'm beat."
"Yeah, you're too old for all-nighters like that," she said softly, lying back against her pillows.
"Yeah."
She could hear his chuckle across the line.
"You up?"
"My alarm just went off. I'm still in bed."
"How do you feel today?"
"Older than you."
"Hell, maybe we both need a day in bed."
Together? Kalli smiled dreamily at the thought.
"Yeah, maybe. Any orders for the day, boss?" she asked.
"Catch up on the accounts. You can sit on a pillow in a chair."
"When do I get a day off?"
"You just got here." Just got here, he thought. He felt as if he'd been thinking about her all his life. Had it only been three days? He had it bad. He needed to get her out of his system and go back to ranching. She had to sell her place soon, or he'd go crazy.
"Trace?"
"Yeah?"
"Want to come to dinner? After all, I'm so used to cooking for two now that I'm sure I'll make too much for just me." She held her breath.
"I usually eat dinner with Becky," he said.
"Good, bring her, too. I'd like to meet her," she said quickly before he could refuse.
"All right. We'll be over around six."
"See you then."
She hung up the phone and lay back, her smile almost gleeful. Resetting her alarm for a more reasonable hour, Kalli blissfully fell asleep.
She drove into Jackson later that morning. First stop was the attorney who had handled her uncle's will. He had mentioned bank accounts and statements the day she'd met him. But now she wanted to get everything cleared and established so she could write checks on the account.
Richard Strominger happened to be free when she arrived unannounced, and he saw her right away.
"How are things going, Miss Bonotelli?" He was an older man, easy going and relaxed. His casual Western attire added to her concept of the Old West aspect still prevalent in Wyoming. She grinned as she shook his hand and sat gingerly in the chair opposite his desk.
"Great. The Triple T's the most wonderful place. I'm so pleased with the way everything is going," she replied.
"Still planning to stay?" He watched her over steepled fingers.
She nodded, wondering why every male out here thought she shouldn't. Was it some sort of Western macho thing?
"You've got a good offer from the Flying Cloud Ranch. Wouldn't you like to at least consider it? I don't know how long it will stay open," Richard advised her.
"No. I've already told Trace my answer. I'm not selling. I'm learning all I can to run the place myself," she said.
"I see. Very well, I'll send a formal refusal."
She signed the necessary papers to complete the transfer of all titles into her name. Then Richard personally walked her over to the bank, introduced her to the bank president and helped smooth the transition there.
"Glad to have you as a client. Triple T's been with us since the beginning. Though I heard there was an offer to buy you out by Flying Cloud," the bank president said as they sat waiting for a handful of new checks to be printed.
"I'm not selling," she said quietly.
Was this the small town grapevine at work? Somehow she didn't think Richard Strominger would be telling everyone his clients' business. And she certainly couldn't picture Trace doing so.
"I see. Well, good. It's our gain." He smiled genially and asked her about Boston and how she compared the two places.
Kalli was struck by the friendliness of everyone she met. Even at the supermarket, the cashier and clerk had been welcoming, though they, too, had mentioned Trace's offer. Kalli shook her head, amazed. Would everyone in town now be commiserating with him on the lost sale? He'd love that.
She forgot about it as she hurried home. With any luck she'd have a chance for another soak to ease her aching muscles before starting dinner.
Conscious of wanting to prove something to Trace, she prepared veal scallopini. It was her mother's special recipe and she hoped he and his daughter liked it. For a moment she hesitated. Would they like Italian food?
Nonsense, everyone did.
While Kalli loved the West and dressing like a cowboy in jeans and cotton shirts, she decided to dress up a little for the first dinner guests in her new home. She donned a dusky rose skirt with a matching scooped-neck top that buttoned down the front, then French braided her hair to keep it neat. She didn't want to be worried about it while she cooked. She used a light touch of makeup and sprayed perfume on sparingly.
When Trace drove into the yard, she was ready. A final check of the table revealed everything set perfectly. She wished she could have used the dining room, but the kitchen would have to do. She didn't want to make too big a deal over dinner. And there were still boxes piled everywhere. She had dragged them from the living room, in expectation of visiting with her guests later. When would she have time to unpack and get settled?
Trace walked in as if he owned the place. His daughter followed, peering around her tall father to stare at Kalli.
"Hello. Welcome. Are you Becky? I'm Kalli." She offered her hand to the girl, who was as tall as she. When Becky was full grown, she'd probably be almost as tall as her daddy, and for certain taller than Kalli. With a silent sigh, Kalli reflected it didn't take much to be taller than she was.
"Hello." Becky shook her hand then stepped back, looking boldly around her. She met Kalli's eyes again and studied her for a long minute.
"Are you part Indian, too?" the girl asked asked.
"No, are you?" Kalli replied, surprised by the girl's question.
Becky nodded and looked at her father. Trace had put his hat on the rack and turned to face them. His eyes became watchful and his stance wary.
"We're part Shoshone," he said.
"Well, I'm full Italian, though my family has been over here for three generations. Not a long time in comparison to yours, I guess," Kalli said easily, smiling at them both. She had wondered if he was part Indian.
"Dinner is just about ready. Do you want to eat and then move to the living room? Do you think it's cool enough for a fire?"
Trace nodded, motioning to Becky to take a chair, holding it for her. He moved behind Kalli's chair as she brought the platters to the table. He seated her, then took the chair he normally used.
Serving the plates, Kalli made sure her guests had everything they needed. Becky watched her warily the entire time. Kalli wondered if it was because there was no woman at their place and Becky was curious. Or was there something more?
Conversation was stilted, awkward, erratic. Father and daughter ate steadily, apparently unconcerned at the silence. Kalli was used to her volatile Italian family, where everyone talked at the same time, and conversational topics changed rapidly. These two were silent.
"So," Kalli said brightly when she could no longer stand the silence. "Tell me all about the new mother and baby. What are you going to name it?"
Trace nodded to Becky to answer. "We're calling her Cloud's Pride. My dad owns the Flying Cloud Ranch," Becky said with arrogant pride. "And before long he says he'll own this one, too."
4
Kalli stared at Trace, feeling as if one of the horses in the corral had kicked her in the stomach. Was she never to escape h
is claim? Was he bragging about it to his daughter? Every chance he had, he told her she'd never make it, undermining any confidence she felt in her ability to run her ranch, constantly urging her to accept the buy-out offer. And why not? He coveted her ranch.
Trace remained silent, his dark eyes watching her, his lips pressed tightly together. Becky stared wide-eyed between the two adults, her expression unsure and worried.
"You have some nerve bragging to your daughter that you're getting this place. I'm tired of you telling me I don't belong here—''
"You don't belong here," he interrupted. "You're some starry-eyed romantic city girl who thinks the wild west is alive and waiting to fulfill your fantasies. That living on a ranch would be the same thing as visiting it
when you were a kid. Sweetheart, as soon as the novelty wears off, you'll leave so fast it'll make your head spin. I'm just trying to keep you from running the place into the ground before you take off."
"And the kisses, were they to try to seduce me out of the ranch?" A tearing pain pierced her. Had his kisses only been a way to manipulate her? Try to get her to agree to sell? She'd almost relaxed her guard around him. It had been a mistake.
He flicked a glance at Becky. "Go see Josh," he ordered.
"I want to stay here." She pouted.
"Go!"
She frowned but slowly shoved back her chair and pushed away from the table. With a glare at Kalli, the girl stomped out of the room, letting the screen door bang shut behind her. For a few seconds her footsteps in the gravel could be heard and then they faded away.
Trace's eyes never left Kalli. He could see the hurt and anger reflected in her eyes and didn't like it. He hadn't meant to hurt her. But he knew as sure as he was sitting here that she'd never make it. And he'd been up-front with her, he wanted the ranch.
"I'm sorry," Kalli said. "I shouldn't have said that in front of Becky."
"You shouldn't have said it at all."
"Oh, sure, it's fine for you to come in and throw your weight around, but if I say anything I'm wrong." She jumped up and began pacing the room. "You can just get out, Trace. I don't need help like yours. I'll find another foreman."
Cowboy's Bride Page 5