Cowboy's Bride

by Barbara McMahon

  Impatient with being stuck inside on such a beautiful day, Kalli nevertheless headed for the office once breakfast was behind her. She wanted to be caught up on the blasted records so she could turn to other activities. Her ankle provided the perfect excuse to finish the computer work. Once she was fit again, she wanted to be out doing things, not stuck in the office. And once Trace showed her how to run reports and what they meant, she'd be that much closer to being a true rancher.

  She hoped once everything was input that it wouldn't take long to do the chore each week. She understood how important it was from a business point of view to keep records up to date. She had always been meticulous with her patients' records. But bookkeeping just wasn't fun for her. She'd much rather be with people.

  Early afternoon had her finishing April receipts. She only had the current month's bills, records and payments to do and she would be caught up. Stretching, she winced slightly when her sore shoulder protested, then eased back in the chair. Time for a break.

  Wandering out on the porch, she gazed off across the fields toward the mountains. Would she ever get tired of the view? The slight breeze seemed to come straight from the highest peak, carrying with it the fresh scent of snow and grass and clean air. Quite a change from Boston.

  When she was feeling better, and the ranch was running smoothly, she'd like to take a short trip to Yellowstone, see more of the countryside. She sighed, wishing Trace would offer to take her. But knowing him, he probably didn't do anything that wasn't related to his ranch. Did he ever have fun?

  She spotted Becky on her horse coming up the drive. Smiling, she called a greeting.

  "Hi, what brings you this way?"

  "Hi, Kalli. I'm looking for Dad again. Is he here?"

  "No, his truck's been here since this morning, but I haven't seen him or any of the men all day. Come in and visit awhile."

  Becky hesitated, then nodded. "I'll leave my horse by the corral."

  Kalli watched as the girl competently dismounted and loosened the girth on the saddle. She made sure her horse had some water, then tied him in the shade of the big barn.

  "I was just taking a break," Kalli said as Becky joined her on the porch.

  "From what? What can you do with a busted ankle?"

  "It's only sprained, thank goodness. And I've been a slave to the computer all morning. I feel as if my mind is one big number."

  "Dad has a computer."

  "Does he use it all the time?"

  "A lot. Most nights he does some work on it. That way it doesn't all pile up," she said, as if she was quoting her father.

  "Well, I wished he'd done more about keeping up this one. Not that it was his place," Kalli said quickly at the look Becky gave her. "But it would have been a help to me. I don't know much about computers to begin with, and having to spend hours every day with them is not why I came to Wyoming."

  "Why did you come? Just to see the ranch?"

  "Yes. And to live here. I love it."

  "It's early yet, you won't like it for long."

  "I think I will. I used to visit it when I was a teenager. I've always loved it."

  "My mom was from Colorado, used to ranches and everything, and she left. Dad said she thought it was too... too something that means out in the boonies," Becky said.

  "Isolated?"

  "Yeah, I guess."

  "Do you find it isolated?" Kalli asked.

  "No, I like it."

  "Are you still in school?"

  "Naw, we're out for the summer."

  "So what do you do for fun?"

  "Ride, swim, help my dad. He's teaching me how to be a rancher. I'll own the Flying Cloud Ranch someday," she said.

  "What if he marries again, and has more kids. Wouldn't you have to share?"

  Becky shrugged. "I don't guess he'll ever marry. My mom's been gone since I was a baby and I'm almost grown."

  Kalli hid a smile, trying to remember back to when she was twelve. It seemed so long ago. Yet she remembered feeling quite grown-up.

  "He might find someone someday and marry."

  "I asked him once, but he said he didn't need a wife, that things were just fine the way they were. Once, when I was a kid, I wanted a mother. I'm the only one in my class that doesn't have one. Or one that lives with us, I guess I mean."

  "Trace said you don't see your mother."

  "Naw, she didn't want to be bothered with me."

  Kalli didn't know what to say. She didn't know enough about what had actually happened to offer platitudes to Becky. And she wasn't one to cover up. Life was hard, and Becky seemed well-adjusted despite not having a mother.

  "So when you were a kid you wanted a mother, but not now?"

  Becky shrugged. "I don't know. Might be nice. Someone to go shopping with besides Dad. He doesn't like looking at clothes or make up or things like that."

  Kalli smiled. "I imagine your father is a difficult man to go shopping with. He probably has a list and walks right over to what be has on the list, buys it, then leaves."

  Becky glanced at her and smiled, nodding. "Exactly."

  "My brothers are like that. Whereas we women know the best way to shop is to examine everything, then we can select exactly the right item. And sometimes it's fun just to browse. I know my mother and I love to shop. There's this place in Boston, called Filene's, where you can get the best bargains. We'll spend hours there and sometimes not even buy a single thing. But it's fun. We talk and visit and get away from the men. Did you know I have five brothers?"

  "Wow. How did you stand it?"

  "They're great. You can meet them when they come to visit me."

  "If you stay that long," Becky said.

  "Now you sound like your father. Want to make some brownies?"

  "What?"

  "We can make some brownies. I'm hungry for something chocolate, and it's more fun to do things together with someone."

  Becky hesitated, looking away. "I've never made brownies," she said finally.

  "Well, you won't learn any younger. In fact, you can do most of the work, since I'm almost an invalid."

  "I'm sorry you got hurt," Becky said slowly.

  "No big deal. If I can't manage a horse, maybe I'll buy a pony."

  Becky giggled. "Ranchers don't ride ponies."

  "Your father had a slightly glazed look when I told him, as well. I guess that means I'll have to master horsemanship. Come on and let's make brownies."

  Deciding it would be selfish for them to make brownies only for themselves, they made two big batches, one for Kalli and enough for Becky to take home. The second batch was for the men when they came in.

  Kalli enjoyed the afternoon. Becky was a mixture of shyness and bold opinions. Many of the opinions directly reflected those of her father. Kalli laughed out loud a couple of times when Becky reminded her strongly of Trace. It seemed odd to hear his words from a young girl.

  Becky was taking the final batch from the oven when Trace walked in. The kitchen was a mess. Several bowls were lined up on the counter, racks of cooling brownies jockeyed for space on the table. Flour, sugar and chocolate dotted everything. Kalli sat in a chair, her injured ankle resting on the seat of another, directing Becky.

  "Something smells good." Trace stared at Kalli, questioning.

  "I made brownies, Dad!" Becky said excitedly. "Do you want one?"

  "Sure do. I didn't know you knew how to make them." He took a large one from the plate and bit into it, his eyes drawn to Kalli.

  "I didn't before now. Kalli showed me how," Becky said, watching for his reaction.

  "Want some milk to go with it?" Kalli asked, sitting up a little straighten Suddenly she felt exhilarated, the pleasure of the afternoon magnified by his presence.

  "I'll get it." Becky put the pan of brownies down and went to the refrigerator.

  “These are great, Bec,” Trace said around the brownie in his mouth.

  "Get some milk for us, as well. We'll join your father," Kalli said.

&
nbsp; "You haven't had any yet?" Trace asked, sitting next to Kalli. He let his eyes roam over her, noticing the quickened breathing, the long legs in shorts again. He looked away. He'd be glad when she was back to jeans. Closing his eyes briefly, he remembered how she'd filled out the denim. Maybe it wouldn't be an improvement for his equilibrium, after all. Damn!

  "Well, we did sample a couple, just to make sure they weren't poison," Kalli said slowly, her eyes twinkling.

  Becky giggled, placed glasses on the table and poured the milk.

  "Kalli knows how to cook and said she'd teach me," Becky said, sitting happily beside her father and reaching for a brownie.

  "Oh, so you can cook as well as nurse?"

  "Sure. My mother made sure all of us knew how to cook. Though I have to tell you I don't do much on my own. And once my brothers moved out, not one will step foot inside a kitchen. Mostly I know how to cook for a crowd. With all of us at home, you learn to prepare a lot of food. Then we always had company. A couple of my brothers had best friends that we thought we had adopted, they were over so much."

  "And did you have friends over, too?" Trace asked, watching her talk about her home and family, enchanted with the sparkling happiness reflected in her expression. He'd like to see her in her parents' home. Would have liked to see her as a little girl.

  "Sure, but not at every meal. And not if I was cooking. Then I wanted as few people over as possible."

  "What's your specialty?"

  "Anything Italian, what else? Mama always had the best pasta. She made it herself, you see. Then we learned how to make all the rich sauces that curl your toes, they're so good. Daddy would always judge our efforts, and proclaim Mama the winner."

  "Sounds as if you have a close family," Trace said.

  "We are. We get together every month, the whole crew, and eat and talk and visit. It's fun."

  "You'll miss it."

  "Well, yes, I will. But they can come to visit. After all, it isn't as if I had still been living at home. And my brothers all have their own lives, as well."

  "Still, Wyoming is a long way from Boston."

  Kalli narrowed her gaze. "Forget it, Trace. I have my phone. We can text, or email or even use video calling. I can visit once a year and they can come here. It's not that far. I'm—"

  "Here to stay," he chanted with her.

  She laughed. "Do you like the brownies?"

  "They're very good. You did a good job, Becky."

  "Thanks, Dad."

  "Your family's pretty close, too, Trace," she said softly. She liked the relationship between them. It was warm and loving. While Becky might miss her mother, she had not lacked for love from her father. She clearly adored him.

  "We're all each other has," Trace said with a warm smile at his daughter.

  Kalli felt a twinge of jealousy. She didn't like the fact, but there it was. She wished he'd consider including her in their warm, close family. Shocked at where her thoughts were leading, she took a hasty sip of milk. Granted, she felt different around Trace than any man she'd known, but she couldn't be falling in love with him. He'd made it so clear he wasn't interested. He saw her only as the obstacle to be overcome to acquire the ranch.

  She held still, hoping the feeling would fade. It didn't. It grew stronger and stronger until she felt swamped, overwhelmed. Her heart almost burst. She loved him! He was dead set against her and she loved him. Oh, God, how had that happened? When had it happened? She flicked a quick glance at him, afraid it would show in her face. The last thing she dared do was let him know. He'd laugh her all the way back to Boston. She had been so sure she could control her emotions. So sure she could have a wild affair with a cocky cowboy, then continue blithely along her merry way. Now she wanted more.

  She wanted him to love her. She wanted him to ask her to stay, to forget about her ranch and his belief she wouldn't fit in. She wanted him to love her back.

  Stunned at the churning thoughts that spun around and around, she was almost unaware when Trace ordered Becky to clean up and asked to see Kalli in the office.

  Rising slowly, she led the way, conscious of him only inches behind her. Conscious of his height towering over her, of his strong arms and shoulders that had carried her effortlessly several times. Conscious of his stern look and determined goals. Warmed by his fierce love for his daughter. Loving everything about him.

  Closing the study door behind him, he reached out and pulled her into his arms without a word. His kiss was magic. Kalli dropped the crutches, ignoring their clatter as she wound her arms around his neck and moved as close as she could for the ecstasy of his kiss.

  "If I call you tonight," he said, his lips moving against hers, "I want a clear yes or no to my questions."

  His tongue swept into her mouth, claiming her for himself. Learning her, tasting her, mating with her tongue. When she accepted his invitation and pushed her tongue into his mouth, he felt the heat flood through him. He wanted her. It was nothing short of amazing how he wanted this little slip of a woman.

  He broke the kiss, moving back an inch, but keeping her against him so tightly not even a breath of air could separate them. "None of that bit about other parts of you hurting. I'll kiss them better now, and that'll have to carry you over, understand?"

  She nodded, lost in the bliss of his caresses, his teasing tone seeping through her like fine wine. It was fun to be part of a couple, fun to tease and be teased. One arm held her up while the other came around and slipped between them. His fingers sought the buttons on her shirt, released them slowly one by one. His mouth continued to merge with hers, his lips doing wonderful things as she reveled in the sexy, sensual sensations that poured through her. She could no longer think, only feel. Feel the love she had for this man swell in her as his embrace captivated her.

  When her shirt was unfastened, he spread it wide and traced kisses down her throat, across the delicate bones of her shoulders, down, down until he captured a rosy tip through the lacy bra. He wet it, blew on it, pulled it into his mouth.

  Kalli floated on a sea of sensuality, his mouth fanning the fire between than. Every suckling action drew her deeper into the flame, every nerve ending tingled in longing, every fiber of her being craved closer contact.

  Her hands scrambled for his buttons, frantically ripping them apart in her haste to feel his taut muscles against her bare skin. Her fingers trailed across the strong muscles of his chest, finding and savoring the feel of his hard, tight nipples.

  When he unfastened her bra, she shrugged it and her shirt off, moving back to his embrace. Closing her eyes in delight at the fed of his hard chest against her swollen breasts, her mouth sought his. She sighed in soft satisfaction when he met her lips with his own and kissed her long and hard.

  His roughened hands rubbed along the soft skin of her back, sending shivers of pleasure racing through her. He was so hot and hard. She shimmered with the thought of him crushing her beneath him, mastering her with his love and taking her through the spinning vortex that threatened to consume ha.

  "Dad? I'm finished," Becky called from the kitchen.

  Trace spun Kalli around, pressing her against the door, holding her as he held the door closed against his daughter.

  "I've a few things to finish up here, punkin. Why don't you get started for home and I'll catch up in the truck." He was breathing hard, making every effort to have his words sound normal. Perspiration glistened on his forehead.

  Kalli stared at him, her eyes glittering with desire and yearning, her body relishing the feel of his weight against it as he pressed her into the cool wood. The danger of discovery by Becky only heightened her awareness of their situation. His skin was hot, damp, slick against hers. His weight held her against the door, the pain in her ankle forgotten.

  "Okay. Bye, Kalli, thanks for teaching me to make brownies."

  It was her turn. She cleared her throat. "We'll do it again soon." Surely she didn't sound that weak.

  They didn't move, standing still as stat
ues. Kalli held her breath, straining to hear Becky, wanting to lean forward and touch her lips to the pulse beating heavily at the base of his throat. She cherished every inch of his hard body pressing against hers, his hot, bare chest against hers, his long, muscular thighs against her softer ones. She felt the cool wood on her back, his soft breath caressing her cheeks as he waited, his eyes never leaving hers. Finally they heard the soft clop of a horse outside the window. Gradually it faded.

  8

  Kalli remained still, gazing into Trace's heated eyes as the horse's hoof beats faded. She could hear the ticking of the clock on the wall. She could feel the racing beat of her heart. Her skin burned where it touched his. Her breath mingled with his as he bent over her, his face only inches from her own, his gaze locked with hers, his dark eyes gleaming.

  He, too, waited. She watched as he remained as motionless as a statue, pressed against her, the rapid pulse point at the base of his throat the only sign of life.

  Her legs trembled. Heat swirled between her thighs, and her breasts ached for his touch, for his caressing hand, for his hot mouth. She couldn't stand it if he stopped now. She wanted him so much.

  "Don't go," she whispered.

  "I'm not going anywhere," he said in a low voice. His hand came up to brush a few strands of hair from her face, cupping her cheek, his fingers tracing the curve of her ear. He stared into her liquid eyes, almost drowning in them. He had never felt so alive. Slowly his mouth moved to cover hers. Slowly he brushed his lips against hers, open, damp, warm. She was like honey and sunshine. He kissed her again, feeling her frustration, the desire flaring in her like a hot beacon drawing him nearer, nearer.

  Her hands tightened on his back, her fingers brushing against his spine, longing to learn every inch of his body, longing to touch every inch of him.

  With a soft groan, Trace pulled back and picked her up. "Our first time is not going to be on the damn hard floor," he growled, moving to open the door. In seconds, he was striding down the hall to her bedroom.

  Kalli's senses spun. Happiness flooded her when he deposited her on her bed and came down right on top of her. Their first time? Did that mean he wanted lots of times when they'd make love together, sharing each other, learning each other?