The real question she wondered about was would he continue to see her, make love with her. Or was it a convoluted way to get her to sell? She didn't want to believe that.
* * *
Success! Several hours later, with a flourish, she pressed the key to save everything. She was finished! All the bills, receipts, payments from the checkbook had been entered; all the handwritten notes about cows and bulls and sales were in. It was a wonderful feeling. Next month, she'd keep up with everything every day so she only had a few minutes of work to do at a time. That was how the hospital ran. How she'd handled her patients' reports, so there wasn't a large amount of paperwork at any one point. She knew paperwork was not her thing. She preferred people.
"Hello, Kalli." Becky stood in the doorway.
"Hi, honey. Come on in. I didn't hear you come up. Of course I was so busy with this blasted computer, I probably wouldn't have heard your father's truck."
Becky came in, watching Kalli warily. "My dad stayed here last night, didn't he?"
Kalli went still. She couldn't lie to the child. But never once had she thought about making his staying known to Becky. Suddenly she felt awkward, embarrassed.
"He spends too much time here," Becky said without waiting for a reply. "If he didn't have to help you with this ranch, he could be home working on ours."
"He offered to help me," Kalli said uncomfortably.
"You don't know anything about running a cattle ranch. Why don't you go home and let him have it? Then he'd stay home more."
"Once I know enough to manage on my own, he'll be able to stay home more," Kalli said gently.
Becky flopped down in a chair. "Are all the brownies gone?" she asked nonchalantly.
Kalli smiled in relief. The child wasn't going to pursue why her father hadn't come home last night. "No. I'll get us some. Do you want some milk, too?"
"Sure." Becky shrugged. "You're not on crutches today?" she asked as Kalli slowly limped across the room.
"No. My ankle feels lots better. I've kept it strapped, but can manage just fine now without the crutches as long as I walk slowly. I'll be right back."
Kalli wondered how much of Trace's time she was taking from his own work. Too much, if his daughter was to be believed. Was the girl missing her father? She'd come over here a couple of days looking for him. From what she'd said, Kalli suspected they ordinarily spent a lot of time together. Especially during the school vacation.
Becky joined her a few minutes later, hesitating in the kitchen doorway. "It's stupid for you to carry all that to the office. We can eat here if you like," she said.
"Good idea. Without the crutches, I'm a little shaky on this ankle. The platter of brownies is on the counter. I have the milk."
Soon they were sitting across from each other at the table, Kalli feeling her way in their conversation. Becky seemed nervous, not as comfortable around her as she had yesterday. Had knowing her father stayed the night made a difference? Did she disapprove? Or was she hurt her father hadn't come home?
And how was she going to feel if Trace stayed over tonight?
Casting her mind around for something to say, all Kalli could think about was Trace coming to dinner, staying the night with her again. She felt awkward and unsure around his daughter. Maybe they should take things easier, slower. She was in for the long haul, no need to do everything immediately. And maybe it would show Trace she was here for good. Show him she was interested in a future, not just a fast night in bed.
If she made a friend of his daughter, maybe he'd be a little more flexible in seeing what good could come of a marriage between them. Kalli knew he felt something for her. She only hoped it was enough to build a future on, that it wasn't only lust. She loved him and wanted to spend her life with him, share their lives.
One stumbling block to that sat before her.
"Would you like to go shopping one day? When my ankle's better?" Kalli asked.
Becky looked up, surprised. "I guess so. But aren't you going to be busy? Dad said you were going to have your spring roundup soon."
"Yes, I'll be busy, though how much of the actual work I'll be able to do, I don't know yet. But it won't take forever, then we can steal away one day and go shopping. Jackson seemed to have a lot of stores."
"Yeah. Most of them cater to the tourists, but some of than are really neat." For a moment the spark of enthusiasm flashed through her expression. Then she dropped her gaze. "I'll have to ask my dad and let you know what he says."
"That’s fine. Any time you want."
When Becky left a short while later, Kalli began preparation for dinner. She wanted to take a short nap. She hadn't gotten all that much sleep last night and wanted to be wide awake when Trace arrived. And her ankle was hurting just a little. She knew she should keep off it as much as possible. As soon as everything was ready for dinner, she'd take a quick nap. She had plenty of time before Trace arrived. Just thinking about him had her heart beating faster and the anticipation building.
9
Kalli awoke from her nap refreshed. She took a quick shower and donned a dark green sundress. The thin straps revealed the fading bruise on the back of her left shoulder, but she liked the way it fit and the sexy way she felt wearing it. She didn't wear a bra—the fitted top negated the necessity. Since her ankle was still strapped, she decided to remain barefoot.
Brushing her hair, she let it hang down her back, clipping the sides up in combs. A touch of makeup and she was ready. Scarcely limping, she wandered out to the kitchen. It was almost seven. Checking on everything, she set the big pot of water to boil on the stove and glanced out the window. Trace's truck shimmered in the late afternoon heat. He must have arrived while she was in the shower. Where was he?
"Trace?" She pushed open the screen door and looked in the yard.
"Kalli."
She spun around. He came from the front of the house into the kitchen.
"Hi, when did you get here? I didn't hear you." She smiled and limped over to greet him.
He dropped a light kiss on her lips. He smelled of after-shave, and she drew her fingers against his smooth cheek. Glancing quickly over him, she noted he'd put on fresh clothes, shined his boots. A happy warmth pervaded her. He'd taken care to dress up for her as she had for him. It augured well for the evening.
"I brought you some stockmen's journals, left them on your desk. You can read up on cattle," he said, taking a deep breath. "Something smells good."
"It's dinner. I've had the sauce simmering all day. Sit down and keep me company while I finish. What did you do today?"
"Wait into town to do some banking, checked up on a few things. How about you?"
"I finished on the computer! After dinner you can show me how to run the reports, and tell me what they mean." She glanced sassily over her shoulder. "I want to know everything about the ranch, good and bad."
"Mostly it's a good operation. Philip knew what he was doing."
"Mmm. I bet he never expected me to keep the place. It's been years since I visited. Everything was so hectic in Boston, and I always thought I had plenty of time."
"Would it have made a difference to your coming if you'd known about me, about the offer to purchase?" he asked curiously.
"Nope. I did know. Richard wrote me and called a couple of times to keep me apprised of what was going on. But once I heard the Triple T was mine, I knew I had to come out. I love it here. What kind of dressing do you want on your salad?"
"Italian?"
"Not ranch?" she flirted.
He chuckled. "Italian."
She set the table, served up their plates and soon sank opposite him. Watching anxiously as he took his first bite, she visually relaxed when he smiled and nodded.
"It’s great."
"Thanks. I wanted you to like it."
Dinner was pleasant. During the easy conversation she mentioned Becky's visit and requested his permission to take her shopping.
"To buy what?" he asked, surprised.
>
"Who knows, maybe nothing. We just want to go shopping."
"Now I know you're crazy, but who am I to stand in your way. Go, by all means. I hate shopping myself."
"Mmm, so I heard. She still wants me to leave, did you know that?"
He looked puzzled. "Why? You just said you'd take her shopping."
"She says I take up too much of your time. She knows you stayed last night."
He frowned. "I didn't think she'd find out."
Kalli wanted to ask him if that would make a difference in the future. If that would hinder any thoughts of something between them tonight. But she kept silent. Let him make his own decisions and tell her what he could do.
"Is your ranch suffering because you're helping me out over here?" she asked.
He smiled and shook his head. "Nope. Everything on the Flying Cloud is running fine. We're ahead of you on branding and repairing our fencing. I've got the time to show you what you need to know."
"Tell me more about the roundup," she invited.
He told her what to expect, how Philip had run things in the past. He told her about various roundups he'd been on at his own ranch and at neighbors' spreads. His stories conveyed all the hard work, yet gave insight into the different men who raised cattle. Their mutual love of the land and the west was evident in all his words.
Their conversation ebbed and flowed as they found different topics to explore together. Trace didn't see many movies, unless shown on TV, but he read extensively and they had a lively discussion on the merits of his adventure books versus her favorite westerns.
"Ready for dessert?" she asked, rising to clear their plates.
"Depends on what you're serving," he replied, reaching for her as she came close. Pulling her into his lap, he smiled at her, one hand brushing against her flushed cheeks. She looked so pretty.
"Brownies, what else? Even with giving a bunch to the men, we have lots left. Having had ample evidence of your appetite, I'm sure you have room for a few."
"Saying I eat a lot, short stuff?"
"Stop that or I'll sic my brothers on you."
"And are they as short as you?" he asked, his hands molding her dress against her back, tracing the thin straps on her creamy shoulders.
"They're all big. Especially Tony."
"Should I be afraid? Especially sleeping with their baby sister?"
She laughed. "Sleeping? I don't recall getting much sleep last night."
"Well, there was a certain amount of foreplay before sleep."
"Foreplay? That came before making love. Which came before sleeping." Her eyes were sparkling, her smile infectious.
He paused and looked at her, his heart clutching at her teasing words. Making love. She was right. They had made love. Hell. The last thing he wanted was to fall for this woman, for any woman. The last thing either of them needed was an emotional tie. She'd be leaving soon.
But as he held her, he realized all the reasoning in the world didn't matter. He would not fall in love with the woman. Despite the fact she felt right in his arms. Despite the fact her sunny outlook charmed him, her enthusiasm made him examine his own outlook on the world. Suddenly he realized he didn't want her to leave. He knew she would, but he wished she wouldn't. He wasn't ready to think much beyond the next few days, but he wanted her to be with him during those days. And nights. Then she could return to Boston. He'd be ready then.
"Are you going into a trance?" she asked, puzzled by his expression.
He shook his head and lowered his mouth to hers. Drinking deeply, he kissed her long and leisurely, taking his time, reveling in the sweet sensations that crashed through his body at her touch, at her taste. He lifted her easily and strode toward her bedroom. Time for food had passed, now it was time for love.
Her silky skin heated beneath his touch. Her shiny hair spread across the white pillow like black velvet. Her luminescent eyes gazed up at him trustingly as he petted her, stroked her, made love to her petite body.
He stretched out his loving as long as be could stand it. Bringing her to the brink of the cataclysm over and over, but holding back, cooling her off and starting again. She was frantic with need, but he delayed the final coupling. He never wanted the night to end. He wanted to suspend time, hold the moment forever. He was afraid he would never recover from her loss and yearned for time to stop. To capture and freeze this one moment.
Finally, when neither could endure the tension any longer, be pushed his way home. She was ready, past ready, and didn't hesitate to set a pace that ignited him. In sync with each other as if they'd been lovers for years,
they moved together, pleasure and exquisite sensation that flung them into rapture. Slow, long moments of spiraling sparkles and then it was over, gloriously over. He was fevered and sated. His heart pounded as he tucked her closer, his hands still relishing the feel of her damp body. His breath taking in her scent, memorizing the fragrance that emanated from her alone. He never wanted to move.
"Oh, Trace," she breathed, her chest rising and falling beneath his as she sought air.
He kissed her neck, her soft shoulders. His teeth bit her gently, his tongue soothed the skin his lips never left. She was as sweet as the strawberry scent of her hair, as soft as a baby chick, and as passionate as any man could wish for.
His body craved hers. His soul craved hers. He wanted to lose himself in her and never leave. But he knew better. He had to stay away. If he spent any more time with her, he wouldn't want to let her go. Wouldn't be able to let her go. Then they'd really be in a fix. He couldn't take that kind of pain again. He had to start pulling back to save himself when she left. He'd only known her a few days. He could still pull away.
Rolling over, he lay flat, drawing her with him. They'd have this one night, then he'd cool things off. Back off. Let her stumble around a little more, find out how difficult ranching was. He knew she'd leave, time she learned it, too. Without his help, she'd find out much sooner that she wasn't suited for ranching. She'd be gone by summer's end.
Kalli's heart was still racing. She had never before reached the heights she had tonight. It had been the most exquisite delight to draw so close endless times, only to be denied the final sunburst of pleasure until she thought she would explode. But it had been worth the wait. The summit had been higher than she'd believed possible. Last night had been wonderful. Tonight had been glorious. She snuggled against his hard chest, wanting desperately to stay awake and savor this quiet moment with him. Relish the feel of his hard body, let her fingers smooth over his tight skin, feel his blood pump against his pulse points. But she was exhausted. Her eyes closed and she slept.
***
The next morning Kalli awoke to a warm kiss. She slowly opened her eyes and smiled at Trace.
"Nice way to wake up," she murmured, turning to press her bare chest against his.
"Mmm." It could become addictive, if he'd let it. He had to back off. He'd made the decision last night, now he had to carry it out.
"Why don't you shower and I'll fix breakfast," she said when he made no move to do anything besides hold her.
"Fine. I have a lot to do today."
As she watched him head to the bathroom she wondered if he was more distant than yesterday. Or was she imagining it?
Shrugging, she rose and crossed the hall to the second bathroom, bathing quickly and dressing. Once in the kitchen, she stacked the dinner dishes and ran hot water in the sink. Then she drew out eggs and began to prepare their breakfast. She liked cooking for others. And Trace seemed to appreciate her efforts.
"Have enough?" she asked sometime later as be pushed away his plate and took a last sip of coffee.
"Plenty, thanks."
"Are you going to show me how to print the reports now?" she asked brightly.
There was something wrong. She wasn't sure what, but he was definitely acting differently than yesterday. As if this was the first day they met. Their conversation was almost stilted. Was he not a morning person? Was that a
ll there was to it? No, she'd seen him most mornings at six, and it was after eight now. He'd never behaved this way. Something was wrong, but what?
He hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, let's look at what you've got so I can get going. I've things I have to do today."
She nodded and jumped up. Leading the way to the office, she wanted to tell him she wasn't holding him up. Once she knew how to run the reports and analyze them, she wouldn't need help any more. And the plans were well under way for the roundup. If he didn't want to come over for a few days, it was fine with her. She'd manage just fine.
He sat behind the computer and flipped it on. Typing in various commands, he turned on the printer and sat back. Nothing happened.
He pressed a few more keys. Nothing.
Puzzled, Kalli watched over his shoulder.
"What are you doing?"
"Tying to run the reports. Let me try this." He typed a few more commands. Nothing.
He glanced at her oddly, then typed a few more letters.
"Kalli, there's no data."
"What does that mean?"
"I mean, there's nothing here. I thought you put all the information in."
"I did." A sick feeling hit her. "You mean there's nothing?"
"Did you save it each day like I showed you?"
"Of course."
"Where's the backup disk?"
She looked blank. "What’s a backup disk?"
He sighed and looked at the computer. "Something's wrong. You said you finished inputting all the data, but there's nothing here. The last entry is for December, one I put in when Philip was too sick."
"Nothing I input is there?" God, the hours and hours she'd slaved over the blasted machine, and for nothing? Had she done it wrong?
"How can that be? I followed your instructions perfectly. I input into all the cells just as you showed me. I updated each record just like you showed me. I saved it every day, just like you showed me."
"There's nothing here, Kalli. I'm sorry."
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