The woman could move.
And those movements, witnessing her long jean-clad legs bend and twist with rhythm and grace, sent a shock of desire straight to his groin. Case shifted his stance, seeking comfort, willing his body to calm down, yet he couldn't get enough. Couldn't tear his gaze away from Sarah. Catching Sarah in these unguarded moments only made him want her more. Seeing the real woman, the woman free of worry and fear, the woman full of vitality and life, weakened Case's resolve to keep his distance.
It had been two days since the attempted break-in and since that time, Case had spoken at length with the sheriff, put the ranch hands on guard and secured the house with dead-bolt locks. Sarah hadn't wilted like a desert flower. No, she'd bounced back, full of vinegar, her strength and determination always to be admired.
That was the problem. Case admired her. Was admiring her this very moment, with jiggling breasts and a glossy sheen of moisture on her body. Case stepped into the room and stood behind her. As yet, she hadn't noticed him. He slipped his hand in hers then twirled her. Laughing eyes met his and she giggled as he turned her around and around.
Too soon, the music stopped. She faced him, rosy-cheeked and nearly out of breath. "Morning, Sarah. What's got you in such a happy mood?"
Sarah brushed a strand of hair off her face, attempting to fit the blond lock back into her long ponytail. Bright-eyed, she greeted him. "Good morning to you. I just had the best sleep of my life. The baby slept through the night for the first time."
Case glanced at little Christie's bassinet. He heard gurgling sounds, but didn't investigate. "No kidding?"
"No kidding. She let her mama sleep, like a good baby."
"I bet you promised her the moon."
"Well, just a real good meal, when she's hungry."
Case peered at Sarah's breasts and arched a brow. He wouldn't mind a happy meal, either, he thought wickedly then wondered what the hell was wrong with him. He'd never witnessed anything quite so beautiful as Sarah nursing her baby, yet his mind conjured up one lusty notion after another. Case swore silently, admonishing himself and changed the subject. "You were always a good dancer, darlin'."
Sarah smiled. "I used to dance quite a bit."
With Reid, neither of them mentioned. ' 'You should do it more often."
"If Christie lets me sleep, maybe I will."
Case walked over to her bassinet. Blue eyes, the color of deep waters stared back at him. The baby dressed up in frilly pink, cooed and the soft sound warmed Case's heart. "Morning to you, too, little beauty." And that protective surge once again, reached up and embraced him. He turned to Sarah. "The ranch hands are all on guard. They'll be looking for any signs of danger. The sheriff said that's about all we can do for now. But I've been thinking about setting up an alarm system."
With a quick shake of her head, Sarah disagreed. "We can't afford one, Case. Those systems are expensive."
Case knew Sarah was right. The ranch was struggling, barely making ends meet. Case had the means to earn a lot of money on the rodeo circuit, but that meant leaving Sarah and Christie alone on the ranch. It just wasn't an option.
"The new locks you installed should help." Then with regret in her eyes, Sarah added, "Darn it, Case. This is Barrel Springs, not the big city. We shouldn't have to cage ourselves in like this. It's what I loved most about living here. There's a sense of community. We have neighbors we can trust. We watch out for each other. I just don't understand."
Case walked over to her. Standing close, he wanted to take her into his arms and whisper words of reassurance. He wanted to take all the worries off her mind and tell her he'd protect her with his life. "It's the Beckman Corporation, Sarah. They're the intruders. Once we get them out of here, things will go back to normal."
Sarah's shoulders slumped. "I suppose, but you shouldn't have to put your life on hold. I know you're only staying home at night because of the baby and me. That's not fair to you."
She was right. He was staying home because of her, but not out of obligation. There wasn't a woman on this earth he'd rather spend time with, wasn't a place around he'd prefer. "Maybe this is where I want to be."
Sarah searched his eyes for the truth. He could see her indecision, the silent battle she waged to believe him. Trust didn't come easily to Sarah. She'd had years of practice, not trusting him. "Josie called again last night and some woman named Tilly from Denver."
Case ran a hand down his face. "Sarah, Tilly's an old friend. She's married to Drew Barnett. He runs the rodeo out of Denver. And Josie's got to get the message that I'm not interested."
"Aren't you?" she said, moving to get past him.
He took a step to block her way. "No. I told you before, I'm not interested."
Sarah sighed and nodded. When Christie complained, they both knew the conversation was over. "I'd better take her upstairs and feed her. Sorry I didn't get breakfast done, but the coffee is made."
"It's okay," he said. "I'll fix something for myself."
Once she'd picked up Christie and left the room, Case couldn't help but grin. Sarah had been jealous. And she'd worried about him the other night. Rare and unexpected hope surged through him. If Sarah had feelings for him, he definitely wanted to know.
The next afternoon, with Christiana napping, Sarah got out her favorite scented body gel and anticipated a leisurely shower, a chance to pamper her body with a relaxing soak. She undressed quickly and stepped into the shower, the warming flow of water hitting her skin, bringing with it a soothing balm. She took pleasure in coating her body with gel and rinsing clean, only to do it all over again. A sigh escaped, a release of tension, as she relished the sheer luxury of time new mothers often didn't get a chance to enjoy. But Sarah knew she had to be economical with her time. Babies were unpredictable. Just when Sarah thought Christiana would nap, she didn't and when the baby seemed like she was ready to be entertained, she'd nod off. After five weeks they were still learning about each other with every day being an entirely new experience.
Shutting off the water, Sarah towel-dried her hair and listened for the baby. All was quiet. She took a minute to breathe deeply, slowing her pace now that she was certain the baby still slept. She belted a silk wrapper and ambled to the nursery. Immediate panic surfaced when she found the crib empty. "Christiana!"
Sarah raced to her room. No signs of baby. Then she ran into Case's room, stopping up short at the scene before her.
Christiana lay peacefully on the bed in the crook of Case's arms, her slumbering breaths slow and easy. The picture they made together brought sweet tears to her eyes. Both appeared to be napping, big strong Case and tiny little Christie succumbing to an afternoon siesta. A smile surfaced that Sarah couldn't contain. She watched the two of them sleep, wishing for one moment that she could join them on Case's bed. Temptation seeped in and Sarah realized what an inviting vision they made.
Sweet and innocent. Two words she never thought to associate with Case Jarrett, yet there he was handsome as ever, looking as sweet and innocent as her daughter.
Sarah stepped out of the bedroom, leaving them to their nap. She entered her room and headed for the closet to pick out clean clothes. The afternoon shower had been a result of getting off to a late start today, with Christiana fussing all morning. Bobbi Sue mentioned little Mo having had growth spurts, and Sarah figured that was the cause of her daughter's mood earlier. Christiana seemed hungrier, needing more nourishment than ever before.
"Sarah?"
She turned at the sound of Case's voice. Standing just outside her door, he greeted her with a sexy smile. Sleep tousled and hazy-eyed, he entered the room. Sarah found herself backing up, pressing against the closet door, her heart racing. Case didn't appear sweet and innocent anymore. He looked far too appealing and infinitely too dangerous for a lonely woman wearing not much of anything.
"The baby's asleep in my room. I heard your shower running when she was crying, and figured you could use the break. I gu
ess we both dozed off." A crooked smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
"I know," she offered, hugging tight her wrapper. "I walked in on the two of you napping."
Case took a leisurely tour of Sarah's body, piercing her with a look that curled her toes. "You should have joined us."
The minute he said the words, Case's mind flashed an image of Sarah lying next to him on his bed. He was fully awake now, in instant alert mode and completely taken by the woman haunting his dreams. Pure male instinct told him that Sarah wore nothing underneath that silky wrapper. Moisture pooled at the tips of her breasts, jutting the material out, outlining the fullness, the pebble hard peaks. His body grew hard immediately and his mind worked overtime imagining pulling at the ties of that silk robe she wore. "I...wasn't dressed."
"I can see that," he offered honestly, and what he did see through that light robe made him ache for her all the more.
"Oh." She drew in her lower lip. "You look pretty in blue, Sarah. Brings out all the sparkle in your eyes." He took a step closer, his eyes locked with hers. When he reached her, he extended his arm to lift a strand of her hair and study the golden lights he found there. ‘‘You were wearing blue the night of the prom." He probed her for an answer. "Do you remember?"
Sarah nodded, her beautiful blue eyes lifting to his. "I never forgot, either, darlin'." "Case, it'd be better if we didn't talk about it." "I agree," he whispered, his hand caressing the softness of her cheek, "no more talking." He bent his head, looked deep into her eyes then claimed her mouth with crushing passion. And a profound buried hunger emerged instantly within him.
He grasped her waist and yanked her up against the solid strength of him. Sarah let out a little pleasured sound and wrapped her arms around his neck. He ran his hands through her hair, his fingers weaving, tugging, urging, as he blistered her with endless kisses.
"God Sarah, I could never forget you," he uttered urgently, then drove his tongue into her mouth. Sweet sensations poured in, blasting him with heat and desire and wiping clean any memory Case might have had of other women. Sarah was the only woman for him.
And Case knew Sarah had feelings for him, too. She just wouldn't admit them, but the way her body trembled told him all he needed to know. She would have stumbled if he hadn't had such a powerful hold on her.
He kissed her boldly, intimately, tempering his passion with gentle thunder. And when kissing her wasn't enough, Case moved his kisses down her throat, moistening, caressing and licking, his mouth traveling on a sensual journey. The anticipation of what was to come had Case's mind reeling. With expert finesse, Case parted the soft silk of her wrapper, exposing the deep valley of her breasts. She arched toward him, a willing victim to his assault.
Loud boisterous cries from the other room, echoed against the walls. Sarah stilled instantly. Case, too, stopped and lifted his head to listen.
"It's the baby," she whispered needlessly.
Case let out a deep breath.
"I'd better go to her."
Case nodded and took a step back. As she moved to pass him, he tugged on her belt, freeing the material. The wrapper parted down the middle, tempting him, but Case only looked deep into her eyes. "This isn't finished," he said.
Sarah shot him a glance, her eyes filled with regret. "It has to be," she said, and at the moment Case knew by the look of reproach on her sweet face that she'd meant it.
Case cursed his bad luck once again, falling for his brother's girl.
Eight
Sarah couldn't believe her eyes. Within the span of twenty-four hours, she'd spoken with her sister on the phone, picked her up from the airport and now sat facing her with the late afternoon sun streaming through the kitchen window. "I can't believe you're really here."
Delaney smiled, holding her new niece in her arms, her eyes glowing with warmth. "I couldn't wait to see the baby, Sarah. I had to come. This little girl," she said, gazing down at Christiana, "is just about the sweetest baby in the entire world."
Sarah smiled, too, and her heart filled with joy. She'd been so confused lately, struggling to keep a handle on her place here at the Triple R. Just when she'd thought she had it all figured out, Case Jarrett would do something to shake up her world.
Yesterday's kiss, for one, had been so darn unexpected. Maybe if she'd had fair warning, she'd have stopped it from ever happening. Yet, last night while trying to sleep her mind conjured up images of Case, the warmth of his lips, the heat of his body, the fiery passion that had been simmering beneath. Sarah had felt all those things, too. She'd secretly wanted more from him. He'd made her feel things she hadn't felt in such a long time.
But Sarah knew her reaction to him came from loneliness. She hadn't been held by a man, for a long time. She hadn't been kissed so expertly, either. That's all that it was, a longing that she'd been denied since the death of her husband. And now that Delaney was here, she could put all that behind her. Her sister would be the distraction she needed. For a few days, at least, she wouldn't have to deal with Case Jarrett and the power of his kisses.
"I'm so glad you came now." Unintentional desperation lingered in Sarah's voice. She hoped Delaney hadn't picked up on it. She really needed her sister here, to keep her sane, to keep her from thinking about Case and how his presence in the house had been affecting her lately. Getting involved with him would be a disaster. There was just too much at stake. Delaney held the best reason of all, tenderly in her arms at the moment.
"Now?"
"Yes, well, you know, because of Gram's birthday and all." That was partly the truth. It was the anniversary of her grandmother's birthday. And the beloved, slightly eccentric woman made them promise not to grieve for her on her birthday, but rather to go out on the town. Of course, going out on the town for Sarah and Delaney usually meant dinner and a movie, but somehow, the two of them felt they were carrying out their grandmother's wishes.
"Oh, yeah. It did work out perfectly, didn't it?"
"And you brought the brooch?" Sarah asked, knowing Delaney wouldn't forget such an important component to their yearly ritual.
‘‘Of course. Jeez, I haven't worn it since we did this last year."
"I haven't worn my ring, either. I used to wear it on my wedding anniversaries."
Delaney reached for her hand. "And you wore it on the day you were married. I'm sorry, honey."
"Only happy occasions, Gram used to say. So, no being sorry, okay?"
Delaney smiled, a quick flash that reminded Sarah of their younger days, when they'd get themselves in a pickle and Delaney would find a way out. "Sure."
"I'll wear it tomorrow when we visit Gram's grave and have our day together. That's what Gram wanted, for us to be together."
"Happy times, only." Delaney winked. "We'll have us a real good time tomorrow."
"Yeah, Gram would like that."
Florie Barnes Johnston, their grandmother, had led quite a life. The daughter of a wealthy oilman, she'd run away from home to marry Sarah's grandfather. There'd been bad blood between the families and Florie had been cut off from the family funds. But she'd been happy with Henry Johnston, blissfully happy and never regretted her decision to become his wife. She'd come away from all that wealth with only two things of value. Delaney owned one, a diamond and emerald brooch, dating back over one hundred years. And Sarah owned the mate, a ring made of similar square-cut emeralds and diamonds. Both were exquisite and both were treasured, the inheritance being more about the love they'd had for the woman who'd helped to raise them, than about the actual monetary value.
The baby's cries brought Sarah back to the present. Delaney handed her over. "She wants her mommy. Feeding time."
"Yes, she's a growing girl."
Sarah unbuttoned her shirt and gently placed the baby to her breast. Suckling sounds resounded in the room and Delaney laughed. "She's a hearty one."
Sarah glanced at the blue-eyed treasure in her arms. "I'm so grateful for that."
De
laney shook her head. "I still can't believe that Case delivered her in your car. You must have been so scared."
Sarah became thoughtful. "I was, at first. But Case was wonderful about it. He kept assuring me that it was going to be all right. He held my hand when I needed him, and after a while, I just placed all my trust in him. We delivered her together."
"We are talking about Case Jarrett, the man you can't stand. The man who, who—"
"I never said I can't stand him," Sarah said, her voice elevating. "Where did you get such a notion?"
Delaney's eyes bugged out. "Are you forgetting what he put you through when you were kids? And what about what he did to you the night of your prom?''
"We were so young then, Del."
‘‘Are you defending him?'' An incredulous tone came into her sister's voice.
Sarah sat back and glanced down at her daughter. "I'm grateful to him. He's been good to Christiana and me. That's all I'm saying."
A gleam brightened Delaney's eyes. "You're living with him now. This might prove interesting."
"Wrong. We're living in the same house. There is a difference." At least that's what Sarah kept telling herself. Yet, often her mind would drift off, and she'd daydream about Case, about being in his arms, about the thrilling sensations he evoked from her with just a look or that darn killer smile or a wildly wicked kiss.
Delaney sat contemplating, which in Sarah's estimation could be a dangerous thing. "Hmm. I think there's more to it than that," Delaney stated point-blank.
Sarah admonished her sister quickly. "Oh, no. Don't you even let that thought cross your mind."
The problem was, those thoughts had not only crossed Sarah's mind, but they were beginning to take up permanent residence there.
"He may not be my idea of the perfect man, Sarah, but he's sexy as hell."
A flash of heat burned Sarah's cheeks. She couldn't deny her sister's allegation. More so now than ever before, Sarah had begun to realize just how appealing Case Jarrett was...in the flesh. Sarah flinched inwardly and shook that thought off.
The Heart of a Cowboy Page 9