She loved the tour of the ranch. It was exactly the vivid picture of ranch life Channing had painted—if the typical ranch had a bowling alley, min-golf course, general store, and race track. It was a city all its own, and she could see why he liked living there. He got a call from his brother J.J. as soon he opened the door to the guesthouse, so she decided to roam around while he talked business. His home was spacious. The kitchen had the latest appliances and a mahogany and marble center island. The living room had rich, tan leather couches, a bookcase that covered an entire wall, and a huge television above the fireplace.
Channing had been quite an avid reader back in law school. It was no surprise he had books on various topics in his personal library. There were several books on cancer on the shelves, including a medical dictionary. She quickly flipped through a book that lay open on his coffee table to see he’d dog eared some of the pages and highlighted some of the text. She put it back where she found it. She didn’t want to think about that today.
Cassidy opened the terrace door to get a closer look at the garden. Roses, lilacs, tulips, and marigolds lay in a circular pattern. A stone path led from the guesthouse to the center of the garden, where a sitting area was staged. The path continued its trek to the terrace door of the main house.
“That’s my mama’s pride and joy, aside from her kid and grandkids.” He came up behind her and put his arms around her waist.
“What a precise display of color.”
“I thought you’d like that.”
“What’s going on over there?” She pointed to some freshly turned soil.
“She plants new flowers every time there’s a new addition to the family. She finally settled on what she wants to plant for Matt and Jack.”
“That’s so sweet.” She clasped her hands together.
“Let’s finish the tour.” He took her hand, led her back inside, and got her bags. He led her down the hallway to the first bedroom. “This is your room. It has its own bathroom.”
“Thanks.” She coughed. “Where’s your bedroom?”
“Right there.” He pointed further down the hall.
“Huh.”
“Listen, I don’t want you to think I have any expectations. I invited you here because I wanted to show you my home and the great state of Texas. We can move as fast or slow as you like.” He caressed her face.
“Thank you.” Wasn’t he the sweetest man on the planet?
“I’ll let you get settled. We’re having dinner with my folks at six o’clock.”
“Your folks?” she stammered.
“They can’t wait to meet you.”
She knew when he invited her to the ranch that his whole family lived there. It would be impossible not to run into some of them. But meeting his parents felt like a pretty big step. What exactly had he told them about her?
She was falling for him and fighting it. Maybe it hadn’t been a good idea to come to the ranch. She tried talking to her support group friends, but they just pooh-poohed her apprehensions and encouraged her not to overthink it. She worried about intimacy with him. What if she wasn’t able to be with him in that way? He was a healthy, gorgeous man who could have any woman he wanted, and there was one waiting in the wings. If she couldn’t have a physical relationship with him, would he find Emma appealing again? What kind of future could she offer him?
“OK. In that case I’m going to take a nap. I want to look my best.”
“Too late. You already look great.”
* * *
Channing knew she was nervous when she changed clothes three times in ten minutes. After she came out of the bedroom with a pretty green blouse and a pair of jeans, he grabbed her hand so she couldn’t go back and change.
“What do you think?”
“You look gorgeous.”
“Wait, I have to put on shoes.”
He looked down at her feet, but all he could see was her pretty pink-painted toes poking out of her flip-flops. “Those are fine.”
“Men,” she huffed. “I’m not meeting your parents in slacker flip-flops. I’ll just be a minute. I promise I won’t change the outfit.”
She came back as promised in a couple of minutes, and they headed off through the garden.
“So is there anything I shouldn’t talk about in front of your folks?”
“What do you mean?”
“Do they have any strict religious or political views?”
“Well, Daddy thinks it’s a sin not to barbecue on Sundays.”
She swatted his arm. “That’s not what I was walking about.”
He put his arm around her shoulders. “Relax. My parents are pretty laid-back people. Just a few months ago Daddy was in the hospital because he and Mama were foolin’ around in the kitchen and something went awry.”
“Good for them. They’re proof that romance is eternal.”
He could smell burgers and chicken cooking on the grill. He followed the path leading around the house to find Teri-Lyn setting the table.
“You two are just in time. Welcome Cassidy, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” Teri-Lyn gave them both a hug.
“It’s nice to meet you too.” Cassidy smiled.
“We have a big menu tonight. John Jacob has a ton of meat on the grill, and I made a few salads. C.J. tells me you love avocado, so I made some guacamole.”
Cassidy’s eyes lit up. “I love guacamole.”
“And he said you had a sweet tooth.”
“I do, but I’ve been trying to cut back.”
“Then I guess you don’t want any of the chocolate raspberry cake I made for dessert?”
Cassidy laughed. “I guess I could cheat a little on my diet.”
“Diet?” Teri-Lyn took her hand. “You’re a tiny little thing. You need some meat on those bones.”
Channing watched as Teri-Lyn hustled Cassidy into the house.
“Hey, Daddy. You need any help?”
“Take a look at that salmon and tell me if it looks right to you.”
Channing punctured the parchment paper to find the salmon garnished with a lemon wedge and dill. It looked done, so he put it on one of the platters next to the grill. “This is new. I thought you were a catfish kind of guy.”
“Your mama thought Cassidy might like it.” He pointed to Michelle’s cookbook, The Novel Foodie Cooks, on the table. “Michelle has some pretty tasty recipes in there.”
“She cooks up a storm. I don’t see how Tyler isn’t gaining any weight.”
“Don’t you now?” John Jacob raised an eyebrow.
Channing’s cheeks flushed. “That’s one way of keeping the weight off.”
“Looks like your bad luck with women is just about over. Cassidy is as pretty as you described and more.”
“What have you done with my father?”
“My grandbabies are healthy and your mama told me today I looked more handsome than the day we met. That’s all a man like me really needs. Did you tell her how you feel?”
The man was always reading his mind. He was bursting to tell her he was falling in love with her, but he didn’t want to scare her off. “Not yet.”
His father laughed. “You might as well tell her; your heart is already on your sleeve.”
“It is?”
“Wear it proudly, son.” John Jacob touched the tip of his Stetson. “Now ask the ladies to join us.”
* * *
Cassidy enjoyed the evening with Channing’s parents. She could see why he loved home so much. There was a sense of peacefulness there that she’d never experienced before.
His mother was sweet and loving and very attentive to her family. John Jacob was charismatic and had an electric personality. Channing was right—his dad did look like a throwback to the rough riding, devilishly handsome cowboys of the Old West.
They cuddled on the couch when they returned to the guesthouse and talked before retiring for the night. He didn’t make any moves, although it was a perfect setting for romance.
As
she drifted off to sleep in the comfort of his strong arms, she hoped he wasn’t rethinking this budding romance. It felt too damn good being with him.
* * *
When Channing said he was taking her someplace scenic and serene for lunch, she had no idea he was taking her some place as beautiful as the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio. As soon as they ascended the steps leading up to the Jingu House and took a seat at the outside café, she fell in love with her surroundings.
“Everything sounds so tasty. What’s good?” she asked as she perused the menu.
“The wraps are good. I think I’ll have the spicy beef and the mixed greens house salad.”
“Good combo.” She bit her lip. “I’m going to try the Jingu House Bento Box. Then we can sample each other’s meals.”
“I’ll place our orders.”
They ate lunch then roamed around the garden, taking in the beautiful paths leading to water formations and beautiful foliage. Some of the walkways were kind of narrow, so Channing took her hand and carefully led her around. Cassidy took tons of pictures with her cell phone, and after an hour of exploring they decided to rest for a bit. Channing smiled when she sat on the bench as close as she could to him and held his hand.
“This place is lovely. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“You’re very welcome.” He gave her a kiss on the temple.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Was Emma your first love?” It had been on her mind, a lot. Now seemed like a good time to ask.
“I don’t want to talk about Emma.”
She shrugged. “She came all the way to DC to surprise you. It just sounds like the two of you aren’t over.”
“But I can assure you that’s not how I feel.” He caressed her hand. “Can I ask you a question?”
“We’re sitting on the bench of truth.” She laughed and patted the bench. “Let it rip.”
“When you were diagnosed, why didn’t you and tell me?”
“I was diagnosed two days after we went out. We’d had such a nice time that day. I wanted one more date with you before knowing my life would never be the same.”
“Did you think I wouldn’t understand and be supportive?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I needed some time to process it all. I didn’t know how I would change and if you’d see me in a different light.”
“You think I’m only attracted to you physically?”
She shrugged again. “You always commented on pretty I was.”
“And smart and kind and giving. I’m not going to pretend I don’t think you’re gorgeous. But I’m also not so shallow that I don’t see other wonderful things in you.”
“Do you know how early I have to get up to look half decent these days? Before, it didn’t take much effort, some lip gloss and mascara and I was fine. And I hate feeling so superficial about it all. I know there’s more to a person than their looks.”
“I’ve always seen the real you. Then. Now.” Channing lifted his hand to tuck a stray hair behind her ear, but she instinctively blocked it.
“I filled my mushy quota for the day. Let’s see what’s over there.” She stood and pulled him up too.
* * *
Cassidy’s eyes were fixed on the sun setting over a ridge as they drove down the main road leading to the ranch. Channing pulled onto the side of the road, a few miles before the entrance so they could enjoy it.
“I’ve never seen the sun so bright before. It’s almost looks like a hallucination.” Cassidy peered out the window with a hand shading her eyes.
“My dad said that’s why he bought this land. He said looking at my mama and this sunset were his two favorite things to do.”
“It is a magnificent view.”
She looked at him, sitting there with his Stetson pushed back on his head. He was sexy and charming, but there was a sense of comfort and peace that she was drawn to as well. If they’d only met today she probably wouldn’t believe he’d been to a city in years. They teased him in DC about his accent, but she could see how the landscape around them was just as much of a part of him as he was of it. He was the perfect blending of all those contrasts. Handsome, rugged, sophisticated, and witty, and she loved it.
Cassidy planted a sweet kiss on his lips. “Thank you for a wonderful day.”
He winked at her. “It’s not over yet. We’re going on an adventure.”
She knew the layout well enough to know he was headed to the stables. When they arrived, Channing helped her out of the truck. Rowdy came running up to her and wanted to play.
“Rowdy, give Cassie some space,” Channing drawled and rubbed the pooch on the head.
“You know they say that dogs can sense cancer in people? I watched a documentary about how canines can detect certain diseases in humans.” She smiled and scratched under Rowdy’s chin.
“Rowdy has a thing for pretty women.”
Clyde, the ranch hand, appeared with Channing’s horse and one for Cassidy.
“Cassie, I’d like to meet my horse Patches.” Channing gave the horse a good, firm rub.
“Hi, Patches, you are a beautiful horse.” She waved at the stallion but didn’t attempt to touch him.
“It’s OK. He’s friendly.” Channing took her hand, placed it on the horse, and moved along its side.
“I like horses, but they look so intimidating. I’m scared I’ll spook him or something.”
“You’ll be riding his companion, Indigo. She’s a mild horse. We’re teaching the boys how to ride her.”
“I can’t do it. I’ve ridden a horse twice in my life and humiliated myself both times. I was the only kid who screamed on pony rides.”
“What is it about horses that makes you so skittish?” He chuckled.
“They’re so big and imposing. Just like their owner.”
“Me, big and imposing? I’m a little ol’ cuddly teddy bear.” Channing pulled her closer to him.
“You play the mild-mannered baby of the family bit pretty well. But I don’t believe it for a second.”
“Oh, really now? Then who is the real Channing Blake?”
“Trouble in a nice suit.” She played with the button on his shirt.
Channing looked at her for what seemed like an eternity. “What do I have to do to get you to ride this horse?”
“Nothing. I’ll scream so loud I’ll wake up your nephews.” She shook her head.
“OK, we’ll ride together.”
Channing asked Clyde to put Indigo back in her stall. He helped her onto Patches then mounted the horse himself. The feel of his strong body behind hers made her feel immediately at ease. He showed her how to control the reins with a few movements, and when she was ready, they began a slow, steady pace down the road.
He pointed out some of the places he’d had adventures as a child and told stories about growing up on the ranch. She could imagine him frolicking with his brothers, enjoying the slow pace of country life. Soon she felt so relaxed she closed her eyes, enjoying the rhythm of the horse’s stride. She wanted to feel closer to him, to be intimate. She wanted to explore his body.
“We’re back. See, that wasn’t so bad,” Channing whispered into her ear, and the stubble on his cheek created a sensual friction against her skin.
“No, it wasn’t.” She turned her head so she could look into his eyes. “Want to go back to your place and make out?”
“Hell yeah.”
* * *
He didn’t want to seem too enthusiastic, but driving back to the guesthouse at fifty miles an hour wasn’t exactly his smoothest move. He’d read the chapters on sex and intimacy in a few of the books he’d bought, and he listened to the stories of the men in the support group he attended. Cassidy was the driver tonight in their sensual activity; she needed to know she could be comfortable and vulnerable with him.
When they got in the house he guided her to the living room and sat her down. He turned on the radio and found a station
that was playing soft love ballads. He turned to go into the kitchen, but she grabbed his arm.
“Hey, this doesn’t have to be perfect.”
“Yes, it does.” He caressed her cheek.
“OK.” She looked around the room. “I’ll get the refreshments. Is there something else you have to do?”
“I’m headed to the bedroom.”
Channing opened his closet and retrieved a pink bag from the top shelf. When he came back into the living room, Cassidy had lit some candles and had every pillow in the room on the floor, making a makeshift fort. She handed him a glass of ice tea.
“A toast to new beginnings.” She clicked her glass with his.
“I have something for you.”
Cassidy’s eyes grew wide as she perused the contents of the bag. It was filled with moisturizers, jell lubricants and condoms.
“You certainly did your homework.”
“This is your first time since…”
“Yes.” She let out a nervous giggle.
“We can take things slow. Let me know if I’m doing anything you don’t like. And we can stop at any time you’re feeling vulnerable.”
“Channing?”
“Yes?”
“Shut up and kiss me.” She smiled.
He leaned in a pressed his lips gently against hers. Kissing those soft full lips was the most natural thing in the world to him. He nipped at her lower lip to get her to open her mouth, and when she did, he thrust his tongue inside.
Channing fumbled with the buttons on her blouse. He pulled her down onto the fort she made and covered her body with his. He moved his hand up her thigh and caressed her through the cotton panties she wore. He squeezed some of the jell onto his fingers and parted her legs. Cassidy gasped as he took his time applying the jell, rubbing a thumb over her clit.
Tempting Fate (The Blake Boys Book 9) Page 8