by SJ McCoy
He knew what she meant. He smiled. “I am. In fact I don’t think I should be disappointing you for much longer.”
His mom looked thrilled.
“You don’t think I’m nuts for moving so fast?”
“No, Shane I don’t. In fact I’ve been wondering what’s taking you so long.”
~ ~ ~
Cassidy sat out on the deck with a glass of wine waiting for Shane to come home. She’d finally managed to talk to Summer this afternoon. It sounded as though she’d had a rough time of it with Autumn at first, but they had sorted things out. At least about the story that had run in the local paper. It seemed that Summer had backed down over the future and where her career was going. Cassidy understood that she didn’t want to leave her sister in the lurch, but she had to put herself first in her own life. If she didn’t want to sing anymore, she needed to be honest about it. And the sooner she was, the sooner Autumn could start figuring out what she was going to do next.
She took a sip of her wine. She needed to stop trying to solve other people’s problems and focus on her own life. And life was good. She loved this place, she loved her work here, and most of all, she loved Shane. He was the partner she’d never thought she’d find. An equal, who not only didn’t resent her strength, but admired it. She was realizing with him that true equality wasn’t about two people who were both strong all of the time and who vied for supremacy. It was about two people who could each be strong when the other needed it. Two people who were confident enough in themselves and each other to allow themselves to be vulnerable. She smiled. That was them.
She stood up when she heard his truck coming up the driveway. It was funny, so many trucks came and went all the time with the guys working on the yard, but she knew and could distinguish the sound of Shane’s big, red Tundra from the rest of them. She went to greet him at the front door.
“Hey, Princess. I missed you.”
He closed his arms around her and she melted into him. Did she want to do this every day for the rest of their lives? Hell, yeah, she did. She looked up into his eyes. “I missed you, too. This place doesn’t feel like home without you in it anymore.”
There was something odd about the way he smiled back at her. “Do you want to keep me around then?”
She laughed. “Of course, I do.” It was stupid but Katie’s words came back to haunt her. “Why have you had enough already? Has the novelty worn off?”
He frowned. “No and it never will. You’re stuck with me, if you want me.”
“So what’s the weird vibe you’re giving off?”
He smiled. “You got me. I guess I’m just a little weirded out. We had a family meeting today. Mom and Dad are stepping back from running the ranch. They want Mason and Gina to move into the main house when they get married. They’ve given Chance the cabin since they assume that I have left the ranch and won’t ever be moving back.”
She studied his face. “And you’re weirded out because you’re thinking it’s either me or homelessness?”
He held her closer. “I’m weirded out because I’m fine with it, but it kind of feels like I’m dumping myself on you whether you want me or not.”
“Well, I do want you. So you’ve got no worries.”
“I don’t want to be just your boy toy though.”
She laughed. “Aww. What else am I supposed to do with you?”
He hugged her to his chest. “Actually I’m not sure. Maybe we should practice that bit first?”
“How about we practice that bit later? I’m starving and I’ve been waiting for you to get home.”
He followed her through to the kitchen, still looking thoughtful.
“What is it?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I kind of feel as though I’m putting you in a tough position. That you might be getting more than you bargained for. I mean this, me living here with you, it started out as just a dare. Would you back out of it if you wanted to?”
This was new. A thoughtful Shane seeking reassurance—and looking out for her into the bargain. “I don’t want to. You’re right, it did start out as a dare, but only because we could see we had something worth gambling on. It looks to me as though we’re onto a winner. And besides it’s not as though you’re throwing yourself at my feet and asking for charity. If we don’t work out, it’s not like you’d have nowhere else to go.”
He nodded. “I know. On the practical side it’s no big deal, but somehow it feels as though it is a big deal. I feel like I’m making myself vulnerable here, and I’m okay with it. I just need to know that you are, too.”
She nodded. “I’m more than okay with it. I love it. I love you. But we seem to be doing an awful lot of talking about it. How about we just get on with living it and having fun?” It wasn’t like either of them to get into deep and meaningful conversation for too long. But more than that, she kept having this crazy urge to just come right out and ask him. This conversation was giving her too many opportunities to do it. And she didn’t want to ask him yet. She wasn’t sure that she should at all. That really would be a challenge to a man’s ego wouldn’t it? “How about we go out for dinner tonight? Take me to Pine Creek? I haven’t been there yet.”
He nodded. “Whatever you say, Princess.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Over the next few days things finally settled down into an easy routine. Shane got up early and brought Cassidy a cup of coffee in bed before he left for the ranch. He spent most of his days working down there—not making nearly so many trips up to town as he had been doing since he met her. She went into the gallery most days and business really seemed to be picking up for her. He was glad to see it. She was happy and animated whenever she talked about her work and where she and Gina were going with it.
Carter settled back into his quiet ways. He was still working at Cassidy’s and he’d even joined them for dinner one night. He’d come out of himself a little and had gone as far as to say that he wished things had been different for him and Summer. Shane had kicked Cassidy under the table when she’d started to reassure him that Summer would be back. He didn’t know what Carter would do if she did return, but he didn’t want his brother’s hopes raised. Or worse, he didn’t want him to take off again.
Last night, Chance had come over. Shane loved the way he and Cassidy got along. He was just as relaxed around her as he was around the brothers. At least Shane thought it was that. Or maybe that he was more relaxed altogether since his trip to Summer Lake. Shane hoped so.
It seemed that life was setting into a pattern he very much enjoyed. So much so that he was starting to get antsy about it. He knew he wanted to make this permanent, and he was pretty certain that Cassidy did, too. He had no qualms about their living situation. Yeah, he was living in her house, but that was fine by him. He was contributing. If she wanted, he’d buy half, make them equal partners. If she didn’t, well that was okay, too. He was comfortable with it however she wanted to handle it.
Tonight they were heading out to meet Mason and Gina for dinner. He was really looking forward to it. It was hard to believe that he and his big brother had come so far in such a short amount of time. Not so long ago, Friday night would have seen the two of them heading out to Chico. They’d have been on the lookout for a couple of girls to spend the night with. Now they were going to the Valley Lodge, with a couple of girls—girls they wanted to spend the rest of the lives with!
He was about done at the ranch for the day and decided to take a quick walk through the barn before he left. As he walked down the aisle between the stalls, he smiled. He loved it out here, the familiar smells and sounds of the horses set him at ease. He stopped to have a quick chat with his old friend Cookie. Someday soon he wanted to get Cassidy out on him again. Every time he’d tried to get her out into the backcountry, get her used to being out there, and feeling confident about whatever they might run across, something had come up to cut it short. They’d had to come back that first time they’d gone out camping. The second
time, Summer’s call about the story in the newspaper had stopped them. Maybe he should try for third time lucky this weekend. If they did make it he knew that Cookie would play a big part, taking care of Cassidy while at the same time building her confidence just by being who he was.
He turned at the sound of footsteps approaching.
“Shane?”
Katie? What the hell was she doing out here? The sight of her told him what she had in mind. She was wearing a little white dress, under a jean jacket. The neckline was cut so low she was in danger of jiggling out of it. She was doing a lot of jiggling as she walked toward him in knee-high cowboy boots with ridiculous heels on them. There was an awful lot of thigh displayed between the top of those boot and the hem of her dress. He looked her up and down wondering what the hell she thought she was playing at. Well, he knew that. It was the same outfit she’d worn to Chico one night. He’d brought her back here afterward. Why would she think he wanted to recreate that? Why, when she knew he was with Cassidy and they’d both made it very clear that they intended to stay together?
She smiled at him, all pink lipstick and perfect white teeth.
“What do you want, Katie?”
“To remind you how much fun we have out here, Shane.”
He shook his head. “We did have fun. I won’t deny it. But not anymore. I’m with Cassidy.”
She stepped closer, undeterred. “Yeah, but she doesn’t have to know, does she? One woman has never been enough for you. You like variety.”
He shook his head. “I used to. Not anymore.”
She laughed and came to stand right in front of him, smiling up at him. “That’s not true. You’re just scared you might get caught. You’re a fool though. She’s still screwing around. Why can’t you?”
He was not going to rise to that. He knew better. Guy had already tried playing that card. “Just go home, Katie. This is crazy. We had some good times together, but we’re done. I’ve moved on, and I’m happy. I wish you all the best, and I hope you’ll find the same.”
Her smile faded. It was amazing how quickly the sweet little girl face turned into an angry bitter woman. She reached into her purse and pulled out a belt—his belt! He’d been wondering where that had gone for months now. “I was going to give this back to you after we got done here.” She waved it in front of his face. “Now, I think I’ll keep it.”
He gave her a puzzled look. If keeping his belt was some kind of vengeance that made her feel better then so be it. She could have it. “Fair enough. You keep it.” He checked his watch. “But I really have to get going. I meant what I said Katie, I wish you all the best.”
The look she gave him made the little hairs on the back of his neck stand up. “You’re going to regret this, Shane.” She turned and tottered away.
Shane turned back to Cookie who head-butted his shoulder. “What did I ever see in her?” he asked. Yes he used to have fun in the sack with her, but damn. She wasn’t a nice person. It made him wonder what kind of person he had been that he hadn’t been able to see that.
He wasn’t about to take her warning lightly. He knew she’d be out to make trouble for him. He headed for his truck. He needed to get home in a hurry now if he and Cassidy were going to make it to dinner on time. As he pulled out onto East River Road he decided he needed to tell Cassidy about Katie’s little visit. She needed to know that Katie would be out to make trouble for them.
When he got back to the house, Cassidy was already showered and changed. She smiled and looped her arms up around his neck to kiss him. “We’re cutting it fine, but you’ve still got time for a quick shower if you hurry.”
He pecked her lips and ran upstairs, grateful that she wasn’t the kind to ask why he was so late or to give him ear-ache for it.
Twenty minutes later they were in the truck and headed up the valley. He forgot all about Katie and her threats while Cassidy told him about Summer. She’d talked to her this afternoon, and she was planning on coming back on Monday. Apparently she’d been to see her doctor and he had recommended that she take at least three months to rest her voice. Cassidy was hoping that would be enough time for her to decide what she really wanted to do. And that it would give Autumn time to figure out what she would do if Summer wasn’t going to sing anymore.
“So, is there a possibility that she won’t be able to sing again, even if she decides she wants to?” he asked.
Cassidy nodded. “I didn’t realize how serious it was, but I talked to Autumn today as well. Apparently she was so upset about the newspaper article, not because she was worried about her own career, but because she thought Summer was admitting defeat already. She thought Summer was buying a house and finding a man because she was afraid her singing days were over—whether she liked it or not.”
Shane nodded. He could understand Autumn being concerned about her sister. After all he was concerned about his brother. He had to wonder what Carter would do when he knew Summer was returning. He couldn’t exactly run away and hide again. Not for three months. But at the same time, he couldn’t see Carter getting involved with her while there was a huge question mark hanging over their heads—would she stay or would she go? He wouldn’t want to take the risk of falling for her and being left behind. And perhaps even more so, he wouldn’t want to be the reason that she didn’t return to her career.
He shot a quick glance over at Cassidy. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with Summer and Carter, but I’m glad we’re not them.”
She smiled. “So am I.” She reached over and took his hand. “Not because of the situation they’re facing.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m pretty sure that you and I can overcome anything. It’s just that I’m really glad we’re us.” She laughed. “I like me. I like who I am.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “And you’re not bad either.”
He laughed with her. “Yeah I know the feeling. Life would suck if I was anyone but me, and as far as sidekicks go, well you’re pretty cool.”
She made a face at him. “If anyone is the sidekick around here, it’d be you!”
He pulled off the road and into the parking lot at the Valley Lodge. Once he’d cut the ignition he pulled her to him and kissed her. “We don’t have time to argue about it now…” He trailed his fingers down her cheek, over her throat, and on down, loving the color that touched her cheeks as he teased her nipple through her shirt. “But we’ll revisit this later.” He winked. “We’ll see who comes out on top.”
She laughed and then pulled his head down to her to kiss him. When she let him come up for air she said, “Well then we already know I win. You love it when I come out on top.”
He nodded, he did. “Yeah, but I like making you work for it, too. I’m in charge the whole time; I just use your desires against you to get what I want.”
She slapped his arm. “You keep on kidding yourself. Come on. Mason’s truck’s here already. We’d better get in there.”
As they walked into the restaurant he patted her ass. “Come on sidekick, keep up.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re going to regret that, Shane.”
Her words echoed Katie’s earlier. Reminding him that he hadn’t mentioned Katie’s visit to the barn.
“Hey, you two!”
Gina waved at them from her perch at the bar. “Our table’s not ready yet. They’re busy tonight.”
Shane led Cassidy over to the bar and pulled out a stool for her to sit while he stood behind her. Mason made his way through the bar and came to stand behind Gina.
“This is great, isn’t it? The four of us out like this on a Friday night.”
Mason smiled at Shane above the girls’ heads. It seemed he was thinking the same as Shane had earlier. It was strange how much their Friday nights had changed.
“I love it,” said Shane.
Cassidy smiled up at him, and he knew she did, too.
~ ~ ~
When their table was ready they took their seats. Cassidy loved it here. It was small and intimate.
A fireplace blazed in the corner. She looked around, fascinated as always at the mix of patrons. Some faces she recognized. A writer was holding court at a large table in the center of the dining room. He seemed to be sitting there whenever she came in, though his audience changed, usually some mix of visitors and wannabes all dressed to the nines. He liked to wax loud and lyrical about the intricacies of his latest work in progress. She smiled to herself; she’d had no time for him since the first time they’d been introduced. He talked a good story, but she’d checked out his books—he didn’t write one! It was the kind of dry literary navel inspection that bored her silly. She may be a heathen when it came to literature, but she was fairly convinced that it was more a case of the emperor’s new clothes. A couple of critics had lauded his debut novel and since then he’d proclaimed to anyone who would listen that he was a literary genius. No one dared disagree with him for fear of being ridiculed as idiots who simply didn’t understand.
In contrast to him a couple of old ranchers and their wives sat quietly by the back wall. They still wore work clothes, and their wives looked comfortable in jeans and sweatshirts. They were here to relax and enjoy themselves. Their conversation came easily, punctuated with much laughter. She wondered if someday that might not be her and Shane and Gina and Mason. The thought made her smile. Would they really all be married and still living out their lives here thirty years from now? For the first time in her life she wanted to stay here, wanted to put down roots and feel like she belonged here. She looked over at Shane as he studied his menu. She wanted to marry him!
When their food arrived she looked at Mason. The subject of weddings was dominating her thoughts. “So when are you going to make an honest woman of my partner?” she asked.
Mason grinned and looked at Gina. “Did you tell her?”
Gina laughed. “No, of course not. We’re going to tell them tonight.” She looked at Cassidy, “it’s just that this one seems to have some eerie sixth sense.”
“Tell us what?” asked Shane. Cassidy loved that he was so enthusiastic about Gina and Mason. Gina had been his best friend growing up and he loved that she and Mason had finally gotten back together and she was about to become family.