Lone Star Baby Bombshell

by Lauren Canan

  “I appreciate it, Sam,” Jace added, ambling up to where they stood.

  “You bet. Jace, you take care of that baby.” Sam grinned and seated himself behind the wheel of the old truck. The cowboys tipped their hats, already walking toward the barn. “Good to have you here at the ranch, Mrs. Compton.” Sam gunned the motor and with a wave out the window, took off down the driveway.

  “I’m not... Ahhh.” Kelly stomped her foot in frustration. “Why does everyone keep calling me that?”

  Jace’s free hand shot up, palm toward her. “I’m not saying a word.”

  With a glare in his direction, Kelly took Henry and went into the house. Standing in the center of the living room, she glanced at the boxes stacked around her. It seemed so...permanent. The anxiety she’d been pushing aside all week came back front and center. She couldn’t let go of the feeling that this was a bad decision.

  She put Henry in his swing and began unpacking and arranging their things. Several hours later everything was done, the beds were made, the empty boxes flattened and placed outside next to the small front porch.

  That evening after she fed and bathed Henry and put him to bed for the night, she ventured outside. Two old metal chairs, one yellow, one green, sat on the extended concrete slab that served as a front porch. The weather was unusually cool for this time of year. Slipping into the nearest chair, she leaned back, closed her eyes and savored the beautiful evening.

  “Looks like someone is enjoying this fine weather.”

  Kelly jumped at the sound of the male voice.

  “Sorry.” The man held his hands up. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “That’s okay.” Her eyes focused on the tall, lean man standing a few feet in front of her. His shaggy blond hair and welcoming smile immediately put her at ease. “It seemed like a good time to put my feet up and relax.”

  “I know the feeling.” He took off his hat. “I’m Sylvester Decker, one of the trainers here at the ranch. People just call me Decker.”

  “Oh. Of course. It’s nice to meet you. Occasionally I see you guys leading a horse from one area to another. There’s a chestnut, almost the color of a new penny, with flaxen mane and tail and three white socks. Beautiful.”

  “That would be Classy Lady.” He put one foot on the concrete slab and leaned toward her, resting his arms on his knee and holding his hat in his hands. “And you’re right. She’s a nice filly. Great bloodlines, but in the racing game, that’s not an absolute guarantee. You should come to the main barn area sometime and see them up close. Do you ride?”

  “I used to. One of my best friends lives at the neighboring ranch, the Bar H. When we were in school, she used to invite me out for weekends and we would go riding. It was great.”

  Decker suddenly straightened and took a step back. “Hey, Jace.”

  “Decker,” Jace responded as he stepped out of the shadows into the muted light from the barn. Jace had obviously followed the path from the house, but neither Kelly nor Decker had heard him approach until he was standing in front of her small cabin.

  “I just stopped by to welcome our new neighbor to the ranch.”

  Jace didn’t reply. He watched the man like a predator protecting his territory. His eyes almost glowed in the darkness, giving the impression of a panther returning to its lair to find another male stalking the entrance. The air suddenly became thick with the sizzle of animosity. Kelly couldn’t help but wonder if Decker sensed it or if it was just her imagination.

  “Well, I’ll leave you two to talk. It was nice to meet you, Kelly.”

  “You, too, Decker.”

  “Don’t forget to come see the fillies.”

  “Thanks. I’d like that.”

  The cowboy slipped his hat back in place, his long strides carrying him down the path toward the barn until he disappeared into the night.

  Jace motioned to the chair next to Kelly. “Mind if I sit down?” He didn’t wait for an answer. He lowered his bulk into the old metal rocker, leaned back and brought one booted foot to rest on his knee. “So how goes it with you and Mom? Everything okay?”

  “She’s great. I love the work. I was afraid it was... That she offered me the job because...”

  “You thought it was charity.”

  “Yeah.” Kelly nodded. “But it’s not. There’s really a lot to do.”

  “Mom had two full-time assistants when she lived in Los Angeles.” Jace cut her a glance, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Be careful what you asked for.”

  Kelly had to smile. “We’re finishing the invitations and considering a theme for the charity ball in October.”

  “Ah, yes. Mom usually hosts several events a year for different causes, but this one is her favorite. Over the years, it has taken on a life of its own. Be forewarned.”

  The soft glow of the lights from the barn in the distance provided the only light. Somewhere deep in the trees, a lone cricket chirped and two owls called to each other. Suddenly the tiny porch seemed very intimate. With only a soft breeze passing through the trees, Jace’s heady male scent seemed to surround her. She could feel his heat. Her body automatically gravitated toward him. She couldn’t help but wonder if he knew the effect he had on her. But no doubt he had the same effect on most women. It was as natural to him as breathing, and he’d probably stopped paying any attention years ago.

  He adjusted his position and his knee touched her leg. The small point of contact became a focal point in her mind. She swallowed convulsively. This close, he was entirely too disturbing. Kelly hadn’t realized the chairs were so close. Now she fought the temptation to move hers. But her mind and body were giving mixed signals on which way to move it. Jace didn’t seem to notice the contact. He sat back, appearing completely relaxed.

  “It’s too bad there are so many trees out here,” Jace said. “They block the view of the sky.”

  Her gaze automatically veered upward. All she could see were the leaves on the lower branches, which caught the glow of light from the barn.

  “I remember watching Texas sunsets until they faded into night. Suddenly, the sky became full of stars.” She felt his eyes on her. “Everywhere.”

  “Yes,” she whispered before she could catch herself. She knew he was referring to the nights they’d spent together, him holding her close while they watched the stars through the window twinkle in the midnight sky. Then Jace would put his lips on hers and make similar stars burst in an explosive grand finale before the free fall back to earth.

  “Do you still look at the stars, Kelly?”

  That brought her out of the past and slammed her face-first into the present.

  “No.” She shook her head. “Not anymore.” She cleared her throat. “Decker said you have some good bloodlines.”

  “I like what I see so far.”

  Kelly chanced a glance in his direction. He was looking directly at her; a wicked light glittered in his eyes. She quickly looked away. “I grew up with the cattle ranches, but never saw anything like you’re putting together.”

  He nodded. “It’s a challenge. A lot more involved than I originally thought, and we’re just getting started. Every day is a new challenge. It’s not easy, but definitely well worth the effort. I’m hoping patience and determination will pay off in the long run.”

  Kelly swallowed hard. She could swear every word out of his mouth referred to her. To them.

  “Kelly...” he said, his voice husky.

  She couldn’t stop herself from turning toward him. Their gazes met and held. In that instant, she wanted to again feel his lips on hers. She wanted to turn the page and let them start fresh. Allow her the chance to make this superstar believe in love. The forever kind. The kind that wasn’t a joke. Unbidden, her gaze lowered to his mouth, so tempting. So close.

  Electricity sizzled in the air. Her heartbeat increased as the heat of unwanted arousal bloomed in her lower regions, causing her body temperature to rise. He leaned toward her.

  He grippe
d the back of her neck and gently drew her to him. His tongue moistened her lips, tempting her to open to him. She drew air deep into her lungs, but rather than clearing her head and pulling her out of the spell she seemed to be under, inhaling his essence tempted her to come closer. With a fevered sigh, she tilted her head the slightest bit and opened her lips, and Jace took full advantage, entering her mouth, deepening the embrace.

  A filament of sanity threaded its way into her mind, and she clung to that small thread. With all the internal strength she could muster, she turned her head, separating her lips from the smoldering heat of his.

  “I should go and check on Henry,” she whispered, still fighting to retain some clarity of thought, her voice breathy from his kiss. Jace’s gaze held hers for a long moment before he released her. Taking a deep breath, Kelly pushed against the metal arms of the chair and rose to her feet. More than anything, she wanted to kiss him forever. She wanted to relive the passion that detonated the stars. And she was edging ever closer to doing something really stupid. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll say good-night.”

  The gleam in his dark eyes clearly told her he understood more than she wanted him to. “Good night, Kelly.”

  She hurried inside and closed the door. When she was sure Jace was gone, she stepped back outside and crossed the lawn until she came to a spot where the trees parted and offered an unobstructed view of the sky.

  She’d lied to Jace. She’d never stopped looking at the stars. At their star. One winked at her and she smiled, peace settling in her heart for the first time in a long while.

  Kelly had wondered if he remembered the dinners across a candlelit table, the days spent together under the warm rays of the sun, the nights in his arms as they watched the night sky. She’d doubted it. Compared to the beautiful women he dated, she was nothing. A piece of wheat toast compared to a fine French pastry.

  But she’d been wrong. Jace remembered.

  But all things considered, did it really make any difference?

  Nine

  There was something going on with Kelly. It was barely perceptible, and if it were not for his years of training as an actor, he wouldn’t have picked up on it. But there was something infinitesimally different in her voice, in her eyes. She had distanced herself from him, even more so than when he’d first come back to Calico Springs. She’d erected a wall that hadn’t been there before. He just couldn’t get a handle on what had happened. What had changed?

  As he walked back to the house, his mind whirled in quiet speculation. He’d noticed the difference around the time she agreed to move into the cabin. Had moving from the main house upset her? Did she want to stay with him instead? Surely she knew the choice was hers. He replayed their conversation in his mind. He recalled that her only objection had involved wanting to return to her home.

  She seemed to like her job. His mother had told him Kelly was a delight to work with. Her attention to detail, her intuitiveness as to the direction his mom wanted to go with the charity event, her suggestions... Everything was great. His mother had a baby bed, a swing and a truckload of toys brought in and they were both enjoying Henry.

  But something was off. He had no doubt it was something he’d said or done, but he had no clue what it could be.

  Whatever the reason, Kelly was right. He should keep his distance. He needed to stop pursuing her. He couldn’t give her the forever she undoubtedly wanted and deserved. And Henry. He knew he needed to stay clear of the baby. But he was drawn to him just like he was to Kelly. It was crazy. Something inside compelled him to be as close to them as possible while it lasted. Henry had already grown so much during their short stay on the ranch. By the time Jace returned from another film project, his son would be walking. And talking. And if Jace distanced himself the way he needed to, the coming years would pass without him ever knowing his son. Without Henry knowing his father.

  All things considered, maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.

  * * *

  Kelly straightened the desk and gathered Henry’s things in preparation to leave for the day. Before she could pick up Henry, Jace stepped inside the room.

  “Can I borrow your assistant?” He looked first at his mom before switching his gaze to Kelly. “Thought you might like to see the horses. I remember you mentioning it to Decker.”

  Kelly glanced at Mona and received a nod of encouragement. “Henry will be just fine. And I don’t mind a bit. You go ahead.”

  Jace’s hand was warm against her lower back as he guided her down the path to the large structure. It was wrong to enjoy his closeness, his touch. But she did. And she was not about to ask him to stop. When they reached the wide-open double doors of the barn they were greeted with knickers from the stalls on both sides of the aisle. The earthy scent of rich, sweet alfalfa, leather and the horses filled the air. The beautiful chestnut filly she’d seen being led back to the barn one day immediately caught her eye through the bars on the top half of the stalls. As Kelly approached, the filly’s ears pricked forward in curiosity as she continued chewing her evening grain.

  “She’s so beautiful,” Kelly murmured. The young mare’s coat gleamed like polished copper. “I saw her being led from the round exercise pen once. She’s even more magnificent up close.”

  Jace smiled, reached forward and opened the top half of the stall door, giving Kelly unrestricted access. The filly stepped over and put her head through the opening. Kelly couldn’t resist stroking the silky neck.

  “Hey, sweetheart.” She couldn’t contain the full grin from spreading across her face. “Oh Jace, she’s amazing.”

  “Most thoroughbreds are pretty high-strung. This one seems a lot calmer. Don’t know how that will play out on the track. But she seems to genuinely like people.”

  “Does she like carrots? Or apples?”

  “I really couldn’t tell you.” He appeared surprised at the question.

  “I’ll bet she does. And she’ll be fast, won’t you, pretty lady? I never knew you liked horses, Jace.”

  He stepped around to the other side of the filly, giving her a pat. “As a kid, I dreamed about someday having a ranch.” He shrugged. “There used to be a small carnival that came to our area once or twice a year and it had pony rides for the kids. That’s the first place I headed. Never wanted to get down. Then a few years ago, I had to learn to ride pretty proficiently for a part in a film. Once I was trained, every spare second I wasn’t needed on the set, I would spend riding. We were filming in New Mexico on a large ranch near Santa Fe. You could ride for miles.”

  “I can relate. Your neighbor just down the road at the Bar H is one of my oldest friends. Growing up we spent most of our summers on the back of a horse. We’d pack food and water in the saddlebags and off we’d go. Her dad used to get so mad when we were late getting back. A few times it was well past dark and he was livid.” Kelly grinned at the memories. “Their land backed up to the national forest and grasslands. We found an old gate and that was it. We headed for that entrance every time.”

  Kelly glanced from the filly to Jace. He was grinning, the small laugh lines showing at the corners of his eyes while attractive grooves appeared on either side of his mouth. “What?”

  He shook his head. “I just never pictured you for a cowgirl.”

  “I don’t know if that’s a compliment or an insult.” She smiled up at him. “But I love horses. I think your place might border the grasslands, as well. You might want to have someone check it out. You can ride for days. Shea and I would get so turned around. Oh my gosh. I still don’t know how we always managed to make it home. I think the horses were our saving grace.”

  She saw an amused glitter in his dark eyes. She swallowed nervously, not believing she’d just talked so freely with him. But then, she always had. Between them, conversation had flowed easily as they discovered more and more about each other, their likes and dislikes. They had so many common interests. Food. Music. Gazing at the stars on cloudless nights.

  “I
did the same thing,” he said, closing the stall door. “I would ride out so far from base camp in New Mexico, at times I had no idea which way was up. But the horse always knew where its evening meal would be.”

  In this environment with the scents and sounds of nature surrounding them, and the easy banter between them, Jace was again the guy she met almost a year and a half ago. Silent alarms began clanging in her head. Needing to put some distance between them, she walked down to the next stall. Inside was a horse with a slightly darker coat than the filly.

  “This is Chesapeake Dream,” Jace offered as he opened the top of the door.

  Like the first filly, she came forward and curiously sniffed the two humans who stood in front of her. “She’s the one we think will bring it home. She’s not yet three, so Lee is taking her training slow, but she’s been on the track a couple of times and has really shown some speed.”

  Kelly reached out to run her hand down the velvety neck. After a few minutes, Jace closed the stall door and Kelly moved down the aisle. She passed an empty stall and proceeded to the next one. Through the metal bars, she saw a magnificent thoroughbred with a coat as black as polished ebony. This one was a lot bigger than the others.

  She opened the top of the stall door as Jace had previously done, but this time the greeting was not sweet. It happened so fast. One second she was peeking over the opening, the next the horse had wheeled around, ears flat against its head, teeth bared, ready to take a chunk out of any part of her he could reach. It lunged for her and only Jace’s quick action saved her from a vicious bite. A loud, angry scream from the horse followed the near miss.

  For several moments, Kelly stood in Jace’s arms, trying to slow her racing heart. She’d never had a close call with something that big and that vicious; she’d never been attacked by any animal. She turned her face into the soft, muscle-hugging T-shirt and deeply inhaled Jace’s familiar scent as she fought to overcome the fright.

  “Kelly, honey, are you all right?”

  All she could do was nod. For a few minutes, Kelly stood in his embrace, feeling his strength and power, not wanting to step away.