One Night with the Texan

by Lauren Canan

  Tallie Finley was living in dangerous conditions. She could joke about finding the grass snake in her shoe but what would happen when she woke up one morning to find a rattlesnake coiled in the corner of the small shack or under the rusty old bed? He didn’t like the odds of her coming away from this dig unscathed. And although signed disclaimers said differently, he felt ultimately responsible. If she wouldn’t see reason and leave, it was up to him to ensure her living environment was as safe as he could make it. Staying at the ranch house was the ideal solution. If he was honest with himself, that idea had as much to do with his libido as it did with her safety, but he’d see to it safety concerns were addressed nonetheless.

  He’d told her they needed to talk after the investors left. And he wanted to see her; to thank her for her participation and the positive way she’d handled the situation.

  Once everyone was gone, Cole bounded up the stairs and changed into jeans and a plaid shirt. He was going to drive out and personally thank Tallie for her assistance. She’d made the difference. When he was dressed, he walked outside and jumped in the truck and headed for Tallie’s dig.

  It was a beautiful evening for a ride. He should have taken one of the horses, but he’d been in a hurry. A sensation akin to panic urged him to get to her as quickly as possible. He didn’t question the why of it.

  When Cole drove up to the little cabin he didn’t immediately see her. Once more, a little twinge of concern nipped at his senses although why he didn’t know.

  He walked around to the front of the shack and peeked inside. She wasn’t there. He took in the bedroll spread over a nasty mattress on a rusty bed that should have been thrown out years ago. A bird darted out the window. The rays of the setting sun lit the holes in the ceiling. He still couldn’t believe she’d been living in this pathetic excuse for a shelter. Glancing toward the river, he spotted two jeans-clad legs under a tree. Sure enough, Tallie leaned against a giant tree trunk, sound asleep. Her hands were pressed together, palm to palm, making a pillow for her head.

  When he got to her, Cole couldn’t resist reaching out and smoothing her hair back from her brow. She felt hot. Not surprising, given the triple-digit temperatures. But dehydration was not something to be taken lightly.

  “Tallie?” He squatted next to her. “Tallie?”

  She responded by sitting up and stretching while taking a deep breath. Every nerve ending in his body sat up and took notice. Damn, she was hot. In more ways than one.

  She gazed at him, blinking twice then shooting up like he’d thrown cold water in her face. For a few seconds she staggered, fighting to keep her balance and wake up. The surprise showed clearly in those radiant green eyes. Then she looked away and rubbed her hands over her face.

  “Have you been drinking plenty of water?”

  She nodded. “Yeah. I’m just really tired and I guess I fell asleep. I came down here because it’s so hot at the dig.” She chanced a glance in his direction.

  Cole stood. Her voice was husky from sleep, a definite turn-on.

  “But I’m making progress. I—”

  Suddenly she staggered a short distance away from him, fell to her knees and proceeded to be sick. Cole honestly didn’t know what to do. He walked over to her and pulled her long hair back from her face. By the time the nausea passed, she was trembling.

  “Do you need a doctor?”

  “No. I mean it’s okay. I must have picked up a bug.” She sat back, resting her head on her raised knees. “I’m sorry about that.”

  “No apologies necessary. Let’s get you to the house. You need a few hours out of this heat. No arguments.”

  Her slender nose flared and the muscles in her jaw tightened as though his suggestion made her angry. What had he said? She quickly brought whatever had bothered her under control.

  “Thanks, but I really should stay with the dig. I’m now behind several hours.” She turned toward him, still not meeting his eyes. “I really am doing my best to get out of your way. I can’t quit. What may be here is too important.”

  “I promise I won’t hold it against you if you take the afternoon and evening off. You’ve been at this solid for weeks.”

  She nodded.

  “Come to dinner. Take a refreshing shower or soak in the tub—whatever makes you feel better. Get out of this heat for a while and put something in your stomach besides Cocoa Puffs and peanut butter and crackers.”

  That earned him a glance. He found himself holding his breath.

  Finally she nodded. “Okay. If you’re sure. That would be great. Thanks.”

  No woman he’d ever met could pass up a hot bath. And food was probably an equally important enticement under these circumstances. It was not helping his cause to feed and care for the enemy. But he couldn’t let her work herself to death. He believed she was giving it her all. And he owed her for making him look good in front of his investors.

  “Grab some clean clothes and anything else you need to take and let’s go.”

  “Now?”

  “Now,” he confirmed. “Before you change your mind.”

  * * *

  When they got to the mansion, they parked in the allotted area and headed to the French doors in the back. The coolness of the air-conditioned room was a welcome relief as were the cold marble tiles under her feet. It was such a great feeling she didn’t want to go any farther.

  “Do you remember the way to the suite you used the last time?” he asked softly.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Looking around, she remembered the enormous, eight-foot-wide, natural-stone fireplace that rose to the ceiling of the three-story home. Huge log beams crossed the room just below the ceiling. The entire bottom floor was open, which made it seem even bigger. But it was the kitchen that really took her breath away. A bronze exhaust fan overshadowed the five-burner stove and copper pots and pans hung from a rack above the enormous marble-topped island in the center of the room. An oak table sat in a large area off to the side of the kitchen. The view out the floor-to-ceiling windows was incredible. It was a sight similar to the one she had from the trapper’s shack, only from an elevation and a lot more dramatic.

  After a wonderful massage in the jetted tub, shampooing her hair and putting on fresh clothes she felt invigorated. Gathering her dirty T-shirt and jeans into a bundle, she brushed out her hair and headed downstairs. The aroma of the food was the next thing to heaven. Cole met her as she entered the kitchen, holding a plastic bag for her laundry. With the light still dancing in his eyes, he handed her a glass of wine.

  “You look like a new person,” he said as his eyes roamed over the sundress she’d put on. “Very nice.”

  She knew it was stupid but she hadn’t wanted to wear her work clothes. She’d wanted to dress up a little. And it was just a little. She’d brought plenty of shorts and jeans and, for reasons she would never understand, she’d thrown the white-lace sundress into the bag along with her sandals. Now here she was, standing in the home of a billionaire in a twenty-dollar dress she’d picked up from a discount store. She supposed stranger things happened to some people but this was it for her.

  “Thanks,” she said. “That bath was amazing. It’s not often we are invited by the local residents to come into their home and experience some twenty-first-century innovations.”

  “You mean like indoor plumbing?” His eyes sparkled with humor.

  “Exactly. I’m almost afraid to ask, but how did the meeting go? Hopefully they all signed up to give their support.”

  “They did, as a matter of fact. And it was in a large part thanks to you.” He caught her gaze and held it. “I appreciate it, Tallie.”

  “Excuse me, sir,” the chef interrupted. “Your dinner is served in the breakfast nook, as requested.”

  Cole nodded to Andre and turned to her, asking, “Are you hungr
y?”

  “Not really, although it smells delicious.” She placed a hand over her stomach. Then, realizing it would draw attention, she quickly let her hand drop to her side.

  “Still feeling sick?”

  “Maybe a little.”

  With a hand on her lower back that felt both comforting and strange he guided her through the great room, kitchen and finally to the dining area.

  Tallie was surprised to see the room lit only with the glow from a large candle in the center of the table. Suddenly she wished she hadn’t accepted the invitation to come to dinner. This had seduction written all over it and she would never fall into that trap again. She couldn’t even imagine what a woman would feel on the day Cole Masters decided he wanted to move on. Especially if the woman imagined herself in love with him. But more than likely all Cole wanted was to find out more about the dig and any loopholes that he could use to make her leave. It had nothing to do with her personally.

  Remember that.

  Cole held out her chair. From this angle she could see the waterfall and the floral display highlighted by hidden lights. Lowering himself into a chair next to hers, he smiled as though glad to have her there. She attempted to smile back. But this wasn’t some nice neighbor like old Ben Weatherly down the street where she lived.

  She appreciated the bath. She would certainly appreciate a few bites of the delicious food that had just been set in front of her. But she was not stopping her dig. If that was his intention with all of this, he could have well saved his efforts. It would take a lot more than a gourmet dinner and some kiss-up dialogue to make her change her mind.

  “So, have you discovered anything remotely interesting as yet?”

  She shook her head, trying to keep her eyes from rolling at the question. “Not yet.”

  “I’m curious. Don’t they usually send more than one person on an important dig like this?”

  “Yes, they do. I’m here by myself because of budget constraints and because I was the one who provided the map.”

  He looked surprised. “You found that map?”

  She nodded.

  “Do you mind if I ask where?”

  “It was given to me by my grandmother. Just before she died.”

  “So she isn’t here to provide any answers.”

  “Exactly. I don’t know why she waited. I don’t know if she had any more information about where to look. Or specifically what I’m looking for. Everything but the map died with her.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  He was quiet for a while. Tallie knew he was debating if he should ask any more questions. She hoped he didn’t. She didn’t exactly know what she could tell him.

  “This is really delicious,” she said, making a valiant effort to change the subject.

  He produced a smile that lit up his face. “Thanks. Beef stroganoff is one of my favorites, although I tend to like German food the most. What’s your preference?”

  “Cocoa Puffs and peanut butter,” she answered with a completely straight face.

  He laughed. “I guess that puts this a few notches down on the list.”

  “Well, like steak or lobster, it’ll do in a pinch.”

  “Next time, I’ll know what to serve.”

  Next time? Would there be a next time? She very much doubted it. This was his chance to use his persuasive powers to make her give up the dig. Most likely he wouldn’t show her such hospitality again. She just had to get through tonight and perhaps he would leave her alone for a while.

  “I feel good about the grid I’m working now. It’s close to the cliffs and it looks like there may have been caves in that area at one time.”

  “And that’s important?”

  She nodded. “Ancient people often lived in caves. They were nature’s way of providing the best refuge against the elements, wild animals and other tribes. I scanned the cliff face with the binoculars but couldn’t see anything resembling an opening, even a small one.”

  “I hope for your sake you find something soon.”

  He must have seen the disbelief cross her face.

  “No. I mean it. The temperature isn’t getting any cooler. I can’t believe they expect one person to pick her way through acres of land to find a piece of pottery or whatever it is you’re hoping to find. You’ve been here for almost two months. I know you have to be getting anxious to get back to your home.”

  Tallie hoped he was a better negotiator over a conference table. He apparently didn’t know the definition of the word subtle.

  “Most of the digs I’m assigned take six to eight months. The number-one requirement for an archeologist is patience. Nothing ever happens fast or on a schedule.”

  “You must really love what you do.”

  “I’d better, huh?” She grinned at him and he looked stunned, as though someone had held up a cream pie and threatened to smash it in his face. “The hope of what you’ll uncover in the next grid is such a rush. And once you start finding things, you just have to go for the next and the next. I guess to some people it’s addictive.”

  “Are you addicted, Tallie?”

  His question in that deep, raspy voice caught her by surprise and drew her gaze to his. It was almost as though he hadn’t meant to ask it out loud. He sat back in his chair, one arm resting on the other, and idly drew his thumb back and forth across his bottom lip while he waited for her answer. Her gaze dropped to the movement and his mouth. What would it be like to give herself to him completely now that they knew each other? Now that she knew who he was? What would he do? What wouldn’t he do?

  A picture flashed in her mind of pure, red-hot passion, tangled sheets and Cole’s lips lingering a breath above hers as he moved deeper inside her. Tallie felt the singeing warmth flooding the area between her legs at the thought. The image became so clear, her stomach tightened in knots. Everything about him was so sexy. His handsome face alone would cause most women to feel the overwhelming need to be with him. He looked at a woman with those golden eyes and it made her want to toss any thought of saying no out the window. He was sex personified. All he needed to do was breathe.

  Suddenly realizing what she was doing, she quickly looked away. Had he intended her to gaze at his lips? While the entire experience could not have lasted a full minute, her heart was beating out of her chest and her breathing was almost nonexistent. Laying her fork on the edge of her plate, she tried to control her eyes, not wanting to see if he was smiling or mocking her. Even though she didn’t know him well at all, the thought that it might be the latter would be hard to take.

  She blotted the linen napkin against her mouth. “This was really delicious. And the bath was great. Thank you, Cole.”

  “Stay, Tallie,” he said as she moved to get up from the table. “Stay here tonight. Sleep in a clean bed. No bugs, raccoons or skunks. No heat.” He dropped his napkin on the table and looked directly at her. “Unless you want there to be.”

  Tallie swallowed hard and felt a blush roll up her neck and over her face. She knew what he was suggesting but she didn’t know if he was serious or teasing. And she didn’t know how to answer.

  “I’d better get back to the site,” she said as she stood. “But, again, thanks for sharing your home. I feel much better.”

  Cole rounded the table to stand in front of her. “Why do you insist on sleeping in that shack? You can’t possibly be resting well. No one could. Stay here, your choice of bedrooms, and drive to your dig each morning. It makes sense. It’s a big house, so neither of us will be tripping over the other.” He reached out and tilted her chin to meet his gaze. “It makes sense, Tallie.”

  She saw a glimmer of passion in his amazing eyes. She’d seen that glimmer before. She wanted to stay. She wanted him. Clearly he was only too happy to oblige. He leaned over and placed his lips on hers. She di
dn’t move away. Encouraged, he encircled her with his arms and pulled her closer. She could feel his erection against her belly and that sent a stream of heat rushing to her core.

  “I need you, Tallie,” he whispered against her ear. “God help me, I can’t stay away.” He advanced, pushing her against the wall, threading her fingers with his behind her back. “Give us a chance. This time, no games. We’ll both be up front. Make love to me.”

  Cole knew exactly where to touch, how to kiss to make her entire world spin out of control in a way that was good and wild and exciting. He was temptation run amuck. And she craved it. She’d heard stories of hot, steamy sex, of the climax that made you feel you were flying up to the stars, but she had never felt that sense of completion until one sultry night in New Orleans. “I’m flattered, really. But I’d better get back to my dig.” She let go of his hands, breaking the physical tie between them.

  “My intentions are not to flatter you. Take me off the damn pedestal, Tallie. I’m just a man. A man who wants you. Who needs you. You make me feel like no other woman ever has.”

  It was hard to argue with a man who towered over her with a look on his face of pure sincerity and a voice to back it up. Tallie closed her eyes, inhaling the scent of pure male, and her body responded accordingly, leaving her wanting to ask only where he wanted her.

  Her eyes fluttered open and she stepped away. She’d almost done it again: succumbed to him and his desire. He was merely taking advantage of a situation that had landed in his lap. She believed he meant no harm, but the man had a reputation with the ladies and in business circles she’d heard he could be ruthless. If she took him up on the offer, she would feel awkward to still be stuck with having to deal with him until the ninety days on the site were up.

  Without any warning, the room began to spin. She reached out for something to steady herself and found Cole’s arm. “I... I think I’m going to—” Blackness surrounded her.