“Tell me what you know about the twins,” Blythe said once they were farther out on the trail.
“I don’t know much about Tucker. He’s an artist. They share a condo in Aspen, and it’s full of his work.”
“What kind of art?”
“Everything, from what I saw. He’s a painter, but a sculptor, too. Jace said he gets bored with one medium and moves on to another.”
“How did he get the scar?” She probed, knowing she probably shouldn’t.
“Scar? I have no idea. I didn’t notice, to be honest.”
“He seems broody.”
“Then you’re perfectly suited to one another.”
“Very funny. Jace seemed more interested than the broody one anyway.”
“Jace is a really good guy.” Renie looked off in the distance.
“Regretting your choice? I’d be happy to reconsider Billy Patterson if you’re thinking of letting him go. Although…”
“What?”
“The baby.”
“Don’t give it too much thought, Blythe. There is no way I’m ever letting go of Billy Patterson. He’s mine, and I’m keeping him.”
Blythe had been hot for Billy for a long time, but admittedly, she didn’t know him very well, not the way Renie did.
“I’m happy for you, Renie.”
“Thank you, Blythe. I know that wasn’t easy for you to admit.”
“So, what should we do tonight?”
“I know what I’ll be doing, and I’m sure it won’t interest you.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ll be at home, with my future husband and our baby.”
“Ugh. You’re right. Doesn’t interest me at all. Why did you invite me if you don’t plan to spend any time with me?”
“I haven’t left your side since you got here. I’ll be with you all day tomorrow, too.”
“So you’re saying I’m on my own tonight.”
“Poor Blythe. Whatever will you do?”
“I was hoping to stumble on a cowboy or two out on our ride. Where are they anyway? Isn’t this a ranch?”
Renie laughed but didn’t answer.
Blythe was relieved when Renie turned Micah around and rode back toward the house. She probably could’ve ridden for another hour, but Blythe always lost interest in it before her friend did.
She wondered how Renie would react if Jace ended up being as interested as he’d acted when they met. Would she tell Blythe he was off limits? It didn’t really matter. Blythe was far more interested in Tucker anyway. There was something about him that intrigued her. It wasn’t his looks; they were identical twins. It was more, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was that drew her to him.
Ben Rice and Billy Patterson were sitting at the dining room table, talking to Jace and Tucker when they came back in the house. Liv, Paige, and Mark were in the kitchen, nearby.
“Where’s Willow?” Renie asked, bending down to kiss Billy’s cheek.
“Downstairs, with Ben’s boys,” he answered, turning to kiss her lips.
Renie raised an eyebrow.
“It’s okay,” he said. “We have to let her go sometime. She’ll be fine. Jake and Luke are great with her.”
“Can’t we wait until she’s at least in the double digits before we cast her off into the world alone?”
“You’re so maternal,” Jace said.
“She is, isn’t she?” Billy sounded proud.
“Does that surprise you?” Blythe asked.
“Not at all, actually.” Jace turned so he was facing her directly. “How ’bout you, Blythe? Are you maternal?”
“Uh, no,” she laughed. “Billy picked the right girl, no question. Renie will love Willow to pieces.”
“You wouldn’t love her?” When Tucker spoke, everyone at the table turned and looked at him.
Blythe’s face turned red. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t love her. I said I’m not as maternal as Renie is.” She stood and went into the kitchen, not that the rooms had much separation, and put her arms around her father’s waist.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” he asked.
She pointed in the direction of the table. “He was mean to me, Daddy.” Everyone knew she was being silly, which took the heat off the embarrassment she felt at Tucker’s words.
“Who was? Let’s see who I can get to beat him up for you. Any takers, or will I have to send Paige after him?”
Her mom slugged him.
“See? She can take all of you, even the mean one.”
The guys at the table were still looking at Tucker.
“What?” he finally asked.
“You should apologize,” Jace answered.
“For what?”
“You’re making this too easy for me,” he muttered.
Tucker got up and went into the kitchen. “I’m sorry I offended you. Although I’m still not sure what I said wrong.”
“Nice apology, man,” laughed Mark. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know why.”
“Come on,” Tucker said to Blythe. “Go for a walk with me.”
“Why?”
“So you can get even with me for hurting your feelings.”
“Shouldn’t I refuse to go for a walk with you? Wouldn’t that hurt your feelings?”
“I bet you can do a whole lot better than that given the extra time.”
Tucker held her jacket for her, and she followed when he walked out the front door.
She studied him from behind. He had strong shoulders and a tight little butt, powerful thighs, and those arms. How much time did he spend at the gym? She hoped not too much; she couldn’t stand guys who talked about working out all the time.
When he got to the bottom of the porch steps, he stopped, turned around, and circled her waist with the arms she’d just been drooling over. He startled her, but having him that close—wow. His green eyes were piercing, and she wanted to run her fingers through his long, sandy-blond hair. The scar on the left side of Tucker’s face made it easy to tell the two brothers apart. That and their hair. Jace kept his cropped short; Tucker’s was long.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered as his hand came up and cupped the back of her neck. “Forgive me?”
“What are you doing?” she laughed. She put her hands on his chest as if to push him away, but got lost in the feel of his rock-hard pecs.
His arm tightened around her waist, and he pulled her into him. “Apologizing,” he answered.
“This is an apology? You’re a little gropy with your ‘I’m sorries,’ aren’t you?”
“Can’t help myself.”
At first she thought he’d kiss her, but instead, he rested his cheek against hers. “You’re magnificent,” he murmured.
“What’s goin’ on out here?” Jace asked, coming out the front door.
Blythe tried to wriggle free from Tucker’s hold, but he tightened it instead.
“I’m apologizing,” Tucker answered.
“Looks like you’ve got my girl in a death grip,” smirked Jace.
Blythe pushed at Tucker harder. “Are your arms made of steel?”
“No, that’s his will.” Jace laughed.
Tucker didn’t answer. He didn’t let go of her either. And when she looked back at him, his eyes were focused on her mouth.
“Go away,” he growled at his brother.
Jace turned toward the front door. “This isn’t over,” Blythe heard him say before he went inside.
“What was that all about? I’m not going to be a—”
Before she could finish, Tucker kissed her. And it wasn’t a chaste kiss. It was exactly the kind of kiss she’d expected from him. His hand moved from the back of her neck up to cup her head, and he plundered her mouth with his.
When his other hand came up to cup her breast, she swatted at it. “Stop that.”
He did, and then she was sorry she’d told him to. He let go of her and walked away.
“Wait. Where are you going?”
“For a
walk.”
Just as she was about to go back in the house, he turned around. “Are you coming or not?”
She was intrigued enough to follow.
He walked toward his truck, stopped, and opened the driver’s door.
“I thought you were going for a walk.”
“Changed my mind. Come on, get in.” He motioned to the door.
“You want me to drive?”
“No, I don’t want you to drive,” he mimicked her. “Get in and slide over.”
Blythe wasn’t sure why, but it didn’t matter what Tucker told her to do, she did it without hesitation.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“Have you eaten?”
“No.”
“To dinner.”
They drove the rest of the way into town in silence. Instead of stopping downtown, Tucker kept going in the direction of the ski area. He parked in the main lot and held the door open for her.
He took her hand and led her into a courtyard. As much as Blythe wanted to ask where they were going, she doubted he’d give her a straight answer. It didn’t really matter anyway, she’d go wherever he led, liking the feel of his hand holding hers.
He took her into a crowded restaurant where they were greeted by a very young, very cute blonde who asked if they had reservations.
“We’ll sit at the bar,” Tucker answered, pulling Blythe along behind him.
“There he is,” said the man behind the bar. “How the hell are you?” He came around and gave Tucker one of those man hugs where they patted each other on the back a little too hard.
“Chris, this is Blythe,” Tucker introduced them. “Chris and his wife, Kate, own the place. Where is she anyway?”
“She’s in the back, but I know she’ll want to see you. I’ll get you seated and then go get her.”
“We can sit at the bar, it’s fine.”
“No, no. I’ve got a table right here for you.”
The periphery of each table was draped in fabric that hung from the ceiling. It didn’t make the table completely private, but it lent an air of romance.
“I like this place,” Blythe said once Chris left the table.
“Me, too.” He leaned toward her. “It’s sexy.”
She laughed. It was sexy, but it wasn’t the word she expected him to use.
“I’ll order for us.”
“Do I have a choice?”
That was the response he expected from her. If she had demurely agreed, he would’ve been disappointed. He wasn’t interested in a meek response. He wouldn’t care if she fought him every step of the way, challenged him, and argued with him. That’s what he wanted. He saw the fire in her, he liked it, and he wanted it.
Her phone chirped, and she put her hand in her pocket. “Do you mind?”
“Go ahead,” he answered. “Then turn it off and put it away. I want your undivided attention tonight.”
She excused herself and went outside. He liked that she wasn’t the type to answer her cell in a room full of people.
Where are you? Renie’s text said.
Restaurant at the ski area. Let my mom know. Okay?
How long will you be there?
No idea. Turning cell off now. Let her know. Thanks.
Blythe stood outside a few minutes longer, composing herself before going back in.
From the moment they met, Blythe felt something different than she ever had before. Tucker’s touch electrified her. He didn’t just look at her, he stared into her soul, and when he held her in his arms and kissed her, she didn’t want him to ever let her go.
For the first time in her life, Blythe wanted a man in a way she’d never known existed. She closed her eyes tightly and prayed he felt the same way, and that this wasn’t just a game between Jace and him.
She walked over to a roaring fire in a pit in the middle of the courtyard. She’d let him wonder a few more minutes, she certainly was.
He was grinning when Chris came back to the table and sat down.
“Kate will be out shortly. She can’t wait to see you.” Chris leaned in closer. “How are you, Tucker?”
“Same as always. Nothing much changes with me.”
They chatted for a few minutes while Tucker looked over the wine list. “Where’s your date?” Chris asked when enough time had passed that, if she had gone to the ladies’ room, she would be back.
“Outside. Making me wait.”
“Ah. This explains the grin. It’s nice to see you this way. How long have the two of you been together?”
“About an hour.”
“Ah, I see. I’m going to enjoy watching the drama unfold tonight. Thank you for bringing her here.”
When Kate approached the table, both men stood.
“Tucker Rice. Is it ever good to see you.” She kissed him on the lips. “How was Spain? Fight any bulls, or were your escapades limited to senoritas?”
“Careful, darling,” warned Chris. “His date will be back any moment.”
“Tucker, I’m so pleased. A date? Someone special I hope?”
“Someone he’s known for an hour.”
Kate shook her head. “That’s our Tucker.” She pulled her husband away from the table. “Let’s watch from afar.”
“Before my wife banishes me from your table, may I bring you a bottle of wine?”
“The Marqués de Murrieta Rioja.”
“Outstanding. In honor of your recent trip, or is its spiciness in honor of the lady you’re out with tonight?”
“The lady, of course.”
Tucker saw Blythe walking toward the table as Chris went off to fetch the wine.
“Pleasant conversation?” he asked.
“It was a text,” she smiled. “I warmed myself by the fire for a few minutes.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and put his lips below her ear. “I will give you all the warmth you need, Blythe. Remember that.”
“So…tell me about…Jace.”
Oh, he liked this girl, very much. This was going to be fun.
“Why would I spend the precious time I have with you, talking about my brother?”
“Because I asked, and I’m interested.”
“Interested in him? And yet, you’re here with me.”
“What went on between Jace and Renie?”
Tucker didn’t want to talk about Jace, for obvious reasons. But more, he didn’t want to talk about Jace and Irene. It wasn’t his story to tell.
“I have a better idea. Why don’t you tell me what went on between you and…Renie. Is that what you call her?”
“What makes you think anything went on between us?”
He liked the way her cheeks turned pink when he brought it up. She was uncomfortable, not as confident as she had been when she came in from outside.
Watching her switch back and forth was fascinating. She was haughty one minute, and then the next, unsure of herself. He longed to paint her. His fingers itched with his need.
When Chris returned to the table with their bottle of wine, Blythe breathed an audible sigh. She might think she’d gotten a reprieve, but Tucker was nowhere near finished rattling the beautiful Miss Cochran.
He watched as Chris’ eyes lit up with amusement as he and Blythe chatted. His friend wasn’t giving much away, but Tucker doubted he’d hesitate to share his opinion the next time they saw each other. Would Kate also be paying their table a visit soon?
“Chris and his wife are two of my closest friends,” Tucker told Blythe.
“How do you know each other?”
Chris gave him a look Tucker wished he hadn’t. He didn’t want to spend his time with Blythe talking about the things that had happened when he was a teenager.
“Tuck and I grew up together.”
“In Aspen?”
“Yes, in Aspen.” Tucker couldn’t help but smile when Blythe did. She’d caught the look between Chris and him and wasn’t about to let it go.
“Was Jace part of your youthful antics
?”
Chris laughed out loud and excused himself from their table. “It was nice meeting you, Blythe. I look forward to many amusing conversations with you in the future.”
Tucker took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. “I thought we agreed not to bring Jace with us tonight.”
“You know Jace,” she answered. “He pushes his way in.”
Again, her charm made him laugh. He turned her hand over and kissed her palm. When he opened his mouth and kissed it again, he felt her shudder.
Jace sat at the table in Ben and Liv’s house, listening to the uneasy banter taking place between his cousin and Irene’s fiancé. He got the impression Ben wasn’t a fan of Billy’s. The feeling appeared to be mutual, and Jace wondered what was behind it. He looked over at Irene, who stood in the kitchen with the baby in her arms. She nipped playfully at the baby’s fingers when she tugged on her necklace.
He’d seen her interact with kids at the ranch, and she was always good with them. He wouldn’t expect her to be any different with a baby than she was with them.
Jace shifted his gaze from her, back to the table and caught Billy’s eye. He hadn’t missed Jace’s lingering look at his fiancée.
“Where’d your brother go?” Billy asked rather than call him out.
“He and Blythe went for a drive.”
“Huh.”
“Huh, what?”
“Nothin’.”
“You have somethin’ on your mind, say it.”
Billy shook his head and looked toward the kitchen, where Liv and Paige stood with Irene and Willow.
“It’s nothin’,” he murmured. His gaze shifted back to Mark, who’d also picked up on what was transpiring.
Jace stood and went outside. Where had Tucker taken Blythe and why had they been gone so long?
If he was smart, he’d let go of this thing between the three of them before it went any further. It already felt too much like it had one other time, with another girl they were both drawn to. He’d learned the hard way then what happened when he and Tuck wanted the same woman. And at this time of year, the memories were especially strong.
Jace had felt a spark when Irene introduced him to Blythe, and thought she had, too. When he felt it, he knew this would be more than a game, she’d be more than a girl he and Tuck would woo and try to win, only to forget about once they had.
Kiss Me Cowboy (Cowboys of Crested Butte Book 3) Page 2