Matt

by R. C. Ryan

  “Even Marcel?” Frank nudged Gracie, knowing that would raise his father-in-law’s hackles.

  “Marcel was above such things. Totally incorruptible. He knew more secrets than anyone in Hollywood, but took them all to his grave. That’s why, while the others came and went, he remained as head waiter at the Brasseri for over twenty years.”

  Vanessa turned to Grace. “Did you ever go along with your father?”

  Grace shook her head. “Rarely. Over Dad’s objections, Mother insisted that I attend a private girls’ school in Connecticut, as she had.”

  “Which meant that I was forced to fly across the country regularly, just to spend time with my wife and daughter.” Nelson chuckled. “It was the price I paid to love the most beautiful woman in Connecticut. That is until Grace Anne chose to attend college at UCLA over the elite Eastern university that had been her mother’s alma mater. Madeline was horrified, of course, because it meant that she would have to return to the glitter of Hollywood if she wanted to see her own daughter.”

  “And then,” Frank interjected, “just when Nelson thought he’d won the upper hand in their marital tug-of-war, my Gracie Girl made a fateful trip to Montana to photograph some scenery for her final year in filmmaking at UCLA, and ended up leaving both Connecticut and California behind.”

  Vanessa, caught up in the story, looked over with surprise. “You never went home?”

  Grace linked her fingers with Frank’s. “I never even went back to graduate. Nothing was going to make me leave this handsome cowboy for even a week.”

  Colin leaned back in his chair and regarded his parents. “And I’ve been thankful ever since.”

  Luke slapped his uncle on the back. “Not as thankful as all the pretty ladies in Glacier Ridge. Who would they drool over if you weren’t around to make their hearts flutter?”

  Colin gave a dry laugh. “In case you haven’t noticed, you and your brothers have replaced me as hunk of the day.”

  “You might want to look around the next time you’re in town.” Reed exchanged a grin with his brothers. “Word is, every rancher in Glacier Ridge keeps his wife and daughters locked indoors until Colin Malloy leaves town.”

  “Trust me.” Colin huffed a breath. “They’re all safe. I’m not even looking.”

  “But they are. And drooling,” Luke added as the others laughed.

  “Speaking of drooling…” Grace turned to Yancy. “I think we’ll take our dessert in the great room. And as soon as possible. I’ve been thinking about that torte for hours.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Yancy began setting plates and cups on a trolley, along with a carafe of coffee and a bottle of fine whiskey.

  As they made their way to the great room, Frank huddled with Burke, who reported on the herds, the wranglers, and the weather in the hills, before being apprised of Gracie’s latest plans to journey there.

  “So, Nessa.” Reed waited until his great-grandfather was comfortably settled into a big, overstuffed chair by the fire before sitting nearby and stretching out his long legs to the warmth. “Have you decided what you’ll take along on your first visit to the wilderness?”

  “I thought some jeans, a hoodie, maybe a parka, and boots.”

  “Well, that takes care of tomorrow morning.” Reed grinned at his brothers across the room. “What about the days after?”

  She shot a puzzled look at Grace. “Didn’t you say we’d be traveling light?”

  “I did. Just ignore the teasing. But Reed’s right. You may want to add a few things. You’ll need a couple of tees or a tank. Shorts. Sunblock. And I’d advise you to bring along some sturdy work gloves.”

  “And if you don’t have room for the work gloves, at least make room for the shorts.” Reed’s smile went up a notch.

  Yancy moved among them, serving his torte with dollops of chocolate chip ice cream, along with cups of coffee.

  Nelson looked up after his first taste. “Is that hazelnut I detect, Yancy?”

  “You’ve got a refined palate, Great One. It is hazelnut.”

  The old man brought his fingers to his lips in an exaggerated display of delight. “You’ve outdone yourself again, my man. I do believe this torte is better than any I ever tasted at the Brasseri.”

  Yancy made a formal bow. “The highest compliment ever.”

  “And well deserved.”

  Around the room the others were too busy enjoying their dessert to bother with words.

  Yancy set a trolley along one wall, in case anyone wanted seconds. Then he settled into his favorite, well-worn chair by the fire and sipped his coffee.

  Seeing him, Vanessa looked surprised. “You’re not having any of this fabulous torte, Yancy?”

  He gave her a pleased smile. “I’m glad you think it’s fabulous. My real dessert is watching everyone enjoying the things I made. Truth is, I never had a sweet tooth. Now, if this were chili, I’d have seconds and thirds.”

  “Then I’ll just have yours, too.” Luke ambled across the room and cut another huge slice before mounding it with ice cream.

  “Careful,” Colin called. “All those pretty young things in town like their cowboys lean.”

  “You sure about that?” Luke winked at his brother Reed. “Now that our old uncle is past looking at women…”

  “Who’re you calling old?” Colin sipped his coffee.

  Reed couldn’t resist jumping in. “Luke’s right. You said you’re not even looking at women anymore. I’d say that makes you old.”

  “I’m only ten years older than Matt.” Colin turned to his nephew. “Why aren’t you defending me?”

  Matt grinned. “You’re on your own, old man.”

  Colin nodded toward his father. “You going to let these upstarts talk to your son this way?”

  Frank dropped an arm around Gracie’s shoulders. “Son, I’ve learned that there’s only one thing that ever stops a man from looking at beautiful women. That’s when he’s snagged the most beautiful woman of all. And since I’ve already got her, and I’m too content after such a fine meal to do more than listen, I’ll just let the four of you carry on.” He turned to Vanessa. “See what we have to put up with? They’re constantly ragging on one another, and we’d probably send them all packing and tell them to find their own ranches if they weren’t so helpful around this big ol’ ranch.”

  “Helpful?” Reed shot a knowing look at his brothers. “Grandpop, if you sent the four of us packing, you’d have to hire an entire army of wranglers to replace all these muscles and brains.”

  “You forgot to mention egos.” The older man’s eyes danced with laughter as he turned to Burke. “And I mean giant egos.”

  That had Burke roaring with laughter.

  Reed crossed the room and held out a bottle of whiskey. “I think your brain just short-circuited, Grandpop. How about a splash to give it a jump-start?”

  Still laughing, Frank held out his cup.

  Reed turned to the others. “Any takers?”

  Nelson lifted his cup. “I wouldn’t mind a bit.”

  “I’ll have some, too, son,” Burke’s eyes were crinkled in glee.

  The rest declined, and Reed replaced the bottle on the trolley.

  Vanessa had a sudden thought. “My cell phone didn’t work up in the hills.” She turned to Grace.

  Frank answered for Gracie. “That’s true, darlin’. They’re pretty unreliable. Way up there, you’re pretty much on your own.”

  “So, if there’s…trouble…” She flushed. “Not that I’m expecting any but…”

  Frank gave her a reassuring smile. “My Gracie Girl knows how to get the word out if she has any trouble.”

  Beside him, his wife nodded. “I have my rifle, Nessa. If I fire it, they’ll hear it clear across the hills and come running from all directions.”

  “Have you ever had to fire it?”

  The older woman gave her a gentle smile. “A time or two. Just to see if my men were paying attention.”

  They all laughed as
Burke explained. “When Miss Gracie calls, this entire ranch drops everything to get to her.”

  Frank kissed his wife’s cheek. “That’s because she’s the heart and soul of this place.”

  “And don’t you ever forget that.” She tried to sound stern, but everyone in the room could hear the warmth in her voice.

  A short time later, as the fire burned low, Grace was the first to get to her feet. “Time I turned in. You might want to think about it, too, Nessa. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

  As she and Frank made their way upstairs, the others began drifting off to their rooms, calling good night as they did.

  When Vanessa set aside her cup and got to her feet, Matt stood. “I’ll see you to your room.”

  “That’s not necessary. If you’d like to stay and chat with Burke…”

  The old cowboy shook his head. “I’m heading to the bunkhouse. We’ll be leaving for the herd before dawn.” He crossed to her and took her hand in a courtly gesture. “You’ll have a grand time with Miss Grace. I hope you soak it all up.”

  “Thank you, Burke. I can’t wait. Good night.”

  As she climbed the stairs, Matt followed. When they came to her room, he reached around her and opened the door. Once she was inside, he surprised her by stepping in behind her before leaning against the closed door.

  She turned. “Is there something you want to say?”

  “Something I need to do.” His voice was low. Quiet.

  His eyes were so clearly focused on her, she felt the magnetic pull of them. “If you’re here to warn me…”

  Without a word he dragged her against him. Her hands automatically lifted to his chest, as though to brace herself, but there was no time.

  And when his mouth covered hers, there were no thoughts but one. Oh how she’d wanted this. Only this.

  When he wrapped her in those strong arms, she felt the quiet strength of him and thrilled to it.

  The more he drew out the kiss, the more her body softened, melted into him, until she could feel him in every part of her.

  He lifted his head just enough to nuzzle her cheek, her eye, her forehead.

  She gave a long, deep sigh. “You were so quiet tonight, I was afraid you were angry that I was going with Gracie.” She lifted a hand to his jaw. “I know I shouldn’t be taking any chances, but…”

  “You’ve got a right to be concerned.” His words, spoken against her temple, sent shivers along her spine. “But try to put everything aside and just enjoy this time with my grandmother. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

  “It is.” She looked into his eyes. “But if you’re not angry, why were you so quiet?”

  “I’m not a patient man. And all evening, while my family was having such a good time teasing you, I just wanted you alone. For this.” He lowered his head and took her mouth again.

  Curls of pleasure had her insides quivering.

  He changed the angle of the kiss and gathered her against him.

  She returned his kisses with a hunger that caught them both by surprise.

  When at last he lifted his head, he framed her face with his big hands and stared at her with a look that burned clear through to her soul. “I’m leaving now.”

  “You could…stay.”

  “Not tonight. You need your sleep.” He studied her a minute longer before turning toward the door.

  As he opened it he muttered huskily, “When you come back, I’ll want a whole lot more than a few stolen kisses.”

  He stepped away and pulled the door shut behind him.

  She studied the closed door before crossing the room to stand at the window and stare at the night sky.

  Matt’s words had her touching a hand to her heart, which was pounding inside her chest.

  When you come back, I’ll want a whole lot more than a few stolen kisses.

  Not just words.

  It had been a promise. A promise that left her absolutely breathless.

  Chapter Fifteen

  It wasn’t yet light outside when Vanessa descended the stairs and dropped her backpack in a corner of the kitchen.

  Gracie and Frank were huddled in front of the fireplace, heads bent in quiet conversation.

  Yancy was draining bacon on a bed of paper towels.

  Matt and Burke stomped in from the barn, pausing to remove their boots and hang their hats on pegs along the wall before washing at the big sink in the mudroom.

  Spotting Vanessa, Grace hurried over. “I figured you’d be up early. How’d you sleep?”

  “Badly. Too excited, I guess.”

  “You’ll sleep tonight.”

  Frank chuckled. “That’s a fact. After climbing around these mountains, trying to keep up with my Gracie Girl, I guarantee you’ll sleep like a baby.”

  Vanessa was working overtime to keep from staring at Matt, but when she turned his way, he winked, and she could feel her face getting all warm.

  “’Morning, Nessa.”

  “Good morning.” She ducked her head, wishing she could control the blush spreading up her throat and across her cheeks. She hadn’t reacted to a guy this way since she was sixteen. But it was impossible to act all cool and composed after last night, and the promise he’d made. Just the thought of it made her body tingle.

  He nodded toward the backpack. “That’s it?”

  “Yeah.” She turned to Grace. “I added a tee and tank and some shorts, but I don’t have any work gloves.”

  “We’ve got a shelf full of them in the barn. Remember to pick up a pair before we head out.”

  “Okay.” Vanessa chose a glass of orange juice from a tray on the counter.

  Matt snagged a mug of coffee and handed it to Burke before taking a second one for himself.

  “Breakfast is ready,” Yancy called. “Actually, this is a second breakfast. I served Luke and Reed and Colin theirs more than an hour ago. They’re halfway to Eagle’s Ridge by now.”

  Matt held a chair for Vanessa before sitting beside her. He held a platter of scrambled eggs while she served herself. “You’d better take more than that,” he said, grinning at the small portion on her plate.

  “I don’t think I can eat a thing. Nerves, I guess.”

  “That’s all right.” Frank dug into his bacon and eggs. “I saw all the food Yancy packed up for you and Gracie. You could survive up in the hills for a month or more and still not run out of things to eat.”

  “Yancy understands the way an appetite sharpens when you’re living in the hills.” Grace slathered wild strawberry preserves on her toast. “You did send along some of that torte, I hope?”

  Yancy nodded. “I made sure that was the first thing I packed, Miss Grace.”

  “Good. The rest is lovely, of course. But that torte…” She let her smile speak for itself as she finished eating.

  Half an hour later she and Frank shoved away from the table and led the way toward the mudroom, with Vanessa trailing behind.

  She turned. “Thank you for that great breakfast, Yancy. And for all the food you’re sending along with us.”

  “You’re welcome, Nessa. Now relax and enjoy your trek into the wilderness. With Miss Grace along as tour guide, I’m sure you’ll have a grand adventure.”

  Before she could pick up her backpack, Matt snatched it up and moved along beside her as they made their way to the barn.

  He handed her a pair of work gloves. “See if these fit.”

  After trying them, she nodded and he tucked them in with her things before stowing the backpack in the truck and holding open the passenger door.

  Before she could climb up, Matt laid a hand on her arm. Just a touch, but she felt the quick curl of heat as she turned to him.

  “Yancy’s right. With Gram Gracie along, you’ll have the time of your life.”

  “I hope so. I’m so eager to see a herd of wild horses, I’m twitching.”

  “Yeah. I can feel it.” He leaned in and touched his mouth to hers.

  It was the merest
touch of his lips to hers, but it affected her so deeply she couldn’t feel her hands or feet as she turned and climbed into the truck and fumbled with the seat belt.

  Matt closed the door and reached in the open window, tugging on a lock of her hair. “Go make some memories.”

  Grace set a rifle on a rack behind the driver’s seat. Vanessa lifted a brow in question, but she merely grinned. “I don’t suppose you shoot?”

  At Vanessa’s quick shake of her head, Grace touched her hand. “Not a problem, Nessa. I shoot well enough for both of us. And I’d never go into the wilderness without my rifle.”

  She turned the key in the ignition, and the truck rolled out of the barn. Instead of heading along the gravel driveway, she drove the truck across a flat stretch of ground.

  As the older woman waved and called something to Frank, Vanessa stared at the reflection in the side-view mirror of Matt standing straight and tall, his eyes now hidden behind sunglasses.

  As eager as she was for this adventure, she had the sudden, almost overpowering desire to run back and fall into his arms and beg him to kiss her one more time.

  Go make some memories.

  With a sweet smile she sat back and looked around as they drove across a pasture before veering up and up to a high, grassy meadow. Fields so green they seemed like a Hollywood set. The green gradually gave way to a background of colorful bitterroot. And still the truck continued, following no particular trail as it climbed and climbed until they came to the edge of the wooded area. Once there, all Vanessa’s senses sharpened. The bright sun became dappled, and the air was heavy with the fragrance of evergreen and wildflowers. Colorful birds darted from tree to tree. And as her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she could make out movement. A herd of deer. An eagle lifting from the forest ground with something dangling from its beak.

  As the eagle soared, so did her heart. She felt wild joy and a sense of quiet peace. The teeming streets of her city faded away, as did the danger that hovered like a dark shadow. She was actually in the wilderness of Montana, with Grace Anne LaRou as her tour guide. And waiting for her back at the ranch was a handsome cowboy whose kisses promised paradise.