Dallas at Midnight [Midnight in Montana 1] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Bella Settarra

  Lucy had said she wanted to settle down and have kids with him. They planned to get engaged just as soon as he could afford a decent ring, but when the debts piled in she soon realized that day was a long way off and she wasn’t prepared to wait. She’d already moved in and taken up most of the wardrobe space in the master bedroom with clothes that he had bought her. He used to wine and dine her when he could, but it became an expense he just couldn’t afford with all that debt hanging around his ears.

  He had actually sat down and spelled it out to her one night following a very harrowing day which he had spent with the accountant while she had wandered around town choosing her next new outfit. Her expression had fallen when she finally faced the fact that he just couldn’t afford all the luxuries she was used to, and that they would have to tighten their belts a little for a while. She had gotten up in a fury, accusing him of giving her false hope and getting her to move in with him by deception. Of course, she’d packed up all her things before storming out of the house.

  A week or so later he had seen her in town with that rich kid, Guy Beresford. She’d taken great delight in informing Shane that they were an item and that Guy had brought her out shopping as she simply had nothing suitable to wear to the big, posh party he was taking her to. Guy had looked smug as he’d grinned at Shane, and it was all the cowboy could do to refrain from punching his lights out.

  He realized afterward that he should have thanked Guy for showing him what a lucky escape he’d had. Lucy was obviously only after his money. Everything he had hoped for would have come to zilch if she’d stayed with him, and if he had given up on the ranch as she wanted him to he would have ended up with absolutely nothing.

  He watched Dallas smile in her sleep and wondered at how different she was to Lucy. Lucy would never have allowed him to carry her to the toilet, or spoon-feed her, or do anything to look after her physically. She claimed to be an independent woman who knew her own mind. Yep, the more he thought about it, the more he could see that the woman was only after him for one thing—and it wasn’t his body!

  Chapter 3

  It was dark when Dallas opened her eyes. Her head ached and she felt slightly sick but not as bad as she had earlier. It took her a minute to remember where she was. The room was big and airy, and the curtains had been left open, allowing the moonlight to shine in. It cast shadows around the room and she looked over to see Shane sleeping in the chair next to her.

  She took the opportunity to study him. He was a strapping guy, big and muscular, and obviously the outdoor type. She marvelled that he was running the ranch by himself. His black hair was tousled and waves fell onto his face. She could still make out his magnificent bone structure though, and thought of how he would make a good model. A model. That was one thing she wouldn’t wish on anyone. No, this guy was much better off where he was. His tanned skin and rugged looks told her he probably wouldn’t be seen dead in front of a camera, which was a pity because she would have loved to have something to remind her of him once she’d gone.

  Gone. She suddenly remembered that she should be out of here by now. It wouldn’t take long for word to get around a tiny little place like this that there was a strange girl in town, and Ed Powell would waste no time in coming to get her back. The thought made her shudder.

  Shane Patrick looked so peaceful sitting there and she didn’t want to disturb him. Besides, he’d only ask questions and then who knows what would happen. Jeez, he might even call the sheriff!

  Slowly she sat up and looked around for her clothes. Through the darkness she could make out the furniture but nothing else. He could have put her things anywhere! Gently she pulled back the cover and hauled herself up. She sat on the edge of the bed, legs dangling down, while she waited for the room to stop spinning around her. Her chest felt heavy and she straightened her back in order to get a good breath of air.

  “Going somewhere?” Shit! Shane was awake in an instant.

  She had her back to him but could feel his eyes boring into her.

  “I–I was just…” she murmured, trying not to move her head to look at him. Bedsides the fact that her head was spinning already, she knew that once she looked into those deep blue eyes she wouldn’t want to leave. Get a grip, woman!

  “You were what?”

  He got out of the chair and stood in front of her. She tried not to look up at his face, and concentrated on looking straight ahead of her. This put her in line to see his abdomen and, oh dear God, the tops of his legs! She swallowed hard.

  “I believe I asked you a question, darlin’,” he drawled. His voice held a dominance which made her pussy gush and she clenched her legs together quickly. She couldn’t believe she could be thinking about—that—at a time like this.

  Shane’s finger appeared under her chin and he carefully tipped her head up to look at him. He looked a little blurry, but still gorgeous.

  Dallas felt her mouth go dry, and her heart was hammering in her chest. She felt dizzy, but wasn’t altogether sure it was just because she was unwell.

  “You need to stay in bed,” Shane told her in a firm but gentle voice.

  He was staring into her eyes and she wondered what he could see there. The trouble was, it meant she had to stare back into his and what she could see there was making her feel even dizzier.

  “I–I have to go,” she whispered.

  Shane frowned. “You need the bathroom again?”

  His voice was deep and not without a little mirth.

  Dallas shook her head, trying to tear her gaze away from his beautiful face. He was coming into focus now and she gasped at how gorgeous he was. “I need my things,” she murmured.

  Shane frowned again. “Your things?”

  He removed his finger from her chin and she took the opportunity to look away. Although she knew she had to get away, she didn’t want to leave the comfort and safety she had found here. She also didn’t want to leave the man who had offered them to her. But she wasn’t safe. She had to remember that. She wasn’t safe anywhere that he could get to her, and she was sure he was on her trail. Ed Powell had too many contacts and too much technology at his fingertips not to have some idea where she was. She jutted out her chin, but stared at Shane’s abdomen instead of his face.

  “I have to go.” Her whisper was quieter than she intended, but she knew he had heard her. His body stiffened instantly.

  “Go where, darlin’?” He sounded like he was speaking through gritted teeth.

  Dallas swallowed again, not knowing what to say. What could she say? She didn’t know where, she just had to keep moving. She thought back to the other night when she had run away. Three men had been at the house. Three men who all wanted a piece of her. She felt herself start to tremble and she felt hot. Her face flushed and she started to feel sick again.

  “Hey now.”

  Suddenly she felt Shane’s warm, strong arms around her and she realized in horror that she was crying. Instinctively she tried to push him away, mortified that he should see her tears, but he obviously had other ideas. His muscular arms held her firmly and she had no choice but to wrap her arms around his waist and sob quietly into his embrace.

  “Let’s get you back into bed,” Shane said gently when she finally stilled.

  Dallas didn’t want to move. She realized how much she enjoyed being this close to him. Feeling his warmth and strength surround her made her feel safe and wanted. But I’m not. Inwardly scolding herself for her weakness, she sat up straight.

  “I can’t,” she croaked, “I really have to leave. May I have my clothes please?” She was talking to his abdomen again, not daring to watch his face. That was when she noticed. His jeans seemed to be fitting a little snugger and she couldn’t help but heed his thick, hard cock straining against the denim.

  “No, you may not,” he told her firmly.

  She gasped. Not sure whether it was due to his blatant refusal or the sight of his arousal, she put her hand to her mouth and stared down at her knees.
r />   “Get back into bed and talk to me,” he said gently.

  Dallas’s mind was racing. She knew she had to leave, but it looked like she wasn’t going to be allowed to go. She wasn’t quite sure how she felt about that. She should be angry and indignant, telling him he can’t keep her against her will, but on the other she was dang sure it wasn’t against her will. She wanted to stay here. She wanted to stay with him. And by the look of his body he wanted her, too.

  Shane pulled at the coverlet and she deftly climbed back into the warm, soft bed. Her muscles relaxed and she couldn’t stop a sigh escaping her lips as she got comfortable again.

  “You missed your dinner. I can warm up more of that soup if you like, or would you rather something different?” He spoke to her as if nothing had happened.

  Staring up at him, Dallas could see in his eyes that he wasn’t unaffected. His reaction to holding her was real. He couldn’t hide it. He had enjoyed having her in his arms just as much as she had enjoyed being there.

  “Soup would be lovely, thank you,” she said quietly.

  He gave a small grin as he stood to leave the room. “Don’t you move,” he told her sternly from the doorway.

  Dallas laid her head on the soft pillow. She ached everywhere and knew that she was really in no fit state to be running off. Perhaps if she stayed here tonight and got a good night’s sleep she’d be much better in the morning. Then she could go. She was sure Shane wouldn’t object if she was well again. It was kind of him to be so concerned for her, especially as they didn’t really know each other. And that was the point she had to remember—they didn’t know each other at all. There was no point in getting upset about leaving him because she didn’t really know anything about him. He was just some guy who was being kind to her because he felt responsible for her after finding her in his barn. With looks like his he probably had a whole string of women after him—and who could blame them? She had no business worrying about him because, after tonight she would never see him again.

  Shane arrived with the tray with two bowls of soup and a plate of warm bread rolls. Placing it on the nightstand he switched on the little lamp. It gave a homely, golden glow to the room. He perched on the bed facing her.

  “You must be starving by now,” he remarked, taking up one of the bowls. Dallas sat up, putting a hand out to take the bowl from him. Shane frowned, obviously considering the situation.

  “I promise not to make a mess on your bed linen,” she told him curtly, imagining that was what he was worrying about.

  He stared at her in astonishment. “You think I’m worried about that?”

  “Well, you wouldn’t let me do it myself earlier.” She looked down, not wanting to look at the expression in his eyes.

  “Darlin’, you were shaking. You were so ill I was worried you wouldn’t be able to manage, that’s all.” He sounded hurt and she suddenly felt guilty for thinking otherwise.

  “Well, I’m fine now.” She was determined not to get emotional over him. So she had misread his meaning earlier, but that was no reason to get all sentimental now. She took the bowl from him and he handed her the spoon.

  The bowl was heavier than she expected and for one awful moment she thought she really was about to spill it all over the bed. She held it tightly, suddenly aware that her hands were still shaking a little. She took a deep breath, determined to show him she could manage. She took a spoonful from the bowl, stooping her head to drink it before it spilled. It was hot and she cursed herself for not checking before allowing it to burn her sore throat.

  Suddenly the bowl was being taken away from her, and Shane offered her a glass of cold water. Reluctantly she allowed him to put the glass to her lips and she drank. The coolness took the bite from the scald and relieved the pain as it followed the hot soup into her stomach. She figured he must have noticed the strain in her face to have reacted so swiftly, and was embarrassed at how grateful she was to him.

  “Better?” She had expected some sarcastic comment like “I told you before to blow on it” but it didn’t come. Instead he sounded genuinely concerned about her and she felt a lurch in her chest.

  “Thank you,” she said with a nod, feeling stupid for being so contrite.

  “You’re welcome. How about some bread? It’s just warmed through. It’s not hot at all.”

  He broke a roll for her and handed her the soft bread. She bit into it gingerly. He was quite right. It was just sumptuously warm, but not hot. It eased her throat and soothed her mouth. She sighed with relief, and sniffed.

  His finger softly brushed across her cheek and she was dismayed to realize that he was actually wiping away a tear.

  Without speaking he took the spoon from her and wrapped her in his arms again. She sank into his embrace, too tired to fight it. Her arms swathed around his ripped back and she laid her head against his chest as the tears continued to roll down her face. Shane rocked her gently, shushing her quietly, and she felt every bone in her body relax. His heart beat steadily against her ear and his calmness engulfed her. She closed her eyes, breathing him in. There was no fancy cologne here. This cowboy was obviously a strictly soap and water guy. He smelled fresh and clean. It was a lovely scent. His voice was deep and resounded in his chest as he soothed her gently. After a while her tears eased and she pulled her head up, embarrassed that she had shown such weakness.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, sitting up straight with a sniff.

  Shane reached over to get her a tissue, and then she wondered if he had seen the lace handkerchief in her jeans pocket, as he delved into his own pocket and pulled out his large, white cotton handkerchief instead. Checking that it was still clean, he handed it to her. Dallas felt a little touched by his thoughtfulness as she took it from him and wiped her eyes.

  “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for,” he assured her gently. “I should have checked the soup before I gave it to you.”

  “I didn’t exactly give you a chance,” she told him with another sniff.

  He grinned. He looked as gorgeous as ever, as mirth danced in his eyes.

  “I think maybe we should start all over,” he said.

  Dallas nodded. Shane picked up her bowl again and cocked an eyebrow as he looked at her.

  God! He can’t know how handsome that look is! Dallas swallowed hard but didn’t make a move to take the bowl from him. He gave her a satisfied smile.

  “Blow on it if it’s hot,” he told her as he took a little of the soup in the spoon.

  The soup had cooled a little and was delicious. Dallas drank up every drop in her bowl and devoured two bread rolls. She sat back, leaning against the plush headboard as she watched Shane eat his. She liked watching him eat. He was a guy who obviously enjoyed his food, and he ate hungrily at the last of the bread.

  “Can I get you anything else? I’ve got some apple pie I can heat up,” he offered.

  Dallas shook her head. Her stomach felt slightly sick and she was quite full. “Thanks, but I’ve had enough. It was delicious. You have some pie if you want it, though.”

  “Nah, I haven’t got much appetite today,” he told her as he put the dishes on the tray.

  “Are you OK?” She frowned as she studied his gorgeous face.

  He reached over and took her hand. “Just a little concerned about a certain young lady I found sleeping in my barn earlier,” he said slowly.

  Dallas tensed and tried to pull her hand away but he held it firmly.

  “What brought you to Midnight County?” he asked.

  Damn! She knew he’d ask her questions sooner or later.

  “I’m just passing through.” She tried to sound nonchalant.

  Shane nodded. “Uh-huh. On your way to where?”

  She stared at him, feeling her heart begin to race. She really didn’t want to answer his questions. She bit her lip, thinking hard of what to say.

  “Washington,” she replied.

  Shane guffawed. “Washington? You’ve got a long way to go, darlin’. What’s so i
mportant about Washington?”

  Dallas seethed. She really didn’t enjoy being laughed at. She knew Washington was a long way from Montana, but she had to say something. If she’d just told him she didn’t know where she was heading he’d want to know everything. And she couldn’t tell him that. She felt hurt and indignant. It’s none of his business anyhow. She tried again to pull her hand away from his, but he held her tight. He seemed to realize he had offended her as he stopped laughing.

  “I’m sorry, darlin’. It just seemed real odd that you’re trying to get to Washington on foot. You already got terrible blisters getting this far.”

  Dallas felt her lips tighten and her heart beat hard with anger. “Who said I was walking all the way to Washington?” She spat the words at him.

  He looked a little surprised by her demeanor, and raised his eyebrows. “Well, I didn’t see any car parked outside my barn.”

  She clenched her teeth. “Well, maybe I don’t need a car.”

  He frowned at her, obviously aware that she was annoyed by his reaction. “Just how do you intend to get there then?”

  Dallas sat upright. “I don’t think it’s any of your business, do you?”

  Shane actually looked a little hurt. He shook his head. “I guess not,” he said, standing up. “Well, you just get some sleep. Holler if you need anything.”

  She watched him pick up the tray and turn off the lamp before leaving the room. She felt horrible. She’d been rude and unkind to him and all he’d done was take her in and look after her. But he did ask questions. Questions she’d been asking herself ever since she’d escaped. Where could she go? Was there anywhere that Ed Powell wouldn’t find her?