Cash looked down again and gave her a stern look. “You’re getting soaked,” he shouted as whipping wind muted the harshness from his tone.
Before her hair plastered to her head from the downpour, Jenna ran back into the house. She threw more logs onto the fire, wielding the poker until orange-blue flames crackled with warmth. She shivered and stood close, her clothes pretty much drenched. If she was soaked, Cash would surely catch his death up there on her roof.
Jenna whirled around when the front door blasted open. Cash entered, standing in the doorway, sopping wet from head to toe. He removed his hat, tossing the wet thing out the door. “Did I get all the leaks?” he asked.
Jenna nodded and relief swamped her at seeing him safely in the house. She shooed him away from the door, toward the fire. “Come in and get those clothes off. You’re positively soaked. I’ve got the fire going strong.”
“No, I can’t stay. I’ve got to fix the barn. Those leaks are getting mighty bad. The loft is drenched. There’s wet straw everywhere.”
Jenna shook her head. Ben had fallen from the barn roof trying to patch those holes on a clear day. If Cash went out there, with the wind whipping about like it was, no telling what might happen. “You’re not getting on top of the barn today. Those leaks can wait until the storm passes.”
Cash shook his head. “No, they can’t. I’ve got to fix them now or I can’t sleep in there. It’s like a small river up on that loft.”
“You won’t sleep there tonight, Cash. You’ll catch your death. You’ll sleep here by the fire. Lord knows it’s going to take all afternoon to get you dry. Now, take off your shirt. I’ll get you a towel.”
Jenna moved quickly and was back with a towel. Cash stood by the fire warming his hands when she returned. His shirt clung to his body as if it had been painted on.
She tossed him the towel, but all he did was stare at her, his gaze catching her every move.
Jenna ignored him, more concerned with getting the man dry. “Heavens,” she said, coming up to his chest and undoing the top button, “you’d think you’d lost all your hearing up there on that roof.”
She undid the second button, then the third, fully aware of Cash’s gaze on her. And fully aware of the powerful strong chest she was exposing. She’d had knowledge of the solid strength of him, of the way his skin had felt under her fingertips, hot and silky and so very smooth. She stared at the fine hairs there, moistened and slick, and couldn’t help but notice his nipples had gone hard. Cash was cold. Chilled to the bone cold. She bit her lip then lifted her eyes to meet his. “You can manage the rest. I’ll get you some hot cider and then you can tell me how you got the wood to fix the roof.”
He nodded, but as she turned away, he took hold of her wrist, stopping her. He spoke in her ear, his voice husky. “I don’t know if I can sleep in here, with you.”
It was a good thing Jenna didn’t face him. His admission had thrown her, causing heat to rise up on her neck, creating sensations Jenna thought long put to rest. She swallowed, stared a the floor and shook her head. “Don’t say those things, Cash.”
“It’s true, Jenna. I haven’t forgotten. I don’t believe you have, either. It was good between us. I’d be lying to say I don’t want that again. I think about holding you in my arms and—”
“No! Don’t. I don’t want to be reminded. You’re to leave as soon as Ben is capable of working the farm. There’s no use in wishing for things that won’t ever happen.”
Cash ripped the wet shirt from his body and tossed it on the hearth. “You’re right, Jenna. Damn it, you’re right.”
She turned to dare a glance at him. He was facing the fire, his back to her now. She couldn’t allow soft thoughts of Cash Callahan. He wasn’t a farmer. He was only here because he felt obliged to her for saving his life. And now, because of Ben’s injury, he’d be staying on a while. Jenna wouldn’t fool herself into thinking it was any more than that. She wouldn’t fall for Cash’s charm. He was a gambler, a man who had ripped away all of her dreams. How could she forget that?
“I’ll be back with the cider,” she said softly, a hollow ache developing in her gut. The pain was familiar and all too real.
When she returned to the parlor, Cash’s mood seemed to have lightened. He granted her a quick smile and Jenna swallowed hard. He’d taken off all of his clothes, leaving them to dry on the hearth. A towel was all that covered him from below his waist to his knees.
“I’ll get you one of Bobby Joe’s shirts.” She handed him a mug of hot cider.
He took a slow sip and closed his eyes, as if relishing the warmth and the taste. “Don’t bother. There was just the two. This one and one I washed this morning. It’s hanging up outside, on the fence post.”
“Oh,” Jenna said, “then you’d best stay by the fire until your clothes are dry.”
He nodded and took another sip of cider. “I think my bones are drying out, too.” He laughed and sipped some more. “Heat feels real good.”
Jenna wrung her hands, debating whether she should stay in here a while or leave him alone. She wasn’t looking forward to an evening alone but Cash was near naked by that fire and so very appealing.
“You’ve got no reason to fear me, Jenna.” He’d spoken as if he could read her thoughts.
“I’m not afraid of you.”
He arched a brow, the blue in his eyes gleaming. “Aren’t you?”
“No, I’m not.” She had her pride, after all. She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of knowing she’d been doubtful of her own intentions.
“Okay, then. Sit down and talk to me.”
Jenna made a move to sit on the sofa, but Cash shook his head. “Not there. Here, where it’s warm. Sit here by the fire with me.”
Jenna hesitated.
“You’re not afraid, remember,” he reminded her.
She hid a frown. “I’m not used to sitting with half-naked men in my parlor, Cash.”
“Ah, well, I’m glad of that.” He smiled.
Jenna relaxed a bit and sat down near him, but not so close that he would get ideas. Heavens, the man had practically announced earlier he’d like to take her to bed again. That wasn’t going to happen. Jenna wouldn’t allow it. And as long as she remembered who and what he was, she’d be safe from temptation.
“So how did you get the wood for the roof?” she asked, a harmless enough topic.
“I went into Goodwill today with Antonio. We had to buy some supplies. I bought enough wood to fix the stairs, too.”
“You bought? How did you pay for it?”
“Same way as usual, sugar. With cash.”
“But I don’t have any cash.”
“I know. I said I bought the supplies.”
“You used your own money? I can’t possibly pay you back. I don’t have enough—”
Cash reached out and took her hand, squeezing gently. “I have some money. I paid for the supplies. It wasn’t a loan and I don’t expect you to pay me back.”
“But—”
“Jenna, while I’m here, I’m a part of this farm. I’m going to do as I see fit. The roof needed repairs. You were low on supplies, so we picked some up.”
Jenna cringed inside. Her pride was at stake, and foolish as it seemed, she didn’t want Cash Callahan or anyone else for that matter taking pity on her and her farm. “What else did you buy?”
“Sugar, some canned goods and Arbuckle’s Ariosa coffee. It’s so good, Jenna. I can’t wait until you taste it.”
“Real coffee? I’ve always made my own.” Her coffee often contained parched wheat or bran. Sometimes she made it with dandelion roots, but Cash had bought authentic coffee, a luxury she hadn’t been able to afford for many years.
“I know, and it’s good, but you’ve never tasted anything like Arbuckle’s. You’re going to love it.”
Jenna shook her head. “I can’t accept it.”
Cash dropped her hand. “Don’t start on that again, Jenna. I pay my own way. Hell, you�
�ve been feeding me and I’ve got a roof over my head.”
“It’s just a leaky roof, Cash. And you work just as hard as anyone on the farm. You don’t owe me anything.”
“I do, but I’m not about to argue that point. And if I decide to gift you with a few new ribbons for your hair, I’d appreciate you accepting them,” he announced, his eyes dark and cold like creek waters at dusk.
“You have ribbons for me?” Her heart raced with excitement. She hadn’t received many gifts in her lifetime, much less gifts from a man.
He grunted. “Pink and yellow ones.”
“Really?” She smiled despite herself. “No one’s given me much of anything before.”
“Small wonder,” he grumbled, sipping his cider, eyeing her carefully.
“What did you say?” Jenna’s chin shot up.
“I said, when a man wants to do something nice for a woman, he shouldn’t get grief over it.”
Jenna found herself making excuses. “It’s just, well, it’s just that you know how I feel about your money. The way you earn it, I mean.”
“If I want to spend my money on this farm to help out, then I should be able to.”
“But, I’d rather you didn’t.”
He grunted again. “Too bad.” He folded his arms across his middle, reminding Jenna of a little boy who didn’t get his way.
She didn’t enjoy arguing with Cash. She’d like it just fine if they could get along cordially until he left the farm. The less she had to think about him, the better off she’d be. “I made you angry,” she stated.
“Hell, you’re good at it.”
“I don’t mean to be,” she said as sweetly as she could. Cash had helped her dear friend Ben, fixed her leaky roof and bought supplies she desperately needed for the farm and all she managed to do was anger him.
“Then take what I offer you, Jenna.”
She didn’t want anything from him. But she’d be a fool not to accept his gracious offerings.
“Well…okay.” She drew in oxygen, breathing deeply and the words tumbled out, words she’d been conditioned to say since the time she could talk. Words she meant from the bottom of her heart. “Thank you. It was very kind.”
Cash shook his head then grinned. “Jenna Duncan, you’ve got me spinning around in circles, you know that?”
Jenna thought he was doing the same to her, sitting there, so close, wearing nothing much of anything and buying her pretty ribbons.
Chapter Ten
Cash rose before Jenna woke up. He’d lain awake half the night, thinking about her sleeping upstairs in that big bed alone. In truth, as much as he wanted to make love to her again, and that need proved strong, he would have been just as content sleeping beside her, cradling her in his arms, keeping her warm. Yep, he would’ve liked that, waking up with Jenna again, breathing in her flowery woman’s scent, stroking her soft skin. But Jenna had made her intentions clear and he’d honor her by keeping away.
Yet he could still show her a thing or two about Larabeth. He dressed quickly, then headed outside. He was met with early sunshine, the morning sky so bright he squinted as he made his way to the barn.
Larabeth cast him a lazy look then stared straight ahead when he drew closer. “You’re playing with me, lady. But we’re going to be best friends.”
Cash lifted his bedroll from a small storage drawer against the wall and plucked up a handful of sugar cubes he had tucked inside. “Seems I found a gift or two for you in Goodwill, too.”
Cash placed the stool near Larabeth’s middle, set the pail under her then walked around to face the brown-eyed bovine. He opened his hand and the cow instantly wiped the sugar cubes clean. “There’s more for later, if you cooperate,” he said, stroking the cow’s thick neck the way he’d seen Jenna do.
“Ready? I’ll be gentle this time.” Cash sat down, rubbed his hands together to warm them then proceeded to Larabeth’s udder. He pulled down with adept fingers. The cow let out a low moaning sound, shifted position and her flank knocked right smack into him, yanking him off the stool onto his back. He shook his head to clear it and found himself directly underneath Larabeth. He stared up at a full udder, with all of its points aiming straight for his face. “Facing down a barrel of a gun can’t be more thrilling, Larabeth.”
Laughter from the barn door had him tossing the pail and turning his head. Jenna stood with a hand covering her mouth, but the look of pure joy crossing her face gave her away.
“How long have you been there?” he asked as he maneuvered himself away from Larabeth and stood.
“Long enough to see you bribe my cow.” Again, laughter erupted. Jenna couldn’t seem to stop herself.
Cash swatted hay off his trousers. “Yeah, well, she’ll come around.”
“I’m sure she will,” Jenna offered, amused.
There was such beauty on her face. And such joy in her eyes—the healthy glow of a happy woman. If Cash could find a way to keep that look about her, he’d not hesitate.
“You going to give me another lesson in milking?”
She shook her head and sashayed over to the cow, milk pail in hand. “Just watch and learn.”
She stroked Larabeth then whispered something. The animal wiggled both ears and Jenna sat down on the stool but she didn’t touch Larabeth, at least not with her fingers. She began singing.
Pretty cow, oh pretty cow,
Fill the pail, if you are able,
Put sweet milk on our table,
To soak our bread, and make a cake,
And spoil the kittens, for goodness sake!
Pretty cow, oh pretty cow,
I’ll pat your head and stroke your side,
Your milk is rich, I will confide.
With gentle hands, I shall guide the way,
And feed you oats and grain, each day.
Pretty cow, oh pretty cow,
Fill the pail if you are able,
Put sweet milk on our table.
“There now, I think we’re ready,” Jenna offered softly. She milked the contented cow, filling the pail and continuing to hum the melodious tune.
Button and Scrappy both appeared, sitting ready to get their due. Jenna didn’t disappoint, she gave equal squirts to both. Humming the tune, she continued on with a chore she made seem a pleasant morning outing.
Cash’s gut went tight, knotting up inside. He realized something then. Something he didn’t want to admit. He’d been playing a losing hand, one he was certain he could never win.
He was falling in love with Jenna.
Cash kept his distance from Jenna for the next three days. He’d spent his time plowing the fields, working on the barn roof, and trying his best to make Larabeth come around. Larabeth wasn’t having any of it. Hell, he’d never had such a time coaxing a response from a female.
“Come on, Mac,” Cash urged the plow horse, “just one more row and we’ll stop for the day.”
The blade dug into the ground, grinding up dry soil. After the storm had passed, spring heat roasted the ground and pretty much set Cash’s body temperature to near boiling. Cash wiped sweat from his brow. “Only thing more fickle than the weather is a female mind,” he muttered, thinking of Larabeth and Jenna.
Cash went out back of the barn to the water barrel, cursing the hot day. Hell, he needed a good soak in a tub and if he’d thought of it sooner, he’d have made tracks to the creek, but today, washing up near the barrel was all he could manage.
Antonio rode up on his old mare, wearing a big smile, just as Cash had removed his shirt and splashed water on his face. “Cash, you’ve got to get Miss Jenna to come on over to our house, soon as you can.”
“Why? Is there a problem with Ben?” Perplexed, Cash couldn’t figure this out. Antonio’s voice sounded urgent, yet he was wearing a silly grin.
“No, Papa’s fine. You just tell her Mama needs her in a fast hurry. And you bring her yourself.”
“Me?” Cash stuck his index finger into his chest. “Hell, you know Jenna.
She’s gonna ask me nothing but questions about this.”
Antonio grinned even wider. “I know. That’s why I ain’t gonna tell you neither. You just tell her what I said. You just tell her Rosalinda needs her quick. She’ll come.”
Cash hesitated. So far, he’d done a good job of keeping his distance from Jenna. He’d seen to it there were no more evenings by the fire, soaking up heat, staring into each other’s eyes, and there had been no more bouts with Larabeth, either. Cash always woke up earlier than Jenna, tried his best with the obstinate cow then pretended sleep or was out of the barn before Jenna would come in. He’d taken his meals with her then begged off quickly to get out onto the fields, and during the supper hour, he always claimed fatigue and hustled off to bed.
His plan was working, too. He found time to think about his first love, gambling. He thought about getting back into a game, and of raising the stakes until everyone was on edge. He thought about reading his opponents with expertise. He thought about the thrill of the win. And how much he longed to get back to his own life. His gambling life.
But he couldn’t refuse Antonio. Something was definitely up and if Rosalinda needed Jenna, then he’d oblige and bring her to their home. “Okay, I’ll bring her. But she’s gonna be a pest about it all the way over.”
Antonio laughed before riding off. Cash shook his head hard enough to spray water out, sort of like how Scrappy did when he got a bath, then he entered the back door of the house to relay Antonio’s message.
Jenna couldn’t imagine why Rosalinda needed her so urgently. She prayed that nothing was seriously wrong with Ben. She took just enough time to put away the food she’d been cooking, then dashed out of the house.
Cash stood by Queen, who was saddled and ready in front of the house. Jenna approached them, glancing up at Cash’s horse. The bay mare stood tall, her pose stately, as though she really were a queen. “I don’t think I can reach.” But she tried a little hop to grasp the saddle horn and missed. She lost her grip and slid down the horse’s flank.
Cash swooped her up in his arms before she fell to the ground. He held her gently, but his words were sharp. “You don’t let anyone do anything for you, do you?”
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