She kissed him back hard and pushed away, breathing like she’d run the dash. “Wow.”
He grinned and cradled her chin, his eyes laughing into hers. “Goodnight, Dallas.”
Grinning, she said, “Ravenous? Goodnight, Ethan.”
RETURNING HOME, THE plane dipped below the cloud layer as it descended. The vast lights of Dallas/Ft. Worth spread over the horizon in every direction. Ethan’s hand comforted her in the noise and vibration caused by rapid deceleration. The runway swung across her view and disappeared. Everything had gone perfectly on the trip. The only worrying thing had been a text from Cash earlier in the day. He said he was thinking about her and wondered what she was doing. She texted that she was in Oxnard watching the Cowboys practice and would be back tonight, then asked if she could call him tomorrow evening when she got home from work. Two hours later, he responded with sure. Her stomach twisted. She cared about him. Was attracted to him. Didn’t want to hurt him. It was all so very confusing.
In the limo back to Wichita Falls, she turned to Ethan. “I’m sad this day is over. Meeting the players and watching them practice was so much fun. How can I ever thank you for this?”
He squeezed her fingers. “I’m so glad you were able to come with me. I had a wonderful time, too. It was too short, though. I want to plan something soon where we don’t have to rush. Okay?”
Smiling, she said, “Let me see how Piper did. I tried not to worry about her while I was gone, but now that I’m almost home, I’m anxious to see her and find out how she managed without me.”
Later, as Ethan walked her to her door, she eagerly accepted his embrace and hungry kiss before saying goodnight. Once inside, she leaned against the closed door, smiling, all thoughts of Cash chased from her head. Surely this would be the man she’d fall in love with.
Chapter Seven
Cash goosed the truck again, traveling too fast down the pasture road. He hardly slept the night before. Guessing Dallas was in California with the other guy had been almost more than he could bear. He didn’t think she was sleeping with him, though. But the whole thing brought back the feelings he had during his marriage to Misty, and he never wanted to go through that again.
At Jesse’s house, he’d talked a big game. Like he could take a little competition. Like he knew he was the better man. If this was what a relationship felt like, he didn’t want it. He’d stayed away from women for years, and he should have stuck with it.
Why the hell couldn’t women be happy with one man? He slammed on his brakes and slid around a curve, then jammed his foot down on the accelerator again, the truck bumping and bouncing in potholes. He clenched the steering wheel. The better question was, why wasn’t he enough for Dallas?
It shook him. Cussing long and hard, he pulled over in the barrow ditch so he wouldn’t wreck his truck. He wasn’t the man he thought he was if he couldn’t handle the situation. He lurched out of his seat and leaned against the side of his truck, crossing his arms in disgust.
What he couldn’t figure out was why Dallas didn’t choose him, now, without question. They were getting to know each other, and he could tell she liked him—was even attracted to him. Why didn’t she quit all this foolishness?
He gusted out a sigh. She was worth fighting for, but could he hang in there when this whole thing felt so awful?
A hawk dove from high above and caught a jack rabbit up the road a ways. He wandered over to get a closer look. By the time he got back to the truck, he’d made up his mind. He’d give Dallas more time.
THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY evening, Dallas leaned her head back on the couch and sighed. This was the first time she could relax all day. Work had been extremely hectic after her time off, and Piper had wanted her undivided attention this evening, even begging her momma to rock her to sleep. Taking a sip of wine with her eyes closed, she let it slip slowly down her throat. This was heaven.
After worrying off and on all day about what to say to him, she realized it was time to call Cash. Dating two men hadn’t gotten any easier. In fact, it was getting much harder. Still with no idea what to say, she grabbed her phone.
He answered on the second ring.
“Hey, Cash. Is this a good time?”
Clearing his throat, he said, “Sure. How are you? How was your trip?”
“I’m exhausted. Taking off work is never a good idea. I’m always swamped when I come back. But the trip was fun. I never in a million years thought I’d see the Dallas Cowboys practice. I even talked with three of the players. I’ll remember that forever!”
“I’m glad you had a good time, Dallas. How did Piper do with her momma gone?”
“I was worried about that. A nanny took her on a picnic at a playground for dinner and then to McDonald’s for ice cream, though she slept at my parents’ house. Still, she missed me badly. I had to rock her to sleep tonight.”
“Well, of course, she did. You deserve time on your own, though.”
Dallas ran her hand through her hair and tucked her leg under her. “Cash ... I know, well, this can’t be easy for you. I’m not sure I could take it in stride if I were in your place. I’m sorry for any pain or—”
He interrupted her. “I’m dealing. I’ll be honest, though. It’s been a little rough. I care about you, and I want you to myself. I think anyone would in my position.”
When she talked to Cash, his honesty, his goodness, all the blatant sexiness that was him came rushing back to her. How could she have been so sure she’d choose Ethan?
“You’re right. I totally get it.” She wanted to reassure him in some way, but he spoke first.
“I need to see you, Dallas. Alone. I know you should spend time with Piper this weekend. Are you free Monday night?”
Sensing his urgency, she readily agreed. “Yes. What are we doing?”
“If you just throw on a pair of jeans, how soon could you be ready?”
“Uh, six-fifteen?”
“I’ll pick you up then.”
MONDAY AFTERNOON, DALLAS scrambled to her parents’ house to get Piper. She only had an hour to feed her, bathe her, and get her back to her grandparents. Piper, bless her heart, got with the program and ate quickly, something she didn’t always do. That allowed for a few minutes of playtime in the bathtub and for Mom to change her clothes. Afterward, Dallas popped her out, scrubbed her down with the towel, and slipped her into her pajamas.
By the time Dallas backed out of her parents’ driveway, it was six thirteen. She was barely going to make it.
Cash was waiting on the curb when she got home. A thrill of anticipation swept through her as she waved and parked in the drive.
He opened the truck door for her. “Was it hard for you to get ready this early?”
Grinning, she said, “Well, let’s just say that I beat the speed record for getting Piper fed, bathed, and ready for bed.”
“Wow. Why didn’t I think about you needing to do all of that first? I’m sorry. I’m still getting the hang of figuring out Piper’s needs, too.”
“No worries. Please tell me I won’t be meeting anybody new. I look like something the cat dragged in.”
He grinned. “Do not. And, no, you won’t. It’s just me and you tonight.” Reaching into the back seat, he pulled out a small soft-side ice chest. “I put several kinds of sodas in here and a water. That’s it for now. The open-container law sucks.”
She rummaged around and found a diet drink. “Fine with me. Who needs to be arrested? Want one?”
“I had one on the way to your house. So, tell me about the Cowboys’ camp. Who did you meet?”
With great detail, she told him about each of the three players she spoke with. By the time she finished, she looked out the window and noticed they were on a country highway. “Well, the jeans were a hint. Now we’re in the boondocks. Where are we going, cowboy?”
He laughed. “About thirty minutes further into the boonies. My place. I want you to see where I live and work.” Clasping her hand, he rested it on the con
sole between them.
Smiling, she leaned back and sighed. “Cool. A real cattle ranch. Now I’ll be able to picture what you’re talking about when we’re on the phone. I’m glad we started early so it won’t be dark.”
True to his word, a half-hour later they pulled in under the sign of the Rocking P Ranch.
Cash drove through to the barn and parked. “I’ll show you around here before the sun goes down.” After opening Dallas’s door, he clasped her hand and walked her inside. He motioned to the nearest stalls. “These two are first-time heifers, due to calf in the next day or two, I guess. I’m keeping an eye on them in case they have problems.” They continued down the barn alley. “The other three are from the barn pasture where I keep my granny cows. They calved in the last day or two and need some TLC. I make sure the cow gets extra feed and that the calf is eating good before I turn them out with the others.”
Dallas was fascinated with his descriptions. The animals were so calm, chewing their hay and watching everything she and Cash did. “I guess you fed before you came to pick me up?”
“Yep. Believe me, you’d hear hollering if I hadn’t. They let you know if they miss a feeding.” He continued the tour through the corrals and then showed her some steel hog traps, explaining that wild hogs came around the barn at night, getting into the cows’ feed and tearing up the round bale stacks.
Cash led her to a green Kawasaki Mule. “Climb in. I’ll show you the home pasture. I’ve got about fifty head there and a couple of nice bulls.”
After he stopped, got out, and opened the first gate, she offered to be the gate man and close it.
Cash grinned. “Girl, you just made my day. Opening gates makes a rancher’s life hell. I’ll warn you, once you start, it’s a hard job to get shed of.”
She laughed. “I don’t mind. I need the exercise. I sit all day at a computer.” The Mule surprised her, reaching speeds of thirty-plus miles an hour on the dirt roads of the pasture. The wind in her face and Cash’s nearness had her pulse pounding.
He knew all the right hangouts so they were able to find almost all of the cattle, including one he was most proud of, a Black Angus herd bull.
Pulling up at one of the ponds, he turned off the engine. “Just look at that big bast—ah, bull. I paid quite a bit for him, but he’s been worth it. He throws small calves so he’s a great heifer bull. His conformation is perfect. He’s not mean either. I can go in and separate cows or move him into another pen without a problem.”
Cash’s animated face as he described his bull made her smile. It was obvious he enjoyed his work and cared about his animals. She loved getting to know this side of him and figured it was something many people didn’t see. Admiring him, wanting a connection with him, she reached over and clasped his hand. “He’s magnificent.”
Cash grinned and wrapped his arm around her, snugging her up close. “He is, isn’t he? Come on, I’ll take you back and show you the house. I grew up there.”
He explained that the original rock ranch house had been built by his family in 1892. Rambling additions had been added over the years and had all been remodeled at different times. A long, covered porch ran the length of the front of the house.
It was almost dark as they pulled up. Cash said, “Now the house is a monster. Mom and Dad are counting on me to fill it with lots of tiny feet again.”
Dallas laughed. “Oh, so there’s no pressure or anything.”
“Right. Sometimes I think my brother got the better deal.”
Once inside, Cash gave her a quick tour of the main part of the house. They skipped the six bedrooms.
She followed him back into the kitchen. “So, I guess at some point there were a lot of people in this house?”
“Yep, big families were popular back in the day. Dad kind of let Grandpa down with only two kids.”
She grinned. “He went for quality rather than quantity.”
Cash laughed. “I agree. Listen, everything’s ready to make us a steak dinner. It’ll take too long to cook them on the grill, so I’ll make them in a skillet.”
There was something sexy about watching Cash bustle around the large farm kitchen as he cooked for her. Especially when he stopped every few minutes to lean in for a kiss. This was one of the rooms that had been updated. Newish appliances and tons of cabinet space made it a place where a person would be happy to cook for their family.
Cash turned his head and caught her eyes focused on his butt. Grinning, he raised a brow and put the spatula down. “Come here, you.” He pulled her to her feet.
A wave of desire hit her as he devoured her mouth. She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, hard, wanting him to feel how much she cared about him, wanted him.
With a final cheeky smack on the lips, Cash drew back. “Now that’s what I call a kiss.”
Breathlessly, Dallas sat, grinning. “Um, I concur, and I think I’ll keep my eyes to myself from now on.”
He laughed and returned to the stove.
After dinner, he opened a bottle of wine and poured them each a glass. “We need to be getting back, but not just yet, okay?”
She nodded as he led her into the family room and to the room’s centerpiece, a large leather sofa.
After they settled in next to each other, he clasped her hand and turned to her. “Dallas, I could have easily invited you and Piper over here on a Saturday, but I wanted to do this tonight, alone, for a reason. I need you to understand how I live, who I am. I can’t give you fancy trips to California, at least not often. It’s not so much the money. I don’t travel a lot because a rancher can’t. There’re always cattle in the barn, and they eat twice a day. And the pasture cattle need to be fed and checked on regularly. It takes planning to go on vacation when you raise livestock for a living.”
He ran his gaze over her face, as if trying to gauge her reaction.
Squeezing his hand, she said, “I understand, Cash.”
“If we fall in love, Dallas, I have a lot to offer you. Once I give my heart, it’s yours forever. And, I’m faithful. I don’t fool around. I work hard and manage my finances well. I love kids, and I want a family. Piper would be just like my own, if you’ll allow it. I’ll support you going to school any way you need. Of course, I’ll support your career. Just, I know being a lawyer means you’ll be crazy busy. All I ask is that you carve out regular time for your family, too.”
Her heart felt twice its size, filled with joy that this strong, caring man had laid himself bare to her. He was right. He had so much to offer her. Caressing his cheek, she said, “Cash—”
He covered her hand with his. “No,” he interrupted her, “don’t say anything—not right now. I wanted you here tonight because someday soon you’ll make a decision, and I want you to make it knowing what you’re choosing—or giving up.”
“Can I say one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
She smiled. “Will you kiss me?”
He stood and pulled her to her feet without taking his eyes from hers. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he grazed her mouth with the softest breeze of a kiss.
She moved to respond, but his mouth was gone. As she opened her eyes, he drifted another delicate kiss across her lips, creating a hot ache in her core. She stood on her tiptoes and moaned softly.
This time, he taunted her with the tip of his tongue, setting her on fire.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him down to her, taking his mouth, her lips moving hungrily over his. She wanted him. She would have him.
Cash slid his hand through her hair, slanting kisses on her mouth, caressing her tongue with his. Cradling her face, he branded her with his sensuous mouth. She twined her leg around his, pulling him closer still. Pulse pounding in her ears, she realized she had to stop. Her rampant body was taking her much further than her heart and mind were ready to go. Pulling back, she opened her eyes. Cash looked as wild as she felt. She bit her lower lip. “I’m sorry. I ... uh, I guess you can tell it’s b
een a while since I ... since Piper’s father, actually.”
He took a breath and smiled down at her. “You don’t need to explain anything. You were great. Really.”
“No, I’m not like this. At least, I didn’t used to be. I don’t know what I’m like now. I haven’t been with anyone in almost four years. But my body has a mind of its own. If I don’t watch out, it takes off and pulls me along for the ride.”
Cash grinned. “I’m aware of that one. I think men have that problem a lot.”
“Well, I can’t have problems like that. Not anymore. I have Piper to think of since everything I do affects her. I can’t forget that.” Shaken by her lack of self-control, she stepped back a step.
He frowned. “It takes two to go there. If you want to take it slow, we’ll take it slow. You just need to talk to me, okay?”
She sighed and looked down. “You must think I’ve lost my mind. I probably have. And, yes, let’s take it slow for now, okay?”
He was smiling. God, he was a wonderful guy. She smiled back and reached for his hand. “I had fun this afternoon. I love your ranch. Now I’ll be able to picture you here, sitting in this room, when we’re on the phone at night.”
Lifting her fingers to his lips, he gave them a gentle kiss.
That was a habit she was getting kind of fond of.
He led her toward the door. “Yep, this is where the action is all right. You ready to head home?”
On the drive back, Cash held her hand in easy silence. She turned to her window and smiled. Surely this would be the man she’d fall in love with.
THURSDAY EVENING, WHILE Dallas was shampooing Piper’s hair in the bath, her phone rang. She let it roll to voicemail, wondering who would call her at that time. All her friends knew she’d be busy with her daughter.
Once she had Piper bathed and in her pajamas, Dallas looked at her missed calls and was surprised to see Ethan’s name. They spoke at the office several times a day and the only other time he’d called her at home had been about the California trip. Settling in with Piper on the couch, they read two bedtime stories—their usual routine.
Cowboy Promise Page 6