Jack raised his eyebrows questioningly, the smile still in place on his face. "About what?"
"Never mind. Would you and Jesse care to join us?" She was going to kill Lissa. But until then, she wouldn't be rude. Her momma had taught her better.
"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to intrude if you have a date or something."
She barked a laughed. "That's cute. No, it's just Lissa and me tonight." She thought he looked a little too pleased with that.
"In that case, why not?" He reached for her chair to pull it out for her, his chest brushing against her shoulder in the process. She jumped as if she'd been shocked. He was all hard muscles, and the contact made her hyper-aware of his presence. Either he didn't notice her reaction, or he pretended not to. He sat down next to her. "Plan on singing?"
"Hardly. It was all Lissa could do to get me here."
"Oh, come on, not even for old time's sake?" He grinned at her, trying to break her resolve. Cassie had always been on the shy side when it came to public performances, but once she got up there, her love of singing overcame the fear. Usually, it was her sister that would drag her up there.
"Not even. And Amanda's not here to make me." She immediately regretted the words. At the mention of her sister, Jack's smile faded completely and he turned to the bar, gesturing at Jesse to hurry up. Cassie took a deep breath. Surely she could make polite conversation with this man. He had her on edge, but they went way back. Why was she so nervous just being near him? Thankfully, Lissa and Jesse were headed their way and the suddenly awkward silence would be put to an end.
"Cassie," Jesse cheered. "I can't believe you're out tonight. This ought to be great fun."
"Yes, it is quite unbelievable." She shot Lissa a deadly look, but she pretended not to notice. "Lissa insisted." And I would have bolted if it wasn't rude. She was stuck now.
"I told Cassie she deserved a night of fun," Lissa said as Jesse helped her to her seat. She looked up at him with a big smile and bright eyes. There were definitely sparks between them. Interesting. She would have to ask Lissa about that later.
Just then the DJ announced that they would start taking requests for karaoke. Jesse asked about the bakery and he and Lissa talked about Kincade's. They all made small talk for a while. It wasn't so bad after all. Cassie ventured a look at Jack and caught him watching her.
"So how are things at the ranch?" she asked.
He leaned in so he wouldn't have to talk so loudly over the music. "Things are falling into place. There's a learning curve because it's been a while, but I know the ropes. Dad's glad for the help, in any case."
"Is he okay?" There was something in his voice when he talked about his father that made her wonder.
"I think so." But he didn't sound so sure. She was about to probe further when he continued on. "How's your mom?"
Cassie looked into his eyes and saw there was genuine concern there. She sighed. "As good as can be expected. Good days and bad. Her happiest moments are when I bring Sarah, but I'm never sure if she really knows who she is."
"That's got to be rough. I can't imagine." He placed his hand on hers and squeezed, briefly. It was like an electric shock ripped through her body and her breathing became uneven. She hoped he didn't notice. Lissa did, though, of course. She was sure she would hear about it later.
"I'm going to put my name on the karaoke list," Lissa said. "Jesse, how about you?" She jumped up and all but pulled Jesse along behind her. Cassie gave her the evil eye when Jack turned his head to watch them walk away. Lissa smiled back at her angelically.
When Jack turned back toward her, he hesitated, then said, "I'd like to go with you to visit her sometime. If that's okay," he added hurriedly. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable or anything, but she was like a mother to me, you know." His eyes were full of question.
Hell yes, it made her uncomfortable. But he was right. They had all been so close when they were younger and it was only fair that he should be able to visit Caroline. "Yeah, that would be okay, I guess. But I can't promise you that she'll remember you. And that's not an easy pill to swallow." She bit her lip and turned away.
Jack gently touched her cheek and turned her face back toward him. "You're a strong woman, Cass. Not many could keep things as pulled together as you do and juggle the things you have going on." His thumb trailed down her jaw before he dropped his hand. They stared at each other until the moment was broken by the DJ's voice.
"Up next, we have Jack Martin and Cassie Powell, singing a duet."
The crowd cheered and Cassie froze. Lissa must have a death wish.
* * *
Jack laughed at the look on Cassie's face. She looked ready to kill somebody. He was just as surprised as she was about them singing, but he'd be a good sport and play along. "Come on, Cass, it'll be fun. Like old times." He stood and grabbed her hand, pulling her up, and gestured toward the tiny stage area. She shot him a look that made it clear just how fun she thought this would be, then tossed her thick blond waves over her shoulder and stomped off ahead of him.
He had to admire the view from behind. That dress was enough to make any man drop to his knees and beg for mercy, and combined with the four-inch heels, her legs seemed to go on forever. There had definitely been something between them a moment ago, and watching her hips swing as she walked determinedly toward the stage only heightened his awareness of her. It was clear they had been set up, but Jesse and Lissa's reasoning was beyond him. They knew she was like his kid sister. But every time he saw her, he had to admit he was thinking of her in a less and less brotherly manner.
He joined her up on the stage and grabbed the microphones, handing one to her. She stood with a hand on her hip and glared at him. For a moment, he wondered if she would cooperate.
"Hey, it wasn't my idea. But let's make the best of this." He leaned in close as the music cued up and winked, pursing his lips in a seductive kiss. She laughed in spite of herself, and the sound warmed him. "There you go, let's have fun."
They started singing and after a minute Cassie seemed to loosen up. It was an upbeat flirtatious song that was currently all over the radio, and she quickly forgot to be mad and seemed to be having fun with it. Jack played his part perfectly, exciting the crowd as he pretended to beg Cassie to give him a chance. She teased and taunted him, coming close, then backing away. The crowd ate it up. He let the music flow through him and felt more relaxed around her than he had all week. Her voice was low and sexy and complemented his perfectly.
When the song came to a close, they were face to face, inches apart, breathing heavily from the exertion of the show they'd just put on. He looked down into her eyes and saw a brightness there that he hadn't seen since he'd been back. She was smiling and laughing. He couldn't stop himself. He reached up and brushed her cheek with the back of his knuckles and murmured, "There you are."
Their eyes stayed locked as the crowd cheered and clamored for them to sing another song, but Jack barely noticed. All he saw was the woman in front of him, happy and at ease for the first time in God knows how long. His eyes traveled to her lips, and her breath hitched. The thought of what it would be like to kiss her invaded his mind, and that's when he knew. She was no little sister. She was all grown up and he wanted to know this Cassie in a very different way.
Catcalls from the audience snapped her out of it first. He could see the moment that she shut down, the light going out of her eyes instantly as if a veil had been dropped. She turned away stiffly and walked toward the bathroom, leaving him on the stage alone. "Sorry, folks, I think one is all we've got for tonight." He smiled and hopped down, sauntering back to their table with more confidence than he felt. Lissa's eyes were wide, and Jesse watched him calculatingly.
"That was just...wow," Lissa said. "You two have some major chemistry. Where did that come from?"
"I don't know," he replied. He looked toward where Cassie had disappeared. "I don't think she felt it, though."
"Oh, she did, believe me. Anyone with e
yes could see that. But she'll never admit to it."
Why was that? What was keeping her so guarded, so distant? Jack was determined to find out. She had opened up and been herself for the first time up there tonight. There never used to be this awkwardness between them, but ever since he'd been home nothing had felt the same.
"The question is," Jesse cut into his thoughts, "what are you going to do about it?"
That was the question of the hour, indeed. His reply was cut short though by Cassie's return. She sat down but didn't look at him. Their connection from earlier, both onstage and off, was gone. It was back to small talk.
"So where is the cook-off going to be this year?" he asked them. Every year Willow Valley had a chili cook-off to raise money for the local schools.
Lissa sighed. "I don't know. The committee can't come to an agreement. Town Square would be great because it's centrally located, but parking is an issue. The school gym is being renovated, so that's out."
"Why don't we have it out at the ranch?" he suggested. Cassie's head jerked up from where she'd been quietly fiddling with her straw. Until he'd left town, he and his dad had regularly hosted the event, but without him there, his dad hadn't been able to do it on his own.
"That would be ideal," Jesse said. "It just hasn't been the same since we stopped having it out there."
"Yes, that would be amazing," Lissa enthused. "Do you think your dad would do it?"
"I'll tell him it's part of the deal if I'm going to be taking over at the ranch."
"So you really are back for good? That's what the local gossip says, but you've yet to confirm it." Lissa looked like she would be thrilled to supply the rumor mill with an update.
He glanced over at Cassie and saw she was watching him carefully. Might as well make it official. "Yeah, I am. Dad needs me, and I could use the change." He left it at that. No need to get into his dad's health or his own desire to put down roots. Cassie's face remained blank, but Lissa looked like that proverbial cat who swallowed the canary. By tomorrow night, the whole town would know. "So yes, let's restart the Martin tradition of hosting the cook-off." He raised his glass in a toast. The idea of contributing something to his community sat well with him. Better than he'd have thought. So why did Cassie look like she'd just been told she only had days to live?
"Perfect," Lissa said, her smile widening. "Cassie is head of the catering and decorating committee, so you two will be spending lots of time together in the next few weeks. I expect this will be the best year yet."
CHAPTER FOUR
Cassie chewed on her bottom lip and clenched her steering wheel as the Martin ranch came into view. She wondered for the hundred and eighteenth time why she hadn't just called the whole thing off. The last thing she wanted was to be around Jack even more over the next month. Last night after she had fallen into Lissa's trap, Jack had invited her out to the ranch to look around and get a better feel for how they would set up the cook-off. Truth be told, she couldn't back out of it. She knew for a fact that she could do the best job catering and organizing the event, and her perfectionism wouldn't allow for someone else to take over. She just couldn't believe it had to be at Jack's.
"Look, Mommy. Horsey." Sarah squealed with delight, pointing out to the fields behind the house. Cassie glanced back and smiled at the joy on her child's face. At least Sarah would enjoy herself, even though she was part of the reason Cassie was so ill at ease. Emily hadn't been available on such short notice, and Jack had insisted that she come out anyway and bring Sarah along. Please just let him focus on the task at hand and not ask anything else about her. She didn't want to flat out lie to him, but she would if she had to.
Cassie parked the car and was unbuckling Sarah from her car seat when she heard the plodding of a horse close behind her. She placed Sarah down on the ground and saw her eyes grow huge as she clapped her chubby little hands together. Cassie turned around and her breath hitched. Jack, looking ever the rugged cowboy, sat atop a shining black mare.
"Hey there. Didn't expect to see you so soon. I was just taking Ebony here around the perimeter to check the fences." He hopped down smoothly and held the reigns lightly in his hand. Cassie tried to ignore the muscles that rippled with his movements.
"You know me, always early. Sorry if I interrupted," she stammered.
"No, it's fine. I can do this anytime." He looked at her curiously. "You can relax, Cassie. I swear you've been on pins and needles every time I've seen you lately."
She drew a deep breath. No kidding. If only he knew just how unsettled he made her. "I'm just busy all the time. It's hard to relax when I have a million things I need to be doing."
"Well, I'm in no hurry here today. Do you have to be at the bakery later?"
"No, we're closed on Sundays."
"Good. Then let's show Sarah here around a bit before we get down to business." He took a step toward them and squatted down next to Sarah. "Have you ever been on a horse before?"
Sarah shook her head and looked up at him through lowered lashes, sucking on a finger while she twisted side to side.
"Do you know who I am?"
"The muffin man," she whispered so softly Cassie could hardly hear her. Where had the sudden shyness come from? Sarah was usually a chatterbox. Apparently this man had the ability to make females of all ages speechless.
Jack laughed heartily. "I guess so. Your mommy makes the best muffins around. Well, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Jack, and this is my horse, Ebony." He took his hat off with a flourish and bowed his head. Sarah giggled at his antics. "There's a smile. Pretty as a peach, just like your mommy."
Cassie's stomach clenched at the words. No, he didn't notice the resemblance, did he? She glanced at him surreptitiously and relaxed, if only slightly. He was just trying to make Sarah feel more comfortable. And it appeared to be working. She let go of Cassie's hand and took a step toward Jack.
"Can I ride?"
Jack looked at Cassie questioningly and she nodded. She couldn't exactly say no, no matter how much she'd rather keep Sarah to herself. They were here, and Ebony was the oldest horse on the ranch. Cassie knew firsthand that she was good with kids. And Jack knew that she knew. It had been ages since she'd ridden her, or any other horse. Since before Sarah. But she knew Sarah would be safe.
"Has she ever been on a horse?" Jack asked.
"Not yet, actually."
Jack looked shocked. "I can't believe it. I would have thought you'd have had her out already."
"Time is at a premium for us." Her voice was clipped.
"So you've said," he murmured. "Well, it's high time you two had a little fun."
Cassie sighed. So much for her plan of taking care of business and getting out of Dodge. Jack effortlessly climbed back into the saddle and adjusted the reigns then looked expectantly at her. She bent down to Sarah's eye level and framed her sweet face with her hands. "You listen to Mr. Jack and do what he says, okay?" Bright blue eyes gleamed back at her and Sarah nodded vigorously. Cassie hoisted her daughter up, and Jack took her and gently placed her in front of him on the saddle. He very lightly pressed his heels against the horse's sides, and she began slowly walking forward.
Cassie leaned against the side of her car and shaded her eyes with her hand to watch. She wasn't worried about Sarah's safety. Jack was the most capable rider she knew. What she was worried about was the two of them spending any amount of time together. What happened to keeping her distance? It seemed that Jack was there at every turn. She really shouldn't have brought Sarah, and regretted her decision now. The more Jack was exposed to her, the more likely he was to ask questions.
Jack was taking her in slow circles around the drive. Cassie smiled at the look of wonder on her daughter's face. Of course she'd love horses. What little girl wouldn't? It didn't hurt that it was in her genes. Oh my God, what am I doing? Cassie's smile abruptly left her face. This was insanity. How could she expect to keep her secret when she was letting Sarah ride horses with Jack? She searched their fac
es, looking for any noticeable resemblance. No, Sarah looked just like Amanda. Which actually didn't help matters if Jack really got to thinking about it.
Cassie's heart began thumping hard against her rib cage as she continued to watch them. He was so good with her. He leaned down and spoke softly as he told her all about Ebony and how she loved giving rides to children. Sarah was so at ease with him already. No, this would be the last time she brought her around Jack, of that she was certain.
"Mommy, look," Sarah cried, lifting her hands to show how she was holding onto the reigns as well. Jack raised his eyes and gave Cassie a warm smile, and her heart stopped. Looking at them side by side, smiling down at her, all she could see was two pair of identical ice-blue eyes.
* * *
Jack couldn't read the look on Cassie's face, but he could tell she wasn't happy. Was she upset that they were playing around and not taking care of the cook-off? She hadn't seemed very thrilled by the idea of him giving Sarah a ride, which was strange. Cassie loved riding. He didn't understand it, but it was almost as if she didn't want him around her child. Did she think he was a bad influence? Granted, he'd had some wild days in the past few years, but deep down he was a family man, and children almost always liked him.
He was certainly enamored with Sarah. She was so sweet and gentle, and full of curiosity. He'd just have to prove to Cassie that he was good with kids. Then maybe she'd open up to him a little more. He'd been thinking about it and decided that the sparks between them were worth investigating. He was pretty sure she felt them too. Perhaps it was her daughter that was holding her back. He knew some women were very cautious about men being around their children, and he respected that. He just had to find a way to convince her to give him a chance.
"What do you say, little momma?" He gave Cassie his most charming smile. "Want to take ol' Ebbie for a ride?" he joked.
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