Summer Nights

by Susan Mallery

  For a second, nothing happened. Then Shane gave her a slow, sexy smile. “I was wondering,” he admitted as he walked into the room and took the chair she had offered.

  She smiled back, trying not to sigh with relief. “His arrival was a shock and not a welcome one. I like things to go according to plan. Sign divorce papers, get divorced. Surprises are highly overrated. I’ve talked to an attorney here,” she continued. “The last of the paperwork has been filed with the courts. The divorce will be final in a matter of days.”

  “Lewis will be disappointed.”

  “How do you know?”

  “He came to the ranch this morning. Looking for you.”

  She groaned. “Tell me you’re lying.”

  “Sorry. The car is nice.”

  “If you’re into cars.”

  “You’re not.”

  She managed a smile. “You’ve seen what I drive. Not exactly fancy. Some of it is my budget, but most of it is I’ve never been much of a car person.”

  “I’m a truck guy, myself.”

  “I noticed. It’s the horse thing. Not that Khatar wouldn’t look great in a BMW.”

  “It would have to be a convertible,” he said with a wink.

  She laughed. “I can see him now, flirting with all the ladies.” She leaned forward, resting her hands on her desk. “Lewis really came by?”

  “Yup. He thought you were out at the ranch.”

  “He doesn’t know about the horseback riding lessons.”

  “He thought you lived there. He seemed surprised when I mentioned you were riding Khatar. Said you weren’t one for the outdoors.”

  “I have my moments. The horseback riding is fun.” She hesitated, not sure how to delicately ask the obvious. “How obnoxious was he?”

  “Not too bad. He’s, ah, confident.”

  “That’s one way of putting it.” She thought about the man she’d been married to. “I was younger, obviously, when we met. Less sure of myself. Just out of college. My parents weren’t exactly warm and fuzzy and I never felt as if I belonged anywhere. When I met Lewis…” She paused, not sure how to explain.

  “Older guy?” Shane offered. “Charming? He paid attention.”

  She wasn’t sure if she should be pleased or horrified that he’d figured it out so quickly.

  “Pretty much. He was giving a guest lecture at the college. I went to hear him and thought he was smart and funny. I’d been invited to the reception that followed and was introduced to him. He asked me out to coffee. It was flattering.”

  More than flattering. At the time she’d half expected him not to show up or to call and say he’d been joking. But he’d come and he’d been more interesting than anyone she’d met.

  “He’d traveled so many places and he wrote books.” She smiled. “I was a library science major, so meeting an author was pretty thrilling. He asked me out and it sort of went on from there.”

  “Sounds normal,” Shane said.

  “It was. I fell in love with him.” She considered her statement. “No. I fell in love with what I thought he was. With the man I wanted him to be. In truth, Lewis never saw me as a person. I was as much an object to him as the rare books he collected. He wanted a wife who was attractive and smart. More than that, he wanted someone he could control, who would take care of him.”

  She ducked her head. “It wasn’t all him. I have some responsibility in why the marriage failed. I didn’t tell him what I wanted. I didn’t stand up for myself. By the time I was able to say I wanted a partnership, it was too late. He expected me to be his secretary, housekeeper and sexual party girl and I expected something else. We couldn’t come to an agreement, so I left.”

  “Good for you.”

  “It’s hardly action worthy of praise.”

  “You left a comfortable situation to go out on your own.”

  “I wasn’t in the marriage for the money.”

  “Some people would have stayed because of it.”

  “I don’t know about that. Besides, I’m more than capable of taking care of myself. By the time we’d worked out the details of our divorce, I knew I’d mistaken gratitude for love. It made it easier to leave.”

  She didn’t go into details about the split. There was no point in mentioning that Lewis hadn’t wanted her to go. That he’d fought her, resisting even getting a lawyer. Finally economics had won out. When she’d said she wouldn’t ask for anything, he’d signed the papers.

  “Seeing him again,” she continued, “has reaffirmed my decision. No regrets. Well, my lawyer not doing his job is one, but that’s all.”

  Shane studied her for a few seconds. “I know you’re busy. I just wanted to say hi.”

  She stood, as well. “Thanks for stopping by.”

  They stared at each other. For a second she thought he was going to kiss her. She would have liked that. His arms around her, his mouth on hers. Being with Shane always felt good. Right.

  But he only smiled before leaving.

  “Typical man,” she muttered, then laughed. Ironically not being kissed by Shane was still more exciting than any kiss by Lewis.

  * * *

  CHARLIE SAT IN THE SHADE, under the big tree in Dakota’s backyard. She held baby Jordan Taylor in her arms. The afternoon was warm, the breeze light. If the best part of life was made up of perfect moments, she was living one right now.

  Dakota sat across from her on the big, tattered blanket they’d spread out on the grass. Hannah leaned against her mother, her toddler fingers clutching a big, chunky puzzle piece. She tried fitting it in several spots before finding where it went. When the piece slid into place, she looked at her mother and laughed with delight.

  “You are such a smart girl,” Dakota told her, then kissed the top of her head. “Look at that! You’re doing the puzzle all by yourself.”

  “You’re good with her,” Charlie said, enjoying the exchange while fighting a stab of envy.

  “Thanks. I will say, for the record, that despite the fact that I have a degree in child psychology, not one of my classes prepared me for what it’s really like to be a parent. I’ve been thinking of sending the university a letter and asking for a refund.”

  Charlie chuckled. “I’m sure they’ll get a check right out to you.”

  “I hope they will. I’ll put it toward the kids’ college funds.” Dakota glanced at her over Hannah’s head. “But that’s not why you came by, is it?”

  “No.” Charlie had called a few days before to set up the meeting with Dakota. She hadn’t explained what she wanted to talk about. Now she wished she’d said something so she wouldn’t have to figure out how to deal with it now.

  “Just blurt it out,” Dakota said gently. “I doubt you can shock me.”

  “I used to be a man,” Charlie told her.

  Dakota laughed. “I don’t believe you.”

  “Okay, that’s not it, but I was hoping for a better reaction.”

  “Sorry to disappoint.”

  She glanced down at the baby in her arms, then looked back at Dakota. “I’m thinking of adopting and I wanted to talk to you about that.”

  Dakota touched her daughter’s shoulder. “Okay, that’s surprising, but in a good way. I think adoption can be wonderful, but I’m biased.” She tilted her head and tucked her shoulder-length blond hair behind her ears. “Have you been thinking about adopting for a while?”

  “A few weeks. For a long time I didn’t think I wanted a family. Kids, I mean. I thought I was one of those people who just never had any desire to be a mom. But lately, I’m feeling different about the subject.” She wanted to belong. To be important to someone, to be there, no matter what. She wanted the connection, the responsibility, the joy.

  “Not to get too personal, but there are more traditional ways to have a baby. I assume you know where they come from.”

  Charlie grinned. “I’ve heard, yes. Storks.”

  “If you put in your reservation early…” Dakota looked at her. “No man in yo
ur future?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  Because she couldn’t imagine being with a man that way. Not after what had happened. Besides, you couldn’t miss what you’ve never had, right?

  “What if you fall madly in love? That’s what happened to me. I was so sure that I would never find the one. I moved forward on my own and look what happened.”

  “If I meet some guy, that’s okay, too,” Charlie said, figuring the odds were slim.

  Dakota studied her. “This is about your past.” She wasn’t asking a question. “You’re not worried you won’t find someone and fall in love. You’ve already decided you don’t want to try.”

  Charlie gently rocked the baby. “Your psychology degree can be annoying.”

  “You’re not the first person to tell me that. I’m not prying.”

  Charlie looked at her. “You can’t pry. I came to you. I’m not mad. I just…” She looked past her to the flowers reaching for the sun. The garden was beautiful. Alive. Safe.

  “I want to be like everyone else,” she murmured. “You know. Normal. But that’s not going to happen. I’m not that girl. Which means I look for alternatives. Like adoption.”

  She glanced back at her friend, half expecting Dakota to scold her. Instead the other woman smiled.

  “Makes sense. You’ve always been the type to take charge of your destiny. This is one more way of doing that. There are a lot of considerations when you’re adopting a child.”

  “I know,” Charlie said quickly. “My work. I’m gone twenty-four hours at a time. That’s going to be tough. But I’m already talking to people about day care. I’d get someone to live in. Or take the baby to someone’s house.”

  Dakota grinned. “Okay, I was actually talking about the reality of a single woman adopting. But sure, dealing with day care is important too.”

  “You adopted when you were single.”

  Dakota smiled at her daughter. “I did. I went international because I thought I’d have more luck. I have information on the organization and the orphanage, if you want it. One thing to consider is age. Do you want an infant or an older child? If you want a child over five or six, I would suggest you look in this country first. There are a lot of kids available to adopt. The odds go up if you’re not picky about ethnicity. You could also start as a foster parent. You know, for practice. In addition, there are private adoptions. However, I think you’ll have more trouble competing directly with couples.”

  “I’ve thought about that, too,” Charlie admitted. “I hadn’t thought of an older child.” That might be better for her. Once a child could walk and talk, he or she would seem less breakable. Plus, the kid could tell her when she was messing up. That could be good.

  “I need to think about this more,” she said, staring down at Jordan Taylor. “It’s complicated.”

  “But worth it,” Dakota told her, hugging Hannah. “Aren’t you, baby girl?”

  Hannah squealed and fell back into her mother’s arms. They tumbled onto the grass, Dakota tickling her daughter, who shrieked with delight.

  Charlie watched them and knew she would figure out a way to have a family of her own. And if that family didn’t include a man, that was going to be okay, too.

  * * *

  ANNABELLE HUNG ON TO the saddle and did her best not to scream. “I can’t,” she said, hoping she didn’t look as scared as she felt.

  “You’re perfectly safe. You’re not going to fall.”

  “Easy for you to say,” she told Shane. “You’re standing on the ground. I know. We’ll trade. You sit up here while Khatar stands on his back feet and I’ll watch. Then I for sure won’t fall.”

  Shane turned away, but not before she saw him smile.

  “You think this is funny?” she demanded. “It’s not. Nothing about you trying to kill me is funny.”

  “I’m not trying to kill you. I was giving the dance a fancy finish. I thought the crowd would like it.”

  “No. What the crowd would like is me cutting out your heart. Let’s practice that.”

  “I’m not your male sacrifice.”

  “You seem to be heading in that direction.”

  “Annabelle, you’re a good horsewoman. You have to have a little faith in yourself.”

  “I do. It’s gravity I’m not so keen on.”

  She didn’t understand. Somewhere between the last time she’d seen him and today, Shane had lost his mind. He’d started talking about what he’d been working on for the festival and how Khatar would rise up on his back legs right before the male sacrifice. Which sounded great. Until she’d realized she was supposed to be on the horse’s back when he did it.

  “Do you know how high up I am already?” she asked.

  “You’ll be fine.”

  “You’re right. Because I’m not going to do it.”

  Shane had removed his hat. It sat on the top of a post. So she could see his whole face, including the amusement dancing in his dark eyes.

  “Just once. To try.”

  “No!”

  She should have known something was up when she’d seen that Khatar was already saddled. Half the time she rode the horse bareback.

  “Think of the children,” he said quietly. “The children who don’t get to read all winter. And the shut-ins. Albert and Albus.”

  “Albert and Alfred,” she corrected automatically. “You’re not going to make me feel guilty.”

  “Want to bet?”

  She glared at him, but dammit, he was right. She did have a responsibility and a big finish to the dance would help bring in more money. Maybe even get people talking enough that they wanted to see the dance again next year, thereby ensuring an income stream.

  Her already upset stomach made a few threatening noises, but stayed in place. She glanced around, looking for escape. Only there wasn’t anywhere to go.

  “I should have said I’d ride Priscilla,” she murmured. “That would be easier.”

  “You’re going to be fine. Khatar will do all the work. You’re just along for the ride. What if you like it?”

  “Why do you suddenly sound like a teenage boy trying to convince me to have sex?”

  He laughed. “That would be your twisted mind at work, not mine. Come on. Grab hold of the saddle. Use both hands, if you want. You’ll feel better. Just don’t let the reins hang. We don’t want Khatar tripping.”

  “You got that right,” she said, reaching for the front of the saddle. She gripped it as tightly as she could, then squeezed her legs for good measure and tried not to close her eyes.

  “Good.” Shane turned his attention to the horse. “All right, big guy. You can do it.”

  He led the horse through the steps, then moved back. “Tug back and up. Like I showed you. But not too hard.”

  She whimpered as she did as he instructed. Khatar took two steps to the right, then left, finishing by rising up on his rear legs.

  It was as if the back of the world fell away. One second gravity was her friend, the next she was in danger of tumbling out of the saddle, most likely to her death. She did her best not to scream, while holding on with hands and thighs.

  Khatar hung suspended for what felt like six or eight years before landing lightly on all four feet, then taking a slight bow. When he was still, she released the breath she’d been holding and leaned forward to hug him.

  “You’re very talented,” she told the horse. “Let’s never do that again.”

  Shane walked over and patted Khatar’s shoulder, then reached for her.

  “See,” he said triumphantly. “Nothing to it. You did good.”

  “Yes, not getting dead is always a victory.” She swung her leg over the side of the horse and slid to the ground.

  When her feet hit, her knees buckled. Shane caught her easily and drew her against him. She hung on, both because touching him was always nice and also because she was still shaking.

  “You okay?” he asked, frowning at her.

  “What part of ‘I wa
s scared’ is confusing to you?”

  He touched her cheek. “I meant it, Annabelle. I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you.”

  “Sure. You say that now.”

  She stopped talking, mostly because she couldn’t remember the rest of what she wanted to say.

  His dark gaze locked with hers. She knew he was going to kiss her about two heartbeats before his mouth touched hers. His lips claimed hers with a gentle insistence. Immediately heat surged through her, making her toes curl in her boots and her insides start to melt. His arms came around her, drawing her close, and she went willingly into his embrace.

  She loved the feel of all his muscles, she thought hazily, tilting her head and letting her eyes drift closed. He was a man who worked hard for a living and it showed. His strength protected those he cared about.

  A really interesting intellectual subject for later, she thought as his tongue touched her bottom lip and she parted for him. But right now, the kissing was far more important.

  She gave herself over to the erotic dance of their kisses. She met him stroke for stroke, enjoying the fire that followed. She leaned in more, wanting to feel her breasts against his chest. Between her thighs she was both hot and swollen. Ready.

  Something hard bumped her from the side. She broke the kiss as she staggered to her left. When she turned, she saw Khatar glaring at both of them.

  “Oops,” she said, patting the horse’s shoulder. “Was that uncomfortable to watch? Sorry. We should be more sensitive.”

  “Horses don’t kiss,” Shane told her.

  “All the more reason for us not to do that in front of him.” She leaned toward Khatar. “We’ll be more careful next time,” she promised in a whisper. “Don’t tell you-know-who.”

  “I can hear you,” Shane told her, sounding more amused than exasperated.

  She smiled at him. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “You’re crazy. You know that, right?”

  “I’ve heard rumors.”

  He shook his head, then put his arm around her. “Come on. I’ll take off his saddle and you can brush him. That will make him feel better.”

  “You’re a very good horse parent.”

  “Owner. I own him.”

  “Don’t say that. You’ll hurt his feelings.”