by R. C. Ryan
“I agree. But after work, you have a life to live. Spend your nights with my family at the ranch.”
“Reed, you can’t just move two strangers, a woman and her child, into your family’s home and expect them to welcome us with open arms.”
“That’s exactly what they’ll do. You’re not strangers. They saw both of you at the open house.”
When she opened her mouth to argue, he pointed to her untouched food. “Eat.”
She took several bites of egg and swallowed.
He reached across the table and picked up her toast, slathering it with strawberry jam before handing it back to her.
She tasted, smiled, and proceeded to eat everything on her plate before reaching for her coffee. “That was really good. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now, about spending your nights at my place…”
She held up a hand. “I’ll think about it.”
“There’s that mom secret code again, which means you don’t want to make a decision.”
She couldn’t help laughing. “I should be so mad at you for clueing Kyle in on mom secrets.”
“Say yes.”
“What would I be agreeing to?”
“Spending your nights with the most amazing, crazy, fun family you’ll ever meet.”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t try to oversell this, Reed.”
“Okay. You want honesty? They’re nosy and opinionated and overbearing. And I love every one of them.”
At her wrinkled brow he added, “Come on. You’ll enjoy yourself. And Kyle will love it. I’ll have him roping and riding and becoming a natural-born cowboy in no time.”
“Every city boy’s dream.” She gave a long, deep sigh. “Why do I think you’re not going to let up until I give in?”
“You’re starting to know me too well. Say yes.”
She took another drink of coffee and sat back, brooding, before she looked over at him. “I’ll think about—”
“Yes or no?”
From between gritted teeth she muttered, “I guess I’m willing to give it a try. But not tonight. I’m not willing to wake Kyle from a sound sleep.”
“Then I guess I’ll just have to stay here the rest of the night.”
She shot him a look. “Fine. You saw that old bedroom set downstairs. I don’t have any sheets for the bed, or even a spare pillow, but you’re welcome to it.”
He grinned and picked up his empty plate before setting it in the sink. As he started toward the stairs, he said in an exaggerated drawl, “Don’t you worry, little missy. You’re talking to a cowboy here. I’m used to sleeping in the wild with nothing more than a saddle for a pillow and a rifle by my side.”
At the top of the stairs he paused and turned. “If you start to feel scared or lonesome, you know where to find me.”
She tossed a wet dishrag at him, missing his head by inches.
He continued down the stairs, chuckling all the way.
Ally sat at the kitchen table reading the email sent by the sheriff, acknowledging receipt of the surveillance video, and asking several questions. After answering them via email, she played the video again, staring intently at the computer screen.
Reed was right about one thing. Whoever had approached the door had spotted that little camera and backed off quickly. That fact could point to Glen, since he’d spent years in the security business. But then, she reasoned, her uncle would have had plenty of experience with security, as well, while working in law enforcement.
And what about Gemma? These days, most young people expected to find cameras pointed at them everywhere they turned. There had been plenty of time for Gemma to spot the unsophisticated security Ally had rigged over the door.
Ally drummed her fingers on the table, thinking about what Sheriff Graystoke had revealed about Gemma. She really liked the girl. There was something edgy and determined about her that touched Ally in a special way. Still, she couldn’t deny Gemma’s reluctance to offer up any references. It could be because she was ashamed of being accused of stealing. Or it could be because she was actually guilty of the theft. But would Gemma resort to destruction of the shop to deter Ally from learning the truth? Was this frightening damage done merely as a distraction?
There were too many questions whirling around in her mind. Questions without answers. With a sigh Ally carried her laptop to her bedroom and set it on her dresser before undressing and pulling on the little sleep slip she wore to bed.
Too keyed up to close her eyes, she lay very still, trying to sort out her thoughts.
Though she would never admit this to Reed, she was relieved that he’d insisted on staying. Just knowing he was downstairs gave her a feeling of safety. Whoever broke her window could decide to return and attempt more destruction. But at least she wouldn’t have to face her attacker alone.
Alone. That word had defined her life for so long. She and Kyle alone against the world. And now, suddenly, there was someone else.
Reed wanted her to spend her nights at his ranch. The thought brought a smile to her lips. She tried to imagine herself and Kyle on a ranch. They would be two fish out of water.
Still, Kyle would be in little boy heaven. He’d always loved horses. Tractors. But always, in the city, they’d been toys, and life on a ranch merely a daydream. What would he do with a real horse? A real tractor? How would he fit into real ranch life?
Real. Reed Malloy was the real thing. A cowboy. A man’s man. Maybe that was why her son was so drawn to him. For all his young life, her sweet boy had been denied the attention of a man.
She rolled to her side and punched her pillow. The same could be said for her. Ever since she’d first met Reed Malloy, she’d been fighting an almost overpowering attraction. It would be so easy to give in and just let things happen. But the timing was all wrong. She needed to get her life in order before allowing anyone else in. A man like Reed Malloy would be a definite distraction. He was already messing with her mind.
She rolled to her other side and pulled the sheet over her head just as she heard a loud thump coming from downstairs.
The intruder had come back, bent on even more destruction. And now Reed was in the line of fire.
She was out of bed, heart pounding, cell phone in hand, as she raced headlong down the stairs and careened into a wall of solid muscle with enough force to leave her stunned. She felt as if she’d just slammed into a wall of concrete.
“Hey now.” Reed’s voice whispered in her ear.
His arms came around her just in time to keep her from falling.
“I heard…” She held on and found she could barely breathe. Sucking in air she tried again. “I thought …”
Her face was pressed to his naked chest. He was, she realized, barefoot, his jeans unsnapped and low on his hips. She couldn’t decide if she was breathless from the dregs of her own fear or from the feel of all those glorious muscles wrapped around her.
“Sorry.” He ran a hand down her hair in an attempt to soothe. “I was moving some furniture to free up a recliner I’d spotted. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
At his touch she went very still as she was forced to absorb the most amazing sizzle of heat along her spine. A sizzle that had her nerves jumping.
Sensing her unease, he closed his big hands over the tops of her arms and held her a little away. Now, as he studied her, a wide smile curved his lips. “Why, Red, is this what you were wearing under that robe thing?”
“The robe thing is called a kimono.”
“Whatever.” His smile grew as he studied the little wisp of nude silk barely skimming her from torso to hips. “I do like your choice of night wear, ma’am.”
Seeing her flush, he couldn’t help himself. His fingers teased the spaghetti straps at her shoulders, sending a series of shivers along her spine.
“I wonder. If I were to do this…” He moved one tiny strap off the shoulder, causing it to slip down her arm. The bit of silk at her torso slid dangerously low, revealing the swell of h
er breast visible beneath the fabric.
She saw the wolfish look that came into his eyes.
“And then, if I were to do this…” He bent his head to run hot, wet kisses down her throat.
Her heart nearly stopped, and for a moment she could do nothing more than shudder as he moved his mouth across her shoulder, dropping kisses in the sensitive hollow between her throat and neck.
“Reed…”
“Shhh. Don’t stop me now. I’m just getting started. Just relax.”
“Relax?” She tried to laugh, but the sound turned into a sigh of pure pleasure.
“I love your skin.” He licked the soft, rounded flesh made more pronounced by the lowered strap.
She gave a gasp and had to fight an almost overwhelming desire to offer him more.
“Now if I just…” His words were a mere whisper as he moved his mouth to take the second strap in his teeth.
Oh, dear heaven. She was drowning in sensations, and about to go under.
Before he could dislodge the strap, she slapped both hands against his chest and pushed free.
“Don’t, Reed. I…don’t want this.”
Though his breathing was ragged, he stood perfectly still, his eyes steady on hers. “That’s not what I heard your body saying.”
Again he gave that dangerous smile that had the power to melt her bones like hot wax.
“Then read my lips.” She resolutely turned away from him. “I’m going upstairs. Alone.”
As she fled up the steps, she prayed her rubbery legs wouldn’t fail her.
All the way up, as she held herself as stiffly as possible, she could feel his gaze burning holes in her back.
With her heart slamming against her ribs, she sought the sanctuary of her bedroom.
Once there, she sank down on the edge of the mattress and buried her face in her hands, marveling that she’d found the strength to resist.
She’d wanted what he was offering. With every fiber of her being she’d wanted him. But she no longer trusted herself to know whether what she wanted was what would be the best thing for her and her son. She’d taken what she wanted before, and it had been all wrong. Getting burned once was all it took to make her more afraid than ever of playing with fire.
Reed Malloy seemed to be a good, honest man. He’d certainly come rushing to her rescue the moment she called. But her judgment had proved wrong before. And for that, she’d paid a dear price. For now, for as long as necessary, she had no intention of putting her trust in a man. Any man. Because now there was an even more important element in her life than her own wants and needs. She and Kyle were a package deal. What her son didn’t need in his young life was a mother who kept repeating the same mistakes. What Kyle needed most from his mother was honesty, integrity, stability. And if that meant she would have to stand alone against the world, so be it.
Reed settled himself into the lumpy recliner he’d hauled across the floor.
Ally Shaw was a puzzle. There was no doubt in his mind that she’d been as aroused as he. And then, without warning, she’d fled up the stairs like a heifer with a pack of wolves at her heels.
It was obvious the lady had been badly hurt and was still carrying the scars.
A fatherless son wasn’t the only casualty Rick left behind. Her Marine had apparently shied away from commitment, as well. Or, Reed thought, maybe he was reading this all wrong.
He folded his hands behind his head and thought about those terrible days shortly after the loss of his parents. He’d been surrounded by so many loving, caring family members. His brothers, his uncle, his grandparents, Great One, Burke. Yancy. They’d kept him so busy around the ranch he’d barely had time to think. And yet, in the quiet of the night, he’d grieved as only a boy can grieve the loss of the most important people in his life. And despite the circle of loving, caring family, he’d had moments of terrible fear. Fear of losing all of his family as he’d lost his parents. Fear of dying young. Death was no longer an abstract thought. Death had become a reality for him.
So how did a kid like Kyle deal with his loss?
Did he wake in the night, fearing the loss of the most important person in his young life—his mother? Did he think about his own death? Did he worry that everything safe and secure could be taken from him in an instant?
And what about Ally?
From what Reed could see, she was an amazing, selfless mother who, though struggling with her own loss, was working overtime to make a new life for her son and herself. What sort of courage did it take to move halfway across the country in order to connect with the only family she had left? A family member who would rather push her away than welcome her home?
Ally seemed to have more in common with Gemma York, the strange little misfit, than with her own uncle. But then, the more Reed thought about it, the more it seemed to make perfect sense. Gemma was searching for her place in this world. A rebel, looking to forge her own future.
Reed smiled in the darkness. Ally was more than a puzzle. She was a gorgeous, smart, fascinating woman who was wounded and working hard to hide her scars. A woman with all that baggage would prove to be a real challenge to any man who wanted more than a casual relationship. Not that he knew what he wanted. For now, he’d settle for getting to know both Ally and Kyle better. And maybe earning their trust. And making them laugh. And easing their burdens a bit.
A rumble of laughter bubbled up from his chest. Who was he kidding?
All of that may be true, but not the whole truth. If he were being honest with himself, he’d have to admit that Ally Shaw had him tangled up in knots. Instead of spending every minute he could spare with the very special herd that would determine the future of his family ranch, here he was, miles from home, trying to sleep on a lumpy chaise and wishing he could be upstairs in her bed, making mad, passionate love.
But the lady in question was a tough cookie, and it looked as though she would need plenty of careful persuasion.
He smiled and rolled to his side.
There was nothing he liked better than a challenge.
Chapter Eleven
Ally woke with a start. A glance at the clock told her she’d overslept. No surprise. After last night’s incident, she’d tossed and turned for what seemed like hours before falling into a restless sleep.
She showered quickly and dressed before stepping into Kyle’s bedroom. The bed had been neatly made; the room picked up. There were no clothes or toys on the floor. Puzzled, she made her way to the kitchen, where Reed and Kyle were at the table, eating and laughing quietly together.
Kyle’s smile lit up his entire face. “Look, Mama. Reed said he was too tired to drive all the way back to his ranch, so he slept downstairs last night. And he made pancakes.”
Ally’s eyes went wide. “Pancakes? You made pancakes?”
Reed shot a glance at Kyle. “Now, why do you suppose she’s so surprised?”
“’Cause nobody ever makes breakfast for Mama. Except once, when I made corn flakes. But I spilled the milk all over the table.”
“Little boys are allowed to spill milk once in a while.” Reed indicated a place at the table. “Sit. I’ll get your pancakes.”
Ally sat down, noting her son’s damp hair and clean clothes. “You took a shower all by yourself?”
Kyle shook his head. “Reed turned on the water and made sure it wasn’t too hot first. And he said we had to be quiet and let you sleep while we made the bed and cleaned up my room.”
“I don’t know what to say, except to ask, who are you and what have you done with my real son? You know. The one who spills the milk and leaves things on the floor for his uncle to step on?”
Kyle put a hand over his mouth and giggled before turning to Reed at the stove. “Uncle Archer got really mad at me when I left my daddy’s dog tags on the floor at his house, and he stepped on them in his bare feet.”
“Did he cut himself?”
“Uh-huh. And he said if I ever leave them lying around again he’ll keep
them.” As he spoke, the little boy touched a hand to the metal tags hanging on a chain around his neck and tucked beneath his shirt. “But he can’t keep them. They’re mine.”
“I’m sure you’ll see they’re always in a safe place from now on.” Reed flipped pancakes onto a plate before turning from the stove.
Ally stared at the stack of pancakes and the cup of steaming coffee Reed placed in front of her.
When her jaw dropped, he winked. “No need to thank me. Just eat.”
She didn’t need coaxing as she dug into her breakfast. When the plate was empty, she sat back, sipping coffee. “That was wonderful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She looked up at the sound of hammering coming from downstairs. “What’s…?”
“That’s Thorny. Darnell Thornton. He and his employee, Ethan, are handymen. I phoned him first thing this morning and gave him the dimensions of the glass you needed replaced. I told him it had to be done before you opened for business today.” Reed pushed away from the table. “I’ll go down and see if they need a hand. Then I have to head out. I’ve got a herd of cattle waiting for me up in the hills.”
Kyle climbed from his chair. “Can I go down with Reed?”
“We’ll all go.” Ally set aside her cup. “I want to meet these handymen. I’m sure I’ll have need of them again sometime.”
She followed Reed and her son, who danced ahead.
“Hey, Reed.” One of the two men looked over from his perch on a ladder, where he was busy sealing the inner rim of glass.
A second man stood outside, doing the same, before stepping into the shop.
“You made good time.”
The handyman chuckled. “You told me to have this done before nine or you’d have my hide.”
“I did. Thorny. Ethan.” Reed nodded toward the second man. “This is Ally Shaw and her son, Kyle.”
“Kyle. Ms. Shaw.” Thorny handed a business card to Ally. “Anything you need done, Ms. Shaw, you just call.”
“Thank you, Darnell. And you can call me Ally.”