Captivated By A Cowboy (Canton County Cowboys 3)

by Charlene Bright

  She flinched as he applied the ointment. “Sorry, it’s going to sting, Carissa, but that just means the medicine is working.” He blew on the ointment, trying to calm the screaming wounds. It looked nasty. A half-moon row of tiny holes on her skin.

  “I thought snake bites were two fang marks,” she said, studying the bite.

  “Poisonous snakes have fangs. That’s how they inject their venom. Nonpoisonous snakes don’t need the fangs. They just have regular rows of teeth.” Trey finished applying the ointment and looked up into her eyes. He saw tears pooling at the bottoms of her eyes, but she blinked them back.

  Trey put the lid on the ointment and slid it in his back pocket. Before she knew it, he was holding her and she didn’t resist.

  “It’s alright. It wasn’t your fault. Don’t let this discourage you, Carissa.”

  She nodded, her head on his chest and breathed in his scent. He smelled like a wood fire, cedar, and clean soap—he was total man. No expensive colognes for Trey. He didn’t need them. She stepped back and looked up into his chiseled face, his intelligent brown eyes examining her. She felt naked but she liked it.

  “Thank you, Trey. You’d make a good doctor.”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard that before.”

  She laughed and reached into her pocket for her hair tie. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail and wrapped it up off her neck. She didn’t need a mirror to know she probably looked like a mess. Trey stuffed the ointment back into the saddle bag. “So what now? If we go on, your friend will have to travel that much further to catch up with us and I think he’s pretty determined to come to your rescue. I think we should go back and start over in the morning.”

  “How am I going to lead people if I run away at my first injury, Trey? I need to finish this. I have to.”

  “There’s always tomorrow. I have the time if you do.”

  “I do have the time and I can take off more if I need it but you don’t understand. I have to do this.”

  “We can do that but you’ve had quite a fall today, Carissa. It might be better to try again later.”

  “No! I have to finish this—now.”

  Trey looked surprised at her tone. “What’s going on with you? Am I missing something?”

  Carissa plunked down on a stump, not bothering to look for more snakes. She put her head in her hands. “You don’t know anything about me, do you?”

  He slung the reins on the back of the horse and walked over to her. “What should I know?”

  “I have to do this for her.”

  Trey squatted down in front of her. “Your sister?” He could tell she needed to talk. Even though he didn’t consider himself one of that group he understood that some people did have such a need.

  When she didn’t answer, he asked, “What happened to your sister, Carissa?”

  “She was sixteen … and she died … it was awful.”

  Not knowing exactly what to say, Trey remained quiet, watching her.

  “It was a pretty messed up situation. It was our uncle … Momma was too weak to protect us. And Daddy … well he let it happen. He was addicted to heroin, and Uncle Charles … would give my Daddy money so he could …” She shook her head. “Logically, I know there was nothing I could have done. I was only twelve, but I still feel like I should have done something. Maybe she’d still be alive if I had gone to the police or something. Now I try every day to make up for it. So you see why I can’t just quit. I have to keep going. This is for those families—families with secrets. They need this time away, to learn to trust one another. Can’t you see?”

  “Sure, I think building trust is good if people are willing to give it a try. It’s been my experience though that the people who break the trust are the least likely to want to repair it. I know you’re the professional but you can’t believe what happened to her was on you. You were a kid.” Trey couldn’t help but think about his brother. Would they ever be brothers again? What had happened to the pretty woman in front of him that made her think that she had some responsibility?

  “I know it doesn’t make sense but I have to do it, Trey. This is for Audrey and for me.”

  “Okay, if you can ride, let’s go.” He stretched out his hand and helped her up. “I’ve got an extra shirt in my saddle bag.”

  “I’m okay, this feels comfortable.”

  “And you look amazing, but you’ll cook in the sun if you don’t cover up.” Carissa’s heart sang at the compliment. She almost forgot about the reptile attack.

  “I’m pretty sure I look a mess after falling in the dirt like that.” Trey tossed her a T-shirt. It was slightly big; obviously it was his, but it felt comfortable and it smelled like him. “Thanks, Trey.” Summoning all her courage, she walked to Sterling and scolded her. “Next time Brutus tries to bully you off the trail, you stand your ground.” She rubbed her nose and neck. Trey could tell she was feeling anxious and why wouldn’t she? That was one hard fall she took.

  “Here, let me help. There’s no fence rail to step on out here. Step up and I’ll boost you.” She slid her foot in the stirrup and he carefully pushed her bottom up. She swung into the seat like a pro, she imagined. Trey handled her like she was as light as a feather.

  “Let’s ride side by side so we can both watch the trail,” he suggested. She nodded down at him and together they rode toward Painted Rock. Carissa felt slightly guilty about Devon—he’d probably rush back to check on her. What would he think when he found her quite okay and riding into the sunset—away from him with a good-looking cowboy? She couldn’t think about that. This was something she had to do. Besides, she hadn’t asked him to come, had she? He’d taken that upon himself. She sighed and shrugged her shoulders. No more worrying about Devon and what he thought. She wanted this moment with Trey.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “How’s your arm? Still stinging?”

  “Not as bad, but that ointment burns like fire. Are you sure that I’m okay?”

  “You’d be seizing by now if you weren’t. I noticed that you hold those reins kind of tight. You can relax a little. Give Sterling some freedom. She might be nicer to you if you do.”

  “Oh, that’s good to know.” Carissa looked down at his tanned hands. They rested easily on the horn of the saddle, the reins barely moved as they strolled along.

  “Can I ask you something personal?”

  She frowned and said, “It’s about Devon isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, I guess I’m being nosy.”

  “I didn’t say that, but yeah you are,” she teased. He kept his mouth shut and nodded in agreement. “Devon and I aren’t really a couple.”

  “Does he know that?”

  “Obviously not but I plan on talking to him soon. I apologize for any inconvenience to you. Thanks for sharing a bunkhouse with him.”

  “I much prefer that than the alternative.”

  She pondered what he meant but didn’t press it. “Devon stepped into my life at the right time. If it hadn’t been for him, there would be no Audrey House. Clare, she’s technically my boss, had been working with Penelope Place but that shelter closed. I had a dream and the cash, thanks to my inheritance but no way of making that happen. Clare encouraged it, and everything just clicked. After I used up all my funding, we had to have help. Devon offered and here we are. Despite what you might think, when it comes to money, he’s brilliant. He knows all about grant writing and he’s well connected in Dallas. I didn’t plan on getting involved with him—it just kind of happened. One thing led to another and …”

  “I don’t need details.”

  “There you two are! Over here, Devon!” It was Melody who came bouncing up on a massive white horse. She looked charming in her worn cowboy hat but Trey had an inkling that she was up to no good. “I found them!”

  “How’s that snake bite, Carissa? I hear those black snakes are real painful.”

  “I’m fine.”

  Devon rode around the rock and joined the group. “What the hell, Carissa! Wh
y didn’t you stay put? I thought you were dead somewhere.” Devon’s blond hair swirled around his shoulders. To describe him as angry was an understatement.

  “Trey doctored me up and it turns out that it wasn’t a poisonous snake after all.”

  Melody grinned at Trey and then her. “How convenient, Trey. You send me back for a snake bite kit and as it turns out you have it all covered. I guess there’s more than one kind of snake on the Easy R Ranch. Trey squeezed the reins; his horse complained about the movement, but he kept his eyes laser-focused on Devon.

  “Something you’d like to say to me, Devon?”

  Before he could answer Melody spoke up. “Alright boys, let’s get Carissa back to the ranch. Even if it was a non-poisonous snake, it was an animal bite. There’s no telling what kind of germs she came in contact with. Let’s ride back and get her looked at properly.”

  Carissa didn’t answer her. She gave Sterling a slight kick and headed back to the ranch. That broke the tension, but Trey still wanted to punch Devon in the face. And why? Wasn’t the pretty boy just telling the truth? Trey had been less than honest with Devon about the medical kit and it had all turned out to his advantage. He rode behind Carissa, Melody behind him, and Devon brought up the rear. That was the ideal position for the smart-ass city boy. Trey watched Carissa sway in the saddle, her feminine figure highlighted by the natural movements of the animal she rode.

  He wished he could talk to her, but it didn’t seem appropriate now. Occasionally, she tossed a look over her shoulder. He wished he’d lingered longer and stolen another Painted Rock kiss, but it was what it was. The ranch appeared on the horizon and Trey took the lead. He passed her without a glance and rode on to the barn. He needed a shower and something to eat. They’d skipped lunch and now his stomach was rumbling like an atomic power station. He had to remember to throw that lunch away now.

  By the time the rest of the group arrived at the barn, he’d already removed the horse’s saddle and blanket. He passed his horse on to a stable hand and walked through the opposite door to the dining hall. Maybe he’d have a beer too.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Hey, don’t walk away from me. I’m talking to you, Carissa. What the hell happened out there?”

  “Devon, just go home. We’ll talk when I get back to Dallas.” She tossed a sideways look at Melody who seemed very pleased with herself. Carissa couldn’t help but be suspicious. She knew that the outspoken redhead had a thing for Trey, but she was equally confident that he wasn’t interested in her. If he was, would they have gotten so close this week? Never. Trey Montgomery might be a few things but he wasn’t a cheater or a two-timer.

  “Who do you think you’re talking to? I’m not some dumb cowboy you can boss around. Stop!”

  “Don’t yell at me!” She stomped out of the barn, ready to get out of her hot clothing and into a cool shower.

  “I should have expected this kind of behavior.”

  Carissa spun on her boot heel. “What’s that supposed to mean? Kind of behavior?” Devon gave her a devilish grin. Carissa knew exactly what he was suggesting. That she was the kind of person who would two-time. “Don’t chicken out now. Tell me what you mean, Devon.”

  “I should have never driven down here. This was a waste of my time.”

  “Yes it was. What did you think? That you can stand me up whenever you like and then show up when you want? I have news for you, sir. I am definitely not that kind of girl. Go home, Devon. It’s over and it was over before you ever got here.”

  “Fine. Like I said, I’ve wasted my time coming here. Goodbye, Carissa. I hope you’re happy.” She watched him stomping away in his black clothing, looking like the classic villain, but he wasn’t was he? Devon was a success and at one time, he’d been her hero. Maybe she hadn’t been fair, breaking up with him in the middle of the ranch yard. No sense in second guessing herself now.

  “Wow, he’s pissed.” It was Melody who once again slunk up beside her like a quiet cat.

  “What are you doing, Melody?”

  She fluttered her long, black lashes in protest. “What are you talking about?”

  Carissa stepped closer and said, “You know what I mean. I know all about passive-aggressive behavior. You made sure that Devon found me, didn’t you?” She didn’t back down or bother denying it. “You know, it’s funny. I barely know Trey but I know him better than you do.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? That you two got down and dirty in the sand behind Painted Rock? Maybe you’re wrong. Maybe I do know him like that.” She jutted out her angular chain in defiance. Carissa could see that she’d struck a nerve. In a way, it made her happy. Melody’s reaction had proved her point.

  “No, if you did know Trey like that you’d know that he’d never do that. You’d also know that if he were interested in you, wild horses wouldn’t keep him away, pardon the expression. I think it’s time to face facts, Melody. Trey’s not interested.” Before she knew what happened, the younger woman’s hand came up and slapped her in the face.

  Carissa’s emotions teetered on the edge of the abyss. Melody didn’t know what she was capable of—that she could hurt her a dozen different ways. Carissa had attended and graduated from twelve different self-protection classes. She knew how to punch, chokehold, body slam and karate her up one side and down the other, but Carissa was afraid. Afraid that if she began she wouldn’t be able to quit. That she might not just fight her but she might do more damage than she could ever have imagined. She froze on the spot locking her mind down to take the abuse as long as she could.

  “Melody! What are you doing?” Nancy called from the porch of a nearby bunk house. She was shaking out a rug and staring at their interaction in disbelief. The older woman tossed the rug down and hurried to them. “What’s going on here?” She stood between them looking from one to the other. “I mean it, girls, what’s going on here?”

  When neither woman answered, Nancy said, “Melody, you go to the office and wait for me there. I’ve warned you about your temper! Now go!” They watched her walk away throwing victorious smiles over her shoulder.

  “Are you okay? I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s come over her. Oh my word, is that a snake bite? Get in here and let’s doctor that up. You can’t leave that unprotected. Sure as shooting you’ll get an infection.”

  Carissa felt the angry red bees in her head simmering down, subsiding like water being let out of a drain. “Yes, it’s a bite but it was a non-poisonous snake. At least that’s what Trey said.”

  “Oh, I see.” Realization crossed Nancy’s face.

  “I also fell off a horse, well she threw me actually. So I’m feeling a little sore—okay, a lot sore.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that all this happened today. I feel bad inviting you to come stay with us. This wasn’t what we had planned.”

  Carissa knew that and she told Nancy, “Please, I’m the one that’s sorry. I guess I did push her buttons. I apologize, Nancy. I’ll go pack my stuff and go home.”

  “Now, don’t be so ready to leave. Sometimes a good fight is good for you.” Carissa looked shocked by her observation. “I mean it. Sometimes fighting makes you feel alive, like you’ve got something worth fighting for. In those cases, it’s a good thing. I know, I know—I sound crazy. Come on in here.”

  Carissa followed her to the bathroom in the ranch house. It made sense that each house would have a first aid kit. Carissa guessed her bunker would have one too, if she would bother to look for it. “Girls have always been taught that fighting is for boys but I don’t see anything wrong with slugging a girl in the mouth if she’s mouthing off to me. You? I’m sure you weren’t the one mouthing because I know Melody. She’s got a short temper. She’s liable to pop off at anything.”

  “Oh, I’m pretty sure I deserved it. We were having a woman-to-woman chat and she didn’t like what I said.” She winced as Nancy washed the snake bite with distilled water, then peroxide.

  “Let me guess. This was a
bout my handsome, yet aloof nephew Trey Lee Montgomery.” Carissa couldn’t hide her surprise. Nancy continued, “Melody’s had her cap set at him a very long time. It’s time that she sees he isn’t interested in her, not like that. Don’t get me wrong, he likes her like he’d like a little sister or maybe a girl cousin, but not romantically. That’s not how he is. Trey needs a strong woman, not an angry one.”

  Carissa snorted and then yelped in pain when Nancy rubbed that familiar, stinky ointment into the two holes forcefully. “Melody has no problem showing her strength.”

  “No I mean a strong woman as in someone who will challenge him, understand him, and put him in his place when he needs it. Melody is too soft when it comes to Trey. He’d get bored with her in a minute and he knows it. She’s lovely with that rose-pink skin and auburn-red hair but that’s where it ends. For my nephew, she’s not enough.”

  “Why doesn’t she know that?”

  “I think today someone may have told her that it wasn’t. Wasn’t that you?” Carissa sat at the table allowing Nancy to firmly wrap her wounds with gauze and tape them it in place.

  “What am I doing here, Nancy? I thought I was coming for one thing but as it turns out, I’m here for something else entirely. I had no plans to get involved in … well—anything. What am I doing here? I need to get in my car and go home, don’t I?”

  She smiled. “You could or you could stay here and fight for what you really want.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You don’t know?”

  “I don’t understand what you mean, ‘What I really want?’ That could be so many things!”

  “If you don’t know, I’m not going to tell you. You’ll have to figure it out, but word of advice, don’t wait too long. I almost did. I’d hate to see you do that.”