Strong-Willed Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 5)

by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Stephanie Bond

  The limo drove away and Ed signaled that she was filming again as the safari started back up the hill. Aunt Lilith took the lead wearing Jake’s Stetson. She looked good in it, but she looked good in anything.

  Jake and Nick balanced gold-toned leather suitcases on their heads and followed behind. Nick had a matching carry-on hanging from his shoulder. Matt and Garrett brought up the rear with the cases of champagne.

  CJ brought over his guitar and launched into The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Everybody joined in on the chant and CJ managed a decent falsetto on the lyrics. Aunt Lilith glanced up once, shook her head, and kept going.

  When she topped the rise, Henri motioned her toward the house and led her inside, followed by her porters. CJ finished up with a flourish.

  Ed turned off the camcorder. “That’s a wrap! Thank you all for the soundtrack. Who’s helping me load those folding chairs into the back of my truck? I’m taking them over to the fire pit so we’ll have enough chairs.”

  “I’m on it,” Leo said.

  Kate glanced up at Rafe. “I should go change.”

  “You look terrific in that dress.” His gaze warmed. “Great choice.”

  “Thank you.” Awareness fluttered its wings. “The vest looks good on you, too.”

  “I’m glad you like it. It’s too tight. I’m ready to ditch the thing.” He pulled on the end of his string tie and it came undone. “Once Nick’s delivered that suitcase upstairs, he and I should take off.”

  “I’ll hang out with you until he comes back.”

  He smiled. “Thanks. Your aunt isn’t anything like I pictured her. Why does she look so young?”

  “Cosmetic surgery. She does a lot of it. She refuses to age past forty-five.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know. You could ask her.”

  “No, thanks.” Once the string tie was loose, he unfastened the top two buttons of his white tux shirt, revealing a tanned column of his throat. “I plan to spend as little time with her as I can get away with.”

  “Me, too.” His mini-strip was riveting. Not good.

  “But you’re her niece.” He ran his finger around the inside of the collar. “Won’t she expect to hang out with you?”

  “She’s never wanted to before.” If she asked him to stop fooling with his clothes, that could lead to a discussion she wasn’t ready to have.

  “Then why’s she here?”

  “Curiosity. Making a dramatic entrance. To my knowledge she’s never been out West. It’ll be an exotic adventure to share with her friends. You notice how she latched onto Jake’s hat.”

  “That’s it? Curiosity?”

  “Also, she trusts no one. She’s making sure I’m not trying to put one over on her.”

  “Which you are, kitten.”

  “I hate when she calls me that.”

  “I hate it more. It reduces you to a vulnerable little creature. Cute, playful, clueless.”

  “She’s done it ever since I can remember. When I was young I didn’t care so much. But now…”

  “If you think it’s worth it, you could ask her not to call you that.”

  “I could. Maybe it doesn’t matter.”

  “And maybe it does.” He unbuttoned his vest and sighed in relief. “I’ll sure be glad to get rid of these clothes. They don’t breathe worth a damn.”

  He likely had no idea how his actions were affecting her. Standing there with his collar open, his string tie hanging loose and his vest unbuttoned, he looked like a cover model for a romance novel.

  The vest was too tight because he had such a muscular chest. The tux shirt was snug, too, stretched by his magnificent—

  “Hey.” His voice had taken on that husky tone again.

  “What?” She glanced up.

  “I’m only human. If you’re going to look at me like that, I—”

  “You’re the one who’s getting undressed right in front of me.” She lowered her voice. “I’m only human, too.”

  “Oh. I was just… I didn’t realize…” He blew out a breath. “We need to talk.”

  “I know, but—”

  “There are my two lovebirds!” Aunt Lilith hurried down the back steps, a turquoise gift bag in one hand. Tiffany blue. It was a little large for jewelry, a little small for crystal goblets. Definitely a wedding gift from her aunt’s favorite store.

  “Henri told me you’d specified no gifts, which is proper for a second wedding, but I couldn’t resist bringing you something.” She handed it to Kate. “I wanted you to open it before we go over to the ring of fire, or whatever you call it.”

  Ring of fire sounded about right. “Thank you so much, but you really didn’t need—”

  “Yes, I absolutely did. You’ll see why when you open it.”

  Kate pulled out a turquoise box and set the bag on the grass. Then she opened the lid. At first she couldn’t identify the silver object lying on white satin. Then she did.

  Rafe peered into the box. “What is it?”

  “A rattle.” Kate fought the impulse to pick it up and heave it as far as she could. “A silver rattle from Tiffany’s.”

  “Oh.” He packed a world of meaning into that single syllable.

  “Isn’t it precious?” Aunt Lilith plucked it out of the box and turned it this way and that so it gleamed in the afternoon sun. “I couldn’t resist it.”

  Rafe’s troubled gaze caught and held Kate’s as he silently mouthed I’m sorry.

  Her aunt was oblivious, focused, as usual, on herself. “Now you know my dirty little secret, the real reason I wanted you to get married. My friends all have grandchildren. We call ourselves the Nifty Nanas, which is fun because we don’t look anything like grandmothers are supposed to look.”

  The blood rushed in Kate’s ears. It hurt to breathe. “Is this… a condition of the money? Because you… didn’t… I never said I’d—”

  “Oh, heavens, no! I’ve already made out the check for Ginny’s first semester. I’ll mail it the minute I get home. You married Rafe, all legal and proper. That was the deal and you fulfilled your end of it.”

  Air whooshed out of Kate’s lungs. Thank God.

  “But you told me when you married Enrique that you wanted children, and when my friends started coming up with baby pictures, I expected to have some to show. But then—”

  “Aunt Lilith, I’m not having children.” And I’m not your daughter, so you wouldn’t be a grandmother, damn it! “It’s too… I’m past thirty and—”

  “Nonsense. You have plenty of time and I’ll bet Rafe would love some, wouldn’t you, Rafe?”

  “Well, I—”

  “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot, dear boy, but I’ve seen the way you look at Katherine. You’re crazy about her, and she’d make a wonderful mother. One of your buddies and his wife are having a baby soon, right?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “This is the perfect place to raise them, on a ranch, wide open spaces. I can tell just by looking at you that you’ll make a great father. You two will have beautiful babies. You shouldn’t give up that dream, kitten.”

  “Aunt Lilith?”

  “Yes, kitten?”

  “Could you please not call me that anymore?”

  “Kitten? But I’ve always—”

  “It makes me feel like a child, and I’m not a child.”

  “Well, of course you’re not, but it’s an endearment. And it’s cute.”

  “That’s the problem. Kittens are cute and little, too young to be on their own.”

  “What would you like me to call you, then?”

  “Kate. Please.”

  “All right. Kate it is. Listen, shouldn’t we go inside and get changed?”

  “Yes, I’ll be in soon. I just need to talk to Rafe about something.”

  “Then I’ll see you both later.” She tucked the rattle back into the box Kate still held. Then she smiled at Rafe. “Talk her into this, okay? I’ll bet you can.” With a wave of her hand, she turned and walked ba
ck to the house.

  Kate slapped the lid on the box so hard it wouldn’t go on right. “Stupid box! Why isn’t it—”

  “Here.” Rafe gently pried it from her clenched hands, realigned the lid and pushed it down. “Want me to make this go away?”

  “Please. How could she?”

  “You know the answer.” He picked up the bag and shoved the box inside. “She’s a self-indulgent woman who thinks she can maneuver people into arranging their lives to suit her wishes.”

  “And she has money to use as leverage!”

  “That, too.”

  He glanced at the turquoise bag. “Maybe Isabel and CJ would like the rattle for Cleo Marie.”

  She made a face. “I doubt it.”

  “I doubt it, too. It’s not their style. We’ll figure out something. But I’ll keep it out of sight until we do.”

  “Thank you.” She looked at him. “She was right about one thing. You do want kids and you’d make a great father. That’s probably why I’m so angry. She reminded me that what I’m doing is not fair to—”

  “Stop right there.” He put down the bag and drew her into his arms. “I don’t want to hear that ever again.”

  “But it’s true.” Interesting position. Until now, he’d only held her for brief moments when they’d been dancing and once two months ago when he’d kissed her until she was breathless. Hugs hadn’t been in their repertoire. Self-preservation?

  “No, it’s not true.” He held her firmly without putting any pressure into the embrace. “I’m doing exactly what I want to do, helping you get that money for Ginny.”

  She looked up at him. “And I appreciate that.” This was nothing like dancing. Or even hugging. This was full-body contact when neither of them moved, which was a whole other thing.

  An exciting thing. His thigh muscles flexed. Her hands had ended up on his chest, which moved gently in and out as he breathed. The thud of his heart vibrated against her palm. Gradually the beat increased.

  He didn’t let her go. He didn’t back away. “What about tonight?”

  She swallowed. “You need to sleep in the cottage.”

  “There’s a fair amount of square footage in the cottage. Could you be more specific?”

  “You can have Millie’s old room.”

  “I had a feeling.”

  “Rafe, I—”

  “Millie’s room is fine. But I don’t have pajamas. And I’m not sleeping in my clothes.”

  Heat sluiced through her body. Could he tell? “Do you sleepwalk?”

  He smiled. “I don’t think so. Do you?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Then this should work out, shouldn’t it?”

  She nodded, not at all sure. Now her heart was beating as fast as his.

  “Nick’s on his way over here. I need to get going.” Leaning down, he gave her a quick kiss. “See you soon.” He grabbed the turquoise bag.

  “See you soon.” It came out in a whisper, because she didn’t have enough breath for anything more.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Rafe didn’t say anything to Nick until they were in the truck headed back to the bunkhouse. He was still sorting things out, himself. Finally he settled back in the seat and let out a breath. “I’m sure you have questions.”

  “You got answers?”

  “Not many. It’s a complicated dance.”

  “I see that, but from my vantage point, you’re in a better position than you were a few hours ago. The way I have it figured, you’ll be spending the night in the cottage.”

  “In Millie’s old room.”

  “Which is right across the hall from—”

  “I’m aware. But she doesn’t want to have sex.”

  “That’s not what it looked like from the cheap seats, buddy. She was into that post-vows kiss.”

  “She didn’t want to be.”

  “So what? Just now she didn’t seem unhappy to be exchanging body heat with you, either. It’s the Brotherhood’s considered opinion that you have a shot. And you should take it.”

  “This sounds too damned familiar, Nicholas. A couple of months ago you recommended I take a shot. Look what happened.”

  “Yeah, but this is different.”

  “Is it? Eventually Lilith will go home and life just might return to normal. In the meantime, if Kate and I have a big blowup because I took my shot, as you recommend, we’re right back where we were in August. Only worse, because Kate and I might not rebound from a second fight.”

  “Okay, so you don’t think it’s worth the risk, but—”

  “If it was just me sticking my neck out and I’d be the only one hurt, I’d do it. But it’s not just about me. It’s about this happy little group we have. What affects one affects us all.”

  “So you’re going to play it safe and stay in your assigned space?”

  “That’s what she wants.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “No, damn it. Which is why I’m taking condoms.”

  “Good man.”

  Rafe had vowed to keep his distance from Lilith during the reception around the fire pit. She was making that difficult. Maybe because she believed he could make her pseudo-grandchildren dreams come true, she dogged him all evening.

  She managed to corner him when he was fetching Kate a refill of her champagne. “I’ll say one thing for cowboys. They’re strong. I’ve never seen someone balance a case of champagne on his head and carry it up a hill. Actually, I’ll say two things. Cowboys are polite, but this yes, ma’am stuff makes me feel ancient.”

  That was his cue to assure her she wasn’t ancient. He held his tongue. Henri had told him he didn’t have to suck up. But saying nothing was borderline rude and saying yes, ma’am would be a smartass response.

  Kate must have caught the tail end of Lilith’s comment, because she swooped in to rescue him. “I’ve come to treasure cowboy manners.”

  “Clearly you’ve found one who treasures you. I can see my niece is in good hands, Rafe.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” What the heck. It was his automatic response, especially to his elders. She wouldn’t want to hear that, either.

  “How about yes, Lilith? Could you do that for me?”

  “I can try, ma’am.”

  She exhaled. “Well, try harder.”

  “Yes, ma—”

  “Enough.” She held up a hand. Then she glanced around. “I’d love to have another one of those cheeseburger sliders. There was a tray going around, but—”

  “I’ll see if I can locate Jake.” He handed Kate her champagne and went in search of his brother, the mastermind behind this delicious finger food.

  He found him in conference with Garrett, the other magician in the kitchen. How they’d whipped up such a feast on short notice was beyond him. They had skills.

  Jake glanced up. “Nick says you’re packing raincoats when you go to the cottage tonight. Excellent decision.”

  “He told you?”

  “Why wouldn’t he? We’re all invested. We want to make sure you’re covering your bases, so to speak.”

  Rafe muttered something unprintable. Then he took a restorative gulp from his champagne flute. “I came over here because Lilith would like some more of those delicious cheeseburger sliders.”

  “They’re good, aren’t they? I got the idea after Millie and I ate some at the drive-in movie.”

  “They are good, and they’re a big hit with Kate’s aunt. She’s over by the ice chest. I said I’d—”

  “Go back and make sure she holds her position. I’ll swing by with a tray. Did she mention the mini quiches? Garrett’s proud of those.”

  “She didn’t, but I will. Those were spectacular, Garrett. I lost count after three.”

  “Glad you liked ’em.”

  Rafe returned to Kate and Lilith. “Jake will be here in—”

  “Two shakes of a lamb’s tail!” Jake appeared, all smiles, with a tray full of cheeseburger sliders and a few of Garrett’s m
ini quiches.

  Lilith blinked. ‘That was quick.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Jake gave her a big smile.

  She groaned. “I’m in an echo chamber. But I’m crazy about those cheeseburger sliders. Thank you for bringing them.” She scooped two on her plate and added a mini quiche. “Many thanks.”

  Jake favored her with another smile. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Lilith rolled her eyes. She waited until Jake left before turning to Kate and lowering her voice. “That one… he seems… not quite right.”

  Rafe laughed. “Jake would love hearing that.”

  “Oh, don’t tell him I said so. I mean, it’s charitable of Henrietta to hire someone who isn’t all there, but she really shouldn’t put him in charge of things like handling valuable luggage.”

  Kate nodded as if taking the comment seriously. “I’ll mention it to her.”

  “You should. I mean, he didn’t damage my bags, but when he saw them, he stroked them and apologized to the alligator who gave its life. Can you imagine?”

  Rafe grinned. “I can imagine that very well.”

  “It’s not funny, Rafe. That boy needs help.”

  “I won’t argue the point, but he’s a heck of a cook. He and Garrett made all the food for this reception.”

  “They did? Now that’s impressive. I wondered how that was handled, since it wouldn’t be appropriate for Kate to do it. Did Jake study with a professional chef?”

  Rafe shook his head. “He just has inborn talent. He cooked all the meals at the bunkhouse until recently. He also manages our raptor sanctuary, which is—”

  “Raptors? Like velociraptors in that movie?”

  “Like eagles, hawks, owls, sometimes a falcon or two.”

  “Oh, birds. Why do you need a sanctuary for them? Don’t they pretty much take care of themselves?”

  “They would,” Kate said, “except they have to deal with issues caused by humans.” Her tone had a slight edge.

  “In this country?” Lilith swept her hand in the air. “With all this room? I can’t believe there’s a problem.”

  Kate’s jaw clenched, a warning sign that she was spoiling for a fight. She might choose this topic because it was handy.

  “You know what?” He wrapped an arm around her tense shoulders. “I just noticed that CJ’s over there playing his heart out and nobody’s dancing. I’ll bet they’re waiting for us. I’m no expert on this, but I think we’re supposed to start it off.”