Tess smiled at him. “Touristy stuff first and then we can have our lunch somewhere on Oak Creek.”
When they reached the downtown part of Sedona, Gage parked the truck in front of an ice cream shop. A few doors down were colorful jeeps from the popular Pink Jeep Tours.
Gage helped Tess out of the truck and they bypassed the ice cream shop and started walking. They went to different shops with crystals and stones native to the area and the state, along with the usual tourist souvenir stores.
Tess bought Jenny a tie-dyed Sedona T-shirt and a pretty little copper and turquoise bracelet that would fit her for a while and she could wear for special occasions.
Gage picked out a silver necklace with a turquoise pendant for Katie Sue’s birthday present. “Her parents say I spoil her,” he said with a low laugh. “Can’t help it. She’s a sweet kid.”
They reached a jewelry and gemstone shop and went inside. Tess marveled at the gorgeous Arizona stones that included fire agate, azurite, peridot, citrine, malachite, turquoise, and amethyst.
Her favorite was a gold ring with a swirl of turquoise along with sparkling peridot at the center and diamonds curving along one side. She also loved a freeform fire agate pendant. Unfortunately the price tags were well beyond her reach, but she enjoyed looking at the pieces.
When they’d finished visiting the various shops, they climbed back into his truck and headed toward Oak Creek.
They drove to the foot of the hiking path known as the West Fork Trail and parked just off the highway. The day was sunny, the air cool and fresh.
Gage shouldered the backpack with their lunch as they started along the trail, and he carried a small fly rod. Tess wore a cross-body canteen-style large water bottle, which left her hands free.
They had stopped by his ranch before heading to Sedona, and they each wore sturdy shoes for hiking. They both wore jeans and T-shirts, and Tess had put a band in her hair to keep her curls away from her face.
“It smells wonderful.” She breathed in the clean, crisp forest smells as she followed him.
He gestured up ahead. “And the scenery along here is incredible.”
Not long into the hike, the trail hugged steep canyon walls that towered hundreds of feet. There wasn’t much room between the canyon walls in a few areas, leaving only a narrow path that crossed from one side of the stream to the other. The creek was only a few inches deep although there were some pools that could be as deep as three feet.
They crossed the steam using rocks and fallen logs. She slipped once and her shoe landed in the water so that one sock was wet and one wasn’t. She laughed and stepped in with both feet so that they were equally wet and he grinned.
Oak trees, sycamores, aspens, and tall pines rose up along the trail, along with even a few apple trees near the trailhead. Being that it was still summer, the vegetation was lush and the green contrast against the red sandstone of the canyon walls was beautiful.
Gage told her how beautiful the trail was in all seasons. “If we just stick to the basic trail, it’s a six-mile round trip.” He looked at her. “It’s not a bad hike and you’re in great shape.” He gestured ahead. “When we have more time, the trail extends another eleven miles but we won’t go that far. Maybe six miles up where we could camp some day.”
“I haven’t done any backpack camping. It sounds so fun.” She took a swig of water and offered him the canteen. He drank from it and then she took it from him and adjusted the strap of the carrier again.
As they walked, he asked her about growing up in New Mexico.
“I miss it sometimes,” she said. “But I do like Prescott.”
She especially liked one sexy cowboy, but she didn’t say that. She pushed that thought from her mind. Did she even know what she was doing with Gage? Over the past months since she’d gotten to know him, he had pushed his way past her defenses and here she was—she’d just spent the night with him and now they were out hiking together.
“What was it like growing up with four brothers?” she asked as they continued on.
He gave her a quick grin over his shoulder. “There was never a dull moment. I think we drove our mama crazy.” He came to a stop. “I want you to meet my parents. I think they’d love you.”
Tess blinked at him. She hadn’t thought that far ahead. Instead of responding to his statement, she said, “Megan thinks your mom and dad are great.”
“They are.” Gage smiled and turned back to the trail.
Birds twittered and flew among the trees. Squirrels chittered and every now and then some creature or another would rustle leaves. They passed a few other people who were out enjoying a hike, too.
Tess felt light, as if the world was a million miles away and she was in some other place and time. Someday she’d have to bring Jenny here, maybe when she was a little older, when the hike would be easier for her.
After Tess and Gage reached the three-mile point, the end of the marked trail, they went a little farther and found a place to eat lunch. He unpacked everything and they sat on a couple of big rocks. He sat close to her, close enough that she felt a little shiver at his nearness.
She’d put together sandwiches with leftover homemade rolls from last night, lunchmeat, and slices of cheese. They made nice little sandwiches and Gage ate four of them. She had packed a couple of apples and a few brownies that remained from the batch that she and Jenny had made a couple of days ago.
As she finished eating a brownie, she caught him watching her with an intense look that made her body tingle. “What?” she asked, feeling a little uncomfortable beneath his gaze.
He continued to study her. “I almost can’t believe you’re here with me.”
A shyness overcame her that came out of nowhere. “I’m a little surprised to be here, too.”
He touched the side of her face, running his thumb along her jaw. “Do you trust me, Tess? Trust me not to hurt you?”
She looked down, away from his green eyes. When she returned her gaze to his, she swallowed and told him the truth. “I don’t know.”
“I’m not going to hurt you.” He lowered his head, his mouth closing in on hers. “I promise.”
His mouth met hers and her mind whirled. He kissed her slowly, exploring her mouth, tasting her lips as if for the first time. She found herself clinging to his biceps, feeling like she needed the support.
And then he was laying her on her back on the grass, kissing her as he slid his hand down her shoulder and side until he reached her hip and rested his palm there. She wanted him all over again, as much as she had before if not more.
When he drew away, she just stared up at him, her lips tingling and feeling almost dizzy.
“Why don’t we do a little fly fishing?” His voice sounded rough. “Or I might just take you here and now.”
“That might be a good idea.” She ran her tongue along her lower lip. “The fly fishing, that is.”
With a smile he got to his feet then held out his hand and helped her up. His grip was warm and strong. They packed up their things and then headed along the creek until they came to a place where the water was around six feet deep.
She sat on a log as he cast his line and slowly reeled it in. He caught two small trout and tossed them back in. He wasn’t fishing to bring anything home, just for sport. He showed her how to fly fish and it didn’t take her long to get the hang of it, although she didn’t manage to catch anything.
“It’s so beautiful here. We’re in the perfect spot.” Tess drank in the amazing scenery, the scents of the forest and the creek, the coolness of the air on her skin. “And it’s so quiet.”
“We’re fortunate there aren’t a lot of hikers today,” Gage said. “We came at a good time.”
He’d caught five fish and tossed them all back by the time they were ready to head back along the trail. It was getting late in the afternoon and they still had to drive the hour and a half back to Prescott so that Tess could pick up Jenny. Katie Sue’s mom had said not to worry
about what time they returned, but Tess didn’t want to get back too late.
When they reached the truck, Gage stowed the pole, backpack, and water bottles. He helped her into the vehicle and then climbed in himself. In moments they were on their way back to Prescott.
As he drove, he seemed lost in thought and she found her own thoughts were tangled together like thread she couldn’t unravel.
Her fingers ached from clenching her hands in her lap. She’d been guarding her heart for so long and now she’d gone and jumped into a relationship with someone who might just break her heart.
Did Gage consider them in a relationship? Or was this just a couple of dates and a night in bed kind of thing? She’d never gone to bed with a man this fast before.
“Have you ever been really serious with a woman?” Tess looked at Gage as they drove back to Prescott. “Or have you always been a ladies man?”
He stared at the road and didn’t answer for a moment. Her heart began to sink.
“Yes,” he finally said. “There was someone once. A long time ago.”
Tess studied him, waiting for him to go on.
He glanced at her then back to the road. “It didn’t end well.”
When it didn’t seem like he would go on, she said, “Can I ask what happened?”
He was silent for a long moment. “It’s…complicated.”
She felt like she’d pressed too hard. “Maybe I shouldn’t have asked.”
“It’s fine, Tess.” He looked at her before turning his attention ahead again. “Just not a lot of good memories there.”
She wanted to know what else had happened, but she didn’t feel like she should pressure him. Not now.
But it made her wonder… Had he been hurt so badly that it kept him from caring about another woman?
“I enjoyed today.” He smiled, reached across the console, and took one of her hands.
She let her hand relax in his and managed a smile in return. “I had a lot of fun, too.”
As he drove, she watched Gage, her heart knocking at her chest as she did. Did she dare trust him with her heart?
And then she realized it didn’t matter. It was already too late.
Chapter 19
Where was Tess?
Harvey narrowed his gaze as he sat in a corner at Nectars. It was Friday morning and she wasn’t serving breakfast in the Hummingbird. He knew her schedule well. After all, he followed her as much as possible when he wasn’t working on the Sanderson Ranch. She should be here.
A waitress he hadn’t seen before reached his table. “What can I get you?” the short brunette asked with a cheerful smile. Her nametag read Hannah.
“Is Tess out today?” he asked Hannah.
“She doesn’t work here anymore.” The girl cocked her head. “Her last day was yesterday.”
Shock made Harvey go rigid. “Meaning in the Hummingbird?”
“Not in Nectars, either.” Hannah shrugged. “She’ll start working for one of the McBrides on Monday. Gage, I think.”
The rage that shot through Harvey must have been in his eyes because Hannah took a step back.
“Do you want anything?” She sounded wary.
He had to fight to control his emotions and his muscles ached with the effort. “No.”
Hannah retreated another step. “I’ll check back with you in a bit to see if you’re ready to order.”
He just stared at her. Her face flushed and she turned and headed back to the kitchen.
A part of him realized that he shouldn’t have reacted so visibly to the fact that Tess wasn’t working here any longer—that she was going to be working for that sonofabitch, Gage. Another part of him didn’t give a damn what that waitress thought.
Trying to get his anger under control, Harvey got to his feet and headed out of the restaurant. Bright sunlight made him squint as he strode to his old Ford. When he reached it, he jerked the door open and climbed inside, the door giving a rusted squeak as he slammed it shut. It wasn’t until he went to stick the key into the ignition that he realized he was shaking.
He gritted his teeth. Something had to be done.
Gage couldn’t be allowed to take everything from him again. Harvey narrowed his eyes as he drove out of town toward the Sanderson ranch.
Over the course of the time he’d been in prison, Harvey had plotted to get his revenge on Gage. He’d planned to take his time. He’d been in prison for three years, so what was another few months, or even a year before he took out Gage?
But things had changed.
If he didn’t follow through with his plan soon, Tess might get too attached to Gage and would be grieving too much to let Harvey in.
If he took out Gage now, Harvey would be able to lend Tess a shoulder to cry on. He could be there for her.
Yes. That was what he needed to do.
As he drove, he mentally went through plans that he had come up with over the past couple of months, trying to decide which one would be the best. The best plan would be the one where he kept his hands clean, and he’d saved up enough money to do it.
The old truck rattled and bounced hard as he headed down a dirt road, the shocks worn. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number that he’d come to be familiar with.
“Chess,” he said when the man came on the line, “It’s time.”
Chess was silent for a moment. “I thought you wanted to wait.”
“Things have changed.” Harvey gripped the steering wheel with one hand. “I’ll meet you tonight, the usual place.”
“All right.” Chess hung up.
Harvey smiled.
Chapter 20
Tess used a spatula to slide the extra-large sugar cookies from the hot pan to the cooling rack. Jenny and Katie Sue were chatting animatedly behind her at the kitchen table.
It was Friday night, almost a week since her trip to Sedona with Gage and their first night together. He’d had another rough week and she’d only seen him one night when he’d stopped by Nectars during her last few days there. She hadn’t started working for Gage yet since there were things she had to wrap up and take care of at Nectars and the Hummingbird before she stopped working there.
They were supposed to go out tonight, but Katie Sue’s mother had said something urgent had come up and she’d asked if her daughter could spend the night with Jenny.
Tess put six of the large cookies that had cooled already onto a plate and smiled as she carried the cookies to the table and set them between the chattering girls. Small ramekins with different colors of frosting were already on the table along with new paintbrushes that were just the right size.
“Are you ready, girls?” Tess put her hands on her hips as she looked from one to the other.
“Yes!” Jenny clapped her hands. “I want to make a clown.”
“I want to make a clown, too.” Katie Sue was on her knees in her chair and she reached for a paintbrush by the thin blue frosting.
“Mine is going to be a girl clown.” Jenny grabbed the pink frosting’s paintbrush.
The doorbell rang and Tess wiped her hands on a dishcloth before heading to the front door. She opened it to find Gage standing there holding a bottle of wine and a two-liter bottle of strawberry soda.
She couldn’t help a grin. “I see you brought the finest to drink for the occasion.”
“Yep.” He stepped past her as she opened the door wider to let him in and stole a quick kiss.
“Red wine,” she said as she took the bottles from him. “That will go terrific with the pizza and spaghetti I ordered.”
They walked toward the kitchen and as Tess followed Gage, she admired how nice his ass looked in his Wranglers and how broad his shoulders were beneath his T-shirt.
When they reached the kitchen, Tess laughed as she saw the frosting smears already all over the faces of the girls, and Gage chuckled.
Jenny yelled, “Hi, almost-Uncle Gage.” She jumped up from her chair and gave him a big hug, wrapping her arms around his leg
s.
“Want to see my clown?” Katie Sue held up a cookie with a white face, blue hair, and a big red nose.
Gage walked over to the table. “Good job, sweetheart.”
Jenny slid back into her chair and pointed to her cookie that had a white face and pink hair with a pink nose and a broad smile, also in pink. “Mine’s a girl clown,” she told him.
“That’s a great girl clown, Jenny,” Gage said as he made a point to look it over.
Tess watched Gage interact with the girls. Since she’d met him, she’d seen how good he was with kids. He had an easy manner, a good sense of humor, and the girls loved him.
“Do you want to make a cookie?” Jenny held up an unfrosted sugar cookie.
“Do we get to eat them later?” A teasing look was in his eyes.
The girls shouted, “Yes!”
“Then let’s get busy,” he said with a grin. He took the large cookie and pulled up a chair between the girls. He looked up and winked at Tess and she felt a nice warm tingle in her belly.
She grabbed a couple more plates from the cabinet, set one in front of Gage, and then sat on the other side of the table with a plate in front of her.
Soon she and Gage were decorating cookies with the girls. Gage painted a cowboy with a big cowboy hat and Tess made a horse on hers. Jenny’s second one had a house and Katie Sue painted flowers on hers. By now the girls had frosting smeared everywhere and Tess and Gage had it on their hands.
“Can we eat one now?” Jenny gave Tess a pleading look when they had finished with the cookies.
“After dinner.” Tess shook her head. “Go wash up, you two. Make sure you get all of the frosting off your faces as well as your hands.”
The girls set down their cookies and ran for the bathroom.
Tess stood and Gage joined her. She carried the plate of decorated cookies and Gage helped with the ramekins that had held the frosting. “Put them in the sink for now,” she said as she set the plate on the counter. “I’ll let these dry before covering them.”
When she set down the plate, she turned to find Gage smiling at her.
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