A Moment To Love

by Jennifer Faye

  Cord’s voice interrupted her troubled thoughts. “You don’t want to hear about her.”

  “Sure I do.”

  “I guess you’d say it started back when I was twenty-two…after my parents died in a collision with a tractor-trailer. It was up to me to keep the Brazen H up and running. After a while, rambling alone in this place got to me.”

  “I couldn’t imagine the overwhelming loneliness. It isn’t like you have any close neighbors or anything.”

  The muscles in his neck worked as he swallowed. “To make a long story short, I fell for a good-looking and outgoing young woman. Things moved fast—too fast.”

  “But she must have cared about you.” Alexis couldn’t imagine any woman in her right mind not falling for him.

  He shrugged. “Maybe at first. I didn’t want to be here alone, and she wanted to escape her family’s poverty. So we eloped.”

  “Was it your idea?” She couldn’t imagine Mr. Cautious taking such a big leap without lots of thought.

  “No. But I went along with it. Things were okay at first, but it all changed after her artwork started to get noticed.”

  Alexis reached out and squeezed his thigh.

  “After five or so years, Susan decided ranch life wasn’t for her. She packed up her paintings and left, taking half of the ranch’s equity with her.”

  So that’s how he’d ended up in this horrible jam.

  He sighed and ran a hand over the back of his neck. “I tried to reason with her, but she was too caught up in her rising career. She wanted to sell the Brazen H. She wanted—oh, it doesn’t matter anymore. She didn’t want to hear anything I had to say. And I couldn’t do what she asked of me.”

  Alexis’s body tensed. He might as well have been talking about her. Her only reason for being in town was to take away a part of his ranch. She was doing it mainly for her father and his company, but she doubted Cord would make the distinction. From his standpoint, she was no better than his ex. The thought lodged in Alexis’s stomach like a jagged rock.

  She glanced at Cord, seeing the same emotional turmoil on his face that she felt inside. She wanted to tell him it was different with them, but was it? Would she visit again after their business was concluded? Or would she find herself sucked back into the fast-paced life in New York—the life that left no time to think about a vacation?

  “How about you?” he asked. “Ever had anyone special in your life?”

  “I was engaged once,” she admitted, not wanting to delve into those painful memories, but she realized it was only fair that she share since he had.

  “What happened?”

  Borrowing a phrase from Cord, she said, “To make a long story short, his work led him to the West Coast, and mine kept me in New York.”

  “Couldn’t hack the long-distance relationship?”

  “Something like that.” She failed to mention that within two months of moving, her fiancé had had a new girlfriend—a girlfriend Alexis hadn’t learned about until the woman answered the phone very early one morning.

  Cord set the swing gently rocking. “Do you think you could ever be happy living somewhere other than New York?”

  That was the million-dollar question. After spending time here in the Southwest, she’d fallen in love with the acres of sprawling red clay and living in the shadow of Roca Mountain. But there was something else more important to consider…

  “I can’t leave my father, not when his health is failing.”

  “Is he that bad?”

  “If I don’t convince him to retire...” She blinked, holding back the tears that stung her eyes. She couldn’t repeat the dire prediction the doctor had given them should her father have another coronary episode.

  “That’s tough.” Cord’s fingers grazed down her cheek.

  “What about us?” Her eyes searched his. She’d been dying to ask this question all evening, but she’d held back, fearing his answer.

  “We can be whatever we want us to be.”

  “You want to give us a try?” Her throat tightened as she waited for his answer.

  “Yes, I think I do.” Desire burned in his eyes as his fingers traced the line of her cheek. “How about you?”

  She stared straight into his eyes and nodded. “But the land deal—”

  “Doesn’t have to dictate our relationship unless we let it.”

  The word “how” hovered on her lips but was smothered when he leaned his head over to her. Her eyes fluttered shut as his mouth brushed hers. The slow, gentle kiss brought her body to life. Their problems faded into the gray, murky background to be dealt with later—much later.

  His hands wrapped around her waist. Soon, she was nestled on his lap. His lips slid over hers. She exhaled a subtle moan. This was even better than her most steamy dreams. Those nighttime fantasies never made her heart beat so fast that she thought it might burst with anticipation like it was doing now.

  In this moment, nothing mattered but the all-consuming hunger to taste more of his kisses. Cord took control, prodding and nudging her mouth to open up to him, to hold nothing back. His fingers tangled in her hair as his lips parted, inviting her tongue inside.

  Mmm…he tasted of sweet berries from the wine. Yet his touch was far more intoxicating and addictive than the best bottle of grapes. He caressed the back of her neck. She slid her fingers beneath the collar of his black T-shirt. Her hand ran over his heated skin, and she was eager to feel more.

  After witnessing his vulnerable side when he’d opened up to her, she found herself attracted to him inside and out. Oh, how she wanted to make love to him. Her fingertips explored the ridges and planes of his chest through the thin material of his shirt. Each stroke elicited another moan from him.

  In the next instant, Cord got to his feet and lifted her in his arms. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she sent him a questioning look.

  “I think we should finish this inside.” His voice was deep and filled with passion. And his eyes promised that the night had only just begun. Excitement awakened every part of her body.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  The sound of Beethoven’s Fifth broke through Alexis’s dream of being held in Cord’s strong arms. She didn’t want to wake up.

  Not now.

  Later. Much later.

  The ring tone continued to play, rousing her back to reality. She blinked as the bright morning sun peeped in the window. And then her mind kicked into gear. This wasn’t her motel room. The phone call disconnected, and silence fell over the room. The memory of the night before came rushing back to her. She had spent the night at Cord’s place—in his arms—his very capable arms.

  A smile played at her lips as she recalled how they’d been awake most of the night, getting much better acquainted. She grinned. It’d been the most amazing night of her life.

  And she’d learned something—well, she’d learned a number of delicious lessons—but one in particular stood out. Memories of last night wouldn’t be enough. She wanted more time. More caresses. More of everything. Eager for a repeat, she scanned the room for some sign of Cord. She frowned when she found herself alone. And then she spotted a scrap of paper with one word scrolled on it: Kitchen.

  The handwriting was crude, almost as if a child had written it. How strange. She thought of dismissing it, but she felt as though she was missing something—something big.

  She turned to her phone, knowing she needed to check her messages, but instead of reaching for it, she picked up the note. As she studied it, the wheels of her mind started to turn. She recalled the lack of reading material in the house. And then there was Cord’s unwillingness to read the flyer about the town meeting.

  Was it possible Cord couldn’t read?

  She glanced at the note again. Well, that wouldn’t be accurate, but there was something not quite right about the situation. But what? She couldn’t very well come out and ask him if he had a problem reading. She’d never want to hurt his feelings or make him feel small.

 
She’d known that feeling when her mother had left her father, but not before having a widely publicized affair with an associate of her father’s. The kids had called her mother all sorts of horrendous names and said that Alexis was just like her. No, it wasn’t the same as having a learning disorder, but in both cases they’d been made to feel like they were less than others.

  Throwing on Cord’s discarded shirt, she grabbed her phone and padded barefoot to the kitchen. Her stomach rumbled with hunger. Ever since she’d set foot in Whistle Stop, she’d been off her diet. At this rate, none of her business suits would fit. She had to do better. Eat less. And exercise more. In fact, she’d go for a run this evening. She’d been slacking off on those lately.

  When she reached the kitchen, it was deserted. Cord must already be hard at work. She was sorry that she’d missed him. Too bad he hadn’t woken her up before he’d slipped away for the day. She had just turned to head back to the bedroom when another note caught her eye. It rested on the island. She picked it up and found more of the crude handwriting, but she could make out the words. Following the instructions, she opened the warmed oven to find a foil-wrapped plate with scrambled eggs, a bagel, and a slice of ham. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation.

  So much for her diet. Maybe she’d start it tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow sounded much more doable. She reached into a nearby drawer for a fork. She should have felt ashamed by the speed with which she inhaled the more-than-generous portions, but she was so hungry and it was so delicious.

  Alexis had swallowed the last bite of ham when the back door swung open. She turned to find Cord smiling at her. Heat flamed in her cheeks. She must look a mess, and there he was all showered and dressed.

  “Hey there, sleepy head. Glad to see you enjoyed the food.”

  She ran a hand over her hair. “It was delicious. Thank you.”

  He walked to the sink and washed up. After drying his hands, he moved to stand in front of her. “I could get used to this.”

  “Used to what? Cooking all of the edible food?” She meant to laugh and make light of this moment, but the intense way Cord was staring at her stole her breath away.

  “No. I could get used to having you to come home to.”

  “You’d like that?”

  “Definitely. Then I could do this when the mood struck.”

  When his head dipped so he could kiss her, she used every bit of willpower and leaned back out of his reach. His gaze connected with hers. Questions reflected in his eyes.

  Now that she was fully awake and aware that the town meeting was today, she had to get something straight with Cord. “We need to talk.”

  “We will.” He smiled that sexy look that always made her stomach quiver. “My lips will speak directly to yours.” He leaned forward again, and using every last drop of willpower, she pressed a hand to his chest.

  “I’m serious.”

  “I am, too.” When she didn’t give in, he sighed and straightened. “Okay, you win. We’ll talk. But can you make it quick?”

  “I will.” She wanted him so much, but what she had to say was important. She didn’t want to get swept up in the moment and forget about it. It also didn’t hurt that in this particular moment he was in a rather agreeable mood. “Promise me something?”

  His gaze narrowed. “Is this going to be something like, will I still respect you in the morning? Because I still think you are absolutely fantastic, and I must say you are quite stunning in nothing but my shirt.”

  Her heart fluttered, and she smiled. “I think you’re fantastic, too.” That didn’t even come close to describing the depth of feelings she had for him, but she wasn’t ready to delve into them. Not here. Not now. “But this is something different. I need you to promise me you’ll go to the town meeting tonight.”

  He shook his head and started to pull away. “I don’t think so.”

  Before he could get away, she looped her fingers through his belt loops and pulled him back to her. “Please do this. For me. I need you there.”

  “Even if I don’t agree with what you’re going to say?”

  “Even if.” Although she just might surprise him.

  When Cord didn’t say anything, she pleaded with her eyes, and then she stuck out her bottom lip in an obvious pout.

  “Okay. You win.”

  Before she could celebrate her victory, he swooped down and claimed her lips. Even though they’d spent the night together, there was a reignited red-hot need in his kiss. There isn’t time for this. Her hands crept around his neck. There’s work to do. Her fingernails scraped gently up his neck. There’s the town meeting presentation to finish. Cord’s lips brushed along her jaw and down to the ticklish spot on her neck. There’s—

  Resistance was futile with Cord’s lips creating the most arousing sensations, which fizzled and fried any further thoughts. There was absolutely no place she wanted to be but in his arms—

  Beethoven’s Fifth played.

  Why now? Alexis pulled away from Cord. A frustrated groan vibrated in her throat. She couldn’t just ignore her father, no matter how much she longed to do just that right now.

  Cord sent her a questioning look.

  “It’s the second time my father has called this morning. It could be serious.” She held up her index finger. “Just give me a second.”

  She slid off the stool and grabbed her phone from the counter. She pressed a shaky hand to her tender lips and swallowed. “Hi, Father.”

  “Alexis Anne, how could you have kept this from me?” her father’s voice thundered through the phone.

  A plea of innocence hovered on the tip of her tongue, but she didn’t have a clue what she’d done to get into trouble this time. It could be any number of things.

  Her father didn’t wait for a response. “You had no right! I should have been told. You know it’s still my name on the company.”

  Technically, it was his initials, but she wasn’t about to correct him. His blood pressure was obviously high enough. “Father, calm down. Whatever it is, we’ll work it out. It isn’t worth risking your health.”

  “Enough about my health. I’m not senile or blind. You should have told me the company is in trouble. Serious trouble.”

  She glanced over her shoulder at Cord. “I can’t talk about this now—”

  “Don’t put me off. I won’t stand for it. We’re going to have this out. You’re still my daughter—my employee—you owe me answers.”

  Cord shot her an inquisitive look. She couldn’t plead and cajole her father to calm down in front of Cord. And there was no way she could continue this romantic mid-morning tryst and leave her father to stew over the company’s situation. Disappointment cut sharply through her. Her special time with Cord was over.

  “Father, let me call you back in,” she glanced up at the wall clock, “forty-five minutes.”

  “I’m coming out there.” His voice brooked no room for argument. “If you aren’t going to close this deal and put this company back on firm financial ground, I will.”

  “Just give me a few minutes to get back to my room. You don’t need to fly off the handle. I’m negotiating with Mr. Lawson, and I’ve got the real estate agent inquiring about the property in Arizona. See? I am handling things—”

  “I’ve seen how you handle things—with kid gloves where that cowboy is concerned. Now it’s time for some serious negotiating. And since you aren’t up to the task, I’ll do it.”

  “Father, would you calm down?”

  “Why should I? My daughter—my own flesh and blood—has been lying to me.”

  “And I would again if that’s what it took to keep you safe.”

  “But you have no right—”

  “I have every right. The doctors warned that the stress is too much for you, and you’re proving them right.”

  “I…I am fine.” His voice didn’t sound fine. He sounded worn-out. “I just can’t believe you’d turn against me.”

  “I love you. And I want what’s best for you.”
She couldn’t bear to think of losing him.

  “And you think having me step away from HSG is for the best.”

  “I do.” Her voice was calm and assertive. “Remember my horse—the one you got rid of because you couldn’t bear to see me hurt or worse?—well, I guess I learned this protectiveness from you. And I’d do it all again if that’s what it takes to keep you alive and well. Father, I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “Let me call you back, and then we’ll talk this out.”

  Her heart sank. Her romantic moment with Cord had come to a screeching halt. She wanted this time with him—a moment to love him before the world came crashing in on them. But it was too late.

  ♥♥♥

  What was he thinking to come here?

  Cord sat behind the steering wheel of his idling pickup as the citizens of Whistle Stop made their way to the historic dance hall now used as a community center. He’d occasionally attended these monthly meetings, but that was a long ways back—before his ex-wife.

  His fingers tightened on the steering wheel. This was his town, too. And if they were going to discuss his land, he deserved to be there. Let them gawk at him and talk behind his back. He was used to it by now. After all, he had promised Lexi that he’d be here—he always kept his word.

  He tried to remember how she’d gotten him to agree to this, and then he recalled how he’d found her in his kitchen in nothing but his shirt. He’d have agreed to almost anything in that moment. And they’d been just about to repeat their mind-blowing night of lovemaking when her father had interrupted. Cord hadn’t been able to make out the exact words the man had said, but the tone of his voice hadn’t been friendly. And Cord had noticed how the color had faded from her face.

  His sympathy went out to Lexi. Cord was certain her father wasn’t happy that she hadn’t secured the land, but that wasn’t her fault. As far as Cord was concerned, she’d gone above and beyond what was expected of her. And when he’d overheard that she was pursuing another property for her resort, he couldn’t help but think that she was doing that for him. She really did care. But Cord never had a chance to discuss any of what he’d overheard, as Lexi had made a mad dash to make herself presentable and rushed out the door.