Buzz struggled to free himself and when Mac finally released him, he stumbled backward only to launch forward, fists raised.
“Whoa now, boy.” Billy Sweet, holding his cane like a weapon stepped in the middle of the fray. He was flanked by his furious daughters. He poked Decker square in the chest. “You best get on out of here, right now. This is my place and I can’t abide assholes, so git. Ya hear?”
The drive back to Callie’s place was made in near-silence, with only country music playing low on the radio. Mac flexed his fingers on the steering wheel as he turned the corner into Callie’s ratty neighborhood. “You’re awfully quiet.”
“Don’t be scared but I’m thinking.”
Mac laughed. “You’re too hard on yourself.”
“Or maybe not hard enough. I just opened the door for trouble between you and Buzz. I don’t want that. He’s such a violent dude that I worry.”
He glanced her way. “I’m not scared of him.”
“You should be. He’s mean, nasty, and hateful, the biggest bully in town. Listen, I know you can take care of yourself but Buzz isn’t the sort of man who fights fair. What if he’d pulled a knife or something?”
“He didn’t. It would never have gone that far and I’d had it with his rotten ass.” Mac went quiet to gather his thoughts. “I’m sorry.”
“What on Earth are you apologizing for? Defending me? Good Lord, nobody has ever done that for me before. I shouldn’t like it but I do. It’s not smart.”
“What’s not smart?”
“Depending on you to take care of me. I have to do that for myself, Mac. Don’t you see? I can’t have you dogging after me, protecting me. It’s not fair to you. Damn it, we’re friends. I can’t put you in that position.”
Mac pulled into Callie’s drive but when she reached for the door handle, he put out a hand to stop her. “Wait a minute.”
“Mac, it was a wonderful night. I enjoyed myself more than I can say but I need to relieve KC.”
“Not right now, you don’t. Please, wait.”
Callie settled back against the seat with a sigh. In profile, she was perfection. He wanted nothing more than to wipe away the incident with Decker and take them back to when she was laughing and dancing….having fun. “I’m not going to let that shithead ruin our night,” he continued quietly. “Come here.”
She looked at him and he took the opportunity to reach out and pull her close. He bent to her lips and whispered against them. “We’re more than friends, Callie, and I think you know that.”
“Mac, I─ don’t mess with me. Don’t hurt me. My heart can’t take it.”
“Just trust me. That’s all I’m asking.”
She smiled a little. “Not sure it’s wise, but I trust you, Mac. I do.”
“Then that’s something.” He sent his fingers into her bright hair and gripped the soft mass lightly as he took her lips, slow at first, then hotter, wilder. Her mouth opened and like a dream, she responded to him as he dipped a hand beneath her sweater to tease the soft flesh of her belly. Even that simple touch was not enough as his body reacted to the feel of her, the scent of her. Touching and stroking her softness was more temptation than any man could handle and he wanted more. Sleepless nights spent thinking of her, wanting her, fueled his hunger and before he could think, his palm cupped a breast. Lightly he flexed his fingers then thumbed the nipple prodding the satin cup of her bra. Callie sank closer, a soft sound breaking from her lips as he increased the pressure.
“Damn it.” Mac looked into lambent eyes, eyes gone soft with pleasure. “I’d take you now, right here in the cab of my truck, but you deserve better than that. When I make love to you again, and believe me, I will, it won’t be in my pickup but on a bed.”
Callie pulled back. Her smile was soft and just a little sad as she straightened her sweater and brushed her hair back from her face with a hand that shook. “Don’t make promises, Mac. Like I said the other night, pity isn’t something I’m after. I don’t take kindly to it. You’ve had years to make a move if that was what you wanted. It’s only now when I hit rock bottom that you want to rekindle things? I’m sorry if that observation bothers you but it’s how I feel. Yes, I want you and I think you want me. I’m just not too sure the timing is right. Whatever is happening between us shouldn’t be rushed.”
This time when she reached for the door, Mac didn’t stop her. She wasn’t in the mood to listen to reason and despite that sweet demeanor, she had a stubborn streak. It was actually something he loved about her. Mac watched her walk the three or four steps to her front door. It wasn’t until she turned, gave him a little wave and went inside that he headed home.
Much later, when Mac crawled into his bed, he released his pent up anger over Buzz Decker and let worry take hold. Decker’s threats were only going to escalate. He wouldn’t go away until a judge ordered it and that might not happen for a while. He had to protect Callie and the children and there was only one way to do that.
If only, he could convince Callie to buy into his plan. She wasn’t ready to let him take over just yet. He’d have to work on that.
Chapter Four
Coming for dinner at Mac’s ranch had been the easiest, most no-brainer decision she’d ever made. Callie stood in Mac’s kitchen, marveling at the beauty of his home. To her, it seemed the most spectacular spot on the planet for almost as long as she could remember. The entire ranch was amazing, a sight to behold. Deuces Wild set nestled among other fabulous ranches of various sizes no more than three miles outside of Cotton Creek. Mac’s land was marked by twin flagstone pillars flanking either side of a long, winding road that led directly to the huge house and the outbuildings so necessary for ranch life. Last night he’d called and invited them all to come out to his place for dinner and this wasn’t an invitation she could refuse.
In the month since Emma’s death, time had whizzed by like a speeding bullet and through it all there had been Mac. Even with Buzz Decker looming over her like a redneck nightmare, she couldn’t seem to shake the hope that bloomed in her heart. At the lowest point of her life, Mac had been there. He kissed her tears away and made her toes curl. Hunger for him grew with every day that passed. She wanted more with Mac. She wanted a life and happiness.
Still. It was best to keep expectations low.
She was no longer a green high school girl. She was a mature woman who knew that fortunes could turn on a dime and getting hurt wasn’t something she needed. It was best to concentrate on making a life for her and these sweet kids. Smart.
She couldn’t imagine falling harder for Mac only to learn she’d just been a blip on his sexual radar. Life was tough enough without adding to her already overloaded emotional burden. She’d almost said no to his invitation for dinner, yet after considering things, she realized they all needed some fun. Besides, she was no coward. She could do this. Keep things friendly and her expectations low.
Despite the fact fall was in the air, it was unseasonably warm outside, sunny and bright and the sounds of laughter reached her, making her pause to look out the window over the sink. The pool beyond the lanai out back was covered in preparation for the coming winter, but there was plenty of yard space. Mac raced over the area like a teenager as he kicked a soccer ball with Austin and Izzy. It was so good to hear their laughter and to see them all enjoying this late Saturday afternoon.
Callie propped her elbows on the edge of the sink and wondered who she was fooling. Certainly not herself. She was more in danger of falling in love with Mac than ever before. He wore a pair of sweats and a long-sleeved tee shirt that was suited to outdoor activity, yet hugged his broad chest like a dream. Just nights ago those rock hard muscles had been pressed against her as they danced. Even now her fingers itched to move beneath that soft cotton to test the warmth and resiliency of his flesh.
But there was far more to Mac Bonner than sculpted abs and ruggedly handsome features and, for Callie, the innate goodness of the man drew her as nothing else ever could.
As Austin kicked the ball between the poles of a makeshift goal and hollered wildly, Mac threw his arms up and whooped along with him, eventually grabbing the boy and swinging him through the air. Not to be overlooked, Izzy tackled Mac’s thighs and before long, the three of them were laughing and rolling in mountains of red, fallen leaves. There was nothing on earth more appealing than a happy, smiling man and the sound of children’s laughter.
Callie’s heart turned over.
How long had it been since these kids had been so happy and so carefree? What she wouldn’t give to see them like this every day!
“I love seeing that smile on your face, Callie.” Sarita Sanchez, Mac’s housekeeper and cook, moved up beside her to share the view outside the window. She settled a hand on her shoulder. “You and these little ones need some fun and relaxation after all you’ve been through.”
She tore her gaze away from the view out the window and looked at the older woman. “We’re managing, but being here this afternoon must feel like going on a trip to Disney World for Izzy and Austin. They’ve never seen a place like this and getting positive attention from a man like Mac is completely foreign to them.” Callie pumped soap onto her hands and after thoroughly washing them, reached for a small towel. She shook her head and moved to the kitchen’s center island where she began assembling a salad. Sarita slid a casserole dish into the oven then moved to help her. “It’s funny. Emma and I used to drive by this house on Sunday afternoon’s when we were teenagers and imagine being inside.” She grinned. “Now here I am making myself right at home. It’s really a beautiful place. You’ve worked for the Bonners for a long time, haven’t you?”
Sarita smiled. “Forever, it seems. You may not know this but members of my family have worked for the Bonners in one capacity or another since they homesteaded here in the eighteen-hundreds.” She closed her eyes for a minute as if figuring out something in her head. “Hm, I think it was my husband’s great, great, great grandfather who worked as a ranch hand here.” Sarita shrugged. “One of the greats, anyway. There is much history about this place, and my people have all been a part of it. There is a lovely creek near the back of the property, and my husband and I live in a house out there. We raised our family right here on this place.”
“You go back a long way with the Bonners.”
“It was hard when Mac’s mother moved away, but I understood her wish to live near her daughter and her grandchildren. After Mr. Bonner died, living here was hard for her, too many memories, so I think she looked for a reason to eventually leave. Mac loves this place and she knew he’d take care of it.” She smiled. “This is my home, too. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Working for Mac and taking care of him, makes me happy and one day, I hope he fills this big house with a good woman and lots of children. Being around to see that happen would be the best feeling in the world. He’s a good man.”
“I’m actually surprised he hasn’t found someone by now. I mean, you have to admit, he’s drop dead gorgeous,” Callie admitted with a grin. “I’ve picked at him about it for years, but he always changes the subject.”
Sarita gave her a sly look before glancing away. “Over the years he’s been involved with a few women, but they never lasted. He’s fairly picky. As you know, Mac could crook his finger at any lady in town and she’d come running, but that’s not his style. He was born quiet and careful. It’ll take a special person to turn his head.”
Was she that special person? Could she be?
A little shiver raced over her skin. Images of his lips devouring hers burned through her mind and along with the thrill of that memory lurked a fear she couldn’t suppress. Callie was the furthest thing from a classy, sexy woman of what some might call good breeding. Hell, she had not a bit of higher education, couldn’t trace her family roots, and she’d had no one but her sister for as long as she could remember. How could people from such different worlds realistically make a future together?
As Sarita left to set the table for dinner, Callie shook her head. It was so dumb of her to think of a future with Mac when she could barely manage each day. Things would eventually get better, but now she faced raising two kids, working two jobs and fighting Buzz Decker for custody. Truth was, she didn’t have time for a hot affair with Mac while her focus needed to be elsewhere. Didn’t keep a girl from dreaming a little, but in the end, she had to be practical.
Later that night they had dinner together like a real family, and she couldn’t help wishing it could always be this way. While the kids were busy being kids, her focus remained on Mac. Nobody filled out a tee shirt and jeans quite like him, and while he wore a bit of black scruff on his face, there wasn’t a thing unkempt about him. It was far more than his sex appeal that caught and held her, though. He exuded a quiet strength that she knew wasn’t an act. He was as real as it got. But as she was busy admiring his striking good looks, she worried too. The smiles she’d seen from him earlier in the day were nowhere to be found tonight. He was quiet and subdued, obviously a man deep in thought. Maybe she should gather up the kiddos right after dinner and bundle them into the car for a quick drive home.
With that thought firmly in her mind, Callie was surprised when Mac settled Izzy and Austin in his big ‘man cave’ and put on a movie for them. He ruffled Austin’s hair then grinned over his shoulder at her as she entered the room after cleaning the dinner mess.
“A movie? Are you sure about that? I figured we’d head on home to give you some peace and quiet.”
He turned and gave her a steady look. “I’ve had plenty of that in my life. You guys shake things up some. I kind of like it.”
Callie lifted a brow. “Oh really? Do tell.”
The gaze he sent slowly over her body did funny things to her insides, and she suppressed a shiver when he finally gave her a solemn look. “Walk with me?”
As much as she enjoyed her associations with friends and the love of those two adorable kids, the idea of spending time alone with this particular man rushed through her system like wine, intriguing, rich, mysterious, and full of possibilities. It was an invitation she couldn’t refuse.
This day had meant the world to her, but through it all, she continued re-living that moment in front of her house when he’d kissed her, swearing in that gruffly sexy way that his actions didn’t have a thing to do with pity. Over and over she replayed that first raw admission. Then there was their recent date that included dinner, dancing, and a hotter than hell kiss that had curled her toes and made her want more of what he had to offer. Despite the little mental flips dancing through her brain, she needed to douse all that fiery excitement with a healthy dose of reality. Expecting too much was a rocky road often filled with disappointment, and she’d had plenty of that. Best prepare herself.
He’d been quiet all evening. There had been a stillness about him that told her Mac was a man with something on his mind. Maybe he regretted what had been happening between them and wanted to clear the air. Maybe he was ready to take their relationship to the next level. Was she ready for that along with other things she had to deal with? All she knew for a certainly was that Mac was a man with something on his mind. With a feeling of dread in her heart, Callie leaned down between her niece and nephew.
“You guys be good and watch the show, okay? Mac and I will be back in a little bit.”
After Callie dealt with the kids, she faced Mac and together they walked through the house and out the backdoor onto the patio. She’d expected they would take a seat and talk so she was surprised when Mac took her hand and kept walking past the back yard and into a vast open area. A white barn rose stark against the night sky, and in the distance a coyote howled, breaking the quiet.
“I keep a few horses that are really gentle. Think Izzy and Austin would like to learn to ride?”
“They’d love it, I’m sure.”
Mac stopped for a moment and sent his gaze over the inky blue horizon. “Throughout history my ancestors have raised thousands of beeves on this land. Da
d once told me that every generation has its share of desperation and it’s a miracle the ranch has remained intact for so long without a single acre of it being sold. No matter what comes, I plan to hang in for the long haul. ”
“Noble. I like the idea of holding onto a piece of history and your people have done a lot of living and dying here. Must be nice knowing that. Emma and I didn’t know much about our people. I suppose if it had been special or interesting, we might have not ended up in the system like we did.”
“I’m sorry about that, honey. You know, you can build your own history. It may not seem like it, but you already are.”
She smiled, surprised and a little touched by the conversation. “I never thought of it that way. Who knows what kind of adults Austin and Izzy might grow up to be? Kind of daunting to think that I’ll have a hand in raising them to know they can achieve anything.”
“There ya go.” They continued on past the barn and moved further across the land until they came to a spectacular tree-guarded spot. Mac paused and put his arm around her waist. “Remember this place?”
Callie smiled up at him. Though Mac would deny it, he was a sentimental man. “How could I forget Heritage Garden? The boundary is made from the old rock foundation of the first ranch house built here on Deuces Wild. I loved it the first time I saw it and I love it now. Even at night, it’s just spectacular. The last time I came out here with you it was springtime and flowers were blooming their little heads off.”
Three long shallow steps led it into the garden. Mac flexed his fingers on her waist, then released her to take her hand as they moved into the space. A brisk breeze whipped through the limbs of ancient oaks and ruffled the petals of hibiscus that hadn’t yet died away after fall’s arrival. For the most part, West Texas stayed fairly warm which was a good thing if you had an aversion to the cold, as Callie did. Mac lifted a hand. “How do you like the new benches I added? Found them at a shop in Fredrickburg a month or so ago. I thought something hand-crafted suited the garden.”
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