by Debbie Mason
“Claudia’s right, Richard. You should save your admiration for someone who deserves it. Your daughter is amazing.” His mother looped her arm through Claudia’s and patted her hand. “I don’t know what we’d do without her. She’s a marvel, isn’t she, Ethan?”
“Yes, she is,” he agreed, then wanted to take it back at the familiar gleam in his mother’s eyes.
“I’ve had several people ask if you two were an item, you know,” she said. “Don’t you think they’d make the perfect couple, Richard?”
Claudia smiled and gave Ethan what he prayed was a here-we-go-again look and not a hopeful one.
* * *
With a forced smile on her face and a tight grip on the tray of cupcakes, Skye walked toward the table where the idiots from Albright Energy were seated. Nice men from Albright Energy, she corrected herself. After the strawberry punch incident, she couldn’t afford another slip-up. Grace, being Grace, of course, hadn’t said anything about it. But Skye knew she was upset with her. And so was Ethan, even though he’d defended her to his mother. She didn’t want to admit it, but he’d hurt her feelings when he suggested she leave. Or maybe it was the way he’d said it in his cool, emotionless voice that bothered her most.
He didn’t look cool and emotionless right now, she thought, sneaking a furtive glance to where he stood talking to several older men. With the sun glinting off his thick, tawny hair and the flash of his warm smile, he looked dangerously hot and sexy. She dragged her gaze away as the CEO of Albright Energy waved her over. Liz O’Connor sat with a group of her friends at a table beside theirs, making it difficult for Skye to ignore her overly loud conversation with the two women at her table. “You’re right, Claudia’s a darling.” Ethan’s mother looked directly at Skye as she continued, “She’d make a wonderful daughter-in-law. The two of them are perfect together.”
Skye rolled her eyes. Did Liz actually think it bothered her that she wanted Ethan to marry Claudia? At the sinking feeling in her stomach, Skye realized that maybe it did bother her, just a bit. But it was only because Ethan didn’t know Claudia like Skye did. The woman was an uptight conservative who didn’t care who she stepped on to get to the top. Cold and ambitious, Claudia Stevens cared more about polls than people.
Maybe they were a perfect match after all, Skye thought, as Claudia walked to Ethan’s side. He laughed at something the tall, elegant brunette said and put his arm around her shoulders, introducing her to the men. Skye might not be a fan of Claudia, but she had to admit with her high cheekbones, long, wavy dark hair, and dark eyes, Claudia was a beautiful woman.
At the sight of Liz beaming at the glamorous couple, Skye turned and started doling out cupcakes to the Albright Energy table with a forced smile.
“Well, hello, sweetheart.” The CEO grinned, the sun glinting off his wedding band. “Why don’t you join us?” he asked, holding out a chair for her.
“I…” Skye was about to politely refuse the man’s invitation when she overhead Liz say, “Who knows, by this time next year, I might have a grandbaby like the both of you. They’d make beautiful babies, don’t you think?”
Skye didn’t know why—maybe it was the thought of Claudia having Ethan’s baby, or that the married CEO flirting with her probably had children of his own—but a spurt of anger fired up inside her. “Seriously? You want me to sit with you, a man whose company is single-handedly destroying Colorado’s pristine wilderness, and poisoning the water table, all to make a dishonest buck? Yeah, that’s not going to happen.”
The man gave her a tight smile. “You might want to stick to baking, sweetheart. Don’t worry your pretty little head about things you know nothing about.”
Skye slammed the platter of cupcakes on the table, causing the glasses of punch to shake. “You’d be surprised how much information my pretty little head can hold.” The Albright CEO’s face pinked as she listed instances of documented well water contamination and health problems directly linked to fracking.
“Ms. Davis, I’d like a word with you,” Ethan said, his strong fingers encircling her arm. Skye’s gaze flitted from his hand to everyone staring at her openmouthed.
At the sight of Grace coming toward them with a panicked expression on her face, Skye felt like crying again. And her out-of-control emotions were ticking her off. “Sorry,” she mumbled and jerked her arm from Ethan’s hold. Her only thought to get away before she started to cry, she brushed past him and ran for the wooden bridge, heading for the privacy of the red barn.
Once inside, she sat on the bales of sweet-smelling hay and tried to figure out how she could make this up to Grace. She looked up to see Ethan standing in front of her. His concerned gaze roamed her face. “What’s going on?”
She focused on her hands and smoothed the apron. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Nudging her chin with his knuckle, he forced her gaze to his. “I know how you feel about fracking, but there’s more to what just went on out there. You promised Grace you wouldn’t embarrass her or the bakery, but you did. Twice. And yesterday you made the kids cry when you killed off the prince. You told me you were a pacifist, so even if it’s in a book, that’s not something you’d normally do.”
Up until her run-in with Scary Guy, Skye thought she was a pacifist, too. She supposed it didn’t count if you were acting in self-defense, but some people might think putting a man in the hospital constituted violent tendencies. “It’s my diet,” she said, because she wasn’t about to tell him what was really going on.
“What are you dieting for? You have an incredible body.”
“Thanks,” she murmured, ignoring the tiny spurt of pleasure his compliment engendered, “but I’m a vegan, and I’ve been eating too many cupcakes.” When he looked confused, she said, “Sugar’s poison. You may not be aware of this, but there’s a correlation between violent behavior and sugar.”
His mouth tipped up at the corner. “Is that right?”
“Yes. And I haven’t been exercising, so my serotonin levels are probably low.” No wonder she’d been feeling so crappy and emotional. It was such a relief to finally figure out what had been going on with her that she gave Ethan a bright smile. “Thanks, I feel much better now. I’ll just go…” She went to stand, and he slid his strong hands up her knees to her thighs, holding her in place.
“There’s more to it than that, and I want to know what it is. You’re not leaving here until you tell me.”
“You can’t keep me here against my will. Besides, you’re wrong. I’m totally fine.” But the way his thumbs caressed her inner thighs lulled her into submission, and she didn’t move. She wasn’t even sure she could speak without moaning. She’d forgotten the power of his sensual touch, how amazing his warm hands felt on her skin.
“Skye?”
“Hmm.”
“Cupcake, are you falling asleep on me?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his whiskey-smooth voice.
She blinked and sat up straighter, pushing her hair from her face. “No, of course not. I should be going. I really do appreciate your concern, Ethan, but I’m honestly fine.”
“Madison said you’re stressed.”
“Really? When did she say that?” Obviously her best friend hadn’t told him about her financial problems or, like her father, Ethan would be lecturing her on her irresponsibility.
“Yesterday when you whacked me with the crown and killed the prince.”
“Oh right, sorry about that. It was stage fright. And I think Maddie’s projecting. She’s stressed about the baby, you know.”
“I’m a criminal prosecutor. I can tell when someone’s lying. Others might not be able to see through you, but I can. I just wanted to offer my help, but if you don’t want it, that’s fine.”
“No, I’m not… Thank you,” she said, clearing the emotion from her voice. He was being so kind and sweet that she was tempted to tell him about their maybe baby. It’d be so easy to unload her worries on his broad shoulders. He was a strong, respo
nsible man and so gorgeous he sometimes made her lose her train of thought. Like now, for all of a few seconds, she forgot he was a Republican. “Thank you for worrying about me. That’s very nice, considering I reamed out one of your biggest supporters. I hope none of your guests will hold it against you or Grace.”
“I’ll tell them you’re suffering from mood swings due to a medical condition.” He stood and offered her a hand, helping her to her feet.
“I didn’t think of that. Maybe I have hypoglycemia. It would explain…” Catching herself, she said, “That’s a great idea.”
“I have them every now and again. But I can’t take credit for that one. It was yours, remember?” He smiled, holding her gaze as he tucked her hair behind her ear. “If you’re in trouble or need anything, you have my number.”
She nodded, wishing she really did have magic and could turn him into a Democrat. “Thanks,” she said, having a hard time fighting back tears.
“Hey, are you going to cry?” he asked with a frown. Taking her chin in his hand, he stroked her cheek with his thumb. “You’re starting to worry me, cupcake.”
“I think I’m coming down with a cold,” she said, faking a smile.
“Ethan.” They turned as his mother entered the barn. “Some of the guests are leaving,” she said, her narrowed gaze moving from Ethan to Skye. As though she sensed her son’s hesitation, she added, “Mr. Riley is looking for you.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right there. You sure you’re okay?” he asked Skye as he lowered his hand and took a step back.
“Positive. Go and say good-bye to your guests. I’ll just hang out here for a bit, if you don’t mind.”
“No problem. Just remember what I said. If I can do anything, anything at all, let me know.”
“Thanks, Ethan.” She walked to one of the stalls as he headed from the stables with his mother. She heard them talking in low, aggravated tones and had a fairly good idea who was the topic of their conversation. A few seconds later, another voice joined in, and their voices faded.
Skye passed several empty stalls until she found one with an occupant. She put her foot on the rail. “Hey, pretty boy,” she said to the horse. He was a beauty with his shiny black coat, white socks, and a spattering of white dots on his hindquarters. The horse snorted and tossed his head, pawing the hay-strewn floor.
“I suggest you back away, Ms. Davis. He’s a rescue horse and very temperamental.” Skye startled, turning to see Liz coming toward her. She drew her attention back to the horse and prepared for a confrontation with Ethan’s mother.
“He’s beautiful,” Skye said, instead of telling the woman the horse should be left free to run wild. To the O’Connors’ credit, they’d rescued the animal, and their stables were immaculate; the horse was obviously well groomed and cared for. Unlike Skye’s neighbors’ horses in Texas. In response to Liz’s approach, the horse double-kicked the rear wall of his stall, releasing a high-pitched whinny, his ears flattening.
“Don’t come any closer,” Skye quietly advised, then made soft, chuffing sounds to gain the horse’s attention. He settled enough that Skye slowly reached her hand in the stall. “Good, boy. That’s a good boy,” she said in a low voice. The horse approached and nudged her arm. Skye praised him as she raised her hand to gently rub the middle of his forehead. It wasn’t long before he was completely calm and nuzzling her neck.
“Richard was right,” Liz said in an amazed tone of voice. “We’ve had him for a month, and he hasn’t let any of us near him.”
Skye moved her forefinger and thumb in small circles along the horse’s neck. “Walk up slowly behind me.” When she felt Liz at her back, Skye said, “Bring your fingers alongside mine.”
Skye waited a couple of minutes before moving to the side and allowing Liz to take her place. But the horse had other ideas and followed her to the edge of the stall. Skye felt the weight of Liz’s gaze upon her as she murmured good-bye into the horse’s neck, then stepped away.
“I’m not sure what to make of you, Ms. Davis.”
Neither had her father and teachers. “I get that a lot,” Skye said, then cleared her throat. “I’m sorry about earlier. I hope you won’t hold my actions against Grace.”
“Of course I won’t. But in the future, I’d prefer that you didn’t help out at our events,” Liz said, as they walked from the barn together. “My son has an excellent chance of winning the election, Ms. Davis. It’s something he’s wanted since he was a little boy. I won’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of him realizing his dream.” She stopped Skye with a hand on her arm. “It would be best if you stayed away from him. You’re not the type of woman he needs in his life.”
Even if for a moment Skye kind of wished she was, she knew Ethan’s mother was right. But that didn’t mean she appreciated Liz warning her off or disparaging her character. “Mrs. O’Connor, you don’t know me well enough to make that call.”
“Perhaps not, but I do know my son. He may be attracted to you at the moment, but it won’t last. He needs a woman of strong moral character and values, a woman who believes in what he stands for and will help him realize his dreams. Acquainted as you are with the world of politics, you know as well as I do, Ms. Davis, that you are not that woman.”
Chapter Six
Ethan made his way through the crowded fairgrounds with his mother and Claudia at his side. Laughter and high-pitched screams filled the mid-August night air, competing with the music from the bandstand and the whir of sirens as the rides picked up speed. When the smell of fried food wafted past his nostrils, he decided that last corn dog he’d eaten was responsible for the dull gnawing in his gut. He dug in his leather jacket for a roll of antacids. Except for a piece of tinfoil he withdrew from his pocket, he came up empty.
“I’m going to head home instead of going back to the hotel, Ethan,” his mother said, as they reached the parking lot.
Maybe he wouldn’t need the antacid after all. For the last ten days, his mother had been campaigning for him to put a ring on Claudia’s finger almost as hard as she’d campaigned for him to win a seat in the state senate. He kissed her cheek. “Careful on the road. Text me when you get in. I’ll probably make it home for the Labor Day weekend.”
“You better. Madison’s baby shower is on the Sunday. You can keep Gage occupied. Maybe get him out for a game of golf. You could use a little R & R. You look tired,” she said, rubbing his arm. “At least I know I’m leaving you in good hands.” She turned to hug Claudia. “Make sure he eats and doesn’t stay up half the night working, dear.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of him,” Claudia said with a suggestive look in his direction.
So maybe he’d need that antacid after all. Over the last couple of days, he’d noticed a change in Claudia. She’d gone from friendly professional to friendly flirty. But she was too damn good at her job for him to consider firing her now. Not to mention the negative impact it would have on his campaign if he did. His mother would probably just rehire her anyway. He hoped it was a passing phase, but obviously he was going to have to deal with it before it went much further. And the first chance he got, he’d tell his mother to knock off the matchmaking.
“You’re coming home with Ethan on the long weekend, aren’t you?” she asked Claudia.
Duct tape, that was what he needed. “I’m sure Claudia wants to go home and spend some time with her dad, catch up with friends.”
“Pish.” His mother responded with a flick of her hand. “I’ll invite Richard. We can all spend a nice, long weekend together. I could use his advice. When you were saying good-bye to the mayor, I got a text from Raul,” she said, referring to the ranch foreman and Rosa’s husband. “Bandit, the rescue horse, kicked down the gate to his stall.” She sighed and got in her truck, glancing at Claudia before she closed the door. “Don’t let me ruin your plans, dear. I understand if you’d rather go home.”
Claudia cast Ethan a sidelong glance before saying to his mother, “No, I’
d love to come, and I’m sure Dad would, too.”
So much for a relaxing weekend. He wondered if his mother was using Richard as a means of getting Ethan and Claudia together or if she was interested in the man herself. Ethan didn’t like either scenario.
“Perfect. I’ll call your father tonight.”
They said good-bye, walking to the Escalade as his mother’s taillights faded from view. “You don’t mind me coming home with you, do you?” Claudia asked.
He pressed the Unlock button on his car key fob. “Of course not, but you’ve been working twenty-four seven this last month. You deserve a break.”
“So have you. But we really can’t afford to take time off. I was thinking of it more as a working holiday. I’d like to spend some time mapping out the next couple of months leading into the election.”
As dedicated as she was, Ethan knew he shouldn’t be surprised. “You want the rest of the team to come along?” he asked, as she buckled her seat belt and he closed his door. Having everyone there would cut down on his one-on-one time with Claudia. And his second in command, Pete Travis, had a major thing for her.
She made a face. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
At her answer, the gnawing in his gut increased. He leaned across her to open the glove compartment. When his search failed to produce a roll of antacids, he said, “I’ve got to stop at a drugstore on the way to the hotel.”
Ever the efficient campaign manager, she took out her BlackBerry. “Okay. There’s a Walgreens off the highway.” She punched the directions into his GPS. “I’ll let Peter know we’ll be a few minutes late.”
“Thanks.” They were expecting a volunteer update from the district managers within the next hour.
She was still on her BlackBerry when Ethan pulled into the brightly lit parking lot. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he said as he undid his seat belt.
“Okay, I’ll wait for you here.” She looked up from her phone and angled her head. “Is that Kendall?”