by A. C. Wilson
Smiling Colt closed his eyes and pictured the beautiful red-haired woman singing in church. She was absolutely mesmerizing and it made him instantly connect the coconut and mango scent to her. Of course he had no idea if she used that particular shampoo, but a shower time fantasy could stretch the truth a bit. Picturing her red-hair long and flowing, Colt wanted to slide his fingers through the wet tendrils. Her soft, creamy skin fairly glowed in the natural light and her perfect mouth was kissing along his jaw. He groaned, his forehead resting against the wall again and his hand rubbing over his chest and stomach. Heartbeat racing as the hot water cascaded down his back, Colt groaned with a deepening need. It had been far too long.
“Hello?” A woman’s voice broke through Colt’s desire fogged brain and brought him quickly to the present. He blinked at the thought of what he had been about to do. “Hello?” Her voice was louder, whoever she was. Colt suspected it to be Toby’s sister and apparently the Double C’s housekeeper.
“I’ll be right down.” Colt hollered back, shaking his head. Swiftly turning off the water, he jerked the fluffy white towel off the rack and began to roughly dry his body. He hoped that with such force, it would clear his muddled brain and in return, suppress his lustful feelings.
Pulling on a pair of jogging pants and a t-shirt, Colt quickly ran his fingers through his wet hair and sighed as the smell of the shampoo filled his nose. Gritting his teeth, he headed downstairs.
“Are you still here?” Colt called out, wondering where his housekeeper might have gone. Maybe she hadn’t heard him and left.
“I’m in the kitchen. Are you hungry?” The feminine voice called from two rooms away. Colt’s stomach rumbled at the mention of food.
“I am, but I’m sure I can fix something.” He rounded the corner that led into the open kitchen. “I don’t want to put you out.” He halted as he looked up to see the ginger goddess behind the island with all the fixings for sandwiches laying out on the counter.
She smiled at him and then when a few seconds had passed, she lifted a brow. “You might want to close your mouth.” Her laughter tinkled like water against glass. It melted what little reserve he had left in her presence.
“I’m sorry. You weren’t who I was expecting.” Colt said slowly, indicating her as well as the lunch spread she had before her. The woman from church nodded her head as if trying to figure out just what that meant.
“Who were you expecting, then?” Her voice was filled with confusion, but her hands stayed busy building a couple of sandwiches. It amazed him that she didn’t seem to be focused on what she was doing and it dawned on him that it must be habit.
“I was expecting Toby’s sister. Do you know her?” Colt asked, picking up a couple slices of wheat bread and putting them on a plate in front of him. He reached for the mustard and brushed the woman’s hand. It dawned on him that he had no idea who she was and this beautiful stranger was in his house. She could be a stalker for all he knew.
A smile spread over her lips. “I do know her. Toby didn’t tell you about her?” She asked tentatively, as if she was waiting for him to spill his guts. Colt shook his head and selected a slice of American cheese. “That’s interesting. Toby is usually very vocal about his sister. He’s inordinately proud of telling everyone that even though she sings in church, she could be a star in her own right.”
“I saw you singing in church this morning. Is she as impressive as you?” Colt was grinning like a lunatic, he knew it. He felt this chemistry burgeoning between them and it was fun. Now if only he could get her name instead of more information on his foreman’s sister.
The woman’s cheeks pinkened under his smile and his words. She was flattered that he had noticed, but how could he not? Colt had been in the music industry for a long enough time to spot talent a mile away. This woman had it and the fact that she was funny, enchanting, and forthright made her a gem. Polished under the right management, she would rock the world. “That’s kind of you and yes, she’s every bit as good as I am.” She chuckled and Colt gave an appreciative nod.
“Are you going to tell me your name? I feel at a bit of a disadvantage.” His arms resting on top of the island’s counter, Colt cocked his head to the side. The woman pressed her lips together and then sighed dramatically.
“Megan.”
He grinned at her teasing. “I know Toby’s sister’s name. What is your name?” Colt asked, pulling the container of ham over to his makeshift sandwich.
“I am Megan and I am Toby’s sister.”
To say that he felt like an idiot was an understatement, but Megan had a way of making him feel less embarrassed. Her smile was infectious and it was clear she had been leading him on as much as he had followed.
“I did not see that coming.” Colt murmured. “Although I think I should have.”
She laughed that tinkling sound made him smile. “It was too much fun not to lead you on for a bit. Besides that, if Colt Cavanaugh says I have talent then I must have.”
Megan finished the two sandwiches and put them on two plates. It was no wonder she looked right at home here in his kitchen. It was basically her home for however long it took to renovate her own. Colt had thought he would be put out by the inconvenience, but he didn’t think that now.
“I meant what I said about you having an amazing voice. It’s the truth.” He felt like he needed to clarify that tidbit. It hadn’t been to get into her good graces, or not the only reason anyway. Megan flicked a strand of ginger hair over her shoulder. It was the first time that Colt acknowledged the deep emerald green of her eyes.
“I didn’t think you were insincere, Mr. Cavanaugh, er Colt.” She looked a bit flustered. “I guess I don’t know how you want me to address you.”
“Colt, please.” He topped off his sandwich and turned towards the pine wood dining table. “I’ve had enough of Mr. Cavanaugh to last me a lifetime.”
“It must be rough, being respected like that.” Megan added a bit of edge to the words.
Was he being too much the star? Did it matter?
“It can be.” He answered, biting into his lunch before he said more he might regret. All of a sudden they seemed at odds with one another and it didn’t fit the playfulness that had started them out.
“I’ll leave you alone. Toby’s waiting for his lunch.”
Colt watched Megan leave with her red hair swinging behind her and he tried not to acknowledge the way her jeans fit so snugly. He bit viciously into his sandwich as he tried to douse the flames that were well on their way to being out of control.
CHAPTER FIVE
Colt stretched his legs out under the thin, handmade quilt and blinked in the darkness. It must be well into the evening. He growled as he threw back the quilt. He hadn’t meant to sleep so long. When he had finished his lunch and crawled into bed, it was something of a trick to fall asleep. He hadn’t wanted to think about the flame-haired vixen that just wouldn’t turn him loose. As confusing as he found Megan Wooden to be, he wanted to experience her company again. Colt wanted to know why she was a head-scratching mix of sweet and spicy.
Stalking across the bedroom in the dark, Colt managed to find the light switch before stubbing his toes on one of the heavy wooden pieces of furniture. They were very masculine, but their intricate carvings lent a feminine grace. He shook his head at the thought. Most of the women in his life had wanted to be more than a grace on his life. They wanted to possess it and change it. He was well aware that being in the right relationship meant compromising on issues, but a virtual, forever kind of transformation wasn’t in the cards.
Finding his pants on the floor, Colt pulled them on and found his discarded t-shirt. Presentably dressed, he went downstairs to see if Megan was here or if she had gone somewhere else for the night. The moment that he set foot on the wood floor at the base of the staircase, a low, menacing growl met his ears. Every hair on his body stood at attention as Colt slowly looked around for the animal he had offended in some way. He was afraid to t
ake another step. His heart raced as he tried to remember if his foreman had mentioned a new addition to the household. Considering Toby hadn’t mentioned his sister living here, it was giving the man more credit than he deserved.
“Zip!” That sexy voice could only be the woman he had fantasized about. Megan came out from the den with a book tucked in hand. “Don’t mind, Zip. Toby wouldn’t let me stay here alone at night.”
Colt felt like he could finally breathe as the blue and white Australian shepherd came into view. The slash of dark fur over its impressively ice blue eyes made Zip look like he meant business. “The cavalry, I presume?” He didn’t like the way his voice cracked as he fought to get his nerves under control.
“He’s a good boy.” Megan praised the dog and patted his furry head as Zip looked up adoringly. Colt eyed them both with suspicion.
“I just came home today. Why didn’t someone mention that there is a guard dog on duty? One that might actually do some damage.”
Megan shrugged her shoulders and pushed open the screen door to the porch. “Dinner is in the microwave if you are hungry.”
Colt watched her disappear with Zip on her heels. He shook his head, because for once he had no idea what to say. It seemed like she walked away just when she had his tongue tied. That never happened to a slick, verbal man such as himself. The challenge was definitely there in a beautifully wrapped package with a bow. He wandered into the kitchen and found the black and white microwave. Inside was a plate with fried chicken, cheesy hash brown potatoes, green beans and a roll. His stomach growled in response to the delightful scent of the homemade dinner. It had been ages since someone had cooked for him without it being requested. Even though Megan lived here, he didn’t think it was actually her job.
“Are you paid to be my housekeeper and cook?” Colt asked as he pushed open the door of the house and walked out onto the porch with his plate. The look on her face was priceless and it took him a minute to realize that what he had meant to say hadn’t come out right.
“That’s not at all offensive.” She snapped, closing her book with a thump. Those green eyes pierced through his armor. Colt swallowed hard. He lifted his plate slightly.
“It wasn’t meant to be offensive. It was a compliment.” Colt wondered why his brain couldn’t get ahold of his mouth. This was ridiculous. He felt like a teenager in the midst of a pretty girl.
“You have a strange way of making compliments.” Megan crossed her arms over her chest and huffed. Her shoulders shrugged against the evening chill. Colt was surprised to see it was just after eight.
“How would you have me compliment you?” Colt was feeling cheeky and in the mood to spar. If it could only be verbally then he would take it.
Megan lowered her eyes and squinted at him in her appraisal. Zip sat by her side and eyed him too. “Eat your food. If you want more, ask for it. If you finish and would like dessert, ask for that too. Appreciation is compliment enough for me.”
Colt’s smile curved his lips as he thought about her words. Hadn’t his grandmother said something similar once? It was possible. Still the replay of asking for dessert played over in his mind. He chuckled, knowing she would flay his hide if he even mentioned a dessert other than food. His lustful demons kicked into high gear and he felt the uncomfortable pressure.
“Is there dessert?”
“There might be.” Megan turned her face away from him, reaching over to pat Zip on the head and reopen her book. She leaned back into the rocker and pretended to read. He knew she was pretending because she had the book upside down. Realizing her mistake, Megan flipped it right side up. “You won’t know unless you eat your food.”
Colt grinned and then tried to wipe it off. “Yes, ma’am.” He said in a little boy’s voice or at least he tried without laughing. He lifted his chicken leg and just before biting into it, he cut his eyes to Megan. She was watching him with a softening look. “Is there chocolate?”
Despite her hard exterior, Megan giggled at his question. That was the little boy coming to the surface. “Maybe.” Then she pointed to his plate. “Now eat.”
He wanted to keep the conversation going, but his stomach growled loudly again. Giving up for the moment, Colt mercilessly devoured the chicken and the rest of the home cooked meal. It was hands down the best he had ever eaten with kind regards to his grandmother’s meals. He patted his stomach after he had set the cleared plate on the seat beside him.
“You out did yourself there, Miss Wooden. I have not had better fried chicken.”
She looked up from her book and shook her head. “Careful or your nose will grow.” Her green eyes twinkled in the soft porch light.
“Really?” Colt asked, wondering what she meant. Megan took her cue.
“You know, Pinocchio, oh well never mind…,” she waved him off. He understood what she meant now. She was telling him not to lie to her. He hadn’t yet.
“I’m not worried about my nose growing.” Colt looked out into the darkness listening to the breeze through the pine trees. “It’s the growth of other things that I fear when you are so close.” His words were just above a whisper. He wasn’t sure she was even listening until he noted the charged silence and looked her way. A strange mixture of confusion and astonishment covered her face.
“Wow. I bet you say that to all the girls.” Megan meant it to be snarky, he knew she did, but it was breathless and too transparent. He watched her bite her lip when she realized the arrow had missed its intended mark.
“Trust me, I don’t and as ribald as that comment sounded, I meant something infinitely more sincere.”
That knocked the wind down in her sails and she looked as if she could breathe deeply again. He smiled at her, unable to get her shocked look out of his mind. “Are you on break now?”
The worry of last night slipped back into place and his gut twisted. He hated indecision. He was spontaneous as a young man; although he wasn’t old by any means. “I’ll be here for three weeks and I’m not sure what will happen after that. My son arrives next week from South Dakota.”
“Your son?” Megan stretched her legs out, her boot heel accidently clipping Zip on the paw. The dog scooted out of the way.
“Drew is going to be seven. I’ve only known about him for the last year or so. I’m still getting used to having a son.” It was the truth. Fatherhood was so new to him that he fairly shined like a newly minted penny.
“I will talk to Toby and see if he can have my house livable by next week.” Megan was pulling back, she thought she was intruding and he didn’t know how to reassure her that he wanted her to intrude. Colt had this feeling that he needed her brand of honesty and general approach to life.
“Are you going to think I’m up to something if I ask you to stay?” Colt knew anything that came out of his mouth could be misconstrued. He certainly had a knack for that with Megan and they’d known each other for less than twelve hours. She looked as ruffled as he and he was good with that.
“I will let you know.” She looked away and shrugged. “You could end up being a Country singer turned serial killer.” Colt could only nod in a sarcastic way. Megan Wooden really was a pistol.
CHAPTER SIX
“When were you going to tell me that Colt Cavanaugh has a son?” Megan asked her brother, pinning Toby to his spot underneath the sink.
“I didn’t figure that would matter to you.” Toby answered as he slipped the pipe wrench around the fitting to tighten it.
“Shouldn’t it matter?” Megan asked, wondering just where she was taking this. It had been in the forefront of her mind this morning when she woke up and now that she was supervising her brother’s handyman skills, she wanted to know why her brother hadn’t mentioned it.
“The truth is that I have only met Drew once. Colt brought him this fall to visit and they only stayed for a bit.” Toby put the wrench down by his side and shimmied out from under the kitchen sink.
“Well what about Drew’s mother? Is she still in the
picture? Why didn’t Colt know about his son until last year?” Megan paced the linoleum floor, her cotton skirt swirling around her ankles.
Toby grimaced, hating to be put on the spot. Megan wasn’t the easiest of women to placate and he knew just by seeming to know the answers that she would hound him until she was satisfied. “Megan, I don’t think I am the one you should be asking. I’m only Colt’s ranch foreman.”
“You’re one of the nosiest people in these parts, Toby Wooden.” Megan posted her hands on her hips and pressed her lips together. Toby closed his eyes and shook his head.
“Drew’s mother is married and happily so. As far as I know, she and Colt are friends only.” He lifted a finger to stop her questioning him further. “As far as the secret of the boy’s birth, I don’t know. He hasn’t said and I have not prodded. It isn’t my place.” He got up off the floor and put his wrench back into the tool box. It landed with a thud.
“You are infuriating, brother of mine.” Megan crossed her arms and looked down at her boots.
“I can’t help that, but I imagine it runs in the family, sister dear.” Toby offered a cheeky grin and scuttled out of the kitchen before she could think of more to say. It was better if she asked Colt her questions, but it left little doubt in Toby’s mind that his sister had taken a shine to his boss.
***
Colt had to admit that he was more than a little bummed out that Megan wasn’t anywhere to be found when he came downstairs. There wasn’t a note. No pot of coffee and no breakfast made up in the microwave either. The disappointment was sharp and Colt could only imagine how much trouble he was in. The last woman to cause such a ruckus was Nora and well, look where that had gotten him.
Opening the fridge, he pulled out the carton of eggs and then began seeking out the shredded cheese. He was happy to find some cold ham and a green pepper in the crisper drawer. All the makings of a good omelet. He was glad that he hadn’t forgotten all his grandmother had taught him. He cracked three eggs into a glass bowl and began to beat them with a touch of milk. He was so absorbed in the motion of his hands that he almost missed the light ringing of his cell phone on the granite counter.