by Kit Morgan
That did it. “Then why are you dating Tate?”
Cassandra shrugged. “Why not?”
“He’s serious about you, or haven’t you noticed?” Melanie found it hard to keep the anger out of her voice.
“She’s right, Cassandra,” agreed Casey. “When the Sullivan men date a woman, it’s not casual. These guys are looking for wives.”
Cassandra just laughed. “What business is it of yours? If I want to date Tate Sullivan, I’ll date him. It’s not hurting anything.”
“Does he know you’re not serious?” Melanie asked.
“Of course he does!”
Melanie’s anger curdled into regret. Maybe Tate wasn’t the man she thought he was, and he just wanted a dalliance. Cassandra had made it clear that’s what it was to her. Melanie could have sworn it was more for him, but … she took a deep breath and shook off the conversation. “All right, next the kiddie pool and toys. Where can we find some?”
“I bet the hardware store still has some,” Casey said. “Samantha told me they always hold summer stuff over and sell it really cheap this time of year as Christmas presents.”
“A hardware store,” Cassandra said in disbelief. “We’re going to a hardware store?”
“Get over yourself, Cassandra,” Melanie said, irritated. But was it because of Cassandra’s snobbishness, or that Tate wasn’t all he seemed? Had she fallen for his charm and let her heart latch onto someone who wasn’t what she was looking for?
“Mel?” Casey waved a hand in front of her face. “You still with us?”
Melanie shook herself and blew a wisp of hair out of her face. “Yeah, sorry – just thinking. Let’s go.”
The three women went into the house to get their purses, then headed for the family truck. Cassandra took one look at it and laughed. “Are you kidding me?” She looked at Casey. “You’re going to drive this?”
“Yes, I can drive now,” she said proudly. “Unless you’d like to,” she added, dangling the keys in front of her.
“No thanks,” Cassandra scoffed.
Melanie was surprised. “You can drive?”
“Yes, I can drive,” Cassandra said, rolling her eyes.
“When did you learn?” Melanie asked, curious. Melanie didn’t know how to drive – there was never a need growing up and living in the city.
“When I was sixteen,” Cassandra said, more quietly. “Let’s go.” She opened the passenger-side door, wrinkled her nose again and climbed in. Obviously that conversation was over.
Melanie and Casey looked at each other over the bed of the truck, shrugged, then got in themselves.
* * *
Tate, Liam and Jake sat on their horses and watch the Sullivan cattle graze. “You know, you oughta be breeding your stock with our bull Adonis,” Liam said. “Dunno why none of us thought of it before.”
“Probably because you just started that part of your business,” Tate pointed out.
“Not to mention we were all dealing with Grandpa Joe’s death last year,” Jake added. “Dixie’s Riding Academy’s taken up a lot of our time.”
“Yeah, I guess that would,” Liam said. “Aunt Samantha says it’s going great, though. You gonna hang onto it?”
“Yes,” the Sullivan brothers said in unison. The three chuckled as they continued to gaze at the cattle.
“You thinking about adding on?” Liam asked with a nod at the animals.
“We’ve talked about it,” Jake said. “But we can’t take on too much more when there’s just the two of us. Between the ranch and Dixie’s, we’re already spread thin.”
“I thought that place was self-sufficient,” Liam said.
“It is,” Tate conceded. “But it’s not like we can just leave it be like Grandpa Joe did. So we each take turns and spend some time over there. Besides, Jake met Casey at Dixie’s.”
Jake nodded. “He’s right. I wouldn’t be married now if it wasn’t for having to take care of it.”
Liam smiled. “You ain’t the only one that’s benefiting from working there.”
Tate grinned. “Nossir, he’s not.”
“Is it serious?” Liam asked.
“I hope so.”
“Ha!” Liam laughed. “What do you mean, you hope so?”
“I like Cassandra, I really do. She’s …”
“Hot!” Jake and Liam said at the same time.
“Oh yeah, definitely that,” Tate agreed.
“But?” Jake said picking up on his brother’s hesitancy.
“I don’t know, her career … sometimes I wonder if it’s a good match.”
“So her career is more important to her than you are?” Liam asked.
“I didn’t say that!”
“You didn’t have to, bro,” Jake said. “But Casey still has her career. Living on the ranch hasn’t hindered it in any way.”
“Does she travel a lot?” Liam asked.
“No – not yet anyway,” Jake said. “She does keep busy. But she can do what she’s does just about anywhere.”
“Cassandra’s not like that,” Tate said. “New York is where most of the models work.”
“Maybe you’d better get yourself a local girl,” Liam commented, nudging his horse forward. Jake and Tate followed, and the three rode along the fence line for a time.
“You should decide whether or not to go for it,” Jake finally told his brother. “Otherwise, what’s the point of being with her?”
“Yeah, I know. I’ve thought of that myself.”
Liam saw an opening and took it. “Melanie’s nice. Pretty, too.”
Tate smiled widely. “Melanie’s a great girl. I really like her. She’s so comfortable to be around.”
“Why don’t you date her?” Liam asked.
“I’m with Cassandra. And I guess when you get down to it, I’d have the same problem with Melanie. They’re both career women in New York – their jobs are based out of there. Man,” he added with a shake of his head.
“Sounds to me like you need to make a decision, brother,” Jake said. “Better sooner than later.”
“Man,” Tate repeated, his jaw tight.
Liam sighed and looked at the sky. “Nothing like riding the range to clear your head. Being out here brings everything into perspective, don’t it?”
Tate and Jake looked at him, looked at each other, and laughed. “This isn’t exactly the range,” Jake said, “but he’s got you there, Tate.”
“Where’s your head been all this time?” Liam tacked on.
“Man …”
“Aw, who’m I kidding?” Liam said. “If I had Cassandra, where would my mind be?”
“Better figure out what you’re going to do,” Jake advised. “You don’t want to hurt her.”
Tate frowned.
Liam laughed. “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that. Cassandra don’t seem the type to get hurt so easily.”
By the time the men rode back it was nearly dark. It had been a good day, and Tate was glad to be home. He hoped Cassandra had enjoyed her day as much. At least she was with familiar faces and not just his mother. Jenny worked all day, so she wouldn’t have been around anyway.
“What’s all this?” Liam asked as they led the horses into the barn and saw the stacked quilts, pool toys and wading pool.
“It’s for Casey’s photo shoot,” Jake explained.
“Looks like Tucker’s Hardware’s after-summer sale,” Liam commented. “Old Man Quinn does the same where we live, only he owns the feed store.”
Tate and Jake laughed at that. “Country living, gentlemen,” Tate said, slapping Liam on the back. “Let’s get the horses taken care of, then see what the ladies have made for dinner.” They went to work, got the animals settled and fed, did a couple small chores and finally went into the house.
“Mmm, something smells good,” Jake said. He went to Casey, who was stirring something on the stove. He kissed her on the cheek then peered into the pot. “Chili!”
“Yes, and if you move I’ll t
ake the cornbread out of the oven.” She gave him a playful shove.
“I’ll do it,” Tate said. “I think your husband wants to play kissy-face.”
“He is so right!” Jake pulled Casey into his arms.
“Oh please!” Liam said. “Not before dinner! My poor digestion …”
Casey laughed. “Oh, shut up and take the salad out of the fridge.”
Liam went to do as she said as Melanie came in. She smiled when she saw the men each doing a different task. Of course, Jake, now stirring the chili, was also kissing his wife. “Well, I see everyone’s hard at work.”
Jake and Casey laughed and drew apart. “Just trying to make the chili a little sweeter,” Jake said.
“And what is Tate doing with the cornbread?” she asked and turned to him. “How are you going to make it sweeter?” No sooner had she said it, she wish she hadn’t. He was probably going to say something about kissing Cassandra.
Tate pulled the pan out of the oven and set it on top of the stove. “If this is Mom’s cornbread it’s sweet enough. Can’t improve on perfection.”
“Yes, I watched her make it. I’ve never made anything like that before.”
Tate arched an eyebrow at her. “You cook?”
“Believe it or not,” she said with a smile. “Surprised?”
“A little,” he said, both eyebrows up. “Casey could hardly boil water when she first came into this family.”
Casey tossed a dishrag at him. “Stop. I could so boil water. I just couldn’t do anything else with it.”
The men laughed and retreated into the living room. Casey sighed and turned to Melanie. “I love being married.”
Melanie gave her a weak smile. “I can tell. And I’m happy for you, Casey, really I am.” She glanced toward the living room and back.
“Do you want to get married?” Casey asked.
Melanie shrugged. “One day.”
Casey’s eyes also flicked toward the living room. “You should. You’ll like it.”
Melanie smiled but said nothing more. What could she say? Yes, I’d love to get married. In fact I’d love to marry Tate Sullivan, but he doesn’t see me as anything other than maybe a sister type. Or friend. Or…
Or a handy way for you to torture yourself, her conscience added.
“What is that smell?” Cassandra griped as she entered the kitchen, rubbing her eyes and yawning.
And speaking of torture …
“Have you been asleep all this time?” Casey asked.
“Of course. There’s nothing else to do around here.”
“You could have helped with dinner,” Melanie said.
“Did you?” Cassandra shot back.
“Yes,” Melanie stated matter-of-factly.
Cassandra almost went into shock. “Why? You can’t cook.”
“Are you kidding?” Casey said. “She’s a better cook than I am.”
“How long have you been cooking?” Cassandra asked. “Don’t you and your dad have a cook?”
“No, he likes to do it himself and so do I,” Melanie said.
Cassandra wrinkled her nose. “Ugh – I’d hate to have to cook! I don’t know why your dad doesn’t hire someone. With all his money it’s not like he can’t afford it.”
“Cassandra,” Melanie said, pinching the bridge of her nose. “My dad can do what he wants. And in case you’ve forgotten, I don’t live with my dad anymore – I have my own place. So of course I cook.”
Cassandra shook her head. “I eat out.” She stomped out of the kitchen.
Melanie watched her go and cringed. How could Tate not see any of this? How had she not seen any of this? But then, she’d only worked with Cassandra; it wasn’t like they hung out. Really, she didn’t know her that well at all. A better question was, how well did Tate know her?
Melanie, stay out of it, her conscience warned. Forget him. He wants to date some basic you-know-what, that’s his problem. Not your circus.
Casey gave the chili another stir, went to a cupboard and started to pull out plates and bowls. It was time to set the table. With a sigh, Melanie went to the silverware drawer and pulled out what was needed, even as she looked around the kitchen. The Sullivan home was warm, comfortable, everything a family home should be. Casey loved it and was happy here, and Melanie was happy for her.
With another sigh she brought her handful of forks, spoons and knives to the table and set them down. If Tate had an interest in her, could she let it grow? Would it be enough to make her leave New York, maybe even give up her career? No, things were better this way – as much as she loved Tate, it would never work … what! Good grief, had she just said she loved him? Not out loud, she hoped …
No, not out loud. But seriously, do you like pain? Is that why you won’t let this go?
“What’s the matter with you?” Casey asked.
It took Melanie a few seconds to realize Casey was speaking to her, not just her conscience. She let go of the fork she’d been gripping white-knuckled and set it on the table. “Nothing.”
Casey cocked her head to one side and put her hands on her hips. “Really? I don’t think so. Whatever it is, after dinner you’re going to tell me about it.”
Melanie watched her friend cross the kitchen to the stove and turn off the burner. Oh my goodness, she thought. When did this happen?!
When has it not been happening? You’ve been insufferable for weeks.
Casey brought out the pot of chili, set it on the table, stepped into the hall and called out, “Dinner!” When she returned, she looked at Melanie and pointed a finger at her. “And you!” she hissed. “After dinner, you’re going to spill.”
Chapter 12
“Well, let’s have it.”
Melanie hated how well Casey could read her when she was upset. She hung her head. “There’s not a lot to say.”
“You know, I knew something was wrong when I picked you up at the airport. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It’s like I said, there’s not a lot to tell.” Did Casey even have a clue?
“Does this have anything to do with Tate?”
Okay, apparently she did. “Yeah, you could say that.”
Casey flung herself onto her bed next to Melanie. “I knew it!”
Melanie sighed and hoped Jake didn’t walk in on them. After all, it was his bedroom too. “I don’t know how it happened, Casey, I really don’t.” She leaned back on her elbows and stared at the ceiling.
Casey sat up. “Are you… oh gosh, are you in love with him?”
Melanie closed her eyes and nodded.
Casey squealed in delight. “Omigosh, Melanie! That’s great!”
“I don’t see what’s so great about it, so you might as well wipe that smile off your face.”
Casey laughed, which didn’t help Melanie’s mood. She’d plunged into despair as soon as she realized she’d fallen in love with Tate, and could barely force down dinner. “But don’t you see? Maybe one day we could all be one big happy family.”
“Hello? He’s dating Cassandra!”
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that. But you know she’s just playing with him.”
Melanie groaned. “I see that. But what if he’s just playing with her?”
Casey sobered. “I don’t think he is, Mel. I don’t think he’s capable of that. Sorry.”
Melanie flicked a hand in the air. “It doesn’t matter anyway. It would never work with him.”
“Why not?”
“Because of my career, that’s why not. Can you imagine me taking him to a big gala or a shoot in Milan?”
Casey gawked at her a moment. “I never thought I’d hear you talk like Cassandra.”
Melanie buried her face in her hands. “No! I didn’t mean it that way …”
“Yes, you did. And you’re wrong.”
Melanie brought her face out of her hands. “About what?”
“You can have a home base anywhere, Mel. Doesn’t matter if it’s here, L.A., New York, New Orleans. Ho
w many photography friends do you have, successful ones, that live outside New York?”
Melanie hadn’t thought about that. And now that she did, she realized she had quite a few. Some lived in Los Angeles and London, of course, but another was in Nashville, one lived in Spain … and then there was Bradley, whose wife was in the Air Force, so he changed locations about once a year … “I see your point.”
“So really, your career isn’t an excuse,” Casey concluded.
Melanie sighed. “Okay, fine, it’s not an excuse. But the fact remains that the man is taken. So there you have it.”
Casey studied her a moment. “No, I don’t. But you do.”
Melanie rubbed her temples. “You’re not making any sense.”
“You’re here, aren’t you? We’re doing a photo shoot together, aren’t we? What if Tate were to suddenly be a free man – would you go for it? Would you still think it could never work out?”
Melanie had to think about that. What would she do? The answer should be obvious, but it wasn’t. “I don’t know.”
“Then I suggest you do a little soul-searching and figure it out,” Casey said. “Because what if some other guy comes along?”
“What if one does?”
“Whether it’s Tate or someone else, Mel, you have to decide whether or not you want a serious relationship and a marriage, or if you just want to do what Cassandra is doing.” Casey leaned toward her for emphasis. “Because my brother-in-law is looking for a wife, not just a girlfriend. And because I love both of you, I don’t want to see either of you get hurt. What if things go south with Cassandra and he goes for you? You’d better know what you want, because I don’t want to see you do to him what Cassandra’s doing.”
Melanie could only stare – Casey had left her speechless.
“You’re my best friend, Mel, and I care about you a lot,” Casey added. “Please figure out what you want.”
“You’re right,” Melanie said in a small voice. “I do need to figure out what I want. Knowing I want Tate isn’t enough. It never was.”
“Exactly. And trust me, I had to think about the same thing with Jake.”
Melanie smiled at her friend and hugged her. “Thank you.”