His eyes narrowed. “I see.”
“I like it when you go full steam.” She massaged his chest. “It’s thrilling for me. If something’s too much, I’ll let you know. I trust you to do the same.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He sucked in a breath and captured her hand, ending the massage. “Are you all dried off, now?”
“Mostly. Except for this one pesky area.”
He groaned. “We have to go feed.”
“I know.” Freeing her hand, she stepped around him and walked into the bedroom. “I’m just priming the pump for later.” She opened the top dresser drawer and pulled out underwear.
“I knew that.” He muttered something else, clearly talking to himself. Or his buddy below his belt.
She dressed quickly and was heading out the door to check on Florence when the shower stopped and he called to her. “Do you think fourth-grade girls know about hickeys?”
“Depends on the girl. But I’m glad you mentioned it. I’ll wear a bandana around my neck today just to be safe.”
“Thank you. Those girls….”
“Don’t worry, Teague.” She smiled. “I’ve got your back.”
Breakfast at Ed’s was blissfully free of talk about Madeline’s dating prospects, and for that Val was grateful. After breakfast, Madeline helped muck out the stalls and she used it as a chance to gather background on the four girls she’d be meeting that afternoon.
Her insightful questions impressed the heck out of Val. Teague’s mom clearly was in the right profession.
“They sound fabulous,” she said as they finished spreading clean straw in each stall. “I’ve had kids like that over the years and it’s always a joy. Those are the ones who come back and visit you when they’re adults.”
“What fun that will be! I can’t wait to see how my students turn out. These four, especially. They’re gonna be stars in whatever they choose.”
“It’s so rewarding to think you had a little part in helping them get there. I remember one kid who—” Madeline’s phone chimed. “That’s my alarm. I need to freshen up before Ed and I go to Henri’s for lunch.”
“I missed that memo.” Teague leaned on his pitchfork.
“I forgot to tell you. She called right before breakfast and said she wanted to piggyback onto the riding lesson and grab us for lunch at her house.”
“Nice.”
“She’s checking with Jake to see if he can give us a Raptors Rise tour after lunch. I only saw it in the planning stages, so I’m excited.”
“I hope that works out,” Val said. “Be sure and tell the girls if you end up going. They were there on a field trip in May.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Anyway, see you both over there. Are you going together?”
Oh. Logistically possible. They could put all three girls in the back seat of his truck. Except they never had and likely never would.
She threw out the first explanation that came to her. “It’s better if I pick up the girls and meet Teague over there. He likes arriving ahead of time in case he and Zeke have any prep to do before the lesson.”
“I can understand that. By the way, that’s a jaunty look, wearing a bandana around your neck.”
“I like it. Makes me feel more like a cowgirl.”
“And way better than makeup, which you might sweat off.” Laughter danced in her eyes. “Can’t wait to see the lesson!” She hurried out of the barn.
Val put her hands to her hot cheeks. “This is ridiculous. Why am I blushing?”
Teague smiled. “I’m not sure. This morning you said it was no big deal.”
“It isn’t! When I was a teenager, I was embarrassed by a hickey, but I’m almost thirty years old, for God’s sake. What’s up with this silly blush?”
“Technically I should be the one who’s blushing. I’m the responsible party, not you.”
“You’re exactly right, but you’re cool as a cucumber.”
“My mom’s suffered through so many awkward moments with me that I guess we’re both bullet-proof by now. She’s not shocked and I’m not embarrassed.”
“I should have guessed she’d know why I’m suddenly wearing the bandana.” She groaned. “And if she did, then Ed probably—”
“Wouldn’t be surprised.”
“But I doubt the girls will.”
“Sure hope not. Now if they started teasing me about it, I for sure would blush.”
“I think you’re safe. But Nell and Zeke might.”
“I can handle those two. Oh, and good recovery on the transportation issue.”
“Thanks. I had to think fast.”
“Smart lady.” He gazed at her. “I’m sure you’ve figured out we have some private time on our hands.” He tilted his head toward the back of the barn.
“I have.” And her reaction would surprise him. It sure as heck surprised her.
“It’s about time to check the tack and see if any of it needs repairing. Care to help me? If we leave the barn door open, we’ll hear Ed’s truck and know when the coast is clear.”
She took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I… want a rain check.”
Disappointment flickered in his eyes for a split second and was gone, replaced by a look of mild curiosity. “Not quite so vulnerable to straw, after all?”
More than ever, so why was she so reluctant to follow through? “I think it’s all the talk about the girls and knowing I’ll be picking them up and trying to act normal, when I’m…” She glanced at him. “When they leave, I’d like to go home.”
His eyes widened. “Permanently? While my mom’s still—”
“No, no, not permanently. I wouldn’t do that to you.”
His shoulders dropped with relief. “Scared me for a second.”
“Sorry. I should have said it differently. I’d like to drive home, get cleaned up in my own shower, fetch the mail out of the mailbox.”
“I hadn’t thought about your mail.”
“Honestly, I hadn’t either until this chance opened up. If I empty the mailbox today, it’ll be fine until Sunday. While I’m there, I might as well gather up what I need to take to school on Friday.”
“Guess so.”
“I could pick it up on the trip in Friday morning, but this way I don’t have to think about it.”
So logical. So not in keeping with her mood this morning.
“It’s not about the mail and the school supplies, is it?”
She met his gaze. A hint of sadness lingered there. “Not exactly. I feel the need to reconnect with my little house before I pick up the girls.”
“All right.”
“I’ll feel more like my old self if I do that. I can block out—” She cringed. “That sounded awful. I didn’t mean—”
“It’s okay. You said that living with me would be a stretch. You’ve done great so far. Makes sense that you need a break.”
“You’ve done great, too.” She moved closer. “Really super. I’ve had a terrific time.”
He leaned the pitchfork against the side of the stall and wrapped her in a loose, undemanding hug. “So have I. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. So far it’s been… informative.” Ugh. “That was the wrong word, too. Like this has been a research project.”
“Well, you are a teacher.”
She gazed up at him. Such kind eyes. She wanted to kiss him. Did she dare? That floaty feeling was back. “While you check on the tack, I’ll head to the house and gather up my laundry.”
“I don’t have to check the tack.” Understanding registered in his expression. “But I’m sure I can find something to do.”
Her chest tightened. Standing on tiptoe, she gave him a fast kiss and eased out of his loose embrace. “See you at the lesson.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Shortly after two-thirty, Teague made the turn onto the dirt road leading to the Buckskin. He’d chosen not to read too much into Val’s decision. Clearly it was the right one for her and po
ssibly the right one for him, too.
He’d soon be dealing with those four perceptive little munchkins. The emotions from an intense lovemaking session at noon might still be rolling through his system at three.
But he’d missed her when he’d gone back to the house to make lunch and get cleaned up for the lesson. He’d wanted her to be sitting at the kitchen table while they had sandwiches and chips. Stepping into the shower to find her shampoo and conditioner gone had made his chest hurt.
He longed to have her sitting in the passenger seat next to him with those cute little girls in the back, chattering away. And if he missed her that much now, when she’d only created a break of a few hours, what would it be like when….
Oh, yeah, he was royally screwed.
Nobody else had arrived when he parked his truck in front of the barn. Good. He needed a moment to haul himself out of his funk before it was show time.
When he walked into the barn, Zeke was whistling some peppy little song as he used a push broom on some straw left in the aisle. Wasn’t he a happy bastard?
He glanced up and grinned. “How’s the engagement going?”
“Don’t ask.”
“Too late. But you can tell me to mind my own business.”
“Mind your own business.” He ducked into the tack room to fetch his rope, plus Claire’s. He came out to find Zeke leaning against Lucky’s stall, arms crossed. “Lying in wait, Zeke?”
“Leaning in wait is more accurate. If you tell me one more time to mind my own business and put some oomph into it, I’ll go back to my broom.”
Teague sighed and rubbed the back of his neck where tension was slowly working its way up to his skull. “About ten minutes ago, I figured out I’m so deep in caca I can’t see over the top.”
“Ahhh, dude. Sounds bad. Are you sure?”
“I’d love to be wrong, but I don’t think I am.”
“We all have such great hopes. Well, except Nell. She still insists this is a runaway train.”
“She’s probably right. Val’s even more paranoid about getting into a serious relationship than I realized. Last night I thought I saw a glimmer of light in the tunnel, but—”
“It was the damn train coming at you?”
“Yessir. We’re not even halfway through this, and today around eleven she felt the need to go back to her house for a couple of hours and regroup.”
“Did you do something to set her off?”
“Don’t think so. We had some unexpected time alone at the ranch when Ed and my mom went to Henri’s for lunch, which meant we could…. you know.”
“Sure do.”
“But she took advantage of the opportunity to go home and check the mail.”
“Ouch.”
“I kind of get her reasoning. She’s picking up the girls today like normal, and having sex with me an hour or so before she did that might make her feel uncomfortable with those kids.”
“And they’re famous for picking up on stuff.”
“But it’s not just her decision to cool it that bugs me. I told myself not to overthink her decision to leave, but it’s almost like she was… hell, not almost, she absolutely was eager to get away from me.”
“Hmm.” Zeke stroked his chin.
“That’s hard to admit. I mean, last night she was really — not to brag — but she wanted me bad. This morning, too, but we didn’t have time. Yet then she takes off like a scared rabbit.”
“You just hit the nail on the head, buddy. She’s scared.”
“I understand that. She doesn’t want to get trapped in a bad marriage. And I’ve promised to cut out any kind of romantic gesture while she’s staying with me, except when my mom’s around. I swear I’ve stuck to that pledge.”
“She’s scared of more than getting trapped in a bad marriage. She’s scared of falling in love with you.” He jabbed a finger at Teague to emphasize his point.
“No.” His breath hitched. “Yeah, she craves my body, but like I said, I’m not trying to woo her at all. It’s strictly physical between us.”
“I’m not saying she’s head-over-boots. Not yet. But if she feels it coming on and she’s starting to lose control, she might panic and run like the wind.”
“Huh.” He stared at the scarred floorboards. Was it possible? Looking up at Zeke, he shook his head. “Nope, can’t buy it. I wish you were right, but I don’t think so.”
“It’s just a theory.” He shrugged. “I could be wrong. Anyway, she’s not bailing on the engagement thing, is she?”
“She promised she wouldn’t do that.”
“Then you have a little more room. You can watch for signs. Running away doesn’t always mean what you think it does.”
“That’s the other thing. After she left, I missed her like the devil. I’m confused about what’s going on with her, but me? No confusion whatsoever. I’m in—”
“Dad! Uncle Teague!” Claire raced into the barn, her blond braid flying out behind her. “Auntie Ed’s here!” She gave a little jump of joy. “And Gramma Henri! And Auntie Madeline!” More hopping. “It’ll be like a dress rehearsal for Saturday!”
Teague smiled. His mom had been added to the pack.
“That’s great, sweetheart.” Zeke rested his hands on her shoulders, gently holding her still. “But let’s remember our barn manners. You don’t want to get Lucky agitated.”
She grinned. “You’re so funny, Daddy. Nothing agitates Lucky. He’s the calmest horse in the world. But Thunder’s another story. And Mister Rogers and Cinnamon are new here. I’ll take it easy.”
“Thank you.”
“But isn’t this perfect? I’m so glad Riley brought Mister Rogers over this morning instead of waiting until Saturday. We’ll all be mounted up. But where is everybody gonna sit?”
“Who?”
“The audience.”
“Those three ladies will be good with the fence,” Teague said. “But we’ll need something better for Saturday. Why don’t you ask Auntie Ed if she’ll loan out a section of her bleachers?”
Claire’s eyes grew wide. “But they’re huge.” She spread out her arms. “How would we get them over here?”
“They come apart and a couple of pickups can bring them over. Talk to Uncle Matt and Uncle Jake. The Brotherhood could handle it, no problem.”
“Yes, sir!” She snapped him a salute. “Could I please have my rope?”
“Oh, right.” He took it off his shoulder and handed it to her. “Forgot I had it.”
“Thanks!” She zipped out again.
Zeke laughed. “Sending a little girl to do a man’s job?”
“You bet I am. When Claire asks, Claire gets. You’re the only person who can tell her no.”
“Me and Nell.”
“Because she thinks of Nell as her mom?”
“She pretty much does, and we’re thrilled about that, but Nell was her teacher before she stepped into the mom role. When Nell puts on her no-nonsense teacher face, Claire does exactly as she’s told. It’s magic.”
“I’ve seen that no-nonsense teacher face.”
“On Val?”
“Well, yeah. But I also grew up with it.”
“So you did.”
“But you’re right, Val has that expression down pat, too.” He sighed. “She’d make a great mom.”
“You said that in your discouraged voice. Like you’re halfway to giving up.”
“I’m not, but I need to be somewhat realistic so I won’t be destroyed if she dumps me on Sunday night.”
Zeke nudged back his hat and gazed at him. “Is that a possibility?”
“That she’ll dump me? She’s been saying that’s exactly what’s going to happen. She says it’s for my own good so I can find a woman who wants to get married.”
“That’s effed up.”
“I know, but she believes it.”
“Too bad. That wasn’t what I was asking about, though. I was referring to the part about you being destroyed if she dumps you. Would
you be?”
“I hope not.”
“I hope not, too. I’d hate to lose you.”
“That’s nice to hear.”
“At least not before you’ve taught me those nifty rope tricks.” Zeke clapped him on the shoulder. “Enough chit-chat. We need to move our—”
“Dad, look!” Claire dashed back in. “Miss Jenson brought me this.” She struck a pose and pointed to the purple bandana tied around her neck.
Teague swallowed a laugh. “Looks great, Claire.”
“I know. Purple is my color. Riley’s got a red one, Piper’s is green and Tatum’s is blue. They match our ropes. How cool is that?”
“Very cool.” Zeke nodded. “How did Miss Jenson come up with that?”
“She decided to wear one today, so she brought bandanas for each of us, even Nell and you guys.”
Teague damn near choked to death to keep from cracking up. He didn’t dare look at Zeke.
“For us, too?” Zeke cleared his throat. “What color did we get?”
“Since the adults don’t have colored ropes, Miss Jenson matched yours to your water bottles.”
“I see. So mine is—”
“Pink.”
Teague coughed into his hand to cover the snort that escaped despite his efforts. At the beginning of the summer, Nell had gifted everyone with a water bottle, each a different color to personalize them for reuse. Zeke had ended up with bright pink.
“And you’d better think about that when you pick a shirt to wear on Saturday.”
Zeke’s voice sounded a little strangled. “We’re wearing the bandanas on Saturday?”
“Well, duh. That’s the whole idea. They’ll add pizazz! Just don’t wear that brown and orange plaid one. Black would be good.”
“I agree.”
“So, are you guys all done in here, then?” Claire backed toward the door. “Because I think it’s time to get this show on the road.”
“We’re on our way, sweetheart.”
“Great! See you outside.” She took off.
Teague started for the door.
“Hang on, lover boy.” Zeke grabbed his shoulder. “Was it the hickey that got you in the doghouse?”
Marriage-Minded Cowboy Page 12