Morgan’s SUV pulled into the parking lot just as Slater and his mom were almost to the entrance. Slater stopped mid-stride, his gaze fixed on her. She got out of her car and waved them over, then moved to open her lift gate to get something out of the back. The woman was more beautiful every time Slater saw her. Her dark hair with the bold pop of blue streaking through it. Her petite frame with gentle curves. The little silver stud that accentuated her adorable nose. But it was the light that appeared in her eyes when she met his gaze across the parking lot that sent an electric current through him. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but she seemed more relaxed somehow. Like she actually wanted to be here. Not just at the food pantry opening, but in Ross.
Something about that thought set his heart aflame. He knew it was crazy, but he found himself wishing she’d want to not only be here in Ross, but stay here. With him.
He’d fallen in love with her.
He soaked in the warmth of that realization like it was the first ray of summer sunshine.
As he and Mom approached her car, he couldn’t contain his smile. Morgan’s eyes met his, and their connection was instantaneous. Too soon, Morgan tore her gaze away, greeted Mom, and reached into her SUV. “I brought you something. A little thank-you for letting me stay with you during the ice storm.” She lifted a large piece of brown paper to reveal the most stunning painting Slater had ever seen. “I hope you like it.”
“It’s gorgeous.” Mom stepped closer to study the details on the canvas. She gasped. “Slater, look, it’s the ranch! That’s the view from the porch.”
“It’s amazing.” He looked from the painting to Morgan. “I had no idea you could paint like this. I mean, I knew you were an artist, but…”
When Mom looked at Morgan, her eyes glistened with tears. “Oh, sweet girl, those art school people have no idea what they missed out on. You are so talented. It’s exactly how the ranch looks in springtime when everything’s fresh and budding. How did you do it? This is unbelievable.”
Morgan accepted the compliments with a shy smile. “I just imagined it green and vibrant. I thought it might look good above the bed in your guest room.”
Mom pulled Morgan into an embrace. “This is the most precious gift. Thank you.” She released Morgan from the hug but kept an arm around her. “No way we’re hiding this in the guest room, though. This is going over the fireplace. Front and center where we can see it all the time.”
Slater loved seeing his mom embrace Morgan. Loved the look in Morgan’s eyes. She belonged here, with them. Could she feel it, too?
Mom bear-hugged her again, thanking her once more. “Now, I better get in there and help before Ernie hunts me down and starts griping.”
“Go ahead, Mom. I’ll put this in the truck.”
His mother kissed her fingertips and smacked it to his cheek, then trotted toward the building. Carefully, he lifted the canvas and carried it to his Chevy. Morgan followed and opened the back door of the extended cab for him. He leaned the artwork against the seat and made sure it was secure, then took a step backward and turned, nearly colliding with Morgan. She let out a nervous giggle, but she didn’t step away. Instead, shielded by the truck’s open door, she lifted her chin and seemed to silently invite him closer.
The breeze blew a lock of dark hair across her face and without thinking, Slater reached over and slid his finger along her temple, tucking the wayward strand behind her ear. His gaze pinned on hers, and everything around them seemed to fade. He burrowed his hand into her satiny curls, molding his palm to the curve of her jaw. He dragged his gaze to her lips and lowered his face to hers.
Her dark lashes fluttered, then closed as their lips touched. Everything about her intoxicated him—the faint taste of spearmint, her floral scent, the bold style that was uniquely hers.
Their mouths melded together and for a moment, he savored her with every one of his senses. Closing his eyes, he settled into her kiss. It was soft at first, sweet, but when her hands slid up to his chest and her lips parted to deepen their connection, the heat in his belly ignited to a full-blown wildfire. He encircled her waist with his other arm and pulled her into him. She fit there perfectly. Like a piece of himself had been missing, but he hadn’t known until now.
A car door slammed somewhere across the parking lot, and Morgan jolted, pulling away from him. He instantly missed having her close.
Color flooded her face. She pressed trembling fingers to her lips, and her gaze darted around them. A shadow crossed behind her eyes, but Slater couldn’t read her expression.
Please don’t regret that kiss.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
She nodded, but he wasn’t convinced.
He reached into his truck, pulled his good deeds binder from the passenger seat, and placed the book in her hands. “Here. You hold onto this until tonight.”
“Pretty attached to this thing, aren’t you?” Her words were teasing, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes. Her voice wobbled.
“Consider it a pitiful attempt at dinner insurance,” he said. “You’ve promised to meet me and talk about all the good deeds I’ve done. So if you’re tempted to bail, let that binder be a reminder that this is an official business meeting, and you have to show up.”
She smirked.
“Because you’re going to be thoroughly impressed with me. No way around it.” He reached for her hand and laced his fingers between hers, speaking low near her ear. “You’re gonna be begging me to kiss you again before the night’s over.”
She yanked her hand from his and gave him a shove. “Okay, Romeo. Simmer down. I’ll put this in my car, and then we’d better get inside before someone comes looking for us.”
Just before they reached the main entrance of the Community Center, Morgan stopped and turned to him. “Slater? About dinner…”
Please don’t back out.
“I…” She appeared to have a brief inner battle, but after a moment she continued. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Slater had never been more relieved.
10
As the Grand Opening got underway, Morgan’s skin still tingled from Slater’s touch, but that was nothing compared to the way her mind was reeling. She’d enjoyed that kiss. Really enjoyed it, despite knowing she shouldn’t have. He was a prankster, she reminded herself. Always on the lookout for the next opportunity to make a fool of someone. Make a fool of her.
Except she hadn’t felt that way about him the past couple of weeks. In fact, since Valentine’s Day there hadn’t been even a twinge of wariness. That constant feeling of being played had vanished, and every conversation they’d had—and there had been plenty, by phone and through text—left her feeling a lot of ways, but suspicious was not one of them. Cared for, appreciated, and respected? Yes. On her guard? Not once. Slater had shown himself to be completely different from the man she’d accused him of being.
She loved being with him. That was all there was to it.
The revelation struck like lightning to a metal rod. She’d forgiven him without even realizing.
Unexpected joy bubbled up within her. She hadn’t been conscious of the heaviness her grudge had added to her life, but now that it was gone, the difference was almost tangible. It felt good to finally release that burden, and she couldn’t wait to tell Slater. Imagining the look on his face when she did made her smile.
“Morgan, dear, you look positively radiant.” Mrs. Becker wrapped a motherly arm around her, pulling her out of her thoughts and back to the Grand Opening. “We did it. This food pantry is going to be such a blessing to the community. Thank you for all your work to help us get it up and running.”
“It was my pleasure. I can’t wait to hear all the stories of the positive impact it will have. You’ve got a great team here.” Morgan felt good about the future of the Ross Community Food Pantry. Slater had done an excellent job getting all the details of the space and the partnership with the State Food Bank squared away, and Mrs. Becker and the
rest of her team had created a smooth and efficient system of volunteers for day-to-day operations.
“You’re an important part of that team, dear,” Mrs. Becker said. “In fact, I’m not ready to let you disappear back to the city just yet, so I wanted to ask you something. Bonnie told me about the painting you did for her—well, gushed is a better word for it—and I wondered if you would be interested in doing a few pieces for the food pantry.” She glanced above all the people milling about to the bare walls of the room. “I’d love to brighten up this space, and it would be so special to have something done by our very own artist.”
Their very own artist? Morgan loved the sound of that. Vibrant images filled her mind immediately. She didn’t even pause to consider her decision. “I’d love to. It would be an honor.”
Mrs. Becker gave a little squeal and squeezed Morgan like she was part of her family. “I don’t know why you stayed away so long, but I’m thrilled you’ve made your way back to us, even if we only get to see you every few weeks. We need you around here.”
Warmth bloomed in Morgan’s chest. For the first time, she didn’t feel like the town’s walking freak show. First Bonnie and Slater, and now Mrs. Becker. They made her feel as though she’d found a little corner of the world where she could belong. Who would’ve thought it would be in Ross?
She and Mrs. Becker agreed to meet later to go over the details for the commissioned pieces, and then Morgan headed to the food distribution area to see how she could help. The line of people wound around the perimeter of the rectangular room and snaked through the middle. Men and women of all ages, many with their children beside them, had come to receive a little extra help in putting food on the table. The sight gripped Morgan’s heart. She’d done this job long enough to know how incredibly difficult it was for most people to accept assistance. She knew the stats—there were lots of hungry, struggling folks in every town across the state, but to look at their faces and recognize so many from her growing up years was a different matter. How brave they were to humble themselves enough to fill out the paperwork and take a box of food. Morgan admired them.
Before she could pick her way through the crowd to the distribution counter, she felt a nudge at her shoulder and heard Slater’s rich voice near her ear. “Pretty good turnout, huh?”
“It is.” She swiveled so she could see him, but his gaze had caught on someone in the corner, and his eyes had narrowed.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
She watched him make his way to a man with coal-black hair and sagging shoulders. They spoke briefly, and then Slater ushered him back toward the doorway where Morgan stood. It was the man from outside the coffee shop, the one Slater had hauled to his truck. There was no stumbling this time, though. The man simply looked defeated.
When they reached the doorway, Slater gestured for the man to step into the hall. He did and Slater followed, giving Morgan a wink as he passed. “Be back in a minute.”
She nodded, deciding to stay rooted to her spot until he returned.
But the men didn’t go far. Morgan heard Slater’s voice just outside the doorway. She didn’t intend to eavesdrop, but their conversation was so clear, she couldn’t help it.
“What’s going on, Jimmy?” Slater asked. “Why are you in line for food?”
There was a long pause. Morgan desperately wanted to see the man’s face. What was his story?
When he finally answered, his voice was choked. “My family needs help.”
“But why?” There was an edge to Slater’s voice. Was it confusion or anger? Why would he be angry with someone for getting help? “You have a good job. The ranch has always taken care of you.”
Ah, so he worked for Slater.
“I know, and I’m grateful,” Jimmy said. “But it’s not enough.”
“Have you gotten yourself in some kind of trouble?” Slater’s voice was sharp with accusation. “Gambling? More drinking? What is it, Jimmy? Tell me the truth.”
Morgan strained to hear the answer.
A sigh. Another long pause.
“My little girl is sick,” Jimmy finally said. “She’s been having horrible seizures. We’ve been in and out of the hospital several times, and they still don’t know how to help her. The new medicine they’re trying costs nearly as much as my paycheck every month. That’s not even counting all the other bills that are pouring in.”
When Slater spoke again, compassion had smoothed the edge off his voice. “Wow. I’m so sorry. Is she going to be okay?”
“I don’t know.” Jimmy’s voice hitched. She caught the edge of a sob. “We can’t do anything to make her better. We’re helpless. We just have to sit and watch our baby girl suffer. It’s killing me and Teresa.”
Oh, the poor family. Morgan’s heart ached for them.
“So the times you missed work were for your daughter.” Slater’s voice sounded like he’d had a revelation. “Not trying to be a jerk here, man, but what about that day downtown? You were sloshed at four o’clock in the afternoon.”
A valid question. Morgan hoped Jimmy had a good answer. She was rooting for him.
“I’m so sorry about that, Boss.” The regret in Jimmy’s voice was convincing enough for Morgan. Was it for Slater, too?
“I was overwhelmed and upset. I’d gone to the bank to apply for a loan, but they denied me. I know there’s no excuse, but I wasn’t thinking. Didn’t want to think anymore, so…” He paused. “I felt hopeless. Still do, to be honest. But gettin’ drunk just made things worse. I promise I won’t be doing that again. I’m sorry if I made the ranch look bad, and I’ll do better at work, too.”
“The ranch is fine, man. I can’t imagine what you’ve been going through. Tell you what, meet me at the barn Monday morning and we’ll figure out how to help with some of those bills. No reason for you and Teresa to be walking through this alone.”
Jimmy’s response was a sobbed, “Thank you.”
Morgan heard the clapping of hands to shoulders, so the two must’ve embraced. She couldn’t see them, but it was a beautiful sight to imagine.
Moments later, Slater and Jimmy reappeared. Jimmy strode back to his place in the food line, but his demeanor was markedly different than when he’d left the room minutes earlier. His shoulders had lifted, and he held his chin high. Amazing what a small amount of hope could do for a person.
“Sorry, had to take care of some work stuff.” Slater slid in next to Morgan and leaned against the back wall. His arm touched hers, and heat seeped through her skin all the way to her core. She looked into his brown eyes, which only conveyed his usual mischief and gave no hint of the huge kindness he’d just extended to Jimmy. Slater might not show it on the surface, but there was immeasurable depth and compassion beneath his lighthearted exterior.
“What?” he asked.
She wanted to say something about what she’d just overheard, but it was none of her business. “Nothing.”
“That look isn’t nothing.” He dipped his chin and gave her a lazy grin. “You’re thinking about the parking lot, aren’t you?” He wiggled his eyebrows, then glanced at her lips and whispered. “Sorry, you’re gonna have to wait to kiss me again. It wouldn’t be appropriate in front of all these people. Wouldn’t want to soil my reputation.”
“You wish.” She bit back a grin and shook her head, trying to play it cool, but the intimate look in his eyes unleashed a swarm of butterflies in her belly.
Covertly, he reached for her hand, his fingertips lightly scraping her palm. “Still on for dinner?”
“Oh, something’s come up,” she teased. “I won’t be able to make it.”
“Not funny.” He gave her hand a squeeze before releasing it.
A young mom, accompanied by two small boys, carried her food box toward the door. Slater pushed off the wall and took the box from her. “Let me get that for you.”
He followed the little family out the doorway, winking at Morgan on his way out. She was beginning to like being winked at.
<
br /> Slater Hensley was a good man. It had taken a while for her to see it, but she finally could.
And she was going to tell him so at dinner.
11
Toward the end of the Grand Opening, Slater had lost track of Morgan, so he set out to find her. He wanted her nearby for the closing remarks, because as soon as this shindig was over, he was whisking her away.
He found her on the edge of the crowd gathered in the gym and joined her just as Mrs. Becker stepped onto the platform and took the microphone.
“Thank you all so much for coming to celebrate with us today.” Mrs. Becker’s voice echoed through the portable PA system. “We’re thrilled to have officially opened the Ross Community Food Pantry.” She paused as the crowd applauded. “As you can imagine, this was not a small undertaking. We had a wonderful team of dedicated people who worked very hard to make this happen.”
Mrs. Becker continued her speech, but Slater tuned out, too distracted by the beautiful woman beside him. He’d teased Morgan for being preoccupied because of their kiss, but the truth was that he was the one obsessing over it. Since he’d held her in his arms and felt her soft, full lips against his, he’d had trouble focusing on anything but her. What was this gaping void in him she’d suddenly filled? It was the strangest thing, one he couldn’t fathom, but he knew for certain he didn’t want to let her go.
He shifted closer so his arm brushed hers. At the touch, she gave him a side-glance and grinned, and the look in her eyes nearly stole his breath. It was the same look she’d given him just before they’d kissed. Inviting. Intimate, like they shared some secret no one else could de-code. His heart hammered away, even when she turned her attention back to the stage.
“Please join me in thanking Morgan Drake.” Mrs. Becker’s words cut into Slater’s thoughts. “Morgan is one of our very own. She grew up right here in Ross and went on to become the community liaison for the Oklahoma State Food Bank. This operation wouldn’t be possible without the work she’s done. Not only that, she’s an outstanding artist, and she’s agreed to paint some pieces for our food pantry. Please join me in thanking Morgan.” Applause echoed through the gym, and several people in the crowd turned to Morgan, murmuring their gratitude for her contribution.
Matched Online: Anthology Bks 1-4 (Contemporary Romance) Page 20