On a Gamble

by Rose Lange

  Yesterday had been interesting to say the least. She had to be honest. One, she found him exceedingly attractive. Two, she’d blown things out of proportion. She’d felt bad for her outburst, and would apologize first thing this morning.

  He’d stood too close. She knew it had been on purpose, and was mostly angry with herself. Because she’d enjoyed the, albeit brief, moment, recalling those magnetic, sexy brown eyes, and swore she could see straight down into his soul, knowing he had a kind one.

  Bitter memories of the past stopped her thoughts. Remembering her first husband, Langdon. College sweethearts, she’d been instantly swept away by his smooth charm, charisma, and good looks. The attraction had been instantaneous. Being young, naïve, foolish, and hasty in her decisions landed her with a broken heart. Unless she wanted a repeat of the past, she had to better control her daydreams.

  Charlie checked her watch, realizing she’d already been running for a little more than a half hour, and made her way back home.

  Later that morning, Charlie took Alex out to the barn, and started her preparations to begin the day.

  Today would be awkward to say the least, especially after yesterday’s disaster. She knew why she’d lashed out at him, but wasn’t about to admit it. Just picturing it, Charlie bit the inside of her cheek to stifle a laugh. Gee, Alex, I’m sorry I snapped at you. I’m just really attracted to you.

  Yeah, not going to happen.

  She stopped short of the gate surrounding the barn, turning toward him. But for a moment, he said nothing, just studied her with that incredible brown gaze. More aware of him now that they were alone again, she gulped, thinking she could easily step into his personal space and—

  And nothing! Goodness gracious, enough already.

  “Look, I’m sorry about yesterday,” he said.

  Surprised by his apology, she nodded. “I’m sorry for overreacting.”

  Squaring her shoulders, she made her way into the barn.

  With more effort than usual, Charlie picked up her tools, and dove into her work. Doing her best to block him out of her thoughts, her line of vision. It proved impossible, considering they worked side-by-side feeding animals, weeding the garden, and various other tasks.

  By lunchtime, Charlie trapped herself in the upstairs bathroom for at least twenty minutes. She splashed cold water on her face, closing her eyes for a moment. Resting her hands on the sink, she lowered her head.

  Alex had worn down her nerves, and in such a short time. She wasn’t sure how much longer she’d last working with him. Whenever he came within ten yards of her, every millimeter of her was acutely aware of him. It had been a long time since anyone affected her in such a strong way, if ever.

  And, she realized, the root of her problem lay right there.

  Blindly, Charlie grabbed the towel resting on the sink, and dried her face. She dragged a comb through her hair, fixed her ponytail, and took a cleansing breath before making her way downstairs.

  The sight of her grandma, doing dishes, and cleaning up the kitchen, greeted her.

  Grandma Pearl assessed her, and frowned. “Charlie, honey. You okay?”

  She nodded. “I’m fine, Grandma. Don’t worry.”

  Her grandma simply inclined her head, and resumed her task.

  Charlie headed outside, finding Alex leaning against the fence. His arms crossed over his chest, his hair rustling lightly in the breeze. As if in a trance like state, she continued to hold his gaze, as he held hers. And had to fight to tear her eyes away.

  Damn he was sexy.

  Like a pesky fly, she shooed the image free.

  “Let’s feed the chickens,” she said, walking past him.

  He eventually followed, handing her a pair of gloves that rested in the pail.

  Going to grab the milk jugs, she made her way to the food bin. Upon seeing the nearly empty contents, she muttered a soft curse.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “We’re out of chicken feed, and it’s up in storage.”

  “Okay, where?”

  She pointed to the ladder leading to the hayloft. Holy cow, that was the most he’d said to her all morning. Not that she blamed him. She hadn’t been much of a conversationalist either.

  Holding tight onto the ladder, she tried to keep her eyes averted to the ground, but within seconds, curiosity got the best of her. Her eyes connected, and landed on his gorgeous backside. Wow, but he had a really nice ass.

  Nice ass or not, she averted her stare.

  “Where do you have it stored?” His question from above drifted to her ears, cutting her thoughts in half.

  “It’s next to the spare tools, to your left.”

  Silence, then, “It sure is roomy up here.”

  Flame and smoke heated her cheeks as she recalled just how roomy it was.

  Christ, enough already!

  Charlie stepped away from the ladder as if burned. He was an employee, and she had no right to think of helping herself to him. Her thoughts stopped in their tracks as she spotted him coming down the ladder.

  “Okay.” He set the bag down at her feet. “All set.”

  “All right, thank you so much.”

  He eyed her quizzically. “You okay?”

  Charlie gave a decisive nod, her stomach twisted in knots. Jesus, she hoped he couldn’t read minds. “I’m fine, thank you.”

  He assisted her in lifting the bag, and they proceeded to pour feed into the container. Her nostrils filled with his masculine scent, and permeated the large space.

  She gathered her senses, and scooping the feed into the bucket, buried the dangerous thoughts down deep.

  Two hours later, they’d finished feeding the chickens, and completing various tasks. The strenuous work of the day settled into her bones, and her muscles ached. A nice, cool dip sounded good, and would take the edge off her raging hormones. Which proved most puzzling of all, because she needed to contain herself, and quickly.

  Only one place came to mind. “Let’s take a walk.”

  “Where?”

  “You’ll see.” She smiled, setting her tools down, and taking her gloves off. Wiping her palms on her jeans, she washed her hands at the sink.

  After he finished, she led him down the path leading to her sanctuary as a child, and even now as a grown up.

  “You enjoy this don’t you? Farm life,” he asked.

  She sighed, her body relaxed as they continued to walk. “Yes, very much. After leaving the city it took time to get used to it, but now I can’t imagine being anyplace else on earth. This is home.”

  He smiled, the sheer force of it hitting her square in the chest, a disarming, sexy smile that threw her completely off guard. Just when she decided to write him off, he’d gone and smiled at her like that, an intoxicating blend of lips, teeth, and facial hair. Good grief his smile could probably melt the biggest ice burg. Odd, she’d never found facial hair such a turn-on before, but it suited him.

  Should she have hired him in the first place? Having someone around that made her stomach do flips, and her toes curl probably wasn’t the best course of action. She needed help sure, but maybe someone less attractive would have made things easier.

  How am I going to do this?

  Memories of the past loomed overhead, of whispered voices, naked bodies, and the complete, utter heartbreak. Her mind snapped back to where it belonged. She couldn’t allow good looks and charm to lure her in again.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  She pulled her head out of the clouds. “Nothing, sorry.”

  A worried frown covered his features, but he said nothing. “I was just wondering about your family. Are you the only granddaughter?”

  She laughed humorlessly. “Hardly, I have two younger sisters, but they do
n’t help much. You’d never see them here helping out, maybe once in a while.”

  He frowned. “Why is that?”

  “Beats me. Maybe they’re too wrapped up in themselves and their careers. And it’s a shame, for as much as our grandparents helped us that they don’t help more. Or at least pay a visit once in a while.”

  “What about your parents?”

  Charlie’s stomach clenched at the memories. “They were killed in a car accident when I was eight.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” his voice soft, soothing.

  She didn’t like talking about her parents, not because she didn’t love them, but because it hurt entirely too much. Here she was, a grown woman, but thoughts of her parents made her stomach twist in painful knots. She knew they were in heaven, and watched over her every day. Knew they were with her, because their presence was felt every day, but having a physical presence would have been a whole lot nicer.

  Charlie recalled the first parents’ night, two months after the accident, and how she’d had to endure all the other kids with their parents. Her grandparents were amazing, had been wonderful fill-ins, but it wasn’t the same. She took a deep breath, attempting to clear the painful picture from her mind. It happened years ago, but it felt like yesterday, the memory of it still vivid.

  She cleared her throat, wanting to change the subject quickly. “It was a long time ago. How about you, any siblings?”

  Alex said nothing for what seemed an eternity. His face grew grim, body tensed, and he wouldn’t look her in the eyes.

  “Alex?”

  Then he looked up at her, as she swore he had tears in his eyes. “I had a younger brother, Luke. He was killed in a car bomb in Iraq.”

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

  “No, it’s okay. You didn’t know.”

  Charlie didn’t know what she could say to make him feel better, so she said nothing.

  “It happened three years ago, but it still feels like it happened yesterday. Every time I think about it, it makes me angry.” He swiped his forehead with the back of his hand, and didn’t comment further.

  No further words seemed appropriate, so she remained silent, figuring if he needed to talk she’d listen. Companionable silence engulfed them.

  Minutes later, her heart leapt with excitement as they crossed into the watering hole. At least that’s what she and her sisters aptly named it. This was a special place, a sacred cocoon far away from the outside world. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips. The sun dipped behind the trees, shafts of white light blanketed the area, and the water shimmered, sparkled. She kicked off her shoes and removed her socks, relishing in the soft, lush green grass. She wriggled her toes, leaning down to roll up her jeans toward her ankles.

  “Care for a swim?” he asked, a playful hint to his voice.

  Charlie stood at attention, turning to face him. She put her hands on her hips, studying the wicked gleam in his cocoa colored eyes. Unable to hold his stare any longer, she turned away, stifling a giggle.

  Goodness, she acted like some love-struck young girl, how ridiculous.

  She stole a sideways glance at him, avoiding his direct stare. Otherwise, much like the sun, she’d surely get burned. “We don’t have bathing suits,” she finally managed.

  “We don’t need them, buttercup.”

  Then, without warning, he turned, scooped her up as if to walk her across a threshold, and ran into the water. A helpless squeal escaped her lips, as he plunged them both under water. Her hair covered her eyes, water got up her nose, clothing plastered to her body. She swam up for air, spluttering, wiping her face in vain, and clearing the hair stuck to her skin. Her lungs burned as she tried to catch a breath from the exertion.

  Seconds later, he popped out of the water, the very devil in his eyes. Water rivulets traveled down his face, a glint of humor in his gaze. That cocky smirk, aimed right at her. “I thought we could cool off,” his tone, ever so casual made it difficult to stay mad at him.

  “Alex, did you ever grow up?”

  “Nope. Sorry.” Pure innocence bathed his tone.

  She stifled a laugh, but barely. He did look adorable, and boyishly handsome just now. Mischief twinkled in his eyes; an easy smile graced his lips. Warmth grabbed hold, seeped through her bones, and traveled to her toes before making its way to her chest, settling there permanently it seemed. Good Lord, and sweet baby Jesus.

  “Haven’t you ever heard of swimsuits?”

  He swam closer, his face mere inches from hers. Her burning lungs now had nothing to do with water, and everything to do with Alex.

  “But this is more fun, no?” he murmured.

  She sucked in a breath at his overpowering nearness. “That depends on your definition of fun, because I think our opinions vary.”

  Her rambling didn’t help the situation. Surroundings evaporated into powder, because he was close, so temptingly close. The lushness of nature, cool water, combined with this man. It was as though they were the only two people on earth. Surrounded by Alex. Surrounded by her desire for him. Damn. She didn’t stand a chance if he tried to kiss her, and knew if he tried she’d willingly cave. It would be the beginning and the end of her problems, and even though it wasn’t the best idea, she longed for a kiss.

  He leaned closer, grasping her chin between his thumb and forefinger. His gaze rested on her face. She darted her tongue to draw moisture, but it proved futile. Lowering his eyes, they darkened with hunger, following the motion. She was done for. Dried up, sucked clean of moisture. As though some other force took over, she tilted her head closer. Her heart thundered, his lips mere inches from hers. Her pulse beat an uneven, staccato rhythm.

  Shaking off her inhibitions, her eyes fluttered closed, but snapped back open as a loud rustle came from within their cocoon. An animal she couldn’t identify scurried across the clearing.

  Charlie faced him, seeing the burning need to kiss her in his eyes, disappointment taking its place. The spell over, there would be first kiss, broken, and the magic of the moment gone. Although mildly disappointed, she knew it was for the best.

  “Let’s head back. My grandma’s probably wondering where we are.” She dearly hoped he couldn’t hear the shakiness in her tone.

  Alex drove home to change, sopping wet, but with a smile on his face. He didn’t know what possessed him to do what he’d done, but hell it’d been worth it. He tried to forget her clothing sinfully clinging to lush curves and a petite, yet strong frame as she exited the water. He tried to push away the image of her pleading eyes, sweet lips, close to his, and pictured what her kiss would taste and feel like. Hell, his imagination not only ran wild, it packed up and ran clear across the country.

  Thirty minutes later, he drove back to Charlie’s.

  Pulling into the driveway, he put the truck in park.

  He glanced up, and paused. Catching sight of Charlie leaning against the front porch railings, his heart lurched into his throat.

  The beautiful sight had him transfixed. Her eyes were closed, a smile on her lips, shoulders relaxed, hair still damp, and resting against her back. The last remnants of daylight brightened fresh, peaches and butter cream skin. A black tank top showcased delicate cleavage, curve-hugging jeans, and if he wasn’t mistaken, bright red polish graced her toenails.

  Charlie stunned him, no doubt about it. Even if it had only been a few days, no woman had had such an effect on him.

  She opened her eyes, her gaze rested on his. Steady, strong, an invisible energy thrummed between them like a freight train on uppers.

  He’d wanted to kiss her earlier, more urgently than he thought, and if that creature hadn’t come along he would have. He could still see the would-be kiss in her eyes, feel it in her body language. She’d not spoken one word, but he knew.

  W
hat he wouldn’t give for one kiss . . .

  “Dinner time!” Pearl hollered from the open kitchen window, breaking the connection.

  Shaking his head, he exited the vehicle and approached her.

  Charlie smiled, and rose to greet him. He couldn’t help but smile back. The instant attraction for her surprised him, and he couldn’t help being drawn to her, distracted by her. Since they’d called a truce earlier, and were getting along better, he felt more comfortable. Not that he hadn’t before, but he felt a lot better working here, and forgot the real reason for his presence . . . especially after that sexy swim earlier.

  Who am I trying to fool? The first time I laid eyes on Charlie, the business deal got thrown out the window.

  “My grandma made stuffed peppers. Hope you’re hungry.”

  He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Sounds good.”

  “By the way, good work today. I think you’re really getting the hang of everything.”

  “I’m having a good time.” And he meant it.

  Despite the fact that he smelled of barnyard, as he had every day since he’d started here, he truly was having fun. He also couldn’t wait to get home and get a shower. Relax, let the hard work of the day soak in, crawl into bed, and dream of Charlie.

  She’d been the first woman that seeped into his thoughts and stayed there. He thought about her even when she wasn’t around. Bad for business indeed, especially when he hadn’t been prepared to find a gorgeous woman here.

  A minor setback he supposed in the grand scheme of things.

  Chapter 4

  Charlie lay in bed that night, stargazing out of her window. A slow smile crept to her lips as she thought of Alex, especially of their time at the watering hole.