John T. glanced at Lottie; the loving look he shot her made Cassie smile. “You promised to see to that.”
Lottie’s tawny gaze stayed on him. “I always keep my promises.”
They stared into each other’s eyes for a long moment and Cassie thought the two needed privacy. She glanced at Jake, who had an unreadable expression on his face. “Maybe we should let John T. rest.”
Lottie agreed. “Yes, the nurse said not to tire him out.”
“I’m not a bit tired,” he said, but pallid skin and sleepy eyes belied his adamant denial.
“But you will rest now, won’t you?” Lottie asked, her sweet face filled with concern.
“Bossy woman. Yes, I’ll rest, but after I speak with Cassie. It’ll only take a minute or two.”
Lottie nodded, glancing at Jake. “Come on, Jake,” she said with a wink, “we know when we’re not welcome. Let’s grab us some coffee.”
Cassie watched Lottie take Jake’s arm and walk out of the room, then she turned to John T. His face paled considerably and he closed his eyes. Apparently, John T. was also good at hiding things, the heart attack, mild as it may have been, was certainly taking a toll on his body. “John T? Maybe I should let you rest. We can talk later.”
He opened his eyes, shaking his head. “No, please. I won’t rest until I say my piece. Have a seat, Cassie.”
Cassie slid a chair close to John T.’s right side and waited. Sterile hospital sounds surrounded her, the loudspeaker overhead signaling doctors and the quiet hustle of nurses at work, jolted her into reality. The idea of John T., such a vital, strong man diminished by illness, greatly upset her.
John T. took a deep breath, his face somber and his sharp eyes filled with concern. “A lot goes through a man’s mind when he’s being carted off to the hospital. Your life sort of flashes by, all the mistakes, all the things you wished you’d done differently, but mostly, you think about the people in your life. The ones who are most important to you.”
“Are you talking about Jake?”
He nodded slowly. “Jake, well, he hasn’t come around as I’d hoped. He’s a good man. I know that in my heart, but he’s been hurt bad, and it’s my fault…. I’m fearful for my son. He’s been a loner all his life. He’s never let anyone in and he’s never seemed to need anyone. Until now. I think my son needs you, Cassie. Even though he’s too pigheaded to admit it, he cares for you deeply. I see the way he looks at you. I’ve caught sight of the two of you together on the ranch and there’s something powerful there. I’ll tell you, until you came here to the ranch, I’d just about lost all hope with him, but now, well, I think you’re his best chance for a happy life.”
Cassie shook her head. Just hours ago, up at the north pasture, she’d pretty much discounted any real future with Jake. “I don’t know, John T.”
“Lottie sort of hinted that you’re not too happy here anymore. I’m real sorry about that. I know it has to do with Jake and the way he’s been treating you. I’m just asking you to give him a chance. Don’t make any hasty decisions. No sense pretending I don’t want my grandchild being born on the ranch, but it’s more than that, Cassie. I’m asking you, for Jake. Stay and try to work things out.”
Cassie doubted John T. pleaded with anyone about anything, and to see him so open, so vulnerable and honest, tugged at her heart. She couldn’t leave the ranch now, more so than ever, until she was certain John T. would recover fully. She couldn’t abandon him in the face of the friendship they’d developed. She took hold of his hand, being careful not to nudge the IV out of place on his arm, and squeezed gently. “Of course I’ll stay, John T. The decisions I have to make can wait until you’re fully recovered.”
“Thank you, Cassie. It’s all I ask.”
“Maybe I should let you rest. Lottie will have my hide if I stay too long.”
John T. grinned. “She’s a dynamo, that one, isn’t she?”
“She cares about you.”
“Yeah, I doubt that I deserve her. She clamored in here the minute she arrived, claiming to be my wife. She actually told those nurses we were married so she could see me. When I saw her, with her heart in her eyes, I figured I’d been a fool long enough. Then I figured, why not? I don’t know how many more years I have left, no sense wasting them. I’ve loved that woman for many years, just was too damn scared to do anything about it.”
Pleasantly stunned, Cassie asked, “What were you afraid of?”
He reached for Cassie’s hand, and she was amazed at the strength he exhibited, the press of his hand upon hers. With eyes softer than she’d ever seen them, he spoke with regret. “I’d made a mess of every relationship I’ve ever been in. Didn’t want to chance losing Lottie’s friendship. But, it seemed I almost lost her, anyway, with my mule-headed ways. So I up and asked her to marry me this afternoon. Wasn’t going to say anything to anybody until I got out of the hospital, but knowing Lottie she’s probably spilling the beans to Jake as we speak.”
Cassie had to physically contain her joy. She wanted to leap up from her chair, but knew she couldn’t disrupt John T. and the hold he had on her hand. “You asked her to marry you! That’s wonderful, John T. I couldn’t be happier. What did Lottie say?”
John T.’s face wrinkled, as if puzzled by Lottie’s reaction, but a soft, quizzical smile emerged, anyway. “It was the darnedest thing. I’m pretty sure she meant yes, but she said, ‘Hot molasses!’”
John T. was grumpier than an old polecat trapped in a wire cage, Lottie had stated plainly, and she’d let the man know from the get-go that she wouldn’t put up with his tirades. Cassie had to admit Lottie had a soothing effect on him, keeping the man calm and settling him into a routine he’d rather not adhere to. But with or without his cooperation, Lottie Fairchild would see to his recovery. Cassie was grateful that she’d come by every day since he’d been released from the hospital one week ago. Her presence at the ranch allowed both she and Jake to take over the ranch duties. As they handled their new responsibilities she and Jake began to realize just how much John T. had done to keep his empire strong and prosperous.
At times Jake had seemed restless, too, almost seeming trapped, or afraid that if John T. took a turn for the worse, he’d be next in line to run the ranch. He was the heir to Anderson Ranch, whether he liked that fact or not. It was a constant puzzle to Cassie, knowing how much he loved the ranch, yet she saw indecision in his eyes, fear perhaps, too, whenever she found him lost in thought. Jake fought his true place here at Anderson Ranch with a tireless vengeance, it seemed, and if his father’s heart attack couldn’t break down his defenses, Cassie believed, nothing would.
Cassie logged off the computer in her office and took a moment for herself. She stood up and stretched her arms overhead, yawning once, then again, realizing she’d been up before dawn, diligent at work. The knock at her door was welcomed. She fluffed her hair and straightened out her shirt, tucking it into her now-tight jeans. Soon she’d have to think about making a trip to the maternity store.
“Hey, Lottie. Taking a break?” She let her friend in.
“That, and Jake sent over these requisitions for you. He said there’s no rush. Whenever you have time to look them over is fine.” She walked over to the kitchen table and plopped the forms down, then turned to give Cassie a big smile. “He also said to keep tonight open.”
Cassie blinked. Since John T.’s heart attack, they hadn’t had much time together, alone or otherwise, other than the business they conducted for Anderson Ranch. “Did he say why?”
Lottie chuckled, a deep throaty sound. “If I had to guess, I’d say it had nothing to do with business. Well, maybe…monkey business.” Lottie let go a full-fledged laugh this time, her delight so contagious, Cassie joined in.
“Oh, I don’t know what I’m going to do with that man,” Cassie admitted once their laughter died down.
Lottie kept the smile in her eyes. “Give him a chance, honey.”
That’s what John T. had asked. “Don’t
you think I have been?”
Lottie kept her gaze steady and the directness of her answer startled Cassie. “You’ve been busy protecting your heart. Now, I can understand that, but maybe if you surrender it, just a little, Jake will come to trust you. I know it’s a hard thing, putting yourself out there, hoping not to get crushed, but Jake might need that from you. He’s never had anyone put his or her heart on the line for him before. Do you get what I’m saying?”
Cassie had never thought of it that way before. She had been busy protecting herself. But that was a natural reaction for a woman who’d been burned before. She was the classic example of gun-shy. She’d fought her feelings for Jake, pushing him aside, rejecting him at every turn. But Lottie might be right. Jake might need a woman who would surrender the fight. Maybe he was unknowingly looking for someone ready to take everything he could dish out and still come out unscathed and wanting him, earning his loyalty, trust and maybe even his love.
Cassie didn’t know if she could be that woman.
She didn’t know if she wouldn’t crumble under his fire. She didn’t know if given a chance, Jake wouldn’t permanently break her fragile heart.
She didn’t just want to be married to the father of her child. She wanted to be loved by a man who couldn’t live without her. There was a giant-size difference, even if Jake couldn’t or wouldn’t, see that.
Her reply came out in a breathy whisper. “I get what you’re saying, Lottie.”
Lottie hugged Cassie, apparently aware she’d sobered up the moment. “Come on, girl. We both deserve a little break. John T. has promised to take an afternoon nap, so we can go into town and do us a little shopping. I’ve got a purse full of money and I want to buy the baby something nice. There’s this brand-new baby store you have to see.”
That evening Cassie sat across from Jake in an elegant restaurant on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, the majestic view of the emerald water a remarkable sight to behold. He’d taken her on an hour-long scenic drive along the lake just as the sun descended the horizon, claiming a need for both of them to relax after the grueling week they’d spent overseeing the ranch and worrying over John T.
When he’d appeared on her doorstep, dressed in a black Western suit, bolo tie, wearing that darn sexy black Stetson, Cassie didn’t have the heart to decline his invitation, spit-shiny black boots and all. He’d given her carte blanche, all the time she needed to get ready, happy to sit in the living room and wait. Cassie had never dressed so fast in her life. A woman had to be far too sure of herself to keep such a tempting man waiting for long. Cassie didn’t have that much confidence. Yet her efforts had paid off. Jake’s gaze had followed her into the room, watching her every move with a prideful gleam of appreciation.
He lifted his glass of sparkling cider in a toast. Cassie had been pleased at his consideration, although she’d assured him she wouldn’t mind his drinking something that packed a punch. Jake declined any alcoholic beverage. “To you, Cassie. I’m a lucky man to have such a beautiful woman as my date.”
Cassie touched her own glass of cider to his. “Thank you, Jake. This is a treat. I didn’t realize how worn out I was this week. And just in time, too. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be fitting into my dress clothes.” With a maternal hand she laid her palm on her stomach, wondering about his comment. Was she really his date? Was he trying to court her? Heavens, she was carrying his child and they had come so far, but they’d never really dated.
Jake took a slow, leisurely tour of her body, his gaze traveling along at snail-like pace, touching each part of her, his dark, studious eyes meeting hers, then moving along to her mouth, tempting her with a hot, hungry look and then lower yet, to linger on her breasts, enough to make her nipples peak with urgent awareness. It was a good thing he couldn’t see any farther down, where her legs pressed together, tightening with need and desire.
Cassie fanned her face, shaking her wrist, the wave of her fingers thwarting the flame of the candlelight. “Whew, sure is warm in here.”
Jake loosened his tie and took off his jacket, a move that made Cassie heat up even more. “I know what you mean,” he said, a seductive gleam lighting his eyes. “You look gorgeous in green, makes your eyes look as vivid as the water in Emerald Bay, but I was sort of hoping you’d wear the black dress.”
The one she’d worn the night they’d made love.
“It holds one magic memory for me.”
Pregnant with his child, Cassie didn’t think he could do or say anything that would bring a blush to her face. But then, Jake Griffin always surprised her.
Cassie gulped down her drink, trying not to choke on the amber liquid, trying to keep her head and her heart intact. Little did he know, Cassie had almost worn that dress tonight, but decided she’d be better off retiring the garment to Cassie Munroe’s Hall of Fame. That dress held magic memories for her, as well.
A short time later Cassie stood on the porch to the guest house, Jake beside her, as he’d been most of the night. They’d had a quiet drive home, Cassie taking sideway glances at him every chance she could. The man had discarded his jacket for the drive, taken off his tie and undone the top three buttons on his shirt. All Cassie could think about was slipping her hand in there, running her fingers through the soft curls of his chest and grazing her palm along his hot, muscled skin.
She turned the key in the lock.
“Invite me in, Cassie,” he said softly, his seductive words as enticing as the sultry night air. He stood behind her, his scent enveloping her, a mixture of manly soap and spicy aftershave. “For coffee.” He kissed her throat.
“Sorry, fresh out of coffee.” She spoke automatically, the lie slipping from her lips as her body trembled uncontrollably.
“For soda.” He kissed her again, this time nibbling her neck as if she were a delectable dessert. His body full up against her, Cassie knew they’d bypass the kitchen entirely, barely hoping to make it to the bedroom.
“D-don’t h-have any of that e-either.”
Jake turned her into his arms, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “For water, then. You wouldn’t deny a thirsty man, would you?” he asked softly, running a finger down her throat. He played with the soft swell of her breast, gliding his fingers just under the edge of her bodice, meeting with the lace of her bra and farther, creating tingles and an ache Cassie felt deep, deep inside. Her skin prickled from his bold caress and a sharp pang of desire put her entire body on alert.
“That…might not be a good idea,” she murmured.
“Can’t think of a better one, darlin’,” he claimed, then he bent his head and sipped from her lips, a tender brush of his mouth that left her wanting. Wanting. “I’m gonna miss you when I’m gone.”
“Gone?” Cassie came out of the seductive haze Jake had so expertly engulfed her in. “Are you leaving again?”
“Tomorrow. First thing.”
“But John T.’s only been out of the hospital for a week.”
Jake smiled. “He’s a tough codger, Cassie. And Lottie won’t leave his side. I’ve cleared off all the work until Monday. I have to go. But I’m not going far, just up to Reno. Won’t take but little more than an hour to make it back home if I’m needed.”
Cassie closed her eyes and nodded. He’d only be gone three days, but she’d gotten accustomed to having Jake around this week. She knew she’d miss him terribly. “Have a good trip,” was all she could think to say.
He kissed her lightly and backed away. She watched him descend the porch steps, but before reaching his truck he stopped and pivoted on his boot heels. “Ah, hell.” Climbing back up the steps in long, quick, purposeful strides, he faced her within seconds and she was in his arms again, his kiss this time not tender, not gentle, but a mad, crazy crushing of their mouths, his body pressing hot and hard against hers. He gave her no time to think, no time to breathe.
His mouth took claim, holding nothing back, and the extent of his desire, the dire need, completely evident with the rub o
f his granite body on hers. He drove his tongue deep into her mouth, probing, searching and then conquering until Cassie went weak in the knees. Her legs barely held her. Luckily she had the door to her back, her only support other than the man who had her pressed solidly against him. Between the two, Cassie thought, she might just keep upright.
“Come with me, Cassie.” He broke the kiss, breathing heavily. “Come with me,” he urged.
No was her first instinct. She couldn’t go. It was a dangerous thought. And what about John T. and her work? No. No. She couldn’t. But a compelling voice echoed in her head.
Give him a chance.
Surrender, just a little.
Put it all on the line for him.
Lottie’s words, her advice, jolted her senses. She stared deep into Jake’s searching dark eyes and saw the raw need there, the hope mingled with desire. And Cassie knew she couldn’t reject him. She couldn’t deny him. She didn’t have the willpower or the inclination to deprive them both the opportunity for happiness. She’d gotten all of her work caught up. And Jake was right about Lottie. She wouldn’t leave John T.’s side. Besides, isn’t this exactly what John T. had asked of her, also? He’d be the first one to tell her to go.
Cassie would go. She’d put her heart out there, hoping Jake wouldn’t trample it. She’d muster her courage and let go her protective instincts. If she were to be a fool, she’d be a happy one. “Yes, yes, Jake. I’ll go with you.” I’ll take the chance.
“You mean it?” His smile was as wide as a schoolboy who’d won first prize in a spelling bee. Was Cassie his prize? Apparently at the moment. He lifted her gently and swirled her around in his arms. Her feet hit the ground with a soft thud.
But Cassie was certain she was still floating on air.
The next morning Cassie sat in Jake’s truck as they drove north to Reno, his horse trailer hitched in the back, carting Shadow and Jake’s other rodeo horse, a sleek roan named Strawberry Wine. “On long drives I have to stop every four or five hours to water the horses, but today’s drive is easy. I’ll have them corralled up at the rodeo grounds in no time. Then I have a surprise for you.”
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