Reese groaned. “I’m not answering that one since I’m married.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Gavin said. “So, Cassie – which one?” He let out a laugh as Shane made a noise resembling a low growl.
Cassie smiled at Shane, biting her lip. “Umm, probably Trey.”
Jade piped up. “Me too. Definitely Trey.”
Her comment earned a scowl from Gavin. “Sheesh, take a second to think about it, would you? And at least cover Kate’s ears when you say things like that.”
Jade smiled down at the baby. “Daddy shouldn’t ask questions he doesn’t want answers to, should he?”
“I suddenly like Trey less,” Shane mumbled.
Gavin nodded. “I freaking hate the kid now.”
“I can’t believe neither of you said Randy,” Reese said.
Blake covered a cough. “I thought you said you weren’t going to answer, babe.”
“I didn’t,” Reese said. “I’m just saying.”
The questions continued to come, some humorous, some more bold, but each seemed to open doors into one another’s past, revealing new and often entertaining tidbits along the way.
During a quiet moment, Shane brought his lips to Cassie’s ear. “I’m not going to come home to find you making out with Trey one day, am I?” He pulled back to look at her, his magnificently handsome face just inches from hers. His eyes looked more brown than green in the low light.
Cassie inhaled the masculine scent of his aftershave, noting that ever present shadow lining his jaw. She held his gaze, daring to flirt with the dangerous spark she saw flickering there. “No. I promise not to ever kiss Trey – again,” she added, smiling wide.
“You think that’s funny, do you?” Shane poked at her side, causing her to flinch and squeal.
“Look who’s ticklish,” he said, a triumphant grin owning his face. He poked at her ribs once more, and Cassie let out a hearty laugh, fighting to get his hands away. “Making out with the ranch hands behind my back?” he asked.
“No, no,” she managed through laughter still. “Just Trey.” She braced herself for more punishment, squirming beneath Shane’s hands as it came.
And though Cassie was caught up in Shane’s attentions, fighting off his prodding fingers as he poked and tickled her sides, she sensed a feeling of completion. She’d been on group dates before, hung out with several friends and their relatives too. But never had she felt such inclusion.
And as Shane let up, allowing Cassie to catch her breath, she placed the word in her head: family. She’d never really had a family show the kind of love offered by those at Emerson Ranch. The events that had taken Cassie from her home in Seattle were tragic. But she’d ended up in the right place all the same. She wanted to spend every minute with Shane. And as far as she could tell, he felt the same way.
She may have been born in Rwanda, and raised in Seattle, but Cassie Lovell belonged right where she was – on the wide open fields of Montana with her very own country cowboy.
“Okay, okay,” Jade said. “One last question. “This one is for the guys. If you could take back a relationship with one ex in your life, which would it be?”
Blake leaned onto his knees, his dark eyes perplexed. “Take back – as in what? Like it never happened?”
Jade smiled. “Yep. Gone from your life like you never met them. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be an ex-girlfriend. It could be a fling too.”
“Shantelle,” Blake said with a nod. “Definitely.”
“I’d take all of them away,” Gavin said, twisting a pointed stick over the crackling flames. “But if I had to narrow it down, it’d be either Carly or Natasha.”
Cassie’s eyes widened. Natasha? She glanced at Shane, wondering if it was the same Natasha he’d dated. She was about to ask him, but the expression he wore stopped her. His lips were pressed together, a slight grimace owning his face.
“I wouldn’t take any of them back,” he finally said.
His comment was sharp and heated. It felt as if the smoldering point of Gavin’s fire stick had been thrust deep into her heart. How could he not want to take them back? Upon hearing Jade’s question, Cassie knew she’d take back those wasted years with Griffin in a heartbeat.
While Shane’s gaze turned to the fire, Cassie took in his handsome face, nearly crushed by the rugged beauty of it. And though she tried to explain it away, convince herself that Shane did not long for the woman from his past, she couldn’t quiet the resounding voice that fed her inner fear – Shane Emerson may never belong to her – and the thought was almost too much to bear.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The house was dark as Shane steered the truck down the dirt road, Cassie snuggled up beside him. He could hardly believe how good it felt to have her so close; she fit perfectly against the swell of his shoulder. Fit perfectly into his family as well, as meddling as that family might be. In just a few weeks’ time, Cassie sure had warmed up to them.
He was glad they were able to see how incredible she was. No doubt Cassie was beautiful on the outside, but it was her mind that weakened him, and Shane liked the idea of his family discovering the depths of her beauty. Plus the evening had offered them just what he’d needed – a place to go, enjoy Cassie’s company without being tempted to put his hands on her. Not as tempted as he was at home, anyway.
“Looks like the lights are out downstairs,” Cassie said as they pulled up to the house. “Guess Trey didn’t wait up for me after all.”
“You really like torturing me, don’t you?” Shane asked. He killed the engine, but didn’t move to get out just yet, only tuned into the warmth of her hands where they wrapped around his bicep. When their gaze met, her blue eyes teased him with sparks of mischief as a smile captured one corner of her mouth. He licked his lips, reminding himself he shouldn’t dash in to kiss her, no matter how badly he wanted to. Thoughts of getting carried away there in the truck set his belly on fire with an untamed yearning for her. He was more than half-tempted to act out on the impulse.
To ensure he didn’t, Shane turned to open the door, extending a hand once his feet were on the ground.
“Thanks,” Cassie said as he helped her out of the truck.
Shane closed the door before resting his hand on her lower back. As they got closer to the house, he sensed Cassie’s reluctance to go inside and slowed his pace.
She tilted her head toward the star-filled sky, pulling in a deep breath before sighing.
“Another pretty night,” Shane said. Only he wasn’t looking at the sky. He was watching Cassie, noting a hint of sadness on her face.
“Uh, huh,” she mumbled, still gazing upward.
Perhaps the extended absence finally had her missing home. “Tell me what you miss about Seattle.” He motioned for her to take a seat on the step. The wood groaned as he hunched down to join her.
“The greens and greys, mostly. I love the misty air, the way it hovers over the ocean floor.”
Shane rested an elbow onto his knee. “What about the rain?”
Cassie bit at her lip. “There aren’t a whole lot of thorough rainstorms there, really. More of a constant drizzle.” She dazed off for a bit before chuckling. “I have these friends – did I tell you about Ann and Zoe?”
“The ones who were at the restaurant with you when the detective came?” he asked.
“That’s them. Well, Zoe loves to complain. The drizzle’s one of her favorite targets. She’s always saying, ‘if it’s going to rain, why doesn’t it just rain already and get it over with?’ Only it rarely ever does. Just this strange, looming threat of something that may never fully come.”
The way she’d worded things made Shane think about what had sent Cassie there to begin with. The murderous group who’d nearly chased her into his arms. He wondered – would this threat duplicate the impending rainstorm on Seattle, only fizzle out before the downpour made its way there? “I don’t mention it to you often,” Shane said, “but I do ask about the case every few
days. There’ve been no new developments. None they’re willing to share, anyway.”
Cassie nodded. “I figured. I catch the twelve o’clock news sometimes. I think if there was anything major going on they’d probably report it during the national news blurb.”
“Mm-hmm.” Shane ran his palms over his jeans, the conversation making him tense. He hated the thought of Cassie being in danger, hunted by crazed killers seeking blood and revenge. Shane would do anything in his power to keep her safe. But what he was more afraid of, was the thought of losing her in an entirely different way. To the comfort and familiarity of her life back home. To the friends and job she’d spoken so fondly of. And as much as he wanted the threat over their heads to be gone, his desire for Cassie to stay outweighed all else, and he knew he was a selfish man because of it.
“What are you thinking?” she asked him, her voice small and soft in the night.
Shane sighed, removed his hat, and ran a hand through his hair. “That I like having you here,” he admitted.
“You do?”
Her smile turned him to mush. “Yep.”
And there were those eyes again, getting heavy in the lids as she glanced at his mouth. She inched closer, brought a hand up to his hair, and began to rake through it as he had. The tips of her fingers slid firmly against his scalp as she moved them all the way back to the nape of his neck, where she toyed with the short hairs there.
“I like being here, too,” she whispered, voice low and sensual.
Heaven help him; he was trying to back things up, not move full speed ahead. And though he reminded himself of that very thing, Shane could hardly fight his desire to reach out and touch her in return. To wrap his hands firmly around her hips and pull her close against him. Crush his mouth to hers.
Sheer desperation caused him to speak. “How do you feel about coming to Sunday service next week – for Easter, I mean?” he asked. “Reese can really sing. It’d be worth going to hear that alone.”
Cassie backed away from him slightly, a hint of disappointment evident in the fallen expression she wore. She replaced it quickly enough though. “I’d love to. We should plan on it.” Her hand loosened its grip on his hair, and then slid off his shoulders completely. “I guess it’s pretty late. Are you going to be working all day tomorrow?”
He replaced his hat. “Depends. We’ve got a bugger of a calf this year that’s determined to break free from the pasture no matter what we do. He’s got us working double-time where that fence is concerned.”
Cassie gave him a nod as she came to a stand. “Well, I guess I’ll hit the sheets,” she said.
Shane bolted to his feet, unwilling to let her walk into the empty house on her own. “Let me get the door for you.” After pushing open the hefty front door, he flicked on the light and motioned for her to enter.
“Thanks.” As Cassie stepped by him, tucked into those cowboy boots once more, Shane started to regret not kissing her goodnight. He didn’t want her to get the impression he wasn’t interested, but he didn’t want to rush things either; the dilemma was starting to give him a headache.
As if helping him make up his mind, Cassie strode over to the sink where she filled up a glass with water. “Goodnight,” she hollered over her shoulder. “Leave the door open if you don’t mind. I’ll be in in a bit.”
Shane removed his hat, flung it onto the coffee table, and gave her a nod she didn’t see. “Night, Cassie.” But rather than walk down the hallway, he found himself striding toward her, determination urging him forward. His mind was set on two actions: First, he would kiss Cassie that night. Second, he would leave it at that.
Cassie barely set the glass down before Shane took hold of her wrist, spinning her to face him. Her eyes were wide and questioning. Shane leaned forward, determined to answer without a single word.
His mouth met hers, capturing a hint of cool water lingering on her full, tempting lips. He was pleased by the way she returned his kiss. Tortured by it too.
Releasing a shallow groan, Shane tilted his head, unwilling to end the kiss. His hands memorized the delicate curve of her neck before rounding her shoulders. Then, with his palms flat against her back, Shane explored the length of her, pressing her more firmly against him as they kissed.
Cassie’s fingers found his hair again, filling Shane with a nearly painful pleasure. An urge he could no longer ignore.
None to gently, Shane gripped her waist and leaned into her, nudging her up against the cabinet. Something on the counter clanked, possibly spilled, but he couldn’t care less. All he could think about was the magnetic heat of Cassie’s mouth, the silky smoothness of her lips, and the passion laced in the push and pull of her kiss.
Just as he began entertaining thoughts of lifting her on the counter, Cassie slowed the rhythm, moving her hands to either side of his face. The act somehow rang with finality, and reminded Shane of the promise he’d made himself just moments ago. That he’d kiss her and end it at that.
Cassie pulled away from him, smooth and gentle. “Goodnight,” she whispered.
He worked to open his eyes. Cassie smiled at him playfully, and Shane leaned in once more. Kissed her so softly it hurt. He did it a second time, and then again before replying. “Goodnight.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Cassie felt like her old self again. A straight-hemmed skirt, silky blouse, sheer stockings, and a pair of heels. Only she wasn’t stepping along wet pavement lined with dripping street signs. Sunlight poured from the bluest of blue skies, creating a stunning backdrop to the church house. A picture perfect Easter day. The massive doors stood propped open at either side, welcoming visitors as well as fresh air and sunshine. It had been years since Cassie had gone to service with her grandmother, and though she couldn’t exactly say she’d missed going all those years, there was something nice about stepping into the tranquil atmosphere once again. And with as handsome as Shane looked in his white shirt and tie (she would not have guessed he even owned a tie) Cassie figured she might not mind attending every once in a while.
Blake was pointing a finger at the twins who were seated on a bench near the front. After the two gave him a nod, Blake, who was holding Reese’s hand, walked her up to the front where she took a seat facing the congregation. A bit of warmth skittered into Cassie’s heart as she watched Blake take hold of Reese’s chin, tilt it upward, and plant a kiss on her lips in front of everyone. Short. Sweet. Encouraging. Reese’s face reddened as she seemed to watch Blake return to the kids.
Shane stopped walking, eyeing the empty benches toward the center.
“Shouldn’t we go sit up there with them?” Cassie asked, nodding toward Blake and the twins.
Shane shrugged. “If you’d like to. My mom will like that. They’ll be here soon, and we can save them a seat.”
Just as Shane had predicted, the others filed in soon enough. Betty looked like a million bucks. From her studded nails and turquoise stones, to her flawless blond hair and neatly-pressed clothes. As usual, Betty hugged Cassie tight. “So happy to see you this morning,” she said. “And boy, do you look beautiful.”
Cassie smiled. “Thanks. So do you.” She stepped back to allow the couple to continue down the aisle, surprised when Grant reached out and put his arms around her, the way Betty had. “Hey, little lady.” His voice was deep and masculine, like Shane’s. “Looks like ya managed to get my boy to church.” Grant followed the assumption with a conspiratorial wink. And though Cassie hated to disappoint the man, she couldn’t help but set things straight.
“Actually, it was his idea to come.”
Grant lifted his dark brows before scrutinizing her for a blink. “Well then, he’s a better man than I am. Betty had to pull me out of bed kicking and grumbling.”
Cassie’s head fell back as she let out a hearty chuckle. “Oh, I should probably be whispering in here, right?” she said, worrying she’d been too loud.
“Certainly not, doll. A good, wholesome laugh gets you closer to God, my pa
always said.” He gave her arm a series of pats before stepping past her, grasping Shane’s shoulder as he did. “Son,” he said.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Shane?” a high-pitched voice blurted from behind. “Shane Emerson?”
Cassie knew she hadn’t met whoever the woman was. She wouldn’t forget a voice like that. A sound that could literally peel paint from a wall.
Shane’s jaw tightened as his eyes clenched shut. “Natasha,” he muttered.
If one word could have stopped the peaceful rhythm of Cassie’s heart – that was it. Natasha.
Shane turned to give Cassie an extended glance, a world of emotion stirring in the depths of his eyes. She wondered what he read in hers.
Mindfully, she placed a hand over her heart as she moved to look behind her, hoping it would keep it from shattering at the sight of Shane’s ex-girlfriend. With a deep mental cringe, Cassie took in the woman’s tiny form, bronze skin, and emerald eyes that sparkled shamelessly beneath the chapel lights.
“I was hoping I’d see you here.” Forget about peeling paint. That voice could reduce the entire chapel to rubble.
Shane grimaced before turning to face her.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Natasha said. “I got in late last night and…” She paused to look Cassie up and down before lowering her voice and leaning closer to Shane. “I was half-tempted to drive straight out to your place. See if you were still awake.” She moved one, olive-toned hand from her neck and rested it between her cleavage. Her long lashes fluttered, and Cassie suddenly realized just how inept she was in the art of flirting.
“Well, I’d have to say it was a good thing you didn’t.” Shane rested his hand on Cassie’s lower back. “I’d like you to meet my wife, Cassie Lovell.”
Cassie's Cowboy Crave: Witness Protection - Rancher Style (Sweet Montana Bride Series) Page 16