Texas Fire

by Gerry Bartlett

  “I’m fine. Really.” Megan sipped her coffee. “I feel better already. Not so tired. Guess I needed the caffeine.”

  “That’s decaf. It’s all Carmelita serves after nine o’clock at night.” King laughed. “I know. It’s obvious that we’re run by our staff.” He slipped off her sandals and began to massage her feet. “You’ve had a near-death experience. Let me take care of you.”

  “Death by cactus? Please don’t Tweet about it. Now, that would really make the country club crowd hoot.” Megan took a bite of cake. “This is delicious. But I can’t eat another bite of anything. Here, you finish it. I don’t want to hurt Carmelita’s feelings.”

  King set the plate aside. “She’ll get over it. Now, tell me how Baker took out those cactus spines. You know it’s making me jealous as hell imagining that scene.”

  “Nothing to it.” Megan glanced across the pool when she heard the merry tinkle of Karen’s laugh as she got up and pulled off her flowing dress to reveal a yellow string bikini. “Seems like there’s going to be swimming.”

  “It’s the perfect night for it.” King stood. “Baker, you want to borrow some trunks?”

  “I think I’ve got some in my room. A swim sounds good. Be right back.” Rowdy disappeared into the house.

  “You feel like swimming? I’m sure Karen has a suit you can use from the stash we keep on hand for guests if you didn’t bring one.” He pulled Megan to her feet, still being careful.

  “I think I’ve got mine. Rowdy repacked for me. My suitcase took a hard hit when our trailer rolled so he took whatever he could find and stuck it in that ugly duffel bag. It might take me a while to find my suit, though, if it survived.” Megan looked at the gleaming blue water with the pool lights shining through it. It was a warm, clear night with a thousand stars in the sky. The idea of relaxing in the pool was tempting. “Yeah, I do love to swim. Give me a minute.”

  “I’ll meet you at your door.” King grinned. “I’m warning you now. The idea of seeing you in a bikini has me hot and bothered.”

  Megan put her hand on his chest. “Stop it, King. This isn’t going to happen.”

  “I don’t want to be your friend, Megan. That would truly suck.” King plucked off her hand and kissed her palm. “Stop fighting this and give me a chance, sugar. Think about letting me kiss your hurts and make them all better.”

  Megan shivered and hurried to her room. King did know the right things to say. Sexy talk. She’d always had a weakness for it. Rowdy seemed perfectly willing to play Karen’s games. Not that he was a factor here. So, why was she so determined to keep King at arm’s length?

  She dug in the crammed-full duffel and found her bikini. It had been a last-minute add at home because she always liked to be ready for the unexpected when she traveled. This lean year coming up would make her wardrobe work hard. Thank God she’d bought quality pieces that should hold up. If there were no more natural disasters. At least the caftan she’d worn to dinner had survived. It didn’t wrinkle and looked smart in a casual setting like the ranch. Guys like Rowdy probably didn’t have a clue that it had cost what would be a month’s salary to him. Her thong sandals with the stone embellishments had set her dad back about the same. Karen had looked her over approvingly when Megan had joined them for dinner.

  Of course, the woman didn’t care that Rowdy had only changed into fresh jeans and a knit shirt that showed off his broad shoulders. As long as those jeans hugged his butt and the yellow had flattered his tan, Karen had approved of his outfit, too.

  After her shower this afternoon, she’d taken off the big Band-Aids and her wounds looked better. Still, Megan grabbed a towel from the bathroom and wrapped it sarong-style around her hips, trying to cover as much of the redness as possible.

  “You do know how to rev a guy’s engine, lady.” King was leaning against the wall across from her room when she opened the door. He wore black swim trunks that left little to her imagination.

  Megan swallowed. King was ripped, with the kind of body most men had to work hard to get, if they ever could. His washboard abs were lightly dusted with dark hair that arrowed down to a flat navel, then to a bulge that kept growing while she watched. Megan tore her gaze from the spectacle.

  “Behave.” She stepped past him to head down the hall.

  “Can’t help myself. You’re just too damn sexy. You think I don’t remember what little you’re covering up?” He moved behind her and snagged the towel. “Well, hell. I can see where that cactus got you. Maybe you shouldn’t get in the water. It looks inflamed.” He stopped her with a hand on her shoulder, then went down on his knees.

  “What are you doing, King? Get up from there!” Megan gasped when she felt his warm breath against her hip. The turquoise bikini didn’t cover much. Of course, he could see the places where the spines had bit into her.

  “I just hate to see you hurt, sugar.” He gently traced her wounds with his lips. “This must have hurt like a son of a bitch. No wonder he had to get you drunk to take them out.”

  Megan hit him on his head with her hand. “King, you need to stop now. No, don’t untie that.” He was working on the side ribbon that held the bottom of her suit together.

  “Well, would you look at that? Take it into her room, brother. Rowdy and I are on the way to the pool.” Karen’s voice made Megan jump and grab at her bikini tie.

  “Couldn’t find my trunks, so Karen found some for me in your room, Sanders.” Rowdy’s voice was rough, and Megan turned to see him staring at her. “Guess they’re still in that trashed trailer. I knew some of my clothes didn’t make it.”

  “King got carried away when he saw where the cactus hurt me.” Megan licked her lips. Stupid to be embarrassed. And look at Rowdy, wearing next to nothing himself in navy trunks stretched to the max. So he had a great body. What did she care? Karen draped herself over him as she pushed him down the hall.

  “Come on, Rowdy. That water is waiting, and I’m dying to jump in.”

  Jump in or jump him? Megan kept that comment to herself.

  “Don’t splash her, Baker. She’ll chew you out if you get her hair wet. Just warning you.” King had hopped up as soon as he’d realized they had company. “Megan, you sure you want to get in the water?”

  “Yes, even a shower felt great against my wounds. Let’s go.” Megan picked her towel up off the floor and rushed down the hall. Outside, the moonlight reflected on the water, music played from hidden speakers, and a bottle of wine and glasses had been set out poolside. The magic of a well-trained staff.

  Karen settled into a float that allowed her to set her wineglass into a holder. She paddled around aimlessly while watching Rowdy swim laps. When he accidentally sent some spray her way, she playfully kicked water at him, silently begging him to come closer. He glanced at Megan as she eased down the steps in the shallow end, then he swam over to hang on to Karen’s float and sip from her glass.

  “Those two seem to be getting along.” King stepped down into the water, then put his arms around Megan so she could float in front of him. “How do you feel?”

  “I told you I’m fine. Really. Don’t hover.” She realized she was being churlish. “Sorry. But I’m tired. A few minutes of this, then I want to go inside and conk out. We’ll have to be at the site early.”

  “Not to shut down the wells.” King glanced at Rowdy.

  “Just inspections,” Rowdy answered him. “The lawyers are figuring things out. You can relax and let them handle things. I’m sure you’re paying them well to do just that.”

  “You’re so right.” King pulled Megan closer. “Wrap your legs around me, sugar. I’m taking you to the deep end.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.” Megan sighed and laid her head on his shoulder. She was too comfortable resting in King’s gentle arms. Before she knew it, she’d closed her eyes.

  * * *

  “It’s the damnedest thing. She’s sound asleep.” King Sanders was pissed.

  It took all Rowdy had in him not to l
augh his ass off.

  “Just carry her to her room and put her to bed. I hope you’re too much of a gentleman to take advantage of her in this situation.” Rowdy had his hands full with the man’s sister. Karen seemed determined to have him in her bed. She was certainly hot. There was something wrong with him that he just couldn’t get with her program. Instead he kept glancing at Megan. When he’d seen her in that bikini, showing off her curves, he’d taken a hard hit. He’d also finally gotten a good look at her colorful tattoo. It was low on her stomach, below her belly button, and featured the Texas flag with TEXAS FOREVER emblazoned under it. It was both ridiculous and sexy as hell.

  But what had really punched him right in the gut was the way Sanders had put his mouth on her, tasting that creamy skin and making his moves. Rowdy wanted to pound the rancher until he was nothing more than a stain on the tile floor in his fancy hall. Shit.

  “A gentleman? Well, hell. Of course I am. Oh, I’ll get her out of that wet suit. Enjoy a look-see. What man wouldn’t?” King aimed a glare at Rowdy. “That what happened when you got her drunk and took those cactus spines out of her ass? After she passed out?”

  “Hey, a gentleman wouldn’t take advantage.” Rowdy yelped when Karen hit him on his bicep. “What was that for?”

  “My brother is a gentleman, but he’s human. You saying you wouldn’t look at me, if I passed out on you?” She put on a pout.

  “I somehow doubt that you ever pass out, Karen. Or that I’d have to resort to playing Peeping Tom to see more of you.” He rubbed his arm, but grinned. The woman was clearly aiming to make his night interesting.

  “Well, that depends. On how things go here.” She held out her empty wineglass. “Get me a refill?”

  “My pleasure.” Rowdy took the glass. Seriously, didn’t these folks see the danger of glass around a swimming pool? He climbed out, then helped a frustrated Sanders juggle a boneless Megan as he climbed out of the water with her in his arms. She was down for the count. “You sure you don’t want me to take her for you?”

  “In your dreams.” King growled as he stomped off toward the door leading into the house. “Fuck!”

  “Not tonight.” Rowdy laughed as he filled Karen’s wineglass, then poured one for himself. Maybe that was what was wrong with him. He needed to loosen up. He turned to Karen, grunting when he saw her yellow top floating away from her. “Looks like you had a little accident. Aren’t you afraid your brother will come back?”

  “No. He’s too smart for that. Come here, Rowdy.” Karen slid out of her float and walked into the shallow end.

  Her breasts were flawless. Of course, he’d noticed that right away. Too bad he could see they weren’t natural. Guys weren’t stupid. The size and shape were a dead giveaway. He’d been in enough strip clubs to . . . But, hell, he was still impressed. What guy wouldn’t be?

  “Here’s your wine.” Rowdy figured she’d noticed he wasn’t immune to seeing naked boobs. Double Ds, even with surgical help, weren’t to be ignored. He took a deep drink and then set his glass on the edge of the pool. “You trying to tell me something?”

  “I’ve been trying to tell you something since before dinner.” Karen moved in, brushing against him. “You wouldn’t believe how scarce men of quality are around here. I’m sure not going to get involved with one of our employees. Too messy if and when things went south.”

  “I can see that.” Rowdy ran his hands down her bare back. “You’re in fantastic shape. Yoga? Pilates?” He knew women appreciated having their work acknowledged. She obviously spent some time in the gym. Surgery couldn’t account for her body being so perfectly toned. He didn’t think so, anyway.

  “A little of this, a little of that.” She smiled. “And thank you. I didn’t think you’d noticed.” She looked at him through her lashes, then teased a path across his chest with her fingertips. “I have to work out, with Carmelita feeding us like we’re starving kids who’ll never get another meal once we leave here.” She laughed and tweaked one of his nipples. “Now, you. I do like your body. Megan told me you used to play football. Guess you keep up the workouts.”

  “If I didn’t, I’d probably run to fat. I have a big appetite. Wouldn’t want to develop one of those beer guts like some of my friends have now.”

  “Tell me more about your appetite. Better yet, quit talking and let’s get down to business.” Karen slid her hand down the front of his trunks and squeezed.

  Business. A cold word. Not one he liked to use when thinking about a woman. There had been no kissing yet, and he really had no urge to touch his mouth to hers. She wore bright red lipstick and he’d be wearing it, too, if he leaned in and tasted her. Her lips were a little too pumped up, maybe more fake stuff. He knew from experience that they wouldn’t be soft, and he really didn’t even want to check and see for himself. Then there was a plastic quality to her face that was either some kind of waterproof makeup or more surgery.

  Did Karen really think she needed all that to make herself desirable? His mind drifted to Megan, all natural. She’d certainly had the money to do everything this woman had done, but she hadn’t bothered. He’d felt her against him when he’d lost his mind and kissed her. She’d been soft, yielding. Nothing plastic about her. He realized his hands had fallen to his sides and he’d leaned away from Karen.

  “What the hell are you thinking about, big boy?” Karen let go of him and stepped back. “You either get with the program or say good night.”

  “I’m sorry. I just broke up with a woman whom I thought I’d be with forever. Maybe I’m crazy, but I don’t just fuck, Karen. I make love.” Rowdy sat on the top step and took a swallow of wine. “Guess that makes me some kind of pussy. But there you have it.”

  “Seriously? You can’t just have fun? Fuck me and move on?” She stood in front of him, those damn bobbing breasts taunting him. She crossed her arms over them. Like he might change his mind if he had to work a little harder for a peek.

  “I don’t know. Maybe. But I don’t really know you, Karen. And I think any woman deserves more than a man who has his mind on someone else.” Rowdy cleared his throat. To his surprise, it had been days since he’d given Cassidy any serious thought except to hope the guy she was with now treated her right. No, his “someone else” was a lot closer than Houston, Texas.

  “She broke your heart.” She studied his face, then turned away.

  “That’s part of it.” He touched her back and she faced him again. “But you should have a guy who will want you, make you feel special. You’re a beautiful woman, and any man would be lucky to have you. And not just for one night, either.” Rowdy knew he’d said enough, so he polished off the wine and looked out at the gleaming water.

  He jumped when he felt the pressure of her breast against his arm. She’d sat beside him on the step. Well, hell. Was he an idiot? He didn’t want to hurt her further by pushing her away, so now what? Oh yeah, he could take what she offered. But this really didn’t sit well with his conscience. He’d be using her and picturing someone else. God damn it. He gripped his wineglass, fighting the urge to smash it on the tile. Then he heard her sob.

  “What is it?” He turned to see her crying with big tears running down her cheeks, her face flushed. “Karen? I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.”

  “No, it’s not that.” She slid her arms around his neck and kept crying, her tears wetting his shoulder.

  “Talk to me.”

  She finally lifted her head, her lashes wet. Waterproof mascara. He’d learned from his years with Cassidy that she must have used it or she’d have what Cass had called “raccoon eyes.”

  “Would you get my top for me?” She sat back and put her hands over her breasts.

  “Sure. Stay there.” He swam out and dove to rescue it from where it had been sucked down against a drain in the deep end. When he got back to her, she’d found a towel and was mopping her face with it.

  She slipped the top back on and tied it at her neck. “There. Now I’m decent again. Sorr
y for ambushing you. I always think about what I want. I figured you were a healthy male. What would be the harm?”

  “Hey, I’m flattered. Beautiful woman, moonlight. Most men . . .” Rowdy shut up. What else could he say?

  “No, you’re a gentleman. Like my brother. And you’re right. I give myself away too cheaply. Always have. I even marry for the wrong reasons, looking for someone who’ll finally value me, not my money. So I marry rich assholes.” She shuddered. “I do want someone who will really love me. Not just fuck me for the fun of it. Then move on and forget me.” She blotted her face again. “You actually turned me down.”

  “Call me crazy.” Rowdy leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Forgive me?”

  “If you’ll do me a favor.” She brushed a hand down his cheek. “Play along in front of King and Megan. I have a reputation to uphold. If he knew you rejected me, my brother would laugh his ass off.”

  “Surely not.” Rowdy couldn’t imagine what kind of relationship the twins had that they could be so casual about sex with strangers. If he had a sister, he’d punch out any guy who thought he could use her and just walk away.

  “Trust me, King thinks I can get any man I set my sights on.” She pulled the towel around her shoulders. “I’m not going to admit it’s not true.”

  “So you want them to think we’re sleeping together.” Rowdy didn’t like the idea of lying to Megan. Of course, Ms. Calhoun wouldn’t care. She was probably going to play her own bedroom games while they were here. And it wouldn’t hurt for Cass to hear he’d moved on, now, would it? And to a woman who was probably even richer than she was. Take that, Calhoun heiress.

  Rowdy breathed and hated that he’d even thought that. He was ready to refuse her when Karen poked his arm.

  “Please? I do have my pride.” She grinned suddenly. “Or I could say you couldn’t get it up. Too broken up over your ex-girlfriend.”