Texas Fire

by Gerry Bartlett

  “Many times.” She must have hit the hotel gift shop, because he didn’t recognize the white Mexican-style blouse and skirt she wore as something he’d stuffed into her duffel after the tornado. This top hung off both shoulders and she’d cinched it at her waist with a fancy silver belt that he did remember finding on the floor of their old trailer and sticking into her bag.

  “Did your sister send you an advance on your salary? Those are new clothes, and they look expensive.” He walked over to the mirror above the dresser and ran a comb through his hair. Megan would have to be satisfied being seen with him in his usual jeans and knit shirt. He hadn’t brought dressier clothes, not for this job, and she looked ready for a night on the town.

  “They were on sale and I couldn’t resist the colorful embroidery along the edges.” She did a turn, holding out her skirt. “Found this downstairs in the shop off the lobby. You like?”

  “You didn’t answer me. You can’t go charging stuff like that to the room, Megan. And quit looking at me like I’m the devil. I’m the one who’ll have to explain this expense account back at the office.”

  She was glaring at him. “Relax, boss. I didn’t charge it. Cass and I had a little talk. I told her I was running short on funds so she wired me some money. Yes, it was an advance on my paycheck. She sent it here to the front desk. They called me while you were at the trailer dealership.” She stopped to admire herself in his mirror. “For the record, Cass will be approving this trip’s expenses personally now. Because of Daddy’s will and my being with you, this trip isn’t your run-of-the-mill business trip. These are special circumstances. Mason MacKenzie himself suggested it. Our evaluator?” She smiled. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but he’s a nice guy.”

  “Nice to the Calhouns, anyway.” Rowdy really didn’t want to hear about the man who’d stolen Cassidy’s heart in record time. “Just wait till you see the trailer we’ll be picking up tomorrow. We’ll be living in style for this trip.” Rowdy had been shocked at the size of it. The thing would be hard to tow, but much more comfortable than his usual rig, thanks to Cassidy’s orders to give them a larger deluxe model. Another of MacKenzie’s ideas? Or was Cass feeling guilty about the way she’d dumped Rowdy? Did she think giving him a nice bunk would make him feel better? Didn’t matter, he was going to enjoy the hell out of the luxurious accommodations. Just like he’d been enjoying this nice hotel.

  “Forget the trailer.” She looked over her shoulder. “How do I look?”

  “Fine. Very pretty.” Too pretty. That blouse showed off her tan and a lot of skin. “If you bought that outfit here, you probably got ripped off. When I was in San Antonio before, I found little markets away from the tourist traps on the river where you might have gotten that stuff for ten cents on the dollar.” Now he sounded like a penny-pinching asshole.

  She almost danced over to the doorway that led to their shared living area. They had a suite, for crying out loud. “I’ve shopped those markets, too. You can’t trust some of their goods. Colors run. Seams come apart. Believe it or not, I’m an expert when it comes to shopping.” She stopped and looked back, playing with the neckline that dipped low enough to show the swell of her breasts.

  “I believe it. But I doubt you ever had to follow a budget.”

  “I used to buy for a boutique I owned with a friend. When you’re reselling, you have to watch what you spend.” She looked defensive. “Anyway, I’m happy with my purchase. It was a good price and this is quality fabric. Preshrunk. I’m sure it will survive our imminent trip to hell and back.” She picked up a small purse and walked to the hall door.

  “I wouldn’t wear white anywhere near the rigs or near Lucky when he’s been running around in the dirt. If you’re smart, you’ll pack that away and save it for when we’re on our way home again.” Feeling out of sorts, Rowdy let her lead the way to the elevators. He’d never had the nerve to ask for an advance on his paycheck, even when his mom had struggled to pay for cancer treatments and he’d needed to help her out financially. He’d gone to the bank for a short-term loan instead. But then he didn’t have the connections Megan had. It was a good reminder of who she was. He sure as hell shouldn’t be wondering whether she did or did not have on a fucking bra.

  Their hotel sat right on the river. The lower level featured a patio where they could step out onto the stone walkway that ran alongside the waterway. They could catch a water taxi or just stroll along the well-lighted area to one of a dozen or more restaurants and bars. Mariachis played catchy tunes somewhere nearby, and it seemed like they were on their way to a party instead of just out for an early dinner.

  Megan led the way, chattering about a school trip in fifth grade to the city to tour the historic Alamo. Then there had been other visits with her girlfriends for spring break when she was in college. She’d even gone to some basketball games here with a former boyfriend whose father had been part owner of the Spurs. It was more evidence that she’d had a privileged life. The only field trip Rowdy could remember taking in elementary school had been an hour-and-a-half ride in a non-air-conditioned school bus to see the San Jacinto Monument and the Battleship Texas. He’d been thrilled with that at the time. He mentioned it.

  “Hey, we went there, too.” Megan grinned. “I guess every student in a school around Houston goes there at least once. Fourth grade. Texas history unit. Am I right?”

  “Yep. That was it.” Rowdy laughed. “I didn’t get to see the Alamo until much later, when I was old enough to drive here myself.”

  “Loved the battleship, but they didn’t let us stay nearly long enough as far as I was concerned. The worst part was being herded around like sheep.” She pulled a face. “I got in trouble because I slipped away from the teacher and climbed up into one of the forbidden sections of the ship. They had to hold the bus until they could find me.”

  Rowdy stopped in his tracks. “You’re kidding. I did the same thing! I was determined to get up in what I thought would be the crow’s nest. I’d always had a thing for pirate stories. Of course, it was a battleship, not a sailing vessel. I got turned around, lost my way, and ended up where the captain steered the ship. Mrs. Yates, the teacher, found me holding the ship’s wheel and pretending I was the commander yelling, ‘Battle stations!’ like I’d seen in a war movie once.”

  Megan laughed, hit his arm, then linked hers through his. “Who knew we were so much alike? That’s the place I was looking for when I sneaked away from the group. I wanted to be the captain of the ship.”

  “I can see that.” He could also see that her smile lit up her face. Her eyes shone in the gathering darkness, and the way she leaned against him with another chuckle made something catch in his chest. Oh, he was so screwed.

  “Are you saying I’m bossy?” She tilted her head as she looked up at him. “Well, maybe I am. My sister Shannon will tell you I always have been, even though she’s two years older than I am.” She stopped. “Look, there it is. Las Flores. I thought I remembered the way. See all the gorgeous hanging baskets of flowers everywhere? They have bouquets on all the tables, too.” She tugged him toward the entrance. “And the most delicious margaritas. Do you like a good margarita, Rowdy?” Megan smiled.

  “Sure. But I have a limit.” He realized he was grinning, too, as she steered him into the restaurant and spoke Spanish to the woman at the front desk.

  “Relax. You’re not driving. We get too sloshed, we can catch a water taxi back to the hotel.” She said something else in Spanish to the hostess, and they were soon seated at a table for two out on the patio where they could watch the boats go by. Some were packed with tourists on sightseeing tours, while others were those water taxis taking passengers up and down the busy river.

  As the sky darkened, the businesses along the river lit up with thousands of tiny lights. Megan declared the way the reflection hit the water magical. Rowdy had to agree. When frosty salt-rimmed glasses were placed in front of them, he took a cautious sip. “Man, that’s strong.”

&nb
sp; “Otherwise, why bother?” Megan grinned and reached forward to wipe salt from his mouth with a fingertip. “Rumor has it they put something illegal in these drinks.”

  Rowdy took another sip. “Doubt it, but it’s delicious.” He was determined to ignore the way she’d so casually touched his lip. Then he saw her put that same finger in her mouth. Oh God. “Megan, what the hell are you doing?”

  “Hmm? Enjoying my drink. Let’s get a menu.” She smiled innocently.

  Rowdy raised his arm and a waitress hurried over with two large menus. He used his like a wall. He didn’t want to look at her. Innocent. Yeah, right. Maybe she was as frustrated as he was. Sanders had made all kinds of plays for her, but he was sure she’d resisted. Didn’t matter why, the fact was she hadn’t slept with the guy. So she was feeling an itch that needed scratching. He was not, not going to help her out.

  He let her order first. She had a hearty appetite, and he could tell she did know her Mexican food. He’d grown up on it. Anyone from their part of Texas ate it about once a week unless they had dietary problems, because it was usually cheap and delicious. He ordered a deluxe combination plate and sat back.

  “If we eat all of that, we’ll have to walk along this river two or three times to work it off.” She was halfway through her drink. “But it’ll be worth it. Wait and see.”

  “I’ll take your word for it.” Rowdy picked up a tortilla chip and dug it into the red sauce that had been put on the table as soon as they’d arrived. He took a bite, then gasped. “Holy shit, that’s hot.” He gulped margarita. Not a good idea. At this rate he’d be drunk on his ass by the time the meal was over. He raised his arm again and asked the waitress for a glass of water.

  “Too hot for you?” Megan ran her hand around the neckline of her blouse.

  “Uh.” Rowdy grabbed the water when it came and took a gulp. “The sauce. Yeah. Pretty spicy. But I can take it. In smaller doses, maybe.” He made himself look past her as a boat went by. “Bet it’s cooler on the water. You ever take one of those tours?”

  “A long time ago. They’re all right. Plenty of history in San Antonio. It’s interesting.” She picked up a chip and slid it into the sauce, then licked it with the tip of her tongue. “Whoa, you’re right. They’ve really amped up the chilis in it tonight.” She dropped the chip on the small plate in front of her. “I think I’ll wait for my food to come.”

  Rowdy was still staring at her mouth and seeing the way her tongue had . . . Get a grip, Baker. His margarita glass was empty. Without his asking, the waitress brought him another one. Had Megan signaled for a refill? He didn’t ask, just took a sip. The drink was tasting better and better.

  “History. You’re right. Cass and I took the tour once.” He threw that name out there. It was a good reminder that he was not going to get tangled up with another Calhoun sister.

  “Cass.” Megan finished her drink, but shook her head when the waitress came by again. “You still pining for her, Rowdy? Is that the real reason you turned Karen down?”

  “No.” Rowdy jumped when a plate of food was suddenly placed in front of him. He thought about letting the distraction get him off the hook. But maybe it was only right that he tell Megan and himself the truth.

  “I loved Cassidy. It started in high school. She was my first, for a lot of things.” Rowdy smiled, remembering two teenagers fumbling their way through sex. They’d been damn lucky they hadn’t sprung the baby trap on themselves a time or two.

  Megan didn’t say anything, waiting for more.

  “Cass was patient and waited for me while I went off to college on a big football scholarship. She had to stay home and work her way through the local schools.” He sipped his drink when his throat went dry. “I played the football jock to the hilt. Racked up good stats, even had pro scouts looking at me. All that attention goes to your head, and I went a little wild. She found out about it, so we took a few breaks. But when I came home she’d always be there, so sweet and happy to see me. We’d get together again. What we had was easy. Comfortable.” He stabbed a tamale but didn’t take a bite.

  “You joined the service instead of playing pro football after graduation.” Megan stirred her refried beans but she wasn’t eating yet, either.

  “You know that?” Rowdy put down his fork. “Yeah. I’d done ROTC. They call it ‘the Corps’ at A&M. It also helped pay my way through school, so I didn’t have to get student loans like Cassidy did. She ended up drowning in debt. Naturally, after graduation I felt an obligation to serve.” He ran a hand over his face. “Got sent to the war zone.” He shook his head. “It sure wasn’t like playing on the Battleship Texas.” He looked down when Megan covered his other hand on the table. “The jeep I was riding in got hit by a roadside bomb. Tore the hell out of my knee and I was the lucky one. Two of the guys in my squad didn’t make it.”

  “I’m sorry, Rowdy.” She squeezed his hand. “And you weren’t so lucky. No more football.” She sighed.

  “Right. The point is, Cass was there for me when I got home. Helped me deal with the disappointment and the, shit, trauma I guess you’d call it, of seeing death up close. She was loyal through it all, even when I was mean as a snake to her.” He leaned back, thinking about it. He’d been in a dark place back then. Cass had stuck with him and kept him from drowning himself in a bottle or putting a gun to his head, like some guys he knew had done. She’d made him get counseling, and it had helped.

  “Rowdy?”

  “Eventually I got this job. Which, you have to admit, has a hell of a travel schedule. She put up with it. No complaints. I owe Cass a lot, Megan.”

  “I’m hearing loyalty, patience, and caring. And I know you were mad when she dumped you for Mason.” Megan squeezed his hand. “But are you truly broken up about it?” She stared at him until Rowdy had to look away.

  Was he? Did his heart hurt, or was it his pride? What the hell did it say about them, him, that Cass could throw away the fifteen years they’d been together after knowing that rich oilman for less than a month? Whoa. He’d just had a fucking epiphany. One of those aha moments like he’d seen people on TV talk shows scream about. Should he tell Megan? He turned over his hand to grip hers, then looked her in the eyes again.

  “Well?” She had a calm gaze, like she wasn’t going to judge him, whatever his answer.

  “Pride.” He nodded. Yeah. Nailed it. He smiled at her, liking the fact that she didn’t say anything, just gave his hand another squeeze. “Thanks for helping me see that, Megan.” He dropped her hand and picked up his fork. “Now, let’s eat before this gets cold. It looks and smells delicious.” He dug in.

  Megan ate but didn’t really taste the food. What was it about Rowdy Baker that fascinated her so? Sure, he was handsome and had a great body. But those things were superficial. If all she wanted were good looks, then King Sanders had filled that bill in spades. Maybe the fact that Rowdy considered the Calhoun women off-limits made him irresistible. Was she so messed up that she needed that kind of challenge?

  Rowdy had said it himself when talking about Karen—he didn’t want anyone who was too easy. Hooking up with Rowdy sure wouldn’t be that. An affair with him was a recipe for disaster. Rowdy was technically the “hired help,” as King had put it, but their position was unique. While he worked for the company her family owned, he was also supposed to be her boss, with that stupid obligation to report to her evaluator, Mason MacKenzie, on her job performance. So far she’d done zip, nada. Of course, there was plenty of time left to prove that she’d probably totally fail this test. Because it was clear to her that she couldn’t handle what her father had set out for her to do in his will.

  On that depressing thought, she ordered another margarita. She might as well quit thinking and just relax. It was a beautiful night. And after he worked his way through his dinner, Rowdy’s mood had lightened so much that he was sharing misadventures from his college days and trips to San Antonio with his buddies. It didn’t hurt that she felt pretty in her new outfit an
d had noticed his eyes lingering on her shoulders and the place where her loose top dipped low.

  She sipped her drink and thought about running her hands over Rowdy’s broad shoulders and his powerful chest. God. And when he smiled? She shifted in her seat, pretty sure he had no idea how the flash of those white teeth in his tanned face made her desperate to feel his mouth on hers again.

  They each stopped at two drinks and switched to water. By the time they pushed back their plates and ordered coffee, neither of them could claim to be drunk, just pleasantly buzzed.

  “Dessert?” Rowdy leaned across the cleared table. “Or how about a boat ride?”

  “I’d love to get out on the water.” Megan grinned at him. “Don’t throw me in this time.”

  “Not unless you give me a reason.” Rowdy pulled out a credit card and handed it to the waitress. “It’s too dangerous, anyway. Seeing you in wet clothes makes me lose my mind. Remember?”

  Megan caught her breath. How could she forget? That hot kiss. His hands on her breasts. If King hadn’t ridden up when he did . . . She stared at Rowdy and saw the same memory in his dark eyes. He took the folder from the waitress, grabbed his credit card, and quickly signed the check.

  “Ready?” He stood and held out his hand.

  Megan knew he was only talking about leaving, but her thighs clenched. He walked with her to the nearby taxi stand and flagged down a boat. Soon they were sitting on cushioned seats next to each other. The twinkling lights on the sleek watercraft made it seem like a Mexican version of a Venetian gondola.

  “Can you give us a nice long ride before you drop us off at our hotel?” Rowdy passed the driver some folded money, then scooted closer to Megan, who shivered. “Are you cold?”