A Montana Cowboy

by Rebecca Winters

  Cassie threw her head back. “He’s up to his old tricks running surveillance for Ned. Owen does whatever Ned tells him to do. It’s sick and twisted.”

  “I’ve given this a lot of thought. Ned had time to think and plan while he was in that facility. He has enjoyed harassing you over the years, but no one can predict a timetable for him to do something destructive if he’s going to.”

  “Oh...he’s going to. Just give him time.”

  “Zane and I talked about putting a restraining order on Owen, but it’s Ned we want to catch in the act. To serve Owen with an order would let Ned know we’re watching them. To do this right Zane feels we need to wait a little longer before netting them at the same time.”

  “You mean carry out a sting?”

  “That’s how Zane operates, but a sting takes patience. To reduce the anxiety level I have something in mind, but you’d have to be totally on board with it, too.”

  “What is it?”

  “I was wondering how you would feel about keeping a dog around here to alert us when someone comes on the property.”

  His suggestion couldn’t have thrilled her more. “I’d love a dog, Trace.”

  He looked pleasantly surprised. “You’re not just saying that?”

  “Not at all. When I was young we had a terrier, but he didn’t like Ned because Ned teased him without mercy. Mother was the dog lover in the family. I begged her to give him away so Ned wouldn’t hurt him. One day he was gone and mother never replaced him. I was glad, but I missed Dex horribly. He guarded me everywhere I went.”

  Trace’s expression sobered. “Do you think Ned had something to do with his disappearance?”

  “I’ll never know.” She turned and got a lemonade out of the fridge. “Do you want a cola?”

  “Not right now, thanks.”

  She pulled the tab and took a long drink. “What kind of dog were you thinking of?”

  Trace rested against the counter. “A sheltie.”

  “I adore shelties! They look like little collies.”

  One corner of his mouth curved upward. “Our family had a collie once named Kip.”

  “I bet you loved him.”

  “To me he was the greatest dog on earth.”

  “I know. I felt the same about Dex. Every dog owner feels that way, like they’re another member of the family.”

  “Yup. Dad thinks Mr. Ogilvie’s sheltie kept him alive after his wife died. He was one of my father’s clients who passed away this week, leaving Dusty who was with him for eight years. His daughter lives in California. She came here to plan the funeral and sell the house. She can’t take the dog with her and asked if Dad could help find a home for him.”

  “Oh, the poor thing.” Already Cassie’s heart went out to the sheltie who’d lost his owner. “No doubt he’s still waiting for him to come home. I saw a documentary recently where one dog was in such great mourning, someone found it lying on the ground of its owner’s tomb.”

  “It’s a heartbreaker all right. Dad has taken care of that dog since it was a pup and knows its history. He’s a blue merle with a blue eye and a brown eye.”

  “You’re kidding—”

  “Scout’s honor. We could run by the Ogilvie home after dinner and see what we think.”

  “Why don’t we go now?”

  He chuckled before cocking his dark head. “Because you’re supposed to put your feet up and rest.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Thank you for reminding me.”

  There was a time when she wouldn’t have liked him minding her business. But in the past three weeks a change had come over her. She had to admit she loved being watched over by him. He was an amazing, caring man whose company she craved more and more.

  “You’re welcome. While you do that, I’ll call Dad and ask him to make the arrangements for us to see the dog. I need an address.”

  Cassie hurried to her room and took a shower. Afterward she put on a skirt, which made a nice change from jeans, and teamed it with a summery print blouse with three-quarter sleeves. Then she lay down on the bed and propped her feet for half an hour.

  Trace’s suggestion that they get a dog had taken hold. She and Logan had talked about getting one when they could get their own place. It would have been so comforting to have one after he’d died, but she wouldn’t have dared broach the subject to Sam. This ranch house wasn’t hers.

  It still isn’t, Cassie.

  She got up off the bed to apply lipstick and brush her hair. After putting on a mango-scented lotion, she left her room and went to the kitchen, but Trace wasn’t there. She found him in the living room watching the news on TV. His black hair was still damp from the shower. He’d put on a dark blue shirt over light gray chinos. No other man could possibly match his looks or his charisma.

  He got to his feet while his gaze swept over her. “You look rested. How’s your appetite?”

  “I’m hungry.”

  “So am I. Have you been to that new place called Smoky’s?”

  That’s why he’d dressed up. “I’ve been meaning to try it.”

  “Well I’m in the mood for ribs. How about you?”

  “That sounds fattening and wonderful.”

  “There’s no fat I detect on you anywhere,” he murmured. The personal comment did dangerous things to her pulse.

  “Liar,” she teased.

  “No argument that we might be seen in town together?”

  “Since I’m sure my parents know about my pregnancy by now, I’m too grateful for your help to care,” she answered honestly.

  A glint of satisfaction entered his eyes. He turned off the TV with the remote. “Shall we go?”

  * * *

  SMOKY’S TURNED OUT to be another restaurant with a Western motif and a live band of cowboys cranking out country music. The place was crowded. While they had to wait to be seated, Cassie looked so damn beautiful, Trace couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Whatever fragrance she wore was heady stuff.

  Less than a month ago, he’d flown into Billings at the lowest ebb of his life. If anyone had told him that in three weeks he’d be head over heels in love with Logan Dorney’s pregnant wife...

  At the time it would have been beyond the realm of possibility, or so he’d thought. But he knew in his gut this was the real thing. If she was compelled to live in Siberia, he’d follow her there.

  The host showed them to a table and soon they were served baby back ribs with side dishes. Trace smiled at her. “They’re good.”

  “Very tasty. Tonight I can’t worry about the salt.”

  “Do you really notice a difference?”

  “I will when I get up tomorrow. My hands and feet swell. That’s why I removed my wedding ring last week.” She’d done it while he’d been in Italy. “Marsha had to call 9-1-1 to get hers cut off during her pregnancy, so I’m not taking any chances.”

  “It was that bad?”

  “It was starting to cut off her circulation. The fireman had her lie down on the kitchen table while one of them used a ring cutter that had to be inserted.”

  “What a painful experience.”

  “She said it was excruciating. Having the baby was nothing in comparison.”

  Trace chuckled. “I’m glad you’re cautious, then. Would you like dessert?”

  “Nothing more for me. I’m too full and will waddle out of here as it is, but please order some for yourself.”

  He shook his head. “Your strawberries are so sweet, they make the best dessert. I’ll eat a bowl of them later.” Trace put some money on the table to pay the bill. “Shall we leave?”

  Her green eyes danced. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  “Too excited about the dog?” She was a true animal lover.

  “I can’t wait.”

  “Since you can’t keep Giselle, maybe Dusty will be the next best thing.” He stood up and helped her from her seat. They walked out to the Explorer and left for the Ogilvie home on the other side of town.

  He pulle
d into the driveway of the small L-shaped bungalow. Before they could get out of the car, the woman came out the front door with the sheltie on a leash. Trace cupped Cassie’s elbow as they walked to the front porch. They introduced themselves to the woman named Grace and expressed their sympathy for her loss.

  “Thank you. You bear a certain resemblance to your father.”

  “I hope he doesn’t mind.”

  Cassie laughed at him. “You know very well you take after your handsome father.” Trace liked the sound of that.

  Grace nodded. “I agree.”

  He noticed that the whole time they’d been talking, the dog stood back. “Is Dusty naturally shy?”

  “Let’s just say he’s more reserved around strangers, but he’s a dear.”

  “I can see that.” Cassie hunkered down in front of him. “Dusty? I know you’re sad to lose your best friend. How would you like to come home with us? I can tell you’re a sweetie. We’d take very good care of you.”

  Connor had told Trace that Liz was a horse whisperer. As he watched the way Cassie talked to the dog, he sensed she had that special gift, too. The dog’s ears pricked up. Like the little fox, Dusty’s head moved with the sound of her voice. It was touching beyond belief.

  “Do you mind if I pat your head?” She put her hand out palm down and let Dusty smell her before she scratched his ears. “We’d like to take care of you if you’ll let us.”

  Dusty lifted his head and licked her wrist.

  Trace hunkered down next to her. “What do you think, Dusty? Will you let us be your friend?” The dog cocked his head.

  Cassie said, “His name is Trace, and I’m Cassie. Do you know what? I think you have a smile on your face and your blue eye looks like Trace’s eyes. It’s as if you belong together. Isn’t that amazing?”

  The dog made a little moaning sound as if he understood. His tail waved slowly back and forth.

  Grace was beaming. “I’d say you’ve already won Dusty over. He’s usually hand shy. My father would be in tears if he knew.”

  Cassie’s eyes were full as she stood up. She looked at Trace. “What do you think?” she whispered wearing her heart in her expression.

  He got to his feet. “Grace? Will you hand me the leash? Cassie and I will walk him around the front yard and see how he does.”

  “Come on, Dusty.” The dog went with them, but after a few seconds he worked himself between them and they chuckled. When Trace made a turn, Dusty barked.

  “Dusty’s afraid you’re going to take him back in the house,” Grace called to him. “He loves walks and rides in the car.”

  “Do you love walks?” Cassie leaned over and rubbed his head and ears. “So do I.”

  This time the dog licked her everywhere he could.

  “I think we’ll take this dog with us, Grace. I’ll get his dish and dog bed.” Trace handed the leash to Cassie.

  “Don’t forget the toys,” Cassie reminded him. “We’ll wait right here for you.”

  Before long Trace came outside with the dog’s things. Dusty walked right over to him smelling everything. When Trace opened the rear door, Cassie got in first and Dusty followed. He sat on the seat next to her. There was no question Cassie had already bonded with him.

  With a smile, Trace walked around and put everything on the floor in the front before getting behind the wheel. “I told Grace not to come out in case it created more anxiety.”

  “That was smart.”

  “Are you buckled up?”

  “Oh—I forgot. We’re ready now, aren’t we, Dusty.” He barked.

  When they got back to the ranch, Trace set up the dog’s bed in one corner of his room with a couple of his toys. Grace had given him the doggie treats she had left, along with his bag of food and bowl.

  He and Cassie took a couple of the treats out in front and exercised him to wear him out. When it was time for bed, Trace gave him a treat. “It’s outside time.” He walked around the side of the house to train him where to go.

  “Good dog,” Cassie patted him.

  They went in the house and removed the leash. Dusty took off running everywhere and sniffing everything, causing them to laugh. Trace eyed Cassie. “One day your little girl is going to be able to crawl around and explore. This dog is going to break you in.”

  “I’m already picturing it.”

  Trace walked through to the kitchen. After he filled one of the bowls with water, he put it down in the corner. Dusty came running and lapped up most of the liquid. “You were thirsty.”

  “You seem to know exactly what to do, Trace.”

  “With a vet for a father, you pick up a few tricks, but it’s going to take time to train Dusty to our lifestyle. So far I’d say he’s doing great. You need to get to bed. I’ll turn out the lights.”

  “Thank you for an unforgettable evening. I’m thrilled you got a dog.”

  When Dusty started to follow her out of the kitchen, Trace told him to stay. He stopped in the doorway and made a few strange sounds, but he didn’t take another step. Mr. Ogilvie had trained his dog well.

  “Good night, Dusty. See you in the morning.” She patted his head before disappearing.

  “Okay buddy, let’s lock up.” Dusty stayed by him as he walked around before going to his room. “Here’s your bed.” He stood by it until the dog curled up in it with one of his toys that looked like a weasel.

  Trace got ready for bed and wore the bottom half of his navy sweats. Before he got in, he knelt down to gentle the dog. “We need you a lot more than you need us, Dusty. That woman in the next room needs all the protection we can give her.”

  After turning out the light, he slid under the covers with a deep sigh. He didn’t envy the dog who had undergone a huge change in his life. But as Trace’s father had told him, even if a dog had a long memory, he would adjust fast if given love and attention. He and Cassie could supply that in abundance.

  He drifted off with visions of Cassie running through his mind. But sometime during the night he was awakened by low moans that made him jump out of bed. Dusty wasn’t in his bed. Trace left the bedroom and found the dog outside Cassie’s door. He’d put his paws as far under the slit as possible. Trace had to smother his laughter.

  I know how you feel, he spoke to himself. I want to crawl into her bed, too, but we can’t. You have to be invited.

  “Come to bed, Dusty.” The dog made another moaning sound, but he obeyed Trace. “Stay,” he said after he got back in his little bed.

  Ten minutes later the moaning started up again. Through the slits of his eyes he noticed the dog was missing again. Once more he got up and walked down the hall. But this time Cassie opened her door dressed in a robe that revealed her swollen figure. Her hair was beautiful, all disheveled and golden.

  “Are you lonesome tonight, Dusty?” She darted Trace a glance. “I know he needs to learn his place, but do you think it would be all right if I sit by his bed for a few minutes so he’ll settle down? Otherwise you’re not going to get any sleep either.”

  How could he possibly tell her no when she looked at him with eyes as pleading as the dog’s?

  “Come to bed, Dusty,” he told him. Cassie followed them to his bedroom and sat down on the floor next to the doggie bed. Dusty lay down on his back with his paws up, another peculiarity they found endearing. Trace sat next to her. The dog had gotten his way. In the end he was thankful for Dusty because an hour later, Cassie had fallen into a sound sleep against Trace’s shoulder.

  He put his arm around her and lowered her head to the floor, leaving his arm there for a cushion. She turned into him, bringing her body breathlessly close to his.

  The world in his arms.

  That’s what it felt like. In a minute he’d waken her so she could go back to bed. But for this moment he wanted to savor her sweetness a little longer.

  When the sleeping dog whimpered, Cassie stirred and her eyes opened. “Trace?” she whispered, sounding disoriented.

  “You fell asleep.
”

  Her free hand had been resting against his chest. Now that she was waking up, she started to touch him experimentally. “For how long?”

  “About an hour.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not. You were out like a light and needed the sleep.”

  “You’re so good to me.”

  Their mouths were achingly close. He brushed his lips against hers out of need. “It’s because you’re so easy to please I want to do everything for you.”

  “Trace...” This time she took the initiative and pressed her lips against his. That was all it took to deprive him of his last shred of self-control. Maybe he was dreaming, but her mouth seemed to welcome his, urging him to kiss her and hold nothing back.

  He pulled her against him, loving the shape of her, the fragrance of her hair, the softness of her skin. She’d aroused his passion on so many levels, he didn’t know how he was going to stop, but he had to. He could feel her baby. Much as he wanted to make love to her, he couldn’t. This wasn’t the time, and the floor wasn’t the place. Cassie needed to be able to trust him.

  Let go of her now, Rafferty.

  As carefully as he could, he eased her away from him and got to his feet. “Even with the carpeting, the floor is hard. Come on. Now that we’ve got Dusty to bed, it’s your turn.” He helped her to her feet. She weaved in place. Trace clasped her upper arms until she felt steady.

  Her eyes looked glazed as she stared at him in the semidarkness. “I won’t pretend I thought you were Logan when I first woke up.”

  Her honesty slayed him. “Believe it or not, Nicci wasn’t in there either.”

  “Attraction is a dangerous thing.”

  “Only if it’s wrong, but there’s nothing wrong with what we just shared.”

  “Thank you for having more discipline than I do.”

  He smiled, loving her frank speaking. “If I had control, I wouldn’t have let you fall asleep on my shoulder. That makes us even. Let’s blame it on nerves over becoming new parents tonight.”

  To his relief Cassie smiled back. “I like that excuse better than anything you could have come up with besides the truth. I’m going back to bed now. If Dusty whines at my door, I won’t open it. He has to learn discipline. Unfortunately his new parents have to teach him ‘do as we say, not as we do.’”