“You’re the reason I’m in this position,” she countered, keeping her tone light since she held Emily.
“That’s your excuse for kissing Colt Elliott?” Her father’s silver brows drew in as he crossed his arms over his chest. “That man doesn’t care about you, Belle. People like the Elliotts only care about money.”
She swallowed back the hurt. Someday a man would be interested in her for no other reason than the fact that he liked, or even loved her. She’d been used and discarded too many times to care right now, though. Kissing Colt had been a pleasure, and she was going to steal those moments when she could. She was smart enough to know Colt wanted her in bed. And she couldn’t deny she’d been fantasizing about it.
“Leave the girls here,” her father stated.
Annabelle shook her head. She needed them as the buffer. “We’ll be fine. Besides, I don’t get to see them much.”
“At least leave Emily since she’s still been fussing.”
“I’ll take Lucy,” she stated. She had to drive home to Colt that she wasn’t the type to play around. She had a family she needed to look out for.
Finally, her father nodded. “I’m going to need some cash.”
“What for?”
She’d taken over all finances, cutting him off since she’d been back. Until he proved himself to be addiction free, it was the only way for them to get his debt paid off in time.
“I’ll go to the grocery while you’re gone. We’re low on diapers and we could use some milk and eggs.”
Annabelle did the quick math in her head. Holding Emily on her hip, she crossed to her purse hanging by the front door. She pulled out a few bills and handed them to her father.
“Just put the change back in my purse,” she told him. “I shouldn’t be too long.”
Before he could make another argument as to why she shouldn’t go, Annabelle grabbed the diaper bag and her keys and headed out the door. Once she got to Pebblebrook, she pulled in to the large, circular drive near the front door. She’d only been in his office, so she had to admit she was curious about what the rest of the house looked like. Did any other rooms have that spectacular waterfall?
Annabelle unfastened Lucy from her car seat and headed up the wide stone steps. The small creek running in front of the home soothed her nerves with the trickling effect. She knew coming here was just another tactic of Colt’s to sway her into his bed. Little did he know nobody had been able to accomplish that in the past and she had a strong resolve built up. Well, she couldn’t deny it was slipping, but she could hold out longer than him.
And she was pretty confident she was driving him insane. He wanted her and he was getting desperate. A thrill of power shot through her.
When the wide door swung open just as she hit the top step, Annabelle was a little surprised to see Colt in the entryway.
“I figured one of your minions would answer the door.”
He held a hand over his heart and stepped aside for her to enter. “I’m crushed you think so little of me.”
“You think enough of yourself for both of us,” she countered as she stepped over the threshold.
The house was just as gorgeous as she remembered. Breathtaking. So far out of her league, she was afraid to take a step any farther. But she took her time in glancing around, taking it all in.
“Just one of the girls?” he asked.
Annabelle nodded. “This is Lucy. Emily stayed with my dad. I won’t know how to act with just one. I’m always taking care of them both at the same time.”
“Let me have the bag.” Colt eased the diaper bag off her shoulder and set it on the accent table next to an enormous vase containing a spray of bright flowers. “Follow me. Winnie did indeed make a feast and she was thrilled to have someone enjoy it other than me.”
“Where is she?”
“Oh, she’s probably heading home,” he replied as he led her down the wide hallway toward the back of the house. “She went to her suite earlier, but she’s not staying.”
Her suite. Of course. What chef didn’t have their own suite?
Annabelle held on tight to Lucy, who had finally laid her head down on Annabelle’s shoulder. It had been a long day for everyone.
“How are you feeling?” Colt asked, stepping into the massive kitchen.
“I’m fine.” Even if she weren’t, she wouldn’t admit it. She was still mortified she’d passed out earlier. But, the moment she’d woken up, she’d seen that worry on Colt’s face. That was definitely something he couldn’t fake.
Annabelle tried not to gawk, but she couldn’t help herself. The massive center island dominated the kitchen. It featured a small sink and a second gas stove as well as an overhang stretching across the length of the island. There were even bar stools made from antique saddles.
Massive dishes of food had been set out: cornbread, potatoes, smoked sausages with peppers, and a pie. Apple. Her favorite. The spread on the island had her mouth watering.
“I should’ve worn my bigger jeans.” Her stomach growled and she cringed. “And I shouldn’t have skipped lunch.”
His bright eyes narrowed. “No, you shouldn’t have. You know how hard ranch work is and you need to take care of yourself.”
Annabelle nodded. “It won’t happen again. Believe me.” Lucy let out a deep sigh. “I’m pretty sure she’s fallen asleep.”
Annabelle turned so the baby faced Colt. “Is she?”
“Oh, yeah. She’s out.”
Grabbing a plate off the edge of the bar, Annabelle started dishing up potatoes with one hand.
“I’ll get your damn plate.”
She eyed him. “No language around the baby.”
Tipping his head, he pursed his lips. “She’s already talking?”
“Well, no, but I don’t want damn to be her first word, either.”
“Fair enough, sweetness.”
Rolling her eyes, she set her plate down and glared at him. “You’ve got to stop with the tacky pet names. I’m sure you’ve used those names on a number of other women, but I’m not falling for your charms.”
“You think I’m charming?” That sidelong grin had her body instantly responding. “And I’ve never used sweetness on anyone else. Maybe that can be your name.”
Slowly easing Lucy to her other side, Annabelle snorted. “I’d rather you not call me that, especially when we’re working.”
He put a piece of cornbread on the side of her plate and turned to face her, pinning her with that direct baby-blue gaze. “And when we’re not working?”
She would not stand there and flirt with him. She had to cut that off before it could get started because she was losing ground. Her willpower was cracking and she couldn’t afford to have it completely crumble.
Breaking his stare, Annabelle turned away. She headed toward the long, farm-style table in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the pool. Of course there was a pool house off to the side. She could only imagine what that looked like inside.
“Good evening.” Annabelle jerked toward the doorway to see a beaming elderly woman. “I’m Winnie. I won’t get in the way, I just wanted to introduce myself and tell you how amazing that cinnamon bread you sent back was.”
Annabelle ignored the way Colt’s gaze widened. “You’re welcome. I love to bake and wanted to thank you for the dinner. I guess I should be thanking you for two.”
She waved a hand. “It’s no trouble at all. I’m happy to have someone else to cook for. I’d love for you to share that recipe, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind a bit,” Annabelle replied with a smile.
“You made bread?” Colt finally asked as he poured two glasses of sweet tea.
“It was in the basket she sent back,” Winnie stated.
“I had no idea or I would’ve dug into it.” Colt crossed the kitchen and set Annabelle’s plate and tea on the table. “This looks delicious, as always, Winnie. Did you eat?”
“I did.” Her eyes ze
roed in on Emily. “And who is this precious baby?”
“My daughter, Lucy.” That still felt so strange to say. There were so many emotions tied to the fact the twins were legally hers. Emotions she’d not fully faced. “She and her twin, Lucy, are six months old.”
“Oh, my. Two precious angels. Well, she’s a doll with that red, curly hair. I can see she looks like you,” Winnie stated with a confident nod and grin.
Of course they looked alike. Annabelle and her sister both shared the same skin tone, red hair, green eyes.
Winnie’s gaze darted between Annabelle and Colt before she took a step toward him. “I thought about going to see your father, unless I’m needed here.”
Annabelle took a seat at the table. The bench seating made for nice family-style dining, but she had a feeling Colt didn’t host too many family gatherings. She didn’t know the story behind his father, and he hadn’t offered to give her details, so she tried not to pay attention to the conversation behind her.
She stabbed a potato with her fork and took a bite. In such a short time, she’d gotten used to doing things with one hand while holding Lucy or Emily with the other.
“We’re good here,” Colt replied. “Maybe, uh, why don’t you take Dad some pie. Apple was his favorite. I don’t know...”
This was the first time Annabelle had ever heard Colt even remotely sound unsure. And there was that sadness again. Colt may be a big, powerful rancher, but there was no masking the pain he obviously felt now.
“I’ll take some,” Winnie stated. “Let me just get that and I’ll be out of your way.”
Annabelle took a drink of her sweet tea and patted Lucy’s back. She hated being caught in the midst of what was obviously a family moment. If anyone understood not wanting outsiders involved in a private affair, it was her.
“It was lovely to meet you.”
Annabelle turned slightly, waving to Winnie. “You, too. And thanks for this wonderful meal.”
“I hope you’ll come back.”
Before Annabelle could even reply, Winnie walked away with her container. Colt scooped hearty portions onto his plate and Annabelle stared at him, wondering what to say.
“Don’t ask.”
His firm command had her straightening in her seat. “I wasn’t. I honestly don’t know what to say. I don’t know why I’m here.”
Crossing the room, he set his plate down right next to hers and settled down onto the bench. “You’re here because I’m tired of eating alone and I enjoy your company. You’re here so you can see that you can trust me. And you’re here so I can feed you.”
When Annabelle reached for her fork, Colt covered her hand. Her eyes met his and he took the fork from her. When he scooped up a bite and held it in front of her lips, she froze.
“What are you doing?”
His mouth twisted into a half grin and Annabelle’s heart kicked into a higher gear. “Making sure you’re taken care of.”
Annabelle took the bite he offered. Whatever Winnie had done to those potatoes was amazing, but it was difficult for Annabelle to concentrate with Colt sitting this close. His thigh rubbed against hers on the bench and it was all she could do not to touch it.
He fed her several more times, never taking his eyes off her as she closed her lips over the fork. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore.
“I can finish,” she told him. “I’m used to holding her and eating at the same time.”
“I’m getting to you.”
“Yes.” Why deny the truth? “Which is why I can’t keep doing this.”
Silence settled around them, save for the occasional clatter of their utensils against the plates. Annabelle only ate a little before she eased her legs around and came to her feet. She grabbed her plate and took it to the counter. She held on to Lucy and closed her eyes, willing some semblance of self-control to come back.
Coming here was a bad idea. She honestly didn’t know what she wanted. Well, she knew, but she couldn’t even go there. She had too much to worry about with her home, her father, learning about how to care for two babies. No wonder she was thinking of throwing every bit of common sense aside and letting Colt seduce her. She knew full well she’d enjoy it, that was never in question. The issue was what happened afterward? How would she work for him and try to keep the various aspects of their relationship compartmentalized?
Lucy started fussing and wiggling around. Rocking back and forth, Annabelle patted her back.
“You’re really good with her.”
Annabelle glanced up to see Colt standing on the other side of the island. “It’s a learning process.”
Wasn’t that an understatement?
“What happened with the father?”
Colt’s question took her completely off guard. Annabelle froze. “He’s not in the picture.”
“You said that, but I assume since you were engaged and now you’re left alone with two babies, he wasn’t man enough for the job.”
Considering the father of this child and her fiancé were two different people, this could get tricky. But, she also wasn’t about to get into the ordeal. She didn’t intend to get too personal with Colt, and she didn’t want him to look at her with pity, so there was no need to let him in on the truth behind the twins.
“The girls’ father signed over all rights.” That much was true. Trish had gone to him when she’d discovered she was pregnant, but he wasn’t ready to be a daddy. “We’re fine, though.”
Because Annabelle wouldn’t let them be anything but fine.
“I can’t imagine any man not wanting to be with his children,” Colt added, crossing his arms over his broad chest as he stared down at Lucy. “And if he was engaged to you, why would he just throw all of that away?”
“Stop,” she murmured. “This isn’t... I can’t get into this.”
Colt eased around the island and came to stand directly in front her. His eyes locked on to hers. “I’m trying to gain your trust, Annabelle. I want you to trust me when I take you to my bed.”
“You’re not taking me to bed,” she insisted, though nerves in her stomach danced wildly at the thought.
“I am,” he countered. “But I want to make sure it’s my face you see, my name you say when you’re there.”
“Considering I’ve never said anyone else’s name, that won’t be a problem.”
She hadn’t meant to just blurt that out, but seeing the shock on his face was worth it.
“What?” he asked, shock lacing that single word.
She’d come this far. Might as well let him know what he was dealing with. Maybe he’d back off and get that ridiculous idea out of his head.
“I’m a virgin.”
Eleven
Very little in Colt’s life shocked him. He’d traveled all over the globe, dealt with a variety of people and liked to believe he could think on his feet. But nothing prepared him for the confusing statement Annabelle had just dropped between them.
“How the hell is that even possible?” he asked. “I know the girls aren’t adopted. They look just like you.”
Annabelle patted the sleeping baby and nodded. “No, they’re not adopted. My sister was their mother.”
Her sister. The one who passed away.
Colt attempted to make things clear in his head, but he was at a loss. How the hell did he respond to that? She was clearly out of her depth with so much, having life throw things at her she wasn’t ready for—motherhood...sex.
And he was an ass for being so forward, so blatant.
Well, he was a jerk for other things as well, but that was business.
In his defense, how the hell was he supposed to know she was so inexperienced? She had babies, for crying out loud, and the way she’d flirted, kissed...
“I don’t know what to say.”
Annabelle held his gaze as she rested her cheek against the sleeping baby’s head. “There’s nothing to say. You needed to know what you were up against. Clearly, I’m not swayed by easy charm
s and sexy men. So, you’d probably be better off moving on to a woman who will actually give in to your advances.”
Colt would’ve laughed had her statement held any conviction or had she not melted against him when they’d kissed. Annabelle was already giving in to his every advance, whether she wanted to admit it or not.
“You think because you’re inexperienced that I’ll move on?” he asked, taking a step closer until his chest brushed the arm she held Lucy with. “Baby, if anything, I want you more. To know I can be the one to show you everything, I’ve never been more turned on.”
“Don’t call me baby,” she whispered.
“When I get you into my bed, I’ll call you your name and you’ll damn well love every second of it.”
She jerked back. “You’re not seriously still interested in me. You just want the challenge.”
“It’s true I’ve never backed away from a challenge,” he assured her. “But I want you, sweetness. I’ve wanted you from the moment you plowed into my fence. And you want me, too, or you wouldn’t have stared at my bare chest so long that day.”
Her eyes narrowed. “If I weren’t holding Lucy, I’d smack you.”
Colt believed she probably would. He couldn’t help but laugh as he leaned close to her ear. “Save that energy.”
“You’re impossible.” Annabelle took a step back, then shifted Lucy in her arms. “I’m going home. Tell Winnie thanks for dinner and I’ll get her that recipe.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you like to cook?” he asked, the thought of her leaving suddenly unbearable.
“I never said I liked to cook,” she retorted.
He leaned against the edge of the counter, feigning calm and giving her a bit more breathing room.
“You didn’t have to,” he stated. “You baked bread and brought it back. Someone who hates cooking wouldn’t have done that.”
Annabelle bit her bottom lip as if she were contemplating letting him into her personal life any further. She’d already dropped a bomb. What did it matter at this point?
“I actually love to bake,” she told him. “Bread is my weakness. My mother always baked bread. Our house always smelled amazing. I guess I just want to keep up that tradition, and hopefully pass it down to the girls one day.”
Twin Secrets (Mills & Boon Desire) (The Rancher’s Heirs 01) Page 9