Throughout the evening, Jessie caught glimpses of Cameron as he interacted with his mother's guests. He hadn't once approached her. But the hungry looks he cast her way every now and then, made her stomach flutter with anticipation and dread. She needed to keep him at arm's length. She owed TR that much. Now that dinner was over, maybe it was time to go home.
Jessie ladled more punch into her cup. She wasn't ready to leave just yet. It had been a long time since she'd been to a party. One more drink, then she would call it a night.
"Hey, Jess, pour me one, will you?" Tori McCade stuck her cup under the ladle Jessie was still holding.
"Sure thing," Jessie said. She'd always liked Cameron's baby sister. Only she wasn't a baby any longer. "Haven't seen you in a while. How's veterinarian school going?"
Tori shrugged and sipped her drink. "It's going. I just wish I could hurry up and graduate. Old Doc Pritchard is ready to retire and he's asked me to take over his veterinarian practice here in Salt Fork."
"That's great."
"Yeah, but I have three more years of school left." Tori set her cup down, leaned her elbows on the table and watched the dancers. "It seems like forever."
"It'll go by quicker than you think."
"So speaks the old wizened one."
Jessie grinned. Tori always teased her about being older. They'd been friends for a long time. "You should listen to your elders."
Tori snorted. "Right."
Jessie tapped her foot in time to the music. The dance floor was packed. She smiled when she saw Austin McCade trying to teach his young daughter to dance. It had been ten years since his wife had died, and the man was still grieving. But he was doing a fine job raising Kelsey alone.
Only he wasn't alone, Jessie thought. He had the support of his family to see him through. He was lucky in that respect.
The McCades were good people. Just look at Dallas dancing with his mother. The big taciturn rancher was actually smiling.
Jessie sighed. Dallas wouldn't be smiling when he found out she was going to lease the mineral rights on the Diamondback Ranch. Ruth wouldn't be smiling either.
Tori suddenly straightened from her crouch over the table and poured herself another drink. "I heard you broke a date with Cameron last night."
Jessie nearly choked on her punch. News sure got around fast. "Did he tell you that?"
"No, Mother told me. But I knew something was up the way he was pacing around the living room after dinner, grouchy as a bear. Why'd you break the date? You were only going to the movies, for crying out loud."
"It's complicated. You know how I've always felt about him." Jessie never could figure out how Tori knew, but she did.
"Exactly. And now's your chance."
"Not much of a chance. He isn't here to stay."
"Did you show him the clinic?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"And nothing."
"Well, damn."
"It was a long shot . . ."
"Don't give up, okay? I've only been home since yesterday, but I've noticed Cameron is even more restless and unsettled than ever. He must be going through a mid-life crisis."
"Oh right, Tori. He's only thirty-five."
"Okay, a pre-mid-life crisis, then."
"Whatever you say--"
"Hey, it could be true. Lots of doctors get burned out at an early age. Or they become dissatisfied with the health care system and all the red tape with the insurance companies."
"And you know this how?"
"I'm in grad school. I know. I'm going to be a doctor, too."
"A veterinarian is a whole different animal."
"Oh, that's good," Tori said.
Jessie shrugged, picked up the ladle again and refilled their cups. "Here, have some more punch."
"Pretty good, isn't it?"
"It has an unusual flavor. I can't quite place it."
Tori laughed. Her blue eyes twinkled mischievously. "I spiked it."
"For heaven's sake, why? There's a bar inside."
"Hey, I thought it would be fun. Some of these people really need to loosen up."
"You're getting too old to play these kinds of pranks."
"I'm not the old one here."
"I'm not old, either." Jessie dissolved into giggles. "No wonder I'm feeling light-headed."
"How many cups have you had?" Tori asked with a smile. "I think you're tipsy.
"Who's tipsy?" Sam Garza walked up to the table.
Tori stopped smiling. She plunked her cup down and turned her shoulder. "I better see if Mother needs me," she said, rushing toward the house.
Jessie looked at Sam, who was staring after Tori. "I can't imagine what's gotten into her. She usually isn't rude."
"It doesn't matter," Sam said. "Do you want to dance?"
She loved to dance, but really she needed to get home. So far, she'd been successful in avoiding Cameron, but her luck wouldn't last forever. One dance, then she'd leave.
Smiling at Sam, she said, "I'd love to."
Sam held her in a firm grasp. He set a fast pace, circling the platform, dancing the Texas Two-Step. Jessie held on with a fierce grip; the punch, as well as the swift turns, made her head spin.
When the music stopped, Jessie's head kept twirling. She stumbled and Sam placed his hands on her shoulders to keep her steady.
"Thanks," she said. "I'll be all right in a minute."
He narrowed his eyes. "Have you been drinking?"
Jessie hiccupped. "Only punch."
"Only punch? Are you sure?"
Jessie nodded and laughed. "Tori spiked it."
Sam's lips curved in a reluctant smile. "That little witch."
"A charming little witch, don't you think?"
"Much too charming," he said with a frown.
Jessie felt Sam's fingers dig into her shoulders for just an instant. His dark brown eyes held secrets.
"Thanks for the dance." Jessie backed away, but Sam didn't release her. Another song played on the jukebox. Couples swayed to the slow melody.
"How about one more?" he asked.
Jessie hesitated, then nodded. What the hell? One more dance couldn't hurt, could it?
Sam pulled her closer, but not too close. That's what she liked about Sam. She felt safe with him.
Without conscious thought, Jessie laid her head against his shoulder. She felt him stiffen and looked up, wondering if she'd crossed some invisible barrier. Before she could ask what was wrong, a strong hand encircled her waist, turning her away from Sam.
"I believe this is my dance." Cameron's voice sent shivers down Jessie's spine. His intense stare made her swallow hard.
"Maybe the lady doesn't want to dance with you." Sam stood his ground, not relinquishing his hold on Jessie.
The tension crackled between the two men. Cameron's touch kindled dormant fires, and her traitorous body responded instantly. She reminded herself about TR and what she owed him, but TR was gone. Cameron was here. More than anything in the world, Jessie wanted to be held in his arms. One time. One last time.
"It's okay, Sam," she said.
He glared at Cameron. "You sure?"
"I'm sure."
Immediately, Cameron swept her away. No words were spoken; none were needed. Cameron's eyes never left Jessie's as he held her close. With every movement of the dance, his muscular legs caressed the length of her thighs. Locking his arm around her shoulders, he grasped the nape of her neck. He caught her hand, interlacing her fingers intimately with his.
Jessie remembered him kissing her fingers, one by one. Had that only been yesterday? Cameron was holding her so tightly, she felt his arousal pressing into her and from the look in his eyes, he knew exactly what he was doing.
After circling the floor twice, he clasped Jessie's head into his shoulder, brushing his lips against her hair. His hot breath scorched the sensitive shell of her ear.
Time rolled back and Jessie remembered another dance with Cameron McCade in a darkened gym on p
rom night. He'd held her close then, too. And her young body had responded with alarming enthusiasm.
But that innocent dance so long ago couldn't compare to what Jessie was feeling now.
Cameron's heart pounded in time to her own. Nothing existed for Jessie except the powerful arms around her, and the musky scent of the man holding her.
When the song ended, he took her by the elbow and led her away into the night. He was breathing hard, walking fast. Jessie had to run to keep up with him. She tried to free her arm, but Cameron ignored her.
"What are you doing? Where are you taking me?" she whispered furiously, glancing back at the diminishing lights surrounding the dance floor.
"I'm taking you someplace where we can be alone. We need to be alone."
Cameron pulled Jessie to the side of the huge implement barn, away from prying eyes. He held her for a moment, hugging her close. "I've wanted to do this all evening."
The savage yearning in his voice flowed over Jessie like a blanket of pure desire. An answering ache in the pit of her stomach begged for fulfillment. Tori's punch clouded all reason. Jessie's body burned for one man; she had always burned for one man. He was here, holding her, wanting her.
Cameron touched her cheek, sliding his fingers into her hair, tangling them in the silky bonds. With infinite gentleness, he brought her lips close to his mouth. She felt his breath mingle with hers. The effects of the punch, combined with the intoxicating nearness of Cameron's body, pushed all thoughts of resistance to the back of Jessie's mind.
When his lips finally sought her mouth, she locked her arms around him and gave herself up to the pleasures of the kiss. This would be all she could have. She would not, could not betray TR's memory. This kiss would have to last her for the rest of her lonely life.
Cameron didn't know why Jessie had changed her mind about resisting him. Right now, he didn't care. All that mattered was that she was arching her back, pressing her soft breasts against his chest, clinging to him and responding deliciously to his kisses. They fit together perfectly. He longed to bury himself in her, feel her warmth surround him. He desperately wanted to lie down with her.
Scooping her up in his arms, he kicked open the barn door. Moonlight shone through the upper windows, revealing the hulky shadows of tractors and trailers. His eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, and he walked to the back where a mountain of soft cottonseed stood. Carefully, he laid Jessie down and stretched out beside her. He rolled over and covered her body with his. He kissed away her small moan of protest, assaulting her senses with renewed passion.
The fresh smell of cottonseed blending with Jessie's perfume drove Cameron wild. He ravaged her mouth, plunging his tongue deep within, tasting her fully.
She'd worn a long, baby blue dress to the party. The dress had bewitched him all day. There were no buttons in back or front, only snaps on one side, starting from under the arm down to the alluring curve of her hip. All afternoon and throughout the evening, those snaps had tantalized his imagination.
Shifting his weight, Cameron tucked a knee between Jessie's legs. The flowing skirt allowed easy access. She parted her thighs and raised her hips, gently rubbing against his iron hard length. Beads of sweat broke out on Cameron's forehead. He forced himself to slow down and fought for control. Jessie's movements were pushing him close to the edge. He deepened the kiss and explored her sweetness. His hands searched out every secret of her luscious body.
Supporting himself on one elbow, Cameron undid the snaps of the enticing blue dress one by one. He slipped a hand under the loosened fabric and eased the lacy edge of Jessie's bra downward, exposing her breasts to his questing fingertips. He cupped the firm flesh in his palm, relishing the silkiness of her skin. She felt heavy and full. God, he had to see her, taste her. He had to get rid of these clothes.
Jerking the bodice out of the way, he looked his fill.
"Beautiful, Jess. You're beautiful." He trailed kisses along the swell of one rounded breast, circling the rosy nipple, teasing the base with his tongue. Then he gently licked the tip and blew softly over the wet peak.
Jessie writhed beneath him, arching her back, seeking more. She reached for him and pulled his head closer, straining upward. Cameron hesitated only a fraction of a moment before taking her into his mouth, swirling his tongue around and around, sucking the nipple hard. Jessie shook her head from side to side, raising her body toward him. The whimpers in the back of her throat grew stronger and louder. His body flexed in response.
He reached under the full skirt and slipped his hand beneath the elastic band of Jessie's panties. He slid his fingers through the soft curly hair. She was wet and ready for him. When he felt her legs wrap around his waist, pulling him closer, Cameron's control snapped.
He grasped her bottom with both hands, thrusting against her with urgent need. He tugged at the tiresome panties. "We need to get rid of these, sweetheart."
The low, savage words wrenched Jessie back to reality. What was she doing? She had only wanted one kiss, that's all she could allow herself. How quickly that kiss had spiraled into full-blown passion. Damn Tori and her punch!
Jessie caught Cameron's hand and her panties fell back in place. They were both breathing hard, staring at each other. His heavy-lidded eyes asked a question.
She didn't have the answer. She knew she couldn't blame the punch for her lapse. It was Cameron. It had always been Cameron. They'd felt the attraction when they were kids. But they weren't kids anymore and Cameron wasn't holding anything back. He wanted her.
And God help her, she wanted him. His kisses ignited a raging passion within her. She craved the feel of his hot mouth on her heated skin. She definitely had a weakness when it came to Cameron McCade.
But nothing had changed. He was leaving tomorrow. All he wanted was her body.
Jessie pushed away and jumped to her feet, keeping her eyes lowered. She tried desperately to restore order to her clothing and her emotions. Her fingers fumbled with the snaps. "I don't know what to say . . . I didn't mean to let it go that far."
Cameron grabbed her shoulders, hauling her against his chest, forcing her head back. His eyes blazed with frustration. "What's wrong, Jess? You want this as badly as I do. We're both adults, for Christ's sake."
Jerking out of his strong grasp, Jessie stood her ground. "You just don't get it, do you? There has to be more for me. I don't sleep around."
Cameron took a step closer. "I know you don't. There's something special between us; you know there is. We're good together."
"Yes, we're good together," she said, finally snapping the last snap on the side of the dress. She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to restore order to her appearance and to her thrumming body. "So good in fact, you make me forget everything."
"Is that bad?"
"Yes. No . . . I cannot, will not betray TR," she said quietly.
"How can you betray him? He's dead, Jess. Would he want you to stop living? Never enjoy a relationship with another man?"
Jessie shook her head. "No, he wouldn't mind if it were anyone but you."
Cameron's blue eyes widened in surprise. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Smoothing the folds of her long skirt, she brushed cottonseed to the floor. Her emotions were jumbled and so was her brain. She owed TR a lot. She'd married him without loving him, and she'd never given him children.
Jessie couldn't tell Cameron the real reasons. She couldn't tell him she was afraid. Afraid she was falling in love with him again. Afraid she'd never stopped loving him. Afraid of the guilt and the regret.
Cameron grasped her shoulders again. She tried to wrench away, but he wouldn't let her. "What do you mean, Jess? Why would TR care that it's me?"
Jessie shook her head. "Because he hated your family. He never forgot about the feud."
"What feud? What in the world are you talking about?"
"The feud between your grandfather and TR's."
"Damn, Jess. That's ancient history.
It has absolutely nothing to do with you and me."
Her heart ached so badly, she could scarcely breathe. "I'm sorry, Cameron. I just can't do this." She turned and ran out the door and into the night.
He watched her go. She was always running from him. Now he knew why. Had she loved TR so deeply? He ignored the stab of jealousy in his gut. How could he be jealous of a dead man?
Jessie might still love her husband, but she was liquid fire in his arms. Did she feel guilty about the sizzling attraction she felt for him? That must be it, he decided. Guilt was making Jessie run, from him and from life.
No woman had ever affected him like Jessie did. No woman had ever made him lose control like that. His body was strung as taut as a barbed wire fence. Clenching his fists, Cameron willed himself to relax.
If only he could stay longer. If only he didn't have to return to Houston so soon. Maybe he could help Jessie get past the guilt. She was too young to live the rest of her life alone. And there was something about her that touched him deeper than any woman ever had. The thought scared the living hell out of him, but it didn't scare him enough to make him leave her alone.
Mentally scanning his work schedule, he decided he would return to Salt Fork in a few weeks. One way or another, he and Jess would resolve this thing between them. One way or another.
Chapter Six
On Monday morning, Jessie hurried to the shop and lost herself in work. She'd stayed home all day Sunday, trying not to think about Cameron, whether he had left yet, whether he would stop to say goodbye. She'd prayed he wouldn't. She didn't know how she could face him after what had happened at the party.
She didn't know how she could let him go, either. She was weak, damn it--weak where Cameron was concerned.
With an unspoken agreement, Sam took care of the customers, letting Jessie stay inside the office. She didn't know if he knew what was going on. She didn't explain and was grateful for his silence. Their relationship was simple, not complicated in the least. Why was it so complicated with Cameron?
After lunch, she and Sam were busy working on the carburetor of a customer's truck, when Jessie heard the unmistakable rumble of a diesel motor pull into the station. Her heart lurched for a second when she recognized Dallas McCade's pickup. Then she gave herself a mental shake. It wasn't Cameron; he was already back in Houston.
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