Strange, but Laurel didn’t feel the least bit self-conscious about the question. “Yes, and one day when you have a baby, you’ll need to feed her or him.”
“You mean like horsies do?”
“Yes, like when the mare feeds her foal.”
Addy smiled. “Are you going to have a baby someday?”
The familiar yearning stirred in her chest. “I hope so.” She would love to have a child like Addy, and a good man in her life. “Just not real soon.”
“But why not? I know, you can marry Daddy.”
Before Laurel could recover from the shock of Addy’s suggestion, there was a loud knock on the door. “Hey, are you girls in there?”
Startled at the sound of Kase’s voice, they both cried out in surprise. “Don’t come in, we’re in the tub,” Laurel said, not expecting to see Kase. A thrill shot through her body, her breathing suddenly labored, thinking about him coming in.
“Yeah, Daddy, we’re naked.”
Laurel couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, so no boys allowed.” She sank deeper into the bubbles along with Addy.
It had been a long time since she let herself go and have fun. She glanced down at the sweet child, knowing she wanted her as much as she wanted her father.
* * *
LAUREL HEARD HER NAME, and she rolled over in the bed to read the clock on the table. Five a.m. She dropped her head back on the pillow. Kase was gone.
“Laurel.” Hearing her name whispered again, she sat up and saw the shadowy figure by the door. “Kase?”
She threw the blanket back and got out of bed. Dressed in her pajama bottoms and T-shirt, she went to Kase standing in the doorway. A lamp from down the hall silhouetted the man.
“Sorry to wake you, but I wanted to see you once more before I left.”
“I’m glad you did.” Her gaze took him in. He was dressed in a pair of dark suit pants and a white shirt, a loose tie around his neck. “I want to wish you a safe trip. Be careful driving.”
“I will. You be careful not to overwork. I only want you to keep an eye on Dad and Addy. I don’t want her to run you ragged.”
He leaned forward and she could feel his breath against her face. She inhaled the subtle scent of his aftershave.
She brushed her hair back nervously. “We’ll be fine. She needs to be distracted so as not to worry about you. I’ll take her by the Bucking Q so she can see my mom while I check on my horses.”
“What would I do without you?” His gaze locked on hers, causing her heart to race. She felt her nipples harden and she crossed her arms to hide the fact.
“You would have found someone else to help out, Kase. But I’m glad I’m here for you. The important thing is you focus on resolving this custody mess.”
“I know. I can’t move on until I know she won’t be taken away from me.” He sighed. “Laurel, I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed spending time with you. When I get back, I want to see...”
She leaned forward and brushed her mouth against his. She couldn’t handle listening to promises he might not be able to keep. “You need to get going and get this custody resolved first.”
He nodded, then reached for her. “Then I need something more to keep me going.” He bent his head and captured her mouth in a searing kiss. She couldn’t help but respond as incredible feelings raced through her. Of course, Kase had always had that effect on her.
His tongue slipped into her mouth, moving against hers, causing her to whimper. Her breasts tingled with need when he pulled her to his chest. Her arms went around his neck, and he deepened the kiss. Okay, she was crazy. If anything, she would give Kase something to think about while he was gone.
He finally tore his mouth away. “Damn, woman. How do you expect me to leave now?”
She froze. He noticed her tension, and when she started to pull back, he stopped her.
“We’re definitely talking once this is settled, Laurel,” he whispered against her mouth. “There are so many things I want to say to you, but now isn’t the time.”
She nodded, then gave him a slight shove. “Then you need to go win this suit. I’m not going anywhere.”
He kissed her once more, turned and walked away as she felt a sense of gloom rush over her.
Don’t make me any promises.
* * *
AT EIGHT FORTY that morning, Kase pulled into the parking structure at the courthouse. His lawyer, Sam Gerrard, met him on the third floor. Sam had gone to college with him. He was built more like a linebacker dressed in a polyester suit, instead of a designer label like Armani. His blond hair was a little long, and his smile was big and confident. As much as Kase wanted to be a big corporate lawyer, Sam went in the opposite direction, working for the underdogs. Family law, with much of his service pro bono work. One thing for sure, the man was good at his job.
Together they headed to Judge Harold Steffen’s chambers. Even knowing this was routine for an informal hearing, Kase couldn’t help but worry. It only got worse once they walked through the doors of the large plush office. He froze. On one side of the dark-paneled room, in front of the large desk, sat Ben and Judith Chappell and their lawyer, the firm’s partner and custody lawyer, Charles Hannett. Ben brought the big guns and that worried Kase.
What was the man’s reasoning for this? And then there was the attractive Judith Kirsch Chappell. She turned around, revealing her perfectly made-up face. She blinked as if he wasn’t worth her time to even acknowledge him. Even though she’d never been crazy about him as a son-in-law, wouldn’t she at least ask about Addy?
Never an attentive grandmother, Judith spent her days at the country club with her bridge tournaments and social events. There was never time for her daughter, Johanna, or Addy.
Suddenly the severity of today hit Kase and he had to swallow down his panic. He leaned toward his lawyer and in a low voice said, “I can’t figure out what’s going on here. Ben is out for blood and I don’t know why.”
“He can’t touch your character, Kase. You have nothing in your background that could possibly keep you from raising your daughter.”
Kase wanted to believe his lawyer. “I don’t like the fact that the presiding judge is a friend of Ben’s. Harold Steffen and he golf together.”
Sam nodded. “I’m going to request he not handle this case because of a conflict of interest.”
The chamber door opened and the judge walked in. Everyone stood as he took a seat behind his desk.
“Have a seat, gentlemen and ladies.” He nodded to Judith and the female court reporter. Kase and his lawyer sat in the two chairs opposite the Chappells.
The white-haired judge was in his sixties, short in stature and unable to hide the extra forty pounds under his robe. He glanced down at the file on his desk and read the case number for the court reporter. “Benjamin and Judith Chappell versus Kase James Rawlins for the custody of minor female child Addison Marie Rawlins.”
Sam stood. “Your Honor, in view of this situation, your knowing and socializing with the Chappells, I feel that it’s in the interest of my client that you recuse yourself from this case.”
The judge leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers as if thinking over the matter. “I know both Mr. Chappell and Mr. Rawlins, Mr. Gerrard. They both have been in my court several times, and so far this is an informal hearing. I’m here to see if there is any validity to this case. For now, your request is denied, Mr. Gerrard.”
Sam sat down.
The judge looked at Ben’s lawyer and nodded. “Let’s begin.”
Charles Hannett stood. “I’m representing Ben and Judith Chappell for the custody of their granddaughter, Addison Marie, under the grounds that Kase Rawlins is unfit to raise her.”
Sam stood. “Again, I object, Your Honor. There isn’t any proof to that statemen
t.”
The judge nodded and looked at Hannett. “I’d like to hear your proof for that statement.”
“Yes, Your Honor. There were drugs found at the Rawlins residence.”
* * *
LAUREL WATCHED AS Addy sat up in her bed and talked on the phone. “Yes, Daddy, I’ve been good for Laurel. Guess what? We went to Mimi and Pops’s house for supper. I got to ride on Dandelion, but everybody calls her Dandi. She’s a pony that Pops got for baby Christopher.” She giggled. “He’s not born, so Pops and Papa Gus said I could ride him. Is that all right?”
The little girl listened. “Yes, Daddy. Laurel walked right by my side and I wore a helmet. She won’t let anything happen to me.” She listened to her father, then said, “I love you, too. ’Bye.” With a big grin, Addy held out the phone. “Daddy wants to talk to you.”
Laurel took the phone, anxious to hear what Kase had to say about today. Holding the phone in her hand, Laurel said, “You choose the book you want me to read, and I’ll be right back.” With the girl’s nod, Laurel walked into the hall. “Kase?”
“Hi, Laurel. Damn, it’s good to hear your voice.”
“It’s good to hear yours, too. Rough day?”
“Not the best, but I didn’t expect anything less from Ben. He’s accusing me of possessing drugs. The only thing that is in my favor is the fact that he entered my house illegally.”
Laurel glanced over her shoulder to check on Addy. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Could the drugs have been Johanna’s?”
“More than likely, or maybe Ben planted them.”
“My God, would he go that far to get Addy?”
“After today, I’m not putting anything past him.”
“Maybe he wants Addy for appearance’s sake, or the fact that they weren’t the best parents to their daughter?”
“If he wants to be a better grandparent, why would he take a child from her father?” Laurel could hear the pain in his voice. “There’s something more he wants, Laurel, and I need to find out what it is before I lose my child. Ben even suggested he and Judith would be better parents to Addy because they have a traditional marriage. That Addy needs the lifestyle that she’s been used to.”
“You being single shouldn’t be an issue. Oh, Kase, I’m so sorry. I wish I could do more.”
“You’re doing more than you know.” He hesitated, then said, “I wish...I was there with Addy...with you.”
She swallowed, not wanting to hope. “Pretend I’m sending you a big hug.”
“I keep remembering kissing you.”
“Kase, you shouldn’t be thinking about anything but your daughter.”
“You’re right. Thank you for being so wonderful with Addy. She needs that now.”
Laurel closed her eyes. “You don’t have to thank me. She’s been a joy.” And she was getting too attached to both of them. “Look, Kase. Addy’s ready for her story, then I need to get her settled for the night.”
“Of course. I’ll call tomorrow.”
“Goodbye, Kase.” Laurel ended the call and sank against the wall. Her heart ached for the man. But she couldn’t dream about his kisses, or the way her heart soared when he looked at her. She wasn’t a teenager anymore.
If things went bad at the custody hearing, Kase wouldn’t have any choice but to move back to Denver to be able to see his daughter.
Laurel’s life was here. She had debts to pay and a business to run. If she let herself start dreaming about Kase, she might get hurt again. She had to protect herself, but that wasn’t an option anymore. She looked down at the beautiful child surrounded by her dolls in the bed. She smiled. It seemed she’d already fallen in love with both father and daughter.
Chapter Nine
Late the next night, Kase climbed out of his SUV and stretched to get the kinks out. He was weary from the long drive from Denver, but more so from the past two grueling days in front of the judge. Still, nothing had been settled completely.
Worse, he’d been ordered to bring Addy to Denver so she could spend some time with her grandparents. Judge Steffen felt the child had been ripped from their lives so suddenly that he wanted to see some interaction between the three.
Kase hated that his daughter had to go through this, but since Addy’s nanny, Mary Beth, would be there to supervise the situation, he didn’t fight it, not that it would do him any good. That hadn’t stopped his concerns, not only for Addy, but also about the fairness of this case. It was definitely going the Chappells’ way. He had to do something to change that.
Right now, he needed sleep. He pulled his suitcase out of the back of his car when he noticed a light in the barn. Had Laurel forgotten to turn it off, or was she out there? He hoped the latter because he needed to see a friendly face. He left his bag in the gravel driveway and walked toward the double doors.
Inside, he heard the soft sound of the radio and the Garth Brooks song “The Dance.” Then he heard a soft, sexy female voice singing along. He walked down the aisle and found Laurel in Honor’s stall, brushing her down. The mare loved the attention and the company.
Kase leaned against the post and just enjoyed the view. Laurel’s hair was tied back into a loose ponytail, and she was in her standard jeans, boots and a black Henley shirt. She looked so appealing. He wanted nothing more than to touch her, hold her against him, absorbing the feel of her soft body.
There was something about her freshness and innocence that drew him, making him wish he could turn back the clock.
He’d made many mistakes during his years in Denver. Now he hoped to keep Addy from being exposed to that frivolous lifestyle. He didn’t want his daughter to be raised like her mother. She needed to learn what was important, to earn her place in life, not have everything handed to her. The most important thing, he wanted her to feel loved. Laurel could teach her those things.
He wanted to feel those things, too.
The woman in question finally looked up from her task, and her eyes widened. “Kase!” She set her brush down, rushed out of the stall and nearly jumped into his arms.
He didn’t question her actions but reveled in the pleasure of having her body pressed against him. He inhaled her scent, with a little horse mixed in. The combination was more erotic then he ever could imagine. He released a breath beside her ear and felt her shiver.
Finally she pulled back. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to attack you the minute you got here.”
He kept his arms around her. He wanted to keep her close. “I rather enjoyed the way you said ‘welcome home.’” He liked it a lot.
Her gaze searched his face. “You look tired. You should go up to the house and get some sleep.”
“In a minute. I like where I am right now. You’re a breath of fresh air.”
She smiled and his heart did a flip. “I wouldn’t say that. I’ve been around horses all day.”
“And a four-year-old. How is Addy?”
“She’s been wonderful.” Laurel’s smile grew brighter. “I put her to bed about an hour ago. She said a prayer for you and went right to sleep. But I bet she’d love it if you went in and kissed her good-night.”
He caught her hands in his. “How about you, Laurel? Would you like me to kiss you, too? But instead of good-night, how about a hello kiss?”
Laurel’s eyes rounded and for a second he thought she might pull away. He was surprised as hell when she gave him a slow nod. “I’d like that.”
“Oh, baby, I’d like that, too.” He lowered his head and brushed his mouth over hers. She sucked in a breath and he repeated the action, loving her breathy reaction. “I’ve been thinking about this since I left you early yesterday.” His lips caressed hers, gently nibbling, and he was rewarded with her soft moan.
“Oh, Kase...”
That did it. He lowered his head and
captured her mouth. He gently ran his tongue over her lips, and when she opened, he slipped inside to taste her.
As the kiss turned bolder, she moved her hands up his chest and looped them around his neck, her body pressed against him, enticing him, testing his will.
He tore his mouth away and kissed her jaw, then he reached her ear. “Damn, woman,” he breathed, feeling her shudder. “What are you doing to me?”
She looked up at him with those incredible green eyes. “Welcoming you home.”
With a groan, he went back for another kiss, then another. Suddenly he felt a nudge against his back, then a loud nickering sound. “What the hell?” Kase pulled away and found Honor was behind him.
He couldn’t help but laugh as he reached for the bridle and began stroking the horse. “Sorry, girl, were we ignoring you?”
“Oh, Kase, I’m sorry. I should have closed her gate.”
“I might have distracted you.” Kase petted the mare, and she ate up the attention. “I think she was tired of being ignored.”
He walked the horse back to her stall, needing the time to cool down. As much as he wanted Laurel, he knew neither one of them was ready to go the next step. Not until he got Addy’s custody issue resolved, and then he’d see if Laurel could forgive him for his past mistakes.
Ten minutes later, the horses settled and the barn quiet, they walked up to the house together. After grabbing his bag, Kase put his other arm around Laurel’s shoulders. He wanted her close.
“Do you ever think about...if years ago I hadn’t been such a jerk, what would have happened between us?”
“No.” She tried to pull away, but he continued toward the back porch.
“Please, talk to me, Laurel,” he urged.
Laurel fought the urge to run. She didn’t want to spoil their time together. “You’ve got to be tired, Kase. We can do this another time.”
“Most of our time is with Addy. Please, Laurel.” He sat down on the porch steps and tugged on her arm, hoping she would join him. “It’s been between us since that first day we saw each other in the corral, and I don’t want it to be there any longer.”
Second Chance Rancher Page 9