When Nell stepped up to get her cake, Ben’s face lit up. “You’re the new teacher!”
“I am. But how did you know?”
“Claire showed me a picture she took with Zeke’s phone when you were working on the greenhouse project. Awesome idea.”
“Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without this guy.” She turned to Zeke with a smile. “And Claire. She was a big help, too.”
“She loved that project,” Ben said. “You weren’t here for the Christmas party, right?”
“Didn’t want to spread my germs.”
“Good call. Nice to finally meet you.” He took the next serving of cake and handed it to her. “You’re gonna like this.”
“I’m sure. Thanks for the party.”
“My pleasure.”
She stepped aside and Zeke moved forward.
“That’s quite a cake, Ben.”
“Wait’ll you taste it.”
“If it’s as good as the slices I’ve ordered here before—”
“Even better. This one’s got a mocha filling. If it’s a hit, we’ll add it to the menu.” He handed Zeke his cake. “Looks like the whole gang is here except Leo and Fiona.”
“They’re spending a couple of weeks with Fiona’s parents.”
“Somehow I missed that memo, but I’m happy for them. I have a stake in that relationship.”
“So I heard.” Clearly matchmaking was a thing in Apple Grove and Claire fit right in. He thanked Ben for the cake and joined Nell on the sidelines. Her piece was untouched. “You don’t like mocha with your chocolate?”
“I love that combo. I was waiting for you.”
“That was sweet.”
She gave him a flirty look. “I’m a sweet person.”
“You’ll get no argument from me.” He picked up his fork. “Let’s dig in.” He cut into the cake but held off taking a bite so he could watch her reaction. If this was better than the kind he’d ordered here before, she’d be a happy lady.
She slid the fork into her mouth. Then she closed her eyes and moaned.
Look away, dude. But he didn’t. And he paid for it. A surge of lust made him reconsider taking that bite. Choking would not be cool. “Like it?”
She chewed, swallowed and opened her eyes. “I love it.” Pleasure put stars in her eyes. “If Ben adds it to the menu, I’d come back just for this.” She forked up another bite and checked out his plate. “What are you waiting for?”
“Just having fun watching you enjoy yourself.”
Her gaze met his. Slowly her cheeks turned pink and her lips parted.
He forgot all about cake. And the people gathered around them. And his vow not to get involved with her. He’d never been so desperate to kiss a woman in his life.
She sucked in a breath. “Um, we should—”
“Yes, ma’am.” He blinked. “We should eat this. The band will be back any minute.” He started in. The cake was rich and creamy, but no substitute for what he wanted.
Just when he needed willpower, it had deserted him. He planned to finish this cake and dance to as many fast tunes as Nell could handle. Maybe he’d work through his obsession with kissing her plump, rosy lips, which were currently flavored with mocha and chocolate. His jeans pinched.
Ben’s voice came over the sound system. “There’s more cake for anyone who wants a second piece.”
Can I get it to go? Oh, boy, now he was projecting images on his fevered brain that would drive him crazy if he didn’t shut them down ASAP. Tearing his gaze from Nell, he focused on Ben up at the mic.
“The band will return in about five minutes. Before they do, let’s take this opportunity to thank Principal Kuhn and the faculty and staff of Apple Grove Elementary. They’re doing a terrific job. Let’s show ’em some love.”
Zeke found a spot to put his plate so he could join in the standing ovation. Nell looked tickled by it. He wanted to give her a congratulatory hug. Did he dare? He hesitated a little too long.
“Be right back.” She touched his arm. “Val and I are ducking into the restroom before the dancing starts again.”
The second she was gone, the Buckskin gang descended on him with a chorus of we told you so and now what?
Zeke sighed. “I’ll tell you what.” He directed his comments at Jake, who was clearly the ringleader. “Nothing. We’ll dance a few more dances and then I’ll go home and she’ll go home. Separately.”
“That’s not how it looks to the rest of us, little brother.”
“And I guarantee that’s not what she’s expecting,” Millie added. “I caught the hot look that passed between you two a bit ago. Add that to all the fancy dancing you two have been doing, and I figured you’d be driving her home. She’s likely thinking the same.”
“But you don’t know that.”
“No, I don’t, but I’d bet my new set of porch rockers she and her friend are in the restroom discussing your intentions.”
“I agree with Millie,” Kate said. “If you don’t drive her home, she’ll be confused at the very least. That look you gave her was enough to singe her eyebrows.”
Guilt slammed into him. “You make a good point. Maybe I should have a private talk with her, let her know where I stand.”
“Like during the drive to her place?” Jake gave him a pointed look.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Rafe weighed in. “It’s the best you’ve got, buddy. You can’t have that kind of discussion here, with all these folks around and music blaring. If you feel the need to explain yourself, take her home and do it on the way.”
“And I’d leave soon if I were you,” Garrett said. “The more time you spend dancing with her, the more you’re leading her on. That’s not fair.”
“Okay, okay. I get it. One more dance, and I’ll suggest driving her home. I’ll tell her I need to explain my unique situation so she doesn’t get the wrong idea.”
Jake coughed. “Right. Do that. Good plan.”
“Thanks.”
“Can I see you privately for a minute? Before she gets back?”
“Okay.” Zeke followed him over to the far corner of the room. “Look, I mean it. I don’t have time for romance. I have to concentrate on Claire.”
“Take a lesson from Nell. She knows how to multi-task.”
“She’s amazing. But I can’t risk getting involved with her, Jake. Claire needs me.”
His brother gazed at him. “You’ve managed to go dancing with us almost every week.”
“No woman wants a guy who can only spare one night a week.”
“Why assume that? Ask the lady. She might surprise you.”
“I can’t imagine asking her that.”
Jake gazed at him. “All right, then don’t.” He reached in his pocket. “But in case the subject comes up, so to speak, take these.”
“Good God, Jake.”
“Take ’em.”
“No.” He glanced around. “I can’t believe you have those handy. What the hell are you—”
“I brought them in anticipation of this very scenario. Unless you’re a complete idiot, you’ll put them in your pocket. A Lassiter does not go into the unknown unprepared.”
“You made that up just now.”
“I did, but I like it. Gonna remember it. Anyway, she never has to know you’ve got ’em. Unless…”
“It won’t be happening.”
“Then you can give them back tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry, I will.” Zeke took the condoms and quickly shoved them in his pocket with a silent pledge that they’d stay there.
Well, unless he found a way to ask that million-dollar question.
Chapter Ten
“I say he’s going to ask to drive you home.” Val dried her hands on a paper towel.
“And I say he won’t.” Nell took the towel Val handed her. “You didn’t hear what he said to me during the field trip.”
“No, but I saw the smokin’ hot way he looked at you whil
e you were eating cake. He wants you bad.”
“And he’ll deny himself because he’s convinced getting involved with a woman means short-changing Claire.”
“I’ll bet you a bottle of our favorite cab that he’ll ask to take you home.”
“Okay, sure.” Nell wadded up the paper towel and tossed it in the trash. “It’s a bet I’d love to lose.”
As she and Val returned from the restroom, Zeke separated himself from the crowd surrounding the cake. “Would either of you like another slice? There’s still plenty. I’d be happy to fetch you some.”
Nell shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m on a sugar high from the first piece.”
“Me, too,” Val said, “but that’s never stopped me before. I’ll get my own, though. I happen to know Nell loves the song they just started playing. You two should dance.”
Zeke sent Nell a questioning look.
“It’s one of my favorites.”
“Alrighty, then.” He flashed a smile at Val. “If you’ll excuse us.”
“You bet.” She winked at Nell.
Zeke guided her through the maze of tables as the lead singer crooned the opening lyrics of Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s duet I Need You.”
“I didn’t ask if you wanted more cake.”
“I’d rather dance to one of your favorite songs.” He stepped onto the floor and pulled her close, his gaze holding hers.
“Do you like it?”
“I do.” He began a gentle two-step. No complicated moves. No fancy twirls as the words spilled around them, sliding into her heart.
One of the guitar players, a young woman with dark hair, joined the lead singer for the second half of the duet. Nell searched Zeke’s expression and found warmth and caring. Banked passion. But sadness tinged the heat glowing in his dark eyes.
She’d win the bet with Val. He wanted her, and she’d cling to that. Despite her frustration, she admired his selfless dedication to Claire. If only he could expand his image of the future.
The sweet song drew to a soft close. He stopped moving. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Oh?”
“I’m struggling with…”
“I know.”
“I’d like to talk it out with you, if you’d be willing.”
“All right.” She glanced around. “I’m not sure where we—”
“Could I take you home? Not that I plan to stay. I just—”
“You can take me home.” She let out a breath. A talk. “That would be nice.” She wasn’t pinning any hopes on the outcome, but at least they’d be alone for the first time ever. Having him all to herself, even for that ten-minute trip, would be something.
“Can we go now?”
“Absolutely.” A jolt of anticipation made her light-headed, as if she’d chugged a glass of champagne. “I just need to grab my purse and let Val and the Kuhns know I won’t be riding back with them.”
“I’ll go with you.” A hand at her back, he started toward her seat.
“Don’t you want to tell the Buckskin gang you’re leaving? I can meet you at the door.”
“They already know. They’re the ones who suggested this.”
“Oh.” That made her smile. “Interesting.”
“I’ll explain once we’re in the truck.”
“Can’t wait to hear all about it.” Making her announcement to Val and the Kuhns as brief as possible, she avoided looking at Val. Her friend would draw the wrong conclusion, but so what?
Zeke added his goodbyes and they made their escape. When he held the door for her, she stepped into a night meant for lovers.
A slight breeze stirred air that neither warmed nor cooled her skin. Scented with the flowers blooming on the square, it caressed her with the light brush of a cat’s paw. A crescent moon hovered overhead and the old-fashioned street lamps created puddles of light on the sidewalk.
“My truck’s close.” He kept his hand at the small of her back as he guided her away from the Moose.
“What a beautiful night.”
“Sure is. My first summer here.”
“Mine, too.”
He slowed. “Here we are.” He helped her into the truck, walked around the front and climbed behind the wheel.
When he closed the door, cocooning them in this intimate space, her body vibrated with tension. Not that it was a bad thing. She liked being tucked into a private venue with Zeke.
“Better get going.” His voice sounded strained as he put his hat on the dash, shoved the keys in the ignition and started the truck.
It was an odd comment. They had no time constraints. He could drive to her place at five miles an hour and nobody would care. That said, urgency registered in every move he made.
“You have something to get off your chest.”
“Yes, I do.” Taking a cursory glance over his shoulder, he backed the truck out of the diagonal parking space and drove at a good clip toward the end of the block.
He didn’t speak again until he made the right turn that would take him to the town’s residential section. “Garrett pointed out that I haven’t been fair to you, and he’s right.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Not quite true. But she wanted more than vague generalizations.
“I’ve told you I wouldn’t date because of my obligations to Claire. Tonight I… sent a different signal.”
“Yes.”
He cleared his throat and gripped the wheel tighter. “I apologize.”
“For what?”
“Dancing with you so often.”
“I can’t speak for you, but I had fun.”
“So did I. That’s the problem.”
“Why?”
“I think you know why.”
Uh-uh. You’re not dodging that question, buddy. “I’m not sure I do.” A quick glance confirmed his jaw was clenched.
Silence. Then finally, as if forcing them out, he said the words. “Because I want you.”
Okay! She opened her mouth to respond.
“I’ve wanted you for some time.”
Whoa. Let the man talk.
“I’ve done my best to hide it. Until tonight. I got carried away and likely gave you the wrong impression. You probably thought I’d changed my mind but I haven’t.”
“I know that you—”
“Claire is my priority. She comes first and that will never change. I’m a full-time dad, which means I can’t be leaving her with babysitters all the time. That’s—”
“Look, I underst—“
“Jake thinks you might be fine with only getting together one night a week, but I—”
“What?”
“I can’t imagine asking—”
“Are you saying you’d be okay with getting involved if it’s only one night a week?” She was so shocked her voice squeaked.
“See?” He looked over at her. “You’re insulted, right? You think that’s cheesy.”
“No, damn it! I think it’s fabulous!”
“Huh?”
“It’s a brilliant idea! Jake’s a genius, and… you just drove past my house.”
He slammed on the brakes and turned to her, disbelief etched in his face and every line of his taut body. “You’re kidding.”
“No.” She gasped for breath.
“You wouldn’t feel cheated?”
“As opposed to never making love to you?” She put a hand to her chest where her heart was banging so hard it physically hurt. “Are you crazy?”
“Evidently.” He put the truck in reverse, backed down the street and swerved into a spot next to the curb in front of her bungalow. Then he shut off the motor and looked over at her, his chest heaving. “Claire’s at Henri’s for the night.”
She swallowed. “Would you like to come in?”
“I would, and…” He took a shaky breath. “I never expected this to happen.”
“I believe you. And you’re not prepared. Neither am I. But we—”
“Except I am prepared.”
“You are? Why?”
“Turns out Jake brought—”
“Oh, my God.” She clapped a hand to her mouth and started to giggle.
“I told him no, but he insisted so I had to take them before someone noticed. I mean, there we were, with people all around, and he’s pulling condoms out of his pocket. What was I supposed to do?”
“Oh, Zeke.” She gulped and wiped her eyes. “Your brother’s awesome.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled. “Let’s go inside.”
Chapter Eleven
By the time Zeke made it around the truck, Nell had opened the door and started down. “Let me.” He moved in. Somehow the process of helping her out turned into pulling her close. “I have to kiss you.”
“Great, because I have to kiss you, too.” She met him halfway, her gaze eager, her arms sliding around his neck.
With a groan, he tasted lips he’d craved since the first day of building that greenhouse. Velvety soft and supple, they welcomed him with enthusiasm. Oh, God, this was going to be good.
His heart hammered as she pressed her body against his. With a soft moan, she invited him to go deeper. He accepted. Delving into her hot mouth aroused him so fast he gasped at the surge of his cock against the barrier of his jeans.
She eased back just a little, her breath warm on his mouth, her voice husky. “I think we’d better go in.”
“I think you’re right.”
Draping his arm around her shoulders, he drew her away from the truck and pushed the door shut. “Let’s go.”
“Let’s hurry.”
He chuckled. “Let’s not.”
“Oh.” She wrapped her arm around his waist as they started up the walk. “Maybe that kiss wasn’t such a good idea.”
“Like I could have helped myself.”
“Like I could have, either.”
“Longest front walk in the world.”
“Almost there.”
“Got your key?”
“In a sec.” She fumbled with the little purse hanging by a strap from her shoulder. “I’m shaking.”
“That makes two of us.”
“Got it.” She fished out her keyring.
“So many keys.”
“Mine plus the ones for school.” She took a breath. “When we worked on the project, did you—”
Single-Dad Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 8) Page 5