Quarterback Draw

by Jaci Burton

  "Oh, really. And how would you differentiate between some guy you're hanging out with and having a boyfriend?"

  Then again, her sister was very perceptive. Very smart. And sometimes quite irritating. "I'm not defining my relationship with Grant with you. I haven't even defined it with him."

  Anya picked up her hand and squeezed it. "Maybe you should. Maybe there's something there between the two of you. You know, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if you fell in love with someone."

  Yes, definitely too deep now. She tapped her finger on her sister's nose. "And you should let me get back to my book."

  "So ... about Texas?"

  "I'll get back to you."

  Anya sighed and climbed off the bed. "Whatever. Let me know when you decide."

  When she looked up to watch Anya leave, she saw Grant leaning against the doorway.

  "Talk her into it, will you?" Anya said to Grant. "She's being stubborn and vague."

  "Good night, Anya," Grant said.

  "Night, Grant."

  Anya left the room, and Grant shut the door. Katrina wondered how much of their conversation he'd heard.

  "Second thoughts about Texas?" he asked. "Or is it just you and me?"

  Obviously, he'd heard plenty. "I don't know. She wants me to define our relationship."

  He came over and stretched out on the bed.

  "Do you feel the need to define it? Because I don't."

  She couldn't help but admire the wide shoulders, the incredible chiseled biceps, or his amazing legs. But she also realized there was a lot more than physical chemistry attracting her to him.

  Maybe if it was just a sexual attraction this would be easier. They could have their fun, and then go their separate ways.

  But there was such a depth to him that went beyond the hot body and physical talent. He was smart and funny and he not only liked her, he liked Leo and Anya, too. The bottom line was, she enjoyed being with him.

  And for her, it meant a lot.

  "I guess it requires no definition. We're enjoying each other's company at the moment. Isn't that enough for now?"

  "I think it is. I'm fine with taking things slow, Kat. And it's nobody's business--including your sister's--what's going on between us." He cupped her foot, began to rub it. Just a simple gesture but it fired up the heat of pleasure, and also relaxed her at the same time.

  Decision made, she supposed.

  "I guess we're going to Texas, then."

  He looked up at her and the fire she saw in his eyes flamed her.

  "Glad to hear it."

  She wasn't sure if she'd just made a good decision, or a really bad mistake.

  She supposed she'd find out in the next week.

  In the meantime, Grant pulled her down and covered her body with his, his kiss smoldering hot, awakening the fire that was always barely banked around him.

  Then all thoughts of anything but him went entirely up in flames.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  "TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY," KATRINA SAID AS THEY made the drive from the airport to the ranch.

  Grant's game had been Saturday night, and they'd left town early Sunday morning, because Grant wanted to maximize the time they could spend at the ranch. It was a lengthy drive, but fun. Grant had talked a lot to Leo about the mechanics of football and how to get himself in shape. Katrina had enjoyed listening to their conversation. He and Anya chatted about music. The man had very eclectic taste.

  They'd stopped at a mall so Anya and Katrina could do some shopping for more clothes, and they'd still had plenty of time left to get there, since the ranch was only about fifty miles from Austin.

  "I already told you I have three other brothers. Flynn is the oldest. I'm second oldest. Then there's Tucker and Barrett, the twins. And Mia, the youngest."

  "And your dad is Easton Cassidy," Leo said. "He went to school at Texas, was drafted in the second round by Green Bay, and played his entire career there as quarterback. Fifteen seasons. Won two Super Bowls, too."

  Grant laughed. "You know your football, kid."

  "Who wouldn't know about your dad? He's a legend."

  Easton Cassidy was more than a legend, at least to Grant. He had always just been Dad, the guy whose shoulders he had ridden on when he was a kid, and the man who broke up the fights he'd had with his brothers.

  When his dad spoke, everyone listened.

  Okay, everyone but Mom. Because as powerful a man as Easton Cassidy was, Lydia Cassidy was even more formidable.

  "Yeah, he was a great football player. He's an even better father. He set a strong example of responsibility and honor and how to treat a woman. I've tried very hard to follow his example. Of course it helped that he married one hell of an amazing woman, who set some pretty fine examples herself."

  "Tell me about your mom," Katrina said.

  "Her name is Lydia. She was an attorney. She gave up her career after the twins were born and Mom and Dad bought the ranch. She decided she was a lot happier running after us crazy kids than she was dealing with the courtroom."

  "What kind of law did she practice?"

  "She was a prosecutor. Damn good at it, too. But it demanded a lot of her time and Dad kept getting her pregnant."

  Katrina laughed. "I'm guessing he didn't get her pregnant against her will, but that she likely wanted a lot of kids."

  "Okay, yeah. She did. I think you'll really like her. She's super smart, like you."

  "That's a very nice thing to say, Grant. Thank you."

  "It's the truth."

  As they made the drive through the Double C's gates, Grant felt a pull, as always. No matter where he lived, this was always home to him. It represented family.

  The dirt road blew up dust along the side of the car. He slowed down, navigating the bumps, hoping he wasn't jostling his passengers too much.

  "This. Is. Amazing," Anya said. "So much space. Do you know how much land there is to roam around in New York City? None. Not at all."

  "That's not true. There are plenty of places to get out and walk. And there's Central Park," Katrina said.

  Leo snorted. "That's not what I would call land, Kat. How many acres do your parents have here, Grant?"

  "About four hundred acres. You can do plenty of roaming around while you're here."

  "Freakin' awesome," Anya said.

  The dirt road turned onto the paved one about a quarter mile from the house.

  "Wow," Katrina said as she spied the house up ahead.

  "That's the main house where my parents live."

  She tore her gaze away from the house to look at him. "There's more than one?"

  His lips curved. "Yeah. There's more than one."

  He pulled around the circular drive and parked along the side of the house. Grant got out, as did everyone else.

  The front door opened and he saw his mom first. He'd been busy a lot lately so he hadn't seen her since the spring. He walked over to envelop her in a hug.

  "How's my baby boy?"

  He always smiled hearing her say that. She said it to his brothers, too, which always amused them since they all towered over her small, five-foot-four frame. "Good, Mom." He kissed her, then put an arm around her. "Come meet everyone."

  She gave him a squeeze. "I can't tell you how surprised--and happy I am that you brought company."

  Katrina and the kids were standing by the side of the SUV he'd rented. He motioned for them to join him, so they walked over.

  "Okay, everyone. This is my mother, Lydia Cassidy. Mom, this is Katrina Korsova, her brother, Leo, and her sister, Anya."

  Katrina felt suddenly nervous, but stepped forward and shook Lydia's hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Cassidy. Thank you so much for having us."

  "Please call me Lydia. Nice to meet you, too, Katrina."

  Anya and Leo shook her hand, too.

  "This ranch is awesome, Mrs. Cassidy," Anya said. "I can't wait to get out and explore. Grant made us buy several types of boots--the non-fashion ki
nds without heels."

  Lydia laughed. "First, call me Lydia. Yes, you definitely might need boots. It's always dusty around here, and Grant might have a mind to take you hiking. Grant, bring the kids' luggage in while I show them around. I'm putting you and Katrina in over at the other house."

  "Sure, Mom."

  Katrina hesitated. The other house? She wasn't going to second-guess his mother on housing. "The kids and I can help him with luggage."

  Lydia waved her hand. "He's used to being on chore duty when he gets here. Luggage will be the least of what he does. Don't worry."

  Interesting. Katrina wondered what kind of chores were in store for Grant. He didn't seem to mind with the luggage though, and Katrina's attention turned to the house as they walked in.

  It was a two story, and she'd already noticed the stonework outside and the amazing landscaping. The front porch was a huge wraparound with multiple seating areas. She'd spied a garden out back as they were driving in, and she felt a little spark of envy, since she had always wanted a garden to grow things, which she couldn't do in her apartment.

  Inside, there were dark wood floors and an extremely spacious living area that led into a massive open dining room with the biggest table she'd ever seen. That room led to a beautiful kitchen that made Katrina's eyes widen.

  "Your house is incredible."

  "Thank you. We've remodeled over the years, opened things up some. As you can imagine, four boys ran roughshod over this place growing up. And our daughter did her part as well."

  "You painted over my artwork on the wall is what you're saying, Mom."

  Katrina turned to see a stunningly beautiful young woman walk in from out back. This had to be Grant's sister.

  "Katrina," Lydia said. "This is my daughter, Mia. Mia, this is Katrina, Anya, and Leo."

  Mia shook her hand. "I know who you are. I'm a big fan."

  Katrina grinned. "Thank you."

  "Mia is home from college for the summer. She'll be finishing up her last year at the University of Texas starting in the fall."

  Katrina looked at her. "How great for you. What's your field of study?"

  "Business and communications with a minor in mathematics."

  "Wow. That's intense."

  "Yes, but I like staying busy. And speaking of busy, you seem to be everywhere these days. I saw your cover of Vogue. It was gorgeous. I also love your commercials for the new shampoo. Not surprised they chose you for that campaign. Your hair is even more glorious in person."

  Katrina laughed. "It helps when you have a team to style your hair for the commercials and photo shoots, but thank you."

  A man who looked very much like an older version of Grant walked in through the back door.

  "I heard our company had arrived."

  "I hope you washed up," Lydia said.

  "I did." He turned toward Katrina and held out his hand. "I'm Easton Cassidy. You must be Katrina."

  "I am." She glanced at her siblings. Leo looked awestruck, like he was meeting the president. How sweet.

  "This is my brother, Leo, and my sister, Anya."

  "Hi, kids." Easton shook both their hands.

  "I've seen your film," Leo said. "You were an awesome quarterback."

  Easton grinned. "Thanks. Those days are over now, though. But I still keep my fingers on the pulse of the game, with my boys and with some of the teams I help out with."

  "Mr. Cassidy helps coach one of the local high school teams nearby," Leo explained to her. "He's also part owner of the team in Houston."

  Katrina was impressed. "I did not know that."

  "No reason for you to," Easton said. "I take it you don't follow football all that much."

  "I know some. Leo is the expert on sports. Anya loves sports as well."

  "We've got a lot of experts around here. Some think they know more than others. All these youngsters coming up these days, trying to best the old man." He shot a look across the kitchen island at his daughter.

  Mia shrugged. "I like statistics, Dad. I'm certainly not going to claim I know what it's like to play the game. I'll leave that to you and my idiot brothers."

  "Aww, saying nice things about me, like always," Grant said as he came up behind Mia and put his arms around her.

  "You're a jerk," Mia said, but smiled and bumped her head against Grant's chest.

  Grant kissed the top of her head.

  Katrina could see the resemblance between the two, especially in the shape of the mouth. But Mia was more petite, like her mother, with lighter brown hair and smaller features like Lydia. She also had her mother's blue eyes, whereas Grant looked a lot like his dad.

  "What can I get you all to drink?" Lydia asked. "I'm sure you're thirsty from the drive. We have iced tea, beer, cold water, lemonade ..."

  "I would love some iced tea," Katrina said.

  "Beer sounds good to me."

  "Not yet. I want you to come look at the tractor with me," Easton said to Grant. "I think we might need to replace the carburetor."

  Grant's lips curved. "In other words, Flynn isn't here yet, otherwise he'd have had it torn down and rebuilt by now."

  Grant's dad let out a short laugh. "You got that right."

  "Flynn had an afternoon game. He'll fly in later. Tucker will be in soon, and Barrett tomorrow morning." Lydia turned to her. "It's Easton's birthday tomorrow, and our thirtieth wedding anniversary, so the boys all decided to visit and help celebrate."

  Katrina smiled. "Congratulations. What a milestone."

  "It is a pretty big one. Easton and I are heading to the Caribbean for a vacation in a few weeks, but it's wonderful to have the whole family here for the occasion."

  "I hope we're not intruding."

  Lydia laid her hand on top of Katrina's. "You are no intrusion. We're so delighted to have the three of you here."

  "Okay, Dad," Grant said. "Let's go take a look at the tractor. Leo, want to come out with us?"

  "Sure."

  Katrina saw the excitement on Leo's face. Being alone with Grant and Easton must be so thrilling for him. He nearly tripped over his own feet catching up with them as they headed out the back door.

  "Now it's just us ladies," Lydia said. "Tell me, Anya. What grade are you in?"

  "I'll be a senior."

  "Wonderful. Have you visited colleges?"

  She nodded. "A few, though I haven't made my mind up yet where I want to go."

  "You should go to the University of Texas," Mia said, grabbing an apple from the island. "There are a lot of great programs there. Though I should ask what you're considering majoring in."

  Anya took a seat next to Mia. "Actually, and I haven't discussed this with Kat yet, I really enjoy cooking."

  Katrina's brows rose. "You want to go to cooking school?"

  "I was thinking about it. I was also thinking about getting a bachelor's degree in hospitality first, then going to cooking school, so I'd have the management and business knowledge to go along with the culinary skills."

  Mia finished slicing a few apples and had set the pieces on a plate in front of all of them. "Not a bad idea, actually. A lot of chefs don't have the business acumen to run their restaurants. I assume you're thinking long term, like opening a restaurant of your own someday."

  Anya nodded. "Yes. I don't want to work in some kitchen for someone else. I have a lot of ideas."

  Of course she did. "This doesn't surprise me at all. I know how much you love to cook. And you're certainly talented enough to do anything you set your mind to do. It's a wonderful idea."

  Funny how she and Anya had never sat down and talked about this until now.

  But it was good she knew where her sister's head was at--and her heart. Now they could make plans.

  "Why don't you come upstairs with me to my room, Anya?" Mia asked. "I could clue you into some information websites I think you'd really like. They preview various colleges, what they offer, and you can link in to the specialties you're interested in. It might help you narrow down
your choices."

  Anya nodded. "Sure. I'd like that. Thanks."

  Mia and Anya disappeared, leaving Katrina alone with Lydia.

  "I would love to see the garden," she said.

  "Really?" Lydia's face brightened.

  "Yes. Living in New York, where space is at a premium, I can't have one. I have a terrace outside my apartment and I've tried to grow a few things in containers, with some success. But it's not the same. I saw yours when we drove up and I have to admit it was one of the first things I wanted to look at."

  Lydia's lips curved into a genuine smile. "You are a woman after my own heart." She stood and Katrina did, too. "One of the things I swore when I was working the full-time grind as a prosecutor in the cold climate of Green Bay was that as soon as we bought land in Texas, I was going to have the best damn vegetable garden in the state."

  Katrina laughed, and Lydia slipped her arm in Katrina's and led her out the back door.

  It was amazing out there, with a full kitchen and a built-in grill, a gorgeous flagstone patio that led to a huge pool. There was plenty of area to entertain, with several spots set up for seating. The space was fenced off, and Lydia led her through the gate toward the gardens.

  "And do you have the best garden in the state?" Katrina asked.

  "I'm not sure I give a damn about anyone else's garden, but mine sure does make me happy."

  The garden was on the south side of the house, and quite extensive. There were a lot more beds planted than Katrina had noticed at first. She followed Lydia through.

  "There's lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn way in the back there," she said as she pointed out the tall stalks growing in the field behind the beds. "Out here, there are beans and asparagus and carrots. I keep a separate bed for all the herbs."

  "Anya is growing an herb garden in her bedroom window," Katrina said. "She gets plenty of light in there. So we at least have fresh herbs, but we walk down to the farmer's market on Sundays for most of our vegetables."

  "A farmer's market is a great way to buy fresh produce."

  Katrina leaned over to inspect one of the tomato plants. "But nothing beats the smell of a garden. It's something I've wanted my whole life."

  "The drawback to city living, unfortunately. You have the advantages of everything within walking distance, though."

  She straightened, then nodded at Lydia. "That much is true. I guess you have to decide what's more important."

  "I've tried to talk Grant into putting a garden in his yard. He has plenty of space back there."