Vegas Vows, Texas Nights

by Charlene Sands

  “No, I’m not interested in him. Luke ruined me for all men, I’m afraid. So don’t even think it.”

  “Shel, really. It’s been years and it’s time you moved on. Can’t I think it a little bit?”

  “Not even a smidge.”

  Katie sighed. She only wanted her sister to be happy. But it looked like Shelly was fighting it tooth and nail.

  Katie selected the cupcakes from the bakery case and set them in the box, sealing it with two Katie’s Kupcakes stickers. “Okay then. Here you go,” she said, handing the box to Shelly.

  “Thanks for the treats, sis.”

  “Shel?”

  “What?”

  “I like it when you come by to see me. You should do it more often.”

  Shelly’s expression softened and there was beauty in her eyes and her smile just then. “I will. I promise.”

  Katie watched her sister leave and sighed. She had her own problems to deal with.

  Tonight, she had a “date” with the man who’d broken her sister’s heart.

  Four

  Luke scrutinized his reflection in the mirror after changing his shirt and tie several times trying to get the look just right. Normally, he didn’t give two figs about looking sharp, but tonight he was going on a date with Katie. Well, not a date, but hell, the way his stomach was doing somersaults, it might as well be one. He hadn’t seen her in three days. He’d kept himself busy, but no amount of work or play could keep him from thinking about her.

  Once dressed, he headed to the parlor and found Aunt Lottie sitting on the sofa, all alone, sipping from a tumbler of bourbon. As soon as she noticed him, she gave him a wolf whistle and he chuckled. He never knew what she would do or say. She was genuine and quite a surprise and that’s why all of his family loved her. But the desolate look he’d caught on her face moments before he entered the room tugged at his heart.

  “You look handsome, Luke. Got a hot date?”

  “Thanks. And you know I’m going to dinner with Mason and Drea tonight.”

  “And Katie, too? Is that why you’ve spruced up?”

  “Never mind me. What’s wrong, Aunt Lottie? And don’t put me off. You’ve been unusually quiet lately. Is it Drew?”

  She pursed her lips, but then finally nodded. “That man’s got me all mixed up.”

  Drew MacDonald lived on the property now. He’d once been a land baron, with a ranch adjacent to Rising Springs, but he’d fallen on hard times when his wife Maria passed away. Lottie and Maria had been dear friends, and now years later, Drew and Luke’s aunt were testing the waters of a relationship that unfortunately seemed to be drying up.

  “It’s clear you two care for each other.”

  “I suppose,” she said. “But he’s forever badgering me about this and that.”

  “That’s nothing new. Even when Maria was alive, you two didn’t much see eye to eye.”

  “Isn’t that important though? Seems to me, a man and woman should have the same disposition.”

  “Boring.”

  “What?” she asked.

  “Aunt Lottie, I know you. We all do. You have an adventurous nature. If you two got along like steak and potatoes, there wouldn’t be any sparks. He’s spirited, and you certainly are. Makes for a pretty lively union, if you ask me.”

  “I don’t know. I always feel like I’m too much for him. Like he wants me to change.”

  “Does he tell you that?”

  “No. But it’s quite apparent to me.”

  Luke shook his head. “I don’t know about that. I think he cares an awful lot for you. And you have deep feelings for him, too.”

  His aunt blinked. “The last time we were together was at the Founder’s Day gala. We fought and he walked out.”

  Luke knew about the argument. Drew had been upset at Lottie for putting her life in danger, running into the street trying to save a wayward dog. And April, Risk’s fiancée, had pushed her out of the way before a car almost hit her. It had all been caught on video and had made the news.

  “That was a couple of months back.”

  “I know. Now, whenever we see each other on the ranch, it’s awkward and we barely speak.”

  Luke took his aunt’s hand. “You’re a wonderful woman and I’ll always have your back, but I can see Drew’s point of view, too. He doesn’t want you taking unnecessary risks.”

  “I made it all these sixty-two years.”

  “But he lost a wife. He’s probably very sensitive about this stuff.”

  Lottie nodded. “How’d you get so smart about these things?”

  “I wouldn’t say I’m smart. I have issues.” The biggest one being he’d married a woman who wanted out, as quickly as possible. And he was dragging his feet. “But I had a lot of time to think when I was in the service. Four years’ worth. I guess you could say I see the big picture now and something’s telling me that you two should go for it.”

  “You really think so?”

  He nodded. “Yes, I think so. You’re both being stubborn.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks,” she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Now, go. Have a great time with your Katie.”

  His aunt gave him a coy look. Sometimes he wondered if she had uncanny powers of perception.

  “I’m going. I’m going.”

  * * *

  From the minute Katie stepped into The Majestic, she felt transported into another era. The black-and-white-checkered floors, the elaborate table dressings with fine bone china and tiered, flickering candles gave way to sophistication and romance from a time long ago.

  “You fit in this place, Katie,” Luke said. “Especially tonight. I like your hair up like that.”

  She didn’t want to hear his compliments. When he’d picked her up at her bakery apartment, he’d given her compliment after compliment, making her head swim, giving her ego a boost. True, she’d gone all out, putting her hair up in a messy bun, dressing in a long sleek black gown with a slit up the side and a thin rope of delicate rhinestones stitched into a sloping neckline. She’d bought the dress at an estate sale in Dallas. It was a gown she’d had to have, yet she’d never believed she’d have a place to wear it. Until tonight.

  “This place is beautiful,” she said, in awe of her surroundings.

  Boone County appealed to many, but this place was one of a kind and definitely catered to the rich and fabulously famous.

  “Like I said, you fit in perfectly.”

  She took his arm and stared into his deep blue eyes. Wearing a slate gray suit, his dark blond hair smoothed back showing off his strong jawline, he wasn’t exactly hard on the eye. But that was shallow of her. He was much more than that. Mostly, he was off-limits. “Thank you. But please don’t say nice things like that. This situation is hard enough.”

  She hoped her plea would set him straight. After hearing Shelly’s bitter comment today about Luke ruining her for all men, Katie had to keep a firm resolve. There was too much at stake and she had to admit that Luke’s compliments were charming her. Making her want things she had no right wanting.

  “I’m only speaking the truth,” he said in his defense.

  “You see, that’s what I mean.” She squeezed her eyes closed for a moment. “Just don’t. Please, Luke.”

  His eyes shuttered yet he didn’t answer her.

  The maître d’ greeted them. “Mr. Boone, so good to see you again. Please, follow me. I believe your brother and his fiancée are waiting for you.”

  Luke pressed a hand to her back and guided her farther into the restaurant. It was only a moment before she spotted Drea and Mason sitting at a corner table overlooking the patio gardens. Thank goodness. She needed reinforcements tonight. Drea would make the perfect buffer.

  The maître d’ showed them to the table and pulled out a chair for her. She took her
seat and Luke sat down next to her, his scent, his presence looming. She’d been intimate with him and was beginning to learn his mannerisms, like how his eyes turned a darker shade of blue when he was turned on, and how his mouth twitched when he tried to hide a smile, and how when he was exasperated, he’d run a hand along his jawline. She’d seen that one a lot since Las Vegas.

  “Hi, you two.” Drea smiled at them.

  Mason reached over to shake Luke’s hand. “Glad you both could make it.”

  “Thanks for the invite,” Luke said.

  “Yes...thank you,” Katie added, though she’d rather muck a barn stall than spend any more time with Luke.

  “Isn’t this place spectacular?” Drea asked. “I feel like I’m in a 1940s movie or something.”

  “I feel the same way,” Katie said.

  “The food here is top-notch,” Mason said. “The owner, Billy Meadows, was a friend of our father’s. I think Henry Boone would’ve loved to top this place in grandeur, but Dad wasn’t the greedy type. He saw his competition as a good thing.”

  “It’s good for the town, too,” Katie said. “Having choices, that is.”

  The Boone brothers gave each other a quick glance. Katie wondered what that was all about, but quickly Luke changed the subject. “So, your wedding is in less than a month. Hard to believe. If there’s anything I can do for you guys, let me know.”

  “Same here,” Katie interjected.

  “Don’t you worry, Katie my friend,” Drea said. “I have a list of things I need help with. My final gown fitting is coming up and the bridesmaids’ dresses are in.”

  “Exciting. Sign me up,” Katie said.

  “Aren’t you helping Aunt Lottie with the bridal shower?” Luke asked her.

  “Yes. And I’m looking forward to that. It’s next weekend.” Drea wanted a couples shower, and that meant more contact with Luke, but oh well, there was nothing Katie could do about it. Once the wedding was over, and Katie and Luke were properly divorced, she wouldn’t have to spend any time with him.

  “I feel bad taking you away from Red Barrel,” Drea said. “I know you like to spend your free time there and it seems like I’ll be usurping all of it.”

  “I...don’t mind.” The reminder of the rescue disheartened Katie. She hadn’t been back since Snow died. “It’s part of my MOH duties.”

  “That’s maid of honor, in case you two didn’t catch on,” Drea added.

  Mason smiled at her. “We’re not that slow. I knew what it meant.”

  “Good thing you did. Because I had no idea,” Luke said.

  “You’re not up on wedding speak, bro.” Then Mason turned to Katie. “You looked sad when Drea mentioned the rescue. So sorry. Luke told me you lost a precious mare not too long ago.”

  “Yes. It was hard. She was a special one.”

  Drea’s voice softened. “I’ve already told you how sorry I am that you lost Snow.”

  Luke touched her hand and she gazed into his eyes, seeing the compassion there. “She’s at peace now.”

  Katie nodded, then pasted on a big smile. She wasn’t here to bring everyone down. Yet the reminder of losing Snow, combined with her sister’s bitterness today, gave her a stomachache. “I’m fine, really. Drea, I’ve been your friend since third grade and I’m looking forward to every minute of helping you with your wedding plans, so don’t you worry about putting me out. We’ve fantasized about this day for as long as I can remember.”

  Drea blew her an air-kiss. “I know we have. And your day will come, too, and when it does, I’ll be right there for you.”

  Katie’s cheeks heated and she felt like such a fraud, sitting here next to her best friend and lying through her teeth. She couldn’t even spare Luke a glance for fear of giving herself away.

  Luckily, the waiter approached with menus and took their drink orders.

  “Nothing for me please. Just water.” She couldn’t take a drink, not with her stomach in turmoil. And she’d sort of sworn off alcohol ever since Las Vegas.

  Once the drinks were served, Mason asked everyone to raise their glasses. “Thank you both for coming. We wanted to show our appreciation for giving us a wonderful party in Las Vegas. Everyone had a good time, thanks to you both. Drea and I really appreciate your love and support. So, here’s to a loving family and lasting friendships.”

  Everyone clinked their glasses and sipped. Then Drea gave Luke a kiss on the cheek and turned to give Katie a big hug and kiss, too.

  “It was my pleasure,” Katie said.

  “Yeah,” Luke said. “My pleasure, too. It was a great time for everyone.”

  Katie didn’t have the heart to agree with him. It would be the biggest lie of all.

  Musicians set up beyond the dance floor and began playing tunes her grandparents had probably loved. It was lively, big band stuff that seemed to bring out the best in people. After the waiter came by to take their orders, Mason grabbed Drea’s hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. Drea turned to give Katie a helpless look as if to say sorry for leaving her alone with Luke.

  “Would you like to dance?” Luke asked, after a minute of silence.

  She shook her head. “No, thanks.” She didn’t want Luke holding her, touching her. They’d done too much of that already. Her stomach still churned and the only thing that would make it better was to be free of Lucas Boone. When she was sure Mason and Drea were well beyond hearing distance, she whispered, “I need an update on...on our divorce.”

  “What?” Luke leaned closer to her and she repeated what she’d said into his ear. His pure male scent filled her nostrils, and her mind flashed to the night they’d shared together. She wished those memories would fade, but every time she was close to him, they became sharper.

  “I don’t have an update. My attorney is still out of the country.”

  “Shh.” Why was he using his regular speaking voice? “Surely there’s something we can do,” she said quietly.

  Luke took her hand. “Sorry, Katie.”

  She didn’t want his apologies, she wanted action. She could try to find an attorney herself, but unless she ventured to Willow County or some other town, she feared news would get out. It was the curse of living in a small town: the gossip hotline was long. Luke had promised her his attorney would use great discretion and she believed that, because nobody wanted to cross a Boone.

  She pulled out of his grasp, but not before Drea and Mason returned to the table and eyed their linked hands. Oh boy.

  Mason’s brows rose, but dear Drea pretended not to notice.

  After dinner was served, the conversation around the table was pleasant and engaging. Mostly they talked about wedding plans and the building of Mason and Drea’s new home on Rising Springs Ranch property.

  “Katie’s going to help me design our kitchen,” Drea said. “She’s the expert in that area.”

  Katie had felt Luke’s eyes on her most of the night and the look of admiration on his face right now made her uneasy. “I’m hardly an expert.”

  “You know more than a thing or two about kitchens, Katie. Admit it.”

  Mason spoke up. “She’s right, Katie.”

  “Just take the compliment,” Drea said, grinning.

  Katie nodded, giving in. “O...kay, if you insist.”

  Luke laughed and she eyed him carefully. “What’s so funny?”

  His lips went tight and he shook his head. “Nothin’.”

  She was afraid he would say she was cute or something equally as revealing, so she dropped it. But she knew his laugh now and when it was aimed at her.

  Dessert and coffee were served. The pastries, pies and cakes were beautiful, but Katie had barely eaten her dinner so the thought of dessert didn’t sit well. Beef Wellington had sounded good on the menu, but as soon as the dish arrived, Katie had lost her appetite. She’d been feeling quea
sy lately, and for good reason. She’d married the enemy and the nightmare was continuing. She felt out of control, restless and confused about her feelings for Luke.

  “I’ll sit this one out,” she said politely.

  “Too much cupcake sampling at the bakery?” Drea asked.

  “Uh, yeah. I’m really full,” she said, and Drea gave her a look. She was astute enough not to ask her what was wrong, but she had no doubt her friend would be questioning her about it later on. “But you go on. Enjoy. Everything looks delicious.”

  After dessert, Mason and Drea took to the dance floor again. Her friend knew enough not to try to coax her out there with Luke. Thank goodness.

  She glanced at her watch and noted the time. “Luke, it’s after nine.”

  “Yeah,” he said. “I know. You’ve been checking your watch every five minutes since we got here.”

  “I have not.”

  “You have.” He ran his hand down his face in his classic frustrated move and it irritated her no end.

  “Lucas Boone, exactly what is it you want from me?”

  That stumped him for a second. He blinked his eyes and then stared at her. “You would be surprised.”

  Her heart started racing. “Would I?”

  “I have absolutely no doubt you would, so let’s drop it.” He rose. “Grab your purse. I’ll take you home now.”

  They waited until the dance ended to say goodbye to Drea and Mason. “Thank you for this evening, it was wonderful,” Katie said.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Mason answered.

  She hugged Drea goodbye, too, and then she and Luke were off.

  * * *

  The drive home was quiet, uncharacteristically so. Luke didn’t spare her a word or a glance and she felt the tension down to her toes. “Are you mad at me?” she asked.

  He inhaled a breath and shook his head. “No.”

  “Is that all you’re going to say?”

  “Yep. That’s all.” He kept his gaze trained on the road.

  She folded her arms around her middle, and her stomach knotted up. She’d almost forgotten how unsettled it felt. It was all this stress, and she was put off that Luke, regardless of his denial, was angry with her. If anyone had a right to be angry, it was her. “Well, maybe I’m mad at you.”