“Slimy? How can you say that? Did you even taste it or did you put it so far back on your tongue that you couldn’t tell how sweet and delicious catsup is?”
“There’s no such thing as too far back. That’s a misconception. Your entire tongue can detect everything—salty, sour, bitter, sweet and savory.”
“Is that so?”
“Aye.” His eyebrows lifted. “Have I hit on a wee bit of information you don’t know?”
“You have. I’m no expert on taste buds. Sounds like you might be.”
“If you want to make top-notch single malt, you’d better learn how tongues work, although your nose is more important in determinin’ how something tastes.”
“I knew that. When you have a cold, things don’t taste right, or they have no flavor at all.”
“Your brain’s involved, too. It’s a three-way operation. In this case, my brain, my nose and my tongue agree that catsup is nasty.”
“One man’s opinion.” She dipped a fry in the catsup and put it in her mouth. Then she closed her eyes as if savoring the experience and deliberately moaned with pleasure. A sharp intake of breath startled her and she quickly opened her eyes.
Heat flickered in Rory’s gaze. “That got to me, lass.”
“Oh.” She gulped. “I was just goofing around. I didn’t think of what it might sound like.” But she was thinking about it, now.
He picked up his beer mug and his hand shook slightly. He took several long swallows before he set the mug on the table. “That’s better.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He sprinkled vinegar on his fries. “I seem to have an overactive imagination where you’re concerned.”
“This is new for me.”
“New?”
“I don’t normally affect a man this strongly. I’m not deliberately trying to stir you up.”
“I think that’s part of it.” He began eating his fries.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
He finished chewing and swallowed. “You seem to have no idea how sexy you are.”
“Sexy? Me?”
“You have this one thing you do, when you lift your hair off the back of your neck, and your breasts shift slightly under your shirt. My mouth goes dry every time.”
She stared at him, pulse racing. “I…um…do that because my hair’s thick and I want to…catch a breeze.”
“And you catch me, too. In that moment, I become your willing slave.”
She could barely breathe. Her soft voice didn’t sound anything like her. “I’ve never had a willing slave in my life.”
“You have one, now.”
Chapter Sixteen
Rory hadn’t wanted a woman this much since…hell, he’d never wanted a woman this much. Or had so many hurdles to leap before he could do something about it.
He managed to change the tone of the conversation so he and Damaris could finish their ale and fries. He asked about the only cousin he didn’t have a handle on and learned that Trevor worked construction and was also a volunteer firefighter. He and Olivia, an accountant, hadn’t announced a date yet but everyone expected them to marry soon.
“I think I have all the McGavins straight,” he said as he drove back to Wild Creek Ranch. “So it’s on to the Sawyers. After the foalin’ I won’t forget Wes or what he does for a livin’. I know who Roxanne is. But your spreadsheet listed Quinn with four kids. Who’re the other two?”
“Pete, the oldest, and Gage, the next oldest. Pete’s the foreman at a guest ranch outside of town and Gage hired on at the raptor rescue center. If we go there this week—”
“That’s a priority. I don’t want to leave without seein’ that place. Aleck has to see reason on this situation.”
“What time is it there?”
He consulted the dashboard clock. “Ten-thirty. He might still be awake, but I’d rather not present this idea when he’s tired. Or out havin’ drinks with friends. I promised to call him in the mornin’ at quarter-to-five our time. I’ll stick to that.”
“Let’s think positive, that he’ll go along with a change of plans.”
“I’m for that.” He glanced over at her. “Are you ready to give me a ridin’ lesson?”
Her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. “Is that what we’re calling it?”
“As far as Cody and Zane are concerned, it is. I asked Kendra about a potential horseback ride and she was goin’ to alert her boys that we’d be comin’ down to the barn.”
“I asked her about it before we left, too, so they should be well alerted.”
“I figure they’ll saddle Diablo for me. Will you get Fifty Shades?”
“I doubt it. They borrowed that dapple gray from Crimson Clouds, where Pete works. The horses on loan have likely been returned. I’m happy with any horse they give me. They’re all sweethearts.”
“Except Licorice, evidently.”
“Nobody will be riding her anytime soon. It’s best to wait until Eclipse is weaned.”
“When’s that?”
“Sometime around seven or eight months.”
“That’s another reason I want to stay until the end of the week. Kendra said they’ll let Eclipse out in the pasture after a few days. I want to see his first glimpse of the outside world.” He rounded a bend in the ranch road. The house was straight ahead. “Do you need to go back inside for any reason?”
“You can drive straight to the barn. I’m sure there’s an old hat in the tack room I can borrow. I’d like to stay out of the house and give Kendra and Quinn some privacy.”
He smiled. “For their lie-down?”
“Yeah. I love the way they look at each other, as if they can’t believe their good luck.”
“I want to tell ma and da about that, because last they heard, she was still on her own. They’ll be happy for her.”
“See how valuable this trip has been as a bridge between the Scottish and the American McGavins? What a shame if you didn’t stay a little longer.”
“Exactly. I’ll add that to my list of reasons to give my brother tomorrow. Where should I park down here?”
“Over by Zane’s pickup.”
“If I could stay longer, I’d want to try drivin’ a pickup. This little car isn’t right for cowboy country.”
“No, it’s not.” There was a smile in her voice. “I think you’re growing fond of this place.”
“I know I am. I didn’t think I’d like it this much. And yes, you have somethin’ to do with that, but it’s also the good-natured spirit of this ranch and the town. Relaxed and friendly. Hopeful. I’ll need to come back every now and then just to soak that up.”
“Me, too.” She opened her door the minute he turned off the motor. “Before we go out for a ride, let’s peek in on Eclipse.”
“You can go ahead. I need to take care of somethin’.”
“What?”
“Transferrin’ my purchase to my pocket.”
“I can wait.”
“I’m tryin’ to be subtle, lass.”
“Oh. Okay. I’ll just go on in, then.”
“Good.” After he levered himself out of the driver’s side, he reached behind the seat for the bag from Pills and Pop. He took out the box, opened it and shoved two condoms in his front pocket.
Then he gazed at the plastic bag. Might come in handy. Folding it into a tight square, he tucked it in his other front pocket.
Other than that, he’d have to play this by ear. He was primarily a city boy, aside from the times he’d stayed overnight at his gran and grandpa’s farm. He’d been too young for this activity back then.
He was used to inside sex, which usually involved a bed. Didn’t have to, but often did. He was counting on Damaris to know the ropes on this one.
The barn door was open and he left it that way when he walked into the barn. The aroma was slightly different from his days at the sheep farm, but the earthy scent appealed to him just as much.
The barn was warmer than it had been
in the early morning hours. Quieter, too. A soft buzz of conversation drifted from the area in front of Licorice’s stall, where Damaris stood talking with Zane and admiring the foal.
As Rory started down the aisle to join them, he passed empty stalls. In the crisp light of pre-dawn, horses had stood munching hay from mesh contraptions hooked to the wall. Damaris had told him what they were called. Hay nets? That sounded right.
But he wasn’t talking cowboy yet and he certainly hadn’t mastered the cowboy way. He wasn’t clear on the concept by any means. He needed more time with Quinn and Kendra. More time with Damaris. More time.
He approached Licorice’s stall. “How’re they doin’?”
“Hey, Rory.” Zane turned to shake hands with him. “They’re doing super. Both sleeping. Take my spot and I’ll head out to the pasture to catch Diablo and Jake.”
“If it’s all right with you, I’d like to help with that, learn how it’s done.”
“Sure thing. I’ll fetch a couple of lead ropes and meet you by the door.”
“Thanks. Appreciate it.” He moved into Zane’s place beside Damaris.
She glanced at him. “You dive right in, don’t you?”
“Aye. Especially when I’m short on time.” He gazed down at Licorice and Eclipse, cuddled together like interlocked puzzle pieces as they slept. Eclipse’s coat was a lighter shade of brown now that it was dry. Softer looking. “I can’t believe he was born this morning. He already looks older.”
“Because he’s all dried off and fluffy. Zane said he’s almost mastered getting up. Doesn’t fall much at all. If the weather holds, they’ll take him out to the pasture Wednesday or Thursday.”
“I have to be here.”
“I agree. It’s like watching a baby’s first steps. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Nor will I.” He stepped away and tugged on the brim of his hat. “Let’s go catch some horses.”
Zane was waiting with two lead ropes and a battered brown hat. He handed a rope to each of them and gave Damaris the hat. She settled it on her head.
The transformation into a cowgirl was instant and adorable. An intellectual cowgirl, at that. He was a fan.
“You know what, Rory? You don’t need me out there teaching you if you have Damaris. She’s a good hand. She’ll show you how it’s done. I’ll go back to mucking out stalls.”
“Is that what I think it is?”
Zane grinned. “If you’re picturing a shovel, a rake and manure, you’re on target.”
“I’d like to take a turn at that, too.”
“Now?”
“Maybe not this very minute, but soon. I expect you muck out stalls every day.”
“Someone does. Not always me. And not usually this late. Between the wedding and the foal, the schedule’s out of whack. If you show up around nine in the morning, Cody will be here and he’d welcome the help.”
“If there are enough shovels and rakes,” Damaris said, “I’ll be here, too.”
“We can always scare up extra shovels and rakes.” Zane looked amused. “But Mom said you were on vacation this week. Wouldn’t you rather lounge on the porch with a good book?”
“You’ll laugh, but I’ve missed mucking out stalls.”
“Yeah, that makes me laugh.” He thumbed back his hat. “But I get it. There’s a reason I keep working here and hire assistants over at Raptors Rise. Financially I could make the rescue operation my full-time job, but then I wouldn’t be interacting with horses every day.”
“I’ve never known what that’s like,” Damaris said. “I got out here as often as I could once I could drive myself, but this is the first time I’ve stayed overnight. I’m a little jealous of you guys.”
“Come more often, then. Mom would love it.”
“I would, too. I’ll see how it goes. Well, we’re burning daylight, Rory. Gotta catch those ponies and saddle up or we’ll have a very short ride.”
“Lead the way.” He fell into step beside her as they walked out to the pasture. “Been thinkin’ about what Jenny said. How everyone can be virtually connected these days.”
“And?”
“I don’t pretend to know what your job is like, but could you do any of it remotely so you could live here most of the time?”
“At the ranch? I would never impose on Kendra like—”
“Not here, I guess, but nearby, so you could be part of ranch life.”
“It’s a beautiful fantasy, but the point of working on the Caltech campus is the constant interaction with other top-drawer scientists.”
“Like a think tank?”
“Exactly.”
“Couldn’t you create a virtual think tank?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. But part of what I love about staying on this ranch is the ambiance—the log ranch house with the massive fireplace, being able to walk to the barn or the pasture anytime I want. I love this.” She spread her arms to include everything in sight. “Short of living with Kendra, which I doubt either of us would go for, I couldn’t move to Eagles Nest and replicate my experience here.”
“Guess not. I see what you mean.” Her reasoning was sound and it put the lid on some crazy fantasies he’d had, that she’d move over here and he’d manage to visit often enough to …what? Have a workable relationship?
Nay. He and Damaris were sharing a temporary dream that would be over at the end of the week.
Damaris touched his arm. “Thanks for the thought, though.”
“You just sounded so wistful when you were talkin’ with Zane. And you look great in that hat.”
“Thanks.” She sighed. “I probably sounded wistful because my research isn’t going well. Living on this ranch looks way more fun than my life in California.”
“It also looks way more fun than bein’ jobless in Scotland and dealin’ with a nasty woman and her father.”
She unlatched the gate. “See? No wonder we’re charmed by Wild Creek. Once we go home and deal with our problems, we’ll see this for what it is, a lovely experience that doesn’t fit with our real lives.”
“I suppose.” He followed her into the pasture and latched the gate behind him. “But I still want to learn everythin’ I can about bein’ a cowboy.”
“Then here’s your first tip. We’re in a horse pasture. Watch your step.”
“I’m not completely clueless.” The battered hat looked perfect on her. She might not believe that she belonged here, but he couldn’t shake the image of her riding horses and wearing that hat. “I’ve walked through sheep pastures before.”
“But sheep droppings are different.”
“Aye, but you still have to watch out.” How an old hat could make her look even sexier was hard to explain, but she…wait. What was that squishing sound? He lifted his boot. “Bloody hell.”
Chapter Seventeen
Damaris hid a smile as Rory scraped his boot on a clump of thick grass.
“Feel free to say I told you so. I deserve it.”
“Think of this as part of your initiation.”
He glanced up and flashed her a grin. “That’s a good way of lookin’ at it, lass. I learn by doin’. This won’t happen twice.”
“I believe you. I spotted Diablo over there.” She pointed him out.
“I see him.”
“Take it slow and easy. As you walk up to him, chose an angle that lets him see you. Horses are prey animals, so they get nervous if someone approaches them from behind.”
“Can I try somethin’ first?”
“Like what?”
“Like this.” He stuck his tongue behind his teeth and let out a sharp whistle.
Diablo lifted his head, looked at Rory and ambled over.
“How did you know to do that?”
“Quinn mentioned that Diablo responds to a whistle. He was trained to do it before Kendra got him. I wasn’t sure if it would work since he doesn’t know me like he knows Quinn.” Rory stroked the gelding’s nose and scratched behind his ears. “Now t
hat I’ve got him, what’s next?”
“Clip the lead rope to his halter so you can lead him through the gate and over to the hitching post.”
“All right.”
“I’ll fetch Jake. I could whistle all day long and he wouldn’t come. Be right back.” She walked up to the big bay. “Did you see that, Jake? I’ll bet I could train you to come when I whistle. Except I can’t whistle through my teeth like some people.”
“I could teach you,” Rory called over.
“You’ve got a deal!” She clipped the rope to Jake’s halter and stroked his neck. “Let’s go, big guy.”
Rory stopped stroking Diablo and turned toward her. “You’re walking on his left. Is that the best way to do it?”
“It’s the most common. That’s likely what Diablo’s used to.”
“Then that’s how we’ll do it, Diablo. Just how you like it.” He took hold of the rope in his right hand and held the end loosely in his left as he started toward her.
He made quite a picture leading that gelding like a seasoned hand. Took her breath away. Long before she’d fallen for Jamie Fraser, she’d had a thing for cowboys. A cowboy with a brogue made an irresistible combination.
He paused. “Am I doin’ somethin’ wrong?”
“Not at all. Why?”
“You were starin’ at me like maybe I was.”
“I was staring because you look great, as if you were born to work with horses.”
“Funny you should say that. I’m beginnin’ to think I was. I’ll go first and open the gate.”
“Sure.” Gave her more opportunity to drink in the sight of him. Lordy.
Moments later the horses stood quietly at the hitching post while she took Rory though the basics of saddling and bridling. He was a quick study. Didn’t take long before they were ready to mount up.
She supervised him as he climbed aboard. “You’ve got that part down.”
“Mountin’ is easy for me, now. It’s the ridin’ where I struggle. Can’t sit a trot worth a damn.”
“That’s okay. We can work on it. Let me tell Zane we’re taking off.” She walked up to the barn door. “We’re leaving! We’ll be gone about...” She turned toward Rory and lifted her eyebrows.
A Cowboy’s Worth: The McGavin Brothers Page 11