Roping the Rancher (Harlequin American Romance) (14 page)

“My bathrobe’s still hanging on the bathroom door. When you get that on, toss out your clothes. I’ll change out here.”

Standing in his bedroom, his presence overwhelmed her. His wet shirt revealed the definition of his rock-hard abs and broad shoulders. His jeans molded to his strong thighs and she refused to think about what else they revealed. So much for being cold. Not a problem now. She practically ran into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her, wincing at the harsh sound.

As she peeled off her soggy clothes her imagination went crazy. All she could think about was Colt a few feet away shedding his clothes, revealing those amazing abs and everything else. Her jeans hit the floor with a thwack and she reached for his robe. She’d thought the last time she slipped into this garment it was intimate. Today was past intimate.

She’d tried so hard to stay away from Colt. To keep from feeling anything for him, but how could she when he’d done so much for Ryan since they’d arrived? He’d given her brother that steady male presence he craved. Ryan had changed so much since they arrived. Not only had he improved physically, going from needing a walker to occasionally only needing a cane, but he’d grown in confidence.

But Colt had helped her in so many ways, too. She enjoyed his company and how he made her laugh. He kept her from taking life too seriously, from becoming overwhelmed. She didn’t feel as if she had to always be strong when she was with him, and now, after she’d basically ignored him for weeks, he helped her overcome her fear of horses.

Over a few short weeks, he’d become a part of her life, and she feared she was falling in love with him.

No.

She couldn’t. Loving someone started out all sunshine and butterflies, but her relationships never lasted. Loving led to being vulnerable, to disappointment, to unfulfilled expectations and responsibilities.

A knock on the bathroom door broke through her thoughts. “You got those wet clothes off yet?”

After mumbling something like an apology for taking so long, she scooped up her clothes, opened the door and tossed them out. While he went to throw their clothes in the dryer, she located a hair dryer. When she finished with that task, she sat on the toilet. What else could she do to avoid facing Colt? The two of them together with her dressed in his robe? Not a good idea.

A knock sounded on the door again. “You okay in there?”

Startled, she slid off the toilet and landed on the floor with a thud and a squeal, banging her hip in the process.

The door burst open and Colt filled the space. “What happened? Are you all right?”

“Just call me Grace.”

He rushed forward to assist her, but she held up a hand to stop him. Once on her feet she took a couple of steps, but his robe tangled around her legs. She reached to free the material, lost her balance and she tumbled smack into Colt. His arms wrapped around her, steadying her.

Desire coursed through her. Lightning crackled closer outside as the storm moved in, mirroring the one brewing inside her.

Her hands cupped his cheeks, his rough stubble scratching her palms as she pulled his face down to hers. Her lips covered his, searching, asking, pleading.

She wanted to feel. She wanted to care. She wanted this man.

More than she’d ever wanted anything in her life. For however long she could have him, even if it was only for the afternoon.

Colt deepened the kiss. As he pressed against her she felt the evidence of his desire. Her hands fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, needing to explore more of him. “I can’t do this.”

He pulled away, confusion and disappointment flaring in his gaze. “I understand.”

“No. It’s not what you’re thinking. I want you. I can’t get these damned buttons undone.”

His beaming masculine smile sent a new rush of passion coursing through her. “Let me see what I can do.”

Unlike her, he made quick work of the task. Then she slid his shirt off. Her hands caressed his firm flesh. Who needed a gym if hard work could do this for a man’s body? Her lips found his again.

His callused hand slipped inside the robe, kneading her breast, sending fire racing through her. She moaned. The hoarse sound filled with need and longing startled her as the soft fabric slid down her body. Lightning cracked outside and thunder rumbled toward them. “A storm’s rolled in.”

“And not just outside. You’re cold.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed. “Scoot under the covers.”

She slid between the sheets and then glanced at him towering beside her. Scars dotted his magnificent chest, but only added to his appeal. Testaments to his courage.

“Undress for me. I want to see you.”

“You’re so bossy.”

“I’m sorry,” she stammered, and clutched the blanket up around her chin.

“Nothing to apologize for. No one pushes you around. I like knowing exactly what you want. I don’t have to guess what you’re thinking.”

“Then strip.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

His fingers shook as he unbuckled his belt, and slowly lowered his zipper. His gaze locked on hers as he slid his jeans past his hips, revealing himself to her. The sight of him, strong, proud and pulsing with desire for her, fueled her need. An image of him like this, except wearing his cowboy hat, flashed in her mind. He looked so damned sexy in that hat. She’d have to ask him to pose like that for her. More thunder rattled around them. Or was that her heart?

* * *

C
OLT
THOUGHT
HE
’
D
come right then and there when Stacy told him to strip. As he kicked off his jeans, she licked her lips, and he closed his eyes, trying to harness his control before he embarrassed himself. Warms hands clasped his heated flesh as her lips moved over his chest.

For a moment he lost himself to his emotions, his desire. The fever built inside him, threatening to burn him to cinders. He needed her in his arms. He yanked back the blankets and practically pounced on her.

It had been so long, and making love had never been like this. Frenzied. Consuming. Real. He had to slow down, but he couldn’t.

He suckled her breast while his hands found her heated core. Her moans echoed through him, fueling his ardor, driving him to heights he never knew existed. As he caressed her, her hands clutched his shoulders. Her teeth nipped at his neck.

“You’re so beautiful, and not just on the outside.” He kissed her, his tongue mating with hers.

He felt the waves rock through her as she reached her peak. Her nails dug into his shoulders. “Now. I want you inside me now.”

He stilled. Birth control. He didn’t have anything. “I didn’t plan for this. It’s been so long.” He swallowed hard and told himself not to babble. “I don’t have a condom.”

“It’s your lucky day.” She kissed him lightly and smiled. The smile of a satisfied woman. Then she crawled out of bed. As he stared at her beautiful body displayed for him, he couldn’t follow her train of thought.

That’s because there isn’t a drop of blood left going to your brain.

She found her purse on a chair, dug around inside and retrieved a foil packet. “I have one.”

A man had to love a woman who was prepared.

The thought ricocheted through him. Did he love Stacy? He admired her. Lusted after her big-time. Appreciated her spunk, but love?

Then her frenzied hands were on him again, and he forgot everything but her. His hands teased her sensitive flesh, needing to ignite her passion, but she shoved him down on the bed and straddled him.

As she situated herself on his heated flesh, he reveled in the pleasure coursing through him. They moved together. He stared up into her gorgeous face, reveling in the passion returning to expressive eyes. Passion for him. Clear and mesmerizing. His gaze locked with hers as he caressed her, bringing her to another peak. Only then did he let go. Wave after wave crashed over him, breaking him and somehow putting him back together.

What had he done?

He’d connected with a woman on a level he never knew possible. Had he also made the biggest mistake of his life?

Don’t go there. Savor this. Don’t think beyond now.

While the storm inside them had subsided, the one outside hadn’t. Lightning continued to slash across the sky and thunder rumbled around them.

He felt more content than he had in years. Being with Stacy felt right. The question was, where did they go from here? He cared for her, but he refused to examine his nagging thoughts about love. Right now his life couldn’t take any more upheaval. Jess and his therapy program had to be his top concerns. The most he could offer Stacy was a casual relationship, but would that offend her? Make her think she was good enough to sleep with, but not worth any type of commitment?

Casual relationship. The phrase rubbed him the wrong way. He wasn’t the love-’em-and-leave-’em type, and that’s exactly what it felt like he was doing.

Thunder rumbled outside. He lay there fulfilled and content, Stacy’s gentle curves nestled against him, heating him up all over again, and knew they should talk about what happened between them. Hell, they should’ve talked about where things were headed before they tumbled into bed, but he figured better late than never.

“I guess we just became more than friends,” he joked, not knowing how else to bring up the subject.

“You heard that comment?”

“That and a little more. Thanks for what you said to Jess. I had no idea she was carrying around so much guilt over her mom. She and I had a great talk about everything after that. She really opened up to me, and we cleared the air about some things.”

“She loves you so much.”

He shook his head. “I still can’t believe she asked you what your intentions were. I said while I appreciated the concern, that’s not her job. I’m an adult and can take care of myself.”

He failed to mention how damned embarrassing her conversation had been. No man should have to discuss his love life, or lack thereof, with his teenage daughter.

“I don’t want you getting the wrong impression about what happened between us,” Stacy said as she slid away from him. “I don’t want you thinking I’m expecting anything from you. I’m usually not so impulsive. Not that I didn’t enjoy what happened, I did. It was amazing, but there can’t be anything other than something casual between us. Our lives are so different. We don’t even live in the same state.”

He noticed whenever she was nervous she talked a mile a minute. Good to know he wasn’t the only one feeling uneasy.

“I wasn’t about to get down on one knee, if that’s what you were thinking.” His words came out with a bite rather than as a lighthearted joke as he intended. Hadn’t she said exactly what he’d been thinking? So why was his pride bruised? “We’re both adults. We enjoy each other’s company. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Except we’re both responsible for a teenager.”

What kind of example are we setting?
The words hung unspoken between them, and where did they go from here?

Sleeping with each other once? They might be able to keep that from Jess and Ryan. Carrying off an affair? No way.

What were they going to do?

Lightning cracked close, too close, and before the light faded the deafening roar of thunder shook the walls. Colt jumped out of bed. “Damn. That hit something.”

“Are you sure?”

He didn’t answer, but scooped up his jeans off the floor where he’d dropped them beside the bed earlier. He shrugged them on and moved to the window. “The barn’s on fire! I’ve got to get the horses out.”

Then he bolted out the door.

* * *

S
TACY
LEAPED
OUT
of bed, her heart and mind racing. She dug through her purse again and located her phone. As she dashed through the house to retrieve her clothes from the dryer, she called 911. She explained the situation to the dispatcher and asked the woman to send the fire department. That done, Stacy dressed and ran outside after Colt.

The driving rain pelted her skin soaking her again as she raced for the barn. Flames licked at the back side of the structure’s roof. At least it was the area farthest away from the horses. The barn door stood open. She darted inside. Horses’ panicked shrieks filled the air. Smoke stung her nose and lungs. The gray haze burned her eyes.

As she ran toward the stalls, she scanned the area for Colt, finding him down the first row. “What can I do?”

“Get out. It’s not safe in here.”

“I’m not leaving you alone to deal with this. I won’t let these animals die.”
Or you.

Something could fall on him. The smoke could get to him and no one would ever know. She refused to think about what else could happen.

Colt yanked open a stall door and Babe charged out. “Go away, Stacy. Call 911.”

“I already did.” She grabbed his arm. “We don’t have time to argue. Tell me what to do, damn it.”

“Open stall doors. The horses should get out on their own. If one won’t I’ll take care of it.”

She nodded. “I’ll get the other row.”

He grabbed her hand. “You sure?”

She nodded and squeezed his hand before she ran off toward the other stalls. Wood being consumed crackled around them. Sweat poured down her face, blurring her vision as the heat increased. She pulled open a stall door, jumped back, watched the horse race out and moved on. Her breathing grew labored as she moved down the row.

When the last horse was free, Stacy ran back to where she’d left Colt. “Colt, are you done? Where are you?”

A horse’s shrill screech of a panic cut through the fire’s roar. “Go. I’ll follow in a minute.”

She hesitated at the far end of the row. No, she wouldn’t leave until he went with her. As she ran down the aisle toward him she saw him struggling with a huge black horse. The animal pulled the rope from Colt’s grasp and reared.

“Colt!”

Stacy’s screams reverberated around her. All she could see was her father being crushed under a similar massive animal’s hooves.

History was repeating itself.

Chapter Twelve

No. Stacy refused to let this happen again. She’d been too young to prevent her father from dying, but she
would
save Colt.

The horse’s hooves pounded his chest, knocking him to his knees. His arms covered his head as he fought to stand. The animal reared again.

“No!” Stacy screamed as she waved her arms and ran. “Colt, tell me what to do.”

In the few seconds it took her to reach him, he’d managed to stand and was pulling his bandana out of his back pocket. Then he grabbed the horse’s lead rope and handed it to her. “Talk to him and hold on. If I can get his eyes covered, he should calm down.”

“Hey, big boy. It’s okay. I know you’re scared. My dad used to sing to me when I was afraid.” The words to
Put On a Happy Face
from one of her father’s favorite musical,
Bye Bye Birdie,
flowed out of her, calming both her and the horse. The animal stopped pulling against her. His movements grew less frantic, until he calmed enough for Colt to tie the bandana around his eyes.

Then Colt took the rope from her. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

Sirens screamed in the distance as Colt, with Stacy beside him, led the horse out of the barn to discover the storm had moved on. Rain sprinkled his skin as he opened the corral for the animal to join the other horses nervously milling around. Then everything hit him at once. How reckless she’d been. How he could’ve lost her, and how without her he’d more than likely be dead right now. He reached out and his soot-covered hands cupped her face as he kissed her lightly. Then he leaned his forehead against hers.

“Thank you for not following directions. If you’d listened to me and left when I told you to, I’d be dead.”

He kissed her again and then interlocked his hand with hers to still their shaking. Fate could be brutally fickle and had a way of making a man see what really mattered in life.

“I wasn’t going to let what happened to my dad happen to you.”

She hadn’t left him. She’d fought with him. The city woman, hotshot actress who when she’d arrived had been afraid to be near a horse, had battled a fire and her fear to not only to help save every animal, but him, as well.

“Are you okay? The horse kicked you in the chest.”

“I’ll be bruised and sore tomorrow, but I suspect the whole thing looked worse to you than it actually was.” He looked toward the barn, as the firefighters worked to control the flames still licking at the barn. “I’d never have gotten all the horses out in time if you hadn’t helped. You have got to be the strongest woman I’ve ever met. Damn woman, you’re amazing.”

“Tell me you have insurance,” Stacy said as she, too, stared at the scorched barn, the firefighters having gotten the blaze under control.

“I do, but I’ve got a huge deductible. That was one of the ways I cut operating costs so I could get the program up and running sooner.” He rubbed his forehead as his mind raced to list the things he’d need to do over the next few days. Call his insurance agent. Double-check his list of the barn’s contents. Find someone to stable his horses until the barn was inhabitable again.

“I bet the community and anyone who’s gone through your program will help you come up with the deductible. We can have a fund-raiser to raise the cash and replace anything insurance won’t cover. Bring a bridle and help Healing Horses rebuild.”

We.
He liked the sound of that.

“That’s a great idea.”

“I’ll work on jotting down some ideas. I can talk to Nannette to see what she thinks.”

Had Lynn ever been this much a partner in his life and what mattered to him? He mentally shook himself. He had to stop thinking about his wife. She was dead and gone. That marriage was in the past. He’d told Stacy not to let what happened with her father affect her now. He needed to do the same. He had to let go of Lynn, of his anger and his disappointment. No more. He was done viewing the world though the haze of his failed marriage. He was finished keeping everyone at arm’s length.

Starting with Stacy. What a woman. She made him feel like he wasn’t alone, looked like a first-class diamond and was just as tough.

He wouldn’t find a better woman if he searched for the rest of his life. His heart expanded. He’d fallen in love with Stacy. No doubt about it. As he listened to her spin ideas for the fund-raising event, he didn’t know where his relationship with her would go, but he’d hold on to her for as long as she was here and enjoy the ride.

* * *

T
HE
NEXT
MORNING
when Colt arrived at the Twin Creeks movie set along with Jess and Ryan, Stacy met them near the barn. Seeing her dressed in Wranglers that showed off her great curves, cowboy boots, her blond hair pulled back in a ponytail, a cowboy hat perched on her head sent a jolt through him. At first, he almost didn’t recognize her, but damn she looked fine. Almost as good as she had in his bed yesterday afternoon.

All he wanted to do was put his arms around her and tell her how lonely his bed had been last night without her there with him.

How did other people juggle having a love life and being a single parent? Someone ought to write a manual. After Stacy greeted Jess and her brother, she glanced at him, mumbled a greeting and blushed the prettiest shade of pink. At least he wasn’t the only one who wasn’t sure how to handle things this morning.

“You two are going to be bored,” Stacy said to Ryan and Jess. “Making movies isn’t as glamorous as everything thinks. It’s a lot of doing the same scene over and over again.”

“Maggie said she could use us as extras in the scene that you’re filming after you finish this one,” Jess said, her young face beaming with excitement.

“Do you know where Maggie is?” Ryan asked. “She said to check in with her when we got here and she’d tell us what we’re going to be doing.”

Stacy pointed toward the trailer off to her right. “She should be in there double-checking things for the shoot.”

Once the kids left, Colt considered bringing up what happened between them yesterday, but what could he say? That he was confused as hell about their relationship, had no idea how to handle things between them now and did she have any suggestions?

When the awkward silence stretched as he stood there like a scared school boy, Stacy finally said, “You don’t have to be here. I’m sure with the fire yesterday you have important things to take care of. Since Maggie agreed to let me ride Bess, I’ll be all right.”

The day before friends and neighbors started arriving with horse trailers to move his animals even before the firefighters put out the fire. “The most important things are done. We got the horses moved yesterday, and I already talked to the insurance agent this morning. He’ll be out this afternoon to look at the damage and start working on the claim. Until he does that, there’s not much I can do.”

“If you’re sure.”

Her words said one thing, but the uncertainty in her gaze told him something else. He brushed his knuckles across her cheek. “I promised I’d be here for you, and I’m a man of my word.”

“That’s what I was hoping you’d say. I know everything will be okay, but I’m still edgy. Having you here makes me feel so much better. Safer.”

This woman had invaded his life, every nook and cranny. Quickly, thoroughly and with surprising force. The thought rippled through him leaving him stunned.

The catch was she wouldn’t stick around. Ryan’s ten-week therapy had only a couple of sessions left. The movie was set to finish shooting a week after that.

Their days were numbered.

Before he figured out how to respond, Maggie called for everyone’s attention. “We’re set to start.” She motioned for Colt to come forward. “Everyone here knows what happened to Stacy’s father. Because of that, we’re taking extra precautions. She and I thought it would be a good idea if we went over a few horse basics before we started shooting.”

Colt spent the next few minutes going over the fundamentals with the crew. No loud noises. No sudden unexpected moves. If the horse started pawing the ground or seemed at all nervous, he’d let Maggie know, and they’d stop filming until he figured out what the issue was. Maggie said Colt didn’t need to consult with her. If he felt they needed to take a break, he was to call cut. His job was to remain focused on Stacy and ensure her safety.

After talking to the crew, he led Bess to the pasture fence and helped Stacy mount. “I’m so glad Maggie was okay with me riding my BFF here.” Stacy leaned down and patted the horse’s neck. “Good thing you still have your looks, girlfriend. Most actresses your age aren’t so lucky.”

“You two are quite a pair.”

She flashed him a weak smile.

The woman and the horse had a lot in common. Both beautiful, sturdy stock, dependable and made of steel, but with a heart of pure marshmallow—all sweet and soft.

“You’ll be fine, but I’m right over there if you need me. You ready?”

She nodded, and he placed his hands over her as they clutched the reins so tight her knuckles whitened. Her grip relaxed under his. “All set.”

He squeezed her hand one more time. “Thata girl.”

Then Colt joined Maggie and the camera crew. That way he’d remain close to Stacy and the action, but wouldn’t risk getting in the shots.

Maggie called for action. Stacy nudged Bess with her heels and the pair started walking along the fence. The actor in the scene rode in from the west on a three-wheeler, stopping a few feet away, jumped off the vehicle and made his way to Stacy where he helped her dismount. Then they talked while they walked toward the barn with Stacy leading Bess.

Simple.

Stacy relaxed once Maggie called cut. While her performance had been mediocre at best, she was thrilled she made it through the first take with nothing going wrong. When Maggie approached, Stacy said, “That was awful, but now I’ve got my nerves under control, I’ll do better on the next take.”

“It’s okay. I expected you to be little uptight to start. We’re not going to rush this.” Maggie wrapped her arm around Stacy’s shoulders. “Are you doing all right? We can take a break if you need to.”

“I’m fine. Let’s give it another try.”

A few takes later Maggie claimed she had what she was looking for, but she wanted to try a different spin on the scene before she called it good. She wanted one more take with Brandon upping the emotion a little and showing more anger. Stacy sat on Bess watching the actor approach in the three-wheeler. As he came closer she waited for him to slow down. He didn’t. If anything he accelerated. Her stomach tightened. Bess shifted nervously under her, as if the animal also sensed something was wrong.

“Get out of the way!” Brandon shouted. “The accelerator’s stuck.”

Stacy tugged on Bess’s reins, trying to turn the horse away from the fence. They had to get out of the way. Voices screaming orders created an indiscernible chaos pounding in her head. She couldn’t think. Couldn’t remember anything Colt told her about controlling a horse.

“Toss me the reins and grab the saddle horn.”

Colt.

The death grip on her heart loosened as she followed his instructions. He grabbed the reins and led her and Bess away.

Brandon jumped off the three-wheeler, but the vehicle barreled forward, crashing into the fence near where she and Bess had been. The sound of metal colliding with wood and concerned voices echoed in Stacy’s ears.

She glanced at Colt, and started shaking. The situation could have gone so differently if he hadn’t been there. Bless that take-charge attitude of his. He’d known she needed help before she could even call out to him.

His hands slipped around her waist, strong and warm, comforting her as he helped her off Bess. “I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t remember anything you told me about how to tell a horse where to go.”

She leaned into him, her head resting on his strong chest. The hammering of his heart pounded against her cheek. “You’re safe now.”

“Thanks to you.”

The crew rushed forward to help Brandon, who was unhurt except for a few scrapes to his arms. Slowly the noises quieted, and then Stacy heard Ryan’s screams.

Brandon’s mishap triggered Ryan’s memories of his accident. Her gaze searched for Ryan, finding him huddled against the barn. When Jess approached him, he shoved away from his friend almost knocking her down. Stacy raced toward him, but the closer she got, the more he looked as if he would bolt. “Ryan, it’s me, Stacy.”

She wrapped her arms around him, trying to comfort him and still his shaking, but he broke free. His eyes glazed over, he looked like a cornered animal. She moved toward him, but he backed away.

“Watch out!”

“Ryan, look at me,” Stacy begged.

She thought he’d gotten past this. His nightmares had subsided. He’d been so happy lately, almost back to his old self, but here they were with him lost inside his head, reliving the tormenting images of his accident.

Stacy glanced over her shoulder to find Colt. Her gaze locked with his, pleading with him to help her. “He won’t let me touch him. What can I do?”

“Nothing.” Colt inched forward. “Hey, buddy. I’m here.” He moved forward another step. “Talk to me, Ryan.”

“No! Get out of the way!”

The vacant look in his gaze told Stacy he wasn’t really seeing anyone or anything around him, only the past.

“Ryan, look at me. Talk to me. It’s Colt.”

Colt continued to inch closer until he stood in front of Ryan. The pain and guilt etched on her brother’s face broke her heart. “Officer, I didn’t see him. I swear.”

Touching Ryan’s shoulder, Colt said, “It’s okay, Ryan.”

Colt encircled her brother in his strong embrace. Ryan shoved against him, but couldn’t break free. “It was so awful. He came out of nowhere. I didn’t mean to hit him.”

“I know.”

“It was so awful. He almost died.” Sobs erupted from Ryan. His head rested on Colt’s broad chest. “I heard from him the other day. He’ll never walk again. I’m getting better. I might even walk on my own again. I don’t have any right to be doing this well while he’s in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.”

“I get it. I feel the same way a lot of days. Some of my buddies didn’t come home. Some lost arms or legs, but not me. I came home in one piece. Why did I when they didn’t?”