Shane (Remington Ranch Book 2) (16 page)

Once they’d finished eating, Cassidy shooed everyone out of the dining room and into the living room, assuring them she’d join them very shortly.

Shane hung back to help her. Between them they made short work of clearing the table and loading the dishwasher. The kitchen was cleaned up in no time. Shane was struck again by how much he was enjoying this—enjoying feeling that they were a couple and in this together. “We make a good team, huh?” He held out his fist and she bumped hers against it.

She gave him an odd look. “We do. Scary, huh?”

He laughed. “Scary? I was thinking it was kind of cool.”

“You were?”

“You weren’t?” Maybe she was feeling the way he normally did at the very idea of shared domesticity?

She gave him a puzzled look. “Actually I was. I was thinking it was really cool! And I was wondering why it doesn’t freak me the fuck out!”

He laughed out loud at that. “See we are the same kind of animal. You stole my thoughts. I was really enjoying playing house with you until I realized I’m the guy who runs a mile from all that shit.”

“And I’m the girl who does it all by herself or doesn’t do it at all.”

They stared at each other for a moment. She looked a little scared, and he
felt
a little scared. He held his fist out again. “Okay, let’s just go back to good job, partner, and leave it at that, shall we?”

She laughed and bumped her fist against his. “Gladly. And let’s go get a drink. We deserve it.”

Just as they made their way to join the others, Chance held up a hand to catch Shane’s attention. He came over. “Thanks for a great dinner, Cassidy.”

“Thanks for coming. Do you want to play pool? I’m going to see if everyone wants to head down to the basement to play?”

He shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m going to head home.” He looked at Shane. “Could I have a word?”

Cassidy laughed. “Yes, he’s staying, yes you can have his keys.”

Shane burst out laughing. “Don’t you just love my shrinking violet?” He put an arm around her shoulders and grinned at Chance as he dug his car keys out of his pocket and handed them over.

Chance grinned. “And there I was worrying how I could be subtle about it.”

“I have many strengths, Chance,” said Cassidy. “Subtlety is not one of them. So, I’ll be blunt again. Why are you leaving?”

Shane knew that Chance warmed to Cassidy in that moment. She could see something was bothering him. He shrugged. “I’m the odd man out on couples’ night.”

“You knew that before you came. What’s really the problem?”

Chance held her gaze for a moment. Shane knew he was weighing it up and deciding to be straight with her. “Beau and I don’t see eye to eye. Mostly we let it ride, but something’s eating at him. I can tell he’s working his way up to a showdown, and I don’t want to spoil your evening by letting it happen here.”

Cassidy nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate it, even though I don’t want you to leave.”

He shrugged.

“Will you come over another time and just hang with us?”

Shane was pleased at the genuine smile on Chance’s face. “Thanks. I’d like that.”

Cassidy leaned in and pecked his cheek. “Me too. I’ll say goodnight now, because I’m guessing you’re going to slide out the door before anyone notices.”

Chance nodded. “You got it.” He looked at Shane. “You’ve got yourself a good ’un here.”

Shane nodded. He knew it. Now all he had to do was figure out how to make it last.

Chapter Sixteen

The next morning Cassidy opened her eyes to find Shane propped up on one elbow smiling down at her.

“Good morning, Princess.”

She shook her head. “You’re still calling me that?”

“I still see you that way, the way
I
described it, not the way you did.”

She shrugged.

“You’d better get used to it, and you’d better change the way you look at things.”

“What things?” she mumbled. Her brain wasn’t fully awake yet.

“What you think a Princess is like.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “What you think I’m like. You’re wrong about me, you know.”

She smiled. “I was right about one thing.”

“Oh yeah? And what was that?”

“You
are
exhausting.” They’d had quite a night!

He grinned. “I’m glad you think so. I didn’t want to disappoint.”

She reached her arms up around his neck. “Oh, you didn’t disappoint at all. I’m impressed, very impressed.” She winced as she moved to pull him down to her. “And maybe a little sore too.”

He lay his head on the pillow next to hers and looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry. Do you want a massage to help you feel better?”

She shook her head. “Maybe tonight? I have to get a move on this morning. I’m supposed to pick Summer up, and we’re heading into Bozeman.” She’d love nothing more than to stay here in bed with him, but she couldn’t.

He pouted. “I’m supposed to be back at the ranch by now, but I’ll stay here if you want me?”

“That’s not fair. You know I want you. I’ve told you enough times. But I’ve got things to do.” She scrambled out of bed before her willpower deserted her. “Come on. We’ve got time for a quick shower, but the rest will have to wait until tonight.”

He hopped out of bed and started pulling her toward the bathroom. “You already know what happens in the shower.”

She grinned and let him lead her in—that was what she’d been hoping for.

Half an hour later they were both dressed and ready to go. “Do you want me to drop you off?” she asked.

“I can get Carter to take me, if you’re in a hurry.”

She checked her watch. “I’ve got time.”

He grinned. “Then yes. I’d love you to give me a ride, and I’ll do the same for you tonight.”

“You’re just one of those guys who can’t get enough, aren’t you?”

“Not when it comes to you, I can’t.” He pulled her to him and kissed her. She loved his kisses. They were so confident, so adventurous. He didn’t dominate her, take possession of her. It felt more like he was inviting her to join him, to go someplace with him and to have fun. She kissed him back, hoping that her kiss could tell him that she accepted the invitation, was up for the adventure—wherever it might lead.

By lunchtime she was exhausted. She and Summer had spent the morning shopping. Now they sat in a café on Main in Bozeman. Summer smiled at her. “I take it you and Shane had a good time last night?”

Cassidy grinned. “One hell of a good time! And what about you? What’s really going on with you and Carter? I can tell you like him.”

“I do. He’s wonderful, Cass. It’s like someone upstairs listened to everything I wanted in a man—physically and in personality—and went away and made Carter just for me.” Her smile faded. “But we lead such different lives. He lives for his work as much as I live for mine.” Her voice cracked as she finished the sentence and she shook her head.

Cassidy nodded. “He does, and I don’t see him getting involved with anyone unless it’s for keeps.”

Summer scrabbled in her purse and pulled her pad out.

I would love to keep him! He’s my ideal man in every sense. But it couldn’t work. Neither of us is talking about it. It’s like we have this silent agreement that we’ll just be friends. He always jokes that he’s a dumbass, but he’s really smart. He understands. He
knows.

It made Cassidy sad, but she knew her friend was right. There was no point in the two of them starting something they wouldn’t be able to finish. Summer’s stay here was temporary. Carter’s entire life was here. He wouldn’t get involved lightly, neither would she for that matter. They were doing the smart thing, the best thing. That made her wonder, was she doing the dumb thing by getting involved with Shane after she’d promised herself no more man-messes? Only time would tell. Dumb or smart, she was doing it. He was coming back for dinner tonight, he’d no doubt stay over again. They were on the fast track to somewhere—disaster or delight, they’d find out soon enough.

Summer was scribbling away on her pad again. She held it up.

You and Shane are made for each other. He’s not like your other guys. Yes, he’s big and strong and sexy ;0) BUT he’s not a control freak.

Cassidy frowned. “I never thought of him as a control freak!”

Summer smiled and scribbled again.

You didn’t think Al was either. Or Adam.

Cassidy shuddered. “You know, I don’t think I knew they were until right now. I’ve always thought it was about ego, with both of them.”

Summer shook her head. “Control,” she croaked. With a look of frustration, she started to scribble again.

Damn this is annoying! So much I want to say and my voice just won’t keep up! You’re like this wild, beautiful, free spirit. You attract guys who only want the best – you ARE the best. BUT they want you on their terms, and can’t handle that you have your own terms and you live by them. It seems to me that Shane likes that about you. He doesn’t want to control you, he wants to run alongside you, because he’s another wild, free, beautiful, spirit.

Cassidy read the words and then reread them before looking up.

Summer nodded. “It’s true.”

It was. Shane had never tried to make her do or be anything that…well, anything at all. He just waited for her to be her and, as Summer put it, ran alongside. Maybe he
was
different. She smiled at the thought. Maybe he was as special as she was secretly hoping he might be.

“Your smile says it all,” whispered Summer.

Cassidy met her gaze. “Maybe. But that’s enough talk about men for now. I want to talk about you. How long are you thinking you’re going to stay here? Do you really think you might want to buy the house from Beau? How would it work if you did? Would this be your escape place?”

Two little lines creased Summer’s forehead as she bent over her pad once more.

I’m trying not to think about it all. I would love to buy the house. I already feel more at home there than I’ve felt anywhere for years. I don’t know how long I’m going to be here though. The doctor’s say rest, rest, rest the voice and I should get it back without surgery—I don’t want surgery!

She stared off out the window before she continued to scribble.

Part of me wants to use it as an excuse. An excuse to give it all up. I don’t enjoy it anymore.

Cassidy read that last line and looked up. “I thought that might be the case.”

“You did?” Summer looked pale and uncertain. “Don’t tell Autumn!”

“You mean you haven’t talked to her about it?”

Summer shook her head.

“She only wants what’s best for you know.”

“I know, but she thinks the career is what’s best for me. What would I do otherwise?” She hung her head. “What would Autumn do?”

Wow. Cassidy hadn’t thought about it like that. She thought of both sisters as being the perfect team. Summer was the face—the voice—while Autumn was the business brain, working tirelessly in the background. If Summer were to give up her career, what
would
Autumn do? She patted her friend’s hand. “Well, you’ve got plenty of time to figure it all out while you rest your voice. And you need to have some fun, too.”

Summer nodded. “Resting
is
fun for me right now—it’s such a novelty!”

“Is that your way of saying you want to go home?”

She nodded. “Yes, please. I hear a hot tub calling.”

Cassidy grinned. “I can just picture you sitting in your hot tub out on that deck, listening to the river, watching the stars.”

“My idea of heaven. Want to join me tonight? I’ll supply the wine.”

“Sorry, I can’t. And will you get your pad out? You’re talking too much.”

Summer made a face and scribbled, then waggled her eyebrows as she held up the pad.

Don’t be sorry. You’re seeing Shane. Just wish I could ask Carter to join me!

Cassidy laughed. “You should!”

Summer shook her head sadly.

Cassidy wished the two of them could figure something out. They were so cute together. “Come on then. Let’s get you home.” She looked around for the server to ask for the check. She frowned when she saw two familiar faces sitting at the counter. It took her a minute to place them. It was the two pilots who had brought Summer in. She looked away, hoping they could make a quick exit without having to stop and talk to them. No such luck!

“Summer!” called the one who had been hitting on her. Carl? Was that his name?

Summer smiled when she spotted them and gave a little wave. They made their way over.

Justin, the one who had asked for Cassidy’s number, smiled at her. “We meet again.”

She nodded. “We do. However, we’re just leaving.”

“No,” said Carl as he sat down next to Summer. “Don’t go just yet.”

Summer looked at Cassidy. It seemed she wasn’t as interested in the guy as she had been. Her eyes pleaded for help.

“Sorry,” said Cassidy. “We really have to run. We’re late.”

She stood and Summer joined her.

“Maybe next time, then?” asked Justin.

“Maybe,” said Cassidy.

He took her by surprise as he leaned in for a hug. She was so surprised that she hugged him back. She rolled her eyes at Summer over his shoulder. Summer winked and gave Carl a quick hug. “Bye then.”

As they pushed their way out through the door, Cassidy shook her head. “They don’t give up too easily do they?”

Summer smiled. “If you’d never heard the name Remington, you wouldn’t want them to—would
we
?”

Cassidy laughed. That was probably true. She frowned as she thought she recognized another guy standing outside looking at the meu board in the window. Her memory was terrible. She knew she knew him, but she couldn’t place him. He was kind of good-looking, but he had a mean air about him.

He tipped his hat and smiled. He reminded Cassidy of a wolf. Handsome, but predatory. She nodded.

“Good afternoon. I see you’re making friends everywhere you go.”

She gave him a puzzled look. Who the hell was he? She didn’t have time to figure it out before he turned and walked away.

“Creepy!” breathed Summer. “Who’s he?”

Cassidy shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve seen him around before, but I don’t remember where.” She shuddered and set off at a brisk pace back to the parking lot. She slowed a little when she realized Summer was having to trot along to keep up. “Sorry, I guess that guy creeped me out.”

Summer nodded. “Let’s go home. Bozeman was fun, but I want to get home to Paradise.” She grinned. “Also known as Remington land.”

Cassidy laughed and unlocked the Beetle. She was starting to think of the valley the same way herself.

~ ~ ~

Shane pulled up outside Cassidy’s place with a smile. He’d been looking forward to getting back here all day. He was a little disappointed to see that Carter’s truck was still here and few of his guys were still around, too. He wanted Cassidy and the place to himself.

“Hey bro,” he called when he saw Carter coming around the corner.

Carter smiled. “Back again, huh? Though I shouldn’t be surprised. At dinner last night it felt as though you and Cassidy were hosting, not just Cassidy.”

Shane nodded. It wasn’t just him who had noticed it then. “I know. It’s weird, isn’t it? But I’ll tell you what. It felt like the most natural thing in the world.”

Carter didn’t seem in the least surprised. “It looked like it. It wouldn’t surprise me if it happens sooner rather than later.”

“What do you mean?”

Carter smiled. “You two getting together. Living together. I dunno, maybe even getting married and having a bunch of kids.”

Shane stared at him. He didn’t know what to say. Mostly because the idea didn’t sound nearly as ridiculous as it should.

“I say go for it, Shane.”

Shane didn’t know how to respond, so instead he chose to deflect. “What about you and Summer? You’re telling me to go for it, while you won’t go for anything. Insisting that you two are just friends, that you’re just looking out for her.” He regretted the words as soon as they were out. Carter looked so down.

He shrugged. “It’s different for me. You’re a first-timer.. I had my shot and got screwed over. Yes, I like Summer. I like her a lot. But it’s different. She’s only going to be here for a while. I know how it feels to have my heart broken, and I never want to go there again. That little lady could destroy me.”