StudinTexas (4 page)

He grunted, low and deep.

And knew he was headed for trouble of the sexy kind with the
new dessert chef.

Later that evening, Sam joined Reese and Caleb at a table
tucked into a corner of the back deck. Reese poured wine while Caleb served New
York strips fresh off the grill and accompanied by mushroom demi-glace and
whipped potatoes.

They talked about the cases they were currently tending to
on the ranch, discussing which horses were ready for new owners and which ones
needed additional rehab.

Reese told them, “I think Sky was serious about adopting
Midnight.”

“He needs more time with us,” Sam said. “With Dalton,
specifically. He’s still gun-shy when it comes to being around people. Hell,
it’s a wonder he even let Caleb work on him.”

“Didn’t have much choice when I shot him up with
tranquilizers. I can’t imagine a worse case of road rash.”

“It’s a miracle his neck didn’t snap or his legs weren’t
broken,” Sam said with disgust in his voice. “If that idiot had been driving
any faster, that’s likely what would have happened.”

“Midnight responded to Sky, though,” Reese told Caleb. “He
heard her laugh and poked his head out. We never see him unless we stick our
own heads in his stall. But he seemed to like her from the get-go.” Her gaze
slid to Sam. “And he wasn’t the only one.”

“Now, Reese,” Sam said with an exaggerated sigh. “Don’t go
all cupid on me. I’ve got a shitload of work to do, movin’ on some of these
horses, assisting with the recovery of the others and rounding up more in need
of our help.”

Sadly, the list of horses to rescue was a long one. In the
beginning, word of mouth had hooked them up with the mistreated equines, but
Sam had taken it upon himself to actively seek out others, and he and Caleb had
been able to arrange temporary solutions for some cases, until they could get
the horses to the ranch.

The large-animal vet in Austin that Caleb deferred to for
particularly difficult conditions now took in a few of those on Sam’s list,
until Sam could make room at the ranch. He’d been able to double up the horses
in the outdoor corrals, while still leaving them with plenty of breathing and
roaming room. But the space inside for the severe cases was limited to twelve
stalls.

Not giving up, Reese cut into his thoughts and said, “It was
awfully nice of Sky to volunteer her time and donate half of her paycheck to
the ranch.”

Caleb’s dark brows jerked up. “She did?”

“Mm-hmm.” Reese eyed Sam again. “
Damn
nice, don’t you
think?”

He polished off his wine and reached for the bottle. “She’s
very generous.”

“And she’s got nice legs too,” Reese prompted. “Dancer’s
legs. But you noticed that the second you saw her.”

With a chuckle, Sam said, “Hard to miss. And yes, she’s the
prettiest damn thing I’ve ever seen. But, Reese…” His expression turned
serious. “I’m not looking to hook up with anyone.”

She was quiet a moment, contemplative. Then she set aside
her fork and, in an equally serious tone, said, “Charlotte’s getting married.
You heard it yourself. She’s happy in Iowa. Maybe it’s time for you to move on
too.”

He felt that familiar tic in his body that was a natural
reaction to the mention of his old flame. “I’m happy for her. You both know
that. Marrying me and being a part of the Bennett family never would have
suited her. She’s not as thick-skinned as you, Reese. And I kept her from Dad
and Judith for so long, it was inevitable they’d trash her because they felt
slighted. I own that mistake.”

“You tried to protect her,” Reese said. “That’s not a
mistake.”

“Poor judgment, then,” he countered. “Call it what you like.
The fact remains, when I finally sprung her on the family, they shredded her.
She couldn’t handle the tension and pressure at family gatherings. Given the
number of Bennett events, it was impossible to imagine how awkward Charlotte
felt. Skipping them only made it worse for her when we finally did show up
somewhere. It aggravated the hell out of me to have Judith and Dad glaring at
her and constantly putting her down—no matter what
I
had to say about
it.”

“Sky would give them a run for their money.”

Caleb glanced her way.

She flashed him a spirited look. “Just sayin’.”

Sam chuckled again, finding her amusing. “You’re probably
right. But I haven’t dated for a while and I’m not intending to anytime soon.”

“But you
are
going to Pietro’s with us on Wednesday
night.” It wasn’t even a question—apparently, she’d already made up his mind
for him. “We have a reservation for ten people. The Wades, the Bains, the
Mills, me and Caleb, you and Sky.”

He shook his head at how fast Reese operated. “Does she know
about your maneuvering?”

“I mentioned in passing that I’d invite you. She didn’t seem
to mind.”

“Says you,” Sam chided.

She refreshed her own glass of wine and added, “There is
nothing wrong with two people being attracted to each other and having dinner
together. Especially when amongst friends.”

Sam speared Caleb with a
Lord help me
look. His
brother merely shrugged.
Traitor.

Sam said, “I’ll go, because I never pass up dinner at
Pietro’s. But don’t go makin’ anything out of anything.”

“Right,” Caleb said with a hearty laugh. “Try to remember
who you’re talking to, bro. Once Reese gets something in her head, it isn’t
going anywhere until it’s finished.”

“I think she could use the change of pace,” Reese continued.
“Here in Wilder and with someone new. Seems something sketchy went down in
Nashville—so bad she won’t tell me anything about it, except that her former
manager-slash-ex-boyfriend tried to con her out of a healthy wad of cash.”
Reese frowned. “To tell you the truth, I think more than that happened. But she
won’t say a word about it.”

Sam recalled the tormented looks that had flickered in Sky’s
eyes when she’d been in the stable. Yeah, she’d been disturbed by the sorry
state of the horses, but he’d swear more brewed inside her than loathing for
people who abused animals.

“You don’t think—”

“Hey now, quiet down,” Reese told him. “Here she comes with
dessert.”

Moments later, the new and unexpected object of Sam’s desire
stepped out onto the deck, carrying a large oval tray and a tray jack. She
snapped open the latter and carefully balanced her load on it. She doled out
dessert plates and forks, then placed three samples in the center of the table.

She said, “I told Reese that I mostly bake cakes, but I’ve
got a killer recipe for key lime pie. One taste of this,” she gestured to the
appropriate dish, “and you’ll never think of key lime pie the same way again.”

“Looks kinda like cheesecake,” Sam commented.

She smiled at him, dimples and all. “It has the consistency
of cheesecake, maybe a bit firmer, and the height of meringue. Along with the
most vibrant snap of lime you’ll ever taste.”

“Sold,” Sam said as he reached for the plate.

Caleb grumbled, “So much for sharing.”

“I also have Italian rum cake,” Sky told them. “Can’t go wrong
there. And chocolate lava cake.”

Reese instantly reached for the chocolate. “This one’s all
mine.”

“Well, I’m not gonna complain about being left with the rum
cake,” Caleb said before digging in.

No one spoke for several minutes, but there were plenty of
moans of pleasure to fill the silence. Sky served coffee while they ate.

When Sam finished his dessert, he settled back in his chair
and said, “That was not a slice of pie. That was a slice of heaven.”

“Please,” Reese said on a dreamy sigh. “I’m about to orgasm
over chocolate.”

“Joke’s on both of you,” Caleb added. “This rum cake just
rocked my world.”

Sky planted a hand on her hip. “No need to flatter me. I
already told Reese I’d take the job.”

“Darlin’,” Sam said. “This is not flattery. This is genuine
appreciation for your culinary talents. You gushed over what we do at the
ranch, and now it’s our turn to admire what you have to offer.”

Took some doing to keep his gaze on her face, rather than
let it roam her wickedly delicious body as he thought about what else she might
have to offer.

Though, dammit, he needed to keep his libido out of this. He
had way too much work to do to be distracted by the fiery redhead.

Reese said, “Whatever little insecurity you had about not
being able to make desserts for the inn had better fly from your head right
here and right now.”

“Well,” Sky said, “we’ll see how you feel tomorrow night.”
She turned on her boot heels and sauntered off, heading back into the dining
room.

Sam enjoyed the view of her backside, stifling a groan of
unadulterated lust.

Yet again.

Sky took her mother’s recipe box to the inn the next day.
She pulled up a stool at her workstation and flipped through the index cards
covered with neat penmanship. It was Friday, and the reservations for the
evening weren’t overwhelming. Reese had tallied a count of seventeen people
thus far, and had indicated the dining room tended to get a few walk-ins on the
weekend nights. Seemed fine dining hadn’t quite caught on in Wilder.

Sky’s first stint as a pastry chef the previous evening had
been a slow one, what with only a family of four to bake for, along with Reese,
Sam and Caleb—and the inn’s staff, since she was making full cakes and pies.
Might as well collect as many reviews as possible, she’d deduced. Thankfully,
they’d all been positive ones. But this evening would be a bit more
challenging.

She also knew that as word of the inn’s opening spread,
there’d be more and more reservations in the book and she’d have to step up her
repertoire.

So she needed to dive in and start perfecting some recipes
to keep the dessert menu fresh, flavorful and, God willing, fantastic.

She studied the card for her mom’s renowned salty caramel
ice cream—homemade ice cream, no less—and nodded.
Excellent choice.
Then
she decided on a staple, tiramisu, and one of her own classics,
strawberry-mousse cake with white-chocolate ganache.

All three were hits.

Sam devoured one of each after dinner with Reese and Caleb,
and then told her, “I’m willing to be your taste tester. Gonna have to put in a
few extra workouts during the week to compensate for the calories, but it’s a
sacrifice I’ll gladly make.”

She smiled. “Nice to know you’re so dedicated to the cause.
I’d hate to let Reese down with mediocre desserts.”

“My stomach’s all yours, darlin’.”

“Fearless of you, since you have no idea what experimental
confection I might screw up.”

He said, “If you’re gonna take one for the team, this is the
way to do it.”

She found him incredibly charming. Not to mention so
freakin’ hot. A few beads of perspiration broke out at the nape of her neck
when her gaze dropped to his ripped abs, outlined against his navy-colored
T-shirt as he stretched languidly. It’d take years and years for that man to
get doughy even if he ate three desserts a night.

Sky reluctantly dragged her gaze from the corrugated grooves
of his midsection, outlined against the tight pull of blue material, as the
tingles ran rampant through her body once again. Why’d she have the insane urge
to slide her hands under the hem of his shirt and graze his abs and chest with
her fingertips? Ever so lightly, teasing him. Making him want more. Making him
hard.

She bit back a groan.

Steady there, girlfriend.

He inspired thoughts she hadn’t had in so long, she’d
figured nothing—rather, no
one
—would spike her lust ever again. Worse,
he had her conjuring a few indecent fantasies she’d never even given
consideration to before. He did things to her insides, melting her with his
heroic horse saving. And what she wanted him to do to her body…

She blinked. Averted her gaze.

So
off men.

For good reason.

Yet, something about Sam silently called to her. Maybe it
was the way he cared so much about the horses. He was gentle and genuine with
them. He wouldn’t intentionally hurt a soul, she was already convinced of it.
Felt it deep in her bones.

He was protective of the animals in his charge and not only
did he want to help them heal, he respected them.

When she slid a glance his way again, she found his gaze on
her. He grinned, and it touched his emerald eyes, making them glow warmly.

Exhilaration shot through her. Enticing at first, but as her
heart suddenly stammered with an erratic beat, she realized she was moving
quickly into dangerous territory.

So she excused herself and focused instead on her job.

Fueled by confidence born of great reviews, Sky spent the
next several days mastering some of the more difficult recipes in her box. She
also visited the stable regularly.

On Monday, Sam introduced her to Dr. Dalton Andrews. Then he
told the specialist, “Midnight’s taken an interest in her.”

Sky smiled. “He’s so beautiful. And attentive.”

Dalton eyed her curiously, then slid a gaze toward the
stallion’s stall.

She added, “I haven’t touched him. Just let him sniff around
while I chat with him a bit. Sam told me he needs to get used to me first.”

Dalton nodded. He watched Midnight come to the gate as Sky
spoke. He suggested, “Why don’t we see if he’ll take some carrots from you?”

“Sure.” She crossed to the stall and scooped out a handful
of chopped carrots from a bucket hanging on a wooden peg next to the gate.

Sam said, “Stand back a little, darlin’.” Concern tinged his
deep voice.

Over her shoulder, she told him, “I’ll be careful. I know
what I’m doing. No startling him. Keep a good distance in case he rears up.”
She returned her attention to the horse. “But he won’t.”

“He’s still wary,” Sam reminded her.

She smiled at the stallion. “I don’t blame you for that. But
I bet you’re ready for a little treat.”

Holding her hand palm up, she showed him the carrots. A puff
of air blew from the horse’s nostrils.

Pleased by his responsiveness, Sky said, “Good boy. You know
I’m just here to help you, like everyone else. Show you the kindness you
deserve.”

Midnight sniffed around her hand, then nibbled the carrots. When
he’d finished with the snack, Sky turned back to Sam and Dalton.

“What do you think?”

They both grinned.

Sam said, “He’s smitten.”

“So am I.” She glanced back at the horse. “Maybe someday,
you and I’ll go riding.”

“Now that you mention it,” Dalton said as he crossed to the
tack room. “I’ve got an idea.” He disappeared inside, returning moments later
with a hackamore—a bridle with no bit.

But Sam cut him off before he made it to Sky. “Hold on
there, Dalton.” His tone turned edgy. “Let’s not move too fast here. I don’t
want the horse getting agitated with Sky and acting out.”

“He hasn’t shown any violent or restless tendencies,” Dalton
said. “And I don’t want her to put the bridle on him just yet. I only want her
to hold it. Show it to him, so I can see Midnight’s reaction.”

“He hasn’t had a bridle on him since he came here?” she
asked.

Sam turned to her. “No. First time we tried, about a month
into his recovery, he shied away from it and that’s when he started cowering in
the corner, not wanting anyone to come too close to him.”

“I believe it’s fear of the bridle,” Dalton said. “He
couldn’t escape the hitch of the truck because his reins were tied to it.
There’s a bad memory and a behavioral issue to overcome. It’d be interesting to
see how he responds to you, since he seems to trust you. And it happened
quickly.”

Sam crossed his arms over his wide chest. “I don’t know…”

Sky stepped forward and extended her hand to Dalton. “It’s
worth a try.” She accepted the hackamore.

“He could react strongly, Sky,” Sam warned her.

“Sure. But the horse whisperer here doesn’t think he will,
or he wouldn’t be suggesting this. And I don’t think he will, either.” She
grinned at Sam. “But I appreciate your concern for my wellbeing.”

He snickered. “Hate to see anything happen to that pretty
face of yours.”

He’d said it flippantly, to ease the tension. She could tell
by his tone. But the flare of desire in his emerald eyes told her there was
truth behind his words.

She smiled again. “Take a leap of faith with me.”

Lifting his hands in the air, Sam said, “Something tells me
you’re not going to let me talk you out of this.” So he gestured for two of his
volunteers to join him. Just in case, obviously.

Sky moved back to Midnight’s stall, keeping a measurable
distance. She held the bitless bridle in her hands and showed it to the
stallion. “Not gonna put it on you,” she said in a quiet voice. “I just want
you to see this. It’s a harm—” She was about to say it was just a harmless
piece of equipment, but that’d be a lie. For this horse, it’d been a trap. A
confinement that could have cost him his life.

She cleared her throat of the emotion welling within it and
tried again. “I know it might seem scary after what you’ve been through, but no
one here would use it to hurt you. Someday I’d like to put it on you and just
walk you around. Let you get some fresh air and a change of scenery.”

The horse backed up and returned to the far corner of his
large stall. Sky sighed, her shoulders slumping.

“Now, darlin’,” Sam said in a sympathetic tone. “Don’t take
it personal or get discouraged.”

“Sam’s right,” Dalton told her. “Midnight suffers from
post-traumatic stress. It takes time to work through his distrust and his
fears. It’s a survival tactic for him. When he goes into that corner, he knows
we’ll leave him be. Not push anything on him. Let him relax and regain his
composure.”

“Right,” she said, disappointment in her voice. She turned
back to the men. “I understand that. I just hoped he’d sniff it or something.
Show some interest.” She gave the hackamore back to the vet.

Sam said, “I’ll walk you up to the inn.”

They left the stable. Sam strolled casually alongside her,
his hands shoved in the front pockets of his jeans.

Sky stole glances at him, finally saying, “In the back of
your mind, you were worried Midnight might accidentally hurt me in order to
protect himself. But in reality, you knew that wouldn’t happen. You suspected
he’d snub me and you wanted to spare my feelings.”

One corner of his mouth lifted in a sexy grin. His eyes
sparkled in the sunlight. “You made quick progress with him, right off the bat.
I’m pretty sure you’ve got your hopes up that he’ll come around because he
likes you so much. But like Dalton said, he experienced something traumatic—and
Lord only knows how he was treated before that one incident, given the fact he
was malnourished when we brought him here. He needs recovery time. At his own
pace.”

She nodded. “I realize that. It’d be okay if I kept trying,
though, right?”

He gave her a full grin that sent a ripple of excitement
down her spine. “More than okay.”

Sky took in his casual gait and non-assuming disposition as
they headed to the inn. Yet for all of his nonthreatening ways—a result of the
training he’d gone through to work with the spooked horses, yes, but possibly a
reaction to her, because he seemed to sense the wariness surrounding her—Sam
had a commanding presence. A magnetic one she couldn’t help but be drawn to.

It went well beyond the fact he was gorgeous and had the
most amazing smile. A sexy one that lit her insides and warmed her heart.

Okay, heat literally flooded her veins. No denying that. It
didn’t exactly make her feel comfortable. But the edginess creeping in on her
wasn’t full-on disturbing. A very odd contradiction to process, because Sky was
in such a peculiar and unsettling place emotionally. A peculiar and unsettling
place in general.

She’d been on a crazy downward spiral before she’d come to
the ranch, and although she felt a bit more grounded than in past months, she
still didn’t have her feet beneath her. The last thing she needed, in the grand
scheme of things, was to get caught in a maelstrom of sexual tension with the
extremely charismatic Sam Bennett.

Even when he was doing his quiet, contemplative thing, he
stirred something inside her.

They reached the inn and she said, “Thanks for the pep talk.
Hopefully I’ll do a better job with tonight’s desserts than I did with
Midnight.” She placed a booted foot on the bottom step that led to the veranda.
Sam gently gripped her forearm.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s a healing process with
him. Takes time.”

“I know.” She sighed. “There’s just something about that
horse. Something that makes me want to convince him he’s safe now and no one
will be cruel to him ever again.”

Maybe it was the reassurance she’d gained since coming to
the inn and being surrounded by such caring and giving people that she wanted
to pass on to Midnight. But how to do it?

With a shrug, she said, “I guess I have to keep visiting him
and talking to him to make him see I’m one of the good guys.”

“Think he already knows that. Just give him a little time,
darlin’. You might be surprised.”

“I hope so.” She pulled away and ascended the short flight
of stairs. But over her shoulder, she said, “Thanks again, cowboy.”

* * * * *

On Wednesday night, Sky put sorbet samplers in the freezer
and chocolate mousse in the walk-in cooler for any dessert requests that might
come later in the evening, and knocked off early. She changed from her baker’s
jacket into a slinky black dress with spaghetti straps, a structured bodice and
a flirty, flared skirt. She paired the garment with black boots that had
decorative silver tips and thin silver embroidery up the sides.

She applied a little more makeup than what she wore when she
worked in the kitchen, and added a crimson lipstick that popped against all the
neutral shades on her face and the black dress. She tossed the tube and her
compact into her silver snakeskin clutch and met Reese in the reception area.

Her friend whistled in appreciation. “Good Lord, Sky. You
are a woman who knows how to turn heads.”

“Actually, it’s nice to have an occasion to wear a dress.
I’ve been living in my jeans since moving back to Texas. And it’s a good thing
we’re going to Pietro’s tonight. I’m sure word has gotten ’round that I’m in
town, and my aunt and uncle will be rabid if I don’t visit them soon.”

“You’ve been checking your cell phone a lot,” Reese noted.
“That’s not Ruby and Mike calling you?”