"Damn." Tyler glanced at his watch, then at his brother. "Why can't Austin relax and run the course?"
"You know why," Dallas grumbled. He adjusted his grip on Gillian.
It was painful to watch the couple's progress. Gillian sent up a silent prayer that she and Dallas would have better luck.
Waiting for their turn was both stressful and pleasurable. Part of Gillian found being glued to Dallas's side exhilarating. Another part was anxious about starting a relationship with him. Only they weren't going to have a relationship. They were just going to sleep together.
Gillian knew it was time to put her past behind her and move on with her life. She only hoped she could survive the aftermath, because Dallas McCade was one man who didn't want a long-term commitment. And Gillian had never been one for short-term flings. Until now.
Her thoughts returned to the race when Austin and Miss Rogers stumbled back to the group. It was all Gillian could do to keep up with Dallas's long stride as they set off down the track. With his strong arm around her and his hard-muscled leg strapped to her own, Gillian felt a rush of heat and desire like she'd never experienced before. Every time their legs hit the ground, they rubbed together causing exquisite friction. The soft denim of Dallas's jeans caressed Gillian's bare leg.
Knowing she needed to concentrate on their movements, she gave in to temptation and dared to glance up at Dallas. Quickly, she averted her eyes, her body shuddering in response to the hungry expression on his face.
They turned and headed back to the group. Dallas squeezed her waist. "We're almost there, sweetheart. Then we're out of here."
Gillian felt dizzy as the low sexy tone of his voice washed over her. There would be no courtship, no getting to know you better. She knew that now. Their bodies were screaming for each other. And Gillian had to admit, she wanted Dallas to hold her in his arms and kiss her. She wanted him to make love to her, feel his powerful body hover over her and claim her in the most primitive way.
They were almost to the finish line, when Gillian tripped and stumbled. Dallas tried to hold her steady, but lost his balance and went down, quickly adjusting his body to take the brunt of the fall with Gillian on top.
Gillian's eyes locked with crystal blue ones. Her body was plastered along the length of Dallas's hard frame. Flickering heat scorched every nerve ending. She could feel his arousal nestled against her. His arms tightened around her, making her feel safe and loved. But that was nonsense. Love didn't fit into the equation. This was lust, plain and simple.
Suddenly, Gillian became aware of shouting. She heard Tyler's voice calling for them to get up.
"Damn," Dallas said, regret showing in his eyes. "As much as I like the position we're in, we need to finish the race. Get ready to be carried away."
He jumped up in one fluid motion, lifted Gillian and hauled her to the finish line. Dallas kept his arm firmly around her as they accepted congratulations from the group.
"Did we win?" she asked, trying to regain her composure, hoping she didn't look as flustered as she felt.
Tyler slapped her on the back. "If we didn't, we'll come in a close second for sure. Here, let me help you get those bindings off your legs."
Gillian stood still while he unfastened the cords. Her body still tingled from the intimate contact with Dallas.
"There you are. Free at last," Tyler said. "I'm guessing Dallas isn't in too much of a hurry to let you go. But you can't be tied to him all day, now can you?" He winked and ducked away from Dallas's mock punch.
Ruth and Jessie hurried to join them.
"I lost track of the points," Ruth said. "But y'all did very well. Gillian and Miss Rogers were real troopers."
"How about me, Grams? How about me?" Kelsey said, hopping up and down.
"Well, of course you did great. You're a McCade," she said, hugging Kelsey.
"I'm going to go get the results," Tyler said.
"I'll go with you." Kelsey ran ahead of her uncle toward the judges.
Gillian looked around for Harold. He was on the sidelines talking on the cell phone and frowning heavily. Gillian's heart sank. Something was up; she could tell by his expression.
Harold pocketed the phone and strode across the field until he stopped in front of Gillian. "There's trouble at the site. "What kind of trouble?" Dallas asked.
"The generators are down." Harold narrowed his eyes at him. "Although, I'm sure that comes as no surprise to you."
Dallas stepped forward. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Don't play innocent with me. I know what you're up to." Harold looked at Gillian. "Let's go."
Dallas's face froze into hard lines. Gone was the charming man who'd flirted with Gillian all afternoon. The angry, belligerent cowboy was back. "Dallas, I . . ."
He didn't let her finish. "Go on. Get out of here. Go back to the drilling site. That's where you belong."
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dallas watched Gillian leave with Harold. His insides burned like hell. He hadn't thought about the drilling site and Gillian's involvement all afternoon. He'd been too busy enjoying her company, showing her the sights, holding her in his arms and kissing her, running the races. Gillian's willingness to participate in the games pleased him. She fit right in with his family. Something Marilyn had never accomplished in the four years of their marriage.
"We won! We won!" Kelsey shouted, running back to the group holding the piece of paper with the results.
Dragging his thoughts away from Gillian, he focused on his niece. "That's great, hotshot."
Kelsey looked around. "Where's Gillian?"
"She had to leave."
"She can't go. We have to celebrate." She spotted Gillian walking across the field and chased after her. "
Gillian! Oh Gillian!"
Gillian stopped when she heard her name called. Dallas saw her hug Kelsey, shake her head, hug her again, then continue on with Harold. Kelsey walked slowly back, the scrap of paper fluttering in the wind. "She can't stay. She said she had a lot of fun. Oh well, we can still celebrate!"
"I can't. I need to get back to the ranch," Dallas said. Gillian was gone, and so was his enthusiasm for the afternoon and the carnival.
"Do you mind if I ride with you?" Jessie asked. She was holding one hand over her large pregnant belly and frowning.
"Are you okay?" Dallas didn't like the paleness in his sister-in-law's cheeks.
"I'm a little tired, that's all."
Tyler walked up. "Leaving already? What a coincidence. Gillian leaves. Then Dallas is ready to call it quits, too. Hmm . . . sounds mighty peculiar to me."
"Leave him alone," Jessie said, gathering her purse and stuff.
"Whoa!" Tyler staggered backwards in exaggeration. "I never thought you'd be Dallas's champion. Not in a million years."
"Can it, Ty," Dallas growled.
"Boys, boys!" Ruth stepped between her two giant sons. "Dallas, you go ahead and take Jessie home. She's not looking at all well. Maybe I should go along with you."
"There's no need," Jessie said quickly. "I'll be fine. You stay. The fireworks are your favorite part of the jubilee."
"Well, if you're sure," Ruth said hesitantly.
"I'm sure. I just want to lie down and rest. Don't worry about me."
"All right, dear. Dallas, you take good care of Jessie, you hear? And be nice to her."
"I'm always nice," he said under his breath, taking his sister-in-law's elbow and propelling her toward the parking lot.
"I'm sorry to be so much trouble," she said when they reached his truck.
"No problem." He opened the door and waited while she got situated. Damn, she was big and round with her pregnancy. What was Cameron doing away at a time like this? Climbing in, Dallas started the truck and pulled onto the highway.
"You like Gillian, don't you?" Jessie asked after a few minutes of silence.
Dallas gripped the steering wheel. Why were women so damned nosy? "I wouldn't say I
like
her, exactly."
Jessie shook her head. "Okay, putting your lust aside--it looked like you were actually having fun with her. You were acting almost human the entire afternoon."
"What do you mean by that?" Dallas said. "I'm a nice guy. You don't think I'm a nice guy? Gee, thanks."
"Well, you're not always very nice to me," she said in a small voice.
Dallas kept his eyes on the road. "Oh hell, not this again. Get off it, Jess. I'm glad you married Cameron. I'm sorry I've acted like a bastard to you. There, I've apologized. Are you satisfied now?"
When she didn't answer, he looked across the cab. Jessie's face was scrunched up and she was massaging her back.
"What's wrong? Nothing's wrong, is there?" A terrible premonition snaked down his spine. Maybe his mother should have come home with them.
Jessie let out a long breath. "No, I need to lie down. I'm all right. Honest." She smiled, then leaned her head against the seat and closed her eyes.
Dallas stepped on the gas. The sooner he got Jessie home, the better. The big diesel truck ate up the miles. Pulling around to the back of the ranch house, Dallas parked and helped Jessie from the truck. He didn't like this one little bit. She looked like she was in pain, but putting on a brave face for his benefit. Once in the house, she went straight to her bedroom.
What he needed was a drink. Pouring himself a shot of bourbon, he sat at the table in the kitchen. He thought of the afternoon. Jessie was right. He
had
enjoyed being with Gillian. It had been a long time since he had relaxed and had fun. Especially in the company of a pretty woman.
Just thinking about Gillian made him hard with need. He wanted her more than he cared to admit. Why did she have to work for Copper River Oil? That sure as hell complicated matters. He nursed such malevolent feelings about the drilling; it was difficult to separate his emotions. Not that he felt anything but lust for Gillian, he assured himself.
He turned when he heard footsteps in the hall.
Jessie stood in the doorway, holding her stomach with one hand, clutching the doorframe with the other. "My water broke," she said, her eyes wide with anxiety. She bit her lower lip and looked like she was struggling not to cry.
"Oh hell!" Dallas jumped up from the table and knocked over the kitchen chair. "What do you mean your water broke? You said you're not due for another month. Don't do this to me, Jess."
"I'm not
doing
anything to you. You have to take me to the hospital." She turned away and started back down the hall to her room. "I'm going to get my things together--" She stopped suddenly, holding on to the wall for support. "And Dallas--please hurry!"
"I'll call Austin on his cell phone," he said, helping her to her room. "The hospital's an hour away. Think you can hold on? Don't you dare have this baby right now."
"I'll try my best to hold on. But Dallas, quit talking and get moving." She closed her eyes in pain. "My stuff is in that overnight bag. I'll sit right here until you're ready."
Dallas nodded, grabbed the bag and headed to the back door. He tried to call Austin. There was no answer. Damn. His cell phone must be turned off. He called the sheriff's office. The sheriff could relay the message to his mother and brothers at the carnival.
He had to get the truck running and get Jessie in it, then drive her to the hospital. Dallas jerked open the back door. He stopped short when he nearly collided with Gillian. She was standing on the step ready to knock.
"What the hell are you doing here?" He slammed the door shut behind him.
Gillian stepped back. "I need to talk to you. I didn't like the way things were left hanging this afternoon. I know you have a problem with me working for Copper River Oil, and now--"
"Yeah, I have a problem with it." He brushed past her and headed toward the truck.
Gillian waited a second before following. "I wanted to say I had a good time this afternoon--"
Dallas stopped and took hold of her arms. "Listen, I can't go into this right now. I have another problem to deal with. A big problem. A huge problem.
Jessie's having her baby
. Mom's still at the jubilee. Cameron's in Honolulu. And I'm in one hell of a mess."
"Jessie's having her baby
now
?" Gillian said, her eyes wide. "Oh my God. Is she all right? I'll leave. We can talk another time."
Dallas gripped her arm tightly. "You're not going anywhere. I need you. Go inside and help Jessie to the front porch. I'll bring the truck around. I have to get her to the hospital. You're coming, too."
Gillian tried to pull away. "I can't. Really, I should leave--"