The family barbecue didn’t start until midafternoon, which gave Trevor plenty of time to do the things he had to in the morning, including help his mom arrange far too many chairs into groups near the fire pit.
“You guys must be getting old, or something,” he drawled. “I don’t remember all these places to sit years ago.”
Kate gave him a loving swat on the back of his head as she paced past him. “I never got to sit in those days because I was too busy running after you, you hoodlum.”
“Should’ve raised me better,” he teased.
They both knew she was pleased as punch with him.
Randy had cooperated without a single complaint, informing Trevor a couple days after their ride that he was on a waiting list with some fancy-schmancy doctor. He’d also told Trevor they’d be driving Randy’s truck to any appointments, i.e., the one with nothing but a feeble am/fm radio, which Trevor promptly named the Bitching Mobile.
He escaped from the party preparations to zip over to Becky’s house, pausing outside of his truck to straighten himself up.
A long, low wolf whistle snapped his attention up to the deck. Becky had caught him primping, and he didn’t even care.
One glimpse her direction was enough to have his jaw dropping and eyes bulging. “I’m the one who should be whistling. Sweet mercy, Rodeo. You clean up nice.”
She twirled, the pale pink skirt of her sundress flaring enough to give him a glimpse of her thighs, long and smooth, with a hint of a tan line where her shorts usually ended.
“You like it?” she asked. “Rachel came by the shop during my lunch break and took me to this place that’s one step up from a thrift shop.”
He was on the steps, approaching quickly. Her cheeks had a lovely dusting of colour to them as she showed herself off in her pretty packaging.
A pretty package he really wished he could unwrap. “You look beautiful,” he said with complete sincerity, leaning down to give her the shortest kiss he could manage, which still meant they were both breathless at the end of it.
They grinned at each other for a moment before he offered his hand. “Come on. We have a party to get to.” Moments later they were in the yard and headed for the main party area. He’d made sure they were there on the early side, before the masses descended. “Anytime you want to leave, you let me know.”
Becky seemed to be searching for someone. “If I get tired, I can walk home.”
“You could, or you could take my truck.”
She waved into the distance, and he followed her line of sight to discover Rachel coming out from the house with an armload for the picnic.
Becky twirled, her eyes bright with excitement. “I’m going to help the girls. I’ll find you in a little bit, okay?”
She was gone before he could answer, a whirlwind of pale pink, with pretty white sandals, and a lot more through-and-through happiness than he’d seen before.
Something strangely like pride rocked him, although the emotion made little sense. She was the one moving forward with her life, and making new friends, he noted happily as Rachel put down her load to envelop Becky in a big hug.
Nope, this was all Becky, and he was so pleased.
He wandered off to find his brothers as the rest of the family slowly arrived, cars and trucks lining up in the front yard, the number of bodies continuing to increase. Shouts from his cousin’s children of various ages and stages filled the air, which he figured was his cue to go find the adults.
Of course, the instant he found them, he was ready to turn heel and walk away again.
Uncle Ben was pontificating. Rafe’s dad looked old, his hair and beard gone gray-white, and a scowl that turned him into a very un-jovial Santa.
“No way we could’ve had everybody over at our place,” Ben complained, looking around to see who was listening, which was everyone within earshot—he’d raised his voice over the conversation next to him and forced their attention. “Complete mess in the yard, and everything’s torn up to hell everywhere.”
Aunt Dana looked uncomfortable, as did the rest of the family who were gathered, coffee cups in hand. “It’s only temporary,” Dana said softly. “Just while we transition—”
“Stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of,” he grumbled, cutting off his wife as he glared into his cup as if the black liquid in it had somehow personally offended him. “Don’t see any reason to build a new barn, or why it’s got to be hell and gone at the other end of the property. Extra costs and extra labour, and all of it because he wants to rub it in my face.”
Trevor sighed, recognizing the part of family get-togethers that was on his, and everyone else’s, least enjoyable list.
Listening to Ben complaining about how Gabe had taken control of the Angel quarter and was slowly turning things around had become a regular event. Whatever stick he had up his ass, Trevor wished his uncle would keep it quiet and grumble to himself rather than trying to get the rest of the family stirred up.
Randy obviously thought the same way. “Things change. It’s not always easy, but it’s life,” he said in a reasonable tone of voice to his brother.
“Did everyone get the notice about the renovations to the rec center?” Kate piped up. “It’s going to be nice to have—”
“Going to cost us extra on our taxes. There’s no reason for us to support a swimming pool and two hockey rinks.” Ben again. “Kids these days are lazy, spoiled creatures.”
His mom tossed a dirty look toward Ben, and another meaningful one at Randy as Ben went off on a long-winded tirade about everything that was wrong with the community project that he’d decided was being done to annoy him.
Trevor could tell his father wasn’t feeling well today, but he still leaned forward, getting Ben’s attention.
“I’ve got some new animals in the barn. Come take a look with me.”
Randy got ignored as Ben focused instead on his son who’d walked up to offer his mom a plate of goodies. Rafe handed it over with a smile, then silently laid a hand on her shoulder as he turned to go.
Ben made a rude noise. “Of course, you don’t get anything for me.”
Raphael blinked at his father in surprise. “Didn’t want you to think I considered you incompetent to get yourself a snack.”
Tension rose as Ben narrowed his gaze, standing to approach Rafe.
Trevor glanced around, wondering where his Uncle Mike was—Ben didn’t act up nearly as much when Mike was there.
He’d just decided he’d have to step in and offer a distraction when Randy pushed himself into the middle, catching his brother by the arm to pull him away from the gathering. “Breath of fresh air, Ben. This way.”
Ben shook off Randy’s grasp, stepping closer to glower at Rafe. “Don’t sass me, boy. Or think you’re too good for me. You’d be out on the street if it weren’t for me, so mind your manners, or you’ll find yourself in a heap of trouble.”
Raphael stared him down, not flinching as his father roared in his face.
“Enough.” Randy caught Ben again, more firmly this time, jerking his brother hard enough to rock him off his feet and get him moving in the direction of the barn. “This isn’t the time or the place. Come on.”
There was silence as he manhandled Ben until his brother shook off his hand and marched stiffly away.
Then Rafe turned toward Trevor’s mom, putting on a happy face and pretending as if his father wasn’t the world’s biggest ass. “Thanks for making gingersnaps, Aunt Kate. I know it’s not Christmas, but they’re my favourite, anytime of the year.”
She offered a shaky smile. “I’d like to say I made them for you, but I can’t take credit. They were Becky’s contribution.”
Rafe must have spotted Trevor standing at the edge of the gathering because he smirked. “I’ll offer her my personal thanks.”
He gave his mom another quick kiss on the cheek before heading away from the group.
Trevor sauntered casually after his cousin, waiting until they were out of earshot. “Don’t you dare flash that Angel smile at my girl,” he warned.
Rafe tossed a grin over his shoulder. “So, she is your girl. Good to know. I like a challenge.”
Trevor ignored what he knew was a tease, focusing instead on a more important issue. “What the hell’s wrong with your dad?”
“Other than the usual?”
Raphael waited for Trevor to catch up as they headed toward where the girls had gathered near the horseshoe pits. They walked in silence for a moment before Rafe pulled to a stop, shaking his head in frustration.
“My father is pissed off that Gabe and Allison have made a lot of smart changes to the ranch, including setting up operations closer to their house. And he’s pissed off that I agree with Gabe, and he’s just…fucking pissed off all the time.” He turned haunted eyes toward Trevor. “I used to hate him, but I don’t care enough anymore to do that. I wish there was some way to get him out of our hair.”
Which was impossible. The Angel Colemans were finally getting their feet under them again financially because of Gabe and Allison, but there was no way they could afford to buy Ben out.
“I’m sorry he’s…him.” Trevor laid a hand on Rafe’s shoulder. “If there’s anything I can do, ever, let me know.”
His cousin paused. “I’ll be moving back to the ranch house at the end of the month, or at least into the loft over the garage. You can help me haul my shit.”
Trevor’s jaw bounced off the ground. “You’re moving back… What the fuck? You moved out to get away from Ben. Moving back isn’t going to make dealing with him any easier.”
“No, but it’ll make Mom’s life easier…”
Shit. Double shit. “He’s not doing anything stupid, is he?” Being an asshole was one thing. Stepping over the line and hurting Aunt Dana would have the entire family stomping down hard on Ben.
Rafe’s face tightened. “The day he hits her is the day I put him in the fucking ground. No, he’s just a mean old bastard, but if I’m around he’ll mind his manners more.”
Jesus. This was not typical Coleman party conversation, at least not for Trevor. “Offer stands. You need me for anything, you shout. Day or night.”
“Appreciate that.” In a surprise move, Rafe hauled him in for a rib-creaking, back-pounding moment before shoving them apart and tilting his head toward the girls. “I have to go thank Becky for my cookies.”
“You’re going to find those cookies shoved where the sun don’t shine,” Trevor warned, before thinking of another concern. “You do know moving home is going to wreak havoc on your dating life.”
His cousin made a rude noise. “What dating life? Don’t worry about me. I’ll live vicariously while watching you make a fool of yourself over the sweet young thing next door.”
They were steps away from the girls so Trevor didn’t ask about Laurel, but he made a mental note to bring it up later.
He was too distracted by the welcome greeting they got from the gathering of ladies, accompanied by teasing and feminine laughter. Becky looked like a pretty pink flower, her eyes dancing with happiness as he made a beeline toward her.
It was the second most wonderful day Becky had enjoyed recently, out of a surprising lot of wonderful days.
Like earlier in the week when Rachel had stopped in at the shop during lunch break, not only to take her to find pretty clothes, but to give her a used ebook reader filled with all sorts of books. The lesson in how to use the device had gone smoothly, and even though she was still a little worried she would break it, having an entire library at her fingertips was giddy making.
Becky’d stayed up far too late reading that first night before paying for it the following day at work.
And there’d been the evening she’d spent at the Moonshine Colemans, helping clean and tidy and cook for today’s party. Trevor’s mom had shuffled off the men so it was ladies only. Rachel had been there. So had Melody who promised to bring by her horses sometime, with or without the cart, and take Becky for a ride.
Still, nothing could top the afternoon she’d gone to the river with Trevor, or how often she thought back to the pleasure she’d experienced at his touch.
“That’s a sweet smile,” Trevor teased as he slipped next to her and settled his arm around her waist. Yup, she was daydreaming again. About his strong arms and firm grip, and all the lovely sensations he’d caused.
Becky leaned into him, lifting her mouth toward his ear to whisper quietly, “I’m having a good time. Your family is really nice.”
He made a face. “Most of them.”
She’d obviously missed something, but he didn’t give her time to ask. Instead, he whisked her away from the horseshoe game to take her on a tour of the ranch, slipping back to steal tidbits from the table where the snack food had been laid out. The two women safeguarding the table smiled at them tolerantly while in the background, three nearly teenage boys and a couple cute little girls wove at high speed in and out of the family, miraculously not running into anything. Or at least not often.
There was a crowd, but not nearly as many kids as she’d been used to. Another shot of sadness mixed with the joy of the day, but this time she accepted the emotion. There was nothing she could do about missing her sister and the kids—not yet.
Trevor tugged her around the corner to where a hay barn stood next to a straight-as-an-arrow corral fence off the horse barn. He twisted her against the wall of hay then leaned in, resting his forearm beside her head. “You look delicious. I need another taste,” he rumbled as he slipped his finger over her lips.
“You’re going to spoil your appetite.” Becky was as hungry for him, although she didn’t want to say so.
“Too bad.”
And then he was kissing her, and she didn’t care that anyone could be watching. Focusing on the here and now was far more important than worrying about anything else.
Sweet and seductive. He nibbled on her lips before biting down more firmly. A zing of excitement shot through her as he stepped closer, inserting one leg between hers and pressing his thigh forward to make contact.
Now she had multiple points of pleasure to focus on, resting her hands on his waist to feel the firm muscles move as he rocked slowly against her. Time stopped as desire grew, with only a faint voice in the back of her mind cheering as it pointed out how impossible this whole situation was.
She didn’t care. Impossible or not, she was grabbing on with both hands and holding on tight.
With a groan, he pulled away. Staring into her eyes with a heated expression. “And that’s where we’d better stop.”
Her heart rate raced, but she agreed. “Maybe when you take me home, we can pick this up again.”
Trevor chuckled. “Oh, Rodeo, there’s no maybe about it.” His strong fingers stroked along her neckline. “I guess the next part of the tour should involve dinner.”
He escorted her back to the family and took care of her. Helping her fill a plate then carrying it to empty chairs by where Hope and Matt had settled next to another couple.
“Becky, meet Beth and Daniel.” Trevor pointed to them in turn.
“The parents of the whirling dervishes masquerading as boys,” Beth informed her.
“You’re…Six Pack?” Becky asked.
Daniel laughed. “You’re a fast learner. Yup, although I don’t ranch anymore. I just call and taunt my brothers the night before they have early chores.”
She visited for a while, enjoying soft-spoken Beth’s company, and the way the young boys continually checked in with their parents. There was mischief in their eyes, but they listened when Daniel offered a stern warning, and sounds of family lingered on the air as she excused herself to use the bathroom.
Becky was coming out of the house when movement caught her attention. Just like she and Trevor had snuck away earlier for a little private time, there was a couple in the shadows by the trail leading to the barns.
It was a bit strange to stand and watch, but a heated sensation rose in her gut as the man kissed the woman, his hand cradling her face tenderly. Neither of them showed the darker colouring of the Coleman family—him a dirty blond, and her a gorgeous, sundrenched nearly white blonde—and Becky wondered if they were like her, invited friends and guests.
A moment later she wasn’t wondering anything. She was fighting to keep from bolting.
Another man had joined them, slipping up with a smile to capture the long-haired blonde between him and the other man before the two of them dipped their heads to kiss her.
The woman didn’t complain. In fact, her hands rose so she could catch hold of their necks, but by that point Becky was done. Her feet were moving of their own accord, headed past the vehicles in the private yard toward the gravel road.
Her sandals were thin enough the sharp stones underfoot bit through the leather into her tender flesh, but she didn’t mind the pain. Each stab was a wonderful distraction from the agonizing coldness that had wrapped around her heart all over again. Horrid memories rushed in so hard she tasted bile.
Each step away from the Moonshine Coleman house was a step closer to the rental where she could hide away and deal with the pain. Running was totally rude. Not only toward Kate, Rachel and Trevor, but she’d left Hope without a word. Not a great way to deal with the woman who provided her precarious income.
Right now, she didn’t care.
She made it around the corner, a mile on foot, before Trevor’s truck appeared beside her, his concern clear as he stared out the open passenger window. “Hey, Rodeo. What’s up?”
She shook her head and kept marching, afraid if she spoke the only thing that would come out would be a cry of pain.
He pulled over to the side of the road behind her, his voice rising in volume as he chased her down. “Becky. Stop.”
Trevor stepped in front of her and she broke, jerking to the right and off the road into the field behind her house. Racing not from him, but from everything she feared she couldn’t ever have.
She shouldn’t have even tried.