Chapter Six

Steam curled around his bare chest, and James invited Reese closer with a crook of his finger. But every step forward took her farther away. The mist began to clear, revealing more of his toned body.

BZZZZZ!

Reese’s alarm blared its untimely alert.

“Nooo! Why do I always wake up before the good parts?” She stretched, wishing she wasn’t alone, and climbed from the middle of the four-poster bed at Walschak’s B&B, too excited to sleep any longer. Not her normal I-wanna-go-back-to-bed attitude. The age-worn wooden floor was cool under her bare feet, and her breath fogged the old silvered glass mirror on the Victorian vanity. Her lips were ready for his kiss, fueled by her dream, where she’d rubbed them, imagining his touch. On her mouth, her neck, her—

She blew out a sharp breath and flung out her hands, trying to disperse the dangerous thoughts. “I can do this. Enjoy today and tonight, then go back to my career plans.” She laughed and covered her face, then spun away from the mirror and continued to entertain herself with fictional tales of her willpower.

Her phone had no missed calls or new texts, so Mr. Everett hadn’t responded to her message. Could she trust that his development wouldn’t ruin the majestic swath of nature, or that once he got his hands on some of the land that he wouldn’t break his promise and build the tightly packed neighborhoods he was known for? Unease prickled across her skin.

She dialed his number and got voicemail again. “Good morning, Mr. Everett. I’d like to speak with you before I email the roadside photos you requested. Have you chosen an exact location for the resort yet? I talked to one of the landowners in the area you’re considering, and he has no intentions of selling any of his property. Please give me a call.”

She hung up, determined not to email any photos until she got answers. The money she’d earn be damned. So much for the new camera equipment. And she should probably mention to James that she’d worked for the company he hated, but she was hesitant to bring up a topic that was sure to put him in a bad mood.

With her phone still in hand, she stretched across the foot of the bed and called Lila.

Her bestie picked up after the first ring. “Morning, sunshine.”

“Guess I didn’t wake you?”

Lila yawned. “No. My noisy neighbor did. I don’t get why he thinks playing his electric guitar at this hour is okay.”

“But he’s super hot, and he flirts with you.”

“He’s definitely eye candy, but dating my next-door neighbor could become a problem.” Her dreamy sigh drifted over the phone line. “But he’s hard to resist.”

“Speaking of hard-to-resist guys… I ran into James MacLachlan. The one I dated when I went to school in Cypress Creek.”

Lila gasped. “The one who broke your heart? I remember you telling me about him.”

A slap of lingering heartache and embarrassment flared hot in her chest. “He invited me to stay in my grandparents’ cottage.”

“Wait, hold up, girlfriend. He lives in the house you want to buy?” Lila’s voice steadily rose in pitch and volume. “And he wants you to spend the night with him?”

“It’s not like that,” Reese said in her best scolding tone, but she couldn’t help wondering if it was, in fact, just exactly like that.

“Hey, I didn’t say spending the night with him was a bad thing. Just be cautious.”

“He has his own house. The cottage is on the edge of MacLachlan Ranch and is their guesthouse.”

“Is this one of those fancy ranches where rich people look at their cows while someone else does all the work?”

“No, he works hard. Unfortunately, he doesn’t want to sell the cottage, but I’m planning to change his mind.” Reese pulled a pillow across her chest and hugged it.

“Are you going to seduce him into a stupor and have him sign the papers?”

Reese snorted a half laugh, not having that much confidence in her powers of seduction. “I don’t really have a plan. Just taking it day by day.”

“Whaaat? You’re a planner. I always count on you to make the plan when I don’t,” Lila said. “The way you roam around the country all by yourself is uncommon and brave. And I’m sure it looks to most like you fly by the seat of your pants, but I know differently. You always have it mapped out and organized.”

Reese’s current plan was…to make a plan. And now that Lila had brought that up, a touch of anxiety crept in. The coffee grinder roared in Lila’s kitchen, making her crave a cup. She climbed off the bed and went to her suitcase. “Maybe I should just tell him you need me in Austin.”

“I know you’ve said you’re taking a hiatus from men, but you shouldn’t pass this up for two reasons. He has the house you want, and there’s always the possibility he could’ve changed for the better over the years. History doesn’t have to repeat itself. And he’s that guy. The one that got stuck in your teenage heart. Let yourself enjoy his company. Just guard how much of yourself you give. Set your expectations now and know there’s an expiration date on your time with him.”

“I knew there was a good reason I keep you around.”

Primped, polished, and ready in record time, she hurried downstairs in her favorite jeans and a red blouse that was flattering, without being an over-the-top invitation. A couple stood in the foyer, the man on his knees with his cheek against his wife’s pregnant belly. They both laughed as he stood to kiss her. The beauty of the moment made her breath catch and sent a spike of jealousy straight to her womb.

First, I need to get my dream job and travel the world. Then, marriage and babies. I have time.

“Are you okay, dear?” asked Mrs. Walschak, the sweet German grandmother who owned the B&B.

“Yes, very good, and yourself?”

“Oh, just lovely.” She glanced at the suitcase and planted her hands on her generous hips, shaking her head in rhythm with a disapproving tsk-tsk. “You’re not leaving without breakfast. You need strength.” She winked and took Reese’s arm, whisking her into the dining room, suitcase abandoned in the hall. “Especially after your late night out.” She spoke the last words in a whisper. A whisper that hinted she knew her secrets and approved.

Reese drove along the winding country road with her windows down and her hair tucked into her Not All Witches Ride Brooms ball cap from her trip to Salem. The fresh air and view of the rolling hills always improved her mood. And after her conversation with Lila, she felt better about letting herself live out a fantasy. Her plan was filled with the words temporary, casual, brief, and anything else she could think of that stressed the idea of short-term.

Caution. I need to add a ton of caution to my plan.

She drove up to the ranch house, where generations of the same family had lived, loved, laughed, and cried. A place with history and stories and something she found magical. As she closed her door, the morning sun glowed like a thin line of fire around his silhouette. She already knew the tall, sculpted shape of him, the vibe echoing around and bouncing off her skin, leaving goose bumps behind. Her hands itched to have a camera trained on his image.

“Morning, Goldilocks.” James pulled a leaf from a mint plant and chewed it. “Thought you’d never get here.”

Sampson beat him across the yard and nudged her hand.

“Hello, sweet boy.” She gave the old hound a bit of attention then grinned at James. “It’s not even nine o’clock.”

“I know, but the horses are anxious for a ride.”

His expression and body language hinted that he was the restless one. “I know how they feel. I’m a little anxious, too.” Anxious to get my hands on your shirt and yank it off.

His spicy scent wrapped around her as he leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss on her cheek. So natural, like they’d said hello this way a hundred times before.

“When I have a nervous filly, I talk to her while gently stroking her back.” His voice had dropped to a deep, sexy rumble.

Feeling bold, Reese ran her hands along his arms, tracing the definition of his shoulders until her fingers teased up his neck and played with the hair peeking out of his cowboy hat. “Does it work?”

His pupils dilated, and he shivered under her touch. “Let’s find out.” Skilled hands roamed her back in a slow demonstration of his technique.

Waves of heat spiraled and pooled in her belly. “You must have all the horses eating out of your hand.”

His mouth hovered above hers, then moved in achingly slow, one hand cradling the back of her head. “Reese.”

The breath rushed from her lungs when his full, soft lips pressed sweetly and parted hers. His tongue teased, flavored with mint from the leaf he’d plucked off the plant. She melted against him, exploring the taste and texture of his kiss, sinking into the wave of full-body bliss.

Languid strokes of his tongue matched his talented fingers as they teased sensitive spots along her spine. All-encompassing allure demanded her response but promised tenderness layered under the need.

It was the same amazing kiss she remembered, but with an added level of talent that promised to torment her thoughts with wanting him long after she set off to photograph the world. As a teenager, she hadn’t known what to do with the urges engulfing her body, but now… She had a whole list of delightful possibilities.

His touch was controlled, but also feverish, and she was thrilled to have such an effect on him. He trailed kisses down her neck, inhaled against her collarbone, then met her mouth again with teasing nips. The kiss became deeper, more passionate, bone melting. Delicious waves of tingly heat warmed the center of her body, making her want to drag him indoors.

I should stop.

She shuddered and lifted her mouth, giving the perfect opportunity to step back. But the most she accomplished was rubbing her breasts against his muscles, trying to relieve the tingling ache.

A deep moan resonated in his chest, and his hands flexed on her back, drawing her in for more.

They played a push-and-pull game of lust, only to be tugged back by the other.

Reese caught his full lower lip between her teeth and teased it with the tip of her tongue, then eased back and took in his dazed expression.

He shook his head and squinted. “What was I talking about?”

She laughed, and a light, airy sensation bloomed inside her. “You were telling me about your calming methods with horses.”

“Oh, yeah.” He chuckled, and his thumb traced the curve of her bottom lip. “Did it work, sweet Reese?”

Nerve endings danced under his caress. “I believe it did, cowboy.” Way too well. I can’t resist this man.

Sampson’s body was now wedged between their legs, tail whacking the ground.

“You’ve already had your breakfast, old boy. But I could use another cup of coffee. Did you eat?” he asked her.

“Yes. Mrs. Walschak held me captive and wouldn’t let me leave until I’d eaten.”

“I believe that. Did she read your palm or tell your fortune?”

“No, but now I’m intrigued and sorry I missed out on that. I have goodies from Green’s Bakery in the van. Want some?”

“Always. I’ll get them.” He ate up the distance with hungry steps and picked up the box with one hand. “Cool, the big box. My kind of woman.”

“I couldn’t decide, so I got a little carried away. Don’t eat them all now, we might want some tonight.” She gasped and hurried to say, “I’m sorry. You may have other plans. I didn’t mean to assume.”

One dark eyebrow cocked up, and he wrapped a strand of her hair around his finger, tugging gently. “Oh, I have plans. With you.”

She pressed a hand to her stomach to ease the fluttering. I can handle this. “Let’s get you fed and then take that ride.”

In the house, he made a beeline for the kitchen, digging into the box on the way. He poured two cups of coffee and bit into an éclair. “Mmm, so good.”

She accepted the coffee and took a seat at the table. “It’s the least I can do to thank you for taking such good care of the cottage.”

“Glad I did.” He licked chocolate from his thumb. “Happiness amplifies your beauty.”

“You’re such a charmer. Did you learn these lines from your grandfathers?”

“Maybe.” He shrugged and grinned like a kid caught stealing a cookie.

They made their way into the horse barn. It smelled of fresh hay with the tang of leather and saddle soap. Tack and other equipment hung in neat rows on the wall.

James disappeared into a stall and returned leading a light tan mare with a black mane and tail. “This is Lady J. She’s a good mount for someone just getting back in the saddle.”

“She’s beautiful.” Reese held her palm flat to offer a piece of carrot. The docile horse nuzzled her hand with a velvety nose and accepted the treat.

“Hold her lead while I get Tavish. Then I’ll show you how to put on the bridle.”

She got a quick lesson in how to properly cinch, buckle, and strap all the tack into place, then swung into the saddle.

While one hand adjusted her stirrup, his other slid up her calf, gripping the back of her knee. Even through the worn denim of her jeans, his warm palm and long fingers shot tingles along her thigh. She shivered and fought the building desire.

His sexy grin appeared. “Tonight, I’d like to take you to dinner at Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant. How’s that sound?”

“Wonderful.” Her voice came out strangled, and she wiggled in the saddle to ease the ache.

“Ready for a ride?” His tone deepened with the question.

“Ready.” For a lot more than I should be.

Outside the barn, her horse followed his dark red chestnut stallion around a rodeo arena.

“This is where I do most of the horse training.” He slowed to let her horse come alongside his. “We’ll pass the dead tree I told you about for your photo assignment. And there are a couple of cows I need to look for. They’re young and expecting their first calves.”

“Who taught you about cattle?”

“Grandpa Gregor taught me about cattle, and Great-Grandpa Angus taught me about horses. Astrid and I were lucky to have them all living with us, especially when…” His voice trailed off as he surveyed the cloudless sky. “Their life lessons keep me on track, most of the time.”

“Where do your grandparents live now?”

“About a year ago, they moved into a historic Victorian near the town square, but they still come out here all the time. Forgot to tell you I talked to Astrid, and she’s coming home next month.”

“That’s great. I can’t wait to catch up.”

He stopped beside a section of barbed wire fence and leaned in the saddle to pull on the top strand. “I’m just checking the repair work. This section of fence was cut recently. Luckily Ty, my lead ranch hand, discovered it before half the herd got out.” He drummed his fingers on the saddle horn and scowled. “Chief West thinks it might’ve been teenagers looking for a place to drink beer.”

“You don’t agree?”

He shifted his cowboy hat. “No. I think there’s more to it. I also had a gate knocked off its hinges and cattle got into a pasture I’d closed off for regrowth. Someone has bad intentions.”

As they rode, more suspicions about Mr. Everett crept in. She’d never liked the crass developer and worried that he hadn’t told her the whole truth about his plans for the ranch land he was so anxious to acquire. She’d witnessed a few underhanded dealings in the time she’d worked for him, but despite her reservations, she’d taken the freelance job. The money had been too much to pass up, but now, something didn’t feel right, and she still hadn’t emailed the photos.

She’d always been a planner—as Lila had reminded her—and allowed ideas to percolate until the best course of action was revealed. It would be best if she took time to gather facts before saying anything, because there was always the possibility she was overreacting and jumping to conclusions. Thank goodness James had no plans to do business with Mr. E’s company.

“Well, hell. Houdini is at it again,” he said.

“What?” She’d been off in her own thoughts and had no idea what he was talking about.

“That young heifer over at the tree line. She’s an escape artist. I bottle-raised her after she lost her mom, and she followed me everywhere. Now, she goes exploring.”

“How do you get her back home?”

“I’ll show you. Stay here.” He took a coiled rope off the back of his saddle and spurred Tavish into a gallop. After riding in a wide arc, he came up behind the cow, cutting his horse back and forth to drive the animal toward home.

“Now, there’s my proof he’s a real cowboy.” A delightful tension coiled inside her.

Houdini frolicked like they were playing a game of chase. The rope twirled round and round before landing with perfect precision around the cow’s neck. She immediately slowed and trotted along beside the horse like a faithful pet.

“That was some impressive cowboying.” There was no hiding the huge grin on her face.

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said with an exaggerated drawl and wink.

“Do we need to take her home now?”

“No. She’ll be happy to come along with us for the rest of our ride.” Houdini rubbed her big red head against his leg, and he reached down to pat her. “There’s a place I want to show you.”

With the additional animal in tow, they crested a hill, and she sucked in a quick breath, chills racing through her body. The landscape stretching before them stole the thoughts from her head. “This view is indescribable. It should have musical accompaniment rising up, building in intensity.”

“If you listen closely, you’ll hear it.” He leaned in his saddle and kissed the corner of her mouth.

Wanting more, she turned into the kiss. The leather of the saddles creaked, and the horses shifted as they pulled one another closer, seeking the ember that promised to flame. His horse quivered from head to tail, shaking them apart, as if reacting to their spark of electricity.

“I’m glad you decided to stay tonight.” His voice was steeped in longing. “It’s nice to see you enjoying the ranch.”

She already knew she wouldn’t want to leave for Austin tomorrow, but she would. She had a doctor’s appointment and needed to guard her heart from getting too deeply involved.

Small problem. Her heart didn’t want to listen. It was galloping like a runaway horse, hopefully not headed for a cliff.

“I’ve been thinking,” he said.

“Did it hurt much?”

He huffed a quick laugh and adjusted his hat. “Only a little. But I did come up with an idea. Although Turner Cottage isn’t for sale, I propose a contract that will benefit both of us.”

Her pulse jumped, and she knew him well enough to recognize his nervous smile. With all this talk of offers and contracts, one would believe he was in real estate with his father. James MacLachlan’s idea would likely make that dangerous cliff appear a whole lot sooner.