Chapter Sixteen

The morning sun shone bright as Reese snapped a photo of a watchful hawk perched atop the historic stone courthouse that stood at one end of Cypress Creek’s town square. He was a beauty, and so was her handsome cowboy, currently leaning on a lamp post and talking on the phone. She blew a kiss, and he pretended to catch it against his chest.

The world still sparkled from the morning’s rainstorm, the air washed clean and fresh, making anything seem possible. She zoomed in on a statue, glistening with gems that would soon be lost to the thirsty atmosphere.

The center of the square held a small wooded park with a white gazebo and duck pond, where she’d gone with Granddad after they’d snuck off for ice cream. The rush of memories filled her up and gave her a peaceful sense of being home again. They gave her hope for the future. Someday she would bring her own child here to toss breadcrumbs to the ducks.

Strong hands snaked around her waist, and she lowered the camera.

“You’re so sexy when you’re doing what you love. I like to watch.”

His voice rumbled against her ear, causing yummy flashbacks of their nights together. She relaxed against his chest, not doubting he’d support her.

“I talked to several of the other ranchers,” he said. “We’re setting up a meeting to discuss everything that’s going on.”

“That’s good news.” Every time he took steps to protect the ranch, she breathed a little easier.

“I got a text from my dad.”

Her stomach flipped. “What did he say? Did he talk to anyone at Everett Development?”

“I don’t know. He just said he was in a meeting and couldn’t make it here today but will come tomorrow. He might want to hear your ideas for stopping the resort.”

She turned in his arms to face him. “Do you think any of my ideas will work?”

“Sure. They’ve stopped other projects.” He pulled her as close as he could with her camera between them and kissed her. “Want to take more pictures before we see Grams and Grandpa?”

“I do. Let’s walk along your family’s section of the square, and you can tell me about the buildings.”

“Remember the time you pushed me in the duck pond?” he asked as they passed the gazebo.

She laughed. “I do. I was just thinking about that the other day.”

“I can’t remember what I did to deserve it.”

“You put a bug on my head. One of those beetles that clings to everything.” She shivered at the memory.

“Oh yeah. The whole town heard you scream.”

She did a double take at someone watching them from the sidewalk in front of the florist shop. “Don’t look now, but Cypress Creek’s version of Madam de Vil is staring at us with a very disapproving scowl.”

Doing the exact opposite, he waved enthusiastically. “Afternoon, Mrs. Cooper.”

Reese turned her head toward his shoulder in an attempt not to laugh at Mrs. Cooper’s startled expression.

As if the exchange were nothing out of the ordinary, James put one hand on Reese’s waist and pointed with the other. “That corner building used to be Doc Drake’s office before he moved to the new hospital.”

“I remember going there when I was sick one summer. That’s Finn’s uncle?”

“Yes. Doc took him in when his father was killed on a tour of duty overseas.”

“What happened to his mother?”

“She left when Finn was a toddler.”

She gasped, and a sour taste filled her mouth. “How does someone do that?”

“No idea.” He cradled her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

They walked slowly, and as he narrated, she captured images filled with history and sentimental longing for time past. The Five & Dime where she’d learned the value of money and how to ration her allowance. The fabric store where Grandmother had taken her to pick out colorful bolts of cloth for quilts.

The ghosts of memories only she could see.

They left his truck parked at the town square and walked over to his grandparents’ house. Cove Creek Lane was famous for its historic homes. Huge oaks, pecans, and magnolias reached up to form a canopy over most of the street. It was like walking through a fairy tale. As they came up the sidewalk, his grandparents could be seen through the front windows. They were holding each other close and dancing around their living room with smiles on their faces. Reese pulled James to a stop.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

She pointed at the couple as they threw their heads back and laughed. “Look at them.”

“Yeah, they’re always like that.”

“It’s… They’re…beautiful together. So happy and in love. And your grandfather looks like that actor, James Brolin.” She jerked up the camera that hung around her neck and snapped a few shots as they danced past the window again. Emotion tightened her throat. She was in awe of their chemistry and connection.

“Stalker much?”

Her mouth popped open, and she lowered the camera.

“Teasing. Come on, let’s go inside.” He knocked but went right in and called out, “Hey, you two old lovebirds, we’re here.”

“Come in,” Ellen called from the other room, then appeared around the corner in a jewel-toned wrap dress. “I’m happy you two could come by.” She hugged Reese and patted her cheek. “You’re so grown up and beautiful. You look like your grandmother.”

Gregor appeared right behind her, smoothing his full head of thick, snow-white hair. “Nice to see you again, Reese.”

“You, too.” James is so lucky to still have his grandparents.

“I have lemonade ready on the back porch.” Grams led the way through the house to the well-manicured, shaded backyard. They sat on the porch swing while James and Reese chose wicker chairs across from them.

“Your home is so beautiful. What made you want to move into town?”

“My Ellen has always wanted a Victorian, and I thought it was high time she had one.” They paused for a chaste kiss. “It was a pretty good investment, too. Now we can live here and be big city folks or go out to the ranch and irritate our Jamie.”

James smiled and shook his head. “Cypress Creek and big city do not belong in the same sentence, and you know the ranch is your home.”

“We know. Grandpa is just giving you a hard time.” Grams adjusted the cut flower arrangement on the side table. “Did you two make any more progress on solving Benjamin’s mystery?”

“We’ve found five clues,” James said. “The last one was with an artist’s tool, and Reese probably remembers the clue word for word.”

“I do. Strokes of nature lead to renewal and regrowth.”

“Any suggestions?” he asked his grandparents.

“Sorry, no.” Grams glanced at her lap and attempted to hide a smile.

Grandpa Gregor shook his head. “Nope. Jamie said you’re up for a big job with National Geographic.”

Reese suspected they knew exactly where the next note was hidden, but she didn’t feel comfortable calling them on their secret. “I mailed half of my assignment to them a few days ago, and I’ll email the rest tonight. Then I wait to hear what they decide.”

“That’s wonderful,” they both said.

“It’s exciting, but I don’t expect to be the final choice.”

“She doesn’t realize how talented she is,” James added. “They’ll probably snap her up.” He entwined his fingers with hers, and his eyes shadowed as he stared at their joined hands. “Then she’ll be traveling the world.”

Her pulse sped. “We’ll have to wait and see about that.” In such a short time she’d fallen back into the “at home” feeling this small town gave her. At the thought of leaving, an ache crept across her chest and tightened her belly. Normally, Reese was impatient, but this time the one upside of waiting to hear about her dream job was spending time at the cottage and the ranch until the magazine made their decision.

She clasped tighter to his fingers. When he turned to her with an honest, open smile, Reese made a choice to give herself a break from self-imposed pressure and allow her career plans to be on hold until National Geographic made a decision. A bit of stress eased from her mind.

Grandpa slapped his thigh. “The photographer that works for the newspaper and takes all the school kids’ photos is old as dirt. He’ll retire soon. Maybe you could take over for him.”

“I don’t think that’s what she has in mind.” James chuckled.

Reese coughed to hide her laugh. “I’ll certainly keep it in mind. Can I take a picture of you two? I think taking photos of couples might be my next project.”

“Go right ahead.” Ellen turned to her husband and teased, “Smile, old man, and pretend you’re happy.”

He put an arm around his bride of many years, pulling her closer to whisper in her ear, and she blushed.

Reese could only imagine what he’d said, but whatever it was, it made for a great photo session. She got some of him whispering in her ear, then with their foreheads together and love bouncing between them. Eventually, they both turned and smiled at the camera.

She clicked a shot of James deep in thought, and he didn’t even notice she’d switched her focus. He watched his grandparents like he’d never seen them interact before.

What’s going on in that head of his?

She sighed and rested her camera in her lap. Cypress Creek was a place she’d loved her whole life. A place that held some of her most precious childhood memories, and now, new memories that touched her heart in a different way. She pressed her fingers to her head in a useless attempt to stop the risky thoughts. She needed to wait to hear from the magazine. Wait to see how long she could delay starting a family. And wait to see what this was between them. A fling? A now-and-then affair? More?

She wanted a career, but now—even after all the warnings to herself—she also wanted a life in this town, and James.

And his babies.

…

James stole glances at Reese as he drove them back to the ranch. Her small, bare feet were propped on his dash, tapping along with the beat of a song. She’d recognized the connection between his grandparents and made him take a closer look. Made him want what they had. Made him unearth old memories of a young boy’s plans for his future.

Plans he’d forgotten were there, along with what to do with them. Dreams that died with his mother and the downward spiral that transformed his father into a bitter, broken man.

A real relationship could mean real pain. His grandparents had been lucky all these years. He looked at her again as she ran her hands through her hair.

My God, she’s breathtaking.

She talked of traveling the world, but she’d slipped so seamlessly into his, like she’d always been here. How had this thing between them developed so quickly into more than he’d ever planned or imagined? He’d grown up on Grandpa’s legend of MacLachlan men recognizing their soul mate but never given it any credit. Could there be some truth to it? Was she in his mind or heart or soul? Maybe in his blood?

It would be a kick to the heart when she left to chase her dreams around the globe. But it’s what he’d wanted. What he’d asked for. Part time. Maybe she was right, and she wouldn’t get the magazine job and would find something close by. A job that would allow them more opportunity to spend time together.

Reese caught him watching and smiled. “What are you thinking about, cowboy?”

He reached over and rubbed her thigh, making her skirt slide farther up to reveal more smooth skin. He couldn’t bring himself to admit what was running through his head. It was too new, and he needed time to adjust and evaluate. “I’m thinking about taking you swimming in Cypress Creek.”

“I like that idea.” She danced her fingers along his arm. “If you can take the time away from the horses, let’s plan that for tomorrow afternoon. I could use a little color on those areas that rarely see the sun.”

He laughed and linked their fingers. “You sure know how to tease a man senseless.”

After his evening horse check, James found Reese in the master bath shower. Rather than rushing in to join her, he paused to admire her graceful body arching into the water. She was so much more than just a beautiful woman. More than a good-time hookup. His childhood crush had an excitement for life and adventure, a laugh that could lighten a bad mood, and something special that grabbed hold of his heart and wouldn’t let go. He slid open the glass door and stepped in behind her.

“Hope you’re not done.” His voice resonated in the small space.

“Almost, but now that you’re here, I think I’ll stay a little longer.”

He sighed when the hot spray hit his skin, pulled her close, and gently sucked moisture from the curve of her neck. This woman is everything I imagined over the years. And then some.

Trembling in response, she pressed harder against him. His body was ready for her, and he thought of taking her against the shower wall but wanted to savor the moment. He soaped his hands and spread lather across her chest and belly, then drew designs in the suds.

Her moan echoed in the steamy shower, and she shivered under his touch. “Didn’t know you were an artist.”

“With such a perfect canvas, who wouldn’t be?” He pressed their bodies together, sliding against her slippery skin, and kissed her, slow and deep.

“Take me to bed, cowboy.”

James washed quickly, rinsed, and dried haphazardly. With their fingers twined, he walked backward, drawing her to the bed. He didn’t tumble them onto the mattress as he’d done before. He laid her down like a fragile flower and stroked her lips with the tip of his finger while his muscles quivered with bone-deep longing. “My sweet Reese. So beautiful.”

“You make me feel beautiful. And special,” she murmured.

Her sweet words sent a surge of hot blood southward. And straight to his heart. This woman made him consider life choices and a future that had been off-limits…until now.

He kissed her forehead, cheeks, and chin before resting his lips against hers, where he held and breathed her in. He eased back and saw his wild, feverish emotions reflected in her eyes.

Are her feelings growing like mine? Beyond what we agreed on?

He took her mouth in a kiss that turned heated, stealing the conscious thought necessary to consider that question. The soft floral fragrance of her skin and her spicy, sweet flavor on his tongue drugged him into a euphoric trance that intensified when he joined their bodies. Their rapid heartbeats melted into one, making it difficult to tell where he ended and she began. They moved together, hands clasped, breath mingled. Slow, steady, endless. Consuming need like he’d never felt fired through his blood in searing waves.

Her breasts swayed above him, and her body moved in the most erotic dance ever witnessed by a man. Words of direction weren’t needed. She knew the moves and touches he craved. She surrounded him, as he surrounded her, and pushed him higher and higher.

She was made for this. For me.

Tonight, their lovemaking held a different quality—deeper, more tender, with a new closeness. He held her tighter. Kissed with more reverence. Matched her desire. Not a word was spoken, but they communicated with each move, each slide, and each breath. His skin was on fire, and when she took his hands and linked their fingers, he answered a call he’d never heard before, and found a place of utter pleasure. She left him totally fulfilled but wanting more.

So much more.

James went into the bathroom to dispose of the condom.

Shit! It broke!

His heart knocked in his chest, and he fought panic. He glanced back at the beautiful woman stretched across his bed.

She takes birth control pills. It’ll be okay.