Lace and Lassos
Cheyenne McCray
Copyright 2012 Cheyenne McCray
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Eight years was a long time to have been away…and to come home to face demons of the past.
Kaitlyn Barrett took a deep breath and headed toward the ranch house. She’d walked the mile from her own ranch, which butted up to the border of the Bar C. It was a good night for a walk even if there was a hint of possible rain on the breeze. According to the weatherman the rain was going to hold out for tomorrow.
Sounds of country western music along with voices and laughter filtered through the evening on the cool Arizona spring breeze. Apparently Zane and Jessie Cameron’s wedding reception was in full swing. The long and huge driveway was packed with cars and even more vehicles were parked alongside the dirt road leading to the ranch gates. Everyone in the San Rafael Valley must be here.
Her stomach churned and she almost turned around to head back toward her ranch. She wasn’t ready for this. Wasn’t ready to see any of the Camerons… Especially Wayne.
She bit her lower lip. I can’t back out now.
When Danica Cameron had called yesterday, Kaitlyn had agreed to go to the reception, and she couldn’t let the girl down. Danica had a special place in Kaitlyn’s heart and always would.
Kaitlyn’s father’s funeral had been only two days ago and she had wondered if she should just stay home. Danica had insisted that Kaitlyn needed to celebrate life. Her father wouldn’t have wanted her to sit around the house, depressed.
She straightened her shoulders and sucked in her breath as she walked toward the Cameron family ranch house. It seemed that everything was as she remembered and she couldn’t help a smile. She could see a lot of the yard thanks to the floodlights that illuminated the place. Native oaks, mesquite trees, and huge old sycamores flanked the house. The same old wagon wheel rested against an oak and the triangular dinner bell hung above it. She could hear the small waterfall trickling into a pond and see a porch swing swayed in the light wind.
Small rocks crunched beneath her shoes and the hint of a chill in the spring air made her glad she’d picked out Levis instead of the jean skirt she’d thought about wearing before she decided to walk to the ranch. It was a casual western reception so most of the people there would be in casual western clothing.
The waist-length brown leather jacket she wore covered a long-sleeved lacy pink blouse. She shoved her hands in the pockets of her jacket just to do something with them as she continued toward the ranch house. In her pocket was her cell phone, keys, and ID even though she likely wouldn’t have need for any of those things tonight.
The Bar C had been in the Cameron family for generations. The ranch that Kaitlyn had inherited, the Rocking B, had been in her family just as long. Of course the Rocking B was no longer anything compared to the Bar C and hadn’t been for years.
George Barrett, her father, had sold off all of the livestock and horses when he became ill and could no longer care for the animals. It was her dream to bring the property back to a full, working ranch once when she was able to. A neighbor wanted to buy half the ranch—once that deal went through, Kaitlyn would be able make her dream a reality. It would take a lot of cash to do it and the sale would help.
“Kaitlyn,” Danica’s cheery voice brought Kaitlyn’s attention to a young woman who was near a stately old sycamore to the left of the house. Warm yellow light spilled from a window onto her face, clearly showing her beauty.
“Danica?” Kaitlyn’s eyes widened. “Is that really you?”
The youngest Cameron grinned and jogged to Kaitlyn. When they reached each other, Danica embraced Kaitlyn in a tight hug.
“You were only thirteen when I saw you last.” Kaitlyn pulled away and put her hands on Danica’s upper arms. You’re definitely not a young girl anymore. You’re what, twenty-one now?”
Danica laughed. “Just turned twenty-two.”
The young woman had the Cameron blue eyes and her oldest brother’s black hair. “Look at you,” Kaitlyn said. “You’re absolutely beautiful.”
“And you look as amazing as ever.” Danica looped her arm with Kaitlyn’s and they started walking toward the back of the house where all of the voices and music were coming from. “I’ve really missed you,” Danica said.
Kaitlyn met Danica’s gaze. “I’ve missed you, too. All of you.”
Danica rubbed her hand up and down Kaitlyn’s upper arm in a soothing movement. “I’m sorry to hear about your dad,” Danica said.
Kaitlyn nodded. “Thank you.”
“We would all have been at the funeral…” Danica started.
“My dad wanted something quiet,” Kaitlyn said. “He didn’t want any kind of production, as he called it, over his funeral.”
Danica led her closer to the house, the band and partygoers growing louder. Kaitlyn stopped beneath the shadows of the old sycamore before they could walk around the back corner of the house to where the celebration was. She held her hand to her belly as the churning feeling grew more intense. “I—this is silly, Danica, but I don’t know if I can do it.”
“Is it because of your father?” Danica tilted her head to the side. “Or is it seeing Wayne again?”
“Not so much because of Daddy.” For a moment Kaitlyn didn’t say anything else. “Yes, in part it’s because of seeing Wayne again.” She pushed her white-blonde hair away from her face. “I guess you could say it’s also because of other…issues.”
“Hey.” Danica touched Kaitlyn’s arm. “Anything you want to talk about?”
Kaitlyn looked away for a moment before returning her gaze to Danica’s. “A lot has happened over the years. I’m not the same person I was when I left.”
“We’ve all changed.” Danica gave a soft smile. “That doesn’t mean you aren’t the same person at your core. And you are one of the sweetest, kindest, most loveable people I know.”
“I really don’t think that person exists anymore.” Kaitlyn looked down at her hands. When she looked up again, she said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t—”
“Kait?” The male voice sent both a shock and a thrill through Kaitlyn and a tingling sensation swept over her skin.
She raised her head, looked over Danica’s shoulder, and met Wayne Cameron’s eyes. Her heart pounded, rising up into her throat. He looked so good, so rugged. He seemed filled out now, more muscular than she remembered. He wore Wrangler jeans, a long-sleeved white shirt, and a gray Stetson.
In that moment she could see herself touching his face, tracing the outline with her fingertips. She could almost feel his firm lips against hers, could almost taste him…
The thought jerked her out of her momentary stupor, reminding her of how things had been, and what she could never go back to.
“Hi, Wayne.” Her voice came out soft, unsure.
“I need to get back to the party.” Danica looked torn as her gaze moved from Kaitlyn to Wayne and back. “I think you two have some catching up to do.”
Kaitlyn almost protested, almost asked Danica to stay. Seeing Wayne… It brought back so many feelings and memories—good and bad—that she had a hard time sifting through them.
Danica gave Kaitlyn a quick kiss on the cheek then walked away toward the back of the house, rounded the corner, and then Kaitlyn couldn’t see her any longer.
“Hey.” Wayne stepped closer to Kaitlyn as she made herself stay put. In the light from the house that winked through the tree leaves, she could make out his strong features and the firm set of his mouth. “How are you, Kait?”
“Fine.” She tried for a smile. “I’m just fine.”
“Something’s wrong.” He reached her but didn’t touch her and he studied her face. “Is it because of me?”
“No.” She took a deep breath as she changed her mind on how to answer him. “Maybe a little.”
“I understand.” He gave a slow nod, his blue eyes thoughtful. “You remember how I was before you left. I don’t blame you for not wanting anything to do with me.” He hooked his thumbs in his jeans pockets. “But I’ve changed, Kaitlyn. I’m not the same man I was eight years ago.”
She gave a wan smile as he echoed her own words that she’d spoken to Danica about herself, moments before Wayne arrived.
“Of course it’s not because I don’t want anything to do with you,” she said. “It’s not that at all.”
He stepped closer and brushed his knuckles across her cheek and she tried not to stiffen. His breath smelled of mint.
“When you left…” His words trailed off. “I turned my life around, Kait. I haven’t had a drink since the day you walked out, eight years ago.”
A feeling of happiness for him swept through her. “That’s wonderful.” She rested her hand on his arm and smiled, and it was genuine. “I’m proud of you.”
“So many times I picked up the phone to call you.” His voice was low. “But I wanted to make something of myself before I did. I went into the Army and made my way into Special Forces. I was in for the past seven years before my knee was blown out.”
As he spoke, her heart felt a bit lighter. “You really did turn things around. I knew you had it in you all along.” She frowned a little. “I’m sorry to hear about your knee, though.”
“Everything I’ve accomplished is thanks to you.” He rested one hand on her shoulder. “All that you did for me—getting me into a rehab program, finding a sponsor, the years of support. I just wish it hadn’t taken you leaving to jolt me back to living again.”
An ache blossomed in her chest. “I shouldn’t have left,” she said before she thought better of it.
“But I was dragging you down with me,” he said as a strong breeze stirred tree leaves and branches swayed. “And that wasn’t fair to you. You tried so hard and I didn’t see it until you knocked me back into reality. You took the hardest step for both of us.”
She leaned back up against the tree trunk as she met his blue eyes. “I wish you would have called.” Maybe life would have turned out differently. Maybe she wouldn’t be in the dark place she was these days.
“Like I said, I wanted to make something of myself, first.” He gave a little smile. “When I felt it was time to call you, I heard you were married.”
The mention of Kaitlyn’s marriage sent a sick feeling traveling through her gut. “I was for the past four years.”
“You’re not anymore?” Wayne asked.
She shook her head. “Divorced him seven months ago and changed my name back to Barrett.”
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“I’m not.” She let out her breath. The pain in her chest only magnified when her divorce was mentioned. What Steven Cullen had put her through during their marriage…she didn’t like to think about it. “I don’t want to talk about him.”
He looked at her for a long moment as if trying to figure out why she didn’t want to discuss her ex, like he knew something was wrong, really wrong. “Any kids?” he asked.
“No.” She sighed. “As much as I would like to have children, it really was for the best, considering.”
“I missed you.” He caught her by surprise as he stated words that nearly tore her to pieces. “I’ve never stopped loving you.”
She looked away from him, not wanting to meet his eyes. “You loved the woman I was. Not who I am now,” went through her mind, but she didn’t say it aloud.
He caught her face in his hands and brought her around to face him again. “Seriously, are you all right?”
She shook her head and he let his hands slip away from her face. “There are things I don’t want to talk about, okay?”
He looked like he wanted to say something, to press her to talk to him, but he didn’t.
She began to move away from the tree but he caught her hands in his. They felt warm and callused from hard work, a cowboy’s hands. Being touched by him again sent swirling sensations through her belly.
“Come say hello to everyone.” He squeezed her hands and gave her his sexy smile that made her want to sigh. His smile was so familiar she felt as if no time had passed at all from the moment she’d walked out the door all those years ago. “They’ll be glad to see you,” he said.
“I—” she started, but he’d already taken her firmly by one hand and was leading her toward the backyard.
She did the only thing she could at that moment. She put on a smile and prepared herself to mingle when it was the last thing in the world she wanted to do.
Chapter 2
Kaitlyn drew her hand away from Wayne’s as they stepped into the backyard. She didn’t want people to think they were together again, because that wasn’t going to happen.
The backyard was enormous with a huge white tent staked out in the center. Beneath the tent was a portable dance floor that had been laid out and people were two-stepping to a lively country western song. Small white lights twinkled from bushes and oak trees and long tables were set out around the tent with oil lamps placed in the center of each table. People sat, stood, or danced, talking and laughing. There had to be over one hundred and fifty people milling in the huge backyard.
Kaitlyn glanced at Wayne and had to look up a bit because he was eight inches taller than her five-seven. “Where are Zane and his new wife?”
Wayne gestured toward the tent. She peered at the crowd then spotted Zane dancing with a pretty woman with dark red hair.
“She’s beautiful,” Kaitlyn said.
“Jessie’s a hell of a woman.” Wayne smiled. “She and Zane make a great couple.”
A flash went through her mind, of her and Wayne having the same kind of party only years ago—if things had been different. She shook off the thoughts and watched Zane and his wife as they moved in and out of sight.
“Kaitlyn?” A man’s voice jerked her attention to her right and she met Wyatt Cameron’s gaze. Before she could respond, Wyatt had her in a bear hug and he kissed her on the cheek. “Damn, it’s good to see you, girl.”
She smiled as Wyatt drew away from her. Wayne’s fraternal twin brother had always been able to make her smile. “How are you holding up since your dad died?” he asked quietly.
“I’m fine.” She worked to keep her expression light. “Thank you.”
“You need anything, you know we’re here for you,” Wyatt said.
She nodded. “I appreciate that.”
Wyatt slapped Wayne on the back. Wyatt was as sexy as Wayne, but had a very different personality. Wyatt held a hint of mischief in his eyes as he looked from her to Wayne.
“Better hold on to her this time,” Wyatt said to Wayne. “Or I’m taking her.”
Heat flushed over Kaitlyn but she couldn’t help another smile. “You’re such a tease,” she said.
“Don’t even think about touching Kait.” Wayne punched Wyatt in the shoulder, but it was a playful brother-to-brother punch. At least she thought it was.
“Have you talked with Zane and Aunt Grace?” Wyatt asked and she shook her head. “What about Danica and Dillon?”
“Danica invited me,” Kaitlyn said. “Just saw her a few moments ago.”
“Hell, you don’t need an invitation,” Wyatt said. “You’re welcome any time.”
“Thanks.” Despite the warnings her head was giving her, to not slip back and let herself be around the Camerons again, she found herself wanting to. As she’d grown up, they’d been like family during times that she’d needed family. But things had changed.
“Are you here for good?” he asked.
She paused and then gave a nod. “I’m taking over the Rocking B.”
The corner of Wayne’s mouth lifted into a sexy grin. “Best news I’ve heard in a while.”
“Great to hear you’ll be around.” Wyatt looked at Wayne. “Better not screw it up this time.”
Heat swept over her entire body. “Wayne and I aren’t together.”
“Are you married?” Wyatt asked. Kaitlyn shook her head and he shrugged. “Then give it some time. You two belong together.”
Her lips parted, but before she could respond, he looked past her and gave a nod in that direction. “There’s Aunt Grace.”
She glanced over her shoulder and saw the elderly woman who’d raised the five Cameron siblings. Kaitlyn faced Wyatt and hugged him again. “I’d better get over there and talk with her.”
“I’ll be seeing you,” he said and drew back.
“Sure,” she said.
Wyatt touched the brim of his western hat and she smiled before turning away and letting Wayne escort her to where Aunt Grace was sitting.
Her skin felt hot as Wayne touched her waist and guided her through the crowd. As they walked he lowered his head and spoke into her ear. “I’m glad to hear you’re back for good.”
This night was not going at all like she’d planned. She’d thought she’d say hello to everyone then leave. She was back in the valley and she knew she’d have to face the Camerons sooner or later, so she’d figured she might as well get it over with. But now Wayne was telling her he still loved her and Wyatt was talking about her and Wayne getting together again… It was all too much.
“Kaitlyn, dear.” Aunt Grace’s blue eyes studied Kaitlyn who knelt on one knee beside the older woman’s chair. “It’s about time you made your way back.”
“I’ve missed you.” Kaitlyn hugged her. The Camerons’ aunt had been like a mother at times to Kaitlyn when she was young after her mother died.
“We’ll sit down and talk sometime soon.” Aunt Grace patted Kaitlyn’s hand that was resting on the arm of her chair. “I think we have a lot of catching up to do.”
A pang went through Kaitlyn and settled in her chest like a hard knot. As much as she cared for Aunt Grace, she didn’t want to share what was going on inside her.
“Your daddy was a hard and lonely man,” Aunt Grace went on. “But I do think he cared about you.”
Yes, her father had cared for her, but they hadn’t stayed in touch much after she left the valley, even though she had tried. It was true he’d been a hard man. After her mother had died when Kaitlyn was young, he had grieved over her mother’s death so much that he hadn’t wanted anything to do with any family or neighbors. It hadn’t been easy growing up without hugs and other outward shows of affection from her daddy.
He’d always been a strange man. It was difficult to think of her father that way, but it was true.
She had planned to try yet again to get him to let her into his life more. He’d been older and sick, and she had known he wouldn’t be around for long. At least now she knew he was in a good place.
Kaitlyn lowered her eyes and looked at the elderly woman’s hand that rested on hers. Age spots dotted the fragile-looking skin. But when she looked up she saw no frailty in Aunt Grace’s eyes. She saw a strong woman with the wisdom of someone who had lived a long and hard, but fruitful life.
“We’ll have a glass of iced tea and a few of Danica’s cookies,” Aunt Grace said with a nod. She looked up at Wayne. “You make sure our Kaitlyn makes her way over here.”
Kaitlyn glanced at Wayne who winked and she felt a strange twist in her belly. Seeing the Camerons again… None of this was going as planned. Say hello to everyone and then slip back into her own world. Instead they were attempting to draw her inside, as if to make her a part of the family again.
“And that boy,” Aunt Grace gestured to Wayne, “Is a war hero. Three medals including the second highest given in the service.”
Kaitlyn’s eyes widened as she looked at Wayne. “That’s amazing.”
Wayne looked uncomfortable. “None of that now, Auntie.”
“I’m proud of you, boy.” She looked him up and down. “From the time you were a little boy I knew you had it in you. Protecting your brothers and sister. Never saw a more dedicated young man.”
Kaitlyn nodded. She’d seen that in him while he was growing up, too.
“We’d better find Zane and Jessie,” Wayne said, clearly wanting to get away from anymore talk about himself.
“All right.” It would get Kaitlyn off the spot, too. She gave Aunt Grace a smile and kissed her soft cheek. “It’s good to see you again,” she said and got to her feet again. “Once I say hello to Zane and his new wife, I need to get back home.”
“Stay a while, girl.” Aunt Grace spoke in a tone that told Kaitlyn the woman would be keeping an eye on her.
Wayne settled his hand on Kaitlyn’s shoulder. “I’ll watch over her,” he said and gave his aunt a quick grin.
“You do that.” Aunt Grace nodded. “This girl is special.”
Kaitlyn’s skin tingled and she resisted looking down to avoid the elderly woman’s gaze. Instead she managed another smile. Wayne gave his aunt a nod and guided Kaitlyn away toward a grouping of tables.
They ran into the youngest Cameron male next. His hair was lighter than his brothers’ but he had the Cameron blue eyes, too, and was just as powerfully built.
Dillon wrapped Kaitlyn in a big bear hug. “Where the hell have you been?”
“In Phoenix.” She smiled at him, feeling somehow happier to have returned. “But now I’m back.”
He raised a brow. “To stay?”
She nodded. “I’m taking over the Rocking B.”
“That’s great.” Dillon grinned then sobered a little as he put his hand on her shoulder. “I was sorry to hear about your dad.”
“Thank you.” She pushed her hair over her shoulder. “What are you doing these days?”
“Working my ranch.” He gestured east. “Built a place on my portion of Cameron lands,” he said. “Well, it’s good to have you back.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “About damned time.” After one more quick hug, Dillon said, “I’ll let you go so that you can see Zane and Jessie.”
“Good to see you, Dillon.” She was amazed at how much lighter being around the Camerons was making her feel.
“You’ve survived seeing most of the family.” Wayne was smiling when she looked at him. “To think, only Zane and his woman to go.”
“His woman.” Kaitlyn laughed and lightly elbowed Wayne in the side, finding herself enjoying his teasing.
Zane Cameron was just a sexy as his brothers with his blue eyes and black hair and powerful build. He had his arm resting around his beautiful new wife’s waist as they stood and talked to a couple that didn’t look familiar to Kaitlyn. The man and woman congratulated the newlyweds and then moved on.
The moment the couple stepped away, Zane spotted Kaitlyn and a slow grin curved the corner of his mouth. “Well, hell. It’s about time you showed up, girl.”
He enveloped her in a hug, his arms big and warm around her. When they stepped apart, he introduced her to the beautiful redhead. “This is Jessie Porter Cameron,” he said. “My wife.” Pride was evident in his words.
Jessie held out her hand and Kaitlyn took it. “Congratulations,” Kaitlyn said.
“Thank you.” Jessie’s vibrant smile was warm and welcoming. “I take it you go back a ways with my husband?”
“Quite a ways back,” Zane said as he held his wife close. “Kaitlyn’s like family. She’s just been away far too long.” He paused. “We were all sorry to hear about your dad.”
“Thank you,” she said, not knowing what else to say.
“How long are you staying?” Zane asked.
“I’m here for good.” She pushed her hair behind her ear. “I’m taking over my daddy’s ranch.”
“That’s great news.” Zane smiled. “It will be good to have you around again.”
Kaitlyn felt like squirming. She didn’t plan on being around much… Things were just too hard these days.
But the easy ways the Camerons talked to Kaitlyn and talked about her had the effect of making her feel more warm and welcome than she had ever expected.
Another couple came up to congratulate the newlyweds and Kaitlyn and Wayne parted ways with Zane and Jessie.
“We’ll be seeing you later, Kaitlyn,” Zane said like it was a promise.
Several people recognized Kaitlyn and all of them offered condolences. She smiled and thanked them as Wayne stood at her side.
When Kaitlyn and Wayne were alone again, he said, “Now I can have you all to myself.” He smiled down at her and butterflies tickled her belly, as she felt swept away to the past before alcohol had ruined their young lives together.
Before she knew it they were on the dance floor, dancing the two-step. She was rusty—it had been so long since she’d danced, but Wayne was amazing and soon had her dancing as if the years hadn’t passed at all.
The band was great and she found herself laughing and feeling lighter hearted than she had in years, as if every weight on her soul had fallen away. Right now her troubles didn’t seem so important, not important at all.
After several fast tunes and different country-western style dances, the band struck up a slow song. Kaitlyn was still laughing and was out of breath as Wayne brought her into his arms and danced with her head beneath his chin.
Her laughter faded but she couldn’t stop smiling as he held her close and they moved slowly around the crowded dance floor.
“It’s great to have you back.” Wayne murmured the words in her ear.
She felt so good that right then she couldn’t remember why she had been holding him at a distance. She hadn’t been drinking all night, avoiding alcohol like Wayne did. Yet she felt intoxicated. Intoxicated on being with him again, as if no years had passed since the good times, and as if the bad times had never happened.
As he held her close on the dance floor, she breathed in his familiar scent that filled her in a way that made her want him. She knew she shouldn’t even be thinking that way, but right then it didn’t seem to matter. There didn’t seem to be any way she could stop it if she wanted to.
Wayne couldn’t believe he had Kaitlyn in his arms again. Before he’d found out that she was married, he’d prayed that she’d come back to him… Only he’d had to tuck away that hope.
But here she was and he didn’t want to screw this up again.
He held her close, loving the feel of her soft body against his, the way she felt in his arms, her familiar orange blossom scent. It carried him back to the days before he’d almost lost everything in his life that he cared about, and before he’d lost Kaitlyn.
If it wasn’t for her, he might still be in that dark place that had held him captive. She’d been there for him, every step of everything he’d put her through. She was the one who got him a sponsor, who got him into a rehab program, who continually had believed in him and encouraged him.
But he wouldn’t help himself and finally it was too much for her and she’d had to walk out that door.
As they danced, he gripped her tight, wanting to hold her, to never allow her away from him again.
It had been a huge wakeup call for him when she’d left, and he’d scrambled to put back the pieces of his life. They always called it hitting bottom and everyone’s bottom was a different place. When he realized all the words and promises weren’t bringing Kaitlyn back and he’d lost the love of his live, he was at his bottom.
As he came out of the dark place he’d been in, he’d realized he needed to more than quit drinking. He needed to prove himself worthy of her. He’d put everything he had into succeeding in the Army and becoming Special Forces and serving his country. Every day he’d thought about Kaitlyn and that she’d be there when he had proved himself.
Of course that hadn’t gone the way he’d hoped it would, but he knew he’d always love her. And always be grateful to her for saving his life.
And now, here she was—he’d been given a second chance.
Don’t screw this up again, Cameron, he told himself again. Don’t screw this up.
Chapter 3
Perspiration rolled down the side of Kaitlyn’s face as Wayne drew her from the dance floor and away from the crowd. She couldn’t stop laughing at the way she’d just managed to tangle her feet with his on the dance floor and almost took them both down.
“Looks like I need more practice,” she said with a grin as he took her back to the side of the house and beneath the sycamore tree, away from the party.
“And I think I need to cool off.” He rested his back against the tree and held her hands in his. She was still grinning as he drew her close to him, slid his hands to her waist, and pressed her body to his.
She caught her breath as he brought his mouth to hers and kissed her. She braced her hands on his shoulders as if to push him away then found herself lost in his kiss. The years tumbled completely away, as if those years in between had never happened. That they were two young people who’d been in love forever.
Her arms seemed to slip around his neck of their own accord and she found herself hanging onto him, her knees almost weak from the power of his kiss. Memories of the good times they’d had, before his addiction, before she left him, were what came back to her. The fun, carefree days.
A kind of magic surrounded them. A magic that pushed away the years, pushed away everything that had happened in their lives to pull them apart. Tingles raced through her belly and to her limbs, and her head felt light.
His scent was warm and masculine and she breathed in, drawing him into her. His hands moved from her waist and traveled up her curves to the sides of her breasts and back down again, as if relearning her body, yet not taking it too far.
She leaned into Wayne, wanting him, needing him. She felt her hunger rise and soon she was kissing him with such intensity that she knew she could lose herself in him. Something inside her kept knocking at the back of her mind but she ignored it, pushed it aside. For the first time in a long time she felt alive.
Vaguely she was aware of voices, bringing her back to reality. She pulled away from Wayne, her palms slipping down to his chest, her breathing hard and her skin tingling.
“What you got goin’ on over there, boy?” a male voice said.
Kaitlyn’s face felt warm and Wayne held her tighter to him. “Get lost, Rich. Find another show to watch.”
The man laughed and Kaitlyn rested her forehead against the curve of Wayne’s neck. Her shoulders started to shake and he caught her by upper arms and moved her back a bit so that he could see her face. He looked concerned until he realized she was laughing.
Her sides ached as she giggled and his lips quirked with amusement. “Remember when my daddy caught us kissing by the barn?” she said when she caught her breath. “And the time your whole family ran across us at the river me in my panties and you in nothing but your birthday suit when we were skinny dipping? I about died from embarrassment.”
Wayne gave a slow, sexy grin. “We did have a gift for getting caught at awkward moments.”
She nodded and hiccupped down another laugh. “Well, it’s getting late and I think I should get home.”
He looked disappointed, but he put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her to him. “I’ll follow you home and make sure you get there safely.”
She smiled up at him. “It’s only a mile from here.”
He tugged on a lock of her hair. “And on my way home.”
“Not necessary,” she said as they walked toward the parked cars.
He kept his arm around her shoulders. “Where are you parked?”
She shrugged. “I walked.”
He raised an eyebrow. “A mile in the dark?”
“Hey, it’s not the first time.” She smiled up at him. “I walked it plenty from the time I was just a kid.” She pulled a small but powerful flashlight from her jeans pocket. “Besides, I have plenty of light.”
“Well, you’re not walking back tonight.” He caught her by her hand and she laughed as he pulled her toward a big black truck. She hadn’t had a drop to drink but she still felt drunk—drunk on laughter and just being around Wayne again.
She stuffed the flashlight back into her pocket then stepped onto the running board. He helped her into the big truck before he strode to the driver’s side. He took off his western hat before climbing in and set the hat on the console between them.
Her belly flipped as he started the powerful engine and backed the truck out of the driveway. It roared as he put it into drive and stepped on the gas. She looked at Wayne and studied his strong profile that was illuminated by the dashboard lights. She wanted to touch him, to taste him again.
“I was going to write you a million times.” He glanced at her then returned his gaze to the road. “I overcame my demons because of you… You saved my life.”
The ache she’d felt when they’d talked about it earlier returned. “But I left.”
“I had to have that to hit bottom,” he said. “It all worked together to get me to where I am. I wouldn’t change it. And now here you are.” He gave her a smile. “I always thought you would come back into my life.”
His words tumbled through her head as she grew quiet.
For a moment there was silence between them. Then she tilted her head to the side as they drove over the cattle guard to the dirt road leading from the Bar C. “Where do you live now?”
“I have a ranch two and a half miles from yours,” he said. “We share a fence line at your north pasture.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “You bought the old Johnson ranch?”
Wayne nodded as he watched the road. “Yep. Call it the Diamond K.” He glanced at her. “Where have you been all this time?”
She shrugged. “Tempe and Phoenix. I went to Arizona State for four years and got my business degree. I met my ex my third year at ASU. We were married after I graduated with my Masters.”
“What kind of work did you do?” Wayne asked.
“I was an office manager for a tech firm.” She pushed hair behind her ear. “Steven insisted I quit once we started trying to have children.”
Her voice trailed off. It was a subject she didn’t want to get into any further. Wayne seemed to realize that and didn’t ask her anymore about it.
She studied his profile. “Your aunt said you’re a war hero.”
“I served in Afghanistan,” he said after a moment. “They think that makes me a hero.”
“Aunt Grace said you received three medals including the second highest award given in the service,” Kaitlyn said. “They don’t give that to just anyone who serves.”
Wayne kept his eyes on the road. “Lets talk about something else, Kaitlyn Barrett.”
Fair enough. They both had things they didn’t like to talk about. But she intended to ask him about it again sometime.
The closer they came to her ranch, the more the thought of going home to the empty house stirred a sense of loneliness inside her and she swallowed. “I don’t want to go home yet.” The words had come out before she could stop them. “I’d like to see your place.”
Wayne glanced at her before turning his attention back to the road. She couldn’t read his expression as he said, “All right.”
Butterflies flipped around in her belly and she wondered what in the world she was doing. Just going to see Wayne’s new place…was that all?
When she studied him, his jaw looked tense. She wondered why and almost told him to take her to her house and drop her off.
She turned and stared out the window in the direction of her own ranch. The porch light was on and she could see her house beyond the grassland, a quarter-mile down from the gate. She’d left other lights on and light spilled from windows as if someone was home.
Her hand was resting in her lap. Wayne reached over and took her hand in his. He squeezed. “You doing okay?” he asked.
The feel of his hand over hers sent warmth and more butterflies through her. She linked her fingers with his. “Great,” she said softly. “I’m doing great.”
And for tonight she was. She refused to think of anything but spending some time with Wayne. Maybe they’d just have a drink of iced tea. Maybe more.
When they’d gone a couple of miles past her home, she saw the Johnson Ranch—or the Diamond K as he now called it. When they reached the gate, the headlights illuminated the diamond brand with a K at the center.
The tires thrummed over the cattle guard as they passed through the open gates of Wayne’s ranch. Her stomach flip-flopped and she swallowed down her nervousness. Why was she here? She should have Wayne turn around right now and take her home.
Floodlights came on, illuminating the yard as they drove up. He pulled the truck up to the two-story ranch house that had belonged to the Johnsons for as long as she could remember. And now Wayne owned it.
After he parked, he climbed out, grabbed his western hat and put it back on. He’d always insisted on being a gentleman, and out of long ingrained habit she waited for him to come around to her side of the truck and then help her out.
“Come on.” He smiled and took her hand. “I’ll show you around the house. We’ll have to wait until you’re here in the daylight to show you the rest of the place.”
She nodded. She could see dark hulking buildings including the barn and the corrals, but nothing more. The murmur of cattle and the soft whinny of a horse came from that direction.
“When did you buy this place?” she asked as they walked toward the house.
“After I returned from Afghanistan.” His expression darkened a little and she had the feeling it was something that he really didn’t like to talk about.
Still she asked, “That’s where you injured your knee?”
“Yep.” He nodded. “Put an end to that career.”
“You don’t walk with a limp.” She glanced down. “Which knee?”
“The right.” He released her hand. “It acts up a bit depending on the weather, but for the most part it’s fine, just not good enough for a Green Beret. I was one of the lucky ones though.”
She looked up at him. “What was it like being a Green Beret?”
“Best thing I ever did besides stopping drinking.” He paused mid-step. “And meeting you,” he said softly. Then he turned and continued walking. “Special Forces made me grow up… Changed me. It helped in so many ways and allowed me to give back to my country.”
They reached the porch and she saw that the once peeling and chipped old paint had been removed and a new coat of paint applied over sanded wood—it looked like the entire house had been redone in white with forest green trim and accents.
“Our daddy did well with the ranch and when he died he took care of us kids,” Wayne said. “I didn’t want to be like the Cartwrights and have a bunch of us living together. That’s for TV. So I bought this place. I know how fortunate I am.”
“It looks great.” She let her free hand slide up the smooth dark green painted rail of the staircase as they walked up to the front door. “It looks like you’ve restored the old place.”
“There are more projects around the ranch,” he said, “But for the most part the house is finished.”
She smiled up at him. “You always were good with your hands.”
He gave her a sexy grin. “Is that right?”
She lightly slapped his shoulder. “You know what I mean.” Then she gave him a look from beneath her lashes. “But you really are good with your hands—in every way I can imagine.”
The look he gave her was enough to make thrills roll through her body. She wasn’t just playing with fire. She was starting a wild fire.
Steps creaked as she and Wayne walked up and then their shoes hit the porch. His boots made solid thumps against the wood as he moved toward the door. The screen door gave only a little squeak when he opened it and then he unlocked the door and held it open to let her into the house.
It was dark inside. He flipped on the light and she looked around the room. “It’s beautiful,” she said as she looked at the polished wood floor, the casual, masculine oak furniture with cushions in shades of brown and cream.
Western art decorated the walls and rested on some of the surfaces. A large-screen TV took up a good portion of the wall on the far right. He took off his western hat and plopped it on a coatrack to the right of the door. He took her jacket and hung it on the rack along with his own.
“That must be great to watch the Diamondbacks and Cardinals on,” she said as she looked back at him. “You always did love your sports.”
“That I do.” He took her hand and she loved the feel of his fingers holding hers tight. “Down that hall are my workout room and the guest bathroom.” He gestured straight ahead from the door. Then he jerked his thumb to the left. “Through here is the kitchen and the stairs to the second level.”
He led her past a set of stairs and into a modern kitchen with a dining nook. The kitchen walls were a warm shade of taupe that was almost peach. The cabinets were oak and the appliances including the fridge, stove, and dishwasher, was stainless steel. Everything shone and there was no mess anywhere.
“I love it all,” she said and gave him a quick grin. “I don’t remember you ever being this neat.”
“Everything had to be kept spotless and perfect in the service,” he said. “That sort of stuck with me.”
“You’d be handy to have around,” she said before she thought better of it. She covered it up by saying, “What do you charge by the hour for Wayne’s Cleaning Service?”
He grinned down at her. “Depends on the client.” He kept a grip on her hand and led her further into the kitchen. On the right was a set of stairs leading down. “I’m still working on the basement,” he said. “I plan to finish it off and make it a game room, including a billiards table, foosball, and darts. Of course some nice comfy couches and a TV along with a fridge filled with junk food and sodas.”
She laughed. “Sounds like fun.”
“That’s where the laundry room is.” He gestured at the vents. “Installed central heating and air conditioning recently.”
“Nice.” She looked around them. “Beautiful, homey, and all of the necessities.”
“Do you want to take a look upstairs?” he said, his voice suddenly low and uncertain, like he was afraid to ask her.
“What do you have there?” Her belly flipped as she asked the question. “Other than the master bedroom.”
“My office and a guest room.”
Warmth crept through her body. “I’d love to see everything.”
He squeezed her hand and led her to the stairs. Steps creaked as they walked up and her heart beat faster as they neared the top of the stairs. He ignored the door to the left and instead led her through an open door on the right.
Oak office furniture filled the room. An antique roll-top desk, a regular desk with a red leather chair behind it, three book cases and two oak filing cabinets. There was more cowboy art in here and she loved the old fashioned framed art of cowboys sitting around a fire in one, cowboys herding cattle in another, and a third with a cowboy and his horse drinking from a stream.
On his desktop were a couple of pictures of the Cameron family posing together and an old black and white of his parents, taken several years before they’d died. “Once Zane and Jessie start having kids,” Wayne said, “I intend to have pictures of the nieces and nephews right here, too.”
He led her out of the office and down to the end of the hall. To the right was the guest bathroom and to the left was the guestroom. He showed her the guestroom, which had simple furniture including a bed with a patchwork quilt, a footlocker at the foot of the bed, and a bureau up against the wall to the left of the bed.
When they left the room, he took her back to the head of the stairs and to the closed door on the left. The knob squeaked a little as he turned it and let them into a large bedroom. She walked at his side, nerves making her suddenly feel jittery.
“Master bedroom,” he said as he flipped on a light switch, even though she knew what it was.
The low lighting was from a pair of lamps on nightstands to either side of a king-sized bed with a big brown and cream comforter. A dresser with a big vanity mirror was on one wall with a bureau on another wall. There was a TV inside an armoire that had drawers beneath it. To the far right was a door that obviously led into the master bathroom.
“I wish my house was half this neat.” It was the only thing she could think of to say. Her gaze met his. “I love your home.”
The next thing she knew, she was in his arms. “And I love having you in my home.” His voice was low, deep, and thrills rolled through her.
A part of her said she should turn and run. That this was too much, too soon. But another part of her wanted what he could give her. What they could share.
She closed her eyes and let him hold her close, their bodies snug together. She breathed in his scent, letting it fill her completely.
When she opened her eyes, her gaze met his. She slid her arms around his neck and pulled him closer until their lips met and she kissed him.
Chapter 4
The kiss was more powerful than the one Wayne had given her at the party. This one was filled with years of longing and need so intense that she didn’t know if she’d ever catch her breath.
Kaitlyn slid her hands into his hair, loving the soft strands slipping through her fingers and the feel of his scalp beneath her fingertips. She moved her hands down his neck and over his shoulders that were hard and muscular beneath her palms.
He kept her pressed up against him and she felt his erection against her belly. She ached between her thighs and she suddenly wanted her clothes off and to strip his away. She wanted to feel the heat of his naked skin against hers.
Their relationship had always been so sexually charged once they started having a physical relationship. They had matched each other in the depths of their desire and sexuality. She’d never felt anything with any man like she had with him. Not that her sexual experiences were extensive. She’d had all of three including Wayne and her ex.
Wayne kissed her even harder and she made soft sounds of want and need as she moved her hands down and explored his chest with her palms. He had held her by her waist but was now gripping her ass, pulling her impossibly closer to him. He raised her up and she wrapped her thighs around his hips and moved her arms around his neck again and he was carrying her to the bed.
The comforter was soft against her back and the mattress dipped beneath their combined weight as he rolled her onto her side so that they were facing each other. He kissed her then moved his lips to the corner of her mouth then moved them to her ear where he nipped her earlobe. She gasped with pleasure as it sent tingles through her body.
A part of her held back. She shouldn’t be here, shouldn’t be doing this. Not with all that was going on in her life… Not with all that had gone on.
But another part of her needed this. Needed to feel alive again. Needed to feel closeness to another person that she hadn’t experienced for a long, long time.
She let everything slip away and let herself fall into being with Wayne. Being with him completely for the night where she wouldn’t think of the past.
Not for tonight.
He moved his fingertips from the hollow of her throat, down to the curve of her breast and then cupped it in his big hand. He pinched her nipple and she caught her breath as pleasure shot through her.
Her hand traveled down his belly, down his taut abs to the belt buckle covering the button of his jeans. She made a sound of frustration as she worked to undo the buckle and his belt. He kissed her again and slid his hand down from her breast to help her.
When his jeans were unbuttoned she pulled down the zipper then slid her fingers inside his boxer briefs and wrapped her hand around his cock. He sucked in his breath and groaned as she gripped it tight.
He brought his fingers to the buttons of her blouse and even one-handed was able to undo them easily. He moved her blouse aside and pulled down the cup of her bra. He adjusted himself so that he could lower his head and capture her nipple in his warm mouth.
She gasped then moaned at the exquisite sensation of him licking and sucking her nipple and she squirmed against him.
With a groan he pushed her onto her back and moved so that he was slightly above her. Her wet nipple felt cool in the air as the warmth of his mouth left it.
He brushed hair away from her face looking down at her with an expression of tenderness. “You are so beautiful, Kait.”
She didn’t want to talk. She wanted him to kiss her again. He seemed to hear her thoughts and he began kissing her again before moving his mouth over her face and down the curve of her neck to the hollow of her throat.
He pushed her blouse completely apart then pulled down the other side of her bra, releasing her breast and she caught her breath as he moved his mouth from one nipple to the other.
“So soft,” he murmured as he nuzzled between her breasts. “You’re so soft.”
And he was so hard. She loved the feel of his erection in her palm. He started to move down her body and his cock slipped from her hand as he kissed a trail down her abdomen until he reached her bellybutton. He dipped his tongue inside and it sent an erotic thrill straight from her belly to between her thighs.
He unbuttoned her Levis and slid the zipper down then kissed the soft spot above her mound through her silky hot pink panties. She watched him as he smoothed his hands down her thighs to her athletic shoes and tugged each one of them off before tossing them aside. They hit the wood floor with hard thumps. He slipped each one of her socks off and dropped them before straightening and toeing off each of his boots and removing his own socks.
Her heart pounded in her throat and she swallowed as he eased back up the bed and grasped the waistband of her jeans and began pulling them over her hips, down her thighs until they were off.
He took her by her hands and drew her so that she was sitting on the edge of the bed. She felt lightheaded as she looked up at him and he pushed her pink blouse away from her shoulders and she let it fall down her arms to her elbows. He helped her slip the blouse away from her arms and took it from her. She was left in her pink bra and her pink silk panties.
The ache at the juncture of her thighs intensified as he knelt between her knees. He reached behind her and unfastened her bra before letting it drop to the floor. His eyes were so blue she felt like she could get lost in them as his gaze met his. He cupped her face in his hands and brought her to him in a kiss that caused her to shudder with desire.
He caressed her body with gentle touches of his hands before he hooked his fingers in her panties and slid them down. She had to rise up just a little so that he could pull them completely off.