The Reluctant Rancher Read online

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The next morning Mary rose early, prepared breakfast and hid in her room while Luke and his grandfather ate their meal. She knew she’d taken the coward’s way out, but she couldn’t face Luke. Not yet. Looking out her bedroom window, she saw him leaning against the dusty pickup that would carry them to town. She watched as he pulled a pack of cigarettes from the pocket of his jacket. He reminded her of the old advertisements on television – a rough and rugged man of the open range. A cowboy through and through. As if sensing her scrutiny, he turned his head and looked into her second story window. Mary quickly moved behind the curtain before he could see her.

  God, his kisses yesterday made the memory of every kiss she’d ever had before disappear. And she couldn’t believe she’d been so bold! Touching him, tasting him. She’d never felt that kind of desire before.

  And he wanted her. She had seen it in his eyes, felt it in his touch. It made her feel as warm and gooey inside as the chocolate chip cookies he loved. And beautiful. It made her feel so beautiful.

  Mary knew she couldn’t hide in her room forever. She went downstairs, running into Joseph in the hallway.

  “Did you sleep well, Mary?” The older man helped her with her coat.

  “Fine, Joseph,” she lied. She hadn’t slept a wink, reliving every moment in the barn over and over again.

  “Well, I’m glad someone did,” he muttered as he led her out of the house.

  “Aren’t you sleeping well? Maybe you should talk to Dr. McAllister about that today.”

  “Not me, darling. That grandson of mine. He was up half the night.”

  “Did one of the mares go into labor?” On one of their walks Joseph had shared Luke’s more recent ‘stud’ service. Lucifer had covered three of the brood mares in early fall and they were expecting the new arrivals any day.

  “No, not yet. I don’t know what’s wrong with boy. He hasn’t slept well for days. He hasn’t been this restless since his wife left.”

  Mary shivered as she imagined Luke spending sleepless nights because of her. She wanted him to need her. To want her to the point of madness. To need her the way he needed his next breath. His passion would be as explosive as – as, well, explosive as the episode in the barn. But hotter.

  As they neared the truck, she avoided his gaze. It was bad enough remembering the kisses they had shared, much less the other images her daydreaming mind had created.

  “Good morning, Mary.” Luke dropped his cigarette and put it out with a sharp movement of his boot.

  “Good morning, Luke.” She tried to figure out a graceful way to slide into the truck. Granted she was tall, but it took quite a bit of leverage power to hop into the high cab of a ranch truck. As she stepped onto the running board, she felt Luke behind her, his hands helping her ascend. For one exquisite moment, she let herself rely on the strength of his tall body, inhaling the tobacco and leather smells embedded in his jacket, lingering on his skin.

  All too soon, she found herself seated between the two men. Mary tried to concentrate on the scenery and not the feel of Luke’s hard muscular leg pressing against hers as he drove. She was grateful when Joseph finally spoke.

  “When in the blue blazes is someone going to change that confounded sign?” One long finger pecked repeatedly against the window as Joseph pointed to a bright green highway sign that greeted people at the edge of town. Its large white letters proclaimed: Fiddler Creek, Wyoming, population 782. “That census taker was as drunk as the darn fool who founded this town.”

  Mary laughed at the older man’s bluster, grateful for the conversation. The beauty of the country with its far off mountains, plush green grasses and silver blue lakes had enthralled Mary in much the same way it had captured the hearts of the first people to see the valley. And she never tired of hearing about how the town had gotten its name.

  Luke gave her an engaging wink that sent tingles down her spine while he encouraged the older man to tell the tale. “Go ahead, Grandpa. I know you’re dying to tell Mary your version of the story.”

  “My version is the true version, young man. And don’t you forget it.” Joseph glared at this grandson before he continued. “Legend has it that a band of settlers founded the town after they wandered off the wagon trail while heading west.”

  Mary watched Joseph’s face as he told the story. No doubt he visualized the scene in his mind and it startled her to realize that, with his words, she could see it as well.

  “With winter already upon them, they looked around and saw the lazy river fed by sweet mountain streams. They saw the wide valley and knew that dark, rich soil lay buried beneath the snow. There was plenty of water and enough room for a man to breathe. Weary and worn, they decided to stay.” Joseph encased the whole valley before him with one sweep of his hand.

  “To celebrate their new home, the women cooked up the last of their flour and the men went hunting. Every man, woman, and child feasted on biscuits, honey, and wild game. With their bellies full and the fires burning bright and warm, the men tuned up their musical instruments and broke out their stash of corn liquor. One man drank and played his fiddle so long that he passed out dead center of the frozen creek. By the time he woke up the next day, there was no land left for the poor fellow to claim except a small portion next to the creek. And that’s how the town got its name.” He folded his arms across his chest, a smug smile on his face.

  “That’s it?” Joseph had told the same tale she’d heard time and time again from all the local residents - the exact same story printed on the brochures that the Chamber of Commerce passed out during the summer months. Luke rewarded her silence with a mouthed thank you, which Mary savored for the remainder of the trip.

  Once in town, Luke parked the truck in front of a large brick building that served as the town’s city hall. As soon as the truck stopped, Joseph made a beeline across the street to a group of men gathered outside the feed and grain store.

  “We’re a little early.” Luke put out a hand to stop Mary when she started to exit. “Do you need to do anything before Grandpa’s appointment?”

  She nodded. “I need to get my car from the garage. Jennifer called yesterday and said Eddie had it ready.”

  “Afraid you’re going to be stuck at the ranch without a way to leave? Missing the bright lights already?” His tone was harsh and she saw the glitter of anger in the green depths of his eyes.

  “No,” she replied stiffly, hurt that he would think something like that after their interlude in the barn. Was he afraid she didn’t like the ranch, didn’t like him? Little did he know! “I’m happy at the Circle T, Luke. And your grandfather’s been a doll of a patient.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, Mary. Real glad.” He gave her one of his rare smiles and her heart flipped over in her chest. His fingertips trailed along the underside of her jaw and his head bent closer. He was going to kiss her.

  A sharp tap on the passenger side window jerked them guiltily apart. “Hey, you two, I’m going over to Smitty’s. I’ll meet you at Doc Logan’s later.”

  “That’s fine, Grandpa. We’re headed to Eddie’s Garage.” He exited the truck then walked around to open Mary’s door.

  As they walked through town, Luke took her hand and she savored the moment, loving the feel of his fingers entwined with her own. As they walked, he tipped his hat in greeting to people they passed on the street but never let go of her hand.

  “You’re very popular,” she commented, after the mayor had stopped to talk about the weather. The storm of last night had passed – with no snow – but the air was heavy with anticipation. Something was brewing.

  “It comes with the territory,” Luke said.

  “What territory?”

  He veered off onto a side street, making his way to Eddie’s Garage. “Being rich. Everyone wants to stay on your good side, even if they can’t stand the sight of you.”

  “That’s not true,” Mary protested.

  “Sure it is.” Luke’s wor
ds flowed out of his mouth easily enough, but Mary sensed a hurt behind them.

  “Do you really think that’s the only reason they speak to you?” she asked.

  “I don’t think it, honey, I know it is.” They had reached the garage. Luke pushed open the battered wooden door and ushered her inside.

  “That’s not true.” Luke was too decent a man for him to think people only wanted to socialize with him simply because of his wealth.

  “Isn’t that why you came to the Circle T, because you wanted something?”

  “Well, yes,” she sputtered. “But that’s not the same thing.

  One black brow arched. “Really?”

  “I’ve talked to you before and never wanted anything.”

  “When?”

  “At the summer camp last year.”

  “You didn’t say a word to me, Mary. You helped with the kids all day if memory serves me right.”

  “Well, maybe I didn’t speak to you.” Mary's heart skipped a beat when she realized Luke had noticed her after all. And regretted the fact she hadn’t had the courage to talk to him then. “But, did you speak to me?”

  “Not that I recall.” His frowned deepened.

  “See, you’re just as bad as you think others are. Wasn’t I pretty enough to garner your attention?” She held her breath as she waited for his answer.

  Luke stopped and encircled her arm with one large hand, his hold almost bruising in its force. He jerked her toward him. “If I didn’t speak to you, it had nothing to do with how you look. You’re a very attractive woman.”

  “Right.” Mary didn't believe his words. She knew exactly how she looked beneath her warm winter sweaters. She tried to pull her arm free and walk away. “That’s why all those Hollywood directors are knocking down my door with requests for me to star in their next beach movie.”

  Luke’s green eyes narrowed into tiny slits. “Didn’t I notice you in the barn yesterday?”

  She flushed, heat suffusing her cheeks as she remembered their shared passion. “Well, y-yes,” she stammered. ”But I know it was just the situation. You are a cowboy after all, Mr. Tanner.”

  “Don’t lump me in with a bunch of rough rednecks looking for a good time,” he growled. He tugged her flush against his big body. “I’m a man who noticed a very attractive, very desirable woman. Maybe you need a little reminder of that fact.” He lowered his head.

  Mary waited with baited breath for his mouth to touch hers. Despite her looks and her size, did he find her attractive? She was almost starting to believe it. Almost. Her heart filled with joy at the thought anyway. She stood on her tiptoes, her head lifted and ready to meet his mouth halfway.

  “Hi, Miss Carter.”

  Mary groaned in regret as Eddie Carson, Jr., son of the owner of Eddie’s Garage and its head mechanic, called a greeting from the back of the building, bringing the magic moment to an end. It did her ego worlds of good to hear Luke curse as he dropped his hands and stepped away.

  “Your car’s ready, ma’am. I’ll have one of the boys pull it around front.” The mechanic wiped his greasy hands on an even greasier rag. He pulled a clipboard from the wall and totaled her bill. “I don’t mean to be bossy, but you really do need a new set of tires. With this cold weather threatening snow again and the spring rains coming soon, you can never be too careful.”

  She sighed as she read the total bill. There went her plans to use most of the generous salary from the Tanners to play catch up with the outstanding bills and use what remained to make a down payment on a computer system to track the agency’s patients and billing, a tedious job she hated doing by hand every month. Then, if Luke did stay true to his word and give her the loan, she would have enough working capital to see her through until next summer. If she were very, very fugal.

  She wrote a check to cover the cost of the repairs, kissing the computer goodbye. A car, she desperately needed. A computer she wanted but could do without for a while longer.

  “I know, Eddie. You tell me that every time I bring my car in. You know I do well to keep that old bucket of bolts running, which is due entirely to your expertise.” She smiled gratefully at the young mechanic as she handed him the check. Always honest in his dealings with her, both in the repairs and the prices he charged, she knew she would have spent twice as much for half the work in a larger city

  “What’s wrong with the lady’s tires, Carson?”

  Mary watched as Luke pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. Before he could flick open his lighter, she pulled it from his hand and tossed it in the garbage, ignoring his muttered curse. She really wished he hadn’t asked that question. He wouldn’t like the answer.

  “Well, sir.” Eddie cleared his throat nervously and Mary smiled. Everyone knew Luke Tanner and his legendary temper. But to her amazement, his voice croaked only a little when he spoke. “They’re worn out, sir. Balder than a baby’s butt.”

  Luke growled low in his throat at the other man’s words and Mary knew what was coming. She shook her finger at him in warning.

  “Now don’t you look at me like that, mister. You’ve already scared poor Eddie to death.” Even though she started to tremble at the look in his eyes herself, she didn’t back down. “I’ll get to it when I can.”

  “Go put some tires on the lady’s car, son,” He never took his eyes from Mary’s face.

  Eddie left as fast as he could, giving her no chance to veto Luke’s high-handed order.

  Mary rounded on the rancher. “And just who do you think is going to pay for those tires?” she demanded as she started after the mechanic. “Santa Claus?”

  He grabbed her arm, forcing her to face him. “You need those blasted tires and you’re going to have them. Got it?” The expression on his face brooked no argument, but Mary’s temper had gone beyond reason.

  “I will not,” she declared. The man interfered too damned much by putting tires on her car that she couldn’t afford.

  She wanted to take him to task for his high-handed manner but he was kissing her in the most delightful way.

  “There’s only one way to deal with a willful woman,” he murmured against her mouth as he came up for air. Before she could respond, his mouth once again claimed hers, deepening the kiss.

  “Luke,” she whispered when he stopped, for once at loss for words. His kiss floored her.

  “Say it again,” he demanded, touching his forehead to hers.

  “Say what again?” she asked, too dazed by his touch to think straight. Boy-oh-boy, could the man kiss.

  “My name. Say my name again.”

  “Luke.”

  He groaned, a deep aching sound that seemed to come from the very depths of his soul. He kissed her temple. “What am I going to do with you?”

  Mary brought her hands to his chest and pushed until he relaxed his hold enough for her to see his face. In his eyes she saw confusion and desire and knew the emotions mirrored the ones simmering deep within her own. It gave her a much needed shot of courage.

  “What would you like to do with me?” she asked. It was almost the same dare she’d voiced the day she’d asked him for a loan.

  Mary’s knees threatened to buckle at the look of raw hunger that blazed in his eyes and she had to lean back against the wall for support.

  “You don’t want me to answer that, Mary. Not here. Not now.” His voice was low and thick.

  “Then where Luke? Where will you tell me?” She licked her lips, savoring the taste of him that still lingered there.

  As if her gesture had upset him, he clutched the band of his hat in his hand, ruining the soft gray felt fabric with the strength of his grip. She quivered with excitement.

  “At the dance tomorrow,” he said. ”Come to the dance with me.” On a regular basis the little town of Fiddler Creek held dances at the local community center. The populace didn’t need a reason to get together and have a good time, just a free Saturday night.

  “Okay.” Mary barely spoke above a whisper as she an
swered.

  “Fine.” He jammed the abused Stetson back on his head. “Tell Eddie to put the tires on my bill. I’ll take Grandpa to the doctor. You can go on home once your car is finished.”

  Luke’s gaze swept over her once last, lingering time. “Will you be okay?”

  “Yes.” Her voice broke. Her heart lurched as he swooped down to claim a hard, forceful kiss before he left.

  Mary signed the ticket Eddie handed her once the four new tires were mounted. She vowed to repay Luke just as soon as possible. She knew she should be grateful that he cared enough to worry about her, but her strong streak of independence forced her to make the promise. His concern, however, did give her hope that he wasn’t as hardhearted as he appeared. And that he did care about her in some small way. She wasn’t fool enough not to realize that the intimacy of living together may be contributing to Luke’s sudden show of desire. Not that she was complaining. But she was realistic. Would he look at her in roomful of slender, beautiful women and exhibit the same desire? Probably not.

  As she headed out of the garage she had to admit the car drove much better with the new tires. She didn’t have to admit that to Luke though. Her grin was happy and excited.

  She debated what to do with her unexpected free afternoon. She experienced a tinge of guilt about not being with Joseph for his appointment but knew he wouldn’t mind. Dr. McAllister would email her a full report anyway. Besides, she hadn’t had any time off since going to work at the Circle T.

  Excitement about the upcoming dance skittered along her spine and she thought about visiting Jennifer. But this budding ‘something’ was too fragile to share even with her best friend. Mary had never felt so alive and so wanted in all her life. She actually had a date with Luke Tanner, the richest man in Fiddler Creek. Not that his status had anything to do with why she had accepted his invitation. No, Mary wanted to go because of the way he made her feel. He could turn her insides to mush with just one look from those emerald green eyes. Luke made her feel beautiful and wanton all at the same time. And she had never felt that way before.

  She steered her little compact car onto Main Street and headed to the only ladies apparel store in town. The proprietor carried a wide range of sizes and a variety of styles. Mary decided to buy a new dress for the dance even if she had to eat peanut butter sandwiches with no jelly for the rest of the year to make up the difference in her bank account. She felt like Cinderella getting ready for the ball.