Like Lightning (11 page)

Trey shrugged.

“So, are you, or aren't you?”

Trey shut his eyes briefly and inhaled. “Nope. I can't be.”

Brit leaned against the back of the counter, her belly protruding out. She looked as lovely as a pregnant woman could look in that state. And when she placed a protective hand on her abdomen, rubbing slightly, Trey wondered what it would be like fathering a child of his own. An image flashed instantly of Maddie, carrying his baby, her hand resting protectively on their child, smiling up at him.

“You
can't
be? What's that supposed to mean?”

“It means, I wouldn't do that to her.”

Brit chuckled. “I think she'd want you to do that to her. Over and over again.”

“Brit!”

“Well, I didn't get pregnant all by myself, Trey. I'm not that innocent. And I can see there's something strong between you. Are you denying it? And remember, Paul and I are your closest friends, so no fair fibbing.”

Trey let out a deep sigh. “No, I'm not denying it. There's definitely something there. Maddie's pretty darn wonderful.”

Brit reached for his hand, flipping it over to view his injured palm. “So are you, Trey. You deserve some happiness in your life. You've been alone too long.”

Trey squeezed her hand and smiled. “At least this way, no one gets hurt.”

“Or maybe both of you get hurt.”

Jack busted into their conversation, striding into the kitchen at full speed. He spoke quietly, so the guests in the dining room wouldn't hear, but as forcefully as Trey had ever heard him. “Are you nuts or something?”

Trey shook his head. He seemed to be on the receiving end of one of his cousin's tirades. “What now, Jack?”

“Maddie told us that she's thinking of leaving Hope Wells. She's been offered a job in Denver.”

“She has?” Brittany asked, both she and Jack staring at Trey.

“Yeah, I know.”

“And you're not going to stop her?” Jack stood boot to boot with Trey now, his gaze penetrating.

“It's her decision.”

Jack cursed then apologized to Brit. “You could ask her not to go. You could give her a reason to stay.”

Trey hated being backed into a corner. He'd already made his decision regarding Maddie and was trying damn hard to abide by it. What right did anyone have to judge him? Anger simmered close to his breaking point. He stepped away from his cousin to avoid coming to blows. “Jeez, if you're so damn interested, maybe you should ask her to stay.”

“Maybe I will!”

Trey ground out, “Good.”

“Great. I backed off before because of you, but I like her a lot. What's not to like? She's smart and funny and pretty as a picture. Hell, if you're too much of a fool to see it, then I'm going to ask her out.”

Trey's anger boiled over. He grabbed Jack's shirt and pulled him so they stood nose to nose. “You don't want
to go there, cousin. Or you might have to arrest me for assaulting an officer.”

Jack grinned and craned his neck to look at Brit. “He's in love with her.”

Brit agreed. “You're in love with her.”

Trey released Jack and they backed away from each other. He glanced at Brit then back to Jack. Both wore smug expressions. “Damn meddlers. That's what you are.”

“Are you calm now?” Jack asked.

With a quick move, Trey shifted his shoulders, relieving tension. “Ticked off, but calm.”

At that moment, Maddie walked in with Paul right behind her carrying dishes from the dining room. “Thought I could help you in here, Brittany,” Maddie said, setting the dishes down on the kitchen counter.

“Oh, isn't that sweet.”

“Looks like you've got plenty of help. What're you boys doing,” Paul teased, “taking up with an old pregnant lady?”

Brittany swatted him with the dish towel then glanced at Maddie. “You know, I think I'll wait up a bit on doing the dishes. These boys need some of your lemon cake to settle them down.”

Maddie glanced around the room taking in all of their guilty expressions. “I hope it came out okay.”

Brittany smiled. “I'm sure it's just fine. Trey'll think so, no matter what.”

“I know, but my lemon cake might not be—”

“It'll be delicious, Maddie,” Trey offered honestly.

“Because you baked it special for him,” Brittany said with wink.

“Hey Maddie,” Jack started, darting a quick glance at Trey, “you ever treat a stubborn old mule?”

“Well, yes,” she answered, her brows furrowing, clearly puzzled by Jack's question. “I've had some experience with stubborn mules. Why?”

Jack grinned again and Trey was about ready to slap that silly expression off his face. He shrugged. “I heard there's this mule in Hope Wells sorely in need of your attention.”

Brittany chuckled, grabbing Maddie's hand and guiding her out of the kitchen. “Come on, we'll let those boys bring in the dessert. It'll give them something constructive to do.”

Paul stepped between Trey and Jack, heading off trouble.

“Paul,” Trey said through pursed lips. “Next time you have a party for me, I'd appreciate it if you didn't invite my cousin.”

Jack picked up the lemon cake, and laughed his way into the dining room.

 

Maddie sat between Paul and a nice man named Burton, one of the Fuller's neighbors, facing Trey and Brittany. Jack sat at the head of the table, placed there specifically by the hostess. Maddie got the feeling Jack's new seating arrangement wasn't so much by choice, but rather in tune with a schoolteacher disciplining an unruly boy by placing him in the corner of the room. Jack didn't seem any worse for wear, he kept a smile on his face and every once in a while, she caught him watching her.

Paul poured coffee into delicate antique cups while Brittany reached over to cut the cake. Several times tonight Maddie had caught Brittany arching her back to rub that area, grimacing uncomfortably.

“It's so beautiful,” Brittany said, staring at the lemon frosting swirls Maddie had designed with care, “I almost hate to cut into it.”

“Then, let me,” Maddie offered, wanting to take some of tonight's burden off her gracious hostess. “I'd love to serve the cake.”

Brittany handed over the knife and cake server. “Be my guest.” She plopped down, looking relieved.

Maddie cut several slices and had just finished sending the plates around the table, when her cell phone rang. “Uh, sorry about that,” she said to Brittany and Paul, “but I have to get this.”

“No problem. We'll wait for you,” Paul said.

She exited the room quickly, and answered her phone. One minute later she stood at the dining room threshold making apologies. “I'm sorry, but I have an emergency call. I have to leave.”

“Oh, sorry to hear that,” Brittany said. “Is it urgent?”

“I'm afraid so. Darla Chester's dog is having a difficult birth. It's her first litter and Darla's beside herself with worry. I promised I'd come over right away.”

Paul looked doubtful. “That's clear across the county, Maddie.”

“And the storm's not letting up,” Burton's wife, Tilly announced, looking out the window.

Jack volunteered, “I don't live far from there, I'd be happy to take—”

“I'll drive you.” Trey pushed out his chair and stood.

Maddie glanced at the roomful of worried guests. “Oh, thank you all for your concern, but I'll be fine, really. I don't want to break up the party.”

She felt really badly about this. Paul and Brittany had gone to a great deal of trouble tonight and Maddie hated
being the one to spoil the rest of the evening. She'd learned early on in her profession that when duty calls, all else had to be forfeited. She didn't mind when her own plans were ruined, but she sorely disliked disrupting others' lives.

“I'm driving you, Maddie.” Trey said, his tone brooking no argument.

“But you haven't taken a bite of your cake yet.”

“I'll wrap up both of your pieces and send them along with you,” Brittany offered, then added, “That's one nasty storm out there. I'd feel better knowing Trey was with you.”

“So would I,” Paul agreed, glancing out the window.

Brittany rose quickly taking both of their plates into the kitchen, while Trey strode over to her. “Do you have everything you need in your truck?”

“Yes, I keep it supplied in case of emergencies but, Trey, you really don't have to do this.” Maddie glanced at the table of friends he would be leaving behind. “I'll manage. It's what I do.”

Trey smiled warmly, turning on the Walker charm, something Maddie hadn't witnessed too often. “Honey,” he whispered for her ears only, “if you don't let me drive you, I'm going to follow behind you all the way. You need to get there safely and I know exactly where Darla lives.”

Maddie had a hard time resisting Trey's offer, not because she feared the thunder that boomed like a demon's wail, or the heavy rain teeming down, but because Trey spoke so sweetly, his dark gorgeous eyes troubled and concerned.

Her heart ached knowing that Trey cared for her, but wouldn't act upon his feelings. He wouldn't break down
the wall that kept them from being together. But Maddie couldn't think about that right now. She had puppies to deliver, and now it appeared she had a chauffeur to deliver her to the laboring Labrador. “Thank you,” she said. “We'd better get going.”

Brittany handed Trey a small brown bag. “I wrapped your cake inside.” She reached up and kissed Trey on the cheek. “You're a wonderful friend, Trey. And our baby says thank you, too.”

Trey leaned over to hug Brittany then shook Paul's hand. “You're welcome and dinner was great.”

Trey said farewell to the others at the table and Maddie said her quick goodbyes as well, giving Brittany her special thanks for the evening.

“You two take it slow and easy now,” Paul said, walking them to the front door. “And remember that Cody's Pass will be washed out by now.”

Trey nodded. “I plan on avoiding the Pass. Don't worry. We'll get there just fine.”

Paul opened the door and wind howled fiercely as cold air immediately chilled the warm room. A shiver ran down Maddie's spine. She hadn't seen weather like this in a decade or more.

“Hand me your keys, Maddie.”

Maddie had no problem giving up her keys to Trey.

“You ready?” he asked, taking her hand and squeezing gently.

She nodded, hanging on to Trey's strong hand and they dashed outside.

A
fter a slow laborious drive across the county, Trey delivered Maddie safely to the Chester house. Trey was steps behind her as she dashed inside dripping wet. To Maddie's chagrin, Darla greeted Trey with a bit of surprise and curiosity. “Trey? I didn't expect to see you. It's been a long time.”

That charming smile of Trey's emerged as he looked at Darla, his gaze making a quick sweep of her body. “Hi, Darla. It has been a while. Maddie's not used to our T-storms, so I drove her here.”

Darla glanced her way, finally making the connection. “That's right, you're practicing out of 2 Hope now, Dr. Brooks.”

“Yes. Temporarily.” Maddie cast her a small smile, but inside her heart took a tumble. She'd never felt “less” a woman than now, soaked through her clothes,
her hair plastered to her head, and no doubt what had been left of her makeup smudged beyond repair, while Darla Chester stood tall and graceful with long waves of blonde hair falling nearly to her buttocks. Her thin frame only accentuated what Maddie would term a perfect namesake,
Chest
er. The woman was extremely well endowed.

Funny, but Maddie had met Darla a few times, treating her Lab at her office in town, but she hadn't felt this pang of envy, not until tonight, not until she saw Darla Chester in a whole new light, through Trey's eyes.

“I'm so darn worried about Candy. Thanks for coming out in this weather,” Darla said, leading them into the kitchen. The yellow Labrador lay in her whelping box in the far corner, breathing heavily, trying as she might to deliver her pups.

Maddie instantly forgot about her bruised ego and got to work. “She's so tired already.” She massaged the dog, stroking her gently, rubbing her belly. “She's probably got five or six in there.” Maddie glanced up at Trey. “This might take a while.”

Trey bent down next to her, smelling like fresh rain and looking sexy as sin soaked through his clothes. Maddie didn't know how Trey Walker did it, but she'd never met a more appealing man in her life. “I'm staying, for however long it takes, Maddie.”

“Thanks.”

“Put me to work,” he said.

“Me, too, what can I do?” Darla asked, her amber eyes filled with concern.

“Well, first we have to get her up and moving. Normally I'd let her outside to stimulate her, but the weath
er's not cooperating. Does Candy have any favorite toys or anything she likes that might spark her interest?”

“Yes, she does,” Darla answered.

“Good, because we're going to have to keep her busy.”

They spent the next twenty minutes taking turns playing with the dog, trying to keep her mind off her tired uterus and stimulate her enough to allow nature to take its course. When Maddie thought she was ready, she guided her back down into her whelping box and the first pup eased out of her at half past midnight.

“That's a good girl, Candy,” Maddie said, stroking her head gently.

The pup found her mama's teat easily and began suckling.

“Cute little thing,” Trey said, his expression childlike, full of winsome interest. Maddie couldn't help but wonder how Trey would react to fatherhood. Though he would probably disagree, Maddie felt sure Trey would make a terrific father. He had all the qualities necessary, patience, kindness and a distinct affection for all beings, great and small.

“There's at least four more cuties like this in there,” Maddie said, “but poor Candy's going to have to work hard through the night.”

Darla walked up. “You folks must be cold and exhausted. I turned up the heat and made a pot of coffee. Forgive me. I should have offered it to you when you first arrived, but—”

“You were worried about Candy. That's only natural,” Maddie responded.

Darla waved her over. “Come to the table. We can keep our eyes on Candy from here.”

Maddie glanced at the laboring Labrador and shook
her head. “I think I'll stay by her side for now. She's a little unsure of things. You and Trey take a break. I'll be there in a few minutes.”

“Are you sure?” Darla asked, biting her lip. “Is everything okay with her?”

“Everything's fine, really. It's just a precaution. Go on, you two and don't worry about us. We'll be fine.”

Darla turned to Trey. “Coffee?”

“I'd love a cup.”

“Cream, no sugar, right?” Darla asked.

Trey nodded. “You have a good memory.”

Darla chuckled as they walked over to the table. “Sometimes I wish it wasn't so good.”

Maddie concentrated on Candy, stroking her head and massaging her abdomen, but every once in a while she'd catch a bit of Darla and Trey's conversation. They'd laugh over something, then whisper softly. Maddie presumed by the way they spoke to each other that they'd known each other a long time, but she also got the impression something more had gone on between the two of them.

She told herself it was none of her business, but a niggling thought had stuck in her mind. Had Trey insisted he bring her here tonight so that he could see Darla?

She glanced up just in time to witness Darla lay her hand on Trey's cheek. She couldn't hear their words, but their soft quiet tone spoke volumes.

Candy made a whimpering noise and Maddie directed her attention back to the laboring dog. A minute later, the second pup was delivered.

“Hey, this one's a little bigger.” Trey bent down and handed Maddie a cup of steaming hot coffee. “Here you go. I figured you could use this right about now.”

Maddie leaned back against the wall, now that she was sure Candy and the pups were all right, and sipped the coffee. “Mmmm, this is good.”

“Hits the spot, doesn't it?” Trey smiled.

“Yeah, it does.”

“You know, just in case I haven't told you this before, you're darn good at what you do.”

Maddie smiled. If there was one thing in her life that she could take pride in, it was her profession. She loved what she did, couldn't think of a time when she wouldn't be working with animals. “Thanks.”

Trey nodded and studied her face. “Why don't you get up for a while, stretch out. I'll watch Candy for a few minutes. Besides, I think Darla needs some encouragement. She's acting like a worried mother hen over there, but she doesn't want to get in your way.”

“She really adores this dog.”

Trey slid a quick glance Darla's way. “She's got a good heart.”

Maddie spoke ever so quietly, the whisper barely audible. “And did you break it, Trey?”

Trey looked into Maddie's eyes, hesitating with his answer. When he finally responded, his reply wasn't what she'd expected. “For years, I thought I had but that doesn't seem to be the case after all.”

This wasn't the time or place to discuss his past loves, although Maddie couldn't deny that Trey's comment intrigued the heck out of her. Maddie rose and stretched, working the kinks out of her back, then walked over to Darla to reassure her that Candy was doing fine. She still had three or four more puppies to deliver.

If all went well, they'd be back at 2 Hope Ranch before sunup.

 

Trey stomped dirt off his boots, hung up his hat on a peg by the back door and entered the kitchen. Maddie stood waiting for him by the kitchen table, fidgeting with a linen napkin she was about to set down. She'd been halfway through cooking this meal, when she began to have second thoughts. Maybe Trey didn't like surprises. Maybe all he wanted to do was fall into bed after a hard day's work.

But Maddie owed him. He hadn't gotten a wink of sleep last night. It had been nearly dawn when they'd finally retired to their bedrooms this morning and just two hours later, Maddie heard Trey get up. And when she'd looked out the window, she'd seen his figure riding out on his horse, into the rain-soaked, dreary morning.

Even though he'd insisted on driving her to Darla's house, Maddie still felt a pang of guilt at keeping him up all night. Exhausted and beat, she'd thanked him again when they'd arrived home, but it hadn't been enough. And while her culinary talents weren't top-notch, Maddie knew how to make killer tamales and Spanish rice, a Texas staple and something she'd learned from her friend, Caroline. Maddie had been on the phone with her three times this afternoon, double-checking the recipe, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything.

“Hi.” Maddie greeted Trey with trepidation and a big smile.

Trey glanced at the table she'd set with a pretty blue lace tablecloth she'd found in the linen closet along with mismatched napkins. Two tall tapered candles cast the room in mellow soothing light. “What's this?”

“Dinner and thank-you.”

He lifted his nose in the air. “Smells delicious.”

“Tamales and rice. Are you hungry?”

Trey grinned. “Is that a trick question?”

Maddie stumbled with her words. “Uh, well, I wasn't sure if you'd want to get right to bed, or, uh—”

Trey's eyes went wide and he stared at her then a playful smile emerged. “That's the best offer I've had all day.”

Maddie tossed the napkin at him, but he caught it before it struck his grinning face.

“It's an offer for
dinner,
you dopey cowboy.”

With a teasing light still in his eyes, Trey admitted, “I know, but a man can dream, can't he?”

Maddie shook her head, ignoring his teasing comment, because she knew there was no real substance there. She knew Trey wasn't dreaming about her, in or out of bed. “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”

Trey walked up to her, coming extremely close and looked into her eyes. “You look real pretty tonight, Maddie.”

Maddie blushed. She'd purposely dressed up, wanting to erase the horrible drowned-rat image from last night, when she'd gotten caught in the thunderstorm. Tonight, she wore a simple black dress, nothing too fancy, but a dress that made her feel womanly. “Thank you.”

“Seems you're forever thanking me.”

He slid the napkin back into her palm, and the slight brush of his hand was enough to warm her up all over. Then she stared deeply at him, really looking beyond his handsome features, noting that he didn't look tired at all. How can a man work and work and work, and not look like something the cat dragged in? “I thought you'd
be exhausted by now. I felt bad all day, knowing you didn't get any sleep because of me.”

“I slept.”

“Yes, for about an hour early this morning.”

Trey brushed his mouth to her ear, creating tingles Maddie struggled to conceal—tingles that made her knees go weak. He whispered his secret. “I slept today. Found me a nice dry patch of pasture and took a little nap. Didn't think I'd be able to keep my eyes open the rest of the day, otherwise.”

“Oh.”

Trey stepped back to gaze into her eyes. “Did you think I was Superman or something?”

“Maybe
or something,
” she admitted.

The twinkle in his eyes, the smile on his lips did something wonderful to her. She'd never known anyone like Trey Walker before. She'd fallen in love with him almost from the first moment she'd met him, but she realized now, that she really hadn't loved Trey back then. She'd been fascinated by him and attracted by the gentle way he had with his animals. She'd been captivated by his good looks and intrigued by his polite yet distant demeanor. No, she hadn't loved him then, she knew that for fact.

Because she loved him now.

So much, so unnervingly much that she ached deep in her heart. This love was real. This love was clear. This love was pure. It struck her like a knife, sharp and swift.

She had come to know the real Trey Walker and had fallen head over heels.

Maddie turned away from Trey then, unwilling to show him the face of that realization. She couldn't let him see her devastation. She walked over to the kitchen
table and set his napkin in place. “W-we have lemon cake for dessert,” she said quietly.

“Maddie?” he asked, clearly puzzled by her sudden change in demeanor. “Honey, are you okay?”

His sweet tone tore at her heart. Maddie wasn't good at subterfuge. She'd always been the what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of girl. Afraid her voice would tremble when she spoke, she bobbed her head up and down.

“Okay,” he said with trepidation. “I'll catch a quick shower and be back in ten minutes.”

She nodded again.

Once he exited the room, Maddie sighed with relief. She realized she had ten minutes to pull herself together. She couldn't let her feelings for Trey be known. It was imperative that, for however long she'd be living at 2 Hope Ranch, she maintain the budding friendship she'd developed with Trey and keep it that simple.

She'd fought a long hard battle and had lost.

She'd fallen in love with a man who couldn't love her back.

 

Trey forked the first bite of lemon cake and guided it into his mouth, savoring the pungent lemony flavor as it slid down his throat. He didn't know if it was the cake itself or the fact that Maddie had baked for him, but he'd never tasted better lemon cake.

The best he'd ever had.

Trey stared at Maddie across the table, taking a bite of cake, chewing thoughtfully and realized how much he'd enjoyed walking into his kitchen after a day's work to find her there, waiting for him. She'd cast him a small timid smile, looking apprehensive and so pretty in her black dress, with the table set and dinner cooking. Good
God, if he wasn't careful, he'd do something stupid, like ask her to stay on at Hope Wells, ask her to stay with him at the ranch.

An instant recollection came to mind of another “best” he'd ever had, the night they'd made love. He'd never wanted a woman more or experienced such intense lack of willpower. He'd lost all rational thought that night, allowing his natural instincts and raw desire to take over. He and Maddie had shared an incredible night, one he'd never forget.