Midnight Thunder(INCR) (7 page)

“Guess so. You're down to about ten minutes. Do you want me to make you a sandwich to take with you? You must be starving.”

He was, but he didn't want her to leave. “That's okay. I'll grab something after I pick up Damon. Would you stay until I have to head out? It might be the last time we can really talk.”

“Sure.” She settled on one of the desk chairs. Ringo leaped to the desk and offered himself for petting. She obliged. “I don't mind another ogling opportunity.”

“So you admit it!” He'd sure love to trade places with that cat.

“It's not every day that a girl sees a virile man wielding a vacuum cleaner. Very arousing.”

“I'll have to keep it in mind.” He eased out of the bunk bed with more caution than he'd used climbing in. In the process he glanced down and realized that the condom was gone. “Did you...?”

“Yep. You were out like a light, so I took the liberty. It's not like I've never helped you dispose of one before.”

“True.” He searched the floor for his briefs.

“Looking for these?” She dangled them from one finger.

“Where were they?”

“Caught on the desk lamp.” She tossed them to him and went back to stroking Ringo, who was purring loudly.

“On the lamp?”

“You put on quite a show. Clothes flew in all directions. I thought about gathering them up, but I couldn't resist letting you see the chaos you created.”

He glanced around. “My God.” His shirt hung from the top bunk. His boots had ended up in opposite corners of the room, and his jeans were over by the door. “Where's my hat?”

She pointed to Damon's and Finn's bunks, where his hat had scored a ringer on the bedpost.

“I must have been out of my freaking mind.”

Her smile was pure feminine triumph. “As a matter of fact, I think you were.”

She was so cute about it that he had to laugh. She'd nailed him, no question, and she had a right to gloat.

But he had something to say, and he didn't want to leave the cabin without saying it. “Okay, so here's the deal.” He began pulling on his clothes. “Right now circumstances are preventing us from continuing what we started. Or more accurately, what you started.” He paused to look at her.

“I'll own it. I was definitely the instigator.”

He nodded, satisfied they were in agreement on that point. “So you started something, but it isn't finished. Not by a long shot.”

She met his gaze. “I hope not.”

“Count on it.” He'd walked away once. He wasn't planning on repeating that mistake.

 

6

W
HILE
C
ADE
FINISHED
getting dressed, Lexi remade the bed. Ringo must have taken that as an invitation because he returned to his former spot, curled up and closed his eyes.

Lexi smoothed the wrinkles from the pillowcase. “There. Nobody will be the wiser.”

“Except me.” Cade pulled on his boots. “I'm a hell of a lot wiser. Two people who make love like that should not be living hundreds of miles apart.”

That was the second time he'd hinted at changing his situation. She turned to face him and risked asking the question. “Does that mean you're considering moving back?”

He stood and walked over to retrieve his hat. “It's been on my mind. How would you feel if I did?”

“Herb and Rosie would love it.”

Holding his hat by the crown, he settled it on his head, completing the picture of a rugged cowboy. “I assume they would. That isn't what I asked.”

She hesitated. Now might be the time to set the record straight. “There's something you should know. I'm not the same person I was five years ago.”

“So what? I'm not the same person, either. We'll get reacquainted. Could be fun.”

“In my case, my focus has changed. I'm extremely dedicated to my career as a riding instructor.”

“I think that's great. You were always good at it.”

“That's nice to hear, but it's not the point I'm trying to make.” She gazed at him. “Five years ago, I built my schedule, my whole life, really, around you. I'm not willing to do that anymore. Not for you or any guy.”

He frowned. “Okay, but we'd see each other, right?”

“Sure. When it's convenient.” She was saying it as much for her benefit as his. He was potent, and she couldn't allow his charisma and sex appeal to turn her into the dependent woman she'd been five years ago.

“You're still ticked at me for leaving. I don't blame you, but—”

“I'm not upset about that anymore. In retrospect, it was the best thing that could have happened to me.”

He looked as if she'd slapped him. “Is that so? Then maybe I'd better reconsider the idea of moving back. I'd hate to cramp your style.”

“I didn't mean it like that. I only meant—”

“If you see me as a potential problem, why the hell did you climb into my bunk this morning?”

“Because I thought it could be simple like you said. No expectations, no agenda, just...”

“Sex.” Hurt shone in his green eyes.

“No, it was more than that.”

“Damn straight it was. Look, I have to get to the airport, and we both need to concentrate on Rosie, anyway. If and when that settles down, and I have to believe it will or I'll go crazy, we'll compare schedules. Maybe you can fit me in.”

“Damn it, Cade! You're being ridiculous.”

“Me? You're the one who was wild for me a few hours ago but now you're saying we'll get together when it's
convenient
.”

“I was just—”

“Look, I gotta go. Thanks for...everything.” He left, closing the door behind him.

Stupid man!
She followed him out, making sure the cat stayed inside. Fortunately Ringo seemed uninterested in escape. “I'll probably come to the hospital later,” she called out.

“Suit yourself.” Cade didn't break stride.

Lexi sighed and leaned against the doorjamb. “That certainly went well.” How ironic. Five years ago they'd fought because she'd wanted to marry him and have his babies, but he'd been determined to keep his lone-wolf status.

Now she was the one setting boundaries and he had the hurt feelings. Maybe she shouldn't have used the word
convenient
, but in the end, that was the bottom line. She would no longer drop everything when he beckoned as she'd done during their dating years. He might not have demanded that of her, but it was her pattern. She'd thought they should have an understanding from the get-go that things had changed.

But she'd upset him, and he'd stomped off. Not a good beginning. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything while his nerves were so raw with Rosie in the hospital. He hated hospitals, but he was making himself go there, anyway.

So maybe climbing into his bunk had been a big mistake, except he'd seemed so miserable. Because she'd wanted him, too, she'd thought sex would do them both good. Now she wasn't so pleased about the outcome.

The cabin had an excellent view of the Bighorns from the front stoop, so she stayed where she was and focused on the scenery until she heard Cade's truck drive away. He'd said that their relationship used to be simple. In a flash of insight, she knew why that had been absolutely true. He'd led and she'd followed. Whatever his plan, she'd fallen in with it, at least most of the time.

Who could have blamed her? He was gorgeous, funny and amazing in bed. Making love with Cade was the single most inspiring activity she could imagine. She'd like to do it again, assuming Rosie's health scare turned out to be nothing major and she hadn't ticked him off to the point he'd leave again.

Today's argument aside, she thought the chances of another round of satisfying sex were excellent. Cade wasn't capable of holding a grudge, one of his other endearing qualities. But they hadn't communicated very well regarding this issue. She'd have to try again before they became any more enmeshed.

He was right, though. They wouldn't have much chance to be alone together for the next few days. That would give her time to get her bearings, because she had a feeling he was back to stay.

And she wanted him to. Maybe they'd come to a workable arrangement and maybe they wouldn't, but knowing he'd be around filled her with excitement. Rosie and Herb would be overjoyed.

Imagining how happy they'd be to have one of their boys home again, she started toward the house. She was nearly there when Cade's truck came barreling back in. He spewed gravel as he braked hard and leaped out, leaving the driver's door open.

“What's wrong?” She hurried to meet him. “Did something happen with Rosie?”

“No, something happened with you and me. We had a damned argument, and it's my fault.” He shoved his hat to the back of his head and pulled her into his arms. “I've been home less than twelve hours and I'm already yelling at you, when all I want to do is this.” He captured her mouth in a kiss that left no doubt about his feelings.

She wound her arms around his neck and surrendered to the sweet assault of his tongue. Nobody kissed like him. She moaned and invited him deeper.

Shifting his angle, he took all she had to give until they were breathless and frantic. The ridge of his cock pressed hard against her belly as he cupped her backside, his fingers flexing.

Gasping, he lifted his head to gaze down at her. “I want you again, and we can't, and it's driving me crazy.”

She managed only one word. “Airport.”

“I know.” Struggling for breath, he released her and backed away. “I just had to...apologize.”

She nodded. “Go.” Driving would be painful for a few miles, though.

“Okay.” He winced as he climbed into his truck. “That smarts.” Closing the door, he started the engine and drove away.

She watched until he was out of sight and she'd stopped quivering. Good Lord, what had she done? Having sex with him this morning had seemed like a good idea at the time, but she should have realized they were playing with dynamite. This time around, though, she would not get burned.

* * *

C
ADE
DIDN
'
T
BELIEVE
in texting and driving, so he pulled to the side of the road before sending a quick text to Damon to let him know that he was running late but would be there. He added a quick reassurance that Rosie was still doing okay.

He figured that had to be true. Herb would have called or texted if anything major had changed. Cade vowed that from this moment on he'd control his craving for Lexi and concentrate on this deal with Rosie. That remained his top priority.

The craving for Lexi was mostly her fault, so he refused to wallow in guilt over what had happened. Once he'd walked in to find her in his bed—game over. She'd taken away his headache and replaced it with raging lust.

Then she'd come up with that
I'll see you when it's convenient
line. He still figured that was revenge talking, especially after she'd proudly proclaimed that his leaving had been a good thing. Maybe it had. He'd been too young and stupid to make a good husband then.

In his current randy state, he hadn't reacted well to her comments, though. Stomping off had felt great until a mile down the road when he'd realized that he wanted to make love, not war. If he wasn't careful, his ego would take over and he'd lose his chance to be with her.

She had a right to a little revenge. He could take it. But he couldn't take total rejection, not after this morning. He'd thought their vital connection had been broken years ago, but it was still there, maybe even stronger than ever after that long separation.

The mountains had felt welcoming and familiar, but plunging deep into Lexi's warmth had been the ultimate homecoming. He couldn't imagine living here without that mental and physical bond. So he'd driven back to make amends, and he had discovered that just kissing her was no longer an option. Where Lexi was concerned, he wanted it all.

He had a pretty good idea that meant shopping for a ring and setting a date. But that didn't spook him the way it used to. In fact, it sounded kind of nice. He wouldn't broach the subject right away, though.

Once he asked her, she might make him twist in the wind for a while, but that was fair. In any case, she'd wanted a commitment before. Chances were she still did, no matter what she said.

When he reached the airport, he decided not to park. Instead he followed a hunch and cruised past the sidewalk outside the terminal. Sure enough, Damon stood there with a bag slung over his shoulder.

His dark blond hair was a little longer and lighter in color, probably from all that time in the California sun. He wore a trendy pair of shades instead of a Stetson, and a polo instead of a yoked Western shirt, but his jeans were Wranglers and his boots would pass muster in any cowboy bar in the state.

Cade smiled. You could take the man out of the country, but not the country out of the man. A couple of days at Thunder Mountain Ranch and Damon would be back in the saddle looking as if he'd never left.

Pulling up to the curb, Cade beeped the horn.

Damon peered through the windshield, grinned and jogged over to the truck. He climbed in and shoved his bag down by his feet. “Hey, bro.”

“Hey, yourself.” Cade offered his right hand, and Damon clasped it with the special handshake they'd created for the Brotherhood. “Good to see you.”

“Same here. Nice weather you got going on.”

“Yeah, it is. Sorry I'm late.” Cade checked for traffic and pulled away from the curb.

“No worries. How's Mom?”

“You'll see for yourself pretty soon. I thought we'd go straight there. I'll stay for a bit, and then come back for Finn.”

“What time?”

“Three.”

“Damn. Too bad we couldn't have coordinated so you wouldn't have to make two trips.”

Cade laughed. “Let's think about that. If you'd coordinated, one of you would be riding in back.”

“That would have been O'Roarke. My days of getting blown to bits in the back of your truck are over.”

“I didn't plan this very well. The three of us have to get home in this truck.”

“Then here's an idea. I'll drive, Finn can ride shotgun and you take the back.”

“Not likely. My truck. I drive.”

“Come to think of it, I'm not sure that's a great idea. By my calculations, you haven't slept much recently.”

“I, uh, took a nap this morning.” He'd kept thoughts of Lexi at bay for all of three minutes, but now they came rushing back. Damn it, his face felt hot.

Damon peered at him. “You're turning red. What's going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Gallagher, you were a lousy liar as a kid, and you haven't improved.”

“I don't want to talk about it.”

“It's Lexi, isn't it? You said she called you from the ranch house.”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, I'm piecing this together. You drive to the ranch. Lexi's there. You two have a ‘reunion.'” Damon added air quotes to the last part. “How'm I doing so far?”

“You suck.”

“Where is she now?”

“She'll probably show up at the hospital later today, but other than that, I don't know.” He should have asked her about her plans but he'd been too busy kissing her.

“What do you mean, you don't know? Did you guys have a fight or something?”

“No.” Technically they had, but he'd apologized so he imagined the fight had been erased like a drawing on an Etch A Sketch.

“I always liked her.”

Cade glared at him. “You did?”

“Not like that, loser. We're the Brotherhood. We don't poach.”

“Sorry. My bad.”

“Apology accepted, but your reaction tells me all I need to know, including what that so-called
nap
was all about. Pull over and let me drive.”

Cade shook his head. “I slept. I swear it.”

“
Sleeping
with someone is a figure of speech. Usually very little sleeping goes on. Pull over.”

“Sometimes it does.”

“Like when?”

“Like this morning. We had sex, and then she left and I slept like a dead person until she woke me up.” He glared at Damon. “That stays here, by the way.”

“Here, as in the truck? Because eventually Finn will be in this same truck, so technically he should have access to this information.”