Take Me Again (17 page)

The heaviness in her chest dissipated and relief that her assumptions about the night had been wrong took its place. But it was a backhanded relief. Dolan had slept with this woman, a fact that was like a rope around Tracy's tongue, making it difficult to speak. “I—Ah. I mean—” Laughter met her frustration.

Caitlyn turned off the faucet and placed a steamer basket inside the pan before placing it on the stove. “The men in this family love a good fuck. The more the merrier.” She winked before reaching for the asparagus lying on the drainer and placing it inside the pan. “But once they settle down it's for good. They're one-woman men.” She squared the lid on the pan and then wiped her hands on a towel lying on the counter. “Cord won't let another man touch me. If you're the right one for Dolan it'll be the same way."

That heaviness in Tracy's chest returned with a vengeance. Although she had thought she heard Dolan profess she was his, he had shared her yet again with Rowdy. Of course, she had asked for it, even craved it. The second time had been explosive. She had collapsed in his arms. After which he had mumbled something about an appointment, refused to eat lunch and left like his ass was on fire.

Igniting a flame beneath the pan, Caitlyn turned the stove down before facing her. “So who's Tracy Marx?"

Good question.

She went through the basic information about home, life and her love of animals choosing her current occupation. After she revealed the death of her father and her sister, Caitlyn sat on one of the kitchen chairs.

"Sit,” she said, before adding, “I'm so sorry. Is your nephew with his father or your mother?"

Tracy pulled out a chair and sat. “No. Mom isn't well enough to take on a child and Sheldon's father isn't in the picture. My nephew will join me soon. I made a promise to my sister to care for him. I intend to keep it. Besides I love him like he is my own."

"So...” A perfectly plucked brow rose along with caution in her voice when she spoke again. “You've become an instant mother?"

Tears welled in Tracy's eyes, but she fought back the emotion. “Yes.” It sounded funny even to her, but she was now Sheldon's mother.

"Does Dolan know?” Caitlyn must have realized the insinuation in her words, because she stuttered. “I-I mean—not that it would matter."

The hell it wouldn't. Clearly the woman sitting across from her thought differently.

"No. It hasn't come up in our conversations.” Truthfully they hadn't done much talking when they got together. For the first time she understood how her sister must have felt. Second dates were rare once the man discovered a child was involved. The man who loved Tracy would also have to love the boy who meant so much to her.

Welcome to your new world
, a small voice within her head said.

A smirk tugged at the corners of Cord's mouth. He shook his hand before his chest. “H-O-T."

Dolan hid a grin.

Walking side by side they headed in the direction of the pasture. “You didn't mention that she was drop-dead beautiful. Her hair is amazing, especially against that dress. And that voice.” He paused. “Damn. It's enough to make a man come on the spot."

Pride squeezed Dolan's chest. Tracy did have the sexiest voice he had ever heard and she looked fantastic tonight when he picked her up. The soft flowing dress she wore hugged all the right places and showed enough leg, making him instantly hard. The emerald color made her hair glisten in contrast. For two cents he would have canceled dinner and instead spent the night peeling that dress off her.

Yet there was more to Tracy then a pretty face and a sexy body. She was intelligent and her down-home charm drew people like bees to honey. The confident way she handled not only their patients today, but their owners, was remarkable to watch. She had a casual way with people that drew their confidence. Of course, she had the training and knowledge to back her up. The staff was falling in love with her and that included him. He'd known it the first time he laid eyes on her.

They stopped before the fence. Cord placed a booted foot on the lower rung. “So?” he said looking out across the grassy field. Several thoroughbreds grazed quietly. The sun was setting in the west, creating streaks of reds, oranges and yellows across the sky.

Dolan rested his forearms on the fence. “So what?” He released a weighted sigh. Some day he would own a place like this—horses, cattle, a home, a wife and a family.

Cord cocked his head. “Last we talked she was a burr beneath your saddle blanket. Now I gather it's another blanket she's lying under.” He hid the smile, but amusement danced in his eyes.

"Not much choice. Doc Zimmerman gave her a job."

"Bullshit.” This time he did smile. “Who do you think you're talking to?"

"An asshole,” Dolan said playfully.

"Don't think your sweet talk works on me.” His expression grew serious. “So what's going on? Even Cait detected the heat between the two of you."

Dolan took his Stetson off and pushed his fingers through his hair. “I've fallen hard.” He set his hat back upon his head. “Damn woman is always on my mind. She haunts me,” he admitted without shame.

Cord wagged his head. “Yep. I know that feeling."

Silence stretched between them as they gazed blindly out across the land.

"So when do you think Taylor Tweeds will foal?” Cord asked watching the black mare with three white socks. Cait's mare Misty Dawn was also expecting a foal from Cord's stud.

"A week, maybe."

"Yep. Know that feeling,” Cord repeated more to himself than Dolan. “Guess we'd better head back. Cait is trying out another new recipe."

"Is that good or bad?” Dolan asked as they headed back toward the house.

"Depends. Either way I tell her it's great.” Dolan saw love reflecting in his cousin's bright eyes. “Would appreciate if you did the same."

So this is what love did to a man—made a liar out of him, killed his taste buds and gave him a cast iron stomach.

Dolan could live with that.

They entered the house and scents of roasting chicken and freshly baked bread touched his nose. His stomach growled and he prayed it was one of Cait's better days of cooking. He was hungry.

As they walked through the kitchen Cait had remodeled to go along with her new cooking interest, he marveled at the change she had wrought not only to his cousin, but the house. The western décor along with the bulky wood and leather furniture that he, Cord and his uncle had lived with for years was gone. Instead a more classical air rang in the furniture, curtains, carpet and accessories. Cait had left her mark in every room, including the dining room. A simple but classy chandelier hung above the elegant eight-seated dining table set for only four. Fresh flowers, china, not paper plates, crystal and silverware graced the table. Candlelight flickered softly.

Dolan took his hat off and hung it on the back of one of the chairs. He thought of his own home. It was cold, needing a woman's touch—Tracy's touch.

Her laughter stroked his ears and he turned to see her and Cait descending the stairs. As Tracy entered the room their eyes met and warmth surged through his veins.

"I was showing Tracy the rest of the house.” Cait walked into Cord's arms.

"It's beautiful.” Tracy stopped short of reaching him. There was something bothering her. He could feel the instant chill in the room.

"I'm afraid it's all her doing.” Cord kissed his wife on the forehead. “She's dollified the house."

"Dollified? Is that a word? Maybe sissified. I know that's a real word.” Dolan closed the distance between him and Tracy. “You okay?"

She nodded, but instinctively he felt her lie.

"Dolan.” Caitlyn whined his name. “You don't like what I've done to the place?"

Cord touched his lips to hers. “He loves it. He's just jealous."

Had Cait said something to upset Tracy?

"Damn, Cord. She's got you wrapped right around her finger.” His cousin didn't even try to dispute his jest.

Instead, he said, “Smells good. What culinary delight are we in for tonight?"

Cait beamed. “Cornish hens and wild rice."

"She's pretty high on chicken.” Tracy smiled, but the gesture appeared strained.

"Ready to eat?” Cait stepped out of Cord's embrace. “Tracy, you and Dolan take a seat. Cord can help me in the kitchen."

Approaching the table, Dolan pulled out a chair for her.

"Thank you.” She sat without speaking another word.

"Is something wrong?” He scooted out a chair and sat.

"Of course not."

He wanted to delve deeper, but Cord and Cait entered with four plates covered by silver domes. They set one in front of each of their empty seats, and then set the other plates before Dolan and Tracy. Cait lifted the dome and Dolan wanted to laugh, but suffocated the chuckle as it tickled his throat. The damn bird looked more like a pigeon. There wasn't an ounce of meat on its thighs.

"Mmmm. It looks great,” he choked. Cait was oblivious to the laughter in his voice, but Tracy wasn't. She frowned at him. He winked and the hard lines in her face softened.

Cord was the first to take a chance on the cuisine before them. Everyone watched as he tore off a leg, placing the tiny thing into his mouth. Stripping the meat off the bone, he chewed. “This is really good, baby.” He broke off the other leg and his wife grinned ear to ear.

Dolan ventured forward and cut into the breast. Liquid oozed from the chicken. He sliced a wedge and placed the meat on his tongue. Moist. Juicy. He chewed. Not half bad. Swallowing, he went for another bite.

"It's wonderful,” Tracy said. “Isn't it, Dolan?"

Mouth full and chewing, he nodded.

The conversation was light as they ate. He discovered that Tracy loved horses, although she hadn't ridden in quite a while. Other than college this was the first time she'd lived away from home. She was already a little homesick, but anxious to establish herself in California. She cooked very little, but she hoped to rectify that.

"I can help,” Cait offered. “I have tons of cookbooks."

"I can attest to that. We had to remodel the kitchen just to accommodate them.” Cord released a dramatic sigh. He laughed, dodging his wife's hand as she playfully swung out at him.

"Ready for dessert?” she asked pushing to her feet. Tracy stood following her into the kitchen. Each carried two plates with pieces of chocolate cake as they stepped back into the room.

"Ah, honey you baked,” Cord teased. “What's next—children?"

Both women briefly paused, quickly sharing glances before they continued to the table and set down the cake. Apparently he was unconscious of their hesitancy or the silence that followed because he said no more and eagerly began to devour his cake. The glow on Cait's face was gone as she took her seat. Even Tracy seemed a little peaked when she sat, placing her napkin back upon her lap.

As Dolan picked up his fork, he couldn't help but wonder, was Cait pregnant? How would his cousin feel about being a father? Would he want a child?

As steadfast bachelors, they had diligently practiced safe sex not only for health reasons, but to protect themselves from an unwanted pregnancy. Had marriage changed Cord's thoughts on children? Would he welcome a child into his life?

Dolan's gaze fell on Tracy as she took a bite of her dessert. Damn. She was beautiful. What would she look like heavy with his child? A tremor raked his spine. Lord. Where did that thought come from?

She caught him staring, “What?"

He set his fork down and placed his hand over hers, squeezing gently. “Ready to go?” He couldn't wait to get her home. Tonight she was all his.

Her eyes widened with surprise. “Uh.” She looked from Cait to Cord. Grabbing her napkin from her lap, she placed it on her plate and started to push away from the table. “Yes. I guess if you are."

Cait's fork dropped against her plate, making a sharp sound. “Dolan, it's still early. Please stay a little longer. Besides you've barely touched your cake.” Cord eased back in his chair, a roguish grin on his face. He knew exactly why Dolan wanted to leave.

Tonight's dessert was standing next to him. He looped his arm around Tracy and felt her tense. “I know, but we both have to work tomorrow.” Grasping ahold of his Stetson, he took it off the back of the chair and squared it on his head.

Tracy faced Cait. “I'm so sorry for not helping with the dishes."

"No worry,” Cord interjected, standing to pull out his wife's chair as she stood. “I'll help her.” He slapped her on the ass and she jumped.

The women chatted as they walked toward the door, while Cord and Dolan followed behind. Tracy's purse hung from the coat rack near the entrance. She retrieved it placing it over her shoulder.

"I like her,” Cord murmured. “She'll be good for you."

Yeah. But how did anyone know who they would spend the rest of their lives with, Dolan wondered. “How did you know Cait was the one?"

A sappy expression fell across his cousin's face. “There wasn't a moment that she wasn't on my mind.” He looked at her with such yearning. “I craved seeing her, touching her, but most of all I couldn't bear the thought of another man touching her.” He paused, before adding, “Even you.” Then he threw his arm around Dolan's shoulders. “Trust me. Don't let this one go."

No more was said as they joined the women. After saying their good-byes he and Tracy stepped outside into the moonlit night. He didn't hesitate taking her into his arms. She fit so right against him. The smell of her sweet perfume wrapped around his senses sending a bolt of hunger through his stomach straight to his cock, which jerked demandingly.

There was no denying it. He felt the perfection between them.

Lowering his head, he grew closer and her breath stuttered. “God, you're beautiful.” Kissing her forehead first, he caressed each of her eyelids and then her mouth. His lips tugged at hers, sipped from them. “Let me take you home and make love to you?” Before she could answer, he captured her mouth with his again.

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Dolan's kiss was hungry, demanding. His mouth covered Tracy's, his tongue tangling with hers. He tasted of heat and the promise of an explosive night of hot sex. They would have one more night together before she revealed her secret.