True Blue Cowboy (The Cash Brothers) (7 page)

A week had passed since he’d taken Beth to the rodeo, and he’d only caught glimpses of the woman since. He’d gone out of his way to cross paths with her, but it was as if she sensed whenever he was near and found an escape route before he reached her.

“Mack, are you in here?”

He glanced toward the barn entrance. Beth stood in the swath of sunlight streaming through the doors. “Take a break,” he said to his brother.

Porter chuckled, and Mack swore he’d throw a punch if his brother didn’t get lost. “Holler if you need my help.” Porter approached Beth, stopping in front of her.

Mack wished his brother would keep walking.

“If you change your mind about that ride, give me a shout.” Porter tapped a finger against the brim of his hat and left the barn.

Mack expected Beth to move closer but her shoes appeared cemented in place. She wrung her hands as he closed the distance between them. When he stopped in front of her, she straightened her shoulders as if ready to do battle. It had been six days since the rodeo—six days of Beth dodging him. Six nights of reliving their rodeo kiss in his dreams.

“What’s wrong?”

“I need to talk to you.” She glanced toward the storage room.

“We’re alone.”

Her posture relaxed and she blew out a quiet breath. “I wanted to apologize.”

“I can’t think of anything you need to apologize for.” His remark brought her head up and the shimmer in her eyes socked him in the gut.
Tears?

“I shouldn’t have kissed you at the rodeo.”

His lungs froze in the middle of drawing in air. He sure as hell didn’t regret the kiss, and he didn’t know what to say.

“I got caught up in the excitement and...”

And what?

“My first experience with the whole rodeo thing.”

One of the horses kicked their stall and the loud thump startled her. “Let’s get out of here.” He led Beth from the barn and stopped beneath the shade of a paloverde tree. “What are you afraid of?”

“I’m not afraid.” The crack in her voice betrayed her bravado.

Mack brushed the pad of his thumb against her cheek. “I admit we met under
interesting
circumstances, but I thought we’d decided to start over as friends and—”

“That’s just it.” Beth moved away, and Mack’s arm fell to his side. “Friends don’t exchange kisses.”

Something more than kissing bothered her but she wasn’t making it easy for him to guess. Since he’d learned of her divorce, he’d wondered about her feelings for her ex. “Are you still in love with your ex-husband?”

She broke eye contact and rolled the ball of her shoe across a pebble on the ground.

“We’ve never really talked about him,” he said.

“We haven’t talked about all your ex-girlfriends, either.” She spun on her heels and took the path that led to her cabin.

Mack hurried after her. “I’ve got nothing to hide. Ask me anything.”

“I don’t care to know about all the women you’ve slept with.”

“There haven’t been as many as you might believe, considering my line of work.” For a short woman she sure had a long stride. He picked up the pace. “If we’re friends, it shouldn’t matter how many women I’ve been with.”

She stopped in front of her cabin and fished a key from her pocket. He took it from her grasp and opened the door for her, then hovered on the stoop.

“You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what?” he asked.

“Acting like a boyfriend instead of a friend.”

“I can’t help it if Grandma Ada taught her grandsons manners.”

They squared off, and when she attempted to speak he interrupted her. “I want to be friends with you, and I meant it. I like you, Beth. You’re different from other women I’ve known.” She looked everywhere but at him. He entered the cabin and grasped her shoulders. “What’s really bothering you?” Her eyes watered again. “Can’t we see where this...whatever is happening between us leads?”

“It can’t lead anywhere,” she whispered.

Not the answer he hoped to hear, yet it wasn’t a flat-out
no,
either. “I get that you might need time to—”

“I’m over Brad.”

Okay, she was over her ex, but he doubted she’d put his betrayal behind her. “I’m a good listener.”

She stiffened. “I don’t want to talk about my marriage.”

He released her and closed the cabin door. “We don’t have to talk.”

She licked her lips. “This isn’t a good idea.”

He eyed the trail of moisture left behind by her tongue then flipped the lock on the door. The quiet
click
echoed through the cabin. “What’s not a good idea?”

“You and me alone.”

He moved forward.

She retreated. “Don’t you have work to do?”

“It’ll wait.”

Her shallow breathing convinced him that she was as turned on as he was. Why was she fighting her attraction to him? He lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.

That’s all it took—one brush of Mack’s lips across Beth’s and she lost the will to fight. All she wanted was to be left alone to figure out her next move in life, but Mack was everywhere—always in her thoughts and now here in her cabin. She didn’t understand what a man like him saw in her, but he was too handsome, too male, too everything, and she didn’t have the strength to resist him.

Trust your instincts.

She trusted that Mack’s intentions were honest—he did like her, and there was no denying the attraction between them, but a guy like Mack wasn’t looking for forever with a girl like her. She wished with all her heart she hadn’t lost her sanity that night at the Number 10 Saloon. Mack had given her a taste of what girls like her could never have. Part of the thrill for him was the chase and once he caught her, he’d grow bored and move on—like Brad had. Heart thudding painfully in her chest, she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him, giving herself over to his expert care.

One kiss turned into two then three and finally he pulled away. “We can take it as slow as you want,” he whispered.

The truth was she didn’t want to take it slow. She wanted fast. Hard. And often. But if she gave in and lived day by day with Mack, she’d never make plans for the future.

She should leave. Tomorrow.
No, tonight.

Not yet.

Enjoy Mack while you’re at the ranch then move on.

Could she lower her guard and allow them to be friends with benefits, then skip out on him when she found a new job?

“I’m leaving...”

“Stay,” he whispered.

“I need to look for a job.”

“You’re not thinking of searching anywhere else but Yuma, are you?”

“I haven’t decided if I want to continue living in the same town as my ex.”

“Don’t let him run you off.”

“If I go, it’s because there’s nothing to keep me here.”

Mack’s brown eyes gleamed with intent, and Beth’s heart tumbled a little farther down heartache hill.

“Then I guess it’s up to me to give you a reason to stay.”

Chapter Six

Mack took his promise seriously to change Beth’s mind about her feelings for him and remain in Yuma. He couldn’t say for sure where their relationship was headed—he only knew he wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her. And no matter how she protested, gut instinct insisted that she didn’t want to part ways with him—not after the kiss she’d planted on him at the rodeo. He understood her reservation at jumping into a personal relationship so soon after her divorce, but he sensed if he didn’t make his move now, he might lose his chance with her.

He blamed Todd at The Barn for the shift in Mack’s feelings toward Beth. When Todd had helped her off the bucking machine, leaving his hands on her waist longer than necessary, the green monster attacked Mack. The angsty feeling in his stomach that night had proved his feelings for Beth weren’t a passing fancy.

After helping Hoss earlier in the morning, he’d taken the businessmen on their final trail ride. The group had returned to their cabins an hour ago to pack their belongings before the Sunday check-out at noon. Mack went to Dave’s office to see if there were any chores needing to be done. If not, he wanted to spend the afternoon with Beth. He entered the main building and rapped his knuckles on the boss’s door.

“C’mon in.”

“Got a minute?”

Dave sat behind his desk, reading glasses perched on his nose. He held up a sheet of paper. “I’ve made a decision.”

“About adding a cattle drive to the activities at the ranch?” Mack took a seat in the chair across from the desk.

“I made a few calls to local ranchers,” Dave said. “They recommend buying the cows from the Still Water Ranch near Bedford.”

“Bedford’s west of Prescott, isn’t it?”

“Yep. Last night I spoke to the owner, Bud Miller. He’s got fifty head ready to sell. I want you to drive up there and take a look at the herd before I sign on the dotted line.” Dave shuffled a pile of papers scattered across his desk then held up a yellow Post-it note. “The ranch phone number and address.” He handed the paper to Mack. “Make sure the animals are in good condition. No pregnant cows and no bulls.”

“What about feed for the cattle? Have you found a supplier?”

“The Bar 7 sells hay and they’ll deliver to us.”

“Do you plan to hire an extra hand to help with the herd?”

Dave’s expression sobered. “The only way we’re doing this is if you’re on the payroll forty hours a week.” Dave held up his hand. “I’m willing to try this for one year to see if it attracts more visitors. If it doesn’t, I sell the herd. Starting February first, you’re eligible for benefits and health insurance.”

That was more than Mack expected out of the deal.

“If the herd becomes too much work, especially during the winter months when the ranch is busiest, I’ll consider hiring Porter on a permanent part-time basis.”

Part-time would suit Porter fine; it was the
permanent
that might scare him off. “When do you want me to go to Bedford?”

“We don’t have any guests scheduled until Thursday. You can leave tomorrow.”

“You mind if Beth comes with me?” The words were out of his mouth before he realized he’d spoken.

Dave narrowed his eyes. “Are you two dating?”

Keeping a straight face, Mack said, “No. I just thought she might like a break from the ranch for a couple of days.”

“You took her to the Rattlesnake Rodeo.”

Mack squirmed inside his boots.

Dave glared at Mack. “She’s the daughter of a good friend, and I don’t need to tell you—”

“Before you say another word, let me assure you that my intentions toward Beth are honorable.”

“I know Beth is a grown woman and she’s not my daughter, but she’s a guest at my ranch and I feel responsible for her.”

“I understand.”

“You’d better or else...”

His boss didn’t need to finish the threat. Mack knew there would be hell to pay or worse—he’d lose his job—if he hurt Beth. Hoping to change the subject, he asked, “Have you heard from Millie?”

“No.” Dave reshuffled the stack of papers on the desk. “I hired a new housekeeper. She starts tomorrow.”

Mack felt bad that Millie’s sudden departure had hurt his boss. “I’ll check in before we leave in the morning.” He made a beeline for the barn to give Hoss a heads-up that he’d be gone for a couple of days, but the man was nowhere in sight—probably taking an afternoon nap. Mack stopped at his quarters to shower and change clothes then went in search of Beth. He found her sitting on her cabin porch, staring into the distance. She appeared soft and in need of a hug—his hug. She wore a pink, V-neck T-shirt with jeans—nothing fancy, but sexy all the same.

“How’s your day going?” Mack leaned a hip against the porch rail.

“Fine. How about yours?”

“Good. I’ve got a proposition for you.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“Dave’s adding a cattle drive to the dude ranch experience and he asked me to check out some livestock in the Prescott Valley. How would you like to tag along with me tomorrow?”

Beth got out of her chair and attempted to pass Mack on her way to the door, but he grasped her arm. He slid his fingers across her flesh, the softness of her skin and the scent of her sultry perfume almost making him forget why he was there. “Say you’ll come with me.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not? The Prescott area is beautiful, and we might even catch a glimpse of snow up there.”

“It’s tempting, but...” She shook her head. “I need to make a few business calls.”

She didn’t want to be alone with him. “Business calls? Aren’t you taking a hiatus from your job?”

Her teeth worried her lower lip and the innocent action reminded him of when she ran her tongue over the pouty flesh right before he’d kissed her. She pulled free of his grasp. “I don’t think we should be alone, Mack.”

His ego ballooned at the idea that she viewed him as too much of a temptation. Right then and there he decided he’d do whatever was necessary to make sure she sat next to him in his truck when he drove off tomorrow. “You’re free to make business calls while I’m driving.” When she remained silent, he said, “I swear nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen.”

She laughed. “And that’s supposed to reassure me?”

“C’mon. Before you know it, your respite at the ranch will be over and you’ll be working nine-to-five again.” She rubbed her brow and he sensed she was giving his proposition serious consideration.

“When are you leaving?”

The sweet rush of victory swept through him. “After breakfast.”

“Okay.” She opened the cabin door.

“Bring a warm coat. Never can tell what kind of weather we’ll run into north of Phoenix, and don’t forget to pack an overnight bag.”

“What for?”

“I’d rather wait until the next morning to head back.” The last thing he wanted to do was have a tire blow out or hit a deer on a dark road with Beth in the truck.

“Fine.” The door shut in his face.

He walked off, grinning.

* * *

L
ATE
M
ONDAY
MORNING
Beth waited in front of the cantina for Mack to pull up in his truck. Her stomach hadn’t stopped fluttering since she’d woken at five. She was both excited and nervous about accompanying him to Prescott.

Since his declaration that he intended to change her mind about him, she’d see-sawed between wanting him to leave her alone and wanting him to fight for her attention, which made her feel even guiltier for accepting his invitation today. A long-term relationship between them wasn’t in the picture—at least not the one she painted for them. And she worried he’d accuse her of leading him on when they parted ways.

The sound of a pickup reached her ears seconds before Mack’s silver Ford came into view. He put the vehicle in Park, got out and set her overnight bag in the backseat. “You ready?”

No.
“Yes.”

“Mack!” Dave jogged toward them. “Be careful on the roads today. They’re predicting snow near Prescott.”

Mack opened Beth’s door and she slid onto the seat. “I’ll call once I see the herd.”

“No need to unless you don’t like what you see. Last night I phoned Miller and negotiated a price for the fifty head. All he’s waiting for is an okay from you to deliver them to the ranch.”

“Sounds good.” Mack shut Beth’s door and walked around to the driver’s side and hopped behind the wheel. “I’m going to make you a promise.”

“No more promises.” Mack’s promises were nothing but trouble.

“Too late.” He winked.

He was a big flirt—a flirt Beth was helplessly falling for.

“I promise that you’re going to wish the next two days would last forever.”

Gathering his words close to her heart she said, “We’ll see, cowboy.”

He reached across the seat and gently squeezed her fingers. “Yes, ma’am, we will indeed see.”

As soon as they reached the highway, Beth announced, “I’m going to close my eyes for a while.” Then she promptly fell asleep.

In repose Beth appeared young and innocent, but Mack suspected her husband’s betrayal and the subsequent divorce had taken a toll on her. He’d let her sleep, and hopefully she’d be well-rested for a night on the town. Four hours had flown by when Mack took the dirt road that led to the Still Water Ranch.

“We’re here already?” Beth yawned and stretched.

“You slept the entire way.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how tired I was.”

“I’m glad you caught a little shut-eye.” He parked in front of the main house then got out and opened Beth’s door.

“Howdy!” A man walked toward them.

“You must be Bud.”

“That’s right.”

“I’m Mack Cash.” He offered his hand.

“Who’s this pretty filly you brought with you?” Bud tipped his hat.

“Beth Richards,” she said before Mack could introduce her.

“Welcome to Still Water.” Bud pointed to an enclosed pasture. “Those are the cows I handpicked for your boss. Why don’t you wander over to the fence and take a look at them while I make a quick phone call.”

“Sure thing.” Once Bud retreated inside the house, Mack took Beth by the hand and crossed the ranch yard.

“What do you think?” Beth propped her boot on the lower rail of the fence. A crisp breeze blew her hair across her face and she brushed it aside.

“They look to be in good health. What do you think?” he said.

“Me? I don’t know a thing about cattle.” Then she motioned to a cow with big white splotches. “That one is pretty.”

“She’s a beauty, all right.” Mack thought Beth was the real beauty. “See how the others are trailing behind her. She’s leading them to the grain bin.”

“How do you know so much about cattle when you grew up on a pecan farm?”

“I worked summers on a ranch helping my brother Johnny punch cows.”

“Not literally, I hope.”

He nodded to a steer standing by itself. “That one’s a renegade.”

“How can you tell?”

“See him stomp the ground.”

She nodded.

“He’s bored.”

“Can you blame him?” She swept an arm in front of her. “There’s nothing to do out there but walk around and eat grass.”

Beth’s comment opened the door to a question he’d wanted to ask her for a while. “Have you always lived in a city?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Did you ever consider living in the country?”

“It’s never entered my mind. As far as cities go, Yuma’s small compared to San Diego.” She eyed the herd. “If I hadn’t met Brad and married him, I’d probably be in California right now.”

“I guessed you were no Annie Oakley when I met you at the bar.”

“I’m the furthest thing from a country girl, but I admit I’ve enjoyed the peace and quiet at the dude ranch, especially at night when I sit on the porch and watch the sun set.”

“You might not be a country girl, but you like to shake things up once in a while.”

“Are you going to hold my one night at the Number 10 against me forever?”

Keeping a straight face he said, “You might have more wild oats to sow.”

Her expression sobered. “Maybe you’re right. I went straight through college and grad school without taking a break. I met and married Brad within a year of starting a new job, and then I worked long hours to prove myself to my employer. I guess I never really let loose.”

“Then you need to kick up your heels and party.” And Mack wanted to be the man she had a good time with.

“Back to the reason we’re here,” she said. “What does it matter if that cow is bored?”

“He’ll cause trouble in the herd and we need cattle we can trust. A stampede could kill a ranch guest.”

“Sounds dangerous. Maybe you should herd sheep, instead.”

“That’s not even funny.”

“What’s not funny?” Bud joined them at the fence.

“Beth suggested we herd sheep instead of cows.”

“Shame on you, missy. This is cattle country. No sheep allowed.”

“So I’ve been told,” she said.

“Sorry about the phone call.” Bud took off his cowboy hat and shoved his fingers through his hair.

“I like what I see, except for the lone wolf out there,” Mack said.

“He’s bored.”

Mack sent Beth an I-told-you-so look.

“As long as you drive the cattle once a week and don’t let them sit more than a few days in the same spot, he shouldn’t cause trouble.”

“Okay, then.” Mack shook Bud’s hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

They settled on a delivery date, then Bud thanked Mack for doing business with the Still Water Ranch and retreated to his office.

“I don’t know about you,” Mack said, “but I’m starving. Let’s grab a bite to eat at the Tepee Truck Stop down the road from here.”

“Sure.” Beth hopped into the pickup. “Where did you plan to stay the night?” She wondered if he expected her to share a motel room with him. Half of her wanted to fall into Mack’s arms again and for one more night pretend she was everything he’d ever wanted or needed, and the other half was afraid it would only lead to heartbreak—hers.

“I thought we’d drive as far as Aguila and check out the Burro Jim Motel.”

“The Burro Jim Motel?”

“It’s a desert oasis.” He laughed. “That’s what the website said. There’s a big donkey sign in front of the motel.”