A Family For The Rancher

Chapter Three

Kelsey zipped up her jeans and looked in the mirror standing in the corner of her bedroom. Butterflies fluttered in her belly, and she smoothed a hand over the pink-and-white gingham shirt. She hated parties, hated the small talk, hated how lonely she always felt at gatherings now that Rob was gone. He’d been the one to talk to everyone, made sure she was included in conversations and never left her alone. Now she avoided parties like the proverbial plague.

But she’d let it slip to her mom while they were moving into the big cabin by the lake the day before that Mr. Sullivan had invited them to the barbecue. Nothing could keep Bunny Randolph from a social gathering.

“You ready, pumpkin? We need to get going so we aren’t late.”

She turned around as her mom walked in the door. Bound and determined to remain youthful looking, her freshly blond hair was curled to perfection.

“Kelsey Anne, is that what you’re wearing? Why don’t you put on a dress?” The words were punctuated with a swirl of her mother’s flowered skirt.

“Mom, it’s a barbecue. It’ll be outside. In the dirt.”

“But men will be there, honey. Cowboys.”

Her mom’s eyes gleamed, and Kelsey fought not to roll her eyes.

“I’m not interested in meeting any of them. I’ve got my hands full already with my patient.”

“Ooh! I can’t wait to meet hi—”

“Mom, no. He’s not a potential date, lover, boyfriend or husband. He’s my patient, and when he’s back up and running, we’ll be moving on to the next job.”

Her mother’s lips pouted. “I don’t see why you can’t dress up just a little. Show your appreciation for all Mr. Sullivan has done for us. Thank goodness he offered you this cabin. I couldn’t stand being cooped up in that motel one minute longer. I don’t see why the hospital couldn’t have helped out with the cost since you didn’t get the job we moved here for.”

“Once again, it’s not the hospital’s fault they lost the funding for a therapist. I just need to scrimp a little more and we can move on.”

The pout hadn’t left her mother’s red-lacquered lips, so she linked arms with her and pulled her toward the door. “Now we need to head on down to the lodge. Just because I’m not interested in the party doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Okay?”

“All right.”

They walked in to the living room, and Kelsey still couldn’t believe her luck that they’d be living here for the time being. It was like a log cabin on steroids, with luxurious yet comfortable furnishings and plenty of Western decor.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the clear-as-a-bell lake edged with towering trees. This morning she’d been sipping a cup of steaming tea on the patio when two elk had wandered along the lakeshore, stopping to drink as the sun peeked over the mountain, turning their coats golden.

With the pile of debts Rob had left after his death, she hadn’t thought they’d ever get to stay in anything so nice. Especially for free.

Her daughter sat on the floor playing with an old plastic tea set her mom had gotten at a garage sale. Maddy did love setting it up and serving tea to her stuffed animals.

“Come on, Maddy. Time to go.” She ran a comb through Maddy’s black curls and kissed her chubby little cheek.

They piled into her car and drove toward the main lodge, about a half mile away. Parking and getting out, they were blasted by the sounds of a live country band. She spotted Hunter Sullivan as they neared the party, and waved, very glad to see a friendly face.

He nodded his head at her and walked toward them. “Hey, Kelsey. Who’s this little angel?” He tugged on one of Maddy’s dark curls, and she instantly giggled.

“Hi, Hunter. This is Maddy. And my mother, Bunny Randolph.”

“Ma’am, pleased to meet you.” He tipped his hat at her mother, then took Maddy’s tiny hand in his own. “And Miss Maddy, it’s a real honor to meet you. Will you save a dance for me?”

Maddy giggled again and buried her face in Kelsey’s shoulder. But before long, she peeked out at him again.

Why you little flirt. You take after Grandma, don’t you? But then, who can resist a cowboy like Hunter? He certainly was good-looking, and his green eyes sparkled back at her daughter. Definitely a charmer.

Turning around, she looked for Nash, finally spotting him in the shadows. He seemed to be staring at someone. Or more accurately, shooting daggers at them.

“Hunter, who is that over by the speakers?”

He glanced up, then frowned. “That’s Mindy and her husband, Ben. She and Nash dated in college. Till Ben stole her from him. They never come to these parties.” He made a sound of disapproval, his frown deepening. “Why now?”

“Is he still hung up on her?”

“Nah. I think he’s more pissed he lost his best friend than her.”

“They can’t still be friends?”

He shrugged. “Nash hasn’t gone out much—actually at all—since he’s been home.” He frowned once more, then smiled at her and patted his flat stomach. “I’m hungry. Let’s go eat.”

They walked to the buffet tables set up near the dance floor. Something roasted on a spit, and the tantalizing aroma made her mouth water. The table was lined with bowl after bowl of salads, from green to three kinds of potato, and pasta salads. Baskets filled to overflowing with buns and rolls were next, then chips and dips. She groaned, wanting to try everything. A carving station with several types of meats sat apart from the buffet line, and she spotted a staggering array of red meat and barbecued chicken.

Nash’s father had explained that while this was a guest ranch, they were also a working cattle ranch.

“Mommy, cake!”

She looked to see Maddy pointing at two more tables loaded with desserts: cakes, pies, cookies and a portable soft-serve ice-cream machine. The Sullivans sure knew how to throw a party.

“Come on and sit with me,” Hunter said, leading the way to one of the picnic tables.

Not long after they’d started eating, three men and a little boy joined them at the table. Each one set their plates down, then tipped their cowboy hats at her and her mother.

“Kelsey, Bunny and Maddy, these are my brothers. Kade and his son, Toby. Wyatt is the ugly one with the long hair in the middle. Luke at the end of the table.”

A chorus of “ma’am’s” echoed all around, and Kelsey was a little overwhelmed at the sheer testosterone flooding the air. Every one of them was tall, dark and really, did they all have to be so ruggedly good-looking?

Bunny preened. “My goodness. I can’t believe one of you big strapping young men is Kelsey’s patient.”

“Mom...”

“No, ma’am. That would be Nash, our oldest brother,” Wyatt spoke up.

“Is he here tonight?” her mother asked.

“Probably around somewhere.” Hunter picked up his fork.

“Uncle Hunter, did you bring the triples?” Toby asked.

Kelsey looked at Toby, a young miniature of his father, with coal-black hair and big blue eyes. Triples?

Hunter shook his head. “Nope,” he said, frowning. “Their mother took them to see her parents.”

“Who or what are triples?” she asked.

Hunter grinned. “That’s what Toby calls my sons. They’re triplets, six years old.” He pulled his cell phone out and pulled up a picture of them.

Three identical faces stared up at her, all mugging for the camera, hanging all over Hunter, who looked like he adored them.

“They’re adorable. When will your wife be back with them?”

“That’d be ex-wife.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“I’m not. We were in college, she got pregnant, we married, had the boys. But realized we were better off apart. She lives in Billings and we share custody.”

Hunter had befriended her from the instant they met. Tonight she got to know the other two brothers a little better. Luke, the veterinarian for the ranch, kept them all laughing with stories about some of his run-ins with large animals. He had a quick wit and a ready smile, and she had a feeling he didn’t lack for female companionship.

Wyatt, on the other hand, didn’t say much. Some kind of pain lurked behind his hazel eyes. Just like the other men, he was cowboy handsome, although his hair was much longer than the others. But there was an edge to him, a roughness, and it made her wonder what had happened in his past.

Everyone had secrets, which of course made her think about Nash. She picked at her food, kind of hoping he would join them.

As the sky darkened, the white twinkling lights glowed like stars above the party, and the dancing started. The Sullivan brothers started peeling away, and her mother chatted with another couple at the next table.

A short time later, Kelsey excused herself and went to the main lodge to use the restroom. As she walked down the hall following the signs to the ladies’ room, she peeked into the big open room, astonished at the vaulted ceilings crisscrossed by beams worn dark over time. This room, too, had a wall of glass that faced the mountains and lake. The place was luxurious without being ostentatious, and definitely had a Western flair with dark colors, plaids and big comfy furniture.

After washing her hands, she left the bathroom and headed back outside. Nash’s voice stopped her, and she looked around for him. She sneaked a quick glance around the corner of the lodge and saw him talking to the couple Hunter had mentioned to her earlier. It wasn’t polite to eavesdrop, and she knew she should move, but was afraid they’d hear her.

“We were so sorry to hear about you getting hurt over there, Nash,” the blonde woman said.

“Thanks.”

“You doing any better now?” The man clapped a hand on Nash’s shoulder.

“I’m all right.”

“I noticed you walking with a limp—you sure you’re okay?”

“I said I’m fine, Mindy.” Nash nodded once and looked at the ground.

“Oh, well...” She turned and snuggled up to her husband. “Did I tell you my Ben is now president of the bank?”

“Is he? Then I guess congrats are in order. Looks like you ended up with the better man.”

Mindy giggled. “I sure did! I just love my big, strong, handsome man.”

Kelsey winced, and her heart hurt for Nash. Even as she watched, he withdrew into himself and stepped back, his bad leg dragging in the dust.

“I need to go check on something. Congratulations again, Ben. See you.” He turned and headed away from them.

The other couple wandered back toward the party, and Kelsey stood there, trying to decide if she should follow Nash or leave him alone. His state of mind right now was critical to the therapy process. Oh sure. That’s why I want to check on him—it has nothing to do with wanting to get closer to this ornery, attractive cowboy. Decision made, she hurried along the path he’d taken toward the barn.

The door stood open, and she peeked inside but couldn’t see much in the dim light. She finally made out Nash standing outside one of the horse stalls, his hand resting on a horse’s nose.

Seeing him like this, without his defensive posture and hot words at the ready, she hurt for him. He was a man’s man, the sort whose physical abilities defined who and what he was. And right now, Nash didn’t know who that was. When he rested his forehead against the horse’s forelock, his defeat was heartbreaking.

The horse neighed, and nudged Nash’s shoulder as if offering support.

“You wanna get the hell out of here too, Thunder?” There was no gruffness, no anger—only grief. “I wish we could.”

Guilt pricked her conscience. She shouldn’t be here listening to him, so she backed away, but kicked something that clanged.

“Who’s there?” Nash demanded.

“It’s just me. Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“Why are you here?” He started walking toward her.

“Oh, um. My mother and daughter are up at the party. Do you want to come meet them?”

“I’m not the best company right now. Rain check?” Nash suddenly crashed to the ground in front of her, his foot tangled up in a heavy rope. “Dammit!” he exploded, kicking at the rope.

A high-pitched giggle echoed on the wind outside the barn, and Kelsey stuck her head out the door. Mindy and Ben were headed straight back on a path to the barn. She turned, saw him still struggling to get up. Hurrying over, she knelt down to untangle the rope, but in her haste, she made it worse.

“I can do it,” he snapped, shoving her hand away.

High-pitched giggles floated again, and she reacted. Fast. She swung a leg over his waist and straddled him, sinking down on top of him.

Her move cut him off midcurse, and he stopped, staring up at her, his mouth open. “What the—”

“They’re coming.” She bent forward and latched her lips on his.

He pushed her shoulders up. “What the hell?”

“Just shut up and kiss me.”

He stared up at her as another giggle floated around the corner of the barn. She bent over again and kissed him.

It was the only thing she could think of to save his pride.

His head tilted sideways, and he kissed her back. And oh God, did he ever kiss her back. His lips were just a little rough, and they scraped across her mouth, devouring it. Tingles shot down her spine, up her legs, and swung around to pool in her lower belly.

Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.

She hadn’t been with anyone since Rob died. Didn’t want to be with anyone. But this... God, she’d forgotten how good it could be when two people were attracted to each other.

But Nash and I aren’t attracted to each other. He’s my client. Period.

“Oh! Excuse us.”

A high-pitched voice barely penetrated the fog in her brain. She started to pull away from Nash, but he tightened his hold, slid his hands around her back. One hand drifted down her spine, and he dipped his fingers beneath her shirt, teasing her bare skin.

“I said, excuse us.”

Kelsey slowly sat up, staring at Nash.

He drifted his thumb over her lower lip, and the tingles raced again down her spine. Tilting his head to look around her, he said, “Guess we got a little tangled up in each other.” His voice was all rough, sexy cowboy now, and it did something to her insides.

He looked up at her again and grinned.

She smiled back, oddly pleased he’d included her in an inside joke about getting tangled up.

This is just fake. It doesn’t mean anything... Rob. Think of Rob.

Yet her body had come alive in Nash’s arms, her blood racing, awakening feelings she hadn’t had since she’d buried her husband. She started to climb off him, but he held her in place, so that her most tender spot was right over the growing bulge in his jeans.

* * *

HE HELD KELSEY so she couldn’t scramble off him just yet. She was the perfect shield to get rid of two people he didn’t want to talk to again. And she felt good against him. Too good. He hadn’t been with a woman in a long time. Too long, if the way he’d hardened almost instantly when she kissed him was any indicator.

She stared down at him, her long dark hair hanging down to brush his chest. God, he wished he didn’t have a shirt on so he could feel it. So far he’d only seen it in a braid and hadn’t noticed how long and silky it was. He wanted to tangle his hands in her hair, draw her down and kiss her over and over.

“Nash,” she hissed, and tried to get up again.

“Stay, babe. They’ll leave if we just ignore ’em.” At least he hoped they would, and before she gave in to the panic starting to bloom on her face.

“Well, how rude,” said Mindy. “But then you never were much of a gentleman.”

Kelsey turned her head toward Mindy and Ben. “Some women don’t want a gentleman all the time.”

He looked up at her, shocked at the sexy words. She actually looked pretty shocked, too.

Glancing around Kelsey, he saw Mindy’s face go red. Ben put an arm around her. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s leave them alone. You still owe me a dance.”

The minute the other couple was out of sight, Kelsey scrambled off him and stood, then extended a hand to him. “Come on, cowboy. I need to get back to my mom and daughter.”

He took her hand, slowly testing his balance. Once he was stable on his feet, he tried to catch her eye. “Thank you.”

She looked up at him. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Why did you?”

“I don’t know. Hunter said something about them, and...” She shrugged. “I knew you wouldn’t want them, or anyone, to see you on the ground.”

“Without a good reason, at least.” He grinned.

Pink suffused her cheeks, and she turned away.

“Seriously. Thanks.” Her earlier words registered, and he frowned. “You said before you have a daughter. I assume you have a husband, too. I don’t want him to hear about this and think I’m moving in on his wife.”

“I’m a widow,” she said, so quietly he had to bend closer to hear the words.

“Ah, geez. I’m sorry. What happened?”

“Accident.”

“How long?”

“Almost three years.”

“That’s rough. Do you—”

“I have to go.” She started off at a fast clip, then swung around. “Just know I normally don’t do that type of thing.”

“What type of thing?”

“Throw myself at men.”

She rushed off before he could say anything else.

A cold shower sounded good right now. He needed to cool off, even if she was only pretending for his sake. His steps slowed even further. She’d done it to save his pride. Rubbing a hand across his stubbled chin, he caught a whiff of something light, feminine. Sniffing his fingertips, he groaned.

Kelsey’s perfume.

Everything had happened so fast he hadn’t really paid attention before. Now it was embedded in his nose, and it brought back the feeling of her sitting across his groin. He hadn’t been that turned on in, well...forever.