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“I can’t this weekend, Jack. I’ve got a few interviews coming up. But I’ll be home for Thanksgiving.”
There was a hesitation, then Jack said, “I told your mother…everything. We talked most of the night and she finally fell asleep.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Oh, Jack. How did she take it?”
“As well as can be expected. I know it would do her good to see you.”
“And she’ll get to. I promise I’ll be there for her.” She held her emotions in check. “You know I’ll do anything I can to help you both.”
“I know, Lin.” There was another pause. “But there might not be any options this time. And you and your mother have to accept that.”
“There are still some alternatives out there, Jack.”
“Not as far as I’m concerned.”
“How do you know if you don’t try?”
“Please, Lin, don’t push this. This is the way it has to be.”
She knew the man was stubborn, but so was she. “Okay, I’ll let it go for now. Tell Mom I love her and I’ll call her later. I love you, Jack.” She wiped the tears from her face.
“Love you, too, Lin.”
She hung up the phone. Dear Lord, how was she going to convince him to come here? She turned and found Brady standing in the doorway.
She gasped. “I’m sorry the call took so long.”
“Not a problem. Are you okay?” He came to her, and brushed a tear off her face. “I take it that wasn’t a business call.”
She shook her head. “It was my stepfather. My parents just got back from a cruise.”
Lindsey was rambling, but if she stopped she’d end up back in his arms. Bury herself in his strength, but it would be fleeting. There couldn’t be a repeat of that. Brady would be gone soon.
Lindsey stepped back from the temptation. “I should get ready for work.”
Brady glanced at the clock. “You still have two hours. Are you sure you’re just not afraid of what nearly happened between us.”
She stiffened. “I need to get you home.”
“I can call Hank or Luke.” His eyebrows drew together. “Is everything okay with your family?”
Lindsey swallowed. “Yes. I’m going home for Thanksgiving.”
She didn’t want Brady Randell to be nice to her. She didn’t want to like the man who just moments ago had been doing a good job of seducing her. The most important thing she needed to remember was that her stepfather, Jack, was also Brady’s uncle.
And when she finally came clean about her true reason for coming here, the entire Randell family might just band together and run her out of town. Brady was a Randell. His loyalty would lie with his family.
She nodded. “If you don’t mind, I need to take a shower.”
He studied her for a long moment, then turned and walked away.
Lindsey had to fight hard to keep from calling him back. Then she reminded herself that he was only around temporarily, just like she was. In the end, they’d both go back to their separate lives. She thought about the scene on the sofa. Of the hunger of Brady’s kisses, the incredible touch of his hands on her body. She drew a breath and closed her eyes, vowing not to let things go any further.
She knew she couldn’t keep that promise.
Thirty minutes later the sun was up, a pot of strong coffee was on. Brady probably should have called Hank and let him know about the truck, but he decided he wasn’t ready to leave Lindsey Stafford. She presented herself as a tough, independent veterinarian, but he knew better. After she’d told him about her father’s abuse, he had a feeling that her stepdad was the man who’d been there for her.
Damn. He shouldn’t get involved in any one else’s problems. Brady took another sip of coffee. He had enough to concentrate on with his career and adapting to a place in his new family. That was about all he could handle right now.
When the door to the bedroom opened, he turned to see Lindsey. She had on fresh jeans and a white blouse under a navy sweater. Her auburn hair was shiny and curled against her shoulders.
She glanced around the living room, then turned toward the kitchen. He smiled and held up a mug of coffee.
“You looking for this?”
She blinked in surprise. “I wouldn’t mind a cup.” She came toward him and took her mug. “I can’t function without caffeine.”
Brady agreed. “I need that extra kick in the morning, too. If you had more time I would have treated you to my famous cinnamon pancakes.” He grinned. “Maybe next time.”
She stopped her mug’s journey to her mouth. “Sorry, Captain, there isn’t going to be a next time.”
He faced her. “Oh, Doc, that’s the one thing I am sure about. Things aren’t settled between us. So there’s definitely going to be a next time.”
CHAPTER SIX
ABOUT an hour later, Lindsey pulled up at the foreman’s cottage to drop off Brady. What she didn’t expect to find was his brother, Luke, Tess and another woman Lindsey didn’t recognize standing on the porch.
“Please, tell me you called your brother to let him know what happened with Hank’s truck.”
“It was too late last night, and I guess I forgot about it this morning.”
“You better think about answering some questions, because to them it’s going to look like we spent the night together.”
He looked at her and grinned. “We did. Technically.” “This isn’t a game, Brady.” She shifted the SUV into park not far from the porch. “I’m trying to build a reputation here.”
His smile died. “So let’s not tarnish it by letting people think you spent the night with a washed-up jet jockey.” He pushed open the door.
Lindsey grabbed his arm. “Brady, you know that’s not what I meant. I like to keep my private life private.”
“Don’t worry, Doc. I’ll stay clear of you from now on.” He slammed the door and started toward the porch.
With a frustrated sigh, Lindsey hit the steering wheel. She hadn’t meant to hurt his feelings, but that’s exactly what she’d done. At the very least she’d stepped on his ego. She climbed out of the car and leaned against the hood. “Oh, Brady,” she called out. “Thank you for last night.”
He stopped, but didn’t turn around. She didn’t miss the tension in his broad shoulders.
She poured it on. “I had a great time. Call me anytime.” With a wave to Luke and Tess on the porch, she got back into the car and drove off, calling herself crazy. Why should she care what Brady Randell thought?
Darn it, she did.
Brady walked up the pathway to the porch, surprised to feel a heat climbing up his neck. Lindsey had just let people think there was something going on between them. He suddenly smiled. So he was getting to her.
“Good morning, Luke, Tess. Hi, Brenna.” He arched an eyebrow. “Am I late for my session?”
The cute therapist smiled. “Not for an hour or so. I came by to visit with Tess.”
“Good, I’d like a chance to shower and change.”
“I’ll be back, though.” She nodded to his injured leg. “How’s the leg doing since our last workout?”
“Okay.”
“All right, see you later.” She and Tess headed up to the main house.
Luke stayed back. “I don’t want to track your every move, but it would nice if you answered your cell phone.”
Brady pulled it out and saw that the battery was dead. “I guess I didn’t think about it. We were too busy looking for the guys who shot the mustang. When I took Lindsey home, she had an emergency call and I went along to help deliver a foal. By the time we got back, the battery in Hank’s truck had died. So I spent the night at the cabin.”
His brother nodded. “So you’re seeing Lindsey?”
“I spent yesterday with her, but that isn’t exactly ‘seeing.’ Why? You have a problem with that?”
Luke shrugged. “It’s not my business what you do. I was just trying to have a conversation with my brother. And I want to help see that you heal and get back to what you want to do, fly. Isn’t that what you want, too?”
For the first time Brady hesitated. “That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a beautiful woman’s company while I’m here.”
“I just don’t want to see anyone get hurt.”
Brady headed for the door as his brother stepped off the porch. “Look, Lindsey was joking around when she said what she said. I spent the night on her sofa.” Not that it was where he’d wanted to be. He recalled how good it had felt when she’d come to check on him. How good she felt to hold. “You don’t have to worry about her.”
His brother stared at him. “Who says Lindsey is the one I’m worried about?”
“Do five more…but take it slower, then hold it,” Brenna said. “That’s it.”
Brady fought a groan. He lay on the workout table in one of the cottage bedrooms, after taking off his removable booted cast from his leg, he’d strapped weights to his ankle as he did leg lifts.
Luke had made sure that there was enough equipment to help his younger brother stay in shape. And Brady had taken full advantage by working out the frustration of being confined to the house.
Although Brenna Gentry looked small and unassuming, she was strong as the dickens, working him through the isometric exercises and some light weight lifting. He wanted more. He wanted to get back to normal. And fast.
“Slow down,” she told him, and grabbed hold of his leg as he pumped the weight. “You overdo and you could lose ground.” She rolled those pretty brown eyes. “What am I saying? I normally have to prod my patients to work harder. But you I can’t hold back.”
“I want to get this over and be normal again.”
“You’ll get there, Brady,” she told him. “You’ve made great progress.”
“Not fast enough.” He sat up and took the towel she offered. “It’s been months since my accident.”
“It’s been three months. And you’re coming along as scheduled.”
“It’s just not my schedule,” he said.
“Then talk to your doctor at the next visit. Maybe he can give you a better idea.”
“I plan to.” He studied the pretty woman. “Thanks for all your help, Brenna. I couldn’t have gotten this far without you.”
“Don’t you know I’m a sucker for Randell men?”
Brady hadn’t had much of a chance to get to know his cousins. He’d heard a little about Dylan Gentry having been a bull rider. His career had ended after a bad spill off one mean bull. “You better not let your husband hear you say that. I don’t need him coming after me.”
She smiled. “Oh, I wouldn’t worry so much. He’s long past those wild days. He’s practically a stay-at-home dad now.”
His cousins and his brother all seemed content with their lives, happily married and with children. Brady had never stayed in one place long enough to want that. Growing up, family had been him and his mother. His dad was away too much.
“Well, I hope he realizes what he’s got.”
Her smile grew mischievous. “Oh, he knows, all right. But hey, feel free to tell him yourself if you come to Thanksgiving.”
He frowned. “I don’t do holidays.” He thought about Lindsey being gone.
“You will now, Captain. But relax, it’s not the entire family. This is the off year. Most wives around are going to the in-laws. Since my family will be gone, Tess invited us here along with a few others. So you aren’t meeting everyone, yet. That will come a little later.” She leaned back against the treadmill. “So Thanksgiving will only be about twenty or so.”
“How many kids?”
Well, there’s Livy. You know she’s planning on marrying you.”
“Very funny.”
Brenna shook her head. “You’re just like all the rest of your cousins, Brady Randell. No matter what age, the women flock to you.”
The only woman Brady wanted was determined to hold him at an arm’s length. “I prefer my ladies over the age of consent. Anyway, I’m married to the air force. And I like my women willing, but not long-term.”
“I’ve heard that before,” Brenna said. “Even a world-champion bull rider, Dylan ‘Dare Devil’ Gentry had succumbed to love of the right woman.” With a knowing smile, she headed toward the door and called out, “See you later.”
Whoa, just because his cousins and brother found marriage agreeable didn’t mean the institution was for him. He’d never given much thought about a wife and kids. It had always been the military, his career. He’d known men who’d done it, handled a family and flying. His dad hadn’t been one of them.
Georgia Randell had been on her own more often than with her husband during their marriage. Maybe that had been the reason Brady hadn’t sought out a long-term relationship. Or was it the fact that he’d just never met a woman who made him want to change his priorities?
Surprisingly, his thoughts turned to Lindsey.
A week later Lindsey had returned from Thanksgiving with her parents. It had been the first time in memory she’d hadn’t wanted to be home for a holiday. It was hard to see her mother’s sadness. It was also hard to keep her secret from them. She’d managed to get through it and was now more determined than ever to talk with Jack’s boys.
Her first call was at the Rocking R to check on Tess’s stallion. In truth she hoped she’d run into Brady. She hadn’t been able to get him out of her thoughts since she’d dropped him off after their night together. She kept playing it over in her head, the hungry kisses, the way he’d touched her. Brady had distracted her from thinking about everything else.
Lindsey climbed out of her SUV and headed toward the barn, forcing herself not to look toward the cottage. On her trek through the corral, she tried to stay focused on important things like the reason she’d come to San Angelo. The reason she still needed to talk about with the Randells. And she was running out of time. What was more important, Jack was running out of time.
Inside the barn she went toward Whiskey’s stall and set down her case. The animal greeted her eagerly.
“Hi, boy,” she crooned, thinking about her mother and what she’d been going through.
Gail Randell was strong and independent, and she loved Jack fiercely. For the past eighteen years, they’d been each other’s salvation. After her mother’s abusive relationship with her first husband finally ended, she’d been left with next to nothing and a ten-year-old daughter to raise.
One day Jack had shown up at the ranch. He’d just been released from prison and needed a job. With little money, her mom hired him. Over time, Jack told them about his past, his sons and all the mistakes he’d made in his lifetime.
It took years, but together they built a thriving horse-breeding business and—in the meantime—fell in love. And now Jack could possibly die. Tears threatened, and Lindsey quickly blinked them away. She wasn’t ready to lose him. Not for a long, long time.
“Lindsey.”
She swung around to see Brady walking toward her, his booted cast strapped around his lower leg. He still looked good dressed in jeans and his familiar flight jacket. That was when she realized she’d been attracted to him from the first time she laid eyes on the handsome pilot. She’d missed him.
“Oh, Brady. Hi.”
He didn’t smile back. “Is something wrong?”
She shook her head. “I needed to check Whiskey.”
He frowned. “That’s right, you’ve been gone.”
“Just over Thanksgiving.” She smiled. “My mom made a big fuss with a turkey, dressing and tons of pies. How about you?”
He shrugged. “I spent it with Luke and Tess and a few assorted cousins.”
Had he missed her not being around? Probably not.
She glanced away from his stare. “It’s nice to have family.”
“Haven’t decided that yet. I’m not into big crowds.”
She knew he was still getting used to the Randells. If she’d learned anything since being here, it was that the Randells could be a little overwhelming. Not that she wouldn’t love to be a part of their clan.
“Well, speaking for myself,” she began, “I’d never turn down all that turkey and dressing. And, oh, the pies.” She sighed. “Pumpkin’s my favorite, but I wouldn’t say no to pecan or warm apple pie with tons of whipped cream.”
Brady had trouble not reacting to Lindsey’s enthusiasm, and he wasn’t talking about the food. Well, maybe the whipped cream. He grabbed her by the hand and led her the short distance to the tack room.
“Brady, this isn’t a good idea,” she began as he shut the door behind them.
He looked into her gorgeous eyes, and a thrill shot through him as he drew her into his arms. “Hell, I know that. But I’ve wanted to do this since that night at your cabin. It’s been too damn long.” He bent his head and captured her mouth.
Lindsey made him forget everything, but she also made him feel things. Things he didn’t have any business feeling, things that went beyond need, desire, gratification. Nothing had prepared him for Lindsey Stafford.
Brady broke off the kiss, willing himself to slow his breathing. “Just a little something to make sure you haven’t forgotten about me.” He stared into her incredible green eyes and nearly lost it again.
He didn’t wait for a response, his mouth closed over hers again. Her soft moan stirred him as his hands went inside her jacket and began to move over her luscious curves. He had about enough brain power left to realize where this was leading. He pulled back and took a breath, seeing her mouth swollen from his kisses. His gaze moved to her blouse, the rise and fall of her breasts.
“Damn!” He backed away. He didn’t need someone like Lindsey in his life, but that didn’t stop him wanting her.
She blushed. “We seem to get in these situations…” she began.
“Situations!” he groaned. “Situation? Hell, woman, we practically go up in flames whenever we’re together.”
Lindsey glanced away. “Then it’s better if we stay away from each other.”
Before Brady could agree wholeheartedly, he heard his name called out. What now? He shot her one last look, then went out the door to find his sister-in-law coming down the aisle.
“Brady. I’ve been looking for you.”
“What’s up?”
“I wanted to remind you about the family dinner at Hank’s place tonight.”
Brady bit back a curse. “Look, Tess, I don’t think I can handle—”
She rested her hand on her hips. “Brady, they’re having this dinner for you. Come on, we weren’t able to all get together at Thanksgiving and this is the best time. We’re just family.” Her gaze wandered toward the tack room door to see Lindsey walk out. “Oh…Lindsey. Hi. Sorry I wasn’t here to meet you.”
“That’s okay. I was just starting to examine Whiskey.”
Tess nodded, but she wasn’t fooled over the story. “I’m glad you’re here because I wanted to extend an invitation to you for tonight, too.”
Lindsey shook her head. “No, no, I’m not intruding on family. But you need to go, Brady.”
Brady liked Tess’s idea. “Not without you.”
Tess smiled. “Well, you two work it out. Just be at Hank’s place about six.” She disappeared down the aisle.
Once they were alone, Brady turned toward Lindsey. “Look, I’m not into family things. So if you go, some of the focus will be off me.”
“And on me,” she said. “And there’s another problem, Brady, everyone will think we’re a couple.”
“Of course. It’s only natural you’d be attracted to a devastatingly handsome fighter pilot.”
She fought a smile. “Oh, really?”
He grinned. “They’re going to speculate, anyway. Why not let them?”
He saw the doubt in those eyes. “Brady, you really think that settles it?”
“Oh, Doc, as far as I’m concerned, this is far from being settled.”
Brady was a coward. He’d faced danger at 10,000 feet, but meeting the entire Randell clan terrified him. He’d met all the cousins at one time or the other, but never all together.
“Relax, Brady. This isn’t a firing squad,” Lindsey said, sitting in the passenger seat in his brother’s BMW.
“That might be easier than the series of questions I’m going to get tonight.”
That had been one of the reasons he’d wanted to bring Lindsey, hoping it would direct attention off him.
“Big tough guy like you can handle it,” she said. “Besides, you’re good-looking and charming, so the women will love you. You’re a fighter pilot, so the men will be envious, and the kids will go crazy to hear your stories.”
He couldn’t help but grin. “You think I’m good-looking?”
She glared at him. “Like that’s something you don’t know. But maybe I did go a bit overboard when I used the word charming.”
He drove under the Circle B Ranch archway. “Sorry, it’s too late to take it back.”
“The one thing you don’t lack is ego,” she told him.
He’d known a lot of women, but none like Lindsey. He knew that might not be a good thing. He parked next to the trucks that lined the new barnlike structure. He shut off the engine and turned to her.
“Hey, I know who I am.” He thumbed his chest. “A damn good fighter pilot. Would you want anyone but the best defending your country?”
Her green eyes locked with his. “No. I only want the best.”
He gave her his best cocky grin. “You got him, Doc.” Brady climbed out of the car to help her. His gaze moved over her. She wore a pair of black slacks and a rust-colored sweater under a black leather jacket. Her hair was pulled up away from her face showing off hoop earrings.
“You look nice tonight.”
“Thank you. I should have brought something.”
“We brought wine.” He pulled the bag out of the backseat. “I’m sure the ladies will like that.”
Lindsey took a deep breath and released it. She shouldn’t have come. Although technically she was a stepsister and stepcousin. As far as the Randells knew she was the new veterinarian. And there was a possibility that if the Randells discovered her deception, she wouldn’t be invited back.
Hank walked toward them, smiling. “Hello, Lindsey.”
“Hello, Hank,” she said.
He turned to Brady. “And the guest of honor.”
“If you keep saying that, I’m going to leave. There was no need for this get-together.”
The older man laughed. “You don’t know women very well. Come on, you two, let’s go and see everyone.”
They entered the large structure that had been built a few years back and used as the guest ranch’s meeting hall with a cafeteria-style kitchen. In one section, there were linen-covered tables decorated for the party.
The noise level was nearly deafening as several kids ran around chasing each other, having a good time. Lindsey had already met several of the brothers, but not all the wives.
“Hey, cuz, it’s nice you made it.” Chance pulled a pretty blonde against his side. “You haven’t had the pleasure of meeting my wife, Joy. Joy, this is Brady and Dr. Lindsey Stafford.”
“Hello, Joy,” Brady said.
“Brady, Lindsey, it’s nice to finally meet you both.” She pointed to a name tag across her upper chest and then handed them theirs already filled in. “This should simplify things a little.”
“I appreciate that,” Lindsey said as she saw Brenna Gentry standing with Tess across the room. She smiled and sent a friendly wave toward them.
Lindsey took a breath and released it as she stole a glance at Jack’s other sons. She’d gotten a big shock the other day when she learned about Jarred Trager and Wyatt and Dylan Gentry. Lindsey believed with all her heart that Jack deserved to know about them.
Chance’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “We’ll take a pass on giving all the children’s names—”
“That’s because you can’t name them all,” his brother Cade said as he handed Brady a beer.
Chance glared. “No, I just think their parents should handle it. This family can be a little much all at once.”
“You think?” he murmured, and took a drink from his longneck bottle.
Hank and Ella stepped into the circle. “Welcome to the family, Brady.”
Hank didn’t forget her, either. “Welcome, too, Lindsey. Glad you could make it.”
“Thank you for inviting me to share in your family dinner.”
The older man frowned. “You’ll always be welcome here. We have a saying, ‘You don’t have to be blood to be in this family.’” He nodded. “And our hope is that you’ll want to be a permanent part of our community, too. We want you to stay on here.”