Chapter 8
The clock above the bar seemed to drag. Rae wanted time to pass faster while at the same time she didn’t.
At ten after, Rae told Patty she was on break.
The woman had a sour expression, like she was sucking on a lemon. “Don’t be late getting back.”
Rae held back a frown of her own. “No problem, Patty.”
Bear wasn’t sitting next to Colt, so he was probably outside. Despite all her reservations, she found herself smiling as she headed through the kitchen and out through the back door.
Bear stood beneath the light post’s yellow glow. His western hat cast a shadow across his strong features, giving him a kind of tougher demeanor than the cowboy she’d been getting to know.
He pushed up the brim of his hat with one finger and moved toward her. The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile. “Thanks for meeting me on your break.”
“Thank you for not fighting with Bill and getting him to stop bothering me.” She pushed strands of hair out of her face that had been bothering her all night. “I know now he’s harmless, but I’ve had some…bad experiences and he really got to me.”
That she had “bad experiences” was truly an understatement.
Bear shrugged. “If I’d thought it would turn into a brawl, I wouldn’t have taken it outside. But I know Bill, and sometimes he needs a little shove in the right direction to break his pattern.”
“You’re good with people,” she said. “At dealing with and analyzing them.”
“You haven’t been around me enough to know that,” he said with a smile. He moved closer to her, where she stood in the shadows.
“I’m a good judge of character.” It was her turn to shrug. “Usually I have no problem dealing with different personalities, but guys who treat me like Bill did, not so much.”
One had ended up dead. She really needed to get off this topic.
“Saturday was fun.” She pulled her ponytail holder off so she could capture the loose strands and gather all her hair back. “Thank you again for inviting me.”
The memory of his kiss came flooding back as he held her gaze and she wanted him to kiss her again. She took a step back so she wouldn’t throw herself at him, begging for another kiss like the one they’d shared.
“It was my pleasure.” His voice was low, husky. “The crew enjoyed meeting you.”
“How’s Arthur?” She heard a nervous edge in her voice. “Is he better?”
Bear nodded. “Up and getting around best he can. He’s a good boy.”
“Have you found his family?” she asked.
Bear shook his head. “Arthur is housebroken, so I’m thinking he has, or at least had, a home. I’ve been asking around and posted a couple of flyers, but I haven’t heard from anyone yet.”
“What will you do with him if you can’t find his family?”
“I might take him in myself.” Bear shoved his hands in his front pockets. “So far things have been okay with Katie and Maggie, but they’ve mostly stayed hidden when Arthur is out of his kennel. I need to make sure he’s a good fit with all the animals and the ranch. If he’s not, I’ll make sure to find him a good home.”
She cocked her head to the side. “What would make him a good or bad fit for the ranch?”
“If he chases my cattle or horses, and he’s not easily trained to behave, that’s an out for a ranch,” Bear said. “If he barks at the animals or tries to attack any of them, he’s not a good fit. I can only do so much training with my schedule, and I need to know that when I’m not home, he gets along with all of the animals.” He hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. “Whatever the case, I’ll make sure he ends up with a good home.”
“That all makes sense.” Rae wanted to close the distance between them, so that her breasts would brush his chest and he’d take her face in his hands. And kiss her. She swallowed back the urge. “You have a lot of pets to consider when you bring another in.”
He fixed his gaze on her mouth, like he was thinking of kissing her.
The other night had been so sweet. She wanted it so badly, she could almost feel his lips on hers.
Despite herself, she moved closer to him. He was so much taller than her, she had to tip her head back.
A hungry expression crossed his sexy features. Unable to stop herself, she placed her hands on his chest, and she could feel his body heat through her touch.
He slid his fingers to the back of her head, cupping it in his big palm. He rested his other hand on her hip and drew her against him.
Rae caught her breath as he lowered his mouth to hers. The moment their lips touched, she gasped into his mouth.
He gave a low groan and he slid his tongue between her lips. She kissed him back, needing him in a way she’d never needed anything or anyone in her life. His kiss and his arms wrapped around her were both exciting and healing. Like this man could take her places she’d never been to before and keep her safe while doing it.
The door slammed open behind them and Rae startled and jumped back. Bear slid one arm around her shoulders, as if protecting her as she turned to see Patty standing on the doorstep, glaring.
“Can I help you?” Rae managed to keep her voice steady.
Patty put her hands on her hips. “Couldn’t wait to start screwing around with the local cowboys?”
Heat rushed to Rae’s cheeks and she clenched her fists into hands.
Bear stepped from the shadows, into the light. “Hi, Patty. How’s Biff?”
Patty’s jaw dropped and she looked like she’d just lost her best friend. “Hi, Doc.” She appeared to be gathering herself. “My dog’s fine.”
Bear kept his arm around Rae’s shoulders. “Good to hear.”
Patty cleared her throat and raised her chin as she turned her gaze on Rae. “You’re late. We need you back inside.”
Rae frowned. “It’s been fifteen minutes?”
“Yes.” Patty’s reply was sharp. She looked back at Bear. “See you, Doc.” The woman stepped back into the bar and closed the door behind her.
Rae let out her breath. “That was painful.”
Bear chuckled. “Like her dog, Biff, Patty’s bark is worse than her bite.”
“If you say so.” Rae sighed and smiled at Bear. “I’ve got to go.”
He brushed his lips over hers. “I’ll wait for you after the bar closes.”
She blew out her breath. “Okay.” She turned, glanced over her shoulder and smiled at Bear, then hurried back into the bar.
When Rae got back behind the bar, Patty glared at her. “In the future, don’t be late from break if you want to keep your job.”
Rae drew herself up to her full five-two and stared down the woman who was a good five inches taller. She kept her voice low so she wouldn’t be overheard by the patrons. “Patty, last I heard I answer to Mickey. You have my apologies for making you late to your break, but don’t threaten me again.”
“Tramp.” Patty ground the word out beneath her breath as she spun and left.
Rae found she’d been holding her breath as Patty exited the room. She blew it out and returned to tending bar.
She glanced in Bear’s direction and couldn’t help a smile when she saw the tall, sexy cowboy watching her. He returned her smile and she wanted to kiss him all over again.
The rest of the evening was so busy, she didn’t have much more time to even look in Bear’s direction. She did stop by to see if he, Colt, or Bill needed anything else. Bill had said he didn’t, slid off his stool, and paid his tab before leaving.
Colt and Bear didn’t order anything else. Bear just gave her his sexy little grin while Colt looked amused.
At closing time, Mickey got everyone to leave the bar. Rae Patty, and Jane took care of clean-up and then it was time to head on out.
Rae’s heart beat a little faster as she went out to the parking lot. Bear was leaning up against her sportscar, hands in his front pockets, waiting for her.
When she reached him, he took her by the shoulders and lightly brushed his lips over hers. She shivered, loving the feel of his lips and the power of being in his presence.
He raised his head and smiled. “Ready to head home? Bet you’re dead on your feet, as hard as you work.”
She shrugged as she tried to keep from yawning. “I’ll be glad to climb into my bed and sleep late. Friday nights do get busy and I’ve got to work Saturday, too.”
He reached up and played with her ponytail that was lying over her shoulder. “As much as I don’t like to see you go, I won’t keep you.”
She smiled at the way he made her feel needed and wanted. “I don’t mind waiting a little bit longer before I go home.”
His eyes were shadowed by the brim of his hat. “What do you think about dinner out on Sunday?”
She cocked her head as she thought about it. She usually did all she could to avoid being in public. Who knew if someone would recognize her?
“Would it be okay if I come over to see your furry and feathered family instead? Maybe I can ride Angel.” She put her hand on his chest, feeling his body heat through her touch. “I could bring out Chinese or Mexican.”
“That will be perfect. He put his hand over hers. “But I pay for dinner.”
She shook her head. “I know you cowboys have strong feelings about taking care of women, but let me do this, okay? Next time you can pay.”
Her cheeks burned as she realized she’d just assumed there would be a next time.
Bear smiled, as if pleased to hear her assumption. “I’ll take care of dessert.”
“Good.” She gave him a teasing grin. “Bet you can’t beat that red velvet cake.”
“I’ll do my best.” He flashed her a grin. “I sure did enjoy the leftovers.”
Rae laughed. “I’ll just bet you did.”
“Did you find out if Marlee has a pair of boots you can borrow?” Bear asked.
“She does.” Rae nodded. “We wear about the same size shoe, so they’ll work.”
“I’m glad you’re coming to my place Sunday.” He stroked her cheek lightly as he looked into her eyes. “It’s nice having you there.”
“I enjoyed my visit last weekend.” She swallowed as his mouth neared hers. “I—”
He covered her mouth with his and she didn’t get to finish what she was going to say. As a matter of fact, she couldn’t even remember a word of whatever it was.
His kiss was so sweet and powerful, a combination that stirred wild feelings inside her. Dear God, she loved the way he kissed.
When he drew back, she tried to catch her breath. “Keep that up and I won’t be able to sleep tonight.” She didn’t know why she’d said that, but the way it came out made her cheeks burn again. “I mean—”
He kissed her, and she sank into him. This man sent every rational thought out of her mind. He made her forget all the bad and all she felt around him was good.
He raised his head. “I’m gonna send you home now so you can get some good sleep.”
She wanted to stay right where she was, in his arms. She smiled. “I’ll be there Sunday, around noon. Make sure you have a good appetite.”
“Looking forward to it.” He kissed the top of her head before opening her car door for her. She climbed in and lowered her window. She started the car and blew him a kiss before she headed home, wondering what the hell she was doing.
Falling for a man she definitely shouldn’t be falling for.