Chapter Eight
Devin drove back to the ranch, taking it easy since he was pulling the trailer. Glancing in the mirror, he saw Willa staring out the window. He wanted to be with her tonight but worried whether she would agree to see him. He decided he’d take a chance and ask her when they got back to the barn. He wanted her to spend the night with him. Tonight was the dance for the guests leaving tomorrow and he had to attend for a brief time, but he wanted to be with her. He just couldn’t seem to stay away from her.
Blowing out a breath, he wondered how he was going to feel when it was her last Saturday at the ranch. Just the thought of her leaving made his gut ache. He was in deep. His feelings for her had hit him like a ton of bricks. It was amazing it had happened so fast, since he’d only known her a week. People don’t fall in love in a week. Do they? Reid said he fell for Lucy the minute Zeke introduced them and Jaxon had said the same about Bethany. Even Roark said he fell for Priscilla within a week. Was it really possible?
The truck ate up the miles to the ranch, and it wasn’t long before he was pulling back into the driveway, blowing the horn at Josie as she stepped from the check-in cabin. No one new would be checking in until tomorrow. A week was the minimum stay. Check-in was Sunday at, or after two. Check out was Sunday at noon. Those two hours allowed the housekeeping staff to clean the cabins. Unless of course someone decided to try to check in early like Rocky had.
Devin twisted his mouth as he remembered seeing Willa for the first time just a week ago. His damn dick had stretched behind his fly, and he wanted to fuck her where she’d stood. Shifting in his seat, he remembered how he’d wanted to fuck her with those red stilettos on her feet and hadn’t… yet. He had three more weeks to do that, and he was looking forward to it, if he could just get her to let him in again.
How in the hell had he gotten so involved with a guest? He never did that, and there had been many beautiful women who had come through here. A lot of younger women, but not one of them had his dick hard like she did.
Looking in the mirror again, he saw her looking at him. He watched as her sexy lips rose in a smile and his dick rose with them. Glancing away from her, he shook his head. She knew what she was doing, and he couldn’t stop himself from looking at her again. A full-fledged grin lifted her lips making him chuckle and drew Rocky’s gaze. Devin shook his head again but kept his eyes off the mirror. He’d make sure he got her back for this.
****
Willa smiled as she opened the truck door and stepped out after Devin had backed the truck into the barn. It always amazed her how people did that with a trailer on the back. He must have done it a lot because he backed it straight in—the first time. She saw Jaxon striding toward the trailer then he unhooked the gate and entered it to bring the horse out. She loved horses but sometimes they were unpredictable, and she always had a fear of one of them stepping on her foot. It seemed that neither Devin nor Jaxon ever thought about it. They looked so natural around the horses.
Jaxon smiled at her as he led Gypsy out. Devin pulled the truck out of the barn where he stopped it then climbed out of the cab, entered the barn and walked toward her. His eyes never left hers as he got closer. Pulling her bottom lip between her teeth, she tried not to groan as she looked at him. When he was close to her, one corner of his sexy mouth rose then he walked on past. She sighed with relief knowing she had almost grabbed him and kissed him. He smelled so good, and he was just so sexy.
“When can we start with her, Dev?” Rocky asked him.
Devin spun around. “Monday. It’s too late today, and we’re off on Sundays.”
“That will work. I want to attend at the dance tonight. Do you think it will cause a problem?”
“No. Everyone already knows you’re here and you’ve given out autographs. Some might ask you to dance though.” Devin smiled at him and chuckled.
“That’s okay. I love to dance. Willa does too.”
Devin looked at her. “Good to know.”
He gave them both a nod and moved to help Jaxon with the horse.
Willa sucked in a breath then blew it out. Should she go to the dance? What if he asked her to dance? Was he allowed to dance with the guests? She snorted. He could do whatever he wanted, he was an owner. Without looking at any of them, she left the barn to head for her cabin. That Jacuzzi was calling her name, and she wanted a nice long soak. It was late afternoon already, and she was a little sore from the cattle drive and sleeping on the ground even though she’d had a sleeping bag.
Smiling, she thought of riding alongside the cattle to get them to another pasture. Devin had looked so hot with his handkerchief covering his lower face. He had looked like a real western cowboy. That’s because he is one, Willa! Oh yes, he was definitely a cowboy.
Damn. If someone had told her she would ever get horny over a cowboy, she would have laughed her head off. There was no way she’d ever thought a cowboy was hot. At least, she hadn’t until she arrived at Bur Oak Guest ranch and stepped from the limo to see Devin Callahan staring at her. Her knees had just about buckled simply looking at that tall, cool drink of water.
Picking up her pace, she headed for her cabin. The sun beat down on her shoulders, and even the top of her head was hot. Sweat beaded on her upper lip, the nape of her neck, and rolled down her temples. Heat waves rose off the ground in the distance, and she couldn’t get to her cabin fast enough. Once inside, the air conditioning felt wonderful. It was so hot out. Stifling heat, but it had felt so good in the mountains. She’d love to go up there again but just with Devin. She couldn’t stop thinking of them having sex in the woods then she laughed remembering how the pine needles had stuck to her, but she hadn’t cared at the time. But then she had rebuffed him yet again. What was she doing?
After entering the bathroom, she turned the water on in the tub then stripped and piled her hair up on her head. Stepping into the water, she groaned as she pushed the button for the jets and leaned her head back as the water soothed her sore muscles. Yes, she would go to the dance tonight, and she really did hope Devin asked her to dance so she could be in his arms again. A tear slipped down her cheek as she thought of leaving him, but she couldn’t stay. He might think he’d never leave her but nine years was a significant difference and when she was fifty, he’d still be a young man. Why would he want a woman that age when he could have a much younger, more beautiful woman? A woman whose body hadn’t started going south?
“Willa, you are going to drive yourself insane if you don’t get away from that man,” she said aloud. “It’s only sex for him. Oh, sure, he thinks it could be more, but it can’t. Not ever. I won’t go through that again.”
She stayed in the tub until the water began to cool then she pulled the plug, stood, and reached for a towel to dry off. It would be smarter to just stay in tonight and not go to the dance. It was safer that way. Stepping from the tub, she continued to dry off then walked into the bedroom and pulled on her lounge pants and a tank top.
Willa decided she was not going out tonight. Decision made, she entered the living room and turned on the TV then picked up her cellphone, and called Rocky to tell him to go without her. Once that was done, she lay back on the couch and looked for a movie.
****
Devin stood in the shower and let the water glide down over him. It was just what he needed because he was sweaty and hot. Reaching for the shampoo, he squirted some into his palm and washed his hair as he wondered if Willa would go to the dance. He hoped so because he’d love to dance with her. Both he and Jaxon had to be there and for the last one of each month, his family, friends from town, and some friends from Clifton, and Hartland showed up to enjoy it too.
After rinsing the shampoo from his hair, he shut the water off and reached for a towel. After rubbing his head with the towel, he dried off, dropped the towel into the hamper, and then entered his bedroom. He pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. He had a few hours before the dance began but he usually showed up in the barn two hours before, so he could help set up tables. Jaxon did the same thing. They might be the owners, but they chipped in and contributed to the work around the place. Never being ones to just stand back and watch, they enjoyed helping the ranch hands and staff, even though he knew it had to bother Jaxon at times. He’d see him rubbing his hip, but he’d keep on working. Nothing was going to get Jaxon down.
Walking back into the bathroom, he stood at the mirror and swiped the steam away with his hand then picked up the shaving cream and spurted a blob of it in his hand. After applying it to his face and neck, he shaved away the whiskers that had grown over the past few days, wiped the remaining shaving cream off with a towel, and splashed aftershave on before heading for the kitchen to get a beer. He’d eat at the dance. They always had a hell of a buffet there. Every year the guests would gush about how excellent everything was, and announce they’d definitely be back. Several of them returned each year, and he was always happy to see them again.
At seven o’clock, Devin left his home and walked to the barn to help out. When he entered, he saw Jaxon was already there setting up tables. Josie followed him, tossing a cloth over each one. Rosita, who ran housekeeping, also took care of the cooking so she stood behind the long buffet setting up the plates and utensils. He walked over to her and smiled.
“Looks like you went all out again.”
“I love cooking, and this is so much fun every week. It won’t be long before we’ll be closed for the winter.” Rosita’s smile slipped.
“Yes, but you know how quickly it comes back around to March. Then you’ll be in your element again—cracking the whip on housekeeping and cooking all day.”
Rosita laughed and waved her hand at him. “Oh, shush, Mr. Callahan.”
“Rosita, you’ve been here five years, don’t you think it’s time you called me Devin?”
“Nope and quit asking me to.” She shooed him away and went back to work .
He shook his head and glanced around then strolled to where Jaxon stood, leaning against the wall.
“You okay, Jax?”
“Yeah. I’m just taking a break. Josie runs me ragged.” He grinned.
“She’s almost as bad as Rosita,” Devin said laughing.
“Oh, hell. No one is that bad.” Jaxon shook his head but grinned. “We lucked out with those two.”
“I agree. Shouldn’t the band be here?” Devin glanced around.
“They are. I saw them pull up a few minutes ago. Don’t panic, you’ll be able to dance with her.”
Devin spun around and narrowed his eyes. “Who?”
Jaxon burst out laughing and folded his arms across his chest. “Come on, Dev. I’m not stupid.”
“It doesn’t matter. Willa keeps telling me she’s leaving at the end of the month and the age thing won’t die.”
“She’s hung up on being older than you?”
“Yeah, big time. I really don’t care one way or the other, Jax but she thinks I’d eventually leave her for a younger woman. Just like her ex did.”
“I see. I can see how hard it would be for her to trust another man and especially a younger one. She probably believes the older she gets, the more you’d want a younger woman.”
Devin folded his arms and leaned back against the barn wall. Glancing around the room, he spoke without looking at his brother .
“I’ve never gotten involved with a guest. Never. But yet the minute I saw her, I wanted her, and I can’t seem to stay away from her. I know it’s going to hurt when she leaves.”
“Then don’t let her.”
He blew out a laugh in response to that suggestion. “I don’t think there’s anything I can say to make her stay.”
“Not even that you love her?”
Devin glared at him. “Who says I do?”
Jaxon glanced away from him and back. “Just a hunch.”
He slapped Devin on the shoulder and moved toward the stage where the band was beginning to set up.
Hell! If Jaxon could see he was in love with Willa, why couldn’t she? No, he doubted that. It was probably just the connection he and Jaxon shared. Twins have a bond, and he knew it was true. When Jaxon had been hurt two years ago, he had known the minute it happened, and it scared the hell out of him. He’d been here in Montana and Jaxon had been in Idaho Falls. When the phone rang, he’d known it was bad news even before he picked it up.
Striding over to Josie, he wanted to see what else she needed to be done. She smiled up at him and told him everything was set except the bar and it was being worked on. The dance was to say farewell to guests leaving and a way to thank them for their patronage. The buffet sported all types of food from sandwiches and barbecue to steak. The bar served anything and everything—mixed drinks along with all kinds of beer and of course, Callahan Irish Whiskey. Those who weren’t leaving yet were more than welcome to attend and most did.
Devin hoped Willa showed up. He wanted to hold her on the dance floor, smell her shampoo, and feel her soft skin.
By eight thirty, the barn had begun to fill up with guests. Some sat at the tables to stake a claim while others headed for the bar or buffet. He didn’t see Willa anywhere, but he knew the minute Rocky entered because the crowd stared in his direction. He made his way through the crowd to where he stood beside Jaxon.
“Hey, guys. You two look like you’re holding up the wall,” Rocky said smiling and looking around.
“We are,” Jaxon said to him.
“This looks great.”
Devin gazed around the barn. It looked the same every Saturday night. Bare light bulbs on wires hung from the rafters, hay bales sat along each wall, the cloth covered tables were close to the entrance, and the stage for the band was at the opposite end. A large parquet floor sat in front of the stage for dancing. The bar and buffet were beside the stage. The barn had the sweet smell of hay along with the aroma of mouthwatering food. The brochures stated that the lodge would close at one on Saturdays, so everyone would be hungry for the buffet at the dance. Some of the guests just came in to eat, while most stayed for the dance. It was always a success. He watched as Rocky leaned against the wall beside him, but he’d be damned if he was going to ask him about Willa.
No fucking way.
“Is Willa coming?” Fuck! Idiot!
“I don’t know. I knocked on her door, but she didn’t answer. She’d told me she might just go to bed early—said she was tired from the trip.”
Devin nodded and mentally swore. Fine. The muscle in his cheek twitched as he tried to rein in his temper. He should have known she wouldn’t show. She was too afraid of getting involved with him. Mentally snorting, he knew she was already involved. She was just too stubborn about it. He’d just have to have fun without her. He always did. This was the one time he and Jaxon socialized with the guests. They’d dance only if they were asked but they never did the asking, and a lot of women asked them.
Hell, now all I need to say is, so there, and I’m a pouty teenager.
Grumbling, he straightened up and started to move toward the buffet when he heard Jaxon chuckle. Devin spun around and leaned close to him.
“Fuck you, big brother.” Turning, he headed toward the buffet but when he heard Jaxon laugh, he couldn’t stop a grin.
****
“You said you weren’t going, so why are you looking through your closet?”
Willa argued with herself as she moved the clothes hangers along the wooden rod. Pulling out a dark green sundress, she held it up. The dress had apron straps with a tight bodice and full skirt that fell to just above her knees. Kneeling to find her white wedge sandals, she then pulled the dress on and slid her feet into her shoes. Her red toenails peeked out of the open toe.
She applied light makeup, pulled her hair up into a ponytail then looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror on the back of the bathroom door. Smoothing her skirt, she wondered what she was doing.
Entering the bedroom, she glanced at the clock. Nine-fifteen . She should just stay home, she thought as she sat on the edge of the bed. Sighing, she pushed to her feet, and after checking herself in the mirror once more, she picked up her key to the cabin and her purse then walked out the door to head for the barn.
Glancing up at the night sky, she smiled at the millions of stars twinkling like diamonds. They were so beautiful. The full moon peeked over the Glaciers and lit up the road. She took a deep breath of the clean, fresh air. The heat of the day still lingered but it was far more comfortable now. Crickets chirped, and bullfrogs croaked. No one else was around. She assumed they were all in the barn and she could hear the band playing but couldn’t make out the song. It sounded like a fast one, and she could hear people’s voices and laughter.
The closer she got, the more her nerves made her want to turn around. It’s just a dance!
Taking a deep breath, she picked up her pace, and when she came around the turn to see the barn, she laughed. It looked amazing. The large doors were open, and she could see inside. People were either sitting at the tables eating or on the dance floor.
“About time you got here.”
She about jumped out of her skin. “Damn it, Devin. You scared me.”
“What took you so long?” he asked as he stepped from the side of the barn.
“I wasn’t going to come here.”
“Why not? You don’t like dances?”
“I think you know why. The more we stay apart, the better.”
Devin sauntered to her and stopped in front of her. “I disagree. The more we’re together, the better.”
“Devin…”
“Christ, I love it when you say my name.” He leaned closer to her. “Especially when you scream it.”
“Stop. I just want to have fun tonight and not think about this.” She waved her hand between them.
He laughed softly. “I don’t see that happening, but we’ll do it your way… for now.”
“I’m going in to get some food. I’ll see you later.”
“I hope so, darlin’. Make sure you ask me to dance.”
She whirled around. “I ask you?”
“Yeah, this is one time we socialize with the guests but only if they ask us to dance.” He winked at her then entered the barn.
Willa shook her head and muttered under her breath that this was crazy as she entered the barn behind him. She smiled as she looked around. It looked great, and the band was outstanding. Spotting Rocky waving to her, she made her way to him. He was at a table with a few of the single women.
“Why am I not surprised to find you here surrounded by women?” She laughed.
Standing, Rocky kissed her cheek. “You know me, Willa. Sit with us.”
“I will but let me get some food first. Save me a dance.”
Weaving through the tables, she made her way to the buffet and filled a plate. Glancing around, she saw Jaxon and Devin sitting on hay bales watching the crowd. A few of the ranch hands sat with them, and some of them were dancing.
Ask him to dance? When hell freezes over!
As she made her way to the table, she saw a woman approaching the men. She let out a sigh of relief when Jaxon stood and followed the woman to the dance floor for a slow song. Her relief was short-lived however, because Judy stepped up and asked Devin to dance. Willa saw him glance around and his gaze land on her. He shrugged as if to say, you didn’t ask then he followed Judy to the floor.
Suddenly her appetite was gone, but she carried her plate to the table and forced herself to eat. Damn it, she knew right then, she’d be asking him to dance. She didn’t want his hands on any other woman. She was clenching her fists so hard, her fingernails bit into her palms. Jealousy was never a demon for her. Not even when Edwin had cheated. With him, she’d thought, good riddance but with Devin, the green-eyed monster reared its ugly head. Once she finished eating, she decided he was hers for the rest of the night and maybe, just maybe, until morning.