Chapter Nine
Devin didn’t want to dance with Judy. Hell, he didn’t want to dance with anyone but Willa. He saw her sitting at the table shooting darts at him with her eyes. He couldn’t stop the grin as he looked at her. Her eyes narrowed when she saw him looking her way. She stood and smoothed down her skirt then headed toward the dance floor. Uh oh. This can’t be good.
“Do you mind if I cut in?” she asked looking at Judy.
Judy seemed startled but then narrowed her eyes. “As a matter of fact, I do. Wait your turn.”
He heard Willa hiss in a breath then she smiled sweetly. “Well, seeing as I’m so much older I might not have time to wait.”
He snorted then covered it with a cough when both women glared at him. He shrugged.
“Fine,” Judy said and stomped from the floor.
Willa stared up at him, and he didn’t take his eyes from hers. She seemed embarrassed now.
“Come here, darlin’,” he whispered as he put his hands on her waist and pulled her closer to him.
Willa put her hands on his shoulders. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. I can’t seem to think coherently when it comes to you.”
He chuckled. “Now you know how I feel. You sure look good, sweetheart. I love those red toenails.”
“Really?”
“Oh yeah. The first time I saw them was the day at the pool. They made my dick snap to attention.”
She gasped then burst out laughing. “Good Lord, Callahan. Do you always say whatever you think?”
“No need to beat around the bush. There’s something else I want to say to you.” He put his mouth next to her ear and grinned when she shivered. “I want to fuck you while you wear those red stilettos you had on your first day here.”
“You like those, huh?”
“Like is an understated word.”
Willa laughed and told him the name brand of the expensive shoes.
“I don’t care who makes them. All I know is I want you to wear those shoes and nothing else. I want them hooked behind my back.”
Willa groaned and leaned back to look up at him. “I’ve never met a man like you.”
Raising an eyebrow, he stared at her. “Is that good or bad?”
“Both.”
“Why both?”
“Because I love how you talk to me, but I also know I’ll never hear another man say the things you say.”
“I should hope the hell not. I don’t want another man talking to you the way I do.”
“Any men in my future––”
“Fuck, no.” Grabbing her hand, he led her from the dance floor and out the barn door and didn’t stop until he reached the corral fence. Cupping her face in his hands, he looked into her eyes. “I don’t want to hear about any future men.”
“Let’s be honest here, Devin. One day I will find someone who is more suited to me.”
“And you think I’m not?”
“You’re in Montana, I’m in California. Neither of us will move, and I’m older than you. I want a man around my age or older.”
“Do you know what fucking bullshit that is? Any man, no matter what his age, can screw around. Don’t assume I will just because I’m younger. Your jackass of an ex-husband proved that.”
She stared up at him. “We can agree to disagree.”
“You just don’t get it, do you?”
“Get what?” Willa frowned up at him.
“Never mind. Do you want to go back inside or leave?”
“Are you offering to walk me home?”
“Yes.”
“Oh… all right.”
“And I want to see those Jimmy whoever shoes.”
Willa laughed and stood on her toes. “Kiss me first.”
Devin groaned and pulled her to him then took her lips in a deep kiss. When he moved his tongue into her mouth, she moaned and sucked on it. Running his hands around her waist, he then wrapped them around her ass and squeezed it as he pulled her tight against him. He raised his lips from hers.
“Do you feel what you do to me? I’m so hard I could take you right here. I love hearing you scream my name and I love feeling your breath on my skin. You bring me to my knees, darlin’.”
“I know this is big mistake but let’s go,” Willa whispered against his lips.
Devin took her hand in his then walked with her along the road to reach her cabin. He stood on the porch as she unlocked the door then pushed it open. Once inside, he picked her up and kicked the door closed.
****
Monday morning after taking a group on a ride along the fence, Devin entered the barn to see Rocky standing by the corral. Rocky glanced at him and smiled.
“I’m anxious to ride Gypsy,” he said when Devin reached him.
Devin stepped up beside him and laid his arms on the rail. “You must be since you’re here so early. I told Chip to get her ready when I saw him on the way in. I hope she’s a good fit for you.”
“Me too. Lucy’s nice to let me see if we get along first.”
“Lucy’s a good person.”
Rocky grinned at him. “Seems like all you Callahans are.”
“We try. Here comes Chip with Gypsy,” he said as he looked over his shoulder.
“I’d like to learn how to put the tack on too, Dev.”
“Sure. I’ll walk you through it.”
The morning passed quickly as he taught Rocky more maneuvers on Gypsy. It seemed they liked each other. When Rocky dismounted, Gypsy butted him with her head and almost knocked him over making him laugh. Devin showed him how to remove the tack and where to put it. He explained to Rocky that the code was if you ride, you put the horse up—first with a warm-down then with a cool-down.
“The warm-down is the steady reduction in exercise intensity, and usually consists of five to ten minutes of a relaxed walk. The reason for the cool-down is to prevent overheating following dismounting. The horse should be untacked immediately to allow maximum heat dissipation and then moved to a covered or shaded area with as much air movement as possible. Never let your horse stand in full tack after a ride for too long. One of the best methods of cooling a horse in hot and humid environments includes spraying or sponging with cool water. It’s something you, as the rider, should do after every ride.”
“Got it.” Rocky rubbed Gypsy’s nose. “I want to buy her. Willa asked me how I plan on getting Gypsy back to Hollywood. I told her maybe I could convince you or Jaxon to deliver her for me.”
Devin clamped his jaw down tight then took a deep, calming breath. There was no way he would make a trip to Hollywood once Willa left here. Damn her for wanting to go!
“I know a man who will haul the horse for you. He does it for a living. I’ll give him a call to get Gypsy added at the end of the month.”
“Sure. I just thought you’d want to visit,” Rocky said grinning .
“Yeah, that won’t be happening. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. We’ll start meeting every morning now. The more you’re in the saddle, the better. I’ll send one of the men to help you with Gypsy while you cool her down.”
He gave Rocky a nod and walked out of the barn into the warm sunshine. Summer was being a real bitch this year. The haze was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Literally. At least, it felt like it. The heat of the day almost had him turning around and going back inside but he also knew that the longer the day progressed, the hotter the barn would get too. It was one reason the barns had exhaust fans in the ceilings and large portable fans sitting close to the doors to keep air circulating. At times, it could be stifling inside the barns. It was early morning yet but a scorcher already. He spotted Jose walking toward him.
“Help Mr. Fontaine with Gypsy. I want him to do as much as possible on his own, but I want to make sure he does it right.”
“Got it, boss.” Jose gave him a nod and entered the barn.
He knew he could trust Jose to make sure Rocky learned the basics. He just didn’t have the patience this morning… especially after Rocky mentioned about him and Willa leaving. Damn it, he hated to see Willa go.
How had he fallen so hard, so fast? It was the damn Callahan blood. It flowed through him with the same intensity as his ancestors. All his relatives, who were in relationships, were head over heels in love—including his parents. Married for over thirty-four years, they still acted as if they were on their honeymoon.
Damn Willa. Why couldn’t she see what they had? She was so stubborn about the age difference, and Devin knew that was what was holding her back. She had the absurd idea that he’d leave her for a younger woman. Why the hell would he do that? She was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Here, on Bur Oak. Her ex-husband had been an idiot to let her go. Of course, by the sound of it, he never satisfied her so it was best she got out of that marriage. He sounded like a real ass, and Devin hoped he was happy with the bimbo he was with now. Maybe she’d teach him a thing or two. He smirked. Sounded like two bumbling fools to him.
Taking his hat off his head, he swiped his forehead with his forearm then replaced it. Christ, it was hot. Glancing toward the pool, he saw several people there already. Making a beeline for it, he hoped he saw Willa there. After he walked up the small incline, he stood by the fence and his gaze searched the area, but he didn’t see her. He knew that strawberry blonde hair would stand out.
“Hello,” a female voice said from beside him, and he turned to look at her.
“Ma’am,” he said as he put his fingers to the brim of his hat. She was a lovely brunette.
“I’m Pauline Siebert. My husband, Gordon, and I are here for two weeks. I just wanted to introduce myself. We were on the ride with you this morning. ”
“Nice to meet you. We don’t get many introductions done on the ride, but we do try to know all the guests.”
“It’s fine, Mr. Callahan. I don’t know how you’d keep up with all of us anyway.” She smiled at him, and he relaxed a little when he realized she wasn’t flirting, just being friendly.
“Call me Devin. Where is your husband?”
Pauline laughed and glanced around. “He’s not much for swimming. He’s probably taking a nap even though it’s still early in the day. He grumbled about getting up before the sun.”
He grinned. “I can understand that. This life isn’t for everyone.”
“I know that’s the truth. I can’t wait for the next trail ride. Do you take all of those?”
“Not all of them. My brother takes them too. Maybe you and your husband could go on the cattle drive. It’s a two-day trip into the mountains.”
“Sounds good. Have a nice day, Devin. I need to hit the pool.” She smiled then turned from him, and that was when he spotted her .
****
Is it totally impossible for women to stay away from him?
Willa mentally shook her head as she watched the beautiful brunette fawn all over Devin. Damn man. Did he have to be so good-looking? Her mouth went dry looking at his white T-shirt sticking to his pecs and abs. Her gaze ran down his stomach to his jeans. His fly to be more specific. Why did he have to wear those damn chaps? Biting the inside of her cheek to keep from moaning, she couldn’t help but think back to Saturday night and it made her want to run over there and tackle him.
When her gaze lifted from his crotch, she looked straight into his eyes. He had a sexy grin on his face. Her cheeks flamed thinking back to riding him, and then wearing her shoes hooked at the ankles behind his back. She shivered despite the heat. Even though it was early, his lower face, neck, and strong jaw were covered with scruff, and she loved it. Taking a deep breath, she slowly walked toward him. She watched as he straightened up but didn’t remove his eyes from hers, she stopped in front of him.
“Good morning, Devin,” she said softly and watched as he glanced around then back to her.
“Miss Foster. Starting the day off with a swim?”
“I was thinking of it, but I’m going to have breakfast first.”
“Can I see you tonight?” he asked in a low tone of voice as he leaned toward her.
“I don’t know. Maybe you’d rather see the brunette.”
Devin stared at her then chuckled. “She was just being nice. I’m not interested in her anyway. There’s a certain strawberry blonde I’m into. Trust me when I say, I love being in her.”
Running her fingers along his arm, she smiled. “She kind of likes it too. I’ll see you later.”
Grinning, she walked away from him to enter the lodge. Her stomach growled as she smelled the aromas coming from the buffet. Walking up to the food, she piled her plate with scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon. She could almost feel the pounds being added. Glancing around, she found a table, made her way to it, and took a seat then dug in. She moaned at the first bite of the fluffy eggs.
She’d been so tempted to pull Devin over the fence and kiss him. She loved the way he kissed. All in, no matter if they were little biting kisses or a full, deep, hard kiss. The man knew how to kiss and how to use his mouth.
Suppressing a shiver, she did her best to take her mind off him. Way easier said than done. Looking up, she smiled when she saw Rocky enter the room. Giving a wave, she caught his attention and saw him head toward her as he weaved his way through the tables. Murmurs were heard as the guests watched the movie star walk through the dining area.
“Hey. Hungry, huh?” Rocky asked as he nodded to her plate.
She laughed. “I swear I won’t be able to fit into any of my clothes when we leave here.”
Rocky pulled out a chair and took a seat. “I know what you mean. The food is fantastic here but if we do it right, we can work off the calories on the dance floor. Of course, for you, there are other ways.”
Willa almost spit out her coffee. “Don’t be crude.”
“Oh, come on. What makes you think I was talking about sex? Maybe I meant you could burn off calories by swimming.” He winked at her.
She shook her head and laughed. “You are such a pig. Good thing I love you. Have you eaten yet?”
“I had breakfast hours ago. I just saw the lunch menu when I spotted you. I’m going to take a nap. Later babe.” Standing, he leaned down and kissed her forehead then walked out with everyone in the place watching him go.
The brunette she’d seen talking with Devin materialized beside her. Willa glanced up and bit back a smile. Goodbye Devin, hello Rocky.
“I know I signed a paper to keep quiet about Rocky Fontaine being here, but I can’t believe I just saw him. I’m sorry to gush, but he is just gorgeous and you are so lucky.”
“We’re friends, nothing more. Rock is like a brother to me.”
“You must be the assistant that was mentioned then.”
“Yes. Willa Foster.” She put her hand out, and the brunette shook it.
“Pauline Siebert. My husband and I are here for two weeks. It’s nice to meet you.”
Husband? Suddenly, Pauline seemed like a sweet woman—a star-struck woman, but nice all the same. Willa smiled.
“Have a seat, please.”
Pauline took a seat in the chair Willa pushed out with her foot.
“How long have you worked for him?”
“Ten years. Rocky’s a great guy. Did you do anything this morning?”
Pauline chuckled. “We rode the fence line and watched as Mr. Callahan repaired a section.”
“That must have been a hardship,” she teased .
“Dear Lord, yes. That man is one sexy cowboy. If I were single, I’d go after him. I’m sure he has women after him all the time.”
“I’m sure he does… along with his brother, Jaxon. They’re fraternal twins.”
“Really? I haven’t seen him yet, but now I’m going to be looking for him. I may be married, but I’m not dead. I know my husband looks at other women, so I look at other men.” Pauline shrugged. “Fair play.”
Willa couldn’t agree more. Since when was it all right for a man to check out a woman but a woman couldn’t check out a man? Times have changed. She could remember her mother telling her that her father would get so angry if she mentioned how good-looking another man was but yet, he could say how beautiful a woman was and she wasn’t supposed to get upset. She mentally shook her head. What a crock. She certainly appreciated a good-looking man and on this ranch, she was surrounded by them. Especially the Callahan men. She’d only met three of them but if Roark was even close to being as gorgeous as Devin, Jaxon, and Reid was, she wasn’t sure she could survive it. Devin had mentioned that the families showed up for the last dance of each month. She was looking forward to seeing them but not the fact that it will be her last night here.
How was she going to just up and go? She had to though, that was all there was to it. She should just stay away from him, but she knew she’d never do it since she’d been telling herself to do just that so many times and had yet to succeed. She was coming off as a very fickle woman and she’d never been one before. Devin probably got tired of her running hot and cold with him and she didn’t blame him. The age difference was the only factor in why she did. He’d make her feel so good and at times she’d forget he was a younger man but then it would slap her in the face again. She needed him so much and the thought of trying to find another man who could make her feel the way she does when she’s with him, was so unlikely. Was it even possible to find a man who would do to her what Devin does? Make her feel the way he does? How would she even find him? Did he exist?
Choking back a sob, she knew the only man who existed for her was Devin, but she couldn’t be with him. He was right. She hated the age difference, and it would always be between them.
“Willa?”
She jerked when Pauline touched her hand and looked at her.
“I’m sorry. I was lost in thought for a minute.”
“You seemed to fade away when we talked about looking at men. Of course, I could definitely fade away with Rocky Fontaine.” Pauline laughed. “Oh, there’s my husband. It was great meeting you. Maybe we can get together for lunch soon.”
Willa nodded and watched as Pauline made her way across the room to a short, overweight, balding man. She shook her head. As pretty as Pauline was, Willa was sure her husband would be good-looking. Love is blind they say, and this couple proved it. She watched as Pauline kissed her husband then sat down with him after he filled his plate. Who was she to judge though, since she was this close to falling in love with a younger man?
Blowing out a frustrated breath, she left the lodge and entered the pool area again to find a lounge chair. Her usual one was taken by a curvaceous redhead wearing a green swimsuit that barely contained her breasts. Willa glanced down at her own chest. She’d always wished for a little more in that department, but Devin didn’t seem to care. He’d told her they were perfect.
Yeah, for now. What would they look like in another ten years? Gravity does have a way of making things droop. Devin wouldn’t want to be around to see that. He’d still be young enough to have a younger woman with perky breasts. Why does he want her? The man could have any woman but only seemed interested in her. Every time she told herself to stay away from him, he convinced her differently. He knew how to treat a woman, and she’d be a fool not to enjoy it while she could but once the month was up, she would be going back to Hollywood and her job.
Speaking of her job, she’d hardly done anything with Rocky’s itinerary since being here. She’d scheduled him for a talk show in September, but that was the extent of her working. The ranch had too much to offer for her to think about work and she seriously needed to get in touch with Christopher about getting trailers done for the movie. The shooting was scheduled for spring, and the film would be released the next year. Even though Rocky would be involved in the shooting, she still had to get his appearances booked.
Yes, you need to get your mind back on your job and off Devin Callahan.
Taking a seat on a lounge chair, she slathered on suntan lotion and lay back in the chair. The sun was hot beating down, and she could feel the sweat beading on her already and knew she’d be diving into the pool soon.
Fifteen minutes later, she stood and moved to stand at the edge of the pool then dove in. When she came up, she dipped her head back to smooth her hair out of her face. It was so hot that the pool water felt like bathwater. Willa moved through the water and up the steps to her chair. Picking up her towel, she dried off and wrapped it around her waist. It was just too hot to sit around the pool. Picking up her suntan lotion and slipping on her flip-flops, she headed to her cabin. Not many people were out. Those she did pass seemed to be going for lunch and no activities. Shading her eyes when she saw a horse and rider approaching, she smiled when she saw it was Jaxon.
Yep, he is a gorgeous specimen of man too.
“Hi,” she said when he reined in his horse beside her. His T-shirt was plastered to his chest and stomach.
“Heading in?”
“Yes. It’s a scorcher today.”
“One of the hotter days for sure. Have a pleasant one, Miss Foster.” He touched the brim of his hat.
“I thought we agreed you’d call me Willa? ”
When he smiled and those dimples peeked out, she could see Devin.
“Yes, ma’am. Have a pleasant day, Willa.” Jaxon gave her a nod and rode off.
Oh yeah, those Callahans were deadly to a woman’s libido. She watched him until he disappeared into the barn then picked up her pace to get to her cabin but came to a stop when she saw Devin sitting on the swing on the porch.