Chapter 2
Marlee sucked in her breath, completely stunned and unable to think straight as his mouth moved over hers. She placed her palms against his chest, her head suddenly fuzzy while her body burned with fire. Maybe Gus had put something in the root beer.
But no, it was totally and completely Colt McLeod who chased words from her mind. She went from trying to push him away to fisting her hands in his T-shirt, gripping him tightly.
Something twisted inside her, and she barely reined herself in as she slowly responded. An almost animal part of her wanted to kiss him with the kind of ferocity that would only get her in trouble.
His mouth was hot as she tasted him, and she found she couldn’t get enough. He kissed her long and hard, and she wanted more and more and more.
And then she was gasping for air in the cold, clear night as he drew away and stared down at her. “Let’s go, Marlee. I’ll drive you home.”
Her mind couldn’t move past the kiss. She had a hard time thinking as he guided her toward his big black truck. He helped her into the passenger seat before climbing into the driver’s side.
She remained silent as he started the truck. Once they were on the road and her mind had cleared, she finally said, “Why did you do that?”
He flashed her an innocent look. “Do what?”
“Colt.” She wanted to smile, but she was too confused. “Why did you kiss me?”
He stared at the road before looking at her. “Because I’ve wanted to for a long time. A real long time.”
She had to think about that for a moment that stretched out, yet nothing was computing. “We’ve barely spoken over these past years and then tonight you’re apologizing, asking me on a date, and kissing me?”
He glanced at her. “We haven’t spoken because you avoid me.”
“Like the plague.” Her words caused him to smile. “I’m not like that,” she went on. “I can’t feel one way for all this time then flip a switch and suddenly feel another way.”
“Can’t or won’t?” He focused on the road. “I’m thinking it’s the latter.”
She considered his words. “Maybe.” She glanced out the passenger window to watch as he guided his truck into her neighborhood. “I don’t know.”
Within a few moments, he’d pulled into her driveway and parked.
She frowned and looked at him. “How do you know where I live?”
He shrugged. “You may have pushed me out of your life, but that doesn’t mean I don’t pay attention.”
She stared at him, exasperated. “That makes about zero sense.”
He grinned. “Bear told me.”
“House number even?” She couldn’t believe the man.
“Yep.” Colt climbed out the driver’s side, not giving her time to respond. He had reached her door before she’d had a chance to find the door release.
He helped her out of the truck and pressed his fingers against her back as he walked with her up the porch steps. She shivered from his touch even though her jacket was between them.
When they reached the door, she dug her key out of her pocket and unlocked her door. She tilted her head and met his gaze. He looked so damned sexy beneath his Stetson. She could just imagine him in nothing but that cowboy hat?—
She swallowed, hard. “Thanks for the ride home. I think.”
He smiled and her belly fluttered. He cupped her face in his large hands. She couldn’t move before he brushed his lips over hers.
The man kept taking her breath away.
He released her and stepped back. “I’ll pick you up at seven Friday night.”
“What?” She still hadn’t gained control of her brain. “No. Wait?—”
But he was down the steps and headed out the gate before she could complete her thought. She bit her lower lip as he climbed into his truck and started it. He waited for her to safely go into her home and shut the door behind her. The sound of the truck’s big motor filled the night as he drove away.
Marlee held her hand to her heart, and it thudded beneath her palm. What had just happened? Wasn’t it only this morning that she had been trying to think of a way to get out of going to Colt’s ranch for the event—then Colt kissed her only hours later, and she had let him. Not only had she let him kiss her, but she had been a willing participant.
What the hell?
In a daze she made her way into her kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge. She stared at the clock, surprised to see it was only a bit after eight. Less than forty-eight hours from now, Colt expected to pick her up and go dancing at Mickey’s.
She sank into a kitchen chair. Should she? What did she really want? If ever there was a time to be honest with herself, this had to be it. She put her head on her arms on the table and squeezed her eyes shut.
Colt’s face filled her mind, and she relived the moment when he had pulled her to him and kissed her so fiercely. Her body tingled from head to toe.
Being a seventeen-year-old and hating Colt was one thing—being her age now and holding a grudge was another. Yeah, maybe she should give the grown man the chance she’d refused to give the eighteen-year-old he’d once been. She probably should have forgiven him long ago, and maybe she had. Maybe her grudge was just a habit now, not how she really felt.
He’d been a young man, no more than a kid, when Marlee found out he’d messed around with Sally Farmer. She hadn’t believed it when her friends told her, until she caught Colt kissing Sally.
She’d been so hurt. She’d thought she was in love with Colt, and she’d been devasted when he’d thrown that away.
“He was a really dumb teenager.” She frowned. “And we were both too young to even think about a long-term relationship. At the time, it was for the best.”
She let those thoughts swirl in her mind for a few moments. Colt was a grown man now, mature enough to have a prosperous business and a good reputation in the community. Although, she had heard he was the biggest flirt in the county.
Could it be good between them?
Was she overthinking this? Yeah, she was. Maybe she could get to know the adult Colt and just take it a day at a time.
Marlee straightened in her chair. “All right. Here goes.” She allowed herself to think about the incredible kiss and a delicious shiver traveled through her.
Yes, she was finally being honest with herself—she was definitely looking forward to Friday night.
Colt woke up the next morning with more energy than he’d felt in ages. He’d dreamt of Marlee, and not for the first time. Only last night at Gus’s he’d gotten a lot closer to the real Marlee than he’d figured he could get to her during his waking hours, maybe ever.
Yeah, he’d pushed her, but he didn’t know how else to get her attention. He’d grabbed her attention, all right. Hopefully he could keep it.
And that kiss had about knocked his boots off. Her beauty always made his gut tighten. From the moment he set eyes on her in the pizza joint, he’d wanted to cart her off and kiss her good and long. The kiss had been better than good, but definitely not long enough to suit him. Hell, it was a start. Just the beginning.
Even when they were teenagers, Colt had thought Marlee was drop-dead gorgeous. The woman she had grown into was even more beautiful. All that glorious chestnut brown hair—last night she’d had it up in a ponytail, and he’d really wanted to let it all down. Her eyes, the achingly blue color of a clear desert sky, had just about undone him.
Funny thing was, he never had a problem approaching women, charming them even. His brother, Bear, had always wondered how it had been so easy for Colt. Maybe too easy, and he’d ended up getting lazy about finding the right woman.
It had taken him years to get around to asking Marlee out. Life had gotten away from him, and he’d flirted with and dated plenty of women. But he’d never quite gotten over the one who got away.
Marlee stayed on his mind as he went about chores around the ranch, his dog, Ranger, at his heels. Cattle lowed in the background as Colt hummed a country tune while feeding the horses, and his stable hand mucked out the stalls. His foreman for the Bar-M, Jim, had the day-to-day operation of the ranch and the activities of the cowhands under control as usual. The older man was damned good at his job, and Colt was lucky to have him.
Would Marlee be planning to go tomorrow night when Colt stopped by her home to pick her up? The way she’d responded to his kiss last night, he had a good feeling that she’d be ready. A woman didn’t kiss a man back like that if she wasn’t interested, unless she was faking it. Last thing Marlee Fox would ever do, was fake anything—he’d bet his best horse, Rocky, on it. And he loved that damned horse.
Rocky put his head over the stall door and whickered as if responding to Colt’s thoughts.
“Don’t worry, boy.” Colt moved to the stall and rubbed the stallion’s nose. “I’d never make a bet I didn’t think I’d win when it comes to you.”
Rocky blew air from his nostrils and snorted.
Colt grinned and patted the horse’s neck. “I’ll take you up to the canyon in the next day or so. How’s that sound to you?”
Rocky tossed his head, as if in agreement. The horse was smart as hell—for all Colt knew, the horse could understand every word.
Colt patted Rocky one more time. “Go on out to the pasture. It’s one hell of a beautiful day.”
Rocky snorted again before turning around and heading out.
Colt looked down at Ranger. The Border Collie parked his butt at Colt’s feet, and he scratched the blue merle behind his ears. “You bet you’re included on the ride.”
Ranger barked once, an excited spark to his intelligent eyes.
Colt’s phone rang and he pulled it from the holster at his side. He didn’t recognize the number, so answered with, “This is Colt McLeod.”
“Hi, Colt.” A breathless female voice that sounded vaguely familiar filled his ear. “I’ve missed you.”
Colt frowned. “Who is this?”
A pause. “I can’t believe you’d forget me.” Now the woman sounded like she was pouting. “This is Sally Farmer. I’m back in town.”
Colt nearly groaned. The last person on earth he wanted to talk with was Sally Farmer.
He blew out a breath. “What can I do for you, Sally?”
“I don’t need you to do anything for me.” Her voice had an edge to it as if she was angry. A hesitation, and now she sounded sweet enough to give someone a sugar high. “Let’s get together, Colt. How about meeting me at Mickey’s for a drink tomorrow night?”
Colt pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “I have plans, Sally.”
“Are you seeing someone?” Her tone went from syrupy to sharp as a knife.
Her mood change was like watching a heart monitor. Up, down. Up, down.
He wanted to say, That’s none of your business, but he tried to never be rude to women. After what Sally had done in high school, he had a hard time feeling charitable. But of course, that was a long time ago, just like what he and Marlee were just now going through.
“I am seeing someone,” he said.
Dead silence.
“I’ve got to get back to work, Sally.” Colt tipped his head to look at the deep blue sky. “Hope you have a nice time while you’re back in town.”
Nothing. He looked at the phone to see she’d disconnected the call.
Colt blew out a long breath, then pushed Sally out of his mind. He didn’t need her back in his life again.
The sound of a vehicle approaching on the dirt road caught Colt’s attention, a welcome reprieve from his thoughts. He walked outside the barn and focused on the road leading from the highway to his ranch. Dust boiled up behind a silver truck—Brady’s.
Ranger’s ears remained perked as he stood at Colt’s side and stared at the oncoming vehicle. The truck’s tires thrummed over the cattle guard as it passed beneath the Bar-M sign.
Colt hooked his thumbs in the front pockets of his Wranglers as Brady parked. His younger brother hopped out of the truck and strode around the front.
Ranger trotted over to Brady and wiggled in excitement as Brady reached down to scratch behind his ears. “Good to see you, boy.”
Ranger gave one of his happy barks he reserved for family and close friends of Colt’s.
“How’s it going, bro?” Colt asked in way of greeting.
Brady shrugged as he sauntered over to Colt. “It’s goin’.”
Colt eyed his brother. “Something’s bothering you.”
Brady pushed his fingers through his wavy dark hair and turned his attention on the cattle that stirred in the corral. He brought his gaze back to Colt. “Sarah dumped me. She dumped me good.”
“Sorry to hear that.” Colt braced his hand on Brady’s shoulder. “Why don’t you come on into the house and you can tell me about it over a beer? It’s life’s cure-all.”
Brady’s mouth curved into a slight grin. “I could sure use a good cure.”
The two of them walked to the back door of the house and entered through the kitchen, Ranger following. Colt took off his Stetson and tossed it onto the hat tree. Brady added his to the tree that had six other western hats already on it, both felt and straw. Colt liked to have a few to choose from. He wondered if he was like some women he’d heard about and their collection of shoes—only he liked Stetsons and Resistols. But then he had maybe ten western hats, not hundreds.
Colt reached into his fridge and snagged a couple of Oak Creek beers made at a small brewery outside Sedona and grabbed a church key. He popped the cap off one and handed it to Brady, then uncapped his own. He left the opener on the granite countertop and nodded in the direction of his man cave. “We can turn on the game.”
“Arizona is playing Dallas today,” Brady said as they walked into Colt’s favorite space. “Should be a good game.”
Ranger curled up on a large dog bed near the TV. Colt picked up the remote and threw himself into his ancient recliner. His sister-in-law, Kit, had told him it didn’t fit in his sprawling new home, but Colt didn’t care. This was the most comfortable piece of furniture he’d ever owned.
He turned on the pregame show, hit mute, then swiveled his recliner toward his brother. Brady had taken the couch and had his boots propped up on a leather ottoman. Colt didn’t know whether his brother just wanted to hang out or talk it out.
“Wanna tell me about it?” Colt asked.
Brady took a long pull on his beer then rested the bottle on his thigh. “I think she met another man. Usual BS about it being her fault, it’s not me, it’s her, that kind of crap.” Brady shook his head. “I’ve had a feeling for a while that something was off. I just wasn’t sure.”
“Tough, bro.” Cody scraped at the beer bottle label with his thumbnail.
“Maybe.” Brady looked thoughtful. “Hurts like hell after three years, but maybe it’s for the best.” He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger before lowering his hand. “It’s just after all she and I have been through—hell, I don’t know what to think.”
“It’s better to find out now while you’re dating rather than after you’ve been married for a couple of years.” Colt managed a wry smile. “Says the man who was dumped several months ago by a girlfriend who went off with a city slicker.”
“That hurts.” Brady’s expression filled with humor. “Can’t get much lower.”
Colt laughed. “It worked out. Better him than me.”
“True.” Brady gave Colt his younger brother mischievous grin. “I hear you took Marlee Fox home last night.”
Colt laughed. “Bear been telling stories again?”
Brady shook his head. “Rae. I think she’d like to see you and Marlee together.”
“Good to hear. I can use all the help I can get.” Colt couldn’t help a big grin. “I’m taking Marlee to Mickey’s tomorrow night for dancing.”
“Way to go.” Brady held up his beer in a supportive salute. “I think you finally picked a good one.”
“You’ve got that right.” Colt raised his bottle in return as he thought, Now I’ve just got to get her and keep her.
Brady knocked back the rest of his beer and lowered the bottle. “You’ve never been much for settling down, Colt. I think Marlee’s the marrying kind.”
Colt held back a frown that wanted to creep in. He hadn’t gotten as far as thinking about marriage.
“I kinda figured I’d be the one McLeod who never married.” Colt tapped his forefinger on the bottle. “Not sure any woman could change that.”
Brady shrugged. “Just sayin’.”
Colt would have to think on that. But first things first—he’d enjoy his date with Marlee and see what happened next.
He thought about his big house that was less than a year old. Sometimes it seemed so empty, and he wondered what it would be like with a woman’s touch. Now he thought about Marlee in it and could imagine her laughter filling up the empty spaces, her smile brightening everything.
The beer tasted damned good as he took a swig and tried to push aside thoughts of long-term commitments. He didn’t have a good track record. He was usually the one to end a relationship, but Alice had broken that streak. Sure hadn’t seen that one coming.
Brady brought Colt out of his thoughts. “So, Marlee forgave you for what happened back in high school?”
Colt grimaced. “Not so sure about that. It was a long time ago and I was young and stupid. But honestly, I don’t know how it happened. One moment Sally and I were talking, and the next her mouth was on mine.”
Brady shook his head. “Have to agree with stupid. You screwed up. You had it good when you two were together.”
“Kick a man while he’s town.” Colt blew out his breath. “But that was a long time ago.”
“Sally Farmer moved away, straight out of high school, didn’t she?” Brady asked.
Colt gave a nod. “As a coincidence, she called me out of the blue right before you got here.”
Brady’s brows shot up. “No kidding?”
Colt tried to blow it off. “Said she just got back in town. Wanted me to go with her to Mickey’s tomorrow night.”
Brady whistled through his teeth. “Talk about timing.” He looked at his empty bottle. “Got anymore of these Oak Creeks?”
“I have plenty of beer.” Colt got to his feet and walked back to the kitchen.
Brady got up with him. “When was the last time you saw Sally?”
“Haven’t seen her since her parents moved them, who knows where,” Colt said. “To tell the truth, after Marlee caught us, Sally and I didn’t have much to do with each other. Well, it was more I wouldn’t have anything to do with her.”
“Sally wanted a relationship?” Brady asked.
“She followed me around school, left gifts for me on my seat in class, and called me every day.” Colt grimaced as he thought about those days. “She started showing up at places I would go to in town, and even came out to Mom and Dad’s ranch.”
“I remember that now.” Brady cocked his head to the side. “How’d you get her to stop?”
“She didn’t, not until her parents moved and took her with them.” Colt grabbed another couple of beers from the fridge. “I’d never been so relieved.”
Brady took the beer Colt offered, and they popped off the caps. Brady raised his bottle. “To good days and brotherhood.”
Colt clinked his bottle with Brady’s. “To being brothers.”
They made their way back to the TV room and watched the game. Nothing like a cold beer and a good game of football. Now if only he could have Marlee beside him.