Chapter 4
Colt’s body responded to Marlee’s closeness, and he hoped he wouldn’t scare her away. Damn, she tasted sweet. He kissed her for a good long while, enjoying the feel of her in his arms and her incredible feminine scent of vanilla and jasmine. They needed to bottle her natural perfume. He’d be first in line to buy it.
Hair prickled at the back of his neck. He looked up and caught a glimpse of a redheaded woman staring at him and Marlee. It took only a moment to realize it was a much older Sally Farmer, and she was glaring daggers.
Oh, hell.
Colt drew back as the song ended, and he brought his and Marlee’s movements to a stop. “You mentioned getting some air?”
Her eyes glittered in the low lighting. “I think it’s a good idea.”
So do I.
He took her by the hand and escorted her toward the entrance. As they passed their table, where Bear and Rae now sat, Colt had to smile at Bear’s broad grin and Rae’s enthusiastic thumbs up.
Colt murmured in Marlee’s ear. “We have your cousin’s seal of approval.”
“Rae certainly doesn’t hold back.” Marlee looked like she was trying to be serious and failing as she added, “I’ll have to have a talk with her.”
“It’ll be cold out there, so I’d better grab our jackets.” Colt squeezed her shoulder. “Give me a minute and I’ll be right back.”
He returned to the table and grinned at Bear and Rae as he took the jackets from the backs of their seats.
“Way to go, Colt.” Rae beamed then sobered her expression. “You’d better be good to her.”
Bear shook his head, laughter in his eyes. “Better listen to my wife.”
Colt couldn’t help a grin at Rae’s attempt at sounding protective. “You know I will.”
“Don’t disappoint me,” Rae said. “Or her.”
He touched the brim of his hat. “I’d better get back to my lady.”
Rae’s expression brightened again. “See you in a bit.”
Colt returned to Marlee and helped her into her jacket. “I just got the third degree from your very protective cousin.”
Marlee zipped her jacket. “I’m not surprised.”
He slipped into his own coat then rested his arm around Marlee’s shoulders. It felt natural and perfect holding her close to his side. He had no doubt she was meant to be right there with him.
They walked out onto the long porch, and he guided her to the left. When they reached the end, she moved so that she partially sat on the split-rail enclosure, and he hitched his shoulder against the corner post.
Music carried through the entrance, but they were far enough away that they could carry on a decent conversation.
Marlee braced her hands to either side of her hips on the rail as she looked up at him. “I understand the small business event is going to be at your ranch.”
Colt gave a low nod. “Amy Baker is organizing most of it. She has vendors lined up and events for the kids. Mayor Brown is manning the barbeque grill.”
“I’ve always liked him.” Marlee smiled. “He’s been a good mayor for our town.”
“And a good sport,” Colt said. “He gets dunked more times than not at the Fourth of July celebration every year.”
Marlee laughed. “I get my shots in.”
Colt studied her in the dim light. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”
She looked suddenly shy, and if it wasn’t mostly dark, he’d bet he’d see a blush on her pretty face.
“Thanks.” She glanced away and looked back at him. “I’ve missed you, Colt.”
He eased next to her on the railing so that they were side-by-side, his body pressed to hers. “I’ve missed you, too.” He reached up and stroked her hair. “It’s been far too long. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to ask you out, but you always managed to leave before I could try.”
She looked down at her boots. “I was afraid to think about letting you back in.”
“I can’t excuse my teenage self, but so that you know, that kiss you saw was a one-time thing.” He put his hand over hers, where it rested on the railing. “Honestly, I don’t even know how it happened. I wasn’t looking for a relationship with Sally, and I never meant to kiss her.” He gave a loud sigh. “I guess that sounds pretty stupid.”
“I was devastated,” Marlee said softly. “Maybe I should have given you another chance, but that teenage girl was too heartbroken.”
“I don’t blame you at all, Marlee.” Colt slid his arm around her shoulders and held her close. “What’s in the past is in the past. I’m ready for us to start fresh.”
“I am, too.” She tipped her face to look in his eyes. “I’m ready to see where this might go.”
He breathed her in as she rested her head against his shoulder. “I’m grateful for the chance to make it up to you.”
“Where do we go from here?” She rubbed her palms on her jeans. “We have a lot of time to make up for.”
“Invite me over for dinner,” he said in a teasing tone. “I’d invite you, but I still can’t cook worth beans.”
“You always were modest.” She gave him a playful jab in the ribs. “I bet you cook better than that.”
“Modest?” He chuckled. “You must have me confused with Bear.”
She shook her head. “Even when you were a star running back for our high school, you didn’t get full of yourself. You play at it, but you’re really not that way. You let the Hugh Johnson, the quarterback, take all the credit.”
Colt shrugged. “Hugh had the arm. I just caught the ball.”
“And he had the big head to go with it.” Marlee gave a soft laugh. “He still does. When he changes the oil in my car, he talks about glory days and hits on me.”
Colt tugged on a strand of her hair and tried not to show the burst of jealousy and possessiveness that rose inside him. “Have you taken Hugh up on it?”
“Nope.” Marlee waved away Colt’s question. “No interest in a man who thinks he’s God’s gift. But Hugh does a good job of keeping my old car running.”
“You’ve had that ancient VW Bug for a good long time,” Colt said. “I’ve seen you driving around in your modern version, too. Candy apple red seems to be your color.”
“Yeah.” Marlee smiled at him. “Mama Bug prefers the garage, so I drive Baby Bug most of the time.”
Colt let out a laugh. “Mama and Baby Bug, huh?”
She nodded emphatically. “Of course.” She tipped her head to the side. “What are you doing tomorrow evening?”
He linked his fingers with hers. “I think I’m having dinner with you.”
“Yes, you are.” She squeezed his hand in return. “Be at my place at five-thirty. Bring your appetite and a bag of candy.”
He had an appetite for more than one thing with Marlee Fox, but he’d keep himself in check. He didn’t intend to push her in any way. “You’re hungry for candy?”
“It’s Halloween tomorrow. We’re going to hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters,” she said. “I always buy a lot and still run out.”
“I forgot about it being Halloween,” he said. “A bag of candy it is. What’s for dinner?”
She smiled. “Do you trust me?”
He couldn’t help but grin. “Now I’m worried.”
She spoke in a witchy cackle. “You should be, my pretty.”
He burst out laughing. “Your pretty?”
“Just show up and I’ll have something ready for you in my cauldron.” She gave him a wicked grin.
He adjusted his grip on her hand. “What should I come dressed as?”
She looked him up and down before meeting his gaze. “How about a tall, sexy cowboy?”
“I’ll see if I can manage to find something to wear.”
“Wear your spurs.” She cocked her head. “Do you still have a collection of Stetsons and Resistols?”
“They’ve gone in and out of circulation.” He shifted on the railing. “I have a few to choose from.”
She gave a soft laugh. “I figured.”
“Are you up for more dancing?” He’d prefer another nice, slow one or two.
“My feet are going to hate me in the morning.” She blew out her breath. “This witch may not be able to fit into her heels come tomorrow.”
He traced the curve of her jaw and felt her shiver. “No one could ever call you a witch.”
“Come tomorrow, you will.” She gave a wicked grin. “Green skin, warts and all.”
He shook his head in mock regret. “I figured you’d be covered in glitter with a gold wand.”
“Nope.” Her grin broadened. “You might regret agreeing to dinner. Especially since it involves spiders and grubs.”
He laughed. “Is it too late to change plans?”
“Yep.” She gave a single nod, like an exclamation point. “Much too late.”
“Then I’d better have a second beer.” He gripped her hand and got to his feet. “Come on, sugar. I’ll buy you another.”
She blessed him with one of her beautiful, sexy smiles as he helped her stand. Damn, he could get used to this all too easily.
By the time they decided to leave, Marlee felt the heat of a good workout in her muscles from dancing so much with Colt.
She’d had such a great time with him, but for some reason, she’d felt uneasy at times, like that woman was watching her and Colt. It was probably because she’d also spotted Ben Campbell at some point during the evening. At least he hadn’t been glaring, but still he’d looked pretty grumpy.
“These boots are killing me.” She gripped Colt’s hand as they headed for the entrance. “I haven’t danced this much since you and I used to two-step in high school. I was much younger then with a lot more stamina. You might have to carry me out of here.”
“I’ve seen you out jogging,” Colt said. “You have more stamina than I do.” He flashed her a sexy grin as he made to take her into his arms. “But I’ll be more than happy to carry you.”
She held up her hands. “On second thought, I’ll make it out of here on my own two feet.”
“Are you sure?” He slid his arm around her back. “Can’t have your feet being too sore for those witchy heels you’re wearing tomorrow.”
“No—” She squealed as he scooped her into his arms. “Colt. Put me down.”
He ignored her and stopped by the table where Bear and Rae were tugging on their coats. “We’re headed on home.”
“Colt.” Marlee slapped his shoulder lightly. “Come on, put me down.”
“Bye, Marlee.” Rae gave a little wave and a big grin. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Marlee groaned as Colt gave a nod to his brother and headed toward the entrance.
She punched his sculpted biceps, much harder this time. “That’s enough, Colt.”
“I think a fly just landed on me.” His grin made her want to smile. It was hard to keep a straight face.
“Watch out.” She gripped him more tightly as he forged ahead, having to dodge people in their path. “I might kick someone.”
“I got you.”
Marlee groaned again, wanting to hide her face. Instead, she gave in and held onto him with one arm while raising her hand to people she knew as they passed by.
The music faded as he carried her down the steps and out into the parking lot. When they reached Colt’s truck, he shifted his arm and somehow held onto her at the same time he fished his keys out of his pocket. The man had to have some serious muscles to hold her that easily.
She had to admit she really wanted a look up close and personal.
Colt hit the remote and she heard the sound of the doors unlocking. He finally let her slide to her feet. “Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Marlee playfully punched him another time. “Don’t do that again.”
He grinned and rubbed his arm. “Another fly landed on me.”
She rolled her eyes. “Take me home. I’m ready for bed.”
He gave her a hard kiss and drew back. “Sounds good to me.”
Her eyes widened. “I didn’t mean?—”
Colt cut her off with another kiss. When they parted, he was smiling. “I know what you meant. Let’s get you home.”
He helped her into the truck, and she buckled her seatbelt as he closed the door. Her heart fluttered as he walked around the front of the truck before climbing into the driver’s seat. He looked so good, so powerful and she had to admit she enjoyed him carrying her. She’d never tell him that.
They held hands on the console between them and the silence was comfortable as he drove the relatively short distance back to her home.
Once he’d helped her out of the truck and they’d made it to the door, she unlocked it then stood in the open doorway.
Should she invite him in? Offer him a drink?
Perhaps leading to more than that?
Heat burned her skin as he gave her a slow, sensual kiss. He placed his forehead against hers for a moment that stretched out, and she heard the rapid pounding of her heart.
He drew away and skimmed his fingers along the side of her face. His voice came out low, husky. “See you tomorrow night. I’ll be here at five-thirty, bag of candy in hand.”
She let out a slow breath, relieved he had made the decision for her. “Thanks for a great time.”
“You and me—it’s just the start.” He kissed her again. “Night, Marlee.”
“Goodnight, Colt.” She watched him as he strode back to his truck, his stride easy, his body so muscular and powerful. He climbed into his vehicle and waited until she went into her home and closed the door behind her.
Marlee leaned against the door. Her knees gave out on her, and she slid down to land on her butt. She thumped her head against the door and winced. She rubbed the back of her head as she thought about her night with Colt. The good-looking boy she’d dated in high school had grown into one incredibly sexy man.
Well, she sure hadn’t seen this one coming. Was it just a couple of days ago she’d been trying to figure out how to get out of having to be near Colt?
Now she was apparently dating the man. Warmth flowed through her from head to toe, sending tingles of excitement throughout her body. She most definitely looked forward to tomorrow night.
Marlee wiped sweat away from her hot forehead as she jogged around the park. Her muscles burned and she had to push herself to make it the last five hundred feet of her run. She didn’t often have beer, and she always paid for it when she did.
She put on a burst of speed toward the end of the path, then crossed her imaginary finish line. She resisted holding her arms up in the air like a marathon winner. After all, she’d only jogged five miles, not twenty. She’d started out at her home to one of the lesser traveled roads, then finished at Founders Park. Her feet were a little sore from dancing in her boots, but not much.
A feeling of triumph lifted her spirits even higher than it had been when she started the day. She’d hummed her way through her morning ritual before heading out on her jog. While her feet hit the pavement in a consistent rhythm, she’d thought about Colt.
What an incredible night she’d had with him. From start to finish, she had thoroughly enjoyed herself. He was sexy, charming, funny, and she loved being around him. How had she pushed him away all these years?
She might not have been ready before, but a thrill went through her at the thought of going forward in her life with Colt at her side.
What if it didn’t work out? She pushed the thought away as she walked out of the park, toward her neighborhood. Whatever will be, will be. She tried to remember what old song that reminded her of, but it escaped her at the moment.
The ringing of her phone cut into her thoughts. She pulled her phone out of the side pocket and saw Rae’s name on the screen. She connected the call and brought the phone to her ear. “Why am I not surprised you’re calling me first thing in the morning?”
Rae laughed. “Your morning started ages ago, so don’t tell me it’s first thing in the morning for you.”
“But it is in your case.” Marlee relaxed her pace as she cooled down. “I suppose you’ve called to say, ‘I told you so?’”
“Yep. I told you so.” Rae had a smile in her voice. “You don’t know how thrilled I am that you and Colt are together.”
“Whoa, girl.” Marlee put her hand up as if Rae could see her. “We went on one date, so I wouldn’t call that as us being together.”
“Semantics.” Rae clearly wouldn’t be put off. “So, how did the night end? Or did it end?”
“If you’re wondering if we slept together, we did not.” Not for the lack of wanting, Marlee thought but chose not to say out loud. “Colt very gentlemanly kissed me and said goodnight.”
“It’s only a matter of time.” Rae sounded smug. “When’s your next date?”
Marlee tucked damp hair behind her ear. “He’s coming over tonight to help me pass out Halloween candy to the kids and for whatever dinner I can come up with.”
“I bet you’ll come up with an awesome dinner,” Rae said. “You’re a great cook.”
Marlee laughed. “I’m trying to come up something that will look or sound absolutely terrible but taste great.”
Rae echoed her laughter. “Something Halloween worthy, I take it.”
“You’ve got it.” The chilly morning air dried the perspiration on Marlee’s face and neck as they talked. She sobered. “Rae, I’m afraid this is moving too fast.”
Her cousin sounded a little more subdued as she answered. “I get that. Even though it was a long time ago that he hurt you, it probably still stings.”
“Not as much as it used to.” Marlee blew out her breath. “I’m not afraid that he’ll hurt me like that again. What I am afraid of is totally falling for him and then for some reason our relationship ends, for whatever reason that may be.”
“Don’t worry so much,” Rae said. “Take it a day at a time and see what happens. You could always end up as friends if it doesn’t work out.”
Marlee groaned as she walked off the park path and headed for the street that would take her home. “That’s the problem. I don’t think I could ever just be friends with Colt McLeod. It’s all or nothing.”
“You always have been all or nothing,” Rae said. “It’s either one way or it’s not.”
“That’s me.” Marlee pulled at the neck of her shirt that seemed to constrict her now. “So do you see why I am a little hesitant to go all in?”
“I do.” Rae paused. “I think you’ll regret it if you don’t find out how far it can go between you and Colt.”
“Don’t quote me a line about it being better to have loved and lost, yadda yadda yadda.” Marlee sighed. “Whoever said that should be shot.”
Rae laughed. “Okay, okay. Just take this chance. I truly think you two belong together.”
Marlee let out her breath as her breathing returned to a more normal rate when she got to her own street. “I’ve already decided to do that. I just can’t help but have fears.”
“Fears are normal,” Rae said.
“Back to dinner.” Marlee desperately wanted to get away from fears about dating Colt. “I need ideas.”
“You could have elbow macaroni and white cheddar cheese and say it’s cheese-covered chopped intestines.” Rae had a fiendish note to her voice. “You make great homemade mac and cheese.”
“Oooh, there’s an idea. I could add a little pimento for extra gross-out factor.” Marlee grinned. “How about struffoli, those Italian honey balls for a treat? I could add shredded coconut and call them hairy skeleton balls.”
Rae burst into giggles. “I cannot believe you would do that.”
Marlee cackled and spoke in a witchy voice. “You know I would.”
Rae continued to laugh. “Breadsticks go with Italian. How about crunchy breadsticks broken in half and served with red sauce for broken bones? Add meat to the sauce for bone marrow.”
“Perfect.” Marlee pictured dinner and it was getting better and better. “I could do cappelletti pasta filled with a beet puree mixed with ricotta for rat brains.” Another idea popped into mind. “I know what to do for dessert. Cannolis shaped like fingers and stuffed with a dark red raspberry ricotta filling for flesh and blood. Maybe insert a couple of small pretzel sticks for bones.”
“Oh, my God.” Rae sounded as if she was trying to catch her breath between giggles. “My sides hurt.”
“For a side I could go with candy eyeballs in a Jell-O salad mixed with whole cranberry sauce,” Marlee said. “Not gourmet and not Italian, but gross.”
“Definitely gross.”
“Thanks, cuz. Dinner is all planned.”
“I love planning devious things with you,” Rae said. “Anytime.”
Marlee stepped onto the sidewalk that wended its way through the neighborhood. Her house was the third one down on the right. “Oh, I forgot to tell Bear that I’m thinking about adopting a rescue dog,” she said. “I want to get his suggestions on where to go and any advice he has to offer.”
“That’s awesome,” Rae said. “I’ll mention it to him. You’ll make a great dog mom.”
“I’m excited about it.” Marlee smiled. “I’m home most of the time and it would be fun to have a furry friend to spend time with.”
“I love all of the pets we have here,” Rae said. “I inherited a huge pet family when I married Bear.”
“You certainly did.” Marlee came to a stop in front of her house. “I’m home now. I’m going to take a shower and start planning all of the evil goodies for the day.”
“Have fun with it.” Rae giggled again. “Tell me how he likes the hairy skeleton balls.”
Marlee gave another evil cackle. “I certainly will, my pretty.”
They said their goodbyes and Marlee disconnected the call. It was so good having her cousin living in King Creek now.
A cool breeze chilled her damp skin as she jogged up the steps, unlocked the door, and headed into the house. Now to prepare for trick-or-treaters, and most especially her night with Colt.