Chapter 4
Tyson brought his truck to a stop in front of the brightly painted bicycle mailbox at the home where Haylee lived with her sisters. She’d been on his mind all week, and he was damned glad it was Saturday so he could spend time with her again. She was intelligent, fun, talented, and genuine. He’d never known another woman like her, and he sure as hell wanted to get to know her better.
The fact that she was the baby sister to a couple of his best buddies only made him hesitate a little. The fact it might piss them off had crossed his mind, but there was no going back as far as he was concerned. He didn’t have a mind to, anyway.
He had called her Wednesday because he wanted to hear her voice and talk with her. It had been late by the time he’d had a chance to get a hold of her, and they hadn’t spent long on the phone. She’d had a packed week, and his hadn’t been much better.
He climbed out of his truck into the night, lit only by a single streetlight on their block. He snugged his black felt Stetson on his head and locked the truck doors with the fob before heading up the stone path toward the porch.
The lacy curtains at the big picture window were closed, but a yellow glow from inside illuminated them. He saw movement behind the curtains as he strode up the walkway. He reached the stairs to the porch bathed by a single bulb. He took the steps two at a time, and the door opened before he could knock.
“Hi, Tyson.” Jill pushed the screen door open, squeaking with the motion, and smiled at him. She was beautiful, but to him Haylee shone the most brilliantly out of the sisters. “Haylee will be right out.”
He stepped into a living room that was bright with light from two lamps on the end tables. “How’re you doing, Jill?”
She closed the door behind him and slid her hands into her front pockets. “Currently looking for employment. I got laid off from the accounting firm I was with for six years, and there’s not much available in King Creek for my field.”
“Something’s bound to turn up.” Tyson offered her an encouraging smile. “If I hear of anything in accounting, I’ll let you know.”
“Have a seat.” She took an armchair and gestured to a recliner. “To tell the truth, I’ve been thinking of changing fields. Accounting isn’t exciting, and I’m ready for something new.”
He settled into the recliner, which creaked beneath his weight. “Any ideas of what you’d like to do?”
She flashed him a grin. “Sure, but you can’t make any money at amateur scuba diving.” She waved that away. “Seriously, I’m considering using my business degree to open a florist shop in King Creek. I’ve saved and invested well, and along with a business loan, I could make it happen.”
“I’ll be a loyal customer.” He glanced in the direction of the hallway before looking back to Jill. “Do you know what kinds of flowers Haylee likes?”
Jill shrugged. “I’d say anything bright or unusual.”
“Hello, Tyson.” Leeann swept into the room, pushing up her sleeves. Like Jill, she was dark-haired and beautiful. “Haylee dropped her earring, so she’s currently using a flashlight and looking under the bed.” She came to a stop in front of him. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I’m fine.”
Haylee came out of the hallway, her long denim skirt swirling around her red leather boots. Her smile brightened their living room like the sun coming from behind the clouds. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” She touched one of the diamond and sapphire earrings she wore. “These were a gift from Mom and Dad, so when I dropped one, I freaked a little and had to search for it.”
“Not a problem.” Tyson got to his feet when she entered the room. He almost couldn’t tear his gaze from her. She was so damned gorgeous. He gestured from Jill to Leeann. “Your sisters kept me company and told me all about you.”
Haylee looked alarmed. “I hope not all.”
“He’s teasing you.” Jill’s dimples deepened. “I told him about my idea for a florist shop, and he promised to become a customer.”
“You have our whole family and Tyson.” Haylee grinned at her sister. “What more do you need for incentive?”
“Jill’s got the brains and the talent.” Leeann nodded. “We’ve been telling her to go for it, and we almost have her convinced to go down to the bank and take out a business loan.”
Jill held up both hands in a “whoa” motion. “I’m almost there. It’s just such a big step.”
“Take a leap of faith, sis.” Haylee stood beside Jill’s armchair. “You can do it.”
“Yep.” Leeann nodded. “How can you fail? You’re a McLeod.”
“True.” Jill sighed. “Every sibling in our family has done well. Four brothers are successful ranchers, the fifth is a vet with his own practice, and Haylee has her event planning business.” She inclined her head to her middle sister. “Leeann is great at her job as an imaging tech at the county hospital. On top of that, she’s written the first book in a series and has an agent. She’ll be the family’s next success story.”
Leeann looked a little embarrassed. “It’s a long jump from a writer to a published author, and one who can do it full-time without a side job.”
“Yes, you can do it.” Haylee smiled her encouragement. “We’ve read your book, and you have talent, dear sister.”
“Yep.” Jill nodded emphatically.
Leeann smiled. “You all love me, so what I do doesn’t matter. You’ll love it, too.”
“Absolutely.” Haylee turned to Tyson. “I made sour cream chicken enchiladas for the potluck. Hold on while I go get them.”
“Need any help?” he asked.
She gave a shake of her head. “I’ll be right back.”
A few moments later, she carried in a huge casserole dish, and the delicious smells of the enchiladas made his stomach growl. “I’m ready if you are, Tyson.”
“Good and ready.” He took the casserole pan from her and moved to the front door. He touched the brim of his western hat to Jill and Leeann. “Night, ladies. I’ll get her home safely.”
“Before the stroke of midnight.” Jill rose. “Or she’ll turn into a pumpkin.”
He moved his gaze from Jill to Haylee, who was laughing. “Now that would be interesting but inconvenient. I don’t think you’d fit inside my truck cab.”
Leeann snorted with laughter, and Jill smirked. “Off you go.”
Tyson held the door open for Haylee and closed it behind him when she stood on the porch beneath the light, waiting.
“You look so handsome.” Her long blonde hair swayed around her shoulders as she tipped her head back to meet his gaze, her brown eyes sparkling. “I’ll be with the best-looking cowboy at the barn dance.”
He settled his hand at the curve of her waist and brushed his mouth over her soft lips. He wanted to kiss her more thoroughly, but there would be time later. She smelled so good, a delicate floral scent that reminded him of honeysuckle.
She smiled up at him. “I’m ready when you are.”
He guided her down the porch steps and escorted her along the pathway. “I’ve been looking forward to tonight since you asked me out. Hell, I’ve been looking forward to our first date since that night at the casino before you even asked me.”
“You invited me on our first date, after all.” Haylee allowed him to help her into his truck in the near darkness. “It’s our second date now.”
“And I’m glad for it.” He closed the door then strode around the front to the driver’s side. He opened the rear door of the king cab, set the enchiladas on the seat, and tossed his Stetson next to it. Once that was done, he climbed into the driver’s seat, shut the door, and shoved the key in the ignition.
She clicked her seatbelt into place as the motor turned over. “Let’s go, cowboy.”
The drive to the Woodsons’ ranch, not far from the base of the Superstition Mountains, was a good fifteen miles out of town but wasn’t more than ten minutes south of Tyson’s place, the Big T.
“I take it you’ve been to the annual barn dance at the Woodsons’ ranch.” He glanced at her then back to the dirt road they traversed, the headlights bouncing as the truck jolted in the ruts. “I’ve been a few times, but it’s been a while.”
“Every year since my middle school days.” She nodded. “I don’t remember seeing you the last few years.”
He shook his head. “Not since high school.”
“Why not?” She looked intrigued. “It’s one of the best social events of the year.”
“I’ve never been serious enough about a woman to want to take her.” He shrugged. “It’s the kind of thing where everyone talks about who you’re with and debates on whether or not it’ll last.”
She nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. “I guess they’ll be doing that with us tonight.”
He met her gaze and smiled. “And I don’t give a damn what they decide to speculate on when it comes to you. I’m betting on us.”
She cocked her head. “What makes you so sure?”
He turned onto the road that led to the Woodsons’. “I know something special when I see it, Haylee.”
God, but she loved how he said her name, a purr and a caress. She found herself hoping he was right, that things would move forward between them.
“I feel that way, too,” she said softly. “Whatever it is between us is special.”
He smiled, sexy and sinful all in one. “I’m glad you agree.”
She loved looking at him. Tonight, he wore a black Stetson and a cream-colored western shirt, well-polished black boots, and Wranglers that molded his ass perfectly—she couldn’t see that part right now, but she had sure noticed when she’d first seen him tonight.
They rounded a bend in the road, opening into a large area where his truck’s headlights reflected off the dozens of parked cars.
Beyond the cars stood the big red barn with white trim. The double doors were wide open, the inside bright with a yellow glow illuminating the guests.
Outside the barn, floodlights made it easy to see the barbeque grills, plus big tables laden with food for the potluck. Picnic tables were scattered in front of the barn—many benches already occupied.
Haylee waited as Tyson strode to her door then helped her down from the vehicle, which was a big step to the ground. She could have done it herself, but, well, cowboys. They were a stubborn lot, and it was best to pick your battles. But she had to admit she enjoyed the attention from Tyson—as long as he didn’t go too far and become overprotective or territorial or go caveman on her.
He retrieved the casserole pan, and despite the size of it, he carried it with ease one-handed, while keeping his other palm at her waist as they walked. Smells of mesquite wood smoke, BBQ ribs, and grilled burgers met them long before they got close.
She was both nervous and excited about tonight. She hadn’t brought someone she cared enough about to want her family’s approval since Danny. It shouldn’t matter what they thought, but she hoped they would accept Tyson.
What was she thinking? She was a grown woman, not a teenager.
They reached a buffet table that had room for the casserole dish. Haylee took off the foil covering it and adjusted the spatula she’d brought for everyone to use to serve themselves.
Tyson rested his hand on her shoulder, and she looked at him. “If your enchiladas disappear before I get any, I’d like to request a whole pan-full just for me.”
She grinned. “If you provide a half-gallon of chocolate bunny tracks ice cream, it’s a deal.”
He looked amused. “Deal.”
“Haylee.” A familiar voice called out her name, and she turned to see her sister-in-law, Marlee, approaching with Colt at her side. Haylee’s brother carried their fifteen-month-old daughter, Charlotte.
“Hey, Marlee.” Haylee hugged her and drew back. “Do you know Tyson?”
Marlee looked to Tyson. “I’ve seen you around, but we haven’t met.”
Tyson touched the brim of his hat. “It’s a pleasure, Marlee.” He inclined his head toward Colt. “Now, your husband is another story.” He turned to Colt. “You have a beautiful wife and daughter.”
Marlee laughed. “Haylee, I like him.”
Colt shifted his daughter in his arms and smiled. “Yes, sir, that’s a fact.” He glanced from Tyson to Haylee and grinned. “I heard something about you asking Tyson out tonight.”
Haylee’s cheeks burned. Tyson stepped in and put his arm around Haylee’s shoulders. “You can’t believe everything you hear.” He looked down at her and smiled. “I asked her out for our first date last weekend.”
“I dunno about this.” Colt put on a mock, serious face. “She is our baby sister, and you’ll have to go through an extensive application and vetting process.”
“Oh, for goodness’s sake.” Haylee shook her head then looked up at Tyson. “Are you going to ask me to dance, or what?”
Tyson touched the brim of his hat and nodded to Marlee before slipping his arm around Haylee’s waist and drawing her into the crowded barn. It could have been a dominant and possessive move, and Haylee wondered if it was that or him just guiding her to the dance floor.
They stood together to the side, waiting for a new tune to start. Tyson nodded and greeted people he knew, as did Haylee. It looked like the entire town of King Creek had turned out for the event.
A country waltz started, and Tyson swung her onto the floor. She laughed and followed his lead.
“You’re a great dancer.” She smiled. “You haven’t stepped on my toes once.”
“The night is still young.” He gave her a teasing smile. “I hope you wore hard-toed boots.”
“Ha.” She felt lost in his gaze as he looked at her. “I think you’re the one who’d better be watching out.”
A lively tune had them laughing as they two-stepped around the dance floor. When they finished dancing to the third song, Haylee begged for mercy.
Perspiration dotted her forehead as they moved away from the floor. “I need a moment to catch my breath.”
One of Haylee’s favorite Kade Field songs started—a slow one. She turned to tell Tyson that she’d changed her mind, but Clint Taylor, a brief mistake she’d made, stepped between them. “I’ll take this dance.”
Her eyes narrowed at the possessiveness in Clint’s tone.
“Haylee’s card is full.” Tyson spoke in a firm voice and moved to her side before she could tell Clint what he could do with himself and where.
Before she or Clint could respond, Tyson drew her onto the dance floor. He brought her into his embrace. “I saw the look on your face, and it was clear that you weren’t interested, so I stepped in. I hope you don’t mind.”
Haylee let out her breath in a slow exhale. “This is one time I don’t.” She rested her head against his shoulder. “Let’s not talk about him.”
“All I’m interested in is you.” He held her as they swayed to the slow song, and she listened to Kade Fields’ voice. It was hard to believe she’d just met the singer a week ago and even harder to believe she was now in the arms of a man she could easily fall head over heels for.
She felt secure in his embrace and filled her lungs with his earthy and so very male scent.
He nuzzled her hair, causing a shiver to trail her spine. “You feel so good against me, Haylee. How did it take me this long to get you into my arms?”
She tipped her head back and met his gaze that held both desire and caring. “All I can say is it’s about time.”
Tyson captured her mouth in a kiss that surprised her and stole her breath. He moved his lips over hers slowly, deliberately, and she fell into the moment, her mind spinning as if she would lose control.
He tasted as good as he smelled, and she absorbed it all with her senses, the fire in her insides magnifying. Lord, she’d have to slow down or find herself in his bed much too fast. The way he made her feel was like nothing, nothing she’d ever experienced. All the men before Tyson were mere boys compared to him.
His breathing was ragged as he moved his lips to her ear and echoed her thoughts. “We’ve got to slow down, Haylee. I want you like crazy, and I don’t think things should move that fast between us.”
“What are you saying?” She drew away, her heart beating faster. “You want to step away?”
“I don’t mean that.” His eyes burned with blue fire. “I wanted to let you know that I’m holding on by a thread, and I need a rope.”
She put her hand against his warm cheek. “We’ll move slowly. We both want that, although I have to admit that’s not easy for me to say. But that’s what we’re going to do.”
He pressed his forehead to hers. “Good. We’re on the same page.”
She smiled and settled her head against his shoulder again.
The song ended but blended into another slow dance, and they continued swaying in each other’s arms. When that tune ended, they left the dance floor, hand-in-hand, and went outside.
A breeze cooled the perspiration on Haylee’s brow, and she lifted her hair so that the air could dry the dampness on her neck.
Wood smoke rose from the BBQ grill, along with the smells of the ribs, burgers, and hotdogs.
“I’m starving.” Tyson took her hand and led her to the buffet tables, where delicious scents of casseroles and side dishes filled the air. “Where are those enchiladas?”
They found the empty pan, and he groaned before a smile curved the corner of his mouth as he looked at her. “My house next Saturday, about eleven—you bring the enchiladas, and I’ll have bunny tracks waiting for you.”
“Deal.” Her belly flipped. She wondered if being alone with Tyson in his home was a good idea—it might make things a little more complicated when it came to avoiding going too far, too fast.
She had faith that Tyson would never push her into anything she wasn’t ready for. The thing was, she might be ready for something more to develop between them sooner rather than later.
Don’t worry, she told herself. Have faith it’ll happen when it’s supposed to.
Haylee put her hand on his arm. “In the meantime, let’s find something to eat.”
Tyson retrieved two paper plates, plastic ware, and napkins and gave one of the plates to her. He took a burger, a hotdog, and a few ribs before adding baked beans, potato salad, deviled eggs, macaroni salad, and a green corn tamale to his plate. Haylee was hungry, but not that hungry. She went for ribs, beans, and a small amount of a couple of sides, and she was good to go. On her way by the supply table, she added a few more napkins for their inventory because the ribs looked messy.
He scanned the picnic tables for a place for them to sit. She gestured to one on the left. “There’s Brady and Abby, and Bear and Rae.”
Tyson looked pleased to see her brothers, his old buddies from high school. He waited for Haylee to slide onto the bench seat and set his plate and their sporks and knives on the table.
Tyson greeted everyone and touched the brim of his hat as he said hello to the ladies. Haylee wasn’t surprised that Tyson had met Rae and Abby since he and her brothers still got together from time to time.
He looked at Haylee. “I’ll grab some punch. Do you want the batch with rum or without?”
She smiled. “With.”
Tyson headed for the beverage table, and Brady leaned in. “I think we need to take Tyson aside and put the fear of God into him when it comes to our baby sister.”
Haylee looked at him in horror. “No way. Just don’t even go there.”
Bear shook his head. “Think we can trust him?”
Brady looked like he was giving the question some serious thought. “We’ll keep tabs on him.”
“Just stop.” Haylee rolled her eyes and shifted her gaze to one of her sisters-in-law. “Where’s my little Jeremiah, Rae?” Haylee adored the two-year-old. “Did you leave him with a sitter?”
Rae nodded. “He’s got a cold—he picked it up from daycare.”
“Poor little guy. I hope he gets over it soon.” Haylee turned to Abby. “Are you through with morning sickness yet?”
“Finally.” Abby put her hand on her abdomen. “He’s a busy little guy with all the kicking and hiccupping he does.”
“Hiccups are the funniest.” Rae laughed. “Jeremiah got them all the time.”
Haylee listened to her sisters-in-law compare pregnancy stories, and she hoped that one day she could join in with her own. She hadn’t thought much about having kids, probably because she’d never met a man who made her want any. But Tyson might.
A big presence slid into the seat next to her. Tyson handed her a paper cup filled with red liquid. “Rum punch special delivery.”
“Thank you.” She sipped her drink, the cool liquid running down her throat before the rum warmed her empty stomach. She placed the cup on the table and dug into the baked beans.
“You’re a great dancer.” She picked up a rib. “Where did you learn?”
“My mom taught me.” He shrugged. “She had me out on the dance floor by age four. My brothers got out of it, but I didn’t mind. I enjoyed the time with her.”
Haylee caught a hint of sadness when he mentioned his mom, but she didn’t want to pry. Maybe that was something he’d open up about another time.
She ate some of her ribs—the sauce was both sweet and spicy. She wiped her fingers with a napkin when she finished.
“Are your brothers coming tonight?” She cocked her head. “I’ve seen them around town but never met them.”
“No idea.” He shrugged. “We’re going to our dad’s place for his birthday, so I could introduce you to them then.”
“I don’t want to intrude.” Haylee picked up her spork and slid it into the beans. “Sounds like a family affair.”
Tyson chuckled. “Believe me, you’ll be welcome. My dad’s an old codger who still likes to flirt with the ladies.”
Haylee shook her head, amused at Tyson’s description.
Hair prickled at her nape—she felt like she was being watched. She looked up to see Clint Taylor staring at her from the entryway to the barn, his brows narrowed.
She turned away and clenched her spork so hard she was afraid it would snap, so she relaxed her hand. She didn’t like how he glared at her, which pissed her off.
Haylee didn’t look in that direction again and instead put it aside and enjoyed chatting with Tyson, her brothers, and sisters-in-law.
Tyson asked her to dance, so after they threw away their trash, he swept her onto the floor again.
The evening was one of the best she remembered having. He was a cowboy gentleman and treated her like a treasure.
When they left the barn dance, she was still exhilarated.
The corner of Tyson’s mouth curved. “You look like you could dance another dozen two steps.”
“I had a fantastic time.” She smiled at him. “Thanks for saying ‘yes.’”
He looked at her, a smile on his lips. “There was never a question.”
A truck’s engine roared, and headlights came on, blinding them. Haylee shaded her eyes with her hand.
The vehicle tore around the parking lot, a couple of “yeehahs” and “let’s go, boys” yelled over the sound of the motor. The truck shot in their direction, and Tyson held Haylee back so the truck could pass.
Old Bill Harland staggered into view. To Haylee’s horror, he stumbled right in front of the oncoming truck.
Haylee screamed. Tyson pushed her back, out of the way, and charged toward Bill. The truck bore down on the men.
Tyson shoved the older man across the road, then dove to the ground behind him. Tyson landed on his shoulder in the dirt, just out of reach of the vehicle’s tires.
Blood thundering in her ears, Haylee shot her gaze toward the truck. Two men were sitting on the sides of the truck bed, beers in their hands. One of the men looked like Clint Taylor. She didn’t know the other man and hadn’t seen who was driving.
The truck careened through the lot and shot out onto the road.
Heart still pounding like mad, she rushed over to where Tyson helped the older man to his feet.
“Are you okay, Bill?” Tyson rested his hand on the man’s shoulder. “I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
“Young man,” Bill started in a shaky and slurred voice, a waft of beer following his words. “You—you just saved my life. Thank you, son.”
“Let’s get you to the party.” Tyson guided the man back toward the barn dance. “You’ve had too much to drink. Do you have someone who can give you a ride?”
The man argued that he was fine, but Tyson walked him to a group of older men who were friends of Bill’s. Tyson stood and talked with the men while Haylee waited a few feet away. She still shook, her knees trembling.
Tyson had come close to being killed. He had saved Bill’s life, but at the same time, he could have lost his own.
Haylee couldn’t catch her breath. She was hyperventilating. Seeing Tyson putting his life on the line brought back old memories that came crashing down on her.
One night, during a three-alarm fire, Danny had gone into a burning building to save the lives of others. He got two women out of the house, but the ceiling collapsed on him just as he returned to ensure no one else was inside.
The fire department captain showed up on her doorstep late that night to tell her Danny hadn’t made it.
Haylee had collapsed into the captain’s arms, and that night haunted her even now.
She had lost Danny.
And now she could have lost Tyson before their relationship had even had a chance to grow.
Haylee held her hand to her chest, trying to slow her breathing as Tyson talked with the men. He slapped one man on the shoulder, and she could hear Tyson telling them thanks for getting Bill home.
He turned to her, frowned, and hurried over.
“What’s wrong?” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Are you all right, hon?”
She sucked in her breath, trying to calm herself down, but her voice trembled. “You could have been killed.”
He brought her into his arms and held her close. “Everything’s fine. Bill’s okay, and I’m okay.”
She nodded against his chest, and tears prickled at the back of her eyes, threatening to come forth.
When she drew back, she inhaled then let out a slow exhale. “I’ll be all right.” She tried to keep the tremble out of her words.
He took her hand, and they started toward the lot. “Let me get you home.”
When they reached his truck, he helped her into the vehicle. He brushed his mouth over hers before drawing away and closing the door.
The kiss relaxed her and helped to take away what horrors she’d felt.
“I want you to tell me about it one day,” he said quietly. “Whatever it was that triggered that amount of fear in you.”
She shot her gaze to him. “How did you know?”
He glanced from the road to her. “I saw the same expression when I was in the service. I know how people look when they’ve lost someone, and the memory has returned to haunt them.”
She nodded slowly. “Okay. One day.”
The drive home went by quickly, and Haylee started to wind down. By the time they reached her home and he walked her to her front porch, she was ready to crash. She unlocked the door and opened it before turning to him.
“You’re looking sleepy now.” He hooked his finger under her chin. “Sweet dreams.”
She rose on her tiptoes and kissed him.
He cupped the back of her head and settled his other hand at her waist as he deepened the kiss. She felt lightheaded by the time he drew back.
She put her hand to his cheek. “Good night, cowboy.”
“Good night, hon.” He kissed her forehead before she stepped inside.
She let the screen fall shut, but she watched Tyson through the mesh. He headed down the stairs and along the sidewalk to his truck. He glanced back with a long, lingering expression. He touched the brim of his hat in a goodbye gesture before climbing into his truck and driving away.
She let out her breath in a slow exhale as she closed the door. Her sisters weren’t there to drill her, so they were probably out with friends. Leeann had mentioned the Abbotts were home from their trip back East and that she and Jill might meet up with them for a drink at Mickey’s Bar and Grill.
Now that she’d had a chance to pull herself together, she could turn her thoughts back to better things. Tyson wasn’t Danny. He was a cowboy and wouldn’t always put his life on the line helping others.
A smile touched her lips as she thought about her night with Tyson before the near accident. She had a feeling that tonight she would dream of a tall cowboy in a black Stetson.