Not sure he was brave enough to traipse upstairs with the women, Damian elected to stand by the door for a quick retreat.

  Within minutes, they were out the door.

  Marilyn shook her head as she started the car. “I’ll have to make a note to suggest to the owner that she paint those rooms before we bring anyone else out here.”

  The third condo sat in a neighborhood that could only be called ‘up and coming’—or ‘down and leaving.’ A couple of the buildings they passed had been decorated with graffiti.

  They didn’t even get out of the car for that one.

  The next stop produced a condo that reeked of animals and cigarette smoke.

  As soon as Damian had convinced himself Kerry would be leaving Albuquerque with no intention of returning, Marilyn presented them with the perfect condo. No matter how hard he tried, there wasn’t anything even he could find wrong with it.

  The unit was large enough, well laid out, muted colors on the walls, and freshly laid carpeting. The neighborhood was a short drive to the hospital and priced in her range.

  Damian watched with a heavy heart as Kerry signed her name on the dotted line.

  She would rent the place for six months to allow time to sell her home in Tulsa before taking title. The owner was willing to do it, and by seven o’clock in the evening, they were back in the hotel lobby.

  “I guess I should say congratulations.”

  Kerry nodded, her smile missing.

  He pulled her close. “If that’s what you really want.”

  “Of course it is.” She chewed her lower lip, not meeting his eyes. “That’s what this whole trip was about.”

  His index finger raised her chin, and he tilted his head, his eyes boring into hers. “I thought maybe you might have changed your mind since you left home in Tulsa.”

  She shook her head vigorously. “No. No changing my mind.” She took a deep breath, and attempted a smile. “Let’s get something to eat. I’m starved.”

  * * *

  After spending the night tossing and turning, not sure she was doing the right thing, Kerry had arisen tired and cranky, but ready to continue with her plan. An embarrassing moment occurred, however, when the waiter who served them breakfast in the hotel dining room referred to them as ‘newlyweds.’ Quick to correct him, Kerry then had to listen to a speech about how surprised the waiter was because he rarely made that mistake. Damian simply sat back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, and smirked at her.

  He’d left her to her own devices while he met with his supplier. Kerry used the time to take a local bus to a tourist area filled with intriguing small shops. She lost herself for a couple of hours in a bookstore before heading back to the hotel to meet up with Damian.

  They talked the entire trip back to Amarillo. Since she changed the subject whenever he brought up the Albuquerque move, they had a pleasant drive discussing movies, books, and music. No surprise they liked all the same things. It especially rattled her to discover, in spite of the miles separating them, they’d attended two of the same country and western concerts in Oklahoma City.

  Her attempt at independence should have been an exciting and satisfying prospect, but now faded in direct proportion to the time spent in Damian’s company. There was simply no denying the pull. Being close to him in the truck on the way home wreaked havoc with her emotions.

  * * *

  “That’ll be four hundred ninety-seven dollars and forty-nine cents, Miz Mackenzie.” Boz held out the greased-stained paper with the breakdown of parts and labor for fixing the flat and replacing the broken water pump.

  Luckily, her insurance covered the tow.

  “Ouch.” Kerry sighed as she pulled out her checkbook, wrote out the payment, then handed the check to him. “Thank you so much.”

  The mechanic tugged on the brim of his grease-stained baseball cap and smiled. “Welcome, ma’am. I suggest you invest in some new tires, though. I fixed your flat spare, too.”

  “I will. Unfortunately, this has already put a serious dent in my moving fund.”

  “You moving to Amarillo?”

  “Ah. No. Albuquerque.”

  Her smiled dimmed when he scratched the side of his nose with a dirt encrusted fingernail and mumbled, “That don’t make no sense.” He lumbered away, shaking his head.

  “Told ya.” Damian walked up behind her.

  Kerry opened the Chevy’s door, took a deep breath, and extended her hand. “Thank you for rescuing me, and the drive to Albuquerque.”

  Hands resting on his hips, Damian stared at her. “Seriously, Kerry?”

  She dropped her hand to her side. “What?”

  “Do you honestly believe I’ll take your hand, shake it, wish you well, and walk off?”

  She clamped her lips together and blinked rapidly. No way would she cry. This was for the best. She didn’t know Damian well enough to throw away everything she’d done to gain her independence. For heaven’s sake, they’d only known each other a few days!

  Sometimes that’s all it takes. Especially with the right person.

  “In any event, Ms. Mackenzie, I don’t trust those tires of yours, and since it’s getting onto evenin’, I’d prefer if you listen to reason and wait until tomorrow to rush off and begin your new life.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not staying at your house again.”

  “Fine. We’ll get some dinner, and then I’ll drop you off here so you can find a motel.”

  Drop me off? That stung. Maybe he was ready to walk away despite all his assertions to the contrary.

  “All right.” She raised her chin. “But I pay for my own dinner.”

  “Darlin’, if it pleases you, then have at it. In fact, I’ll let you pay for mine, too. Actually, why not pick up the check for everyone in the place to celebrate your new life?” His eyes flashed and his jaw clenched.

  “That’s not necessary. I’ll just pay for my own.” She sniffed, terrified the emotions clogging her throat would burst forth in a torrent of tears. “Let’s go then. I’ll follow you.”

  Damian grabbed her hand and tugged. “No. Leave your car here. We’ll come back for it.”

  She should jump in her car and barrel as far away from this man as possible. Neither Tulsa nor Albuquerque would be far enough. Every minute in his company chipped away at her resolve.

  Then the traitorous little voice nudged her.

  Maybe you should throw caution to the wind and forget the motel, stay at his house. And not in separate bedrooms, either. You’re both consenting adults, no harm would be done...and it would be one night to remember once you’re gone.

  7

  “Hey, Damian, where ya been?” Micah greeted him as he and Kerry entered the Lonesome Steer.

  “Out of town for a couple days. Everything okay out at the ranch?”

  “Yeah. Don and your old man kept it together.”

  Damian slapped the long-time ranch employee on the shoulder and continued on to a table in the back corner. He held out a chair for Kerry and they sat. Her stiff posture was telling, as was the tightness of her features, like she held herself together with no more than Scotch tape.

  “I wonder how Bev and the baby are doing.” She used her fingernail to trace the name “Blinky” carved into the worn wooden table.

  “Hey, Gus,” Damian called, “how’s Bev and the new little one?”

  The man beamed, and flung a bar towel over his shoulder. “She’s fine. The hospital released her the same day. They don’t keep you long in them places anymore. In and out.” He snapped his fingers in emphasis. “What can I getcha?”

  Damian glanced at Kerry, his eyebrows raised.

  “I’ll have a rum and Coke.”

  Damian wrinkled his nose. “Too sweet.” He turned toward the bar. “Bring us a rum and Coke, and a beer.” He grinned in her direction. “Oh, and make sure you give the little lady here her own check.”

  Gus laughed and retrieved a bottle of beer from under the counter.

  She bristled. “Was it necessary to shout that over the crowd?”

  “What?” He held his hands up in surrender. “I’m only doing what you asked.”

  Within minutes, their drinks sat in front of them on the table. “Y’all gonna eat?”

  “Yeah. I’ll have a burger and fries.” Damian glanced in Kerry’s direction.

  “I don’t suppose you have salads?”

  Gus made a face as if he’d stepped into something nasty. “You gals and your salads. Sorry, with my nephew, Win, not here this week, we only got burgers, dogs, chicken strips, fries, wings.”

  “All right. I’ll have the chicken strips.”

  “And don’t forget the separate checks.” He mouthed an ‘ouch’ when Kerry kicked him under the table.

  He loved teasing her. While he could respect her desire for independence, why did she have to crave it now? They seemed to be at cross purposes. He finally met the woman he’d been waiting for, and no matter how hard he tried, couldn’t fight the tug to claim this woman for his own, for always. Unfortunately, just getting away from her smothering in-laws, Kerry needed time to be her own woman. He understood that, but there had to be a way to make it work for both of them. Unfortunately, he needed more than one night.

  Damian took a sip of his beer. “You play pool?”

  “I do.” She hesitated. “Well, let’s say I like to play pool. I’m not really very good.”

  He stood and reached for her hand. “Let’s shoot a game while we’re waiting for our food.”

  All three pool tables stood empty. Damian pushed two quarters into the slot on one table, and the balls dropped down. He selected a cue stick, and picked up the blue chalk, rubbing it on the cue tip. “Oh, I’m sorry. I put both quarters in.” He held out his hand. “You owe me one.”

  “Very funny.” She rolled her eyes.

  He tugged on the brim of his hat. “Trying to stay with the program, ma’am.” One thing he could say for Kerry—she took his teasing just fine. One of the many things that drew him to her.

  Damian’s mouth dried up as he watched her stroke the cue stick before she broke and announced she’d play low balls. Her first shot went wild, and she winced.

  If he shot like he normally did, the game would be over in a few minutes. “Try another one.”

  “But it’s your turn.”

  “I know. But this is for fun.” He leaned his stick against the table. “Here. Let me help you.” He moved behind her. “Lean down, as if you’re about to shoot.”

  Damian settled himself, resting his arms on hers. “Now, what ball looks the easiest to make?”

  “Um. The three ball?”

  “Okay. If you look closely, you’ll see there’s no way that ball will make it into the pocket because of the position of the cue. It has to barely skim it, and there won’t be enough force to push it in. Instead, look at the five ball.”

  “Oh. Yes, that would be easier.” Her voice came out breathless, a bit shaky.

  Damian was having a heck of a time keeping his body under control. The smell and feel of her in his arms shot all the blood to his groin. Her fruity-scented hair tickled his cheek as he leaned close. It took a great deal of restraint to keep from nuzzling her neck, and placing kisses in that soft, warm spot behind her ear.

  “Damian?” She glanced over her shoulder, waiting for his instructions.

  “Oh. Sorry. All right, stroke the cue. That’s it, nice and easy.”

  The sight of her slender fingers again bracing the cue stick as she slid it in and out had him breaking into a sweat.

  This was not a good idea.

  He stood back as she shoved the stick forward, connecting with the cue that hit the five ball with enough force to slammed it into the pocket.

  Kerry jumped back. “I did it!”

  She turned and threw herself into his arms, and Damian was lost. He jerked her close and took possession of her mouth.

  She tasted sweet, oh so sweet. Warm and wet. His tongue swept throughout, touching, stroking all the sensitive spots. Somewhere in the distance, noise penetrated his brain. Cheering, laughter. He raised his head and stared into her eyes. Her completely unfocused eyes. Kerry was slumped against him, as if she would fall to the ground if he let go.

  Slowly, he realized the noise came from the crowd enjoying the show they’d put on. He grinned and turned, slinging his arm around her shoulders. “Show’s over y’all. Go on back to sluggin’ them drinks.”

  “Hey, food’s gettin’ cold here,” Gus shouted from across the room as he placed two plates on their table. “Looks like things are warmin’ up over there, though.” He threw his head back and laughed, heading to the bar.

  Damian laid the two cue sticks on the table. “Game’s up for anyone who wants it.” Grabbing Kerry’s hand, he returned them to the table.

  “How embarrassing.” She sat and covered both her pink cheeks with her palms.

  “Nah. Happens all the time here. Don’t let it worry you.”

  He bit into his burger, but it tasted like sawdust. The only appetite he had right now was for Kerry. His stomach churned with heat. And with the knowledge that no matter how much she protested, he’d sensed a heck of a lot of passion for him in that girl.

  One night. That’s all he had. One night to convince her to give up this plan of hers and marry him.

  Whoa. Marry? Where had that come from?

  From his head and his heart. He’d never made a commitment to a woman before now. The few he’d dated who suggested they live together soon found themselves single again. Damian had always known when he found the right woman, it would be marriage and nothing else. He was old fashioned enough to want to do it right.

  He stared at Kerry as she nibbled on a chicken strip. Her appetite seemed to have fled too.

  One night.

  * * *

  “It’s silly to spend the money for a motel when you can stay at my house for free.”

  They’d finished dinner and walked hand in hand toward Damian’s truck. Kerry’s insides fluttered. After the kiss they’d shared at the pool table, she hadn’t been able to think about anything else except making love with Damian. Teaching her the shot, his body draped over hers, warm and hard, had sent signals to parts of her body that had lain dormant a long time.

  Whenever their eyes met over the dinner table, the heat started in her belly and shot outward. It made a lot more sense to go to a motel, but she knew she wouldn’t. This was something she wanted…needed.

  Damian opened the door of his truck and placed his hand on her lower back to help her in. But before she hopped up on the seat, he turned her toward him, then engulfed her in his arms.

  His eyes burned into hers. “Come home with me.” His warm hands slid up her back, inside her blouse. She broke into goose bumps as he took possession of her mouth.

  Her heart thumped madly against his strong chest. He caressed the flesh on her back, slowly moving his hand around to cup her breast. His thumb brushed her nipple, causing her breath to hitch. When he tugged on it, a jolt raced from her breast to her center.

  His scent of something musky enveloped her, blocking out the warm evening air. Without thought, her hands slipped up his chest, resting on his shoulders. Her fingers moved to play with the silky hair hanging over his collar.

  He moaned and pulled her closer. “Kerry, please. Say yes. Come home with me.”

  The whispered words floated into her ear where his teeth bit lightly, then sucked on the lobe. His hand splayed against her lower back, edging her body forward, against the proof of his desire. She moved her hips back and forth, producing a groan, but she wasn’t sure if it came from him or her. If she said the word, there was no doubt in her mind they would make love.

  Kerry licked her swollen lips. “Yes.”

  With shaky legs, she climbed into the cab of the truck as Damian hurried around to the driver’s side. He peeled out of the parking lot on two wheels. Not bothering with a seat belt, the force of the move thrust her against his body. He tucked her head onto his shoulder, and held her close. Her heart continued to pound, and somewhere deep inside, a little voice warned this was not a good idea.

  Before she could give proper attention to the voice, he swung the truck onto the long driveway leading to his house, and barreled over the lane, spewing gravel.

  After unlocking the front door, he flicked on lights as they proceeded down the hallway.

  He took her hand in his and raised it to his mouth. “Are you sure?” His gaze traveled over her face and searched her eyes. “I want you so much I can’t think straight, but I told you before this would be your decision.”

  The little voice frantically waved its hand, jumped up and down. She ignored it. “I’m sure.”

  Damian swept her into his arms and carried her up the stairs. Her heart jolted and her pulse pounded. She ached for his touch, to feel his hands running over her naked flesh. Her body felt heavy and warm, swollen in parts that craved his attention.

  He nudged the door open with his shoulder. A dark and masculine bedroom, the heavy walnut furniture didn’t quite fill the large room. The bed took up the entire center area. An Indian patterned quilt covered it, ending right before a stack of colorful pillows leaning against the intricately carved, thick wooden headboard.

  More of the room came into view after he settled her on the bed and switched on two milk glass lamps resting on matching nightstands. He hit a small brass switch on the wall above her head, and the soft sounds of Rod Stewart and Cher’s rendition of Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered filled the air.

  Damian sat alongside her and caressed her cheek with his callused hand. “That’s what you’ve done, bewitched me.” He traced her features with his finger. “You’re so beautiful. I’ve wanted you here in my bed from the moment we met. But that’s not the only thing I want you for, darlin’.”

  “Don’t.” She turned and kissed his palm. “Don’t make this more than it is.”

  “You still don’t get it, do you?” He stretched out next to her and wrapped her in his arms.

 

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