Texas winds, p.11
Texas Winds, page 11
“Most likely.”
The animal stood with the injured leg barely touching the ground as she nosed the hay.
“Cattle are big, and the amount of venom secreted is usually small, so the main concern is infection. Unless she happened to get bit on the face or neck.”
“What happens then?”
“Well,” offered Derek as he leaned on the fence, “a bite causes swelling. How much depends on a lot of things. But if she got bit around the nose or mouth, she might suffocate before we could help her.”
A red pickup truck with a veterinary service emblem on the side came barreling down the road and stopped near them. Two tall, athletic men wearing bright white shirts with red logos over one pocket and neatly starched jeans stepped out. The passenger grabbed a bag off the seat and openly studied her as he approached, then flashed a good-natured smile, revealing a dimple in his left cheek.
The driver spoke first. “You must be Biscuit’s mom.” He extended his right hand. “Brett Austin.” His grip was firm but gentle. “Been looking forward to meeting you.”
“Lexie Morgan. Thanks for checking him over. And please send me a bill for your trouble.”
“My pleasure. And no charge. I didn’t do anything but look at him.” He turned to the man beside him. “This is my new associate, Sean Taylor.”
Sean extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Same here, Dr. Taylor.”
She didn’t miss the spark of interest in his hazel eyes as they shook hands.
“Just Sean, please.”
Brett glanced at Dolly, then Cody. “Didn’t know it was her.”
“Yep. Two bites on the leg.”
He turned to Sean. “Let’s see what we got.”
Lexie watched as the men worked together to secure Dolly against the back fence, then carefully examined her leg. She couldn’t make out Brett’s words as he worked, but his tone was easy, and the animal barely acknowledged him.
When Jake’s truck approached from the west, she sighed and waited for the lecture sure to come.
He stepped out with Biscuit on his heels and strode toward her. “Working on another sweater, I see.”
“Trying my hand at mittens this time.”
“You must not want to go fishing after all.”
“For your information,” she grumbled. “I have been sitting in that blasted chair for the last hour.”
One dark brow shot up. “Wow. A whole hour?”
A sudden blush bathed her face in heat. “I can’t sit all day and do nothing.”
He didn’t comment as he climbed over the rails and headed toward Dolly.
Biscuit scooted under and followed.
She admired Jake’s strong gate as he walked away. The man was all muscle, sinew, and raw sex appeal, wrapped in faded jeans and a chambray shirt. The effect he had on her was both exciting and scary. His blatant sensuality was one thing, but his softer side, especially around Katie, did crazy things to her. Sometimes, it seemed he didn’t know what to do, but he tried anyway, which endeared him even more.
And Katie. Since meeting her, the dream of being a mother returned with a vengeance.
Was this—whatever connection with Jake genuine, or did this sudden longing cloud her judgment? He affected her on so many levels she couldn’t be objective, especially with him nearby.
But the thought of leaving, even going to the cabin, was painful. What am I going to do?
Jake made a hand signal to Biscuit as they neared Dolly, and he promptly sat down as Jake squatted beside Brett.
It was difficult not to compare Jake to the vets crouched beside him. He was taller by three or four inches, but they all had muscular bodies that spoke of hard work. She guessed their ages to be mid-thirties.
Brett’s thick, tawny hair tapered neatly at the collar, and dark eyes framed a handsome, square face, accented by touches of humor around the mouth and eyes. He wore a wedding ring, but Sean did not.
As she observed Sean, the term ‘devilishly handsome’ came to mind. Smooth, olive skin stretched over high cheekbones, and his firm mouth curled as if always on the brink of laughter. Medium-brown hair full of sandy-red highlights fluttered in the afternoon breeze.
Sean’s good looks and easy smile reminded her vaguely of her ex, and it surprised her to realize the reminder wasn’t painful.
Just then, another car came down the driveway and steered toward her.
Once the older Taurus stopped, Aggie stepped out and looked at Lexie, her face flushed. “Oh, good, you’re still here and walking.” Her voice was harried and rushed as she glanced into the pen. “And Jake’s here, too.” She turned and opened the back door of her car. “I wasn’t sure what I’d find when I got here.”
Curious, Lexie hobbled forward as Aggie moved to the back passenger door.
“The daycare had some kind of water pipe break.” She opened the door and helped Katie out. “They will be closed until at least Monday of next week, maybe Tuesday. They couldn’t reach Jake, and since I’m down as emergency contact, they called me.” She adjusted her stylish jacket and opened the driver’s side door. “Sorry to rush off, but today is my bridge club, and I need to scoot.” She blew a kiss to Katie and got behind the wheel. “See you later.”
Before Lexie could respond, Aggie turned around and drove off.
Chapter fifteen
Jake wasn’t surprised to see Sean assisting Brett and extended his hand. “Heard you were back.”
“Prodigal son and all that,” he said as they shook. “Was gonna give you a call when I got settled.”
“Sounds good. But you’re buying,” Jake said as he crouched beside Brett. “How is she?”
“Got hit twice. One lightly punctured the skin. The other is deeper. That’s where the damage is concentrated.” He continued cleaning the wounds as he spoke. “Judging by her condition, it happened several hours ago.”
“I saw a couple of rattlers last week,” offered Jake.
“No way to be certain,” said Brett. “But that’s a good possibility. At this point, the best we can do is antibiotics and something for the pain, swelling, and inflammation. She’s too close to calving for steroids.”
While snake bites in cattle were rare, they happened, so Jake knew the routine.
Several long moments later, Brett stood and looked at Sean. “Go ahead with the shots.” He addressed Jake. “As long as it doesn’t get infected, she should be fine.”
Jake listened to Brett’s instructions, then turned to the two cowhands who waited nearby. “Put her in a stall with fresh hay and water.”
“On it, boss,” said Derek as he turned for the barn.
“Anything else, Brett?” Jake heard a car coming down the drive but didn’t check it until Brett finished. When he glanced around, he saw his mother drop Katie off and leave again. “Let me see what’s going on. I’ll be right back.”
He walked to where Lexie stood, Katie at her side. “What’s happened?”
“Some kind of pipe break at the daycare,” said Lexie. “They will be closed until probably Tuesday of next week. And today is Aggie’s bridge day.”
It took a moment for the statement to process. “Closed?”
“Yeah, until they get whatever broke fixed.”
He glanced at Katie, who stood partially hidden behind Lexie. His first thought was she looked scared. Of what? His reaction? He made sure to keep his voice light. “Well, you get to stay home for a few days.”
The child nodded but didn’t speak.
“Did Miss Amy like your ponytail?”
“Uh-huh. Her said it was pitty.”
“And she was right.” He looked to where the vets still worked on Dolly. Thankfully, medication for the swelling and antibiotics should address the problem. But the rest of his plans for the day were shot because now he’d have to stay home with Katie.
Lexie spoke up as he considered options.
“I’d be happy to watch her if you have more work to do. I mean, if you’re okay with that.”
Surprised, he looked at her. “Are you sure? What about your ankle?”
“Well, as you can see, I’m getting around fine on crutches. And Donna will be by with the boot after lunch.”
Her languid smile made his pulse jump.
“And it’s the least I can do.”
“I can stay wif Wexie?”
The upbeat spark in Katie’s voice got his attention.
“Looks like it.” He faced Lexie. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
“I’ll be fine.” She grinned at Katie. “We both will.”
A quick check of his watch showed it was almost noon. “Did you eat lunch at school, Katie?”
“Uh-huh.”
He turned his gaze to Lexie. “What about you?”
“I’m good.”
His stomach chose that moment to emit an audible growl.
Lexie reacted immediately. “I saw sandwich makings in the fridge. How about I fix you one before you return to work?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Hey, Jake,” called Brett.
“Coming.” He turned to Lexie. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll get something later.” He gave Katie what he hoped was an encouraging smile. “Mind what Miss Lexie says.” Then he returned to the corral to see what else was about to screw up his day.
With Katie happily coloring a dog picture torn from one of her books, Lexie discovered half a pound cake under a glass dome and checked off dessert. She retrieved the sandwich makings she’d found earlier and placed them on the bar along with a plate and utensils.
Once Katie knew what she was doing, she wanted to help, so Lexie let her place turkey and cheese on the bread. When she put the cake on a saucer, Katie said he liked peaches on top. A pantry search produced a can, which she opened and let Katie spoon some into a bowl she placed beside the cake. “That’s so his cake won’t get soggy,” she told Katie and placed the remainder in a plastic bowl in the fridge.
Finally, she added sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce on the side for the sandwich, just in case.
Lexie stood at the refrigerator filling a glass of ice with tea when Jake entered the back door, Biscuit on his heels. “Hey. Just in time.” She put the pitcher back in the fridge and closed the door with her hip, carefully balanced on one crutch.
His shocked expression gave her pause, but it was too late to worry now.
“Wook, Daddy! Wexie made you a sam’ich,” gushed Katie. “I helped, too.”
He glanced at the plate on the bar, then back to Lexie. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Uncomfortable, she shrugged and indicated the glass in her hand. “It’s a little late to ask, but is tea okay, or would you rather have water?”
“Tea is fine, thanks.” He took the glass and placed it on the bar, then ensured Biscuit had food and water before he washed his hands at the sink.
Lexie hobbled to the stool beside Katie and sat down, touched he thought of her dog first. “Thank you for seeing to Biscuit,” she said as he washed his hands.
“He worked hard this morning,” he said with a smile. “Chasing butterflies and rabbits.” He dried his hands, then placed the towel on the counter before sitting down.
She took a breath and indicated the condiments on the side of his plate. “I wasn’t sure what all you’d like on your sandwich.”
“This is great. Thank you.”
She shifted in her seat to observe him over Katie’s head, and it struck her as odd that both father and daughter looked at each other with matching expectant, uncertain expressions.
But then Jake’s face softened, and he tweaked Katie lightly on the nose. “Thank you, too.”
“You we’come.” Katie returned to coloring the picture Lexie gave her earlier.
She watched Jake add all the extra fixings to his sandwich and take a bite. “How’s Dolly?”
Mouth full, he stopped chewing and looked at her.
She chuckled. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to catch you with your mouth full.”
He swallowed, then wiped his mouth with the paper towel she handed him. “Good, I think.” He drank some tea. “Brett thinks the stress might send her into early labor.”
“Oh no.”
“She’s pretty far along, and this is her second calf, so hopefully, won’t be a big deal.”
“What about the snake bite? Will it harm the baby?”
His eyes widened as though her interest caught him off-guard. “Uh, no. The calf should be fine.”
“I’m so glad. Are bites common around here?”
“We have our share.”
“Cody said they aren’t usually fatal for cows.”
“Not usually.” Then he repeated what the cowhand said, adding details about how they treated a bite.
She enjoyed hearing him talk and asked more questions about Dolly, the other Longhorns, and the horses she’d seen in the pasture. He relaxed and answered each one, offering more information about the ranch. His voice made it apparent he cared deeply for his home, and her heart shifted once more.
He started to list things he still needed to do today, and she noticed his tea glass was almost empty. She rose and went to the fridge for the pitcher.
“You don’t have to wait on me,” he complained. “You’re hurt, and I’m not helpless.”
“No, you’re not helpless. But you are a working man who has already put in a full day with no end in sight.”
He opened his mouth, and she continued. “And I have been sitting on my fat and happy all day. It’s the very least I can do.” She raised one brow and grinned. “I’m whittling on that payback list.”
Their gazes met, and suddenly, she couldn’t get enough air.
His nostrils flared as heat flashed like lightning in those earthy depths, then disappeared so fast she questioned what she saw.
The very air around them pulsed with each beat of her thudding heart. Breathless and shaken, pleasure rippled through her body, the lone crutch the only thing keeping her upright.
Seconds ticked by before he hissed in a breath. “I’m, uh, I don’t…” He pushed away and abruptly stood, colliding with her.
Knocked off-balance, she squealed and juggled the tea pitcher as the crutch hit the floor.
He grabbed her to him and sank back onto the swiveling stool so fast she didn’t have time to react before the pitcher of ice-cold tea doused them both.
Chapter sixteen
Jake’s first thought was Katie, and he twisted around to check. Thankfully, none of the tea splashed on her, though a trail headed toward the picture she colored. He quickly used his paper napkin to divert the flow while keeping Lexie secured against him, her hip resting on his thigh. “You okay, kiddo?”
She nudged the paper towel dam away from her artwork. “Wexie got you wet.”
He grinned. “Yeah, but it was an accident.” He turned to Lexie, who rested between his legs, one hand still holding the half-empty pitcher in the air, the other resting on his chest.
Maybe it was the horrified look on her face. Or the sticky liquid dripping off the tip of her nose and down the front of her shirt. Or even Katie’s concise observation. Whatever the trigger, the situation suddenly struck him as incredibly funny, and laughter tore through his gut and out his mouth in one great gasping wave.
Lexie joined in, laughing so hard she snorted. She froze a moment, and her wide-open, teary eyes met Jake’s amused gaze before she fell against him in another spasm of uncontrolled mirth. Her forehead lay against his chest, one hand fisted in his shirt, the other still holding the offending pitcher aloft as her body shook.
“The…pitcher,” she sputtered. “I’m going to drop it.”
He held her against him with one hand and took the jug with the other. The soul-cleansing gurgles continued when he placed it on the bar.
Eventually, the hilarity stopped, and they took a deep breath but didn’t move.
He savored the feel of her body against him, her head tucked under his chin. Just for a moment, he allowed himself to believe it was all real. This happiness, this desire, was real.
He cleared his throat. “Are you all right?”
Her wheezy giggles tickled his chest. “I laughed so hard—I have to—to…I don’t,” she inhaled, “think I’ll make it,” then dissolved in laughter.
“Is Wexie okay?”
He looked over his shoulder at Katie, whose upturned face wore a concerned frown. “She’s fine. We both are.” He gave her a quick grin. “Don’t you think it’s funny that she spilled tea on our heads?”
She giggled. “Wexie sounds wike a pig.”
The comment made her snort again. “I hate when I do that.”
“I think it’s cute.”
“Cute?” Lexie finger-poked his chest. “Sounding like a pig is cute?”
“Uh-huh.” He shifted on the seat as desire flooded his veins. “On you it is.”
Their eyes met and held until the gleeful smile on her face slowly faded. Her cheeks flushed a deeper red as her breath quickened, and those azure orbs darkened.
Lightheaded, he inhaled deeply, her scent creating a pleasant shiver that flowed through him like a fine whiskey.
She gulped but didn’t protest when he shifted again, resting his hands on her waist.
The antique clock on the wall ticked away the seconds as they sat wrapped in a cocoon of slowly building desire.
He wanted, no, needed to kiss her again.
She took a sharp breath, lips parting when her gaze dropped to his mouth, then jerked up again.
And he knew she wanted it as much as he did.
Except they weren’t alone.
He ran his thumb over her bottom lip and corralled his escalating emotions. “You need to change,” he whispered, “I’ll clean up this mess.”
She searched his face, looking for what he couldn’t guess, then tried to stand. But the awkward angle made her foot slip on the wet tile floor.
He grabbed her against him, and their bodies aligned chest to hips. She’d have to be numb from the waist down not to feel the effect she had on him pressing against her. He should probably be embarrassed, but he wasn’t. And judging by the desire-clouded eyes meeting his, neither was she.
The animal stood with the injured leg barely touching the ground as she nosed the hay.
“Cattle are big, and the amount of venom secreted is usually small, so the main concern is infection. Unless she happened to get bit on the face or neck.”
“What happens then?”
“Well,” offered Derek as he leaned on the fence, “a bite causes swelling. How much depends on a lot of things. But if she got bit around the nose or mouth, she might suffocate before we could help her.”
A red pickup truck with a veterinary service emblem on the side came barreling down the road and stopped near them. Two tall, athletic men wearing bright white shirts with red logos over one pocket and neatly starched jeans stepped out. The passenger grabbed a bag off the seat and openly studied her as he approached, then flashed a good-natured smile, revealing a dimple in his left cheek.
The driver spoke first. “You must be Biscuit’s mom.” He extended his right hand. “Brett Austin.” His grip was firm but gentle. “Been looking forward to meeting you.”
“Lexie Morgan. Thanks for checking him over. And please send me a bill for your trouble.”
“My pleasure. And no charge. I didn’t do anything but look at him.” He turned to the man beside him. “This is my new associate, Sean Taylor.”
Sean extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Same here, Dr. Taylor.”
She didn’t miss the spark of interest in his hazel eyes as they shook hands.
“Just Sean, please.”
Brett glanced at Dolly, then Cody. “Didn’t know it was her.”
“Yep. Two bites on the leg.”
He turned to Sean. “Let’s see what we got.”
Lexie watched as the men worked together to secure Dolly against the back fence, then carefully examined her leg. She couldn’t make out Brett’s words as he worked, but his tone was easy, and the animal barely acknowledged him.
When Jake’s truck approached from the west, she sighed and waited for the lecture sure to come.
He stepped out with Biscuit on his heels and strode toward her. “Working on another sweater, I see.”
“Trying my hand at mittens this time.”
“You must not want to go fishing after all.”
“For your information,” she grumbled. “I have been sitting in that blasted chair for the last hour.”
One dark brow shot up. “Wow. A whole hour?”
A sudden blush bathed her face in heat. “I can’t sit all day and do nothing.”
He didn’t comment as he climbed over the rails and headed toward Dolly.
Biscuit scooted under and followed.
She admired Jake’s strong gate as he walked away. The man was all muscle, sinew, and raw sex appeal, wrapped in faded jeans and a chambray shirt. The effect he had on her was both exciting and scary. His blatant sensuality was one thing, but his softer side, especially around Katie, did crazy things to her. Sometimes, it seemed he didn’t know what to do, but he tried anyway, which endeared him even more.
And Katie. Since meeting her, the dream of being a mother returned with a vengeance.
Was this—whatever connection with Jake genuine, or did this sudden longing cloud her judgment? He affected her on so many levels she couldn’t be objective, especially with him nearby.
But the thought of leaving, even going to the cabin, was painful. What am I going to do?
Jake made a hand signal to Biscuit as they neared Dolly, and he promptly sat down as Jake squatted beside Brett.
It was difficult not to compare Jake to the vets crouched beside him. He was taller by three or four inches, but they all had muscular bodies that spoke of hard work. She guessed their ages to be mid-thirties.
Brett’s thick, tawny hair tapered neatly at the collar, and dark eyes framed a handsome, square face, accented by touches of humor around the mouth and eyes. He wore a wedding ring, but Sean did not.
As she observed Sean, the term ‘devilishly handsome’ came to mind. Smooth, olive skin stretched over high cheekbones, and his firm mouth curled as if always on the brink of laughter. Medium-brown hair full of sandy-red highlights fluttered in the afternoon breeze.
Sean’s good looks and easy smile reminded her vaguely of her ex, and it surprised her to realize the reminder wasn’t painful.
Just then, another car came down the driveway and steered toward her.
Once the older Taurus stopped, Aggie stepped out and looked at Lexie, her face flushed. “Oh, good, you’re still here and walking.” Her voice was harried and rushed as she glanced into the pen. “And Jake’s here, too.” She turned and opened the back door of her car. “I wasn’t sure what I’d find when I got here.”
Curious, Lexie hobbled forward as Aggie moved to the back passenger door.
“The daycare had some kind of water pipe break.” She opened the door and helped Katie out. “They will be closed until at least Monday of next week, maybe Tuesday. They couldn’t reach Jake, and since I’m down as emergency contact, they called me.” She adjusted her stylish jacket and opened the driver’s side door. “Sorry to rush off, but today is my bridge club, and I need to scoot.” She blew a kiss to Katie and got behind the wheel. “See you later.”
Before Lexie could respond, Aggie turned around and drove off.
Chapter fifteen
Jake wasn’t surprised to see Sean assisting Brett and extended his hand. “Heard you were back.”
“Prodigal son and all that,” he said as they shook. “Was gonna give you a call when I got settled.”
“Sounds good. But you’re buying,” Jake said as he crouched beside Brett. “How is she?”
“Got hit twice. One lightly punctured the skin. The other is deeper. That’s where the damage is concentrated.” He continued cleaning the wounds as he spoke. “Judging by her condition, it happened several hours ago.”
“I saw a couple of rattlers last week,” offered Jake.
“No way to be certain,” said Brett. “But that’s a good possibility. At this point, the best we can do is antibiotics and something for the pain, swelling, and inflammation. She’s too close to calving for steroids.”
While snake bites in cattle were rare, they happened, so Jake knew the routine.
Several long moments later, Brett stood and looked at Sean. “Go ahead with the shots.” He addressed Jake. “As long as it doesn’t get infected, she should be fine.”
Jake listened to Brett’s instructions, then turned to the two cowhands who waited nearby. “Put her in a stall with fresh hay and water.”
“On it, boss,” said Derek as he turned for the barn.
“Anything else, Brett?” Jake heard a car coming down the drive but didn’t check it until Brett finished. When he glanced around, he saw his mother drop Katie off and leave again. “Let me see what’s going on. I’ll be right back.”
He walked to where Lexie stood, Katie at her side. “What’s happened?”
“Some kind of pipe break at the daycare,” said Lexie. “They will be closed until probably Tuesday of next week. And today is Aggie’s bridge day.”
It took a moment for the statement to process. “Closed?”
“Yeah, until they get whatever broke fixed.”
He glanced at Katie, who stood partially hidden behind Lexie. His first thought was she looked scared. Of what? His reaction? He made sure to keep his voice light. “Well, you get to stay home for a few days.”
The child nodded but didn’t speak.
“Did Miss Amy like your ponytail?”
“Uh-huh. Her said it was pitty.”
“And she was right.” He looked to where the vets still worked on Dolly. Thankfully, medication for the swelling and antibiotics should address the problem. But the rest of his plans for the day were shot because now he’d have to stay home with Katie.
Lexie spoke up as he considered options.
“I’d be happy to watch her if you have more work to do. I mean, if you’re okay with that.”
Surprised, he looked at her. “Are you sure? What about your ankle?”
“Well, as you can see, I’m getting around fine on crutches. And Donna will be by with the boot after lunch.”
Her languid smile made his pulse jump.
“And it’s the least I can do.”
“I can stay wif Wexie?”
The upbeat spark in Katie’s voice got his attention.
“Looks like it.” He faced Lexie. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
“I’ll be fine.” She grinned at Katie. “We both will.”
A quick check of his watch showed it was almost noon. “Did you eat lunch at school, Katie?”
“Uh-huh.”
He turned his gaze to Lexie. “What about you?”
“I’m good.”
His stomach chose that moment to emit an audible growl.
Lexie reacted immediately. “I saw sandwich makings in the fridge. How about I fix you one before you return to work?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Hey, Jake,” called Brett.
“Coming.” He turned to Lexie. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll get something later.” He gave Katie what he hoped was an encouraging smile. “Mind what Miss Lexie says.” Then he returned to the corral to see what else was about to screw up his day.
With Katie happily coloring a dog picture torn from one of her books, Lexie discovered half a pound cake under a glass dome and checked off dessert. She retrieved the sandwich makings she’d found earlier and placed them on the bar along with a plate and utensils.
Once Katie knew what she was doing, she wanted to help, so Lexie let her place turkey and cheese on the bread. When she put the cake on a saucer, Katie said he liked peaches on top. A pantry search produced a can, which she opened and let Katie spoon some into a bowl she placed beside the cake. “That’s so his cake won’t get soggy,” she told Katie and placed the remainder in a plastic bowl in the fridge.
Finally, she added sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce on the side for the sandwich, just in case.
Lexie stood at the refrigerator filling a glass of ice with tea when Jake entered the back door, Biscuit on his heels. “Hey. Just in time.” She put the pitcher back in the fridge and closed the door with her hip, carefully balanced on one crutch.
His shocked expression gave her pause, but it was too late to worry now.
“Wook, Daddy! Wexie made you a sam’ich,” gushed Katie. “I helped, too.”
He glanced at the plate on the bar, then back to Lexie. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Uncomfortable, she shrugged and indicated the glass in her hand. “It’s a little late to ask, but is tea okay, or would you rather have water?”
“Tea is fine, thanks.” He took the glass and placed it on the bar, then ensured Biscuit had food and water before he washed his hands at the sink.
Lexie hobbled to the stool beside Katie and sat down, touched he thought of her dog first. “Thank you for seeing to Biscuit,” she said as he washed his hands.
“He worked hard this morning,” he said with a smile. “Chasing butterflies and rabbits.” He dried his hands, then placed the towel on the counter before sitting down.
She took a breath and indicated the condiments on the side of his plate. “I wasn’t sure what all you’d like on your sandwich.”
“This is great. Thank you.”
She shifted in her seat to observe him over Katie’s head, and it struck her as odd that both father and daughter looked at each other with matching expectant, uncertain expressions.
But then Jake’s face softened, and he tweaked Katie lightly on the nose. “Thank you, too.”
“You we’come.” Katie returned to coloring the picture Lexie gave her earlier.
She watched Jake add all the extra fixings to his sandwich and take a bite. “How’s Dolly?”
Mouth full, he stopped chewing and looked at her.
She chuckled. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to catch you with your mouth full.”
He swallowed, then wiped his mouth with the paper towel she handed him. “Good, I think.” He drank some tea. “Brett thinks the stress might send her into early labor.”
“Oh no.”
“She’s pretty far along, and this is her second calf, so hopefully, won’t be a big deal.”
“What about the snake bite? Will it harm the baby?”
His eyes widened as though her interest caught him off-guard. “Uh, no. The calf should be fine.”
“I’m so glad. Are bites common around here?”
“We have our share.”
“Cody said they aren’t usually fatal for cows.”
“Not usually.” Then he repeated what the cowhand said, adding details about how they treated a bite.
She enjoyed hearing him talk and asked more questions about Dolly, the other Longhorns, and the horses she’d seen in the pasture. He relaxed and answered each one, offering more information about the ranch. His voice made it apparent he cared deeply for his home, and her heart shifted once more.
He started to list things he still needed to do today, and she noticed his tea glass was almost empty. She rose and went to the fridge for the pitcher.
“You don’t have to wait on me,” he complained. “You’re hurt, and I’m not helpless.”
“No, you’re not helpless. But you are a working man who has already put in a full day with no end in sight.”
He opened his mouth, and she continued. “And I have been sitting on my fat and happy all day. It’s the very least I can do.” She raised one brow and grinned. “I’m whittling on that payback list.”
Their gazes met, and suddenly, she couldn’t get enough air.
His nostrils flared as heat flashed like lightning in those earthy depths, then disappeared so fast she questioned what she saw.
The very air around them pulsed with each beat of her thudding heart. Breathless and shaken, pleasure rippled through her body, the lone crutch the only thing keeping her upright.
Seconds ticked by before he hissed in a breath. “I’m, uh, I don’t…” He pushed away and abruptly stood, colliding with her.
Knocked off-balance, she squealed and juggled the tea pitcher as the crutch hit the floor.
He grabbed her to him and sank back onto the swiveling stool so fast she didn’t have time to react before the pitcher of ice-cold tea doused them both.
Chapter sixteen
Jake’s first thought was Katie, and he twisted around to check. Thankfully, none of the tea splashed on her, though a trail headed toward the picture she colored. He quickly used his paper napkin to divert the flow while keeping Lexie secured against him, her hip resting on his thigh. “You okay, kiddo?”
She nudged the paper towel dam away from her artwork. “Wexie got you wet.”
He grinned. “Yeah, but it was an accident.” He turned to Lexie, who rested between his legs, one hand still holding the half-empty pitcher in the air, the other resting on his chest.
Maybe it was the horrified look on her face. Or the sticky liquid dripping off the tip of her nose and down the front of her shirt. Or even Katie’s concise observation. Whatever the trigger, the situation suddenly struck him as incredibly funny, and laughter tore through his gut and out his mouth in one great gasping wave.
Lexie joined in, laughing so hard she snorted. She froze a moment, and her wide-open, teary eyes met Jake’s amused gaze before she fell against him in another spasm of uncontrolled mirth. Her forehead lay against his chest, one hand fisted in his shirt, the other still holding the offending pitcher aloft as her body shook.
“The…pitcher,” she sputtered. “I’m going to drop it.”
He held her against him with one hand and took the jug with the other. The soul-cleansing gurgles continued when he placed it on the bar.
Eventually, the hilarity stopped, and they took a deep breath but didn’t move.
He savored the feel of her body against him, her head tucked under his chin. Just for a moment, he allowed himself to believe it was all real. This happiness, this desire, was real.
He cleared his throat. “Are you all right?”
Her wheezy giggles tickled his chest. “I laughed so hard—I have to—to…I don’t,” she inhaled, “think I’ll make it,” then dissolved in laughter.
“Is Wexie okay?”
He looked over his shoulder at Katie, whose upturned face wore a concerned frown. “She’s fine. We both are.” He gave her a quick grin. “Don’t you think it’s funny that she spilled tea on our heads?”
She giggled. “Wexie sounds wike a pig.”
The comment made her snort again. “I hate when I do that.”
“I think it’s cute.”
“Cute?” Lexie finger-poked his chest. “Sounding like a pig is cute?”
“Uh-huh.” He shifted on the seat as desire flooded his veins. “On you it is.”
Their eyes met and held until the gleeful smile on her face slowly faded. Her cheeks flushed a deeper red as her breath quickened, and those azure orbs darkened.
Lightheaded, he inhaled deeply, her scent creating a pleasant shiver that flowed through him like a fine whiskey.
She gulped but didn’t protest when he shifted again, resting his hands on her waist.
The antique clock on the wall ticked away the seconds as they sat wrapped in a cocoon of slowly building desire.
He wanted, no, needed to kiss her again.
She took a sharp breath, lips parting when her gaze dropped to his mouth, then jerked up again.
And he knew she wanted it as much as he did.
Except they weren’t alone.
He ran his thumb over her bottom lip and corralled his escalating emotions. “You need to change,” he whispered, “I’ll clean up this mess.”
She searched his face, looking for what he couldn’t guess, then tried to stand. But the awkward angle made her foot slip on the wet tile floor.
He grabbed her against him, and their bodies aligned chest to hips. She’d have to be numb from the waist down not to feel the effect she had on him pressing against her. He should probably be embarrassed, but he wasn’t. And judging by the desire-clouded eyes meeting his, neither was she.
