Can't Stop Loving You (9 page)

“You're impossible.”

“My mom's told me that a time or twelve.”

He walked her to her car. Before she could open the door, he snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her to him. When his mouth came down hot and hard on hers, she shocked him by rising on tiptoes to meet him. She melted into his kiss. It had been so long and felt so good. So right.

When he lifted his head and stepped back, Maggie blinked. The world tilted, shook, then resettled.

“Why did you do that?” she whispered.

“I'm a starving man, Maggie Sullivan. I've been aching to taste those lips again. That mouth.”

“That's your definition of friendly?” She fought to get her breathing under control.

“Not yours?”

“No.”

“Don't guess it was.” He tucked his hands in his pockets.

Reaching behind her, she opened the car door and slid in. If her hands shook when she inserted the key into the ignition, it was because she was tired. It had grown late and she'd had a long day.

It had nothing whatsoever to do with the man standing beside her car, watching her like a cat. Nothing to do with that kiss he'd just planted on her.

Nothing to do with the hunger he'd ignited.

Damn him to hell and back.

R
adio blaring, windows down, and the wind whipping through her hair, Maggie wondered at the wisdom of keeping her shop open. Barely noon and here she was on the road to Maverick Junction again. She'd driven this stretch of highway so many times this past week, her car could probably make the trip without her.

Her mind raced. So many things to think about, decisions to make. The shop and Pops. Even her mare.

Staring out at the open range on either side of the highway, Maggie realized how much she'd missed riding Duchess. She'd taken her out every day when she lived at home. Then she'd moved in with Pops and, even though it had about killed her to be separated from the horse, Maggie had left her with her folks.

Her original plan had been to drive over to her parents' after work several times a week and take Duchess for a run. That hadn't happened. She hadn't counted on the long hours it would take to start up a business. To make it successful.

Now, with the move to New York coming up, her horse would get even less exercise. It wasn't fair to Duchess, one of the best barrel racers in Texas. They'd won medals galore. How long had it been, though, since they'd competed? Six months? A year? Geez.

Maybe she'd ask Ty if he wanted her. She'd make a good ride for Sophie.

Maggie grinned. Sophie. City slicker through and through, she'd started to settle into Texas ranch life. She didn't spook every time a cow lowed or a bull raised its head to drill her with those bloodshot eyes. She still couldn't fish worth a darn, but Maggie figured there were worse crimes.

Spotting the side road to Cash and Annie's, she slowed and made the turn. Annie'd called early this morning, wanting her input on some wedding-centerpiece ideas before she showed them to Dottie.

When Cash's log house came into view, Maggie sighed. She always did—every single time she visited. He'd built it himself on the edge of his grandfather's land. A lake backed up to the house and lent a serene air. Flawless.

Lucky Annie. She'd won not only Cash's heart but got to wake up here every morning as a bonus. And Maggie couldn't be happier for her.

As she slid from behind the wheel, Brawley limped around the corner of the house.

Maggie gawked at him. “You're missing half your pants.”

He looked down at the gaping hole in the denims, a sheepish expression on his face. “Had a bull who wanted to get a little too friendly this morning.”

“You could have been hurt.”

“Would you care?”

“Of course I would.” She paused. “I like your mama, and she'd have been brokenhearted.”

“You're a hard woman, Maggie Sullivan.”

She shrugged. “He didn't really hurt you, did he?”

“Nah. Dinged my pride a little, that's all. I didn't deal with many bulls in Dallas. Got careless.”

“So why are you limping?”

“Lot of weight behind him. Left a bruise. No big deal.” He waggled his brows. “On the other hand, maybe it does hurt some. Want to kiss it? Make it all better?”

“In your dreams.”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “Figured that's how you'd feel.”

“A customer of mine said to tell you thanks, by the way.”

“Oh?”

“Seems you recommended she take her scraggly-looking mutt to Dawn Marie to be groomed. Let me tell you, she did one heck of a job. I barely recognized Farley. He looked ten times better than the last time she brought him to the shop.”

“A cocker spaniel?”

“Yes.”

“I remember him. Mrs. Wilson needed a miracle, and Dawn's the best.”

“She is that.” Maggie slid her sunglasses on top of her head. “So what are you doing here? Last I checked, there wasn't any livestock here.”

“No. As much as our Annie loves the horses, I don't think she'd stand for them grazing in the front yard.”

Maggie wished Brawley would take off his dark shades. They added to his hot, sexy attitude, but they hid his eyes, and that left her uneasy.

“Cash and I rode a couple of his horses over. I'm thinking about buying one now that I'm gonna be here.”

“Which one?”

“Black Jack.”

She closed her eyes. The huge black stallion. Magnificent animal. “You couldn't make a better choice.”

“That's what I'm thinking. Now that I've ridden him—” He spread his hands. “What can I say? Love at first sight.”

She nodded. “I'm trying to figure out what to do about Duchess.”

“Why?”

“Duh. I'm leaving.”

“I wouldn't sell your horse yet. Give yourself time. Take things in steps.”

“It doesn't seem fair to her. Even being here, it's been so long since I've taken her out for a ride.” She sighed. “There are never enough hours in the day.”

“I'll see she gets exercised.”

“I can't ask you to do that.”

“You didn't. I volunteered. You need to let your dad know, though. He'd love the chance to shoot me and chalk it up to horse thievery.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Hey, just saying. Cash and I thought we'd try to sweet-talk Annie out of lunch.”

Annie stepped through the open sliders just then. Surprised registered on her face. “Hey, Maggie. Brawley.”

“What?” Maggie asked.

“Nothing. Not used to seeing the two of you together without weapons drawn.”

“Very funny.”

“What happened to you?” Annie stared at Brawley's torn jeans.

“A little accident. I'm fine.”

Before Annie could grill him anymore, Cash rounded the corner and leaped onto the deck. “Hey, beautiful.” He swept Annie into a lusty kiss.

“In case you've forgotten, we've got an audience,” Annie managed when she caught her breath.

“I didn't forget.” Cash lifted his head. “Thought I'd give my pal Brawley some pointers. Figure he must need them.”

“That would be the day,” Brawley threw back. He sent a sideways glance at Maggie.

“Don't even think about it.” She planted a hand on his chest.

“We could show them how it's supposed to be done.”

Her tongue flicked out, and she shook her head. “No, we couldn't.” She dared a glance at Cash. “Call off your dog.”

He frowned. “Staubach?”

“No, this one.” She jerked a thumb at Brawley.

At exactly that instant, Staubach came tearing around the corner. He made a flying leap, catching Brawley waist high. One slurping kiss aimed at his face, he did a U-turn and headed toward Annie and Cash.

“Stop,” Cash ordered. The dog paid no heed, barreling into them and nearly knocking Annie off her feet.

She laughed and knelt to rub the dog's lopsided head. “You're a good boy, aren't you?”

The dog, in total ecstasy now, rolled over, legs in the air, to have his belly rubbed. Annie succumbed.

“Damn dog gets more attention than I do,” Cash muttered.

“Oh, that's so not true.” Annie stood and made a pretense of rubbing Cash's belly.

“A little lower, honey.”

She leaned in and nipped his neck.

“Ouch.”

Annie feigned innocence. “Something wrong?”

“Nope.” He nibbled at her lower lip.

She gave him a gentle push. “You're so bad.”

Motioning to Brawley and Maggie, she said, “Come on in, guys. Get washed up, and I'll set out some lunch. Afterward Maggie and I have some business to attend to.”

“Business?” Brawley frowned at Maggie.

“Wedding business.”

“Ah.” Brawley took Maggie's hand in his and led her up the walkway. She tried to convince herself the tingles that ran up her arm and made their way through her were simply her imagination. It didn't work.

Immune to Brawley Odell? No way, no how.

But she'd ignore both him and the effect he had on her. Another week and she'd be gone.

Brawley followed Cash inside. Bringing up the rear wasn't really all that bad. When you had two women like Maggie and Annie in front, the scenery proved pretty darned good. First class, in fact.

He stopped in the foyer. “Damn, Cash. Every time I walk in this place, I'm amazed all over again. You've done yourself proud.”

“I have, haven't I?” Hands on hips, Cash swiveled to take in the view. His gaze stopped on his new wife. “House isn't bad either, is it?”

Brawley laughed.

Maggie shook her head. “Oh, you're a smooth one, Cash Hardeman.”

“He thinks it'll earn him an extra piece of pie.” Annie ran a hand through her hair and grinned. “He might be right.”

“Pie? You made pie?” Maggie stared at her as if she'd grown a second head. “From scratch?”

“It's sort of my new hobby. I've been trying out different recipes and playing with the crust. My mom would die if she saw the mess I make. But…my kitchen, my mess.”

“My wife.” Cash kissed her forehead, then swept off his hat and tossed it on the couch.

Brawley carefully set his on a table in the foyer. He didn't consider himself superstitious, but still. No sense asking for trouble. You set your hat brim up, not only did you keep it in better shape longer, but if a little good luck passed by, rumor had it the hat would catch it.

Right now, he figured he could use all the luck he could get.

Cash, on the other hand, was on a real winning streak. Brawley had never seen his friend happier.

His gaze slid to Maggie dressed in well-worn, skin-tight denims and a silky little top. His mouth watered for more than Annie's pie. So, yeah, he could use some luck.

“Do you mind if Maggie and I look at a couple of these centerpieces before we eat?” Annie called from the study.

“Good with me. While you do that, Brawley can take a peek at the info I have on a couple bulls I'm considering. Give me his opinion.” Cash laughed and yanked at the torn denim flap on Brawley's jeans. “He's an expert on bulls.”

“You think I might borrow your horses after lunch?”

Cash's forehead creased. “Sure. Anytime. What are you up to?”

“Nothing. Thought maybe I'd talk Maggie into a quick ride. She told me earlier she hasn't taken one for a while.”

“A ride? That's the only thing on your mind?”

Brawley glanced toward where the women sat huddled over sketches of floral arrangements, studying them as though they meant the difference between life and death.

“Yeah,” he answered. “A ride.”

Cash moved to the fridge, grabbed two Cokes, and tossed one toward Brawley. As he caught it, Cash snapped his own open and took a long drink. His eyes never left Brawley's.

“We've been friends a long time.”

Brawley nodded.

“You know I love you like a brother.”

“I do.”

“Maggie means the world to me, too.”

“Understood.” Brawley chugged his own soda.

“You can't hurt her again.”

“I don't intend to.”

“You don't
intend
to,” Cash repeated. “That leaves a lot of open ground.”

Brawley didn't flinch. “I can tell you what you want to hear. I can stand right here in your kitchen, with the scent of Annie's fresh-baked pie in the air, and promise not to hurt Maggie. Again. But you and I both know life doesn't come with guarantees. None of us can see into the future or know for certain what will happen down the road.”

A muscle ticked in Cash's jaw. “You weren't there to see what your leaving did to her, Brawley. You didn't hold her while she cried. For you. For the future you destroyed when you told her you weren't coming back.”

“No, I didn't. Was I scum for the way I handled that whole thing? Without a doubt. Even though my intentions were good, I was careless with Maggie, and I hurt her.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “If I could go back, do it over, it would never have gone down that way.”

“But you can't,” Cash said.

“No, I can't. I sure as hell can try to repair what's left between her and me, though. I want to do that.”

“She's leaving. Why not just let it be?”

“Because, pal, it's eating a hole in my gut.” He set his soda on the counter. “Can I borrow your horses? Easy question. Yes or no.”

“Oh, hell. Of course you can. But Brawley?”

“Yeah?”

“Don't make me hunt you down like a coyote on the prowl.”

Brawley nodded.

They gave the girls another ten minutes. Geez, how long could it take to decide between pearl white, soft white, or antique white ribbons for the bridal bouquet—and what the hell difference did it make?

“Should we start whining about how hungry we are?” he finally asked.

“I don't know about you, but I wouldn't have to fake it. Thought Annie said a few minutes.” Cash raised his voice a little. “I'm famished. My wife sent me off to work without breakfast.”

“That's because you had other activities on your mind when you woke up this morning,” Annie said from the other room.

“Yeah, I did, didn't I?”

Annie laughed. “You weren't complaining about the lack of food when you headed out the door. In fact, if I remember correctly, you had a mile-wide smile on that smug face of yours.”

Brawley grinned, thinking Cash looked pretty damned pleased with himself even now.

Annie stood when they moseyed into the dining room. “Think we should feed these two?”

“Since I'm hungry, too, I'll vote yes.” Maggie pushed back her chair, then ran a hand through that glorious mass of red curls.

Brawley found another appetite whetted. “What's for lunch?”

“Sandwiches and pasta salad.” As Annie started pulling things from the fridge, she said, “Sorry, guys. Meant to do lunch first, but I showed Maggie one of the pictures, and, well…” She shrugged. “Lunch will be on the table in no time.”