Crazy for Lovin’ You (5 page)

All except hers. Because she'd learned the hard way.

Mitch had been her first lesson. Her broken engagement to Evan McCoy had been her last. The only love she would ever again permit herself would be for her land. If her heart got broken somehow, at least it wouldn't be personal. Unless Mitch had lied to her. If he wasn't fair, square and completely objective about a choice for the rodeo, then it would be very personal if her ranch went under.

It had been two days since she'd seen him and she was about to go crazy wondering when he would make up his mind. He was worse than a kid trying to pick one thing from the candy store case. Then she remembered that Dev was the one who had roped him into the acting commissioner's job.

Taylor moved closer and looked up at him. “Have you seen Mitch Rafferty?”

“Nope,” he said, shaking his head. “But I've talked to him.”

“Really?” She hoped she'd added just the right amount of indifference to the single word.

“He talked to me about the places he's already checked out for the championships if that's what you're asking.”

She smiled. “You know me too well. At the risk of presuming on our friendship, what do you think of my chances for getting the nod?”

“Good. Why? Are you worried about it?” He lifted his dark brown cowboy hat and ran a hand through his hair, before replacing it.

“Considering what the Stevens' sisters did to him—yeah,” she said.

“That was ten years ago,” Dev pointed out. “We were all young and foolish back then. Every one of us made mistakes.” His words were meant to be encouraging. But there was a shadow in his eyes and his mouth tightened into a straight line. She couldn't help wondering what else he was remembering.

“You mean Jen?”

“I mean all of us. But Jen jumped in with both feet. I'm just not sure her eyes were wide-open.”

“How can you say that? Was it foolish to lead with her heart? To elope with the love of her life?”

“She was only eighteen. What did she really know about Zach Adams?”

She didn't miss the fact that he hadn't actually answered her question before asking one of his own. “Jen knew she loved him and he was the only man for her. What are you saying?”

“When a girl is that young, the stars in her eyes can blind her to things. If she'd just waited, maybe—”

“What?” Taylor demanded.

He shook his head. “Doesn't matter anymore. Zach's gone.”

He muttered under his breath what sounded like some things are best forgotten. But she knew the stubborn set of his jaw meant he wouldn't say more. Still, she wondered about the little he'd told her. She had a feeling that Mitch Rafferty's return had triggered memories for someone besides herself.

“You're in a mood today,” she said. “Anything wrong? Have you heard from Corie?”

Dev had been divorced for over a year. His young wife had left him and his two-and-a-half-year-old son for a career in New York. Taylor had been engaged when she'd been jilted. She couldn't help wondering if rejection hurt more
after
the wedding.

He shook his head. “She sent a package for Ben's birthday next month with a note that said she would be too busy to see him.”

Taylor touched his arm, a gesture of sympathy. “How's Ben doing?”

He smiled, but it was sad around the edges. “He's the best thing I've ever done. But if it wasn't for Polly Morgan…” He shook his head. “I don't know what I'd do without her. Full-time housekeepers and nannies don't grow on trees. And she's like a mother to the boy.”

“Doesn't she have a daughter?” Taylor asked. “As I recall, she's a real brainer. Skipped a couple grades in high school.”

He nodded. “Hannah. As a matter of fact, she's here now, for a visit. She's a doctor.”

“Staying with you?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“Is she pretty?”

“I guess.”

“Do you like her?”

“Doesn't matter. She's dedicated to her career. I need a woman like that about as much as a snake at a garden party.” He shuffled his feet nervously. “Besides, I won't see her much. She's filling in for Doc Holloway while he's away on a family emergency. Started today.”

“Uh-huh.” Taylor couldn't help grinning. For a man of few words, that was a lot like a jump up and down, kick your feet, put your fist through a wall kind of protest.

“Mitch asked her to be the on-site doc for the championships—wherever they're held.”

As much as she liked teasing Dev, that brought her back to her original question. Did she have a snowball's chance in hell of getting the event for her ranch?

She kicked at the dirt and gravel in the parking lot with the toe of her boot. “Jen isn't the only Stevens Mitch has a bone to pick with.”

“I heard about that involuntary dip in the pool.” Dev grinned with genuine amusement.

She had a feeling she was going to regret teasing him. He could give as good as he got. He hadn't even lobbed his first taunt and heat crept into her cheeks that had nothing to do with the warm May afternoon.

“Just for the record, I have no feelings for him whatsoever.”

“Did I ask?” Dev said.

“It's just a matter of time,” she accused. “Don't start with me.”

“Look, Taylor. Ten's a lot of years. I don't think even Mitch Rafferty can hold a grudge that long. But
prepare yourself either way. Because I've also learned that the things we want the most have a way of slipping out of our rope.”

Taylor wasn't so sure that Mitch wouldn't hold a grudge. The intense way he'd looked at her while holding her in his arms didn't make her believe he'd forgotten, let alone forgiven. The memory of the way her breasts had brushed against the solid, hard wall of his chest sparked heat in her belly even now. Just the way it had about every hour on the hour in the forty-eight of them since she'd last seen him. And darn it all, why couldn't she separate that conversation from the fact that he'd been holding her close while they'd talked?

With luck, she would get this—attraction, walk down memory lane, déjà vu, whatever it was—under control before she saw him again.

She glanced up the street and groaned inwardly. So much for having time to steady herself. Just then, her walk down memory lane sashayed out of the café and was headed toward her. If the thundercloud on his face was anything to go by, Mitch didn't look too happy. A bad feeling stole over her. Had he finally made up his mind? Was she going to hate the answer?

As he stepped off the wooden sidewalk, Mitch saw Taylor smile up at Dev Hart. Something inside him went white-hot with anger. What ticked him off the most was that it made no sense. Why in the world would it bother him to see the two of them together?

He and Dev had been friends ten years ago, and Mitch still didn't understand why it had worked out. But it had, and they'd kept in contact through the years. Maybe because of what happened that night at the lake a decade ago. He shook his head to clear it of the unwanted memory.

The fact was, he liked and respected the other man even though Dev had had everything Mitch always wanted—family, roots and money. The roots part made him think about Taylor, and what she'd said to him at the ranch. The angry feeling in his gut intensified. She and Dev had a lot in common—family and ties to the land that he would never understand. She could do a lot worse than a guy like Dev Hart. He's not a drifter, he thought. Not like me.

The knot tightened and if he had to give it a name, he'd call it jealousy. But that was laughable. You had to care about someone to be jealous. And the ability to care had died in him a long time ago.

He stopped beside them. “Taylor. Dev,” he said, holding out his hand.

“Mitch,” the other man answered. A wide grin split his face as he squeezed Mitch's palm and clapped him on the back. “It's good to see you.”

“You, too.”

“How's it going?”

“Never better,” he said.

“Oh? Problem?” Dev asked, raising one eyebrow. One corner of his mouth quirked up.

“Nope. Like I said, things are great.”

“Uh-huh.”

But the look on Dev's face said he didn't believe a word of it. Mitch would swear the other man thought he could see straight into his head, and what he'd been thinking. But he'd be wrong. Ever since he'd returned to Destiny, memories had come flooding back. Not all of them bad. At least the ones about Taylor.

Like most of the guys, he'd had the hots for Jen. He thought he'd died and gone to heaven when she gave him a tumble. Only he'd been afraid to open up with
her, afraid she wouldn't like what she saw. Hell, his own mother hadn't cared enough to hang around. Then Jen had tossed him aside for someone else, never bothering to look deeper.

But it had been different with Taylor. He'd talked to her a lot. When he'd waited for her sister, or took his practice rides on her father's bulls, Taylor was always hanging around. He hadn't thought about it a lot until now. But they had been friends until he'd angrily pushed her away.

Hell, she'd only been fourteen. And looking at her that night had been a reminder that he wasn't good enough for a Stevens. Now he was back, and she was running the ranch by herself. He admired that. He also felt as if he needed to make amends for the way he'd acted that night.

“Don't you have better things to do than stand around talking?” he asked Dev. “Haven't you got stock to tend to?”

Instead of taking offense, the other man grinned. “Sounds like you're gettin' ready to burn some powder. Since I'm not in the mood to get scorched, I think I'll mosey on over to the café. I think I see someone I know.” He smiled at Taylor and touched the brim of his hat. “Nice talking with you, little T.”

“You, too, Dev. Say hi to Polly for me.”

“Will do. Let's get together later and catch up. See you, Mitch.” Then he walked to the wooden sidewalk and stopped to talk to Hannah Morgan.

“She's changed a lot since high school,” Mitch commented, looking at Hannah.

“Haven't we all.” Taylor shot him an irritated look. “And aren't you just Mr. Congeniality today.”

“What?” he asked.

“You chased Dev off with your charm and grace.”

“I did him a favor. He was looking for an excuse to take a pretty lady to lunch,” he said, glancing at the café where the two were just disappearing inside.

“Okay,” she said. “Let's can the polite banter. You can give it to me straight.”

“What?”

“You found a better site for the rodeo.” She put her hands on jean-clad hips. She tried to hide it, but she was upset. “You chased Dev away so you could tell me in private.”

He saw the slight quiver of her chin, and the way she caught her bottom lip between her teeth to stop it. Her brown eyes darkened with disappointment, and something that looked like fear.

“Hold on, Taylor—”

“It's all right. You said it yourself. The kids need the best possible location to showcase their talents.”

“True enough. And—”

“If the Circle S can't cut the mustard, then I wouldn't want it there.”

“Me, either.”

“So?” Her chin lifted slightly and she looked him in the eye, while she waited for his answer.

“In my opinion, the Circle S is the best location for the high school rodeo.”

She froze, almost as if she couldn't believe it. Then a wide, bright, beautiful smile transformed her face.

She threw her arms around him. “Thank you. You won't regret this. I won't let you down.”

He hugged her close for a moment, savoring the way she felt against him. As much as he was enjoying her gratitude, he had one more thing to say. He'd just figured out where he wanted to set up his base of oper
ation. What irked him was that seeing Taylor and Dev together had done it.

“There's something else. And it could be a deal-breaker,” he said, putting his hands at her waist.

“What?”

“The championships will be at your ranch. But so will I.”

M
itch watched Taylor's face. One thing that hadn't changed was her inability to hide what she was thinking. And right now it was a good bet she was wondering whether to say “Thank God” or “Good God.” Her eyes grew wide and her full lips parted slightly in a puzzled frown.

His hands were still at her waist. She looked down at them, then met his gaze. Instantly he released her and they both backed up a step. He wished she would say something, anything to give him a clue about whether or not she was upset. She lifted her hat and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before settling it again.

“I have to run it by the board of directors, but that's just a formality,” he said.

“You mean about staying at the ranch?”

“No, holding the rodeo there. But I'll be there, too,” he added.

“If the event is on my ranch, then it stands to reason
that you'll be there. Where else would the commissioner be?”

He shook his head. “No. I mean I'm moving in beforehand to co-ordinate everything.”

“Fine.” She fiddled with the collar of her denim shirt.

When he followed the nervous movement, he noticed the pulse in her neck fluttering wildly. “I think it's necessary.”

“Okay.”

“I have a business to run in addition to everything involved in putting on a rodeo. I need a space to work in that has what I need. The Destiny motel doesn't cut it.”

“I understand.”

“You have a phone, I assume?”

“Yeah. I figured it was time to join the twenty-first century, bite the bullet and put in one of those new-fangled contraptions,” she said wryly.

Her sarcasm didn't faze him. He just smiled. “Do you have a computer and a fax?”

She grinned right back as she nodded. “The bright young fella at the electronics store talked me into the whole nine yards when I got the phone.”

“Well, little lady,” he said, mimicking her tone, “looks to me like you've got everything I need.”

He couldn't help lowering his gaze from her face, to that traitorous pounding pulse in her neck, down to her chest, waist, jean-clad legs, and scuffed brown boots. By the time he looked in her eyes again, something as dangerous as a sizzling fuse attached to a stick of dynamite was churning in his gut, sending a wave of excitement coursing through him. He almost wished she would tell him her ranch was off-limits. Almost.

“Time is short, Taylor,” he said, all business. “I've got a lot to do in four weeks. I need to secure equipment and supplies. Someone will have to take deliveries. Meet vendors. I'm guessing that running a working ranch in addition to finalizing plans for your dude ranch grand opening will keep you too busy to do that.”

“Okay, but—”

He rested his hands on lean hips. “Not only that, there's your whole dude ranch thing.”

“What about it?”

“You want publicity, right?”

“That's the idea,” she said.

“You want an endorsement from someone well-known, shall we say?”

“Right again,” she answered.

“That well-known someone can't recommend something he knows nothing about.”

“Makes sense,” she said.

He shifted his boots in the dirt. “If you want a genuine, no-holds-barred, positive come-on-down to the Circle S, I need to experience it firsthand.”

“I wouldn't have it any other way.”

He shook his head. “There's a lot of work to do to get the rodeo up and running for the kids. It's a big undertaking. I can't coordinate that in a day or two.”

“So you just said.” She folded her arms over her chest as she gave him a patient look.

“Besides, you can fake hospitality for a couple of days. If I see for myself, I can give it a sincere thumbs-up.” He took a breath. “I know a few reporters. And I can bring some influential people here for the championships. If they're impressed with the B&B setup, you'll get enough referrals to keep you busy for the
next two years. Minimum. I can do that if I stay on the ranch,” he concluded, as if he were a lawyer presenting his case.

Her lips turned up in a small, quirky smile. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

“You.” And myself, he added silently.

He stared at her. He'd expected her to say no—about him being under the same roof with her. He'd anticipated an argument and prepared rebuttals—subconsciously.

“As long as you lend your name to the publicity, I'll be a contented woman.” She smiled serenely.

Why did she have to say it like that, looking like that? An instant picture popped into his head. Her beside him in bed—sexy and satisfied. Was he making a mistake moving in with her?

All of the reasons he'd given her were valid. He
did
have a lot to do in a very short period of time. It would be a challenge under the best of circumstances, but throwing Taylor into the mix added another element. They said bull riders liked to live on the edge. That they did it for women and money. He didn't need either.

So why had he nodded his head in her direction?

Something about seeing her with Dev Hart, he realized. It brought out his protective instincts. She was alone on the ranch. Her family was scattered. He'd always felt like a big brother to her.

He ignored the voice inside, trying to warn him that she was all grown up now.

“Of course I'll pay you for room and board,” he said.

She shook her head. “A positive endorsement from
former rodeo champion Mitch Rafferty will be worth a lot more than that. I wouldn't think of charging you.”

He saw the stubborn set of her chin and said, “I suppose it wouldn't do any good to insist?”

“You always were quick, Mitch.”

“In that case, it will be my pleasure, ma'am, to lend my name to your advertising campaign. If everything checks out.”

“Fair enough.” She stuck out her hand. “Welcome to the Circle S, roomie.”

 

The following day, Taylor watched Mitch bring a couple of leather duffel bags into her living room and set them down inside the front door. He flashed her a cocky grin and her chest tightened, her stomach dropped and her knees went weak. In her humble opinion, he made the Marlboro man look like a pansy. If he didn't already define the word masculine, one glance would be worth more than a thousand words. Worn jeans molded to long muscular legs and the sleeves of his cotton shirt were rolled up to reveal wide strong wrists. The sparkle in his eyes softened the lean cheeks and angular jaw but in no way diminished the effect on her female sensitivities.

What on earth had she been thinking to agree so easily to his plan? She hadn't even put up a fight—not even token resistance. And why had she felt it necessary to be here to greet him? Especially after a long, restless night of ticking off in her mind all the things that could go wrong. Starting with her apparently enduring attraction to Mitch.

But the answer came to her instantly. She was in the hospitality business now. Hospitable dude ranchers met their guests with a smile, a howdy, a make yourself at
home, and how can I make your stay more pleasant. If she was going to earn his positive opinion, she would be the best there ever was at all of the above.

“I'll go out to your truck and get the rest of your things,” she offered.

He aimed the megawatt gleam in his bad-boy baby blues directly at her. “First of all, a Texas gentleman never lets a lady carry his gear.”

“But I—”

“And second, this is everything.”

She rested one fist on her hip as she regarded him. “First of all, part of my service will be carrying my guests' luggage,” she said, mimicking his tone. “And second, I can't believe anyone travels that light.”

He shrugged. “It's the cowboy way,” he said simply.

But when a dark look clouded his gaze, Taylor wondered what he was remembering that had stolen the sexy gleam from his eyes. She missed it. But all she said was, “Okay. I'll show you to your room. Follow me.”

He picked up the bags again, and behind her she heard the scrape of his boots on the wooden floor and his heavy step as he followed her upstairs.

“I have four bedrooms in the main house, and four cabins adjacent to the bunkhouse that are being painted,” she said. At the top of the stairs she stopped. “This open area is sort of the second-floor family room so guests can relax. There's a TV and VCR with an assortment of videos to choose from. The furniture is new and I hope comfortable. You'll have to try it out and let me know.”

“I'll do that.”

“This is the master bedroom,” she said, pointing to
an open doorway on her left. “It's the biggest, so I plan to charge the most for it. I've added antiques and wing chairs in the sitting area. Maggie Benson made a quilt, throw pillows and the window seat cover in material that matches the curtains.”

“Maggie's still around?”

Taylor glanced at him sharply. Did he have a past with every girl in town? she wondered. Then she gave herself a mental shake. Even if he did, it was no skin off her nose. “Yeah. Maggie's got a great shop in downtown Destiny. She's doing well enough to support herself and her little girl.”

“She's got a kid?”

“Nine years old now,” she answered.

“I always liked Maggie,” he commented.

Something pulled tight in her chest and she hoped it wasn't jealousy. “You?” She tipped her head to the side as she studied him. “I didn't think you liked anyone,” she said, struggling for a light, teasing tone.

“Don't spread it around. I've got a reputation to protect.”

“Right,” she said wryly. “Discretion is my middle name.”

He brushed past her and poked his head into the master bedroom. “This is nice.”

“Thanks. Let me show you the rest.” She continued down the hall and pointed to her left. “The whole back of the house has a balcony. As you can see, every room upstairs has a French door opening out onto it.”

He nodded. “Impressive. I always wondered what the second floor looked like.”

“You never saw it?”

“Are you kidding? Your father practically stood at the bottom of the stairway with a shotgun.”

“You're exaggerating.”

“Okay.”

But she could tell he didn't believe her. She sighed. It made her sad that her father would never get to see how wrong he'd been about Mitch.

She opened the door to the room on her left. “This is my smallest room. But I think it's charming and comfortable. That bed is a double so there's room for a chair and ottoman in the corner.”

The bed would accommodate him, but big as he was, there wouldn't be a lot of space left over for someone else. Her cheeks burned at that unexpected thought. She had no business thinking that way. But it was hard not to while Mitch Rafferty was under her roof. That didn't bode well for her peace of mind during the next month.

She cleared her throat. “The floral wallpaper might be a bit feminine for you, but Maggie and I like it, so that's that.”

She left the door open and walked to the end of the hall. “These are the last two. They share a bathroom between them. I think it might work out well for families. Kids in one, parents in the other. They can have their privacy and be near the children at the same time.” Her cheeks heated at the intimate picture she'd just painted. But she forced herself to look at him.

One corner of his mouth tilted up confirming her suspicion that he'd noticed her blush.

“Where do you want me?” he asked.

In Kalamazoo, Michigan, she thought. But decided it would be too ungracious to say so. Besides, he couldn't help it that her hormones responded to his testosterone—in a major way.

“Why don't you take your pick?” she suggested.

He nodded. “This feels like a scene from Goldilocks and the three bears. But I think someone's already sleeping in that bed,” he said, pointing to it.

“It's mine,” she confessed. “But I won't be there long. There's a bedroom and bath off the kitchen.”

“Maid's quarters?”

“Originally,” she said nodding. “My folks set it up as a guest room. I plan to use it. It's comfortable and will give me some privacy from the guests while I have access to the kitchen. I didn't have a chance to move my things yesterday.” She shrugged. “I didn't expect to have a customer so soon.”

He walked through the connecting bath to the identical room on the other side. He put his open hand on the floral comforter and pressed down to test the queen-size mattress. Looking around, a thoughtful expression slid across his face.

He met her gaze. “This one is fine.”

It had been Jensen's room before she'd left home. It was where she stayed when she visited. Taylor wondered at the knot in her chest at his choice.

“Wouldn't you be more comfortable in the master bedroom?” She leaned against the doorway and folded her arms across her chest, to take her mind off the ache there. “After all, if you're going to sing my praises, you should experience the best room in the house.”

He looked out the window, then turned and shrugged. “This is fine. I can see the arenas from here. And the pool,” he said raising one eyebrow. “Pools have fond memories for me,” he added, a twinkle in his eyes.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded. “Seems like it will be easier on you.”

“How do you figure?” she asked, wondering how she would be able to sleep with him so close.

“If we're not spread out all over the house, I'd just guess it would be more efficient. Not to mention sharing a bath. Gotta be easier than maintaining two while I'm here.”

He had a point. She planned to hire some help, but until then she was responsible for upkeep. But cleaning more rooms might be worth it to put some distance between them. Surely he would be more comfortable in the master bedroom on the opposite side of the house. A room so close to hers couldn't be the appeal, although a tiny glow flickered to life somewhere in the region of her heart.