Lone Star Valentine (McCabe Multiples) (11 page)

Together, they worked to fill the dishwasher as the fragrance of fresh-brewed coffee filled the room. Bumping shoulders, arms and elbows from time to time. Her whole body tingling, Lily shrugged. “Maybe someday if I marry. Otherwise, not.”

He watched as she added soap and shut the dishwasher. “Do you plan to marry?”

A soft whirring noise filled the kitchen as the machine started. She poured two cups of coffee and got out the cream and sugar. “I’m not counting on it, but I’m not ruling it out, either.”

He moved toward her. “What would make you say yes?”

Being irrevocably in love with someone—like you,
Lily thought. Unwilling to let herself be that vulnerable, however, she simply said,
“Being with someone who could meet me halfway.”

His tender smile affected her like the softest caress. “Ah, a compromiser.”

Lily studied him over the rim of her mug. “And you’re still not.”

The smile on his lips reached his eyes. “Not when it comes to anything vitally important,” he acknowledged quietly. “And for good reason. Too much compromise is what nearly ruined both my parents’ lives.”

Lily blinked. “How so?” she asked, aware it wasn’t like Gannon to reveal such sensitive information. Especially when it came to his private family life.

Gannon took a seat at the kitchen island, prompting her to do the same. He propped one elbow on the counter and turned toward her, his knees nearly grazing hers. “My dad wanted to be an electrical engineer, but his dad pressured him into staying on the ranch, as tradition warranted. So he did—but his heart wasn’t in it, and he was never very good at it.” Remorse colored his low tone.

Shrugging, Gannon held her gaze and forged on, “As a consequence, my dad seemed to get the short end of every business deal, and the ranch was barely in the black.” He grimaced. “If it hadn’t been for my mom’s salary and the benefits she brought in from the school district, we probably would have had to sell the land.”

No wonder he worked so hard to prove himself, Lily thought.

“And you know my mom’s story.” He took a deep draught of coffee.

Lily stirred cream into her own mug. “She always wanted to sculpt.”

“But until she retired, there was no time or money for such an endeavor.” His expression darkened. “The bottom line is, neither of my parents were very happy in their work growing up. Even as a kid, I saw that. And I vowed I would never let the same happen to me.”

Lily sipped. “
Are
you happy as a lawyer?”

Gannon helped himself to more coffee. “There are ups and downs, but overall, yeah, there’s nothing I would rather do.”

“I envy your conviction.”

He covered her hand with his, his fingers infusing hers with warmth. Lily looked down at their clasped hands, and couldn’t help but remember how nice it had been when they had made love. How much she wished she could put all her fears aside and risk it all again.

But common sense told her not to put her heart on the line, even as she lifted her gaze to his once more.

He studied her, with the same burning need to understand. “You don’t feel the same career satisfaction?”

Lily shook her head, admitting what she hadn’t even told her family. “I never have—about anything except being a mom.” That, she loved with a ferocity that still surprised her.

“I’m done!” Lucas called.

Together, they went in to see his creation. It was, in short, amazing. He had torn down his original creation and built something much grander. The architecture blocks formed a rectangular fort, with a two-story house on one end, a barn and several corrals another. He had put all his ranchers inside the central courtyard. Horses in one corral. Cattle in another. “See what a big ranch I have?” he said.

Gannon grinned. “Your cowboys and cattle and horses are very well protected.”

Lily hugged her son. “I love it, too.”

Delighted he had been able to impress them both, Lucas beamed. “Can we get ice cream now?”

“You bet,” Lily and Gannon said in unison.

It had grown dark, so they decided to drive the short distance to downtown. It was also a little chilly, so they elected to sit at a table inside the Dairy Barn to enjoy their treats.

A mistake, Lily noted, since two of her sisters, her triplet Violet—on a break from her medical residency—and the oldest of all the McCabe daughters, Poppy, an interior designer, were there, too.

They immediately ambled over, burgers and milk shakes in hand.

“Fancy finding you here,” Violet said.

“We already ate our dinner,” Lucas announced proudly. “So Mr. Montgummy said we could go get ice cream.”

Violet gave Lily a teasing look. “You cooked for him?”

“Not that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach or anything,” Poppy added with her usual dry humor.

“Actually, I think it might be the other way around,” Gannon put in. “Since I’ve cooked for Lily more than she’s cooked for me.”

Violet and Poppy nodded. “Ah, yes, we heard about the lunch that got delivered to town hall earlier today. Rose said it looked amazing.”

Mischief crinkled the corners of Gannon’s eyes. “Maybe I should have all you McCabe ladies out to my place.”

Lily groaned and buried her face in her hands. “You don’t want to do that.”

“Why not?” Lucas asked.

Gannon looked as if he wanted to know, too.

“You have no idea what it’s like to be around that much estrogen,” Lily explained.

Violet sized him up. “Oh, I think he could handle it.”

Maybe so. “But I couldn’t,” Lily said firmly.

And, as far as she was concerned, that was that.

* * *

“S
O
HOW
COME
you don’t want your sisters to know about us?” Gannon asked when Lucas went off to play a quick game of pinball with his “ants” before they left the Dairy Barn.

“Because there’s nothing to tell.”

His eyes darkened emotionally, and her throat suddenly went dry. Lily tried again. “Because they’ll tell my folks.”

“And you really don’t want them to know.”

Lily scraped her spoon across the bottom of her sundae cup, embarrassed to have to admit, “My parents were upset enough about my liaison with Bode when that happened, never mind the aftermath. They live in fear I’ll make another mistake, this time one that will impact not just me, but my son.”

His knees pressed against hers under the table, forcing her to look up. “Your parents live in fear?” he asked bluntly. “Or you do?”

Good question, Lily thought, moving back so their knees were no longer touching. And one she really did not want to contemplate.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to discuss it further, because at that moment, her two sisters returned with a very weary-looking Lucas between them. By the time she and Gannon made the short drive back to her bungalow, Lucas was sound asleep.

“Want me to carry him in for you?” Gannon offered.

Although Lily could still do it when necessary, Lucas was pretty heavy for her now. And she was dead tired. “If you wouldn’t mind.” Lily undid the straps and helped ease her son from the seat. Gannon carried him upstairs to his toddler-size bed.

Knowing sleep was more vital than pajamas at that point, Lily eased off Lucas’s socks and shoes, tucked his Blue Blankie and stuffed horse in beside him. She covered him, turned the night-light on and eased from the room. By the time she had tiptoed down to the first floor, Gannon was waiting for her in the hall, looking handsome and expectant. He flashed a sexy smile, then drawled, “I don’t suppose you’re going to ask me to stay?”

Lily shook her head. She was way too vulnerable where he was concerned. “Not tonight.”

“All right, then.” He swept her into his arms and bent her backward from the waist. Ignoring her gasp of dismay, he gave her a smoldering look and then lowered his head to hers. “I guess this will have to hold us over until the next time you do ask me to stay.”

Lily barely had time to suck in a breath, and then his lips were on hers in a devastatingly slow kiss that rocked her world.

When he finally let the sensual caress come to a halt and righted her slowly, she was dizzy and tingling all over, wanting more. So much more, damn that ornery man!

He grinned, as if he knew exactly how she was feeling. “Good night, Lily.” He kissed her temple and walked out the door.

Chapter Ten

Lily stared at Miss Mim and the other members of the steering committee for the chili cook-off late Wednesday morning, sure she couldn’t have heard right. Outside, the movers were busy first securing, then moving the ceramic chili pepper statue off the town square.

“The governor and his wife are coming to the festival?” What had started out to be a mostly local fund-raiser was quickly turning into an event beyond their wildest dreams.

“Not for the entire thing, of course. But they’ll be here on Saturday in time for the judging. They’ll sample the winning entrees and leave after the first dance.”

Aware she was way too distracted, Lily moved away from the windows and the sight of Gannon, Harriett Montgomery and Emmett Briscoe, who were overseeing the delicate procedure.

“Rex Carter pulled it off,” Marybeth Simmons, the PTA president, said.

“I’m impressed,” Lily said to the former mayor.

He accepted her compliment with a nod. “We’re still way short on important dignitaries, but I’m working on reeling a few more in to give us the kind of visibility we need to really put Laramie on the map.”

“Good to hear,” she said sincerely. “I also hear congratulations are in order to you for the sale of the Triple M.”

“It’s not definite yet.”

“But it will be,” Lily ascertained.

For the first time in recent memory, Rex Carter looked less than absolutely confident. “When I get Gannon Montgomery to sign off on it, then, yes, it will be,” he said.

Frowning, Miss Mim added her two cents. “Harriett doesn’t want to sell. Although, since her late husband left the majority of the land to her son and the house to her, she doesn’t have much say in the matter.”

“It’s time,” Rex said confidently.

Without warning, Lily’s assistant charged in. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Liz Cartwright-Anderson—your attorney—said you have to turn on the television right now! Channel 11!”

Lily walked to the TV in the corner. Quickly switched it on.

The screen was filled with breaking news. Front and center was Bode Daniels, standing behind a bank of microphones. He was flanked by Viviana on one side, his agent on the other. “First of all,” Bode was saying with utter sincerity as he looked directly into the camera, “I want to thank the team for the opportunity they’ve given me, and to the fans for all the support over the years.”

“Bode!” A reporter attending the press conference shouted. “What’s your reaction to the news the Gladiators are ready to cut you loose?”

Oh, no, Lily thought, really fearing what that could mean for her and her son. Especially if her ex’s search for a new team got desperate, as some seemed to think it might.

Bode flashed his trademark grin. Shrugged. “I wouldn’t get too worked up about what is essentially a contract negotiation at this point.”

The reporters all chuckled at his deadpan humor.

“Would you consider going elsewhere to play?”

“I’m a Texan, born and bred, so of course I’d like to stay in the Lone Star State for the remainder of my pro career.”

“So since you obviously haven’t forgotten your small-town Texas roots, would you stay here in Dallas for less money?” someone shouted.

Bode sobered. “I don’t think anyone wants to feel like they’re moving backward. Especially when you’re still at the height of your abilities.”

“Does that mean you’re not willing to take second place?”

“I did that, early in my career,” Bode declared. “So, no, I have little interest in going down that road again.”

“There are reports that your inability to see your young son, Lucas, has proved to be a distraction this past season. Is that true?”

Inability!
Lily fumed. Since when had Bode been
unable
to see his son? More like
uninterested
and
unwilling
!

Another flash of that megawatt smile. “You’re right, Chet.” Bode addressed the reporter by name. “I haven’t seen enough of my son. But I’m working on remedying that. And in fact—” he winked “—I’m on my way to Laramie, Texas, to see him right now. So if you all will excuse me...” Commotion reigned on screen as the press conference abruptly broke up.

Lily switched off the TV.

Miss Mim looked at Lily, clearly concerned. “Did you know Bode was coming to town?”

She nodded, her heart sinking. “He’s having dinner with Lucas this evening.” And now everyone else who had been watching that press conference or would catch it later on the internet would know it, too.

* * *

B
Y
FOUR
O
’
CLOCK
, word had spread. Reporters and film crews from all over the state had started showing up, along with a few paparazzi who mostly covered professional sports figures.

At four-thirty, Lily received a text from Bode, telling her where and when he wanted her to drop her son off.

Luckily for Lily, Gannon had once again made himself available. And this time she had not argued in the slightest. Maybe it was wimpy of her, but she wanted him by her side. And not just for legal backup—while Liz handled the client appointments and court appearances she had already set up for that day—but for emotional support, too.

“You okay?” Gannon asked quietly.

Lily nodded.
Now that you’re here with me, I am
. Resisting her desire to throw herself into Gannon’s strong arms, she murmured, “This morning, before I dropped him off at school, I talked to Lucas about the fact he was probably going to be seeing his dad tonight.”

His brow furrowed in concern, Gannon prodded, “And...?”

She swallowed. “He seemed okay about it—since he didn’t have to go to his dad’s place again.”

Gannon met her eyes, soothing her as only he could. “He’ll be in familiar surroundings.”

Lily nodded.

About that, she was very grateful. As for the rest...not so much.

Because it was an unseasonably warm February day, Bode had bought out the putt-putt golf course for the rest of the day. And asked the local restaurant, Sonny’s Barbecue, to cater a party for thirty.

Thirty!

Lily turned to Gannon as soon as she’d heard the news. “Is it me, or does that seem excessive to you, too?” As if her ex really did not know how to interact with anyone one-on-one these days.

Gannon shook his head. “Maybe he just likes having an entourage along.”

Lily sighed. “The next question is, who is in the group?”

They found out when she and Gannon picked up Lucas at school and drove him over to the miniature-golf course.

To her surprise, instead of just his usual team of public relations experts and lawyers, Bode had his entire immediate family there, including his parents, his grandparents, his brother and sister and their kids.

Lily had never met any of the extended Daniels clan. Nor, of course, had her son or Gannon.

They all met them now.

* * *

“S
O
THESE
ARE
all your cousins,” Bode concluded to Lucas, waving at two little girls and three boys, all of whom were roughly close to Lucas’s age. “Would you like to play putt-putt with us?”

Lucas turned to look up at Lily.

Determined to be as calm and courteous as the situation required—if it killed her—Lily smiled at her son encouragingly. “It looks fun!”

Lucas wavered, uncertain. He looked at Gannon.

“To me, too,” Gannon said cheerfully.

Lower lip sliding out into a nervous pout, he looked up at Lily and Gannon beseechingly. “Are you going to play, too?”

Lily could tell Bode wanted and needed to handle this on his own this time. A glance at Gannon seemed to indicate he had observed the same.

Mindful of the press, who were held back to the other side of the street by sheriff deputies dispatched to handle the crowd, Lily knelt down to her son. At just over sixty degrees, it was slightly chilly and likely to get more so as the sun went down; she zipped up his fleece-lined hoodie. She was about to reach into her purse for his hat when Bode beat her to the punch and produced a knit Gladiators cap for their son to wear.

Lily suppressed a sigh.

Of course. She should have known Bode and his PR team would not resist any opportunity to pull at the public’s heartstrings. Cognizant that Lucas was looking at her curiously, able to feel Gannon’s wordless support, she put her personal feelings aside and slipped on the cap that would keep Lucas warm.

Smiling, she informed him, “I’ve got some more stuff to do for the chili cook-off while you have dinner here tonight with your daddy and the rest of your cousins.”

Cousins
being the magic word.

There was nothing Lucas liked more than playing with cousins. She ran her hands lovingly over his small shoulders and looked straight into his eyes, transferring every bit of confidence she possessed, so that he, too, would feel the same.

“But Gannon and I will be back before bedtime to get you,” she finished softly. “Does that sound okay?”

Lucas nodded. Experience had taught him he could count on her always. And he was fast learning that he could count on Gannon, too.

Lily rose, pretending for all their sakes that she was dropping him off just as she did every day at school. “Okay, then, I’ll see you later.” She hugged her son to her one last time and somehow managed to speak around the ache in her throat. “Now go play.”

“Okay, Mommy.” Reassured, Lucas smiled and waved. Bode took Lucas’s hand as cameras flashed. Together, Daddy and son headed off to join the cousins—while Lily walked off, successfully fighting tears, Gannon at her side.

* * *

“W
HERE
NOW
?” G
ANNON
asked her as soon as they were out of earshot. Because they both knew they were also under scrutiny, they walked a discreet distance apart.

“My house.” Lily turned and gave Gannon a casual smile.

That quickly, a flash went off.

Reminded once again what it was like to live under the harsh glare of the limelight, Lily added, “As soon as I talk to my cousin, Kyle.” A deputy with the sheriff’s department, he had been dispatched to work the crowd.

“Hey.” She hugged the big, brawny lawman hello.

“You don’t have to ask,” Kyle said kindly before she could speak. He shook hands with Gannon, too. “Of course I’ll keep an eye on Lucas for you.”

Lily exhaled in relief. “You’ll let me know if he seems the least bit upset?”

The deputy nodded. Like the rest of the McCabes, Kyle was not just protective of those around him, but also very loving and supportive. “Where are you going to be?”

“My house.” Or in other words, just a few blocks away, on Spring Street. “I’ll have my cell with me at all times.”

“Consider it done, then.”

Lily saw some reporters headed toward her. Gannon and Kyle exchanged glances. Gannon moved Lily off to the side while Kyle amiably blocked any pursuit of her.

It wasn’t hard. The reporters could always go after Lily later; it was Bode and his son they wanted access to now.

Once at her house, Lily set her purse down. Closed the blinds. Kicked off her shoes. Then stood, not sure what to do or where to go next. And that was when the tears finally started to fall.

* * *

G
ANNON
HAD
BEEN
expecting the storm. He was glad he was there to comfort her. “Hey, hey, now,” he murmured, pulling her close.

Lily buried her head in his shirt, her tears flowing fast and thick. “Can’t help it.”

It broke his heart to see Lily so upset, but he loved the feel of her pressed up against him. Gannon stroked a hand down her spine. “He’s going to be okay.”

“I know that.” Lily moved back far enough so that they could look into each other’s eyes. She grabbed a handful of tissues from the box on the table and blotted her face. “It’s me I’m worried about.” She shook her head anxiously and paced over to throw the damp tissues away.

She whirled to face him, her expression even more vulnerable. “What if Bode decides he really does want Lucas in his life?” She drew a quavering breath. “All this time I’ve gotten used to having him all to myself. I never had to worry about not having my little boy with me on holidays or weekends because Bode didn’t want him. Now...”

Lily’s voice caught. “Damn it all, Gannon!” Resentment glittered in her eyes. “Bode bought out the entire putt-putt golf course for the evening. I’m not an heiress! I can’t compete with that!”

Tenderness welling from deep inside him, Gannon pulled her back into his arms and ran a thumb over the curve of her cheek. “And you don’t have to,” he said softly.

Snuggling closer, she said in a low, muffled voice, “You say that now...”

He pressed a kiss to her temple, aware she was struggling not to cry again. “I will always say that.” He tightened his arms around her protectively and looked deep into her eyes. “You’re incredible, Lily. Lucas knows that. And heaven knows, I see that, too.”

She shifted so she could gaze into his eyes. She stared at him a long careful moment while he tried to figure out what to do or say to make her feel better.

Her lips parted. She rose on tiptoe. And then he knew. He was what she wanted. And she was what he wanted, too.

He lowered his head, intending just to kiss her. Knowing if they got started, they might not be able to stop. The hell of it was, he didn’t want to stop. And given the way she was pressed up against him, her mouth fused hotly with his, Lily did not want to call a halt, either. Which made their coming together this way all the sweeter.

Her body was soft and warm as it molded to his. Her lips acquiescent one minute, then were feisty as all get-out the next.

He could feel her fighting her desire, just as he was. And he could feel her losing the battle, just as she had the first time they made love.

Not wanting her to regret this the way she had their first, he groaned. Then lifted his head. “Lily...”

She caught the nape of his neck in her hand and pulled him back. “No talking!” She kissed him again, one hand fisted in his hair, the other sweeping down his body, the softness of her breasts abrading the hardness of his chest. He reacted in kind, letting his hands travel over the delectable curve of her buttocks, her hips, the insides of her thighs. She moaned as he pulled up the hem of her skirt and caressed her through her tights, then pushed her back against the wall, positioning his thigh between hers. She moaned again, a helpless little sound that sent his senses reeling. One hand reaching for his fly, she deepened the kiss even more, her mouth pliant beneath his, her body soft, supple, surrendering.