Second Round Cowboy (Second Chance Series) (20 page)

She slid he
r hands along his chest, nicking his skin with her nails. “I’m always up for trying new things. Shall we move into your bedroom and play teacher/student? Or, are you more the doctor/nurse type?”

“
I like the way you think.” He was already leading her down the hall. For now, sex with Leslie would be a great diversion from the other obstacles in their life, but eventually they’d have to smooth the wrinkles out.

However,
not tonight.

****

Leslie woke the next morning, stretched her arm to the other side of the bed and came up empty. She lifted her head and saw the piece of paper. Grabbing the note, she read it…

       “Meet me in the kitchen.”

Pulling on one of his oversized shirts and a pair of shorts, she made her way downstairs, following the savory deliciousness of bacon. She hadn’t had any in a long time.

He lifted his head
when she came into the room. His warm gaze fell down her body. “Hungry?” he asked.

“Starved. You wore me out last night.” She winked when he smiled.

“I think it’s the other way around. You never get tired, do you?” He wiggled his brows. He plated the eggs, bacon and toast on two plates.

Her stomach growled, pleading that she nourish her body.
“Where’s Lilly?”

“She’s with Tessa.” He pulled ou
t a cushioned stool and motioned for her to sit. She did as he requested.

“Have her therapy days
switched?” She grabbed a piece of bacon and popped it into her mouth, chewing the smoky meatiness.

He shook his head as he sat in the chair across from her. “No, they’re shopping.”

Leslie almost choked. She grabbed the orange juice and gulped it down. Choking no longer a threat, she set her glass down. “Shopping?”

The area between his brows crinkled. “Something wrong?”

Leslie went from hot to cold in a matter of seconds. “I guess not. I just thought I’d take her out alone for a few hours today. After all, I have to go back later. I don’t remember you and me discussing these plans.”

He sighed. “
I’m sorry. I thought you’d stay the entire weekend.” He forked eggs into his mouth.

“I have t
o get back. I want to check on the mare.”

“Oh
, I see.” He grabbed a piece of bacon and downed it with coffee.

The air became uncomfortable.
“I guess it’s my fault since I didn’t tell you my plans.”

His shrug was taut. “And I assumed.”

“At least Lilly is happy.” She didn’t want to discuss Tessa. “This is a very lovely gesture, breakfast and all.” She scooped eggs. The rest of the meal was spent in awkward silence.

After the table was cleaned and the dishes washed, Leslie slid off her rubber gloves and tossed them onto the counter.
Turning on Stryker, he was drying the last dish. “Are you mad at me?’

“
No, I’m not mad.” He didn’t make eye contact with her.

Nibbling her bottom lip, she played with the heart ring on her right hand. “Not mad, but maybe hurt? Disappointed
? I need to know something, Stryke.”

He threw the towel onto the sink and
looked at her. His jaw was tight and his lips turned downward. “I’m really fine, Lesi. I’ve got to get used to your schedule.”

“Fine, yet your words
seem pretty bitter,” she said.

“When do you think you’ll be back?”

“I thought we chatted about this last night. I will come later in the week. You were the one who mentioned the long-distance thing.”

He blinked. “I think I spoke too soon.” The air
snapped.

“
Is that right? My head is spinning. Changing your mind every few days doesn’t help.” She didn’t want another argument. “We agreed that the arrangement would work.”

“An arrangement is exactly how you see our relationship.” His words were harsh.

There wasn’t a sliver of compassion visible in his granite gaze and her skin crawled. “I know I should have told you that I wouldn’t be here all weekend. I lapsed in my communication, but so have you. We should discuss Lilly and her plans too.”

“So
, let me get this straight. Should I call you every time something comes up asking if it’s okay?”

“
Relax, Stryke. That’s not what I’m saying.”

“Then what are you saying?”
He slid his hand through his thick locks then crossed his arms.

“I believe Tessa shouldn’t have come to get Lilly, especially when I’m here. It feels like an intrusion.” She moistened her lips and swallowed bile. This wasn’t how she wanted to spend the last few hours in Hollyville.

“Is that what this is about? Tessa again?” He rubbed his temples
and blew out a long breath.

The hair on the back of her neck lifted.
“I’m beginning to wonder what your priority list is.  I hope you realize that I’m not a woman who will share a man.”

His jaw dropped. “I have no clue what you mean.”

“Come on, Stryke. You’re not ignorant. Isn’t it obvious what’s going on here? Tessa is in love with you and I’m not so sure that the feeling isn’t returned in some way.” She started to turn but he caught her elbow. “What?”

“That’s the craziest thing I’ve heard. I respect
her for caring for Lilly. With her help, Lilly is doing better.” His eyes turned dark. “She is a great role model and is here if Lilly needs her.”

“That’s my job, remember?
”

He shook his head as if he wanted to toss away their conversation. “You mean it’s your job when you’re here.”

His words ripped her insides to shreds. “Honestly, I’m not sure what we’d call this relationship or what my role is in Lilly’s life. At times, it seems I’m expected to stand behind Tessa and wait my turn.”

“Maybe that’s where you want to be. When you’re hiding in the shadows you don’t have to face your failures.”

Poison slashed her veins.  “You’re an ass.” Jerking her arm free, she marched out of the room.

“Lesi, wait—”

“Forget about it.”

Climbing the stairs, she
made it to the bedroom when she heard Stryker’s heavy footsteps behind her. She didn’t look but knew he stood at the threshold of the bedroom “My attitude this morning stinks,” he said.

Grabbing her suitcase,
she tossed in the clothing she had on yesterday.

“What happened to us working things out?”
The pleading tone of his voice made her acknowledge him. “Can I explain what I meant?”

“
What’s the use? You’re right, I have failed at times. The bigger issue is, we’re not even married yet. How the hell are we going to get along when we are wearing each other’s ring?” She plopped down on the edge of the bed and crossed her arms. Frustration grew within her.

“P
robably like we always did. We argued, and then made up before bedtime. It worked then.”

“We were young
. We are mature adults now and we have to communicate better.” 

“We’re still young.
I don’t like you leaving again so soon. I did agree to this though.” He leaned against the doorframe. “You have a life and so do I.”

“And soon both will
be joined.”

“I’m sorry that I let Tessa pick Lilly up this morning. The plan had been in the works for
a while.”

“It’s okay.
I have to put aside my own feelings. It’s good for Lilly.”

“For the record, you’re not failing now. I only meant that you’re new at this, and so am I. Having someone like Tessa to lead us toward the right path isn’t a bad thing, is it?”

“I’ll be the first to admit that she is a great help with Lilly. I just don’t want to feel like I’m the odd man out. Isn’t that fair?”

He nodded.

“
Have you told Tessa that we’re getting married?”

He shook his head. “
No, I haven’t.”

The blade slid deeper as she absorbed the fact that he hadn’t told the other woman. She knew Stryker and believed he’d tell her. There was no reason not to trust him
.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

DRAINED AND READY to call it a da
y
,
Leslie pulled into Mason Ranch just as the rain started. Lightening lit the sky followed by a deep roll of thunder.

She’d had a long week and the
two hour drive had felt more like twenty-four. After helping deliver a foal that afternoon, she’d wanted to go home and go to bed, but she’d promised Stryker she’d come tonight.

Pulling
up next to the BMW, she glanced at the digital clock. It was almost Ten P.M. Lilly would be asleep and Stryker didn’t tell her he was expecting company.

Grabbing her suitcase from the
passenger seat, she opened the door, jumped out and made a mad dash up the walkway to the porch. By the time she made it to the porch, she was wet and freezing, making her mood worse.

Knocking on the door, she waited. Goosebumps covered her skin and her teeth clattered. “Why aren’t you answering?”

Impatient, she dropped her bag and slipped her purse off of her arm. Stryker had given her a key but she hadn’t used it and couldn’t remember where she’d put it. After digging through pieces of gum, store receipts, paper clips, and mini marshmallows, which she tossed into the yard, she finally found the key at the bottom. Her fingers were numb making it hard to slide the key in and turn. When the lock finally clicked, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She hurried inside, shut the door and absorbed the warmth. Water dripped from her hair and her clothes were stuck to her skin.

She started to call out to Stryker, but the sound of a woman’s laughter stopped her.
Who the hell?

Leaving her bag by the
door, she followed the sounds into the living room, her tennis shoes squeaking, and stepped right into a cozy setting. The gas fireplace was on, dim lighting was set and Stryker and Tessa were sitting on the couch.

Stryker
had a beer. Next to him, Tessa held a wine glass. Both were laughing. Leslie’s gaze fell to Tessa’s hand casually placed on his arm.

Her stomach turned and she wanted to pretend she’d never seen the two of them.

Who was she kidding?

He was her cowboy
. And Tessa was intruding!

When neither realized she was there, she dropped her purse and it landed with a thud.

Tessa noticed her first. Hand quickly left Stryker’s arm.

“Hello.” Leslie forced a smile to her quivering lips.

Stryker then turned, his curious gaze lowered over her. “What the hell happened?”

“Not much. I just waded through a storm for the joy of it.” Her bottom lip trembled
.

He
placed his bottle on the table and stood up. Tessa lowered her bare feet to the floor, but remained seated. Neither showed any guilt or betrayal. “You made it. I expected you a few hours ago.” Stryker grabbed the blanket off the back of the chair and came to her, wrapping her in its warmth.

“Yes, I made it.” Her voice wavered. After working all day, feeling exhausted, being stuck in traffic, and soaked to her panties, she was in no mood for pleasantries.

Tessa stood up, concern creasing the area around her eyes. “Can I get you a glass of wine?”

Leslie started to turn down the offering, but she thought better of it. “Sure. I’d love one.”

Tessa left the room.

“Damn, you’re going to catch cold.” Stryker pulled the ends of the blanket closer around her body.

“I’m okay now.”

“You say that but your lips are blue,” he said.

Tessa came back with a filled wine glass and handed it to Leslie. She took it and downed the liquid in one slurp. Licking her lips, she handed the empty crystal back to a stunned Tessa. “Would you like another?”
Tessa offered.

“No. I’m good.” She blinked and her wet lashes stuck together.

“Tessa was nice enough to sit with Lilly today while I was working,” Stryker said.

“That is very kind of you, Tessa. Dropping everything and helping out, especially sitting this late in the evening.” Le
slie wanted to pat herself on the shoulder for doing such a great job of controlling the part of her that wanted to lash out like a spurred demon. Showing horns had never been her style, but backed into a corner, she’d do what she needed.

“
It really wasn’t a problem. Stryker offered me dinner and I couldn’t refuse.” Tessa beamed.

“It was so much trouble throwing
a frozen pizza into the oven,” Stryker added.

“
Oh, listen to the two of you. How sweet.” The forced laughter came out as a snort. Leslie swallowed the sound.