Texas-Sized Temptation (7 page)

Caitlin showed him the new part of the house only briefly, dwelling more on the original and older rooms and areas. She tried to make him see that he would be destroying a treasure if he tore it down.

Beyond a polite interest, she couldn't detect any other feelings about what he was seeing. She loved her grandmother's house more than any other place and couldn't see it as anything except a precious home that should be maintained and enjoyed.

How steeped was Jake in the hatred that always lay smoldering between the two families?

She led him through downstairs rooms and then they returned to join Cecilia in the parlor.

Jake sat, talking politely to Cecilia, laughing at a story
she told that had involved him in town. Occasionally as they talked, Caitlin glanced at her watch or the clock on the mantel and was gratified to see that an hour had passed and Jake not only showed no signs of leaving, but seemed to be enjoying himself talking to Cecilia.

Altheda appeared with brownies, a pot of steaming coffee, mugs and saucers.

Jake made a phone call and let Caitlin talk him into staying for lunch.

It was after two in the afternoon when he said he had to get back to the ranch and Caitlin went out to his truck with him.

He held her arm to walk around to his side. “I'd like to walk off into the woods with you or the nearest shed or anywhere we could be alone.”

“I don't need to ask why in the world you'd want to do that,” she replied, amused, wanting the same thing herself, which she would never admit to him. “I don't think that's possible. You'll be alone with me tonight.”

“I'll be at a restaurant with people everywhere.”

“I think you'll manage. I'm glad you stayed today and visited with Cecilia.”

“She's sweet and reminds me of my grandmother on my mother's side. She knows a lot about people in these parts.”

“Cecilia used to get out a lot, go to town and she had many friends. She's become more reclusive in the last years.”

He ran his hand across Caitlin's shoulder. “I'll see you in a few hours. Thanks again for lunch.”

“Thanks for taking me in during the storm and hearing my plea finally.”

He nodded and climbed into his truck and drove away. She walked to the porch and stood watching the truck on the road to the highway.

Cecilia came out to stand beside her. “Caitlin, watch out. He'll break your heart if you're not careful.”

Startled, Caitlin turned. “I won't let that happen. I barely know him.”

“He's a charming man. He's also accustomed to getting what he wants. Not one word was mentioned about selling land back to you, so I assume he's put you off with an answer.”

“Yes, he has until this week when he can talk to his brother and some people at his office.”

“He's dangling you along. He wants you and this ranch. I don't think he's going to sell to you.”

“Whatever happens,” Caitlin said, growing somber over hearing her own sentiments spoken aloud by Cecilia, “I promise, I'll take care of you and Altheda. Kirby, too.”

“We can all manage. Your grandmother left us each a trust that will take care of us financially. We'll get along.” Cecilia's gaze ran over the porch and tears filled her eyes. “I love this old house and I know you do, too,” she said gently. “It may just be time for all of us to let go and move on. Change is life, Caitlin. You know that. You've done your best to win him over, but those Bentons are a hard-hearted bunch toward the Santerres. He hates your brother. It shows in his cold blue eyes.”

“Cecilia, Jake isn't so awfully cold,” Caitlin said, having a strange feeling of not being truthful. She had a knot in her throat and hated to hear what she feared voiced aloud.

“Just don't fall in love with him, honey. You're going out with him tonight. You be careful. That man doesn't have your interests at heart. At least not now.”

“It's just dinner and I'll be careful,” Caitlin promised, looking into Cecilia's worried brown eyes. They both stepped closer to hug each other and Caitlin could feel Cecilia's thin shoulders and hurt for her. “Cecilia, I'd do anything to keep
him from uprooting you and the others,” she said, fighting tears.

“Don't,” Cecilia said firmly, pulling away and holding Caitlin's shoulders. “Do not do anything foolish to get your way. He'll take advantage of you and hurt you. We'll all be fine and stop worrying about us. You've talked to him about selling and you've done your part.”

Caitlin nodded. “I better check my calls and emails. I haven't since this morning.”

“You'll have to put it off for a few more minutes because here comes Kirby,” Cecilia said. “I'm going in. He'll want to talk to you, not me. I'm guessing he's in his fatherly mode. We all want to keep you from getting hurt while you're trying to protect us.”

Caitlin saw the foreman striding toward her, a lanky, relaxed walk that still covered ground rapidly. She had a sinking feeling he might want to air his feelings and warn her to be careful around Jake, too.

Cecilia left and in minutes Kirby climbed the porch steps to lean against a post facing her as she sat and gently rocked.

“I saw Benton drive away. I hear he's taking you out tonight.”

Caitlin couldn't keep from smiling. “You three have a grapevine that carries news faster than text messaging.”

He shrugged one shoulder. “Altheda told me. She had lunch for the boys and me and I was up here to get it and talked to her.”

“And she must have just found out from Jake's remarks. Yes, I'm going out with him and I'll be fine.”

“Look, you're doing this for the three of us, primarily. Dusty and Red, too, because the outcome will impact them. Jake Benton's a tough man. I've ridden against him in rodeos. I've seen Will come up against him and end up the worse for
it. I'd say you forget trying to save this place. I don't want to see you hurt.”

“Kirby, you're like an older brother to me—or a dad.”

“I believe at my age, dad is a better comparison,” he said and she smiled fleetingly, her mind on his warning.

“I'll take care of myself and I don't want any of you to worry. Jake won't hurt me. I'm not getting that involved with him.”

“He's broken more than a few hearts in this county,” Kirby said.

She gazed to the east, thinking about Jake driving home to his ranch.

“I'll be careful. You stop worrying. I've already been warned by Cecilia.”

“You might as well give up on him selling the place. That man isn't going to let you have it back. Trucks are pouring in here at that rig where they are drilling. I've watched them with binoculars from the barn loft. They're busy as can be. I wouldn't be surprised if they do find oil. Your dad never thought there was any here, but that time they drilled it was far over in the eastern corner, not up here near the house. They find oil, you can forget any hope of getting part of this ranch back.”

“I know. He retains all mineral rights, so he could go right ahead.”

“It's not conducive to raising cattle.”

“I couldn't just give up without asking. Just please, don't you worry.”

Kirby straightened up. “All right. I've said my say and I'll head back to work.” He turned and went down the porch steps.

“Kirby—“ She waited until he turned around to meet her gaze. “Thank you. I love you for watching out for me.”

“You take care, Caitlin. I can't watch out enough to protect you.”

She nodded and he walked away, heading back to the barn. Shortly he was in the truck and drove off on one of the ranch's paths.

With a sigh, she went inside, mulling over the warnings against Jake that reaffirmed her own reactions. Neither Kirby nor Cecilia expected Jake to sell back to her. She headed to the kitchen, knowing she might as well listen now to Altheda, hear her cautions and then she could go back to her work to check on her galleries and orders.

When she finally stepped inside her office, she closed the door. Feeling drained, she was more worried than ever about the future of the ranch.

 

Caitlin soon gave up trying to work because she couldn't keep her mind on anything except Jake. Memories of his kisses tormented her. Questions about his decision concerning the ranch were as constant a concern. All the time she bathed and dressed, she moved as if only half conscious of her actions. Kirby's and Cecilia's warnings made her view the evening with more caution, big reminders to be careful.

In spite of the warnings, her pulse speeded at the prospect. Her feelings toward Jake were mixed; fear he would destroy the place she loved, attraction, family hatreds, excitement. The dinner date would give her another chance to try to talk him into selling. What was really holding him back? Was he trying to get something from her besides a payment? Seduction? Perhaps tonight would bring answers.

W
ith his thoughts on Caitlin, Jake turned into his ranch road and answered a call on his cell. He talked briefly to his brother Gabe who had flown in and was waiting to see him.

When Jake parked, Gabe came out on the porch. His dark brown hair was windblown. He was dressed casually in jeans, boots and a cotton shirt. His blue eyes held curiosity when Jake climbed the porch steps.

“I brought the geological papers, the maps, the description of the barns and outbuildings used by Madeline Santerre. What gives that you're having second thoughts about it?”

“I met Caitlin Santerre and she's asked me to sell part of the property back to her. I'm dragging my feet to see if you find oil.”

“Why would you want to consider selling, oil or no oil? We've talked about the possibilities of oil on that land and we've already started drilling.”

“We'd retain all mineral, wind and water rights.”

“And she would agree to that and still want to buy back part of it?”

“Yep. She wants it for sentimental reasons and to take care of the elderly crew who have worked there.”

“Sentimental reasons? You believe that? A sentimental Santerre?”

“This isn't Will. I've found a Santerre who is not like Will at all. I always heard the Grandmother wasn't like her son or grandson. Let's go to the study where we can be comfortable.”

“Sure,” Gabe said, holding the door and following Jake inside.

“Actually, Will sold it without telling her. They've never gotten along.”

“Caitlin Santerre is Titus Santerre's daughter. I've always heard her mother was a Santerre maid.”

“That's right. When the maid had the baby Titus didn't want any part of either mother or baby and paid the maid to go away. When she planned to put the baby up for adoption, the grandmother, Madeline Santerre, Titus's mother, adopted her. Thus Caitlin became a Santerre and was raised by Grandmother Santerre. She's told me that Will was never kind to her.”

“That can't surprise you.”

“Nope. Will is mean through and through. Caitlin is not one bit like Will. She's worrying about the people who worked for Madeline. As far as I can tell, she doesn't have any meanness or selfishness in her.”

“Caitlin Santerre. All I remember is a little kid,” Gabe said as they entered the study and Jake sat in a leather chair.

“Not so little. I'm taking her to dinner tonight.”

“Caitlin? How old is she? I think of her as twelve at the most.”

“When you were having birthdays, Caitlin was having birthdays. She's twenty-eight.”

“Damn. Twenty-eight? I don't remember seeing her around these parts since she was little.” Gabe hooked one knee over the arm of the chair and let his booted foot dangle while he studied Jake. “Why are you taking her to dinner? Why didn't you just tell her no and be on your way?”

“She's beautiful. I want the evening with her.”

Gabe's eyebrows arched. “You've hated the Santerres, particularly since Brittany's death. What's the deal here—a little revenge by seducing a Santerre?”

“No. Will doesn't care a thing about her. No revenge there. I just want the evening with her.”

Gabe's eyes narrowed as he stared at his brother. “That one I can't figure. You know plenty of beautiful women. You hate the Santerres with a passion. Is there anything you're not telling me?”

“Not a thing. If you could see her, you'd know why I want to go out with her.”

Gabe shook his head. “You're not convincing me. I've seen you fight with Will. I've seen you try to beat him in sports. I've heard you call him names and complain about him. You don't like any of them. There's something else.”

“Nope.”

Gabe became silent and Jake waited patiently for his answers to soak in with his brother.

“Tell her no you won't sell and get on with your life,” Gabe said finally. “You're not going to go out often with the woman or have a relationship with her.”

“I'll tell her no soon. Probably this week at the office, but tonight, I'm taking her out. If it goes well tonight, I might put her off for a week and go out with her next weekend.”

“I can't believe I'm hearing this,” Gabe said. “You're sure she isn't going to talk you into selling back to her?”

“Fairly positive.”

“Then why the maps and descriptions and pictures?”

“If you must know, she's gaining some of my sympathy. I started out avoiding a definite rejection because I wanted to go out with her. She's gorgeous.”

“So you said,” Gabe remarked dryly.

“Now, I'm listening to her. If you don't find oil, it doesn't seem such a big deal to sell a patch of land and the old house to her if we retain rights. If you find oil, that house and everyone living in it will be in the way.”

“The more you get to know her, the more likely you are to do what she wants.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. I don't intend to sell if you find oil.”

“That's good because that house of hers may be in the middle of a very lucrative field. I think it is. Before too many more days, we'll know if I'm right.”

“I hope you are,” Jake said.

“If I am, you won't want her owning any part of the ranch. We'll want to drill where we can get oil. We have to have trucks able to get in and out. I'm puzzled, but okay. I know you're not going all soft over a Santerre. No way is that happening.”

“I'm just thinking about it and waiting to hear something decisive from you,” Jake said and Gabe smiled.

“I hope I have news for you soon,” Gabe remarked. He stood. “I've got to run. I'm flying back to Fort Worth to meet some guys for dinner.”

Jake walked to the porch with Gabe. “See you in Dallas.”

When his brother was gone, Jake returned to the study to look at the papers Gabe had delivered to him. He hated Will with a passion, disliked Will's father. Why bother selling to Caitlin? He wasn't ready to get her out of his life yet. Erotic images of Caitlin in his bed set his heart drumming.

He had asked to see the house and property because he was
stalling to hear from Gabe about oil before he was forced to give her an answer, yet she had wanted to show him the house and everything else, playing on his sympathy.

She had tried to familiarize him with the house and property so it would not seem impersonal and easy to dispose of. He had allowed her to because the more he was with her, the more he wanted to be with her and to seduce her.

As she had led the way from room to room, he had watched the gentle sway of her hips. He wanted her in his arms in his bed. His blood heated at the thought of tonight. Seduce her, spend time with her and then tell her no.

Would she trade sleeping with him for an agreement from him to sell the house back to her? Or become his mistress for a limited time? The possibility was erotic, tempting. She wanted the house and part of the property in the worst way. It was leverage to get something in return from her and money meant nothing. If it had been Will who wanted the property back, he would have delighted in saying no, but it wasn't Will. This was an entirely different matter. It hinged on Gabe finding oil.

Caitlin had not won him over beyond it being exciting to be with her.

It was a small matter to sell a little piece of the ranch back to her, but he wasn't ready to do so yet. He was certain when he did, he would see no more of Caitlin.

What kind of evening would he have with her? He glanced at his watch. Only a few hours and he would find out.

 

Caitlin studied herself in the mirror while her thoughts remained only half on her appearance. The prospect of an evening with Jake both excited and disturbed her. Reactions poles apart like all of her responses since she had first faced him. She wanted to get her property back and be done with him because he was an unwanted temptation in her life.

Focusing on her reflection, she smoothed the deep blue long-sleeved dress over her hips. The dress had a draped neckline with a low-cut back. She stepped into silver high-heeled sandals. Her hair was piled on her head, held with a silver clip with a few strands escaping to frame her face. Blue-and-silver earrings dangled from her ears.

A flight to Dallas to eat and then back, but it would be no surprise if he wanted her to stay the night in Dallas. At the thought, her already bubbling insides gave another jump.

The front door knocker made a clang that she could hear upstairs in her bedroom. Grabbing up her clutch purse, she hurried downstairs. Cecilia had already greeted Jake and was in the front room talking to him.

Caitlin heard their voices before she entered the room. Jake stood the minute she walked through the door. Her breathing altered as she looked at Jake in a charcoal suit with a red tie. Even when she was in high heels, he was still the taller. Wickedly handsome, he presented an enormous challenge: win him over about selling—resist seduction.

Then she saw the perusal he was giving her with approval definitely in his warm gaze. “You're beautiful, Caitlin. I can't believe you're the same little kid I remember.”

“Thank you. The same little kid you ignored, is what you mean.”

“Cecilia, it was nice to see you again, if only briefly.”

“Take care tonight,” Cecilia said, following them to the door and telling them goodbye. The minute the door closed behind them, Jake took her arm.

“Cecilia looks sweet, but I wouldn't want to meet her in a dark alley. I think she would gladly do me in.”

Caitlin laughed. “I have never heard such a description of her in my life. Next to my grandmother, she's the sweetest person on earth.”

“You can't tell me I got approval after my visit this
afternoon. That was a frosty few minutes before you arrived.”

“Cecilia? I can't believe it. She is always sweet to people. Even Will—she never trusted Will, but she was always kind about him because she knew Grandmother loved him.”

“I'm not going to pin you down on Cecilia's opinion of me, but I'd bet the ranch I'm on target.”

“You might be,” she said, amused by his reaction to Cecilia. “Now if you sell the land back to us, she'll change her opinion completely.”

“Ah, that's what her coldness is about. I was afraid it was about taking you out.”

“Why would she worry about that?” Caitlin asked.

Jake shot her a look before returning his attention to the ranch road. “Don't make me sound like someone so run-of-the-mill.”

She laughed. “You will never be ‘run-of-the-mill.' Stop fishing for reassurance or compliments. If our relatives could see us now, they wouldn't believe their eyes. A Benton and a Santerre together for an evening.”

“All I can see is a man and a gorgeous woman. That feud melted away when you appeared on my porch.”

She smiled as she watched him drive. She had caught a whiff of his woodsy aftershave. All she could remember when she was a kid was an unfriendly older boy who was a Benton and someone to avoid. Not the breathtaking dream sitting only feet away from her and spending the evening with her.

“A penny for your thoughts,” he said.

“No amount of money would wring my thoughts out of me right now,” she replied, smiling and received another swift glance.

“Now I have to know. Your thoughts must be personal, must involve me and must include tonight.”

“You're enough on target that I think we will change the subject. Do you work all the time in Dallas?”

“A large part, but I travel, too. And you're not getting off the hook that easily. Thoughts that concern us and you won't tell me. That's intriguing. Something you don't want to admit.”

“Stop it, Jake,” she said with a laugh.

“Not when a beautiful woman admits to thoughts about us that she can't confess. That conjures up all sorts of images—”

“You can stop now. You win—I was merely thinking how handsome you are and that we're headed for an exciting evening. There—very ordinary thoughts that could be expected.”

“You're not fooling me. You don't want to admit what you're really thinking—more along the lines of speculation about what it would be like to make passionate love,” he said, his voice lowering a notch.

She tingled all over. “You won't believe me if I deny that and of course, now you have me thinking about it.”

His hand tightened on the steering wheel. Otherwise, she saw no visible sign of reaction to what she'd just said. “Now I wish I had started this conversation when I wasn't driving.”

“You brought this on yourself. Perhaps you should take my suggestion and we change the subject.”

“Flirting is infinitely more fun with you than an ordinary conversation,” he said.

“More dangerous, Jake. You and I were never destined for any kind of future together. We can ignore the feud for a time, but never completely, and it means some things will never take place between us.”

“Not necessarily. A kiss can diminish family histories like lightning striking a tree. I'll show you when we return to this conversation when I'm no longer driving.”

His words wrapped around her, making her warm. He wouldn't forget what he just said. Kisses awaited, heightening her bubbling excitement.

“I hope you've thought about Grandmother's house. It is so wonderful, Jake. It's filled with memories. I just can't bear to lose it.”

“It is a fine old home, Caitlin. There's no argument about that.”

They reached his ranch and drove to park in front of an open hangar. Nearby a dazzling white jet waited, a larger craft than she had expected. The moment she stepped inside, she saw it was a luxury jet that held plush seats, tables, a bar, a screen for films, electronic equipment and phones. “This is an elegant plane, Jake.”

“It's comfortable and equipped for me to work while I fly. Or be entertained, whichever I want.”