Already Killian was itching to see her again. If he did, however, hed get good and tangled up, and what would happen when he left? Because, at least from where he sat now, he couldnt wait to shake the dust of Red Creek from his boots. His entire future was focused on getting his ranch.
How had he gotten himself in this situation after less than forty-eight hours in town? He hadnt planned on finding someone like Lexie for damn sure. Sighing, he stuck the rope back in its place and went to work.
He spent a good portion of the morning studying the contents of the folder Elaine had given him, the rest of it being quizzed by her on what hed absorbed so far. He surprised himselfand probably herwith the amount of information hed absorbed and understood.
You could be a natural at this, you know, she told him.
Thanks, but . He flapped a hand helplessly, not wanting to give voice to his thoughts.
But you dont plan to make this your lifes work, she guessed. Or Red Creek your permanent home.
He shrugged. It isnt who I am.
She watched him silently for a long moment. You know, Dusty really loved all you boys, and your mamas. She gave a short laugh. Although boys hardly describes the men youve become. He was proud of each and every one of you.
And did he realize what a mess hed created? Killian demanded.
Of course he did. She stared off over his shoulder. He agonized over it all the time. Thing was, he loved each of the women equally. He knew what he did was wrong, but he did his best to make amends. He wasnt all bad, Killian. I hope while youre here you can learn about the other side of him.
People seem to want to keep cramming it down my throat, so its not as if I can exactly get away from it.
Oh? She raised an eyebrow in a gesture he was learning meant Tell me everything. Youve only been here since Sunday night, so who else has been pounding your ear? Marliss and Lou?
Not yet. He winked. But Im sure theyre working up to it.
Hmm. Her lips twitched. So, who else could you have been talking to?
His cue to end this conversation. He pushed himself out of the chair. I think Ill take a break. Maybe wander down the street for some pastry.
Elaine burst out laughing. You are about as subtle as a sledge hammer, Killian. Say hello to Lexie for me. Dont forget to get Abbys honey buns. He was almost out of her office when her voice stopped him. And Killian?
He turned. Yeah?
Take care with that young lady. Everyone thinks the world of her.
He nodded. Duly noted.
All the way down the street, Elaines words echoed in his head. You could be a natural at this. Not if he was raising horses. Dusty really loved all you boys, and your mamas. Bullshit! And the worst: Take care of that young lady. Everyone thinks the world of her.
So did he, and that was the trouble. More than the world, as a matter of fact. How was it possible? Hed known her less than twenty-four hours, yet he found himself on some kind of emotional roller coaster he was totally unprepared for. The memory of those scorching kisses were imprinted on his body. Hed had a hard time not dragging her into her apartment and tearing her clothes off, but he respected women, treated them well, even if the connection was only for one night. His mother had hammered it into his head.
Respect women, Killian. They deserve that.
Had she been trying to tell him something? Had Dusty not respected her? Well, fucking damn, consorting with three other women besides her while he had a wife at home? Did he not respect any of them?
Shit, shit, shit.
His head was so fucked up he should go home and dunk it in a bucket of cold water. Except, he was already at Heart Starter. As if it had a mind of its own, his hand grabbed the handle and pulled the door open. Since it was closer to noon than his visit yesterday, the place was pretty full, but Lexie looked up from handing over two coffee cups and gave him a million-watt smile. Then she held up one finger.
One minute, she mouthed.
He made an okay sign with his thumb and forefinger and hung back while she waited on her customers. At least half of the tables were filled today, and the people seated there stared at him with curiosity. Probably studying the latest Walker offspring to hit town. What did they all think about this circus? Leaning in a corner while he waited for Lexie, he nodded at everyone and gave them a casual smile. Several people actually smiled back at him. He had to admit this place wasnt as bad as hed expected.
He let his gaze wander around the shop, taking in things he hadnt really noticed yesterday. The artwork on the walls, for instance. Yesterday, they had been blurs of color. Today, he realized they were great examples of contemporary Western art. The style was very distinctive and arresting. Someone had lovingly painted a magnificent stallion, a small herd of horses galloping across a pasture, a tired cowboy at the end of a long day, and other similar scenes. Whoever this was might have come from Montana like he had, because the essence of the cowboy had been captured perfectly.
He was still admiring them when someone touched his arm and he saw Lexie holding out a mug of coffee to him. He inhaled, and her jasmine scent filled his senses.
Im still in the middle of a late-morning rush, she told him, smiling, and lunch rush is coming in. I didnt want to leave you without your coffee, though.
Her smile lit up every one of his nerve endings and sent heat cascading through him. Jesus! If he got this way from looking at her in a roomful of people, what was he going to do when they were alone again?
Listen. He took a sip of the smooth liquid in the mug. Why dont I get my stuff to go, and Ill see you later.
She raised her eyebrows. Later?
For dinner? He held his breath, waiting for her answer.
Her easy smile unknotted his muscles. Sure. Same time?
Yes, if that works for you. And, Lexie? Id like to take you someplace really nice, if theres one where we wont be caught up in everyones radar.
I think I have just the place, she told him. Its a little more expensive than The Roadhouse.
No problem. Any place youd like to go is fine with me.
Okay. She brushed a stand of hair back from her face. Let me box up your pastries for you.
He noticed the crowd gathering at her counter again. I can wait.
Oh, no. This wont stop for at least another half hour. Let me get your stuff. She gave him a tiny wink. On the house.
I cant
My pleasure. Dont argue with the owner. She was back in seconds with two small boxes in a plastic bag with the Heart Starter logo on it. Enjoy. Ill be ready at seven.
Then he was back on the street, slightly dazed, the little bag in his hand. When he glanced at his watch, he realized it was barely noon. Seven hours until he could see her again. How would he ever last?
Lexie had changed her clothes five times by the time the clock showed almost straight up seven.
Youd think Id never been on a date before.
But all her tingly girl parts as well as the functioning portion of her brain kept sending her messages this was more than just a date. Killian Walker had blown into her life by an accident of fate. Shed probably never see him again when this week was over. There was no guarantee heor any of the brotherswould hang around little Red Creek when their time was up. They all had places in the larger universe, and she was pretty sure theyd go back to them. Oh, wait. Shed heard a rumor that Dylan, the first to stay the week in Red Creek, might be hanging around.
In any event, it had nothing to do with Killian. Hed probably be on a fast plane back to his real life after this. Shed never met a man quite like him, all quiet, solid strength, intense masculinity, and sex appeal off the charts. Shed laid awake a long time last night, thinking about their kiss and wondering what it would feel like to be naked against him, lying close to his equally naked body. What his hands might feel like roaming over her, teasing all her erogenous zones. How his mouth would feel on her, placing those kisses on her breasts and her
Heat flushed over the entire surface of her skin. The pulse low in her pussy that had leaped to life last night with their kiss hadnt abated one bit. Nor had the tingling in her breasts or the ache in her nipples. Or the yearning to feel his hard length inside her. Normally, she had much better control of herself. But, normally, she didnt have a man as hot and sexy as Killian walk into her life. Or one who touched her soul and her heart as well as her body.
And, in his eyes, she saw signs of a similar reaction, irises that darkened with heat, hunger, and desire. He might be leaving, but hed take the memory of her with him. She was determined. So, tonight she would be more daring than shed ever been in her life. Do something completely out of character. If she only had one week with him, she intended to make the most of it. Starting with inviting him into her apartment when he took her home. The romance novels she devoured painted erotic scenes in her mind and a longing for the kind of romantic adventures the authors wrote about.
And she didnt need to have her bedroom looking like a suitcase threw up all over it. Finally settling on a red skirt that swirled around her legs, a silk-print blouse that showed off her breasts to best advantage, and a pair of strappy, high-heeled red sandals, she swept everything else into a pile and shoved it into her closet.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she made a final pass at her hair and makeup and sprayed on a little more jasmine cologne.
Just in time for the knock on her door.
Dont leap on him the minute you see him.
She opened the door and went weak in the knees. Tonight he wore black dress pants, a black silk shirt, and his Stetson. Lordy, but the man looked like sex on wheels in black. His clothes enhanced his lean muscular frame, his wide shoulders, and his long legs. But what really got her was the expression in his eyes, as if he was mentally undressing her and licking every inch of her body.
She shivered with suppressed delight.
Ready? His lips curved in a smile lethal in its intensity.
I am. She stepped out onto the platform, pulled the door shut, and locked it. Then she glanced up at him and smiled. More than.
His eyes darkened. Me, too. Then, as if pulling himself back to reality, he offered his arm. Shall we go?
Absolutely.
She was glad shed decided on Maximilians. It had a warm, old-world charm, an elegant feel with the crystal chandeliers, white linen tablecloths, and crystal goblets. The thick carpet silenced footsteps, and classical music played faintly in the background. But the best part was it was located in the next county, and it was a weeknight, so they were not too likely to run into people they knew.
Not exactly what I was expecting out here in He stopped. Out here.
Go on, she teased. Out here in Hicksville, right?
He laughed; the rich full sound made her panties dampen and her nipples tingle. Lord, it seemed everything this man did had an erotic effect on her. She just hoped she hadnt misread him and he was as anxious for this as she was. He certainly was giving off those signals. But she also knew he was a man who respected women. Whatever he might want, hed wait for a signal from her.
Tonight, she would give it loud and clear.
Actually, he told her, even in Montana we have really nice restaurants, even in small towns. My mother made sure I learned to eat properly in public and not pick my teeth at the table.
Lexie giggled. Ill bet you did that as a kid.
I did a lot of things as a kid I got my hide tanned for. I think my mother was afraid Id grow up to be a heathen and a bum.
She tilted her head. Whats your mother like? And Im asking not because of her relationship with Dusty, but because I really want to know. I want to know about you.
Well, lets see. He waited while the waiter placed their drinks on the tablewine for her, bourbon and water for himbefore he went on. Her family came over from Ireland. I guess you could figure it was in the blood somewhere when you heard the name Killian.
Whats her name?
Mairi. It means of the sea. Which is a little odd, considering her family lived in the mountains of Montana.
How did she get there?
Her ancestors came over in the nineteenth century, from what she told me. Im not even sure of the entire story, but she was fourth generation. He laughed. Her great-grandfather liked to call himself an Irish cowboy.
They really liked the West?
He nodded. They did. As if they were born to it, from what I know.
And Killian? What does your name mean?
Well, he drawled, the Urban Dictionary says it means a kid who doesnt take shit from anyone.
And is it accurate? She looked at him over the rim of her wineglass.
He shrugged. Maybe not as aggressively as when I was a lot younger, but I still hold my ground when I need to.
I dont know if this will please you or not, but I see some of Dusty in you. He held his ground, too. When he was right, he didnt let anyone push him around.
When he was right. Killian took another sip of bourbon. Lets make a bargain. Tonight, we leave Dusty out of the conversation. That okay with you?
Anything he wanted was okay with her.
She lifted her wine and waited until he touched his highball glass to hers. To a pleasant evening.
His eyes ate her up. The most pleasant, he agreed and took another swallow of his drink. So as long as were on names, what does Lexie mean? Is it short for something?
For Alexandra. She brushed her curls back from her face. No ones called me that for years, though. In either form, it means defender of man. So I guess when youre out with me, youre safe from attack.
He chuckled. You can defend me anytime, darlin.
Then he had questions about her family, how long theyd lived in Kansasthree generationsand what she wanted to do with her life, if anything, besides run Heart Starter.
She fiddled with her wine glass as she tried to give him answers without revealing anything to him. Few people were aware what they thought of as her hobby was really her secret passion. And she wasnt quite ready to expose herself to Killian. So, she glossed over the fact shed gone away to school, without saying where, mentioned shed come home while she figured out what to do with the rest of her life, and shared how the opportunity for Heart Starter had jumped into her lap.
The conversation flowed smoothly and easily,
For dessert, they shared a piece of Decadent Chocolate Cake. Every time his lips slid over the tines of the dessert fork, she imagined them closing over one of her nipples. When he licked the frosting from his lips, she imagined his tongue sliding over her body and into her tight channel. It was all she could do to sit there and act as if nothing was happening to her.
Finally, finally, Killian paid the check and ushered her out of the restaurant.
Enjoyed it, darlin. His voice slid over her like warm molasses.
Me, too. She hoped she enjoyed the rest of the evening as much. If only she could get rid of the butterflies dancing the jitterbug in her tummy.
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