Cowboy Rush (Dalton Boys Book 5) (6 page)

His arm locked around her back, spinning her to face him. She tilted her head back.

Their mouths collided.

For five heartbeats she couldn’t remember her own name let alone what planet she lived on.

Kade’s lips weren’t as hard as they looked.

And he smelled like leather and spiced pine.

He yanked free and stumbled back two steps, rifle still in hand. Even in the dim lighting she could see his chest rising and falling harshly. Odd. She couldn’t hear his breaths.

The skin around her lips prickled where his beard scruff had seared her. And his scents lingered in her head. She darted her tongue over her lower lip and tasted him—pure, raw male.

* * * * *

Fire blazed through his system, raising alarms. He’d just grabbed the ranch hand and kissed her. Brushing his lips against hers had turned his brain to mush; but his cock as hard as steel.

Chest burning to do it again, he attempted to pretend he hadn’t just gone out of his mind. It was the excitement of the moment.
Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Kade. She’s been driving you crazy for days.

She was staring at him, her ripe lips parted slightly and her eyes nearly black under the moonlight.

He jerked into action. “Let’s go get the coyote.”

Without a word she followed him to the predator. When he poked the animal with his gun to see if it was indeed dead, she released a ragged sigh.

He grinned. “Didn’t think I’d get it, did you?”

“Never said that.”

Damn, he liked how she talked. Walked. Smelled. Licked her lower lip when she was nervous, as she was now.

His jeans had a stranglehold on his cock and no way could he give in to his need to pull her against his aching erection again. To feel her sweet body that was soft in all the right places.

That kiss, touch, slip-up—it couldn’t happen again. He turned his anger on himself. With quick movements he grabbed the coyote and threw it over his shoulders. “You can turn on the regular flashlight now. We’re going back to the house.”

Her features were unreadable, not that he knew how anyway. She was a complete mystery to him. They started walking. “Why’d you leave the Sky Ranch?”

She switched off the red light and turned on the white beam of the regular one. “Time to make my own way.”

Carrying the coyote, he strode toward her. “Don’t give me that crap. Why did you leave?” He kept pace with her, very aware of how her lips had felt under his.

He bit off a begrudging growl. He liked a feisty woman—he’d been raised by one and was surrounded by them. But his relatives all shared something Ryan didn’t seem to possess. She wasn’t a team player.

After trying to instruct her on how to do chores, she’d blatantly done things her way. And why were his brothers sticking her with him? He wasn’t suited to training an ornery know-it-all, woman or not.

When she didn’t answer him, he pressed the issue. “Why did you leave?”

“Why did you kiss me?” she shot back.

The country air seemed to snap with electricity, though there wasn’t a trace of lightning. The atmosphere was volatile this week, and the dust storms in the surrounding areas worried everyone on the ranch, but Ryan was another force altogether.

Even with a stinking coyote around his neck, he only smelled the sweet peaches and cream scents of Ryan. For those seconds their lips had collided, he’d gone a little crazy.

“I don’t know why,” he said quietly. “I apologize.”

“Don’t let it happen again.” Her snappish tone was more to his liking. He’d rather have a pissed-off woman than one with puppy dog eyes.

All the way back to the house, she didn’t speak. Judging by her long, swift strides, she wanted to get away from him as quickly as possible.

The feeling’s mutual.

Kissing her sure was a mistake. One he wouldn’t live down anytime soon but he’d keep his distance in the future.

Once they reached an outbuilding, he said, “Get the door for me, would ya?”

She threw him an irritated look and shoved the door open. He went inside and dropped the animal to the cement floor. “The light switch is on the right.”

She flipped it on and a bare bulb glowed yellow-green on them.

“What now?” she asked.

“I’m going to skin it. We can sell the hide.”

“Will it fetch a good price?”

“Yes, for a big one like this.” He turned to her. “Go on to bed. I got this.”

“No, I’m staying. I want to see how it’s done.” She took off her hat and revealed all that thick red hair. Even under the ugly lighting, it was gorgeous. And her eyes…they were warm golden brown again.

Damn, she was back to looking so beautiful and feminine, he could barely control the lust that pounded through him. “What the hell color are your eyes?” His question came out in an accusatory tone.

Her slanting red brows drew together and she glared. “Hazel, why?”

“They never look the same color twice. It’s driving me nuts.”

“Is that a rule around here—your eyes have to be the same color every minute of the day?”

“Yeah, along with first breakfast. Why don’t you ever come to the house and get any?”

“Haven’t gotten to it yet.”

They stared at each other, at a standoff. Finally she pushed out a breath, part sigh, part agitation. “I’ll come up tomorrow.”

“We’re going to be up late. I’ll bring you a granola bar if you want.” Something sweet bloomed in his chest at the idea of choosing a kind she’d like.

“That’d be nice. Thanks.” Her eyes were softer, warmer—melted milk chocolate. Suddenly he was as hungry as hell.

“Maybe we should grab a midnight snack too. After this.” He gestured to the coyote.

Her features shifted, her expression unreadable again. “I’ll pass on that. Let’s get this show on the road, Dalton. I need my beauty sleep.”

As his gaze traveled over her—hair, eyes that haunted him, creamy throat and plush breasts, he thought if she gained any more beauty, she’d kill him. He set to work.

* * * * *

Ryan flipped onto her side and the bunk creaked. Cool air struck her damp skin between tank top and panties, and relief washed through her. It wasn’t a particularly hot night for Texas, but her thoughts were making it difficult to keep her temperatures from rising.

Kade had kissed her. Why? Was it the heat of the moment—excitement from getting the coyote before it started killing their calves? That was definitely something to get riled about when cattle were your livelihood.

But…that forbidden caress had raised a raw need in her. One she had never known in her life.

She’d had boyfriends—long-term and short-term. Good sex and bad. At this point in her life, she could take or leave the idea of a relationship. She was more driven to prove herself in a professional capacity.

Now all she could do was toss and turn and think of Kade Dalton.

If she had to choose, she’d say Kade was the handsomest of the brothers. They were all good-looking, but Kade had a special look about him. Rugged features, muscular arms, chest and well, everything. One of the things she liked best about him was how he wore his emotions. While she couldn’t begin to read them, she liked watching them play over his face.

She gazed through the darkness and the small window that looked out on the eastern part of the ranch. Fields, fields and more fields, each more beautiful than the last. She really did like it here despite how much Kade annoyed her.

Turning onto her back again, she ran a fingertip over her lower lip, still feeling his kiss. No, his mouth wasn’t nearly as hard as it looked. He’d pulled away quickly—thank goodness—but part of her lamented the fact she hadn’t gotten a chance to really know how hard or soft his kisses could be.

Beneath her thin tank top, her nipples puckered. They were doing that far too often lately. Each time Kade came near, even to grouch at her about how she threw a rope, warmth bathed her insides. And her nipples reacted every damn time.

He wasn’t the most pleasant man, though. When he wasn’t glaring, he was barking orders or criticizing her. She’d shut him up a couple of times by besting him, but she had a feeling he’d never find anything in her to admire.

Pushing out a breath, she stared at the square window. Moonlight fell over the floorboards. No, it was dawn. The first streamers of light were teasing the horizon. She’d been lying here most of the night thinking about that insufferable Dalton boy.

Who happened to taste better than ice cream on a hundred-degree day. If only he’d deepened the kiss, she would know—

She shook herself. When her hormones calmed down, she’d realize she was better off without knowing how Kade kissed, how hot his mouth was and whether or not her body fit against his.

Her best course of action was to block the memory and focus on becoming the best ranch hand she could. She never had answered him when he’d asked why she’d left the Sky Ranch. How to tell him the ranch was sold out from under her? And that her mom was in Boca Raton playing pinochle.

The feeling of abandonment was maybe the worst thing about her life change. The mother she knew had been supportive of Ryan’s father and his ranching ways. But as soon as he’d passed away, a switch had flipped and she’d become another person. Ryan mourned for her lost mother almost as much as her dead parent.

Her throat grew tight and she let her eyes slip shut to keep any stupid tears from falling. She wouldn’t make it as a tough ranch hand while lying in her bunk feeling sorry for herself.

Or mentally reliving our kiss.

She twisted onto her other side away from the window. In an hour she’d be up again for a full day’s work. At least the tractor was running again, which would ease some of their load.

Her lips tilted upward in pride. She’d fixed the tractor and all the Daltons had recognized her value, though Kade would never admit it.

In a short time she’d see him again. He’d promised to bring her a granola bar.

She sighed as gooseflesh broke out on her body and her nipples peaked all over again. Today she needed to ensure she wasn’t stuck working with him. Either that or wear several layers of clothing to conceal her overly enthusiastic nipples when he was near.

Chapter Five

They were riding out. Eight abreast, hooves pounding, harness jangling. Ryan was stuck by Kade again—what else was new? But even his presence couldn’t sour the feeling of celebration inside her.

After a difficult roundup, they’d managed to move the cattle, every one of them, and none had been lost.

“I can’t believe how many head we have.” Hank shook his head.

“We had a good calving season. And the cows you boys have added have swelled the herd,” their pa said.

Kade had been the counter, standing at the gate as they passed through. He’d said one number and Ryan had said another just to rile him.

“Four-fifty-three, I’m tellin’ ya,” he argued, eyes narrowed and lips compressed.

She tossed her head with a laugh. “You’re probably right. I wasn’t really counting, Dalton.”

His brothers had ribbed him at that, and in the end Kade had done the next to impossible—he’d grinned.

Now he was back to brooding and shooting her looks from under his hat.

“What’s your issue with me, Dalton?” she asked.

“Nothin’ at all.” He meshed the words together so it sounded as a’tall.

“You know how to do anything but scowl?” She lightened her tone, having no desire to pick a fight. She just wanted to shake him up a little.

“Yeah, I do.” He tried to arrange his features into a more pleasant expression but failed.

“Chicken and biscuits tonight, boys,” Cash hollered. “Get a move on!”

“Hey, who you calling a boy?” Ryan shot back. Several laughs rippled through the line.

“You work as hard as one, Ryan. No doubt about that.”

Pride made her smile wider. Kade glared more. And she finally threw her rope at him, hooking his boot in the loop. Their horses danced, and he kicked free but not before she saw his begrudging smile.

Chicken and biscuit night at the Dalton house was an event to remember. Not only because of the amazing food Ryan stuffed herself to the ears with—but because Beck dragged out his guitar. The kids stomped. Maya and Manny performed a Mexican dance.

And Kade did something that shocked her more than finding the science book in his truck—he opened his mouth and sang. His deep voice resonated with feeling that left Ryan far more breathless than she wanted to admit.

After the final strains of the song faded, one of the brothers said, “You could always supplement your income with your voice, Kade.”

“Don’t need the cash anyway. Besides, the ranch is benefitin’.”

Ryan turned to Charlotte, who sat nearest on a porch rocker holding her youngest. “What are they talking about?”

For a moment, she didn’t think Charlotte would respond. Finally, she leaned close and said softly, “They mean you. Your pay’s coming out of Kade’s pocket.”

Shock stole over her. She blinked. “He’s my…boss?”

“I guess in a way, yes. But we needed the help, and he offered part of his pay to bring you here.”

Oh God. No wonder he hated her. She was taking his wages straight from his pocket.

When she looked up, she caught him staring. Heart squeezing, she held his gaze. Well…he
had
kissed her. Maybe he didn’t hate her as much as she believed. But he was paying for work he didn’t feel was up to speed.

She started to gain her feet, but Hank pressed a hand to her shoulder. “You belong here, Ryan. Don’t let him make you think otherwise. If not for you, we couldn’t have gotten the cattle in. Last time was a disaster.” He scuffed his knuckles over his jaw.

“The bruise just went away, baby,” Charlotte cooed.

A moment passed between husband and wife, and Ryan felt like a voyeur. With a quick, “Thanks,” she got up and crossed the wide front porch. When she hit the stairs, Kade shot out a hand to stop her. His fingers wrapping around her upper arm brought her around like nothing else ever had. A force of its own. Something much stronger than manners made her turn toward him.

“Good job today, Greenhorn.”

This close, she detected those spicy pine scents that still tormented her. “Thanks, Dalton.”

He tipped his hat and let her go. She walked away from the gathering, confused and floating with happiness at the same time. When she looked over her shoulder at the picturesque view of the Dalton family sharing a beautiful evening, she caught Kade staring at her.

Her heart gave an odd beat that told her things were about to change.

* * * * *

Kade tore off his gloves and slapped them onto the ground. Anger built with each moment he watched Ryan attempting to lift the dehydrated calf.

“She’s doing it all wrong,” he fumed to Witt.

His brother looked up from the calf he was feeding from a bottle. In a few short days, the bad weather had managed to separate several calves from the herd. He, Ryan and Witt had discovered them dotting the countryside. Some lying hidden, others bawling for their mothers.

“Looks fine to me.” Witt went back to his task of coaxing the calf to drink. Once they got it stabilized, they’d try to connect it with the herd and with luck, it would reunite with its mother.

“She’s got its legs folded so it can kick her in the chest.” Kade hated the thought of her hurt, dammit.

“If it bothers you so much, go tell her.”

“She doesn’t listen to me.”

Witt lifted his head with a wry smile. “Join the club, bro. Not many women do.”

Something strangely warm sidled through Kade’s chest. For months he’d wanted to be in his brothers’ boots. Now he wanted to run away. Or get closer? Hell, he didn’t know.

Stomping up to Ryan, he said, “Let me lift it.”

“Nah, I’ve got it.” There it was again—that sweet little country drawl of hers. Shortened sentences, abrupt words. Every time she spoke this way, he wanted to wrap her ponytail around his fist, tip her head back and kiss her until she was gasping.

He pushed her aside and reached for the calf.

“Kade Dalton, I said I can do it,” she bit off between clenched teeth. “I’ve tended calves before.”

Since when had he stopped being just Dalton? She was using both of his names now.

He eyed her flushed face. Her red brows were drawn into angry punctuation marks. “Fine. Go on and get kicked in the chest.”

Her pink lips popped open. “What?”

“The way you’re lifting the calf, you could get a hoof to the chest, even from an animal you think is too weak to kick.”

Running her finger under her nose, she looked down at the calf. “Oh.”

“Nobody’s ever shown you how?”

“No.”

“You want me to demonstrate?”

She stepped back, a bit of fire in her eyes again. “By all means.”

Squatting, he wrapped his arms around the animal, making sure to tuck the lanky legs in a certain way. When he had the bulky body in his arms, he turned to Ryan. “See?”

“Got it. Now what? We call the vet?”

Judging by the calf’s response to him lifting it, he didn’t believe it was very bad off. “If we get some fluids into her right away, she should be fine. Witt’s got the bottles and cow brew.”

She laughed at his reference to the milk. In a heartbeat he went from angry to aroused. His chest tightened and his balls clenched. He’d rarely heard her laugh, only at dinner sometimes when she played with one of the nieces or nephews.

Actually, he loved watching her those times. Seeing her in a totally new light. In the fields she was a tough cowgirl. Around the family, she was all female. Helping Momma clear the table. Burping a baby. In a few weeks, she’d melded seamlessly with his family. If he were an outsider, he’d think she was a Dalton.

“Kade? Dalton?” She waved a hand before his face and he snapped out of his thoughts. Damn, she’d used both of his names again, though separated.

“Let’s get this calf fed before that storm rises.” He gave a chin-nod toward the horizon where a black cloud hovered.

Worry crossed her pretty features. He didn’t need to be a mind-reader to know she hated storms. He’d worked alongside her twelve hours a day, and whenever she saw the threat of lightning or high winds, she got that pinched look.

“You can go on in, Ryan.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Witt and I’ve got this covered. You go on.” He stared right into her eyes as he spoke and to his surprise, she actually listened. As he watched her make tracks to the main house, a seed of sadness sprang up. He missed her already.

* * * * *

When Ryan came out of the shower, she heard a truck engine roar to life. Listening hard, she stopped toweling her hair. A shout. Then another.

She dropped the towel and hurried into her clothes. She burst out of the bunkhouse in time to see Ted Dalton’s truck flying down the drive. The brothers were gathered in a knot, talking urgently.

Oh no.
Ryan ran out barefoot, heart pounding. Something told her Mrs. Dalton was having a medical emergency. She’d gone to the doctor a while back, and he’d put her on medication to steady her heart rate. Since then, she’d seemed a little out of sorts. Ryan didn’t know her very well, but she knew when someone wasn’t feeling well.

She laid a hand on Kade’s arm. He looked down at her but wasn’t seeing her. His blue eyes were fixed, pupils dilated. “What’s going on? Is it your momma?”

He jerked. With a grunt, he spun away from her and strode to the house. She gaped after him for a moment before Hank rested a hand on her shoulder.

“Yeah, Momma started feeling dizzy and nauseated. Pa’s rushing her to Vixen but since it’s such a small hospital, they might need to transfer her.”

“Hell, why do we live in such an isolated spot?” Cash ran a hand over his face. Each Dalton boy wore the same expression of dread. All but Kade—his had been devastated, as if he’d already lost his mother.

“It’s our land and we’d never give it up for more convenience,” Hank reassured his brother. “Momma will be all right.”

Ryan looked after Kade.
I’m not so sure your brother will be.

Hank squeezed her shoulder. “Why don’t you go see what Kade’s doing? I have a feeling he’s going for the moonshine.”

“Oh. Sure.” As she left the brothers standing in the drive, she padded barefoot to the house. Inside, she found Kade rummaging in the pantry. When he spotted her, he narrowed his eyes.

“What the hell do you want?”

She rocked back, a little hurt by his tone. She shouldn’t expect anything less, though. He still didn’t like her, and well…she reckoned she felt the same.

“I’m making sure you’re all right.”

“Hank sent you, right?”

She nodded.

“You can head back to the bunkhouse. I’m fine.”

She stood there, barefoot, hair dripping down her neck, feeling more out of place than ever on this ranch. During a family crisis, she was only in the way. The other brothers would go home to their families for comfort, but Kade was turning to moonshine.

The kitchen light shone through the amber liquid in the bottle. He went into the kitchen, sat down and uncapped the brew. Should she stay or go? The idea of leaving him here to drink off his worry didn’t sit well.

She took a seat adjacent to him. “You made that?”

“Yeah. I’d share but I don’t know if you can handle it. You’re mighty small.”

She bristled but ignored him. Now wasn’t the time to defend her strength. He was hurting. Studying the brackets around his mouth, she shook her head. “I’ll pass, not that you’re offering.”

With a throaty noise he brought the bottle to his lips. His Adam’s apple bobbed but he didn’t even wince. Either the moonshine wasn’t powerful or he was tougher than most. Probably the latter.

Silence descended. He drank and she shredded a paper napkin left on the table. The old kitchen clock ticked the minutes, and finally Kade broke the quiet. “She was doing too much work.”

“I’m sure she was taking it easier than you think. Your sisters-in-law are here all the time to help.”

“I caught her in the garden earlier.”

“Pulling the tops off the chives before they seed, yes. I saw her too.”

“All that bending.” He didn’t look a bit affected by the alcohol, though about an inch had gone from the bottle.

“If you have heart troubles, you need to keep doing light exercise. It’s better to keep the muscle worked.”

“Too much, maybe too fast,” he said thickly. Okay, maybe the strength of the brew was hitting him.

Ten minutes later he was slurring his words and pouring out his heart to Ryan. About how important his family was to him. They were all he had and probably ever would. He wasn’t getting the land. She had no idea why not. If the other brothers had received deeds, he would too. As far as she could tell, he wasn’t a love child but a full brother. And he was in good graces with his family.

A cat jumped into his lap and he tried to pet it, but his hand kept missing the mark. Finally, it gave a loud meow of irritation and jumped down. It slinked out of the room and Ryan watched it go. When she turned her attention back to Kade, she found him on his feet, swaying.