Second Chance Rancher (10 page)

Addy looked thoughtful. “Okay, but I want Laurel to go, too.” She turned to Laurel. “Please go with us, Laurel, so I won't be scared.”

Laurel's gaze went to Kase. He nodded, praying she'd help out.

“Of course I'll go with you,” she said.

Addy looked at her grandpa. “And Papa Gus?”

Gus shook his head. “Can't make this trip, pumpkin. Someone needs to look after the horses.” He stood and took hold of his cane. “Now that I can get around, I think I'll head out to the barn. But you three make your plans. It's about time I handle things around here,” he mumbled as he grabbed his cowboy hat off the hook and limped out the door.

Laurel spoke up. “Addy, while you're in Denver, maybe your daddy will take you to the zoo or the aquarium. There's a butterfly pavilion, too.”

Addy swung around to look at him. “Daddy, I want to go there and pet butterflies.”

He smiled. “I don't know if you can pet them, but I'll gladly take you there.” He looked at Laurel. He shouldn't, but he wanted to spend time with her, too. “Then it's a date with my girls.”

* * *

T
WO
DAYS
LATER
, barely dawn, Laurel was in her apartment, finishing her packing for the trip to Denver.

Laurel glanced at her mother. “So you think this is a bad idea?”

Diane shrugged. “You're an adult, Laurel. This is your decision. I'm only worried because you're already attached to Addy.” She smiled. “That precious little girl has stolen all our hearts.”

Laurel continued to put folded clothes in her suitcase. She wasn't even sure what to bring. Outside of her office attire, she didn't own much beyond jeans.

She stopped and looked at her mother. “You haven't said much about Kase.”

“I've always liked him, but of course, your father and I were both upset when he hurt you so badly. You were only kids then, but I still don't want to see it happen again.”

“So you think I'm being foolish for going to Denver?”

“I'm only saying, you and Kase are both vulnerable right now. He could lose his daughter.” Her mother didn't hide her concern. “I can't believe a judge would take her away from her father.”

“That's why he needs my support.”

Her mother smiled. “I hope he knows how lucky he is to have you.”

Laurel zipped up her suitcase and set it on the floor. “Oh, I'm sure if you get the chance, you'll tell him.”

“What's a mother for?”

They both laughed, then hugged before Diane started for the door. Outside Laurel saw Chet coming up the stairs. “Hello, Diane, Laurel.”

“Hi, Chet,” her mother said. “It's nice to see you again. You haven't been up to the house for supper lately.”

“Laurel's been keeping me pretty busy. But I'll take an invitation anytime.”

“How about Wednesday? Are you free?”

“For your cooking, I'll make sure.”

Chet grinned, sending her mother off happy.

“You are such a charmer.” Laurel laughed. “I'm surprised you aren't beating the ladies off with a stick.”

The good-looking foreman's gaze met hers. “Because someone already has my heart.”

Laurel had heard stories but never questioned Chet about his private life. “You need me for something before I leave?”

“Nope, got everything under control.” He held out a padded envelope. “This came for you, and I signed for it.”

She took the envelope just as Chet's cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID. “Sorry, I got to take this.” He waved and walked off.

Laurel examined the envelope as she walked back upstairs to the apartment. The return address was a PO box in Denver. She still had no idea who sent it. She tore open the letter and pulled out a bulky folded paper. She gasped as numerous one-hundred-dollar bills fluttered to the floor.

“What in the world?”

She looked at the paper, trying to find an explanation. All that was written was “I hope this helps.” That was it? No signature to tell her who sent this money? She quickly gathered up the cash and counted the bills, and the sum startled her. Five thousand dollars!

“Who would send me this kind of money?” she murmured, then suddenly thought of Jack. Was he finally feeling guilty about running off, hoping that this money would stop her father and Trent from prosecuting the theft? She heard her mother's voice from the bottom of the stairs.

“Laurel, Kase just pulled in.”

She quickly stuck the money and letter back into the envelope. This wasn't what she needed right now.

Chapter Ten

“Has she finally conked out?” Kase asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

Laurel glanced to the back of the SUV to see Addy sound asleep in her safety seat. “Finally.” She faced the front again. “I give her maybe thirty minutes until she's wide-awake again.”

“I'll take it.” Kase grinned as he drove east along Interstate 70 headed toward Denver. “I'll take any amount for a few minutes of peace and quiet.” He reached across the console and took hold of her hand. “So hurry up and let's have some adult conversation. Anything that doesn't involve naming baby dolls, or a discussion about those little yellow characters from her favorite movie.”

Laurel swatted at his arm. “Stop it. Addy isn't that bad. And there's nothing wrong with playing with baby dolls.”

“Just not 24/7.” He glanced at her and smiled. “Now that I have your undivided attention, tell me what's got you so distracted.”

He noticed? She thought of the envelope of money hidden in her dresser drawer back at the apartment. Here was her opportunity to tell Kase, but she couldn't. He had too much on his mind without having to deal with her troubles.

“It's nothing,” she denied. “I'm just a little tired.”

He squeezed her hand. “Are you having second thoughts about coming with us?”

Second, third and fourth doubts.

Before she could answer, he quickly added, “Dammit, Laurel, I didn't want you to feel pressured to come with us.”

“I don't,” she emphasized. “I wanted to come to help Addy through this.” What she wasn't sure about was spending so much alone time with Kase. She could get her heart broken again.

She forced a smile, trying not to think about the sensation he created as his thumb brushed over the back of her hand. “I was actually thinking about Ruby's training. Since the mare's been doing so well, her owner wants me to ride her in the RMRHA Summer Slide.”

“The reining futurity, right?”

She nodded. “I'm just not sure it's the right time.”

He turned and gave her that familiar sexy grin that had first melted her teenage heart. “I recall you used to kill it when you entered the cutting competitions.”

She shrugged. “Reining is a whole different world for me, Kase. I'm not sure if I'm ready.”

“You were born ready, Laurel. I've never known anyone who can get a horse to perform like you. If Ruby's owner thinks you're good enough, why not give it a try?”

“There's just been a lot of distractions, and I haven't put in the time I've wanted to.”

Kase glanced from the road to her. “That's because we've been taking too much of your time.”

“I've loved helping out. But remember I've also been working three mornings a week in the accounting office. I've had to rely a lot on Chet to help with the training, and added to that I haven't competed in a while, and never in the reining arena.”

He laced his fingers through hers. “I understand, but I still feel you should seriously think about it. And I'll do whatever I can to help you. How much time before the futurity?”

He was distracting her. “I have until mid-July to decide.”

“Then you still have some time. When we get back from this trip, I'll make sure we don't take you away from your training time.”

Laurel's chest tightened. Did that mean he was cutting Addy out of her life? “Would I at least get to see Addy occasionally?”

He frowned at her. “You can't think that I meant... Of course, you can. I only meant that I won't have to ask you to pick her up from school, and now that Dad is back on his feet, he can handle our horses.” He looked at her again. “How could you think I'd want you out of Addy's life? Or mine?”

She shrugged, not wanting to get excited over his words. “You have a lot to deal with.” She looked in the backseat to see the child was still asleep. “You have to think about Addy, Kase. If something happened, you'd have to take her back to Denver...”

“Nothing is going to change, Laurel. The judge is going to award me custody, and Addy is coming home with me.”

She felt the tight grip on her hand, knowing that Kase wasn't as confident as he sounded.

* * *

T
WO
HOURS
LATER
, the bellman escorted them through the double doors of the historic Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver. Holding back a gasp, Laurel paused as she looked around the huge atrium-style lobby.

The walls were painted cream and trimmed in a rich honey-colored wainscoting. She tilted her head back to look up at the incredible architecture, the grand archways and golden ornate railings, exposing the numerous floors overhead. In the center of the massive lobby was a sitting area with overstuffed furniture and tables adorned with fresh flowers. Behind it was the sweeping stairs leading up to each floor.

This country girl hadn't seen anything like this, even when she went to visit Brooke and Coralee in Las Vegas this past year. She definitely needed to get off the ranch more often.

She felt a tug on her arm. “Laurel, isn't it pretty?”

She glanced down at the child. “It's very pretty. So are you.” They had somehow talked Addy into switching her usual jeans and boots for a pair of pink capris and a butterfly print blouse. Her blond curls were pulled back from her face with bright clips.

“You look pretty, too,” Addy said.

“Thank you, sweetie.”

Laurel had chosen a pair of black slacks and a cream-colored silk blouse. Looking around at the five-star hotel's clientele, and even though there were plenty of cowboy types, she was glad she'd ditched her usual jeans.

She glanced at Kase. He had on dark slacks and a dress shirt and loafers. This was Kase's world, and she couldn't help but wonder if she would fit in. She put on a smile as he approached them and Addy ran into his arms. She wanted to follow the child. She wanted to pretend they were a family.

“It's beautiful.”

Addy smiled. “It's so pretty, Daddy. Maybe a princess lives here.”

He winked at her. “You and Laurel are the only princesses here now.”

He leaned toward Laurel's ear. “I chose this place hoping you'd like it.”

“Thank you,” she told him, just as a handsome man in his midthirties wearing a slate-gray business suit walked up to them.

“Mr. Rawlins, it's good to have you back with us.”

“Thank you, Kyle. It's nice to be back. This is my daughter, Addy, and my friend Laurel Quinn. Laurel and Addy, this is Kyle Hutchins. If there is anything you need, he'll find it for you.”

“I'll do my best.” Kyle smiled. “It's my pleasure, Miss Quinn and Miss Addy, to have you at our hotel.”

The child giggled. And Laurel said, “Thank you, Kyle. Like I was telling Kase, you have a beautiful hotel.”

“I'm glad you like it. We've tried to keep its centuries-old charm, along with some modern conveniences.” He turned to Kase. “We have your suite ready, and I also made a lunch reservation for you at the hotel restaurant, or I can have lunch sent up to your suite.”

Addy's head resting on her daddy's shoulder signaled to Laurel the child needed a nap. “Daddy, I want some mac and cheese.”

“Sounds good, sweetie.” Kase shifted Addy in his arms. “Maybe upstairs might be best.”

Laurel nodded in agreement and the concierge escorted them to the bank of elevators. Addy had to press the button, and the doors opened with a chime. Kase let Laurel in ahead of him and followed with Addy. Once on the ninth floor, Kyle led them down the hall of the historic hotel, then opened the door to their suite.

Laurel's heart began to race as she stepped into the large sitting area. The oversize furniture was elegant and comfortable looking. The dark hues of the leather sofa, and the contrast of the light gray walls, showed off the richness of the wood. A row of windows exposed the Denver skyline.

Doubts filled her head once again. She couldn't help but wonder if coming here was the right thing to do. She was a small-town girl who raised and trained horses. She'd been to the state capital before, but never experienced this side of the city.

Kyle motioned with his left hand. “I'll put your daughter's suitcase in the smaller bedroom, and you and Miss Quinn in the bigger room.”

Laurel's eyes grew wide. Oh, dear Lord, was she ready for this?

Quickly, Kase set him straight. “Miss Quinn and my daughter will be staying together. Give them the bigger room, please.”

Kyle didn't blink. He walked away and gave instructions to the bellboy.

Soon the task was completed, and there was a knock on the door. Addy's dish of macaroni and cheese had arrived, along with two club sandwiches and green salads. They sat down and ate an early lunch, then Kase convinced Addy to take a nap before they headed for the aquarium. Although the four-year-old argued, she'd barely finished her food before she crashed on her bed.

* * *

T
WENTY
MINUTES
LATER
,
Kase saw Laurel quietly tiptoe from the large master bedroom so as not to disturb the child, but the minute she closed the bedroom door she turned and found Kase. He walked up to her and cupped her face. “I've been wanting to do this since I picked you up this morning.” He lowered his head and captured her mouth.

Kase shifted his stance and drew Laurel against his body, and kissed her as if he were a starving man. He pressed closer, letting her feel what she did to him whenever she was near. He held her tight, relishing the fact she was here. She had no idea how much he needed her, not just physically, but her strength and support.

He broke off the kiss, and his gaze locked on hers. “Have I told you how glad I am that you came with me?”

“I think you just did.” She smiled. “And I like that you're glad.”

He kissed her once more, then took her hand and walked into the sitting area, and they sat on the tufted leather sofa. He wanted to tell her so many things. He kissed her fingertips.

“Laurel, I've made so many mistakes over the years, but the biggest one was leaving you.”

She turned to him and placed her finger over his mouth. “Kase, don't go there. You can never regret going after your dream of becoming a lawyer, or being a father to your wonderful daughter. Addy is such a blessing.”

“I know that, and she's so precious to me, and Dad, too. All those years we lost touch...” His eyes met hers. “Six months ago when I called and asked to come home, Dad welcomed Addy and me with open arms.”

She turned to face him. “That's what parents do, Kase. My mom and dad have never said, ‘I told you so.' They were just there to support me, even when I made mistakes.”

They both knew she was talking about Jack. The last thing he wanted was to bring up any ex-boyfriends. But he knew it was between them. Kase reached out and touched her cheek. “I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. If I ever see the guy...”

“No, don't, Kase. Jack's not worth it.”

“You must have thought he was.”

She glanced away, but not before he saw her sadness. “Laurel, what aren't you telling me?”

She finally looked at him. “I knew what I was getting into with Jack.”

No way she could have known. “You knew he was a thief?”

She shook her head. “No, but I knew from Trent's PI report he had a gambling problem.”

He didn't understand any of this. “Then why did you want to marry him?”

“Sometimes being alone is worse. Do you remember the population of Hidden Springs? There are nine thousand one hundred and eighty-two men, women and children. I was everyone's kid sister.” Her eyes were watery with tears. “Even my twin sister, Brooke, comes here and finds love. Jack said the right words and showed me attention.”

His heart was breaking into a thousand pieces. He reached out and stroked her hair. “Do you know how special you are?”

She shrugged. “My parents tell me all the time.”

“Well, let me tell you something, too. I don't think of you like a sister. I think of you as a woman. A woman I desire very much.” He touched her face. “I want you, Laurel. We may have some obstacles in our way, but that's not going to stop me.” He brushed his mouth over hers and loved hearing her intake of breath. “I wish I could offer you more, but right now...”

She placed her lips against his. When she finally broke off the kiss, she said, “No promises, Kase. That way no one has any expectations. I'm here for you and Addy. So it's all good for now.”

He wanted more. Not the girl he once knew, but the beautiful, giving woman she'd turned into. Would she give him a second chance? His thoughts turned to his daughter. Would he get that second chance to be a father? He cradled Laurel's head against his chest. How he prayed he didn't let either one of them down.

* * *

“L
OOK
AT
ALL
the pretty fishes, Daddy,” Addy announced as they walked through the tunnel-like glass enclosure at the Downtown Aquarium. Sea life was all around them. “Laurel, look!”

“I see them.”

Laurel smiled, trying to push aside her fatigue. After getting up at dawn, they'd spent the past few hours walking through several of the aquarium's exhibits, the underwater sea, the rain forest, the coral lagoon and Addy's favorite, the Mystic Mermaids show.

She was happy that the four-year-old had taken her attention off Kase. But nothing could erase the memory of his kisses, his touch and his mouth moving over her skin. Although they hadn't made love, Kase let her know how much he desired her. And he practically had her begging for more. She was getting in deep, but she didn't want to stop.

First and foremost, she had to remember they were here to help Addy, and make sure she could handle going with her grandparents tomorrow.