Second Chance Rancher (8 page)

He groaned this time and tightened his hold. Oh, God, he wanted her. Her arms moved up his chest and circled his neck as she angled her head to deepen the kiss. A kiss he never wanted to end. Finally he tore his mouth away but didn't release her.

“Wow. That was just as incredible as I remembered.” His hands continued to move up and down her back, aching to press closer, to feel her body against his. To lay her down on the sweetgrass and make love to her.

When Romeo whinnied, Laurel pulled out of Kase's embrace, then stood. “Still, that doesn't mean it was a good idea. Besides, our lives are far from settled.”

He looked at her. “So I just pretend I don't have feelings for you?”

* * *

A
WEEK
LATER
in the afternoon at the Bucking Q Ranch, Laurel sat on Ruby Ridge and cantered the mare around the arena and began the reining routine with a figure eight.

After warming up, she began the first pattern with a fast circle at a near gallop and then with a change of direction began the loping circle. She marveled at the horse's response to her commands, making her look good.

Ruby began along the side of the arena, picking up speed into a gallop, then suddenly the horse slid to a stop in the center of the arena and backed up in a straight line.

“Oh, good girl,” Laurel cheered as the mare performed perfectly. She saw Chet on the fence railing shouting his approval. She waved and continued on. After another twenty minutes she and the horse were ready to call it a day.

Laurel climbed down and walked the animal to the barn. She paused when she saw Kase leaning against the railing.

Her heart began to race on seeing him for the first time since their kiss. She'd been avoiding him when she'd dropped off Addy. Even when the little girl would invite her inside, Laurel had made excuses to keep from seeing Kase. She couldn't let him get close enough to hurt her again. Besides, her goal now was to pay back her parents, and she couldn't let Kase Rawlins distract her from that.

Problem was, she'd already fallen in love with Addy and Gus, and hated not seeing them.

She continued to walk Ruby to the barn and Kase came to her. “How long are you going to avoid me, Laurel?”

She handed Ruby off to Chet. Once he took the animal into the barn, she said, “I've been busy, Kase.”

“You're not a very good liar,” he challenged.

She turned to face him, all six feet one inch of the gorgeous man. “I'm trying to run a business here. Not all of us are independently wealthy.”

Seeing his hurt look, she wished she could take her words back.

“Whoever gave you that information better check their facts. I'm not poor yet, but if I have to keep paying my lawyer's bill, I will be soon.” He took a step closer. “So you don't have to wonder any longer, my wife was rich, not me. Johanna's money is in trust for Addy. Not that I would, but I can't touch it. Sorry I interrupted your training, it won't happen again.” He took off down the center aisle of the barn.

“Kase...” She hurried after him. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I was just angry...”

“Because I kissed you and you felt something?”

“No! Yes... I did. But we're not teenagers anymore.”

“No, we're adults. You're not married and I'm not married. What's so wrong if I kiss you?”

She could get hurt. “What about your custody issues with Addy?”

He ran his hand through his sandy-colored hair. “That's all I've been thinking about, and Dad, of course.”

He didn't act anything like the self-assured man she'd seen the past few weeks. “What happened?”

He looked at her. “Why do you think something happened?”

“For a lawyer, your mannerisms give a lot away.” She tried to make light of the situation.

“I'm not in the courtroom. I thought I was talking to a friend.”

“You are. What happened? Is it Gus?”

He shook his head. “I have a custody hearing in two days.”

“Whoa, that was fast.”

He nodded. “I think Ben is pulling some strings to get this in front of a judge. I don't want to take Addy back to Denver, and with Dad still unable to get around, I need to ask...”

“You want me to stay with them while you're gone?”

“I don't have anyone else to ask. If I hire a professional babysitter, both Dad and Addy would throw a fit.”

“They would throw more than that.”

She caught his smile, and her heart raced.

“Seriously, Kase, I can stay with them while you're gone. How long?”

“I wouldn't ask if it weren't for Addy. Dad would probably be okay by himself, but if something happened, like if he fell...”

Laurel reached out and touched his arm. “It's only a few days, Kase. The most important thing is you handle this case for your daughter.”

He shook his head. “I don't even want to think about it. I don't know why Ben and Judith want Addy anyway. They never spent any time with her. Why now?”

She hated seeing him so worried. “I'm sorry, Kase, that you have to go through this. Worse, I hate that Addy has to go through it. When do you want me to move in?”

“Tomorrow night. I'll leave at dawn the next morning. Dad's room is vacant, since he's been sleeping downstairs during his recovery.”

She'd be in the same house with him. “Of course.” She glanced away. “I'll get Chet to take over my training for a few days. I still have to work two mornings this week, but since Addy will be in school... Will Gus be okay by himself while I'm at the office?”

“Yes, he has therapy, and he'll get around all right by himself. I just don't want him responsible for a four-year-old.”

“I'll have Mom stop by while I'm at work, or maybe Dad.”

He shook his head. “That's not necessary, Laurel.”

“Are you kidding? Mom will probably drop by with a pile of food. I won't have to cook.”

He laughed. “I'll leave money so you can bring home food from town. That way you don't have to cook.”

“So you think I can't cook?”

“I couldn't care less if you can or not. I just don't want any extra work for you.”

She smiled. “That's nice of you, but I'm Diane Quinn's daughter. I was cooking before I went to school.”

“I figured you could.” His gray gaze locked on hers and his hand reached out and touched her cheek. She knew she needed to back away, but the pull of the man was too strong. That she ached for his touch made her angry. She was in big trouble, but she couldn't seem to stop herself.

Chapter Eight

The next evening, Kase sat at the kitchen table across from Gus and Laurel, eating Addy's favorite meal, spaghetti. All the while his daughter chatted away about her day at school, excited that Laurel was spending the night.

He was excited, too, but for a whole different reason.

“Child, slow down,” Gus said. “Let Laurel eat her supper. You have two days to share all your news.”

“It's okay,” Laurel told him. “I'm glad Addy likes her new school and that she's making friends.”

The child nodded, causing her blond curls to bounce. “I do. Lots and lots, but you're still my bestest friend.”

Laurel stroked the child's hair. “That's so sweet, Addy. Thank you.”

Kase was touched at Laurel's open affection. Although he was happy his daughter had female attention, what would happen when Laurel wasn't around all the time? Would his daughter be devastated again?

And how would he feel if Laurel found another man?

A man who didn't come with baggage, or a man who wasn't fighting a custody battle that would put any potential woman in his life under intense scrutiny. The right thing to do would be to keep her out of his mess. Yet he couldn't dismiss his growing feelings for her.

He watched the pretty blonde whom he'd loved once, then hurt when he pushed her aside.

She looked across the table, and her smile faded away. “Is something the matter?”

Where do I begin?
He shook his head. “I just want some more sauce.”

Kase scooted his chair back, went to the stove and stirred the spaghetti sauce, then poured more on his plate. He turned to see Laurel bending over toward Addy. Her hair was tied back, but some curls had escaped the band. There wasn't any makeup on her face, revealing a dusting of freckles across her nose. Her lips were naturally pink and full. The memory of their kiss had him wanting to taste her again.

“Son, you okay?”

He glanced at his dad's odd look.

“I'm fine.” He made his way back to his chair and began to eat.

Laurel took a drink of her iced tea, then asked, “What time are you leaving in the morning?”

“Five a.m. I'm driving, so I want to make sure I have plenty of time.”

He glanced at Addy, grateful she was happy twirling spaghetti on her fork. “Are you going to be gone a long, long time?” his daughter asked.

“No, sweetie. Only a couple days for business.”

“But I thought Papa Gus's horsies were your new business.”

“They are, but I have to go back to Denver and see about selling our old house.” It was a complete fib. If he had time, he would check in with the Realtor.

“'Kay.” She shook her head. “I don't like that house.”

Her statement caught him off guard. “Why?”

“It was scary there.”

“Scary how?” he asked.

“I got locked in the closet when I was playing dollies. I cried and cried...but Mommy didn't come find me for a really long time.” She shook her head. “I didn't play in there anymore.”

Kase clenched his fists against his jeans. Surely Johanna hadn't locked their daughter inside? He looked at Addy and saw a tear run down her cheek. He stood, went around the table and pulled his daughter out of her chair.

“Oh, Addy, don't cry.” He cuddled the tiny child in his arms. “You're never going to get locked in a closet again. I promise. In fact, when I get home, I'm taking all the locks off the doors.”

Addy raised her head and wiped her tears. “Really?”

He felt the sting of his own tears. “For you, I'd do anything. I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you, too, Daddy. I miss you when you go away.”

Guilt washed over him as he recalled all the times he spent away from her. “I'll be back soon and I'll call you before you go to bed tomorrow night.”

She rewarded him with a big smile. This thirty-seven-pound child had stolen his heart. He was grateful she was giving him a second chance to be her father.

“Daddy, could we watch a movie tonight?”

He glanced at the clock to see it was nearly seven. “It's getting late and you need a bath.”

“I can give her a bath,” Laurel suggested as she stood up from the table.

Addy grinned. “With bubbles?”

“If you don't make a mess and hurry up,” Kase said as Addy darted around the table. “Papa and I will do the dishes.”

Laurel took the child's hand. “I bet we're finished with our bath before you finish the dishes,” she challenged.

“Yeah,” Addy said.

Kase couldn't help but smile at his two girls. “It's a bet.”

He watched the happy twosome hurry out of the kitchen, then he sat back down at the maple table with his father.

Gus shook his head. “Those two are really something.”

There was no doubt Gus liked that Laurel was around so much. “Yeah. I don't want to disappoint either one of them again.”

His father studied him. “You won't, son. Just don't walk away from what you really want.”

* * *

W
ITH
THE
DISHES
FINISHED
, Gus settled in front of the television and Kase went upstairs to see what was taking the girls so long. Once he got to the bathroom door, he heard the giggling and splashing.

He smiled, loving his daughter's joyful sounds. He opened the door a crack and peaked inside. He froze when he saw Addy's reflection in the mirror. She was barely visible in the pile of bubbles, and she wasn't alone, either. On the other end of the claw-foot tub, also buried in suds, was Laurel.

Her blond curls were piled on her head, exposing her long neck and shoulders, and the top of her breasts. He swallowed the sudden dryness in his throat as a need stirred in his gut. Dear God, she was beautiful.

Laurel couldn't help but smile at the antics of this child. She loved her honest approach to everything, and her innocence. Although she hadn't planned to take a shared bath with the four-year-old, Addy convinced her it would be fun.

“Will my chest get big like yours?” The child looked down at her own flat chest.

Strange, but Laurel didn't feel the least bit self-conscious about the question. “Yes, and one day when you have a baby, you'll need to feed her or him.”

“You mean like horsies do?”

“Yes, like when the mare feeds her foal.”

Addy smiled. “Are you going to have a baby someday?”

The familiar yearning stirred in her chest. “I hope so.” She would love to have a child like Addy, and a good man in her life. “Just not real soon.”

“But why not? I know, you can marry Daddy.”

Before Laurel could recover from the shock of Addy's suggestion, there was a loud knock on the door. “Hey, are you girls in there?”

Startled at the sound of Kase's voice, they both cried out in surprise. “Don't come in, we're in the tub,” Laurel said, not expecting to see Kase. A thrill shot through her body, her breathing suddenly labored, thinking about him coming in.

“Yeah, Daddy, we're naked.”

Laurel couldn't help but laugh. “Yeah, so no boys allowed.” She sank deeper into the bubbles along with Addy.

It had been a long time since she let herself go and have fun. She glanced down at the sweet child, knowing she wanted her as much as she wanted her father.

* * *

L
AUREL
HEARD
HER
NAME
, and she rolled over in the bed to read the clock on the table. Five a.m. She dropped her head back on the pillow. Kase was gone.

“Laurel.” Hearing her name whispered again, she sat up and saw the shadowy figure by the door. “Kase?”

She threw the blanket back and got out of bed. Dressed in her pajama bottoms and T-shirt, she went to Kase standing in the doorway. A lamp from down the hall silhouetted the man.

“Sorry to wake you, but I wanted to see you once more before I left.”

“I'm glad you did.” Her gaze took him in. He was dressed in a pair of dark suit pants and a white shirt, a loose tie around his neck. “I want to wish you a safe trip. Be careful driving.”

“I will. You be careful not to overwork. I only want you to keep an eye on Dad and Addy. I don't want her to run you ragged.”

He leaned forward and she could feel his breath against her face. She inhaled the subtle scent of his aftershave.

She brushed her hair back nervously. “We'll be fine. She needs to be distracted so as not to worry about you. I'll take her by the Bucking Q so she can see my mom while I check on my horses.”

“What would I do without you?” His gaze locked on hers, causing her heart to race. She felt her nipples harden and she crossed her arms to hide the fact.

“You would have found someone else to help out, Kase. But I'm glad I'm here for you. The important thing is you focus on resolving this custody mess.”

“I know. I can't move on until I know she won't be taken away from me.” He sighed. “Laurel, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed spending time with you. When I get back, I want to see...”

She leaned forward and brushed her mouth against his. She couldn't handle listening to promises he might not be able to keep. “You need to get going and get this custody resolved first.”

He nodded, then reached for her. “Then I need something more to keep me going.” He bent his head and captured her mouth in a searing kiss. She couldn't help but respond as incredible feelings raced through her. Of course, Kase had always had that effect on her.

His tongue slipped into her mouth, moving against hers, causing her to whimper. Her breasts tingled with need when he pulled her to his chest. Her arms went around his neck, and he deepened the kiss. Okay, she was crazy. If anything, she would give Kase something to think about while he was gone.

He finally tore his mouth away. “Damn, woman. How do you expect me to leave now?”

She froze. He noticed her tension, and when she started to pull back, he stopped her.

“We're definitely talking once this is settled, Laurel,” he whispered against her mouth. “There are so many things I want to say to you, but now isn't the time.”

She nodded, then gave him a slight shove. “Then you need to go win this suit. I'm not going anywhere.”

He kissed her once more, turned and walked away as she felt a sense of gloom rush over her.

Don't make me any promises.

* * *

A
T
EIGHT
FORTY
that morning, Kase pulled into the parking structure at the courthouse. His lawyer, Sam Gerrard, met him on the third floor. Sam had gone to college with him. He was built more like a linebacker dressed in a polyester suit, instead of a designer label like Armani. His blond hair was a little long, and his smile was big and confident. As much as Kase wanted to be a big corporate lawyer, Sam went in the opposite direction, working for the underdogs. Family law, with much of his service pro bono work. One thing for sure, the man was good at his job.

Together they headed to Judge Harold Steffen's chambers. Even knowing this was routine for an informal hearing, Kase couldn't help but worry. It only got worse once they walked through the doors of the large plush office. He froze. On one side of the dark-paneled room, in front of the large desk, sat Ben and Judith Chappell and their lawyer, the firm's partner and custody lawyer, Charles Hannett. Ben brought the big guns and that worried Kase.

What was the man's reasoning for this? And then there was the attractive Judith Kirsch Chappell. She turned around, revealing her perfectly made-up face. She blinked as if he wasn't worth her time to even acknowledge him. Even though she'd never been crazy about him as a son-in-law, wouldn't she at least ask about Addy?

Never an attentive grandmother, Judith spent her days at the country club with her bridge tournaments and social events. There was never time for her daughter, Johanna, or Addy.

Suddenly the severity of today hit Kase and he had to swallow down his panic. He leaned toward his lawyer and in a low voice said, “I can't figure out what's going on here. Ben is out for blood and I don't know why.”

“He can't touch your character, Kase. You have nothing in your background that could possibly keep you from raising your daughter.”

Kase wanted to believe his lawyer. “I don't like the fact that the presiding judge is a friend of Ben's. Harold Steffen and he golf together.”

Sam nodded. “I'm going to request he not handle this case because of a conflict of interest.”

The chamber door opened and the judge walked in. Everyone stood as he took a seat behind his desk.

“Have a seat, gentlemen and ladies.” He nodded to Judith and the female court reporter. Kase and his lawyer sat in the two chairs opposite the Chappells.

The white-haired judge was in his sixties, short in stature and unable to hide the extra forty pounds under his robe. He glanced down at the file on his desk and read the case number for the court reporter. “Benjamin and Judith Chappell versus Kase James Rawlins for the custody of minor female child Addison Marie Rawlins.”

Sam stood. “Your Honor, in view of this situation, your knowing and socializing with the Chappells, I feel that it's in the interest of my client that you recuse yourself from this case.”

The judge leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers as if thinking over the matter. “I know both Mr. Chappell and Mr. Rawlins, Mr. Gerrard. They both have been in my court several times, and so far this is an informal hearing. I'm here to see if there is any validity to this case. For now, your request is denied, Mr. Gerrard.”

Sam sat down.

The judge looked at Ben's lawyer and nodded. “Let's begin.”

Charles Hannett stood. “I'm representing Ben and Judith Chappell for the custody of their granddaughter, Addison Marie, under the grounds that Kase Rawlins is unfit to raise her.”