A Cadence Creek Christmas (Cadence Creek Cowboys) (9 page)

He’d amused her, even then when she’d been her most stressed.

She let the pendant go and moved on. She still had her mother’s gift to buy and then the groceries for Christmas dinner.

At the drugstore she picked up a gift set of her mother’s favorite scent, and hit the grocery store for the turkey and vegetables needed for dinner, loading everything in the trunk of her car. She must have done okay, because the bags nearly filled it to capacity.

The last stop was the bakery, where she figured she could grab something sweet and Christmassy for the holiday dinner and maybe sit and have a coffee and a piece of cake or something.

Anything to avoid going to the Wagon Wheel. She was too afraid of running into Rhys, and she had no idea what to say to him. Sleep had been a long time coming last night. This morning he’d been by early to do the chores, and was already gone when she’d finally crawled out of bed.

The first thing she noticed as she went inside was the welcoming heat. Then it was the smells—rising bread and spices and chocolate and vanilla all mingled together. Browsing the display, she immediately decided on a rich stollen, her mouth watering at the sight of the sugar-dusted marzipan bread. She also ordered a traditional Christmas pudding which came with a container of sauce and instructions for adding brandy.

They were going to have a traditional Christmas dinner, with all of them together for the first time in as long as Taylor could remember.

She was just sitting down to a cup of salted caramel hot chocolate and a piece of cherry strudel when Angela Diamond came in, her cheeks flushed from the cold. She spotted Taylor right away and came over, chafing her hands together and smiling. “Well, hello! I didn’t expect to meet you in here this morning.”

“I thought I’d do a little shopping before the honeymooners get back. It’s hungry work.”

“Amen. I like to cook but my talents can’t compare to the goodies in here. Do you mind?” She gestured to the chair across from Taylor.

“Of course not! I’d love the company.”

Angela sat and took off her gloves. “God, it’s cold. I wish a Chinook would blow through and warm things up a bit. What are you having? It looks good.”

Taylor laughed. Angela was quite chipper this morning. “Hot chocolate and strudel.”

“I’ll be right back. I need something decadent.”

Angela returned shortly with a cup of chocolate and a plate holding an enormous piece of carrot cake. “I’ll tell you a secret,” she confided, leaning forward. “Since Avery joined forces with Jean, the quality has gone way up. The specialty in here used to be bread and that’s it. Now it’s everything.”

“I bought a Christmas pudding,” Taylor admitted. “It’s the first time we’ve all been together in a long time. I’m thinking turkey and stuffing and the whole works this Christmas.” She took a sip of her hot chocolate.

“When are Callum and Avery back?”

“The afternoon of the twenty-third.”

“And when do you head back to Vancouver?”

Taylor sighed. “Boxing Day.”

Angela put a piece of cake on her fork. “Sounds to me like you’re not too excited about it.” She popped the cake in her mouth.

“I should be. I’ve got a ton of work to do and not much time to do it in. Big New Year’s party happening. I’ve left most of the work to my assistant. She’s very capable, thank goodness.”

“You’re not enjoying the project?”

Taylor brushed a flake of strudel pastry off her sweater. “I’ve been doing this for a while now. When I started, some of the unorthodox requests I got were exciting. And I really liked being creative and working under the gun. But lately—”

She broke off. She really
was
having doubts, wasn’t she? And then there was the conversation with Rhys last night. How could she even flirt with the idea of walking away when so many people depended on her?

“Lately what?” Angela asked.

“I think I’m getting jaded or something. Most of the events seem so extravagant and pointless.”

“You’re looking to create something meaningful.”

Taylor put down her mug. She’d never quite thought of it that way. “I suppose I am. This party on New Year’s Eve? It’s just some rock star throwing cash around and showing off, you know? And it’ll be fun and probably make some entertainment news and then it’ll be gone twenty-four hours later and no one will remember. Weeks of planning and thousands of dollars for what?” She sighed. “It lasts for a few hours and then it’s gone like that.” She snapped her fingers.

For a minute the women nibbled at their treats. Then Angela spoke up. “You don’t have to give up the business to make a change. Maybe you just need to switch the focus.”

“What do you mean?”

Angela shrugged easily, but Taylor knew a sharp mind at work when she saw one. Angela had single-handedly started her own foundation for helping battered women. She was no lightweight in the brains or in the work department, and Taylor knew it would be smart to pay attention to what Angela said.

“Say, for instance, there’s a non-profit looking to hold a fund-raiser. The board of this foundation is pretty on the ball, but organizing social events is not where their strongest talent lies.”

“You’re talking about the Butterfly Foundation.”

Angela smiled. “Well, yes, in a way. But we’re small. We wouldn’t have enough work to keep you going. But there’s the housing organization that helped build Stu Dickinson’s home after they lost their things in a fire. And many others in any part of the country you choose. I think you’d be very good at it, Taylor.”

The idea was interesting, and to Taylor’s surprise she didn’t dismiss it right away. That told her something.

Angela put down her fork. “Look, I was a social worker before I started Butterfly House and the foundation. I was good at my job but I was frustrated, too, especially as time went on. I’m still using much the same skill set, but I finally started doing something I’m really passionate about—helping abused women get back on their feet. Anyway, think about it. We’re going to be planning something for later this spring. I’ll give you first crack at the job if you want it. Get your feet wet.”

“Thanks,” Taylor replied, her mind spinning. “But I can’t just up and walk away from what I’ve built, you know?” It certainly wasn’t as easy as putting in two weeks’ notice and going on her way.

“Of course.” Angela checked her watch. “And I’ve got to go. I’m picking my son up from a play date in twenty minutes. But I’m really glad we ran into each other.”

“Me, too.”

Angela got up and slid her gloves back over her fingers. “And merry Christmas, Taylor. To you and your family, if I don’t see you again.”

“You, too. Say hi to Molly and Clara for me.”

After Angela was gone, Taylor sat at the table, her hot chocolate forgotten. Angela had been so right. What was missing from Taylor’s job was meaning. It was why she’d been so flustered about things not being perfect at the wedding—it had been important to her on a personal level.

Right now she did a job because she was paid good money to do so. And she had enjoyed the challenges that went along with the position of being sought after. But at the end of the day, all she had left was the satisfaction of a challenge met. She hadn’t given anything back. What Angela suggested, an event like that had the power to make ripples throughout communities, a difference in peoples’ lives. It would matter; last longer than a single night. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

And then Taylor thought of her staff, and her leases, and the fact that they, too, had lives, and bills to pay.

Maybe Rhys was on to something after all. Maybe working nine-to-five was way easier. He’d just learned his lesson faster than Taylor, that was all.

But then, he’d been forced to shut down his company. As Taylor stood and put on her coat again, she let out a long breath. She didn’t have that worry. Her company was well into the black. And as long as they stayed there, she was sure she could find an answer.

CHAPTER NINE

R
HYS
HOVERED
AT
the door to the barn, wanting to go to the house, but hesitating just the same. He’d been an idiot last night. It had all been going great. He hadn’t even minded talking about the past so much. Maybe Taylor was right. She was an outsider and completely impartial, and it made a difference. She certainly hadn’t judged.

But it hadn’t just been about talking. Oh, no. Every time he was around her the sensible, cautious part of his brain shut off. The physical attraction was so strong and sitting alone, in front of the tree, with the cozy lighting and the way her eyes shone and her hair smelled...

Yep. He was an idiot. There’d been no room for logic. Just justification for doing what he wanted rather than what was smart.

He’d been ready to take it to the next level when warning bells had gone off in his head. At first it was knowing that he was on the verge of losing control and pushing his advantage, which he made a practice of never doing. Taylor wasn’t as ready as she thought she was. It was in the sweetness of her kiss, the tentative way she touched him, the vulnerable look in her eyes. And just like the horses he worked with, he knew she had to be sure. She needed to come to him.

Except she hadn’t, not this morning. He’d hung around for a while, hoping to see her at the window or door, but nothing, and he’d been due for work at Diamondback and couldn’t stay forever. Now he’d finished the evening chores and the lights were glowing at the house and still there was no sign of her. His hasty exit had probably hurt her feelings, he realized.

But there’d been a second issue, too, and one equally if not more important. He’d known exactly where things were headed and abruptly realized he had absolutely no protection. He was a guy who was generally ready for any eventuality, and he should have had a clue after the way the passion had exploded between them while parked in his truck. But he hadn’t. And if he’d let things go any further, he might have been very irresponsible. Might have lost his head and let his body override his brain. He wanted to think he wouldn’t, but he wasn’t exactly objective when it came to Taylor, for some reason.

So he’d pulled the pin and gotten out. And not exactly gracefully.

It wouldn’t happen again. A condom packet was nestled in his back pocket. He’d driven out to the gas station on the highway to buy it, because this town was so damn small that it would be just his luck that he’d be spotted at the drugstore and the rumors would start.

He told himself that the condom was just a contingency plan. He could get in his truck and go back home, or...

Resolutely he left the barn and latched the door behind him, and with his heart beating madly, took long strides to the house. He made no secret of his approach, his boots thumping on the steps and he knocked firmly on the door. Whether this went further or ended, some decisions were going to be made right now. He had to stop thinking of her like some nervous, inexperienced filly, afraid of her own shadow. Taylor Shepard was the most self-assured, confident woman he’d ever met. She knew her own mind.

The door opened and anything he’d considered saying died on his lips.

She looked stunning. She’d left her hair down, the dark mass of it falling in waves past her shoulders. Her jeans hugged her hips and legs like a second skin and the red V-neck shirt was molded to her breasts, clinging to her ribs and giving her the most delicious curves he’d ever seen.

“It’s about time you got here,” she said softly, holding open the door.

He didn’t need any other invitation. He stepped inside and, with his gaze locked with hers, kicked the door shut with his foot. She opened her lips to say something but he caught her around the waist and kissed her, erasing any words she might have uttered. When he needed to come up for air, he released her long enough to shed his jacket and boots.

“Hello to you, too,” she said, her voice rich and seductive. “Not wasting any time, I see.”

“I’m done wasting time. Aren’t you?”

The moment paused as her gaze held his. “I think I am, yes.”

It was all the encouragement he needed. As a saucy grin climbed her cheek, he chuckled. And then he reached out, threw her over his shoulder in a fireman carry and headed for the hallway as her laughter echoed off the walls.

* * *

It was still dark in the bedroom but Taylor’s eyes had adjusted to it and she could see shadows cast by the moonlight streaming through the cracks in the blinds. The dark figure of the dresser, a small chair, a laundry basket.

Rhys, snuggled under the covers beside her, his hair flattened on one side where he’d rested against the pillow.

Her heart slammed against her ribs just looking at him. Not in her wildest dreams had she been prepared for last night. Any impression she’d had of him as...well, she supposed ordinary was as good a word as any...was completely false. He’d been an exciting lover, from the way he’d taken control and carried her to the bedroom, to how he’d managed to scatter their clothes in seconds, to how he’d expertly made love to her.

She swallowed thickly. It had been more than exciting. It had been much, much more. He’d been physical yet gentle, fun yet serious, and he’d made her feel things she’d never felt before in her life. She’d felt beautiful. Unstoppable. Completely satisfied. And in the end, rather than skedaddling home as she expected, he’d pulled up the covers and tucked her securely against him.

She’d felt cherished. More than she’d ever imagined, Rhys Bullock was turning out to be someone very, very amazing. Someone who might actually have the power to chase away some of the ghosts of the past.

His lashes flickered and his lips curved the tiniest bit. “You’re staring at me, aren’t you?”

Heat climbed her cheeks but she braced up on her elbow and rested her jaw on her hand. “Maybe.”

“I can’t blame you. I’m really quite handsome.”

Her smile grew. Had she really ever thought him plain and unremarkable? There was a humor in the way he set his mouth, the way his eyes glowed that set him apart, wasn’t there? And then there was his body. She’d had a good look at it now—all of it. There was nothing plain about Rhys.

“Your ego knows no bounds.”

“I’m feeling really relaxed this morning.” He opened his eyes. “Why do you suppose that is?”

She dropped her gaze for a moment. “Rhys...” she said shyly.

“Is it okay I stayed all night?”

Her gaze lifted. “Of course it is.” She preferred it. Things had happened so quickly. They’d touched and combusted. At least by him staying she didn’t get the feeling it was only about the sex.

Which was troubling because there really couldn’t be anything more to it, could there?

His hand grazed her hip, sliding beneath the soft sheets. “It was good.”

She smiled, bashful again because they were still naked beneath the covers. “Yeah, it was.”

For a few minutes his hand lightly stroked and silence filled the room. Taylor wished she could abandon all her common sense and simply slide into his embrace again, but being impulsive wasn’t really her way. Last night she’d waited for him. She’d wanted this. But now? It was how to go on from this moment that stopped her up.

“Listen, Rhys...”

“I know what you’re going to say.” His voice was husky-soft in the dark. “You’re going to say there’s only the weekend left and Callum and Avery will be back and you’ll be going to Vancouver.”

Nervousness crawled through her belly. “Yeah, I was going to say that.”

“Since we’re both aware of that, the way I see it we have one of two choices.”

She couldn’t help but smile the tiniest bit. Rhys was used to being in charge. Even now, he was taking control of the situation. When they’d first met it had grated on her last nerve. But now not so much. It was kind of endearing.

“Which are?” she asked.

“Well, I could get out of bed and get dressed and do the chores and we could say that this is it. No sense going on with something that’s going to end in a few days anyway.”

“That sounds like a very sensible approach.”

“Thank you.”

She might have believed him, except his fingers started kneading the soft part of her hip. She swallowed, trying to keep from rolling into the caress. “And the second?”

“I’m glad you asked. The second option, of course, is that we enjoy this for however long it lasts and go our inevitable separate ways with the memory of the best Christmas ever.”

“Not as sensible, but it sounds like a lot more fun.”

“Great minds think alike.”

The smile slid from her face as she turned serious, just for a moment. “Do you think it’s possible to do that?” she whispered.

Dark eyes delved into hers. “I’m not ready to say goodbye yet. I don’t see as we have much choice.”

She slid closer to him until they were snuggled close together, skin to skin. She hadn’t counted on someone like Rhys. She’d thought she’d come here, watch her brother get married, recharge, go back to her life. Instead she was...

She blinked, hoping he didn’t notice the sudden moisture in her eyes. She would never say it out loud. Couldn’t. But the truth was, she suspected she was falling in love. She recognized the rush. The fear. The exhilaration. Something like that only happened once in a while, and it had been a long, long time for Taylor. It wasn’t just sex. She had real feelings for Rhys. Saying goodbye wasn’t going to be easy.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” He, too, braced up on an elbow, more awake now.

“Why did you leave so fast the other night?”

“Oh, that.” He smiled, but it had a self-deprecating tilt to it that she thought was adorable. “Truth is, things were happening really fast. And you caught me unprepared.”

That was it? Birth control? She suppressed a giggle, but a squeak came out anyway. “You could have just said that,” she chided. “Instead of rushing out like you couldn’t stand being near me another moment.”

“Is that what you thought?” His head came off his hand.

“Maybe.”

He leaned forward and kissed her lightly. “Nothing could be further from the truth. If I was in a hurry, it was because I was in danger of not caring if I had a condom or not.”

Her heart turned over. She wondered if he realized how much he truly tried to protect those around him.

“Now, as much as I’d like to repeat last night’s performance, I’ve got cows that need to be milked,” Rhys said quietly.

“And then what?” She lifted her chin and looked into his eyes. The dark light was turning grayer as the night melted into day, highlighting his features more clearly.

“It’s Saturday. I’m not due at Diamondback. I’m not expected anywhere, as a matter of fact.”

“Then come back in for breakfast,” she invited. “I’ll make something good.”

“You got it.” He slid out of bed and she watched as he pulled on jeans and a T-shirt. He turned and gave her a quick kiss. “Look, I’ll be a while. Go back to sleep.”

“Okay.”

He was at the doorway when he turned and looked back at her. “You look good like that,” he said softly, and disappeared around the corner while her heart gave a little flutter of pleasure.

They had the weekend. She rather suspected a weekend wouldn’t be nearly enough.

* * *

After breakfast Rhys went back home to shower and grab fresh clothing. In his absence Taylor also showered and did her hair and put on fresh makeup. She vacuumed the rugs and tidied the kitchen and wondered if he’d bring his things to stay the night. When he arrived again midmorning, he carried a bag with him containing extra clothes and toiletries.

Seeing the black case brought things into rather clear perspective. Their intentions were obvious. There was no need for either of them to leave the house now.

After a rather pleasurable “welcome back” interlude, they spent the rest of the day together. Rhys helped Taylor wrap the presents she’d bought the day before, cutting tape, tying ribbon and sticking a red and gold bow on top of her head while making a lewd suggestion. She made soup and grilled cheese and the long awaited Chinook blew in, raising the temperature and softening the snow. They went outside and built a snowman, complete with stick arms, a carrot for a nose, and rocks for the eyes and mouth. That event turned into a snowball fight, which turned into a wrestling match, which ended with the two of them in a long, hot shower to ward off any damp chill.

He did chores. She made dinner. They curled up in front of the television to watch a broadcast of White Christmas while Rhys complained of actors feeling the need to sing everything and Taylor did a fair impression of the “Sisters” song. And when it was time, they went together to Taylor’s room.

* * *

By Monday morning Taylor’s nerves were shredded. The weekend had been nothing short of blissful but in a few hours Callum would be home and her time with Rhys would be over. There was no question in her mind—her feelings for Rhys were real.

But what hope did they have? He would never be happy living in a city like Vancouver, and she could tell by the way he spoke and how he’d acted since they’d met that he wanted to stay close to his mother to look after her. She realized now that his desire to hold a steady job rather than being the boss was all about taking care of his family. What she’d initially seen as complacency was actually selfless and noble. From what she could gather, his need to care for Martha was, in part, a way to make up for the instability in her past. He’d hold things together the way his father never had—no matter how well-intentioned.

Despite Angela’s ideas, Taylor couldn’t see any way to avoid going home either. She had commitments and responsibilities at
Exclusive!
This was nothing new. She just hadn’t expected that even the thought of leaving him would cause the ache she was feeling in her chest right now.

“Hey,” he said softly, coming up behind her. She was standing at the kitchen window, looking out over the fields. “You look like you’re thinking hard.”

“Just sad the weekend’s over, that’s all.”

“Me, too.”

She turned to embrace him and noticed his bag by the kitchen door. “You’re leaving already?”