A Moment To Love (13 page)

What he had now was all he would ever own. By giving up a large chunk of his family’s land, his acreage would drastically shrink—his ability to make a living off the land would be severely compromised. Less land would mean a smaller herd of cattle, which would mean significantly less income. He’d have to let go of some of his ranch hands—men who counted on him for a paycheck. The thought washed away the sweetness from his iced tea, leaving behind only bitterness.

“I don’t want to rest,” Lexi insisted. “I want to talk—about the resort. Admit it, the plan has a lot of potential. Not only will it save the Brazen H from foreclosure, but it’ll bring a lot of business back to Whistle Stop.”

He turned to her. “Why did you have to pick my family’s land? This is a large desert area. There’s lots of other remote property. Why do you have to destroy my heritage to make a profit?”

Tense lines etched her beautiful face as her painted nails tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Our investors want something new and invigorating. Your land offers a host of unique resort activities from rock-climbing to hiking to exploring a genuine ghost town. In addition, the area allows for an airstrip for private planes, as well as commuter flights out of the Albuquerque airport.”

In any other circumstance, he’d have applauded her for devising a resort unique from the ski and golf resorts such as the ones up north in Red River and Angel Fire. If only she hadn’t set her sights on his land.

“What would you say if I told you my investors want to preserve as much of the ghost town as possible?”

“I’d say I’m still opposed to you buying the land.” He just couldn’t bring himself to tell her the whole truth—that cowboying was all he was cut out to do.

“Is it really your heritage that you’re fighting for?” Her narrow gaze poked at him.

He glanced away. “What else would it be?”

“I just thought…oh, never mind.” She shook her head in frustration. “Let me help you with the dinner dishes—”

“I’ve got it. Just go.” Realizing the gruffness of his voice, he attempted a friendlier tone. “Go get some rest. I’m fine here.”

She walked away, leaving an overwhelming loneliness to sweep over him. They’d reached a stalemate, and both had too much riding on the deal to back down. And once again, he was alone. The story of his life.

The whole time he scrubbed at the dishes with unnecessary vigor, he rolled around everything he’d learned that evening. He tried to ignore how much he’d enjoyed sharing a meal with her and the way she’d smiled at him. Instead, he focused on her intention to make his family’s land a playground for those with enough money to visit an exclusive resort. How in the world was he going to stop her? And keep his home—his refuge?

CHAPTER TWELVE

W
hat in the world had she been thinking?

Obviously, she hadn’t been, at least not clearly. Alexis paced around the living room. The evening had started so well. Cord could be kind and considerate. And that kiss, where had it come from? And what in the world had it meant?

Maybe her rising desire to kiss him back—her curiosity to see where things would go if they’d quit dancing around each other—had her retreating behind the safety of her business persona. She just couldn’t let him get too close. She knew all too well what happened when she got too close to people—they let her down.

First, her mother abandoning her and then her fiancé using her as a stepping stone to further his career. She highly doubted that Steven had ever cared about her. He’d cared only about what doors she could open for him. Once she’d accomplished that, he’d forgotten her like yesterday’s sports page.

But that didn’t mean she had to wage war every time she was alone with Cord. It wasn’t like either of them was going to let things go beyond a kiss. And right about now, she was certain he wasn’t any too eager for a repeat—not after she’d detailed her plans for Haggerty.

Still, she should apologize for ruining his dinner. She’d step into the kitchen, say her piece and slip away. She leveled her shoulders, mentally rehearsed her apology, and started for the kitchen. She’d just about reached the door when it swung open. She stumbled back to avoid getting hit by it.

Cord’s eyes opened wide when he noticed her. “Sorry. I didn’t know you were there.”

“I…um…it’s okay.” Her stomach quivered with nerves.

“Do you need something?”

She backtracked into the living room while searching for the right words. Why was she making such a big deal of this? She crossed her arms and turned to him. “Actually, there is something I want—”

“You’re cold. I’ll start a fire. The evenings get rather chilly now that it’s getting late in the year.”

Cord’s back was to her as he stepped up to the stone fireplace. Normally, she’d wait until he straightened and faced her, but perhaps this would be easier. She settled on the couch. Her gaze never left him as the well-defined muscles of his arms flexed while he placed logs on the grate.

Why did everything have to be so complicated? In another set of circumstances, she’d be snug in his very capable arms, and they’d be repeating that delicious kiss over and over again. She stifled a frustrated groan. She had to stop these thoughts. Absolutely nothing was going to happen while she was here alone with this sexy cowboy. Absolutely nothing.

“There’s a throw on the back of the couch that you can use until the fire warms the room.” Cord struck a match.

It wasn’t the throw she wanted wrapped around her. Realizing her fantasy wasn’t going to become reality, she doused the heated thoughts.

She still owed him an apology. Best to get it over with so that they could move on. “I’m sorry about how dinner ended. I didn’t mean to ruin it, especially after you’ve gone out of your way for me.”

“You didn’t ruin anything. I shouldn’t have let it get to me—you know, your plans for the land. I know you have good intentions. Maybe we can just agree to disagree about that issue.”

“I think that might be doable…at least for tonight.” He impressed her with his ability to be a gentleman about the incident. “By the way, the meal, it was a really good. You’re excellent in the kitchen.”

His brows rose. “You’re just saying that—”

“No, I’m not. You can cook for me any time you want.” There was a part of her that hoped he would invite her to dinner again. Not that it was realistic, but a girl was allowed to indulge in a fantasy every now and then.

“I’ll just let you rest.” He started to walk away.

“Don’t go.” She couldn’t decide which was more distracting—drinking in his sexy image with her eyes or fantasizing about him when he was out of sight. “Why don’t you sit down?” She drew up her knees, making room for him next to her on the couch.

She didn’t know why she’d made the move, considering there were two overstuffed chairs and another couch in the spacious living room, but he accepted her gesture. In the background, the fire hissed and popped. With the setting sun casting long shadows over the room, she realized just how cozy a setting they’d created. If she were to straighten her legs, they’d end up in Cord’s lap. She closed her eyes, imagining his long, skillful fingers working their magic over her toes, her feet, and up her legs. Mmm…

“Are you all right?”

The sound of Cord’s voice had her eyes snapping open and heat stinging her cheeks. “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? It isn’t quite time for more acetaminophen, but I can check with Doc Willard to see if you can have it a little early, or maybe he can give you something stronger if you need it—”

“No. Don’t.” She reached out, squeezing his arm in an attempt to reassure him. But the contact sent shivers of awareness cascading up her arm and down her spine. “I don’t need anything. My hand is getting better.”

“Are you sure?” He sent her a disbelieving look.

“Positive.” She held up her injured limb and flexed her fingers as proof. Her joints were still a bit stiff, but she was certain it was just a matter of time until she was completely better. “In fact, I’m so good you could take me back to the motel—”

“Don’t start again. You’re staying. Got it?”

“My, you’re bossy.” She smiled, letting him know that she was teasing him. Her good hand was still on his arm, and she had absolutely no desire to move it. “You’re a great guy…even if you are a bit stubborn at times. I’m surprised someone hasn’t snatched you up.”

He pulled away. “I was married. She decided that I wasn’t such a great catch and threw me back.”

Alexis knew it was none of her business, but she couldn’t help herself. “Were you married long?”

“Almost five years. Now she’s off pursuing her dreams.” His tone held a note of discord.

“I couldn’t imagine giving up a home like this and such a great guy.”

He got to his feet, strode over to the large picture window, and stared into the night. “You don’t know what you’re saying. This place couldn’t compare to the excitement of New York City. You wouldn’t like it here. You’d grow bored and restless.”

Alexis got to her feet. Her bare feet moved soundlessly over the wood floor. She joined him by the window, noticing the last shades of the fading sun on the distant horizon. Her gaze moved to him, and her voice came out soft and sultry. “I’m sure I could find something to keep my attention.”

“You shouldn’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Flirt with me.”

Was it still considered flirting if she meant every word? “Why not? What if I’m serious?”

Was that a groan she heard? A smile tugged at her lips. Common sense warned her to leave well enough alone, but she couldn’t recall the last time she’d enjoyed herself this much.

His dark eyes met hers. “Lexi, you don’t know what you’re asking.”

“I take it you don’t date much?”

He shook his head. His gaze dipped to her lips. Her stomach somersaulted. He was going to kiss her again. Her heart fluttered, and the little voice in her head that talked reason drifted away.

“It must get pretty lonely being out here all by yourself.” Her voice was soft. “Maybe you should consider getting yourself a dog. I hear they’re good for companionship.”

His gaze lifted, meeting hers. Unmistakable desire flashed in them. “I have a better idea.”

She knew what he had in mind, because she had the same thought. “What might that be?”

“It might be better if I show you.” He stepped closer, pulling her into his arms. There was a moment of hesitation, as though he were waiting for her to pull away.

She wasn’t going anywhere. There was something special about this cowboy—something that drew her in. The place where his fingers rested against her hips grew warm, as though his fingerprints were now tattooed upon her skin.

He was going to kiss her, and mentally she willed him on. That kiss in the desert and the brief one in the kitchen had been a prelude to this moment—the main event. Her hands slid up over his muscled chest, appreciating the firm contours. Her hands wrapped around his neck. His gaze held hers. She wasn’t about to turn away now. She was a woman who knew what she wanted—she wanted him with every fiber of her being.

Yet she could feel the stiffness of his muscles. There was a war raging within him. Longing to tip the odds in her favor, she leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. He didn’t move at first. Nor did she pull away. He wanted her, that much she was certain.

She moved her lips slowly and tantalizingly over his. And then she heard something. The sound grew louder until she realized it was a moan, and it was coming from Cord. She’d have smiled in triumph, but she had other, more important things to do with her lips—much more important things.

He deepened the kiss, and she eagerly met him move for move. She reveled in her ability to seduce this solitary cowboy. But it was more than that. There was a vulnerability to him—scars that ran deep. She didn’t know exactly what they were, but she wanted to assure him that he was worthy of being loved.

His hands slid up her back. Her heart pounded, and their kiss took on a passion all its own. He wasn’t the only one who was lonely—who needed to feel a deep connection. It wasn’t until that moment that she realized she’d been burying all of her pain of rejection behind a mountain of work. She’d closed herself off from the world in hopes of heeling. And now, in Cord’s arms, she felt alive again.

Maybe together, they could help each other.

As though reading her thoughts, Cord pulled her snug against him. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation. His lips moved hungrily over hers as his fingers slid up her neck and combed through her hair. For one night, their troubles would disappear. Here on the Brazen H, they’d find happiness and release in each other’s arms.

Cord stopped kissing her. His breathing was deep and uneven as he rested his forehead against hers. “Are you sure about this? About us?”

For a moment, she hesitated. She was here to work—to save her father’s company and quite possibly his life—not to indulge in a moment of passion. But who would know? She certainly didn’t plan to tell anyone. And she had no doubt that Cord would keep this night under wraps.

“I’m sure.”

That’s all it took for Cord to scoop her up into his arms and start down the hallway. Her arms naturally wound around his neck. She trailed kisses up his neck, enjoying the salty tang of his smooth skin and the way she could make his breathing unsteady.

He moaned and tightened his grip on her. “You’re driving me crazy.”

“And I’ve only just begun.”

“I’ll remember you said that.” His voice was deep and gravelly.

She smiled. “I’m sure you will.”

He paused outside the door to the master bedroom. “Last chance to change your—”

She smothered his words with a kiss that would leave no doubt in his mind of her intentions. He kicked the door open as the chime of the telephone shattered the silence. In the doorway, Cord hesitated.

“It’s okay.” She purred in his ear. “I’ll wait.”

He cursed under his breath and lowered her feet to the ground. “I’ll be right back.”

Cord surprised her when he strode back to the living room instead of taking the call in his bedroom. Maybe he didn’t want to talk in front of her. Maybe he thought it might be something about the sale of the land. The thought of a potential buyer had Alexis eager to follow him just to assure herself that she didn’t have any competition—for the land, that is. But she wasn’t about to lower herself to eavesdropping.

“Lexi, phone’s for you,” Cord called out.

Was it her imagination or did he sound unhappy? Was it the timing of the call? Or the caller themselves? The questions circled round and round in her mind as she returned to the living room and took the phone from Cord, who didn’t even bother to meet her questioning gaze.

Disappointment washed over her as Cord strode down the hall. As sure as she was standing alone in his living room, the promise of an amazing evening had been dashed. And though she should be relieved that she’d be saved from making another mistake and getting in too deep, all she could think was,
Why? What changed Cord’s mood so drastically?

She lifted the phone to her ear. “Hello.”

“Ms. Greer, this is Mayor Ortiz. How are you? I heard about your unfortunate incident.”

There was a distinguishable thud of Cord’s bedroom door closing—further confirmation that their romantic evening was over before it’d even begun. Reality had shattered their happy illusion. A frown pulled at her lips.

“Ms. Greer, are you still there?”

“Uh, yes. Sorry. I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? If you’d rather come stay with my family, my wife would love to have you. Or if you’d be more comfortable, I’m sure Mrs. Sanchez would love the company.”

“Why would I do that? Cord has been the perfect host.”

“He has?” There was a note of surprise and utter disbelief in the mayor’s voice. “I mean, I’m sure he has. Is there anything else you need?”