Crazy for Lovin’ You (13 page)

“How can you be sure this guy isn't Jack?” Taylor wanted to know.

“It's been ten years. Why would he come back now? Why after all this time?”

“Because Mitch is back.”

“So he's a cosmic catalyst?”

Taylor smiled, but her gaze settled on her sister in the bleachers. A catalyst for calamity. “Jen is back, too,” she said quietly.

Maggie's gaze swung back to the bleachers. “Yeah. And look how close Grady is sitting to her.”

Taylor had noticed. Knowing Mitch, he would have something to say about that. “I guess he's as close as
sequins on an evening dress,” Taylor commented, using her friend's analogy as she tried to joke.

“That's not exactly the analogy I would use in reference to a hunk like Grady O'Connor. But if body language is anything to go by, he's doing surveillance on Jen as well as the gruesome threesome. Any closer and they'd be doing the wild thing.”

“You do have a way with words, Mags.”

“And the way Jen is smiling, she doesn't seem to be minding a bit. Do you think she's finally over Zach?”

“I suspect she is. But I don't think it's because of Grady.”

“Then who?”

“Mitch.”

Her friend studied her closely. “I can tell by the look on your face that's not a good thing.”

“I'm not sure about the look on my face. But no one would be happier than me if Jen found love again.”

“As long as it was someone besides Mitch.”

“I didn't say that,” Taylor protested.

“You didn't have to. Has anyone ever told you everything you're thinking is written all over your face?”

“I don't know. But even if you're right, there are two reasons why it won't work.”

“Lay them on me.”

“Number one, I would never do anything to undermine my sister's happiness. I was afraid she was destined to be alone and I'm glad she's not.”

“Even if it means you are?” Maggie asked pointedly.

Taylor shrugged. “I've got my business. Thanks to Mitch, I've got enough bookings for the year to actu
ally make a profit. And most of the rodeo board of directors have said they're going to come back again. Repeat business is the key to success.”

“I won't even go to where you sidestepped my actual question. What's the number two reason why being with Mitch won't work for you?”

Briefly Taylor considered avoiding the question. But she'd learned something about redheads. The red hair was traditionally an indicator of ferocious temper, which Maggie had. What was relatively unknown was the notorious redheaded persistence. She knew Maggie Benson wouldn't let it drop. In fact it was highly likely that she would bring it up at the most embarrassing moment possible.

“If you must know,” Taylor said, “he rejected me once ten years ago because he was in love with my sister.”

“And ten years ago she eloped with Zach Adams. Fight for him.”

“It's not particularly smart to fight a losing battle. I just found out he's still in love with her.”

Maggie touched her arm. “Oh, Taylor—”

“Don't,” she said, holding up a hand. “If you're nice to me I'll cry and I may not be able to stop. Jen's had enough unhappiness in her life. If she's happy now, I'm happy for her.”

A sudden crackling sound filled the night air, but it cut in and out.

Maggie shook her head in disgust. “This rodeo has gone off without a hitch, except for Cal White's close call and that lousy PA system. I haven't been able to understand most of what comes over it.”

“Folks…break.” Mitch was making an announcement.

Taylor begrudged the fact that she knew it was him in spite of the fact it was only two discernible words.

“Bull riding…pro. Demonstration… Center arena…with me.”

Taylor tensed, her stomach knotting with fear. “Did you understand any of that?” she asked her friend.

Maggie shrugged. “Sounded like Mitch is planning to demonstrate professional bull riding.”

“That's what I thought, too. And I'm guessing that he'll get on one to do that,” Taylor said grimly.

“Yeah.” The other woman folded her arms over her chest.

“Damn it.” Taylor's heart pounded painfully in her chest. “I have to talk to that stubborn, stupid, crazy fool,” she said.

“Don't hurt him, Taylor.”

“When I get through with him, he'll wish he'd taken his chances with the bull.”

Maggie grinned. “I'll see you later.”

Taylor hurried past the food concession. Around her the crowd dimmed and lights were a blur as she focused on one thing—getting to Mitch. To stop him from taking on a ton of trouble.

Was the man completely insane? Or was he insanely jealous? Had he seen Jen and Grady sitting together in the bleachers? Was history repeating itself? Was his nose out of joint as it had been ten years ago?

This time he would be taking the chance of doing more damage to his already injured leg, possibly losing it. Already weakened, it would be even more difficult to ride a bull. Not to mention the fact that he hadn't competed for years. He was out of practice.

Taylor hadn't been able to leave him alone ten years ago because she was frightened for him. Déjà vu all over again. Now she was terrified for the man she loved.

S
tanding just outside the main arena, Mitch waited for any of the teenage riders to show up for his impromptu workshop. Bull riding was the last event. While they waited for the arena to be smoothed out for the intervening competitions, he thought he could give some pointers. But he wasn't sure anyone had heard. The damn PA system hadn't been working right all night. He wasn't sure his mike had broadcast intelligible information through the speakers.

He tapped the small electronic device clipped to his collar. Nothing. Then he looked at the power pack on his belt. It looked like it was on, but no one had responded to his announcement.

Then he saw Taylor coming toward him. Her sun-streaked brown hair fell around her face like a silk curtain. Her confident stride swayed her hips in a completely fascinating, feminine and tantalizing way. And she looked as if she had a bone to pick with him.

God it was good to see her. There were so many
things he wanted to tell her, but he hadn't had time. When his job was finished, he'd planned to find her. Now here she was. He didn't know what he'd done, but if it brought her to him, he would keep doing it. Forever.

His heart soared like a hot air balloon. He loved her. Like a ton of ticked-off bull the thought slammed him in the chest. He'd been hung up on two four-letter words—love and home.

Both were what he wanted more than anything.

Somehow, seeing Jen and hearing her say he was okay had knocked down the last emotional barrier built by a kid who had been let down one too many times. It wasn't her job to tell him he was all right, but it worked for him. Or maybe he was just grasping at straws, any truth that would give him the courage he needed to tell Taylor how much he loved her and wanted a life with her.

He'd told her once that when he figured out what he wanted, she'd be the first to know. Now was the time. He couldn't stand not knowing if she felt the same about him. Wine, flowers and that expensive dinner would have to wait.

She stopped in front of him, her breath coming in gasps from the furious pace she'd set.

“What are you trying to do?” she demanded.

“Get my act together,” he answered.

“Well you have a darned funny way of showing it.”

“I don't know,” he said, scratching his head. “It seemed like a good idea to me.”

And about time he told her how he felt. He had to remember to thank Dev for twisting his arm to bring him back to Destiny. Otherwise he never would have figured things out.

“Are you crazy? You have no business doing this.”

He frowned. What the hell was she talking about?

“Doing what?”

“Your leg, Mitch,” she answered. “You haven't done this for a long time. It's a stupid idea.”

“What?”

“Getting on a bull. What if you injure your leg again? You told me what the doctor said. You could lose it. Or if you get your head bashed in—” Her voice caught and she stopped. When she was in control again, she said, “It's an awfully hard head, but I'd say a ton of bull has you on size and strength.”

She believed he was going to ride a bull? Then another idea struck him. She was worried about him. He'd swear she was. And he hoped that meant what he thought it did.

“How would you feel if I did get my head stomped on?” he asked, carefully watching her reaction.

The spotlights overhead caught the sheen of tears in her eyes. “That's a stupid question,” she said defiantly, but her mouth trembled. Then she turned away.

“I don't think it's stupid. Tell me.”

She shook her head and wouldn't look at him.

“I don't believe the gutsy girl I knew ten years ago has lost her gumption. Since when are you afraid to say what's on your mind?”

The barb spun her around to face him. “You want to know how I would feel?” Angrily she brushed at the single tear coursing down her cheek. “You need to know how I feel. No,” she amended. She tapped her chest. “
I
need to tell you how I feel.”

“Okay.”

“Life is too short to leave things unsaid. There are
too many loose ends. They'll trip you up if you're not careful.”

“Okay.” He wished she would say it already. If she didn't, he would.

“I may be crazy for loving you, but it's true nonetheless.”

Finally. He let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He had the urge to pump his arm in victory. He was about to tell her what was on his mind, but she wasn't finished yet.

“I'm a one-man woman. You were always number one to me. I loved you ten years ago and I still do. I never stopped. I couldn't, no matter how hard I tried.”

“You tried to stop loving me?”

“You bet I did.”

“Why?”

“Because I knew you wanted Jen. And you still do.”

“Hold it—”

She continued as if he hadn't spoken. “The day she came back, I saw you kiss her and hold her. She's what you want and I can't be anything but what I am.”

“Wait—”

“It's okay, Mitch. I'll learn to live with it. Now that I got it off my chest, I feel a lot better.” But more tears trickled down her cheeks, putting the lie to her bravado.

“Don't cry, sweetheart.” Mitch cupped her face in his hands and brushed the tears away with his thumbs. Then he pulled her into his arms.

Struggling to push him away, Taylor hit the square pack hooked to his belt. “Don't, Mitch.”

“Don't what? Care about you?” He rested his chin on the top of her head. “Too late. I already do. I love you.” He smiled when he felt her arms go around him. “Jen and I will never be more than friends—except
maybe brother and sister-in-law. I can't believe you didn't know the kisses we shared were the forever after kind. You're the woman I want, Taylor. A home and a couple of kids would be nice, too. But as long as I've got you, nothing else really matters.”

“I can't believe it,” she said sniffling. Keeping her hands at his waist, she took a half step back and met his gaze.

“Believe it. It's always been you and me. Ten years ago, you were the only one who wanted me and I was so stupid, I pushed you away. Then I ran as fast as I could from the memories.”

“But they were bad—”

He shook his head. “Not all of them. Not the ones about you.”

“But Jen—”

“Is a good friend. Seeing her again helped me to put the past to rest. I will always be grateful to her.”

“For what?”

“For making me realize how much I love you.”

She blinked. Her heart was too full. But she had to ask. “How?”

“I wasn't jealous,” he said as if that explained everything.

“And your point is?”

“I saw her with Grady and it didn't bother me a bit.” He thought she relaxed slightly. “But every time I saw you with another guy, no matter how innocent, I wanted to clobber someone.”

“You had no reason to be jealous.”

“Why? Tell me, Taylor.”

“I already did.”

“Say it again,” he demanded. “I need to hear it again.”

“I love you, Mitch.” Her words echoed weirdly in the night air but all she could think about was Mitch.

As Taylor stared into his blue eyes, she heard the crowd start to chant. The noise grew louder and it was several moments before she realized that over and over they were saying, “Kiss her.”

“Now the damn thing works.” Mitch glared at the grinning spectators in the grandstand, then took her hand and led her to a quiet corner on the other side of the barn.

Frowning, he flicked the microphone, then flipped a switch on the gizmo hooked to his belt to shut it off.

“I think it worked just fine,” she said, smiling up at him. “When you made your announcement, the static made it sound like you were going to ride a bull. That's what made me find you. To try to talk you out of doing something dumb.”

She remembered thinking that not even a bull could drag out of her how she felt about him. She'd been wrong.

“I'm finally getting smart.” He ripped the mike off, and dropped it. Then he pulled her into his arms. Lowering his head, he pressed his mouth to hers.

Several moments later, he broke the kiss and whispered, “Marry me, Taylor. I want to spend the rest of my life with you making you happy.”

“But, Mitch,” she said, “you're leaving after the rodeo. My life, my roots are here on the ranch. I can't go.”

“I didn't ask you to,” he said. “And you didn't ask me to stay.” His lips turned up in a smile that was sexy, and wonderful, and hopeful.

“Would you? Stay here with me?” she invited. “I
know Destiny doesn't have the best memories for you. But—”

He put his finger over her lips to silence her. “No buts. The only memories that count for me are of you and they're here. I can do business anywhere. But I can't live without you. I'll be happy as long as we're together, even if we live in a cardboard box under a cottonwood tree. The rest will fall into place.”

She rested her cheek against his chest and snuggled in his arms. “I guess it's not true what they say.”

“What's that?”

“You
can
go home again. Maybe that's because you can't escape Destiny.”

He laughed. “I've run away from it long enough. The town and the truth.”

“And what is the truth, Mitch?”

“My destiny is loving you.”

“And mine is loving you right back,” she said.

Destiny? Fate? Karma? She didn't know what to call it. But she was more grateful than she could say for whatever force had returned Mitch Rafferty to her arms.