Somebody Like You (21 page)

She curled into his side, tucked in close, his arm wrapped around her. She rested her head on his chest, and he took her hand in his.

A funny feeling rolled through her. She’d never been called anybody’s baby. Cash stirred emotions in her on so many levels. And it felt so, so good.

The movie came on, the newest James Bond film. Holding hands, they watched as 007 saved the world from the latest villain. Cash took full advantage of the dark. His hands and lips kept coming back to her as though he, too, couldn’t get enough. When the gearshift practically skewered his ribs, he swore a blue streak.

“And that’s the problem with necking in a car,” he muttered.

“Necking.” She sighed. “It’s taken me twenty-six years to get to this. I like it.” She ran her hands beneath his shirt, trailed her fingers over the six-pack she found there. Sighed again.

From the backseat came another big sigh, this one from Staubach. He sounded pleased, too. However, when a huge, on-screen explosion ripped through the speaker, the dog whimpered and buried his head in the upholstery.

“What a wuss,” Cash muttered. “You hungry?”

“Ravenous.”

“Let’s go get something then.” Pointing a finger at his dog, Cash ordered him to stay put. “If you’re good, I’ll bring you back something.”

Staubach wagged his tail.

Ten minutes later, they were back loaded down with hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas. Cash unwrapped Staubach’s sandwich and laid it on the floor. Two bites, and it was history.

He turned big brown dog eyes on Cash. “That’s it, guy. You’re all done.” But he took pity and tossed his pet some popcorn. The dog caught it mid-air.

The first film ended, and Cash turned down their speaker.

He wrapped a strand of her hair around his finger. “I wish…Ah, hell. Wishing’s for little girls.”

“What did you say?”

“Wishing’s for little girls.”

“Bull!” She smacked him on the shoulder. “Little girls my eye. Everybody needs to wish. Everybody needs to dream and hope.”

“Yeah, maybe so, but by the time you’re a big boy, you’ve learned that no matter how hard you wish on the first star of the night, your wishes don’t always come true.”

“Oh, Cash.” She laid her hands on the sides of his face. “What is it you want? What do you wish for that seems so unreachable?”

“You, Annie.” He dropped a light kiss on the tip of her nose. His lips inches from hers, he said, “And you’re so not what I expected. So not what I wanted to want.”

He sat up straight and met her eyes under the star-studded sky. “Hell, I didn’t want anything or anybody. But, now, well, you make me crazy. You make me plumb crazy.”

“I’m glad,” she whispered, “because I’d hate to go crazy alone.”

Their speaker crackled and a disembodied voice came over it, telling the moviegoers the snack bar would close in ten minutes.

“Want anything else?” Cash asked.

She shook her head and snuggled into the crook of his arm.

Half an hour into a really bad film about a family’s vacation that had gone terribly wrong, they decided to call it a night.

The drive home was quiet. Staubach snored in the back, worn out by all the evening’s excitement. Annelise rested her head against the seat and stared up at the stars. She liked the old Cadillac. As strange as it seemed, it fit Cash to a T.

Luke Bryan sang a catchy tune on the radio, and Annelise was shocked to realize how fast she’d recognized him and the song. She’d fallen waist-deep into life here—and found it quite pleasant.

When they pulled into her drive, Cash insisted on walking her to the door. A small light shone from Dottie’s kitchen window. No doubt she was watching her late-night talk shows. Well, she didn’t have to get up while it was still dark to feed horses.

Rather than go in right away, though, Annelise sat down on the top step. Cash wiggled in beside her.

He took her hand, played with her fingers. “Tell me more about your family, Annie.”

“Oh, what is there to tell?” She laid her head on his shoulder. “My mom didn’t come from money. Her dad worked in a factory, and her mom was a cook. I think that’s why she pushes so hard to be—perfect. And why she wants so much for me. She’s trying to prove herself worthy of being a Montjoy.”

Cash raised her hand to his lips, kissed the tips of her fingers. “How about your father?”

“My dad pretty much runs the company now that Grandpa is sick. The two of them still see me as their little girl.” She pulled the band from her ponytail and ran a hand through her hair. “Which means I sit on the board and attend functions, but I really have no voice, no responsibilities.”

“That sucks. Any aunts? Uncles?”

“One aunt and uncle. And my cousin, Sophie. She’s the one I called when I first got here.”

“You two are close?”

“Yes. None of my family will be at this dinner tomorrow night, Cash,” she assured him. “You won’t have to meet any of them. There’ll be no expectations and no grilling.”

“Good to know.” He sighed. “I’m sorry to say, I can’t give you the same reassurance about the barbecue. My whole crew will be there.”

“What should I expect?”

“You’ve met my mom and dad. Both of them grew up right here in Maverick Junction. They went to school together. Neither of them felt any need to stray. The Big Sandy Ranch belonged to my mom’s parents. They gave it up in favor of moving into town about twenty years ago. Grandma and Grandpa Parker are both still alive and well.”

“Will they be at the barbecue?”

“No, afraid not. They’re up in Canada. They have a travel trailer and spend most of the summer traipsing around the continent.”

“Good for them.”

“Yeah.” He folded her hand in his. “You pretty well know about my grandpa Hardeman. Grandma Edith died eight years ago.” He sighed. “Grandpa got lonely. Thus, Vivi, the Las Vegas showgirl.”

“He must have loved her, Cash.”

Frowning into the night, he said, “I think he got caught up in the moment. He’d been having some trouble with…Well, I think dementia was becoming a problem. None of us realized where he’d gone till he called. Kind of like you.” He glanced at her.

Annelise raised the hand holding hers and kissed the back of it.

Cash cleared his throat. “Anyway, by the time he brought her home, he realized he’d made a mistake. But, he was a gentleman and stuck by his agreement with her.”

He scratched his jaw. “Barbara Jean, or Babs, is my only sibling. She married Matt Taylor right after college, and they have two great kids, Austin and Abilene. Austin’s eight. He’s a great little football player. Abbie’s six and a real sweetheart.”

He slid his hand up and down her arm. “That’s about it. I have an assortment of aunts and uncles, cousins—all on my mom’s side. Dad was an only child. My summer camp was working on Grandpa’s ranch, and I loved it.”

“I’ll bet you did. He was really special, wasn’t he?”

“Yeah, he was. That’s why it makes no sense—” Cash broke off, squeezed her knee. “But that’s another story. Right now, I’d better let you get to bed. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“I’m a good listener,” she whispered. “Whatever is bothering you might be better shared.”

“I’m fine, darlin’. And it’s getting late. That old sun’s gonna be sneaking up over the horizon before we get to bed if we don’t watch out.” He kissed her lightly on the lips, then took her key and unlocked her door. “Night, Annie.”

She touched her fingers to her lips, felt his touch long after his taillights disappeared. What was she going to do about that cowboy?

T
hey’d agreed to work a short day. Annelise packed before she left that morning and trudged down the stairs with her newly purchased suitcase, dropping it off at her landlady’s.

“Remember, Dottie, we have to be in Dallas by four to make sure everything’s been taken care of and that there aren’t any last-minute emergencies. Sure you don’t need to be picked up?”

“Nope. I’m fine.”

“Okay. But you need to be out to the ranch by one.”

“I’ll be there. Don’t you worry about me.”

“And you’ll remember my suitcase?”

“I will.”

Dottie hugged herself. “I haven’t been this excited since my baby girl walked down the aisle on her wedding day.”

“We’ll have fun.” Annelise kissed her cheek, then headed off to work, enough of Dottie’s homemade cookies tucked in her saddlebags to feed every ranch hand for a week.

The morning flew. They had so much to do before they left. The big Fourth of July barbecue was day after tomorrow, so in addition to all the regular chores, there was a lot to do to get ready for it. Before she could come up for breath, Cash moved behind her, taking hold of her elbow.

“Did you want to catch a quick shower before we head out? Or were you planning on doing that at your place?”

“I’m not going home first, so I think I’ll take one here. It’ll be faster. I won’t mess with my hair till we hit Dallas.”

He checked the barn clock. “You’d best get that shower now, then. About time to take off. I’ve already had mine.”

“I see that.” She tousled his still-damp hair. “Are you sure you don’t want to fly back tonight? We could leave the minute it’s over and not be too late.”

“No. Let’s stay overnight like we planned. We could make this even more special, though.” He winked. “Change the sleeping arrangements.”

“No way.”

“Let Dottie stay in the single room. We can share the other one, the suite.”

“I can’t.”

“Sure, you can.”

She shook her head. “Dottie would be horrified.”

“No, she wouldn’t.” He brushed his fingers along her cheek. “I asked her about it earlier, and she told me to go for it.”

Annelise’s mouth dropped open. “She did not.”

“She did. She was married, Annie. She knows what it’s like to want somebody so bad you hurt.”

“Oh, Cowboy, you really know how to stir up a girl. But we can’t. There’ll be too many eyes on me tonight. We have to go with the arrangements as planned. Dottie and I share. You bach it.”

“You’re a hard woman, Annelise Montjoy.”

“And in a few minutes, I’ll be ready to go.” She left him standing there and hit the shower. Cash had almost had her. He had no idea how badly she wanted to share that room with him. A couple kisses and she might have caved.

By the time she’d cleaned up, Dottie’d arrived.

Cash threw their bags in the back of his pickup and they drove to the airstrip. She and Dottie stood beside the truck, watching as Cash and one of his employees went through the pre-flight checklist.

Before she knew it, they were on the plane and airborne. Annelise watched Cash, as quietly competent navigating a plane as riding on the back of a horse.

Once all the mundane tasks were accomplished, Cash said, “So, Annie. I probably should have asked this question before now. What exactly is this fund-raiser of yours raising funds for?”

She grinned. “It’s my Now and Then Foundation.”

“You mentioned the name last night, but I really don’t know much about it. Give me some details. What are you planning to do with all this money you’ll raise?”

“Half of it will go to help feed hungry kids. The other half goes to college scholarships or vo-tech training for those same kids when they’re ready. That way, we help them now in the present and then in the future. Now and Then. Hopefully, they’ll not only be self-sufficient after graduation, but they can help by giving back to the program. I kicked it off when I was nineteen.” She smiled, looking for all the world like a proud mama. “Our first kids headed off to college this past year.”

“Oh, Annie,” Dottie said from the backseat of the aircraft. “That’s a wonderful thing.”

“Thank you. It makes me feel good. And the foundation is growing quickly, which means we can help more kids. We hold one of these annual dinners in ten different states now.”

It was a short flight, and they landed a little before three. Annelise’s mom, as promised, had a car and driver waiting for them at the small private airport.

Dottie slid into the limo, eyes as big as her chocolate chip cookies. “Look at this. Look at me. My kids will never believe it.”

Annelise took a camera from her bag and snapped a photo. “You can send them a copy.”

She laid a hand on Cash’s. “I hate being put on exhibit, even when it’s for a good cause. I love that, in this case, it does some good, but I wish I could work behind the scenes. Do the organizing from the sidelines and have someone else be the public face of it. But, though Dad and Grandpa won’t give me any real responsibilities, they still expect me to go out, look glamorous, and sell the company goods.” She spread her hands. “Welcome to my life.”

“Sorry about that, darlin’. It’s sure not for me.”

“It’s not for me, either,” she complained.

When they reached the hotel, their baggage was unloaded for them and taken to their rooms. The three walked through the revolving doors. In the opulent lobby, with its crystal chandeliers and dark wood, Cash stuffed a hand in the pocket of his dress slacks, frowning.

“So do I call you Annelise tonight? Ms. Montjoy? Am I supposed to bow to you as the savior of young children when we walk into the dinner? What’s the protocol here?”

Hurt tore through her. “What are you doing, Cash? I said you didn’t have to come. This was your choice. Don’t start sulking now.”

He studied the lobby ceiling. “It’s just—I don’t know. You pull up in your limo, and people practically fall over themselves to do for you.”

She tipped her head and met his gaze dead-on. “You don’t have to stay, Cash. Hop in your plane and fly home to Whispering Pines. Take care of your horses and your upcoming party. Dottie and I will be fine.”

A muscle in his jaw tightened. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh, really? It sure sounded like it to me.”

By now, they were facing each other, hands on their hips, chins jutting out, and looking for all the world like they were ready to start punching.

Dottie, who’d wandered off to look at some of the artwork, came over to them. “Children, if you’re going to fight, take it outside. Or better yet, upstairs. I suggest, though, that you hang up your gloves and make nice. If one of those photographers with the cannon-sized cameras hanging around his neck wanders across the two of you right now, the picture he takes will be splashed all over the news.”

Exasperated, Annelise turned on her heels. Every time she started to think she and Cash might be able to mesh their worlds, something happened to prove her wrong. To prove that this thing between her and Cash, however good it seemed, could only be temporary.

“You’re right, Dottie. Thank you. Let’s check in.”

She took two steps and stopped. “Hello, Rufus.”

The giant standing straight and tall beside a huge potted fern smiled. “Hello, Ms. Montjoy.”

Crossing to him, she asked, “Did Dad send you?”

He nodded, his bald ebony head shiny with reflected light. “Yes, ma’am.”

She sighed. “I suppose you had to take a red-eye to get here early enough to suit him.”

“Suppose I did, ma’am.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry you took off the way you did. Your daddy about chewed our heads off.”

“Yes, he probably did. I had no choice. Honestly.”

“Figured you’d say that.” He hesitated, then said, “Tell me you didn’t really ride that Harley of yours cross-country.”

“I can’t do that, Rufus.” She grinned. “But it was incredible. You should try it sometime.”

“Might do that. In fact, next time you take off, I’ll have plenty of time to do just that. Because I’ll be unemployed.”

She laid a hand on his arm. “I am sorry.”

He studied her face, then grinned back at her. “No, ma’am, I respectfully disagree. I don’t think you’re a bit sorry.”

She laughed. “Is Silas here with you?”

“He’s upstairs, outside your room.”

She nodded. “Oh. My manners. Rufus, this is Dottie Willis and Cash Hardeman.”

Handshakes were exchanged all around. Annelise realized Cash had gone on full alert. “Rufus and Silas are my…my bodyguards.”

Cash’s jaw tightened. “I think I can do an okay job taking care of you.”

“I know, and you can. But my father is somewhat overprotective.”

“Another of those differences between us, Annie.”

At the use of the nickname, Rufus’s brow shot up. A slow smile spread over his face.

Cash and Dottie, who kept looking back over her shoulder at the bodyguard, moved to the check-in desk.

“No need to do that,” Rufus said. “Here’re your keys.” He handed one to Annelise and one to Cash. “You’re good to go.”

As they headed to the elevator, Annelise leaned toward Rufus and whispered, “Do you approve of my cowboy?”

“I believe I do,” he rumbled. “I believe I do.”

Halfway down their hallway, Dottie spotted the large, blond man, dressed in a suit and tie. “Is that Silas?”

“Yes, it is.” A few steps closer, she said, “Hi, Silas. I saw Rufus downstairs. Sorry you had to fly out here.”

“Hello, Ms. Montjoy. It was no problem.”

“Rufus said Dad was pretty hard on you two. I’ll apologize for taking off like I did, but it was something I had to do.”

He nodded and opened her door. “I’ll be out here if you need me.” He stared fixedly at Cash. “You’ll be in that room.” He pointed to one two doors down.

“Thanks. Don’t know if I could have found it on my own.” Cash bounced the bag he’d insisted on carrying higher on his shoulder. “Later, Annie. Dottie.”

When he walked away, Silas said, “A little touchy, huh?”

“Yes, I think you and Rufus being here have hit a nerve.”

Once in their suite, Dottie ran from one thing to another, touching and oohing and ahhing. She tried out the sofa, flicked on the TV and sound system. Sticking her head in both of the bedrooms, she asked which was hers.

“Whichever you want.”

She chose the blue room, then spying the fruit basket, she unwrapped it and munched on grapes even as she stuck her nose in the beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers to smell them.

Staring out the window at the Denver skyline, she asked, “Annie, this is how you live?”

“Well, every day isn’t quite like this.”

“But it’s close.”

“I have a very nice life, yes. I’ve been fortunate.”

“And you’re living in my rental apartment?”

“And loving it,” Annelise said.

“I know.” The older woman patted Annelise’s cheek. “I guess that’s part of what makes you so special.”

Annelise’s throat constricted. “Go look in your closet, Dottie. I think there’s another surprise for you in there.”

With a little squeal, Dottie headed into the bedroom on the left.

Annelise crossed her fingers, praying her mom had come through big time on this one and that Dottie liked her dress. She heard nothing. She listened for another minute, then peeked into Dottie’s room.

She sat on the edge of her bed, a stunning pink creation cradled in her arms, with tears streaming down her face.

“Dottie?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Is everything all right?”

Dottie lifted her tear-streaked face. “All right? All right? Have you seen this?”

She held up the dress for Annelise’s inspection.

Annelise reached out to finger the silk and lace gown. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I can actually wear this tonight?”

“Yes. And then you can zip it back in its bag and take it home with you. It’s yours.”

“Oh, Annie, I can’t take this. It’s so expensive.”

“My mother bought it for you. There should be shoes and some jewelry to go with it.”

Dottie hurried back to the closet. From the happy sounds inside, Annelise figured she’d found them.

There was a discreet rap at the hall door. “Let me get that.”

When she opened the door, Silas wheeled in a table from room service complete with tea, coffee, and finger foods. Dottie stood in her bedroom doorway, looking like a kid in a candy store.

Annelise smiled. She was glad she’d brought her. Dottie had been so good to her. It was nice to be able to repay her, even a little bit.

“In fifteen minutes, the masseuse will be up, Ms. Montjoy. Then your mother has arranged for a team to help you and Ms. Willis with your hair and nails and anything else you might require.”

A masseuse. Annelise nearly wept with joy. She’d worked her butt off this past week, and there were nights she’d have given anything, anything at all for a massage. Bless her mother.

Then she glanced down at her nails. They’d worked hard, too. And they looked it. She doubted even the best nail technician would be able to help her with these nubs. Well, she’d let them do what they could, then keep her hands hidden from sight as much as possible.

Throughout the next couple of hours, Annelise couldn’t keep the silly smile off her face. She had to admit that as much as she’d enjoyed her stay in Maverick Junction and as much as she enjoyed working at the ranch, it was nice to be pampered, buffed, and shined.

And watching Dottie! No kid on Christmas morning could be happier. The older woman giggled when the woman doing her pedicure ran the pumice over the bottom of her feet. She turned scarlet when the masseuse had her disrobe to her panties. She beamed at the makeup artist as he added the finishing touches. She begged Annelise to take a picture of her new hairdo.

All in all, Annelise couldn’t remember when she’d enjoyed herself so much. The memory of Cash’s hands on her, his mouth on her, at the pond returned. Oh, yes. That surpassed even today. But in a totally different kind of way.

What was Cash doing? Reading, watching TV, napping? She missed him. Did he miss her—even a little bit? She hoped so.