“I WON’T TAKE no for an answer.”
Cull looked at his Ma who was taking a casserole out of the oven. “She’ll only be here a few days and I’m sure she’d rather be alone this evening.” He sipped at the glass of homemade lemonade. No one made it like his Ma did. No one did anything as good as his Ma did. When she complained that he wasn’t married, he always used the fact that she’d spoiled him as a comeback. Although he didn’t like the idea of sleeping in his childhood room with the too short bed and lumpy mattress, he couldn’t bitch too much. He reached over and grabbed a piece from the corner of the noodle dish, which earned him a swat on the back of the hand. “I’m hungry.”
“Don’t change the subject. I insist on those clothes. And dinner. I’ll not have a guest staying at this ranch without joining us. Who do you take me for, son?” Beatrice eyed him through her lashes as she rolled out a piece of foil over the dish.
“She’s only a client. That’s all. She was down on her luck and needed a place to crash for a few nights. Then she’ll be…well, off on her next journey.” He’d keep the details to himself. He wasn’t embarrassed that he brought home a criminal, but he also didn’t have all the information or facts.
“Listen to me, Cullen Dean Cade. You take those clothes I set aside for her over there this instant and invite that gal to dinner tonight. If you don’t,” she waved the wooden spoon at him, “you’ll have to go find your dinner elsewhere, son. Hear me?”
“Don’t you think we’re going a little far by dressing her?” He leaned against the edge of the counter and crossed his ankles. He wasn’t sure what his ma thought, but for Cull it seemed a little too close for comfort.
She snorted. “Is everything she owns in that bag she had on her shoulder?”
“Were you watching from the window?” He lifted a brow.
“Of course. I know everything that goes on around here. I found some of your sister’s things I thought our guest could use. Some even have tags left on them. Now scoot and let me finish dinner.” She waved a hand toward the back door.
When his mother got that look, the one that told him her patience was worn thin, he knew not to argue. So, with his armful of clothing, he headed back across the yard toward the garage to do as his mother requested. Damn, he couldn’t wait to have his own place.
“Where are you going? Aren’t we going to ride?” He was almost to the apartment stairs when he saw his brother Kace riding up on one of the newest colts. “I can’t. I’m busy,” Cull mumbled.
“Busy? Got another criminal to hunt down?” Kace laughed.
“We have a guest staying in the garage apartment and I’m taking her a few things.” Cull hoped he said it as matter-of-factly as possible.
“Woman or man?”
“Woman.”
“Is she cute?” Kace chuckled.
“It’s not like that.” Cull sniffed.
“Yeah sure.”
“Go be with your wife.”
“And you go enjoy your guest.”
“Mind your own business.” Without another word, Cull took the stairs two at a time. He knocked, but he didn’t get a response. Instead he heard muffled voices inside. Opening the door slightly, he saw that the TV was turned on “Hello?”
The bathroom door was closed and the exhaust fan was on. He guessed she was still in the shower.
He’d make this quick and get the hell out. Here was his opportunity. He could tell his ma that she was in the shower and he didn’t get a chance to ask her to dinner.
Cull started to place the pile of clothes on the floor in front of the bathroom, but then movement in his peripheral grabbed his attention.
Oh shit!
He was speechless.
Monica was standing in the bedroom. He started to open his mouth to alert her to his presence when she dropped the towel. Shit, shit, shit! She was naked, and gorgeous. He swept his gaze down her, admiring each delectable, satin curve. An indescribable need washed over him, taking his breathing hostage as his body reacted as it was intended to do. He inflated, and his worn jeans suddenly became two sizes too small. He swore he heard seams rip. Her long, red hair hung in damp coils over her slender, bare shoulders, reaching her perfectly round, firm breasts. Her nipples were hard and velvet pink, matching the color of her pouty lips. He roved his gaze over her flat stomach, taking in the soft flare of her hips until he settled his attention on the patch of dark hair between pale inner thighs. In those few seconds that seemed to crawl by like centuries, he revered every detail of her naked form and he knew then that her body would forever be tattooed in his mind. He’d dream of her—fantasize of touching her.
When he heard her alarmed squeal, he looked up to find her staring at him with wide eyes and open mouth. She reached for the towel and dragged it over her body, covering the treasure of her nudity, but it was too late. He’d already drawn her on every cell of his body. Fuck! He should have done the right thing and turned away, but he stood in his spot, boots glued to the laminate floor, staring while his body was hard and full of lust. Holding his gaze on her face, her eyes were still round and her cheeks were as pink as her nipples. She was as beautiful as the angels an artist had painted on the walls at church. When he was young he’d stare at the paintings and believe they would come alive. Now he knew angels were real.
Get back on track!
Say something, jerk!
“I-I didn’t know you were out of the bathroom,” he said.
“I didn’t know you were here.” The tremble in her voice revealed her inner turmoil.
He knew he should apologize but he wouldn’t mean it, not even in the slightest. Nothing about him was sorry for seeing her beauty in the raw. So instead, he tried for the truth. “I brought over some clothes. I was going to knock, but…I heard the TV…”
“Th-thank you…I should get dressed.” She held the towel so tight against her body, her knuckles were white.
Cull crossed the short space to lay the clothes on the dresser. “There you go. Clothes for you. Ma insisted.” God, how stupid could be? Ma insisted? He turned and took a step into the hall, then he had a thought. He looked back at her, attempting to keep his eyes glued to her face which was a difficult task. “I have a question.”
Several expressions flittered over her face before she slammed the door in his.
He lowered his gaze to the floor and shook his head. Damn. What the hell had he done? Hadn’t she been through enough over the last few days without her thinking he was a pervert. Knocking softly, she didn’t answer. “Ma wants you to come over to dinner. I’ll understand if you don’t want to. I know it’s a lot to ask, but she’s a damn good cook and you’re probably hungry. We’re eating in about a half hour if you decide to come. Anyway, I gave you the invitation.”
Rolling his eyes, he stomped out of the apartment and down the stairs. He’d screwed up royally.
****
Monica stood outside at the screen door of the house listening to the sounds of family and happiness ringing from inside. She’d gotten over some of her humiliation, but what she now felt was beyond sanity. Why wouldn’t her inner thighs and nipples stop throbbing? Cull had seen her naked. For the last half hour, she’d tried to minimize the fact that he’d seen her nude and that she’d liked it.
Maybe she needed to relax.
She’d go out on a limb and gather he’d seen a woman’s body before. Probably more than one, or two, or three... A man had seen her body too…well, she guessed she wasn’t a virgin, but in the scheme of things, she really had no clue. Sex seemed as foreign as the face staring back at her in the mirror earlier.
What really got her was that she saw something in his gaze, something akin to admiration, when he was looking at her. It had stunned her so much that all she could do was stand glued to the floor until logic kicked in. And she’d slammed the door in his face. Not as much logic at work but pure mortification.
As she stood there listening to the laughter of the Cade family, she wasn’t sure she was prepared to meet them, but she didn’t want to be rude. Cull had said his mother had invited her. How could she not come?
Like a kid in a candy store, she looked through the screen, down the hall and into the dining room, watching and taking in the scene. They were sitting at a long table, laughing. Her gaze naturally settled on Cull. He wasn’t wearing his hat and his hair looked thick and wavy. His broad jaw was covered in dark whiskers.
The food they were eating smelled marvelous and, as if in plea, her stomach growled. She’d taken two bites of her hospital eggs that tasted like cardboard that morning and she wanted real food. She salivated, and she could almost taste home cooking. She saw the large bowl of whipped potatoes being passed around and what she wouldn’t give to dive in…
Cull smiled at something someone had said. She found herself smiling too. The idea that she could feel so happy when life was so chaotic was a step in the right direction.
Although she had no memory of what life was like before the memory loss, she had a feeling there was a void in her life when it came to family. Maybe the fact that she had no one here was a big tip off that no one cared, but she just had a sixth sense that she was missing a lot.
Bringing her gaze upward from Cull’s enchanting smile, two cobalt blue eyes met hers. Oh shit! She dropped back from the door, humiliation returning. She’d been caught ogling him. As quickly as her feet would carry her she started for the grass about the same time she heard, “Monica?”
She stopped, clasped her hands tightly and counted to five. Turning, she attempted to put a smile on her face and act natural. She screwed up in the very first second because she almost lost her balance and thankfully recovered.
“Where are you hurrying off to?” he asked with that grin bracketed by deep dimples. “I see the clothes fit.” He raked his gaze down her, leaving her trembling while he seemed unaffected.
After she’d snuck in her own peek of his white T-shirt, faded jeans, and dusty boots, she managed to keep her eyes on his face. “Yes, they fit, and I was just going back to the apartment.” She gave a nervous point in that direction.
“Aren’t you hungry?” One thick brow lifted.
If she lied her stomach might growl loud enough to make her a liar. “Yes, but…”
“But what? Did we scare you off already? Before you even had a chance to meet the clan?” His smile grew.
“No, that’s not it. I felt like I would be intruding. You all are having such a good time.”
He stepped off the porch and crossed the grass to her. “We invited you.”
“There’s something else.” She swallowed against the lump in her throat and took a small step forward. “I don’t think I’m very good at this.”
“Good at eating dinner?” Would he burst into laughter at any moment? He must really think she was foolish.
“No, I do believe I’m pretty good at eating. I’m talking family. I don’t think I’m much of a people person.” There it was. It was out.
“Oh, I thought your apprehension was because of what happened earlier.”
Her cheeks warmed. How could he say it so casually? “Maybe a tad bit. I didn’t know you were in the apartment.”
“And I didn’t know you’d be standing in the bedroom in your birthday suit. I don’t want you to think I brought you here to my family’s ranch to take advantage.” He shoved his hands into his front pockets. “I was like a deer in headlights.”
She felt some relief. “How do we pretend it didn’t happen?’
“That might be a little difficult.” His beautiful gaze swept over her again and she understood his meaning. “Now, about the family thing. They’ve never met a stranger and they’re looking forward to meeting you. They’re a bit overwhelming, but the prize is Ma’s blue-ribbon fried chicken and creamy mashed potatoes. And for dessert, her famous apple pie. You haven’t eaten until you’ve supped at Beatrice Cade’s table. Come on. Give it a try.”
Knowing she would have walked across a desert if he’d asked her to, she nodded. “Sure.”
She followed him, so captivated by his bottom that it took her a good five seconds to realize they had made it into the dining room and four pairs of eyes were watching her. Clearing her throat, she looked from each of them, suddenly feeling like she did on the first day at a new school. A new school? Was this a memory?
A man who looked very similar to Cull stood. He had the most amazing blue eyes, dashing dimples, and dark hair threaded with silver stands, and a few wrinkles around his eyes. “Hi, I’m Kace. This is my wife, Tyler.”
The woman was a beauty, which only seemed appropriate. Tyler waved and her smile was infectious. “I’d stand and give you a proper hug, but I’m afraid my feet are killing me and it’d probably take me a good half hour to get up.”
“Sweetheart, you sit and rest.” Kace planted his large palm over his wife’s obvious pregnant belly.
A lovely woman with silver hair and a tender smile stood. “I’m Beatrice. Cull’s mother and that’s Bo, his father. Welcome to the ranch, my dear.”
“I’m glad you decided to come for dinner,” Bo said. “Have a seat.”
“Right here next to Cull.” Beatrice pointed to an empty chair to her right.
Any other time Monica might think this was a set up, but in fact she was grateful to sit by the only person she knew in the house…and in the world.
“Am I too late?” a cowboy yelled as he bounded into the room. He rubbed his hands together as he looked at the spread on the table. “I’ve been dreaming of fried chicken all day.”
“Monica, this is one of my other sons, Zander.” Beatrice sighed and planted a hand on her hip. “What in heaven’s name are you doing wearing those muddy boots on my freshly mopped floor, young man?” She gave him a look that spoke volumes.
“Come on, Ma. I’ve been chasing criminals all day.” Zander started for the table when she held up a hand.
“Not any further, mister. You go take those boots off in the mudroom, wash those dirty hands, then tell me where Wynn is. I thought she was coming for dinner too?”
He turned and retraced his steps out of the room, yelling, “She had a late appointment with a client. I plan to eat fast and head back home so I can be there.” He stepped back in the dining room and into the chair at the end of the table. He picked up the large bowl of potatoes and spooned his plate full which received a clearing of throat from Beatrice.
“Excuse me.” She grasped the edge of the table and shook her head.
Zander brought his blue gaze up above his fork. “What?” All eyes were on him.
“We have company. Mind your manners and allow her to get her plate first,” Beatrice said firmly.
“Ma, you know he doesn’t have any manners, not when Wynn isn’t around that is.” Cull laughed.
“Sorry. I didn’t know.” Zander looked at Monica apologetically. “I’m Zander. You should be able to remember my name because I’m the good looking one.”
She bit her lip to keep from laughing, immediately liking him…liking them all. With the casual easiness of being near them, she could momentarily forget her nervousness, and the fact that she had no clue who she was or how she got to where she was. At that moment she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and her energy level was almost as high as her excitement at seeing how the family interacted with one another. They were funny, and the loved they shared was evident, even when they were razzing one another.
Cull spooned a large helping of potatoes onto her plate and winked. “Remember I warned you. I can grab you a glass of wine if you’d like help to get through this meal. Or sweet tea. That’s sacred water here in our house.”
“Cullen Dean! Leave that poor girl alone,” Beatrice snapped. “We’re not so bad.”
“I’ll have tea please.” Although she was comfortable, even enjoying herself, she also knew that she needed to keep her senses about her. She’d already realized that Cull had the capability of sending her weak-kneed and drooling.
“Where’s the rest of the crew?” Kace asked.
“Busy,” Bo said. “One day you’ll all wish you’d slowed down and enjoyed life more.”
“Right, Pa,” the boys said in unison. Obviously, they had a lot of respect for their father.
Over enough fried chicken to feed an army, two big bowls of whipped potatoes, and a platter of homemade soda-pop biscuits, she listened to the amusing conversation among the Cades. She’d also learned that Cull was the only brother that wasn’t attached. Phoenix had married Ria, a massage therapist that had lost her sight in an accident. They were expecting their second baby soon. Nixon and Melly had a child and lived on a ranch by the name of Shy Brooke that sounded almost as lovely as the Cade Ranch. They would have come tonight but Beatrice said their baby had come down with the sniffles. Then there was Zander and Wynn. They were trying to have a baby too but hadn’t been successful. Kace and Tyler seemed head over heels in love. Recently married with one on the way, they were crazy about each other. Monica felt a sliver of envy. She didn’t even know these people and she envied and admired their love for one another. The funny banter. The comfort and relaxation. How Beatrice and Bo interacted with each other and their kids.
“I think it’s time for dessert.” Beatrice stood, fluffing the skirt of her blue dress. “I could use some help.”
Tyler started to scoot back in her chair and Beatrice waved her to stay. “No, honey. You rest. Remember what the doctor ordered.”
“I’d like to help,” Monica offered.
“Thank you, dear. Come along.”
Inside the kitchen, she watched Beatrice cut into the beautiful apple pie and couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into the dessert. How could she still have room after that amazing dinner? It was like she hadn’t eaten a good meal in years.
“The pie smells and looks delicious, Beatrice.”
The woman took a container of ice cream from the freezer and set it next to the pie. “The secret is in the right equation of apples. Too much of one variety and it’s too sweet, but a combination of crisp and tender, sweet and sour, and it’s exactly right. Brown sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top is the perfect touch. Like a diamond necklace with the prettiest dress. How about you warm the homemade ice cream in the microwave for thirty seconds while I start the coffee.”
“Sure.” She’d never heard of nuking ice cream, at least she didn’t remember. As the microwave whirled, she said, “I can’t thank you enough for letting me stay here. While I’m here I hope you’ll let me help out.” In her effort to not get anything for free, she could at least volunteer. She guessed that on a ranch there was always room for another hand.
“Do you know anything about horses?”
Monica worked her bottom lip. “No…I don’t think so.”
“How about mending fences?”
“Still a no.” This wasn’t looking good.
“Then you can help me in the house.”
Smiling, she removed the ice cream and took it to the counter.
In between scooping coffee granules into the machine, Beatrice said, “Sweetie, Cull told me about the incident. You’ll need to take it easy. Concussions can be a doozy if you don’t take care of yourself. I’d know because every one of my kids have had one.”
“I know this is weird—”
“As a wife to a retired cop and a mother of lawmen, this wouldn’t be my first rodeo in the unexpected, my dear. That’s why it was important for you to come to dinner so you could see we’re all happy to have you here. I don’t expect you to help, but I’ll never turn down an extra pair of hands. It seems these days the arthritis is coming on as fast as the memory is fading.”
“Then you and I have something in common.” They shared a laugh.
Monica realized that it was possible a terrible, scary incident might be the best thing that had happened to her in a very long time.