CHAPTER 6
A shot of awareness ricocheted through Sterling. How could he resist teasing her when she looked so spectacular all riled up and fierce like a prairie chicken? His breath caught. She exuded vitality, bright eyes snapping as color flooded her cheeks.
“No joke, sweetheart. Just the best choice for the ranch.” And him, too. He couldn’t deny it. She drew him like a moth to flame. She always had. “Travis doesn’t really have a head for numbers and budgets. That’s more his wife’s realm.”
“Then why didn’t you suggest I work with her?”
She had a point. But the idea had sounded brilliant when he’d suggested he become point man. He probably wouldn’t have offered except that Travis had mentioned Emma was leading their fundraising efforts. He flat out couldn’t resist the opportunity to spend more time around her. Maybe needle her and challenge her, but only enough to see the spark in her eyes. To be honest, he’d missed it. He’d never met anyone who revved him up like she had.
He shrugged. “She’s got her hands full with Dax and community college. And she’s expecting a baby this summer.”
Her eyes widened at that little tidbit. “Really?” It was sweet, the excitement in her voice.
He opened his arms. “Seems like you’re stuck with me. Hope I’m pretty enough company for you.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “If you think this is an opportunity to steamroll me, you’re quite mistaken.”
A laugh rumbled out of him and he grinned at her. “Calm down. No one’s going to steamroll you.” Although he couldn’t promise no pushback. It was too damned fun setting her off.
She stared hard at him, as if weighing his words carefully. “Fine. Do you want to see what I’ve put together?”
“How about over a bottle of wine at Gino’s tonight? Do a little planning, then catch up?” Give him an inch, he’d press for a mile.
Something in the tilt of her head conveyed uncertainty. And for a split second, his hopes rose. But she shook her head. “Sorry. I have plans back in Kansas City.”
Disappointment flashed through him followed by a jealous surge as he imagined her having dinner with someone else. He gave himself a mental shake. He had no business feeling jealous. Being out on the trail had reaffirmed his decision to stay away from emotional entanglements. He might be doing okay now, but if something were to happen… if he ended up like Johnny… Nope. He’d never bring a woman into his orbit.
But still.
Emma was different. They had a long history. And it wouldn’t be right to pass up an opportunity talk with her. Engage in a little verbal sparring. Or more. His eyes raked over her. She looked so fresh and sweet, blonde hair pulled back in a low ponytail, jeans hugging her curves in all the right places. Mouth plump and begging to be kissed. His throat went dry as awareness zinged through him. “I’ll take a raincheck then. When are you in town next?”
She eyed him suspiciously. “Why not now?”
It wasn’t Gino’s, but he’d take what he could get. He flashed her his most charming grin. “Sure thing, Goldilocks. Can I get you a cup of coffee?” He left the warmth of the fireplace and headed around the couch to the kitchen.
She tried to hide it, but he caught the roll of her eyes and the way her mouth quirked as she turned to her laptop. As if she was trying not to smile. “Fine. With cream, no sugar.”
He reached for two mugs. “Too sweet for sugar?”
This time she giggled. The music of it lit something deep inside him and triggered a cascade of awareness skittering down his chest. He would definitely have to make her giggle again.
She met his eyes over the coffee pot. The snap in her gaze was back. And the pink on her cheeks. “Sugar is for sissies.”
“That so?” Raising his eyebrows, he dumped half the sugar bowl into his cup.
Her eyes turned to saucers and she bit her lip, body shaking.
He gave his cup a stir, and took a sip, forcing it down without a grimace. Jesus, it was awful. He preferred his coffee black. This tasted like syrup. “So you saying I’m a sissy?”
She shook her head accepting the steaming mug, made just as she’d asked. “Sit down. I don’t have all day.” The note of laughter in her voice belied her brusqueness. Another score for him.
He sat next to her, draping an arm over the back of her chair. Her perfume mingled with the aroma of the coffee. A golden curl fell forward to her chin and he itched to return it to its proper spot behind her delicate ear. A vision of him fisting her hair and tugging on her ponytail ripped through him. Maybe Cody was right, she would always be the one who got away. The one who wormed her way under his skin and into his thoughts at every turn. Forcing his eyes away, he took another sip of his disgusting coffee and focused on her screen.
The plan was good… except. “No.” He shook his head.
“What do you mean, no?”
“I mean no.” He gestured to her screen. “This is all wrong.”
She scowled, looking hurt. “How so?”
“You can’t do the fundraiser in Kansas City. And I refuse to let you parade our guys around like a bunch of poodles so your rich clients can pat themselves on the back and feel good about themselves.” He rocked back in the chair, crossing his arms emphatically. “No.”
“And how exactly were you planning on raising money for the ranch Superboy?” she sputtered.
Her tone of voice implied irritation, but her face had become animated. Expectant, even. His cock stirred to life.
“Haven’t given it much thought until today, but definitely not that way.”
She swiveled to face him head-on. So close he could see the dark navy rim of her irises. “So you’re steamrolling my ideas when you have none of your own?”
He leaned in. It would be so easy to kiss her. Close the remaining distance between them in an instant. “I’m not steamrolling you. But I am telling you this is the wrong approach. We’re not a feel-good organization. This isn’t a place for veterans to come and sit around a campfire and sing kumbaya. We’re building a working ranch. This is a place for vets to rediscover their purpose and develop the skills necessary to lead healthy, productive, civilian lives. Your fundraiser should reflect that.”
“I’m aware of that.” She turned and snapped shut her laptop. “Tell you what, Sterling. When you have it all figured out, you call me and let me know.” She pushed away from the table and stood, jamming her laptop into her bag. “Keep in mind this isn’t something we can pull out of our asses. Not when I’m trying to help you raise half a million dollars. It’s going to take time, and the right approach.”
Shit. He hadn’t meant to push her too far, but in his gut, he knew there was a better approach, and he’d fight for it. But he couldn’t let her leave. Not like this. He stood too, and touched her shoulder. “Don’t leave mad, Em, please? Why not take a look around? Have you ridden the property yet? Seen what we’re really about and what Travis wants to do?”
The uncertainty returned to her eyes. As if she was conflicted about leaving. This he could handle. He raked his eyes slowly down her figure, dying a little at the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. “Of course if you aren’t up for the challenge.” He smirked and lifted a shoulder throwing down the bait he knew was her crack. She never could resist a challenge from him. “I understand.”
Her spine straightened and the sparkle returned to her eyes. “I’m perfectly up for the challenge. Lead the way.”
Before she could protest, he lifted her coat from behind her chair and held it open for her. His hand lingered for a split second at the back of her neck. At least she had the sense to let him be a gentleman. He might needle her, but he was determined to show her he was more than that. He reached the door first and opened it, gesturing to her. “After you sweetheart.”
She covered a smile and glared at him, but not before he caught it.
But once inside the barn, she turned to him, eyes flashing again. “Where are the horses?”
He looked down the aisle. Shit. Kate must have turned the remaining horses out to pasture. The only one left was Bingo. He couldn’t help the smile that pulled up his mouth. He’d never look a gift horse in the mouth. Even when it was his. “Looks like Kate turned the others out to pasture. Sorry, Goldilocks, looks like you’ll have to ride with me.” He couldn’t think of a better way to spend a chilly afternoon – riding the property with Emma snuggled up against him. His cock gave a little jerk.
The energy sparked off her. “I’m not going to double up with you.” She shook her head firmly.
“Why not?” He leaned against a post. “Worried about the effect I might have on you?”
“Ha.” She rolled her eyes again, but the quiver at the corner of her mouth was back, and her voice sounded breathless. “Not at all.”
“Then you have no reason to say no…. unless you’re….” He let the statement hang unfinished in the air. He had her now. He gave a mental fist pump, an answering thrill of energy ran through him.
“Sometimes I hate you.”
“Nah.” He shook his head, giving her a wink and resisting the urge to slide a thumb over her protruding lower lip. So plump, just begging to be tasted. But he wouldn’t push his luck. He wanted to tease her, not get slapped. “You really love me. But you’ll die before you’d admit it.”
He led Bingo out of the stall, giving her a scratch behind the ears and talking to her like Emma wasn’t behind him watching with a critical eye. He’d learned on the trip how to give Bingo his complete attention and to let everything else drop away. She’d sense any unease and stiffen up. For the moment it was only him and the horse.
He caught Emma’s eye as he put on the saddle.
“You’re good with her.”
His chest puffed with warmth. High praise, coming from her. She’d been on horseback since before she could walk. “She’s great,” he said, giving Bingo a pat on the neck. “I’ve learned a lot from her in the last month.” He took the reins and led her down the aisle and outside. “Hope is bringing a new crew of mustangs for us to gentle in another week. You should come watch. Then you’d have first-hand knowledge for your donors.” And he’d get to see more of her. Just like old times.
After he’d double checked the cinch, he turned, offering his hand. “Ready?”