Chapter Four

 

 

 

 

The groomsmen had already gone down the aisle. The pews were decorated with garlands of fresh eucalyptus leaves, baby’s breath and white roses. Carolina slanted over slightly to glimpse Rob at the front of the church. Her cousin’s soon-to-be husband was handsome in his black tux.

The bridesmaids moved down the aisle, ten young women, friends and cousins, hair styled and dressed alike. Carolina held a fragrant bouquet of white roses, tulips, and peonies. She smiled at Isabella holding a basket of rose petals.

Before stepping forward, Carolina glanced over her shoulder at Sam and Randall. The photographer was snapping photo after photo. Carolina set off down the aisle, keeping pace with the movement of the women ahead. One bridesmaid to go and then she was at the front of the church. Carolina looked to the side of the altar. Dark blue entrancing eyes met her gaze. It was him. Matt’s full lips quirked.

Her breath hitched, and she missed her step. The sight of Matt dressed in a tux, hair combed back was perfectly accentuated by the devilish smile that he wore. It sent another spark over her skin. Sonya’s whisper to move reminded Carolina to stop staring like a fool and take her place. Seeing Matt here left her smackdab in a fight-or-flight battle. Carolina grappled to appear calm and collected as Sam approached the front pew.

Randall joined Sam’s hands with Rob’s. In a dither, Carolina recalled her maid of honor duties. Her arms trembled as she set her flowers on the altar rail. Robotically, she straightened her cousin’s bridal train.

Carolina struggled to focus on the bride and groom. Yet no matter what she did, it felt as if Matt branded her with his gaze. She returned to her place at the altar and gripped her bouquet to keep from openly trembling. Yet the harder she fought to stop shaking, the more tense she became. Her body quivered like an arrow ready to take flight.

Good God, this was too ridiculous for words. Her over-the-top reaction was fueled by her imagination. It was just as Sam had advised. Over and over, Carolina reminded herself that Matt was only a man. He didn’t possess any special powers. She repeated it like a mantra. Until she glanced up and met Matt’s piercing blue eyes. They seemed to burn a path all the way to her toes.

Once again, her face was on fire. He was like some virile masculine magnet. Every molecule in her body aligned toward Matt and she melted under his gaze.

“You may kiss the bride,” the minister said.

Rob pulled Sam into an embrace before they passionately kissed. The minister pronounced them, ‘man and wife’ then the organ played and everyone in the church clapped. Yet, it was Matt’s quirked brow that sent Carolina over the edge.

Thank God, it was time. Finally, she could make her exit, far away from the altar and that cowboy.

Rob’s best man presented his arm. “Ready?” He didn’t have to ask twice.

Wordlessly, Carolina practically tugged him down the aisle in her haste to get away. “Thanks,” she huffed and let go, ready to bolt out the church doors that led to the parking lot.

Keys? Carolina had to think. That’s right, they were in the dressing room. She spun around, intent on one course of action: find her keys. Then she’d hop into her van and drive herself to the reception. No way was she sharing a limo ride with him!

Halfway across the nave, Carolina slowed in her mad dash. The photographer called for the bridal party. “It’ll only take a minute.”

What next? Carolina skittered to a stop, foiled in her exit plan. Okay, just a few photos, nothing to come undone over. She heaved a breath, feeling as if on fire from the inside out. Beads of perspiration erupted on her brow. Jesus, Joseph, and Mary! She’d dealt with scores of untamed beasts in the past. Clearly, Matt was part bull.

As a vet she had one option. When met with a charging animal, she’d learned to dig her size-seven feet into the dirt. Only by staring down the beast and standing her ground had Carolina learned to negotiate large animal veterinary medicine without getting gored.

Dealing with a handsome businessman in a tux was no different. Why was she so riled? Hello? She had to get hold of her wayward imagination. That’s all this was. Carolina lifted her chin. Sam and Rob were just ahead. She walked over and hugged them. “Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Graham!”

“We’re married!” Sam sang out as they were bombarded by family and friends.

Carolina heard Matt’s baritone voice at her back, silky, low, and deep. Desire spiraled in her belly and made her knees weak. Oh his words were innocent enough, but their power was purely decadent in how her body responded.

Well, there was no use running for the hills. Carolina turned around. He was three feet away talking with Randall. Incrementally, Matt’s body squared to hers even though he still seemingly gave her uncle his full attention.

There was a break in their conversation and he smiled into her face. “Excuse me, Randall. I wanted to say hello to someone.” Matt did off the cuff so smoothly, but she wasn’t fooled.

She’d say hello and get the greeting over. It was just a case of too much fantasy and tension. Then afterwards, she could relax. It was really quite simple. But as she neared, she inhaled the scent of his cologne. It was like a jolt to her senses, provoking an answer to a question without language. This was not her imagination: Matt’s power was undeniable.

Uncle Randall smiled. “Caro, you look lovely.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

“Thank you. Well, it’s official. They’re married.”

Uncle Randall chuckled. “I’m so happy. Hard to believe a wedding can bring so much joy.”

“This one has,” Carolina replied.

Her uncle squeezed her arm, taking his leave when Sam and Rob called to him. They ushered him to the exit. Unlike the man to Carolina’s side. She couldn’t help notice that Matt’s broad shoulders were outlined by the light pouring in from stained glass behind him.

“So, we meet, again, Mr.—” Carolina faltered, unable to recall his last name.

“Did you think we wouldn’t?” he asked wryly. He held out his hand. “Maybe we can begin again. I’m Matthew McLemore.”

Her pulse pounded in her temples. This simply wasn’t possible. How many McLemores existed? Evermore Ranch, her newest client, was owned by McLemores. She gaped at Matt’s face. The complexity of sharp angles came together forming a strong square jaw. Unlike before, he wasn’t frowning. Relaxed and partly smiling, his cheek was dented by a deep dimple. Just one was enough. Speechless, Carolina took hold of his hand and firmly shook. An electrical pulse jettisoned up her spine.

“Dr. Carolina Rodriguez, Mr. McLemore. A pleasure.” She released his hand, praying this was all a coincidence.

“Dr. Rodriguez, you’re not by any chance a vet, are you?”

“I am.” The bottom of Carolina’s stomach dropped. No wonder he was bronzed and hard-bodied. If anyone would resemble a rancher it was Matthew McLemore. With what felt like sand in her mouth, Carolina said in a hushed whisper, “And you’re the ranch owner who has cattle concerns.”

Matt reached into his pocket and removed a billfold. His long fingers were masculine, ending with buffed square nails. Tan strong hands that were meant for pleasure…Business! Carolina chided herself.

“One of the owners,” he corrected her. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get to Miami before today.” Matt proffered a card.

“Evermore Ranch,” she read aloud. Confirmed, this was the coincidence of the century. “Well, it was nice meeting you.”

He frowned. “We had an emergency at the ranch. I couldn’t get away as I’d planned. If you have a moment, perhaps we can talk.”

That didn’t put a dent in her plans. Most large animal cases were of the emergency sort. Her clients didn’t just sit around and gab on the phone. They were movers and shakers for the most part. Time was a commodity.

“I had a question myself,” she said, not elaborating. She had wanted to see if Evermore would mind pushing back the start date so she could drive to Texas rather than fly. Evermore had already sent her a plane ticket, but now was not the moment to sell him on her driving finesse.

When Carolina didn’t fill in the gaps, Matt smoothly interjected, “I hope this won’t upset your plans, Dr. Rodriguez?”

Would it matter? she thought but quickly said, “I signed a service contract that included a non-disclosure agreement. Even if I had a problem, I couldn’t tell a soul.” Carolina smiled pleasantly if not a little stiffly after finding her voice. “Anyway, I’ve promised you two weeks of my time.”

“Yes, two weeks on a cattle ranch that doesn’t include running away.”

Carolina almost choked at the barb. “Is there a reason I would need to do any running? I’d rather know right now. Should I pack my trainers when it comes to your little neck of the woods. I’m accustomed to top-rated professional offices.” Now, it was her turn to show McLemore she wasn’t some meek little mouse. “Maybe the fault is mine given the interview was curtailed. Exactly what type of ranch office do you run?”

Matt’s expression changed, sharpened. “Strictly business. Look, Dr. Rodriguez, we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.”

“Wrong foot? More like an ongoing case of foot in mouth, wouldn’t you agree?”

He took hold of her arm and led her toward the exit. “Let’s discuss this later tonight. This isn’t the correct time or place. Don’t you have to help the bride or something?”

The photographer’s assistant was frantically trying to gather the wedding party together.

“As a matter of fact, I do. But first, I want to make it perfectly clear that I’m a professional. Mr. McLemore, I expect to provide vet services in a professional manner. What happened before should have no bearing on our business arrangement. As long as you understand that fact, there’s nothing more to discuss.”

“Point of fact, there is, Dr. Rodriguez. In our service agreement, there’s a provision that we need to discuss before you’re allowed access to the ranch barn and stable sites. So, either we can do it later or when you arrive in Texas. But until you and I have a little sit-down and get a few things ironed out, there won’t be any work for you to do directly. I’ve got a ranch to run, and I don’t have time to play games. I’ve already spent enough time finding a vet.” His eyes glittered and dropped to her mouth. “If you think I’m about to waste more time, because you’ve got second thoughts, I’d rather be told upfront. Otherwise, the next communication you’ll have from Evermore Ranch will be from my attorneys. Had I known who you were when we first met, I would never have let the situation get away from me. Truthfully, I had no idea anyone was in the car next to me in the parking lot. My mother taught me not to curse in front of a lady.”

Oh, this was rich. Did he honestly think she was put off by a man who cursed? “You can keep your temper in check or not. I’ve been around ranchers, farmers, land owners, zoos, universities, you name it. A little cursing isn’t going to unseat me. I’ll honor my service contract as long as Evermore does the same. Mr. McLemore, you’re right about one thing. The only thing of interest to me is treating your cattle. Once the job is done, I’ll be only too happy to leave you in peace and we can go our separate ways.”

The masculine scent of citrus, sage, leather, and wood filled her head. A muscle flexed along Matt’s jaw. The hard set of his mouth didn’t resemble the man from before. He’d done just as he’d promised, shutting one door, and leaving in place a man who didn’t look as if he enjoyed playing games. This version of Matt McLemore still came with a piercing gaze, but if looks could kill, she was a goner.

“I’m glad we understand one another then, Dr. Rodriguez. I expect to meet with you at your convenience. The sooner the better. I’m flying out tomorrow. There’s nothing small-time about where I’m from, aside from the Wi-Fi connection, which we’re working on as we speak. If you can deal with Evermore’s lack of cell towers, our relationship will be strictly business, strictly professional.”

Carolina’s eyes had widened from his talking her down. At least, she’d kept her mouth shut on this go-round. Grudgingly, she nodded. “As long as there’s a working computer server, the rest is detail. I’m sure we can speak later. It shouldn’t take longer than a half-hour for you to fill me in.”

Matt held out his hand, again. “I’ll find you.”

Their palms connected. A surging jolt swept through Carolina that was both instantaneous and strong. Dazed, she searched Matt’s incredible eyes, undone by the overwhelming ache to do more than touch this man.

Ablaze, she let go, and whirled around. Picking up handfuls of her gown, she darted across the nave to join the other bridesmaids. She’d done what she set out to do — stand her ground. Now that all the cards were on the table, she no longer felt like hunted prey. Not exactly, she told herself, since her heart was still galloping like a runaway horse. Carolina glanced over her shoulder but Matt was gone. “What’s wrong, Caro?” one of her cousin’s asked.

“Err, nothing. Everything’s great.” She’d just stood toe-to-toe with Matt McLemore and faced down the bull!