“Oh, how lovely!” Skye accepted Tricia’s gift of a Boehm yellow rose, a fragile piece of exquisite china. “Since Avery planted yellow roses all over the yard, I’ve fallen in love with them.”

“Oh, I’m glad. Out of everything in my shop, this was my favorite piece.”

“Thank you so much.” She gave Tricia a big hug. “Get something to eat and come sit with the girls. Cady is going to read our palms.”

“She is?” Tricia was surprised. “I didn’t think she did things like that much anymore.”

“She doesn’t, but I asked her to do it today. We’ve been working on some things together. I’ve been trying to contact my inner shaman,” Skye murmured lowly with a grin. “So far, I don’t seem to have as much insight as Cady.”

Tricia didn’t say so, but Cady made her a little nervous. All the McCoy wives were beautiful, but there was just something regal about Cady. “I’m not sure I want to know what my future holds.”

“Don’t worry,” Skye waved a dismissive hand, “your future is bright. Cady wouldn’t reveal anything bad tonight, anyway. She has a way of offering solutions instead of warnings.”

Tricia hugged herself as she joined the bevy of women sitting under the ornate gazebo. Not too far away, most of the McCoy men had taken their favorite positions around a huge BBQ pit. The mouthwatering smell of sizzling beef filled the air.

“Come sit by me.” Avery beckoned to her. “I’m too big to waddle.”

Tricia embraced her best friend. “Good to see you, how are you feeling?”

“Like a whale.” Avery brushed her forehead. “I see a bruise here. Did you get that in the fender-bender?”

“Yea, it’s nothing.” And she hoped it continued to be nothing. Despite her worry, she’d experienced no further symptoms.

“What would you like to drink?” Libby McCoy, always playing the hostess, came to greet her. “I recommend a margarita. The blackberry one is to die for.”

“Oh, that sounds perfect,” Tricia greeted Aron’s wife. “And thank you for having me, everything is beautiful.”

“You’re so welcome. Make yourself at home. Anybody else want a refill?” she asked before taking off toward the bar set up under a nearby pergola.

“I do. I’ll help.” Jessie rose, coming over to greet Tricia. “It’s good to see you. I’m coming to your shop soon. I’d like to see if you could special order a couple of potted plants for me.”

“Of course, what kind?”

“I want some cape jasmine bushes to go by my front door. Jacob loves how they smell.”

“I can do that for you, no problem,” Tricia assured her.

After drinks were passed around, everyone visited for a few minutes, mingling around and enjoying the cool night air. Tricia kept her eye out for Lance but so far, he was nowhere in sight.

Soon, Skye called everyone to gather around Joseph’s wife, Cady. She held court in a high back wicker chair, her dark hair flowing around her shoulders like a cape. Tricia found a seat, just as Cady was finishing up with Avery’s palm reading. “The signs are clearer today than they were yesterday. You have a very special visitor coming tomorrow.” She pointed over at Isaac. “You need to pay special attention to your husband, though. This is going to shake him up more than he expects.”

Avery looked at her handsome man. “Awww, my Badass is such a teddy bear. I’ll make sure he’s okay.”

“We’ll be there to hold his hand,” Tricia assured her. “I’m so excited! I wouldn’t miss this baby coming into the world for anything.”

“Me next!” Skye held out her hand to Cady.

“Oh, this will be fun.” Cassie Malone nudged in closer. “Bowie Travis thinks Cady hung the moon. I can’t wait to see what she has to say about me.”

“Harley is the one who should be doing this.” Cady nodded toward Beau Leblanc and his wife as they came across the backyard toward the assembled group. “She has more psychic talent in her little finger than I do in my whole body.”

“Seriously?” Tricia was in awe.

Cady smiled at her. “My talents lie more toward manifestation than revelation.”

Whatever the hell that means, thought Tricia. She wasn’t about to ask. “What do you see in our birthday girl’s hand?”

“Here you go.” Libby handed Tricia a refill as they all settled around to hear Cady’s reading of Skye’s palm.

“Oh, my…” Cady muttered in a mysterious voice.

“God, that doesn’t sound good.” Avery shifted in her seat trying to find a comfortable position.

“No, I think it’s good,” Cady explained. “I see a big surprise coming. Something totally unexpected.”

Skye leaned over to look in her palm. “You do?”

Cady shut Skye’s palm, warming it between both her hands. “Yes. I can’t be certain of what it is, but I think it will change your life for the better.”

“Oh, Lord, Noah’s getting a personality transplant,” Joseph said, walking up behind Cady and leaning down to kiss her on the neck. “How’s my angel?”

“I do not need a personality transplant. Do I, Mother?”

Tricia looked up to see Skye’s husband standing by his brother, Joseph. On his other side was a diminutive blonde with the most ethereal, peaceful countenance she’d ever seen.

“There’s always room for improvement, Son,” Sophia informed Noah with a grin.

Everyone laughed at her unexpected answer.

“Tricia, I have something to ask you,” Noah said out of the blue. “Is that store space still open next to your shop? Mother wants to start a new venture.”

“New venture?” Jessie asked. “What are you planning, Sophia?”

“I have many friends in Mexico who make amazing handmade items. I’d like to set up a way to help them and spread the news of their beautiful work.”

Noah wrapped an arm around his mother’s neck. “Just think, Sophie’s La Artesania located right next to Tricia’s Treasures.”

“Sounds good to me,” Skye inserted, wincing when Cassie pinched her knee.

“This is the Tricia from that neat florist shop?” she exclaimed in a stage whisper.

“Yes,” Tricia and Skye answered simultaneously.

“Great! I was going to approach you about carrying some of my Circle C Candles.” Cassie moved to kneel in front of Tricia.

“I didn’t realize you owned Circle C.” Tricia pulled Cassie up next to her on the bench. “I’d love to carry some of your inventory.”

“All of this entrepreneurship is making me feel lazy.” Joseph nudged Noah. “What say you to another cold one?”

“Lead the way, I seem to remember a present I need to pull out of its hiding place.”

Hearing her husband’s mention of the word present, Skye perked up. “What did you get me?”

Noah threw back his head and laughed. “That sure got your attention.”

Skye rose to hug her husband. “All I want for my birthday is another year with you.”

“Oh, I think I might cry,” Libby whispered.

Tricia wiped her cheek. Knowing Skye and Noah’s past, the sentiment was especially poignant.

“Well, that goes without saying.” Noah kissed her gently. “I do have another small token of my appreciation for you. Just wait here.”

As he left, Cady held up her hand. “I have time for one more palm reading before dinner. Who will it be?”

“Tricia!” Avery called out. “Do Tricia!”

Cassie pushed her forward. “Yes, maybe she’ll see a great fortune in your future from the sale of Circle C candles.”

Tricia moved closer to Cady. “All right. Just don’t scare me.” She held out her hand. Everyone sat in rapt attention and waited to hear the verdict. When Cady smiled at her there was a collective gasp. “What do you see?”

Looking around at everyone, Cady began to speak. “For each of us, there is a grand design. Our futures and fortunes were foretold and predestined before we were born. Decisions and circumstances can cause us to misstep our ordained paths, but there is a keeper of the stars. Isn’t that the name of your favorite song, Tricia?”

“Yes, it is,” she whispered, shaking a little at what she was about to hear.

“Your heart’s destiny will be fulfilled. What you long for will come to pass.” When Tricia started to pull back her hand, Cady gripped it, preventing her from moving. “There will be a storm before the calm, but you will get your happy-ever-after.” When Tricia stared into Cady’s eyes, she could see how serious she was. “Do you understand?”

Tricia swallowed. No, she didn’t. Instead of admitting her confusion, she nodded. “Yes.”

“Hey, don’t look now.” Skye leaned over and interrupted her intense moment. “He just walked up.”

Tricia went tense, knowing she meant her brother. “Is he looking this way?”

“Yes, and he’s coming this way too.” 

Unable to resist, she turned, seeing him before he saw her. In the light of Cady’s words, Tricia couldn’t help but feel like the moment was meaningful. She watched his dark head lift as he gazed over the crowd. When their eyes met, his nostrils flared and his powerful muscles bunched beneath the form-fitting western shirt he wore as he shouldered through the crowd. His short-cropped hair was the same midnight color as his shirt and his ice blue eyes smoldered with untamed spirit. The crow’s feet around his eyes and lines of experience around his mouth only added to his appeal. His features were so masculine, she especially loved the dark bloom on his jaw, it just added to his unbridled masculinity in Tricia’s eyes.

To her utter joy, he came right to her and kissed her on the cheek. The touch of his warm, firm lips made frissons of delight bloom on her skin. “Hey, beautiful. I’m so glad you’re here.”

Tricia’s heart thrilled. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”

Only after placing a possessive hand on her lower back, did he turn his attention to his sister. “Happy Birthday, Princess, you look lovely tonight.”

“Thank you, Brother.” Skye came to stand on the other side of Lance, her arms going around his waist. “The flowers you gave me are the centerpiece on the main table tonight. I love them.”

“Good.” He kissed his sister on the forehead. “Tricia did a great job choosing and arranging them for you.”

“Yea, she has good taste in flowers.” Skye poked Lance playfully in the chest. “And in other things too.”

Tricia blushed, but was saved from commenting by Aron’s call that dinner was served.

“Shall we?” Lance asked, entranced by the waterfall of golden hair hanging down her back. “I love your hair.” Visions of him wrapping the pale strands around his fist were so tantalizing that it was hard to get his feet moving in the right direction. “Those jeans you have on should come with a warning label.” He let his eyes skate down her back. If the creamy flesh exposed by the almost backless silk top she wore wasn’t enticing enough, the sight of her perfect ass molded by soft denim almost proved to be Lance’s undoing. There was no way he was going to be able to make nice with the McCoys for very long. “Let’s eat fast and cut loose. I want to be alone with you. What do you say?”

“I say, yes.” Tricia shivered when she saw the heat in his eyes. “As soon as you think it’s polite to do so, this is your sister’s birthday party.”

“Damn, you’re right.” He guided her to a table and pulled out a chair, helping her to sit. “We’ll stay a bit, at least until Noah gives her his gift. I do want to see her face when she sees what he’s done.”

“What has he done?”

Stepping behind her, Lance bent to whisper in her ear. “Moved heaven and earth to make his wife happy. I’ll fix you a plate and be right back. Don’t let anyone steal my seat.”

His comment sounded exciting. Tricia shivered in anticipation of what the night might hold for herself as well as Skye Blue McCoy. As Lance made his way to the long, heavily laden buffet tables, Tricia enjoyed following his progress. She would be the first to admit that Tebow Ranch had its fair share of good looking men, but in her estimation, none could give Lance Rogers a run for his money. He was exceptional in every way. She’d often wished she was brave enough to snap a photo of him with her phone, something to gaze at when she hadn’t seen him for a while. Tonight, she wouldn’t have to fantasize, she was with him. The realization made her vibrate with excitement.

While she waited for Lance to rejoin her, Tricia couldn’t help but admire her surroundings. These McCoy get-togethers were legendary, the family had gone all out to build a special facility especially for entertaining a large crowd of friends and neighbors. The setting was magical, the large wooden pavilion sat on a gently rolling hill, nestled between giant oaks. One of the creeks that fed the Guadalupe river ran just down the hill. All through the canopy of the trees, tiny white lights shone and lanterns hung from the branches, illuminating the expanse almost as clear as day.

Despite the trappings of wealth, Tricia knew the McCoys were some of the most down-to-earth people anyone could ever meet. The day she’d run into Avery Sinclair at the church social was one of the luckiest moments of her life – because they’d run into one another – literally. Tricia had been looking down, carrying a basket of plastic Easter eggs and Avery had been heading in the opposite direction with an armload of stuffed animals, her attention captured by the dozens of children milling around with their gaily colored baskets, all waiting to be turned loose for the hunt. They collided, sending eggs and bunnies flying into the air. Midst the ensuing hilarity, a kinship was born. By the time the pair were on their feet again, the two women were friends. Between their going into business together and Avery marrying Isaac McCoy, the last couple of years had been hectic for them. But for Tricia, the highlight of it all had been meeting Lance Rogers.

Looking back, Tricia couldn’t remember the reason for her initial visit to Tebow, this had been before Avery and Isaac got together. Whatever the circumstances, she’d been delivering flowers for a special occasion when a man had ridden up on a big black stallion. Tricia hadn’t been able to take her eyes off the magnetic cowboy. If he’d just galloped on by, she probably would’ve filed away his image for future daydreaming fodder and things would’ve continued as before. Instead, the man’s eyes met hers and he’d reined in his mount, coming to a full stop just a few feet away. Need any help? he’d asked.

Hanging garland was a normal part of her job, but she’d neglected to bring a ladder and the places to be decorated were higher than she’d anticipated. With the help of the kind stranger, what would’ve been an hour’s task took only minutes. To sweeten the deal, their bodies had brushed up against one another as they worked side by side. By the time the flowers were hung, Tricia was totally captivated by the handsome man who’d come to her rescue. Thank you for your gallant help, kind sir. My name is Tricia Yeager.

Pleasure to meet you, Tricia. I’m Lance Rogers.

What a perfect name for a knight in cowboy boots.

My mother didn’t name me Lancelot, thank goodness, but I am always glad to come to the rescue of a fair maiden.

His twinkling eyes and ready smile lingered in Tricia’s imagination. He became her ideal. From that day forward, Lance began asking her out. Each time she turned him down hurt more than the last. To her joy and frustration, he persisted in his wooing and time and time again, she was tempted to surrender. Only the chance of him witnessing a seizure prevented her from accepting. She couldn’t bear to see the disgust on his face. So she’d forced herself and him, without his knowledge, to wait until she was sure she was seizure free.

Or…she thought she was seizure free. This not knowing was killing her.

“Stop it, Tricia,” she whispered to herself. “This is your chance, take it. Tomorrow, if everything falls apart, you will have at least had tonight.”

“Here you go, sweet. Did you miss me?”

His teasing question made Tricia jump. “I did, yes. I was just thinking back to the first day we met, when you helped me decorate this very pavilion. Do you remember?” She edged over to give him room on the bench. When his big body settled next to hers, she basked in his warmth.

“I certainly do, every second of it. I wanted to kiss you so bad that day I ached with it.” Lance stared into Tricia’s eyes and saw an answering desire. “I want to make up for lost time. Are you game?”

Tricia felt like she was on the brink of a great discovery. All the pent-up longing she’d felt for Lance spiked her expectations sky-high. She’d waited long enough, trapped by ghosts from her past. Tricia was willing to take the risk, tonight was the night. “Where shall we start?”

“With the basics.” He let his shoulder nudge hers. “I think we should get to know one another a little better. You’re not from Kerrville, originally, are you?”

Tricia shook her head. “No. I was born north of Fredericksburg, near a little town called Doss. Do you know it?”

Lance nodded. “I sure do. I was raised near Willow City, not far from Doss.”

“Oh, the bluebonnets are beautiful there.”

“I left when I was thirteen, so that’s probably why our paths didn’t cross.”

Tricia nodded. “My parents divorced and I moved with my mother to a small town in northern Louisiana, Robeline. A few years later, she remarried.” The food was delicious, but she had little appetite. She tore off a piece of roll and chewed slowly, her attention completely focused on Lance. “From what Skye tells me, you spent some time in Oklahoma.”

He used his fork to cut the tender brisket into bite size pieces. “Yea, I did. My dad got killed and my mother remarried again and Skye was born. I lived with them until I was seventeen, then I came to the Hill Country and worked for a series of ranches, ending up here at Tebow.”

Tricia could tell by the tone of his voice that there was more to the story, but the night was young, there was plenty of time to discover more about one another. “The McCoys speak very highly of you. I’m sure you do a wonderful job for them.”

“They’ve treated me well and my sister has found a home and a good man here.” Lance shrugged, sipping iced tea from a talk plastic glass. “As lucky as I’ve been, I still dream of having a place of my own. My family owned a ranch and by all rights, I should’ve inherited it, but…”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Noah and his brother, Aron. As they approached Skye, the smile on Noah’s face grew bigger and brighter with every step. Only when they were a few feet away, did Tricia realize Noah carried something in his arms. “Does he have a…?” Tricia’s whispered question was drowned by Skye’s excited cry.

“Noah! A baby? You brought me a baby?”

The surrounding crowd of friends and family were silent as the couple came together. Noah kissed his beloved wife’s forehead and placed a tiny baby in her arms. “Yes, sweetheart, this baby girl couldn’t ask for a more wonderful mother.”

“How did you do this?” Skye began to cry as she gazed into the face of the little dark-haired girl.

“She needed us as much as we needed her,” was Noah’s explanation as people began to move closer. Everyone wanted to see the newest member of the McCoy clan.

Remembering what Lance had told her, she placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear, “This is wonderful. How did he manage this miracle?”

With a satisfied smile, he drew Tricia close, a hand around her waist. “This was one of those things that was just meant to be, I guess. A woman Skye had befriended when she was in prison became pregnant while still at Eddie Warrior Correctional Facility. Knowing she couldn’t care for it and remembering what had happened to Skye while she was incarcerated, Brooke contacted the lawyer who’d helped me gain Skye’s release. This lawyer called me and I told Noah. Zane Saucier was able to work through the red tape to make this happen for Skye.”

She didn’t want to be nosy, but there was something she didn’t understand. “What do you mean, what happened to Skye?” Tricia thought she knew the whole story, but she had no idea what he was referring to.

Lance’s face clouded. He glanced toward his sister, who was accepting congratulations from person after person. “She was given a hysterectomy in prison against her will. They took her in for an emergency appendectomy and she came out barren.”

Tricia’s eyes widened. “How could something like that happen?” She was horrified. “That’s one of the worst things I’ve ever heard, so unfair! Criminal!”

“I agree.” Lance rubbed her back. “Unfortunately, unfair things happen to people all the time,” he said, thinking of his own family’s situation. “But then,” he kissed her on the cheek, “there are days like today when something good comes to pass. A couple is given a chance to give a baby a home and I…I get the chance to spend time with a woman like you.”

Tricia felt the world recede until it was just the two of them. “Would you mind if we congratulated the birthday girl and went some where we could talk?” Her new found boldness continued to surprise her. Oh well, if this didn’t work out, it wouldn’t be because she hadn’t given it her best shot.

Lance pushed his plate back. “Yea, I’d like that.” He took her hand. “Very much.”

Together they made their way to Noah and Skye, waiting for the opportunity to see the infant who suddenly found herself the center of attention. When they drew near, Tricia’s heart fluttered at the sight of Skye with tears running down her cheeks. Noah shook Lance’s hand. “Thanks for everything.”

“Oh, I didn’t do anything,” Lance murmured, “Skye laid the foundation for this blessing a long time ago.”

“What are you going to name her?” Tricia couldn’t resist reaching out and stroking a wee finger. “She looks enough like you to be your natural child.” High cheekbones, dark eyes, and a rosebud mouth were present in both the baby and Skye.

Skye looked at Noah with adoring eyes. “The name we picked out, if we were ever fortunate enough to have a baby girl is Blue Dawn.”

Tricia gasped. “How beautiful, I love it!”

“I do too.” Lance leaned over to kiss his new niece. “I am so happy for the two of you. No one deserves a baby more than you, Sis.”

“I expect you to do your share of babysitting,” she assured her brother.

“Ah, I think that’s our cue to leave, Tricia.” Lance laughed. “Let’s get out of here before she enlists me to change the first diaper.” Grasping Tricia’s hand, Lance led her away from the excited congregation. 

Tricia followed him gladly. “I don’t have a vehicle here.” She offered no further explanation and he didn’t ask for one.

“Good, that means you’re at my mercy.”

Tricia liked the sound of that. “Where are we going?” she asked as he guided her toward his truck, parked near one of the outbuildings.

“I thought we’d go to Hardbodies, then maybe take a walk down by the river. Isaac has commissioned a lot of work down there, it’s almost like a park with benches and picnic tables. Avery even supervised the planting of some flower beds.”

“I knew about the flowers. We ordered them wholesale through the shop.”

While they were talking, Lance was helping Tricia into her seat. The tires on his truck were unusually big and she couldn’t climb in without help. “Up you go.”

“Thank…” His mouth layered over hers before she had a chance to finish the word.

Tightening his arms around her sweet body, Lance could tell he was welcome from the way she melted against him. With a sweet sigh, she parted her lips, and before he could deepen the kiss, she slipped her tongue into his mouth. Lance almost went to his knees, her response to him blew his mind.

Letting his hands rove up her back, he clasped the nape of her neck and pulled her closer, ravaging his way to control of the kiss. 

Honk! Honk!

Car lights illuminated them and Lance drew away from her, their breaths coming in ragged pants. “I suppose we should go.”

“To be continued?” she asked, with unabashed hope in her voice.

Lance chuckled. “Don’t lose our place.” He hurried around to the driver’s side and climbed in beside her. “You go to my head, Miss Yeager.”

“I do?” Tricia could scarcely believe his claim, but oh, how she wanted to.

…Hardbodies Saloon was hopping when Lance pulled into the parking lot. “Don’t move, I’ll come around and help you out. I don’t want you taking a tumble.”

Tricia waited, tingles of anticipation making her feel more alive than ever before. When Lance opened her door and she slipped into his arms, she wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. “This is exciting, thank you for bringing me.”

“My pleasure.” He set her on her feet and took her by the hand. “Let’s get a drink from the bar and go out back. Okay?”

“Yea, sounds good.” She happily went with him, having to curb her enthusiasm to keep from skipping the last few feet as they approached Isaac McCoy’s business establishment. This was familiar territory for them both and Tricia felt completely at home here. Avery and Isaac kept an apartment in the back and her friend had even shown Tricia their private BDSM playroom. She didn’t know if Lance was aware of the couple’s kinky side and she didn’t feel like it was her place to spill the beans. Although…the thought of having her wicked way with Lance in such a setting was very tempting. “I know you work most of the time, but what do you do for fun?”

By the time she finished the question, they were inside and the noise prevented him from answering. Leading her through the crowd, a man raised his hand in greeting as Lance acknowledged several people who knew them.

“How about giving me some poker tips, Rogers?” a bewhiskered man hollered, waving his hat in the air from across the room.

“No, thanks, Rob.” He held up his and Tricia’s joined hands. “Got something a helluva lot better to do.”

Rob held up his thumb, showing he understood. “Don’t blame you, partner. Maybe later.”

“I guess that answered my question,” Tricia remarked, leaning against him as they moved through the crowded room.

Arriving at the bar, he sat on a stool, then pulled her between his knees. “I have been known to play a little Texas Holdem.” Whispering in her ear, he added, “And I’m good at it.”

Tricia grinned. “I bet you are. Will you teach me how?”

“Sure.” Turning her around, he eased Tricia into his lap. Wrapping his arms around her waist and clasping her legs tightly with his knees, Lance secured her in his embrace. “See, this is how it’s done. Texas Holdem.”

“Funny.” She giggled, then let out a contented sigh. “You make me feel safe. I like your version better than the card game.”

“Lance. Tricia. What can I get the two of you?” Emma Long asked for their order.

“What will it be, beautiful?” Lance asked his date.

“Margarita, I think.”

“A margarita and a Shiner beer, Emma,” Lance told the pretty redhead.

“Coming right up.” Emma told them, then held a framed photograph out to Tricia. “Look, isn’t this amazing?”

Tricia took the photograph and saw it was Emma and Josh’s wedding portrait, taken in a field of lavender. “Oh, Emma, this is beautiful!”

“I know,” Emma said with tears in her eyes. “I’ve been staring at it and staring at it.” She laughed, wiping her face. “Isn’t that silly? I’m legally blind and I stare at my wedding picture.”

Tricia was touched more than she could say. “It’s not silly at all, I think it’s perfect. You love Josh so much and I can tell you this, after seeing the look on his face in this photo, you mean the whole world to him.”

“I know I do,” she whispered happily, pouring the makings of Tricia’s margarita in the blender and deftly flipping the switch. Everyone was always shocked at how well Emma could handle herself and her job with sightless eyes. “So, you two are here together?”

“Yes, Emma,” Lance answered, “aren’t I lucky?”

“You sure are.” Emma beamed as she placed the beer and mixed drink in front of them. “Everyone has been expecting this. I’m glad you two finally got with the program.”

Tricia blushed at the bartender’s words. “This is just our first…date, Emma.”

Lance squeezed her, kissing Tricia on the neck. “Doesn’t feel like it, though, does it?”

“No. I guess we’ve been engaging in foreplay for quite a while.”

Tricia’s analogy went straight to Lance’s cock. He bent close so only she could hear what he was saying. “Our chance meetings have been fun, but I can guaran-damn-tee that you’ll know the difference when we engage in foreplay.”

Flushed with desire, Tricia sipped her drink. She didn’t really know what to say. Something told her that she was in way over her head. It was easy to flirt, she’d been practicing that part for years. But no amount of fantasizing could serve as a prerequisite to the reality of being in his arms. “Are you ready for that walk? It’s hot in here.” She fanned herself with a napkin.

“Yea, let’s go. Here’s for the drinks, Emma. This is a twenty, keep the change.” He put the bill in Emma’s hand.

With determined steps, Lance led her through the crowd, speaking to people along the way. A live band was playing and, like normal, the bar was full of bikers and cowboys. Several individuals tried to snag their attention, but Lance was anxious to get her alone. Soon they had exited the rear of the saloon and made their way onto the boardwalk built by the Guadalupe, where the lazy river reflected the bright stars hanging heavily in the night sky. The silence between them wasn’t unpleasant, she enjoyed walking next to him and just reveling in the press of her body to his. “I probably know more about you than you realize, Lance.” She gave him a mischievous smile.

“Oh, has someone I know been talking?” He tapped her on the end of the nose as they stood beneath a gas lamp.

“Something like that,” she agreed. “We’re friends with many of the same people and we frequent the same places. We just haven’t spent much time one on one.”

One on one. Her words morphed into an image of her beneath him in bed. Clearing his throat, he tried to keep his mind on the conversation. “True. Well, let’s see what I know about you….” He picked up a lock of hair from her shoulder, winding the silky strand around one finger. “From the clothes you wear, I know your favorite color is purple.”

She smiled and touched the blouse she wore. “True, if purple is an option, I’m drawn to it like a bee to a flower. What else do you know?”

“Hmmm, let me see…” He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close as they sipped their drinks. Their footsteps echoed on the wooden walkway meandering by the river, “I know you go out of your way to be kind to the elderly. You have a soft spot for them, don’t you?”

Tricia shrugged. “I didn’t have a relationship with any of my grandparents growing up, so I began to visit a senior care facility in my home town to see what I was missing. I realized how lonely many of them were and I tried to do something to help.”

Lance slowed his steps, rubbing his hand up and down her arm as he guided her along. They stopped at a bench beneath a spreading oak. “I’m sure you’ve made a big difference in those lucky people’s lives.” He took her drink and set it next to his on the nearby railing. “So, tell me something about Tricia Yeager that I don’t know.”

Settling down beside him, sitting close enough so their bodies were pressed against one another in a most delicious way, she considered her answer. Nothing heavy. Nothing too personal. “I have a potter’s wheel and I throw a pot when I need to unwind.”

“Remind me to stay out of your way when you’re stressed.”

Tricia giggled. “I don’t literally chunk a pot at people, that’s what it’s called when I put clay on the wheel to form a new pottery piece.”

“Oh, I get it.” Lance pushed her hair from her shoulder, his fingers grazing the soft skin. “Like in the movie Ghost, that was a hot scene.”

She reached down to pick up his right hand in hers and began to rub it with slow strokes, concentrating on the sensitive skin of his palm. “I love to touch. The clay feels so good between my fingers.”

Lance shuddered at the tactile pleasure. “Lucky clay.” The thought of her hands on his cock blew his mind.

“Now, let me tell you some things I know about you,” she spoke as she continued to touch him, tracing his lifeline, entwining their fingers, sliding their palms together in a sensual caress. “You have a soft spot for animals. I saw you pick up a stray kitten off the sidewalk one day.” She’d been on her way to rescue it herself, when she’d witnessed the big cowboy tenderly scoop the small cat up to cradle it close.

“Well, I didn’t keep it, but I did find the little tom a good home. One of these days, if I ever have a place of my own, I’d love to have a pet or two.”

“I think a man who is tender with animals is so sexy.”

Lance swallowed at the sultry tone of her voice. “What else do you know about me?”

“I know you like walking in the rain. When everyone else runs for cover, you turn your face up into the storm and invite the downpour. I like that, I love storms myself, the power is very exciting.” She continued making love to his hand with hers, the act was as exciting to her as she hoped it was for him.

“Storms are so primal, they get my blood pumping,” he muttered, super-aware that this woman was creating a sexy storm of her own. “What else?”

Tricia gazed into his face, his countenance illuminated by the near full moon lighting up the night sky. “You’re the heartthrob of most of the eligible women in town. Did you know that?”

Lance snorted. “Yea, right. I don’t think so.” He knew he attracted some attention, but it was usually from women who were too young or in a relationship and wanted to use him as a distraction. “If I’m attracting any attention, it’s only because eligible bachelors in this town are becoming a rare species.”

“Oh, yea, it’s true.” Tricia drew his hand, the one she’d been holding, over and pressed it to her heart. “See, my heart is throbbing because I’m with you.”

Lance couldn’t have looked anywhere else if his life depended on it. He could see her hard nipples clearly outlined, straining against the silk. She was right, he could feel the hammering of her heart beneath his palm. When he lifted his eyes to her face, she licked her lips and he almost came in his jeans. “Good God, woman, come here.” He moved to throw a leg over the bench, so he could face her, urging her to do the same. “You’re dangerous. Did you know that?” He took one finger and traced her sexy bottom lip. When she slipped her tongue out to lick his finger, he groaned, “Tricia, baby.” Leaning over, he nuzzled her neck and she tilted her head to allow him total access.

Reveling in his touch, Tricia wound her arms around his neck and tangled her fingers into the longer strands of hair at his neck. When he raised up, she could see the strain on his face. His eyes were hooded, his body tense. She glanced down to his lap and saw his huge erection bulging behind his zipper. Seeing how much he wanted her was thrilling. “Do you remember me telling you how I fantasize?” Tricia wanted him, there was no shame in this, they were friends, maybe more. She didn’t want to wait any longer. Who knows where the future would lead? She was all for grabbing all the happiness every moment could hold.

“I haven’t been able to think of much else,” Lance confided.

Having him right there in front of her, within touching distance was too good to resist. Unable to keep her hands to herself, she ran her palms up and down his strong, beautifully veined forearms. She was so excited; a hunger had formed between her thighs and she wanted to move her hips to assuage the ache. “I think about us together, how I would unbutton your shirt...” She slid a hand up his chest to finger the button just above his pecs. “You have hair on your chest. I can’t wait to see how it feels…against me.”

Lance looked over his shoulder, back toward the bar. There was no one in sight, but that was no guarantee. For all extents and purposes, they were out in public. “If we were behind closed doors, I’d strip you naked and beg you to rub those pretty breasts all over my chest. But we’re not, and I want no eyes on your beautiful body but mine.”

Tricia swallowed and just decided to go for it. “Would you like to go to my place? We’re only a few blocks away. I live over my shop.”

“I know where you live, baby. Like I said, I know a lot about you.” He leaned over to give her a long, slow drugging kiss. “I just want to know you a whole lot better.” Standing up, he pulled her to her feet. “Come on, I’d love to go home with you.”