“Thank You For Coming To My Rescue,” Maddie Said.

Trey spread his hand through her hair, coppery waves spilling over his fingertips, soft and smooth and silky. “You nearly gave me a heart attack, Maddie,” he whispered. “I’m gonna need a better thank-you.”

Maddie slipped her hand inside his shirt, stroking his flesh until his skin fairly sizzled. Then she lifted her head and gave him the best thank-you of his life, a long, hot, sexy kiss that knocked the breath out of him.

“Was that better, Trey?”

“Better,” he croaked, barely catching his breath.

Maddie stared deeply into his eyes and every shred of willpower he could muster wasn’t enough for the intoxicating look of desire she cast him. “Ah hell, Maddie,” he whispered, brushing his lips to her ear, “how am I supposed to keep my hands off you now?”

Dear Reader,

July is a month known for its heat and fireworks, as well as the perfect time to take that vacation. Well, why not take a break and enjoy some hot sparks with a Silhouette Desire? We’ve got six extraordinary romances to share with you this month, starting with Betrayed Birthright by Sheri WhiteFeather. This seventh title in our outstanding DYNASTIES: THE ASHTONS series is sure to reveal some unbelievable facts about this scandalous family.

USA TODAY bestselling author Maureen Child wraps up her fabulous THREE-WAY WAGER series with The Last Reilly Standing. Or is he getting down on bended knee? And while some series are coming to a close, new ones are just beginning, such as our latest installment of the TEXAS CATTLEMAN’S CLUB: THE SECRET DIARY. Cindy Gerard kicks off this six-book continuity with Black-Tie Seduction. Also starting this month is Bronwyn Jameson’s PRINCES OF THE OUTBACK. These Australian hunks really need to be tamed, beginning with The Rugged Loner.

A desert beauty in love with a tempting beast. That’s the theme of Nalini Singh’s newest release, Craving Beauty—a story not to be missed. And the need to break a long-standing family curse leads to an attraction that’s just Like Lightning, an outstanding romance by Charlene Sands.

Here’s hoping you enjoy all the fireworks Silhouette Desire has to offer you…this month and all year long!

Best,

Melissa Jeglinski

Senior Editor

Silhouette Desire

LIKE LIGHTNING

Charlene Sands

Books by Charlene Sands

Silhouette Desire

The Heart of a Cowboy #1488

Expecting the Cowboy’s Baby #1522

Like Lightning #1668

Harlequin Historicals

Lily Gets Her Man #554

Chase Wheeler’s Woman #610

The Law and Kate Malone #646

Winning Jenna’s Heart #662

The Courting of Widow Shaw #710

CHARLENE SANDS

resides in Southern California with her husband, Don, and two children, Jason and Nikki. Her love of the American West stems from early childhood memories of story time with her imaginative father. Tall tales of dashing pirates and dutiful sheriffs brought to life with words and images sparked her passion for writing. When not writing, she enjoys sunny California days, Pacific beaches and sitting down with a good book.

She loves to hear from her readers. Charlene invites you to visit her Web site and enter her contests at www.charlenesands.com.

To my fun-loving friend, Pam Frendian!
Thanks for your continued love and friendship through the years.

And to Ellen Lacy, my dear friend who loves to read as much as I do. Here’s to Tuesday mornings and those wonderful beach days!

I am truly blessed to call you both friends.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

One

“I do.” Trey Walker uttered the words slowly, both awed and a little bit frightened. In a million lifetimes, he’d never dreamed he’d say these words. Especially not to Maddie Brooks, the auburn-haired beauty standing beside him, her wide eyes filled with gratitude. They stood under an arbor of lush traveling vines in the small garden area behind his house at 2 Hope Ranch.

“I do, too,” she offered, as a gentle breeze blew by, messing her hair enough to give her down-home girl appearance a sexy edge.

Trey swallowed hard, intrigued by the young woman who’d be living with him for an unforeseen length of time. In truth, the petite green-eyed female scared the hell out of him with her innocent looks and wholesome demeanor. She was the exact sort of woman Trey avoided—the kind that said “KEEPER” in big bold capital letters. But damn it all, if Trey hadn’t needed her, or rather if 2 Hope Ranch hadn’t needed what she had to offer, Trey would never have agreed to this.

“So you agree to the terms?” She repeated softly, her voice a mere whisper on the wind.

“I do, Maddie. There’s no need to sign a contract. My word is good as gold.”

Maddie nodded a bit tentatively as she swiveled her body around, glancing at the property, her slender hands set in the back pockets of her denim jeans. Trey looked his fill, enjoying the view of a perfectly formed backside. He was one to appreciate a good-looking woman, and Maddie was all that—even in her range-dusty work clothes.

When she turned back around, Trey snapped his head up to meet her gaze. Again, her words were soft as morning dew and Trey got the feeling she was as reluctant about this arrangement as he was. “I’ll move my things in tonight, and tomorrow I’ll set up my office in the old barn. The animals all seem to be doing fine. I think this might just work out.”

Trey squeezed his eyes shut momentarily. He grunted a reply and held out his hand. A handshake in this part of Texas was more than enough to bind an agreement.

Maddie lifted her right hand from her pocket and slid her palm into his. He shook the hand quickly before the impact of her touch could register to any other part of his body, other than his addled brain. “It’s a deal then.”

She bit down on her lip drawing his attention to a heart-shaped mouth so pink and ripe that Trey was certain the Almighty had made her lips expressly for kissing. Too bad, Trey thought with regret, because he’d already set Maddie Brooks strictly off-limits. She was his business partner now, of sorts.

She would rent out one room in his house, use the old barn as her office and treat her animal patients there. Not only would 2 Hope Ranch gain from the rental fee, but Maddie had also agreed to treat all of Trey’s livestock for free. It was a deal he couldn’t refuse. His ranch had encountered more than a few setbacks lately and Trey just plain needed the revenue. He’d had no choice really and neither had Maddie. Her veterinary office had burned clear down to the ground just days ago and Trey’s was the only ranch within miles that had an extra barn and a ranch house big enough to accommodate her without any problem. There was no denying Trey had plenty of room on the grounds as well as three empty bedrooms inside his house. Trey had taken in her animals, first thing, when they’d been rescued by the fire department in Hope Wells. The yellow Labrador Maggie was healing from a wound of birdshot while the border collie, Toby, had been injured when hit by a car. Two rabbits suffered from ear mites and various other small pets were now housed inside Trey’s smaller, older barn. Hell, he couldn’t have the animals suffer. They needed a home, but he hadn’t bargained on Maddie coming to live with him. No sir.

Uncle Monty had pulled a fast one talking him into this arrangement and Trey wasn’t at all certain his uncle hadn’t had matchmaking on his mind.

Maddie graced him with a small smile. “Deal.”

Trey began to walk off but turned when a thought struck. “You need help moving your stuff in?”

“Uh, no. Not really. I don’t have much at the motel but some clothes and a few things I managed to accumulate since the fire. I’m pretty much starting out fresh. I don’t even have much left in the way of files.” She shrugged, keeping up a brave front, but Trey figured Maddie was as broken up inside as that old border collie. “Guess I’m just going to have to improvise.”

Trey nodded, recalling that Maddie had lived in a small apartment above her office in town and she’d lost almost everything. The insurance company came through with a small sum for the time being, but the rest of her claim was contingent upon an investigation into the cause of the fire.

He tipped his hat. “I’ll be here, if you need me.”

He was just being neighborly, doing the polite thing, he told himself, yet those words sent his body into small shock. He shuddered and turned to walk away before Maddie noticed. No sense worrying the girl. She had enough to worry over. But the fact remained that Trey didn’t want to be needed. Ever and especially by a female. He’d been cursed in that regard. Both his father and grandfather had had a bad track record when it came to women. They’d done a great job of breaking hearts and wrecking lives. Trey had seen the destruction firsthand and it hadn’t been pretty. From early on, after one failed engagement, Trey had vowed to keep his own life simple. And women close only when both agreed on temporary. Trey didn’t do permanent. Nothing was going to change that.

And now that pretty little filly Maddie Brooks would be sharing bath towels with him under his roof. An image instantly flashed—Maddie’s petite body wrapped in a two-by-nothing towel and bumping into him in the hallway. He paused, letting the image sink in of soft ripe curves and healthy tanned skin all tucked into a tight little package. He caught himself and cursed up a blue streak then kicked up his heels so fast that his boots cut a straight arrow path back to the corral.

Sometimes, being neighborly came with too high a price.

Maddie slowed her Dodge Ram truck to a stop by the rubble that was once her home, her office and her very existence in Hope Wells. The small place on the edge of town she had proudly called home for the past year and a half was gone. She sucked up enough courage to glance once again at the devastation. Through the truck’s window she noted large cinders still radiating heat. Everything was black, charred beyond recognition.

Maddie stepped down from the truck and the scent of destruction, as that deadly combination of burnt belongings and wafting smoke billowed up and nearly choked her lungs. Only a small broken-down remnant of her storefront sign remained. The sign that had once said, The Animal Place, T.A.P. Gently, Madeline M. Brooks, D.V.M., now only touted the first three letters of her first name, Mad. How appropriate. A little irony of life, she thought sadly. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at the loss.

Goodness, she still didn’t understand how the fire started exactly. Faulty wiring, one firefighter guessed. He’d known old Dr. Benning for years, the man who had sold Maddie his veterinary practice before moving to Dallas to be closer to his grandchildren. He’d been a mainstay in the community, a man who cared for animals until his eyesight had just about given way. Maddie, fresh out of an internship in northern California, had been overjoyed at the prospect of buying a small but fully established practice and had just enough funds to cover a down payment on the asking price.

Doc Benning had stayed on for one month after the sale, guiding Maddie, introducing her to his clients, acting much as a mentor would tutor a new student. Maddie had been grateful for the help, but she’d been eager to get started on her own. She’d studied hard, learned fast and her love of animals came easily. She’d been graced with the “touch” from a young age, a special way she had of communicating with animals on a plane that went beyond description. Her well-honed instincts served her as well as all of her schooled learning and Maddie was extremely proud of the combination of talent.

She reached into the truck, grabbing a beat-up pair of leather work gloves and tiptoed her way through the charred remains. Heat curled her toes from inside her boots, but it wasn’t unbearable, so she ventured forth, searching. This would be the last chance she’d have to find something, anything left partially intact, before a crew would come in to clear away what remained. She’d been through the place once already, right after the fire but she figured she’d been too distraught to really see anything beyond the damage.

Maddie tiptoed carefully through the wreckage, her gaze traveling along slowly, eyeing each inch of ground carefully in hopes of finding something she might recognize, but nothing appeared salvageable. With a heavy sigh, Maddie turned to leave. She shouldn’t have come. It was as fruitless a venture as it was painful. Everything was gone.

But then a glint of something shiny caught her eye. Afternoon sunlight beamed down and at first Maddie thought it was just light reflecting on burnt metal. She stepped closer and bent to make a better inspection, putting on her gloves. With nimble fingers, she parted the ashes that partially covered her discovery. The Appaloosa emerged, a sterling silver necklace given to her by her Grandma Mae when Maddie had graduated high school. Maddie lifted the piece, picking it up by the chain, dangling the necklace before her eyes. She gasped her relief then chuckled with glee. “Hello, Aphrodite. I should’ve known nothing would keep you down.”

The charm appeared undamaged, except for a layer of ash that Maddie quickly blew away with a forceful gush of air. Then with a gentle rub of her gloved thumb the sterling horse winked back with luster, appearing unscathed and good as new. Maddie clutched the charm to her chest. Tears stung her eyes—tears of relief, of happiness and of gratitude.

If there were one thing Maddie would have chosen to salvage from all this destruction, it would have been Aphrodite. Maddie believed that small miracles happened every day, and today she’d been graced with one tiny precious miracle.

Grandma Mae’s sage words flashed through her mind as she recalled that cloudless spring day when she’d been given the family heirloom. “Love who you are, child. Love what you do. Love your family and friends and God’s creatures, and then love will also find you.”

“I’m glad I found you.”

Maddie whirled around suddenly, the deep resonating sound of Trey Walker’s voice startling her out of her thoughts. With her heart in her throat, Maddie peered at him as he stood with arms folded, leaning against the cab of her truck. Trey’s voice did things to her. His impossible good looks knotted her stomach. His long lean stature, that cowboy stance, the hypnotic way a tic worked at his jaw, all conspired to throw Maddie’s once nicely orchestrated world upside down.

At one time, she had thought to be in love with him. She’d hoped to gain his attention since the first time she’d laid eyes on him, out in his barn at 2 Hope.

Trey had called Doc Benning out to see to an aging mare. The old girl had been failing for quite some time and Doc had brought Maddie along with him to give her the experience.

She doubted she’d ever forget the image of Trey Walker bent over that old roan, whispering soft soothing words in her ear. Strong, work-roughened hands slid gently and with masterful grace over the horse’s muzzle. He worked his hands along her mane, each stroke careful, calculated to give the old girl peace.

There wasn’t anything she or Doc Benning could do, but give the horse a shot to put her down. But Trey disagreed. He wanted her to go as God intended, when He intended. And Maddie knew, without a doubt, that Trey had made the right choice. The horse had eased out of the world with Trey’s loving hands caressing her softly, spilling words from his heart and speaking a final farewell to a longtime friend.

Maddie had fallen in love with Trey Walker that day—instantly and without a doubt in her mind.

But she’d been clearly disappointed when Trey Walker ignored her every attempt to gain his affection. Oh, he’d been polite, sweet as peach pie when she’d come out to check on his livestock. But he’d also been distant and at times, indifferent. Maddie had even tried a supreme makeover once—highlighting her hair, learning to do her makeup without smearing herself all up and wearing the most revealing, cleavage-spilling clothes a woman dared to wear. Nothing had worked. He hadn’t given her the slightest glimmer of hope. Clearly he wanted no part of her. And seeing him around town making easy conversation with women at times surely broke her heart.

Heck, you don’t have to hit Maddie Brooks over the head with a sledgehammer. She’d finally gotten the message. She’d given up. Wholly and completely.

But darn if the man standing right in front of her still didn’t make her legs go wobbly. Only now, Maddie was smarter. She armed herself with steely resolve. She didn’t have a clue about enticing a man like Trey. She wasn’t the sort of woman to catch Trey Walker’s attention. She understood that now. “Trey, are you looking for me?”

Trey glanced at her tear-smudged face but Maddie refused to let it bother her. She wasn’t out to impress Trey Walker anymore. She wouldn’t rub her cheeks dry, but they burned hot as Trey’s deep blue eyes studied her.

He pushed away from the truck and stood at the edge of the ashes, his gaze holding hers. “Ah, Maddie, you’re crying.”

Maddie stiffened her shoulders against Trey’s knowing eyes. She lifted the necklace and swung it out, catching his attention. “Happy tears. I found something…something that wasn’t destroyed. Something…precious.”

Trey glanced at the necklace then arched a brow, but nodded in understanding.

“My grandmother gave this to me when I graduated high school. I wore it every day in college. It has special meaning.”

Trey stepped into the rubble, coming up close for a better look. He reached for the necklace, his fingers brushing over her gloved hand. Even through thick leather, Maddie felt the shock of his slight touch. The careful way he’d lifted the jewel from her as if he’d trusted that it was indeed precious, only magnified the sensation. She stared at the dark fringes of his eyelashes as he peered down and she noted a tiny quirk of a smile erupting. “It’s nice. I’m glad you found it in all this mess.”

Maddie glanced around. “Yes. It’s about all I found.” When she turned to him again, she’d wondered if he’d purposely sought her out. “What are you doing here? Do you want me for something?”

Trey pursed his lips, disguising a devil-made grin. Hell, he’d never seen anything like it. Maddie Brooks, traipsing through these ruins, tearstains running a path down her cheeks and smudged with white ash with her red-gold hair a tangle around her face. She’d looked like a lost child—a vulnerable one at that, but he’d yet to find anyone prettier, or more appealing.

Did he want her for something?

A loaded question and one Trey would never answer.

“I was heading to town to buy feed for the horses, when I realized I hadn’t given you the key to the house. But first,” Trey said, placing his hands on her shoulders and turning her around so that her back was to him. He lifted her hair and slipped the necklace around her neck, letting the loose chain slide down her throat to fall into the soft valley between her breasts. He breathed in, a sharp intake of oxygen that left no room for doubt where his mind had drifted. The subtle scent of raspberries, sweet and pungent wafted up as her hair fell back into place. “There,” he said and stepped away.

Maddie turned around, removing her gloves so she could finger the charm. Joy lit her eyes, but she guarded her delight carefully, as if she were afraid to indulge in happiness for too long. Trey understood that, better than she might guess.

“Thank you,” she said with a small smile.

He nodded, keeping his eyes focused on her face and not on the deep inviting cleavage that framed the necklace. He slipped a hand into his pocket, coming up with a key ring. He removed one and handed it to her. “Here you go. Come and go as you please on the ranch. I won’t wait up.”

“Oh, I won’t be going out much, unless I have to make a late-night house call.”

He nodded again, not happy with the notion of Maddie Brooks underfoot every night. “Sometimes, I get in late,” he admitted, “but if you need anything when I’m not around, you know Kit, my foreman?”

“Yes, we’ve met. But I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“Okay then. I’d better get that grain before the store closes.”

She lifted the key to the ranch house. “Thanks again. I guess I’ll get my things from the Cactus Inn now.”

Trey reached into his back pocket and presented her with his red bandanna. “For your face.”

“Oh.” Color rose from under her smudge marks, brightening her face to a rosy hue. “Is it that bad?”

“Doesn’t bother me a bit. But I figured you’d want to clean up before heading to the motel.”

She began swiping her face for all she was worth. “Thanks. I must look like he…heck.”

Trey turned his back on Maddie, released a reluctant sigh and headed for his truck, mumbling, “Heck never looked so danged cute.”

Trey got into his truck, gunned the engine and took off, his wheels spitting up a cloud of dry Texas dust. He’d come into town to help Maddie move her things from the motel. It hadn’t set right that she’d refused his offer. What kind of man would allow a woman, who was down on her luck, alone in the world, and who had lost most of her possessions, to face that task alone?

But one look at her today, standing there in the midst of her one-time home, and something powerful stabbed at him. It wasn’t like anything he’d felt before, this protective, warm feeling he had for her. Trey didn’t like it, not one bit. If he wasn’t careful, he’d be under her spell, he’d have her under his sheets and then disaster would strike.

Maddie would come out the loser.

And Trey figured the woman had enough troubles. He didn’t want to add to them. As much as he wanted to help her, going to the motel wouldn’t have been wise. Trey shook his head. Spending time with Maddie Brooks would just be dang foolish. He’d have to nip this problem in the bud, before anything dared to blossom.

Tonight, he’d lay things out straight with Maddie.

But in truth, he’d be more comfortable wrestling half a dozen big, hungry grizzly bears.

Maddie had always wanted to see the inside of Trey’s house at 2 Hope. The long sprawling adobe and mason ranch house, with true column pillars spoke of elegance and grace. Although weathered, beaten down from time and perhaps a bit of neglect, the house commanded certain respect.

Her heart squeezed tight as she entered the one-story structure, as undisguised warmth seemed to invite her in. She stood in the entry, gazing at a massive stone fireplace, complete with a heavy beamed mantel and a wide accommodating hearth. The only thing missing from this picture was the moose head above the fireplace. Instinct told her Trey wouldn’t approve or indulge in the hunting of innocent animals, thank goodness.

A slightly worn, completely comfortable-looking leather sofa graced the wall facing the fireplace, and antique pieces from days gone by surrounded the room. Maddie couldn’t help feel like an invader, intruding on Trey’s privacy, the total masculine feel of the room alluding to Trey’s lone-wolf demeanor. It was apparent that a woman had no place here. There were no lace curtains or hand-sewn pillows, nothing feminine at all, yet the house had a welcoming, solid, lived-in feel. A house built for and made for a man.

Maddie was certain Trey didn’t want her here.

And she certainly didn’t want to be here.

But she’d had no other option. She had responsibilities, clients who depended on her to keep their animals healthy. There was no one else in Hope Wells to look after the animals of the twenty-odd ranches in the county. And just the other day, she’d had to neuter Randolph Curry’s rambunctious Irish setter, before the neighbors shot the dang dog for lewd acts of conduct on the main streets in town. Then there was young Bessie Mallery’s cat Lucky, who’d surprised everyone with a litter of seven. Maddie had had to untangle that feline’s umbilical cord before three of the kittens strangled themselves, getting all twisted up in the cord. Fortunately Lucky’s name had held true, and she hadn’t lost any of her offspring, much to Bessie’s delight.

With a nod, Maddie concluded if she were to keep her practice going, she would have to accept Trey’s hospitality. But she’d made a solemn vow to stick to her business and stay out of his way, until the time came when she could rebuild her own office in town.

“All settled in,” Trey said, coming to stand before her. “I put everything inside your room. Down the hall, third door on the left.”

“Thank you,” Maddie offered. When she’d pulled up just minutes ago with her oddball assortment of clothes, medical books, some veterinary equipment—the smaller tools of her trade she’d been able to salvage—Trey had been waiting on his front porch. He wouldn’t allow her to lift a thing from the bed of her truck. He’d just reached in and grabbed everything, loading up his arms and telling her to make herself comfortable inside the house. “The house is nice, looks like it’s been lived in some. I’ll bet there’s a batch of stories hidden in these old walls.”

Maddie bit her lip and glanced away. She’d never been one to babble, but then she’d never felt this darn awkward before.

Trey grinned. “This house goes way back. It was one of the first ones built in Hope Wells back in the day when there was free range. I know a few stories, but they aren’t fit for telling in polite company.”

Maddie sighed, wondering what wonderfully sinful things had happened at 2 Hope years ago. “I’d love to hear them sometime.”

Trey looked her over, and began shaking his head. With a dubious expression plastered on his face, he flat out refused. “No way, Maddie. You don’t want to hear any of those stories.”

Maddie fumed silently. She’d never shed her wholesome, good-girl image. The one time she’d tried transforming into a sexy siren, she’d failed miserably. Trey hadn’t paid her any notice at all. She was over it, and him, but she wished that he would treat her the way he treated other women. She wasn’t a child who needed protecting from vile stories. She wasn’t a frail dove that needed rescuing. She was a strong woman who knew when to give up on a hopeless cause. Maddie had given up on Trey Walker.

“I think I’ll put my things away now. Thanks, again.” She moved past him, heading down the hallway.

“Dinner’s at eight.”

She swirled around. “Oh, I don’t expect you to feed me.”

“You have to eat.”

“I…I guess I didn’t think—”

“Kit and the guys are off tonight, so you’re stuck with my cooking. With any luck, I’ll manage not to poison the both of us.”

Now that’s encouraging, she thought. “What’s for dinner?”

“Stew?”

“I’ll help and don’t even dream of refusing the offer. It’s the least I can do. After all, you’re putting me up and allowing me to keep my practice running on your property. I certainly don’t expect to be waited on. I want to pull my weight around here. Besides, I don’t have a kitchen anymore and I sort of miss cooking.”

Hands on hips, Trey stared at her. “Are you through?”

Maddie’s mouth dropped open. “Uh, yeah.”

“Meet me in the kitchen in an hour.”

She gulped then nodded. She couldn’t tell if Trey was amused or annoyed at her little outburst. She had to remind herself that he was a man who wasn’t accustomed to having a woman around and he was probably already sorry he’d agreed to their deal.

“This is hardly poison, Trey.” Trey watched Maddie polish off her second bowl of son-of-a-gun stew. “And I never figured you for a liar.”

He arched a brow. “Liar?”

“You can cook. I mean really cook. You had the meat marinating in this wonderfully delicious sauce and then, you did this amazing thing with the spices. I’ve never had better stew.”

“You helped,” Trey said, standing to take his plate to the sink.

Maddie immediately rose and gently grabbed the plate from his hand. “All I did was cut up potatoes and carrots. Essentially, you made the meal, so I’m going to do all the cleanup. It’s the least—”

“I know, it’s the least you can do.”

“Yes, so please sit down and I’ll pour your coffee. It’ll take me only a minute to have this kitchen back in order.”

Maddie brought him a mug of steaming hot coffee—cream, no sugar, just the way he liked it. Trey decided to sit, rather than argue. He sipped from his coffee and watched her bustle about his kitchen. Wasn’t too often a woman graced his kitchen. In fact, the last time he could recall was when his father had married wife number four and they’d held the wedding here at the ranch. Then, there’d been a wagonload of women in the kitchen, caterers and servers alike, cooking up the wedding feast.

The marriage had lasted all of ten months. Hell, Trey couldn’t even remember the gal’s name exactly. Elisa, Elena, something with an E.

“How’s the coffee?” Maddie asked as she bent down to load the dishwasher.

Trey’s gaze fastened on the derriere pointing in his direction. He couldn’t quite help watching the wiggle as she shifted to make room for more plates. He had a tantalizing view of her backside, and petite as Maddie was, everything she had was perfectly proportioned. Her tank top pulled up as she bent and a slice of skin appeared in the gap at the small of her back. The combination of her wiggling behind and that particular delicate area, newly exposed, caused Trey a moment of grief and that grief was growing harder by the second.

“Coffee’s fine,” he managed.

She closed the dishwasher door and lifted up, thankfully. Trey gulped down the rest of his coffee, landing his mug down on the table with a thud.

Maddie appeared before him with the coffeepot in hand. “Another cup?”

Before he could answer, she leaned over to begin pouring. That damn silver horse she wore around her neck caught his eye as it swung out. He followed the glint until the charm settled right smack in the deep hollow between her breasts.

His grief intensified.

He wasn’t used to having a pretty woman around, helping with the meals, serving him in his kitchen as though she really belonged here. This cozy domestic scene would give him hives if he weren’t careful. And the last thing he needed was to walk around stiff between the legs all day.

He reached out and took hold of Maddie’s wrist. “Sit down, Maddie. We need to talk.”

Maddie’s eyes grew wide, probably from the sharpness of his tone. She sat in a chair across from him and suddenly Trey felt older than his thirty-one years. He opened his mouth to begin, but a commotion coming from the corral had him clamping his mouth down. He listened in, certain now it was his stallion whinnying and snorting, kicking up a fuss. Trey bounded up from his seat. “Storm’s fixing to have a tirade. I’d better go check on him.”

Trey headed to the corral quickly, knowing what damage his feisty stallion could do. He reached the fence just as Storm lifted his front legs up in a flurry, snorting loudly, disturbing the quiet of the night. “Hey, boy. Simmer down,” he cooed, trying to soothe the stallion’s ire. Storm took note of him, pranced around the perimeter of the corral then stomped, sifting dirt with his front hooves, communicating to Trey the only way he knew how. “I know how you feel, boy. But I can’t let you out. Not with the way you’re all tangled up inside.”

Trey whistled softly, an old cowboy tune he’d learned as a child, the melody something Storm recognized. The horse snorted again and pranced against the wind, his ink-black mane catching the moonlight.

He was a thing of beauty, Storm. Trey understood his restless nature. He was wild at heart, an animal that didn’t hold much trust. Trey understood that horse better than he did most people.

“He’s a free spirit.” The gentle voice came from behind.

Trey turned, noting Maddie standing in the shadows. She stepped closer, carefully, with one eye on Storm. Trey trusted her not to spook the horse. Leaning against the fence, he rested his arms on the top rail. “We understand each other.”

Maddie smiled. “I guess I know what you mean.”

Trey nodded. “I guess you do.”

Storm had pretty much settled down, his tirade all but over. He pranced a bit more, showing off his beautiful grace and agility for Maddie’s sake, Trey figured. He didn’t blame the horse for trying to impress the lady.

“Do you ride him?” Maddie ventured closer, taking up space next to him by the fence.

Trey chuckled. “He doesn’t care much for riders.”

“Have you had him long?”

“Less than a month. I went to a cattle auction, took one look at the stallion and that was that. I had to have him. His previous owner said he’ll never be all yours. It was what I liked best about him.”

What he didn’t add was Storm’s owner had practically given the horse to Trey, having had his fill of the wild, unruly stallion.

Maddie smiled then called softly to the horse. “Hey, Storm. Here, boy.” She put out her hand, reaching beyond the fence.

Much to Trey’s amazement, Storm wandered over, coming to stand before her. “Careful, he doesn’t know you.”

Maddie placed her boots on the lower rung of the fence rail and lifted up, coming eye to eye with the stallion. She reached out gingerly, smart enough not to touch the feisty animal, and the horse snorted, as if taking in her scent, each one completely aware of the other. “There, boy. You just need some attention, don’t you? All alone out here in this corral.”

Maddie’s voice, her calm demeanor, her confidence with the now sedate animal, impressed the hell out of Trey. He’d seen her work with animals before and it never ceased to amaze him. She had special qualities. Trey swallowed hard, watching her speak softly, her delicate hands reaching out in a nonthreatening way, until Storm allowed her a touch. She slid her hands slowly, carefully, but without hesitation over Storm’s mane. The stallion snorted, stomped, but didn’t back off. He allowed her a brief stroke, one time, before racing off.

Maddie smiled warmly, her heart-shaped mouth turning up with genuine affection. “He knows me now. I think I’ve made a new friend.”

Trey’s groin tightened. His mouth went bone-dry. Maddie cuddling with his wild stallion was a sight to behold. The last thing he wanted was to have lusty thoughts about Maddie Brooks. She had a gentle nature, one he couldn’t destroy. “About that talk…”

Maddie’s smile evaporated as she glanced one last time at Storm. She jumped down from the fence, but the heel of her boot caught on the fence rung just as a gust of wind blew by and she lost her balance. Trey caught her just before she tumbled, his hand brushing the swell of her breast. He wrapped her tight against him, relishing her small, delicate body against his big frame. “Whoa. The wind nearly blew you over. You okay?”

Trey forced himself to release her and step back. She stared up at him, her eyes gleaming, her face lifting up to his and that perfect mouth trembling slightly. “I’m…okay. You wanted to have a talk?”

Yeah, he needed to talk to her. He needed to lay things on the line, leaving no room for doubt that this was strictly a business arrangement. He needed to protect her from the “Walker Curse.” In the long run, she’d be better off. And so would he. Maddie wasn’t a woman to fool with. But the words that had played out in his mind a dozen times wouldn’t come. They stuck in his throat like a mouthful of dry cotton. He opened his mouth then clamped down.

His fingers still tingled from where he’d touched the soft small slope of her breasts and his body shook with powerful need. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from that lovely upturned face. He simply stared, swallowing hard, a colossal debate warring in his head. He didn’t get it—this unwelcome need he had for her. Maddie in the moonlight was a beautiful thing, but it was something else, something more powerful that drew him to her. He wanted to hold her again. To feel her softness crushed against him. The need inside him was great and all of his hard won mental rules slipped away instantly.

Maddie Brooks was the last woman on earth he should touch.

But he wanted her. Just once.

He leaned in, bending to cup the back of her head with his hand. Her silky hair fell against his palm as he gently tilted her up, toward him.

“Trey, what are you doing?” she asked, her voice a breathless whisper against his lips.

“Being a damn fool.”

Then he brushed his mouth over hers.

Two

Nothing could have shocked Maddie more. Trey pulled her up against him and brought his lips down, taking her in a dreamy kiss that belied every single fantasy she’d ever had about the elusive cowboy. Their bodies brushed intimately as Trey made his claim. Confusing and wonderful, mystifying and breathtaking thoughts rushed into Maddie’s head.

She fell into his kiss like a thirsty woman given a tall, cool drink. She imbibed heartily, kissing him back, pressing her lips against his with equal passion and desire. She’d dreamed of this too many times to count. Feeling his heat, the gentle yet commanding way he possessed her, went beyond anything Maddie might have imagined. In her heart of hearts, she’d always known Trey Walker could turn her inside out.

If he was a damn fool as he’d claimed, then Maddie was easily out of her mind.

Trey toyed with Maddie’s hair, stroking the strands and then taking a fistful. The playful tug then release triggered rippling waves of electricity to course throughout her body and a soft moan tumbled from her lips.

Trey wedged his body closer, tightening the gap, meshing fully against her as he continued to kiss her. He coaxed her lips open, and when their tongues mated she braced herself against the onslaught of his passion, the erotic joining being almost too much to bear. A completely male sound escaped his throat and Maddie too was lost.

Moonlight beamed down in soft rays, and in the background, Maddie heard Storm whinny and stomp his front legs before taking off in a fast run around the corral. The stallion had a spirit all its own. Wild and untamed and one with the land, so much like Trey Walker.

Maddie lifted her arms up grazing Trey’s shoulder, her fingers dipping into dark wavy locks of hair at the base of his neck. He smiled into her mouth, obviously pleased with her display, and slanted his mouth once again over hers, taking her in another long deep, sexy kiss.

Maddie breathed in his scent, leather and earth—so raw, so masculine, so completely Trey. He was a man’s man, a special breed and a man who knew how to please a woman. As his lips claimed hers once more, Maddie realized that she could easily fall under his spell again.

Too soon, Trey pulled away and cool Texas air replaced his body’s heat. They stood there, facing each other, eyes locked, hearts beating.

Trey blinked.

Maddie tried for a smile, but his expression wouldn’t allow it. He appeared shaken, taken completely unaware. So many expressions crossed his features that Maddie didn’t know what to think. She didn’t know what to say, either. Moments ticked by and then Trey finally broke the silence. He stood with his head bent, scratching his neck in the same spot where Maddie’s fingers had explored just seconds ago. “That was entirely my fault. A big mistake.”

Maddie crossed her arms over her middle and stood her ground. In the past, she may not have had an abundance of experience with men but she had excellent female intuition and Trey Walker wasn’t getting away with this. He’d wanted her. And he wasn’t so much of a fool not to see that she’d wanted him back. Finally, after all this time, Trey had come around. She didn’t know why exactly, because for the past year he hadn’t given her the time of day but suddenly Trey had taken notice.

What they’d shared tonight was something short of heaven. Maddie hadn’t felt anything like this before. And she wasn’t about to allow Trey to deny it. “It didn’t feel like a mistake.”

Trey’s head snapped up. “Well, it was.”

“Are you saying you didn’t want to kiss me?”

“No…I mean…yes. What I’m saying is that it shouldn’t have happened.”

“But it did, Trey. It happened.”

He sighed. “Maddie.”

Maddie took one step forward, keeping her eyes on Trey. She spoke softly. “I liked it, in case you didn’t notice.”

He swallowed, his gaze locking onto her lips. “I noticed.”

Trey Walker had turned her life upside down this past year. She needed to know how he felt inside. She needed to hear the words. She smiled and spoke softly again, taking a brief glance below his belt buckle. “And I noticed how much you liked it.”

Trey’s brows shot up. She might have shocked him.

“Okay, damn it. It was hot. Probably the hottest kiss I’ve ever…it doesn’t matter, Maddie. We’re business partners and I shouldn’t have taken such liberties. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about before Storm acted up.”

Hurt and disappointed, Maddie’s voice rose. “That was what you wanted to talk about. You and me, kissing?”

What was Trey trying to do, add insult to injury? He’d just kissed her senseless, probably ruining her for any other man, and now after he’d given her a small taste of heaven, he wanted to tuck her safely away and pretend nothing had happened. He wanted to make sure that nothing like that would ever happen again.

“Not exactly. I wanted us to sit down and have a logical, reasonable discussion about our living arrangements. I’ve never had a woman live out here with me and well, I suppose it’s a fact of nature that in a weak moment…” He paused, taking a breath of air, before continuing. “What I mean to say is that the only way this is going to work is if we keep our distance. I wanted to make sure you saw it the same way.”

With chin held high, Maddie stepped closer until she stood boot to boot with him. “You call kissing a girl until her knees buckle, keeping your distance?”

Trey focused on her mouth. “I’m taking all the blame.” And those incredible intense eyes softened. “It was a great kiss, Maddie. But wrong.”

“If you knew it was wrong then why’d you do it?”

Trey looked away. And they were immersed in silence. Only Storm’s occasional quiet snort could be heard. Patiently, Maddie waited.

Trey turned and his dark eyes pierced hers. This time she knew she’d have the truth. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time.”

Maddie’s heart lurched. She hadn’t expected to hear him admit anything of the sort. All of this time, he’d been aloof and detached, giving her no reason to hope. He’d spoken about having a weak moment, but now Maddie knew it wasn’t just that. He’d been thinking about her, just as she’d been thinking about him. “You have?”

He nodded and spoke with firm conviction. “But it isn’t right.”

“Why, Trey? Why isn’t it right?” she asked, trying to puzzle through Trey’s admission.

Trey shook his head, his expression filled with regret. He softened his tone, but his words cut straight through her heart. “Because wanting you and doing right by you are two different things. It’s best you understand that. I’m not the man for you, Maddie. I never could be.”

Trey stalked off and headed to the older barn, leaving Maddie standing there in the moonlight. He’d made a world-class mess out of things and he’d hurt Maddie in the process. Nothing about this night had turned out as he’d hoped. Why couldn’t he have left well enough alone? Why’d he have to kiss her? His body still hummed from the impact of that kiss, the soft sweet way Maddie had given herself to him. The way she told him with every movement, every little moan, that it could only get better.

That kiss blew his mind.

Trey’s well-honed control had been tested to the limit and had failed. Miserably. One petite little redhead had thrown him off-kilter. She’d made him hard. She’d made him want.

It had been a long time since Trey had taken up with a woman. He’d made a pact long ago that “temporary” involvement was all he could manage. One-night stands were even better. Not that he’d indulged lately, but he knew that sticking to his plan, especially with Maddie, would benefit everyone and hurt no one. Trey’s vow to keep his distance couldn’t be sharper or laid out more clearly because now he knew what kissing her was like; now he knew that he wasn’t immune to her wholesome charm.

Trey walked to the stall that housed one of Maddie’s patients. “Hey there, Maggie. How’re you doing, girl?”

The fair-haired dog looked up with big sad eyes. She’d been accidentally shot with a round of birdshot by Willy McGill, a young boy who’d been playing with his daddy’s gun. “Feeling any better tonight?”

Trey bent to scratch the old girl behind the ears, gently stroking her coat. “The doc fixed you up real good. You’ll be going home soon.”

Trey stood and checked on all of the other animals, making note of how well cared for they all appeared. After the fire that had claimed Maddie’s office Trey had worked like a demon to get this place ready for the animals, mucking out the stalls, cleaning them the best he could. He’d laid down blankets for the larger animals and had gathered up cages he’d had on the grounds for the smaller ones. Of the eight stalls, more than half were filled with animals on the mend.

The tack room in the back served as Maddie’s office and examining room all in one. She’d brought in what few supplies she’d salvaged, others she’d purchased including a makeshift examining table made of heavy aluminum. She had all that she needed to start up her practice again.

Trey shouldn’t lose sight of that. He shouldn’t forget the good Maddie coming to 2 Hope Ranch would serve. The animals needed her expert care. The deal he and Maddie had made insured the animals would receive it.

In the year since Doc Benning had left Hope Wells, Maddie’s practice had grown. She’d gained a reputation as a compassionate, intelligent veterinarian who loved all animals, seeming to have special talents communicating with them. She’d been young, coming straight out of college, but it hadn’t taken her long to earn the town’s trust. And for the time being, she’d be working here, treating the animals.

And living with him.

Trey would just learn to adjust.

Maddie entered the kitchen through the back door and glanced at the coffee cups that had been left on the table. All of this had started by Storm’s sudden outburst. The stallion had interrupted what would have been Trey’s attempt at setting up their “business” arrangement. What he’d really wanted to do was lay down the rules. Rules, according to Trey Walker, not to be compromised or challenged. Rules that left no doubt in Maddie’s mind that the cowboy simply was not interested.

She cleared the coffee cups from the table and loaded them in the dishwasher. Then she refilled the sugar bowl and creamer and put them away, straightening up the kitchen the best she could, keeping her vow to pitch in and share in fifty percent of the daily chores. She owed Trey that much. He’d been kind and generous, coming to her aid when she’d needed help the most.

Her mind still raced at one hundred miles per hour. She doubted she’d be able to concentrate on one single thing tonight, other than Trey’s incredible kiss. Maddie would never forget that earth-moving, heart-stopping experience, but it seemed that for Trey, it hadn’t been enough. It hadn’t been what he wanted. Maddie would have to respect his wishes. She was here at 2 Hope living off his hospitality, with a roof over her head and, more importantly, a place to treat the animals.

That mattered to her above all else.

With the kitchen clean, Maddie headed for her bedroom, taking one last peek out the window. Storm pranced and snorted, making his way around the perimeter of the corral, his shiny, sleek mane catching starlight.

“He’ll never be all yours,” Trey had been told.

How well Maddie understood that. The stallion’s instinct, his spirit, the very heart of the animal, wouldn’t allow it. Stallions could be trained, but they could never be fully trusted. Just when you believed them tame, their wild side would emerge, creating havoc and fear. An untamed spirit exposed their true temperament—one that thrived solely on strength, independence and freedom. Storm belonged to no one but himself.

And Maddie realized now what Trey had seen in Storm.

He’d seen himself.

Maddie woke early the next morning after a restless night. She’d never been one for change, and sleeping in a strange bed in someone else’s home hadn’t been as easy as she’d hoped. She missed her small apartment in town. She missed her things. Unfortunately most everything she owned had gone up in smoke. She had few worldly possessions now—not the fancy rhinestone hairclip that had seen her through her teen years, not her favorite pair of worked-in jogging shoes or her tattered but extremely cozy chenille bathrobe. She’d loved to surround herself with books and they’d come in all varieties from pleasure reading to heavy-duty research books. To her sad chagrin, she realized she missed her old college books, too, even the ones she knew she’d never use again.

Instinctively Maddie fingered the silver charm around her neck. She still had Aphrodite. The precious heirloom brought her a good measure of comfort and Maddie’s cheerless mood instantly changed. She had plenty to be thankful for.

She glanced around the large bedroom that would now be her home. There was space enough to move around in this room. She’d slept in a good-size bed, a thick hand-quilted comforter keeping her warm throughout the night. Her meager belongings were housed in a lovely carved oak armoire that stood against the opposing wall. The armoire’s intricate workmanship spoke of decades past giving this room a sense of history, but it was the fresh flowers placed in a cut glass vase on top of the armoire that tugged at Maddie’s heart the most.

Trey must have put them there sometime yesterday as a gesture of welcome. He must have known how hard this was for her, coming to live at 2 Hope Ranch, invading his territory so to speak, while attempting to start up her life again.

In so many ways, Trey Walker was a mystery to her—an unreadable man who rarely let his guard down, who rarely allowed anyone inside. He’d given her a taste of that last night by pulling her into a deep passionate kiss, then closing up tight, not allowing her even a glimpse of his true feelings. He’d pushed her away. She’d gotten the message. She’d have to forget the wonderful kiss they’d shared and the way it felt to be tucked into Trey’s strong embrace. She’d have to put him out of her mind and try to establish a cordial, but businesslike relationship with him from now on.

Sunlight beamed in bright and warm through the shuttered window, and Maddie was reminded that she had better get a move on. Today would be her first official day on the job since the fire. She had to set up her office and see to the animals. She couldn’t wait to get started. Maddie tossed off the covers, donned her robe and headed straight for the bathroom. With thoughts of a refreshing shower, Maddie pushed open the door and stopped dead in her tracks.

Shirtless, Trey stood facing the mirror with razor in hand, the unshaven half of his face still lathered up with white foam. Fresh lime permeated the air, the soapy clean scent appealing to all of her female senses. “Oh, sorry.”

Trey glanced her way for one second then faced the mirror again, taking a swipe at his beard and examining his progress. “Nothing to be sorry for. I should’ve been up and out early this morning. Would have been if the pipe hadn’t busted in the other bathroom. Now, it looks like we’ll be sharing this one until I get the plumbing fixed.”

“Oh,” Maddie said numbly. When she’d made this bargain with Trey he’d offered her this bathroom, closest to the bedrooms, while he had opted to use the one nearest the kitchen during her stay. “I hope it isn’t too serious.”

But as she looked at him, Maddie knew it was serious. She fought to direct her gaze away from the wide expanse of Trey’s solid chest. She struggled to seriously adjust her focus from the tiny hairs curling around his nipples, leading down his torso in a narrow path that flowed into a tight pair of unbuttoned jeans. Tall, tanned, muscular and about as sexy as a man could get, Trey seriously took her breath away.

“Don’t know. My uncle Monty’s the expert. He can fix just about anything.” Trey took another swipe at his beard then rinsed the razor in the sink. “I gave him a call, but he can’t get out here until next week.” He stopped shaving to turn to her. “If it’s a problem, I’ll call in a plumber today.”

Struck by the full force of Trey’s appeal, Maddie tried for nonchalance. After all, he’d set down the rules last night. Maddie would learn to ignore Trey Walker, even if it killed her. She shrugged. “Not a problem at all. I’ll shower later.”

The last thing she wanted was to be a burden. Or cost Trey any money. She knew from their deal that Trey wasn’t in good financial shape right now and hiring a plumber could get expensive. If need be, she’d share the bathroom but she’d make darn sure not to barge in on him again.

Maddie turned to leave, but Trey stopped her. “Maddie?”

She looked up. “Yes?”

Trey leaned both hands on the tiled counter and bent his head, staring into the sink. Half-shaven, half-naked and more tempting than Maddie wanted to admit, he spoke softly, “About last night—”

With a tilt of her head, Maddie finished his thought. “It was a mistake.”

His head snapped up and his dark eyes studied her for a moment. “Right.”

“And it’ll never happen again.”

He hesitated. “Right.”

“Anything else?” She asked on tiptoes, ready to turn and make a quick retreat.

Trey glanced at her lips then let out a breath. “Just that I think it’s best that we move forward and forget about—”

“Already done, Trey. It’s forgotten.”

“That easy?”

The question seemed to have slipped from his tongue and if he could have pulled the words back, Maddie was certain he would have.

She lifted her lips in a quick smile. “Easy as peach pie,” she said and headed back to her bedroom.

She heard the shower door open then close, the sound of water raining down. Maddie couldn’t block out the image of one naked cowboy soaping up in a hot steamy shower.

Heart pounding, she shut her bedroom door then leaned heavily against it, closing her eyes. “Easy as peach pie,” she repeated on a whisper. “Maddie Brooks, you are such a terrible liar.”

Three

“It’s Dr. Maddie! Mommy, Dr. Maddie is here!”

Annabelle Portman raced straight into Maddie’s legs as she stepped down from her truck. The four-year-old clung on and hugged tight.

Maddie patted Annabelle’s head. “Hey there, sweetie. How’s my favorite helper?”

Annabelle beamed. “I groomed-ed Dumpling, and Mommy said I did a good job.” And then the child’s expression fell. “But now her leg is broke. Mommy said you can fix her.”

Maddie bent down to the child’s level, looking her straight in the eyes. “I’m going to do the best I can, Annabelle. Dumpling’s a healthy horse and she probably just pulled up lame.”

“That’s what I think, Maddie. At least it’s what I’m hoping,” Caroline Portman said as she approached the truck.

Maddie straightened and smiled at her good friend. She and Caroline had met on the first day Maddie arrived in Hope Wells. They’d nearly collided on the main street in town, their cars missing each other by mere inches and both women had instantly realized how lucky they’d been, not winding up in a hospital that day. They’d gone to lunch after that and had been close friends ever since.

“Hi,” Maddie said, wrapping her arms around Caroline in a warm embrace. “It’s good to see you.”

And Maddie meant it with her whole heart. There weren’t too many constants in Maddie’s life right now, with the fire, losing nearly everything she owned, then coming to live with Trey, a man who would surely cause her more than one sleepless night. A visit with a good friend was just what Maddie needed today.

“It’s great to see you, too. I’ve been planning on having you out for dinner, but dear sweet Dumpling beat me to it. She’s in the barn and I’ve got her iced, using one of my old pant legs sewn up, just like you said. The ice pack seems to be working fine.”

Annabelle giggled. “Dumpling looks funny wearing Mommy’s pants.”

“I bet she does,” Maddie agreed with a grin, “but it’s the best way to make her leg feel better.”

“I’m hoping it’s a sprain. It seemed warm to the touch,” Caroline responded.

“Did she flinch when you applied pressure?” Maddie asked.

Caroline nodded. “And she gave me a sour look to boot.”

Maddie reached for Annabelle’s hand. “Well then, let’s go take a look.”

As they headed for the barn, Caroline said, “I wasn’t sure you’d be ready for business yet. How are things at 2 Hope?”

“I set up my office this morning.” She explained with a wry smile, “Of course, that took all of ten minutes, since I’m pretty much starting from scratch. There isn’t too much going into my file cabinet just yet. But I’ve got a barn full of animals that need my attention.”

With a tilt of her head, Caroline asked, “And are they the only ones getting your attention?”

Maddie knew what her friend hinted at. She’d shared with Caroline a little of her previous fascination with Trey. She couldn’t blame Caroline for her curiosity and she wondered if small-town tongues were wagging over the situation. After all, she’d moved in with Trey Walker, the most eligible bachelor in three counties. “I hate to disappoint, but there’s not much happening there.”

“Hmmm. We’ll have lunch after you take a look at Dumpling and you can tell me all about it.”

An hour later, Maddie sat in the Portman kitchen relieved that Dumpling hadn’t broken any bones. “Dumpling should be fine in a few days. Just use the heating liniment I gave you. Massage it in really good and it’ll improve her circulation.”

“I’m glad it wasn’t more serious,” Caroline said, setting two plates of fried chicken salad down on the table. “And thanks for including Annabelle. Letting her help out makes her feel kind of special. And Lord knows that child needs to feel special, after her father up and left us both last year.”

“Yeah, that’s got to be hard on her. Do you ever hear from Gil?”

Caroline glanced out the kitchen window, watching her daughter skip rope. She twisted her mouth and lowered her voice. “He calls to speak with Annabelle every month or so but he hasn’t seen her since he left. Guess I wasn’t such a good judge of character, was I?”

“It wasn’t your fault, Caroline.”

Caroline set the napkins and utensils down along with two glasses of iced tea then took a seat to face Maddie. “I think it was. He wasn’t ready to settle down. And maybe I pushed him a little too hard.”

“He’s a grown man, responsible for his own actions. You can’t deny that. A real man should know what’s in his own heart. He shouldn’t play games.”

She laughed and cast Maddie a direct look. “Are we still speaking about Gil?”

Maddie blushed. “Maybe.” She smiled as she sipped her tea. “Maybe not.”

Caroline leaned in, bracing her elbows on the table. “You know I’m dying of curiosity. What’s it like living with Trey?”

“I’ve only been there one night.”

“Sometimes, that’s all it takes,” her friend said with a twinkle in her blue eyes.

Maddie gulped down. At times, it seemed Caroline could read her mind. Or maybe she was capable of reading Maddie’s guilty expression. She really wasn’t good at hiding things. “Okay, something happened last night, but it’s not worth talking about.”

“Let me decide what’s not worth talking about. I’m knee deep in Talking Elmo and Candyland. I love my daughter dearly, but a girl’s got to have an adult conversation once in a while. So, what happened?”

“He kissed me,” Maddie confessed.

Caroline’s blond brows drew up. “Already? I thought that might take a week or two.”

“A week or two? Are you serious? It was the last thing in the world I ever expected from Trey Walker. It really threw me. He admitted that he’d wanted to kiss me for a long time, but after he did, well, he backed way off. He says it was a big mistake and that we need to keep things strictly business.”

“Really? Doesn’t sound that way to me. Unless…the kiss wasn’t any good.”

Heat crawled up Maddie’s neck. She’d been thinking about that kiss all morning. “Oh, it was good.”

“How good?”

“Better than cool summer rain. Better than hot chocolate by the fire. Better than…anything,” Maddie admitted on a whisper. Then she straightened in her seat and said with certainty, “But it’s over and done with. We’ve come to an understanding.”

“For as long as that lasts. I’ve known Trey a long time, Maddie, and if he kissed you, he’s interested. That man isn’t into playing games. He’s about as serious as they come. He doesn’t let women get too close, but then, he’s probably never met anyone quite like you before.”

“Yeah, the wholesome girl-next-door.”

“Correction, the girl-in-the-next-bedroom. Be careful, honey. You’re probably scaring the stuffing out of him. I wouldn’t want to see you with a broken heart.”

“That’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m being very careful.”

With a sunburst of orange gold setting low on the horizon, Maddie pulled up to the barn at 2 Hope and parked the truck. After her lunch with Caroline, she’d spent the rest of the afternoon making house calls to neighboring ranches, checking on her more recent cases and making sure everyone knew how to reach her in the event of an emergency. She’d given out her cell phone number, making certain to always have her phone on hand now. Also, Trey had given her permission to use his house number if necessary. The barn hadn’t a phone line and both had decided that it wasn’t worth the expense to install one, since Maddie’s stay here was temporary.

Maddie hopped down from the truck and slammed the door shut, glad to have had a successful day. She felt much better about her situation now, confident that everything would work out. She should be hearing soon about the insurance claim she filed and hopefully the money would come through for her to rebuild her office in town. With that thought in mind, she headed quickly toward the barn door, anxious to check on Maggie and the other animals one last time before she closed up for the night.

As she rounded the corner of the barn, she collided right smack into Trey. The impact took her completely by surprise. He knocked her off balance and she rocketed backward, sprawling onto the ground. Her head hit a small mound of straw, a slight cushion against the solid packed dirt underneath.

Stung by embarrassment, Maddie tried to lift her head, hoping to make a quick getaway, but Trey was immediately by her side, gently pressing her head back down. “Don’t try to get up,” he said with quiet authority, bending on one knee. “Lie still a minute and let me see if you’ve got a bump.”

With nimble fingers, Trey worked his way through her hair, searching her head. She closed her eyes, both mortified at this awkward position and fascinated by the soft gentle way he moved his hands through her hair. “I’m sorry, Maddie. I didn’t see you coming.”

She opened her eyes and stared at him. She saw so much in those deep dark eyes—emotions that he held back, concern that he’d tried to hide as he continued to probe for injuries. “I thought I was the doctor here,” she said, trying for humor.

Trey sighed, shaking his head.

“I’m fine, Trey. Really. My mama used to say I’d be two days early for my own wedding, ’cause I’m always on the go, always rushing around. I’ve got to learn to slow down.”

“And I’ve got to pay more attention.”

Trey paid attention then, perusing her body, his gaze traveling slowly over her, lingering in places that made Maddie’s heart race. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Just my pride. You pack a wallop, Trey Walker.”

Trey grinned then, a sudden quick beautiful smile that left Maddie wanting more. “So I’ve been told. But I usually don’t knock over petite females. Especially, not when I’ve come searching to ask a favor.”

Maddie lifted up then, but none too quickly. Trey had a hand on her shoulder, guiding her up to a sitting position at a slow pace. “A favor?”

“Yep,” he said, standing and then lending a hand to help her up. Maddie wasn’t too prideful to accept his help. She still felt a little shaky, her head swimming from the fall. Trey held her firm, making sure she felt secure on both legs, before releasing her hand. “I found a young heifer on the south pasture tangled up in barbed wire. I released her the best I could but there’s a deep wound. It’ll wait. You’re in no shape to work right now. I’ll go back and check on her later.”

“I’ll be fine in a minute,” Maddie said, as a wave of dizziness struck. Her legs nearly buckled then and Trey grabbed for her.

“Whoa,” he said, holding her steady. Then in a quick move, Trey lifted her up into his arms.

“What are you doing?” she asked, hazy from the fall, but even more hazy from being in Trey’s strong arms once again. That heady mix of leather and earth wafted down to her, the scent being Trey’s alone. She felt safe and secure and silly all at the same time.

“Making sure you sit down and rest.” He carried her to the front porch and planted her gently into a wicker love seat that had seen better days. A fleeting thought crossed Maddie’s mind that the bench seat could use a woman’s touch, some soft material and a bit of lace. She thought the same of Trey—he too could use a woman’s touch. Although he held her with such care, such tenderness, he was a hard man who thrived on his solitude. She envied the woman who might eventually soften him.

To her surprise, Trey took the seat next to her. His long legs spread out, he leaned back with his arm resting on the back of the love seat. A minute passed in silence, then he faced her. “I’m not used to having a woman around here, Maddie. It’ll take some getting used to. I might’ve guessed you’d be around the barn, but I barreled around it like—”

“Like you owned the place,” Maddie said with a smile.

Trey laughed, his dark eyes gleaming through fading sunlight. “Well, yeah.”

“No need to apologize, Trey. It was an accident.”

“How’s the head now?” he asked, his gaze locked onto hers.

“Better,” she said truthfully. “I’m not dizzy anymore.”

“That’s good,” he said and leaned in, his gaze studying her face, but his focus moved down to her mouth and lingered. Maddie’s heart pumped in double time. She thought he meant to kiss her and, fool that she was, she wanted that, too. The anticipation nearly killing her, she held her breath and waited. Trey came closer and reached up, his hand going into her hair.

A rush of heat coursed through her body.

Trey pulled a strand of straw from her head.

He stared at it. “Looks like I drew the short straw, Maddie.”

“Does that mean you lose?”

Trey glanced at her mouth one last time. He nodded and stood to leave. “Yeah, it means I lose.”

Maddie Brooks was the damnedest, most stubborn woman Trey had come across in years. Not one hour after he’d nearly squashed the tiny woman like a bug, she’d insisted on seeing to that wounded heifer. With him or without him, she’d threatened, she was heading for the south pasture.

With him, he’d decided without question. The sun had set and the road wasn’t easy to navigate. They drove in his Chevy truck over rough terrain, Trey taking cursory glances at Maddie, making certain she was up to the bumpy drive. One thing he noticed about the redhead, she was determined and no amount of dissuading on his part would work. He worried each time she lifted a hand to her head, if even to brush hair from her face.

He recalled probing for bumps earlier, the soft silky strands of red ginger flowing through his hands. The sensation had wrapped around him, and he found himself wanting again.

He’d wanted to kiss her. He’d wanted to lift her up into his arms and instead of depositing her in that love seat, he’d wanted to see how she looked out of her blue jeans and tiny T-shirt, lying on his bed. To see those soft silky strands of hair flow over his pillow.

But Trey had drawn the short straw when it came to women like Maddie Brooks, and what she didn’t know was that if he acted on his impulses both of them would come out the loser. Trey wouldn’t forget that.

“Are we close?” she asked, her eyes probing through the darkness for signs of the injured animal.

He pulled to a stop and searched the area where the barbed-wire fence needed repair. “It’s right here,” he said, getting out of the truck and coming around to the passenger door to help Maddie down. She handed him her medical bag and then jumped down unaided.

Stubborn.

Trey held a butane lamp and guided Maddie to where the heifer lay wounded in the ground.

“Hey there, little one,” Maddie said softly as she bent to see the extent of the injury. Trey sat down cross-legged and placed the Hereford’s head in his lap while Maddie opened her medical bag. “Looks like you have a deep gash here.” She stroked the heifer’s withers softly as seconds became minutes. Under Maddie’s patient loving touch, the frightened animal soon relaxed, and Trey sensed a bond of trust developing, as crazy as that might seem.

Maddie glanced up at Trey. “Most of the time the cuts heal on their own, but this is a three-corner tear and needs clipping or it won’t heal properly.”

Trey watched as Maddie worked diligently, cutting away the flap of skin hanging as well as the surrounding hairs. She cleaned the area with a solution and applied an antiseptic with tender care. “There now,” she said, finishing up. “We need to keep the wound clean and dry. The antiseptic is a fly repellent as well, but I’d feel better keeping an eye on her for at least a week. Do you think we can get her into the back of the truck?”

Trey nodded. “Let me get a blanket and lay it down in the bed.”

Maddie stayed with the animal, soothing her with kind words and stroking her head while Trey prepared the bed of his truck. When he returned, he found the heifer standing upright, nudging her nose into Maddie’s leg. He chuckled. “How did you do that?”

“Do what?” she replied with an innocent expression.

“I didn’t think she’d be able to stand. I couldn’t get her up when I found her out here earlier.”

“Oh, she and I have come to an understanding,” Maddie said with a smile. She moved toward the back of the truck and the wounded heifer followed. Maddie climbed up first and Trey had no trouble, heavy as the heifer was, lifting her up and placing her inside the bed. She immediately walked to Maddie’s side and lied down next to her on the blanket.

Trey shook his head and closed the tailgate. “Damn amazing.”

He drove slowly back to the ranch, trying to avoid as many ditches and bumps as possible, for Maddie’s sake. He still hadn’t gotten over knocking her down and almost out. Trey had never hurt a woman in his life. Not physically, anyway.

But he’d hurt one or two emotionally and he was dead set against allowing that to ever happen again. He’d been engaged once, and they’d almost married, which would have been a bigger mistake. But then Trey had been ten years younger, less experienced and a bit naive regarding the “Walker Curse.” He’d let everyone close convince him marriage was what he’d wanted. What had ensued afterward had been a disaster. He’d hurt his fiancée and nearly alienated everyone he cared about in the process.

Trey glanced through the back window of the cab noting Maddie sitting with head bent, speaking to the heifer. “Damn amazing woman,” he said, with a shake of his head.

Amazing with animals.

Amazing to look at.

Amazing to touch.

Lord only knew what other amazing things Maddie could do.

And then his father’s dying words rushed into his head in haunting fashion. “Don’t make the same mistakes I made, son.”

Trey was immediately reminded of his solemn vow to steer clear and keep their arrangement strictly business.

And no matter how amazing he found Maddie to be, Trey would honor that vow.

Four

Maddie immersed herself in her work, having little time to do much else but fall into bed at night. She’d been on the ranch for five solid days now and things were finally settling into a routine. She and Trey had a polite, but distant relationship. She believed Trey admired her talent as a competent veterinarian, and she knew him to be an expert rancher. They had mutual respect for one another, but they made sure not to let things get too personal. Over their brief dinners at night, they’d speak about their work, his livestock and her cases, the weather, the newest reality show. But they shied away from any private subjects.

Trey employed four ranch hands, all of whom lived off the ranch with their own families. On occasion, the foreman named Kit would stay to fix supper and chew the fat with his boss. Maddie had come to know Kit Carver from her visits to 2 Hope in the past and considered him more friend than acquaintance now.

But tonight Trey and his foreman had taken off after the evening meal. Maddie had offered to clean the kitchen, and now she found herself alone, enveloped in the silence of this big sprawling house. Most nights she found solace in the quiet, but tonight she wandered around in restless disarray, not quite ready to turn in, not quite sure what she wanted to do.

When Maddie heard Storm causing a ruckus outside, she decided to investigate. She exited the back door and headed to the corral.

Storm kicked up a big fuss. The stallion rounded the corral’s perimeter at breakneck speed, snorting, his breaths loud and labored. When he caught sight of Maddie approaching the fence—his fence—he stopped up short and stared at her.

“Hey Storm,” she called out. “Are you restless, too?”

Storm continued to stare at her, edging up closer to the fence one careful step at a time. Maddie too edged closer, keeping her eyes trained on Storm. “Don’t be afraid.”

Storm came closer still, until he stood three feet from the fence. “Thata, boy.”

Maddie hummed a slow easy tune, the melody catchy enough to gain the stallion’s attention. She knew better than to force the situation. She stood her ground, not daring to move any further. Patience worked hand in hand with trust.

Low lying clouds and dim moonlight cast Storm in ominous shadows making the noble horse seem somewhat sinister, but Maddie knew that not to be the case at all. Storm wasn’t what she’d call tame, but he had a good heart. He was prideful and intelligent and in time he would come around. “I know you,” she said softly. “You think you’re fooling me, but I know you.”

Maddie headed back to the kitchen and grabbed a handful of sugar cubes. It was the oldest trick in the book, but the method was tried and true, working successfully for years. It wasn’t so much a treat she was offering, but a way to gain Storm’s trust.

She set the cubes on top of the fence post, leaving Storm to wonder what she had done. “See you tomorrow, boy.”

After entering the kitchen, Maddie stood by the window and waited. She stared at the obstinate horse for fifteen minutes, until finally, he approached the fence post and licked it clean.

“Thata boy,” she whispered and Maddie knew she had a challenge on her hands.

She might not be able to get through to Trey Walker, but Storm was a different matter. Determined now, Maddie made herself a promise not to give up on the feisty stallion.

One way or another, she would gain Storm’s trust.

Trey entered the house by the back door, Kit having dropped him off minutes ago. They’d gone into town tonight to have a few beers and listen to honky-tonk music at Tie-One-On, the local bar. Recently married, Kit missed his wife, who was visiting her relatives in Houston. He’d needed a diversion, a way to pass the time, so the two had headed into town.

They’d sat at the bar having drinks, Kit fending off the advances made by hopeful females. Trey envied Kit’s commitment to his wife. He envied the man his future, one filled with the love of a good woman and the promise of a family. Those things seemed so far out of Trey’s reach that he’d put them completely out of his mind. He resigned himself to his life at 2 Hope, having been happy for most of his time here. That is, until one perky redhead came to live with him.

Tie-One-On was a place to help a man forget, a place to loosen up and have a good time. Half a dozen women had approached Trey. He’d danced with a few, held them in his arms, but his mind kept going back to Maddie. Thoughts of her filled his head and he found himself sitting at the bar with his friend, amid a crowd of fun-loving people, feeling lonelier than he could ever remember.

Trey grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and headed to the parlor. He plopped down on the sofa, kicked up his boots on the table and clicked on the television set. He finally settled in when he found an old John Wayne movie.

The scent of raspberries drifted by and as he turned his head around, he saw Maddie making an about face. “Maddie?”

“Oh, hi,” she said, tightening her white robe around her. “I didn’t know you were out here. Don’t let me disturb you.”

“Can’t sleep?”

“Not really. Guess I’m a little restless tonight.”

Trey studied her appearance. Her face was washed clean of the little makeup she wore, her hair fell in waves around her shoulders as if she’d just brushed through it and her bright green eyes held a certain shyness. Of all the women Trey had spoken with tonight, of all the women he’d danced with and had briefly considered going home with, only Maddie Brooks appealed to him.

Both of them were restless tonight.

Both needed companionship.

He knew better than to ask, but he asked anyway. “Do you like John Wayne?”

Maddie smiled. “Love him.”

Trey patted the sofa next to him. “Pull up a seat.”

A short while later after sharing a movie, a bowl of popcorn and a few lingering looks, Trey stretched out and continued to listen to Maddie’s soft, soothing voice. “And so after my folks passed, my Grandma Mae and I moved to this little apartment in the heart of New York City. I knew immediately that I wouldn’t do well in a big city. I needed space and freedom and animals. For one, you don’t see too many animals in New York, unless you go to the zoo.”

“So you knew early on that you wanted to work with animals?”

With a subtle tilt of her head, Maddie responded, “I know this sounds corny, but it wasn’t so much what I knew inside. I was drawn to it, like a magnetic pull. I know what it means now when people say that they met their life’s calling. Being a veterinarian was my calling. It’s as if I had no choice in the matter.” She smiled softly. “Does that make any sense?”

“More than you know,” he agreed. Trey knew there were greater forces out there, working either for or against you. At this very moment there were forces working against him ever being with Maddie. It was something Trey just plain understood. “Sometimes, choices are taken from you.” He scrubbed his jaw a moment. “It worked out for you, though. You’re doing exactly what you were meant to do.”

“And what about you, Trey? Are you doing what you’re meant to do?”

Trey shrugged. “Ranching’s in my blood, I suppose—2 Hope has been around a long, long time. We’ve had some rough patches, but we’re hanging on.”

“I’d love to know how 2 Hope got its name,” she said. “Or is that one of the stories not fit for polite company?”

Maddie wiggled closer on the sofa, her robe parting slightly. Trey caught a glimpse of thin silky pajamas underneath. Her exposed skin shone like polished porcelain and that necklace she wore caught his eye. The damn thing dangled right smack in between her breasts.

Trey drew in oxygen and glanced back up to her face. He wasn’t immune to her wholesome charm, not in the least. He figured he was better off looking into pretty green eyes than lusting over soft creamy skin.

“Now that’s a story I can tell you,” he said. “Legend has it that my great-great-granddaddy was down on his luck when he arrived in Hope Wells. Didn’t take him long to figure out what he wanted. A ranch and my great-great-grandmother. Only problem was, my grandmother was Rachel Hope, the daughter of the richest man in town. And Will Walker didn’t have two nickels to rub together. But he found a way. He won the ranch in a poker game and shortly after,” Trey said, with a smile he couldn’t hide, “he won Rachel. Seems my grandfather’s opponent in that famous poker game had drawn a full house. He made no bones about it. He’d told everyone what he held in his hand. Poor old Will thought he was done for, all he had was a pair of two’s. Was too much to hope for—another pair of two’s, but dang it all, if he didn’t draw them. He won the hand with four of a kind—four two’s.”

Maddie smiled, a distant winsome expression on her face. “Two Hope. That’s a lovely story, Trey. It must be nice knowing about your ancestors. You have such a deep foundation here, a sense of belonging.”

“When things get rough around here, and I think I’m ready to chuck it all, I recall the way the ranch got started.”

“That’s admirable, Trey.”

“There’s nothing admirable about it.”

“What do you mean?”

Trey shook his head. He hadn’t meant to blurt that out, yet he felt he didn’t deserve her compliment. He wasn’t that noble. Lately he’d been feeling resentful—hating the traits he’d inherited that made him lack a sense of commitment. If Maddie only knew how many times he’d been tempted to sell off the ranch, to rid himself of the headaches and make a fresh start somewhere. If she only knew how much he’d wanted to be more solid, more stable. He’d messed up enough in one lifetime. He had bad genes to thank for that. His father, and his father before him, hadn’t set the best example. Neither of those men were anything like Will Walker. Will had had staying power. Will Walker had had the guts to see things through.

“Nothing. Forget it, Maddie.”

“But—”

Loud howling coming from the barn interrupted Maddie’s thoughts. She stopped speaking to listen. “Sounds like Maggie and Toby.”

Trey sat upright and listened carefully to the dogs’ barking. “Something’s got them upset. I’d best go check.”

Maddie rose quickly. “I’m coming, too.”

They raced outside toward the barn, Trey searching the area with sharp probing eyes. He wished he’d thought to grab his rifle as he yanked the barn door open. The dogs’ barking simmered some. Maddie swooped down next to Toby, the black and white border collie she’d been nursing from a car accident.

“Oh no. Toby’s ripped open his stitches. He’s bleeding, Trey.”

“What can I do?”

“Stay with him while I get the supplies I need.”

Maddie rose but Trey grabbed her arm. “Be careful. It might have been a coyote scratching to get inside. He’s probably long gone by now, but I’m not sure.”

“I’ll be careful.”

Trey stood and watched Maddie enter her office space, keeping a vigilant eye out for whatever culprit caused the animals to get into such a ruckus. He only relaxed when he saw her running back toward him, her arms filled with the supplies she needed.

“Okay, Toby,” she said softly to the injured collie. “Looks like you’re not going home tomorrow, after all.”

An hour later, Trey escorted an exhausted Maddie to her bedroom door. Together, they’d worked on Toby, Trey holding the dog while Maddie administered to the freshly opened wound. Maddie wouldn’t leave until the dog finally calmed and had fallen back asleep.

“Hazards of the barn,” Trey offered by way of apology. “We get all sorts of wild animals out here.”

Maddie shrugged. “I think Toby will heal just fine. And using the barn to practice is a far cry better than having no place at all.”

“True enough,” Trey said. “But maybe we should change the name from 2 Hope to Last Chance Ranch.”

“After that wonderful story you told me, don’t you dare.” Maddie reached for Trey’s arm, her subtle touch searing his skin under his shirt. She’d shed her bathrobe in the barn, and both had been too caught up with their task to notice, but now, Trey noticed. The soft silky tank top left little to the imagination; her perfect breasts stretched the material in ways that made his mouth go dry. And her cotton drawers, decorated with blue and white clouds, hugged her hips below her navel, accentuating her delicate curves. “I really do appreciate being able to practice here, Trey. I know it isn’t the perfect situation, but I’m grateful for everything. Including your help tonight.”

Trey wasn’t sure who’d received the most benefit tonight. His evening had livened up the moment Maddie had entered the parlor. He’d been unsettled and lonely and as soon as he’d seen Maddie, everything had changed. In truth, Trey couldn’t remember having a more satisfying and enjoyable evening.

“I’m glad to help out.”

“Thank you,” she said, staring into his eyes.

He stared back, captivated by this pretty, petite woman. She was warm and kind and sweet, and Trey realized he wanted more than a bed partner in Maddie, he wanted to be her friend.

He bent down and touched his lips to hers softly. “Good night, Dr. Maddie.”

“Good night, Trey,” she whispered, leaning her head against the door.

Trey backed up quickly, and turned away from the longing he witnessed in her eyes, the surprised smile on her face. He turned away from the tempting woman, turning away from every single instinct calling him back.

“Damn it all, Uncle Monty.”

Trey cursed so darn loud, Maddie nearly spilled her morning coffee. She sat in the kitchen, reading the newspaper, trying to fully awaken after getting in so late last night. It had been worth the lack of sleep, spending one of the best evenings of her life. With Trey. And then, contrary to what he’d preached, he’d kissed her again.

The kiss seemed different this time, less passionate, but somehow more intimate. As if they’d somehow created a bond. Maddie knew Trey wasn’t playing with her heart. The way he’d kissed her had been innocent and spontaneous, as unplanned as Texas heat, making it all the more special.

“Turn the water off, Uncle Monty.” She heard him shout from the bathroom, clearly irritated.

Her curiosity heightened, Maddie headed into the smaller bathroom where all the noise was coming from. She found Trey facing a broken out wall, holding together a galvanized pipe with both hands, trying to keep the leak from sprouting again. “Off,” he shouted out the window.

Maddie giggled.

Trey turned in surprise, releasing his hands slightly.

Water rained out, spurting him in the face and shoulders. Within seconds, Trey Walker was drenched, the leaky pipe gushing out until finally and apparently, his Uncle Monty had turned the water off.

Trey’s hair hung in wet clumps around his head. Water plastered his T-shirt to his chest and the top half of his blue jeans were saturated.

Maddie couldn’t hold back any longer. She laughed heartily at the sight of Trey looking like a soaked scruffy pup. “Having trouble?” she asked, with a grin.

“You might say that,” Trey growled. “My uncle doesn’t seem to know the difference between ‘on’ and ‘off’ and why the heck are you laughing?”

Maddie turned to the cabinet to get Trey a towel. “Because you look like—”

But when Maddie turned back around, she found Trey removing his T-shirt, the material stretching over his smooth wet skin in one quick movement. He tossed the shirt into the bathtub and ran a hand through his hair, slicking back the dark strands until he looked better than a GQ model in blue jeans.

Maddie swallowed, trying to keep her expression from faltering. She’d seen Trey shirtless before and admittedly it had been glorious, but he hadn’t been wet, with droplets falling from his hair onto his shoulders, with water licking at the scattering of hairs on his chest until a puddle developed in his navel.

Goodness. Maddie was certain there wasn’t a more appealing man on the face of the earth.

“Like what?” he asked, his growl simmering, a curious expression taking over.

Maddie balled up the towel and approached him. “Like a mangy old mutt I once treated,” she fibbed, holding her breath as she dabbed at his powerfully built, solid chest.

He stared at her, his voice holding a hint of disbelief. “An old mutt?”

She nodded, continuing to dab at him. “Uh-huh. Poor thing had fallen into the river.”

Maddie couldn’t bear it another second. Touching Trey this intimately had just about done her in. She’d held up well, she thought, considering that she was mere minutes from jumping the man’s bones. “All finished,” she said, thrusting the towel into his arms. She took a step to back away but Trey let the towel drop to the ground and grabbed her wrists, tugging her gently closer.

He grinned mischievously, “Not quite.”

Before Maddie knew what had happened, Trey reached down into the rain bucket used to catch the leak, and splashed her with handful after handful of water. “Trey!”

Maddie backed away and stared down at her clothes, which were fully and completely drenched.

This time, he laughed. “The mangy mutt wanted a companion.” Then he came closer, grabbing a dry towel. “Here,” he said, approaching her. “Fair is fair.” He dabbed at her face, taking care to dry her cheeks, mouth and chin. Then he sent a searing look down past her shoulders. “If you toss off your blouse, I’ll do your chest,” he offered softly. “Just like you did mine.”

Fleeting forbidden thoughts of Trey patting her naked body dry flashed in her head and she realized she’d never had a better offer in her life. She grabbed the towel out of his hands, “Not a chance, cowboy.”

Trey threw his head back and laughed even more, stepping back and away from her.

“Well, what have we here?” Monty Walker asked, catching the two of them red-handed. Guilt washed over Maddie in waves. She glanced at the floor. “Hi there, Monty.”

Trey still had laughter in his voice when he volunteered, “Maddie was teaching me the finer points of plumbing.”

Monty glanced from Trey to Maddie. “That so?” Then he added, “Well, somebody’s got to.” He winked at Maddie. “The man’s an expert horseman, but doesn’t know diddly about fixing a leak.”

Trey stood next to Monty, putting an arm around his shoulder. “At least I know which way is…off.”

“Oh, that. I was just funning with you.”

Trey’s expression went bleak the second he realized what the older man had done.

Maddie giggled again.

“The woman loves to laugh at me,” Trey said to Monty. “But I’ll get back at her when I cook dinner tonight.”

“Oh,” Maddie said, realizing she’d forgotten to tell Trey she wouldn’t be home tonight. “Guess I’m getting off easy then. I won’t be home for dinner.”

Trey nodded. “A late-night house call?”

Maddie shook her head. “Not tonight. I have a date.”

Five

Trey sat in a booth at the Hungry Wrangler Café with his uncle Monty and his cousin, Jack. He and Jack were about the same age and had been more like brothers than cousins while growing up. Trey pushed around his food on the plate, while the other two ate with gusto.

“Ain’t you hungry, boy?” Uncle Monty asked, eyeing Trey’s half-eaten steak. The retired sheriff of Hope Wells pulled no punches. He spoke his mind. Most of the time, Trey enjoyed his uncle’s antics, but tonight he wasn’t in the mood. Common courtesy and a true measure of gratefulness had Trey offering to treat his uncle to dinner. He’d worked most of the morning and half the afternoon fixing that doggone leak.

“Have at it,” he said, sliding the plate his way. “Guess I’m not that hungry after all.”

Jack glanced up from his meal and cast him an inquisitive look. “You sick or something?”

Jack Walker wore his uniform proudly. He’d just been reelected as sheriff of Hope Wells. First Monty, then Jack—between the two they had five decades of law enforcement under their belts.

“No, I’m not sick, just not very hungry.” He sipped his iced tea.

Uncle Monty grunted as he stabbed at Trey’s steak. “The man’s lovesick, if you ask me.”

Jack’s brows rose, his expression none too subtle. “That pretty little Dr. Maddie getting under your skin?”

Uncle Monty didn’t give him time to answer. He chimed in, “Under his skin? The boy wants her under his sheets. Should have seen his face when she told him she had a date tonight.”

“Turned green, did he?” Jack jested.

Trey slammed down his glass. They were having too much fun at his expense. “Enough!”

Monty and Jack looked at one another then burst out laughing. Trey waited until their laughter died down. “You through now?”

Both men nodded. “Good, because I’ll say this only once. Nothing’s going on between Maddie and me. We made a business deal and we’re sticking to it.”

Uncle Monty lifted his fork and pointed it his way. “Yeah, monkey business. Looked like you two were having a wet T-shirt contest when I walked in this morning.”

Trey ground his teeth. “That wouldn’t have happened if you had turned the water off.”

Monty scratched behind his ear. “She sure is cute.”

Jack nodded. “Is she seeing anyone in particular?”

Trey shook his head. “I don’t know. We don’t discuss things like that.” But he had to admit he was dying to know where she was tonight and with whom.

“Maybe I should give her a call,” Jack said, his expression thoughtful.

“You don’t own any animals,” Trey reminded.

Jack smiled. “Maybe it’s time I get one.”

Trey glared at his cousin, but wouldn’t give an inch. He and Jack had had a friendly competition going ever since they were young boys. Trey hated to admit the sensations washing over him. He wouldn’t put a name to them and he wouldn’t get caught up in his cousin’s game. He shrugged. “Fine by me.”

“It really cost you to say that, didn’t it?” Jack asked with a big grin. But before Trey could make a denial, Jack added, all manner of jesting aside, “Look, I’m not going to call her, but if you’re interested, I wouldn’t hesitate. Maddie’s got a lot going for her and some lucky guy is bound to discover that soon.”

“She deserves to be happy,” Trey said truthfully.

“Dang it, Trey. You’re holding on to that ‘Walker Curse’ thing, aren’t you?”

Trey stared at his cousin. Jack had no idea how many women had been hurt by the Walker men in his family. His cousin had no idea how bad Trey was at commitment. He had no idea how strongly he felt about this subject. Trey’s mind was made up. He spoke with slow deliberation. “You come from a family who uphold the law. Your heritage is different than mine, cousin. I come from a long line of men who break hearts. True, we have the same grandfather, but his traits didn’t seem to rub off on you.”

“We don’t know that yet.”

Jack was true blue. Jack wouldn’t ever let down anyone he loved. Trey was sure of his cousin. “I know you. You’re as loyal as they come. And besides, you both have it all wrong. Yes, I’m in a sour mood tonight, but not because of anything having to do with Maddie.”

“Then why?” Jack asked.

Trey frowned. “Because your father told me this afternoon that eventually, sooner more than later, I’m going to have to replace all the old galvanized pipes at the house with copper. Seems my plumbing is somewhat out of date.”

Monty grinned, his gray-blue eyes twinkling. “Hell boy, that’s what we’ve been trying to tell you.”

Maddie stood by Storm’s corral, eyeing the stallion in the moonlight. She’d noticed once again that Trey wasn’t home, giving her the perfect chance to work with the feisty horse. She’d been sneaking out here for the past four nights, ever since her dinner date with Caroline and little Annabelle last Saturday night. And during those nights, Storm had been guarded but every so often Maddie would see a spark of change, a subtle softening in Storm’s demeanor that had encouraged Maddie to continue to gain the horse’s trust.

Maddie had used treats, but she also depended on her innate ability to read an animal and she sensed that Storm was getting ready to accept her. Each night, Maddie approached with caution. Storm, too, approached warily. Last night, Storm had actually taken the sugar cubes from her hand.

Tonight, she merely stood by the fence and watched as Storm pranced, snorted and then raced around the perimeter of the corral, all the while communicating with Maddie in a language she truly did understand.

When he’d finished his exercise, he stopped and stared. Then ever so slowly, he approached the fence where Maddie stood. “Are you glad to see me again?” she asked softly. “Well, I’m sure glad to see you.”

He came right up to the fence and Maddie stepped upon the bottom rung in order to reach him. “Hey, boy,” she whispered into the still night and reached her hand out to stroke his ink black mane. Then bravely, and only because she sensed he was ready, she ran her hand smoothly down his snout.

The horse lifted his head in a quick movement, but he didn’t back away. Maddie stroked him once more, continuing to speak to him in a soft soothing tone.

When Maddie heard Trey’s truck in the distance, she jumped down from the fence and said farewell to Storm. “See you tomorrow night.” Unable to make her escape into the house without seeming obvious, she stood by the front porch as the truck came to a stop a short distance away. To her surprise, a pretty young woman who was at least six months pregnant exited the driver’s seat. Trey got out of the passenger’s side, and the woman strolled over to him and reached for his hand. They stood there speaking quietly for a few minutes.

Maddie’s heart took an elevator ride down to her toes. Her gut clenched involuntarily and feelings she thought she had under control emerged with raw clarity. Seeing Trey with another woman, one he might have an involvement with, knocked her for a giant-size loop. All sorts of images popped into her head, and none of the scenarios she came up with helped to ease her mind. She didn’t know who this woman was and she decided she couldn’t bear to know. Not tonight. Not with the realization that Trey hadn’t come home for dinner in the past four nights.

Maddie made a move to enter the house, but the woman caught sight of her and called out, “Hi there.”

Maddie turned to find the woman heading her way, with Trey beside her. “Hello.”

The woman was even prettier up close, a young Texas lady through and through, with deep blue eyes and long blond hair. “I’ve been meaning to get out here to say hello. Sorry to hear about your office burning down. My name is Brittany Fuller. I’m a friend of Trey’s.”

“Nice to meet you, Brittany. I’m Maddie Brooks.”

“I know. Trey’s always talking about you. He says you’re a real good veterinarian.”

Maddie glanced at Trey who appeared darn uncomfortable, his tanned face taking on color. She shrugged. “I love working with animals.”

“I had to drive Trey home,” the pregnant woman offered, smiling at him. “No offense, Trey. But you’re one stubborn man.” Then she explained to Maddie, “He hurt his hand working on my baby’s new room. A beam of wood fell down and when Trey tried to catch it he got splintered up.”

For the first time since he’d walked up, Maddie took a really good look at Trey. And suddenly she understood the expression on his face. Pain. She peered down at his right hand. “Oh! That doesn’t look good at all.”

Gently she reached for his hand to get a better look. Holding his hand in her palm, she noted where five or six long splinters had been hastily removed, the hand puffy, swollen and red.

“Paul and I wouldn’t let Trey drive home. Though he did argue some.”

Maddie glanced up. “Paul?”

“My husband. He’ll be here in a minute. Paul and Trey have been friends just about forever, I guess. And when Paul hurt his back a few days ago, Trey came over first thing to help finish up the room.” She patted her rounded belly. “Our baby will be here before you know it.”

“Oh,” Maddie said, dumbfounded. This was almost too much information to digest all at once. All of her initial suspicions about Trey and this woman were unfounded. She’d let jealousy rule out over reason. This woman and her husband were his friends. Trey had been doing a good deed and Brittany had driven him home because he’d gotten hurt. “Well, congratulations on the baby. Do you know what you’re having?”

She shook her head. “We want to be surprised.”

“That’s nice. I wouldn’t want to know, either,” she said, realizing this was the first time she’d really given any thought to having a child. Suddenly it was clear that she did want children. And she too wanted to be surprised. “I hope your husband’s back injury isn’t too serious.”

“The doctor told him to rest up a bit, but Paul’s a stubborn one, too, and wouldn’t stop, so Trey decided to come over and do the heavy work. Wouldn’t take no for an answer. Even my thrown-together suppers didn’t scare him away.”

“Your suppers are delicious, Brit,” Trey said with sincerity.

She smiled softly. “But now you’re hurt, too.”

“It’s not that bad.”

Maddie disagreed, “It looks kind of bad, Trey. Maybe you should see a doctor.”

He twisted his mouth, lifting his hand up. “For this? No way.”

“I was hoping…” Brittany said to Maddie, a look of concern on her face.

“Of course,” Maddie said instantly, fully comprehending. “I’ll patch him up.”

Trey shook his head. “There’s nothing to patch up.”

“Yes, there is,” both women chorused.

And before Trey could argue, Brittany’s husband pulled up in a white Ford Explorer. “Looks like my ride’s here,” she said, and after Maddie had been introduced to Paul, Brittany got into the car and waved farewell.

Maddie turned back to Trey.

“There’s nothing to patch up,” he said stubbornly.

“Sit down, Trey, and don’t be a baby,” Maddie said softly, pointing to the kitchen chair. She’d gathered up her medical supplies and was ready.

“I don’t need any doctoring, Maddie,” he said again, but the woman wouldn’t take no for an answer.

She stared at him with expectant eyes, so pretty, so dewy-grass-green, so determined. She’d accused him of packing a wallop the other day, but she was guilty of the same. One look at her sweetly concerned face had him sitting, obeying like a small puppy at obedience school.

Trey didn’t want her to doctor him. He didn’t want her anywhere near him. She was too much of a temptation, too much of a distraction. He’d been trying to keep his distance, but living under the same roof with her made it damn difficult. Every time he got close to Maddie, he would do something stupid, like taking her into his arms and kissing her.

Maddie set a bowl of warm water down on the table then took a seat close to him and the subtle scent of raspberries wafted by. She lifted his hand and set it into the water. “We’ll let it soak for a while.”

She opened his hand carefully and with delicate care massaged his fingers. She stroked gently, easing soreness and bringing back circulation. It felt good, damn good. Trey closed his eyes and let the sensations run through his body. Maddie had a great touch. Maybe too great, he thought, because circulation began to build in another area of his body as well. He cursed under his breath.

“Does it hurt?” she asked immediately, lifting her head from the task.

“No.”

“I thought I heard you groan.”

Trey kept silent.

“I’m going to dry your hand, put on an antiseptic and wrap it.”

“I can’t work with it wrapped.”

Maddie smiled. “So you’ll take the day off tomorrow.”

“I don’t take days off, Maddie. Not when I’m running the ranch on a shoestring.”

Maddie shook her head, her doctoring instincts taking hold. She spoke in a stern voice, one Trey had never heard before. “You’re lucky you don’t need stitches, Trey. Those wood bits ripped your hand up real good going in, and whoever yanked them out ripped your hand up again.”

Again, Trey was silent.

Maddie read straight through his poker face.

“Let me guess, you’re the one who pulled out those splinters.”

“Good guess.”

She sighed. “Trey.”

Trey leaned back in the chair, crossing his leg over his knee and watched as Maddie administered to his hand. With her head bent to the task, Trey stared at her coppery hair falling in soft waves onto her shoulders. She held him so carefully, mindful when the antiseptic stung and lifting apologetic eyes his way. She took gauze out of her medical bag, placing it over the wound then wrapped his hand with surgical tape, taking her time, using her skills as a healer.

Whenever he looked at Maddie, he saw his future. But the vision was false, a deception of the mind, because Trey wasn’t the man for her. She deserved someone she could trust not to wound her gentle soul. He chalked up these unwelcome sentiments to being around Paul and Brittany all week. With the new baby coming, their excitement had rubbed off on him. He found himself longing for the same, a wife and family. And being with Kit wasn’t much help, either. That man was so doggone smitten with his new wife he barely spoke a sentence without mentioning her name.

Trey knew people with successful relationships. That’s all it was—this wanting he’d been experiencing lately. But his father’s words haunted him daily. And Trey had vowed not to make those same mistakes. Trey was smart enough to realize that wanting and having were two different things. He wasn’t cut out for family life. He’d tried that once and had failed miserably.

“Promise me something, Trey,” Maddie said when she was all through with the bandaging. “You won’t go busting up this hand I worked so hard on tonight. You won’t injure yourself again.” She held his wrapped hand in both of hers and stared at him with softness in her eyes.

“Hell, Maddie,” he whispered, leaning close, beckoned by her caring nature and her sweet, tentative smile. “When you ask me like that, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t promise you.”

Maddie leaned in also, coming dangerously close, their eyes meeting. “There isn’t?” she asked breathlessly.

Raspberry sweet and red-haired sexy, Trey had a mind to kiss her again, the need so strong that he couldn’t pull away. He stared at her heart-shaped mouth, glossy and full, parting slightly. He wanted to lift her out of the chair, put her onto his lap and brush his lips over hers until kissing wasn’t enough.

Hell, who was he kidding? He wanted to lay her down on the kitchen table and…

And then the phone rang.

Trey jerked back in his chair and into reality. He’d almost made another mistake and although it would take his body a moment to adjust, he was glad for the interruption. He bounded up and answered the wall phone by the refrigerator. “Hello.”

A few seconds later, he brought the receiver over to Maddie, stretching out the long cord. “Do you know a Nick Spencer?”

Maddie’s face beamed with joy. She stood up, practically standing on her toes. “It’s Nick? Really?”

“That’s what he said,” Trey answered, handing her the phone.

“Nick, I can’t believe it’s you.” Maddie twirled the cord around her fingers. “How did you find me?”

Trey walked out the back door and into the night air, giving Maddie some privacy and him a place to cool off. He told himself over and over he was glad he hadn’t kissed her again. He told himself he was glad Maddie had a personal life outside of her work. He told himself he was glad this guy Nick had called, interrupting the wild fantasy Trey had entertained.

He glanced down at his bandaged hand, flexing his fingers and feeling no pain. He took a deep crisp breath, realizing that most of all, he was glad he hadn’t made any promises to Maddie.

Promises that he couldn’t keep.

Six

The next day, Maddie knocked on the hotel room door at the Cactus Inn, anticipation growing in her stomach. She hadn’t seen her dear friend Nick for more than a year, since she’d moved to Hope Wells. They’d gone to UC Davis together, Nick receiving his DVM two years before she’d graduated. But she and Nick had stayed in touch while he’d worked as an intern in Fresno, California. He’d made quite a name for himself in the field of veterinary medicine, having saved the life of a K-9 from the Faithful Partner program. That particular police dog had taken a bullet for his human partner and Nick had worked relentlessly to save the dog’s life.

He’d become something of a local hero then, but that hadn’t slowed him down. Nick went on to join an international symposium on bioterrorism among other worthy animal-related endeavors. In short, Nick was brilliant and Maddie considered herself lucky to be his good friend.

Maddie smiled when he opened the door. “Hi, Nick.”

Nick grinned that winning handsome smile of his and took her into his arms in a warm embrace. “Maddie.”

Maddie pulled away to look into his sky-blue eyes. “You look wonderful. I can’t believe you’re here.”

He had blond good looks and charm enough to spare. He was as clean-cut as they come, always wearing button-down shirts and pleated trousers, today being no exception. “I’m here to see my best friend.”

“Best friend? We haven’t spoken in months. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me way out here in Texas.”

“Nope, I couldn’t forget you. I’ve been busy, Maddie. That’s why I’m here. We have to talk. I have a proposition for you.”

“You came way out to Hope Wells to proposition me?”

He took hold of her hand. “Yes, I did. Listen, I know you don’t have more than an hour or so with me this morning before you have to get back to work and I’d like to see something of the town. Show me around, and we’ll talk tonight, over dinner?”

“A proposition and a dinner invitation? How can a girl refuse?”

“You can’t and you won’t, I hope. But I don’t want to get ahead of myself here.” He stopped smiling and squeezed her hand. “I’d like to see where your office was, Maddie. I came as soon as I heard the news. Thank God you and the animals weren’t hurt.”

“Yes, we were fortunate. And I have Trey Walker to thank for taking us all in.”

“He’s the man you’re living with?” There was nothing suspect in his tone of voice, yet Maddie felt the need to clarify.

“Yes. It’s a business arrangement until my office can be rebuilt. I’m renting out a room at the ranch and I’m practicing out of his old barn.”

Nick nodded. “You always were enterprising, Maddie. Good for you.”

Nick had been Maddie’s biggest fan while in school. He’d always admired her dedication to her work and her special talent with animals. They’d gotten along great at the university and she was glad to see that their camaraderie hadn’t faded. “Thanks, Nick.”

“Are you ready to show me Hope Wells?”

Maddie nodded and they walked hand in hand into the streets of town.

Trey held a pair of aces in his left hand, the best you can draw in Texas Hold ’Em. He glanced at his opponents, Kit, Jack, Monty and two of his ranch hands, keeping his poker face. None of his opponents looked too happy.

“I’m all in,” he said, pushing all of his chips into the center of the kitchen table, taking care with his bandaged hand. He’d abided Maddie’s request and hadn’t done any manual labor today.

The men grumbled and only one player decided to call the bet. Jack tallied up Trey’s stack and pushed an equal amount of chips into the pot. All in all, the pot size equaled less than ten dollars—playing with nickel and dime chips doesn’t allow for too much loss. Which was good, since Trey’s funds were meant for essentials such as hay and feed and household expenses. But the Walker clan had been playing poker since Will Walker’s days. That family tradition would never die as long as Trey had something to say about it.

Both Jack and Trey turned over their two cards. Jack held a pair of sevens. Trey’s aces had him beat so far.

The dealer flopped three of the five community cards onto the table, each player being able to use those cards to make up the best possible hand. With Trey being all in, Jack couldn’t raise the bet, so the fourth community card was dealt. So far neither of the cards drawn helped either player, keeping Trey in the lead and once the fifth and final card, known as the “river” card, was dealt a winner would be named. Trey’s chances of winning the pot were good, the percentages greatly in his favor. He’d waited a long time for a hand like this.

But before the dealer dealt the last card, Maddie’s voice stole into the room. “Hi guys. Just wanted to say good night and have fun.”

All of the players’ eyes darted toward the doorway, beckoned by Maddie’s sweet voice.

“C’mon in here, girl, and let us see you properlike,” Uncle Monty encouraged.

“I don’t want to interrupt.”

“Ah hell, it’s just our usual monthly poker game. You’re not interrupting.”

Trey took his eyes off of his cards to look up at Maddie as she stepped into the room and his breath hitched in his throat. Beautiful came to mind, right after sexy, sinful and seductive. Trey felt a headache coming on, just as another ache developed below his waist.

Maddie was dressed to destroy, with her coppery hair all fluffed up, wearing a tight light-green dress that matched the color of her eyes, with cleavage spilling and her shapely legs exposed. She wore three-inch black strappy heels. Hell, a man could fantasize for days about those shoes alone, but the whole package was enough to turn Trey’s poker-faced cool into steamy hot sizzle.

“Wow, you look great,” Jack said, his eyes nearly bulging out of his head.

“You can interrupt any time,” Kit said with a wink.

The others added their compliments as well, one man letting loose a long, low wolf whistle.

“Got a hot date?” Uncle Monty asked, a bit too gleefully for Trey’s way of thinking.

“No, just dinner with an old friend,” Maddie replied, her face flushed with color. Trey wondered what had caused her to blush, the all-around compliments tonight or the idea of her date with that Nick Spencer guy? “Nick and I go way back. We went to college together. He was passing through town and stopped to say hello.”

“Hell, no one just passes through Hope Wells,” Uncle Monty advised. “That man did some zigzagging to get to you.”

Maddie chuckled.

Trey frowned. This morning, he’d driven past her burned-down office on his way to the grocery and had seen the two of them, hand in hand, peering at what was left of Maddie’s veterinary office. She’d had her head on his shoulder and it certainly didn’t appear that they were just friends. Hell, the image of the two of them like that had put him in a sour mood all day.

“Trey, don’t you think Maddie looks pretty tonight?” Uncle Monty prodded.

Trey ground his teeth. He knew what Uncle Monty was up to, but he’d call his bluff; this was, after all, poker night. Trey pulled out his chair and stood up. He walked over to Maddie and stared deep into her eyes. “I hope your date appreciates how beautiful you are, inside and out,” he said, taking her hand. “C’mon, I’ll walk you out.”

“Okay,” Maddie agreed. “Good night everyone.”

“Have a great time,” Uncle Monty said.

The others also bid her farewell and Trey guided her toward the front door with her hand clasped in his. It felt so natural, so right, as if this should be their date, as if she’d dressed up special just for him, as if they had a wonderful evening to look forward to. And if things were different, Trey would take her hand and steal her away so no other man could hold her, no other man could touch her.

But Trey knew he had to let her go.

He released her hand. “Enjoy your evening out, Maddie. Have fun tonight.”

“Thank you. I always enjoy being with Nick.”

That comment slashed through his gut. Trey nodded and Maddie took a step toward her truck.

But she spun back around and stared into his eyes. “Trey, do you really mean it?”

Trey stood ramrod still. He couldn’t believe Maddie had called him on this. But she had, and her expression held something akin to hope. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. Emotions washed over him, fast and furiously, and he could only hear what his heart told him. Did he mean it? Did he want her to enjoy her evening with another man? Hell, no. But he couldn’t admit that to Maddie and, right now, he couldn’t lie to her, either. They stared into each other’s eyes for a long drawn-out moment, his poker face hopefully back in place.

Uncle Monty called out, “Trey, boy, you playing poker or courting the lady?”

Trey lifted his lips in a wry smile. “I’d better get back to the game.”

“Go,” she said, “they’re waiting. And Trey,” she added, just as he was about to head back to the game, “I’m glad you took care with your hand today.”

She turned her back and walked away.

Trey watched her climb into her truck and pull away, an ache gnawing through his stomach. He walked back into the kitchen and stood over his poker hand. “Let’s see that last card,” he said to the dealer.

The dealer turned over a seven of hearts.

Jack hit three of a kind, his three sevens beating out Trey’s two aces.

Trey slumped into his seat. “Boy, I didn’t see that coming.”

“Sorry, Trey,” Jack said, hauling in all of his chips. “Looks like you’re through.”

“That’s poker for you,” Uncle Monty said bluntly. “It’s a lot like life. You don’t see it coming, until it’s too late.”

A short time later, after the game had ended, Trey grabbed empty beer bottles from the table and tossed them in the trash. Only Jack and Uncle Monty remained, the others leaving just minutes ago. Jack had battled Kit in the final hand and had won the evening.

“Too bad you came out the loser tonight, cousin,” Jack stated, putting poker chips back in their holder.

Trey shrugged. He didn’t take poker too seriously. It was a game meant to uphold the Walker tradition. It was a way to get together with friends, have a few beers and shoot the breeze. “I’ll get you next month.”

Jack’s mouth twisted. “I wasn’t talking about the game, Trey.”

Monty sidled up next to Trey and laid a hand on his shoulder. “You didn’t see that hand coming, cause you weren’t looking, boy. The same holds true in life. You think you’re holding a winning hand and then someone comes along with one better. Before you know it, the game’s lost. That’s what Jack’s talking about.”

Trey took a sharp breath. “You’re talking about Maddie.”

Monty looked him straight in the eyes. “You took a risk tonight. You went ‘all in’ on a hand you believed would win. Sometimes you’ve got to do that right here.” He pressed a finger into Trey’s chest, just above his heart. “Go all in, boy. Don’t lose that girl.”

“Lose her?”

“Yeah. You’ve got to ask yourself, what would be worse, winning that girl or losing her forever?”

“You’re forgetting that I took a risk on that last hand and came out the loser anyway.”

“Ah, but at least you gave it your best shot.” Monty smiled, his eyes crinkling and his voice elevating. “Remember, if you don’t play, you can’t possibly win. Get in the game, Trey. Play the percentages. Judging by the way that little lady looks at you, I’d say you’re the odds-on favorite. She’s worth the risk.”

But Maddie would be the one taking the biggest risk, because sure as the sun sets in the west, Trey knew he would break her heart. And that was a chance he wasn’t willing to take.

Later that night, Maddie pulled into the gate at 2 Hope Ranch, her mind spinning from her dinner with Nick. He’d really thrown her off balance with his proposition, giving her a whole lot to think about. It had been all she could think about tonight and as she’d traveled the road toward 2 Hope and Trey, she tossed around all of her options. She’d wondered about her future here in Hope Wells comparing it to the marvelous opportunity awaiting her with Nick.

A fleeting sense of belonging assailed her as she parked the truck by Trey’s ranch house. She’d come to think of this place as home. She’d settled in quite nicely here, enjoying the peace of ranch life, surrounded by green pastures and solid earth with animals in abundance. And Trey. He was here.

She liked the thought of coming home to him.

He’d looked at her differently tonight, as though he’d really seen the woman that she was, his gaze raking her body over with appreciation and desire. Maddie’s heart had raced the moment she’d stepped inside the kitchen and when he’d taken her hand to walk her outside, her insides had quaked. She’d wished the date had been with him, that he’d been the one to ask her out.

But mentally, Maddie scolded herself for allowing such thoughts when she knew darn well that 2 Hope wasn’t really her home. And Trey Walker wasn’t the man waiting for her. This was a temporary business arrangement that served both she and Trey well. No use holding on to sentimental thoughts.

Maddie climbed down from the truck and glanced at Storm’s corral. Once the stallion had seen her, he’d trotted right up to the fence and waited.

Progress.

Maddie smiled and called softly to the horse, “I’ll be right back.”

She tiptoed into the darkened house through the back door and proceeded to her bedroom. All was quiet, Trey having probably turned in hours ago. Still, Maddie made little noise as she undressed, taking off her dress and slipping out of her heels silently. She couldn’t pass up this chance to work with Storm. He’d been on her mind quite a bit lately. Maddie enjoyed the private time she spent with the stallion. She found getting to know the intricacies of the animal’s spirit as rewarding as the act of healing itself.

Once dressed in her regular work clothes—jeans and a denim shirt—she headed outside, mindful not to wake Trey. There was a part of her that wanted to surprise him with Storm’s progress, but she also worried that Trey wouldn’t approve of these late-night tests of will.

One look at Storm and Maddie knew the horse was nearly ready. Without qualms, she opened the corral gate and entered Storm’s territory. They had a staring bout for a few seconds before Storm allowed her approach. “Hey there,” she cooed softly. “It’s just me.”

Maddie stroked the horse’s mane, then moved her hand to his snout. Fearlessly she came around to face him and looked up into his eyes as she continued to stroke him. “You’re beginning to trust me, Storm. That’s a good thing, boy.” She reached inside her jeans and handed the stallion half a dozen sugar cubes. “Or are you charming me just for these treats?”

The stallion gobbled them down without hesitation. “One hundred percent male,” Maddie said on a soft chuckle. “But let’s see if you really trust me.”

And Maddie headed to the barn for a lead rope.

Trey slammed the door to his Chevy Silverado and entered the house, realizing he hadn’t shared a meal with Maddie all week. He’d been working late in the evenings helping Paul and Brittany with their baby’s new room addition. He had Maddie to thank for that, her ministrations had helped his hand heal real fast and he’d started working at their place again the night after the poker game. Now, the nursery was officially finished.

Trey grabbed a beer from the refrigerator, twisted the cap and took a swig as a great sense of accomplishment washed over him. He’d been happy to help, the reward being a pretty new room for Paul and Brittany’s baby…

Brittany had insisted on throwing a small party for all of the people who’d pitched in on the project and she had included Maddie. She’d given Trey direct instructions to give Maddie the hand-written invitation this evening. Trey knew better than to argue with a pregnant lady, especially one determined to make a new friend. So Trey finished his beer and strode to Maddie’s bedroom, reaching into his breast pocket for the invitation. When he found her door open, he stood just outside the threshold and called out, “Maddie?”

She didn’t answer so he peeked inside the darkened room. “Maddie, you in here?”

A ray of hallway light and one quick glance told him she wasn’t. Trey knew she wasn’t out on a late night call because he’d seen her truck parked by the house when he’d pulled up and she couldn’t be out with her “friend” Nick. He’d left Hope Wells days ago. She had to be working late inside the barn, maybe making her last rounds, checking on the animals. Trey headed that way, deciding to give her the invitation and call it a night.

Once outside, Trey sensed something wrong. A howling in the distance disturbed him while his immediate surroundings remained still and quiet. There were no lights on in the barn and as he surveyed the grounds, his gaze taking everything in, he stopped dead in his tracks, realizing what had been niggling at him.

Storm’s corral was empty.

Trey tried to remain calm, weighing the possibilities, but his heart raced anyway. Images flashed in his head as he recalled Maddie’s fascination with the stallion. There wasn’t a day that went by, where he hadn’t caught her communicating with the horse, detouring her way around the ranch just to make eye contact with him, and Trey certainly had noticed the stash of sugar cubes in the cupboard had gone down lately. He also knew Maddie didn’t take sugar in her coffee, but darn it all, she sure as hell had found another use for it.

Storm.

And just as he’d made that assessment Storm appeared, a black vision dashing out of the darkness, clearly agitated, with fury in his eyes. He snorted, blowing air loudly from his nose as he raced around the outside of the corral. He stopped, coming just five feet from Trey, lifted up his front legs, rearing back, trying to shake the saddle from his back.

Trey’s body quaked with fear. He’d never seen his stallion this frenzied.

Storm wore a saddle.

And his rider was missing.

Seven

Trey held Maddie in his arms, shielding her with his body from the dust swirling around in gusts. He’d been lucky to find her so quickly, relying on his instincts as to where she would be and grateful his hunch had been right. He’d driven his truck like a demon through the dust storm, fearing the worst, and praying for a miracle.

On the drive up here, Uncle Monty’s words kept repeating in his head. “Don’t lose that girl, boy.”

Trey had never known such fear. The thought of losing Maddie had eaten away at him, corroding his insides. He didn’t know if he’d find her in time. He didn’t know the extent of her would-be injuries. When he’d seen a saddled Storm with no rider, he’d immediately realized the dangers Maddie could have encountered. He also realized what he should have guessed the minute he’d heard the howling sounds at the ranch. An unmerciful dust storm had moved through the territory. The stallion must have startled, throwing Maddie. Fortunately she’d landed on soft grass.

He gazed down at her slightly bruised face. She smiled and relief poured through him like a rushing river. He smiled back and another realization struck him hard, right between the eyes.

He had fallen for her.

If he’d doubted that at all an hour ago, he knew it for certain now. He’d never known he could feel so intensely, never known he could fall so hard.

“Maddie.” He stroked her face, gently, careful not to touch the bruise on her cheek. She had a small gash across her forehead also but it had already stopped bleeding.

She looked up at him as if surprised. “Trey, you found me.”

Wild wind howled and dust continued to swirl. Trey’s shirt billowed, making flapping noises against his chest. “I’ve got to get you inside the truck,” he said. “Can I lift you?”

“I’m s-sore,” she said, “but nothing’s broken.”

Trey held her carefully, hunkering down, using his body to block the wind and lifted her into his arms. He strode to the passenger side, setting her onto the seat, then ran around to his side and climbed in, locking them both inside. Blasts of air struck the truck, shaking it up, but Trey was sure they were safe enough. He’d weathered more than a fair share of these storms in this truck.

He glanced at Maddie sitting there, tousled and roughed up a bit, but apparently not injured.

“Are you angry with me?”

Trey ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “More like scared spitless, honey. I didn’t know what I’d find when I got up here.”

Maddie closed her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

Trey grabbed his first aid kit from behind the seat and sidled up next to her. “I should be rightfully pissed, but I’m too doggone relieved right now. Hold still,” he said, ripping open an antiseptic wipe and dabbing at the cut on her forehead then the bruise on her face.

She didn’t flinch, taking her medicine like a good patient.

“What happened to Storm?”

“He’s back at the ranch. I didn’t stick around long enough to see to him, though.”

“We were doing fine, really, Trey. He’d progressed so far, but it was his first time out with a rider and…”

“And he wasn’t ready, Maddie. Don’t make me think about that right now.” Trey knew his anger would settle in later, after he got back to the ranch. Maddie had taken a stupid chance with Storm. She could have been killed, or seriously injured. He might not have found her in time. But Trey shoved aside those worries for now, grateful that he had found her quickly and that she was safe. “I don’t want to get riled up.”

Maddie’s green eyes rounded and she whispered softly, “You don’t?”

Trey shook his head. “No,” he said, spreading his legs out wide and reaching for her. “Come rest against me. Looks like we’ll have to wait out the storm.”

Without hesitation, Maddie moved into his arms, resting her head just under his chin. He tucked her small frame into his, wrapping his arms around her.

“Are you cold?”

Maddie shook her head.

“Scared?”

“Not anymore,” she answered.

Trey began stroking her back, slowly massaging the muscles that must surely ache. “How does this feel?”

Maddie crooned, “Better than a hot fudge sundae.”

Trey smiled. “That good?”

Maddie nodded, laying her hand over his heart. If only she knew how fast his heart beat at the moment. If only she knew how much holding and protecting her meant to him.

“Yeah, that good.”

After a few brief seconds of silence, Maddie lifted her head and kissed him sweetly on the cheek. “Thank you for coming to my rescue.”

Trey spread his hand through her hair, coppery waves spilling over his fingertips, soft and smooth and silky. “You nearly gave me a heart attack, Maddie,” he whispered. “I’m gonna need a better thank-you.”

Maddie slipped her hand inside an opened button on his shirt, stroking his flesh until his skin fairly sizzled. Then she lifted up and gave him the best thank-you of his life, an openmouthed, long, hot, sexy kiss that knocked the breath out of him.

“Was that better, Trey?”

“Better,” he croaked, barely catching his breath.

Maddie stared deeply into his eyes and every shred of willpower he could muster wasn’t enough for the intoxicating look of desire she cast him. His manhood rose to the occasion, pressing against his jeans uncomfortably, and Trey was at a complete loss, helpless to hold back. “Ah hell, Maddie,” he whispered, brushing his lips to her ear, “how am I supposed to keep my hands off you now?”

A sweet triumphant smile emerged on her face. She spoke softly, “Maybe you’re not supposed to, Trey. Maybe we were meant to be here together, trapped inside the truck, but trapped more by what our hearts are telling us.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Trey admitted, closing his eyes briefly and allowing her words to sink in. He ached for her physically, but his heart was involved, too, and no matter how much he denied his feelings, he wanted Maddie with powerful gut-wrenching need.

The storm raged outside. The truck trembled as wind gusts rocked them back and forth. Small particles of earth spiraled up to strike the windshield encasing them in darkness.

Trey was trapped by the storm, but he was also trapped by something stronger. His desire for Maddie. He knew if he touched her again, there would be no going back. Yet, he had to touch her. He had to feel her sleek skin under his palms, to slide his hands along her body and bring them both immeasurable pleasures. He’d fought the battle in his head long enough.

Trey stretched out, using the full “king” of the cab and pulled Maddie down with him, so that her petite frame lay across his. She fit him perfectly, the feel of her slight weight upon his an intoxicating elixir. He wove his fingers in her hair and claimed her lips, taking her in a slow, deliberate there’s-no-going-back-now kiss. Maddie moaned with pleasure and kissed him just as slowly, just as deliberately, moving on him to adjust her position and rubbing his body enough to destroy him.

He ached for her, his erection stretching the material of his jeans to its limit. He’d never been so turned on in his life. He’d never wanted so much. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, then stroked his tongue over her mouth. She opened for him and they kissed again, openmouthed and frenzied, with heat building and all semblance of grace disappearing. She was as hot for him as he was for her. He tore his mouth away long enough to whisper, “We have too many clothes on.”

Without hesitation, Maddie sat up, pressing her derriere to his manhood, and unbuttoned her blouse. She took her time removing it, allowing him time to enjoy the view. The ache below his waist intensified, growing harder each second. Trey’s body pulsated with need, and when she unhooked her soft white cotton bra and her breasts spilled out, he went hot all over. “You’re beautiful, honey.”

“Thank you.” She smiled and leaned forward. “Now it’s your turn,” she said softly and began unbuttoning his shirt. Trey helped her. He couldn’t get the damn thing off fast enough. And once done, he pulled her down again, crushing her breasts to his chest, molding her soft full flesh to his. Raw and powerful need assailed him. He took her in a wild erotic kiss, then moved his mouth to her throat, kissing her, loving her, cupping her breasts in his hands, flicking his thumb over two erect pink peaks.

Maddie moaned.

Trey cursed, the need in him strong.

They were both lost.

He took her in his mouth then, his tongue stroking over one breast, laving the rosy pebble hard nipple until Maddie sighed with pleasure. She wove her hand in his hair and guided him, showing him with each move, each little sound, what she enjoyed, what brought her satisfaction.

Trey wanted to please her. He wanted to bring her every ounce of enjoyment he possibly could. This was no one-night stand, where his mind wasn’t attached to his body. He cared too much for Maddie not to make it good for her. And he wanted to make it damn good.

“Baby,” she pleaded ever so softly.

One plea, one softly spoken word from Maddie turned him inside out.

Baby.

Trey’s heart slammed against his chest. Powerful sensations ran a track race throughout his body. An overwhelming need to possess this woman, body and soul, struck him hard, like a staggering car crash. “Hold on, honey.”

He reached down to unzip her jeans and slipped his hand inside, meeting with soft silk and lace. He played with the thin strap, amazed that this sensible, level-headed doctor wore sexy panties.

“A thong?” he asked, hooking his finger under the strap.

She chuckled. “I’m afraid so.”

“Damn.” He was done for. He knew that from this moment on whenever he’d see her on the ranch wearing her clinical lab coat, an erotic image would instantly flash in his head. Maddie Brooks and her mind-blowing thong.

Trey kissed her again as he spread his hand flat against her belly and stroked her slowly. She whimpered, a little throaty sound that made his erection granite hard. He moved his fingers over her petal flesh, sliding back and forth, slowly, and erotically, bringing her pleasure and feeling her sweet heat. She rocked with him now, both lost in the rhythm as their bodies ground together in unison.

“I hope to God I have a condom,” he muttered.

Maddie wove her fingers in his hair and gazed at him with half-lidded dewy eyes, her lips full and love-bruised, her sexy little body damp and slick. Trey no longer hoped; he prayed he had a rubber in his wallet.

She pressed her mouth against his chest, laving his nipples with her tongue until he ached so much he had to lift her off him. “Let’s get naked.”

Pants and boots were tossed off in a hurry. Trey fumbled around in his jeans, opened his wallet and pulled out a wrinkled foil packet. Instant relief washed over him. He didn’t know what he’d have done…

Maddie took the packet from his hand and arched a brow. “Should I be glad you carry this around in your wallet?” she asked, and Trey understood she wasn’t exactly teasing.

“It’s old, Maddie. Ancient. This brand is nearly obsolete.”

Maddie smiled and ripped open the packet. “Old is good, Trey.”

“It’s the truth.”

“I know.”

Then she fitted the condom over his erection and lifted up, positioning herself over him. He slipped inside her, causing a little moan to escape her lips and sensation after sensation rocked him to the core. He’d never experienced anything so powerful in his life.

The storm had ended and a sliver of moonlight lit the cab, shining upon Maddie as she rode him up and down, her movements graceful and slow and as heady a sight as Trey had ever seen. Trey took the pleasure she offered, fascinated by the beautiful woman making love to him, stunned by the woman creating her own kind of storm.

Watching her face change with each stroke, each undulation, her eyes closed, her head thrown back, Trey’s heart raced, his body shook and his soul—she’d touched that as well. “You’re amazing.”

“Trey, I’ve never…” But she didn’t finish her thought. She didn’t have to. Trey knew. He felt the same way.

He cupped her bottom and guided her, helping her drive harder, faster, her breasts heaving, her hair flying, her body moist and ready.

“Hold on, honey,” he said, wanting to make this last as long as possible for reasons he held in the back of his mind, reasons he couldn’t deal with at the moment. For now, he wanted to prolong the night, prolong the pleasure.

Maddie’s only response was a slight little encouraging sound.

Trey lifted her and together they rolled, bumping heads into the steering wheel and dashboard, until finally, she was under him. He kissed her again and again, touching her all over, breathing in the sexy scent of an aroused woman. Trey was more aroused than he’d ever been before.

The confinement of the cab worked to their advantage. They couldn’t get far from each other. Maddie rested her back against the window, held on to the steering wheel for support and Trey too grabbed the steering wheel, entering her with one thrust that shook him violently. “Ah, Maddie,” he groaned, the pleasured pain almost too much to bear.

“Baby,” she cooed, her expression one of pure joy.

Trey’s erection swelled and he was lost from then on. He moved like lightning, driving deep into her, watching pure lust and potent need cross her features. She moved with him, rocking when he rocked, rising when he rose, trembling when he trembled.

He took her lips in one final deep kiss and released with everything he had, climbing the highest hill and taking her with him. She groaned aloud and both came down hard, trembling, quivering, their bodies spent and satisfied.

Trey kissed Maddie softly then maneuvered her so that she sat next to him on the seat. He’d almost forgotten what she’d been through tonight. And he hoped like hell he hadn’t hurt her. “Are you okay?”

Maddie nodded. “A bit overwhelmed. That was…”

“Incredible?”

She looked deeply into his eyes as soft light glimmered into the cab. “More than that, Trey. It was much more than incredible.”

Trey’s breathing began to slow and his brain finally kicked into gear. A slow uneasy tremor coursed through his body.

He’d given in to his desire.

He’d made love to Maddie.

Now, she cast him a look filled with hope and expectation.

The two things Trey didn’t have to offer.

Maddie sat in the passenger side of the truck in front of the ranch house, watching Trey shut down the engine. After they’d made love, they’d dressed quickly, quietly and rode home in silence, Trey’s expression growing dimmer each second.

Maddie’s emotions had been on a rollercoaster ride for much of the evening. First the fright with Storm, being tossed off the stallion and left alone in bad weather and then experiencing great relief at having Trey rescue her. Confined in the truck and filled with strong desire, they’d made love. For Maddie, there weren’t sufficient words to describe making love to Trey—a dream come true, her fantasy in the flesh. She’d ridden a high she’d never known, discovered sensations she never knew existed and now this—Trey’s silent withdrawal, his distant body language.

“Trey?” she asked finally. He hadn’t made a move to get out of the truck. He just sat there, running a hand down his face, seeming to do battle with something going on in his head. “I need to know where we go from here?”

Trey turned to face her, a look of deep regret and anguish crossing his features. The look alone frightened her and she almost couldn’t bear to hear what he had to say. But Maddie had never been a wilting willow—she fought her battles head on.

“That’s just it, honey. There’s nowhere to go from here.”

Stunned, Maddie sat there silently for a moment, letting his words sink in. He couldn’t possibly mean that it was over before it began. He couldn’t possibly mean that tonight meant nothing to him. Nothing but…sex. Maddie tried not to spit the words out bitterly, “So that’s it? A one-night stand?”

“No,” he said adamantly. “You could never be a one-night stand.”

“Then, what are you saying?” Maddie fought tears, barely keeping her emotions in check and waiting patiently for Trey’s explanation.

Trey sighed deeply and peered out the truck’s windshield. “I never meant for any of this to happen, Maddie. I tried keeping to our business agreement. Things got out of control.”

Maddie held her chin high. “We made love and it was wonderful, Trey. But apparently, it didn’t mean anything to you.”

“It meant something to me,” he rushed out. “That much is more than true.”

“Just great sex?”

“The best sex of my life, Maddie. I won’t deny that. But it was more.”

Maddie closed her eyes. She believed him and should have been elated at Trey’s admission but instead she experienced great anguish. She knew a brush-off when she encountered one. She feared what was coming, but didn’t understand why.

He scrubbed his jaw and took a deep breath. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Then don’t.”

He cast her a solemn look. “I’m trying not to, Maddie. I’m trying damn hard to protect you.”

“Protect me? From who? From…you?”

“Well, yeah.”

Trey paused and Maddie waited.

“I’m no good with commitment,” he said finally. “I’ve failed too many times in the past. I have a bad track record with women. And the trait goes back generations. It’s like a curse.”

“Trey, I don’t recall asking you for a commitment.”

Trey shook his head fiercely. “No way, Maddie. I may not know a whole lot about women, but I do know one thing. You are definitely not a one-night, one-week or one-month stand. You’re a keeper. You’re the kind of woman that settles a man. I wish I was the settling kind, but I know I’m not. I don’t commit. I tried that once. Did you know I was once engaged?”

Maddie shook her head. She whispered, “No.”

His lips curled up in a self-deprecating smile. “Yeah. I left my fiancée just before the wedding. I ran off like a stupid fool and hurt her real bad. Left her to make all the explanations, left her to deal with a broken heart. It really tore her up. I knew then that my fate was sealed. I’m just like my father and his father before him. They took what they wanted with no regard for the women who would get hurt. My father wasn’t a bad man. He just didn’t come to recognize his faults, until it was too late—five wives too late. The days of Will Walker are long gone. My great-great-grandfather was loyal. He had clarity. He knew what he wanted and went after it. He toughed it out and didn’t give up. He had what I lack, Maddie. Staying power.”

Maddie’s heart ached, yet she found herself wanting to know more. Maybe it was the healer in her, or maybe it was just morbid curiosity, but she wanted to learn about Trey’s one-time engagement. “How long ago were you engaged?”

“I was twenty-one. Ten years ago, give or take.”

“You were young, Trey. You weren’t ready.”

She thought about her good friend, Caroline, and what she’d been through because of a man who hadn’t been ready. He’d abandoned his wife and child, yet Maddie had a hard time comparing the two men. Trey was too good a man to abandon his family, but it was clear that he believed he would, and right now, that’s all that mattered—what Trey believed about himself.

“I was ready enough to ask her to marry me. I was ready enough to set a wedding date. I was ready enough to make plans for a future. Only thing I wasn’t ready for was following through on my promises. Like I said, no staying power.”

“And you think you’ll break my heart?”

Trey closed his eyes briefly, letting go a long sigh then he stared deeply into her eyes. “Yeah, I’ll break your heart.”

She threw caution and all good sense to the wind. Her pride flew out as well. “Maybe I’m willing to take that chance.”

Trey shook his head. “I can’t let you do that. You deserve better than me. You deserve someone who has everything to offer you. Someone steady.”

“Like Nick Spencer?” Maddie didn’t know exactly why she’d brought Nick’s name up, but she had and now she wanted to see Trey’s reaction. She and Nick were friends, period. But somehow she doubted Trey believed that and a small part of her had rejoiced when she’d thought he’d been jealous of Nick.

Trey became quiet and long moments ticked by. Then he finally nodded, “Yeah, if he makes you happy.”

Maddie wanted to scream. Trey was the one who made her happy. He’s the one she’d wanted since the day she stepped foot in Hope Wells. He’s the one who had just made earth-shattering, mind-blowing, heart-stopping love to her.

She decided to lay it all on the line, to let him know the truth about Nick’s proposal. If Trey cared for her at all, she’d find out right now. “Nick’s part of a new clinic being developed in Denver and he wants me to work alongside him there. The clinic will have all the latest state-of-the-art equipment and we’d be on the ground floor of many new techniques in veterinary medicine. It would mean leaving my practice. It would mean saying goodbye to Hope Wells for good.”

Trey’s expression faltered for a moment, and she witnessed deep regret in his eyes. He spoke so quietly that Maddie had a hard time hearing him. “Maybe you should go.”

A sharp slap in the face couldn’t have stung more. Tonight, they’d shared something powerful, something special, something beautiful. They’d made love like there was no tomorrow, like their lives depended on it. And now, Trey had dismissed her. Easily. Without much debate or thought. He’d simply decided what was best for her. He wouldn’t even give them a chance. He didn’t care enough to try.

The pain went deep. Tears flowed then, a few drops that she couldn’t hold back any longer. She reached for the door handle and turned away from Trey. “Yeah, maybe I should.”

Maddie pulled the door open and when her feet hit the ground, she strode quickly to the house. Once inside her bedroom, angry, bitter tears spilled out and she sobbed silently.

Her heart had never ached like this before. She’d never known so much anguish. But Maddie allowed her tears for only a few minutes, before inhaling deeply and trying to come to terms with the events of the evening. She realized while her tears would subside, the sadness she felt tonight would linger for a long time.

She stood by her bedroom window and peered out into the night. A shadow of a figure emerged through the darkness. She recognized Trey, pulling a lead rope, with Storm on the other end. Storm kicked up a fuss, but Trey held firm and instead of retiring the stallion in his corral, he led him to the stables. Trey would probably stay with Storm throughout the night, making sure the horse settled down, keeping a vigil until Storm calmed.

Maddie had always thought Trey was so like Storm. Two wild spirits, two untamed souls who didn’t know how to trust. She’d been with both tonight, optimistically thinking the two had been ready and hoping the bond she’d developed with each had been enough. Maddie had tested the waters and had nearly drowned. And she’d come to realize one distinct difference between Storm and his master. While Storm couldn’t trust in others, Trey couldn’t trust in himself.

But Maddie saw Trey so differently than he saw himself.

He claimed he had no staying power, but Maddie knew better. She knew him to be a man of worth and even if she decided to leave the ranch, Hope Wells and Trey Walker, she hoped to help him learn the truth about himself.

She figured she didn’t have anything to lose.

Her heart was already broken.

Dawn forced its way through dark clouds, shedding dismal light and bringing a frosty chill to the air. Maddie showered quickly and dressed in her usual attire, jeans and a button-down blouse, then quickly headed to the barn where Storm was stabled. She had to make amends with the stallion. She’d pushed him too far last night and even though he’d responded to her more than any other person on the ranch, he still had a long way to go.

She wrapped her arms around her middle and entered the damp barn, realizing that while Trey had the means to heat the barn for the animals, he didn’t have the funds. Only extreme temperatures warranted going to that expense.

Maddie recalled the first conversation she’d had with her friend, Caroline regarding this unpredictable climate. “If you don’t like the weather in Texas,” she’d said with a grin, “just wait about five minutes.”

This week had gone from warm sunny days to gusty dust storms and cold temperatures. She wondered about Denver and how well she would adjust to the climate there. In truth, she’d stayed up most of the night considering Nick’s proposal, thinking about moving and wondering if leaving Hope Wells might be best for her.

Maddie put that thought out of her head as she walked up to Storm’s stall. The horse rested on his side, lying down on a bed of wheat straw that was piled up high around the edges. With Storm’s restless nature, a good bank of bedding against the walls insured the animal’s safety. Trey had always put his animals first, whenever he could. It was probably the first trait that had attracted Maddie to him—his willingness to protect his livestock.

“Morning.”

Maddie whirled around and stared into the dark eyes of a rumpled Trey. His morning appearance, including an unshaven face and disheveled hair, reminded her that if things had turned out differently last night, she would have been waking up to that look today.

“He’s all right,” he said, gesturing to Storm. “Took some time to get him settled, but we managed.”

Maddie nodded. “You stayed with him all night?”

“Most of it. Didn’t get much sleep.”

Trey scratched his head, then ran a hand through his hair, attempting to straighten it, but only making stray strands stick up even more. His plaid shirt hung loosely over jeans that were smattered with dirt stains and sticky straw. Maddie wondered how a man could appear incredibly vulnerable and downright sexy, all at the same time.

She ached inside, seeing him and knowing that what they shared would never be again. The pain went deep and Maddie struggled to keep her composure.

“Actually, I’m glad you’re here,” he said quietly, and she wondered if his lack of sleep had anything to do with his dismissal of her last night. She wondered if he ached inside the way that she did. “I was planning on checking on you. How are you feeling this morning?”

Did he want to know her heart had broken?

“You took a fall and…well after, when we—”

“I’m fine, Trey.” She couldn’t bear to discuss their lovemaking from last night. She couldn’t speak to him casually about something that had meant so much to her. He’d made his feelings clear, rejecting even the thought of a relationship with her. Yes, she’d been terribly hurt, but not from the fall.

Trey swallowed and looked away.

Maddie turned to leave. It seemed there wasn’t much else to say. She came to check on Storm and the poor animal looked exhausted. Apparently it had been a tumultuous night for all three of them. She promised herself to return later to make amends with the stallion.

“Maddie?”

She turned around. “Yes?”

Trey’s gaze held her immobile. “You might not believe this, but I don’t regret last night.”

She did believe him. Didn’t he say he’d never had better sex. At least she had that to cling to on lonely nights. “Neither do I,” she replied honestly.

She walked to the barn door and then turned once again to find Trey’s dark captivating eyes on her. “You know, it was a lucky day for Storm when you brought him to 2 Hope. You’ve stuck by him all along, believing in that feisty headstrong stallion, even when others gave up on him. There aren’t too many men who would have spent half the night in a cold dreary barn worrying over him. He does belong to you, Trey. Just like you belong to him.”

Trey’s brows rose in surprise and his thoughtful expression left Maddie with a gladdened heart. She walked away with a smile.

Eight

Under ordinary circumstances, Maddie would have looked forward to an evening with new friends. But tonight, her heart simply wasn’t up for it. She stared in her bedroom mirror to find a woeful reflection looking back. Her bleak mood matched the gloomy rain they’d been experiencing for days now. How was she going to put herself together enough to share a dinner with Trey and his friends, Paul and Brittany tonight?

She held up the lovely handwritten invitation and reread the beginning sentiment. The pleasure of your company.

Maddie had almost forgotten all about this invitation until Brittany had called yesterday specifically making sure Maddie would come. She’d been caught off guard and fumbled around in her head for an excuse, but Brittany’s sweet demeanor and her hopeful tone caused her to change her mind. She didn’t want to disappoint the woman, and Maddie had to face facts. She couldn’t hide from Trey Walker. They lived in the same house.

She’d treaded carefully, trying not to purposely bump into him these past few days. That hadn’t been too difficult a task, since she’d been working long hours, taking on appointments, making referrals when her limited ability to treat the animals hadn’t been enough and going out on house calls. After the night when she’d taken off on Storm, she’d been swamped with work. She welcomed the distraction.

Trey hadn’t been around the house much either. She’d see him on the cloudy mornings ride off on his horse with Kit or some of the other ranch hands, doing what cowboys do, but she didn’t look for him at night. She’d retire to her bedroom in the evening with a good book, trying to put thoughts of him out of her head.

With a deep sigh, Maddie fingered the silver necklace around her neck. “I’ve got a big decision to make, Aphrodite,” she said, thinking of Nick’s proposal. He’d given her some much-needed time to make her decision, but she knew he couldn’t wait indefinitely. He had a time frame and Maddie wouldn’t take advantage of his good nature. She’d have to come to her decision soon.

From down the hall, the shower door opened, closed and water pelted down, reminding her that Trey also readied for the dinner party tonight. And as she moved about her room, shedding her work clothes, she heard his sounds, becoming familiar with the noises he made while getting dressed.

Maddie quickly donned a pair of tan slacks and a soft buttercream scoop-neck sweater. She dressed her outfit up with drop pearl earrings and a matching bracelet. She’d debated whether to wear the pearl necklace that matched the set, but she didn’t have the heart to remove Aphrodite. If ever she needed to feel a bond, that special closeness to Grandma Mae, it was now. Okay, so she wouldn’t make the greatest fashion statement tonight, but she’d have something more important.

Maddie styled her hair, letting the waves fall where they may, gave it a quick spray and grabbed her purse. Taking one last look in the mirror, she pasted on a smile. The transition was complete. She inhaled, fully ready for the evening, and opened her door.

Trey stood at the threshold, his hand fisted as if he were about to knock.

“Trey?” she said, taking a step back. She hadn’t expected to see him standing there, fully dressed and looking better than sin itself.

He wore dark trousers, a white dress shirt and a thin black bola tie decorated with a triangle of turquoise. His hair, pushed back from his face and still a little damp, exposed clean-shaven skin, high cheekbones and unreadable dark eyes. “Are you almost ready?” he asked.

Maddie swallowed. “Uh, ready?”

He nodded. “For dinner at Paul and Brit’s?”

Maddie stared at him. “Yes, but I think I need to change. Maybe I should wear a dress,” she said, mostly to herself. Trey looked drop-dead gorgeous. She’d never seen him in anything but jeans and a work shirt. The man cleaned up nicely. And suddenly Maddie felt underdressed for the occasion.

She made a move to shut her door. Trey put up his hand to hold the door ajar, halting her from retreating into her room. “You look beautiful, Maddie.”

“But, I—”

He offered again, more firmly, “Look. Beautiful.”

Her heart did a little flip. It wasn’t often Trey offered up a compliment. Yet, Maddie thought that he was the one who looked beautiful and, as she gazed into his dark appealing eyes, she wondered if she’d be able to keep from staring at him all night.

With a quick smile, Maddie said, “Thanks. I guess I’ll see you over there.” She brushed by him, catching a whiff of his aftershave. The pure male scent with a heady mix of musk and lime did something pleasant to her insides.

“I figured we’d go together.”

Maddie stopped in the hallway. “Why would you figure that?”

“Because the rain’s only going to get worse. A T-storm is brewing and the roads might get washed out. It only makes sense, we’re going to the same place and we’ll be returning back here when it’s over.”

Maddie knew she was being unreasonable, but she didn’t want to arrive at the dinner party with Trey. She didn’t want to be drawn to him anymore than she already was. She didn’t want to sit next to him in the truck and be reminded of the night they’d made love. She couldn’t face any of those things right now. She spoke softly and directly into his eyes. “I think it’s best if we go separately, Trey.”

Trey stood firm, pursed his lips in displeasure then inhaled deeply. “If that’s what you want.”

None of this was what Maddie wanted. But Trey hadn’t given her much of an option to her wants and desires. He hadn’t given them a chance, but that wouldn’t stop her from making him see his own potential. If she could leave him with one gift, it would be to make him trust in himself again.

Even though she’d been hurt, she wasn’t angry at Trey any longer. She understood him and where he believed he had a weakness, she saw it only as a loss of faith. Once his faith was restored, Trey Walker could move on with his life.

She gave him a slow nod then walked to the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, she removed a frosted lemon layer cake and carefully set it onto a large plate.

Trey followed her and now stood in the doorway. “What’s that?”

“I baked a lemon cake this afternoon.”

“You…baked?”

Maddie chuckled. “For what it’s worth, I did.”

“Lemon’s my favorite.”

Maddie glanced at Trey’s puzzled expression. She’d learned a lot about Trey Walker lately, but she hadn’t known his favorite…anything. “It was Brittany’s suggestion.”

“Oh.”

“She and Paul think the world of you, Trey. You’ve been a good friend to them, working at their place non-stop, and even after you hurt your hand—”

“Hell, it was a scratch, Maddie.”

“And even after that, you went back to finish the job you’d started. That new baby is going to have a wonderful nursery, thanks to you. Your friends want to show their appreciation.”

Trey found the floor real interesting then, scratching the back of his head. “They don’t have to do this.”

“They want to. I imagine there’ll be a lot of your favorites at dinner tonight.”

Trey stepped closer to stare into her eyes. He tucked a finger under her chin and cast her a heart-melting smile. “I imagine so.”

“Trey?” Maddie’s blood warmed considerably.

“You’re one of my favorites, Maddie,” he whispered and bent his head.

Maddie couldn’t allow him to kiss her. She’d fall deeper and harder than ever, and that would prove disastrous. She took a step back, whispering, “Cross me off your list.”

Trey’s head popped up. He ran a hand down his jaw, staring at her lips with regret in his eyes. “I’m trying,” he said solemnly, as if caring for her was the worst of all possible options. And sadly, Maddie knew that in his heart, Trey really believed his loving her would be her downfall. “Trouble is, I’m crazy about you.”

Maddie wanted to shout the famous movie line, “Snap out of it.” But instead, she grabbed the cake plate, headed to the front door, muttering under her breath, “Maybe, we’re both just plain crazy.”

A little bit of hurt was far better than a whole world of hurt, Trey rationalized, as he sat on a wing chair in the Fuller parlor, sipping beer. Trey knew that he’d hurt Maddie the other night. He hadn’t meant to. He hadn’t meant to touch her, much less make love to her. But he’d come to his senses far too late and even now he didn’t regret that night. How could he, when everything had been so perfect? How could he regret the best night of his life?

He couldn’t be more sorry about rejecting Maddie the way that he had, but it had been his only option because she deserved more. She deserved a fair chance in life. She deserved a man who would be there through thick or thin, a man who could weather any of life’s storms, a man with staying power.

Trey would never forget the sober, nearly desperate look on his father’s face, when he’d spoken those last bitter, haunting words. “Don’t make the same mistakes I made, son.” Trey hadn’t told a soul, but today was the anniversary of his father’s death. And today, more than ever, his father’s plea had stuck in his mind with dawning clarity. That is, until he’d breathed in a delicious lemony aroma in his kitchen then witnessed Maddie lifting a two-layer cake from the refrigerator with pride in her eyes. That is, until he realized that Maddie Brooks had baked him his favorite cake.

He’d lost all sense of clarity then and nearly kissed her.

Stupid move.

She’d been right to step away. She’d been right to protect her heart. Trey had little willpower when it came to Maddie. But he wouldn’t subject her to that whole world of hurt. Hooking up with Trey Walker meant disaster to any decent woman and she was the last person he wanted to injure.

Outside, the storm raged. Thunder boomed and lightning illuminated the night’s sky, yet all seemed peaceful inside the parlor with licking flames crackling in the fireplace. Maddie sat on the sofa next to Paul and Jack. She’d been introduced to a few others as well and everyone held a tall glass of champagne in their hands. Everyone except Trey and Jack. Walker men didn’t drink anything with bubbles.

“It’s time for a toast,” Paul said, standing and holding up his glass. Brittany stood beside him, her glass filled with sparkling cider. All the others stood as well. “To Trey,” Paul began, “our good friend. We couldn’t have finished the baby’s room without you. You worked hard, my friend,” Paul said sincerely, then winked, “and even after we tried to kill you with that wood beam, you came back to finish the job. That’s friendship.”

“Or stupidity,” Jack interjected and everyone chuckled.

Brittany slugged him in the arm. Then she moved into the forefront and spoke softly. “And if we have a boy,” she said, darting a quick loving glance at Paul, “we’ve decided that Trey would make a fine middle name for our son.”

Overcome by Paul and Brittany’s kind gesture, Trey stood and smiled with heartfelt gratitude at his friends.

“To Trey Walker,” Paul repeated, clinking his glass to Trey’s beer bottle then everyone else’s glass met with his.

“Thank you,” Trey said, surprised at the lump in his throat. He had trouble getting the words out. “I’m honored.”

He glanced at Maddie. Her eyes had been on him, watching him with interest, bright green sparks touching him and conveying her innermost thoughts. She held that look of hope and expectation again, but those sentiments weren’t for her this time. They were aimed at him.

“It’s time for dinner,” Brittany announced, breaking into his thoughts. “Follow me into the dining room everyone.”

Trey waited as the others filed into the dining room, catching his breath, trying to absorb all the emotions whirling around inside him. He hadn’t seen Maddie move close, but instead the scent of raspberries had alerted him that she stood beside him.

She reached up on tiptoes to whisper in his ear, “No staying power? You’re a loyal friend, Trey. You wouldn’t let your friends down. Paul and Brittany are naming their baby after you. They adore you and I can understand why.”

Before Trey could respond, Maddie sashayed away, leaving him standing there amid her sweet scent, staring at her perfect backside as she walked into the dining room.

She looked beautiful tonight. It was hard to remember what his life had been like before she moved onto the ranch. And it’d be even more difficult imagining her gone. But Trey was certain she would leave Hope Wells now.

He’d messed up pretty badly, hurting her in the process. He’d witnessed the resignation in her eyes tonight, even though she tried covering it up. As much as he’d vowed not to get involved with her, he had, proving her wrong tonight. Helping out a friend was one thing but committing his life to a woman was quite another. Trey feared he couldn’t do it and where would that leave Maddie?

Trey walked into the dining room with newfound determination. No matter how much pain her leaving would cause him, he knew he’d have to suffer it out. He and Maddie had no future together at 2 Hope Ranch.

“You’re in love with her, Trey,” Brittany said, wiping her hands on a dish towel in the kitchen.

“With who?” Trey glanced around the deserted kitchen. Hell, he’d only come in here to thank Brit privately for the wonderful meal. She had made all of his favorite things, chicken croquettes, sweet potato pie, creamed corn and fresh baked biscuits.

Brit cast him an irritated look. He knew she wasn’t going to give in or give up until they had this conversation.

“With Maddie, and don’t get cute.”

“Me? I’ve never been accused of being cute.”

“That’s because you’re drop-dead handsome, Trey. It seems as though Maddie thinks so, too. You two couldn’t keep your eyes off each other tonight.”

Trey shrugged.

“So, are you, or aren’t you?”

Trey shut his eyes briefly and inhaled. “Nope. I can’t be.”

Brit leaned against the back of the counter, her belly protruding out. She looked as lovely as a pregnant woman could look in that state. And when she placed a protective hand on her abdomen, rubbing slightly, Trey wondered what it would be like fathering a child of his own. An image flashed instantly of Maddie, carrying his baby, her hand resting protectively on their child, smiling up at him.

“You can’t be? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means, I wouldn’t do that to her.”

Brit chuckled. “I think she’d want you to do that to her. Over and over again.”

“Brit!”

“Well, I didn’t get pregnant all by myself, Trey. I’m not that innocent. And I can see there’s something strong between you. Are you denying it? And remember, Paul and I are your closest friends, so no fair fibbing.”

Trey let out a deep sigh. “No, I’m not denying it. There’s definitely something there. Maddie’s pretty darn wonderful.”

Brit reached for his hand, flipping it over to view his injured palm. “So are you, Trey. You deserve some happiness in your life. You’ve been alone too long.”

Trey squeezed her hand and smiled. “At least this way, no one gets hurt.”

“Or maybe both of you get hurt.”

Jack busted into their conversation, striding into the kitchen at full speed. He spoke quietly, so the guests in the dining room wouldn’t hear, but as forcefully as Trey had ever heard him. “Are you nuts or something?”

Trey shook his head. He seemed to be on the receiving end of one of his cousin’s tirades. “What now, Jack?”

“Maddie told us that she’s thinking of leaving Hope Wells. She’s been offered a job in Denver.”

“She has?” Brittany asked, both she and Jack staring at Trey.

“Yeah, I know.”

“And you’re not going to stop her?” Jack stood boot to boot with Trey now, his gaze penetrating.

“It’s her decision.”

Jack cursed then apologized to Brit. “You could ask her not to go. You could give her a reason to stay.”

Trey hated being backed into a corner. He’d already made his decision regarding Maddie and was trying damn hard to abide by it. What right did anyone have to judge him? Anger simmered close to his breaking point. He stepped away from his cousin to avoid coming to blows. “Jeez, if you’re so damn interested, maybe you should ask her to stay.”

“Maybe I will!”

Trey ground out, “Good.”

“Great. I backed off before because of you, but I like her a lot. What’s not to like? She’s smart and funny and pretty as a picture. Hell, if you’re too much of a fool to see it, then I’m going to ask her out.”

Trey’s anger boiled over. He grabbed Jack’s shirt and pulled him so they stood nose to nose. “You don’t want to go there, cousin. Or you might have to arrest me for assaulting an officer.”

Jack grinned and craned his neck to look at Brit. “He’s in love with her.”

Brit agreed. “You’re in love with her.”

Trey released Jack and they backed away from each other. He glanced at Brit then back to Jack. Both wore smug expressions. “Damn meddlers. That’s what you are.”

“Are you calm now?” Jack asked.

With a quick move, Trey shifted his shoulders, relieving tension. “Ticked off, but calm.”

At that moment, Maddie walked in with Paul right behind her carrying dishes from the dining room. “Thought I could help you in here, Brittany,” Maddie said, setting the dishes down on the kitchen counter.

“Oh, isn’t that sweet.”

“Looks like you’ve got plenty of help. What’re you boys doing,” Paul teased, “taking up with an old pregnant lady?”

Brittany swatted him with the dish towel then glanced at Maddie. “You know, I think I’ll wait up a bit on doing the dishes. These boys need some of your lemon cake to settle them down.”

Maddie glanced around the room taking in all of their guilty expressions. “I hope it came out okay.”

Brittany smiled. “I’m sure it’s just fine. Trey’ll think so, no matter what.”

“I know, but my lemon cake might not be—”

“It’ll be delicious, Maddie,” Trey offered honestly.

“Because you baked it special for him,” Brittany said with wink.

“Hey Maddie,” Jack started, darting a quick glance at Trey, “you ever treat a stubborn old mule?”

“Well, yes,” she answered, her brows furrowing, clearly puzzled by Jack’s question. “I’ve had some experience with stubborn mules. Why?”

Jack grinned again and Trey was about ready to slap that silly expression off his face. He shrugged. “I heard there’s this mule in Hope Wells sorely in need of your attention.”

Brittany chuckled, grabbing Maddie’s hand and guiding her out of the kitchen. “Come on, we’ll let those boys bring in the dessert. It’ll give them something constructive to do.”

Paul stepped between Trey and Jack, heading off trouble.

“Paul,” Trey said through pursed lips. “Next time you have a party for me, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t invite my cousin.”

Jack picked up the lemon cake, and laughed his way into the dining room.

Maddie sat between Paul and a nice man named Burton, one of the Fuller’s neighbors, facing Trey and Brittany. Jack sat at the head of the table, placed there specifically by the hostess. Maddie got the feeling Jack’s new seating arrangement wasn’t so much by choice, but rather in tune with a schoolteacher disciplining an unruly boy by placing him in the corner of the room. Jack didn’t seem any worse for wear, he kept a smile on his face and every once in a while, she caught him watching her.

Paul poured coffee into delicate antique cups while Brittany reached over to cut the cake. Several times tonight Maddie had caught Brittany arching her back to rub that area, grimacing uncomfortably.

“It’s so beautiful,” Brittany said, staring at the lemon frosting swirls Maddie had designed with care, “I almost hate to cut into it.”

“Then, let me,” Maddie offered, wanting to take some of tonight’s burden off her gracious hostess. “I’d love to serve the cake.”

Brittany handed over the knife and cake server. “Be my guest.” She plopped down, looking relieved.

Maddie cut several slices and had just finished sending the plates around the table, when her cell phone rang. “Uh, sorry about that,” she said to Brittany and Paul, “but I have to get this.”

“No problem. We’ll wait for you,” Paul said.

She exited the room quickly, and answered her phone. One minute later she stood at the dining room threshold making apologies. “I’m sorry, but I have an emergency call. I have to leave.”

“Oh, sorry to hear that,” Brittany said. “Is it urgent?”

“I’m afraid so. Darla Chester’s dog is having a difficult birth. It’s her first litter and Darla’s beside herself with worry. I promised I’d come over right away.”

Paul looked doubtful. “That’s clear across the county, Maddie.”

“And the storm’s not letting up,” Burton’s wife, Tilly announced, looking out the window.

Jack volunteered, “I don’t live far from there, I’d be happy to take—”

“I’ll drive you.” Trey pushed out his chair and stood.

Maddie glanced at the roomful of worried guests. “Oh, thank you all for your concern, but I’ll be fine, really. I don’t want to break up the party.”

She felt really badly about this. Paul and Brittany had gone to a great deal of trouble tonight and Maddie hated being the one to spoil the rest of the evening. She’d learned early on in her profession that when duty calls, all else had to be forfeited. She didn’t mind when her own plans were ruined, but she sorely disliked disrupting others’ lives.

“I’m driving you, Maddie.” Trey said, his tone brooking no argument.

“But you haven’t taken a bite of your cake yet.”

“I’ll wrap up both of your pieces and send them along with you,” Brittany offered, then added, “That’s one nasty storm out there. I’d feel better knowing Trey was with you.”

“So would I,” Paul agreed, glancing out the window.

Brittany rose quickly taking both of their plates into the kitchen, while Trey strode over to her. “Do you have everything you need in your truck?”

“Yes, I keep it supplied in case of emergencies but, Trey, you really don’t have to do this.” Maddie glanced at the table of friends he would be leaving behind. “I’ll manage. It’s what I do.”

Trey smiled warmly, turning on the Walker charm, something Maddie hadn’t witnessed too often. “Honey,” he whispered for her ears only, “if you don’t let me drive you, I’m going to follow behind you all the way. You need to get there safely and I know exactly where Darla lives.”

Maddie had a hard time resisting Trey’s offer, not because she feared the thunder that boomed like a demon’s wail, or the heavy rain teeming down, but because Trey spoke so sweetly, his dark gorgeous eyes troubled and concerned.

Her heart ached knowing that Trey cared for her, but wouldn’t act upon his feelings. He wouldn’t break down the wall that kept them from being together. But Maddie couldn’t think about that right now. She had puppies to deliver, and now it appeared she had a chauffeur to deliver her to the laboring Labrador. “Thank you,” she said. “We’d better get going.”

Brittany handed Trey a small brown bag. “I wrapped your cake inside.” She reached up and kissed Trey on the cheek. “You’re a wonderful friend, Trey. And our baby says thank you, too.”

Trey leaned over to hug Brittany then shook Paul’s hand. “You’re welcome and dinner was great.”

Trey said farewell to the others at the table and Maddie said her quick goodbyes as well, giving Brittany her special thanks for the evening.

“You two take it slow and easy now,” Paul said, walking them to the front door. “And remember that Cody’s Pass will be washed out by now.”

Trey nodded. “I plan on avoiding the Pass. Don’t worry. We’ll get there just fine.”

Paul opened the door and wind howled fiercely as cold air immediately chilled the warm room. A shiver ran down Maddie’s spine. She hadn’t seen weather like this in a decade or more.

“Hand me your keys, Maddie.”

Maddie had no problem giving up her keys to Trey.

“You ready?” he asked, taking her hand and squeezing gently.

She nodded, hanging on to Trey’s strong hand and they dashed outside.

Nine

After a slow laborious drive across the county, Trey delivered Maddie safely to the Chester house. Trey was steps behind her as she dashed inside dripping wet. To Maddie’s chagrin, Darla greeted Trey with a bit of surprise and curiosity. “Trey? I didn’t expect to see you. It’s been a long time.”

That charming smile of Trey’s emerged as he looked at Darla, his gaze making a quick sweep of her body. “Hi, Darla. It has been a while. Maddie’s not used to our T-storms, so I drove her here.”

Darla glanced her way, finally making the connection. “That’s right, you’re practicing out of 2 Hope now, Dr. Brooks.”

“Yes. Temporarily.” Maddie cast her a small smile, but inside her heart took a tumble. She’d never felt “less” a woman than now, soaked through her clothes, her hair plastered to her head, and no doubt what had been left of her makeup smudged beyond repair, while Darla Chester stood tall and graceful with long waves of blonde hair falling nearly to her buttocks. Her thin frame only accentuated what Maddie would term a perfect namesake, Chester. The woman was extremely well endowed.

Funny, but Maddie had met Darla a few times, treating her Lab at her office in town, but she hadn’t felt this pang of envy, not until tonight, not until she saw Darla Chester in a whole new light, through Trey’s eyes.

“I’m so darn worried about Candy. Thanks for coming out in this weather,” Darla said, leading them into the kitchen. The yellow Labrador lay in her whelping box in the far corner, breathing heavily, trying as she might to deliver her pups.

Maddie instantly forgot about her bruised ego and got to work. “She’s so tired already.” She massaged the dog, stroking her gently, rubbing her belly. “She’s probably got five or six in there.” Maddie glanced up at Trey. “This might take a while.”

Trey bent down next to her, smelling like fresh rain and looking sexy as sin soaked through his clothes. Maddie didn’t know how Trey Walker did it, but she’d never met a more appealing man in her life. “I’m staying, for however long it takes, Maddie.”

“Thanks.”

“Put me to work,” he said.

“Me, too, what can I do?” Darla asked, her amber eyes filled with concern.

“Well, first we have to get her up and moving. Normally I’d let her outside to stimulate her, but the weather’s not cooperating. Does Candy have any favorite toys or anything she likes that might spark her interest?”

“Yes, she does,” Darla answered.

“Good, because we’re going to have to keep her busy.”

They spent the next twenty minutes taking turns playing with the dog, trying to keep her mind off her tired uterus and stimulate her enough to allow nature to take its course. When Maddie thought she was ready, she guided her back down into her whelping box and the first pup eased out of her at half past midnight.

“That’s a good girl, Candy,” Maddie said, stroking her head gently.

The pup found her mama’s teat easily and began suckling.

“Cute little thing,” Trey said, his expression childlike, full of winsome interest. Maddie couldn’t help but wonder how Trey would react to fatherhood. Though he would probably disagree, Maddie felt sure Trey would make a terrific father. He had all the qualities necessary, patience, kindness and a distinct affection for all beings, great and small.

“There’s at least four more cuties like this in there,” Maddie said, “but poor Candy’s going to have to work hard through the night.”

Darla walked up. “You folks must be cold and exhausted. I turned up the heat and made a pot of coffee. Forgive me. I should have offered it to you when you first arrived, but—”

“You were worried about Candy. That’s only natural,” Maddie responded.

Darla waved her over. “Come to the table. We can keep our eyes on Candy from here.”

Maddie glanced at the laboring Labrador and shook her head. “I think I’ll stay by her side for now. She’s a little unsure of things. You and Trey take a break. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Are you sure?” Darla asked, biting her lip. “Is everything okay with her?”

“Everything’s fine, really. It’s just a precaution. Go on, you two and don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine.”

Darla turned to Trey. “Coffee?”

“I’d love a cup.”

“Cream, no sugar, right?” Darla asked.

Trey nodded. “You have a good memory.”

Darla chuckled as they walked over to the table. “Sometimes I wish it wasn’t so good.”

Maddie concentrated on Candy, stroking her head and massaging her abdomen, but every once in a while she’d catch a bit of Darla and Trey’s conversation. They’d laugh over something, then whisper softly. Maddie presumed by the way they spoke to each other that they’d known each other a long time, but she also got the impression something more had gone on between the two of them.

She told herself it was none of her business, but a niggling thought had stuck in her mind. Had Trey insisted he bring her here tonight so that he could see Darla?

She glanced up just in time to witness Darla lay her hand on Trey’s cheek. She couldn’t hear their words, but their soft quiet tone spoke volumes.

Candy made a whimpering noise and Maddie directed her attention back to the laboring dog. A minute later, the second pup was delivered.

“Hey, this one’s a little bigger.” Trey bent down and handed Maddie a cup of steaming hot coffee. “Here you go. I figured you could use this right about now.”

Maddie leaned back against the wall, now that she was sure Candy and the pups were all right, and sipped the coffee. “Mmmm, this is good.”

“Hits the spot, doesn’t it?” Trey smiled.

“Yeah, it does.”

“You know, just in case I haven’t told you this before, you’re darn good at what you do.”

Maddie smiled. If there was one thing in her life that she could take pride in, it was her profession. She loved what she did, couldn’t think of a time when she wouldn’t be working with animals. “Thanks.”

Trey nodded and studied her face. “Why don’t you get up for a while, stretch out. I’ll watch Candy for a few minutes. Besides, I think Darla needs some encouragement. She’s acting like a worried mother hen over there, but she doesn’t want to get in your way.”

“She really adores this dog.”

Trey slid a quick glance Darla’s way. “She’s got a good heart.”

Maddie spoke ever so quietly, the whisper barely audible. “And did you break it, Trey?”

Trey looked into Maddie’s eyes, hesitating with his answer. When he finally responded, his reply wasn’t what she’d expected. “For years, I thought I had but that doesn’t seem to be the case after all.”

This wasn’t the time or place to discuss his past loves, although Maddie couldn’t deny that Trey’s comment intrigued the heck out of her. Maddie rose and stretched, working the kinks out of her back, then walked over to Darla to reassure her that Candy was doing fine. She still had three or four more puppies to deliver.

If all went well, they’d be back at 2 Hope Ranch before sunup.

Trey stomped dirt off his boots, hung up his hat on a peg by the back door and entered the kitchen. Maddie stood waiting for him by the kitchen table, fidgeting with a linen napkin she was about to set down. She’d been halfway through cooking this meal, when she began to have second thoughts. Maybe Trey didn’t like surprises. Maybe all he wanted to do was fall into bed after a hard day’s work.

But Maddie owed him. He hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep last night. It had been nearly dawn when they’d finally retired to their bedrooms this morning and just two hours later, Maddie heard Trey get up. And when she’d looked out the window, she’d seen his figure riding out on his horse, into the rain-soaked, dreary morning.

Even though he’d insisted on driving her to Darla’s house, Maddie still felt a pang of guilt at keeping him up all night. Exhausted and beat, she’d thanked him again when they’d arrived home, but it hadn’t been enough. And while her culinary talents weren’t top-notch, Maddie knew how to make killer tamales and Spanish rice, a Texas staple and something she’d learned from her friend, Caroline. Maddie had been on the phone with her three times this afternoon, double-checking the recipe, making sure she hadn’t forgotten anything.

“Hi.” Maddie greeted Trey with trepidation and a big smile.

Trey glanced at the table she’d set with a pretty blue lace tablecloth she’d found in the linen closet along with mismatched napkins. Two tall tapered candles cast the room in mellow soothing light. “What’s this?”

“Dinner and thank-you.”

He lifted his nose in the air. “Smells delicious.”

“Tamales and rice. Are you hungry?”

Trey grinned. “Is that a trick question?”

Maddie stumbled with her words. “Uh, well, I wasn’t sure if you’d want to get right to bed, or, uh—”

Trey’s eyes went wide and he stared at her then a playful smile emerged. “That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.”

Maddie tossed the napkin at him, but he caught it before it struck his grinning face.

“It’s an offer for dinner, you dopey cowboy.”

With a teasing light still in his eyes, Trey admitted, “I know, but a man can dream, can’t he?”

Maddie shook her head, ignoring his teasing comment, because she knew there was no real substance there. She knew Trey wasn’t dreaming about her, in or out of bed. “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”

Trey walked up to her, coming extremely close and looked into her eyes. “You look real pretty tonight, Maddie.”

Maddie blushed. She’d purposely dressed up, wanting to erase the horrible drowned-rat image from last night, when she’d gotten caught in the thunderstorm. Tonight, she wore a simple black dress, nothing too fancy, but a dress that made her feel womanly. “Thank you.”

“Seems you’re forever thanking me.”

He slid the napkin back into her palm, and the slight brush of his hand was enough to warm her up all over. Then she stared deeply at him, really looking beyond his handsome features, noting that he didn’t look tired at all. How can a man work and work and work, and not look like something the cat dragged in? “I thought you’d be exhausted by now. I felt bad all day, knowing you didn’t get any sleep because of me.”

“I slept.”

“Yes, for about an hour early this morning.”

Trey brushed his mouth to her ear, creating tingles Maddie struggled to conceal—tingles that made her knees go weak. He whispered his secret. “I slept today. Found me a nice dry patch of pasture and took a little nap. Didn’t think I’d be able to keep my eyes open the rest of the day, otherwise.”

“Oh.”

Trey stepped back to gaze into her eyes. “Did you think I was Superman or something?”

“Maybe or something,” she admitted.

The twinkle in his eyes, the smile on his lips did something wonderful to her. She’d never known anyone like Trey Walker before. She’d fallen in love with him almost from the first moment she’d met him, but she realized now, that she really hadn’t loved Trey back then. She’d been fascinated by him and attracted by the gentle way he had with his animals. She’d been captivated by his good looks and intrigued by his polite yet distant demeanor. No, she hadn’t loved him then, she knew that for fact.

Because she loved him now.

So much, so unnervingly much that she ached deep in her heart. This love was real. This love was clear. This love was pure. It struck her like a knife, sharp and swift.

She had come to know the real Trey Walker and had fallen head over heels.

Maddie turned away from Trey then, unwilling to show him the face of that realization. She couldn’t let him see her devastation. She walked over to the kitchen table and set his napkin in place. “W-we have lemon cake for dessert,” she said quietly.

“Maddie?” he asked, clearly puzzled by her sudden change in demeanor. “Honey, are you okay?”

His sweet tone tore at her heart. Maddie wasn’t good at subterfuge. She’d always been the what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of girl. Afraid her voice would tremble when she spoke, she bobbed her head up and down.

“Okay,” he said with trepidation. “I’ll catch a quick shower and be back in ten minutes.”

She nodded again.

Once he exited the room, Maddie sighed with relief. She realized she had ten minutes to pull herself together. She couldn’t let her feelings for Trey be known. It was imperative that, for however long she’d be living at 2 Hope Ranch, she maintain the budding friendship she’d developed with Trey and keep it that simple.

She’d fought a long hard battle and had lost.

She’d fallen in love with a man who couldn’t love her back.

Trey forked the first bite of lemon cake and guided it into his mouth, savoring the pungent lemony flavor as it slid down his throat. He didn’t know if it was the cake itself or the fact that Maddie had baked for him, but he’d never tasted better lemon cake.

The best he’d ever had.

Trey stared at Maddie across the table, taking a bite of cake, chewing thoughtfully and realized how much he’d enjoyed walking into his kitchen after a day’s work to find her there, waiting for him. She’d cast him a small timid smile, looking apprehensive and so pretty in her black dress, with the table set and dinner cooking. Good God, if he wasn’t careful, he’d do something stupid, like ask her to stay on at Hope Wells, ask her to stay with him at the ranch.

An instant recollection came to mind of another “best” he’d ever had, the night they’d made love. He’d never wanted a woman more or experienced such intense lack of willpower. He’d lost all rational thought that night, allowing his natural instincts and raw desire to take over. He and Maddie had shared an incredible night, one he’d never forget.

Day in and day out, he fought his feelings for her, but still, he wanted her. Little Maddie Brooks, the animal doc, the petite wholesome redhead who had knocked his world off-kilter.

He figured once she left Hope Wells, he could forget all about her. He figured with miles distancing them, he’d move on and so would she. She’d settle in at the new clinic in Denver, dive into her work and most likely, hook up with that Nick character.

Trey frowned, his lips pulling down the corners of his mouth.

“Don’t you like the cake?” Maddie asked.

She had misinterpreted his sour mood. Trey sent her a reassuring smile. “I was just thinking that you’re spoiling me. Nobody’s ever baked a better cake than this, Maddie.”

“Really?” Her pensive mood lightened.

“It’s the best I’ve—” he began, but halted immediately, noting Maddie’s sharp gaze on him. He couldn’t repeat the vow he’d spoken when they’d made love. The reminder would be too painful to both of them. “It’s delicious.”

He took another big bite, taking immense pleasure as he chewed.

Maddie played with a bit of frosting on her fork. “You could always ask Darla to bake you one.”

Surprised, Trey nearly choked on a mouthful of food. “Darla?”

Maddie looked at him directly and nodded, her green eyes bright with curiosity. “Yes, Darla.”

Trey laid his fork down and leaned back in his chair. “There’s nothing between Darla and me anymore.”

Maddie continued to look at him, waiting for more. Silently, Trey sighed, realizing that Maddie expected more of an explanation. He didn’t like dredging up the past. Whenever he did, his recollections always proved what he knew in his heart to be true, that he wasn’t cut out for relationships.

“We dated for a short time.”

Maddie remained silent.

“Darla went through a pretty messy divorce. I think I was the first man she dated after her breakup. And well, in the beginning it was nice. We had a good time together. But then, Darla got serious about us and I started feeling closed in—like a vise grip crushing my neck. I felt lousy about doing so, but I broke it off.”

“How did she take it?” Maddie asked.

“She wasn’t happy and I’d hurt yet another woman. I’d made another mistake. For the longest time I felt guilty about that. But last night, she cleared all that up for me.”

“How?”

“She told me, plain as day, she hadn’t been ready for a relationship. She’d admitted that our breakup was the best thing that had happened to her. She’d needed time to straighten out her life. She’s happier now than she’s ever been. She has a long distance relationship with a man living in Corsicana, and that suits her just fine.”

A small smile graced her lips. “And she’s got five healthy pups and a new mama to keep her busy, too.”

“Yeah, that, too.”

“You must feel relieved. All this time you thought you’d hurt her and she came out better for it.”

Trey couldn’t agree. He’d entered into that relationship blindly, not realizing how vulnerable Darla would be after a terrible divorce. The potential for causing her pain had been there all along, but Darla had made her way through despite Trey’s disregard for her feelings. “I bolted the minute things got too close for comfort, Maddie. There’s no denying that.”

Maddie’s expression changed. She lost the beam in her eyes, the smile on her face. “Is that what happened between you and me? You got that closed-in feeling?”

“Hell, no.” Trey shook his head and made a wide sweeping gesture with his arms. “With you, it was as if the whole world opened up and I was right smack in the middle of it.”

Maddie blinked.

Trey cursed. He never wanted to admit that to her. He never wanted to give her reason to hope. Yet, something deep inside couldn’t allow Maddie to think he’d used her that night. He couldn’t allow her to think she’d suffocated him. Just the opposite was true. She’d made him feel alive and vital and open to all good things.

“I felt that way, too,” she whispered.

Trey stood then and reached for her, guiding her up until she stood facing him. She looked so beautiful tonight, her sad green eyes catching the pale light. Trey couldn’t resist holding her once more. He took her in his arms, splaying his hands around her tiny waist and spoke softly. “You’re a dangerous woman, Maddie Brooks.”

She stared at the collar of his shirt. “Do I scare you, Trey?”

Trey tipped her chin up with a finger and their eyes met. “More than you’ll ever know.” He bent down and kissed her on the lips. “So sweet.”

“It’s the frosting,” she said softly.

He kissed her once again. “It’s you, Maddie.”

Maddie reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, tugging him closer. The kiss went deeper this time and longer until the sugary sweet taste of Maddie was etched in his head for eternity.

In harmony, they both moaned, a quiet little plea that spoke of untold pleasure. Trey deepened the kiss further, driving his tongue in her mouth, mating with her in the most elemental way. Their bodies brushed once, then melded together perfectly as Maddie’s soft supple form crushed against Trey’s granite hard body.

Trey was at a loss to stop, his need for Maddie too great. He held her tight and kissed her passionately, igniting a spark that would surely burst into flames. He moved his hands to cup her bottom, molding her cheeks in his palms feeling the soft firm skin hidden under her dress, spurred on by her tiny little whimpers. Next he caressed the delicate small of her back, making small circles and gliding his hands over her. He slid them up to stroke her shoulders, until finally his hands found the back of her head. He wove his fingers into the silky copper strands, aching for all of her, wanting to take her to bed and make love to her throughout the night. And just as he began to speak those words, she pulled away, shaking her head, breaking off their intimate connection.

She closed her eyes briefly then opened them with regret and pain. “You’re a better man than you think you are, Trey. I wish you could see that you have more staying power than most men I know.”

She walked out, leaving him bereft, not from the aching hard-on in his pants, but from words spoken straight from the heart.

Ten

“That’s a good wild stallion,” Maddie joked, holding a loose rope and walking with Storm along a path behind the ranch house. She’d finished work early and decided that a pleasant afternoon walk would do them both a world of good.

Maddie had made mistakes while living here at 2 Hope Ranch, but she planned to rectify what she could. And Storm had been high on her list. She’d never come up against an animal with so much resistance. Normally Maddie could coax a horse to do her bidding, but not Storm. He was definitely and infinitely a stallion with his own obstinate mind.

While she thought she’d gained the horse’s trust, she really hadn’t. She realized that she’d rushed him, thinking the little leeway he’d given her had been enough. So now, Maddie used a different tactic. She didn’t want to destroy the animal’s spirit, only settle him somewhat.

“You’re not so different than Trey, you know,” she said, speaking freely along the path, with no worry of being overheard. “You’re both headstrong and feisty as all get out.” Maddie let loose a quiet chuckle, a good release for her pent-up frustration. Last night, she’d wanted Trey as much as he’d wanted her. But Maddie was too much of a realist not to understand that until Trey came to grips with his heritage and his past, she’d only be letting herself in for more heartache.

As difficult as it was, she’d pushed Trey away last night for both of their sakes.

She moved along the path with Storm keeping her mind off Trey, speaking in a level voice with patience and care, hoping to create a special bond with Storm, hoping he would learn to accept her. “And afterward, if you keep up this good behavior, I’ll give you a nice rubdown, a soothing little massage for your muscles.” Maddie worked out a kink in her shoulder. “I only wish you could reciprocate,” she said with a smile.

Maddie felt comfortable with this approach, taking small steps and bonding with the stallion as if he were hers. She understood Storm better now and realized he had a long way to go before he would relinquish his trust.

After thirty minutes, they headed back toward the ranch, Maddie feeling a great sense of accomplishment that Storm hadn’t rejected the interaction between them. The stallion actually seemed content. She walked Storm into the barn, heading for his paddock, the largest in the building and Maddie’s instincts took hold. As they bypassed a docile bay mare named Julip, one of Trey’s cutting horses, she slowed her steps, careful and a bit wary of Storm’s reaction.

Maddie had watched this particular mare during her stay here, and she knew her to have the sweetest of natures. When Storm approached her stall, Julip sauntered over slowly until the two came face to face.

Storm bristled, breathing out nosily, stomping his feet. Maddie’s heart pumped hard, hoping she hadn’t made a big mistake. Normally, Storm stayed outside in his corral, too unruly and quite frankly, too lusty, to be thrown in with female horses.

But Julip merely stared at him, and if a horse could shrug and roll her eyes, Maddie was sure this mare had done just that. Julip turned her back on Storm and moved to the far end of her stall, clearly not impressed with the stallion.

To Maddie’s amazement, Storm’s little outburst nearly all but disappeared and she had to really tug on the rope she held to get Storm to move away from Julip’s stall.

“Hmm. Interesting,” Maddie said, as ideas stirred around in her head.

“What’s interesting?” Trey’s low voice from behind gave her a start.

Maddie turned slowly, both she and Trey behaving carefully, aware of Storm’s unpredictable nature. She stared into the deep disapproving eyes of Trey Walker. “Oh, nothing. Storm and I just went for a walk.”

Trey’s brows furrowed and he winced. “You went for a walk alone with him? Not a good idea, Maddie. I thought you’d learned your lesson.”

Maddie took her eyes off Trey. Looking at him standing there with hands on hips, wearing a black Stetson, dark shirt and leather-fringed chaps, the handsome cowboy stole all of her breath. Instead, she focused on the stallion, patting his neck gently. “Storm and I came to an understanding.”

“Yeah? And what was that?”

Trey was not happy. He wouldn’t take his eyes off of Storm, as if he fully expected the horse to bolt, or worse.

“We had a nice walk and now I’m going to give him a rubdown.”

Trey blinked. He pointed at Storm and spoke with deadly calm. “You will not get in that stall with him, Maddie. To begin with, he’s hardly ever in there. It’s too confining for him. He won’t like you invading his territory. You know well and good that he’s more wild than tame.”

“I think he’s ready.”

Trey folded his arms around his middle and dug in his boot heels. “No.”

“No?”

“I forbid it.” Trey grabbed the rope from Maddie’s hands.

Shocked, Maddie repeated his words, “You forbid it?”

Trey nodded.

Maddie’s eyes grew wide. Her face colored with heat and the hair at the nape of her neck stood on end. “You’re forgetting that I’m an animal doctor, Trey. I know animals better than I know people. I can do this.”

“He’s not ready. He may never be ready, Maddie.”

She planted her hands on her slight hips and spoke forcefully. “I disagree. He’s pigheaded like you, but unlike you, he’ll come around.”

“Don’t fight me on this, Maddie. I won’t change my mind.” Trey led Storm away, turning him around to head toward the opened barn door.

Maddie fumed silently. Normally she wouldn’t be so bold. Trey owned Storm. He had the final say in his treatment and care. Maddie had no rights when it came to the stallion. But still, it irritated her that Trey wouldn’t allow her this. He was as closed off as the first day she’d met him.

“Just who are you trying to protect?” Maddie muttered. And after Trey had left the barn entirely, she added, “Me or the stallion? Or maybe, yourself?”

Minutes later, Trey stood by the fence watching Storm race around the perimeter of the corral, his jet-black mane flying in the fading sunlight. The stallion was too spirited to tame, and though Trey had immense respect for Maddie’s abilities with animals, he couldn’t allow her to place herself in danger. Storm needed gentling over a long period of time—he couldn’t be rushed. No doubt, Maddie had goodness in her heart. She was a positive thinker, believing that she could change things that were unchangeable. But Trey knew better, learning his lessons firsthand. He and Maddie probably would never see eye to eye on the subject.

He’d been harsh with her in the barn, perhaps overly so, to make his point. But the truth remained that he couldn’t abide Maddie getting hurt again. She’d already made one bad judgment call with the stallion the night of the dust storm. She’d been fortunate in not sustaining life-threatening injuries. So he figured that while he couldn’t do anything about the emotional hurt he’d caused her lately, he’d damn well see to it that she wouldn’t get hurt physically while living on his ranch.

Trey presumed she’d be packing her suitcase soon anyway, anxious to leave 2 Hope, anxious to leave him. He’d made one mistake after another with her. With all the best intentions, he’d tried protecting her and wound up hurting her in the process. She’d be better off without him.

Much better off.

A car pulled up, kicking up dry dust and coming to a stop right next to him. Trey turned to find his cousin Jack exiting his patrol car wearing his tan sheriff’s uniform and a big smile. “Howdy, Trey.”

Trey wasn’t in the mood for Jack’s good humor. “Hey, Jack. What’s up? Are you on duty or is this a social call?”

Jack glanced around, searching the property. “Maddie around?”

“You came out here to see Maddie?” Trey asked, masking his irritation the best he could. Jack didn’t seem to notice, his gaze kept darting around the borders of the ranch.

“Nope. I came out here to see you.” He grinned and Trey’s irritation grew at Jack’s mysterious behavior. “So, where is she?”

Trey shrugged. “She’s probably in her office, working.”

Jack glanced toward the old barn. “Good. I’m here on a mission. Caroline’s throwing Maddie a surprise birthday party this Saturday night. She asked me to come over here to let you know about it. She didn’t want to call the ranch, just in case Maddie picked up the phone.”

“It’s her birthday?”

“Not until next week. She’ll be twenty-eight and Caroline is dead serious about keeping this a surprise. That’s why she’s doing it early. She has this idea to get her over to her place. She wants you to bring her.”

“Me? How am I supposed to do that?”

Jack smiled. “She wants you to ask her out to dinner, so Maddie will dress up pretty and be ready. Caroline figured she’d call with a baby-sitting emergency asking Maddie to come over to watch Annabelle for half an hour before your date. The rest of us will be there waiting.”

Trey began shaking his head. “No. I can’t do that.”

“Sure you can.”

“No, I can’t.”

“You can’t?” Jack wore his stubborn Walker expression. Trey recognized the tightening of his mouth, the set of his jaw. He’d worn that same expression more than a few times himself. “Well, why the hell not?”

Trey confessed, “Because I doubt Maddie would go anywhere with me.”

Jack pursed his lips and eyed him with doubt. “I don’t believe it. You two have been hot for each other since she moved in with you.”

“Believe it,” Trey said firmly.

Jack sighed aloud. “What happened?”

Trey refused Jack the details. He didn’t need to know how Maddie’s coming to live with him had been the best and worst time in his life. He didn’t need to know that they’d lived in turmoil, Trey making one mistake after another with her. He didn’t need to know how much Trey cared about her, willing to do whatever it took to keep her safe and protected. Hell, Trey had just come to that conclusion himself. “Doesn’t matter. Maddie’s not speaking to me.”

Jack’s expression changed to a full out grin. “She’s not?”

Trey cursed. “You don’t have to be so damn happy about it.”

“I’m not,” Jack said, adjusting his expression accordingly. “But I’m sure if you turned on the Walker charm, you could get her to go out with you.”

Trey shrugged a shoulder. “Even if that were true, I’m not going to do it. It’s best this way. Caroline is just going to have to figure another way to get Maddie over there.”

“The party’s in five days, Trey. That doesn’t give her much time. And why is it best that you don’t ask her out?”

Trey shrugged again. “She’ll be leaving soon. I’m sure of it. Moving to Denver is a great opportunity for her.” And he wouldn’t be around to hurt her any longer. He wouldn’t have to yearn for a woman he couldn’t have.

“So, you’re refusing?”

Trey nodded. “It’s for the best. Trust me.”

Jack removed his hat and rubbed the back of his neck, contemplating. “I’m going to have to ask her myself then. Caroline trusted me with this and I’m not going to let her down.” Jack’s mouth pulled down in a frown. “You think she’s mad enough at you to agree to go out with me?”

Trey searched Jack’s eyes. He could see his cousin’s reluctance, but Trey had put him in a bad position. All in all, Trey realized Jack wanted what was best for him and as much as his cousin had teased and tormented, he wasn’t eager to ask Maddie out. “If you ask her today, she’d probably join you on a trip to the moon.”

“All right,” Jack said on a sigh, before turning toward Maddie’s office. “Hell, Trey. Sometimes, you are your own worst enemy.”

Maddie exited the barn leading Julip out, all saddled up and ready for a ride. Maddie needed the distraction and this little outing would help take her mind off the Walker men. They had confounded and confused her enough for an entire lifetime. She was barely speaking to Trey, and just minutes ago, Jack had asked her out. She’d been quite stunned by his invitation to the Sheriff Department’s Annual Benefit dinner, but he’d been so sweet and sincere, promising they’d not call it a date, but merely dinner with a friend. Maddie couldn’t see any harm in going, so she had agreed.

“That’s a girl,” she said, stroking the horse’s forelock and patting her neck before mounting, determined to ignore her frustration and concentrate on the ride. Once in the saddle, she leaned down and gave Julip one last gentle stroke. “You’re the sweetest little lady at 2 Hope.”

She rode toward the corral, keeping a safe distance from Storm and watched the stallion’s reaction. She’d had a hunch about Storm and this experiment would prove whether she’d been right or not. The stallion raced to the fence, snorting air loudly, digging in and sifting dirt with his hooves, until he received what he wanted, the mare’s attention. Julip glanced his way, seeming neither intimated nor interested.

Maddie missed working with Storm and had stayed away for two days, keeping busy with her own work and trying to forget about her heated conversation with Trey the other day. She kept telling herself he’d been within his rights. He owned the stallion and she had to respect his wishes.

But Maddie didn’t have to like it. Seems that she and Trey butted heads more than got along these days. But she knew she could get through to Storm. She knew she could get him to trust, without breaking his spirit. And the sweet-natured Julip would be the one to help her.

She guided the mare slowly around the perimeter of the corral, several yards away from the fence. Julip seemed to enjoy the exercise and paid Storm and his initial tirade little mind. They made the turn once, then twice as Storm watched on from his stance inside the corral.

Maddie continued to keep the mare to a slow pace and the third time they’d circled the corral, Storm approached them, and to Maddie’s delight, he began to move along with them from inside the corral, slowly, but taking a slight lead as any dominant stallion would. “That’s it, boy,” Maddie said softly. They continued on this way until Maddie felt it safe enough to guide Julip closer to the fence, so that now, it seemed the two horses rode beside each other, but for the separating fence. She picked up the pace and galloped around with Storm by her side.

“That’s a different approach,” Kit said, minutes later as Maddie dismounted Julip in front of the barn. “I gotta hand it to you, you don’t give up. Nobody around here ever thought that stallion was worth the money Trey paid for it. We all sorta thought the boss made himself a bull-size mistake. But now,” Kit remarked, taking off his hat to scratch his head, “seeing the progress you’re making, maybe it wasn’t but a little bitty mistake.”

Maddie chuckled and patted the mare’s backside. “I can’t take all the credit. Julip is just what Storm needs.”

Kit glanced at Storm, kicking up another ruckus inside the corral. “Maybe so. Maybe what you’re doing is a good thing. Seems the right female will tame the wild in any male.”

Just then, Trey pulled through the gate in his truck, the sound of the engine causing both to turn in his direction. He parked on the side of the house and got out, glancing their way.

Kit waved at his boss then yanked his hat low onto his head. “Maybe you just might have what it takes to settle him.”

“I hope so,” Maddie said, still reeling from the success of her little experiment.

“And I wasn’t exactly talking about the stallion,” Kit said, with a tip of his hat and playful wink.

Maddie’s mouth dropped open but Kit had walked off before she could utter a word.

“Tell me why you feel the need to shop, again?” Maddie asked, needing convincing that she should have taken the afternoon off to carouse the shops in San Angelo. She and Caroline entered a trendy boutique and began perusing a rack of summertime dresses.

“Because you have a hot date with Jack Walker, that’s why,” Caroline answered. “We need to find you a special outfit.”

When Maddie frowned, Caroline added, “And I need a day away from sandboxes and playgroups. I need a girl’s day out.”

“Just to set the record straight, it’s not a hot date, Caroline,” Maddie insisted. She’d never have agreed to go out with him, if she’d thought he wanted more than friendship. “Jack asked me to this benefit dinner for the sheriff’s department. He made it clear that we’d go as friends.”

Caroline shot her a knowing smile. “The old ‘just friends’ line. Tell me, how is it that you’ve got both of the Walker men lining up. First Trey, now Jack.”

Maddie glanced at a pretty yellow and black two-piece silky suit, before addressing her friend. “First of all, Trey and I are barely speaking. And Jack, well, he’s a sweetheart, but we really are just friends.”

“Hmm.” Caroline’s blond brows rose in doubt.

“Really. I could never…I mean Jack is Trey’s cousin and—”

“I know. It’s always been Trey for you. Too bad, he’s so hung up on his past.”

Maddie lifted a flowery sundress off the rack and placed it under her chin, glancing at the mirror. “It isn’t just his past he’s fighting, but generations of Walker men.”

Caroline shook her head at Maddie’s choice. She set the dress back on the rack, agreeing with her friend’s opinion.

“I’m hoping that maybe one day Trey will wake up and see that he’s not the man his father was.”

“And I’m hoping you’re still around when he finally does wake up. Have you made up your mind about Nick’s job offer?”

“I’m still thinking it through. He’s been so patient with me. I spoke with him yesterday and promised he’d have my answer by next week.”

“Don’t go,” Caroline blurted, then covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

Maddie smiled sadly. This decision would change her entire life. She’d just settled in Hope Wells, having made some truly wonderful friends. Her practice was growing and if she decided to rebuild her office here, she wouldn’t have a problem making ends meet. She truly liked living in Hope Wells, but she often wondered how difficult it would be to live in a small town and bump into Trey from time to time. How difficult would it be to see him move on with his life—to see him with another woman?

Sometimes, accepting Nick’s proposal and moving to Denver made all the sense in the world, and at other times, like right now, as she stared into the sweet caring eyes of her best friend, moving away wasn’t even a possibility.

“Caroline, you don’t have to be sorry. I understand. I’d miss you and Annabelle so much if I left but—”

“You have much more to consider. You’re talented and intelligent and that Denver clinic would be lucky to have you. Tell me, what does that stubborn cowboy have to say about you leaving?”

Maddie stared at her latest selection, deciding the dress wasn’t right and hung it back on the rack. With a deep sigh, she turned to her friend as heartfelt emotions caught her by surprise. She hadn’t intended to get misty-eyed, but darn if tears didn’t pool up. She held them back and spoke quietly. “Let me put it this way. I think it’d be easier on both of us if I left.”

“Oh, Maddie.”

Maddie shrugged and Caroline put her arm around her as they exited the shop.

“I know what you need,” Caroline said after a minute of silence, her voice light, filled with whimsy. “We’ll worry about a new dress later. What you need is sexy lingerie!”

Maddie stared at her friend for a moment, then a bubble of laughter escaped. “What?”

“Trust me. When I was going through my heartache with Gil, nothing perked me up more than buying something soft and feminine and…sinful.”

Maddie’s mood changed immediately and she grinned. The idea began growing on her. “I feel better already.”

“There. You see what I mean. Just wait until we find you something sensational. You’ll feel so glamorous, you won’t have a care in the world.”

“Sounds good to me. But where do we find this sensational something?”

“Leave it to me. I know this place…”

With sunlight fading on the horizon Trey walked into the house and hung his hat upon a peg in the kitchen. He let out a long weary sigh, grateful he’d been able to catch up on chores that seemed to accumulate far too rapidly for a small ranch. His barn roof leaked, for one, a discovery he’d made during that last T-storm they’d had. Fences were down on the south pasture and he’d had to check on several cows heavy with calf, one being nearly ready. He’d moved her into a barn stall just minutes ago and he’d have to check on her every hour or so, a precaution he’d instituted after losing both cow and calf out in the pasture during calving last year.

Trey opened the refrigerator, grabbed a Coors and took one long cooling swig. The beer refreshed his parched throat and lent him some measure of comfort. Though he thought it best to avoid Maddie whenever possible, he had to admit that he missed being with her. He missed seeing her bright eyes alight when something surprised her. He missed seeing her sweet smile when something delighted her. He missed her energy and that way she had of making everyone around her feel good.

She’d been a breath of fresh air, a sweet-natured, strong-willed woman who had brought his mundane ranch to vibrant life. And as he tipped his bottle and took another tall drink, thinking up more of Maddie’s virtues, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a pastel pink shopping bag tipped over on the entry table, its contents spilled out in one big frilly heap on the plank wood floor.

Curious, Trey strode over to the antique table and set his beer down next to the pink shopping bag that read in delicate black letters, Double-Dare. He bent on one knee and lifted a garment up. Black Fishnet Boyshort, the tag claimed along with the Double-Dare logo. He ran his fingers along the panties, tracing a black stitched rose strategically placed on the garment obviously designed to tease and torment. He placed it carefully in the bag and lifted up the next two items attached by a tiny transparent cord. Embroidered Demi-Bra and Bikini Panties. Red/Nude said the fancy tag. The bra and panties were sheer except for the etching of crimson embroidery meant to barely cover a female’s most private assets.

Trey swallowed hard, and though he’d just finished a beer, his mouth suddenly dried up like desert tumble-weed. His mind wandered to secret places he normally didn’t visit, imagining Maddie wearing this set, her soft creamy skin encased in tantalizing red. She was a woman who enjoyed wearing sexy lingerie and the contrast from her day-to-day clinical demeanor to her nighttime hot-blooded nature turned him on. Big-time. Trey took one last look at the matching bra and panties, then shoved them into the bag.

The last item he picked up was labeled Lace Babydoll/Vintage Look. The mauve-colored nightie plunged at the neckline and dipped down so deep that Trey wondered why they even bothered. He inhaled sharply, touching the soft lace, noting that the short hem would hardly cover what needed covering, but then, that wasn’t quite the intent, he thought wryly. And then he saw the matching thong, a skimpy piece of lace attached by a mere thread.

Trey stared at the nightie, his heart in his throat, his groin growing tight. He couldn’t help but to imagine Maddie wearing this, looking the picture of innocence and sin all at the same time, flowing into his arms, her body pressed against his until neither of them could take a complete breath. He visualized running his palms over the soft lace, caressing her breasts, then moving his hands lower, testing the thong with his fingers, creating sizzling shivers until both of them were ready to combust.

He remembered Maddie so well, the heat of her body, the smell of her skin, the flaming burn of their lovemaking. So when the front door opened and Maddie entered, Trey couldn’t mask the lust on his face. He wouldn’t even try.

“T-Trey?”

She stood over him in mild shock, her hair in coppery disarray, her face smudged with dirt, her jeans coated with straw and grass stains. She looked a wreck, so much so that Trey had to smile. He had to because he loved her so damn much, that he saw past all of that to the beautiful, sexy, perfect woman underneath. He loved her so damn much that his heart burned clear through his chest. She was the woman he wanted beyond life itself. The woman he wouldn’t hurt and could never have.

“What are you doing with my…things?”

Trey lifted the babydoll up. “You mean these? I found them on the floor when I walked in. The bag had tipped over.”

“And you were nice enough to pick them up?”

Trey shook his head and stood, still holding the nightie. “Honey, there was nothing nice about what I was thinking.”

Even through the dirt on her face, Trey noticed her blush. He placed that last garment into the bag. “Did you leave them for me to see?”

Maddie’s face colored again, this time with anger. She grabbed the bag from his hand. “I had an emergency call the minute I walked through the door. I must have set the bag down there without realizing it.”

Trey scrubbed his jaw, contemplating. “Makes sense. So, did you buy them for your date with Jack?”

Maddie closed her eyes and cursed. Trey had never heard her use such language and when she opened her eyes, staring deeply into his, she spoke quietly. “I bought them for no one in particular. And it’s not a date, just dinner with a friend.”

“Are you sure about that?”

Maddie shook her head and ran a hand through her wayward hair. She cast him a look of frustration and despair. “Trey, what do you want from me?”

Everything. “Nothing, Maddie.”

“When I walked in here a minute ago, it didn’t look like you wanted nothing. It looked as though you had something definite on your mind.”

“What do you want me to say?” he rushed out. “That even dirt-stained and muddied up, you’re prettier than any woman I’ve ever laid eyes on? That I held those sexy clothes in my hands and envisioned you wearing them for me? That I want you, with or without that fancy lingerie, regardless of how much you’d end up being hurt in the end. All that’s true, Maddie. But I’m not going to do it. I told you once before, wanting you and doing right by you are two different things.”

Maddie bit down on her lip, but the green in her eyes lit with full vital force. And she aimed all that potent energy in his direction. “Maybe the wanting and doing right by me are one and the same, Trey. Maybe you’re all wrong about us. Have you ever considered that?”

Trey shook his head. “No. I’m not wrong.”

The Walker Curse still plagued him. He’d never get out from under the genetic scar that deprived him of faith and trust. Maddie was a keeper. He’d known that from the very start. She deserved more than the heartache he’d send her way one day.

“Are you sure about that?” She tossed that question back in his face.

Damn it. No, he wasn’t sure of anything anymore. Maddie had hinted, she’d cajoled and she’d insinuated that Trey was a better man than he thought he was. And all of her sweet-talking had worked its way into his head, making him wonder. Giving him, hope.

“Think about it, Trey.” She said, as she walked out of the room, her hand clasped around the shopping bag filled with sexy lingerie that Trey would never see again.

Eleven

“Maybe I should cancel my plans with Jack,” Maddie said, as she glanced at the laboring cow heavy with calf. She stood with Trey in the maternity stall they’d concocted of sand and sawdust to help the cow deliver safely.

“That’s not necessary,” Trey said, shaking his head. “I’ve delivered more than my fair share of calves. This one isn’t going to be as difficult as we’d thought. You said so yourself. She’s doing a great job on her own.”

Maddie took another glance at the cow straining to deliver her young one. By all means, Trey was right. The cow would probably do fine, but part of Maddie’s deal with Trey was to oversee his livestock and silly as it seemed, she felt guilty leaving Trey to deal with the cow while she went out for dinner. She felt guilty, even through her anger at him. It had taken her days to recover from Trey’s obstinate behavior regarding Storm. And finally, she’d decided it did them both no good to be at odds. Besides, Maddie wasn’t one for holding grudges. “I know you’re right, but—”

“No, buts, Maddie. I’m right.”

Trey had enough confidence for twenty men when it came to ranching dilemmas. Sadly, he just didn’t have much confidence in himself. So instead of Maddie spending Saturday night enjoying his company, she’d agreed to spend the evening with his cousin.

“Won’t Jack be picking you up soon?” he asked.

“Yes, in less than an hour. How come you know so much about my plans?” Maddie asked, baffled by Trey’s obvious nonchalance over her date with Jack. She expected him to be more…something. Yet he didn’t seem annoyed or upset or jealous. In the past, Maddie’s ego had been bruised, but never more than her time here at 2 Hope Ranch, never more than her dealings with Trey.

There were times when Trey would look at her like she was the only woman on the planet and her heart would soar with anticipation. His hot looks spoke of steamy nights ahead, but Trey never acted upon those looks. His actions always belied the heated glances and alluring stares he cast her. She knew he fought an inner battle. She knew he struggled with demons that had existed before they’d ever met. Yet, Maddie had hoped she’d broken through his defenses. She had hoped she’d made a difference in his life.

“Jack squared it with me.”

Maddie’s voice escalated. “He asked your permission?”

Trey let out a wry chuckle. “Hardly. More like he told me his plans, point-blank.” He frowned and added, “Whether I liked it or not.”

It meant something to Maddie that Trey didn’t sound happy about her date with Jack, but she wouldn’t explain her reasons for going. She liked Jack and he seemed so sincere when he’d asked her to go to this benefit with him as a friend. “Well, I’d better get dressed. But if the cow—”

“I’ll come get you if there’s a problem.”

“Promise?”

Trey nodded. “Promise.”

Maddie headed for the shower and once done she dried and curled her hair. She’d decided on a soft peach summertime dress with a frilly flounce at the hem. The dress wasn’t overly fancy, something she’d picked up at a local shop, but a new pair of earrings and matching necklace brought the whole outfit together quite nicely.

She put on a pair of lacy sandals, grabbed her purse and exited the room, dressing in record time so she could take a moment to check on the laboring cow, but the knock came just as Maddie had reached the front door. She opened it to find Jack standing on the porch, wearing a chocolate brown western suit, the exact color of his eyes. Clean-shaven and well groomed, Jack cast her a winning smile. There was nothing ordinary about Walker men—every last one she’d met was as handsome as the devil himself.

“Wow,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “You look great.”

Maddie smiled graciously, returning the compliment. “So do you, Jack. You’re handsome in your uniform, but even more so out of it.”

Jack’s brows rose and he chuckled.

“Oh, I didn’t mean it that way. You know wh—”

But her cell phone rang just at that awkward moment, and Maddie glanced at the name that popped up on the screen. “It’s Caroline,” she told Jack, leaving the door open so he could come inside. “Excuse me for one second.”

She answered the call privately and when she returned, she had a favor to ask of Jack. “Since we’re early and Caroline needs help with Annabelle, do you think we could stop over there for half an hour? The baby-sitter has to leave and Caroline doesn’t think she can make it back from town in time. I know it’s a huge favor and I certainly don’t want to make us late for the benefit, but Caroline sounded pretty desperate.”

“Not a problem.” Jack glanced at his watch. “The actual dinner doesn’t start until eight. We have more than enough time.”

Maddie beamed him a smile, wondering why she hadn’t fallen for Jack. Everything seemed simple with him. He was easy to talk to, easy to be with and he certainly didn’t entertain any thoughts of the Walker Curse. “Thank you,” she said, closing the door behind them. “You’re a saint.”

Jack opened the car door for her. “That isn’t the way most people would describe me.”

Maddie smiled and took her seat. “How do people describe you?” she asked, enjoying the conversation and the company.

Jack slid into the driver’s seat and turned to her. “Pretty much a big pain in the ass, but with a good sense of humor and a deep sense of loyalty. That’s why my family puts up with me.”

“Because you’re loyal?”

“Nah, because I make them laugh.”

And Maddie laughed.

Jack put the key in the ignition and started the engine just as Maddie caught sight of Trey exiting the barn. She met with his eyes over the distance of the yard and he cast her a long look then gave her a reassuring nod. Maddie immediately understood all went well with the calf’s delivery. Relieved, Maddie sighed as Jack turned the car around and headed out the gate driving toward Caroline’s house.

“Annabelle’s no trouble at all,” Maddie explained to Jack as they climbed up the Portmans’s front steps. “And I’m sure Caroline will be along any minute.”

Jack nodded and when Maddie knocked on the door, a young girl answered. “Hello. You must be Sherry. I’m Maddie, Caroline’s friend and this is Jack Walker. We’re your reinforcements.”

“Hi. Come in.” The young girl smiled warmly and let them in.

Maddie took two steps into the house before looking up to meet with a swarm of smiling faces that seemed to come out of nowhere. All at once the group chorused, “Surprise!”

A quick tremble passed through Maddie’s body for a moment and she backed up right into Jack. He held her arms steady. “Happy Birthday, Maddie.”

“B-birthday?” she repeated, stunned. She’d put her upcoming birthday out of her mind completely and never suspected a party, much less, a surprise. She glanced around the room, seeing her friends happily sending her birthday wishes and congratulations amid crepe paper decorations, balloons and birthday signs.

Caroline approached her first. “Happy Birthday, dear friend.” They hugged tight, their embrace lasting long enough for Maddie to recover from a truly unexpected surprise. “I had no idea,” Maddie said, with tears pooling in her eyes. “This is so…so great.”

Little Annabelle tugged on the hem of her dress. Maddie bent to pick her up and give her a gentle loving squeeze.

“Did we surprised you?” Annabelle asked.

“Oh, yes. You and Mommy did a good job of surprising me.”

“I helped Mommy do decorating.”

“You did a perfect job, sweetie. Everything is beautiful.”

Maddie swept her gaze at the guests again, this time really seeing each and every one. Jack, of course, had taken a place next to his father, Monty. Both men grinned at her with twinkling eyes. Kit and his wife stood behind them, along with Brittany and Paul, and a half a dozen of Maddie’s closest and dearest clients, people she had come to know very well by treating their animals. Even Darla was here and behind her stood a man, who began to make his way out from the small group.

Maddie set Annabelle down. “Nick!”

He reached her in three strides and Maddie jumped up into his arms, touched that he’d come back to Hope Wells for her birthday. She really hadn’t thought she’d see him again, knowing how swamped he was with his own new enterprise.

“I just walked in ten minutes before you did. I almost didn’t make it in time.”

She beamed him a smile. “I can’t believe you’re here, but I’m so glad that you are.”

“So am I.” Nick kissed her cheek. “Happy Birthday.”

Overwhelmed and filled with joy, Maddie spent the better part of the hour making her rounds, speaking with all of the guests and picking at the food on her plate.

Caroline had outdone herself, offering up a dinner buffet fit for a queen. And that’s exactly how Maddie felt, like royalty tonight. Everything was perfect except…

Maddie stared at the front door for the tenth time tonight, it seemed, wondering if Trey would show up.

“He’s supposed to come,” Jack said, in a rare serious tone.

Mortified that Jack had read her thoughts, Maddie fumbled. “Oh, I, uh…I was just wondering if he—”

“He knows about it. He didn’t say he wasn’t coming.”

Maddie nodded. Why did it hurt so much that Trey hadn’t bothered to come to her party? Why was she fully expecting to see him walk through that door, flashing her his killer smile and wishing her a happy birthday? If she allowed it, her disappointment would swallow her and she’d seem ungrateful to all of the wonderful people who had shown up, who had been kind and gracious to her throughout the year. Each and every one of them meant something special to her. Each, in their own way defined Hope Wells, the small town with the big heart.

She glanced at Nick, who was laughing with Darla at the moment, and wondered if she belonged here in Hope Wells at all, or if she should finally decide to leave town.

She knew that getting in on the ground floor of a new progressive clinic was an opportunity that would only come around once in life. The idea would sweep across her mind at intervals during each day, and each day the temptation seemed greater, like a magnet pulling at her, taking her away from Hope Wells for good. She weighed her options over and over, but unfortunately, Trey Walker’s image would always pop into her head, confusing her thoughts, perhaps blinding her to the possibilities.

“Hey, no pickle-pusses around here.” Jack made a lighthearted jab at her jaw. “It’s time for cake.” He took her hand and led her into the dining area and Maddie forgot all about Trey, determined to have a good time with her friends.

“It was a wonderful evening,” Maddie said on a long luxurious sigh, hours later as Jack pulled up in front of the house at 2 Hope.

“I’m glad you had a good time.”

“I did.” She turned to look into Jack’s eyes. “You’re a good friend, Jack Walker. Even if you lied through your teeth to get me there.”

Jack laughed. “You don’t know how much I hate lying, but I had to. Trey wouldn’t do…uh,”

Maddie sat up straight in the seat and stared at him. “Trey? Was he supposed to bring me?”

“Uh, well…doggone it, Maddie. Sometimes my cousin is just a big jackass. Emphasis on ass.”

Maddie squeezed her eyes shut. “It’s okay, Jack.”

“No, it’s not okay. Hell, if you weren’t head over heels over Trey, I’d be asking you out day and night. He’s a damn fool, Maddie. But in his defense, he thinks this is best for you. He really cares about you.”

Maddie glanced at the house, noting that Trey’s light was still on. “I know he does.” And that was why she hurt so much. She feared Trey had deliberately stayed away tonight, for her sake.

“Don’t let it spoil your birthday.”

“Oh, I won’t. I see everything clearly now. If anything, this has helped me make a tough decision.”

Maddie leaned over to kiss Jack on the cheek. “Thank you for being a wonderful friend.”

Jack smiled. “Anytime.”

He walked her to the door lifting a box of gifts she’d received and handed them over to her. “Want me to bring them in for you?”

Maddie shook her head. “No thanks. I’ve got everything under control.”

And Maddie entered the house with newfound determination. She did have everything under control and she knew exactly what she had to do.

Half an hour later, and twenty minutes past midnight, Maddie stood bravely behind Trey’s bedroom door. In her hands, she held a small square white box, its inscription on a note card read:

Happy Birthday, Maddie.

Love, Trey

Her eyes had misted immediately upon seeing this small gift lying on her bed, a tied bunch of wildflowers crossing over the box eloquently. She immediately recognized the flowers as the ones that had sprouted up in a patch near the barn. She’d passed them every day, never really noticing their vivid color or sweet scent.

And when she’d opened the box, she couldn’t help tears from falling freely, her heart melting like butter on a hot stove. She’d lifted the bracelet out, finding an exact, nearly flawless replica of Aphrodite. The silver shone more brilliantly, but the bracelet matched her Grandma Mae’s necklace perfectly.

Maddie had never received a more thoughtful gift. “Oh, Trey,” she whispered, standing behind his door with a rapidly beating heart, wishing things had turned out differently.

She knocked once, her hands trembling. “Trey, it’s Maddie.”

He opened the door seconds later, his dark hair swept back from his face, wearing jeans that dipped below his waist and nothing else. Maddie’s breath hitched, noting the magnificence of his broad shoulders, the luster of his tanned chest and like a jolting shock, she recalled the taste of his skin, the feel of his body pressed against hers. Her mind flooded with memories of making love with him, of being as close as two people can be, sharing more than body heat and desire, but bonding two hearts together and no matter what Trey said or did, Maddie knew that bond to be real and true.

“May I come in?” she asked and Trey opened the door wide to allow her entrance.

She stepped into the middle of his room and looked into the depths of his dark eyes. “I, uh, wanted to tell you, that I’ve made my decision about leaving for Denver.”

Trey swallowed and took a deep breath, nodding his head. “I figured.”

There was no question in his eyes, no regret, either, it appeared, but resolute resignation. He didn’t ask her intentions and Maddie couldn’t bring herself to discuss her decision. Tonight wasn’t the time. Trey’s bedroom wasn’t the place.

“And I wanted to thank you for this.” She opened the box she held and lifted out the bracelet. “It came as quite a surprise. The whole night has been full of surprises,” she said in earnest. “But this…it’s the most precious gift I’ve ever received. I’ll treasure it as much as I’ll treasure my time here with…my time here at 2 Hope.” She handed him the bracelet. “Will you put it on me?”

His large work-roughened hands fumbled a bit trying to undo the clasp. He leaned in to get a better look and they bumped heads. Both chuckled awkwardly and when he gazed into her eyes, Maddie knew she couldn’t leave his room tonight. She couldn’t sleep her last night at 2 Hope alone, when Trey was only a few rooms away.

“There,” he said, taking her hand and turning it to admire the bracelet. “It fits.”

His slight touch alone sent shivers throughout her defenseless body. Maddie smiled up into his eyes. “It does—a perfect match to my necklace.”

“The jeweler used a sketch I’d made and well…he did a pretty darn good job.”

Maddie touched Trey’s cheek with one hand. “You went to all that trouble for me?”

He shrugged a shoulder, in that same way he had of brushing off a compliment but he spoke softly with quiet determination. “No one’s more deserving than you.”

Staring directly into his eyes, she couldn’t doubt his sincerity. Tears she’d held back, fell then, one at a time, slowly, trickling down her face. “It’s the best gift I’ve ever received, but it’s not enough, Trey. I guess I’m a greedy woman, because I want more.”

Maddie unzipped her dress, allowing the material to skim graciously down her body. She stepped out of it, her gaze never leaving Trey’s face. She stood before him in her strappy sandals and her newly purchased bold red underwear. “I want one last parting gift. One more night with you, Trey Walker.”

Twelve

Trey’s heart slammed into his chest seeing Maddie’s tearstained face, realizing that this would be her last night at 2 Hope. This would be their last night together. He’d always known that Maddie wouldn’t stay. Hell, he’d done everything in his power to push her away.

And it had worked.

She planned on leaving.

But Trey couldn’t push her away tonight. Hell, he didn’t have that much willpower, not when every cell in his body cried out for her. Not when he ached to hold her in his arms, kiss her adorable heart-shaped mouth and caress her smooth porcelain skin. How could he possibly deny her a last request, when he wanted the same?

Trey knew that in the morning he’d wake up broken, a shattered shell of a man who would feel the loss of her leaving for a long time to come. But that didn’t matter because she would move on to something better. She’d carve out the life she’d always wanted. She’d be free of him and the heartache he’d caused her.

He looked at her sweet expectant face, then followed the lines of her body down to each alluring curve and hollow, making a complete and thorough sweep.

“Like I said before, I’d want you with or without those sexy things. You’re beautiful, Maddie.”

Maddie cast him a coy smile. “Without?”

Trey smiled and took her into his arms, pressing her body up to his. Her hands grazed his bare chest then moved up to circle his neck. His groin tightened and his heart pounded like a schoolboy being granted his first kiss. “There’s time for without. I sorta like the with, for now.” He toyed with the crimson strap of her bra. “Did you wear them for your party?”

Maddie lifted up on tiptoes and kissed his lips softly, but far too quickly. “No, I put them on afterward. For you.”

“God, Maddie. You’re killing me. You know that?” This time, he bent his head and kissed her; it wasn’t soft and fast, but a long drawn-out kiss, a hot exploration of lips and tongues with bodies meshed together and hearts pounding.

Without another word, Trey took her hand and led her to his bed. He sat down then gestured for her to sit next to him. “I’ve dreamt of making love to you here, sweetheart.”

“I was only a few steps away,” she whispered.

“Don’t I know it.”

Moonlight streamed in, casting Maddie in a soft glow. Trey had always thought Maddie in the moonlight to be a beautiful thing, but never more than tonight. Light shimmered on her coppery hair, framing her pretty face and bringing a lustrous sheen to her smooth skin.

Trey took a steadying breath and plopped down on the bed, his head hitting the pillow with a soft swoosh. “It was all I could do to keep from coming for you in the middle of the night.”

Maddie’s eyebrows lifted with uncertainty. “Really?”

“Don’t doubt it. It put me in more than one sour mood in the morning.”

“Trey, why didn’t you?”

“Shh.” He lifted up to place a finger to her lips. “You know why, but let’s not go there tonight, okay?”

She nodded and he kissed her softly on the lips. “We’ve wasted so much time,” she whispered.

“And all we have is tonight.”

Trey leaned back again onto the bed, making room for Maddie. He took her hand and turned her toward him. She straddled his thighs and used both her hands to touch his chest, exploring, caressing, wrapping tiny chest hairs around her finger, toying with him.

Trey thought he would die from the pleasure, both physical and visual. He’d never felt or seen anything more enticing, than watching Maddie atop his body, having her way with him.

She leaned down to kiss his lips, her thighs rubbing his, her torso tight against him, her red lace-encased breasts crushing his chest. Trey groaned aloud, his erection pressing the confines of his jeans, and he knew he’d have a walking hard-on for days to come, each time he’d be foolish enough to think about her like this.

Maddie broke off the kiss and wiggled down enough to explore his chest with her lips. She kissed his throat, his shoulders and his torso, then made hot wet circles around his nipples with her tongue.

“Damn, Maddie,” he uttered, barely containing another groan.

To Trey, everything with Maddie had been about self-control. He’d resisted her for so long and right now, all he wanted to do was flip her onto her back and drive his hot erection into her until both were sated and spent, but Trey held back. He wanted it all with Maddie. He wanted her to take pleasure and give pleasure all night. He wanted their last night together to be perfect.

“I’m about to bust out of these jeans, honey.”

Maddie glanced down and shot him the sexiest, dewy-eyed look Trey had ever seen. It didn’t help matters, not at all.

She gestured to his zipper. “Want me to…uh.”

“Yeah,” he uttered, “although that might make it worse.”

“But in a good way,” she said, sliding off him long enough to unzip his jeans. She helped him slip off his pants and boxers, then returned to lie down next to him. When her hand cupped his manhood, Trey jerked, more than a little surprised, but all the more pleased.

They faced each other in the darkness as she moved her hands on him, gliding up and down effortlessly. He kissed her again and again as she proceeded to turn his world upside down.

And after several long moments and a near mishap of nature, Trey grabbed her hand and held her still. “How about we do the without now?”

Maddie chuckled softly as he reached around and unfastened her bra.

“The without is pretty damn good, too, sweetheart,” he said, removing the garment entirely to catch sight of Maddie’s breasts spilling out. He cupped her breast in his hand and leaned down to kiss the rosy-tipped crest.

Maddie moaned and wiggled her body. Trey continued to kiss her, using his tongue to moisten each nipple, then suckle gently, until she was hot and wet from his lusty caresses. “So beautiful,” he breathed out, holding back, wanting to prolong this pleasure for as long as possible.

There would never be another woman in his life like Maddie Brooks. She was intelligent and wholesome, funny and sexy, innocent and bold as can be. Trey liked the way she gave all of herself to him. He liked the daring side of her. She’d been the best sex partner he’d ever had and she’d probably hold that title for the rest of his life. Hell, there wasn’t one damn thing he didn’t like about her.

“Trey?” Maddie lifted her head with a question in her eyes. “Did you go somewhere?”

Trey kissed her again, guiding her back down onto his bed. “Just regrouping,” he said, realizing he’d lost his focus. He’d been in the middle of making love to a beautiful woman and bittersweet, niggling thoughts had crept into his head. He shoved them away, concentrating on Maddie and making her his, if only for tonight.

He slipped his hand down her torso, his fingers sliding under the red lacy thong and began stroking her softly.

“Mmmm, I like the way you regroup, baby.”

Trey groaned. Maddie had a way with that one word that sent his heart racing and his body into overdrive. His strokes became faster and she moved her body with more urgency, until Trey couldn’t hold back another second. He knew the time was now.

He reached for the bedside drawer and withdrew a condom. He’d picked them up shortly after their first time together, not trusting himself to keep his vow. At least this way, he’d be responsible, if not rational.

“Old ones?” Maddie asked, her brows lifting.

“New ones,” he replied honestly, “with only your name on them.” He handed one to her and once she’d fitted it into place, he slipped off her panties with one efficient move and entered her slowly.

Maddie cooed, a soft pleasured sound. “I’ve missed you, Trey.”

Trey slammed his eyes shut, overwhelmed with the very same sentiment. The first time with her had been amazing, but this time their joining meant more than satisfying lust and desire. This time, it counted for more emotions than he could name.

Trey thrust into her, absorbing every sensation, every nuance that was Maddie, committing it to memory. They moved together in sync, wrapped in each other’s arms, climbing the limitless ladder of pleasure. And minutes later they climaxed in unison, two bodies joined, two hearts aligned.

Together they sank back to earth, sated and complete. Trey took Maddie in his arms and held on tight with each moment drawing closer to dawn when he’d awaken an empty, hollow, defeated man.

Too soon Maddie woke from a blissful, easy sleep. She opened her eyes to find Trey beside her, one arm draped protectively and provocatively below her waist. She smiled at the man she loved with her whole heart and reached up, not quite touching his face, allowing her fingers to get close enough to nearly caress him. And that’s how it was with Trey. Maddie had almost touched him, but she hadn’t been able to get close enough to wake him out of his self-imposed sleep. She wanted to shake him and shout that he wasn’t cursed, that he was a man she could count on, again and again.

But Trey had to decide that for himself. She knew that now. And she hoped that someday he’d come to that realization before it was too late.

Maddie rested her head against the pillow and sighed quietly. She’d be leaving him soon, the hour nearing dawn. But she took a minute to relive the night, recalling the way Trey made her feel when he touched her, recalling his hands on her body, making magic, creating tingles and shivers. She recalled his lips on hers, so vividly, the way he claimed her mouth with gentle command, forceful and demanding, but also so sweet and tender.

He left no part of her untouched, making her feel treasured and loved. Having his hands on her body seemed as natural as breathing. There was no shame, no regret. Making love with him, having him inside her was like the old cliché, coming home.

Right as rain.

Good as gold.

He’d made her bold, when she’d never been before. He’d made her ache then he soothed her. He’d made her wanton then he sated her. He’d brought out her inner self, the one she kept hidden from everyone else. Trey had filled her body, but he’d also filled her heart and her mind.

He’d done his best to push her away, yet she’d never felt closer to another human being. Her heart cried out for him in the worst way, but she knew that he had to come to terms with his past, to gain his future.

Maddie sighed again, staring at Trey as he slept soundly. They’d made love twice tonight, each time being so different, so compelling, so earth-shattering.

A ray of predawn light entered the room, the dusky stream that appeared before the sun lifted high enough to brighten the sky. Maddie knew her time at 2 Hope was up.

She rose from the bed, glancing at Trey one final time, her eyes growing wide enough to hold back tears, then she left his room.

She’d be off the ranch before dawn.

Trey punched open the screen door and stepped out onto the front porch. Sunlight beamed down and slapped him in the face, making him squint. “Damn it.”

He’d overslept this morning for the first time in ten years. Old feelings of despair had washed over him, and it had been all he could do to drag himself out of bed today.

Maddie had left 2 Hope.

He’d been successful in his quest to drive her away.

And he hated himself for it.

Trey sat down on the bench seat and hung his head, thinking back on all the mistakes he’d made with her. Kissing her that first time had been his downfall. He’d known better than to get involved with the wholesome, sweet Maddie Brooks. She was a keeper and he couldn’t keep her.

God, how his head pounded.

“Headache, boss?” Kit asked, riding up on Julip.

More like heartache. “Nah, I’m fine. Taking her out for some exercise?”

Kit grinned and Trey wondered what the hell he was so happy about this time of the morning. “Something like that. Take a look-see.”

Kit rode toward Storm’s corral.

Trey stood and called out. “Hey, don’t get her too close.”

But his foreman pretended not to hear. He rode Julip closer to Storm. Immediately, Trey strode over, thinking Kit had lost his mind. “Careful!”

“Watch this,” Kit said and continued until Julip was nose to nose with Storm, from opposite sides of the fence.

Trey reached the fence and stared at the two horses that were eyeing and sniffing each other like childhood sweethearts. He shot his foreman a curious look.

“That’s not all,” Kit said, still wearing that silly grin. Cued by Kit’s soft clicking sound, Julip began to saunter around the perimeter of the corral at a moderate pace. And before Trey could blink his eyes, Storm joined in from his side of the fence, matching Julip stride for stride as if the two were out trotting on a Sunday excursion.

“I’ll be damned.”

Kit made three circles around each time, Julip allowing Storm to set the pace as the two moved together.

And when Kit returned, a triumphant smile on his face, Trey shook his head in disbelief. “How’d you do it?”

“Not me. Maddie. She asked me to continue working with Julip and Storm. Seems she found a way to settle your wild stallion, without breaking his spirit.”

This time, Trey did blink, three times, taking it all in. Maddie hadn’t given up on Storm. Even though he’d confronted her, she never quit. He should have known. Maddie Brooks wasn’t a quitter.

Storm came up to nudge Trey’s hand. The stallion huffed out air and shook his head, so that his ink-black mane shifted. This was the first time Storm had approached him in a nonaggressive way. Trey reached up and stroked his mane, then patted his head with affection. “What a surprise.”

“Nah, just nature taking its course, I’d say.”

“Yeah,” Trey replied, “maybe.”

Trey couldn’t get over Storm’s transformation. Sure, he’d still have his moods—a stallion couldn’t change that much—but he had changed enough to make him a true part of 2 Hope. Storm belonged here. He belonged to Trey. In a sense they belonged to each other.

“Then maybe you’d let nature take its course in another way,” Kit said.

Curious, Trey asked, “In what other way?”

Kit tipped his hat and smiled. “I was thinking that the right woman could settle the right man. They’d be like soul mates. Sorta like what happened with Storm and Julip. It just takes some smarts to figure it all out, boss.” With that, Kit spurred Julip into a trot and they headed out.

Trey stared at them as they rode off, his head still reeling. He walked over to the front steps and set himself down. Stretching out his legs, he thought about Storm, his feisty stallion, and realized how wrong he’d been.

Maddie had been right. And he’d been wrong.

Trey wondered what else he’d been wrong about lately, but he couldn’t finish the thought because Jack pulled up to the house in his patrol car. He exited the car wearing a tight expression.

“Damn,” he muttered. Jack was the last person he wanted to see today. “Nobody’s home,” Trey remarked, only halfway joking.

But Jack was never one to take a hint. He sat right down beside him and stared into his eyes. “You got that right.” He pointed to Trey’s head. “Nobody’s home in there. Where’s your head, Trey?”

“I’m not in the mood, Jack. Say what you came to say, or better yet, just leave.”

“You’re going to thank me one day for this,” Jack said, all sarcasm gone. “Just keep it buttoned. I’m going to do some talking, and you’re going to do some listening.”

Trey humored him. “Okay, shoot.”

“Just a sec.” Jack walked into the house and came back holding two beers. He set both down between them.

“It’s nine o’clock in the morning.”

Jack took his seat on the steps again. “You’re gonna need it.”

“I thought you were on duty.”

Jack smiled. “They’re both for you.”

Trey grimaced and twisted the cap. “Okay, what?” Then he took a swig. Seemed a cold brew couldn’t hurt. He already felt as though he’d been in a train wreck.

“I passed Maddie in town. Her truck was loaded up. She left the ranch, didn’t she?”

Trey nodded, like he needed reminding.

“And you just let her go?”

He nodded again and stared at Jack defying him to make a snide comment.

Jack put up both hands in surrender. “I didn’t come here to condemn you. I came here to reason with you.”

Trey finished the first beer in two gulps then turned to his cousin. “Why?”

“Because any fool can see you’re head over heels in love with her, that’s why. And Lord only knows why, but Maddie feels the same way. I can’t stand by and see you make that kind of mistake. You see, you’ve been holding onto this lame idea that you are like your father. But, Trey, let me clue you in, you’re not the heartbreaker your daddy was. You haven’t got a selfish bone in your body. And I know you’re stuck on his last dying words to you. But did you ever stop to think he didn’t mean it that way?”

“Don’t make the same mistakes I made, son. It’s hard to misinterpret that,” Trey said.

“Right, that’s what he said. But maybe he meant that he wanted better for you. He didn’t want you to be miserable and lonely without love in your life. It’s possible that he knew you were capable of loving one woman and devoting your life to her. He knew he couldn’t do that, but maybe he wanted to impress upon you that you could.

“Sure we bump heads from time to time, but I’ve got to tell you, I’m proud to call you my relation. Anybody can see what kind of man you are, Trey. And your father knew you through and through. I’d bet my last dollar that he never meant for you to lose someone as special as Maddie. I think he meant for you to find the right woman and keep her. You hit the jackpot, Trey. You found the right woman. You’d never hurt Maddie. I know that and I think you know that, too. So keep her.”

Trey’s head cleared and suddenly, he saw the possibilities. Maybe his father had meant for him to have a better, more fulfilling life. Maybe, he had believed Trey capable of love and devotion, something he couldn’t quite manage. Maybe his father had thought Trey the better man. But could he look beyond his past and see instead a future with Maddie?

Hell, she’d been the one all along to believe in him even when he didn’t believe in himself. She’d tried pointing out all the qualities she admired in him, tried to make him see he had worth and staying power. Maddie had had faith enough for them both.

He slid his hand down his jaw, realizing he’d already hurt her in so many ways. He’d pushed her away again and again. He’d made love to her last night until they could barely move a muscle and then he’d let her leave the ranch. He’d made so many mistakes with her. “It’s too late.”

“No. She’s not gone yet.”

“She’s not?” An inkling of hope developed.

“I saw her truck parked outside of the Cactus Inn.”

“The Cactus Inn?”

“Hey, don’t question it, just consider it a lucky break. She’s probably still there. I passed her not fifteen minutes ago.”

Trey jumped up and gave Jack a big bear hug. “I owe you, cousin.”

“Don’t kiss me and we’ll call it even. Now go.”

Trey raced inside to grab his hat and keys, then headed out. He’d figure out what to say once he found her and prayed it would be enough.

Trey thanked his lucky stars that Maddie’s truck was still parked outside the Cactus Inn. He entered the motel and strode straight over to the reception desk. “Hi, Jody.”

“Hey, Trey. Haven’t seen you around much. What brings you in here?”

He and Trey had been buddies in high school and now Jody ran his late father’s motel. “I’m looking for Dr. Brooks. You know, Maddie Brooks, the veterinarian.”

Jody nodded. “Yeah, I know who she is. You’re the third person to come looking for her this morning, and heck, she just checked in after breakfast.”

“She checked in?”

Jody nodded.

“Who else came looking for her?”

Jody shrugged. “Don’t know their names, but that woman sure has got herself a lot of gentlemen callers. First one, then another. Heck, Trey, you’re the third this morning.”

Trey grimaced, not knowing what to make of all this. There was only one way to find out. “What’s her room number?”

“It’s 202 D. Take the stairs then turn right. Boy, seems like I’ve said that a whole lot this morning.”

“Thanks. Do you know if anyone is still up there?”

Jody shrugged shoulders that had at one time blocked their high school football team’s most competitive rivals. He’d been the best darn tackle at Hope Wells High. “Nope. Sorry, man. Good luck.”

Puzzled, Trey climbed the stairs and found Maddie’s room. He took in a lungful of air, still not sure what to say exactly and not even sure she’d be alone in there to listen. He knocked briskly. “Maddie, it’s Trey.”

Seconds ticked by, seeming more like an eternity. Then she opened the door and they stared into each other’s eyes. Overwhelmed at seeing her again, at seeing what he might have lost, Trey’s body shook powerfully, the tremble coursing the length of him.

Seeing her standing before him, with those curious green eyes questioning him, Trey realized just how much he loved this woman. He realized what a fool he’d been. He’d nearly tossed away the most precious thing that would ever enter into his life. He stood there, gazing at her, seeing his future.

“Trey?”

Yanking off his Stetson, he smiled. “Morning.”

She smiled back tentatively. Trey couldn’t blame her. Basically, they’d said their goodbyes between the sheets last night, so he understood her bafflement. She probably thought she’d never see him again. That was his fault. All of it was his fault.

“Morning.”

“Can I come in? Or are you, uh, busy?”

“I’m busy, but of course you can come in.”

Trey entered the small, quaint room noticing Maddie’s suitcase opened and half of her clothes put up in the closet area. Her other belongings were strewn about the room. Fortunately though, they were alone.

Trey let his gaze wander for only a second or two, before lifting his eyes back to her. He was almost afraid if he took his eyes off her for too long, she’d vanish and he already knew how it felt to have Maddie there one minute, then gone the next. He didn’t want to experience that sensation ever again.

“What are you doing here?” she asked quietly.

“I was wrong about Storm.”

Maddie blinked. “You came here to talk about Storm?”

God, this was so hard. He didn’t want to make her crazy, but Trey had never been great with words. “Not really, but I thought you should know that you were right all along. He’s…well, he’s as amazing as you are.”

Maddie continued to stare at him, her expression softening a little. “Thank you,” she said with a small smile.

God, how he loved her. She looked so darn pretty today with her auburn hair pulled back into a ponytail. Wearing nothing special, just jeans and a blouse, the wholesome woman he’d made passionate love to last night, was more beautiful, more sexy, more…everything than any woman he’d ever met. It stunned him how much he’d already missed her presence at the ranch. Trey cleared his throat. “What, uh, what are you doing here?”

“Me? I’m moving in for a while.”

“I thought you needed to get to Denver right away?”

Maddie frowned and Trey realized how his comment might appear to her—as if he was eager to see her go. Hell, he really wasn’t good at this.

“I’m not moving to Denver.”

Stunned, Trey’s heart did a somersault. “You’re not?”

“No. I never was, Trey.” Her eyes met his and they looked at each other for a long moment. “Denver would have been a great opportunity, but it isn’t for me. Hope Wells is my home. I realized that yesterday. I have great friends here, a good practice. I have everything I want.” Then she glanced away. “Well, almost everything.”

Trey kept silent and she went on. “Seems my party wasn’t the only surprise I received yesterday. My insurance came through. I have enough funds to rebuild my office. I decided to take some time off to work on the design. I’ve already contacted an architect and he’s going to help me with my plans. I said good-bye to Nick this morning, too.”

Maddie smiled warmly and her eyes sparkled. “You see, Trey Walker. You’re not the only one around here with staying power.”

Once again, Maddie had amazed him. He took a moment to recover from her bold assessment then grinned, agreeing with her. Finally. “Damn straight, I’m not. We both have staying power.”

Maddie let out an uncertain chuckle. “We do?”

He nodded. “Yeah, honey, we do. I just sort of figured it all out. I love you, Maddie. I love you so much that I can barely breathe. I love you so much that if you had gone to Denver, I would have followed you and begged you to come back with me. And it took me all this time to realize it. No, that’s not right. You made me realize it. You taught me so much. You had the trust and faith in me that I didn’t have. You made me see myself in a different light. And if it’s not too late—”

“Oh, Trey. It’s not too late. It never could be.” The guarded look on Maddie’s face disappeared, replaced by a soft sweet expression. “I’ve always loved you.”

Trey took her hand in his, weaving their fingers together and holding tight. “I know I’ve been a fool, but I’m ready to remedy that. I love you, sweetheart. I want to marry you and live the rest of my life with you by my side.”

Maddie reached up to caress his cheek. “Yes.”

Joyous, Trey flung his hat in the air. “Yes? Yes, you’ll marry me?”

On tiptoes, Maddie kissed him soundly on the lips. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”

Staggered by his good fortune, Trey confessed. “I never thought I’d say those words.”

Maddie agreed. “I never thought I’d hear those words.”

Both laughed as Trey took her into his arms and kissed her long and hard, crushing their lips together. “Move back to the ranch. Live with me. Be my wife. Be my lover.”

Maddie’s beautiful face beamed. “I’ll be all of those things to you, Trey. And more.”

Trey couldn’t keep from smiling, his heart soaring. “More?”

She nodded and led him over to the bed. “So much more, baby.”

Epilogue

“I do.” Trey Walker uttered the words slowly, both awed and a little bit frightened. In a million lifetimes, he’d never dreamed he’d say those words. Especially not to Maddie Brooks, the auburn-haired beauty directly beside him, her wide eyes filled with love. They sat atop their mounts under an arbor of lush traveling vines in the small garden area behind his house at 2 Hope Ranch. Maddie insisted Storm be a part of the wedding, too, and the feisty yet gentled stallion carried the most beautiful bride Hope Wells had ever seen.

Trey took great pride in his soon-to-be wife. Maddie hadn’t given up on Storm. She’d found a way, through patience, careful thought and clever maneuvering, to bring the animal around. She’d read Storm correctly, bringing a gentle mare into his corral, one not impressed or intimidated by his wild nature. This was a female unlike all others and Storm, smart creature that he was, came to recognize that fact.

Trey smiled at the similarities, wondering if he really wasn’t marrying a sorceress. No, he realized instantly, the magic they made together was real and solid, not something that could be whirled away on a whim.

“I do, too,” Maddie said, happy tears welling in her eyes. A gentle breeze blew by, messing her hair enough to give his down-home girl a sexy look.

Trey swallowed hard, intrigued by the young woman who’d be living with him until the end of time. In truth, the petite green-eyed female scared the hell out of him with her innocent looks and wholesome demeanor. He’d never loved so deeply, so completely. Maddie was the exact sort of woman Trey wanted. And he planned to keep her in his heart forever.

Under the minister’s guidance, Trey placed the ring on Maddie’s finger and spoke his vows, peering deeply into her eyes telling her in a silent message that she’d have no reason to ever doubt his love. His word is good as gold.

Maddie smiled, sealing the deal with vows of her own.

Storm whinnied and sidled up against the mare that had settled him, brushing soft white satin against Trey’s leg. He leaned over his saddle, lifted the delicate bridal veil and kissed his new wife.

Life was good again at 2 Hope Ranch.

And it was bound to get even better.

ISBN: 978-1-4268-7707-0

LIKE LIGHTNING

Copyright © 2005 by Charlene Swink

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