Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Reclaim Their Love [Wyoming Warriors 4] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 2

  She forced herself to turn and walk into her tiny bathroom. After she shut the door, she got into the tub and turned on the shower above, letting cold water pour over her hot body. Maybe that would cool her desire for a man she dared not encourage. She picked up the soap and quickly finished her bath.

  When she opened the door and went into her bedroom, he was gone. The bed was made. He’d put her jeans and panties on the chair.

  In the living room the quiet echoed around her. He’d locked the door after him. She buried her face in her hands. The words she’d said were the hardest she’d ever had to say. But she had no choice. She had a problem that had to be taken care of before committing herself to anyone. If Nick or Lang knew, they’d be determined to protect her. They’d be sure that no one could hurt them. She wasn’t taking a chance.

  The problem was hers. She hadn’t intended to see Nick or Lang until she knew for certain she’d escaped the man she feared. Or he’d lost interest in pursuing her. No way was she involving anyone else in a situation that she could have avoided if she’d just returned home sooner. Especially not the two men she’d left behind, and who she thought she might still love.

  Chapter Two

  “I thought I might find you here,” Nick sauntered into the large house he and Lang had recently finished building. “Still working on the little details? I told you everything is perfect. It’s just for us.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I’m not stopping until I’m satisfied.” Lang stepped back and viewed the fancy woodwork he’d done around the top of the kitchen cabinets. “And I think I’m finally done.”

  Nick threw himself into one of the two chairs they’d recently bought. “Are we going to ask Rae to do the rest of the furnishing and decorating?”

  “Yeah. She has a good eye for what suits the person.”

  “I think it goes along with her ability to see someone with all her senses.” Nick stared out the huge window that brought in sunlight to the living room and loft above.

  “You’re out of sorts. The visit didn’t go well?”

  “Seemed to until the end, when she basically showed me out the door after we had mind-blowing sex.”

  “Maybe it wasn’t mind blowing to her?” Lang grinned at his best friend.

  “Hell yes it was. She couldn’t hide her response now any better than she did ten years ago. But something is bothering her.” He noted the grin left Lang’s face and was replaced with the stoic look he often wore to hide emotion.

  “Doesn’t sound like she’s changed much in the ten years she’s been gone.” Lang turned his back and went to the kitchen sink to wash his hands. “Let’s go to the cabin and cook our dinner. I’m making rounds again later tonight.”

  The men walked out side by side. Lang went to his truck and Nick to his. Nick glanced across the hood. “Working twenty-three hours a day isn’t going to get her out of your system. You said you smelled her scent at the wedding. We’ve never gotten her out of our minds or hearts. But this time we won’t let her get away. She’s ours and we’re going to reclaim her.”

  “And if she doesn’t want us?”

  “For shame, when have we ever been unable to convince a woman they wanted us?”

  “Ten years ago, when she left us high and dry.”

  Lang’s dry tone masked the ache Nick knew he was feeling. Hell, he felt it, too. They’d found the one woman for them, and still she resisted admitting the truth. She loved them. He’d tasted, smelled, touched her need, her hunger to let go and be theirs. What was holding her back this time? Irritated with Lang’s comment and his own thoughts, Nick slammed his truck door shut and drove fast down the two-lane road toward the central part of the ranch where they had their cabin. In his rearview mirror, he saw Lang following.

  Rae was crossing the road to go to the leader’s ranch house when they turned onto the main road. Nick pulled his truck to the side and stopped. Rae walked to his open window.

  “You must have been out to see your new house. I visited yesterday. It’s really beautiful,” Rae said.

  “We like it. But it needs some decorating and furniture. We thought you might take on the job for us.”

  Lang had stopped and walked over to join them. “For pay,” he added. “You always want to make it a gift. You’re talented. You need to start treating your work as a business.”

  “I don’t know. I’ve thought about it, but I’m frequently gone on jobs with Mitch and the crew.”

  “Well start with us. We’re hiring you.” Nick flashed his convincing smile at her.

  She laughed. “All right. And since you say it’s business I’ll give you an estimate after I do my plans. I’m going to be expensive.”

  Both men laughed. “I think we can afford you.” They waved good-bye as they got in their trucks and drove home.

  “I’ll cook dinner,” Nick said as they walked into the cabin.

  “Yeah, right. It’s real hard to warm up those ribs Tessa cooked for us.” Lang waved and went on down the hall to his room.

  Nick put the ribs in the oven to warm and took out fresh vegetables to cook. He liked working in the kitchen. Some of his best ideas came to him while he cooked. If he hadn’t studied architecture, he thought he might have been a chef.

  He was convinced Cassie had a problem she didn’t want to share, and that was preventing her from committing to him and Lang. She’d responded fully to him until the end. What had brought the abrupt change?

  Lang came back and joined Nick in the kitchen. He opened a bottle of merlot and poured them both a glass.

  “I can see you’ve been deep in thought. Are we expecting company?”

  “No, why?” Nick raised his head and looked at him.

  Lang motioned to the salad bowl. “That’s enough for four people, not two.”

  Nick had to laugh. “Guess you’re right. My thoughts did get away with me, but I have an idea.”

  “Feed me first.” Lang sat at the kitchen table.

  “We really need to get married,” Nick said. “We’re beginning to sound like an old married couple.” He brought the salad, bowls, and silverware to the table and joined Lang.

  Lang ate several bites then put his fork down. “All right, I can’t stand you staring at me while I eat. Go ahead. What’s the idea?”

  “To get Rae to invite Cassie to help with decorating the house. She and Cassie used to be good friends, and Cassie has a flair for design and color. We’ll ask Rae not to tell her whose house it is.”

  “And you think she won’t know when she walks in?”

  “Probably, but hopefully that will hook her to be involved.”

  “I always knew you were devious, but it’s a good idea.”

  * * * *

  Rae peeked in the shop window. She wasn’t sure why she’d let Nick and Lang talk her into their plan. But she did like Cassie, and Nick and Lang were two of her favorite people. The shop looked empty. A good time to visit. As she stepped inside a bell over the door rang. Cassie glanced up from her work and smiled.

  “Rae, I haven’t seen you since I’ve been back.”

  “Mitch has kept me busy on assignments. I just returned a few days ago.”

  “You look wonderful.”

  “So do you. With your hair in that ponytail you still look eighteen.”

  “I have good genes, but inside, I don’t feel that young. Thank goodness. I was an idiot back then.”

  Rae wandered around the shop. “I like it.” She stopped at the counter where Cassie’s jewelry sparkled in the light. “You’re very talented.” Rae gazed across at Cass. “I’d never expected you to come back to Lovettville, much less open a shop with unique jewelry and Native American artifacts and paintings.”

  Cassie laughed. “Neither did I. But life takes you on different twists and turns.”

  “I’d love to hear the story sometime.”

  “You may be one of the few people I’d be willing to tell.”

  “Actually, I had two reasons to come see you to
day. One was to welcome you back, although I’m a little late for that. The other is to ask you to help me with a job.”

  “A job?”

  “I’m considering starting a decorating business. You know, both decorating and furnishing houses or apartments. I have a knack for it, and have been doing some minor jobs for free. This next one is for pay, and it’s a whole house.”

  Cassie wrinkled her forehead. “I don’t see where I fit in.”

  “We talked in the past about doing this type of work together. You have a great sense for color and arrangement. I’d like you to be my partner in this first venture.”

  “My business keeps me pretty busy, and I take Mom to the city every other week for her treatments.”

  “Perhaps while you wait for her you could scout out some pictures or pieces of furniture, that sort of thing?”

  “I do have a lady that helps me in the shop when I have to be gone. She’d like more hours.” Cassie shrugged. “It might be fun this one time. I can’t commit for any more than that.”

  “Good enough. After one time I’ll have you convinced. I need someone to handle the business when I’m away on assignment. This could work out perfect for all of us.”

  “My assistant, Cindy, will be pleased. When do we start?”

  “Can you get away this afternoon?”

  “Let me call Cindy. Just give me a moment.” Cassie went to the phone and dialed.

  Rae went back to the jewelry. She noticed Cassie had made several more bracelets similar to the ones she’d done for Ellen to give to Jack and Sahale after their wedding. One particular bracelet caught Rae’s eye. It was done in white gold, with gold and black stones intertwined around the eternity sign. She swallowed around the lump in her throat.

  “You have the look my customers get when I’m sure I’ve got a sale.” Cassie’s teasing voice brought Rae back to the present.

  “I like that one.” She pointed to the bracelet she’d been studying. “How much?”

  “I’ll let you have it at cost—”

  “No. I want to pay what you’d charge any customer.”

  Cassie stared at her for a second. “Six hundred and fifty dollars.”

  “That sounds like less than its value.”

  “I give family and close friends a twenty percent discount, so shoot me.”

  Rae laughed. “All right, I’ll take it.”

  After the sale was rung up, Cassie started to put it in a box. Rae stopped her.

  “I’ll wear it.”

  “It’s a man’s bracelet.”

  “I know.”

  “Seems I’m not the only one with secrets. Cindy said she’ll be here at one. Shall I meet you at the main ranch house at one-thirty?”

  “Yes.” Rae waved and walked out to her car. She slid in and stared at the bracelet hanging heavy on her wrist and heart. The stones reminded her of his hair and his golden eyes. And the fact was, he was in her heart for eternity. Wherever he’d gone. She blinked the tears away, raised her chin, and drove home. She had plans to make for her new business. No time for remorse or old memories.

  Rae stopped in at the main ranch house to see Sara and the children. Anything to keep her mind busy until time to meet with Cassie.

  * * * *

  “Where is this house?” Cassie asked as they rode deep into the heart of the ranch land.

  “It’s in a beautiful area, sheltered between the mountains and a tree-covered bluff. This road goes across one of the lower elevations,” Rae explained as she turned onto a narrow two-lane road headed north.

  Cassie saw the bluff covered with cottonwood and pine trees. The road they were on curved up the bluff. At the top, Rae stopped.

  “Let’s get out and enjoy the view.” Not waiting for Cassie, she opened her door.

  Cool breezes blew across Cassie’s face as she stepped out of the warm car. She pulled her jacket close around her and studied the panoramic view. The mountains looked much closer than they did from her apartment window. Between the bluff and the mountains was a wide expanse of pasture land with a creek winding through the area. In the middle, a house sat surrounded by trees and flowers. Sunlight flashed off a two-story window.

  In the distance, to the left of the house, was a barn and a three-car garage. On the right someone had a garden. Thick trees grew further on the right.

  “What an idyllic setting.” Cassie whispered the words. She turned around and gazed at the tall trees scattered across the bluff. “Whoever built this wanted privacy, to keep the world out.”

  “I agree,” Rae said. “Shall we go forward and explore?”

  “Yes. I’m anxious to see the inside of the house.”

  The road they were on wound down off the bluff. At the bottom was a gate and a sign. Private, Keep out.

  “I guess they don’t mean us?” Cassie asked.

  “No, I have the code to get in.” She got out and punched in some numbers on the metal box attached to the gate. The gate slowly swung open. They drove through and straight to the curving driveway.

  Up close, Cassie’s stomach churned with butterflies. There was a familiarity about the place. But what? She’d certainly never been here before. She followed Rae to the front door and stepped gingerly inside the living room.

  The fireplace had been built in the center toward the back of the open room. It was made of large stones native to the area. The chimney soared to the second floor. An area wide enough to sit on circled the chimney. There was an opening on both sides. The living room walls were a shiny, medium-brown wood, and the ceiling was tongue and groove. Parquet floors were a mixture of light and dark tones.

  Cassie’s heart ached. She walked behind the fireplace and saw the bar open to a dazzling modern kitchen. Above the kitchen and facing the front window was a loft.

  She turned to face Rae, who was watching her closely. “This is Nick and Lang’s home.” It wasn’t a question. She didn’t need to see the rest to know they’d built her dream house. The one she’d playfully designed with Nick so many years ago. Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her face. “They sent you to convince me to help you on this project.”

  “Yes, but I was serious about wanting a partner.” Rae walked to her side and put her hand on Cassie’s arm. “They love you. This”—she spread out her hands to encompass the room—“is an act of love. They want the house to be what you would desire.” Gently, she wiped Cassie’s tears away with her handkerchief.

  “There aren’t too many women who are lucky enough to find not just one, but two men who will do anything to make the woman they love happy. Why can’t you accept them? I believe you love Lang and Nick.”

  “It’s a long story, and not one I can share right now. There are some problems I have to take care of first before I allow myself to think about being in their lives.”

  “They’ve already waited a long time. I know at least two women trying very hard to get their attention.”

  Cassie bit her lip. “I’m not surprised.” She wandered away from Rae and went down the hall on the left. As she expected, there were two bedrooms with an adjoining bath and an office. On the right of the house was one large bedroom. She stepped inside onto plush green carpet. Side windows faced the forest. To the front of the bedroom, she walked past two big closets on either side and into a huge bath with a sunken tub and an enormous shower. Windows faced an enclosed garden.

  Going back into the bedroom she passed another smaller, two-sided fireplace, one side opening to the bedroom and the other to a small sitting room facing the mountains. A door led outside to a wide veranda.

  “I’m jealous,” Rae said. “If you don’t marry them, I may just to get this magnificent house.” She gazed across at Cassie. “Any ideas on how to decorate and furnish the place?”

  “Oh yes. I’ve dreamed of doing this for many years. Next week when I go to the city, I’ll start looking for furnishings and such.”

  “Good.” They walked back out to the living room. “Let’s sit in these t
wo chairs and discuss our ideas. I told them I’d present them with a plan and a bill.” She grinned at Cassie. “This is going to be so much fun.”

  Cassie glanced around her. It would be, if it didn’t break her heart.

  Chapter Three

  They were so engrossed in discussing various ideas, neither heard the back door quietly open. Cassie sensed his eyes on her and caught his scent. She raised her head and looked into wintry-gray eyes. Her heart throbbed, and heat rushed through her veins.

  Her mouth went dry.

  “I haven’t seen you in a long time, Cassie.” His words slid inside her, smooth and luxurious like a warm sip of cognac. He strolled into the living room. “Do you like the house?”

  “I love it. You all used the design Nick and I made together.”

  “We did.”

  “And all the fancy, carved woodwork is your special contribution,” she added.

  “I like to work with my hands.”

  Cassie glanced at his tanned hands holding his gloves. Briefly, a picture of those hands touching her, caressing her skin, molding her breasts, sent an ache straight to her pussy. Her inner muscles clenched with desire, and moisture pooled in her panties. His eyes darkened. He was aware of the feelings he’d aroused.

  “Rae, shouldn’t we be heading back? I’m sure Cindy must be ready to go home.”

  “Sure.” Rae gathered her papers. “I’ll get back with you soon, Lang.”

  “No rush. We’ve waited this long. We can wait a little longer,” he said and stared across at Cassie. Her face heated. She forced herself to turn and walk out behind Rae. Her body was screaming, “stay.” She wanted to walk up to him, wrap her arms and legs around him, and never let go.

  Lang’s words stopped her at the door. “I can save Rae the trouble of driving you into town. I haven’t seen your shop yet.”

  She stopped in the doorway, caught between the desire to run away and her need to face Lang. His footsteps rang across the floor, bringing him right behind her. She breathed in his wonderful scent, musky and male.