Chapter 10

Already Killian was itching to see her again. If he did, however, he'd get good and tangled up, and what would happen when he left? Because, at least from where he sat now, he couldn't wait to shake the dust of Red Creek from his boots. His entire future was focused on getting his ranch.

How had he gotten himself in this situation after less than forty-eight hours in town? He hadn't planned on finding someone like Lexie for damn sure. Sighing, he stuck the rope back in its place and went to work.

He spent a good portion of the morning studying the contents of the folder Elaine had given him, the rest of it being quizzed by her on what he'd absorbed so far. He surprised himself-and probably her-with the amount of information he'd absorbed and understood.

"You could be a natural at this, you know," she told him.

"Thanks, but...." He flapped a hand helplessly, not wanting to give voice to his thoughts.

"But you don't plan to make this your life's work," she guessed. "Or Red Creek your permanent home."

He shrugged. "It isn't who I am."

She watched him silently for a long moment. "You know, Dusty really loved all you boys, and your mamas." She gave a short laugh. "Although boys hardly describes the men you've become. He was proud of each and every one of you."

"And did he realize what a mess he'd created?" Killian demanded.

"Of course he did." She stared off over his shoulder. "He agonized over it all the time. Thing was, he loved each of the women equally. He knew what he did was wrong, but he did his best to make amends. He wasn't all bad, Killian. I hope while you're here you can learn about the other side of him."

"People seem to want to keep cramming it down my throat, so it's not as if I can exactly get away from it."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow in a gesture he was learning meant Tell me everything. "You've only been here since Sunday night, so who else has been pounding your ear? Marliss and Lou?"

"Not yet." He winked. "But I'm sure they're working up to it."

"Hmm." Her lips twitched. "So, who else could you have been talking to?"

His cue to end this conversation. He pushed himself out of the chair. "I think I'll take a break. Maybe wander down the street for some pastry."

Elaine burst out laughing. "You are about as subtle as a sledge hammer, Killian. Say hello to Lexie for me. Don't forget to get Abby's honey buns." He was almost out of her office when her voice stopped him. "And Killian?"

He turned. "Yeah?"

"Take care with that young lady. Everyone thinks the world of her."

He nodded. "Duly noted."

All the way down the street, Elaine's words echoed in his head. You could be a natural at this. Not if he was raising horses. Dusty really loved all you boys, and your mamas. Bullshit! And the worst: Take care of that young lady. Everyone thinks the world of her.

So did he, and that was the trouble. More than the world, as a matter of fact. How was it possible? He'd known her less than twenty-four hours, yet he found himself on some kind of emotional roller coaster he was totally unprepared for. The memory of those scorching kisses were imprinted on his body. He'd had a hard time not dragging her into her apartment and tearing her clothes off, but he respected women, treated them well, even if the connection was only for one night. His mother had hammered it into his head.

Respect women, Killian. They deserve that.

Had she been trying to tell him something? Had Dusty not respected her? Well, fucking damn, consorting with three other women besides her while he had a wife at home? Did he not respect any of them?

Shit, shit, shit.

His head was so fucked up he should go home and dunk it in a bucket of cold water. Except, he was already at Heart Starter. As if it had a mind of its own, his hand grabbed the handle and pulled the door open. Since it was closer to noon than his visit yesterday, the place was pretty full, but Lexie looked up from handing over two coffee cups and gave him a million-watt smile. Then she held up one finger.

"One minute," she mouthed.

He made an okay sign with his thumb and forefinger and hung back while she waited on her customers. At least half of the tables were filled today, and the people seated there stared at him with curiosity. Probably studying the latest Walker offspring to hit town. What did they all think about this circus? Leaning in a corner while he waited for Lexie, he nodded at everyone and gave them a casual smile. Several people actually smiled back at him. He had to admit this place wasn't as bad as he'd expected.

He let his gaze wander around the shop, taking in things he hadn't really noticed yesterday. The artwork on the walls, for instance. Yesterday, they had been blurs of color. Today, he realized they were great examples of contemporary Western art. The style was very distinctive and arresting. Someone had lovingly painted a magnificent stallion, a small herd of horses galloping across a pasture, a tired cowboy at the end of a long day, and other similar scenes. Whoever this was might have come from Montana like he had, because the essence of the cowboy had been captured perfectly.

He was still admiring them when someone touched his arm and he saw Lexie holding out a mug of coffee to him. He inhaled, and her jasmine scent filled his senses.

"I'm still in the middle of a late-morning rush," she told him, smiling, "and lunch rush is coming in. I didn't want to leave you without your coffee, though."

Her smile lit up every one of his nerve endings and sent heat cascading through him. Jesus! If he got this way from looking at her in a roomful of people, what was he going to do when they were alone again?

"Listen." He took a sip of the smooth liquid in the mug. "Why don't I get my stuff to go, and I'll see you later."

She raised her eyebrows. "Later?"

"For dinner?" He held his breath, waiting for her answer.

Her easy smile unknotted his muscles. "Sure. Same time?"

"Yes, if that works for you. And, Lexie? I'd like to take you someplace really nice, if there's one where we won't be caught up in everyone's radar."

"I think I have just the place," she told him. "It's a little more expensive than The Roadhouse."

"No problem. Any place you'd like to go is fine with me."

"Okay." She brushed a stand of hair back from her face. "Let me box up your pastries for you."

He noticed the crowd gathering at her counter again. "I can wait."

"Oh, no. This won't stop for at least another half hour. Let me get your stuff." She gave him a tiny wink. "On the house."

"I can't-"

"My pleasure. Don't argue with the owner." She was back in seconds with two small boxes in a plastic bag with the Heart Starter logo on it. "Enjoy. I'll be ready at seven."

Then he was back on the street, slightly dazed, the little bag in his hand. When he glanced at his watch, he realized it was barely noon. Seven hours until he could see her again. How would he ever last?