One

CooperAdamshadstareddeathsquareinthefaceandlivedtotellaboutit.Buthisrecoveryfrom

arun-inwiththemeanest,nastiestrodeobullthegoodLordeverblessedwiththebreathoflife,
couldn’tcomparewiththeuphillbattlehefacednow.

Heturnedtoglareattheoldmanstandingnexttohim.“Whiskers,whatonGod’sgreenearthever

possessedyoutobuythisdump?Andwithmymoney.”

“Now,Coop,don’tgogettin’yournoseouttajoint.”ObviouslyunperturbedbyCooper ’sdisgusted

tone,WhiskersPennflashedatoothlessgrin.“LikeItoldyouonthephone,theTripleBarmightnot
looklikemuchrightnow,butit’sgotalottamaybeinit.”

Coopersnorted.“Yeah,maybethehouseandbarnswon’tfalldownwiththefirststiffwindthat

comesalong.”

Hestaredatthehousethathadbeenpurchasedwithhishard-earnedmoney.Tosaytheplacehad

seenbetterdayswasanunderstatement.

Hugestripsofpeelingpaintflappedinthebreeze.Thewindows—whatfewthatweren’tbroken—

weresocoatedwithdryTexasdusttheywereopaque.Andthebackporchroofsaggedominouslyon
oneendfromabrokensupportpost.Butthatwasn’ttheworstofit.Thereweresomanyshingles
missing,Cooperhadnodoubttheplaceleakedlikeasievewhenitrained.

HepushedhistanResistolbackoffhisforeheadandplantedhishandsonhishipsashementally

calculatedhowmuchmoneyitwouldtaketomakeitlivable.Bythetimehehitthefivefiguremark,
hecringed.Therewentthesecondtruckhe’dplannedtobuybeforewinter.

Damn!He’dcountedonbeingmovedinbythetimehisbrother-in-law,FlintMcCray,gotback

fromtakingCooper ’ssisterJennaandtheirboystoDisneyworld.Thatwasonlyaweekawayand
CooperstillhadthepasturestofencebeforeFlintbroughtthecattleoverfromtheRockingM.

“Well,I’mgonnamoseyonuptoAmarillo,”Whiskerssaid,checkinghiswatch.“Ioughttahave

justenoughtimetopickupthemfencin’suppliesyouwanted.”

Coopernodded.“Whileyou’reatit,pickupacoupleofrollsofheavyplastic.”
Theoldmanchuckled.“Youthinkin’oncoverin’someofthemplaceswheretheshinglesare

missin’,areya?”

“Andthewindows,”Coopersaid,nodding.“Theweatherreportsaidit’ssupposedtostartraining

andcontinuethroughtheweek.Idon’twanttheinteriordamagedanymorethanitalreadyisbeforeI
cangetaroundtomakingrepairs.”

“Icouldatoldyouitwasgonnarainwithouthavin’tolistentoadangedoldweatherreport,”

Whiskerssaid,limpingtowardCooper ’spickup.“Myjointsarepainin’mesomethin’fierceandit’s
putarealbadhitchinmyget-along.”

Cooperwatchedthebowleggedoldcowboyslowlyclimbintothetruckandstarttheengine.

PullingthetrucktoastopbesideCooper,Whiskersgrinned.“Lookslikeyou’reabouttogetsome
company.”

Turning,Cooperwatchedaredtruckbouncedownthenarrowroadleadingtohisnewhome—such

asitwas.Thetruckbottomedoutinapotholedeepenoughtoburyafull-grownmulebeforecoming
toastopbesidesomefencepostsholdingupsomebrokenboards—thecorral.Somethingelsehe’d
havetofix.

“Probablytheauthoritiescomingtocondemnthisplace,”hesaid,glancingattheoldman.
WhiskersgaveCooperanear-to-eartoothlessgrinthatmadethehaironthebackofCooper ’sneck

tingle.“Don’tshameme,boy.Justbesureyoumindyourmanners,yahear?”

“Howdy!”Aburlylookingmanofaboutfiftygotoutoftheredtruckandstartedremoving

luggagefromtheback.“Name’sBubbaWest.I’myourneighbortotheeast.”

“Whatthehell’sgoingonhere?”Cooperdemanded.
“Lookstomelikesomebody’sfixin’tostayaspell,”Whiskerssaid,soundingalittletooinnocent.

Hecackledasifhefoundsomethinghighlyamusing,gunnedtheengine,thenpulledaroundthered
truckbeforeCoopercouldstophim.

Whenthedustsettled,Cooperfrowned.HadWhiskersfinallygonearoundthebend?
Hedismissedthatideaimmediately.He’dknowntheoldgeezerforoverfiveyearsand,ifanything,

Whiskers’smindgotsharperwithage.No,hedefinitelyhadsomethinguphissleeveandwantedto
makeafastgetaway.Cooperjustdidn’tknowwhatthatsomethingwas,orwhatithadtodowithhim.
Hedid,however,knowthatassureasthesunroseintheeast,hewasn’tgoingtolikeitwhenhefound

out.

CooperopenedhismouthtostopBubba,butthesightofayoungwomanexitingthepassengerside

struckhimspeechless.He’dbeensopreoccupiedwithwhatWhiskerswasupto,Cooperhadn’t
noticedtherewasasecondpersoninthetruck.Buthesureashellnoticednow.Whensheturnedto
saysomethingtoBubba,herlong,wavyauburnhairbrushedthemiddleofherbackanddrew
Cooper ’sattentiontothebest-lookingbacksidehe’dseeninyears.Maybeever.

Tallandslender,shewasn’tskinnylikethosepencil-thinmodelshe’dseeninmagazinesandon

television.No,thiswasawomanwithenoughcurvestodriveamantothebrinkofinsanity.Herhips
flaredjustenoughtodrawattentiontothenarrownessofherwaist,tightlittlerearandlongblue-
jeanscladlegs.Shapelyashelllegs.Thewrap-around-a-man-and-take-him-to-heavenkindoflegs.

Coopergulpedhardandshookhisheadtoclearit.Hecouldn’thearwhatshe’dsaidtoBubba,butit

wasclearthesuitcaseswerehers.Cooperstartedtoprotest,butshemovedtofacehimandhecouldn’t
haveformedwordsifhislifedependedonit.Shewasn’tjustattractive.Thewomanwasdownright
gorgeous.

Herfullmouthandsensuouslipscurvinginaslightsmile,madehismouthgodry.Butitwasher

eyesthatdamnnearknockedhissizethirteenbootsrightoffhisfeet.Big,browneyesstaredathim
expectantlyandmadehimwanttodosomethingstupidlikeslayadragonormoveamountainforher.

“Seeya’round,neighbor,”Bubbasaidwithawave.Whenhadthemanstoppedpullingbagsfrom

thetruckandclimbedbackintothecab?

Broughtbacktohissensesbythegrowlofthepowerfulengineturningover,Coopertriedtostop

him.“Hey—”

Butitwastoolate.Bubbawasalreadyturningthetruckaroundandheadingbackdownthelane,

leavingacloudofPanhandledustswirlinginhiswake.

Cooperandthewomanstaredateachotherforseverallongsecondsbeforehefinallymanagedto

makehisfeetmovetowardher.“I’mCooper—”

“I’mFaith—”
Theybothstoppedtostareateachother.
Laughing,Cooperextendedhishand.“Let’strythisagain.I’mCooperAdams.”
Shesmiledandplacedherhandinhis.“AndI’mFaithBroderick.”
Assoonashersoftskincameintocontactwithhiscallusedpalm,heatstreakeduphisarm,then

headedstraighttotheregionsouthofhisbeltbuckle.Hequicklyreleasedherhand.Tohis
satisfaction,shehadtroublemeetinghiseyesandseemedtotakeagreatinterestinthestrapofher
shoulderbag.Hetookitasasignshe’dbeenasshakenbythecontactashe’dbeen.

Feelingalittlebetterjustknowinghewasn’ttheonlyoneaffected,heasked,“WhatcanIdofor

you,Ms.Broderick?”

Sheglancedtowardthelaneleadingtothemainroad.“WasthatMr.PennIsawleavingintheblack

truck?”

HervoicewassosoftandsexythatCooperfoundhimselfhavingtoswallowseveraltimesbefore

hecouldforcewordspastthecottoncoatinghismouthandthroat.Nodding,hesaid,“Whiskerswent
uptoAmarilloforfencingsupplies.”

“Oh.”Shesuddenlylookeduncertain.“Didhesaywhenhe’dreturn?”
Coopersmiledinanefforttoreassureher.“Heshouldbebackbeforedark.IstheresomethingI

couldhelpyouwith?”

“Idon’tthinkso.”Sheshookherheadandgavehimasmilethatdamnednearknockedthebreath

outofhim.Shenervouslyfingeredthestraponhershoulderbag.“IreallyshouldtalktoMr.Penn.

Didhegiveyouanyinstructionsbeforeheleft?”

Cooperlaughed.“He’sneverbeenatalossfortellingmewhattodoorhowtodoit.Andoutof

respectforhisage,Ilisten,thendowhatIthinkisbest.”

Hersmilefaded.“Heletsyougetawaywiththat?”sheasked,clearlyincredulous.
“Oh,hecangetkindofmouthyaboutitsometimes.”Coopershrugged.“Ijustlethimspoutoffand

ignoremostofit.”

“I’veneverhadabossthatlenient,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“It’sgoingtotakesomegetting

usedto.”

Hesuddenlyfeltliketheywerecarryingontwocompletelydifferentconversations.“YouthinkI

workforWhiskers?”

“Don’tyou?”
Cooperfrowned.“No.Whenhe’snottryingtorunmylife,heworksformybrother-in-law,Flint

McCray.”

Sheshookherheadasifshedidn’tbelievehim.“Whenhehiredme,Mr.Pennsaidheneeded

someonetokeephishouseanddothecookingfortheTripleBarRanch.”

“Hedidwhat?!”Cooperfeltlikethegroundhaddroppedfrombeneathhisboots.Heglancedatthe

suitcases.He’dforgottenallaboutthemonceshe’dtreatedhimtohersexysmile.

Sheplacedherhandtoherchestandstartedbackingawayfromhim.Well,hell.Thelastthinghe’d

meanttodowasscareher.

“Look,Ms.Broderick,I’msorryifIfrightenedyou.Icertainlydidn’tmeanto.ButI’mtheowner

oftheTripleBarRanch.”Heglancedoverhisshoulderatthehouse.“Andasyoucansee,Iwon’tbe
needingahousekeeperforquitesometime.”

TheringingofhiscellphonestoppedCooperfromsayinganythingfurther.Releasingtheclipon

thesideofhisbelt,hesnappeditopenandpunchedthetalkbutton.

Beforehehadthechancetosayaword,Whiskers’svoicecrackledacrossthelineandintohisear.

“Coop,I’mbettin’yourpurtysoreatmeandBubba’boutnow.”

CooperglancedatFaith.Shelookedlikeaskittishcolt—readytoboltattheslightestprovocation.

Andifshedidn’tstopfiddlingwiththestraponhershoulderbag,she’dtwistthedamnedthingclean
intwo.

Insteadofthetongue-lashinghewantedtogiveWhiskers,Coopersaidtightly,“Youcouldsay

that.”

Whiskerschuckled.“Ifiguredyouwouldbe.That’swhyI’mgonnamoseyonbacktotheRocking

MandwaitforFlintandJennatogetbackfromvacation.It’llgiveyoutimetocooloffandgetto
knowthatlittlegal.I’llcomebackdowntotheTripleBarwhenFlintbringsthecattlenextweek.”

CooperglancedatFaithandtriedtogiveherareassuringsmile,buthewasprettysureitlooked

morelikehewasabouttolosehisdinner.Heturnedhisbacktoherandloweredhisvoicetoa
whisper.“AndjustwhatamIsupposedtodowithFaithBroderickinthemeantime?”

Theoldmanlaughed.“Now,boy,ifyoudon’tknowwhattodowithapurtywomanonadeserted

ranch,thereain’tnohopeforyou.”

Thecellphonebegantobeep,signalingthebatterywasabouttogodead.“Whiskers,you’vegot

mytruckandwe’retwentymilesfromtheRockingM,”Coopersaid,startingtorealizethegravityof
whattheoldgeezerhaddone.Carefultokeephisvoicelow,heasked,“Whatthehellarewesupposed
todoforfood?”

“I’vealreadyseentothat.”WhiskerssoundedsodamnedproudofhimselfthatCooperwantedto

reachthroughthephoneandshakehim.“Everythingyoutwoaregonnaneedisalreadyinsidethe

houseorthebarn.Ievenseentoputtin’yourclothesinthere’foreIleft.”

“Butthere’snoelectricity.”Cooperhatedsoundingdesperate,butthebatteryonthecellphone

wouldn’tlastformorethanafewsecondslongerandWhiskersknewdamnedgoodandwellthere
wasnowaytochargeit.

“Youdon’tneed’lectricity,boy,”Whiskerssaid,laughing.“Now,treatthatlittlegallikethelady

sheisandI’llseeyouinaweek.”

BeforeCooperhadachancetosayanythingmore,thecellphonewentcompletelysilent.He

lookedatthedisplayscreen.Nothing.Heslowlysnappedtheuselessapparatusshutandbarely
resistedtheurgetothrowitasfarashepossiblycould.

Insteadheclippedittohisbeltandreviewedthefacts.Hewasstuckonadesertedranchwitha

womanhedidn’tknow,hadnotransportationandnomeansofcommunication.Heturnedtofaceher.
Andworstofall,hehadtobreakthenewsoftheirsituationtoher.

IfCoopercouldhavegottenhishandsonWhiskersatthatverymoment,he’dhavecheerfully

chokedthestuffingoutofthemeddlingoldgoat.

FaithwatchedCooperAdamsturntofaceher.Hedidn’tlookatallhappy.“Issomethingwrong?”

sheasked,apprehensionformingatightknotinherstomach.

Heshiftedfromonefoottotheother,thenremovedhiscowboyhattorunahandthroughhisthick,

darkblondhair.Hestaredoffintothedistanceasifhecouldn’tquitemeetherquestioninggaze.
Placinghishatbackonhishead,hefinallyfacedher.“Uh…itseemsthatwemighthaveaslight
problem.”

TheknotinFaith’sstomachclenchedeventighterandherkneesbegantotremble.Cooperclearly

hadsomethinghedidn’twanttotellherand,iftheexpressiononhishandsomefacewasany
indicationofwhatwasrunningthroughhismind,shewasn’tgoingtolikehearingwhathehadtosay.

Shewalkedovertothepileofluggageandsatdownononeofthelargersuitcasesbeforeher

tremblinglegsfailedhercompletely.“Whatisit?”

Hisbroadchestexpandedashetookadeepbreath.“ItseemsWhiskershasdecidedtostayupatmy

sisterandbrother-in-law’sranch.Hewon’tbereturninguntilFlintgetsbackfromvacationand
bringsmycattleoverfromtheRockingM.”

Faithfeltatensionheadachecomingon.Althoughshewasn’tfromTexas,she’dreadenoughto

knowthatsomerancheswerespreadoutoverseveralhundreds,sometimesthousandsofacres,and
weremilesapart.

“Whenwillthatbe?”sheasked,feelingherlifebegintospinoutofcontrol.
Heranahandoverhisfacebeforehisbluer-than-singazemethers.“Inaboutaweek.”
Herheartskippedseveralbeats.Notgood.Notgoodatall.“Ifyouwouldbekindenoughtotake

metoAmarillo,I’ll…”

She’dwhat?Therewasnothingforherthere,norwasthereanythingforherbackinIllinois.

Nothingbutsmalltowngossipandtheconstantreminderofallherfailings.Herheadbegantopound.
Howcouldhercarefullylaidplanshavetakensuchawrongturn?

“Ms.Broderick,that’sthebiggestpartofourproblem,”Coopersaid,breakingintoherthoughts.

“WhenWhiskersdroveoffinmytruck,hetookouronlymeansoftransportationwithhim.”

Faithlookedaround.Therewasn’tavehicleinsight.Notevenatractor.Sheglancedatthecell

phoneclippedtoCooper ’sbelt.“Useyourphonetocallsomeone.I’msureMr.Westwould—”

“Thebattery’sdead.”
Shegulped.“Thenchargeit.”

Heshookhishead.“Can’t.Theelectricityhasn’tbeenturnedon.”
Herheadpoundedharder.“Youmeanwe’restuckhereforthenextweekwithnowaytoleaveand

nomeansofcommunication?”

Henodded,hisgrimexpressionverifyingherfears.“That’sexactlywhatImean.”
Faithswallowedherrisingpanicandrubbedherthrobbingtempleswithherfingertips.Whyhad

Mr.Pennliedtoheraboutowningtheranch?Andwhyhadhestrandedherherewiththesexiest
cowboyshe’deverseen?

WhiskersPennandherlategrandfatherhadbeenfriendssincetheywereboys,andwhenher

grandmothertoldFaithaboutthejob,she’dvouchedforhisintegrity.That’swhyFaithhadcontacted
himandtakentheposition.Whiskershadhergrandmother ’sapproval—notaneasythingtoobtain—
andithadseemedaneasywaytoleavethepastbehindandstartrebuildingherlife.

Butinherhastetodothat,she’dapparentlyrepeatedhermistake.She’dtrustedinbasicgoodness

andhonesty.She’dbeensodesperatetomakeafreshstartthatshe’djumpedfromonebadsituationto
another.Andonceagain,she’dbeenburned.Wouldsheneverlearnthatshehadtostoptrusting
peopleandtakingeverythingtheysaidasthetruth?

Disgustedwithherselfforonceagainbeingsogullible,sheasked,“WhywouldMr.Penndo

somethinglikethis?”

“Becausetheoldgeezerhasastreakofmischiefinhimamilewide,”Coopermuttered.Hefolded

hisarmsacrosshiswidechest.“Whetherwelikeitornot,Ms.Broderick,we’rebothgoingtohaveto
getusedtotheideaofbeingstuckhereforthenextweek.”

Cooperglancedathisnewhome,thenbackatFaith.Theplacewaswaytoosmallforhispeaceof

mind.Hell,everytimetheyturnedaroundthey’dbebumpingintoeachother.Thethoughtofhisbody
brushingagainstherssentaflashofheatstraighttohisloins.

Shakinghisheadtoclearit,heswepthishandtowardthehouse.“Wemightaswellgoseewhatthe

insidelookslike.”

Shegavehimoneofthoseyou’re-feeding-me-a-linelooks,beforeasking,“Ifwhatyousayistrue

—ifthisplacedoesbelongtoyou—thenwhydon’tyouknowwhattheinteriorofyourownhome
lookslike?”

Hesighedheavily.“BecauseIwasfoolenoughtobuyit,sightunseen.”
“Whywouldyoudothat?”sheasked,skepticismwrittenalloverherprettyface.“EvenI’mnotthat

gullible.”

Coopershookhishead.He’daskedhimselfthesamethingaboutahundredtimesinthelasthalf

hour.“AfterIretiredfrombullriding,Istarteddoingcommentaryforafewrodeocompanies.But
I’mtiredoflivinglikeanomad.WhenImadethedecisiontofindaplacetosettledown,Iwasouton
thecircuitanddidn’thavetimetogetbackbeforetheauction.AndFlintandmysisterwereawayata
horseshow.”

“SoyouhadWhiskersmakethebid?”sheguessed.
Henodded.“Unfortunately,ItrustedWhiskerswhenhesaiditneededalittlework,butthatitwasa

gooddeal.”Cooperblewoutadisgustedbreath.“YoucanbetIwon’tmakethatmistakeagain.”

Sheglancedatthebagsaroundher,thenrosefromherperchatoponeofthebiggestsuitcaseshe’d

everseen.Whywasitthatmencouldstuffeverythingthey’dneedforamonthinasingleduffelbag,
butwomenneededatleastasix-piecesetofluggageforanovernightstay?

“Isupposeitwouldbeagoodideatostartmovingmythings,”shesaid,grabbingasuitcaseineach

hand.“Itlookslikeit’sgoingtostartraininganyminute.”

Cooperglancedupatthecloudsbuildingoverhead,thenatthemonstrouspileofluggage.Hefting

asmanybagsashecouldcarryatonetime,hestartedforthehouse.Iftheyhurried,theymightget
everythingtransferredtoshelterbeforetheskyopenedupandpoured.

Fatraindropssuddenlybegantoraiselittlepuffsofdustastheyhitthedustysoil.
Thenagain,maybetheywouldn’t,hedecidedastheyjoggedtowardthehouse.Bythetimethey

coveredthedistancetothesaggingporch,waterwascomingdowninsheetsand,insteadofsoaking
intotheground,itstartedtoformlittlerivuletsofmud.

Droppingtheloadinfrontofthedoor,Cooperturnedandsprintedbacktowhatremainedofthe

pile.Scoopingupthelastthreebags,heranthroughthedownpouranduptheporchsteps,carefulto
avoidcrackinghisheadonthesaggingeavesoftheroof.

Faithhadalreadyenteredthehouse,whichwasfinewithhim.Thesightofhercutelittlebackside

bobbingassherantotheshelteroftheporchhadalreadysenthisbloodpressureupaboutfiftypoints
andactivatedhisimaginationmorethanhewascomfortablewith.Consideringtheirsituation,having
histhoughtsstrayinaneroticdirectionwaspureinsanity.

Ashestoodtheretryingtofigureouthowthey’dgetthroughthenextweekwithouthimwalking

aroundinaconstantstateofarousal,acrash,followedbyawoman’sbloodcurdlingscreambrought
himbacktohissenses.Thesoundsentachillstraightuphisspineandmadethehaironthebackof
hisneckstandonend.

“Whatthehell?”
TheoldwoodenscreendoorsuddenlyflewopenandbeforeCooperknewwhatwashappening,

FaithBroderickcameflyingout,vaultedthepileofluggageandwrappedherselfaroundhimtighter
thanapieceofshrink-wraponahotplate.

Two

FaithfeltCooper ’sarmscloseprotectivelyaroundheramomentbeforehestumbledbackdown

thestepstositdownhardinthemuddyyard.Instantlydrenchedbythepouringrain,shepartedthewet
wavesofherhairtofindtheirfacesonlyinchesapart.

Timestoodstillasshesatonhislap,straddlinghisleanhips,feelingtherockhardnessofhis

thighsbeneathherbottom.Staringathim,shefeltshejustmightdrowninhisdeepblueeyes.Hisfirm
lipspartedandshewonderedhowtheywouldfeelonherown.Wouldtheybehardanddemanding,or
gentleandcoaxing?

Despitethechillingrainbeatingdownonher,Faithfeltaninnerheatwarmherallthewaytoher

toes.Evensoakingwetthemanwasgorgeousandmadeherthinkofthingsshehadnobusiness
dwellingon.Andthatwasn’tgood,consideringforthenextweektheywouldbestrandedtogetheron
adesertedranch.

“Areyouallright?”hefinallyasked,hisvoicesoundingsodarnedintimateandsexythather

temperatureroseanothercoupleofnotches.

Hisfacewassocloseshecouldfeelhiswarmbreathonhercheek,seethetinyscarjustbelowhis

righteyebrowthatshehadn’tnoticedbefore.Hisarmsheldhersecurelyagainsthisbroadchestand
thefeelofhisbodypressedtohersensitivebreastsmadeherinsidesfeelasifthey’dturnedto
pudding.

Notatallcomfortablewiththefeeling,shescrambledtoherfeet.“I,uh…yes.Yes,I’mfine.”She

hatedherbreathlesstoneandthefactthatherkneesdidn’twanttosupporther.

Waterdrippedfromhistancowboyhatasforseverallongsecondstheycontinuedtostare

wordlesslyateachother.“Comeon,”hefinallysaid.Risingtohisfeet,hetookherbythehandtotug
heralong.“Let’sgetoutofthisrain.”

Faithhadforgottenallaboutthedownpourandthefactthattheywerebothsoakingwet.She’dbeen

toofascinatedbythesightofhissoakedwesternshirtmoldedtohisperfecttorsoandbroad
shoulders.Herex-husbandhadworkedoutatthegymforyearsandnevermanagedtobuildthetype
ofrockhardmusclesthatCooperAdamshad.Butthen,she’dlearnedthehardwaythatErichadn’t
spentasmuchtimeatthegymasshe’dbeenledtobelieve.

Backundertheshelterofthesaggingporchroof,shenoticedCooper ’seyesdarkentopoolsof

navyashestaredather.Whensherealizedtheexactdirectionofhisgaze,Faithquicklycrossedher
armsoverherbreasts,hercheeksburning.Thoroughlydrenched,herpaleyellowT-shirtmightas
wellhavebeentransparent.Itclungtoherbreastslikeasecondskinandherflimsylacebraleftlittle
ornothingtotheimagination.AfactthatCooperseemedtofindquitefascinating.

Heclearedhisthroat.“Whatthehellhappenedinthere?”hefinallyasked.
Ittookheramomenttorealizewhathemeant.Rememberingthereasonforherflightfromthe

house,sheshuddered.“There’ssomekindofhideouscreatureinthekitchen.”

Hesighedheavily.“Whatdiditlooklike?”
“Well,I…Idon’tknowexactly,”Faithadmitted.
“Youdidn’tseeit?”
Sheshookherhead.“Ididn’tstickaroundlongenoughtofindouthowhorribleitlooked.”
Heproppedhishandsonhishipsandstareddownather.“Thenwhatmakesyouthinkitwas

horrible?”

“BecausewhenIknockedoveraboxfullofpansitmadeanawfulhissingsound.”Irritatedby

Cooper ’squestionsandtheamusementdancinginhiseyes,sheglaredathim.“Iwasn’tabouttostand

thereandletitbiteme.”

Hislipstwitched,andshehadnodoubthewastryingtokeepfromlaughingoutloud.Shewanted

topunchhim.Whydidmenfeelsodarnedsuperiorwhenitcametoawoman’sfearsofcreepy
things?

“Well,wecandooneoftwothings,”hesaidsolicitously.
Sheglaredathim.“Andwhatwouldthatbe,Mr.Adams?”
“Wecaneitherstandhereanddebatetheissuewhilewefreezeourbuttsoffinthesewetclothes,or

wecangoinsideandchange.”Heshruggedandreachedforthescreendoor.“I’moptingforwarm
anddry.Howaboutyou?”

ThetemperaturehadtohavedroppedagoodtendegreeswiththeonsetoftherainandtheOctober

breezehadpickedupenoughtoblowwaterinfromtheopensideoftheporch.“Butwhatabout…the
animal…inthere?”Faithasked,herteethbeginningtochatter.Shewasn’tabouttogobackinsidethe
houseuntilthecreaturehadbeendealtwith.

Heletgoalong,resignedsigh.“Wheredidyouseethedamnedthing?”
“Itoldyou…Ididn’tseeit.Ionlyheardit.”
Herolledhiseyes.“Okay.Wheredidyouhearthishideousbeast?”
“In…thekitchen,”shesaid,shiveringasmuchfromthememoryofthesound,asfromherwet

clothing.“By…theboxesinthecenter…oftheroom.”

Cooperopenedthedoorandsteppedintothedimlightofthekitchen.Intruth,hewasdamnedglad

toputsomedistancebetweenhimselfandFaithBroderick.Whenshe’dcomeflyingoutofthehouse
andjumpedintohisarms,thefeelofhersoftbodyclingingtohim,herlonglegswrappedaroundhis
waist,hadjustaboutsenthisbloodpressureintostrokerange.ButitwasthesightofherwetT-shirt
thathadalmostdonehimincompletely.He’dbeenleftwithmorethanaclearimageofthesizeand
shapeofherbreasts,andwhenhernipplestightenedfromthechilledair,hiseyeshaddamnednear
poppedoutofhishead.Howwasamansupposedtoignoreasightlikethat?Orforgetaboutit?

Heshookhishead.Hecouldn’tdoeither.Andhehadafeelingthenextweekwasgoingtobesheer

hell.

Glancingaround,hedecidedwhateverFaithhadheardmusthavemovedon.Asheturnedtotellher

thecoastwasclear,amovementontopoftheboxesinthecenteroftheroomcaughthisattention.He
steppedcloserandthelittlelizardletloosewithaloudhiss.

Asfrustratingastheirsituationwas,Coopercouldn’thelpbutchuckleattheturnofeventsandhis

ownfoolishness.Whenhe’dfirstlaideyesonFaith,he’dthoughthemightliketomoveamountain
orslayadragonforher.Itappearedhe’dgettodoboth.He’dalreadymovedthatmountainouspileof
luggage,nowhe’dgettoplaythewhiteknightandgetridofherdragon.

You’vegottogetoutmore,Adams.
Whenamanstartedsufferingthe“whiteknight”syndromeoveralizardandapileofbeat-up

suitcases,itwasasuresignhe’dbeentoolongwithoutthewarmthofawoman.

“Here’syour‘hideouscreature,”’hesaid,pushingopenthescreendoor.
“Whatisthatthing?”sheasked,drawingbackashewalkedpasthertotheedgeoftheporch.
“It’sjustalittleoldhornytoad.”Hereleasedthereptile,thenturnedtofaceher.“Hedidn’tmean

anyharm.”

“I…I’llhave…totake…yourword…forthat,”shesaid,shiveringviolently.
Shehadtobechilledtotheboneanddamneduncomfortableinthosewetclothes.Stoppinghimself

fromwrappingherinhisarms,hereachedforthescreendoorinstead.Theywerelittlemorethan
strangersandhehadafeelingshewouldn’tbuythathewastryingtolendherhiswarmthanymore

thanhewould.

Placinghishandatherback,Cooperusheredherthroughthedoor,thenquicklyputdistance

betweenthembeforehedidsomethingstupid.“Wheredoyouwantmetoputyourbags?”heasked,
preparingtorelocateMountSamsonitetoitsnextlocation.

“Putthemin…thelivingroomfornow,”shesaid,shiveringasshelookedaroundthekitchen.

“BeforeIstartunpackinganything…we’llhavetoclean.”

Coopertookthattomeansheintendedforhimtodoacrittercheckofthehouseandgetridofany

moreunwantedguests.

Oncehersuitcaseshadbeenmovedandhe’dlocatedtheduffelsWhiskershadleftforhim,Cooper

retrievedacoupleoftowels.Walkingbackintothekitchen,hehandedheroneoftheplushbath
sheets.“You’dbettergetdriedoffandputonsomethingwarm.”

Sheeyedhimwarily.
Allthingsconsidered,heguessedhecouldunderstandherreluctancetostripdownevenwithhim

inoneroomandherinanother.Shehadnowayofknowinghecouldbetrustednottoviolateher
privacy,orthathewasaboutasharmlessasthatlittlelizardhe’dpitchedoutearlier.

Wantingtoputhermindatease,hesquarelymetheruncertaingaze.“Youdon’thavetobeafraidof

me,Faith.You’vegotmyword,I’llstayinherewhileyouchange.”

ThesoundofhisdeepbaritonesayinghernamesentashiverupFaith’sspineandhadher

scurryingintothelivingroomtofinddryclothes.Coopermightnotthinkofhimselfasthe
threateningtype,butsheknewbetter.Physically,shehadnodoubthewouldkeephispromise.How
sheknewthat,shewasn’tsure.Shejustdid.

Butthefactthathepracticallyoozedvirilityfromeveryporeofhisskinwaswhathadher

concerned.Shedidn’twanttofindCooperAdamsattractive,didn’twanttothinkofhimashonorable
ortrustworthy.Infact,shedidn’twanttothinkofhimatall.Herpeaceofminddependedonit.

Butthememoryofhisbodypressedtohers,thesmellofhiscleanmasculineskinandtheintegrity

she’ddetectedinhisdeepblueeyeswouldn’tallowhertoforget.

Shepeeledherwetclothesoffandvigorouslyranthetoweloverherskininanefforttorubawaya

freshwaveofgoosebumpsthathadnothingtodowithbeingchilled,andeverythingtodowith
thinkingaboutCooperAdams.

Faithselectedablacksweatshirtandmatchingsweatpantsfromoneofhersuitcases.Certainher

choicewouldbeasappealingtoamanasaburlapbag,shepulledthemon,alongwithapairofthick
socks.Diggingaroundinthesuitcasecontaininghershoes,sheslippedonapairofcrosstrainers,
combedthedampwavesofherhairintoasemblanceoforder,thenventuredbackintothekitchen.

“AtleastWhiskersbroughtsomethingtoheatthehousewith,”Coopersaid,lookingupasshe

enteredtheroom.Hefinishedlightingalargekeroseneheater,thenstraightenedandstarted
unbuttoninghisshirt.“I’llchange,thenhelpyougothroughtheboxestoseewhatkindoffoodthe
oldgeezerleftforus.”

Shenodded.Shecouldn’tdoanythingelse.Ashepartedthefrontofthegarment,thesightofwell-

definedridgesonhisstomachandperfectlysculptedpectoralmusclesstruckhercompletely
speechless.Hepulledthesleevesfromhisarmsandsheswallowedhard.Hisbicepsweremovingin
reallyfascinatingwaysasheshruggedoutoftheshirt.Sherememberedhowsecurelythosearmshad
heldhertokeepherfrombeinginjuredwhentheylandedintheyardandhowsafeshe’dfeltwith
themwrappedaroundher.

Oblivioustowhatthesightofallthatmasculinefleshandsinewwasdoingtoher,heturnedand

headedforthelivingroom.Alongwhitescarrandownfromjustbelowhisshoulderbladetocurve

aroundhisleftside,butitdidn’tevencomeclosetodetractingfromthesexinessofhisbroad
shouldersandnarrowwaist.Butwhenshenoticedhistightrearencasedinthosewell-wornjeans,
Faithcaughtherbreath.Lordhavemercy,exceptforthescar,theman’sbodywasabsolutelyperfect.

Sheshookherheadtochaseawayherfoolishness.Hewasnothingmorethanagood-looking,

well-builtman.Andshe’dlearnedthehardwaythatmencouldn’tbecountedonforanythingbuta
truckloadofgrief.

Ifsheintendedtogetthroughthenextweekwithanysanityleft,she’dhavetorememberthat.She’d

alsohavetokeephergazefromstrayinganywherebelowCooper ’schin,inordertoavoidpanting
overhisgorgeousbody.

Assoonasheenteredthelivingroom,Cooperblewouttheairtrappedinhislungsandranahand

overhisabdomen.He’dneverhadaproblemwithabulgingstomach.Butwhenhe’dnoticedFaith
staringathimlikeahungrydogafterajuicysteak,he’ddamnednearsuffocatedtryingtotightenhis
alreadyflatbelly.

Whatthehellhadgottenintohim?He’dneverinhislifefelttheneedtoimpressawomanwithhis

physique.Hehadn’tneededto.Fromabouttheageoffifteenhe’dprettymuchhadallthefemale
attentionhewantedor—forthatmatter—couldhandle.

Hefrowned.Ithadtohavebeenacaseoftemporaryinsanity.That’sallitcouldbe.He’dbeen

workingsohardlately,hehadn’thadthetimetothinkaboutawoman,letalonebewithone.And
findinghimselfstrandedonadesertedranchwithabeautifulfemaleafteralongdryspellwasn’t
goingtomakethenextseveraldaysanyeasier.Notbyalongshot.

Satisfiedthathe’ddiscoveredthereasonforhisirrationalbehavior,Coopershuckedhismuddy

jeansandtoweledhimselfdry.Hecouldtellshedidn’tliketheattractionanybetterthanhedid.But
thatdidn’tchangethefactthatitwasthere.Theyjusthadtoignoreit.

Thatmightbeeasiersaidthandone,though.Faithhadputonasweatsuit,andCooperwouldbethis

lastdollaritwasanattempttolessenherappeal.Hechuckled.Shehadnoideathatevenifitwas
baggyfleece,shemadeblacklookgood.Realgood.

Whenhisbodyremindedhimofthewayshe’dfeltsittingonhislap,heshookhishead.Thatlineof

thinkingwasnotgoingtohelpthesituationonedamnedbit.

Pullingonadrysetofclothes,heforcedhimselftolookaroundhisnewhome.Ifanythingcould

douseacaseofthehotsandgethismindbackontrack,itwasalltheworkhehadaheadofhim.
Cooperwanderedintooneofthethreebedroomsanddiscoveredthathe’dgetalotoftherepairs
donewhiletheywerestranded.

Whiskershadplannedquitewellandthoughtofjustabouteverything.Newpanesofglassforthe

brokenwindowswereproppedagainstthewallsawaitinginstallation,gallonbucketsofpaintforboth
theinsideandoutsideofthehousewerestackedinonecornerandseveralsquaresofshinglestofix
theroofwerestackedinanother.Atoolbeltwithahammer,tapemeasureandcaulkinggun,along
withseveralboxesofnailsandanassortmentofhandsawswerepiledontopofastackofplywood
restingonsawhorses.Twolargerollsofheavyweightplasticwithanoteattachedroundedoutthe
supplies.

Fencingsuppliesinthebarn.Haveagoodtime.Whiskers.
“Crazyoldcoot,”Coopermuttered,relievedtofindtheotherbedroomshaddoublebedswith

comfortablelookingmattresses.Atleast,he’dgetagoodnight’ssleepafterworkinghimselfdayand
nighttryingtogettheplacelivable.

“Didyoufindcandlesorsomethingwecoulduseforlight?”Faithcalled.Helistenedtoherpoke

aroundinthekitchen,openingdrawersandclosingcabinetdoors.

“I’llcheck,”hesaid,grabbingarollofplasticandthetoolbelt.Hetuckedthemunderhisarmand

walkedbackintothekitchen.WhenFaithraisedabrow,heexplained,“AfterIhelpyoufindsome
typeoflight,I’mgoingtotackupsomeofthisplastictokeeptheheatinandtherainfromblowing
throughthebrokenwindows.”

Heputthetoolbeltandplastictooneside,openedtheboxesandstartedpullingitemsout.Handing

Faithahandfulofcandlesandacampinglantern,heturnedbacktothecartons.“LookslikeWhiskers
leftusacampstoveforcooking,”hesaid,settingtheitemonthecounter.

“Tellmeheleftacanopenerintheresomewhere,”shesaid,eyeingseveralcans.“Ifhedidn’t,

we’reinbiggertroublethanheis.”

“Youplanningongivinghimapieceofyourmind?”Whenshenodded,Cooperlaughedandheld

upacanopener.“He’soffthehookonthisone,butyou’llhavetostandinline.Ihavefirstdibsonhis
orneryoldhide.”

“HowlonghaveyouknownMr.Penn?”sheasked,takingthecanopenerandseveralotherkitchen

utensilshe’dremovedfromtheboxes.Sheplacedthemonthecounter.“Doeshedothingslikethis
veryoften?”

Cooperhandedherabagofragsandaspraybottleofall-purposecleanerhe’dfoundatthebottom

ofthebox.“Notreally.Notsince…”

HisvoicetrailedoffashethoughtofthelasttimeWhiskershadpulledastuntlikethis.Ithadbeen

withCooper ’ssisterJennaandFlintMcCray.Theoldgeezerhadpurposelyglossedoverthenewsof
astormwarninginordertostrandtheminaremotelineshack.AndWhiskershadeventriedtoget
Coopertohelphim.CoopergulpedashestaredatFaith’sback.JennaandFlinthadjustcelebrated
theirfifthweddinganniversary.

WhenWhiskerscalledtosayhewasonhiswaytotheRockingM,Cooperhadbeensoangryhe

hadn’tgivenmuchthoughttotheoldman’sreasonsforstrandingthem.Nowthathe’dcalmeddown,
Cooperknewexactlywhattheoldgoathaduphissleeve.Whiskerswastryingtogetthemtogether
foratripdowntheaisle.

“Notsincewhen?”Faithasked,sprayingthecleanerandwipingdowntheinsidesofthecabinets

withtherags.

“Not…”Cooperhadtoclearthegravelfromhisthroatbeforehecouldfinishspeaking.“Itdoesn’t

matter.Let’sjustsayit’sbeenalongtimeandleaveitatthat.”

Shestoppedcleaningandturnedtolookathim.“Doyouthinkhisagehassomethingtodowithhis

behavior?”

“Couldbe,”Cooperhedged.“Ifyoucanhandlethingsfromhere,I’mgoingtogetthisplasticput

up.”

Whenshenodded,hehastilypickeduptheitemsheneededandheadedintotheotherroom.He

wasn’tabouttotellherthattheonlythingwrongwithWhiskers’smindwasamisguidedbeliefthathe
neededtoplaymatchmakerandseeeveryoneheknewblissfullyhitched.

Twohourslater,Faithlookedaroundtofindalltheboxesoffoodhadbeenunpackedandputaway.

AfterCooperhadfinishedputtingplasticoverthebrokenwindows,he’dhelpedherbystoringthe
cannedgoodsinthecabinetsshe’dcleaned.Thenhe’dtinkeredwiththehandpumpandfinallygotten
enoughwatertowarmonthecampstoveforhertowashthefewdishesandcookingutensilsthey’d
found.

“LookslikeWhiskersthoughtofjustabouteverything,”hesaid,pullingabluegraniteware

coffeepotfromoneofthecartons.“Atleastwecanstartthemorningoffwithacupofinstant
daylight.”

“Whydoyoucallitthat?”Faithasked,smilingathisrelievedexpression.
“Becauseonesipofmycoffeeandthecobwebsareinstantlyclearedoutofyourheadfortherest

oftheday,”hesaidproudly.“Wakesyourightupandgetsthebloodtopumping.”

Laughing,shetookthepotfromhimandplungeditinthesoapydishwater.“Itsoundsalittle

strongerthanIcarefor.IthinkI’llpass.”

“Where’syoursenseofadventure?”heasked,grinningback.
“Ilostit…”Shecheckedherwatch.“…aboutthreehoursago.”
Henodded.“Icanunderstand.Iguessitwasprettydisappointingtofindthisplaceintheshapeit’s

in.”Hefrowned.“IknowIwasn’ttoohappyaboutit.”

“Oh,Iwasjustbesidemyself,”Faithsaiddryly.“AndthenwhenIfoundoutthatIwasgoingtobe

strandedhereforthenextweekwithnoelectricityitwasalmostmorehappinessthanIcouldhandle.”

Cooperchuckled.“Yeah,Iguessthatdidtakecareofanyexpectationsyouhadabouttakingthe

job.”

FaithmarveledatCooper ’sgood-naturedattitude.“ButIwouldimaginemydisillusionmentpales

incomparisontoyours.Mymoneydidn’tpayforthisplace.Yoursdid.”

Hisgrinmadeherfeelwarmallthewaytohertoes.“Well,IwilladmitthatIfeltalittle

discouragedwhenIfirstsawit.”

“Alittle?”
Faithcouldwellunderstandhowhemusthavefelt.Herreactionuponseeingtheplacehadbeenfar

fromthrilled.Buttoknowthatyourhard-earnedmoneyhadgonetopayforsomethingthatneededas
muchworkasthisplacedid,hadtohavebeenextremelydisheartening.

Hislaughterfilledtheroom.“Okay.Yougotmeonthatone.ItookonelookandfeltlikeI’dtaken

asuckerpunchtothegut.ButafterIchangedclothes,Ilookedthroughsomeoftheroomsandit’snot
asbadasIfirstthought.Therearethreegood-sizedbedrooms,abigofficeandaroomlargeenough
toputinawhirlpool.”

“Oh,alongsoakinthetubsoundsheavenly,”shesaid,closinghereyes.
“Havinginsideconveniencesperiod,wouldbenice,”heagreed.“Especiallywithitrainingcatsand

dogs.”

Surelyshehadn’theardhimcorrectly.Openinghereyes,shestaredathim.“Areyoutellingme

therearenobathroomfacilitiesatall?”

Henodded.“None.”
Sheopenedandclosedhermouthseveraltimesasshetriedtodigestwhathewastellingher.“Then

how…Imean,wherearewe—”

“Outside,”hesaid,apparentlyawareofherconcerns.“There’sanouthouseaboutfiftyyards—”
“Anouthouse?!”Shehatedhavingtodiscusssomethingsointimatewithastranger,butitcouldn’t

behelped.

Henodded.“Look,Iknowit’snotthebestofconditions,butthatdoesn’tmeanwecan’tthinkofthis

asanadventure.Trypretendingyou’reonacampingtrip.”

“Right.”Shewasbeginningtorealizejusthowisolatedandprimitivetheirsituationwas.“Didyou

findacanofbugsprayinanyofthosecartons?”sheaskedsuddenly.

“No.”Helookedatherlikehethoughtshemightbeclosetolosingit.“Whydoyouwantbug

spray?”

“Spiders.”Sheshuddered.Eventhewordgaveherthecreepsandsentachillsnakingupherspine.

“Ican’tstandthem.”

“Oh,right.Iguesstheremightbeafewthathavetakenupresidenceinthere.”
“Exactly.”Therewasnowayshe’dstepfootanywherethataspidermightbelurkingaboutjust

waitingtopounceonher.Sheshuddered.Andifthespidersaroundherewerelikeeverythingelsein
Texas,they’dbethesizeofaVolkswagen.

Hewalkedovertothedoorandlookedout.“Therain’sletuptoasteadydrizzle,butIdon’tthink

it’sgoingtostopforawhile.”Turningback,hegaveheralopsidedgrin.“I’llmakeyouadeal.I’ll
gooutandtakecareofanyeight-leggedvarmintsinthere,ifyou’llcooksupper.”

“Deal,”Faithsaid,smilingbackathimandextendingherhandtosealthebargain.
Theminutehetookherhandinhis,warmthstreakedupherarmtospreadthroughoutherbody.His

gazecaughthersandshecouldseebythedarkeningofhiseyesthathe’dexperiencedasimilar
reactiontotheirtouch.

Faithjerkedherhandback.“Ifyou’llshowmehowtolightthestovewithoutblowingmyselfup,

I’llstartdinner,”shesaid,hatingthebreathlesstoneofhervoice.

Hestood,staringatherforendlesssecondsbeforenoddingandshowingherhowtooperatethe

campstove.Then,withoutaword,hewalkedoutintothecool,Octoberrain.

Three

CooperwatchedFaithslowlypushbackfromthemakeshifttablehe’dconstructedofplywoodon

sawhorses.“Ifyou’llget‘OldFaithful’tospoutforthsomemorewater,I’llgetthesedisheswashed,”
shesaid,soundingtired.

“Nope.”Shakinghishead,hegotupfromthecratehe’dbeensittingonandwalkedovertothe

pump.“Youcooked.I’lltakecareofcleaningup.”

“That’snotnecessary,Mr.Adams,”shesaid,gatheringtheirplatestostackthemonthecracked

countertop.“I’musedto—”

“Thename’sCooper,”hesaid,graspingthehandletoseeifhecouldcoaxwaterfromtheancient

pump.Thefirstthingheintendedtodowhenhehadameansoftransportationwastofindthenearest
hardwarestoreandbuyplumbingsupplies.“You’vehadahellofadayandI’mbettingyou’repretty
tired.Besides,youfulfilledyourendofthedeal.Youcooked.”

“Buttheagreement—”
“Iknowwhatthedealwas,”hesaid,pouringrainwaterhe’dcollectedinabucketintotheapparatus

toprimeit.Ithadtobetheultimateironythatyouhadtohavewatertogetwaterfromoldhand
pumps,hedecidedashemovedthemetalleverupanddownseveraltimesuntilwaterfinallybelched
forthfrom“OldFaithful.”Fillingalargepot,hesetitonthecampstoveandlittheburnerbefore
turningtofaceher.

Thecombinationoffatigueandnerveshadtakentheirtoll.She’dyawnedseveraltimesinthelast

halfhourandahintofdarkcircleshadappearedunderherbeautifulbrowneyes.

“Wheredidyousayyou’refrom?”
“Illinois.”Shecoveredhermouthagainstanotheryawn.
“Whenwasthelasttimeyouslept?”
“Nightbeforelast.”Sheyawnedagain.“Iwastooexcitedaboutthetriptosleeplastnight.”
Hewhistledlow.“Youhavetobedeadonyourfeet.Whydon’tyougetreadyandgotobed?While

youfinishedcookingsupper,Ifoundsomesheetsandmadebothbeds.Allyouhavetodoiscrawlin
andcrash.”

“But—”
“Butnothing.”Cooperplacedhishandsonhershouldersandturnedherawayfromthecounter.He

quicklyturnedherlooseanddidhisbesttoignoretheheatedsensationrunningfromhispalms,up
hisarmsandgatheringinhisgut.“Getsomerest.”

Hewatchedhereyethedoor.“Isitstillraining?”
“No.”
“DidWhiskersleaveaflashlight?”
“Yes,butwhydoyou—”Whenshejerkedherthumbinthedirectionoftheouthouse,

understandingdawned.“Oh,yeah.Sorry.”

Handinghertherequestedlight,hebusiedhimselfwiththedishesasshequietlyopenedthedoor

andsteppedoutside.Whydidhefeeltheneedtoshelterthiswoman?WhatwasthereaboutFaith
Broderickthatmadehimwanttotakecareofher?

Severaltimesthroughouttheafternoonandeveninghe’ddetectedaquietreserveabouther,a

sadnessshecouldn’tquitehide.Maybethatwaswhyhe’dfelthisprotectiveinstinctrearitshead.

He’ddevelopedthatparticulartraitwhenhe’dbeenresponsibleforwatchingoutforhissister,

Jenna.Aftertheirmotherabandonedthefamilyforgreenerpastures,theirdadhadlostinterestinlife,
leavingCooperwithnochoicebuttofinishraisinghimselfandhissister.Buthe’dlearnedtotamp

downanymoreofhisshelteringtendencieswithotherwomen.Jennahadpointedouttimeandagain
thathetendedtobeontheoverlyprotectiveside,andthatwomendidn’tparticularlycareforthat
thesedays.

Nope.Hewasn’tgoingtogetinvolvedortrytohelpFaithwithwhateverbotheredher.She’d

probablytellhimtomindhisownbusinessanyway.

Thebackdoorsuddenlyflewopen,breakingintohisthoughts.Whiteasasheetandtrembling

uncontrollably,Faithslammedthedoorandleanedbackagainstit.

“What’swrong?”heasked,rushingovertoher.Hecouldtellsomethinghadterrifiedherand

withoutasecondthought,hewrappedherinhisarms.Somuchforhisinternalpeptalk.

Saggingagainsthim,sheshookherhead.“I’mnotgoingbackoutthere.”
“Why?Whathappened?”
“Didn’tyouhearit?”sheasked,hervoiceshaky.
“Hearwhat?”
Shepushedbackfromhischesttomeethisgaze.“Somethingoutthereishowlinglikeawounded

banshee.”

Confused,Cooperstareddownather.“Ididn’thear…”Hestoppedinmidsentence.Hehadheard

something,buthewassousedtoit,thesoundhadn’treallyregistered.“Coyote,”hesaid,hopinghis
smilereflectedreassuranceinsteadofthephysicalawarenessstreakingthroughhisbody.“Thatwas
justanoldcoyoteyippingatthemoon.Hedidn’t—”

“Don’ttellme.Iknow.Hedidn’tmeananyharm.”Shepushedfromhisembrace.“Thecreatures

I’veencounteredsofarmightnotmeantohurtme,butthey’vecertainlysucceededinscaringthe
livingdaylightsoutofme.”

Helethergo.She’dfeltwaytoogoodnestledagainsthim.Andthatwasn’tgoingtomakethenext

weekanyeasier.Nosiree.

Shestoodforamoment,staringatthedoor,thenturnedtowalkintothelivingroom.Realizingshe

hadn’thadtimetoreachheroutdoordestination,hetriedtothinkoftheleastembarrassingwayto
offerhisassistance.

“I’mgoingthatway,”hesaid,takingtheflashlightfromher.Hewasproudofhimselffor

managingtosoundnonchalant.“Wanttotagalong?”

Ablushtintedherpalecheeks,butafteramoment’shesitation,shenodded.

Tenminuteslater,Faithsteppedbackontotheporch.ShetrulyappreciatedCooper ’sconsideration

forherprivacywhenthey’dreachedtheouthouse.He’dstoodseveralyardsaway,makingherfeela
littlebetterabouthisaccompanyingher.Butnotmuch.

Shewasstillembarrassedbeyondwordsoverherrecentbehavior.Normallyshetookthingsin

strideandletverylittlefrightenher.Hadn’therex-husbandalwayscalledherthestrongoneintheir
relationship—TheRock?

Theonlyexplanationshecouldthinkofforheruncharacteristicfearhadtobeexhaustion.Andnot

justfromthetriptotheranch,orthedisillusionmentshe’dfeltatfindingherselfstrandedherewith
thesexiestmanshe’deverseen.

No,ithadmoretodowiththeemotionallydrainingeventsofthepastyearthananythingelse.She

wishedshehadanickelforeverypieceofsmall-towngossipandalltheinstancesofhumiliation
she’dsufferedwheneverybodyinthecommunitylearnedthatherhusbandhadlefthertomarryher
bestfriend.Ifshedid,she’dbeaveryrichwomanandwouldn’tbeseekingemploymentonarun-
downranchintheTexasPanhandle.

Butshe’dlivedthroughit,heldherheadhighandignoredasmuchofitasshecould.Onlyher

grandmotherknewthetrueextentofhowbadlyshe’dbeenhurtbyherhusbandandformerbest
friend.

Faithshookherheadandputitoutofhermind.Nowwasthetimetomoveforward,nottolook

back.Noonehereknewthecircumstancessurroundingherdivorce,orthatherjudgmenthadbeen
seriouslyflawed.Asfarasshewasconcerned,they’dneverfindouteither.

Takingthebatteryoperatedlanternfromthemiddleoftheplywoodtable,shewalkedintothe

livingroomandeyedhersuitcases.“Haveyoudecidedwhichbedroomyou’retaking?”

“Doesn’tmattertome,”Coopersaid,followingherintotheroom.Hepushedhishatbackonhis

head,thenjammedhishandsinthefrontpocketsofhisjeansasherockedbackonhisheels.“Takethe
oneyouwantandI’lltakewhat’sleft.I’llmoveyourluggageinthemorning.”

“Allright.”
Shegatheredhernightgown,slippersandrobeintoonearm,tradedhimthelanternforthe

flashlightandwalkeddowntheshorthalltoenterthefirstbedroomshecameto.Stoppingshortasthe
beamoflightflashedacrossthebed,shebitherliptokeepahystericalgigglefromescaping.Life
justkeptgettingmorebizarrewitheachpassingminute.

Leaningbackaroundthedoor,shecalled,“Uh…Cooper,wehaveaslightproblem.”
“What’swrong?Didyouseeanothercritter?IswearIchecked—”
“No.”Shecouldn’tkeepfromlaughing.Itwasjusttoounrealtobebelieved.“Ithinkthisproblem

isalotbigger.”

“Whatmakesyouthinkthat?”heasked,walkingtowardherwiththelantern.Thelightcasthis

featuresintosharpreliefandaccentedthefrownfurrowinghisbrow.Hewasthebest-lookingman
she’dseeninyears.Maybeever.

Shakingherheadtodispelthewaywardthought,shepointedintotheroom.“UnlessI’mmistaken,

that’schunksoftheceilingontopofmybed.”

Shoulderingpasther,heraisedthelanterntogetabetterlook.Piecesofplasteranddustcovered

theentiredoublebed.Hesuddenlyletloosewithastringofcursesthatallbutturnedtheairblueand
endedwithathreattodobodilyharmtoWhiskersPenn.

Whenhestoppedcursing,helookedthoroughlydisgusted.“Theroofmusthaveleaked,water

collectedbehindtheplaster—”

“Anditgaveway,”Faithfinishedforhim,unabletostopgiggling.
Heeyedherlikeshemightbesufferingfromhysteria.“Doyoufeelallright?”hefinallyasked,

usheringherintothebedroomthatwouldhavebeenhis.“Maybeyoushouldliedown.”

Nodding,shewipedthetearsatthecornersofhereyes.“I’mfine,butthiswholedayhasbeena

disaster.”

Hestaredatheramomentlonger,thenthrewbackhisheadandlaughedwithher.“Ithasbeenlike

somethingoutofabadmovie,hasn’tit?”

“Sowhatdowedonow?”sheasked,yawning.
“Nothing.”Hesatdownonthesideofthebedandtookoffhisboots.
Whatonearthwasthemanupto?shewondered.
Cooperstoodupinthemiddleofthebedandpokedattheceiling.“Thisone’sfine,”hesaid,

steppingbackdownonthefloor.“Nosignsofweakness,soyoushouldbesafefromanymore
fallingplaster.YoutakethisbedandI’llbunkdowninthelivingroom.”

“But—”
“Don’targue.”Hewalkedtothedoor.“Youneedsleep,”hesaid,hislowsexydrawlsoundinglike

acaress.“Goodnight.”

“Nite.”
Inthesilencethatfollowedthequietclickofthedoor,Faithfeltthelasttracesofherenergydrain

away.Herarmsandlegssuddenlyfeltlikeleadweightsandshewastootiredtothinkaboutthislatest
turnofevents,letalonehowtodealwithit.

Slowlychangingintohernightgown,shecrawledbetweenthecoolsheets.Shetriedtofreeher

mindandforgeteverythingabouttheentireday.Butassoonassheclosedhereyes,atall,sexyTexan
witheyesbluer-than-sinandavoicethatmadeherfeelallwarmandfuzzyinside,filledhermindand
beckonedherintothewelcomerespiteofsleep.

Cooperwhistledanoff-keyversionofapopularGarthBrookssongwhileheproppedtheladder

againstthesideofthehouse.Hehopedlikehelltheladderdidn’tsinkinthemud.Butwhiletherewas
abreakintheweather,heneededtogetplasticontheeastsideoftheroof.He’dmuchratherbe
slappingshinglesinplace,butthewaythecloudsweregatheringupinthenorthwest,he’dbeluckyto
getthesheetingnailedinplacebeforetheskyopenedupandpouredagain.

Onceheclimbedontotheroof,hequicklyunrolledtheplasticandbegannailingitdown.Halfway

throughthetaskherealizedsomeonewascallinghisname.Peeringovertheedgeoftheroof,he
spottedFaithstandingwithherdoubledfistsproppedonhershapelyhips,ascowlonherprettyface.
She’dpulledonthebaggyblacksweatsuitanditlookedasifalover ’shandshadbeentangledinher
longauburnhair.Hedidn’tthinkhe’deverseenawomanlookquitesosexy.

“Morning,”hesaid,grinningdownather.
“Whatinallthat’sholydoyouthinkyou’redoing?”shedemanded,hervoicestillhuskyfrom

sleep.

“Fixingtheroof.”
Shedidn’tsmileback.“Whattimeisit?”
Coopercheckedhiswatch.“It’salittlepastseven.Icouldtellhowtiredyouwerelastnight.That’s

whyIdidn’twakeyouforbreakfast.IthoughtI’dletyousleepin.”

“AndjusthowdidyouthinkI’dbeabletosleepwithyoubangingontheroofabovemyhead?”she

asked,givinghimalookthatclearlystatedshedidn’tthinkhehadenoughsensetopourwateroutof
abootwiththedirectionsontheheel.

“Uh,sorryaboutthat.”Heranhishandacrossthebackofhisneck.Hehadn’teventhoughtabout

wakingher.“I’musedtoWhiskersbeingaround.Hecansleepthroughanything.AndIwantedtoget
thisplasticonbeforeitrainedagain.”

Fatraindropsbegantomakelittleploppingnoisesontheheavyplasticandthewindsuddenly

pickedup.Theendofthesheetinghehadn’tyettackeddownbegantoflapwildly.Cooperlungedto
keepthewindfromtearingloosetheendhe’dalreadynailedinplace.Intheprocess,helosthisgrip
onthehammer.Hewatcheditslidedowntheroof,thenhearditdroptothesoftdirtbelow.

“Damn,”hemuttered.Howwashegoingtoholdtheplasticandclimbdownforthehammer?
“Losesomething?”Faithasked.
Hervoicesoundedclose.Tooclose.
Heglancedoverhisshoulderandhisheartcameupinhisthroat.She’djustfinishedclimbingthe

ladderandwascrawlingonallfoursuptheslopeoftherooftowardhim.

“Whatthehelldoyouthinkyou’redoing,lady?”hedemanded,holdinghisbreathuntilshewas

sprawledoutontopoftheplasticbesidehim.Shewasafraidofharmlesscritters,butshe’dscaleda
laddertolendhimahand?Maybeshewasmoregutsythanhe’dfirstthought.“Youcouldfalland

breakyourneck.”

“You’reverywelcome,Mr.Adams,”shesaid,handinghimthehammer.“Nowhushandgetthis

thingnaileddownwhileIholdit.I’dliketogetofftheroofbeforewebothgetsoaked.”

Takingthetoolfromher,Cooperquicklynailedthesheeting.“Okay,it’sdone,”hesaid,pounding

thelastnailintoplace.“Thanks.”

“Noproblem.”Shesatupandbegantomakeherwaytowardtheladder,buthadn’tgonemorethan

afewinchesbeforeshestartedslidingonthewetplastic.“Ooh…”

Cooperquicklyreachedout,circledherwaistwithhisarmandhauledhertohim.“Careful,darlin’.

We’llhavetotakethissloworwe’llbothwindupflatonourbacksontheground.”

Heclosedhiseyesandtookadeepbreath.Hisheartfeltasifitwasinhisthroatasheheldher

close.Whatwouldhavehappenedifhehadn’tbeenabletocatchherbeforeshesliddowntheslopeof
theroof?Withnotransportationandnowaytocallforhelp,itcouldhavebeendisastrous.

Theheatofherslenderbodypressedtohischest,thefeelofherbreastsrestingonhisforearmand

thescentofherpeachshampoowhereherhairtickledhisnose,quicklyturnedhisthoughtsfromwhat
hadalmosthappenedtowhathe’dliketohavehappen.

Coopersuddenlyfeltasifhe’dalreadytakenadiveofftheroofandlandedonhishead.Damnbut

thewomansmelledgood.Feltgoodinhisarms.

“Whatdowedonow?”sheasked,soundingbreathless.
Hethrewthehammeroverthesideoftheroof,shiftedhertositbetweenhisthighs,thenwrapped

bothofhisarmsaroundhermiddle.“We’regoingtotakethisrealslowandscootourwayovertothe
ladder.”

Hefeltherspinestiffenattheintimatecontactofherbottomrestingsointimatelyagainstthemost

vulnerablepartofhim,butplacingherhandsonhisforearms,shenodded.

Slowly,carefullymaneuveringthemtowardtheladder,Cooperfelthislowerbodyawakentothe

factthatadelectable,femininerearwasrubbingagainstit.Hisproblemmusthaveregisteredwithher,
too,becauseshestoppedscootingtoglareathimoverhershoulder.

“Mr.Adams—”
“Idon’tlikeitanymorethanyoudo,”helied,interruptingwhathefiguredtobeastronglyworded

warning.Hewasn’tabouttotellherthathewashavingahellofatimefightingtheurgetothrow
cautiontothewindandseduceherrighthereontheroof.She’dprobablythrowhimovertheside
herselfifshefoundout.

“There’snothingIcandoaboutit,”hetriedexplaining.“You’reabeautifulwomanandI’maflesh

andbloodman,notadamnedsaint.”

Faith’scheeksburned.ItseemedthateverytimesheturnedaroundshefoundherselfinCooper ’s

arms.Howonearthdidshemanagetogetherselfintothesepredicamentsanyway?Morethanthat,
whywasherbodyrespondingtohis?

Assoonashe’dcaughtherfromslidingofftheroof,tinycurrentsofelectricalimpulseshad

streakedthroughhertoformacoildeepinthepitofherstomach.Thefeelofhischangingbody
pressedtoherbacksidetightenedthecoilandremindedherthatshehadn’tbeenheldbyaman,loved
byaman,forwelloverayear.

Givingherselfamentalshake,shetookadeepbreathinhopesofsteadyinghervoiceandnerves.

“Let’sjustgetdownfromhereandoutofthisrain.”

“Worksforme,”hesaid,tighteninghisholdonherandcarefullyscootingthembothtowardthe

edgeoftheroof.Reachingtheirdestination,heliftedhertoliebesidehim.“I’mgoingdownfirst.If
yousliponthewetrungs,I’llbetheretocatchyou.”Heliftedhishandtobrushhercheekwithhis

knuckles.“IpromiseIwon’tletyougethurt.”

Hisstatementsetoffalarmbellsdeepwithinhersoul.Buthiswarmbreathfeatheringoverher

cheek,sentshiversofexcitementdownherspine.Shewatchedhisbluegazedarkentonavyandhis
lipspartashestareddownather.Thewarningsignalsseemedtofadeconsiderably.

“Iwanttokissyou,”hesaidsimply.
“Thatwouldn’tbewise.”
Heshookhishead.“Probablynot.WouldyoustopmeifIdid?”
Thealarmbellswentcompletelysilent,andinsteadofnoddingthatshewouldstophim,sheshook

herhead.

“Doyouwantmetokissyou,Faith?”
“Yes.”
Yes?Hadshelostthelastofwhatlittlesenseshehadleft?Theywerestretchedoutonarooftop,it

wasrainingbucketsandshe’djusttoldhimshewantedhiskiss.

FaithwatchedCooperpushhishatback,thenslowly,deliberatelymovecloser.Shecouldtellhe

wasgivingherthechancetochangehermind,tocallahalttothisinsanity.Butshefoundshereally
didwanthiskiss,wantedtofeelhisfirmlipspressedtohers,wantedtoknowthetasteofhim.

Herbreathcaughtandsheclosedhereyesashismouthdescendedtohers.Warm,firmandohso

exciting,thecontactcausedsparklesoflighttoflashbehindherclosedlidsandshefeltasiftheroof
shiftedbeneathher.

Coopercoaxedhertoopenforhimandshecouldn’thavestoppedherselfifherlifedependedonit.

Shewantedhiskiss,wantedtofeelhistonguematewithhers.Heavenhelpher,butithadbeensovery
longsinceshe’dtastedaman’sdesire,felthisbodyrespondtohers.

Heslidhishandfromherhip,beneaththetailofhersweatshirtandupherribstotheswellofher

breast.Cuppingtheweightwithhislargehand,heteasedthehardenedtipwithhisthumb.“You’renot
wearingabra.”

“I…didn’thavetime…toputoneon,”shesaid,herheadspinningfromthesensationshistouch

created.

“I’mglad,”hesaidhuskily.
Hiscallusedpalmfeltabsolutelywonderfulonhersensitizedskinandshecouldn’tstopasmall

moanfromescaping.Thelongforgottensoundofherownpassionstartledher.Whatinthenameof
heavenwasshedoing?Hadshecompletelylosthermind?

Shehadtospendthenextweekwiththisman.Fallingintohisarms,welcominghiskiss,spelled

disasteratanytime.Butthedayafterherarrival?Itwaspureinsanity.

“Pleaseletmego,”shesaid,pushingagainsthischest.
Heallowedhertositup,butdidn’tletgoofherarms.“Don’tbeupset,darlin’.Alittlekissamong

friendsneverhurtanyone.”

Faithfeltasifshe’dbeendumpedintoatuboficewater.Sheknewbetterthananyonehowdeadlya

kissamongfriendscouldbe,howitcoulddestroylives.Twoyearsago,herhusband’saffairwithher
bestfriendhadstartedwithafriendlylittlekissunderthemistletoeatthestaffChristmaspartywhere
theyallworked.

Cooperhadsaidthathewouldn’tlethergethurtandshehadnodoubthewouldkeephersafe

physically.Buttherewereothertypesofhurt.Shehadfirsthandknowledgeofhowemotionalpain
lastedlongerandleftdeeperscarsthananyphysicalinjuryevercould.

Thewarningsignalswerepracticallyscreamingathertorunashardandfastasshecould.Toput

asmuchdistanceaspossiblebetweenherselfandCooperAdams.

Pullingfromhisgrasp,Faithscootedherselftotheladderandbeganherdescenttotheground.She

hadafeelinghewascompletelyunawareoftheeffecthehadonwomen,ofhowhisverypresence
chargedtheatmospherewithenoughelectricitytolightasmallcity.Thefactthathe’dturnedthat
energyherway,scaredhertodeath.

“Faith,waitaminute,”sheheardhimcallfromabove.
Sheignoredhisrequestandcontinuedtoscurrydowntheladder.Sheneededtoputdistance

betweenthem.Shehadtogetherequilibriumback.

Nosoonerhadshethoughtofregaininghermentalbalance,thanherfootslippedonthewetrung

andshefellthelastfewfeettotheground.Shelandedhardonherrightfoot,butignoringthenumb,
coldfeelingthatfollowed,shestartedforthehouse.She’donlytakenacoupleofstepswhena
searingpainshotthroughherankleanduphercalf.Cryingout,shestumbledandwouldhavefallenif
notforthetwostrongarmsscoopingherupandcradlinghertoawidechest.

Shegazedatthemanholdingher.Cooper ’sbluer-than-sineyeswerefilledwithnothingbut

kindnessandconcern.

Tearsblurredhervisionandsheburiedherfaceinthesideofhisneck.Wouldsheneverstop

makingafoolofherselfinfrontofthisman?

Four

WhenCooperscoopedFaithintohisarms,shepressedherfacetothesideofhisneckandher

shouldersshookwithsilentsobs.Itjustabouttorehimapart.

She’dscaredthelivinghelloutofhimwhenshe’djerkedfromhisarmsandstarteddownthe

ladder.Visionsofherfallingandbeingseriouslyinjuredhadflashedthroughhismindandhe’d
immediatelystarteddownafterher.Butwhenshefell,he’dswearheagedagoodtenyears.

Anywayhelookedatit,hewasresponsibleforherfalling.He’dknownhowjumpyshe’dbecome

afterfeelinghisbodyrespondtohers.Butlikeadamnedfool,he’dreactedwithhishormonesinstead
ofhisgoodsense.He’dgivenintothetemptationthathadeatenathimsincehefirstwatchedherget
outofBubba’struck.Andshe’dgottenhurtbecauseofit.

“It’sgoingtobeokay,darlin’,”hesaid,shoulderingopenthekitchendoor.
“Pleaseputmedown.”
“No.”
“Icanwalk,”sheinsisted.Herwarmbreathonthesideofhisneckcausedhimtoclenchhisjawso

tighthethoughthe’dmostlikelycrackacoupleofteeth.

Shemightbeabletowalk,butCooperwasn’trealpositivethathecouldforallthatmuchlonger.

“Areyousure?”heasked.

Whenshenodded,hersilkyhairbrushedthesideofhisjaw.Hisbloodpressureshotupseveral

pointsandhislungsrefusedtotakeinair.

Settingheronherfeet,heasked,“Areyoucertainyou’reokay?”
“Yes.”Shestartedtolimptowardthelivingroom,butinherhasteshebumpedintotheedgeof

theirmakeshifttable.

Coopercaughtherbeforeshefellandswungherupintohisarmsonceagain.Shepressedherface

tohisshoulderandCooperfelteveryoneofhisprotectiveinstinctsspringtolife,aswellasevery
oneofhishormones.

Headingstraightforthebedroomshe’dusedthenightbefore,hegentlyplacedherontherumpled

sheets.Hetriednottothinkabouthowherslenderbodyhadfeltpressedtohischest,orhowmuch
he’dliketocrawlintobednexttoher,takeherintohisarmsand…

Steppingawayfromthebed,hestartedbackinghiswayoutoftheroom.“I’llberightback.”
“Don’tbother,”shesaid,throwingherarmacrosshereyes.“I’dratherdiebymyself.”
Apprehensiontightenedhisgut.Hehadn’tthoughtshe’dbeeninjuredthatseriously.“Die?Ithought

yousaid—”

“Ofhumiliation,”shesaid,soundingdisgusted.
Cooperwasrelievedtohearhersenseofhumorhadreturned.“You’reembarrassed?”
Shenodded,butkepthereyescoveredwithherarm.“Youprobablywon’tbelievethis,butI’m

normallyaverysensible,very‘together ’person.”Shepausedtotakeadeep,steadyingbreath.“And
I’mneverclumsy.”

“Never?”
Sheliftedherarmtoglareathim.“Never.”
Cooperwiselysuppressedhissmile.Atleastherspiritwasintact.“I’mgoingtogetthefirst-aidkit.

I’llberightback.”

Turning,heretracedhisstepstothelivingroomtorummagethroughoneoftheduffelbags

Whiskershadleftforhim.Whenhefoundthewhitemetalboxfilledwithmedicalsupplieshealways
carried,hereturnedtothebedroomandsatdownonthebedbesideher.

“Let’sgetthisshoeoffandseewhatwe’vegothere,”hesaid,carefullyliftingherlegtorestiton

hisknee.

Hepushedthebottomofhersweatpantsuptomidcalfandtriednottonoticethefeelofhersatiny

skinbeneathhispalm.Nowwasnotthetimeforacaseofthehots,heremindedhimself.Thatwas
whathadgottenthemintothismessinthefirstplace.Ifhehadn’tactedlikeaseventeen-year-oldwith
aperpetualhard-onandscaredthehelloutofher,shewouldn’thavebeeninjured.

Easingthecross-trainerfromherfoot,hecarefullypeeledthesockoffandexaminedherankle.He

wasrelievedthattherewasverylittleswelling.He’dseenenoughinjuriesinhismanyyearsonthe
rodeocircuittotellthatitwasmostlikelyamildsprainandnotbroken.

“Canyouwiggleyourtoeswithoutpain?”heasked,runninghishandsoverthedelicateboneson

thetopofherfoot.

Shemovedthemwithouthesitation.“I’mfine.Now,goaway,Adams.”
Hechuckled.“Ican’t.”
“Whynot?”shedemanded,liftingherarmtolookathim.
“Ihaven’tfinishedtakingcareofyourankle.”
Faithgrittedherteethandtriedtoconcentrateonsomething—anything—besidesthefeelof

Cooper ’sstronghandsstrokingherarch,massagingthesoleofherfoot.“There’snothingtodo,”she
saidthroughgrittedteeth.

“Weneedtoputiceonittokeeptheswellingdown,”heinsisted,reachingintothewhitemetalbox.
Relievedthathe’dstoppedhissensualassaultonherfoot,shelaughed.“Andjustwheredoyou

expecttofindicewithoutafreezerorelectricitytooperateit?”

Hegrinnedtriumphantlyandheldupasmallplasticbag.“Modernmedicineisawonderfulthing.”
Faithwatchedhimgraspthebaginbothhandsandapplypressureinthemiddlewithhisthumbs.A

slightpopfollowed,thenheshifteditbackandforthseveraltimesasifhewasmixingthecontents.
Whenheplacedthebagonherankle,itwasextremelycold.

“Chemicalcold-packsareastapleofanywell-stockedfirst-aidkit,”hesaid,hissmilesosmugthat

shefeltlikepunchinghim.

Hishandstillrestedonhershinandshewasn’tsurewhethertheshiverthatranupherspinewas

fromtheintensecoldoftheice-pack,orthefeelofhishandheatingherskinjustaboveit.Eitherway,
shewasbeginningtounderstandthesensualcombinationoffireandice.

Concentratingonthecoldbagagainstherskin,shegrimaced.“HowlongdoIneedtokeepthison

here?”

“Aboutthirtyminutes.”
“Myanklewillbefrozensolid.”
“Noitwon’t.”Hislow,sexychucklesenthertemperatureupanothernotch.Toherreliefhegave

hershinagentlesqueeze,thenclosedtheboxandsetitonthefloor.Risingtohisfeet,hereachedfor
thepillowbesideher,foldeditinhalfandproppedherfootontopofit.“Ifyouneedme—”

“I’llletyouknow.”
Shewishedhe’dtakehisdisturbingpresenceintotheotherroomandletherregainatleastascrap

ofhercommonsense.Withtheexceptionofherinjuredankle,shewasextremelywarmandgetting
warmerwitheachpassingsecond.

Nodding,hestartedforthedoor,butturnedback.“Howdoyoulikeyourcoffee?”
“Withcream,”shesaidautomatically.
Hegrinned.“Willpowderedcreamerdo?”
“Thatwillbefine.Butyoudon’thaveto—”

“Yes,Ido,”hesaid,hisexpressionturningserious.Hisgazedriftedtothefloorandheranhishand

acrossthebackofhisneck.Whenheraisedhisheadtolookather,theremorseinhiseyesstartled
her.“I’mreallysorryyougothurt,Faith.It’smyfaultandIintendtomakeituptoyou.”

Sheopenedhermouthtotellhimthatitwasn’tnecessary,buthedidn’tgiveherthechance.He

simplyturnedandlefttheroom,endinganyfurtherdiscussionofthematter.

HowcouldshetellCooper,withoutmakingthesituationevenmoreembarrassing,thatshehadn’t

beenrunningfromhim,butfromherself?Howcouldsheexplainthatshe’dwantedtobeheldbya
managain,toonceagainfeelasifsheweredesirable?Evenifitwasjustforafewmoments.

Sheshookherhead.Shecouldn’t.Thereweresomethingsthatwerebetterleftalone.And

explanationsaboutherrecentpastandthereasonsforherpanicwhenhe’dkissedherwereamong
them.

Whenhereturnedholdingapackageofbreakfastmuffinsinonehandandtwocoffeemugsinthe

other,hegrinned.“Iknowit’snotthehealthiestofbreakfasts,butit’saboutallwehave.”

“It’sfine.”Sittingup,sheleanedbackagainsttheheadboardandtookoneofthemugsfromhim.

“Thankyou.”Faithtookasipofcoffeeandmadeaface.“You…weren’tkiddingwhenyousaidyou
makeyourcoffeestrong.”

Coopergrinned.“Instantdaylight.”Hisexpressionturnedhopeful.“Itriedtotoneitdownalittleby

puttinginanextrascoopofcreamer.Ihopeithelped.”

“Thankyou.Icanonlyimaginewhatitwouldtastelikewithoutit,”shesaiddryly.Shetookanother

sipfromthecup,thenadded,“Butifyoudon’tmind,I’llmakethecoffeetomorrowmorning.”

Heopenedthepackageofmuffins,thenhelditouttoher.“We’llseehowyou’regettingaround

first.”

“I’llbefine,”shesaidfirmly.Sheselectedoneofthedelicious-lookingblueberrymuffins.“I’dbe

evenbetterifyou’dremovethatice-pack.Myankleisfreezing.Howmuchlongerbeforewetakeit
off?”

Helaughed.“You’reasimpatientasRyanandDanny.”
“Andtheyare?”
“Mynephews.”Hecheckedhiswatch.“I’llwrapyouranklewithanelasticbandageafteryoufinish

eating.”

“Howoldareyournephews?”sheasked,noticingadeepfondnessreflectedinhisvoice.
“Ryan’seight,he’sFlint’ssonfromhisfirstmarriage,andDanny’sthree.Butdon’ttellthemthat.”

Chuckling,heshookhisheadandreachedforthefirst-aidkit.“Theythinkthey’regrownandreadyto
conquertheworld.”

Faith’schesttightened.She’dalwayswantedtohaveasononeday.Butlikesomanyofherother

dreams,itjustwasn’tmeanttobe.

Shefinishedthelastofthemuffin.Deliciousbefore,itsuddenlytastedlikesawdust.“Theysound

liketypicallittleboys,”shesaid,herchesttighteningatwhatshewouldmiss.

“Ohyeah.”Hegrinnedasheremovedabeigerollfromthemetalbox.“Mysisterisneversure

whatshe’llfindintheirjeanspocketswhensheputsthemtobedatnight.Onetimeshefoundasmall
froginoneofDanny’spocketsandanothertimeshereachedintoRyan’spocketandpulledouta
gartersnake.”

“Ohdearheavens!”Faithshudderedatthethoughtofwhatthatmusthavefeltlike.“I’llbetthatwas

ashock.”

“ItjustaboutsentJennaintoorbit.Andbelieveme,she’snotthetypetoscareeasy.”Therichsound

ofhislaughtersentashiverupFaith’sspine.Hehadthesexiestlaugh.“Jennascreamedsoloudthat

herhusband,Flint,damnednearbrokehisnecktryingtogetupstairsandtheguysdownatthe
bunkhousegrabbedtheirshotgunsandcamerunningtoseewhatwaswrong.”

Faithnodded.“I’dhavedonethesamething.”
Coopergrinned.“ForalongtimeafterthatJennamadeFlintgothroughtheboys’pocketsbefore

theycameinfromplayingoutside.”Helaughedandshookhishead.“Butthatdoesn’tstopus—them
—fromsneakinginacritterortwofromtimetotime.”

“Us?”Shesmiled.Shecouldtellhewasveryclosetohisfamilyandinstinctivelyknewthathe

lovedchildren.“Itsoundstomeliketheirunclemighthavehelpedthemgetsomeofthoseforbidden
petsintothehouse.”

“Me?”
“Yes,you,”shesaid,laughing.
“Well,ImighthavehelpedruninterferencewhentheyfoundPeewee.”
“AndwhatisPeewee?”
“Aboxturtle.”Heremovedthecoldplasticbagfromherankle,thenliftedherlegfromthepillow

torestitonhisknee.“TheykepthimhiddeninashoeboxintheclosetuntilIcouldgettotowntobuy
anaquarium.”Heturnedhisheadtolookatherandgrinning,admitted,“BythetimeJennadiscovered
thattheyhadPeewee,wealreadyhadeverythingsetup.”

Heplacedtherolledbandagetoherfootandbeganwrappingherankle.Thewarmthfromhishand

ashetouchedherchilledskinraisedgoosebumpsalongherarms.

“Yousoundlikeyou’rejustasmuchofaboyastheyare,”shesaid.Shecursedthebreathlesstone

ofhervoice.Shehadtokeephermindoffhisdisturbingtouch.Itwastheonlywayshewouldmanage
tokeephersanityforthenextseveraldays.

“Yeah,inalotofways,IguessIamabigkid.”Hismouthturnedupinasmilesosexy,Faithbarely

resistedtheurgetofanherself.Allshecouldthinkaboutwashowwonderfulthosefirmmalelipshad
feltonherown.

Searchingforsomethingtokeephermindofftheheatstreakingthroughherbody,sheasked,“Do

yougettoseethemoften?”

“I’mwiththeboyseverychanceIget.”Hefinishedwrappingtheelasticbandagearoundherankle,

thenattachedthemetalclampstoholditinplace.“NowthatI’mgoingtobelivingaroundhere,I’ll
gettoseethemevenmore,whichisfinewithme.Ilovelittlekids.”

“Itshows.”
Cooperplacedherfootbackonthepillowandclosedthefirst-aidkit.He’dlikedtouchingher,

feelinghersmoothskinbeneathhiscallusedpalms.Hewonderediftherestofherfeltthesame.

Damn!Thinkingalongthoselinescouldspelldisaster.Ifheintendedtokeepevenascrapofwhat

littlesensehehadleft,he’dbetterkeephisdistance.

Hetriedtothinkofsomethingtosaythatwouldn’tsendhisimaginationintooverdrive.“How

aboutyou?Doyouhaveanyniecesornephews?”heasked,decidingthatshouldbeanicesafetopic.

Shetookasipofhercoffee.“Iusedto,butIlostmyauntstatuswhenthedivorcewasfinal.”
Cooperbarelymanagedtokeephismouthfromdroppingopen.Hecouldn’tbelieveanymaninhis

rightmindwouldletawomanlikeFaithgetaway.“Howlongwereyoumarried?”

Sheglanceddownatherhands,thenbackathim.“Weweretogetherforfouryears.”
Henoticedthesadnessinhereyesandwonderedwhathadhappened.Didshestilllovetheman?
Coopercouldn’ttell.Buthe’dbeteverydimehehadthatthebreak-upofthemarriagehadn’tbeen

heridea.ThethoughtofsomeonehurtingFaithinanywaycausedaburninginCooper ’sgutthathad
himwishingforfiveminutesalonewiththejerk.BythetimeCooperwasfinishedwithhim,theguy

wouldwishhe’dneverbeenborn.

“Whathappened?”heaskedwhencuriositygotthebetterofhim.
“Iguesswejustgrewapart,”shesaid,shruggingoneshoulder.Herexpressionturnedguarded.“He

endedupgoinghiswayandIwentmine.”

CoopercouldtelltherewasalotmoretothestorythanFaithwastelling.But,heremindedhimself,

itwasherstorytotellandnoneofhisbusiness.Ifshewantedhimtoknowmore,she’dhave
explainedfurther.

“Whataboutabrotherorsister?”heasked,tryingtofindamorepleasantsubject—onethatwould

erasetheshadowsinherprettybrowneyes.“Maybeonedaythey’llmakeyouanauntagain.”

“Iwasanonlychild,”shesaid,smilingsadly.“Iwouldhavelikedhavingabrotherorsister,but

shortlyafterIwasborn,myparentsdecidedthatfamilylifewasn’tforeitheroneofthem.”She
shrugged.“Theydivorcedandwenttheirseparateways.Iwasraisedbymymaternalgrandmother.”

“I’msorry,Ididn’tmeantopry,”hesaid,risingtohisfeet.Ifhedidn’tgetoutofthere,anddamned

quick,he’dendupreachingforher,offeringhercomfortand…more.“I’llbeinthekitchen.IfIcan
coaxalittlewateroutofOldFaithfulI’mgoingtopeelsomepotatoesandusesomecannedbeefto
makeapotofstew.Ifyouneedanything—”

“I’llletyouknow,”shesaid,handinghimhercoffeemug.
Herfingersbrushedhisandajoltofelectricityranstraightuphisarm,thenmadeabeelinetothe

regionbelowhisbeltbuckle.Heswallowedaroundthecottoncoatinghisthroat.Hehadtogetoutof
therebeforehedidsomethingreallystupidlikelyingdownbesideher,takingherintohisarmsand
kissingheruntil…

Withoutaword,heturnedandwalkedstraighttothekitchen.Settingthepackageofmuffins,coffee

mugsandfirst-aidkitonthecounter,heopenedthebackdoorandwalkedoutintothechillingrain.It
wastheclosestthinghecouldfindtoacoldshower.

Armedwithabroom,dustpanandgarbagebag,Faithlimpedintothebedroomwheretheceiling

hadfallenthenightbefore.Cooperhadbroughtherlunch,thensayingsomethingaboutcheckingout
thebarn,disappearedoutside.Andthatwasjustfinewithher.Themoreshewasaroundhim,themore
shewasremindedofhowitfelttobewrappedinhisstrongarms,howhisfirmlipspressedtoher
ownmadeheryearnformore.

Shetookadeepbreathandshookherheadtodislodgethattrainofthought.Thereasonshewasup

movingaroundinthefirstplacewassoshecouldgethermindoffCooperAdams.Themoreshe
foundoutabouthim,themoreshelikedhim.Andthatwasdangerous.She’dlearnedthehardwaythat
wheremenwereconcerned,herjudgmentwasextremelyfaulty.

Butwhatwomanwouldn’tlikeamanlikeCooper?Hewaskindandconsiderate.Helovedchildren,

placedagreatdealofimportanceonfamilyanddidn’ttakehimselftooseriously.Andhewas,
withoutadoubt,thesexiestmanshe’deverencountered.

“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoing?”
ShejumpedattheharshsoundofCooper ’svoice.She’dbeensolostinthoughtthatshe’dfailedto

hearhimenterthehouse.

Turning,Faithfoundhimstandinginthedoorway.Pushingthebrimofhiscowboyhatback,he

plantedhisfistsonhisleanhips.Herheartpoundedandherbreathcaught.Themanwasabsolutely
gorgeousandshewasn’tcertainifheracceleratedpulsewasduetobeingstartledorbecauseofhis
presence.

“Iwashiredtoclean,”shefinallymanagedtosay.Shepluckedthelargestpiecesofplasterfrom

thebedtodropintothegarbagebag.“Andthat’swhatI’mdoing.”

“I’lltakecareofthismess,”heinsisted,steppingforwardtotakethebagfromher.“Youneedto

stayoffthatfoot.”

“Webothknowthatit’sonlyamildsprainandnothingthatrequiresbedrest.”Shegatheredthe

fourcornersofthesheetandpreparedtoliftitoffthebed.

“That’stooheavyforyou,”hesaidquicklydroppingthegarbagebagtotakethebundleofdustand

plasterfromher.“WhileIdumpthisoutside,whydon’tyoufinishstrippingthebed?”

“Deal.”Shestartedtostickherhandoutforhimtoshake,butthoughtbetterofit.Allthings

considered,touchinghiminanywayprobablywouldn’tbewise.Insteadsheasked,“Doyouthinkyou
couldgetsomewateroutofOldFaithful?I’dliketowashthesesheetsthisafternoon.”

“Surething.IfoundsomeropeinthebarnthatI’llstringupinthelivingroom,”hesaidhelpfully.

“You’llbeabletodrapethemoveritsothey’lldry.”

“Thankyou.Thatshouldworkperfectly.”
Shewaiteduntilhecarriedthesheetoutoftheroom,thenforcedhermindbacktothechoreof

removingtherestofthelinensfromthebed.Thatdone,shetookthebroom,andbegantosweepup
someofthedustcoveringthefloor.Sheleaneddowntopickupapieceofplasterbythefootofthe
bedandfroze.Justinchesfromherhandsatasmallbrownmouse,hisbeadyeyesstaringhungrilyat
herfingers.Herpanickedcrywasinstantaneousandcompletelyinvoluntary.Iftherewasanycreature
shefearedmorethanaspider,itwasamouse.

Cooperhadjustfinishedshakingthelastofthedustfromthesheetandopenedthebackdoorto

enterthehousewhenFaith’sscreamsentachilluphisspineandcausedthehaironthebackofhis
necktostandstraightup.Hisheartpoundingagainsthisribslikeajackhammergoneberserk,heran
towardthebedroomwherehe’dlefther.

Hadmoreoftheceilingfallen?Possiblyonher?Orcouldhehavemisjudgedtheseriousnessof

herinjuryandshewasinextremepain?

Heskiddedtoahaltjustinsidethebedroom,hiseyeswideningatthesightbeforehim.Therestood

Faithinthemiddleofthebed,thebroomheldmorelikeaweaponthanahouseholdtool.

“Whathappened?”
Shepointedashakyfingeratthefloor.“Pleasegetridofit.”
“What?”heasked,lookingaround.Hedidn’tseeanything.Hadsheseenanotherhornytoad,or

maybeafieldspider?

“Mouse,”shesaid,shudderingvisibly.
Ifhe’dbeencertainshewouldn’treachoutandwhackhimwiththebroomsheheld,he’dhave

laughedoutloud.ButhewasprettysureFaithwouldn’tseethehumorinthesituation.Atleastnotat
themoment.

“It’sprobablylonggone,”hesaid,continuingtoscanthefloorforthefurrylittlecritter.“You

know,he’smoreafraidofyouthanyouareofhim.”

“Notlikely,”shesaidwithanunladylikesnort.
Movingaroundtheroom,Cooperglancedupfromhissearch.“Hewasjusttryingtofindanice

cozyhomeforthewinter.Hedidn’tmeanany—”

“Don’tyoudaresayit,”shewarned.
“Why?”
“BecauseifyoudoI’llbesorelytemptedtosmackyouwiththisbroom.”
Decidingitwouldbeinhisbestinteresttorefrainfromtellingherthatthelittlecritterwas

harmless,Coopercontinuedtolookforthemouse.Justwhenhewasreadytogiveup,thetinyanimal
scamperedoutfromunderthebedandheadedstraightforhisboot.

“Don’tkillit,”shesaidquickly.
“Okay.”Hethrewthesheethestillheldoverit,thenquicklysquatteddowntotrapthemouseinthe

folds.“AnyideaofwhatyouwantmetodowithitnowthatI’vecaughtthelittleguy?”

“Takeitoutsideandturnitloose,”shesaid,hervoicesoundingquitefirmaboutthematter.
“Whatgoodwillthatdo?”heasked,scoopingupthemouseinsidethesheet.
“He’llstillbealiveandIwon’thavetosharethehousewithhim,”shesaid,soundingabitmore

calmnowthatthemousehadbeenrestrained.

Coopercouldn’thelpit.Thistimehethrewbackhisheadandlaughed.
“What’ssofunny?”sheaskedindignantly.“There’snothingwrongwiththecatch-and-release

methodofdealingwithmice.”

“Thedamnedthingwillprobablybeatmebackinsidethehouse,”hesaidasherosetohisfeetand

preparedtotakeitoutside.

“There’sagoodchancehe’llgosomewhereelse,”shesaid,soundinghopeful.“Besides,Idon’t

wantitdead.Ijustdon’twanttooccupythesamespacewithit.”

Carryingthemouseseveralfeetawayfromthehouse,Cooperreleasedit,thenwatcheditturn

aroundandmakeabeelinestraightbacktothehouse.Whenitdisappearedbeneaththebackporch,he
shookhisheadandsighedheavily.He’dbeteverydimehehadthatthefurrylittlecrittermadeits
presenceknownagainandendedupcausinghimmorethanalittlegriefinthebargain.

Five

“Youknow,Icanreallysympathizewiththepioneerwomenwhohelpedsettlethiscountry,”Faith

said,drapingthelastsheetovertheropeclotheslinethatCooperhadstrungacrossthelivingroom.

Alongwiththeropehe’dfoundinthebarn,hehaddiscoveredawashboardandwashtub.Itwasn’t

themostefficientwaytolaunderclothes,butshe’dbethefirsttoadmitthatitwaseffective.Thesheets
wereonceagainanice,pristinewhite.

“Pioneersdidn’thaveiteasy,that’sforsure,”Cooperagreedfromacrosstheroom.He’dbeen

workingonawindowfacingandfromhismutteredcurses,itsoundedlikehecouldusesomehelp.

Whentheboardheheldclatteredtothefloorforthesecondtime,shewalkedovertowherehe

stood.“I’mfinishedhangingthesheets.IstheresomethingIcandotohelp?”

“I’dreallyappreciateitifyouheldthiswhileIgetthenailstarted,”heanswered,leaningdownto

pickuptheboardathisfeet.

Shewatchedhimliftthewindowfacingintoplace,thenpositionitwherehewanted.He’drolledup

thesleevesofhischambrayshirttojustbelowtheelbowsandshefoundtheflexingofhisforearms
absolutelyfascinating.Neverinherentirelifehadsheseenanythingquitesosexy.

“Faith?”
“What?”
“Iaskedifyou’reready?”herepeated.Takingthenailfromtheleatherpouchhangingfromabelt

aroundhiswaist,hegaveheracuriouslook.“Areyouallright?”

“Y-yes,”shesaid,tryingnottoblushatbeingcaughtstaringathisimpressivesinew.Sheplacedher

handswhereheindicatedandtoavoidthedistractionofthosemuscles,madeapointoflookingdown
atherfeet.

Outofthecornerofhereye,shecaughtmovementtoherleftandturningherhead,watchedafurry

brownmouseheadstraightforherfoot.Whenitracedoverthetoeofhershoe,thenstartedclimbing
upthelegofhersweatpants,shecouldn’thelpit,sheletlooseastartledcry.

Holdingthenailwiththumbandforefinger,Cooperhadjustdrawnbacktohitthenailheadwiththe

hammerwhenFaithscreechedlikeacatwithitstailcaughtinadoor.Hisaimthrownoffbyher
unexpectedoutburst,hemissedthenailandbroughtthehammerdownontheendofhisthumb.

Normally,hedidhisbesttowatchthecusswordsheusedaroundalady,savingtheworstonesfor

whenhewasextremelyfrustrated,andalwaysaloneorwithotherguys.Butthepainshootingthrough
histhumbanduphisarmloosenedhistongue,andhecouldn’thavestoppedthecolorfulstringof
wordsflowingfromhismouthifhislifedependedonit.Hedroppedthehammer,cradledhishandto
hischestandallbutturnedtheairbluewithcreativephrases,whileFaithdancedaroundtheroom
whoopingandholleringlikeasugared-upfive-year-oldtryingtodoaraindance.Evenwithasore
ankle,shemanagedtoputonanimpressivedisplay,andhestoppedcursingtostareatherincomplete
awe.

“Whatthehellwasthatallabout?”hedemanded,whenthepaininhisrapidlydiscoloringthumb

settleddowntoanachingthrob.

Shestoppedprancingaroundandstoodinthemiddleoftheroom,searchingthefloorasifshe’d

lostsomething.“Amouse…triedtocrawl…upmyleg.”

Itfigured,hethoughtdisgustedly.He’dknowntheminutehereleasedthatmouseandwatchedit

crosstheyardtorunbacktothehousethatitwouldendupcausinghimabutt-loadoftrouble.

Hewasextremelyrelievedtohearshe’dbeentoopreoccupiedwithgettingridofthemouseto

noticehislessthanpolitelanguage.“I’dsayafterallthatnoiseandthelittlejigyoujustdanced,he’s

offsomewherehavingamousecoronaryaboutnow,”Coopersaiddryly.

Sheshuddered,thenlookedathimforseverallongsecondsbeforeasking,“Whathappenedto

you?”

Apparentlyshe’dnoticedthewayheheldhishandprotectivelyagainsthischest.
Heshruggedoneshoulderandheldhisthumboutforherinspection.Themovementcausedthe

throbbingtoincrease.Hetriednottogrimacefromthepain,butfailedmiserably.“Imissedthenail.”

“Letmesee,”shesaid,rushingovertohim.Shetookhishandinhers.“Icausedyoutohityour

thumb,didn’tI?I’msosorry.”

Hertouchtookhismindoffsomeofthepainandhewatchedasshegentlyexaminedit.Howcould

hetellherwithoutmakingherfeelworsethatwasexactlywhathadhappened?He’djustassooncut
histongueoutfirst.

Shakinghishead,helied,“Myaimwasoff.Itwouldhavehappenedanyway.”
“Where’syourfirst-aidkit?”sheasked,hersofthandsstillholdinghis.
“I-in…”Heclearedhissuddenlydrythroat.“Inthekitchen.Why?”
“Thisshouldbeiceddowntopreventmoreswelling.”Stillholdinghishandinhers,sheledhim

intothekitchen.“Doyouhaveanotherice-pack?”

Nodding,heswallowedhard.Atthemoment,shecouldhaveledhimtowardacliffandcertain

death,andhewouldhavefollowedherwithoutsomuchasbattinganeye.

Sheurgedhimtobendhisarmsothathishandwasheldhigh,thenpointedtowardtheplywood

table.“Sitdownonthatwoodencrateandrestyourelbowonthetable.Iwantyoutokeepyourthumb
upright.”

Hestartedtotellhernottoworryaboutit,thatithadonlybeenaglancingblowandthatthe

throbbinghadalreadystartedtoeasedown.Instead,heseatedhimselfonthecrateanddutifully
elevatedhishand.

Watchingherpreparetheicebag,itsuddenlyoccurredtohimthathewasseeingthe“real”Faith—

calm,efficientandincompletecontrol—forthefirsttimesinceherarrival.Assoonassherealized
he’dbeenhurt,she’dcollectedherselfandtakencharge.Hecouldalsotellshelovedeveryminuteof
it.Butthen,sodidhe.

“Ican’ttellyouhowsorryIamthatIcausedyoutoinjureyourself,Cooper,”shesaid,gently

placingthebagoverhisthumb.

Hebarelymanagedtogulpbackagroan.Hersoft,warmhandsholdinghiswereenoughtoheathis

blood,buthearinghervelvetyvoicesayhisnamesentitracingthroughhisveinswiththeforceofa
recordbreakingflood.

“It’snobigdeal,”heassuredher.
“AfterhavingPercyinmyclass,you’dthinkI’dbeovermyaversiontomice,”shesaid,sounding

disgusted.

“You’reateacher?”
Noddingslowly,shesatdownacrossthetablefromhim.“Itaughtfirstgrade.”
“Forhowlong?”
“Sixyears.”Sheglanceddownatherhandsforamoment,thenbackathim.“Whenoneofmy

studentswasgettingreadytomovetoanotherstate,hedonatedPercytotheclass.Percywasawhite
mouseandreallyquitetame.”Sheshuddered.“Buthewasstillamouse.”

Hewantedtoaskherwhyshe’dquitteaching—whathadpromptedhertoleaveherjobandmoveto

thePanhandletoseekemploymentasahousekeeper.Butitwasclearbythewayshe’drushedonwith
herstoryaboutthemousethatshedidn’twanttogointoit.

“AndI’llbetthatmicearerightuptherewithspidersonyourlistofcreepythingsyou’dliketo

avoid,”hesaid,grinning.

Shelookedrelievedthathewasn’taskingmorequestionsaboutherchangeofcareer.“Absolutely,”

shesaidwithasmilethatdamnednearstolehisbreath.

Hetooktheicebagoffhisthumbandplaceditontheplywoodtabletop.Hehadtogetawayfrom

herbeforehepulledherontohislapandkissedhersenseless.“IguessIknowwhatI’llbedoing
whileyoufixsupper.”

Apuzzledfrowncreasedherforehead.“What’sthat?”
Risingtohisfeet,hegrinned.“I’llbeonamousesafari.”
“Youwon’t—”
Coopershookhishead.“Iwon’thurtit.IfI’mabletofindhim,I’llcatchhimandtakehimoutto

thebarnwherehecan’tterrorizeyou.”Hegrinned.“Maybewithhimouttheremythumbswillbe
safe.”

Thenextmorning,Faithmadesuretokeepaneyeonwhatwasaroundherfeetasshewashedthe

fewdishesthey’dusedforbreakfast.Cooperhadsearchedhighandlowyesterdaybeforedinner,and
lateronduringtheevening,buthadn’tfoundthemouse.He’djokedthatitmighthavemadethewise
choicetomoveonandfindanotherplacetonestforthewinterratherthanrisktakingpartinanother
“mousedance.”

ButFaithknewbetter.Thelittlecritterwasprobablybidinghistimejustwaitingforanother

opportunitytorunaroundandscarethelivingdaylightsoutofher.

Shedriedthelastofthedishes,placedtheminthecupboard,thenwalkedoutontothebackporch.

Thesunhadfinallypeekedoutfrombehindthecloudsthismorningandshewantedtoenjoyitwhile
itlasted.Withrainforecastfortherestoftheweek,therewasnotellingwhenitwouldappearagain.

NoticingCooperoverbythebarn,shewalkeddownthestepsandcrossedtheyard.“Whatareyou

workingonnow?”

“I’mtryingtogetthiscorralrepairedbeforeFlintbringscattleoverherenextweek,”hesaid,

withoutlookingup.“I’llneedacoupleofholdingpensuntilIcangetthepasturesfenced.”

He’dremovedhisshirttoworkandFaithfoundherselfthoroughlymesmerizedbyhisshoulders

andupperarms.Herex-husbandErichadbelongedtoagymforovertenyearsandhadn’tcome
closetothemuscledefinitionthatCooperhad.

Shewaitedforthesadnessandregrettotightenherchest,asitalwaysdidwhenshethoughtofher

ex-husband.Buttohersurprise,thefeelingnevercame.

Maybehergrandmotherhadbeenright.Maybemovingawayfromtheconstantreminderofher

shattereddreamswashelpinghertoreleasethepastandgetonwithbuildinganotherlifeforherself.

Cooperturnedtofaceherandthesightofhisbarechestandripplingstomachstruckher

momentarilyspeechless.CooperAdamswasahunkfromthetopofhiswide-brimmedcowboyhatto
thesolesofhisbigboots.Glancingdownatthewornleather,shefleetinglywonderediftheold
sayingaboutthesizeofaman’sfeetandanotherpartofhisanatomyheldtrueforCooper.Ifso…

Goodheavens!Hadshetakenleaveofhersenses?
“Wastheresomethingyouneeded?”heasked,lookingaboutassexyasanymanpossiblycould.
Shegulped.Itwasn’tsomuchamatterofwhatsheneededasmuchasitwaswhatshewanted.She

neededhimtoputhisshirtbackonbeforeshedidwhatshewantedandreachedouttotouchhis
gorgeousbody.

“Uh…no,”shefinallymanagedtosay.“IjustthoughtI’denjoythesunshineforafewminutes.”

Pushingthebrimofhishatback,heglancedupatthesky.“That’sprobablyagoodidea.Idon’t

thinkit’lllastmorethananothercoupleofhours.”Hepointedtoabankofcloudsslowlybuildingon
thehorizon.“It’smyguessthenextstormfrontwillhitjustbeforelunch.”

“Willyoubeabletofinishthisbeforeitstartsraining?”sheasked,tryingnottostareatallthat

deliciouslookingmasculineskin.

Heraisedhisarmsoverhisheadtostretch.“Probablynot.ButIintendtogetasmuchdoneasI

can.”

Faithsteppedovertooneofthefencepostsandmadeashowofexaminingtheagedwood.Itwasn’t

thatshewasinterestedinthetypeofpostitwasorwhatconditionitwasin.Shehadnoideawhatshe
waslookingat,nordidshecare.ButshehadtogethermindoffCooperandthedisturbingthoughts
thatwereinvadingherobviouslyaddledbrain.

Whenhe’dstretched,hismuscleshadflexedinthemostfascinatingwaysandtheactionhaddrawn

attentiontohisleanflanksandthefactthathissnugjeansrodelowonhisnarrowhips.Italso
revealedathinlineofdarkbrownhairjustbelowhisnavelthatdisappearedbeneathhiswaistband.
Shesuddenlyfeltwarmallover.Andthatwasn’tgood.

Shakingherheadtodispeltheimage,sheconcentratedonwhathe’dsaid.Heneededtogetasmuch

ofthecorralrepairedashecouldbeforeitstartedtorain.Sinceshewashisonlysourceofhelp,there
didn’tseemtobeanyotherchoice.

Shetookadeepbreath.She’djusthavetoignorethefactthathehadabodytodiefor.
“WhatcanIdotohelp?”sheasked,turningbacktofacehim.
CooperpickedupthehammerandthoughtaboutthelasttimeFaithhadofferedassistance.Itwas

probablyjusthisimagination,buthe’dswearatinytwingeofpainranthroughhissorethumb.

Heglancedatthenorthwesternhorizon,thenbackatthecorral.Damn!Thecloudswerebuilding

fasterthanhe’danticipatedandtherainwouldbemovinginwithinanhourorless.

“Youdon’tmind?”heasked.“Thisisn’tevenclosetothehousekeepingyouwereexpectingtodo.”
Shegrinned.“Oh,don’tworry.Iexpecttobewellcompensatedfortheextrawork.”
Eventhoughhehadn’thiredher,technicallyasowneroftheTripleBar,Cooperwasresponsible

forpayingherwages.Hedidn’tquiteknowhowtotellher,buthewasn’texactlyflushwithcash.Oh,
hehadenoughtogettheranchupandrunning,andhe’dbeabletogetbyeasyenoughuntilitstarted
payingoff.Butitsoundedlikeshewasexpectingalotmorethanwasusualforahousekeeper ’s
wages.

“ExactlywhatdidWhiskerspromiseyouinthewayofasalary?”heaskedcautiously.
Shenamedanamountthatwasaboutaveragefortakingcareofthecookingandhouseholdchores.

“ButMr.PennwillbepayingmedearlyfortheextraworkIdoaroundhere.”Shegrinnedandhe
noticedthemischieftwinklinginherluminousbrowneyes.“Onewhiskeratatime.”

Cooperthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.“TellyouwhatI’lldo.I’llsupplythetweezersandhold

himdownforyou.”

“You’vegotyourselfadeal,cowboy,”shesaid,givinghimasmilethatdamnednearknockedhis

socksoff.“Nowtellmewhattodosowecangetthisfenceupbeforeitstartsraining.”

Hepickeduponeendofafencerail.“DoyouthinkyoucanholdthiswhileInailittothepost?”
Therewasnodenyingit.Hefeltadefinitetwingeinhisthumbthattime.Heignoredit.Themouse

wassomewhereinsidethehouseandhisthumbsshouldbesafe.Atleasthehopedtheywouldbe.

“I’lldomybest,”shesaid,steppingforwardtosupporttheboardhe’dpositionedonthepost.
Thirtyminutesandfivefencepostslater,Cooperpoundedthelastnailintoplace,thenstraightened

fromhisbentposition.“Thanks.”

“I’mgladIcoulddosomethinguseful,”shesaid,soundingasifshemeantit.
“Thiswouldhavetakenmetwiceaslongwithoutyourhelp,”hesaid,wincingashestretchedout

hissoremuscles.

“What’swrong?”sheasked,soundinggenuinelyconcerned.
Herubbedthescaronhisleftside.“Onetoomanywildbulls.”
“Irememberyoumentionedthatyourodebulls.”
Henodded.“Untilaboutfiveyearsago.That’swhenImetupwithtwo-thousandpoundsofpissed

offbeefcalledTheShredder.”Hechuckled.“Bythetimehegotfinishedwithme,therewasn’tadoubt
inmymindwhyhe’dbeengiventhatname.”

“Washethereasonyouhavethatscaronyourback?”sheasked,walkingovertowherehestood.
Theconcerninhervoice,thelookofcompassioninhereyes,damnednearknockedthebreathout

ofhim.Butwhenshesteppedbehindhimandstartedmassaginghisback,helosttheabilitytobreathe
atallasherfingersgentlyworkedattheknottedmusclejustbelowhisleftshoulderblade.

She’daskedhimsomething,butforthelifeofhimhecouldn’trememberwhatitwas.“Whatdid

yousay?”

“Iaskedifthatwasthereasonyouhavethisscaronyourback,”shesaidpatiently.
Shetracedhisblemishedfleshwithherfingertipsandhehadtoclearhisthroatbeforehecould

managetogethisvocalchordstowork.“Uh,yeah,aftertanglingwithhimIdecidedI’dtemptedfate
enough.”

“Itlookslikeitwasprettyserious,”shesaid,herhandsburningatraileverywheretheytouched.

“Howlongwereyouhospitalized.”

“Uh,almosttwoweeks,”heanswered.Hehadtofindsomething—anything—totakehismindoff

thewayhertalentedlittlehandsweremakinghisbodyrespond.Tryingtoremembertheintensepain
he’dsuffered,hesaid,“Ilostmyspleen…andmyheartstoppedtwicebeforetheygotmeinto
surgery.”

“MyGod,Cooper.”Herhandsstilled.“Itsoundslikeyou’reluckytobealive.”
Hegrittedhisteethandtriedtoignorehisrapidlychangingbody.“That’swhatI’mtold.”
Sheflattenedherhandsonhisshouldersandtrailedthemdowntothesmallofhisback.“I’dhaveto

agree.You’reverylucky,”shesaidsoftly.

Hisbodytightenedandhehadtoforcehimselftotakeabreath.Thekindof“lucky”he’dliketobe

wouldprobablygethimagoodsmackacrosstheface.

Thankfulshecouldn’treadhismind,hetriedvaliantlytoholdhimselfincheck.Andhemighthave,

haditnotbeenforthefeelofFaith’ssoftlipsbrushingagainsttheblemishedfleshjustbelowhis
shoulderblade.Butthemomentshekissedhisscar,asparkignitedinhisgutandtheheatquickly
spreadtohisgroin.Hewashardashellandwantedherwithafiercenessthatdamnednearknocked
himtohisknees.

Spinningaroundtofaceher,heplacedhishandsonhershoulders.“Faith?”
“Cooper,please…”Herguilelessbrowneyesreflectedthesameheatthathadhimhardashelland

wantingtothrowcautiontothewind.

“Thisisn’tsmart,Faith,”hesaid,tryingdesperatelytotalksenseintobothofthem.
“Iknow,”sheagreed,soundingasshortofbreathashefelt.“Nothingcancomeofit.”
Shecouldn’thaveputitmoreplainlyifshe’ddrawnhimapicture.Faithwasn’tinterestedinadust-

coveredcowboywithnothingbutarun-downranchandapocketfulofdreams.

Apangofdisappointmentknifedthroughhim.Butinsteadofturningherlooseandwalkingaway

asfarashislegscouldtakehim,hepushedhishatback,thenbroughthishandsuptotangleinher

thickauburnhair.

“Whatthehell.Ineverwasthebrightestbulbinthelamp,”hemuttered,drawingherforwardto

lightlybrushhismouthoverhers.

Herlipsweresoftandreceptive,andhecouldn’thavestoppedhimselffromdeepeningthekissany

morethanhecouldstopwaterfromrushingoverNiagaraFalls.Hersighofacceptanceencouraged
himandCooperpartedherlipstosliphistongueinside.

Whenhefeltherhandstentativelycometorestathiswaist,hereacheddowntotaketheminhis

ownandbringthemuptohisshoulders.Wrappinghisarmsaroundher,hepulledherforwardand
heldhertohimasheonceagaintastedandexploredhersweetmouth.

Faithknewshewasplayingafool’sgame—thatherassessmentofmenhadproventooflawedin

thepastforhertoevertrustitagain.Unfortunately,withCoopershecouldn’tseemtostopherself.
She’donlymeanttobehelpfulwhenshemassagedtheknottedmusclesinhisback,onlywantedto
helphimrelievethepainoftheoldinjury.Butthetemptationofhiswarmfleshagainstherpalmshad
quicklybuiltafireinsideherthatwastoostrongtodeny.

Hisarmsdrewhercloserandthefeelofhishardarousalpressedtoherstomachmadeherknees

weakandcausedherdisturbingintrospectiontodissipate.Bringingherarmsuptocirclehisneck,she
toldherselfitwasonlyforsupport,tokeepherselffromfallinginaheapathisfeet.Butthetruthwas
shewantedtobeclosetohim,wantedtoonceagainfeelfeminineanddesired.

Heliftedthetailofhershirtandskimmedhishandupherribstotheswellofherbreast.His

callusedpalmcuppingher,histhumbteasingherhardenednipplesentribbonsofdesireswirling
througheverycellinherbody.Whenhadheunhookedherbra?

Shedidn’tknowanddidn’tcare.Histonguestrokinghers,hishandscaressinghersensitivebreast

withsuchmastery,feltabsolutelywonderful.Neverintheirfour-yearmarriagecouldsheremember
thesamedegreeofpleasurefromEric’stouchthatsheexperiencedfromCooper ’s.

Whenheliftedhisheadtonibblekissesalongherjawtoherear,shemoaned.“Thisisinsane.”
“Yougotthatright,”hesaid,hiswarmbreathsendingashivercoursingthroughher.
“Wecan’t—thiscan’tgoanyfarther.”Shewasn’tsureifshewastryingtoconvinceherselfor

Cooper.

“Itwon’t,”hesaid,restinghisforeheadonhers.“Itoldyouwhenyoufirstarrivedthatyouhad

nothingtofearfromme.”Hetookadeepbreath,refastenedherbraandtookhishandfrombeneath
hershirt.“AndasmuchasI’dliketodenyitrightnow,I’mamanofmyword.Nothingisgoingto
happenthatyoudon’twanthappening,Faith.”

Shestartedtotellhimthathewasn’ttheoneshedidn’ttrust,thatitwasherlackofjudgmentthat

scaredherwitless,butthewordsdiedinherthroat.Atruckwasslowlyeasingitswaydownthe
bumpylanethatledtotheranch.

Andforthelifeofher,shecouldn’tfigureoutwhyshefeltnothingbutsadnessatthethoughtthat

theynowhadawayofftheranch.

Six

“Isthatyourbrother-in-law?”
CooperglancedoverhisshouldertoseewhathaddistractedFaith.Hementallycursedabluestreak

ashewatchedasilvertrucknavigateitswayaroundthemanypotholesinthedirtroadleadingtothe
house.

“No,”hesaid,releasingher.
Atanyothertime,CooperwouldhavebeenmorethanhappytohaveBrantWakefieldshowup.Not

onlywouldthemanpitchinandhelpfinishtherepairsonthecorral,hewasoneofthebestfriends
Coopereverhad.Hell,ifnotforBrant’sskillsasarodeobullfighter,Cooperwouldbepushingup
daisiesinsomegraveyardinsteadofstandingthereholdingthemostdesirablewomanhe’dever
known.

ButBrant’sarrivalrepresentedawayforFaithtoleavetheranch—toleaveCooper.Andalthough

havingawayofftheranchwasexactlywhathe’dwantedtwodaysago,itwastheverylastthing
Cooperwantednow.

“Whoisit?”sheasked.
“BrantWakefield.”Turningtofacetheapproachingtruck,Coopermadeitapointtostandinfront

ofherwhileshestraightenedhershirt.“He’sanoldfriendofmine.”

“Well,whoeverheis,I’mdarnedgladtoseehim,”shesaid,steppingtoCooper ’sside.
“Me,too,”helied.Hereachedovertosmoothhersilkyauburnhairwherehe’drunhisfingers

throughit.

“ShouldIgoinsideandfindamirror?”sheaskedasshetriedtofinger-combitintoplace.
Hesmiled.“Youlookbeautiful.”
“No,Imean—”
“Youlookjustfine,”heassuredher.
Hewasn’tabouttotellherthatherperfectlipswereswollenfromhiskissesorthathercheeksstill

woretheblushofpassion.Thatwouldsendherrunningintothehouseforsure.And,althoughitwas
noneoftheman’sbusinesswhatwentonbetweenhimselfandFaith,CooperdidwantBranttoknow
shewasofflimits.

“Coop,youolddog,howhaveyoubeen?”Brantcalledasheslowlygotoutofhistruck.
“LookslikeI’vebeendoingbetterthanyou,Wakefield,”Coopersaid,pointingtothebraceonhis

friend’sknee.“Whatwasthenameofthebullandwhosebuttdidyouendupsaving?”

Grinning,BrantlimpedovertowhereCooperandFaithstood.“Youthinkyouknowitalldon’t

you,Adams?”

“AmIwrong?”Cooperasked,returningtheman’sgood-naturedgrin.
“Nope.”Sighing,Brantreacheddownandrubbedhisknee.“Ihadanotherrun-inwithKamikaze.”
Cooperwhistledlow.“He’soneoftheworstfortryingtohookacowboywhenhe’sdown.”
“Yougotthatright,”Brantsaid,nodding.TurninghisattentiononFaith,heasked,“Andwhoisthis

lovelylady?”

Withoutthinking,Cooperslippedhisarmaroundherwaist,thenmakingtheintroductions,added,

“BrantandIgowayback.HewasthebullfighterwhokeptTheShredderfromfinishingmeoffonce
hehadmedown.”

“It’snicetomeetyou,Mr.Wakefield.”Sheshookhisfriend’shand.“Now,ifyou’llexcuseme,I’ll

letyoutwogentlemencatchuponoldtimeswhileIgoinsideandmakesandwichesforlunch.You
willbestaying,won’tyou,Mr.Wakefield?”

“Surething,Ms.Broderick.”ThegrinBrantsentFaith’swayhadCoopergrindinghisteeth.“And

callmeBrant.”

“OnlyifyoucallmeFaith,”shesaid,turningtowardthehouse.
Asshewalkedaway,Cooperswallowedhard.He’dbedamnedifthewomandidn’thavethesexiest

walkhe’deverseen.Ifgiventhechance,hecouldwatchtheswayofhersexylittlehipsalldaylong
andnevergettiredofseeingit.

“Niceview,isn’tit?”Brantaskedfromhisshoulder.
“BestI’veeverseen,”Cooperansweredwithoutthinking.Hecouldhavecutouthisowntongue.He

mightwantBranttosteerclearofFaith,buthecoulddowithouttheman’sgood-naturedribbing.

“Sohowlonghaveyoutwobeentogether?”
“She’smyhousekeeper.”
Hewatchedhisfriendsurveythesaggingporchandtheplasticcoveringmostofthewindowsand

roof.“Sure.Whateveryousay,Coop.”Brantleanedoneshoulderagainstthefence.“Thenyou
wouldn’tmindifI—”

“Leaveheralone,Wakefield,”Cooperwarned.Turning,heyankedhisshirtoffthetoprailofthe

corralandshovedhisarmsintothesleeves.“You’vegotmorethanenoughwomentokeepyou
occupied.Youdon’tneedtoaddanother.”

Whenhelookedup,Coopercringedathisfriend’sear-to-eargrin.“You’readamnedliarandwe

bothknowit,”Brantsaid,laughing.“You’vegotacaseofthehotandbotheredsfortheladythatjust
won’tquit.Soyoumightaswell’fessup.”

Jammingthetailofhisshirtintothewaistbandofhisjeans,Coopershookhishead.“Youirritate

thehelloutofmesometimes,Wakefield.”

Brantthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.“That’swhatMorganandColtkeepsaying.”
“They’reright,too,”Coopersaid,grinning.MaybeifhegotBranttotalkingabouthisfamily,he’d

dropthelineofquestioningaboutFaith.“Howarethoseornerybrothersofyours?”

Brantshrugged.“Sameasever.Morgan’sstilltryingtofindoutwhoinheritedoldTugShackley’s

ranchsohecanbuythemoutandexpandtheLone-treetothewest.AndColt’sjoinedtheProfessional
BullRiders.”

“Ithoughthewasridingbroncs,”Coopersaid,gatheringhishammerandsackofnails.
“Thatdidn’tworkout.”Brantshruggedoneshoulder.“Hesaidhedidn’tgetthesamerushoutof

ridinghorsesthathedidfromridingbulls.”

Coopernodded.“IfeltthesamewaywhenIwasriding.”HewatchedBrantrubatthebraceonhis

leg.“Youneverdidanswermyquestion.WhosebuttdidyousavefromKamikaze?”

Hisfriend’seasygrindisappearedimmediately.“Mydumbbrother ’s.”
“Colt?”
Brantnodded.“Mostguyshavethesensetoturnoutwhentheydrawthatblack-heartbeast,”hesaid,

referringtoacowboy’sdecisiontoletthebulloutofthebuckingchutewithoutmakingtheride.“But
notColt.”

“Iunderstandhowhefeltaboutaturnout.I’veonlydoneitacoupleoftimesmyself.”Cooper

shookhishead.“It’snoteasypayingyourentryfee,thenstandingbytowatchthegateswingopen
withoutyouonthebull’sback.”

“Iagree.Butwithsomebullsit’samatterofsurvival.”Brantstaredoffintothedistance.“I’mjust

gladIwasinthearenathatday.”

“Yougotabustedupkneeoutofthedeal.WhatdidColtget?”
“Hewalkedawaywithoutascratch,”Brantsaid,grinning.

Cooperwasn’tsurprised.Brantwasoneofthebestbullfightershe’deverseen.
“Thesandwichesarereadyifyoutwowouldliketocomeinsideandhavelunch,”Faithsaid,

steppingoutontotheporch.

“We’llberightthere,”CoopercalledasheandBrantstartedtowardthehouse.Glancingupatthe

sky,henoticedthatthebankofcloudshe’dbeenwatchingearlierhadchangeddirectionsandgone
duesouth.“Bytheway,whatdoyouhaveplannedfortherestoftheday,Wakefield?”

“FarasIknow,Idon’thaveanythinggoing,”Brantsaidwithashrug.
Grinning,Cooperslappedhisfriendontheback.“Youdonow.”

Faithwatchedthetwomenfinishthelastofthesandwichesshe’dmade.“Iguessthatanswersmy

question,”shesaiddryly.

Cooperwipedhismouthwithapapernapkin.“What’sthat?”
“Whetherornotyoutwolikepeanutbutterandjellysandwiches,”shesaid,smiling.
Bothmenlaughed.“Intheearlydays,whenwebothstartedoutontherodeocircuit,welivedoff

peanutbutterandjellysandwiches,”Coopersaid.

“Don’tforgetthetimeswhenwe’dgetalittlemoneyaheadandcouldaffordbaloneyandcheese,”

Brantadded.

Coopergrinned.“Orwhenwe’dscrapeupenoughchangefromthefloorboardofyourtrucktoget

aburgeratoneofthefast-foodjoints.”

Brantchuckled.“Yeah,itfeltlikewewerediningatafive-starrestaurant.”
Faithenjoyedlisteningtothementalkabouttheirdaystogetherontherodeocircuit.Butshe

couldn’tseemtostopherselffromcomparingthetwo.

Physically,theywerebothtall,handsomebeyondwords,andhadphysiquesthatcouldcause

womentostopdeadintheirtrackstostare.Bothwereeasygoingandfriendlyandhadblueeyes.But
thatwaswherethesimilaritiesseemedtoend.

AlthoughCooperhaddarkblondhair,whileBrant’swasblack,thatwasn’twhatFaithfoundso

differentaboutthetwomen.Itwasherreactiontothemthathadherbaffled.Whenshe’dshaken
Brant’shandwhenhefirstarrived,she’dexperiencednoneofthewarmtinglingsensationsthatshe
didwithCooper.AllCooperhadtodowaswalkintoaroomandherheartwouldstarttoflutter.And
whenshelookedintohisgorgeousblueeyes,shefeltasifshemightdrown.

Heatflowedthroughherandshedecideditwouldbeinherbestinteresttoconcentrateon

somethingbesidesCooperandthewayheaffectedher.

“Didyoueverridebulls,Brant?”sheasked,carefultoavoidCooper ’swarmgaze.
“Goodlord,no!”Helookedshocked.“I’vegotmoresensethanthat.I’vealwaysbeena

bullfighter.”

“IthoughtthatwasaMexicanorSpanishsport.”Sherosefromthetabletoclearawaytheirplates.

“Ididn’trealizetheyhaditinrodeo,too.”

Coopershookhishead.“It’snotthatkindofbullfighting,darlin’.Brantputshimselfinfrontofthe

bulltodistracthimwhileacowboydismountsandgetsoutoftheway.”

“Thatsoundsdangerous,”shesaid,hopingshedidn’tsoundasbreathlessasshefelt.Whenever

Coopercalledher“darlin”’inthatsexydrawlofhis,itseemedhardtotakeinair.

“It’snotthatbad,”Brantsaid.
“Don’tlethimfoolyou,”Coopersaid,shakinghishead.“Therearedozensofcowboyswhoowe

theirlivestothisman,includingme.That’swhyyou’llneverhearabullriderhaveanythingbut
praiseandgratitudeforthejobhedoes.”

“Aw,shucks,Coop.Ineverknewhowmuchyoucared,”Brantsaid,grinningmischievously.
Laughing,Cooperstoodup.“Don’tletitgotoyourhead,Wakefield.You’vealreadygotanegothe

sizeofTexasandI’llbedamnedifI’mgoingtoberesponsibleformakingitbigger.I’msurprised
youfindahatthatfitsnow.”

“You’rejustjealous’causeIgetallthegirls,”Brantsaid,winkingatFaith.
“LikethatlittleblondedowninTucson?”Coopershotback.
Brantgroaned.“Youwouldhavetorememberthat.”
“That’sjustthetipoftheiceberg.”Cooperopenedthedoorandwalkedoutontotheporch.“There

wasthattimeoverinAlbuquerquethatyou…”

Faithwatchedthetwomenfileoutthedoor,theirgood-naturedjibesfadingastheywalkedtoward

thecorral.Itwascleartoseetheywerethebestoffriendsandhadbeenforalongtime.

Alumpformedinherthroatandtearsthreatened.Untilayearago,she’dhadafriendlikethat.

CharlotteTurnerandFaithhadgrownupnextdoortoeachotherandthey’dbeenascloseasany
sisterscouldeverbe.She’dbeenabletotrustCharlottewitheverything.

Orsoshe’dthought.
Buthavingheroldestanddearestfrienduseherdeepestsecretfearthatshe’dneverbeabletohave

achildagainstherhadbeenalmostmorethanFaithcouldbear.Charlottehadpurposelybecome
pregnantwithEric’sbabybecausesheknewhowimportanthavinghisownchildwastohim,and
becauseshe’dfalleninlovewithhim.

Sniffling,Faithgrabbedthebroomandbegantosweepthewornhardwoodfloor.Thinkingabout

herbestfrienddredgedupsomeofthebestmemoriesofherlife,aswellasthemostpainful.

Butmorethananythingelse,itprovedthatherjudgmentofpeopleneverhadbeenreliable.

ThunderrumbledinthedistanceasCooperfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandproudlygazedat

hisnewlyrepairedcorral.WithBrant’shelp,Cooperhadreplacedthreefenceposts,therestofthe
missingrailsandhunganewgate.Byhiscalculations,they’dbeenabletoaccomplishinafewhours
whatitwouldhavetakenhimandFaithatleastafullday.

Cooperpulledhisshirton,thenbegancollectingthetoolsthey’dused.“Thanksforthehelp,

Wakefield.Ioweyouone.”

“Hey,man,Ihadthetimeandyouneededthehelp,”Brantsaid,grabbinghisownshirtfromthetop

ofapost.Helookedaround.“Bytheway,what’sthedealhere?Ithoughtyoutoldmeyou’dboughta
ranchthatneededalittlework.ThisplacelookslikeitwilltakeamonthofSundaystogetinto
shape.”

“Oneword,”Coopersaidsardonically.
Brantchuckled.“Youdon’thavetotellme.ItwasWhiskers,wasn’tit?”
BythetimeCooperfinishedexplainingthepurchasearrangementforthepropertyandaboutthe

schemetheoldmanhadcookeduptostrandCooperandFaithtogether,Brantwaslaughingsohard
hehadtowipethemoisturefromhiseyes.“Hesureisacraftyoldbuzzard.”

“Iwasthinkingmorelikeameanoldgoat,”Coopersaid,grinning.Hespottedarollofscreenwire

andanideabegantoform.“IhaveonemoreprojectIneedyourhelpwithbeforeyouleave.”

“BesidestakingyouandFaithbacktocivilization?”Brantasked.
Cooper ’sstomachclenchedintoatightknot.He’dpurposelyavoidedthinkingaboutthemhavinga

wayofftheranch.Butwhetherhewantedtoornot,thesubjecthadbeenbroachedandtherewasno
turningback.

“Faithwillprobablytakeyouupontheoffer.”Hefeltasifsomeonehadpunchedhiminthegutas

soonashesaidthewords.Takingadeepbreath,headded,“ButIthinkI’llstayandseewhatIcanget
donearoundherebeforethecattlearrive.”

Brantgavehimawickedgrin.“That’llgivemeagoodhourormoretogettoknowFaithonthe

waytoAmarillo.”

Cooperknewthathewasbeingbaited,buthecouldn’tstophimself.“I’mwarningyou—”
“Igetthemessage,Adams.”Brantlaughed.“Ijusthadtoseehowfargoneyouare.”
“I’mnot—”
“Saveit,”Brantsaid,holdinguphishand.“Iwasn’tbornyesterday.EvenI’msmartenoughtosee

thatyou’reagoner.”Hesmiledknowingly.“AndunlessImissmyguess,theladyhasitjustasbadfor
you.”

“You’vegotitallwrong,Wakefield.”
Brantfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandstubbornlyshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkso.Whatdo

youwanttobetshestaysherewithyouwhenItakeoff?”

Cooperglaredattheman.“Didthatbullkickyouintheheadwhilehewastearingupyourknee?”
“Nope.”Brant’sgrinsorelytemptedCoopertoreachoutandstrangletheman.
“Lookaround,Wakefield.Whatwomaninherrightmindwouldwantamanwitharun-downranch

andjustenoughmoneytogetby?”

“Awomaninlove.”
“NowIknowthatbullkickedyouinthehead,”Coopersaiddisgustedly.“Youjustdon’tremember

it.”

Hisfriend’sansweringlaughterirritatedthehelloutofCooper.“Justwaitandseewhathappens

whenItakeofftomorrowmorning.IfFaithdoesn’tstayherewithyou,I’llcomebacknextweekand
helpyoufenceeverypasturethisplacehas.AndwebothknowhowmuchIhatestretchingbarbed
wire.”

“You’llhelpanyway,”Coopersaidwithconfidence.
Brantgrinned.“Iknow.ButIhadtohavesomethingtobargainwith.Nowwhatwasthatprojectyou

wantedmetohelpyouwith?”

“You’renevergoingtobelievethis.”
“Tryme.”
“We’regoingtobuildacageforamouse,”Coopersaid,tossingBranttherollofscreenwire.
“You’reright,”Brantsaid,shakinghishead.“Idon’tbelieveyou.”

Thenextmorning,Faithpouredcoffeeforthetwomentohavewiththeirmuffins.“I’dliketo

thankbothofyouforbuildingthatcageandconfiningthemouse,”shesaid,rememberinghowthey
hadsearchedmostoftheeveningbeforetheyfinallyfoundtheannoyinglittleanimal.“MaybenowI
cangetsomethingdone,insteadofwatchingwhat’saroundmyfeet.”

“No,problem,”Brantsaid,cheerfully.Hedevouredthebanana-nutmuffinandreachedforanother.

“Coopersaidittriedtorunupyourlegtheotherday.”

Sheshuddered.“I’mafraidIreallyputonashowthatday,didn’tI,Cooper?”
Whenhenodded,butdidn’tsayanything,shewonderedifshewasmakingtherightdecision.He’d

beenstrangelyquietallmorning.

Decidingtherewasnobettertimethanthepresenttofindout,sheclearedherthroat.“Cooper,I

havesomethingIneedtoaskyou.”

Heslowlysethiscoffeecupontheplywoodtabletop.“Whatdoyouneed?”
You,atraitorouslittlevoiceinhermuddledbrainwhispered.Shewasn’tsurewhereithadcome

from,butshefullyintendedtoignoreit.

“Ifyoudon’thaveaproblemwithit,I’dliketostayuntilyourbrother-in-lawbringsthecattle.”

Rushingonbeforehegotthewrongidea,sheexplained,“IhaveascoretosettlewithMr.Penn.”

Sheknewherexcusewasasflimsyastissuepaperandthatshe’dlosteveryounceofsenseshe

possessed.Butshe’dlainawakehalfthenight,thinkingaboutleavingtheTripleBarRanch—leaving
Cooper—andshe’dcometoonlyoneconclusion.Shewasgoingtostaywithhim.Thenshe’dtossed
andturnedtherestofthenight,tryingtorationalizeherdecision.GettingevenwithMr.Pennwasthe
onlyplausibleexcuseshe’dbeenabletocomeupwith.

ReliefflowedthroughherwhenshewatchedaslowsmileturnupCooper ’sfirmlips.“Thatwould

befinewithme,darlin’,”hesaid.Hissexybaritonesentshiversalongeverynerveinherbodyand
shesuddenlyfeltwarmallover.

Brant’schuckleturnedtoacoughwhenbootsshuffledunderthetable.“Iwon’tbeleavinguntil

afterlunch,”hesaid,reachingdowntorubhisshin.“Letmeknowifyouchangeyourmind.”

“Idoubtthatwillhappen,”Coopersaid,hisgazeholdingherscaptive.“Faithdeservestotakea

stripoffWhiskers’shideforwhathe’spulled.”

SheglancedawayintimetoseeBrantlookfromhertoCooper,thengrinningliketheCheshirecat,

risetohisfeet.“Allrightythen.It’ssettled.Comeon,Coop.Let’sgetthatjunkcleanedoutofthetack
roombeforeItakeoff.”

Fourhourslater,CooperandFaithstoodontheporchwavingasBrantpulledawayfromthehouse.

Cooperlikedhavinghisbestfriendaroundmosttimes,butthiswasn’toneofthem.Hewasmorethan
gladtoseethebacksideofBrant’spickuptruckashedroveaway.

Thewayhesawit,hehadthree,maybefourdaysleftwithFaithbeforeFlintandWhiskersarrived.

Heknewitwaspureinsanity,sincenothingcouldevercomeoftheattractionbetweenthem.Buthe
wantedtospendasmuchtimewithherashecouldbeforeshewalkedoutofhislifeforgood.

“Brantisverynice,”shesaidcongenially.“I’mgladhewasabletohelpyougetthecorralandbarn

readyforthecattle.”

“Ican’tthinkofanyoneelseI’dratherhaveinmycornerwhenthechipsaredown,”Cooper

agreed.Buthedidn’twanttotalkaboutBrant,orcorralsorcattle.

Takingherbythehand,hestarteddowntheporchsteps.“Comeon,darlin’.Ihaveasurprisefor

youinthebarn.”

Faithgavehimagrinthatdamnednearknockedhimflat.“It’snotanotheroneofyourharmless

critters,isit?Becauseifitis,I’djustassoonpassontheopportunity.”

“Nope.ThisissomethingIthinkyou’rereallygoingtolike.BrantandIfounditwhilewewere

cleaningoutthetackroom.”Whentheyreachedthebarndoor,hecoveredhereyeswithhishand.
“Nowkeepinmindthatitisn’tperfectandprobablynotwhatyou’reusedto.Butit’sbetterthanwhat
wehave.”

“Soyou’retryingtotellmetokeepanopenmind?”sheasked,laughing.
Hechuckled.“Somethinglikethat.”Leadinghertotheroominthemiddleofthebarn,hetookhis

handfromhereyes.“Sowhatdoyouthink?”

“IsthatwhatIthinkitis?”sheasked,herfacebreakingintoahappysmile.
“Sureis.”Herockedbackonhisheals.“It’sanhonesttogoodness,antiquebathtub.AfterIgetit

scrubbedup,I’llcarryituptothehousesoyoucantakearealbathinsteadofhavingtomakedowith
awashpanandasponge.”

Herreactionwaseverythinghe’dhopeditwouldbe.Shethrewherarmsaroundhisneckand

plantedakissonhimthathadhimdecidingtopokearoundthebarnalittlemoreandfindother
treasuresthatwouldmakeherhappy.

Seven

HummingalongwiththeclassicalmusiccomingfromthebatteryoperatedCDplayershe’dfound

buriedinoneofhersuitcases,Faithliftedthelastpotofhotwaterfromthecampstove.Shepouredit
intotheold-fashionedbathtub,thenaddedcoolwatertogetthetemperaturejustright.Sprinklingina
generousamountofthebathsaltsshe’dbroughtwithher,sheinhaleddeeplyasthescentofroses
filledtheroom.Itsmelledheavenly.Shecouldn’twaittoimmerseherselfinthewaterandsoakuntilit
turnedhercompletelypruny.

Gatheringherlonghair,shetwistedthelengthofit,thenusedalargetoothedcliptosecureittothe

backofherhead.Whilethewaterhadheatedonthestove,she’dtakenoffherclothes,putonher
fluffypinkterryclothrobeandcollectedeverythingshe’dneed.Therewasonlyonethinglefttodo
beforeshelitthecandlesshe’darrangedbythetub,strippedoffherrobeandslippedintothewater.
SheneededtofindsomewaytosecurethebackdoortokeepCooperfromaccidentallywalkinginto
findherlounginginthetub.

Itwasn’tthatshedidn’ttrusthimtorespectherprivacy.Shedid.Butheknewnothingaboutit.She

hadn’tdecidedtocoaxwaterfromOldFaithfulandindulgeherselfuntilafterhe’dgoneoutside.She
wasabitbotheredbythefactthatshe’dbebathinginonecornerofthekitchen,butthat’swherethe
keroseneheaterwasandtheotherroomsweresimplytoochillytoevenconsider.

Shetookadeepbreathandlookedaround.Whatcouldsheusetosecurethedoor?Itdidn’thavea

lock.Whenshe’dfirstarrived,she’dfoundthatoddandverydisconcerting.Butthemoreshethought
aboutit,themoreshedecidedthatitprobablyhadn’tbeennecessaryfortheoccupantswhohadlived
theresomanyyearsago.Thehousewasquiteadistancefromthemainroadandcompletelyhidden
fromview.Andneighborscertainlyweren’taproblem.BesidesherselfandCooper,therewasn’t
anotherlivingsoulformilesandmiles.

Inhersearchtofindawaytoblockthedoor,shespottedseverallargepackingcartonsthatthey

hadn’tyetemptied.Perfect.Theyshouldbeheavyenoughtoinsureherprivacy.

Sheliftedthetowelshe’dhungoverthewindowinthedoortomakesureCooperwasstilldownby

thebarn.Whenarustybucketcamesailingoutofthebigopendoortolandontherapidlygrowing
pileofthingstobehauledaway,shebreathedasighofrelief.Hewastoointentongettingthebarn
intoshapetostopanytimesoon.

Smiling,sheturnedandshovedtheheavyboxesagainstthedoor,litthecandlesandslippedoffher

robe.Shesteppedintothebathtubandsatdown.Itwasshortandnarrowandshehadtobendherknees
abit,butthewaterfeltwonderfulwhenshespongeditoverherarmsandupperchest.Asshewashed
herselfwiththesoftmeshpuff,shedecideditwasquitepossiblythemostluxuriousbathshe’dever
taken.Shesmiled.Comparedtowashingoffinawashpanlikeshe’dhadtodoforthepastfewdays,it
feltpositivelylavish.

Restingagainstthehighbackofthetub,Faithallowedthesoftscentofrosesandthesoothing

musicofChopintosurroundher.Sheclosedhereyesinsheerpleasure.Atriptoanexpensivespa
couldn’tmakeherfeelanymorerelaxedandpamperedthanshedidatthatverymoment.

Whenthesoundofthunderechoedacrosstheland,Coopertossedanotherpieceofjunkonthepile

outsidethebarndoorandlookedup.Thecloudshadgatheredwhilehe’dbeeninsidecleaningoutthe
feedroomandwithinthenextfewminutestheskywasgoingtoopenupandpour.Unlesshewanted
tododgelightningbolts,he’dbetterknockoffworkandheadforthehouse.

Dustingoffhishandsontheseatofhisjeans,heglancedtowardhisnewhome.Theplacewasn’t

muchrightnow.Butitwouldbe.He’dmakesureofit.Italreadylookedbetter,sinceheandBrant
replacedthebrokensupportpostonthebackporch.Atleastnowhedidn’thavetoduckhisheadwhen
hereachedthetopstep.

Asenseofpridefilledhischest,thenspreadthroughouthisbody.Forthefirsttimeinhislife,he

hadaplaceofhisown—aplacethatwasn’tportable.Havingbeenraisedontherodeocircuit,evenas
achildhishomehadbeenacamperonthebackofapickuptruck.Hisfamilyhadtraveledlike
nomadsfromonerodeotoanotherwhilehisdadchasedhisdreams,firstasasteerwrestler,thenasa
bullfighter.

ButCooperhadfinallymadethedecisiontoputdownrootsanditfeltgood.Damnedgood.
HejustwishedthatFaithhadn’tshownuptoseetheranchthewayitlookednow.He’dhave

preferredherarrivalalittlelater,afterhe’dmadesomemuchneededrepairsandrenovations.Maybe
then…

Coopershookhishead.Nosenseworryingaboutthatnow.She’djustthesameastoldhimshe

wantednopartofhimorhisrun-downranch.Besides,nowwasnotagoodtimetobethinkingabout
awife.Whenhedidfindawomantosharehislife,he’dhavearanchtobeproudofandsomething
moretoofferherthanaleakyroofandbathroomfacilitiesthatinvolvedafifty-yardsprintanda
flashlightafterdark.

Hisstepsheavierthanthey’dbeenonlymomentsago,hewalkedtothehouseanduptheporch

steps.Thesoundofmusiccausedhimtostopshort.Wherehadshecomeupwithsomethingtoplay
music?Heshookhisheadathisownfoolishness.She’dprobablyuneartheditinoneofhersuitcases.
Hechuckled.Hewouldn’tbesurprisedatanythingshefoundinMt.Samsonite.Hell,asbigassomeof
thosepieceswere,hewouldn’tbesurprisedifafamilyoffourcouldbehousedquitecomfortablyin
oneofthedamnedthings.

Butashelistenedtotheclassicalmusicheshookhisheadagainashereachedforthedoorknob.

Shelikedthatloftystuff,whilehepreferredthedowntoearthsoundofcountrytunes.Itwasjustone
ofmanywaystheyweredifferent,andadditionalproofthatawomanlikeFaithcouldneverbe
interestedinacowboylikehim.

Hetwistedtheknob,butstoppedshortwhenthedoorrefusedtobudge.Glancingup,hegrinnedat

thetowelcoveringthewindowinthedoor.Womenlikedcurtains,anditappearedthatFaithhadbeen
busyusingwhatevershecouldfindtofashionsome.

Butwhyhadshelockedhimoutofhishouse?Decidingthatsheprobablywantedtosurprisehim

withthelittlefemininetouchesshewasmakingtohishome,hetappedontheglass.

“Faith?”
Nothing.
ThemusicfromherCDplayerwasprettyloud.Sheprobablycouldn’thearhim.
Knockingonthewoodenframe,heputalittlemoreforcebehindhiseffortandmanagedtopush

thedooropenacoupleofinches.Asoftfloweryscentdriftedthroughthecrack.“Faith,letmein,”he
called.

Stillnothing.
Whatwasgoingon?Couldshehavefallenwhileshewashangingthingsoverthewindows?Was

shehurt?

Hismindranthroughahalfdozendifferentscenarios—allofthemendingwithFaithinjuredand

lyingunconscioussomewhereinsidethehouse.

Placinghisshoulderagainstthedoor,heshovedwitheverythinghehadandsuddenlystumbledinto

theroomamidstapileoflargeboxes.

“Faith?”heshoutedashepushedhimselftohisfeet.
Candlelightinthefarcornerofthekitchendrewhisattentionandhefeltasifsomeonehadpunched

himinthegut.Thereshesatintheoldbathtub,nakedasthedayshewasborn,andlookingmore
beautifulthananywomanhe’deverhadtheprivilegetolayeyeson.

Sheblinkedowlishlyinanobviousefforttogetherbearings,anditwascleartoseeshe’dfallen

asleepwhiletakingabath.Whenhereyesfocusedonhim,sheletoutastartledsqueakandtohis
immensedisappointment,quicklytriedtocoverherself.Buttheoldtubwassmallandtherewasno
wayforhertosinklowerintoitsdepths.

“Whatareyoudoinginhere?”sheasked,hercheeksturningaveryprettyrosecolor.“Ithought

youwereclearingjunkoutofthebarn.”

Hehadtofightwitheverythinghehadtokeepfromgrinning.Shelookedsodangedcutesitting

therewithhersilkyauburnhairpiledontopofherhead,tryingtohideherfullbreastsbehindthat
puffylittlebaththing.

Theurgetosmilediedandhismouthfeltasifhe’dswallowedamouthfullofdesertdustwhenhe

noticedhowlittlethebathpuffcovered.Hercoralnipplesweredrawnintotightbudsandhecouldn’t
havelookedawayifhe’dwantedto.Whichhedidn’t.

Fullyclothed,Faithwasbeautiful.Butnude,hersatinskinglisteninginthecandlelight,shewasa

visionofeverythingawomanshouldbe—soft,sensualandseductivebeyondwords.

Heatstreakedthroughhimandhislowerbodytightenedpredictably.“It…uh,startedraining,”he

said,shovinghishandsinhisfrontpocketstorelievesomeofthepressureofhissuddenlytightjeans.

Hecouldtellshe’dnoticedhisarousal,butinsteadoflookingaway,sheseemedasfascinatedbyhis

bodyashewasbyhers.Hetookastepforward.

Asuddenflashoflightilluminatingtheroom,followedcloselybyaloudclapofthundercaused

thembothtojumpandbroughtCooperbacktoreality.Whatthehelldidhethinkhewasdoing?He’d
toldherhecouldbetrustednottoputthemovesonherandhe’dkeephiswordifitkilledhim.The
wayhislungsrefusedtotakeinairandhisheartpoundedagainsthisribs,hedecidedthatitjust
might,too.

Turningaround,heforcedhimselftotakeadeepbreathasheheadedtowardthedoor.“I’llbeout

ontheporch,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Onceyou’vedressed,letmeknowandI’llemptythe
bathtub.”

FaithwaiteduntilCoopershovedtheboxesoutofthewayandslammedthedoorbehindhim

beforeshegrabbedthetowelbesidethetubandstoodup.Whatinheaven’snamehadgottenintoher?

Hercheeksburnedandshebitherlowerliptoholdbackanembarrassedsobasshevigorously

rubbedthemoisturefromherskin.Heavenhelpher,butshe’dwantedhimtoseeher,wantedhimto
wantherasbadlyasshewantedhim.Andifthebulgeinhisjeansandthehungrylookinhiseyes
wereanyindication,hedid.

Thankgoodnesstheintrusivesoundofthestormhadbroughtherbacktohersenses.Buthowwas

sheevergoingtofacehimagain?Wasshesodesperatetobeheld,toonceagainfeeldesired,thatshe
hadpracticallyissuedCooperaninvitationtomakelovetoher?

Quicklypullingonherextrabaggy,bluesweatshirtandjeans,shemoppedthefloorwhereshe’d

splashedwateroutofthetubwhenshe’djerkedtoasittingposition.Sheblewoutthecandlesandlit
thelantern.Theovercastskyoutsidehadcausedtheroomtobedarkerthanusualandtheywouldneed
thelightinordertosee.Butthecandlesweretooromantic,toointimate,tooseductive.

Decidingshecouldn’tdelaycallingCooperinsideanylonger,sheopenedthedoor.“Youcancome

innow.”

Shedidn’tlookathimashecrossedtheroomandbeganbailingwaterfromthebathtub.She

couldn’t.Hermindwastryingtosortthroughhertangledemotions.Humiliationstillheatedher
cheeksatthewayshe’dshamelesslyactedwhenhe’dstoodtherestaringather.Butitwasthethrill
she’dfeltwhenshe’dseenthehungrydesireforherinhisdeepbluegazethatscaredhersenseless.

Oncehe’dhauledthelastofherbathwateroutside,hewalkedovertoOldFaithfulandbegan

workingtocoaxwaterfromthespout.“Ifyoudon’tmind,IthinkI’lltakeabathandshavewhile
there’sstilllight,”hesaid.

Nodding,sheturnedtoleavetheroom.“Noproblem.I’llstayinthelivingroomuntilyou’re

finished.”

“Youknow,there’snothingtobeembarrassedabout,”hesaid,settingalargepotofwateronthe

campstovetoheat.

Goodgrief!Wasshethattransparent?
Withoutlookingathim,sheshookherhead.“Please,let’sjustforget—”
Hesurprisedherbywrappinghisarmsaroundherfrombehindandpullingherbackagainsthim.

“Darlin’,Icouldliveanotherhundredyearsandnotforgetthesightofyourbeautifulbody,”hesaid
closetoherear.

Hislow,deeplyimpassionedstatementsentashiverupherspineandcreatedapangoflongingin

herchestthatthreatenedtosuffocateher.“Cooper,Ican’t—”

“It’sallright,darlin’,”hesaid,holdingherclose.“LikeI’vetoldyoubefore,youcantrustme.I

giveyoumywordthatnothingisgoingtohappenthatyoudon’twanthappening.”

Itwasn’tthatshedidn’ttrusthim.Anditcertainlywasn’tthatshedidn’twanthim.Shedid.Butshe

couldn’ttrustherselfnottostartlongingforthethingssheknewshe’dneverhave.

Steppingfromhisarms,shestartedtowalkaway.
“Faith?”
“I’llbeinthelivingroom,”shesaidwithoutturningtofacehim.“Letmeknowwhenyou’ve

finisheddressingandI’llstartdinner.”

CooperdriedtheplateFaithhandedhimandplaceditinthecabinet.Hehatedthesadness

shadowingherprettybrowneyes,hatedthesilencebetweenthem.Shehadn’tsaidmorethanahandful
ofwordsinthepasttwohours.

“Thanksforsupper,”hesaid,tryingoncemoretostartaconversation.“There’snotawholelotof

waystofixSpamonacampstove,butthatwasreallygood.”

“You’rewelcome,”shesaid,turningtowipeoffthecounter.“Wouldyoumindemptyingthe

dishpanforme?”

Ashedumpedthewateroutsidehewonderedhowhecouldgetthembacktotheeasy

companionshipthey’dsharedforthepastfewdays.Hecouldtellshewasnolongerembarrassedby
hiswalkinginonherwhileshetookherbath.Buthecouldn’tunderstandthesadnessthathadtakenits
place.Ifanything,he’dhavethoughtshe’dbehoppingmadthathe’dbargedinlikeachargingbull.

Heshookhishead.Thereweresomethingsaboutwomenhejustdidn’tunderstandandprobably

neverwould.

Theraindrippedofftheporchroofandheshookhishead.Iftheweatherwouldcooperate,he’d

takeheroutandshowhersomeofthethingshe’dfoundinthebarn.Thingsthatweresuretomake
hersmile,likethehulagirllamporthecastlemadeoutofhundredsofgluedtogetherbottlecaps.But
sincethestormshowednosignsoflettingup,thatwasoutofthequestion.

Openingthedoor,hereenteredthekitchendeepinthought.Whatcouldhedotoliftherspirits?

Lookingaround,hisgazelandedontheCDplayerstillsittingonaboxinthecornerandhefelta

smileslowlyliftthecornersofhismouth.“Faith?”Whensheglancedupfromthebookshe’dstarted
reading,heasked,“WouldyoumindifIusedyourCDplayer?”

“Ofcoursenot.”Shegotupfromtheplywoodtabletoremovetheclassicaldiskshe’dbeenplaying

whileshebathed.“Areyougoingtolistentoitinhere?”

“No.IthinkI’lltakeitintothelivingroom,”hesaid,reachingforthehandle.
Ashepickeduptheunitandheadedtowardthefrontofthehouse,hepurposelydidn’taskifshe’d

liketojoinhim.Hehadafewthingstotakecareoffirst.

Settingtheplayeronawoodencrate,hepushedallofthepackingcartonsintoonecornerandtook

downtheropeclothesline.Fortunately,theroomwaslargeandtheywouldhaveplentyofroomto
movearound.

Bythetimehefinished,itwasgettingdarkoutside.“Wheredidyouputthecandles?”heaskedas

hewalkedbackintothekitchen.

Sheglancedupfromthebooktogivehimacuriouslook.“OnthecounterbyOldFaithful.Why?”
“It’sgettingdarkoutsideandIneedalittlelighttokeepfromstumblingoversomethingand

breakingmyneck,”hesaid,grinning.

“Wouldyouliketousethelantern?”sheoffered.
Thelastthinghewantedwasthebrighterlight.“No.Youneeditforreading.”
Faithwatchedhimcollectallofthecandles,thenstrollbackdownthehall.Whyonearthdidhe

needsomany?

Asthesoundoflivelycountrymusicfilteredinfromthefrontofthehouse,sheshruggedand

turnedherattentionbacktoherbook.ThelessshethoughtaboutCooperAdams,thebetteroffshe’d
be.Butwhenshefoundherselfreadingthesamepageforthethirdtime,sheclosedthebookand
abandonedanypretenseoftryingtoread.

Herinitialembarrassmentatherreactionwhenhe’dfoundhernakedhadgivenwaytodeep

sadness.Hewantedherandshewantedhim.Butiftheymadelove,shecouldn’ttrustherselfnottofall
headoverheelsforhim.And,ifthelongingthatheldhertightlyinitsgripwasanyindication,she
wasalreadywellonherwaytodoingjustthat.

SomethingdeepinsidetoldherthatCooperwasexactlythemanheappearedtobe—honest,

hardworkingandloyaltoafault.Butshe’dtrustedherinstinctsoncebeforeandbeenproven
devastatinglywrong.

She’dmisjudgedherhusbandandbestfriend,andhadn’tevensuspectedtheywerehavinganaffair.

ThefirstthatFaithknewofanythinggoingonbetweenthemhadbeenwhenEricaskedforadivorce
tomarryCharlottebecauseshewaspregnantwithhischild.

“Faith,darlin’,areyouallright?”Cooperaskedfromhershoulder.
Lookingup,shenoticedtheconcernonhishandsomeface.She’dbeensolostinherdisturbing

memories,shehadn’tnoticedthathe’dwalkedbackintotheroom.

“I’mfine.”
“Areyousure?”heasked.“Youlookedlikeyouwereamillionmilesaway.”
“IthinkIwas,”sheadmitted,shakingoffherdismalmoodandforcingasmile.
“Areyoubacknow?”heasked.Hegrinnedandherheartskippedabeat.
“Absolutely,”shesaid,feelingalittlebreathless.HowcouldshethinkaboutthepastwithCooper

standingsoclose?

“I’mglad.IhavesomewhereIwanttotakeyoufortheevening,”hesaid.
Lightningflashedandthunderrumbled.Wherecouldhepossiblytakeherwithitrainingcatsand

dogsoutside?

Takingherbythehand,hepulledhertoherfeet.Awarmtinglingsensationimmediatelyracedup

herarmfromthecontact.“Wouldyoudomethehonorofjoiningmeinthefrontofthehouse,
ma’am?”

Laughingathismischievousexpression,shefollowedhimdownthehall.“What’sthisallabout?”

sheasked,raisinghervoicetobeheardabovethemusiccomingfromtheCDplayer.

Whentheycametotheendofthehall,hemovedhisarminasweepinggestureandleaneddownto

whisperinherear.“I’mtakingyoutotheTripleBarDanceHall,ma’am.”

Hereyeswidenedandshebroughtherhanduptocoverherstartledgasp.He’dliteverycandlethey

hadtocastasoftglowovertheclearedroomanddrapedasheetoverapackingcartonforatable.
Twosmallwoodencrateshadbeenarrangedoneithersideofthetableforseatingandasingletaper
stuckinalongneckbeerbottleservedasthecenterpiece.

Tearsblurredhereyesandshehadtoblinkseveraltimesinordertoholdbackthethreatening

floodofemotion.She’dneverseenanythingmoreromanticortouchinginherentirelife.

“Doyoulikeit?”heasked,soundinghopeful.
Shenoddedandhadtoswallowaroundthelumpinherthroatbeforeshecouldspeak.“Cooper,this

isthenicestthinganyonehaseverdoneforme.”Raisingupontiptoes,sheplacedakissalonghis
chiseledjaw.“Thankyou.”

Lookingsexierthananymanhadarighttolook,hetouchedthebackofhishandtohercheek.“I’m

gladyoulikeit.”Hegazeddownatherforendlesssecondsbeforehisexpressionchangedtoa
teasinggrin.“Itlooksprettycrowdedinheretonight,butIthinkIseeatableoverthere,”hesaid,
pointingtowardthebox.

Heobviouslywantedtolightentheconversation,whichwasfinewithher.“Ibelieveyou’reright,”

shesaid,playingalong.

Theycrossedtheroomandoncehe’dseatedher,Coopermadeashowoflookingaround.“The

waitressmustbetakingabreak.IguessI’llhavetogouptothebartogetsomethingforustodrink.
Whatwouldyoulike?”

Shepretendedtothinkforamoment.“I’llhavewhateveryou’rehaving,”shefinallysaid.
Grinning,hetippedhishat.“I’llberightback.”
Innotimeatallhewasseatinghimselfonthecrateoppositeher.Heplacedtwojuiceboxesonthe

table,thenstucknarrowstrawsinthetops.“Igotmyselfabeer,butIthoughtyoumightlikewine.”

“Nicechoice,”shesaid,smilingbackathim.
Thesongthathadbeenplayingendedandanotheronebegan.
“Wouldyouliketodance?”
“I’mafraidI’mnotverygoodatcountrydancing,”shesaid,shakingherhead.
Herosetohisfeetandtookherhand.“Comeon,it’seasy.I’llteachyou.”
Shestoodupandfollowedhimintothemiddleoftheroom.“Ihavetowarnyou,I’llprobablystep

alloveryourfeet.”

“That’sgoingtobekindofhardtodo,sincewe’llbedoingtheStroll,”hesaid,laughing.
“Stroll?”
Nodding,hedrapedhisarmacrosshershoulders.“It’saTexastradition.”Heinstructedherwhere

andhowtoholdhishands,thenhowtodothesteps.

They’dmadeafullcircleofthehardwoodfloorbeforesherealizedthatshewasactuallydoingthe

dancecorrectly.“ThisisfunandnotnearlyashardasIthoughtitwouldbe,”shesaid,laughing.

Hegrinnedastheystartedaroundtheroomanothertime.“Itoldyouitwaseasy.”

BythetimetheCDendedandthechangerswitchedtoanotherdisk,Cooperhadnotonlytaughther

theStroll,he’dtaughthertheTwo-Stepandacoupleoflinedancesaswell.

“Thisisreallyfun,”shesaid,breathlessly.
“Readytotakeabreak?”heasked,leadingherovertothetable.
Shesankdownontothecrateshe’dusedforachairandtookasipfromherjuicebox.“Cooper,do

youmindifIaskyouaquestion?”

“Shoot,”hesaid,takingalongdrawonhisstraw.
“Whydoyouwearyourhatwhileyou’redancing?”Shepaused.“Infact,Idon’tthinkI’veseenyou

takeitoffmorethanonceortwicesinceI’vebeenhere.”

Heshrugged.“Noself-respectingTexanwouldbecaughtdeaddancingtheTwo-SteportheStroll

withoutit,”hesaidasifitwerethemostreasonableexplanationintheworld.“Infact,thereareonlya
coupleofthingsaTexanwilldowithoutwearinghishat.”

Shecouldjustimaginewhatoneofthemwas.Hissexygrintoldhershewasright.
“Haveyouevertriednotwearingyourhatwhenyoudance?”sheasked,hopinghedidn’tnoticethe

heightenedcolorshewassuretintedhercheeks.

“Nope.”
“Whynot?”
Heslowlysethisjuiceboxdownandthegrinhesentherwaycurledhertoes.“It’slikeSamsonand

hishair.Withit,he’sahellofaman.Withoutit,he’snothingbutascrawnylittlewimp.Samething
holdstrueforacowboy.Withhishaton,he’sadancingfool.Takeitoffandhehastwoleftfeet.”
Grinning,heleanedoverasifsharingasecret.“Besides,itlooksrealgood.”

Shelaughedandshookherhead.“Thathatisyoursecurity,isn’tit?”
“Somethinglikethat.”
Whenaslowsongbeganhetookherhandinhis,thenstoodandpulledhertoherfeet.“Readyto

tryaslowone?”

Thescentofhisclean,masculineskin,thefeelofhiswarmpalmpressedtohers,madetheability

tospeakimpossible.Nodding,Faithwillinglyfollowedhimontotheirprivatedancefloor.

Hereacheddowntotakeherhandsandplacethemonhiswideshoulders.Then,positioningoneof

histhighsslightlybetweenherlegs,hewrappedhisarmsaroundherwaistanddrewherclose.

Movingthemaroundthefloor,hegazeddownatherandtheedgeofhishatbrimrestedonthetop

ofherhead.Itseemedtolendanintimacythattookherbreath.

Lightningilluminatedtheroomandthundercrashed.Shebarelynoticed.
“Cooper?”
“What?”
“Whatarewedoing?”sheasked,hertonenothingmorethanathroatywhisper.
“We’redancing,”hesaid,hisgazeneverwaveringfromhers.
“No,Imean—”
Heplacedhisindexfingertoherlips.“Justdancing,darlin’.”
Shetriedconcentratingmoreonthesongandlessonthemanholdinghertohishardbody.Big

mistake.Thewordswereeverybitasprovocativeastheirdancing.Maybemoreso.

Cooper ’shandsroamedthelengthofherbackandeverycellinherbodytingledtolife.Resting

herheadagainsthisshoulder,shehadtoremindherselftobreathe.

Whenhecuppedherbreastandteasedthetighttipwithhisthumb,herkneesthreatenedtobuckle

andshecouldn’tforthelifeofherseemtodrawinair.Hismuscularthighbetweenhersandthe
frictionitcreatedasheguidedthemaroundthefloorsentheatstreakingthroughherveinstopoolin

thelowerpartofherstomach.

Theweatheroutsideseemedtobeintensifying,butitwasnothingcomparedtothestormraging

withinherownbodywhenhecuppedherbottomwithhisotherhandandpulledhercloser.Hepressed
hisarousalagainstherstomachandnuzzledthesensitiveskinofherneck.Sparklesoflightflashed
behindherclosedeyesandherheartfeltasifitturnedacartwheelinsideherchest.

Asthesongended,shestartedtopullback.Heheldhertightlytohim.
“Justletmeholdyoualittlewhilelonger,darlin’,”hesaid,histonehusky.
Itwaspureinsanityonherpart,butthatwasexactlywhatshewantedhimtodo.“Cooper?”
“Wheneveryoutellmetoletyougo,IpromisethatIwill,”hesaid,brushinghislipsagainsthers.
Hismouthsettledoverhersandanythingevenresemblingathoughtescapedher.Shewastoo

caughtupinthewarmthofhiskiss,theteasingofhistongueashepartedherlipsandslippedinside
tostrokeherown.

Thelongingshe’dfoughtfromthemomentshe’dmethimwelledupinsideherandcreatedan

achingneedthatonlyCoopercouldcure.Shewantedhimmorethanshe’deverwantedanymanin
herentirelife.

“Faith?”
Pullingback,shestaredupathimforendlesssecondsbeforeconcedingdefeattothedesirethat

she’dfeltfromthemomentshe’dfirstseenhim.Thewayhe’dsaidhername,thehungerinhisdeep
blueeyestoldhermorethanwordsthathewantedexactlywhatshewanted.

He’dtoldhertherewereveryfewreasonswhyacowboyremovedhishat.Shewasabsolutely

certainsheknewwhatoneofthemwas.

Shetookadeepbreathandsmiled.“Cooper,takeoffyourhat.”

Eight

Cooper ’sheartslammedagainsthisribs,thentookoffinoverdriveatFaith’srequestthathetake

offhishat.“Areyousure?”heasked.Thelastthinghewantedwasforhertohaveregretstomorrow
morning.

ShereachedupandremovedhisResistol.“TheonlyregretI’llhaveisifwedon’tmakelove,”she

saidsoftly.

Hesearchedherfaceforanyindicationthatshehadevenashadowofadoubtaboutmakinglove

withhim.Whenhefoundnone,hepulledheragainsthimandburiedhisfaceinhersilkyauburnhair.
He’dbetgoodmoneythatFaithdidn’ttrusteasily.Buttheconfidenceinhimthathe’dseeninher
luminousbrowneyeshaddamnednearbroughthimtohisknees.He’dmakethisthemostmemorable
nightofherlife,ordietrying.

Releasingher,hewalkedovertotheCDplayerandchangeddisks.Whentheclassicalmusicthat

she’dbeenplayingwhiletakingabathfilledtheroom,heblewoutallbutoneofthecandles,then
tookherbythehand.

Heusedtheremainingcandletolighttheirwayastheysilentlywalkedintothebedroomand,

settingitonaboxinthecorner,tookherintohisarms.Herbodyfitagainsthimperfectlyand
loweringhismouthtohers,heletherknowwithoutwordshowmuchhertrustmeanttohim.

Herlipsclungtohisamomentbeforesheopenedforhimtodeepenthekiss,andhereagerness

excitedhimmorethananythinghecouldhaveeverimagined.Shewaslettinghimknowthatshe
wantedhimasmuchashewantedher,thatshewasascaughtupinthemagicashewas.

Whenheslippedhistongueinsidetoexploreandtease,shewhimpered,thenwrappedherarms

aroundhisnecktothreadherfingersinthehairatthenapeofhisneck.Herwarmtouch,thesoundof
herdesireandthesweetpassionhetastedasshetentativelymethisinvasion,senthisbloodpressure
soaringandcausedhislowerbodytothrobwithneed.He’dneverinhislifebeenthisturnedonbya
singlekiss.

Shiftingtorelievethepressureofhissuddenlytootightjeans,hereacheddowntocupherbottom

andliftherintothecradleofhiships.Hewantedhertoknowwhatshedidtohim,wantedherto
realizethepowersheheldoverhim.

Hebroughthishandsuptothetailofhersweatshirtandslidinghispalmsalongherribs,cupped

herfullbreasts.“Youaren’twearingabra,”hesaid,feelingheralreadytightnipplesbeadeven
furtheragainsthispalms.

Sheslowlyshookherhead.“Iwasinsuchahurrytogetdressed,I…forgot.”
“I’mglad.”Hegentlycircledhisthumbsoverthetightnubs.
Sheclosedhereyesandhefeltatinytremorcoursethroughher.“Mmmm.”
“Feelgood?”
“Y-yes.”
“It’sgoingtofeelevenbetter,”hepromised,reachingdowntopullhershirtoverherhead.
Sheliftedherarmstohelphimandoncethegarmentlayonthefloorattheirfeet,hesuckedina

sharpbreath.He’dcaughtaglimpseofherbreaststhatafternoonwhenshe’dtriedtohidebehindthat
puffylittlebathsponge.Butitwasnothingcomparedtotheunrestrictedviewhenowenjoyed.

Supportingtheweightofthemwithhishands,heloweredhismouthtofirstonepuckeredcoral

bud,thentheother.“Sosoft.Sosweet.”Heraisedhishead.“You’rebeautiful.”

“Soareyou,”shesaid,soundingbreathless.
Raisinghishead,hesmiled.“Guysaretooflatandangulartobebeautiful.”

“Youare.”Thesincereexpressiononherprettyfacejustaboutknockedhissizethirteenbootsright

offhisfeet.“Pleasetakeyourshirtoff,Cooper.”

Hecouldn’thavedeniedherifhe’dwantedto.Whichhedidn’t.
Tugginghisshirtfromhisjeans,hegraspedthetailsandpulledthechambrayopenwithonequick

jerk.He’dneverbeenmoreappreciativeofsnapclosuresonashirtthanhewasatthatverymoment.

Whensheplacedhersoft,warmhandsonhischest,heatshotstraighttohisgroinandhisheart

thumpedsohardthathewouldn’thavebeensurprisedifitcrackedacoupleofribs.Assheranher
palmsovertheriseofhispectoralmuscles,herfingerstracinghisownpuckerednipples,Cooper
tookdeepbreathsandtriedtoslowdownhislibido.Butwhensheexploredtheridgesofhisstomach,
herfingersdippingslightlybelowthewaistbandofhisjeans,hestoppedbreathingaltogether.

Groaning,hetookherhandsinhisandshookhishead.“Ifyoukeepthatup,you’regoingtogive

meaheartattack.”

“Iliketouchingyou,”shesaid.Hersmilesenthistemperatureupanothertendegrees.
“AndIliketouchingyou,darlin’,”hesaid,bendingdowntotakeoffhershoesandsocks.He

caughthergazewithhisandhelditasheunsnappedherjeansandpulledthemandherpantiesover
theflareofherhipsanddownherslenderlegs.

Carefultokeephisattentionontakingofftherestofhisclothes,hedidn’tallowhimselfthe

pleasureoflookingatheruntilafterhe’dpulledoffhisbootsandsocks,thenshuckedhisjeansand
briefs.Heknewthelimitofhiscontrol.Healsoknewhe’djustaboutreachedit.

Straighteningtohisfullheight,hetossedhisclothesontopofFaith’sandturnedtofaceher.The

airinhislungsstalledandhismouthwentbone-dry.Candlelightpaintedhersatinyskinwithasoft
glowandhighlightedherfirm,uptiltedbreasts,trimwaistandthecurveofhergentlyroundedhips.

Lightningflashedandthunderboomed,buttheybarelynoticed.
AtthesightofCooper ’spowerfulbodyilluminatedbythestreakoflightfromthestorm,Faith’s

breathcaughtandherpulsepoundedinherearsasloudlyasthethundercrashingoutside.Hiswide
shouldersandsculpturedchesttapereddowntonarrowhipsandleanflanks.Hergazeskippedlower
andsheswallowedhard.Proudandstrong,hismanhoodrosefromamatofdarkbrowncurls.He
certainlyvalidatedtheoldadageaboutthesizeofaman’sfeetbeinganindicationofthesizeofhis
otherparts.

Hergazeflewtohisandhemusthavesensedherhesitation.“Don’tworry,darlin’,”hesaid,

steppingforwardtotakeherintohisarms.Nuzzlingherneck,hewhisperedclosetoherear,“We’ll
fittogetherjustfine.”

Thefeelofskinagainstskin,malehardnesspressedtofemalesoftness,sentelectriccurrentsof

puredesiresizzlingalongeverynerveinherbody.“It’sbeenquiteawhile,”sheadmitted,wondering
ifthatthroatyvoicecouldreallybehers.

Placinghisindexfingerbeneathherchin,hetiltedherheaduptomeethisdarkblueeyes.“You

trustme,don’tyou,Faith?”

“Yes.”
Hisreassuringsmilemadeherfeelasifshe’dmeltintoapuddleathisfeet.“We’regoingtotake

thisslowandeasyandI’mgoingtoloveyouineverywayamancanloveawoman.”

Herstomachdidabackflipandashiverofanticipationslitheredupherspineathiscandor.But

beforeshecouldtellhimthatwasexactlywhatshewanted,heloweredhismouthtohers.Histongue
slippedbetweenherlipsandsetoffahot,dizzyingcurrentofpureelectrifieddesireflowingtoher
mostsecretplaces.Allthoughtceasedasshereveledinthemanholdinghertohisstrongbody.

Breakingthecaress,Coopertrailedmoistkissesdowntheslopeofherbreast,thentookhertight

nippleintohiswarmmouth.Ribbonsoftinglingneedwovetheirwayaroundherandformedatight
coilinherlowerstomach.Herkneestrembledandshehadtoclutchhisarmstokeepfromfalling.

“Easy,darlin’,”hesaid,raisinghisheadtolookather.
Theheatedpassionshesawinhiseyes,thepromiseofcompletefulfillmentandhisrequestforher

trust,releasedsomethingdeepinsideofherandatthatmomentsheknewforcertainthatshe’dfallen
hopelesslyinlovewithhim.

“Cooper,please—”
Apparentlyheunderstoodherunspokenpleabecauseheledherovertothebed.“Ineedtogetsome

protection,”hesaid,turningbacktothepileofclothesonthefloor.

“It’snotnecessary,”shesaid,quietly.
Hehesitated.“You’reprotected?”
Adeepsadnesssweptthroughherasshenodded.Shecouldn’tbeartotellhimtherewasnoneed

foranytypeofprevention,thatshewasunabletohavechildren.

Takingherintohisarms,heloweredhertothebedandstretchedoutbesideher.Hegatheredherto

him,andgazingdownather,tenderlycoveredherlipswithhis.Hiscallusedpalmsmoothedoverher
skinwithsuchinfinitecare,itbroughttearstohereyesandsheforgotallaboutpreventionorher
inabilitytobecomepregnant.Heerasedallthatwithhistouch,hismind-numbingkiss.

Heslidhishanddownhersidetocaressherhip,herinnerthighmakingherquiverwithneed.But

whenhecuppedthecurlsattheapexofherthighs,hisfingerdippingintothesoft,moistfoldsto
strokeandtease,spiralsofsheerecstasyswirledthroughher.Thefeelingshedrewfromherwereso
intensethatshegrippedthesheetbeneathherandarchedintohistouch.

“Feelgood,darlin’?”heasked,raisinghisheadtolookdownather.
Whenheenteredherwithhisfingertotestherreadinessforhim,thecoilinherbellytightenedand

turnedintoasweetache.Shesqueezedhereyesshutandfoughtforsanityaswavesofsensation
flowedthroughher.

“Cooper,please—”
Inanswertoherbrokenplea,hespreadherthighswithhiskneeandleveredhimselfoverher.She

feltthetipofhisstrongarousalprobeherandshetensedinanticipationofhisinvasion.

“Openyoureyes,Faith.”Whenshedidashecommanded,heheldhergazewithhis.“Justrelax.

We’regoingtotakethisslowandeasy.”

Theblazeofneedinhisdarkblueeyestookherbreath.Butshecouldtellhewasholdinghimself

incheck,makingsurethatshewasasreadyfortheirlovemakingashewas.

“Trustmetotakecareofyou?”heasked.
Shenoddedwithouthesitation.Atthatmoment,shetrustedhimmorethanshe’devertrusted

anyone.

Slowly,gently,hepressedforwardwithsuchcareshethoughtshe’ddiefromtheecstasyofit.

Whenhehadfilledhercompletelyshefelthimquiverinsideofherasheheldhimselfincheck.Her
heartswelledwithloveassherealizedCooper ’ssacrifice.

Heremainedperfectlystill,andsheinstinctivelyknewhewasgivinghertimetoadjusttohim,to

theexquisitestretchingofherbodybyhis.Hewasplacingherabovehisownneeds.Hewastaking
careofher.

Cuppinghisfacewithherhands,shesmiledupathim.“Loveme,Cooper.”
Agroanrumbledupfromdeepinhischestandheshudderedagainsther.“Darlin’,itwillbemy

pleasure.”Hepulledhishipsback,theneasedforward.“AndIgiveyoumywordit’llbeyours,too.”

HisrhythmicthrustscreatedaninnerstorminFaiththatrivaledtheweatheroutsideandshe

wrappedherarmsaroundhimtokeepfrombeinglost.Theheatspiralingthroughherburnedhigher
andbrighter,tighteningthefemininecoiluntilitcloudedhermindtoanythingbuttheloveshefeltfor
him.

Aflashoflightningmomentarilylittheroomandseemedtochargetheatmospherewithurgent

anticipation.TimestoodstillasCooper ’sbodybuiltthetempesttoacrescendoandshewasn’tsureif
thesoundinherearswasthethunderoutsideorthepoundingofherownheart.Asshegaveherself
uptothewhirlwindofherclimax,thehottideofpassionwashedoverheraswaveuponwaveof
fulfillmentsurgedthroughhersoul.

Momentslater,sheheardCoopergroandeeply,thenshudderasspasmsovertookhimandhe

releasedhisessencedeepwithinher.Whenhecollapsedontopofher,Faithtightenedherarms
aroundhim,revelinginthedifferencesbetweenhisbodyandhers,anchoringhimtoherashisown
stormsubsided.

Hisbreathingeasedandheleveredhimselfuponhiselbows.“Areyouallright?”heasked,

brushingastrandofhairfromhercheek.

“Ifeelincredible.”Sheclosedhereyesandstretched.“Thatwasthemostbeautifulexperienceof

mylife.”

“Mine,too.”Herolledtohissideandgatheredhertohim.“Thenexttime—”
“There’sgoingtobeanexttime?”sheasked,herbodytinglingtolifeatthepromiseinhisblue

gaze.

“Oh,yeah.”
“Andwhenwouldthatbe?”
Hechuckled.“JustassoonasIrecover,darlin’.”
“Andhowlongdoyouthinkthatwilltake,Mr.Adams?”
Hebrushedherlipswithhis.“Inaboutfiveseconds,Ms.Broderick.”
Wrappingherarmsaroundhisneck,shewaitedafewmoments,thengrinning,informedhim,

“Time’sup,cowboy.”

CooperrolledovertoputhisarmaroundFaith,buthemetemptyair.Heopenedhiseyestosee

whereshewas,butthebrightshaftofsunlightstreamingthroughthewindowsquicklyhadhim
squeezingthemshut.Cursing,hethrewbackthecovers,satupandswunghislegsoverthesideofthe
bed.

“Burningdaylightisnotthewaytogetthingsdonearoundhere,”hemutteredashereachedforhis

clothes.

Hestoppedsuddenlyandlistenedtothecountrymusicdriftinginfromtheotherpartofthehouse.

Hedidn’teventrytostopthesatisfiedgrinhewassuresplithisfacefromear-to-ear.Faithwas
playingoneoftheCDsthey’ddancedtothenightbefore—theonehe’dplayedjustbeforethey’d
madelove.

Thememoryoftheirlovemaking,ofhersupplebodytakinghimin,draininghimofeveryounce

ofenergyhepossessed,sentheatcoursingthroughhim.Theyhadcometogetherseveraltimesduring
thenightandstillheburnedforher.Heshookhishead.Howwashegoingtogetanyworkdone
aroundtheranchwhenallhewantedtodowastakeFaithinhisarmsandloveheruntiltheyboth
droppedfromexhaustion?

Heshookhishead.Hehadafeelinghecouldmakelovetoherfortherestofhislifeandstillnever

getenoughofher,neversatisfytheneedshecreatedinhim.

Takingadeepbreathheabandonedthattrainofthought.Hehadnothingtoofferherbutthe

promisehe’donedaymakeasuccessoftheranch.Andthatwasn’tenough.AwomanlikeFaith
deservedawholelotmorethanhecouldgiveher.

Butherefusedtodwellonthat.TheyhaduntilFlintandWhiskersshowedupandthat’swhat

Cooperintendedtoconcentrateon.

Lostinthoughtsofallthewaysheplannedtoloveherduringthefewshortdaystheyhadleft

together,hestoppedshortatthesoundofmalevoicescomingfromthekitchen.Damn!Flintand
Whiskershadarrivedearlierthantheyweresupposedto.Andalthoughthat’sexactlywhatCooper
hadwantedfourdaysago,itwasthelastthinghewantednow.

Takingadeepbreath,heslowlywalkedintothekitchentofindhisbrother-in-lawandWhiskers

sittingattheplywoodtablehavingcoffeewithFaith.Hewantednothingmorethantodrawbackand
punchthehelloutofbothofthem.WhentheylefttogobacktotheRockingMlaterintheday,they’d
betakingFaithwiththem,takingherawayfromhim.

“Wouldyoulikeacupofcoffee,Cooper?”Faithaskedwhensheglanceduptoseehimstandingin

thedoorway.Theglintofpanichedetectedinherexpressiveeyesrippedrightthroughhim.

“Thanks,”hesaid,nodding.Hedraggedacratefromthecornerandsatdown.Whensheplaceda

mugonthetableinfrontofhim,hesmiled.“Bytheway,Ijustfinishedputtingupthatrodinyour
bedroomcloset,”hesaid,hopingshe’dcatchon.

Whatwentonbetweenthetwoofthemwhentheywerealonewasnobody’sbusinessbuttheirown.

Hedidn’tgiveadamnabouthimselforwhatothersthoughtofhim.Buthewasdeterminedtoprotect
Faith,andifthatmeanttellingliesthesizeofTexas,he’dgladlydoit.

Lookingrelievedthathe’dfabricatedaplausibleexplanationforhisnotbeingpresenttogreet

WhiskersandFlint,shesmiled.“Thanks.NowIcanhangupsomeofmythings.”

“Whiskers,don’tyouhavesomethingtosaytoCooperandFaith?”Flintspokeup,hisexpression

determined.

Theoldmanclearedhisthroat.“Well,IreckonashowIdon’thaveawholelotofchoice.”
“Whiskers,”Flintwarned.
“Tarnation,Flint,letmedothismyownway,”Whiskersgrumbled.TurningtoFaith,hesaid,“I’m

mightysorryforstrandin’youherewithCoop.Idon’tknowwhatgotintome.Itwasameanthingto
doandIshouldnadoneit.”

CooperwatchedWhiskershanghisheadforeffectandalmostburstoutlaughing.He’dseen

Whiskersinactionbeforeandknewbeyondashadowofdoubtthattheoldmandidn’tmeanaword
ofwhathe’djustsaid.ItwasCooper ’sguessthatoncehissister,Jenna,hadgottenwindofthe
incident,she’dthreatenedtoturntheoldman’sroomattheRockingMranchhouseintoaplayroom
fortheboysifhedidn’tapologize.AndsinceWhiskersthoughtthesunroseandsetonJenna,Cooper
knewtheoldguywouldwalkbarefootacrosshotcoalsifthat’swhatittooktogetbackinhergood
graces.Healsonoticedthattheapologyhadn’tincludedhim.

“No,youshouldn’thavedonethattoeitherofus,Mr.Penn,”Faithagreed.“Butwhat’sdoneis

done.”ShepattedWhiskers’sarmreassuringly.“We’lljustforgetaboutitaslongasyoupromisenot
todoanythinglikethatagain.”

Whiskers’sheadpoppedupsofast,Cooperthoughthemighthavewrenchedhisneck.“Yougotmy

word,MissFaith,”hesaid,givingheratoothlessgrin.

CooperandFlintbothcoughedatthesametimetocovertheirlaughter.Itwasthebiggestloadof

bullthey’deverheardtheoldgeezerdishout.

“WhereareJennaandtheboys?”Cooperasked,oncehe’drecovered.
“Athome,”Flintsaid,risingtohisfeet.“TheboyscaughtcoldswhilewewereatDisneyworldand

Jenna’sgotsomekindofstomachflu.Shethoughtthewaytheweather ’sbeenwithalltherainit
wouldbebestiftheystayedhome.”

“Damn.IreallywantedFaithtomeetJenna,”Coopersaidwithoutthinking.
Assoonasthewordslefthislips,Coopercouldhavebittenhistongueintwo.FlintandWhiskers

bothknewhowcloseCooperwastohissister,andthatitwasextremelysignificantthathewantedher
tomeetFaith.

“We’dbettergetthosecattleunloadedandinthecorral,”hesaid,tocoverhisblunder.Hestoodup

andreachedforhishat,butitwasn’tonthepegwherehealwayshungitbeforehewenttobedat
night.

“Where’syourhat,Coop?”Whiskersasked,hiseyestwinklingmerrily.
“Ithinkyouleftitinthelivingroomlastnight,”Faithsaid,startingdownthehall.“I’llgetitfor

you.”

Assoonasshelefttheroom,Whiskerschuckled.“OnlyonereasonIknowofthatwouldkeepa

manfromhanginghishatonthepegbeforehegoestobedatnight.”

Coopergavebothmenahardstare.“Iwastired.”
Laughing,WhiskerspattedCooper ’sshoulderashepassedbyhimtogooutside.“Yeah,andI’m

stillayoungbuckwithpissandvinegarrunnin’throughmyveins.”

“Comeon,Whiskers,”Flintsaid,grinning.“Let’sgetstartedunloadingthetrailerbeforeyouget

bothofusintotrouble.”

ThedoorhadbarelyclosedbehindthemwhenFaithwalkedbackintotheroom.“Thankyou,”she

said,handingCooperhishat.“Iappreciatetheexcuseyougavethemfornotbeingaroundwhenthey
arrived.”

“HowlonghadtheybeenherebeforeIgotup?”heasked,jamminghishatontohishead.
“Aboutfiveminutes,”shesaid,lookingrelieved.
Reachingforher,hepulledhertohim.“Howdoyoufeelthismorning,darlin’?”
Shewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistandlaidherheadagainsthisshoulder.“Absolutely

wonderful.”

“I’mglad.”Hekissedthetopofherhead.“Ifeelprettydamnedgoodmyself.”
“Cooper?”
“What,darlin’?”
Faithhesitated.Inthepastfewdays,hehadn’tmentionedanythingaboutherstayingwithhimafter

WhiskersandFlintbroughtthecattle.Andshereallycouldn’tthinkofonegoodreasontoremainon
theTripleBar,otherthanshedidn’twanttoleavehim.

Sighing,shedecidedtherewasnogoodwaytobroachthesubject,norwasshewillingtorunthe

riskofhavinghimsaynoifsheaskedhimifhewantedhertostay.“You’dbettergetoutthereand
helpthemwiththecattlebeforetheycomelookingforyou,”shefinallysaid.

“There’sreallynothingforyoutodohereinthehouse,”hesaid,leaningbacktogiveheralook

thatallbutmeltedherbones.“Whydon’tyoucomeoutsideandseewhat’sgoingtopaythebills
aroundhereoneday?”

“Sure,”shesaid,heartenedthathewantedhertoseeapartofwhathewasworkingtobuild.
Whentheywalkedoutintotheyard,shesawalongstocktrailerfilledwithred,white-facedcattle

hookedtothebedofanextendedcabpickuptruck.ItwasbackeduptothecorralthatCooperand
Branthadrepaired,whileanothertruckwithashortertrailerconnectedtoitwasparkedcloseby.

“Coop,whereyouwantmetotiethehorses?”Whiskerscalled.
“I’vegotacoupleofstallsreadyinthebarn,”Cooperanswered.FaithwatchedhimhelpFlint

lowerthetailgateonthelongertrailer.“Puttheminthere.”

AsWhiskersledtwobeautifulreddishbrownhorsesintothebarn,astreamofaboutadozencows

andcalvestrottedoutofthetrailerandintotheenclosure.Standingbythefence,Faithwasfascinated
byCooper ’sefficiency.Itwaseasytoseehe’dworkedaroundlivestockallhislife.

“You’regoingtohavetroublewiththatone,”sheheardFlintsayashenoddedtowardacalf

standingbyitselfonthefarsideofthecorral.

“Why’sthat?”Cooperasked,closingthegate.Herestedhisforearmsonthetopofthefenceand

gazedatthecalfFlinthadindicated.

“Hermommagotstuckinthemuddownbythecreeklastnightandbythetimemymenfoundher

thismorning,itwastoolate.”Flintwalkedtothecabofhistruckandremovedabucketwithalong
nippleattachedtothesideandalargebagofsomekindofanimalfood.HandingittoCooper,he
added,“They’vebeentryingtogethertofeed,buthaven’thadmuchluck.”

“Itwasthatheiferthatdroppedhercalfoutofseason,”Cooperanswered.
Faithwasn’tsurehowhecouldtellwhichcowwasmissing.Tohertheyalllookedalike.Butthat

didn’tmatter.Asanideabegantotakeshape,shesteppeduptowherethetwomenstood.“Whatwill
youhavetodototakecareofher?”sheasked.

“I’llhavetomixupcalfformulaandfeedheronceeveryfewhours.”Coopershookhishead.

“Damn.Idon’thavetimetoberaisingabucketbabyrightnow.”

Shebitherlowerlipasshegatheredhercourage.Sheknewthatshe’dhavetoleaveinthenear

future,butnotyet.

Tryingnottosoundasifhisanswerwouldmeantheworldtoher,sheasked,“WouldithelpifI

stayedaroundforawhilelongerandtookcareofthecalfforyou?”

Nine

Suckinginasharpbreath,Cooper ’spulsetookoffatagallop.Faithhadawaytoescapethe

primitiveconditionsthey’dbeenforcedtoliveinthepastfewdays,butshewaswillingtostay?

“Areyousureyouwanttodothat?”heasked,hopingwithallhisheartthatwasexactlywhatshe

wanted.“It’sgoingtodemandalotofyourtime.”

Shesmiled.“Mydancecard’sprettycrowded,butIthinkIcanmakeroomforonelittleredcalf.”
Herreferencetodancingsentafairamountofadrenalinesurgingthroughhisveins.Shewas

lettinghimknowthatshewasstaying,notbecauseshewantedtocareforanorphanedcalf,but
becauseshewantedtobewithhim.Hefeltlikepickingherup,takingherinsidethehouseandmaking
lovetoherfortherestoftheday.

“Darlin’,you’vegotyourselfajob.”Grinning,hehandedherthefeedbucket.“Welcometo

motherhood.”

Forasplitsecond,hecouldhaveswornthatadeepsadnesscloudedhereyes,butitwasgoneas

quicklyasitappeared.“IthinkI’llnameherPenelope,”shesaid,turningtostareatthelittlecalf.

Hefrowned.“Penelope?”
“Don’tyoulikeit?”sheasked,herexpressionhopeful.
“It’snotthatIdon’tlikeit.It’sfine.”Heshrugged.“Butnormallyarancherdoesn’tnamehis

cattle.”

“Thatdoesn’tmatter,”shesaid,smiling.“Penelope’sspecial.She’snamedaftermygrandmother.”

Shelaughedandthesoundwaslikemusictohisears.“Theybothhavethesamecolorhair.”

Herenthusiasmandsweetsmilehadhimdecidingthatshecouldnameeveryanimalheownedif

shewantedtoandhe’dreadilygoalongwithit.“ThenPenelopeitis,”hesaid,smilingback.

“Howoldisshe?”
“Shewasbornaboutfiveweeksago,”heanswered.
Turningonhim,herstormyexpressionsurprisedhim.“She’sonlyamontholdandshe’sstillin

therewithallthosebigcows?Nowondershe’sstandingthereshivering.She’sjustababyandscared
todeath.Gogether.”

ItappearedFaithwastakingthismotheringthingprettyseriously.“WhereamIgoingtoputher

untilIgetanotherstallinthebarnready?”

“Idon’tcare,butshe’snotstayinginthere.”
WhiskerswalkedupandslappedCooperontheback,histoothlessgrinwide.“WhileIwasputtin’

thehorsesup,Inosedaround—”

“Whydoesn’tthatsurpriseme?”Cooperaskeddryly.
Snorting,theoldmanraisedhischinanotchandfinished,“Youcouldputherinthetackroom.”
CooperlookedoveratFlintforhelp.Butthesmirkonhisbrother-in-law’sfaceandhis

noncommittalshrugmadeCooperwanttopunchhim.

Resigned,heopenedthegateandmotionedforFlinttofollowhim.“YoutaketheleftsideandI’ll

taketheright.”

Innotime,theyhadthecalfcorneredandgatheringherintohisarms,CoopercarriedPenelopeout

ofthecorral.

“Willshebeallrightinthetackroombyherself?”Faithasked,soundinggenuinelyconcerned.She

reachedoutandgentlyranherhandalongthecalf’sredhide.

Cooperstaredatheramomentashewatchedhersoothethefrightenedanimalheheld.Faithwould

beawonderfulmothersomeday.Heonlywishedhecouldbethefatherofherbabies.

Apangofdeeplongingtightenedhischest.He’dalwaysplannedonhavingawifeandkidsoneday,

andshewasjustthetypeofwomanhe’dalwayswanted.Butthetimingwaslousy.Therewaswaytoo
muchtodotothisplace,toomanyrepairstobemade.

Hisstepsheavierthanthey’dbeenonlymomentsbefore,hewalkedtowardthebarn.Hecouldn’t

askFaithtosaddleherselfwithamanwhohadnothingtoofferherbuthardworkandatruckloadof
promises.Shedeservedbetterthanthat.Ahellofalotbetter.

SettlingPenelopeinthetackroom,hewentbackoutsideandfoundFlintandWhiskerspreparingto

climbintothecabofFlint’struck.“Iappreciateyourbringingthecattleandhorses.”GivingWhiskers
apointedlook,Cooperadded,“Andforreturningmytruck.”

“Youdon’thavetothankme.”TheoldgeezerhadtheaudacitytogiveCooperatoothlessgrinas

headded,“Ibeenthinkin’itallworkedoutrightfine.”

CooperknewWhiskerswasn’treferringtoreturningthetruckasmuchashewasabouttakingitin

thefirstplace.

“Ifyougettiredoftheprimitiveconditions,you’rebothmorethanwelcometostayattheRocking

M,”Flintoffered.

CooperglancedatFaithtocheckforherreactiontotheoffer,butanalmostimperceptibleshakeof

herheadquicklyhadhimgrinningandshakinghisownhead.“Thanks,butIdon’twanttowastethirty
minutesjustdrivingoverhere.It’stimeIcouldbegettingsomethingdone.”Heheldupthenewcell
phonebatteryFlinthadhandedhimearlier.“Besides,nowthatIcanmakecalls,I’llbeabletogetthe
powercompanyoutheretohookuptheelectricityassoonasIgetthehouserewired.”

Flintnoddedashegotintothetruck.“Ifyouchangeyourmind,youknowwhereweare.”
“DidyoumentionSundaydinner,likeJennasaid?”Whiskersasked,gettinginonthepassenger

side.

Flintsnappedhisfingers.“Damn,Ialmostforgot.Jennasaidtotellyoutobeoveratourplaceby

noonSunday.”

Coopergrinned.“We’llbethere.TelltheboysI’lltakethemonanothercritterhuntifthey’reover

theircoldsbythen.”

“I’lltellthem,”Flintsaid,hisgrinwide.“ButI’vegotbettersensethantotellJenna.”Startingthe

engine,heandWhiskerswavedastheydroveaway.

DrapinghisarmaroundFaith’sshoulders,Cooperwaiteduntilthetruckdisappearedfromsight

beforehepulledherintohisarms.“I’mgladyoudecidedtostay,”hesaid,brushinghismouthover
hers.

Shesmiledasshewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaist.“Penelopeneedsme.”
Hesmileddownather.“Isthecalftheonlyreasonyoudecidedtostay?”
“No.”
“What’stheotherreason?”
“Ihaven’tfinishedmyworkfortheday.”
“Work?”
Nodding,shesteppedfromhisarmsandstartedwalkingtowardthebarn.“AfterItakecareof

feedingPenelopeIhaveto—”Shestoppedtoglanceathimoverhershoulder,andgivinghimasmile
thatsenthisbloodpressureoutofsight,finished,“Makethebed.”

Faithstirredthewarmwaterintothepowderedcalfformula,thentesteditonherarmtoseeifit

wastoohot.Confidentthatthemilkwasjustright,sheeyedthegallonbucketwiththenippleonthe
side.Itwasn’tfull,butitstilllookedlikeanawfullylargeamountforonelittlecalf.

“Cooper,areyousurethisisn’ttoomuch?”shecalleddownthewidebarnaisle.
Pokinghisheadaroundthesideofthestallhewascleaning,heshrugged.“Flintsaidtheywere

havingtroublegettinghertoeat,butifshestartsnursinglikeshe’ssupposedto,it’llbeaboutright.”
Hewalkedtowardher.“Ialmostforgottotellyou,you’llhavetobecarefultobracethebucketwhen
youstarttofeedher.Youwon’tbeabletojustholditbythebail.”

“Why?”
Hegrinned.“Becauseshe’llbuttherheadagainstthebucketjustlikeshewouldagainsther

momma’sudderandyou’llwindupwithcalfformulaalloveryou.”

“Ouch,”Faithsaid,wincing.Shecouldjustimaginehowapoormothercowwouldfeel.“Whydo

calvesdothat?”

“Ithelpsgetthecow’smilkstarted,”heexplained.Heliftedthebucket.“Comeon,I’llshowyou

howtoholdittokeepherfromknockingitoutofyourhands.”

Hecarriedthebucketdowntothetackroomwherehe’dconfinedPenelope,thenshowedFaithhow

toholdthebuckettosteadyit.“She’sstillalittleskittishaboutpeople,”hesaid,walkingslowlyover
tothecornerwherethelittlecalfstoodshiveringnervously.

FaithheardhimmurmursoothingwordsashecaughtthecalfandguidedhertowhereFaithstood

holdingthepailofmilk.“Comeon,sweetheart,”shesaid,addingherencouragement.

ShewatchedCooperkneeldownandtakeholdofthenipple.Hesquirtedalittlemilktoward

Penelopeandassoonasitlandedonhernose,thecalfranhertongueouttolickitoff.

“That’sit,littleone.”Hesquirtedmoremilkontothecalf’snose.“You’rehungry,aren’tyou?”

Grinning,helookedupatFaith.“Onceshegetsthetasteandfiguresoutwhereitcamefrom,she
shouldhitthatbucketlikeadefensivetackletryingtobreakthroughtheline.”

IttookseveralsquirtsforPenelopetorealizewherethemilkcamefrom,butwhenshedid,she

tookthenippleintohermouthandbuttedthepailsohardFaithalmostdroppedit.“Youwereright
aboutherbuttingagainstit,”shesaid,laughing.“Willshedrinkallofthisatonetime?”

“Probably.”HestoodupandscratchedPenelope’sredbackwhileshenoisilysuckedonthenippled

bucket.“Ifthecowwasaround,she’dnursewhenevershewanted.Butnowthatyou’rehermomma,
she’llhavetogetusedtoaschedule.”

Faith’schesttightenedwhenhereferredtoherasPenelope’smother.Hehadnowayofknowing

howlongshe’dwantedtobeamother,howsheandErichadtriedtohaveababyforoverayearwith
noluck.ShestareddownatherbovinechargeandblinkedbacktearsbeforeCoopernoticed.Atleast
she’dgettomothersomething,evenifthebabyinquestionhadalongtailthatwiggledeverytimeshe
ate.

“Ifyoutwowillbeallright,I’llgofinishgettingherstallready,”Coopersaid.
“We’llbefine.”FaithwatchedthelevelofmilkinthebucketdescendasPenelopebuttedagainstit

andsuckednoisilyonthenipple.“Istherealotlefttodo?”

Heshookhishead.“Ijustneedtoputdownafreshbedofstraw.”
“Wheredidthestrawcomefrom?”Shehadn’tseenFlintorWhiskersunloadanythingbutthe

horsesandcattle.

“Whiskerswasn’tjokingwhenhesaidhe’dthoughtofeverything.”Cooperchuckled.“There’s

abouttwentybalesofstrawstackedinoneoftheotherstallsandabouttwoweekssupplyofhorseand
cattlefeedstoredinthefeedroom.”Hewalkedtothedoor.“WhenPenelopegetsfinishedeatinglet
meknowandI’llcarryherdowntohernewhome.”

Faithwatchedhimgo,thenlookeddownatthecalfhehadcoaxedintoeating.Cooperwasthemost

gentle,caringpersonshe’deverknown.Thepatiencehe’dshownasheworkedtohelpPenelope

learntofindnourishmentfromthebuckethadamazedher.Andifshehadanydoubtsabouther
feelingsforhim,they’djustbeenerased.

ShewascompletelyandhopelesslyinlovewithCooperAdams.
Faithbitherlowerliptostopitsnervoustrembling.Sheknewnothingcouldevercomeofa

relationshipwithCooper.Hedeservedtohaveafamilyandsherefusedtodeprivehimofit.Butshe
hadafewmoredaystostoreupalifetimeofmemories.Andthatwasexactlywhatsheintendedtodo.

Shejusthopedwhenthetimecameforhertoleavethatshewasabletogowithoutleavingher

entiresoulbehind.

Cooperhadjustfinishedspreadingstrawoverthedirtfloorofthestallwhenhefeltsomething

ticklethebackofhisneck.Reachingup,hebrushedhishandacrosshisnape.Whenhefeltthetickling
again,heturnedtofindFaithstandingbehindhimholdingastrawinherhand.

Hegrinned.“Oh,soyouwanttoplay,huh?”
“Howdoyouknowthatwasme?”sheaskedinnocentlyasshestartedbackingawayfromhim.“It

mighthavebeenaspiderthatspunhiswaydownfromoneoftherafters,tickledyourneck,then
climbedbackup.”

“Wasit?”
Laughing,shetookanotherstepbackward.“No,butitcouldhavebeen.”
Whensheturnedtorunfromthestall,hecaughtheraroundthewaistandpulledhertohim.“Have

youeverseenaticklingspider,darlin’?”

“No.”
“ThenIguessI’llhavetoshowyouone,”hesaid,runninghisfingersoverherribs.
Shegiggledandsquirmedtobreakfreeofhisgrasp.“Cooper—”
“What?”
“Stop…ticklingme.”
Herwigglingthrewthembothoffbalance,andmakingsureheheldhersothathetookthebruntof

thefall,theylandedinthesoftbedofstraw.Withhersprawledacrosshischest,theirlegstangled
together,hisbodyrespondedwithaspeedthatmadehimdizzy.Inamatterofsecondshewasfully
erect,hisveinspulsingwithneed.

Shemusthavenoticedthechangeinhisbodybecauseshestoppedlaughingtostaredownathim.

Hewatchedastheteasinglightinhereyesfadedandahungerthatmatchedhisownbegantoreplace
it.

“Faith?”
Shestareddownathimforseverallongseconds,thengivinghimaslow,sexysmilethatdamned

nearcausedhimtohaveaheartattack,shesaid,“Yourhatcameoffwhenwefell.”

Hehadn’tevennoticed.Seeingitlyingafewfeetaway,hesmiledbackather.“Soitdid.”
Sheranherfingerdownhisnose,thentracedhislips.“ShouldIgetitforyou?”Herfingerdipped

intohismouth.“Ordoyouwanttoleaveitwhereitisforawhile?”

Hisgrinfadedandhesuckedinsomuchair,hethoughthislungsmightexplodeashecaughtonto

hermeaning.Wasshereallyaskinghimifhewantedtomakelovehereinthebarn?

Heneededtomakesurehewasn’treadingthingswrong.“Well…”Hehadtostopandclearhis

throatinordertomakehisvocalchordswork.“Whatdoyouthink,darlin’?”

Sheappearedtogivethemattersomethought,thenleaningdown,whisperedinhisear,“Ithink

you’dbemorecomfortablewithyourhatoff,Cooper.”

Thesoundofhisnameonhervelvetvoice,thelookofhungerinherprettybrowneyesandthefeel

ofhersoftbodydrapedoverhis,sentashaftofdeepneedstraighttohisgroin.Atthatmoment,he
didn’tcareifheeverworehishatagain.

Cuppinghercheekswithhishands,hedrewherheaddowntohisandpressedhismouthtohers.

Hersoftnesscreatedawarmthinhischestthatspreadthroughouthisbodyandhemovedtodeepen
thekiss.ButFaithhadotherideas.

Whensheslippedhertongueinsidetostrokeandteasehis,theheatignitedintoaflamethat

threatenedtoconsumehim.Shewasarousinghiminwayshe’dneverbelievedpossibleandhehadto
shifttorelievethediscomforthisjeanssuddenlycausedhim.

Asherlipsmovedoverhis,herhandbusilyworkedatunsnappingthegrippersonhisshirt.Witha

popthatsoundedlikeacannongoingofftohisheightenedsenses,firstonesnap,thenanothergave
way.

Sheliftedherheadandthesmileshegavehimmadehimwonderwhatshehadplannednext.He

didn’thavetowaittofindout.Leaningover,shebeganpressingkissestohisnewlyexposedskin,and
witheachtouchofherlipsatinychargeofelectricityshotstraightuphisspine.Butwhenhertongue
dartedouttocirclehisflatnipple,hethoughthemightjustendupbeingelectrocutedfromthecurrent
coursingthroughhim.

“Darlin’,you’rekillingme.”
Herthroatylaughtersentashaftofdesirecoursingthrougheverycellinhisbody.“Youwantmeto

stop?”

Heswallowedhardinanefforttomoistenthecottoncoatinghisthroat.“Hellno!”
Smiling,sherosetoherkneesandreachedforhisbelt.“Areyousure?”
Whenhenodded,sheworkedtheleatherstrapthroughthemetalbuckle,theneasedthetabofhisfly

down.Herfingersbrushedagainstthecottonfabriccoveringhisarousalandhejerkedasifhe’dbeen
zappedbyacattleprod.

“Ican’tstandmuchmoreofthis,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.Unabletoliestillanylonger,hesat

up.“It’shightimeIevenedthescore.”

“Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”sheasked,hervoiceslidingoverhimlikeasensualpurr.
“This,”hesaid,pullinghersweatshirtoverherhead.Shewaswearingthelaceybrahe’dseen

throughherwetT-shirtthedayshe’darrivedontheTripleBar.Heranhisfingeralongtheedgeof
thecup.“Youknow,asgoodasyoulookinthis,Ilikeyoubetteroutofit.”

“Youdo?”
Henoddedandunhookedtheclosureatthevalleyofherbreasts.Pullingthestrapsfromher

shoulders,hetossedthescrapoflaceontopofhishat,thenfilledhishandswithher.

“Thiskindofbeautyshouldn’tbecoveredup,”hesaid,loweringhisheadtotakeonecoralnipple

intohismouth.Runninghistongueoverthetightpeak,hetastedher,thensuckedthetightbuduntil
shemoanedwithpleasure.“Doesthatfeelgood,darlin’?”

“Mmmm.”
“Wantmetostop?”
“No.”Shereachedouttotraceherfingersoverhisownpuckeredflesh.“Howdoesthatfeel?”
“Good.”Heclosedhiseyesasashudderranthelengthofhim.“Damnedgood.”Whenher

fingertipsskimmeddownhischestandbellytothewaistbandofhisbriefs,hiseyespoppedopen.
“Whatareyoudoingnow?”

Hersmilejustaboutturnedhimwrong-sideout.“Lastnightyouexploredmybody,nowit’smy

turntoexploreyours.”

Atherurging,herosetohisknees,hisheartpoundinglikeajackhammeragainsthisribs.“Darlin’,

there’ssomethingyoushouldknow.”

“What’sthat?”sheasked.
Hisbreathingfeltasifhe’dbeenrunningamarathonandhehadtoconcentratehardonwhathe

wastryingtotellher.“Atthisstageofthegame,Idon’tthinkIcanstandawholelotofexploration.”

“I’llkeepthatinmind.”
Faithheldhisgazewithhersassheliftedhishandstoplacethemonhershoulders,thenslowly

shovedhisjeansdowntohisknees.Hefeltherfingersslidebeneaththeelasticbandofhisbriefsand
theanticipationofhertouchhadhimgrittinghisteethforcontrol.Ittookeverythinghehadnottorip
bothoftheirclothesoffandendthesweettorture.Butwhenshegentlyeasedthecottonfabricover
hisarousal,pushedthemdowntohisthighs,thentookhimintohersoftwarmhands,hisheadfeltas
ifitmightcomerightoffhisshoulders.

Shetracedhislengthandmeasuredhisgirthwhileherpalmcuppedhim.Therushofdesirethat

coursedthroughhimmadehimdizzy.

Butwhenshestrokedhim,hetookherhandsinhisandshookhishead.“Darlin’,muchmoreofthat

andwe’llbothbesorry.”

Passioncoloredherporcelaincheeksaswithoutaword,shestoodupandremovedherjeansand

panties.Hecouldtellshewasasturnedonashewas.

Whensheonceagainkneltdowninfrontofhim,Cooperlaidbackagainstthestraw.Shestartedto

takeoffhisboots,buthewrappedhisarmsaroundheranddrewherontopofhim.Kissingher,helet
herknowhedidn’twanttowastetimedispensingwiththerestofhisclothes.

Sheseemedtounderstandasshestraddledhimandguidedhimtoher.Hewatchedherbodytake

himin,felthermeltaroundhim.Closinghiseyes,hestruggledtohangontowhatlittlecontrolhehad
left.

Everythinginhisbeingwasdemandingthathethrustwithinher,toracetowardwhatheknew

wouldbeasoul-shatteringclimax.Buttakingdeepevenbreaths,hewilledhisbodytoslowdown.He
refusedtocompletehissatisfactionunlesshewasassuredthatFaithachievedthesamedegreeof
pleasure.

Whensherockedagainsthim,heopenedhiseyestogazeupatthewomanwhoheldhimso

intimately.Shewasthemostbeautifulwomanintheworldandherbodycaressinghisasshemoved
wasquicklyshreddingeverygoodintentionhepossessed.

Graspingherhips,heheldonassherodehimtotheedgeofnoreturn.Theredhazeofpassion

surroundedhim,blindinghimtoanythingbuttheintensesensationsFaithwasdrawingfromhim.
Neverinhisentirelifehadhefeltanythingasoverwhelming.Shepossessedhimbodyandsoul.

Hermoanofpleasurecameamomentbeforehefeltherinnermusclesquiverthensqueezehimas

herbodyurgedhiscompletesurrendertohers.Hismusclescontractedashethrustintoheronefinal
time,andgroaning,hegavehimselfuptoherdemandsasheemptiedhisseeddeepinsideofher.

Inthatmoment,heknewwithoutadoubtthathe’dsurrenderedmorethanjusthisbodytoher.He’d

justgivenherallofhisheartandsoul.

Ten

SeatednexttoCooperashedrovethedistancebetweenhisranchandtheRockingM,Faithbecame

moreapprehensivewitheachpassingmile.Sheshouldhavemadeherexcusesandstayedbehindat
theTripleBarwhilehevisitedhissisterandherfamily.

Sheglancedoverathishandsomeprofileandherchesttightened.Herreluctancetoattendthe

gatheringhadnothingtodowithnotwantingtolearnmoreaboutthemansheloved,andeverything
todowithherself-preservation.

She’ddesperatelytriedtodenythepullbetweenthem,triednottofallinlovewithhim.ButCooper

hadmadeitimpossible.Hewaskind,considerateandthemostcaringmanshe’devermet.Howcould
shenotfallhopelesslyinlovewithhim?Orwanttoknoweverythingabouthim?

Butthedaywouldcomewhenshe’dhavetoleavetheTripleBarranch—leaveCooper—andthe

moredeeplyinvolvedshebecamewithhimandhisfamily,theharderitwouldbeforherwhenitwas
timetogo.Andtherewasnodoubtthatshe’dhavetoleave.

Cooperwantedthingsthatshecouldnevergivehim.Itwouldbeunfairtohimifshestayedandhe

gaveupthosedreamsforher.

“You’reawfullyquiet,”hesaid,reachingovertotakeherhandinhis.“Issomethingbothering

you?”

Sheshookherhead.“I’mjustalittletired,”shelied.
Hegrinnedandherinsidesfeltasiftheyturnedtomeltedbutter.“Ishouldn’thavekeptyouawake

solonglastnight.”

Hisreferencetotheirlovemakingcausedaflutterdeepinthepitofherstomach.“I’mnot

complaining,”shesaid,tryingnottosoundasbreathlessasshefelt.

“Good.”Hekissedthebackofherhand.“BecauseIintendtokeepyouuplatetonight,too.”
Herheartrateincreasedandtheflutteringinherstomachincreased.Sheneededtolightenthe

momentorshemightjustgointototalmeltdownrightthereinthecabofhistruck.

“You’reinsatiable,”shesaid,laughing.
“Whenitcomestoyou,Iam,”headmitted.Thelookinhiseyessearedherandshesuddenlyfelt

likefanningherself.

HesteeredthetruckoffthemainroadandastheypassedunderawroughtironsignwithRocking

Monit,shenoticedablackhorsegrazingcontentedlyintheneatlykeptpasturetotheirright.“That’s
abeautifulanimal,”shesaid,hopingtodistractCooper ’sattention.

“That’sJenna’sstallion,BlackSatin,”hesaid,slowingthetruckforhertotakeabetterlook.“A

fewyearsbackhewasthenationalreigninghorsechampion.”Helaughed.“Nowhe’sjustthewell-
keptboyfriendofabouttwenty-fivebroodmares.”

“Yoursisterraiseshorses?”
Henodded.“That’showsheandFlintmet.HeownedBlackSatinandhiredJennatotrainhim.But

sinceshe’stheonlypersonwhocandoanythingwithSatin,Flintgavehimtoherforawedding
present.”

“Yoursistersoundslikeshe’saveryaccomplishedhorsewoman.”
“Shesureis,”hesaid,soundingproud.Smilingheadded,“Youtwowillgetalonggreat.”
FaithcouldtellthatCooperwasclosetohissisterandthatitwasextremelyimportanttohimthat

shemeetthewoman.Herapprehensionincreased.Hewasn’tjusttakinghertoacasualfamily
gathering,hewastakinghertogethissister ’sstampofapproval.Herhandsgrewcoldandatight
knotbegantoforminherstomach.Shehadafeelingshewasinwayoverherhead.

“We’rehere,”Coopersaid,parkingthepickupbesideanSUVwiththeRockingMlogopaintedon

theside.

Lostinthought,Faithfailedtonoticetheirapproachtothebigtwo-storyranchhouse.“Theyhavea

beautifulhome,”shecommentedashehelpedherfromhistruck.

Hefrowned.“It’safarcryfromtheTripleBar,isn’tit?”
Sheknewhewascomparingthetwoplacesandfindinghissorelylacking.“OnedaytheTripleBar

willbejustasnice,ifnotnicerthanthisranch,”shesaid,touchinghischeek.“Justrememberthat.”

Heturnedhisheadtokissherpalm.“Thanks,darlin’.”
Beforeshecouldrespond,twolittleboysburstthroughthebackdoor,boundeddownthestepsand

racedacrosstheyardtogreetthem.

“UncleCooper,you’vegottohearwhatwedidinFlorida,”theolderonesaid.“Itwasawesome.”
“Yeah,awestrom,”thelittleonesaid,excitedly.HehurledhimselfatCooperandgiggled

delightedlywhenhisuncleswunghimupintohisarms.

“Faith,I’dlikeforyoutomeetmynephews.”Cooperruffledtheoldestone’stobaccobrownhair.

“ThisisRyan.He’seight.”

Ryanwipedhishandontheseatofhispants,thenstuckitoutforhertoshake.“Nicetomeetyou,

ma’am.”

“It’snicetomeetyou,too,Ryan.”Shesmiledassheshookhishand,marvelingathowmuchhe

lookedlikehisfather,Flint.

“AndthislittlebundleofenergyI’mholdingisDanny.He’sthree,”Coopersaid,shiftingthe

toddlertositonhisarm.

ShecouldseetheloveinCooper ’seyes,thepleasureofbeingwiththelittleboys.Hewouldbea

wonderful,lovingfatheroneday.

Danny’slittleblondheadbobbedupanddownwithexcitement.“UncleCoopa,IwenttoFrorida

andmadeasandcrastle.”

“Sandcastle,”Ryancorrected.
“That’swhatIsaid,”Dannyinsisted.“Sandcrastle.”
“Mostofthetimehetalksprettygoodforalittlekid,”RyanexplainedtoFaith.“Buthestillhas

troublewithsomewords.”

Thoroughlycharmedbybothchildren,Faithsmiled.“He’sluckytohaveabigbrotherlikeyouto

helphimout.”

“Ryan?Danny?”Aprettyblondhairedwomansteppedoutontothebackporch.SpottingCooper,

shegrinned.“Ishouldhaveknownyouwerethereasontheboysalmostknockedthedooroffits
hingestryingtogetoutside.”

Coopergrinned.“Heythere,littlesister.How’slifetreatingyouthesedays?”
“Mom’sbeenrealsick,”Ryansaid,lookingworried.
Descendingthesteps,shewalkedovertowheretheystood.“Remember,yourdadandIexplained

thistoyoutheothernight,”shesaidpatientlyassheputareassuringarmaroundthechild’s
shoulders.“It’sjustatemporarything.I’mgoingtobefine.”

“What’sup,sis?”Cooperasked,hisgrinimmediatelyturningtoconcern.“Flintmentionedyouhad

somekindofstomachthingwhenhewasoverattheTripleBartheotherday.”

Shenodded.“That’swhatIthought.Butitlookslikeit’sgoingtolastlongerthanjustafewdays.”

Hersmilewasradiant.“It’snothingthatanothersevenmonthswon’tcure.”

FaithwatchedCooper ’seasyexpressionreturn.“Really?”Whenshenodded,heputhisfreearm

aroundhershoulderstohugher.“Congratulations,sis.WillIbegettinganiecethistime?”

“That’swhatwe’rehopingfor.”TurningtoFaith,shesmiledapologetically.“I’msorry.We’re

beingrude.YoumustbeFaith.”ShepointedtowardCooper.“I’mJennaMcCray,thisbiglug’ssister.”

“I’mpleasedtomeetyou,”Faithsaid,nodding.Itwascompletelyridiculous,andshefeltashamed

ofherselfforfeelingthewayshedid,butshecouldn’tkeepatinytwingeofenvyfromrunning
throughherwhenshe’dlearnedofJenna’spregnancy.

“UncleCooper,arewegonnahuntforcritters?”Ryanasked,expectantly.
“Wannahuntkitters,”Dannyagreed,noddinghislittleblondhead.
“ItjustsohappensthatFaithfoundoneoveratmyhousetheotherdayandIcaughtitforyou

guys,”hesaid,settingDannyonhisfeet.

“Cooper,”Jennawarned.
“Don’tgogettingallriledup,sis,”hesaid,reachingintothebedofhistruck.“Ibuiltacageforit.”
Faithshudderedwhenshesawhimremovethecagecontainingthemouse.“That’sonelittle

creatureyoucanhavewithmyblessings.”

Jennalaughed.“Iseewefeelthesamewayaboutthesethings.”ToCoopershesaid,“You’llhaveto

findaplaceforitoutinthebarn.Undernocircumstancesisthatthingcominginsidethehouse.”

“But,Mom,”Ryanprotested.“He’sjustalittleguy.”
“Wittleguy,Mommy,”Dannychimedin.
“It’sthebarnornothing,”Jennasaidfirmly.Faithcouldn’thaveagreedmorewithher.Shehadn’t

wantedthelittlecritterinthesamehousewithhereither.

CooperhandedthesmallcagetoRyan.“Youheardyourmom,guys.We’llhavetofindaplacein

thebarn.”

JennahookedherarmthroughFaith’sandturnedtowardthehouse.“WhileCooperandtheboys

findaplaceforthemouse,whydon’twegoinsideandgetacquainted?I’vegotseveralstoriestotell
youaboutthatbrotherofmine.”

Faithsmiled.ShelikedCooper ’ssisterimmediatelyandcouldn’twaittohearwhatthewomanhad

tosayaboutthemanFaithloved.

Twohourslater,Coopersatatthebigdiningroomtablewatchinghissisterwhispersomethingto

Faith.Whateveritwas,bothwomenseemedtofinditquitehumorous.

Eventhoughhehadafeelingtheiramusementwasathisexpense,itpleasedhimnoendtoseethat

Faithandhissisterhadhititoff.“What’ssofunny?”heasked,grinningatthetwowomenwhomeant
themosttohim.

Faithgavehimasmilethatmadehimgladthetableclothcoveredhislap.“Nothingyou’dbe

interestedin,”shesaid,giggling.

“Nothingatall.”Jennaagreed.ShelaughedasshewipedDanny’shandsandface,thenliftedhim

outofhisboosterseat.

“Uh-oh,boy,”Whiskerssaid,scootinghischairawayfromthetable.“Whenwomenfolkpackup

likethatandstarttoteeheein’,youbetterwatchout.”Heshookhishead,hiseyestwinklingmerrily.
“Ryan,youandDannycomewithmeintothefamilyroomandwe’llturnonthefootballgame.”He
shotCooperatoothlessgrin.“Ihaveafeelin’whenyourunclefindsoutwhatyourmomma’stold
MissFaith,itain’tgonnaberealpurty.”

BothwomenlaughedasifWhiskershadhitthenailonthehead.
Cooperfrowned.“Ican’tthinkofanything—”
Flintchuckled.“Letthisbeyourfirstlessonaboutwomen,Coop.”Hereachedovertocover

Jenna’shandwithhiswhereitrestedonthetopofthetable.“Theyhavemindslikesteeltrapsand

neverforgetanything.”Hegrinned.“Andyoucanbetit’ssomethingyou’dratherforget.”

FaithandJennalaughedagain,makingthehaironthebackofCooper ’sneckstandstraightup.

SurelyJennawouldn’tmention…

“Youdidn’t,”hesaid,narrowinghiseyesonhissister.
Jenna’seyesdancedassheasked,“DoesFortWorthringabell,bigbrother?”
Heatcreptfrombeneathhiscollar,spreaduphisneckandburnedhischeeks.JennahadtoldFaith

aboutthetimehe’dbeenbuckedoff,thenlosthispantswhenthebullhookedahorninhishippocket
andrippedhisjeansdamnednearoffofhim.He’dleftthearenawithhisjeansinshredsandhadto
coverhisbuttwithhishatinordertokeepfromoffendinganyone’sdelicatesensibilities.

“OneoftheDallastelevisionstationsrantheclipontheireveningnews,”Jennasaid,laughing.

“Thenitwaspickedupbythenetwork.”

“Oh,no!”Faithwaslaughingsohardthatshehadtowipetearsfromhereyes.
Jennanodded.“ThefilmclipwaschosenasaPictureoftheWeekandbroadcastononeofthe

nationalnewsshows.”

WhenCoopergroaned,Flintthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.“Itoldyouitwouldbesomething

you’dliketoforget.”Herosetohisfeettostartclearingthetable.“Faceit,Coop.Thatlittlemoment
inthespotlightwillhauntyouuntilthedayyoudie.”

Hisfacestillfeelinglikeitwasonfire,Coopergladlyhelpedhisbrother-in-lawclearthetable.It

waseitherthatorstranglehissisterforsharingthemostembarrassingmomentofhislifewithFaith.

Afterthey’dcarriedtheplatesandservingbowlsintothekitchen,Cooperreturnedtothedining

roomwhileFlintwentintothefamilyroomtoseehowtheCowboysweredoingagainstthe49ers.

“Where’sFaith?”heaskedwhenhefoundJennasittingatthetablealone.
“RyanandDannywantedhertoseetheirturtle.”
“Good.”Hesatdowninthechairbesideher.“YouandIneedtotalk.”
“That’swhyI’mstillsittinghere,”Jennasaid,shiftingtofacehim.
Beforehehadachancetothinkaboutwhathewasgoingtosay,heblurted,“I’minlovewithher,

sis.”

“Icantell.”
Hegrinned.“Isitthatobvious?”
Smiling,shenodded.“Andshe’sinlovewithyou.”
WarmthspreadthroughouthisbodyatthethoughtthatFaithcaredasmuchforhimashedidfor

her.“Youthinkso?”

“Iknowso.”Jennawrappedherarmsaroundhisshoulderstogivehimahugehug.“I’mhappyfor

you,Cooper.She’sawonderfulpersonandI’mlookingforwardtohavingherforasister-in-law.It
lookslikeWhiskers’smeddlingworkedoutforthebest.”

Pullingawayfromher,Coopershookhishead.“I’mnotsosureitwillworkout.”
Jennalookedpuzzled.“Why?Youbothloveeachother.”
“Thisisn’tagoodtimerightnowformetobethinkingintermsofforever,”headmitted.“The

ranchisn’tevenclosetobeingwhatIwantittobe.”

“Sowhatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”sheasked,clearlypuzzled.
“Thinkaboutit,Jenna.Idon’thaveathingtoofferFaithrightnow.”Heshookhishead.“Hell,the

housedoesn’tevenhaveplumbing.”

“Andyouthinkshehasn’talreadynoticedthat?”hissisteraskeddryly.Herexpressionturned

serious.“Cooper,you’reforgettingsomethinghere.”

“What’sthat?”

“Faithhaslivedtherewithyouforthepastweekandahalf.Sheknowsexactlywhatneedstobe

donetotheranch.Andshe’sstillthere.”Placingherhandonhisshoulder,Jennasmiledasshestood
up.“Don’tyousee?Itdoesn’tmattertoher.Shelovesyouforyou,notforwhattheranchwillbeone
day.”

“ButIwantedto—”
Jennashookherhead.“Buildittogether,Cooper.Letherhelpyouanditwillbecomeherdream,

too.”

WhenJennawalkedintothekitchen,hethoughtaboutwhatshe’dsaid.Maybeshewasright.Faith

hadseentheranchatitsworstandhadturneddowntheopportunitytoleave,notonce,buttwice.

AndshebelievedinhimandhisabilitytoturntheTripleBararound.Ithadn’tbeenmorethana

coupleofhoursagothatshe’dtoldhimhisranchwouldbejustasniceifnotnicerthantheRocking
Moneday.

Hischesttightened.HelovedFaithmorethanlifeitselfandtherewasnodoubtinhismindthathe

wantedtospendtherestofhisdayswithher.Nowallhehadtodowasfindtheperfecttimetoaskher
tosharehislife,hisdream.

“Cooper,doyouthinkweshouldbegettingbacktotheTripleBar?”FaithaskedassheandJenna

walkedintothediningroomtogether.“Penelopewillbewantingtoeatbythetimewegetback.”

Leaningover,Jennakissedhischeek.“Youtakecare,bigbrother.”Theninasoftwhisper,added,

“SeewhatImean?Letherworkwithyouandtherealitywillbefarbetterthanthedreamcouldever
be.”

“Doyouneedmyhelp?”Cooperasked,settingthebucketofwarmwateronthebenchinthefeed

room.

Faithlaughedandshookherhead.“PenelopeandIhaveaveryeffectivesystemworkedout.Ihold

ontothebucketfordearlifeandshedrainsit.”Faithmeasuredouttheamountofformula,then
poureditintothenursingbucket.“Ifyouhavesomethingyouneedtodo,goahead.We’llbefine.”

“Thanks,”hesaid,brushingakissacrossherforehead.Hegaveherasmilethatcurledhertoes,

thenwithoutanotherword,heturnedanddisappearedthroughthedoorway.

Shestirredwaterintothepowderedmilkandwonderedwhatdemandedhisimmediateattentionthis

time.Therewasnotelling.Afterobservingtheworkheputintothedailycareandfeedingofthe
cattleandhorses,itcouldbeoneofadozendifferentchores.

Shrugging,shecarriedthenippledbuckettoPenelope’sstall.Shedidn’tmindthathewastoobusy

totalktoherwhileshefedthecalf.ItgavehertimetoreflectonherdayattheMcCrayranch.

Eventhoughshe’dbeenreluctanttomeetCooper ’sfamily,she’dreallyenjoyedgettingacquainted

withthem.She’dtoldherselftokeepherdistanceandnotformanyattachments—thatitwouldjust
makethingsthatmuchharderforherwhenthetimecameforhertogobacktoIllinois.Butthey’d
madeitimpossiblenottocareforthem.JennahadbeensoniceandfriendlythatFaithfeltlikethey’d
beenfriendsforyears.Andtheboysweresuchadorablelittleimps,shecouldn’thelpbutfallinlove
withthem.

Lostinthought,FaithalmostdroppedthebucketwhenPenelopebuttedagainstit.Lookingdown,

shewasamazedtoseethatthecalfhaddrunkalmostalloftheformula.

“Lookslikeshewasprettyhungry,”Coopersaid,walkingintothestall.
Faithglancedup.“Didyougetyourchoresdone?”
“Ifinishedthosebeforeweleftthismorning,”hesaid,smiling.
Shelookeddownatthebucket.“I’mfinishedfeedingPenelope.Didyouneedmyhelpwith

something?”

Henoddedandthesexygrinonhishandsomefacenearlymeltedherbones.Takingthebucket

fromher,hetookholdofherhand,ledheroutofthestall,thensecuredthedoortokeepPenelope
fromgettingout.“Ineedyoutocomewithme.”

“Wherearewegoing?”sheasked,laughing.
“You’llsee.”Theyremainedsilentastheywalkedthroughtheearlyeveningtwilighttothehouse,

butwhentheyreachedthebacksteps,hestoppedandsetthenursingbucketontheporch.“Closeyour
eyes,darlin’.”

“Why?”
Hisgrinmadeherheartskipabeat.“BecauseIwanttosurpriseyou.”
“Whatonearthhaveyougotupyoursleevethistime?”sheasked,breathlessly.Thelasttimehe’d

madearequestlikethis,she’dendeduplearningtodance.Herheartflutteredwhenshethoughtof
howthateveninghadended.

“Doyoutrustme,Faith?”heasked.Hislowvoicesentashiverupherspineandcausedherknees

towobble.

“YouknowIdo,”shesaidwithouthesitation.Itstillamazedherhoweasilyshe’dplacedhertrustin

him.Maybeithadbeentheintegrityinhisdeepblueeyes,orhisgentle,caringmanner.Shewasn’t
sure.ButsheknewbeyondashadowofdoubtthatCooperwouldneverdoanythingtohurtherinany
way.

“Thencloseyourseyes,darlin’.”
Whenshedidasherequested,hetookherhandandcarefullyguidedherupthestepsandintothe

house.Shecouldtelltheyweremovingbeyondthekitchenanddownthehall.

“Wherearewegoing?”sheaskedasheledherthroughthehouse.
Hecametoastop.“Righthere.”
“CanIopenmyeyes?”sheasked,laughing.
“Injustaminute.”
Sheheardhimmoveawayfromher,thenthesoundsoftheCDwithslowcountrysongs—theone

thatshe’dcometolove—floatedthroughtheair.“Cooper?”

“Openyoureyes,darlin’,”hesaid,frombesideher.
Thelivingroomwasonceagainilluminatedwithcandlesandthepackingcartonhe’dusedasa

tablethenightthey’ddancedhadbeensetfortwo.Aplatterofbite-sizecheesesquaressatinthe
middleofitandtwowinegobletswitharichredwinesatateachplace.

Turning,shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandkissedhim.“You’rethemostromanticman

I’veeverknown.”

Lookingalittleembarrassed,heshookhishead.“Nah,Ijustwantedtodosomethingalittlespecial

foryou.”

Shedidn’tthinkshecouldpossiblylovehimanymorethanshedidatthatmoment.Inalloftheir

four-yearmarriage,Erichadneverdoneanythingasthoughtful.

“HowdidyoubringallthisfromtheRockingMwithoutmyseeingit?”sheaskedasheseatedher

atthemakeshifttable.

Heshruggedandsatdownonthecratebesideher.“Jennaloanedmeacoolerandwhileyouwere

sayinggoodbyetoeveryone,Iloadeditintothebackofthetruck.”

“I’llhavetothankherthenexttimeIseeher,”shesaid,pickingupapieceofcheese.Something

wasdifferentabouthim,butshecouldn’tputafingeronwhatitwas.

Whensheheldthecheesetohismouth,hisgazecaughtandheldhersashetookitfromher,then

nibbledatherfingerswithhislips.Atinglingwarmthfilledherandendedallspeculation.

Hesmiled.“I’mtheonewhoshouldbethankingyouforeverythingyou’vedonearoundhere,

darlin’.”Hedrewherfingerintohismouthandgentlysuckedonitbeforelettingitgo.

“M-me?Ihaven’tdoneanythingbutget…inyourwaymostofthetime,”shesaid,reachingforher

winegoblet.Herhandtrembledandshehopedtakingasipofherwinewouldhelpsteadyhervoice.

“That’swhereyou’rewrong,Faith.”Heheldapieceofcheeseforhertosample,thentracedher

lipswithhisindexfinger.“You’veheldboards,workedtogetthehousecleanedupandtakenbetter
careofPenelopethanherownmommawouldhavedone.”

Howwasshesupposedtoconcentrateonchewingthecheesehe’dgivenherwhenhisfingertips

touchingherlipswerecausingallkindsofdelicioussensationstobeunleasheddeepinsideofher?

“I’ve…enjoyedhelpingout,”shesaid,breathlessly.
Hereachedforherhand,thenkissedthebackofit.“AndI’veenjoyedhavingyouherewithme.”
Hissmoothbaritoneandsexygrinonlyaddedtothewarmtinglinginthepitofherstomach.But

whenshegazedintohiseyes,herheartskippedseveralbeatsandsherealizedwhatwasdifferent
abouthim.Hisdesireforherwasthere,asithadbeenalmostfromthemomenttheymet.Butthistime
therewasalsoloveshininginthedarkbluedepths.

Herbreathcameoutinsoftlittlepuffs.“C-Cooper?”
Hetookthewineglassfromher,setitonthetable,thenstooduptogatherherintohisarms.Gazing

downather,heloweredhismouthtoherswithsuchtenderness,herkneesfailedtosupporther.

Saggingagainsthim,shegaveherselfuptohissoul-shatteringkissandforgotallaboutthereason

thelookofloveinhiseyesscaredhertodeath.OrthatthetimehadcomeforhertoleavetheTriple
BarRanch.

Eleven

CoopersteadiedFaith,thenwalkedovertoblowoutthecandles.Comingbacktostandinfrontof

her,heswungherupintohisarmsandheadedforthebedroom.

He’dintendedtoaskhertosharehisfuture,tostaywithhimandbecomehiswife.Butthemoment

he’dtakenherintohisarms,theneedtopossessher,toonceagainmakeherhis,hadbecometoo
greataforcetoresist.He’dneverinhislifewantedawomanmorethanhedidFaithatthatvery
moment.Therewouldbeplentyoftimetoaskhertomarryhimaftertheymadelove.

Enteringthebedroom,heplacedheronthebed.Hishandsshook,buthesomehowmanagedto

dispensewiththeirclothing,thenstretchedoutbesideherandgatheredherbackintohisarms.He
couldn’tgetenoughoftouchingher,offeelingherbodytremblewithneedforhim.

HewantedtotellFaithhowmuchhelovedher,butincapableofwords,heloweredhismouthto

hersandshowedherwhatwasinhisheart,whatwasburninginhissoul.Sheopenedforhimandthe
tentativetouchofhertonguetohiscreatedaflashfire,searingeverynerveinhisbody,brandinghim
ashers.

Thebloodracedthroughhisveinsandhispulsepoundedinhisearsasherhandsslidoverhischest

andflanks.Itwasasifsheweretryingtolearneverynuanceofhisbody,tryingtocommithimto
memory.

“Easy,darlin’,”hesaid,gentlypushingherbackonthemattress.“Ifwedon’tslowdown,I’mnot

goingtolastmuchlonger.”

Gazingdownintoherluminousbrowneyes,hesawaburningdesperationthathe’dneverseenin

thembefore.Hefleetinglywonderedwhyitfeltasifthiswouldbetheirfinaltimetogether,asifthey
weresayinggoodbye.Buthethrewofftheridiculousfeelingandconcentratedonbringingher
pleasure,showingherwithhisbodywhatmerewordscouldneverexpress.

Loweringhishead,hekissedhiswayfromhercollarbonedowntheslopeofherbreasttothetaut

peak.Hetookthecoralnippleintohismouth,teasing,tasting.Whensheshiveredwithpassion,he
gentlychafedherwetskinwiththepadofhisthumbashemovedtopayhomagetotheothertight
nub.

“Sosweet,”hemurmured,whenshemoanedandclutchedathishairwithherhands.
Pleasedthatsheenjoyedhisattention,hetrailedkissesdownherstomachtothetinyindentionat

herwaistandbeyond.Hisbodythrobbedwithneed,butheignoredit.ThiswasallforFaith,allabout
showingherhowmuchhelovedher.

Hesmoothedhishandsdownherhipsandlegs,thendrewthemupalongherinnerthighstothesoft

nestofcurlshidingherfemininesecrets.Nudgingherkneesapart,hemovedtolearnallofher,to
giveherpleasureinthemostselflesswayamancouldpossiblygivetoawoman.

“Cooper—”
Thesoundofhisnameonherpassion-filledvoiceencouragedhimandhecuppedherhipswithhis

handstosteadytheirrestlessmovements.Bendingdowntokissherinthemostintimateofways,he
continuedthesensualassaultuntilshecriedoutandshudderedwiththeecstasyofcompletion.

Movingtoherside,heheldhercloseandkissedherwitheveryemotionhehadcoursingthrough

him.Butinsteadoflyingpassivelyinhisarmsasherbodycooled,Faithreachedouttotouchhim,to
holdhiminherhandsandstrokehimwithatendernessthatmadehimdizzywithwanting.

Hergentlehandscaressinghim,testinghisstrength,washeavenandhellrolledintoone.Hewanted

nothingmorethantoburyhimselfdeepinsideofher,toclaimherashisown.Buthesensedherneed
toexpressherfeelingsforhim,toshowhimthesameattentionthathe’dshownher.

Asherlipsmovedoverhischestandbellyhispulsepoundedinhisearsandhehadtoforce

himselftobreathe.Butwhenshetookhimintohermouth,timestoodstillaswaveafterwaveof
desireflowedthroughhim.Heatandlightdancedbehindhistightlyclosedeyesandhisworld
narrowedtoonepurpose—completerelease.

“Darlin’,Ican’tstandanymoreofthis,”hesaid,liftingheruptohischest.
Takingdeepbreaths,hewilledhisbodytoslowdown,torelaxuntilhe’dgainedcontrolonce

again.Butthefeelofhersoftnesspressedtohim,thewarmthofherbreathonhisheatedskin,tested
himinwayshe’dneverimagined.

“Cooper,pleasemakelovetome,”shesaid,hervoicewrappingaroundhimlikeavelvetsheath.
Hemighthavebeenabletohangontowhatlittlescrapofsanityhehadlefthaditnotbeenforher

softlyspokenrequest.Butknowingthatshewantedhimasmuchashewantedhersnappedthelast
threadofhisrestraintandherolledhertoherback,thencoveredherbodywithhis.

Atthefirsttouchofhermoistheattohisinsistentarousal,heclenchedhisteethsohardhisjawfelt

asifitwouldbreakfromthepressure.Slowly,carefullyhepushedforwarduntilhelostsightof
whereheendedandshebegan.

Hermoanofpleasureandthefeelofhimselfburieddeepinsideofhercreatedasensualfogof

passionthatcloudedhisbraintoanythingbuttheactofbringingthemthesatisfactiontheyboth
craved.

Thrustingdeeply,thoroughly,hefeltherfemininemusclescontractaroundhim,holdinghim

tightlytoher,urginghimtoemptyhimselfdeepintoherwomb.Gratifiedbythesoundofherbroken
cries,hegroanedasthewhirlwindofsensationcaughthiminitsgraspandhegavehimselftothe
onlywomanhe’deverloved.

Severalmomentspassedbeforehefoundthestrengthtomovetoherside,thenpullhertohim.

Brushingastrandofhairfromhereyes,hisheartstalledatthemoisturehefeltonhersmoothcheek.

Ifhe’dhurtherinanywayhe’dneverbeabletoforgivehimself.“Faith?Darlin’,what’swrong?

Areyouallright?”

“Thatwasbeautiful,”shesaid,softly.
Herelaxed.Shewashavingoneofthoseemotionalfemalemomentsthatwomensometimeshad,

andthatamancouldn’tevenbegintounderstand.

Smiling,hekissedthetopofherhead.“Iloveyou,FaithBroderick.”
“AndIloveyou,CooperAdams,”shesaidpassionately.“Morethanyou’lleverknow.”
Hisheartsoared.Shelovedhim.Hefeltlikehecouldmoveamountainwithhisbarehands.
“Marryme,darlin’.Letmeloveyoutosleepeverynightandwakeupwithyoueverymorning.”He

raiseduptolookdownather.“Iwanttobethemanwhogivesyouyourbabies,Faith.AndIwantto
betherebyyoursidewhenyoubirththem.”

Tearsstreamedfromhereyesasshestaredupathim,thenthrowingherarmsaroundhisneck,she

huggedhimtightlytoher.“Oh,Cooper.”

Shehadn’tsaid“yes”exactly,buthetookheremotionalresponseandthefactthatshewasholding

himlikeshe’dneverlethimgoasagoodsign.Contentwiththeknowledgethatshelovedhim,and
confidentthatthey’dbegettingmarriedintheverynearfuture,herelaxedandfelttheexhaustion
fromtheirlovemakingovertakehim.

“Getsomerestnow,darlin’,”hesaid,cradlinghertohischest.Heyawned.“Wecanstartmaking

plansfirstthinginthemorning.”

Faith’stearscontinuedlongafterCooper ’sdeep,evenbreathingsignaledthathe’dfallenasleep.

She’dtriedsohardnottolovehim,triedtokeepherdistance.

ButasimpossibleasithadbeenforhernottofallinlovewithCooper,ithadbecomejustas

impossibleforhertostaywithhim.

She’dseenhiminteractwithhisnephewsandheardhimtalkabouthowmuchhelovedbeing

aroundkids.He’deventoldherhewantedalargefamily.Andifeveramandeservedbeingafather,
CooperAdamsdid.

Butwhathedidn’tdeservewasawifewhocouldn’tgivehimthosechildren.Andasdesperatelyas

shewantedtobehiswifeandhavehisbabies,tobepartofthefamilyhesodesired,shesimply
couldn’tdoit.Herbodyjustwasn’tcapable.

SheandErichadtriedforoverayeartobecomepregnant,butwithnosuccess.Atfirstshe’d

thoughtitmightbesomethingwithhim.Butwhensheconfidedherfearsinherbestfriend,Charlotte,
Faithhadlearnedthatitwasn’tEric’sproblematall.Itwashers.CharlottehadfalleninlovewithEric
andbecomepregnantwithhisbaby,andFaithhadnotonlybeenforcedtofacethebetrayalofher
husbandandbestfriend,she’dbeenconfrontedwiththedevastatingrealitythatshewasinfertile.
They’dbothapologized,butthatdidn’talterthefactthattheyhadeverythingshe’dalwayswanted,but
couldneverhave.

That’swhyshehadtoleaveCoopernow.Sheknewhimwellenoughtoknowthathe’dsayitwasn’t

important,thattheywouldhaveeachotherandthatwasallthatmattered.Butasmuchasshe’dliketo
ignorethefactsandstaywithhimfortherestofherlife,Cooperdeservedtohavehisdream,his
family.

Andshelovedhimenoughnottotakethatawayfromhim.
Shebitherlowerliptostifleasobandheldhimcloseforafewmomentslonger.Thenkissinghis

leancheekonelasttime,sheslippedfromhisembraceandgotoutofbed.

Gatheringherthings,shequicklygotdressedandcarriedherluggageouttohistruck.Forthefirst

timesinceherarrivalontheranch,shewasgladthatshehadn’thadaplacetoputherclothes.Living
outofasuitcasehadbeenextremelyinconvenient,butitsavedprecioustimethatshecouldn’tafford
towastenow.

Takinganotepadandapenfromherpurse,sheturnedonthedomelightandwithtearsblurring

hervision,sheexplainedonpaperwhatshedidn’thavethecouragetotellhimface-to-face.

Shewasn’tproudofwhatshewasdoing,butsheknewthatforbothoftheirsakes,leavingthisway

wastheonlyoption.Cooperwouldtrytotalkherintostaying,andlovinghimasshedid,she’dbe
powerlesstoresist.

Carefullyfoldingthepaper,shewrotehisnameontheoutside,thenplaceditonthebenchseat

besideher.Wipingthemoisturefromherface,shetookadeepbreathandstartedthetruck.Onceshe
reachedtheairportinAmarillo,she’dcallWhiskersandhavehimseeaboutgettingCooper ’struck
backtohim.

Hiseyesstillclosed,CooperrolledovertopullFaithintohisarms,toloveherawake.Butthebed

wasemptybesidehim,thesheetscold.

Heopenedoneeyeandgroaned.Abrightshaftofsunlightwasstreamingthroughthewindow.

Damn.He’doversleptagain.

Stretching,hethoughtaboutthechoresthatneededtobedone,thenshookhishead.Whathereally

wantedtodowasfindFaith,bringherbacktobedandmakelovetoherfortherestoftheday.

Hebrieflywonderedwhyshehadn’tawakenedhim.Theyhadalottodo.Notonlydidtheyhaveto

takecareoftheusualchores,theyhadaweddingtoplan.

Grinningatthethoughtofmakingherhiswife,heswunghislegsoverthesideofthebedand

reachingforhisclothes,froze.Thecorneroftheroomwherehe’dstackedhersuitcasesthedayafter
she’darrivedwasempty.

WherewasFaith’sluggage?
Apprehensiongnawedathisgutashequicklypulledonhisclothesandhurrieddownthehall.

“Faith?”

Theominoussilenceinthehousewasdeafening.
Whenheenteredthekitchen,helookedfortheCDplayer,herbook,anythingthatsaidshewasstill

there.

Hefoundnothing.
Throwingopenthebackdoor,hesteppedoutontotheporchjustashistruckdroveintotheyard.

ButinsteadofFaith,Whiskersgotoutofthecab.

“Whereisshe?”Cooperdemanded.Hedreadedtheanswer,buthehadtoknow.
Forthefirsttimesincehe’dknowntheoldman,Whiskersseemedatalossforwords.Hesimply

walkeduptotheporch,handedCooperafoldedpieceofpaper,thenshakinghishead,startedtoward
thebarn.

AsinkingfeelingtightenedCooper ’schestashenoticedhisnameontheoutside.Thehandwriting

wasawoman’s.IthadtobeFaith’s.

Hishandsshookasheopenedthenote,readit,thencarefullyrefoldeditandstuckitinhisshirt

pocket.Angerburnedathisgutandhehadadeepneedtoshouthisfrustration.

HecouldhaveunderstoodFaith’sleavinghimbecauseoftheconditionoftheranch,oroutoffear

thathecouldadequatelyprovideforher.Butforhertoabandonwhattheyhadtogetherbecauseshe
couldn’thavekidswasunacceptable.

“Damnfoolwoman.”
Didshehonestlythinkhewasthatshallow?Didshereallybelievethathewantedkidsmorethanhe

wantedher?

Hetookadeepbreath,thenanotherashiswordscamebacktohaunthim.Afterthey’dmadelove

lastnight,he’daskedhertomarryhim,thenimmediatelystartedtalkingaboutthemhavingafamily
together.

Heshookhisheadathisownstupidity.He’djustthesameastoldherthat’swhyhewantedtomarry

her.Butifshethoughthewasgoingtoletalittlethinglikehernotbeingabletohaveababystophim
frombeingwiththeonlywomanhe’deverloved,shewasinforabigsurprise.

Pullinghiscellphonefromtheholderonthesideofhisbelt,hepunchedinBrantWakefield’s

number.Afterhe’dexplainedwhatheneeded,Cooperendedthecall,thendescendedthestepsand
walkedouttothebarn.

“Whiskers,Ihaveajobforyou,”hesaidwhenhespottedtheoldmanstandingoutsideof

Penelope’sstall.

“What’sthat,boy?”Whiskersasked,histonecautious.
“Forthenexttwoweeks,Ineedyouheretocookmealsforaboutfivemen.”
“Thatsoundsfair’nuff,”Whiskerssaid,nodding.“Whatyougotplanned?”
“I’vegotapasturetofence,ahousetorewireandplumbingtoputin.”
Whiskerslookedshocked.“That’sit?Youain’tgonna—”
Whentheoldgeezer ’svoicetrailedoff,Cooperalmostlaughed.Hecouldtellthatcuriositywas

abouttokillWhiskers.Themancouldn’tfigureoutwhyCooperwasn’tmoreupsetaboutFaith’s
leaving.

Takingpityonhisoldfriend,Cooperexplained,“AfterIgetthisplaceinshape,Ihavealittletrip

totake.”

“Atrip?”Whiskers’sfacelitupbrighterthanaChristmastreefulloflights.“Andjestwhereyou

goin’,Coop?”

Coopergrinned.“IthoughtI’dtakearideuptoIllinoisandseeifIcouldn’tfindmyselfagood

womantosettledownwith.”

Whiskerslaughed.“Iwasbeginnin’towonder’boutyou,boy.”
“Idon’tgiveupthateasy,”Coopersaid,shakinghishead.Hesmiledatthemanwhosemeddling

hadhelpedhimfindthewomanofhisdreams.“IknowwhatIwant.AndI’mdamnedwellnotafraid
togoafterher.”

Twelve

“I’mwhat?!”
“Isaidyou’repregnant,Ms.Broderick.”
Faithstaredatthewomanintotaldisbelief.“That’snotpossible.Myex-husbandandItriedforover

ayearandwenevercouldgetpregnant.AndIknowhewasn’ttheonewiththeproblem.Heandhis
wifehaveachildnow.”

“Insomecasestheharderacoupletries,thelesssuccessfultheyare,”Dr.Sheltonsaid,smiling.

“Sometimesallittakesisforthemtorelaxandstopworryingaboutbecomingpregnant.”

Faiththoughtbackonhermarriage.OncesheandErichadmadethedecisiontotrytohaveababy,

he’dstartedkeepinggraphsandchartsofeverythingfromhertemperaturetothebesttimeofthe
monthforthemtomakelove.Andwitheachmonththeywereunsuccessful,itaddedmorestressand
tensiontotheirrelationship.

Thedoctorhandedheraprescriptionforprenatalvitaminsassherosetoleave.“Iwantyoutocut

outcaffeine,getplentyofrest,eatwell-balancedmealsandtakethese.”ShepattedFaith’sshoulder.
“Congratulations.I’msureoncetheshockwearsoff,you’llbeveryhappy.”

AsFaithgotdressed,athousanddifferentthingsranthroughhermind.Shewasgoingtohavea

baby.Unbelievable!

She’dattributedherfeelinglousyforthepastcoupleofweekstomissingCooper,andofsecond-

guessingherdecisiontoleavetheTripleBarrancheveryminuteofeverydaysinceshe’dcome
home.

Awarmhappinesssuffusedherwholebody.ShewaspregnantwithCooper ’sbaby.Shewantedto

shoutitfromtherooftops.

Walkingouttothecar,shestoppedinthemiddleoftheparkinglotasadisturbingthoughtintruded.

Whatifhewassoupsetwithherthatheneverwantedtoseeheragain?

Fearbegantotakehold.Ithadbeenovertwoweeksandshe’dheardnothingfromhim.Notaphone

call.Notaletter.Nothing.

Whatifhe’ddecidedshewasn’tthewomanhewantedafterall?Hadherjudgmentonceagain

provenfaulty?

Shetookadeepbreathandshovedherdoubtsaside.Shemayhavebeenwrongaboutmanythings

inherlifeandmisplacedhertrustinseveralpeople,butinherheart,sheknewshewasn’twrong
aboutCooper.

Inhernotetohim,she’daskedthathenottrytocontacther.Maybehehadjustbeenrespectingher

wishes.

Gettingintothedriver ’sseatofhergrandmother ’scar,shepulledthevisordownandgazedinto

thevanitymirror.Shedidn’tlookanydifferentthanshehadthismorningwhenshewasgettingready
forherdoctor ’sappointment.Butinthepastforty-fiveminutesherwholelifehadchanged.Forever.

Shewashavingababy.Cooper ’sbaby.
Forthefirsttimeintwoweeksshefeltabubbleofhopebegintorisewithinher.

CooperpulledtherentalcarawayfromtheWilliamsonCountyAirportand,followingamap,

easilyfoundthelittletownofCarterville.Hewasgladhe’dmadethedecisiontoflyinsteadofdrive
thenine-hundred-plusmilestoFaith’sgrandmother ’splace.Itwouldhavetakenhimmoretimethan
hewaswillingtowasteandbeenonemoredaywithoutFaithinhisarms.

Lessthanfiveminutesafterhedroveintotown,hewasstandingonthefrontporchofFaith’s

grandmother ’shome,knockingonthedoor.

Whenanolderladyansweredthedoor,hesmiled.“IsthiswhereFaithBrodericklives?”
HergazerakedhimfromthetopofhisResistoltothesolesofhisbootsbeforeshenodded.“You

mustbeCooperAdams.”

HopingitwasagoodsignthatFaithhadmentionedhimtohergrandmother,hissmileturnedtoa

grin.“Yes,ma’am.Isuream.”

“I’mFaith’sgrandmother,PenelopeHudson,”shesaid,shakinghishand.
“IsFaithhome,Mrs.Hudson?Ineedtodiscusssomethingswithher.”
Sheshookherhead.“I’msorry.Faithisgonerightnow,butsheshouldbebacksoon.”
“WouldyoumindifIwaitedforher,ma’am?It’sreallyimportantthatItalktoher.”
Thewomansmiledpleasantlyforthefirsttimesincehe’dknockedonthedoor.“Whydon’tyou

comeinandhaveacupofcoffee,son?It’llgiveusthechancetogetacquainted.”

“I’dlikethat,ma’am,”Coopersaidashesteppedthroughtheopeneddoor.“I’dlikethatalot.”

WhenFaithreturnedfromthedoctor ’soffice,acarshe’dneverseenbeforeblockedthedrive.She

fleetinglywonderedwhocouldbevisiting,butassheparkedhergrandmother ’sBuickalongthecurb
infrontofthehouse,sheforgotallaboutthevisitor ’sidentity.Shehadmoreimportantthingsonher
mind.

SheneededtocalltheairlinesandreserveaseatonthefirstavailableflighttoAmarillo.Then,

whileshepacked,she’dneedtodecideonwhatshewantedtosaytoCooperwhenshegotthere.

Mentallytickingoffthethingsshe’dneedtoaccomplishbeforesheleft,sheopenedthefrontdoor,

droppedthecarkeysontheantiquelibrarytableinthelivingroom,thenwalkedstraighttoher
bedroom.Sheheardvoicesandthesoundoflaughtercomingfromthekitchen,butshecouldn’ttell
whowastalkingorwhattheyweresaying.

Itdidn’tmatter.Shehadtoomuchonhermindtoworryaboutwhowasvisitingorwhattheywere

discussing.AtthemomentallshecouldthinkofwasgettingbacktoCooper,tryingtodecidewhatshe
wouldsaytohim,andhopingthathelovedherenoughtogivethemasecondchance.

Butfirstthingsfirst.Shehadtofindherdatebookwiththephonenumberoftheairlinesoshecould

bookherflight.Searchingherdeskandnightstand,herimpatiencemounted.Itwasnowheretobe
found.Wherecouldshehaveputit?

Maybeshe’dleftitinthelivingroom.Shehurrieddownthehalltosearchtheendtables.Noluck

there.

“Nana,haveyouseenmydatebook?”shecalledasshepulledoutthecouchcushionstoseeifithad

slippedbetweenthem.

“Isthiswhatyou’relookingfor?”arichbaritoneaskedfrombehindher.
Whirlingaround,Faithgasped.Shecouldn’tbelievehereyes.TherestoodCoopercasuallyleaning

oneshoulderagainstthedoorframe,hisarmscrossedoverhischest.Inonehandheheldher
datebook.

“When…didyougethere?”sheasked,feelingasifshemighthyperventilate.
Hecheckedhiswatch.“Abouthalfanhourago.”
Herheartthumpedagainstherribsandshetookadeepbreathinanefforttocalmherself.His

presencedominatedtheroom,andalthoughshe’dhaveneverbelieveditpossible,heseemedeven
moreoverwhelminglymasculinethaneverbefore.

“Faith,honey,I’mgoingtothelibrary,”hergrandmothersaid,breezingpastthemonherwayto

thedoor.“IjustrememberedthatIpromisedPhyllisthatIwouldhelphersortthroughsomebooks

forthebookfair.”TurningtoCooper,shesmiled.“There’splentyofcoffeeleftifyou’dlikeanother
cup.”

FaithwatchedNanascoopthecarkeysoffthesmalltablebythedoorandwalkout,leavingher

alonewithCooper.

Whatwasshegoingtosaytohim?
She’dthoughtshe’dhaveseveralhourstoplanwhatshewantedtotellhimfirst,toprepareherself

forseeinghimagain.Butwithhimstandingtherelookingsohandsome,soundeniablymale,she
couldbarelyrememberherownname.

“Icouldusemorecoffee,”hesaid,handingherthedatebook.Heturnedtogobackintothekitchen.

“Youwantsome?”

“No,thankyou,”shesaid,rememberingthedoctor ’swarningaboutcaffeine.Feelingcompletely

off-center,shetossedtheplannerontothecouchandfollowedhim.

Shewatchedhimwalktothecoffeemakeronthecounterbesidethesink.Pouringhimselfacup,he

leanedbackagainstthecounter,crossedhisfeetattheanklesandtookasip.“Youlooktired,darlin’.
Whydon’tyousitdown?”

Herkneesturnedtorubberandherheartskippedabeatathisuseofthefamiliarendearment.

Decidingitmightnotbeabadideatositdownbeforeshemeltedinapuddleathisbigbootedfeet,
shesankintoachairatthetable.

Notknowingwhattosay,sheasked,“HowisPenelope?”
Heshrugged.“She’sdoingprettywell,allthingsconsidered.”
Alarmed,Faithsatupstraight.“Whatdoyoumean?Hassomethinghappenedtoher?”
“No.”Heshookhishead,thenpinnedherwithhispiercingbluegaze.“She’sdoingfineifyoutake

intoconsiderationthatshe’sbeenabandonedtwice.”

“Twice?”
Nodding,hesethiscuponthecounter,thenwalkedovertostandinfrontofher.“Thefirsttime

couldn’tbehelped.Hermommagotstuckinthemudanddiedbeforeanyonefoundher.Butthe
secondtimewasanentirelydifferentstory.”

Faithgulped.“I…I’msorry.AtthetimeIdidn’tthinkhowitwouldaffectPenelope.”
Hepulledoutthechairacrossfromherandsatdown.“Therewerealotofthingsyoufailedto

thinkabout,darlin’.”

Leaningback,helookeddeceptivelyrelaxed.Butshecoulddetecttheunderlyingtensioninthetone

ofhisvoice,thetinylinesatthecornersofhiseyes.

“IdidwhatIthoughtwasbest,”shesaid,defensively.“IknowhowmuchyoulovechildrenandI

didn’twanttodepriveyouof—”

“Youdon’tknowsquat,”hesaid,cuttingherexplanationshort.“Wheredoyougetoffdecidingyou

knowwhat’sbestforme?Don’tyouthinkI’mcapableofmakingthosedecisionsformyself?”

Takenaback,shestammered,“Well…I…I—”
Sittingforward,hereachedacrossthetabletotakeherhandinhis.“WhatmakesyouthinkI’d

ratherhavechildrenthanhaveyou,Faith?”

Speechless,sheshookherhead.
Hissmilewassotenderittookherbreath.“Don’tyouknowthatyoucan’tmisswhatyou’venever

had?”Herubbedhisthumboverthebackofherhand,sendingashiverupherspine.“ButIhavehad
you.AndIcan’tlivewithoutyou,darlin’.”

“But—”Forthefirsttimesinceshe’dseenhim,thehopethathadformedearlierwhenshewas

leavingthedoctor ’sofficebegantogrow.

Heshookhishead.“No‘buts’aboutit.AslongasIhaveyou,itdoesn’tmattertomeifwecan’t

havekids.It’syouandyourlovethatIneed.Kidswouldhavebeenanextensionofthatlove,butit
wouldn’thavebeenthereasonforhowIfeelaboutyou.”Hesmiled.“Ifyou’dlike,somedaywecan
checkintoadoption.Orifwefeeltheneedfromtimetotimeforsomerealchaosinourlives,we’ll
borrowJennaandFlint’skidsforadayortwo.”

“There’ssomethingyouneedtoknow,Cooper.”
Shewatchedhisjawtightenandhiseyesnarrow.“Doyouloveme?”
“Yes,”shesaidwithoutamoment’shesitation.
“Thenthere’snotanotherdamnedthingthatmatters,darlin’,”hesaidfirmly.“IloveyouandIwant

youwithmefortherestofmylife.”Heliftedherhandtohismouthandbrushingherpalmwithhis
lips,added,“IcametotakeyoubacktotheTripleBarRanchwhereyoubelong.”

Tearssuddenlyfloodedhereyesandrandownhercheeksassheleftherchairandhurledherself

intohisarms.

Cooperwasn’tsurewhethertotakeheremotionaloutburstasagoodsignornot.Butatthe

momentshewasinhisarmsandthatwasallthatmattered.

Holdingherclosehestrokedherhairandmurmuredwhathehopedweresoothingwordsasher

emotionsrantheircourse.Whenhersobsquieted,heloweredhisheadtokissher,butleaningback,
sheshookherhead.

“You’rewrong,Cooper.”
“Youwon’tgobacktoTexaswithme?”Wasshereluctanttoreturnbecauseshethoughtlifeonthe

ranchwouldbeasprimitiveasithadbeentwoweeksago?“Ifyou’reworriedabouttheliving
conditions,youcanstop.Youwouldn’trecognizetheplacenow.ForthelasttwoweeksI’veworked
mybuttofftogetitintoshape.”

“Cooper,darling,I’mnotworriedaboutthat.”Thesmileshegavehimjustaboutknockedhissize

thirteensrightoffhisfeet.“There’ssomethingelsewehavetodiscuss,”shesaid,placingherhandon
hischeek.

“Whatdoyouwanttotalkabout?”heaskedhuskily.Thefeelofhersofthandtouchinghim,

caressinghim,sentashaftofdesirestraightthroughtohiscore.He’dlikenothingmorethantorip
theirclothesoffandprovetoherthattheybelongedtogether,toonceagainmakeherhis.

“SinceIleftTexas,circumstanceshavechanged.”
Fearjoltedhimoutofhissensualdaydream.“Youwanttofillmeinonwhat’sdifferent?”
Hewatchedhertakeadeepbreathbeforemeetinghiseyes.“ItoldyouthatI’dbeenmarried

before.”

“Yes,butwhathasthatgottodowith—”
Sheheldupherhand.“Letmeexplain.”
Ashenoddedthathewouldkeepquiet,thefearwithinhimintensified.Wasshetryingtotellhim

thatshehadreconciledwithherex-husband?

“WhenEricandIweremarried,wetriedforoverayeartogetpregnantwithnoluck.Thenjust

beforewewerescheduledtogoinfortesting,IconfidedinmybestfriendthatIthoughtEricmight
besterile.”Sheshookherhead.“That’swhenIfoundoutthatmyhusbandandbestfriendhadbeen
havinganaffairandhewasn’ttheonewiththefertilityproblem.”

“He’dgottenherpregnant?”IfCoopercouldhavegottenhishandsonthejerkatthatmoment,he

wouldhavecheerfullychokedhimforhurtingFaith.

Shenodded.“Ericsaidthathenevermeantforittohappen,butsinceithad,hewantedtomarry

CharlottesohecouldbewiththechildIobviouslycouldn’tgivehim.That’swhyIquitteaching.We

wereallteachersatthesameschool.Ijustcouldn’tfacebeingwiththemdayafterdayandnotthink
aboutwhattheyhadthatIcouldn’t.”

AngerburnedinCooper ’sgutatthebetrayalFaithhadsufferedatherhusbandandbestfriend’s

hands.Buthedidn’tunderstandwhatthathadtodowithcircumstanceschangingbetweenthem.“What
hasthatgottodowithus,darlin’?”

Sherosefromhislaptopacethefloor.Somethinghadherasnervousasapriestinaharem.
“SinceitwasclearthatIwastheonewiththefertilityproblem,Ididn’tseetheneedtokeepthe

appointmentforthetesting.”Shebitherlowerlip.“Atthatpointinmylife,Ijustcouldn’tfacehaving
adoctorconfirmwhatIalreadyknew.”

Henodded.“That’sunderstandable.”
Takingadeepbreath,sheturnedtofacehim.“ButIwaswrong,Cooper.”
Hisscalptingledandhesatupstraightinthechair.“Aboutwhat?”heasked,slowly.
Shelaughednervously.“ItseemsI’mnotonlycapableofbecomingpregnant,Iampregnant.”
Heleftthechairsofastitfelloverbackwardonthefloor.Cuppinghercheekswithhishands,he

tiltedherfaceuptomeethisgaze.“Darlin’,areyousure?”

“Yes.That’swhyIwasgonewhenyouarrived.Ihadadoctor ’sappointment.”
Groaning,Cooperpulledherintohisarmsandheldherclose.“Iloveyouwithallmyheartandit

wouldn’tmattertomeifyoucouldn’tgetpregnant.”Hetookadeepbreathasemotiontightenedhis
chest.“ButI’dbeadamnedliarifItoldyouIwasn’tthehappiestmanaliverightnow,justknowing
thatyou’recarryingmybaby.”

Herarmswrappedaroundhimlikeshe’dneverlethimgo,sheasked,“Doestheofferstillhold?”
“Theoffer?”Confused,heleanedbacktolookdownather.“Whatareyoutalkingabout,darlin’?”
“YouofferedtotakemebacktotheTripleBar,”shesaid,lookinghopeful.
“Nope.”
“No?”
Shakinghishead,hegrinned.“Itneverwasanoffer.Anoffercanbeturneddown,andIwasn’t

abouttogobacktoTexaswithoutyou.”Hekissedherwitheveryemotionhehadwellingupinsideof
him,thenliftinghishead,added,“Andwhenweboardthatplanetogohome,youcancountonit
beingashusbandandwife.”

“Yousoundrathersureofyourself,”shesaid,givinghimasmilethatmadehisbodyhardwith

wanting.

“Iamsure.”Hepressedhimselftoher,lettingherknowwhatshedidtohim,howmuchhewanted

her.“Darlin’,Ican’tpromiseyouI’llbewithyoufortherestofyourlife,butyoucancountonme
beingwithyoufortherestofmine.”

“I’mgoingtoholdyoutothat,cowboy.”Shekissedhimandhefeltlikehe’dbeengiventhemost

preciousgiftonearth.“Iloveyou,CooperAdams.”

“AndIloveyou,darlin’,”hesaid,swingingherupintohisarms.“That’ssomethingelseyoucan

countonfortherestofmylife.”

Epilogue

“WhereMommy?”Dustyasked,lookingaround.Heclutchedapinkbunnyinonearm,whilehe

restedhisotherarmonhisfather ’sshoulders.

“She’sinaroomupstairswithyournewbabysister,”Coopersaid,glancingathissonashecarried

himthroughthehospitallobby.

“BabyKadie,”Dustysaidseriously,noddinghislittleblondhead.
AnoverwhelmingsenseofloveandpridefilledCooper.Atalittleovertwoyearsold,Dustin

CooperAdamswastalkingbetterthanmostkidshisage.Ofcourse,asfarasCooperwasconcerned,
Dustywasjustaboutthesmartesttwo-year-oldthereeverwas.

“That’sright,yourbabysister ’snameisKatie,”Coopersaid,smiling.“Andwe’regoingtotake

herandMommyhomewithuslatertoday.”

DustysquirmedwherehesatonCooper ’sarm.“Walk,Daddy.Walk.”
Coopersethissononhisfeet,straightenedhislittlecowboyhat,thentookholdofhishandtokeep

himfromwanderingoff.“HangontoKatie’srabbit,”heremindedastheysteppedontotheelevator.

Afewmomentslater,CooperledDustydownthehallandintoFaith’sroom.Assoonashesawhis

mother,DustyworkedhishandfreefromCooper ’sandranovertowhereshesatinachairholding
thebaby.

“Mommy!”Heheldoutthepinkrabbit.“DisKadie’s.”
“Oh,I’msureshe’llloveit,sweetie,”Faithsaid,puttingherarmaroundhersontohughimtoher

side.“I’msogladtoseeyou.”

Leaningdown,Coopertenderlykissedhiswife.“How’sthetwoprettiestgirlsinthePanhandle?”
Faithsmiledupathim.“We’redoingjustfine.Andhowdidmyboysmanageontheirownlast

nightandthismorning?”

“Wedidprettygood.”Coopersmileddownatthemostbeautifulwomanhe’deverknown.

Althoughhe’dhaveneverbelieveditpossibletolovehermorethanhehadthreeyearsago,itdidn’t
evencomeclosetothewayhefeltforhertoday.“DustyhelpedmefeedPenelopeandhernewcalf
thismorning,didn’tyou,son?”

Dustynodded.“Penpeeeatlots.”
Sensingthathissonneededtimewithhismother,Coopertookthebaby,thencradlingKatieinone

arm,liftedDustyontoFaith’slap.AsDustytoldhismotherallabouthisadventures,Coopersatdown
onthesideofthebedtogetbetteracquaintedwithhisnewdaughter.

KatieJoAdamswasthemostbeautifullittlegirlhe’deverseen,andwhenshegotoldershe’dhave

theboyslinedupformilesjusttoseehersmile.Cooper ’sgutburnedatthethought.Nowhe
understoodwhyhisbrother-in-law,Flint,wassoprotectiveofhisandJenna’slittlegirl,Molly.

“ItlookslikeKatieisgoingtobeadaddy’sgirl,”Faithsaidsoftlyassheheldhersleepingson

againstherbreast.

“Youthinkso?”Cooperasked,grinning.
Nodding,Faithsmiledatthemanshelovedwithallherheart.Shecouldn’tbelievehowfullherlife

hadbecomesincethatdaythreeyearsagowhenshe’dfoundherselfstrandedwiththesexiestman
she’deverseen.

“Thankyou,Cooper.”
Helookedconfused.“WhatdidIdo?”
“You’vegivenmesomuch.”Sheglanceddownatherson,thenathernewdaughter.“You’vegiven

meyourloveandtwobeautifulchildren.”Shegrinned.“Andinacoupleofyearsyoucangiveme

anotherone.”

“Darlin’,you’vejusthadababyandyou’retalkingaboutwantinganotherone?”heasked,

soundingincredulous.

Shenodded.“Ithinkanothersonanddaughterwouldbenice.”
“Fourkids,”hesaid,seemingtomullitover.Helookeddownatthebaby,thenbackatFaith,his

handsomefacetroubled.“Ifyoudon’tmind,IthinkI’dratherhavetwomoreboys.”

“Why?”He’dbeeninsistentfromthetimetheyfoundoutshewaspregnantwithKatiethatitwould

beagirl.

Hegrimaced.“I’mgettinganulcerjustthinkingaboutsomepimply-facedkidwantingtotakeKatie

outonadatewhenshegetsolder.Idon’tknowifIcanhandleworryingabouttwodaughters.”

“You’lldofine,”Faithassuredhim.“Sowe’reinagreementthen?Twomorechildren?”
“Darlin’,youcancountonmetogiveyouasmanybabiesasyouwant,”hesaid,hisgrinwide.
Happierthanshe’deverbeeninherentirelife,Faithsmiledatherhusband.“Iloveyou,Cooper.”
“Iloveyou,too,darlin’.”Theemotionshesawinhiseyestookherbreath.“That’ssomethingyou

canalwayscounton.”

ISBN:978-1-4268-1062-6
Copyright©2007HarlequinBooksS.A.
Thepublisheracknowledgesthecopyrightholdersoftheindividualworksasfollows:
KillerCowboyCharm

Copyright©2004VickiLewisThompson

CourtMe,Cowboy

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TheRancherTakesAFamily

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TheLastCowboy

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EveryInchACowboy

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CowboyBoss

Copyright©2002KathieDeNosky

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