A Match Made In Texas

by

Anne Marie Novark

***

KINDLE EDITION

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Book Three: The Diamondback Ranch Series

When Austin McCade’s wife dies, a vital part of him dies, too. The sexy single dad devotes
himself to his motherless daughter and his work on the Diamondback Ranch. For twelve years, he
ignores life and women . . . until a new pretty schoolteacher moves to town.

From the moment Theresa Rogers arrives in Salt Fork, Texas, people warn her about the lonely
widower. He’s a hopeless case, a lost cause. But Theresa sees beneath the crusty exterior of the
man to the deep emotions and his enduring loyalty. Can she pierce the impenetrable wall
surrounding his broken heart? Will she be able to vanquish the ghost who keeps him from loving
again?

***

A Match Made In Texas

Copyright © 2011 by Anne Marie Novark

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner
whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of
brief quotations in critical articles or reviews. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

***

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product
of the author's imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons
living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.

***

Dedication

To Judy, Angele, Aunt Louise, Julie and Belinda.

Thanks for the continued support and encouragement.

***

PROLOGUE

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Kelsey McCade watched as her Uncle Dallas kissed his new bride. She let out a big sigh and tried
to be happy. Hey, it wasn't everyday you got another aunt. She liked her new Aunt Gillian, just like
she adored Aunt Jessie. Her Uncle Cameron had married Aunt Jessie last year. And Aunt Tori was
cool, but she was away at college.

Kelsey sighed again and glanced around the church. Aunts were nice, but what she really wanted
was a mother. It wasn't fair that hers had died in childbirth and she never got the chance to know her.

Looking at the bridal party, Kelsey caught her Uncle Tyler's eye. He winked, and she grinned back.
Uncle Tyler was her favorite uncle. He was good-looking and fun to be with. He stood next to her
dad, who looked extremely uncomfortable in his black tuxedo.

Kelsey thought her dad looked very handsome. He also looked sad. He always looked sad. That was
another reason she wanted a mother. Her dad needed a wife. Someone to love him and take care of
him.

At the ripe age of twelve, Kelsey knew she wouldn't always be there for her father. Soon, she would
be in high school. Then she would go away to college. She didn't want her dad to be alone. Oh sure,
Grams would take care of him. And Grams certainly loved her dad. But it wasn't the same.

Her dad had been sad and lonely for a long time. Kelsey knew he had loved her mother desperately.
They had been high school sweethearts. They had married while still in college because they couldn't
wait to start their life together. After graduation, they came back to the Diamondback Ranch, built a
house on the north farm, and should have lived happily ever after.

But they only had one happy year together. Her mother had died while giving birth to Kelsey. And
Dad had never been the same after that.

Kelsey tried not to feel guilty about causing her mother's death. Dad said it wasn't her fault.
Sometimes, things like that just happened, he said. She wished with all her heart, she could do
something to make up for it all. She wanted to do something to make her dad happy again. That was
the main reason she wanted a new mother. For her dad.

Kelsey was also a little selfish and wanted a mother for herself. All the girls at school had mothers.
Some of the time, they pretended not to like them. But Kelsey noticed how special the relationships
were. How the girls could always talk to their mothers about stuff. Girl stuff.

Now that she was getting older, Kelsey wanted and needed a mother. Dad was a great father. A good
friend, as well. But he was a man. And Grams was a dear, but she was getting old.

Kelsey realized there would be advantages and disadvantages to having another woman in the house.

First of all, she would have to share her father. But surely the advantages would outweigh the
disadvantages. Best of all, Kelsey already had someone picked out. Someone, she liked and admired.

The trouble would be getting her dad to cooperate. The few times Kelsey had managed to throw the
couple together, her dad had acted like a total jerk. There was no other way to describe it.

Grams always said her sons were stubborn as mules. And Kelsey's dad was the most stubborn of
them all.

Watching her Uncle Dallas and Aunt Gillian walk down the aisle after the ceremony, Kelsey figured
it was time for action. If she didn't do something soon, her dad would be sad and lonely for the rest of
his life. And that was something Kelsey was determined to prevent.

CHAPTER ONE

Austin McCade sat in his daughter's classroom, waiting for the teacher to arrive. He squirmed in the
small seat, his long legs cramped beneath the desk. Glancing at his watch, then toward the large clock
on the wall, he drummed his fingers on the smooth surface of the desk. He was a busy man. He had a
farm to run. Land to cultivate. Crops to rotate.

What in the world was Kelsey up to? His daughter was an excellent student. She always received
high marks on all of her papers and report cards. She behaved in school. Well, most of the time
anyway. She got along with the other kids as far as he knew. He was proud of his baby girl.

Austin took a deep breath. He didn't like to admit it to himself, but Kelsey wasn't a baby any longer.
Hadn't been for a long time. It didn't seem like twelve years had passed since she was born. Twelve
years since Deborah had died and left him alone with their child.

Ignoring the faint wash of anger and pain at that thought, Austin ran his fingers through his hair. He
glanced at the clock again. If Kelsey's teacher didn't come soon, he was out of here.

Looking around the room, he noted that the building hadn't changed much since he had attended
school. Still the same white walls, green doors, and tile floors. The desks looked new and the
computers certainly hadn't been there in his days as a student.

The door opened. Austin's attention turned to the woman entering the classroom. He stood and
watched her walk toward him. Miss Theresa Rogers was another reason he was so edgy this
afternoon. She had been Kelsey's teacher a couple of years ago. He had had some contact with her
then. She always made him edgy. He didn't like it.

"I'm sorry I've kept you waiting," she said with an apologetic smile.

"No problem." Austin tried not to stare. She was wearing a light blue dress that showed her legs to
advantage. Long, gorgeous legs. He swallowed hard, waiting until she sat down, before resuming his
seat.

Miss Rogers arranged a stack of papers on her desk. She bit her bottom lip, before folding her hands
and clearing her throat. "Thank you for coming on such short notice." She cleared her throat again.

Austin realized she was stalling for time. Anxiety crept up his spine. Was Kelsey having trouble in
one of her classes? Had she done something really bad?

Wouldn't he know if something was really wrong? He and his daughter had a good relationship.
Except some days were busy. Chaotic, as a matter of fact. Sometimes, they saw each other only in
passing. Not really talking. Barely interacting. On the other hand, on the days she had soccer practice
they had some time together. He drove her to practice and usually made a point to stay and watch.

Had he been neglecting Kelsey? Was she in trouble?

"Look," Austin said, "give it to me straight. What's wrong with Kelsey? You didn't say much over the
phone."

"I didn't want to discuss this over the phone," Miss Rogers said. "You know I enjoyed having Kelsey
in the fourth grade. And I'm really happy to have a chance to teach her again in the sixth. This is a
good class; a great group of students. It's interesting to see how the children have grown and
developed."

"I'm sure you didn't call this meeting to tell me how thrilled you are with your new teaching
assignment. What's going on, Miss Rogers?" Austin asked. He was having a hard time concentrating
on the subject at hand. Theresa Rogers was too attractive for his piece of mind. No teacher had a right
to be that pretty. The teachers certainly hadn't looked like her when he'd been in school.

"Please, call me Theresa. We've known each other for two years now." She smiled a kilowatt smile.

"I'd prefer to keep this on a professional level, Miss Rogers. Now, what has Kelsey done?"

He knew he was being abrupt, almost rude. That was probably because he was almost tempted to
accept her invitation for a friendlier relationship. Almost, but not quite. Fact was, he didn't do
relationships. As attracted as he was to the woman sitting across from him, he still didn't want any
kind of involvement.

So he tried to ignore the way her smooth creamy skin, with a hint of color on the high cheekbones,
beckoned his touch. Tried to ignore those expressive green eyes and the small upturned nose set in the
oval-shaped face. The chin-length hair, the color of mahogany, flipping at the ends. He ignored the
urge to run his fingers through the silky tresses, untucking it from behind her ears. And most of all, he
tried to ignore her made-for-kissing lips.

Yes, he was tempted. A man had physical needs that couldn't be completely repressed, no matter
how hard he tried.

Austin watched the kilowatt smile flicker, then fade. He told himself it didn't matter.

"All right, Mr. McCade," she said, lifting her chin. "If that's what you prefer. I called you because
I'm deeply concerned about Kelsey. Her behavior has taken a one hundred and eighty degree swing
from two years ago. I know we've only been in school a few weeks, but Kelsey seems different. Is
there something going on at home I need to know about?"

Austin stared into the dark green eyes. Bewitching eyes. Mesmerizing eyes. He refused to submit to
their power. He was here because of his daughter. He shouldn't even be thinking about her teacher in
any other capacity.

He dragged his attention away from her eyes. "Nothing out of the ordinary is happening at home," he
said. "I don't understand what you mean. Has Kelsey been getting into trouble? I haven't received any
conduct notices or anything."

"We don't send conduct notes home in junior high," she said, moistening her lips with her tongue.
"Although, I have sent a couple of messages home. She obviously hasn't given them to you. That's why
I called this meeting today."

Austin nearly groaned out loud at the sight of that pink tongue. The woman was driving him crazy,
and she didn't even know it. "What has Kelsey been doing? She hasn't acted any differently at home.
Except for developing a certain attitude. I thought that was normal behavior for a pre-teen."

Miss Rogers smiled. "Yes, that's normal. And junior high can be difficult for some kids. Kelsey's
behavior could be the result of new pressures, social situations, or maybe it's hormones. They start to
run rampant at this age."

"So, what exactly has she done?" Austin tried to find a more comfortable position in the tiny chair.
His legs were going to sleep from the cramped conditions, and he was growing hard from the close
proximity of the woman in front of him. Hormones could run rampant at any age, he thought, clenching
his jaw in painful frustration.

"Kelsey is a good girl. An excellent student," said Miss Rogers. "It's just little things, really. Like
talking in class, not raising her hand before being called on, ignoring me when I'm speaking . . .
passing notes." She picked up a crumpled piece of paper from her desk and handed it to him.

Austin's fingers brushed hers as he reached for the note. An electric current jolted up his arm. He
ignored it, just as he ignored the flash of awareness in the green eyes.

Looking at the note, he recognized Kelsey's large flowing handwriting and began to read. He
frowned at the message. It was written to Amelia Jackson, one of Kelsey's best friends:

Dear Amelia,

I've put stage one of my plan into action.

I think it's working so far. She'll call

Dad soon, I'm sure of it. Keep wishing me luck.

Your friend,

Kelsey

Austin read the note twice, trying to make sense of his daughter's words. What the hell was Kelsey
doing? He inhaled deeply. Once again, he wished for Deborah's presence. It wasn't easy raising a
daughter alone. He couldn't begin to fathom a female's mind. Especially a twelve-year-old female.

Glancing up from the creased paper, he found Miss Rogers looking at him. Compassion and
understanding glimmered in her eyes. Something else was there, too.

He stood abruptly. "I don't know what this means. I'll talk to Kelsey as soon as I get home. Thanks
for bringing it to my attention. I'll make sure she won't disrupt your class again." He crammed his
Stetson on his head and made for the door.

Theresa Rogers shook her head as she watched the man practically bolt from her classroom. She
started gathering her things to go home. Austin McCade was certainly an enigma. He had caught her
eye when she first moved to Salt Fork two years ago. She had seen him at church, around town, and of
course, at parent-teacher conferences. It hadn't taken long to learn his story. Not from him, naturally.
He rarely talked to her. But there had been plenty of people to tell her all about him.

Sarah Sue at the cafe said Austin's heart completely shattered when his young wife died in
childbirth. And because Theresa was new to town, Sarah Sue had thought she ought to warn her to
steer clear of the handsome widower. True, there weren't a lot of available men in and around Salt
Fork, Texas. But falling for Austin McCade was a sure fire way to disaster. He just plain wasn't going
to marry again.

Theresa erased the chalkboard and straightened the desks, picking up stray pencils and bits of paper
from the floor. She had a feeling Sarah Sue's warning had come too late. She was already headed for
that sure-fire disaster.

Theresa was twenty-eight years old and had never been in love. School had kept her busy. She had
focused all of her energy and attention on getting her teaching degree. And the hectic early years of
her teaching career had kept her from even thinking about men, let alone getting involved with one.

What she felt for Austin McCade could only lead to love, she was sure of it. At least, on her part.
She didn't know what he felt. Or maybe, she did. Maybe it was only lust on his part. She knew he
wasn't totally immune to her, and he was making a good attempt at ignoring everything.

The sexual attraction between them was strong. She had felt its pull during their conference a few
minutes ago. She'd felt it before. Every time she was near him, the sparks practically crackled and
hissed.

Last summer at the Founder's Day Jubilee, Kelsey McCade had begged her to join her family for the
track and field races. Her dad needed a partner, she had said. Theresa didn't want to disappoint her.
Kelsey was one of her favorites. Also, she couldn't pass up the opportunity for closer contact with
Austin. Maybe get to know him a little better.

Theresa would never forget the smoldering look he had thrown her way when she walked up to the
group. His eyes had swept her body up and down, leaving her with a quivery feeling deep inside.
Then he had pointedly ignored her.

Pasting a smile on her face, Theresa had tried to at least look like she was having fun, for Kelsey's
benefit. Everything was going smoothly until the three-legged race. That was when she and Austin
were strapped together, legs bound, bodies jammed tightly from waist to ankle. The heat between
them was almost unbearable. Austin had held himself so stiffly; his muscles so tense, he felt like a
long jagged rock rubbing her raw down the length of her body.

When she chanced a peek at his face, his dark hazel eyes locked onto hers. She almost recoiled from
the animosity burning within them. Instinctively, she tried to pull back, but was prevented when a
strong arm snapped around her waist. His fingers scorched her midriff, where he held her firmly to
his side.

"You're not going anywhere," he growled, his breath hot in her ear. "You wanted this. You can damn
well go through with it."

"I didn't want this," Theresa said, dismissing the delicious tremors of desire coursing through her
body. "Your daughter asked me to be your partner. I didn't know we'd be tied together like this."

"Well, I don't like it any more than you do. But we'll get through this for Kelsey's sake."

He was still growling in her ear, his lips close to her skin. Theresa had always scoffed at the term
"swoon", but at that moment, she came close to doing just that.

She felt trapped in the snug embrace of the large man who seemed menacing as well as unbelievably
attractive. The heat and tingling sensation on the left side of her body made her giddy and light-
headed; a heavy emptiness settled in the bottom of her stomach.

The race began and Theresa had a difficult time keeping up with Austin's long strides. He refused to
slow down, to find a smooth rhythm. She stumbled several times. He cursed softly as he lifted her to
her feet, his fingers biting into her soft flesh. By the time they crossed the finish line, she was almost
in tears. Her body burned with longing. How humiliating to respond in such a wanton way, knowing
he didn't feel the same way.

As soon as the cords were removed from their legs, Theresa quickly stepped away and stood next to
Kelsey and the others. Glancing at Austin, her breath hitched in her throat. His eyes roved over her,
stripping her, lingering on her heaving breasts. She saw the yearning there. The hunger. She also saw
anger and resentment. He deliberately turned away . . .

A loud voice on the intercom in the hall roused Theresa from her musings. Stuffing her books in her
bag, she turned off the lights and headed for the school office. She told herself she didn't need Austin
McCade. She just wanted him. In the worst way. Except for some reason he wasn't interested. Even
though he felt the attraction, he still wasn't interested. And what she could do about any of it, she
hadn't a clue.

****

"But Dad, I'm not acting that bad," Kelsey said, sitting on the passenger side of Austin's diesel
pickup truck. Her arms were crossed in front of her chest, and she sat hunkered down in the seat.

Austin counted to ten, trying to rein in his temper. "I don't appreciate getting calls from your teacher
telling me you're causing trouble."

"You went to see Miss Rogers?" she asked.

"Yes, and that's the point I'm trying to make. This isn't like you, Kels. You've never been in trouble
before. Why are you starting now, all of a sudden?"

Wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, Austin blinked back fatigue. Waking up at four in the
morning made for a long day. The Diamondback Ranch was a big spread. Sixty-four hundred acres to
be exact. His brother Dallas took care of the ranching side of the operation, while he was in charge of
the cultivation of the land. He loved the work and challenge. The satisfaction of seeing acres and
acres of fields planted and growing. Praying for rain. Harvesting the crops.

It took a lot out of a man. Not leaving much time for trouble like Kelsey was causing. He glanced at
his daughter. He tried to be a good father, yet he had the sinking suspicion he was coming up short.
Especially when things like this happened.

"So, what's really going on?" he asked.

Kelsey's eyes widened and she bit her lip. Austin thought she looked guilty. Guilty of what? Was
there some deeper motive at the bottom of all this "innocent" misbehavior?

"What's up, Kels? Something bothering you? You know I'm here for you. Sure, I've been busy lately.
I'm always busy, and it's going to get worse when it's time to pull cotton. But I'm always here for
you."

"I know that," she said, sitting straighter, looking out the window. "What did you and Miss Rogers
talk about? Didn't she look pretty in that dress she wore today?"

"I didn't notice," he lied. "Besides, what does it matter what she was wearing? We're talking about
your behavior. She's worried about you, and so am I."

Austin shook his head. Miss Rogers had looked too darn pretty in that dress. For years, he hadn't

noticed a woman like he was noticing Theresa Rogers. He'd he kept his occasional dealings with
women on a strictly physical level. No commitments. No strings attached. Then Theresa Rogers had
moved to town. Right away, Austin knew something was different about her. He felt strongly attracted
to her. And he didn't like it. Didn't like it a bit.

"Dad? You're not listening to me. Hello? Earth calling dad." Kelsey waved a hand in front of his
face.

"Sorry, what were you saying?"

"About the field trip. To Lubbock? To the museum? Miss Rogers wants some of the parents to go. So
can you?" Kelsey looked at him expectantly. Hopefully.

This was one of those times he could either blow it off and get his mother to go, or he could be the
good father and go himself. He exhaled a long breath. He knew what Deb would have wanted.

"I'll go on one condition," he said, thinking he could kill two birds with one stone. "Stop
misbehaving at school. I won't tolerate it, Kels."

"Okay. I'll try to behave."

"I want better than try. And while we're on the subject, what about this?" He pulled the crumpled
note from his pocket, handing it to his now silent daughter.

"I want to know what this is all about," he said. He thought her hands shook a little when she opened
the note.

"Well?"

She shrugged. "It's just a project I'm working on."

"A project? What kind of project? And who is supposed to call me?"

"Look, Dad. I can't explain. You're going to have to trust me. I promise that it's nothing bad. In fact,
it's a good thing." She smiled and put the note in her backpack.

He looked at his daughter, thinking she was growing up way too fast. Should he pursue this, or let it
go? He told himself he would keep a closer eye on her. Wait and see.

"All right, I'll trust you on this. But no more passing notes. I mean it, Kels. Now, when is this field
trip?"

"Next Thursday. We're taking the bus. You'll ride on the bus? Please, please, please?"

Austin laughed. "Sure, I'll ride on the bus." He reached over and ruffled the bangs off her forehead.

He loved Kelsey so much. She was his one link to Deborah. Their child. Conceived in love. She

was the living, breathing symbol of his love for his wife.

He could never forget that love. Would never let himself forget it. No matter what temptations came
his way. He owed that much to Deborah. He wouldn't let her down.

CHAPTER TWO

Damn it, he was late. Austin hated being late. The yellow bus was already waiting in front of the
school. He could see Kelsey and Miss Rogers talking near the bus door. Kelsey waved to him as he
climbed out of the truck.

"Dad! Thank goodness. We thought we might have to leave without you. Two more minutes and we
would have, too," she said, running to greet him.

She grabbed his hand and led him to the bus and Miss Rogers. Miss Rogers didn't look very glad to
see him. In fact, she was frowning. He wondered if he had caused that frown or if it was something
else. He pushed away the urge to ease her worries somehow. To make her smile. She had a killer
smile.

"Sorry. I got held up at the ranch," Austin said. "Two of the tractors wouldn't start and one had a flat.
Not a good way to start the morning."

"Miss Rogers said she might have to give you a tardy slip," Kelsey said with a giggle. "Come on,
Dad. Let's get going." She climbed the steps of the bus and disappeared inside.

"A tardy slip?" Austin watched the teacher's cheeks stain with color. Theresa Rogers always seemed
quiet and shy around him. She blushed a lot. He'd like to see that blush all over her curvy body.

"For being late," she said, clearing her throat. "It was a joke." She made a notation on her clipboard,
then lifted her chin. "Shall we?"

"Ladies first." He waved his arm toward the door.

She threw him a strange look, then started to climb up the steps.

Austin was right behind her. Close enough to smell her feminine scent. A subtle blend, a hint of
powder and strawberries, making him think of warm baths and damp skin. He could imagine her silky
hair gathered on top of her head. A fluffy towel draped around her body.

"Damn," he whispered, realizing he was getting uncomfortably aroused. Definitely not a good
condition for a school field trip.

"What is it?" Miss Rogers turned her head toward him. She lost her footing and stumbled.

Austin automatically caught her before she fell. He held her against him for all of three seconds. She
jerked out of his grasp and hurried inside the bus.

He followed her, silently cursing the way she felt in his arms. Cursing her for making him feel
desire. He stopped at the top of the steps and looked at all of the kids inside the bus. They were
laughing and joking. He said hello to a couple of parents sitting down the aisle. Miss Rogers finished
counting heads, then took her seat.

The bus driver looked at him. "We've got a long trip ahead of us. The sooner we start, the sooner we
get there."

Austin searched for Kelsey and saw her way in the back. Her blonde head close to a red one.
Amelia Jackson. They were talking and giggling. Kelsey caught his eye and waved.

There was only one seat left on the bus. He groaned at the inevitable, then sat down next to Miss
Rogers. She didn't look too pleased with the situation.

"I'll trade seats with one of the kids." She started to rise.

He clasped her forearm and pulled her back down. "Don't. You'll spoil their fun. They'd rather sit
with their friends than the teacher."

"Gee, thanks."

"It's true, and you know it." He let go of her arm, his fingers burning from the contact.

She stared at her arm for a moment, then raised her eyes to his. He heard her breath catch.

The seats were small. His thigh was jammed against hers. He could feel the heat through his denim
jeans. She was wearing jeans, too. And a loose blouse with a denim vest embroidered with all kinds
of school things: apples, chalkboards, a bell. He could see the curve of her breast under the vest.

Miss Rogers scooted closer to the window. She forced a smile. "It's two hours to Lubbock. You may
regret not switching seats."

"Probably." He was already regretting it. Sitting so close to her was torture. Mixed with forbidden
pleasure. He hated himself for the traitorous feelings.

She gripped the back of the seat when the bus swung out of the parking lot onto the highway. Her
hand brushed the back of his neck when it slipped along the edge of the seat. Awareness shot down
his spine. It was going to be one hell of a long ride.

It didn't help when she jerked back, her cheeks positively red now. Swallowing hard, she quickly
found her balance, leaning back into the corner between the seat and window. As far away from him
as possible. Which suited him just fine, he told himself.

The air between them crackled with tension. He didn't know how that was possible on a school bus
crowded with noisy kids. But it was happening and he didn't like it.

Miss Rogers stared out the window. He leaned his head back on the seat, closed his eyes and
decided to ignore the situation. He had a lot of things to think about besides the woman next to him:
Which fields to fertilize, which ones to plow, getting with his brother Dallas to move the cattle
onto the wheat on the north farm. These were only a few of the hundreds of details he had to deal
with on a daily basis. He didn't have time to be distracted by the woman, no matter how attractive he
found her.

The kids settled down, most had headsets with music. Some were quietly talking. Some playing
games in their seats. After about an hour, they started to get restless.

"Miss Rogers, how much longer?"

"I'm thirsty, Miss Rogers."

"I'm bored."

Austin opened his eyes and straightened in his seat. "I knew the peace couldn't last long. And here I
was thinking what a good class this was."

"It is a good class," Miss Rogers said. "The best. But riding on a school bus isn't the most wonderful
way to travel."

"You can say that again," he grumbled under his breath.

She gave him a look, before rising on her knees and turning toward the back of the bus.

"Who wants to sing a song?" she called to the kids.

"Oh, great. This will make the trip so much more delightful," he said, as the noise level on the bus
rose with enthusiasm.

"You have a better idea?" She looked down at him. The corners of her eyes crinkled with
amusement. She was enjoying his predicament. The shy lady had a humorous streak.

"Not really," he said.

"I didn't think so." Her look said to shut up, she would handle this. She had switched to teacher
mode, he realized. In control. Not nervous at all. More relaxed.

Austin wished he could relax. With her kneeling in her seat, her cute butt was almost level with his
eyes. Dark blue denim hugged the enticing curves lovingly. He clenched his teeth. He had to get a
grip. On himself, not her cute butt.

"Okay, class," she called. "I'll start you off. See if you can get through the whole song without

messing up. Ready? Ninety-nine bottles of coke on the wall . . . Ninety-nine bottles of coke . . . Take
one down, pass it around . . . ninety-eight bottles of coke on the wall . . ."

She directed the kids for two more rounds, then slid back into her seat.

"That should keep them busy for a while," she told him.

"When did the words change to that song? I didn't learn it that way."

"This is a school function. We can't let the children sing about beer, now can we?" Her eyes
twinkled a moment, then widened when she realized how close she was sitting to him. She was in the
middle of the seat, not plastered against the window, as before. Their shoulders rubbed together. They
were sitting almost hip to hip.

Austin watched the forest green eyes darken, awareness making the pupils dilate. Quickly, she
moved over, putting space between them. The color was high on her cheeks again.

Clearing her throat, she bent to retrieve her clipboard from her bag. "I've assigned five students to
your care. You'll be responsible for them once we're inside the museum. Each parent and their group
of kids can go their own way. Just stick together and know where your kids are at all times. "

The way she switched between sensual woman to prim, competent teacher fascinated him. He
reminded himself he didn't want to be fascinated by her.

She handed him a computer printout. "We'll eat lunch in the park at noon. That will leave us with an
hour for the show in the planetarium. We should be back on the bus by two-fifteen, two-thirty at the
latest. Any questions?"

Austin looked at the neatly typed list. "Just one. Do you always plan things like you're preparing for
a military campaign?"

She smiled and shrugged a shoulder. "I'm an organization freak. I prefer to leave nothing to chance."

"You're not the only one."

Miss Rogers tilted her head as if to study him. "You make lists, too?"

He nodded. "Not as precise as this. You've got me beat by a long shot. But I do like to be in control
of things."

"Ahh--that explains a lot." She put her clipboard back in her bag.

"What do you mean by that?" He looked at her. The corners of her eyes were crinkled again.

"Nothing. What could I possibly mean? Forget I said anything. Look, we're almost there. I have to
give these to the other parents." Laughing, she stood and slipped past him. The back of her legs
bumped against his knees. She almost fell, but caught herself just in time. The laughter died in her

throat. She kept moving, holding onto the seats as she walked down the aisle.

Austin frowned as he watched the bus driver maneuver in the Lubbock traffic. Miss Rogers almost
sounded as if she were flirting with him. Teasing him. She looked like she was amused. But she
wasn't amused whenever they touched or got too close. He wasn't amused either.

He told himself he didn't want anything to do with a woman like her. She was a forever-after-let's-
have-babies kind of woman. She would want more than just a physical relationship. And she
deserved more. He didn't have anything to offer a woman like Miss Theresa Rogers.

****

Theresa herded her group of students past the archeological exhibits of the Texas Tech University
Museum. The quality of the presentations was excellent. She hoped the kids were enjoying them as
much as she was.

Leading the group to another room, an exquisite display of ivories and jades caught her attention.
She must have lost track of the time, because before she knew it, a voice from behind interrupted her
study of the polished stones and figurines.

"Miss Rogers, I'm hungry. It's getting close to lunchtime, isn't it?" Kelsey McCade came to stand next
to her and leaned on her.

Glancing at her watch, Theresa saw that it was five to twelve. "You're right. It's time to eat. Let's
gather everyone and head to the park." She hugged her, then looked around for her own group of kids.
None of them were in sight. Where had they gone? They'd been beside her just a minute ago.

Austin McCade walked up. "Lose something?" he asked. "Or someone? Or several someones?"

"Hopefully, just misplaced." She craned her neck to look past him. "Have you seen them? I couldn't
have taken my eyes off them for more than a few seconds. I thought they were right here. I became
really engrossed in this display. The pieces are beautiful. The kids must have thought I was taking too
long."

"Don't worry. They're making a pit stop before we leave for lunch. Patti Garrison has them under
control. Everyone is accounted for. Except for you. They said they told you, and you nodded."

Theresa let out a relieved breath. "They probably did. I was reading about the history of these
pieces. They belonged to Helena Rubinstein. I guess I didn't really hear what the kids were saying. I
knew they wouldn't get in trouble. This is a good group, like I've said before."

Austin picked up her bag, where she had laid it down on the floor. He held it out to her. Taking it
from his grasp, she stared at his hands. They looked strong, capable. Roughened from hard work.

She had felt those hands on various parts of her body. At the Founder's Day Jubilee when he had

held her close during the race. This morning, when he had caught her as she stumbled. Brief touches,
but they had branded her. Making her wonder what they would feel like caressing her, touching her all
over.

Her eyes moved up to his face. He was watching her. Did he know what she was thinking?

His mouth was set in grim lines. Those sculpted lips had touched hers once, a mere brush, a fleeting
whisper. The impact had been devastating, leaving her yearning for more.

"Thank you," she said, swinging her bag on her shoulder. Quickly turning away, Theresa hurried
toward the group near the restrooms. She prayed she looked calmer than her thumping heart sounded
in her ears.

Being near Austin made her feel dreamy and liquid on the inside. The bus trip had been nerve-
racking. Those little innocent touches hadn't been innocent at all. The chemistry between them was
unreal.

Even now, her breath caught when she thought about it. His hazel eyes full of hunger one minute,
anger the next. Theresa was certain he felt the sparks. But he didn't want to do anything about it. Didn't
want anything to do with her.

People had warned her about Austin McCade. How he couldn't get over his wife's death. How he
stayed true to her memory. But surely, his wife wouldn't have wanted him to live the rest of his life
alone. He couldn't be more than thirty-four or thirty-five. Much too young to live in the past, with no
thought to his future.

She wondered if he could ever let go of that past. If a woman even had a chance with him. Or would
she always play second fiddle to his wife's ghost.

Shaking her head, Theresa pushed the thoughts away. None of it really mattered anyway. Even
though he was gorgeous and sexy as hell, Austin McCade possessed a will of steel. Nothing could
penetrate the wall he'd built around himself.

She knew he felt the sexual pull between them. It wasn't all on her side. She'd seen the desire
burning in his eyes. Theresa sighed. Obviously, the attraction wasn't strong enough to tempt him to
risk his heart again.

"Miss Rogers! Are we going to stand here all day?"

Theresa shook her head and looked at the group. "No, if everyone is ready, let's go eat some lunch."
Taking a quick head count, she lead the way to the exit.

They rode in the bus to a nearby park. Austin didn't sit next to her this time. She heard his deep voice
and laughter in the back, where he sat with Kelsey.

At the park, Theresa and two of the mothers handed out sack lunches and sodas from the coolers. As
she gave the kids their lunches, she was constantly aware of Austin as he stood on the edge of the

group. The man might say he wasn't interested, but she could feel his attention on her.

After all the lunches were claimed, Theresa felt her hand grabbed. "C'mon, Miss Rogers! Sit with
us!" Kelsey tugged her to a picnic table under a large tree.

Austin sat with a group of Kelsey's friends. His eyes narrowed when he saw her approach. Kelsey
seemed oblivious to her father's frown.

"Sit next to Dad. He won't mind, will you?" she asked him.

Aware of his gaze on her, Theresa held back. "Maybe I should sit at another table. I don't think
there's room."

"Sure, there's room," Kelsey said. She quickly organized the seating arrangements. "Steven and
David, move down. Dad, scoot over a little so Miss Rogers can sit with us."

Theresa didn't think she would be able to eat a bite, if she was sitting that close to Austin. "Kelsey,
you sit next to your dad. I'll sit by Amelia."

"But I want to sit by Amelia. You sit next to Dad. Please?"

"Kelsey, be quiet," Austin said. "Let Miss Rogers sit where she wants."

Theresa watched Kelsey. Something was going on in that impish brain of hers. Kelsey had always
been precocious and a little bit spoiled. She thought Kelsey was going to put up a fuss, but after a
moment, she sat down beside her father.

"Why don't you call her Theresa?" Kelsey asked her dad. "All the other parents do."

Theresa felt her cheeks grow hot as she unwrapped her food. "Not all of them, Kelsey." She glanced
at Austin. He was staring at her as he slowly bit into his sandwich. Something was going on in his
brain, too. Speculation and longing seemed to alternate with caution and irritation. She wished she
didn't find him so intriguing.

"Dad?" Kelsey prompted.

"I'm thinking about it, Kels." He took a long, slow drink of soda, then set the can down.

Theresa felt something go off inside her own brain. The sudden urge to give the man a nudge. "As a
matter of fact, I asked your dad to call me by my first name. He refused." There, what would he say to
that?

Kelsey frowned. "When was this?"

"Last week, when he and I talked," Theresa said, before Austin could answer. The hazel eyes
narrowed even more. She saw speculation and irritation winning out over the caution now. Maybe she
was getting to him. It was exciting and scary at the same time.

"So what's the problem? Why won't you call her 'Theresa'?" Kelsey asked.

"I don't think it would be appropriate." Austin concentrated on his sandwich.

"Aww, come on!" said Kelsey. "That's a lame excuse if I ever heard one. Especially when most of
the parents have dropped the 'Miss Rogers'."

"Kelsey--" Austin's voice held a warning note.

"But, Dad--" she began.

Theresa decided to intervene. "Kelsey, your dad obviously doesn't want to use my given name. It's
no big deal. Don't push him."

"Somebody needs to give him a push," Kelsey grumbled into her sandwich.

"What did you say?" Austin asked. His eyes flashed with annoyance.

"Nothing," Kelsey said. "Nada. Forget the whole thing. Although, it wouldn't kill you to be more
friendly with Miss Rogers. You like her don't you?"

Austin nearly choked on his soda. Kelsey thumped him on the back. "Well, don't you?"

"I like her," he said grudgingly. "She's a very good teacher."

"And you like my dad, don't you, Miss Rogers?"

Theresa heard Amelia giggle beside her. She felt Kelsey kick her friend under the table. Something
was going on, and Theresa had a glimmer of what it might be. She wondered if Austin suspected
anything.

"Of course, I like your father. What's not to like?" She smiled sweetly at the glaring man sitting
across from her. "But if he doesn't want to be friendly, we can't force him." Astonished by her own
boldness, she popped a potato chip in her mouth and waited for him to make the next move.

Austin's eyes followed her movements. Lingered on her lips. Theresa suddenly felt flushed.

"All right, Theresa. If that's what you want. I guess I can be a little more friendly." He took another
bite of his sandwich, his gaze lasered in on hers.

The bottom dropped out of her tummy. All the way to her toes. His deep voice curled around her
name, making it sound like a caress. All sorts of provocative thoughts swirled in her brain. She
fervently hoped the kids couldn't read the heat in the look he directed at her. She hoped the other
parents were too busy to notice. She wished she knew what he was thinking. Had he changed his mind
about her?

"There. That wasn't so hard, was it?" Kelsey asked.

"No, it wasn't," Austin conceded, finally breaking eye contact with Theresa. "Now, eat. We don't
have much time. The show starts at the planetarium in twenty minutes. You don't won't to be late, do
you?"

Kelsey shook her head and attacked her lunch.

Theresa went through the motions of eating, not really tasting anything. Something had just happened
between Austin and herself. She wasn't sure what it was. A vague sense of excitement and uneasiness
settled in her stomach. Glancing at Kelsey, she noted the satisfied smile on the little girl's face. Oh,
Kelsey. What in the world are you up to?

****

"I don't like to be put on the spot. You put me on the spot, Kels." Austin pulled onto the highway and
headed for the ranch. He had dropped off two of Kelsey's friends after the field trip.

"What?" His daughter turned big, blue innocent-looking eyes on him.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, young lady. Inviting Miss Rogers to sit with us. All that
stuff about her name. What was that all about?"

Kelsey shrugged and looked out the window. "Nothing. I just thought you should loosen up. You're
always so tense, Dad. Can't you ever just relax? You never have any fun."

"What do you mean, I never have fun. I had fun today, didn't I?" Out of the corner of his eye, he saw
an exasperated look thrown his way.

"I don't know," she said. "Did you have fun? And if you have to ask me, then you probably didn't.
Thanks anyway for going. I had fun, at least." She crossed her arms across her chest and stared out the
window again.

"Look, Kels," Austin said, "I had fun. But I didn't appreciate you asking me point blank if I like Miss
Rogers, especially right in front of her. It wasn't good manners."

"Do you?" Kelsey asked.

Austin frowned over the steering wheel. "Do I what?"

"Like her? Miss Rogers, I mean?"

"She's a very nice lady. But I'm not looking for . . . I don't want . . . I loved your mother. No one can
take her place."

He heard Kelsey let out a huge sigh as she shook her head. "I know, Dad. I know," she said softly.

"Listen, why don't we stop by the big house and see what Grams is cooking? We haven't seen her all
week."

"Whatever," Kelsey said, with a shrug and a sigh.

Austin stifled a sigh of his own. Kelsey was getting moodier and more temperamental as the days
passed. He cringed at the thought of going through the next few years. How was he supposed to raise a
teenage girl? All by himself? He cursed fate for taking Deborah away not only from him, but from
their daughter as well.

The rest of the drive was silent until they pulled to a stop behind Ruth McCade's rambling old ranch
house.

"Oh, cool!" Kelsey cried. "Uncle Tyler's back from the air show." She flung open the door and
hurried into the house.

Shaking his head and smiling to himself, Austin followed at a more leisurely pace. Something his
daughter didn't know the meaning of. It was either all or nothing for Kelsey. Always had been. And he
guessed it always would be.

It was times like this, when Austin missed his wife the most. Missed sharing the simple pleasures in
life, like Kelsey's enthusiasm over the littlest things. He missed the friendship they had shared. A
physical ache suddenly washed through him. He missed the intimacy they had enjoyed, too.

An unbidden vision rose before him. Dark, auburn hair. Green eyes glinting with awareness. A pink
tongue moistening full lush lips. Theresa Rogers was getting under his skin. It made him angry
because the memory of Deb seemed to be diminishing in direct proportion to his growing attraction
for Kelsey's teacher. He didn't want the memories to fade. He didn't want to fall in love ever again.

Austin knew he had no control over the love he felt for Kelsey. Or his mother. Or his brothers and
sister. If something happened to any of them . . . he couldn't think about it. He had no choice but to
love them.

However, he did have a choice about how close he allowed himself to another woman. And he
chose not to get involved. At least, not on an emotional level.

On the other hand, a physical relationship might be possible. He had avoided women and
relationships since Deb had died. One-night stands had taken care of his baser needs.

Theresa Rogers had practically dared him to cross a line this afternoon. He discovered to his
annoyance that he wanted to cross that line. But on his own terms; within his own parameters. He was
willing to share a bed, but not his heart. He didn't think the shy, prim teacher was ready to do that, no
matter how strong the attraction.

Walking into his mother's kitchen, Austin saw Kelsey seated next to Tyler. Dallas sat at the head of
the table, nursing a drink. His new wife, Gillian, was helping their mother with dinner.

"Looks like Kelsey and I came just in time. You're not hogging all of the good stuff, are you?" he
asked his brother, slapping him on the back.

"No, help yourself," said Dallas, raising his glass.

"I think I'll do that."

"From what Kelsey's been telling us, you deserve a double." Tyler stood and shook Austin's hand,
then punched his shoulder.

Austin punched him back. "You said it. And it's about damn time you came home. Those air shows
are encroaching on your workload, little brother."

"Hey! I hold my end up. Don't worry about me," Tyler said.

Austin walked over to the stove and kissed his mother's cheek, then Gillian's. Pouring himself a
drink, he sat down at the old oak table.

"I can't believe you spent four hours on a bus full of screaming sixth graders." Tyler whistled under
his breath and jabbed Kelsey with an elbow.

"We weren't screaming the whole time," Kelsey grinned. "Besides, there were a couple of other
parents and Miss Rogers, of course."

Tyler whistled again. "The Miss Rogers? The pretty Miss Rogers? I have a good mind to ask the
lovely teacher out on a date."

Kelsey frowned. "She's not your type, Uncle Tyler."

"And how would you know what my type is, hotshot?"

"I just know."

Gillian McCade set a bowl of mashed potatoes on the table. She grasped Kelsey's shoulders and
bent toward her ear. "We all know Uncle Tyler's type, don't we?" she said in a loud whisper.

Kelsey nodded. "And Miss Rogers is definitely not it."

"Hey now," Tyler protested. "You girls better not gang up on me. Help me out here . . . Austin?
Dallas?"

Dallas grabbed his wife and pulled her onto his lap. "You're on your own, Ty. I know when to mind
my own business."

"Damn. It's a crying shame to see how the mighty have fallen. First Cameron. Now Dallas." Tyler
pointed a finger at Austin. "You better watch out, brother dear. One of us will be next."

"Not me. I had my chance. I'm out of the loop for good." Austin downed half his drink.

"Well, it certainly won't be me," Tyler said. "I like my freedom too much."

"Don't you believe in second chances, Austin?" Gillian asked. "Your brother took one and didn't do
so bad. He got me."

Dallas kissed her hard on the mouth. "Not bad at all."

Gillian grinned and jumped off his lap. She hurried to help Ruth with a platter of crispy golden-fried
chicken.

"Kelsey, help Grams set the table," Austin said, tossing off the rest of his drink.

"Are Uncle Cam and Aunt Jessie coming to eat with us?" Kelsey asked.

Ruth McCade shook her head as she set the platter on the table. "They won't be here tonight. Little
Daniel has the croup. They don't want him out in the night air."

"Okay, gotcha." Kelsey counted out knives and forks and placed them carefully on napkins by each
plate. When she came to her dad, she stopped and draped her arm across his neck. "You do you
believe in second chances, don't you Dad?"

"No," he said, giving her a hug. Taking a napkin from her grasp, he set it next to his plate, avoiding
his daughter's questioning look.

"Why not?" Kelsey asked. "Uncle Dallas took a second chance and so did Aunt Jessie. She lost her
husband, then married Uncle Cameron. They all seem to be happy."

"It wouldn't work for me." He was aware of the silence in the kitchen. Everyone was listening.

"Why wouldn't it work?" Kelsey asked, setting the last of the silverware on the table.

"I loved your mother too much."

"But, Dad--"

"I don't want another wife." All eyes were focused on him. No one was even pretending not to listen.

"Why not?" Kelsey persisted.

"Your mother was the only woman I could ever love. Now, drop it, Kels. I'm sure the family doesn't
want to hear any of this."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Tyler said.

"But, Dad--"

"Leave your daddy be." Ruth poured ice tea in tall glasses.

"I just want to know why--"

"Look, I don't want to discuss this anymore," Austin said, cutting her off. "Can we say the blessing
and eat?"

"Yes, let's," Ruth said, taking her seat.

Kelsey flopped down in her chair and sniffed as she bowed her head.

Austin hated being so brusque with his daughter. Especially in front of the family. He could feel their
disapproval and speculation on the subject at hand. He knew they all wondered why he hadn't married
again.

He had good reasons for maintaining his single state. He couldn't help it if they didn't understand or
approve. It was his life. If he wanted to live it alone, then that was his own damned business.

CHAPTER THREE

Theresa slid the key in the lock and let herself into the house. Back from her daily run, all she
wanted to do now was soak in a hot bubble bath and eat a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast. Then
she might curl up with a good book or clean a little. Or both. Later, she could work outside in the
yard. The flowerbeds needed a good mulching and there were pansies to plant. Tomorrow was soon
enough to grade the papers waiting on her desk.

Life was good. She had her Aunt Rachel to thank for leaving her the small, snug house in Salt Fork,
Texas. Goodness, she missed her aunt. Memories of youthful summers spent in the sleepy little town
would always remain close to her heart. Now, she had the opportunity to make new memories. To
live a quieter kind of life than if she had stayed in Houston.

She discovered to her delight that the slower pace and simpler lifestyle exactly suited her. Theresa
thought back to her first years as a teacher in the huge metropolitan city. She had been assigned to one
of the inner-city schools. Located in one of the poorer neighborhoods, Theresa found she was scared
and stressed out most of the time, unable to function in that kind of environment. It took someone
stronger and tougher than she was to reach those kids. She remembered feeling like a total failure.
Wild thoughts about giving up on teaching altogether rolled around in her brain.

Then, Aunt Rachel had died, leaving her the cozy little house in Salt Fork. Theresa's mother nearly
had a conniption fit when she learned Theresa planned to move so far away. But since it proved to be
in her daughter's best interest, she helped her pack and move.

Situated on the edge of town, the house was small and compact. Two bedrooms, one bath. A nice
living and dining area, with an efficiency kitchen with all the amenities. A two-car garage with
attached carport and a covered deck out back. The house was the last on the block and overlooked a
hundred-acre field belonging to a farmer who lived a couple of miles from town.

Every morning, Theresa ran the "block" around that field. Waking up at five on school days, she
made the run, enjoying the freedom and isolation. She felt perfectly safe. Nothing dangerous ever
happened in Salt Fork. She still locked her doors, even though she knew she didn't have to. Old habits
were hard to break. It was a far cry from how she was living only two years ago.

Lowering herself in the tub, Theresa sighed as the hot water covered her body, easing the tense
muscles, relieving the aches and pains. She leaned back and closed her eyes, resting her head on the
tile, giving herself up to the pleasures of the bath. Steam rose around her, and she felt a fine sheen of
perspiration bead on her skin.

Yes, life was good. But it could be better. If a certain stubborn man would only look her way and
acknowledge the attraction between them. If only he would do something. Anything.

How could Austin ignore the strong sexual pull? She knew she wasn't the only one feeling the
sparks. She had seen the hunger in his eyes. Felt the hunger on his lips.

It had been several months since the Founder's Day Jubilee. Not only had they been bound together
for that horrid race, earlier in the day Theresa had been manning the kissing booth. Being one of the
few single ladies in town, she had been coerced into taking her turn in the booth. It hadn't been so bad.
A dollar a kiss, and most of the men settled for a chaste peck. It was all in fun, the money going to a
good cause.

About half way into her shift, Theresa noticed Kelsey McCade dragging her father toward the booth.
Theresa's breath caught in her lungs and jittery butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

Austin looked extremely put out with his daughter. A frown marred his hard chiseled features. Dark
eyebrows slashed downward over angry hazel eyes. His strong jaws clenched together and his
sculpted lips were set in a grim line.

She watched as the tall cowboy--he looked like a cowboy anyway, dressed in a plaid western shirt
and black Stetson--let Kelsey lead him up to the booth. He stopped in front of Theresa, on the other
side of the narrow counter. Close enough to trigger an alarming response to his masculine body
standing only a few feet away.

"Hi, Miss Rogers," Kelsey said, leaning on the counter.

"Hello, Kelsey. Are you having a fun summer?" Theresa forced her attention away from the silent
brooding man standing so near. Maybe her former student only wanted to visit. Chat a minute. Maybe
this had nothing to do with the jubilee and the kissing booth. She hoped so any way.

"It's okay," Kelsey said. "How about you? What have you been doing this summer?" The little girl

hung over the counter and swung her legs back and forth.

"Mostly reading and relaxing. I went to visit my parents in Houston a couple of weeks ago." Theresa
didn't know if she should speak to Austin or not. He just stood there, his face black as a storm cloud.

"I've been to Houston lots of times," Kelsey said. "To the Livestock Show and Rodeo." She hopped
up onto the counter and plopped her butt down.

"It's a lot different than Salt Fork, isn't it?" Theresa said. "Have you read any books this summer?"
Moving away from Austin, she stepped closer to Kelsey. She'd be damned if she let the man figure out
how much he unnerved her. She was determined to carry on an intelligent conversation with one of
her favorite pupils.

"Aw, Miss Rogers. You know I don't like to read that much."

"Have you tried the Harry Potter books? They're all about wizards and magic. I think you would
really like them. I've read them all."

"You've read them?" Austin asked, surprise evident in his deep voice.

Ah, the man could speak. Theresa lifted her chin and turned toward Austin. "Yes, I've read them.
They're not only for children, you know." Their eyes met, locked for a moment, and her stomach
turned a somersault. After what seemed an eternity, he broke contact. Theresa swallowed hard. Damn,
she was as bad as a teenager where Austin McCade was concerned.

"Hey, Miss Rogers. Have you sold many kisses today?" Kelsey asked.

Theresa tried to focus on the little girl. "I've sold a few. It's slow right now."

"We'll help you out. Dad can buy a couple of kisses."

"Oh, Kelsey, I don't think--" Theresa almost panicked at the thought.

"He doesn't mind. Do you, Dad?"

Theresa saw the startled look in Austin's eyes. Then his gaze lowered to her lips and her heart
started beating double time.

"Kelsey--" Austin's voice sounded rough and harsh.

"What's wrong, Dad? A couple of kisses won't hurt anything. They don't have to be big screen,
movie kisses, or anything like that."

Austin stared at his daughter. "And how would you know about those kind of kisses? I thought you
weren't supposed to watch anything rated over PG?"

Kelsey hopped down and faced her father. She put her hands on her hips. "I'm not a little kid

anymore, Dad. I've seen a couple of PG-13 movies at friend's houses. Anyway, are you going to kiss
Miss Rogers, or not? And don't say you're not. That would be too rude."

"Aw, hell," he said, digging in his pocket. "One kiss." He slapped the bill on the counter.

Theresa tucked the dollar in her money apron, not knowing where to look. Finally, she raised her
eyes to find him staring at her.

"Come on, Dad. Give her a kiss. We don't have all day."

Austin shook his head. "The kid's got a mouth on her."

Theresa smiled. "So I've noticed."

"It's getting worse, the older she gets."

"She'll outgrow it, hopefully."

"I doubt it." His eyes lingered on her lips.

"Quit stalling," Kelsey said in exasperation. "Are you going to kiss her or not?"

Theresa licked her lips, color flooding her cheeks as Austin's eyes flared with desire.

He placed his hands on the counter, bending toward her. Gently, he pressed a soft kiss against her
mouth.

The touch was quick and fleeting. She stifled a groan as tingles of pleasure cascaded down her body.
She forced herself to keep steady. It was over in a second, but the impact left her wanting more. Much
more. How could those hard lips feel so soft? Look so grim, yet kiss so gently?

Austin stepped back.

Theresa thought he looked shaken by the encounter. Good, she didn't want to be the only one.

"Hey, what kind of kiss was that?" Kelsey asked. "You didn't do it right. Here try again." She put a
dollar on the counter.

"No," Austin said.

The look in his eyes, the tone of his voice, stirred something inside of Theresa. There was pain
mixed with hunger. The man was obviously suffering. He still had deep feelings for his dead wife that
he tried to keep buried.

"But Dad--"

"Don't argue. Let's go." He grabbed her hand and hurried away from the booth.

Theresa picked up Kelsey's dollar and raised it toward them. "You forgot something!"

Austin stopped in mid-stride and turned around. The blatant hostility on his face made something
shrivel inside Theresa. Those strong feelings were not so deeply buried after all, she thought.

"Keep it." He continued on his way, pulling Kelsey along with him . . .

Blinking back the memories, Theresa realized her bubble bath was no longer hot. The water had
cooled considerably. Quickly, she washed her body, then her hair. Even after all this time, a feeling of
dejection hovered in her stomach when she thought about the jubilee.

Climbing out of the bath, she toweled herself dry and slipped on a tank top and pair of gym shorts.
She wrapped a towel around her hair, turban-style, then went in search of breakfast.

Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she rummaged in the fridge. Deciding on yogurt and toast, Theresa
sat at the table, picked up the paper, and prepared to luxuriate in Saturday morning bliss. No school,
no work, no deadlines. If she could keep her mind off Austin McCade, she would have it made.

A loud knock on the front door startled her. She usually didn't get much company. Didn't really know
that many people in town. She was friends with a couple of the teachers at school. Maybe it was one
of them. She wasn't dressed to receive visitors, but at least she was decent. Even with a towel on her
head.

Peeking out the small window in the door, Theresa saw a familiar black Stetson and frowning face.
She put a hand to her heart to try to still the sudden hammering. What was Austin McCade doing on
her front doorstep?

****

Austin knocked on the door again and waited impatiently. He didn't like the errand he had been sent
on. Didn't know why he had consented to do it. His mother could have taken care of this. But no,
Kelsey had insisted he do it.

The door opened and all thoughts of his daughter flew out of his brain. Theresa Rogers stood before
him, obviously fresh from her bath. A damp towel covered most of her hair, with a few escaping
tendrils framing her face. Her skin, pink and translucent, looked smooth as silk. Begged to be touched.
And there was a lot skin showing. Begging.

She didn't have much on. Only a thin tank top and very skimpy, very tight shorts. Her legs were a
mile long, ending with bare feet and painted nails. She wasn't wearing a bra, either. Austin could see
the outline of her breasts, free from restraint, the nipples puckering against the fabric of her shirt.

His body hardened at the sight. He dragged his gaze upward and fastened on her lips. Suddenly, he
remembered how he had kissed her, ever so briefly, barely a taste. How soft and supple her body had
felt jammed against his during that blasted three-legged race. How good she had felt when he had

caught her in his arms when she stumbled on the bus.

Theresa stood staring at him, her green eyes hesitant. "What can I do for you?"

Austin ignored his body's instinctive response to a pretty woman and reminded himself he was a
gentleman. "Kelsey sent this over. She said you told her she could hand it in late." He thrust a sheaf of
papers in her direction.

Theresa took the papers and glanced through them. "Ah yes, her bibliography for the science paper
she wrote. I recall telling her she could turn it in late, but I assumed she meant Monday." She set them
on the table near the door.

Turning toward him again, she crossed her arms over her chest, pushing her breasts even tighter
against the tank top. Austin's hands itched to cup them, weigh them in his palms, rub his thumbs across
the peaks.

Theresa quickly dropped her arms and cleared her throat. "Um, would you like to come in? There's
coffee. It's fresh."

He shouldn't stay. He should get the hell out of Dodge. "Sure, why not." Removing his Stetson,
Austin stepped across the threshold, brushing against her as he passed. The heat from her body nearly
scorched him.

She closed the door and stood with her hand on the knob, facing him, her breasts thrusting toward
him. She bit her bottom lip, worrying it with her teeth.

Austin wondered if she regretted inviting him in. Had it been on impulse? Did she realize how
attractive and appealing he found her? Did she know she was playing with fire?

He was fast losing the battle raging inside of himself. He wanted this woman. With her so close, so
available, Austin didn't want to think of the reasons he should keep his hands off her. He was a man.
She was a desirable woman. Very desirable.

He walked toward her, stared down at her. She was breathing heavily, almost gasping. Her chest
rose and fell with each breath.

He tipped her chin up. "I don't think either of us really wants coffee."

"What do you want?" Her voice sounded husky. Reminding him of darkened rooms, fluffy pillows.
As she looked up at him, the towel tumbled down, leaving her hair hanging damply against her head.

Austin caught the towel around her and pulled her close. "Only this." He took her mouth in a searing
kiss, plunging his tongue inside her sweet warmth.

He felt her arms creep around his waist as she hugged herself against his hard body. Dropping the
towel, he cupped her bottom, pulling her tighter against him. He angled his head and thrust deeper
with his tongue, tangling with hers, nipping the inside of her lips, drinking in her taste. A sexy moan in

the back of her throat nearly sent him over the edge.

He backed her against the door and lifted her up. "Put your legs around me," he commanded, and she
complied. Austin buried his face in the hollow between her neck and shoulder, kissing the soft curve,
trailing a fiery path down to her breasts.

Theresa raked her fingers through Austin's golden hair. Tilting her head back, she allowed him
access to her body. His breath was hot against her skin. She gripped her legs around his waist,
holding on for dear life. His touch, his kiss was everything she dreamed it would be and more.

She had never felt such freedom, such intensity, such abandon. Every nerve ending was on the alert.
Ultra sensitized, responding to each caress. His hard body fit hers perfectly. Theresa knew she wasn't
very experienced, but instinct told her she had found her match.

Austin raised her shirt, exposing her breasts. He licked the nipples and blew softly, before taking
one in his mouth and sucking hard. Theresa nearly screamed from the exquisite pleasure shooting
down her spine.

She felt him thrust hard against the thin material of her shorts. An ache deep within yearned for
deeper contact. She rubbed against the pressure and heard Austin groan. A thrill whisked through her
knowing she had that affect on him.

He lifted his head and took her mouth again. Kissed her with fierce urgency. His hands were hard,
almost brutal, as he gripped her thighs. He ravaged her mouth, plundering and taking.

He reached one hand down between them and cupped her, stroking her through her shorts. Her body
instantly responded. His hand left her and she yearned for his touch there again. Then, she heard the
rasp of his zipper as he started to pull it down.

Breaking contact, Theresa shuddered as she tried to breathe. Her lungs empty, she gulped for air.
Austin was breathing heavily, too. His face only inches away. His eyes gleaming with suppressed
passion. Grasping her nape, he pulled her even closer. His lips brushed against hers.

"Come on, sweetheart," he whispered. "It'll be good, I promise."

Theresa knew it would be wonderful. But afterwards? What then? Somehow, she had to find the
strength to end this moment of madness. Everything was going too fast. Spiraling out of control.

"No. Austin, I can't do this. We can't do this." Releasing her legs from around his waist, she slid to
the floor. For a moment, she felt herself wobble, her knees refusing to cooperate and hold her up. Her
whole body shimmered with reaction. She had no idea how she had let it get this far.

Austin stepped back and turned away. His shoulders heaved as he tried to regain control. It had been
years since he had lost control like that. If he had ever lost control like that.

"You're right," he said. "We can't do this. Not here. Not now. Stay away from me, Theresa Rogers.
I'm giving you fair warning. I want you. But only in a physical way. I have nothing else to give you.

You can either take it or leave it. It's your choice."

He grabbed his Stetson and slammed out the door, leaving Theresa staring after him.

****

Over the next couple of weeks, Theresa went through the motions of going to work, coming home,
grading papers, and going to work again. She felt like something momentous was hanging in the
balance. Some life-altering event was teetering in front of her. It had something to do with Austin
McCade. And she didn't know if it would be good or bad.

October blew in with a vengeance. The temperatures plummeted. Some nights reached near freezing.
Theresa was still trying to get used to the weather and climate of West Texas. Very different from the
Gulf Coast and Houston. It was drier and windier in the panhandle. And a lot colder. There would be
no more tank tops and shorts for a while.

Just the thought of tank tops made her shiver. And not because of the low temperatures. She couldn't
seem to shake the picture of her and Austin kissing. She was still amazed at how quickly the kiss had
escalated into hot, dangerous passion. They had almost made love. Right there in her living room.
Except it wouldn't have been making love. It would have been having sex. At least, for Austin.

Theresa assured herself that she wasn't in love with Austin. Not yet. But she was falling fast. She felt
a connection to him, going beyond sexual attraction.

She admired him for raising a daughter alone. He obviously adored Kelsey. She even admired his
loyalty to his wife. The man was capable of strong emotions. Only, he had shut down when his wife
had died.

Theresa wondered if it would be worth trying to break through Austin's protective layering. Try to
win his love. If he was capable of loving again. He wanted her sexually. He had admitted as much.
And the way they had kissed. The way the sparks had ignited and exploded. It left her breathless just
thinking about it.

These same thoughts had been going around and around in her brain ever since that Saturday morning
a couple of weeks ago. It was getting her nowhere. Austin had practically thrown an ultimatum at her,
and she honestly didn't know what to do.

Never having had an intimate relationship with a man, Theresa felt completely out of her depth. She
knew if she became physically involved with Austin, her heart would be at risk. She also knew if a
person never took risks, life wasn't worth living.

Glancing at the clock on the wall of her classroom, Theresa decided to call it quits for the day. Her
tummy grumbled with hunger. Even though it was only four-thirty, she heard a cheeseburger and fries
calling her name from the cafe.

Ten minutes after giving Sarah Sue her order, Theresa sat at the counter talking to the waitress,
sipping a soda. The place was practically empty. Too early for the dinner crowd just yet. A bell
tinkled over the door and Kelsey McCade made a beeline toward Theresa.

"Hi, Miss Rogers," she said, sitting on the stool near her teacher. "Hi, Sarah Sue. Can I have a
corndog and tater-tots, please? I'm starved."

"What are you doing in town, Kelsey? Did you miss the bus?" Theresa asked.

"No, I don't go home on Wednesdays. I have band after school, then soccer practice at five-thirty.
Dad picks me up at the field. Thanks," she said, when the waitress set a large cola in front of her.

Sarah Sue gave Theresa her burger basket, poured herself a cup of coffee, then leaned on the
counter, preparing to visit.

"How's that handsome daddy of yours doing, darlin'?" she asked.

Kelsey shrugged. "Fine. Busy. You know--same old, same old."

"I haven't seen him in a while. Tell him to stop by some time and see ol' Sarah Sue." She turned to
the order window behind her, retrieved a red plastic basket, then set it in front of the little girl.

"Thanks," said Kelsey. "I'll tell him. But you know he doesn't get out much. I'm working on it,
though." She bit into the steaming corndog.

"One of your projects?" Sarah Sue asked, taking a sip of coffee.

"You could say that."

Theresa listened to the conversation as she ate her meal. She wondered if the "project" had anything
to do with herself.

"What are you doing this afternoon, Miss Rogers?" Kelsey asked after a minute.

"Nothing much. Why?" Theresa dipped a fry in catsup and bit into it, eyeing her pupil with curiosity.

"Oh, I thought you might like to watch me practice soccer."

"I can't believe you're going to practice soccer in this weather? The wind is vicious, and it's awfully
cold out."

Kelsey popped a tater-tot into her mouth. "Sure we're going to practice. We're not wimps. Besides,
soccer doesn't stop for anything except lightning."

"Really?"

Kelsey nodded. "So, will you come?"

"I don't think so. Not this time," she said, cringing at the thought of facing Austin McCade again.

"Aw, please? You said you weren't doing anything."

Theresa shook her head. "I really need to grade papers this evening. I'm behind. I'll drive you over to
the field, though. How about that?"

"Cool."

Theresa watched Kelsey happily consume the rest of her food. She had a funny feeling that soccer
wasn't the only game Kelsey was playing.

The drive to the soccer field lasted a good five minutes. Salt Fork was a small town. It didn't take
long to get anywhere within the city limits.

Pulling up to the playing area, Theresa stopped her car. Kelsey was busy putting on shin guards and
soccer shoes. She had changed into a warm sweat suit at the cafe.

"Thanks for the ride," Kelsey said. "Are you sure you won't stay and watch?"

"Maybe some other time," Theresa said.

"How about Saturday? We have a game at eleven, and it's right here. And it's not just me on the team.
Charlotte, Amelia, and Lisa play, too. Please say you'll come. Please?"

Theresa couldn't resist the appeal in the big blue eyes. She had a soft spot for the little girl, that was
for sure. "Okay," she finally conceded.

"Promise?" Kelsey asked.

"I promise," Theresa said with a laugh.

"Great. Hey, there's my dad."

Theresa's heart nearly stopped. "Where? I thought you said he was going to pick you up later."

"Sometimes he meets me here and watches the practice." She hopped out of the car. "Dad! Over
here!" She waved toward a blue pickup truck.

"Kelsey, I really need to get home," Theresa said.

"Okay." Kelsey ran to hug her dad, leaving the door wide open.

Theresa caught a glimpse of plaid shirt, worn jeans over muscled thighs, and a tooled belt with a
silver buckle striding over to her car. She swallowed hard.

"Hey, hotshot," Austin said, ruffling Kelsey's hair and taking her backpack and books. "Who did you

badger into giving you a ride this time?" He stooped over, leaning his arm on the frame of the door,
looking in. "Thanks for giving Kelsey a ride," he said, still smiling. Then the smile quickly
disappeared and a frown marred the dark brows, the hazel eyes narrowed.

"Hello, Miss Rogers," he said, tipping his hat.

The contrast in his tone when he realized who had driven his daughter to the soccer field left
Theresa gripping the steering wheel tightly. It didn't sound like he was too thrilled to see her.

She lifted her chin. She wasn't going to let the tumultuous feelings between them keep her from
having a friendly relationship with Kelsey. He would just have to get over it.

"Hello," she said, forcing herself to meet his eyes.

Kelsey leaned near her dad and tugged his arm. "Theresa, Dad. Remember, you're supposed to call
her Theresa now."

"Oh, right. Theresa." He straightened. "Your coach is waiting, Kels. Go on over and I'll be there in a
minute. I have something to discuss with . . . Theresa."

"Great," Kelsey said. "I mean, I'm going. Take your time." She flashed Theresa a smile and ran off
toward the field.

Before Theresa knew what was happening, Austin climbed in the passenger seat and closed the
door.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he said.

She flinched from the violence in his voice. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that most of the women in this town have used every available tactic and strategy to snag my
attention. Like vultures circling road kill. Yet none of them have stooped so low as to use my daughter
to get to me."

"Is that what you think?" Theresa said, feeling her own temper rising. "Don't flatter yourself. Giving
Kelsey a ride has nothing to do with you. You made it perfectly clear what you want from me. And we
don't want the same thing, do we?"

"We want the same thing. You're just not willing to admit it."

"You want sex," Theresa said. "I don't think you want to know what I want."

Austin's mouth flattened into a rigid line. "I have a pretty good idea. And I told you I have nothing to
offer you. That doesn't mean we couldn't enjoy each other as consenting adults."

Theresa shook her head. "I don't want that."

Austin leaned over, rubbing his fingers gently over her forearm, raising the fine hairs. "Do you want
me to remind you how much you want it?" he asked softly.

Chill bumps broke out all over Theresa's body. She felt breathless and edgy. A heaviness settled in
her lower body, leaving her aching for more of his touch.

Jerking her arm away, she met his eyes. Eyes watching her with promised passion.

"You don't need to remind me. Now, will you please get out of my car? I want to go home." She
turned the key and revved up the motor.

"I told you to stay away from me," he said, his voice rough. "If we keep meeting like this, I'll know
you've changed your mind." He opened the door.

"In your dreams," Theresa muttered under her breath.

Austin paused before shutting the door. His gaze locked on hers. "Believe me, Theresa. You're
already in my dreams. And I don't like it. I don't like it at all."

She watched him make his way toward the field. He never looked back. The man was a living,
breathing contradiction on legs. His actions were definitely not consistent with his words.

Theresa's tummy plunged downward as she pulled out of the parking lot. He was dreaming about
her?

CHAPTER FOUR

Austin thought he was imagining things when Theresa Rogers walked across the soccer field
carrying a folding chair and blanket. When he had seen her on Wednesday, he assumed he had made
the situation perfectly clear. Clear to whom, he didn't have a clue. The woman was driving him crazy,
that was for sure.

Theresa paused in front of him for a moment. Looking around, making sure no one overheard, she
leaned toward him. "Don't get any ideas," she said. "I haven't changed my mind. I promised Kelsey I'd
come see her play. Before we had our little discussion."

She marched past him, unfolded her chair and plopped herself down, spreading the blanket over her
legs. She waved to Kelsey and some of the other girls . . . and ignored him.

Which suited Austin just fine. He would be doing both of them a favor if he could just ignore his
attraction to her. Forget how it felt to hold her, kiss her, feel her body pressed to his. Forget her

reaction to his touch.

He plopped down in his own folding chair and watched the teams warming up on the field.

"Hey, Dad!" Kelsey ran up to him, breathing hard, her cheeks rosy from working out.

"Hey, hotshot! How's it going?"

"Great! We're going to cream this team. Whatcha want to bet?" She took a long gulp from her water
bottle, set it on the ground, gave him a quick kiss, then dashed away before he could answer.

He frowned when she stopped to talk to Theresa. Austin watched his daughter's animated face as she
smiled and laughed with her teacher. He'd always known not having a mother was hard on Kelsey.
She was lucky to have a loving grandmother and three aunts who doted on her. Maybe it wasn't
enough.

Austin dismissed those thoughts. He and Kelsey were doing okay. They would continue to do okay.

"A penny for your thoughts."

Austin looked up from his chair where new sister-in-law, Gillian, stood smiling down at him.

"Trust me, you would be wasting your money," he said. "I didn't know if you and Ma were going to
make it."

"Of course, we made it," Ruth said, as she unfolded her chair. "Scoot down and make room."

Austin moved his chair, only to realize he was now seated close to Theresa. She looked past him
and smiled, extending her hand. "Hello. Gillian, right? We met at the Jubilee last summer."

Gillian leaned over Austin and shook her hand. "Miss Rogers. I remember--you and Austin were
partners in the races. I'll tell you a little secret. I never want to do that again."

"Me neither," Theresa said.

Austin felt her glance at him, then away. He felt Gillian's eyes on him, too.

"Gillian, I'm sure you'll do it again," Ruth said, sitting down next to her daughter-in-law. "It's a
family tradition. I don't know about Miss Rogers, though. She and Austin didn't do so well together."
Shaking out a huge quilt, she covered both her and Gillian.

Austin heard a stifled gasp beside him. He felt a compelling urge to strangle his mother.

Gillian leaned across him. "Don't mind what Mama Ruth says. She speaks her mind. She doesn't
mean any harm."

Ruth leaned over, too. "Did I say something I shouldn't have? Oh well, Gillian's right. Don't mind

me. How about some hot chocolate?" She took a large thermos from her bag. "Nothing like hot
chocolate on a cold day like today. What did Kelsey say about this team?" she asked Austin, handing
him a cup. "Pass this to Miss Rogers."

"She thinks they'll be easy to beat." He took the cup and gave it to Theresa. "Careful, it's hot."

"Thanks." She took the drink, avoiding his fingers.

For some inexplicable reason, that made Austin extremely angry. She had melted in his arms the last
time they had been together. He felt himself grow hard thinking about it. He wanted to feel her melt
against him again. She was making him nuts.

Wedged between Austin and another parent, Theresa sipped her cocoa. She knew Austin was
uncomfortable with the situation, because he was frowning, his body taut. She could see the muscles
of his thighs bunched up beneath the worn denim of his jeans.

Moving was an option, but that would be rude to Ruth and Gillian and the other parent. They were
probably unaware of the tension flowing around them. Theresa decided to stay where she was and
concentrate on the game.

She didn't know much about soccer. Never had watched a game. The teams were taking their places
on the field. Kelsey stood near the back, close to the girl in the net-like box.

"What position does Kelsey play?" Theresa asked, clutching her hands around the cup of warm
cocoa, snuggling down beneath the blanket. The wind howled around them. The cold stung her cheeks.

"Sweeper."

Theresa glanced at Austin. His eyes were glued on the field. His jaw clenched. A fascinating pulse
throbbed in his corded neck. He didn't look like a happy man.

"What does the sweeper do?" she heard herself asking. She knew he didn't want to talk to her, but
she couldn't help it. She was drawn to the man. Attracted to him big time.

"The sweeper is one of the fullbacks. They're the last line of defense before the goalkeeper."

"So basically, they try to keep the other team from scoring?"

"Exactly. Watch the game and you'll see."

At first, Theresa had a difficult time keeping track of the ball and plays. It didn't take long until she
got into the spirit of the game. She was on her feet with the rest of the parents, yelling encouragement
to her students. Kelsey stopped a ball and sent it flying down the field. She looked at Theresa and
grinned. Theresa gave her a thumbs up.

"She's good, isn't she?" Theresa said to Austin.

"Yes, she's very good." He stood next to her, engrossed in the game.

Theresa heard the pride in his voice. The man was definitely capable of emotion. His love for his
daughter proved it.

When Kelsey's team scored, Theresa clutched his arm joyously, wanting to share in the excitement.
"Oh my God! Did you see that kick?"

The words died on her lips as Austin yanked his arm from her grasp. For a moment, their eyes met.
His smoldered with anger. Theresa thought she might burn to a crisp, right then and there. He turned
and stalked away, going to sit in his truck.

Gillian came closer. "What was that all about?"

Theresa managed a shrug. "I don't think he likes me very much."

"Or maybe he likes you too much," she said. "Hang in there. He needs someone like you. He just
doesn't know it yet." Gillian's attention was caught by action on the field.

Theresa glanced back at the parking lot. She could feel Austin's eyes on her. A tingling sensation
raced up and down her spine. She had the vague feeling she was caught up in something beyond her
control. She was attracted to a man who was devoted to his dead wife. Everyone had warned her
about him. Even he had warned her to stay away. But the more she saw of the handsome widower, the
more impossible it became to heed those warnings.

****

Austin wished he were any place but where he was right now, which was sitting in the back of a
hay-filled trailer full of laughing, noisy kids, being pulled by a tractor around the countryside. And he
had Kelsey to thank for it all. She had organized the whole thing.

His daughter. The leader of the pack. The social butterfly. She had convinced her classmates that
they were too old for trick-or-treating this year. Instead, they would all get together for a hayride and
wiener roast. Everyone was assigned an item to bring. Some brought the hotdogs and buns. Others
provided snacks and candy. There was a cooler of soft drinks. Fun was being had by all.

Except Austin. He wasn't having fun. Somehow, he was sitting next to the one person he didn't want
to be near. The one person he should be avoiding like the plague. The woman who was upsetting his
dull, routine, comfortable life. She was even invading his dreams. Making him extremely
uncomfortable and frustrated as hell.

How could he have allowed himself to be bamboozled into coming along? He didn't know if he
wanted to strangle Kelsey or applaud her triumph. Most of the parents and kids in her class, as well
as her teacher, had shown up for the hayride.

"Dad, could you at least pretend you're having a good time?" Kelsey whispered in his ear. "Smile,
why don't you?"

She sat on his right side, Theresa on his left. It was a tight squeeze with so many kids and parents
participating. There wasn't enough room for everyone to sit on the stacked bales of hay. Some, like
himself, were stuck down on the bed of the trailer. His entire left side burned with awareness. It was
difficult to smile when his body was on fire, but he managed.

"You're hopeless, you know it?" Kelsey said. "I'm wondering why you bothered to come."

"Because you asked me." He tried to keep his voice low so they wouldn't be overheard.

He was startled when Theresa suddenly leaned across him. "Why did you ask him, Kelsey? You
know your father doesn't enjoy things like this."

Kelsey leaned across Austin on the other side. "All the parents were invited. Since I got everyone
together, Dad had to come."

"Ladies, do you mind?" He pushed Kelsey away, then placed his hand on Theresa's shoulder to push
her away, too.

Theresa froze for a moment. She turned her head to look at him, their faces only inches apart. "And
how do you know I'm not enjoying myself?" Austin asked her softly. He dropped his gaze to her lips,
remembering how it felt to kiss her, taste her. The quick intake of breath, the way she jerked away,
told him she remembered, too.

Suddenly, Austin couldn't stand being so close to her. His body was betraying him. Betraying
Deborah.

"Change places with me, Kels." His voice sounded rough to his ears.

"But why?" she asked, shooting him a strange look.

He didn't wait to argue. He picked up his daughter, scooted sideways and deposited her between
him and temptation.

"Dad!"

"I know I've embarrassed you. Get used to it. It's going to happen a lot."

"Did your parents embarrass you when you were a kid?" she asked Miss Rogers.

Theresa nodded. "It's a fact of life, but it won't last forever. Hopefully, by the time you're twenty-
five, your father will have outgrown the tendency."

Kelsey giggled and Theresa laughed softly. Austin gritted his teeth. The sound of her laughter
washed over him, making him even more edgy.

Some of the kids and parents were singing a song as the tractor pulled them along the darkened road.
The moon had cooperated and shone full and bright.

"Hey, Kels! When are we going to eat? I'm starved!" Amelia called from her seat in the trailer.

"It shouldn't be long now," Kelsey said. "We're going to stop at the park overlooking the canyon."

The trailer slowed down, pulled to the side of the road, then came to a complete stop.

"Am I good or what?" Kelsey said with a grin. She hopped up from the floor of the trailer. "We're
going to cook the hotdogs here," she announced to the group. "I thought it would be neat seeing the
canyon in the moonlight." Climbing down from the trailer, she immediately began overseeing the
building of the fires in the barbeque pits.

Theresa shook her head in wonder as she started to rise to her feet. She was surprised when Austin
offered a hand. Gingerly, she placed her hand in his. His grasp was warm and hard. He let go as soon
as she was standing.

"I'm always a little in awe of Kelsey," she said, studying his profile. "Her leadership abilities are
amazing."

Austin nodded, watching his daughter direct her troops. "And she's modest, too," he said, rolling his
eyes.

For a moment, Theresa forgot to breathe. Was Austin McCade actually being playful with her? His
lips had lost their grimness. The hard lines of his face had relaxed. It was the first time she had seen
this side of him.

Theresa smiled. "So I noticed. Has she always been like this?"

When his attention focused on her again, the remote look returned to his eyes. "Kelsey has always
been . . . Kelsey." He turned on his heel and walked away.

Theresa barely refrained from stamping her foot. She had seen a glimmer of warmth in Austin, but he
had doused it before letting it take hold. Before letting her get too close.

"Can you give me a hand, Miss Rogers?" Patti Garrison stood with a half dozen packages of wieners
and hotdog buns in her arms.

"Sure." Theresa took some of the load from her. Glad to have something to occupy her thoughts and
hands, she joined the parents and kids in the preparations.

All through the evening, she made sure to stay away from Austin. She tried not to be too obvious.
When Austin helped grill the wieners, she set the tables. When he passed out the drinks, she helped
the kids fix their hotdogs. The last thing she wanted was to become the topic of the week on the town's
infamous grapevine. She hoped no one had noticed the little exchange on the trailer earlier. Or the
incident at the soccer game last Saturday.

Keeping her distance from Austin became a fine dance. The group wasn't large, the space somewhat
confined. The park was small, with only four cement picnic tables and two grills. One tall pole with a
bright light illuminated the area. To the side, there was a ring of large rocks. One of the fathers had a
fire ready to roast marshmallows after everyone had eaten their fill of hotdogs.

Theresa sat with the Garrisons for the meal, barely escaping Kelsey's manipulations to seat her next
to Austin. Kelsey had given in with good grace, but there was an odd sparkle in her blue eyes.
Theresa had the feeling Kelsey hadn't truly conceded the victory. She would wait for another chance
to throw her teacher and father together.

If Theresa hadn't been one of the victims, she would have been amused at her favorite student's
strategies and maneuvers. The little girl was determined, to say the least. Just exactly what she had in
mind, Theresa wasn't sure. But she knew that it boded ill for Austin. He wanted nothing to do with the
kind of relationship Kelsey was trying to engineer.

When everyone finished eating, Theresa helped clean up. Some of the dads started putting
marshmallows on skewers and the kids flocked around the fire.

Amelia Jackson ran up and tugged on Theresa's arm. "Have you seen the canyon yet, Miss Rogers?
It's beautiful in the moonlight."

"I will after I finish cleaning up. Run along and I'll join you in a minute."

"But I want to be the one to show you." Amelia turned to her mother. "Aren't you nearly finished?
Can't Miss Rogers come now?"

Allison Jackson smiled at her daughter. "All right, pumpkin. Go on, Theresa. There's not much left to
do."

"If you're sure?" Theresa gathered up discarded plates and napkins to throw away.

"I'm sure. Go have fun. It's not often you get to be with the kids in a non-school setting."

"You're right. Thanks," Theresa said with a smile. "Come on, Amelia." She tossed the garbage in the
barrel and followed the little girl down a winding path.

"Most everyone looked at the canyon while the hotdogs were cooking," Amelia said over her
shoulder. "I noticed you were busy and probably didn't get the chance to see it. I've only seen it a
couple of times in the moonlight myself. It's really cool."

Theresa concentrated on her footing as she listened to Amelia talk a mile a minute. Usually, her
student was quiet as a mouse. She rarely raised her hand in class.

"Be careful," Theresa said. "These gravel steps are steep and shallow."

The path was dark and the rocks slippery. Huge mesquite trees formed a canopy overhead, the
moonlight causing great shadows on the ground below.

"I will," Amelia said. "We're nearly there. We can stand on the ridge and see the canyon for miles.
At least, you can in the daytime."

A couple of minutes later, they came out of the trees. Low sagebrush and cactus surrounded the trail.
The canyon stood in quiet majesty. Stars hung in the black sky, the moon a giant ball suspended above.

"Wow," Theresa said. "I've always thought the canyon impressive. But this . . . this is magnificent.
Thanks for sharing it with me, Amelia."

"I knew you'd like it." The little girl smiled and rocked back and forth on the heels of her feet. She
stuffed her hands in her jeans, then glanced back toward the trees. "Um, I'm going to go get a drink. I'll
be right back."

"I'll come with you."

"No! I mean . . . you can't really appreciate the beauty of the canyon in only two minutes. I won't be
long." Amelia retraced her steps along the trail, walking quickly, almost running.

Theresa shook her head. She didn't know what had gotten into Amelia. Turning toward the canyon,
she took a deep breath. The air was nippy. Good thing she was wearing a heavy jacket. She'd wait
about five minutes. If Amelia hadn't returned by then, she would start back.

A slight commotion on the pathway sounded on the cold breeze. Someone must be coming to view
the canyon. She watched the archway beneath the mesquite trees, ready to greet whoever it was with a
smile.

Her heart missed a beat when Austin McCade stepped into the clearing. He looked startled to find
her there. After surveying the area, his eyes narrowed.

"I thought I made it clear about using Kelsey to arrange meetings with me? I thought I made it clear
what would happen if you didn't stay away from me." He walked toward her, stalking her like prey.

Theresa didn't like the look in his eye or the tone of his voice. A sliver of panic whisked along her
nerve endings. There was nowhere to turn. Nowhere to go. The path ended abruptly, dropping down
to the canyon below. She didn't think Austin would actually hurt her. He was civilized, after all. At
least, she hoped he was.

"I didn't arrange this." No way would she tell him who was responsible for the meeting. For some
reason she didn't want to betray Kelsey. "And I've been trying to keep away from you all evening."
She lifted her chin. Her heart was thumping like mad.

"Obviously, you haven't tried hard enough," he said. "Here we are. All alone. In the moonlight." He
stood close to her, his hot breath steaming in the cold air.

"We won't be alone for long," Theresa said, resisting the urge to step back. "Amelia will return any
minute. She went to get a drink."

"Kelsey hauled Amelia away to sing around the campfire. She won't be back anytime soon."

"Then maybe we should go back, too. People will wonder where we are." Theresa tried to move
around him.

"Not so fast." He grabbed her shoulders and jerked her roughly against him.

Through the thick layers of their jackets, Theresa felt the powerful heat from his body. The hard
muscles pressed into her soft curves. A thrill chased down her spine. Was he going to kiss her?

"I want you," he said, his voice harsh. "I don't want to, but I do. I haven't wanted a woman like this
since Deborah. I shouldn't want anyone like this. She was my wife, damn it! I loved her." He gave her
a little shake.

"I'm sorry." Theresa tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

"No, you're not," he said. "You've been going to great lengths to throw us together. You want me as
much as I want you."

He heard her gasp as his mouth closed over hers. Not able to resist the soft feminine body in his
arms, Austin kissed her hungrily. He felt starved for this woman. Their passionate embrace a few
weeks before had fueled his imagination and desire. He wanted more. Had to have more of her. And
God, she tasted good. Felt good. He wanted to forget why he shouldn't be kissing her. He just wanted
to lose himself in her. In the sensations carrying them along.

For a moment, Theresa held herself stiffly, her hands fisted against Austin's chest. His assault on her
mouth left her feeling weak. A liquid fire simmered in the pit of her stomach. The kiss was all
consuming, leaving little doubt what he wanted from her. His tongue mated with hers, plunging in
again and again.

Theresa twined her arms around the strong neck, wiggling to get closer. Her breasts ached for
contact. The bulky layers of clothing stood in the way, hampering, restricting. She felt Austin grasp
her bottom and haul her to him, grinding his body intimately to hers.

"See what you do to me." He nipped her under lip, before drawing it into his mouth. "You make me
crazy with wanting you. You make me forget . . ." He stopped when Kelsey's voice called from down
the path.

"Dad!"

Austin immediately released Theresa. "This is what happens when you manage to get me alone," he
growled fiercely under his breath. "Get something into that pretty little head of yours--I don't want to
forget my wife. Nothing you can do will make me forget her."

He turned away from her and walked quickly to meet Kelsey. He grabbed his daughter's hand and
practically dragged her away. They disappeared beneath the trees.

Theresa followed more slowly, trying to get hold over her wayward emotions. It astonished her how
fast things always ignited between the two of them. When she was in his arms, Austin wasn't thinking
about his wife. And that made him mad. At himself, at the world, at her.

It was a difficult problem. Could it ever be resolved? Could Austin ever let go of Deborah and make
room in his heart for her?

CHAPTER FIVE

A week later, Theresa's biggest problem was trying to make it home without fainting. Out for her
Saturday morning run, she stepped on a pebble and twisted her ankle. Every time she put weight on
her foot, thousands of hot tiny needles shot up her calf. The pain left her gasping as she slowly
hobbled the rest of the way to her house.

She had only gone half way around the hundred-acre "block", when she wrenched her foot. Usually,
the challenge of running the perimeter of the large field beckoned to her. She enjoyed setting a brisk
pace and keeping rhythm with her strides. Today, the distance seemed daunting and overwhelming.

Luckily, Theresa was on the solid pavement of the farm road instead of the dirt road that bordered
the east side of the field. Maybe some kind soul would offer her a lift home. That was, if anyone
decided to venture into town at seven o'clock on a Saturday morning. Few cars or trucks passed by
even on her daily runs.

After fifteen minutes of excruciating pain, Theresa's prayers were finally answered. The low roar of
an engine could be heard coming down the road. She had a moment's anxiety about accepting a ride
from a stranger. But this was Salt Fork, not Houston. There weren't many strangers in the small town.
She'd met with nothing but kindness and hospitality since she'd moved here. Except from Austin
McCade. But she didn't want to think about him right now.

Limping along a few more steps, Theresa finally gave it up and waited as the blue pickup slowed
down. Theresa's breath hitched in her throat when she recognized the scowling man behind the
steering wheel. Why did it have to be Austin? She looked toward the heavens and wondered if God
was having a little fun at her expense.

She continued limping toward home. She didn't have to accept the ride. Austin probably wouldn't
stop when he realized who it was. He didn't want anything to do with her.

The truck followed her for a few minutes, then Austin pulled up even with her and rolled down the
window.

"Get in the truck, Theresa."

"No." She kept on walking. Wincing with every step, yet walking just the same.

Austin kept the truck inching along beside her. "You are the most exasperating woman I've ever met.
Now get in the truck!"

Theresa stopped and faced him. "I wouldn't accept a ride from you if you were the last man on earth.
You'll be accusing me of setting this whole thing up in order to get us together. No thank you. Go on.
I'll catch a ride with someone else." She trudged on at a snail's pace.

"Goddamn it! Don't be so melodramatic. You sound like Kelsey. It's freezing out there. You're hurt. I
know you didn't stage this. There's no way in hell you could know I was coming to town. I didn't
know I was coming until twenty minutes ago. Now get in before I get out and forcible throw you in."

Theresa decided she didn't want to stand in the cold and argue. "All right, I guess I don't have much
of a choice."

"Gee, thanks," Austin said, a grin threatening to ease the grimness of his mouth.

Ignoring the debilitating effect of his smile, she

climbed into the truck. But not without experiencing considerable pain.

"Ouch!" She bit her lip when she accidently lost her balance, putting all her weight on the sprained
ankle.

Austin leaned over and grabbed her arm, helping her in the rest of the way. "How long were you
walking on that foot? And why, in God's name, were you even out in this weather? It's near freezing."

His hand lingered on her arm. She could feel his warmth through the thick fleece of her sweatshirt.
Theresa pulled away, folding her arms across her chest. "I jog everyday. Rain or shine." She kept her
eyes straight ahead.

"How about snow?" Austin pulled the truck onto the highway and headed toward town.

"No, I draw the line at ice and snow. I don't want to risk falling down."

"Well, there wasn't any ice or snow today. How'd you sprain that ankle?"

She chanced a peek at the man sitting across from her. The leathered skin of his face sat well on him.
Gave him a rugged, earthy look. His lips were sculpted, the nose straight and long. His golden hair
looked silky soft. A familiar warmth began building in her stomach.

Austin turned his head slightly and caught her staring at him. The hazel eyes held hers for a heated
moment, before he deliberately looked away and focused on the road.

Torn between the pain in her foot and the not-so-subtle undercurrents flowing between them,
Theresa found it difficult to concentrate on the conversation.

"How did you hurt your ankle?" he asked again, gripping the steering wheel with tight fists.

"I stepped on a rock. My foot rolled and twisted." She looked out the window, watching the
hundred-acre field go by. It didn't take long before her street came into sight.

"Turn right, just over that rise."

"I know where you live," he said. "I've been there, remember?"

The low timbre of his voice washed over Theresa's nerves, reminding her exactly what had
happened the last time he came to her house.

Austin stopped the truck in the driveway. Before Theresa had time to unbuckle her seatbelt, he
opened the passenger door and gently lifted her in his arms.

"What do you think you're doing?" she asked, looping her arms around his neck in reflex.

"You don't need to put any more weight on that foot. I'm going to make sure you take care of it
properly."

He carried her up the sidewalk and paused at her front door.

"It's unlocked," she said, when he made no other move.

"Bend down and open it. My hands are full."

Theresa looked at Austin a moment, coloring when his eyes fell on her lips. A muscle in his jaw
twitched as he clamped his teeth together.

"Go on. I won't drop you," he said, his voice ragged. His arms tightened around her as he tilted her
forward.

Theresa caught the knob and pushed the door open. Her little house was warm and inviting after the
harsh cold outside.

"You can put me on the couch," she said. "I'll manage from there. Thanks for--"

"I'm not going anywhere yet." He deposited her on the sofa and with a quick look around, headed for
the small kitchen.

"What are you doing?" Theresa called.

He came back with two bags of frozen vegetables and a dishtowel. Sitting next to her, he removed
her shoe and examined her swollen ankle. He whistled softly under his breath. "That doesn't look too

good."

She nearly jumped out of her skin when he started probing for broken bones. His fingers on her ankle
made her heart beat double-time. She almost forgot about her injured foot. Almost.

"Watch it," she said, gasping in pain.

"Sorry." He eased the pressure of his fingers. "It doesn't seem to be broken."

"I didn't think so," she said. "I'm all right. Really. I can take it from here. Thanks for bringing me
home."

Austin ignored her. He lifted her leg and propped it up on pillows. Then he gently wrapped the
towel around her ankle and balanced the frozen veggie bags on either side. Stepping back, he
surveyed his handiwork.

Austin's masculine presence filled the room. Theresa tried not to think of the annihilating kiss they
had shared over by her front door. She leaned her head back against the sofa. Austin's tender
ministrations wreaked havoc with her emotions. Closing her eyes, she hoped the threatening tears
would go unnoticed. Beneath the hard, bitter facade, a caring man had been revealed. Theresa found
herself falling a little more in love with Austin each passing moment.

The couch cushions dipped as he sat beside her. She kept her eyes shut, not wanting him to see the
tumult he caused, trying to protect herself against him. A warm finger on her cheek wiped a tear away.

"I know it must hurt like hell," he said, his voice low and intimate. "Where do you keep the aspirin?"

Opening her eyes, Theresa caught the concern in his eyes. She struggled to get up. Strong hands
clamped around her shoulders and pushed her back against the cushions. "You're not going
anywhere."

"You don't have to wait on me," she said. "I know you don't want me. Don't want to be around me.
Thank you for all of your help. Now you can go. I can manage on my own."

Instead of releasing her, Austin began kneading the tight muscles in her shoulders, looking directly in
her eyes. "Baby, if you knew how much I wanted you, you'd turn and run in the opposite direction."

"I'm not the one running." She forced herself not to look away. Inhaling deeply, his fresh clean scent
permeated her being. Why couldn't he just hold her in his arms again?

He stopped kneading and leaned closer. "You should be running. I've told you I have nothing to give
you except sex. You deserve more than that."

"I'm a big girl, Austin." She saw a muscle twitch near his mouth. His grip on her shoulders tightened.
Theresa thought he might kiss her again. Her stomach fluttered in anticipation.

He pushed her away and stood up. "Where's the damn aspirin?"

Theresa gulped down the bitter disappointment. She'd wanted him to kiss her. Almost begged him to
kiss her. "In the medicine cabinet in the bathroom."

He returned with a glass of water and two tablets. After she swallowed the aspirin, Austin adjusted
the frozen bags around her ankle.

"I'm going now," he said, looking at her with a scowl. "I suggest you keep away from me in the
future. If you don't, I might decide to give you what you think you want and damn the consequences.
Like you said, you're a big girl." He slammed the door on his way out.

Theresa curled up on the couch, careful not to dislodge the cold packs. Austin McCade confused the
hell out of her. One minute he was gentle and concerned, the next--mean and menacing. But he seemed
to be relaxing his guard a little. He wanted her in the physical sense and he didn't like it. His desire
for her was starting to threaten his control, his self-imposed emotional solitude.

For twelve years, Austin hadn't let anyone close to his heart. Theresa didn't really believe he would
ever completely let her in. He might agree to a physical relationship, but he would keep his emotions
under tight rein. That might be all he was able to give. Could she accept that? Would it be enough?

****

Austin banged his fist against the steering wheel as he drove away from Theresa's house. What the
hell was the matter with him? Had he completely lost his mind?

Nothing had changed. Nothing should have changed. When he had seen Theresa limping along the
road, all he could think was that he had to help her. As much as she exasperated and frustrated him, he
had to stop and help.

When she refused his offer, something had snapped inside. Not only was he attracted to her, wanting
her with an urgency that left him aching--he realized he cared what happened to her. He couldn't leave
her on the side of the road.

It did no good to tell himself he wouldn't have left anyone to their fate on such a cold winter
morning. He would have helped no matter who it was.

But would he have followed through like he had done with Theresa? Making sure they got in the
house? Putting ice on the ankle? Giving her aspirin? He hoped he was a nice guy. But he would be
kidding himself if he believed he would have taken such pains with anyone else except family.

And then he had almost kissed her. He had had to forcibly restrain himself. When he had sat beside
her on the sofa, she had looked so vulnerable. And beautiful. He had wanted to kiss away her pain.
Take care of her. Protect her.

He banged the steering wheel again. He couldn't risk his heart again. Wouldn't risk it again. He
forced himself to remember the days following Deborah's death, allowing the grief and sorrow to

flow through him, the gut-wrenching agony to settle in his veins. It fed his determination and resolve.
It had given him strength all these years.

To carry on in the name of Deborah.

He had sworn to never let himself love another woman. Of course, no one had ever tempted him to
veer from his chosen path before Theresa had come along.

But holy shit, he was tempted now. Everything about Theresa tempted him: Her soft husky voice,
silky brown hair he wanted to run his fingers through, emerald green eyes that burned in his soul, full,
sultry lips that tasted so sweet. He wanted to mold her slim body to his, caress every curve. Pull her
beneath him and plunge into her woman's heat. Feel her long legs wrap around her. Hear her call his
name when she climaxed.

Austin cursed the desire raging in his groin. Yes, she tempted him all right. He needed to stay away
from her. Keep his distance. Desire could be wonderful and dangerous at the same time. Desire for
Theresa Rogers was the dangerous kind. Austin was certain of that. Somehow, he had to fight the
temptation.

****

"Do you think you'll be able to go to school tomorrow?" Kelsey asked, sitting at the table in
Theresa's small kitchen, eating a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings. "Hey Grams, these are
great."

Theresa nodded. "Yes, Mrs. McCade. The dumplings are delicious. Thanks for bringing them over."
She bit into one of the fat, fluffy dumplings.

Ruth McCade sat at the table and smiled. "Well, it's the least I could do for Kelsey's favorite teacher
of all time. And Austin said you were hurt pretty badly. He dug an old pair of crutches out of the attic.
My daughter, Tori, injured her knee in high school playing basketball. Y'all are about the same height,
so you should be able to use them."

Theresa eyed the crutches leaning against the wall. "I've never had to use them before. I wonder if I
can manage."

"After we finish eating, I'll help you," Kelsey said. "And I'll help you tomorrow at school, too. I'll
carry your books and run errands for you."

"You're a sweetheart, Kelsey. I don't know how I'd get along without you." Theresa spooned another
mouthful of dumplings, blowing before taking a bite.

Kelsey shrugged. "I like to help you, Miss Rogers. I'm always trying to find ways to help you out.
We get along great, don't you think?"

"Yes, I do," Theresa said. "We always have. I missed you last year. I'm so glad you're in my class
again. I'll miss you again when you move on to seventh grade. Let's not think about that. At least, we
have the rest of the year together."

"Maybe you won't have to miss me," Kelsey said. "You never know what might happen."

"What in heavens name do you mean by that?" Ruth asked.

"Oh, nothing," Kelsey said with a shrug. She hopped up from her seat. "Do you want another glass of
tea, Miss Rogers?"

"Yes, thank you. But you don't have to wait on me. I'm not exactly an invalid."

"Like I said, I love to help you out." Kelsey filled the tall glass, then set the pitcher on the counter.
"Dad seemed really worried about you. He said if you were still in a lot of pain, we should make you
go to the doctor. You're not in a lot of pain, are you?"

Theresa felt Ruth's attention on her, waiting for her answer. She was sure Austin's mother would do
everything in her power to carry out her son's wishes. Or commands.

"No, I'm much better. I kept ice on the ankle and took pain relievers all day yesterday. The swelling
has gone down. I can't put a lot of weight on it yet, so I appreciate the use of the crutches. I should be
completely healed in a day or two."

"Can't you take the day off tomorrow?" Ruth asked. "I'm sure they can call in a substitute for you."

"Oh, no!" Kelsey groaned. "Not a sub!"

Ruth frowned. "Kelsey, you don't want Miss Rogers to be hurting, do you? She should rest and keep
off that foot."

Kelsey walked over to Theresa. "Well, if you're not able to go to school, I'll be glad to stay here and
take care of you."

"That's very generous," Theresa said with a smile. "But I think we'd both better go to school
tomorrow."

Kelsey flopped down in a chair. "How will you get to school tomorrow? Can you drive? You hurt
your right foot."

Theresa hadn't really thought about it. All her thoughts had been centered on getting the swelling
down and hobbling around the house. "I'll manage somehow. Don't worry."

"I'll drive Kelsey to school tomorrow," Ruth said. "We'll pick you up. Kelsey can help with your
things. Then I'll pick both of you up after school."

"Oh, I couldn't impose on you like that."

"It's no imposition. I won't take no for an answer. Is seven-thirty okay with you?"

Theresa smiled. "That will be fine. Thanks." Austin's mother was extremely sweet. So was his
daughter. But sweet wasn't how she would describe Austin. He was anything but. Except for that one
moment, frozen now in her mind, when he had looked at her with such concern. She had seen anger,
frustration and desire in his eyes before. But never concern. It came awfully close to caring.

"Come along, Kelsey," Ruth said. "I've got to get on home. You take care of yourself, Miss Rogers.
Stay off that foot today and we'll see you in the morning."

Kelsey gave Theresa a hug. "Everything's going to be all right. You'll see."

"Kelsey!" Ruth called from the porch.

"Coming, Grams. Don't get up," she said to Theresa. "I'll shut the door behind me."

Theresa shook her head. Kelsey McCade was a natural born leader. And manipulator. She hoped the
child could survive disappointment, because Theresa was certain whatever Kelsey was planning for
her father and her teacher was doomed to failure.

****

At seven-thirty sharp, Theresa answered the knock on her door, expecting to see Ruth and Kelsey.
Instead, her stomach tumbled all the way down to her injured foot. "What are you doing here?
Where's Ruth?"

Austin stood on her doorstep. Again. And he didn't look too happy about it. Again.

"You're wasting that innocent act on me," he growled. "I don't know how you contrived it, but I'm the
one taking you to school."

"I didn't contrive--"

"Don't bother denying it," he said. "Where are your books? We need to get going."

Theresa eyed him warily as he stepped into her living room. "Where's Kelsey?"

"I made her wait in the truck. I wanted to say my piece without innocent ears around."

He closed the door and walked over to stand directly in front of her. Too close. She could smell his
aftershave. "I warned you about using Kelsey to get to me. I only have so much will power. I want to
sleep with you, Theresa. And if you're so hot to trot, ready to lie down--"

"Stop it! How dare you say such things" Theresa reached out and pushed him away. One of the
crutches slipped beneath her and she started to fall.

Austin automatically grabbed her. He held on to her with a vice-like grip. "Sex would be good
between us," he said in her ear. "But that's all it would be. Sex. I used to think you needed more, but if
you're going to such lengths to throw us together . . ."

Theresa jerked out of his arms. "Get out! I don't have to stand here and be insulted in my own house.
Just get out!" She bent to pick up the fallen crutch. How could she have thought him caring and
concerned?

"I'm taking you to school, remember? You have to go to work," he said between gritted teeth.

"I wouldn't let you take me to the corner store." She struck the floor with the crutch to emphasize her
point.

"Not the drama queen again," Austin said with a frown. "Do you want to be late for class? You can't
possibly drive with that foot."

Theresa adjusted the crutch beneath her arm. "What happened to your mother? I thought she was
picking me up."

"Sure you did. Is this your satchel? Are you ready?" He lifted a large bag of books and opened the
door.

"I just want you to know, I had nothing to do with any of this." She grabbed her purse and flung it
over her shoulder, then gripped the crutches and walked past Austin.

"Right. Like I believe that." He shut the door behind them and followed her to the truck.

"Well, you can believe anything you want. I'm telling the truth." She hobbled down the walkway to
where Kelsey waited with the truck door open.

"Good morning, Miss Rogers," Kelsey said with a bright smile. "Too bad Grams had a headache.
But Dad doesn't mind taking us to school. He likes to help you. Don't you, Dad?"

"That's right, hotshot." He handed her the satchel. "Put Miss Roger's bag and crutches in the back
while I help her get in the truck."

"Sure thing." Kelsey bounced away humming a happy tune.

Theresa looked into the hazel eyes regarding her with a mixture of anger and desire. A lump the size
of an orange lodged in her windpipe. "You don't have to help me. I can climb in myself."

"I insist. I like to help you. Kelsey just said so, didn't she?" Hooking his arm under her knees, he
lifted her. His hand brushed the inside of her thighs as he took his time letting go of her. He leaned his
body toward her as she sat on the seat.

Theresa felt tantalizing shivers race up her leg in response to his intimate touch. She clenched her
teeth, grabbed his wrist and pushed him away. "I don't think this is exactly what Kelsey had in mind

when she wanted you to help me," she said softly. "Close . . . but she is only twelve after all."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing. Not a thing. We're going to be late if we don't hurry." She almost laughed at the confusion
on his face.

Kelsey opened the driver's side door. "Everything okay in here?" She climbed in the back seat
looking as satisfied as a cat with a bowl of cream.

Austin shot a suspicious glance at his daughter. His eyes narrowed as he looked back at Theresa.
"We'll continue this discussion at a later date," he said under his breath.

"I don't think so."

Slamming the door, he strode around the front of the truck and climbed in. He kept his eyes on the
road all the way to school.

Theresa tried to calm her thumping heart and respond to Kelsey's chatter. It seemed like Austin was
becoming angrier with her each time they met--in direct proportion to his growing desire for her, as a
matter of fact. If ever there were a tortured hero, Austin McCade certainly fit the bill.

Could she weather the storm when it finally broke? She stole a glance at Austin's stern profile. Yes,
she would stay the course. See how it all turned out. Hopefully, she would survive the aftermath.

****

"But Dad, you promised," Kelsey cried.

"I did no such thing." Austin tightened one of the belts on the old tractor he was working on.

"Yes, you did. You made Uncle Dallas take me to the bonfire last night. And Grams took me to the
game this afternoon. It's Homecoming Weekend. This is the first year I get to go to the dance. And you
said you'd go. They need parents to chaperone."

Austin tossed the wrench aside and wiped his greasy hands on a towel. He looked at his daughter's
face. So much like Deborah. Yet different. He inhaled a deep breath. This fathering business took a
lot out of a man.

"All right, I'll take you," he said. "What time?"

"Eight o'clock. But Miss Rogers said to be there a little early. The sixth-graders are in charge of
refreshments."

Glancing at his watch, Austin grimaced. "That doesn't give us much time. I need a shower and we'll

have to grab a sandwich before we go."

"Great," Kelsey said. "I'll fix them while you clean up. We should make it just in time." She turned
and skipped back to the house.

Austin put his tools away, then followed more slowly. Theresa would be at the dance. He wondered
how her foot had healed. It had been over a week since she had hurt it. Since he'd seen her. He'd tried
to keep busy and not think about her, about wanting her. Obviously, he hadn't been very successful,
judging by his reaction when Kelsey mentioned her teacher just now.

His body had betrayed him, tightening and tensing up. He hadn't been this sexually frustrated in
years. Not since before he and Deb had started dating. And after her death, he had felt nothing for
months, even years. Only numbness. Desire and frustration became foreign to him.

Not anymore. Since he'd met Theresa, he'd been frustrated as hell. He didn't think anything would
relieve him until he held her in his arms, took her to bed, pulled her beneath him and plunged deep
inside of her warm willing body.

Austin stopped at the back door and rubbed the back of his neck. Man, he was in bad shape.
Something was going to have to give. Theresa would be at the dance tonight. Maybe, just maybe, he
would ask her to dance. At least, he could hold her in his arms. He didn't know if that would help or
make things worse. At this point, he didn't really care.

CHAPTER SIX

Austin walked into the high-school gym at a quarter till eight. Kelsey bounded in front of him,
leading the way. People were making last minute adjustments to the floral arrangements and ribbons,
checking the cups, plates and napkins, and setting out cookies and chips.

Several people called out greetings as he made his way to the refreshment table where Kelsey had
stationed herself. He hadn't been to a homecoming dance in ages. Nothing seemed to have changed
very much. Same tables and chairs lining the walls, same overblown decorations. Different band,
different kids, but otherwise the same.

Austin glanced around the cavernous room. Theresa was nowhere in sight. He ignored the
disappointment twisting his gut. Yep, he was definitely in bad shape.

Kelsey was busy arranging cookies on a platter. "Don't just stand there, Dad. Miss Rogers is down
the hall in the cafeteria making punch. I told Miss Patti you'd help carry the bowl."

"What?"

"You did come to help, didn't you?" Kelsey said, frowning up at him. "It's almost eight. The dance is
going to start and we're not ready yet." She went back to her cookies.

Austin stared at his daughter for a long moment before stalking off down the hall. Kelsey was getting
mighty bossy. He had been lax in a lot of areas and this was the result. He would have a long talk with
her soon. Tell her what's what.

Opening the door to the cafeteria, he met Theresa pushing a metal cart. Her eyes widened in
surprise.

"Don't close that door," she said, not stopping but pushing ahead.

Austin held the door open, allowing her to pass through. "I came to help," he said, taking the
opposite end of the cumbersome cart and maneuvering it down the hall.

"Of your own free will?" Theresa asked, catching his eye. "Wait, don't tell me. Kelsey sent you."

He nodded, wondering what it was about her that affected him so strongly.

"Do you always jump when your daughter gives an order?"

Austin stopped pulling the cart. It jolted to a stop, sloshing punch over the sides of the large bowl.

"Hey, watch it! I thought you were supposed to be helping." Theresa quickly mopped the spilled
punch with a towel.

"I am helping," Austin said, clamping his jaws together. "And for your information, I don't jump for
anyone. Not you, not Kelsey, not anyone." He jerked the cart forward, his heart racing. He didn't know
whether he wanted to kiss Theresa until her lips were swollen or shake her like a rag doll. Both
scenarios would give him immense satisfaction, one way or another. Maybe satisfaction was the
wrong word. If he started kissing her, he would be far from satisfied. He would want more. Need
more. Oh hell, don't go there. His wayward body was already betraying him. Again.

They were almost to the gym door when Theresa stopped pushing the cart. "Wait a minute," she said.
"I want to thank you for letting me borrow the crutches. I couldn't have gotten along without them. I'll
return them soon."

"Give them to Kelsey. She can bring them home."

"Right. Kelsey. It always comes back to Kelsey." She bit her lip.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked sharply. He wanted to nibble those lips. He gripped the steel
bar of the cart more tightly.

"Nothing," she said. "I didn't see you at any of the other homecoming events, although I did see your
brothers. How did she talk you into coming to the dance? "

Austin shrugged. Had she been looking for him? "Kelsey has her ways."

"Don't I know it," Theresa said with a smile. "At least, you can't blame me for you being here."

"Can't I?" He watched color suffuse her cheeks.

"You can't possibly believe I had anything to do with it?"

"Forget it. Let's get this punch to the table before my daughter has a conniption fit." He pushed open
the doors and let Theresa push the cart through. She shot him a look, her green eyes blazing. What
could she be upset about? She was the one trying to throw them together, wasn't she? So far, her
schemes had worked. Yet she seemed oddly unsettled.

That made two of them. Whenever he was near Theresa, his attraction for her became stronger. And
somehow his feelings for her were getting mixed up with his desires. Deep down, he knew it would
be different with Theresa. If he slept with her, nothing would ever be the same. On the other hand, if
he didn't, he would go insane. Either way, he was doomed.

The gym was full to overflowing by half past eight. Many people came to Salt Fork to attend the
homecoming celebrations. Austin walked the perimeter of the gym, stopping occasionally to talk with
former classmates and teachers. He sat for a little while visiting with his sister Tori, who'd driven in
from college. Cameron and Jessie, Dallas and Gillian, and Tyler and his date were also in attendance.

The lights had been dimmed and the music floated on the air. Would the evening never end?

Austin stationed himself on the opposite side of the gym away from the refreshment table where
Theresa and her students were working. From that vantage point, he could observe her without her
knowledge and without being too obvious.

She had dressed up for the dance. The sexy black velvet sheath molded to her body, showing her
curves to advantage. Simple in cut, the dress had short sleeves and a straight skirt that hugged her
derriere lovingly. Long legs, black stockings and killer high-heels made Austin swallow more than
once. She wore an emerald and diamond necklace around her throat. The jewels matched her eyes.

He could imagine her in bed, naked except for that splendid necklace. He would cover her body
with his, run his hands all over the silky skin. Explore every curve and valley. Her hands would be
exploring, too. Would they be bold or hesitant?

Austin took a deep shuddering breath and began walking again. He had to get hold of himself. He
was supposed to be chaperoning the dance, not thinking erotic thoughts about one of the teachers. He
looked around and found he had stopped near the table Kelsey was manning. He had been so wrapped
up in his fantasies, he had forgotten to sidestep the refreshment area.

"Hey Dad, why don't you ask Miss Rogers to dance?" Kelsey said as she ladled punch into a
Styrofoam cup.

"I don't want to dance," Theresa said quickly, taking the cup and setting it in the line of cups ready

for the thirsty dancers. She avoided Austin's eye.

Kelsey smiled. "Sure you do. You said you loved to dance a little while ago. Dad's not doing
anything. Ask her to dance, Dad."

Austin caught Theresa's look of consternation directed at Kelsey. It didn't even come close to his
feelings toward his daughter. But hell, she had given him the perfect opportunity.

He held out his hand. "Would you like to dance?"

Theresa hesitated for a long moment. Then she lifted her chin. "I'd be delighted," she said.

Kelsey laughed. "You both sound so formal. This is a homecoming dance. Not a ball or anything like
that."

Theresa walked around the table and headed for the dance floor. Austin stared after her. She didn't
seem overjoyed with the prospect of dancing with him.

"Go on, Dad." Kelsey leaned over the table and gave him a little push.

Austin gritted his teeth and followed Theresa. His eyes locked onto the low cut vee at the back of the
black velvet dress. Her nicely shaped bottom brushed the dark fabric with every step. Why was she
wearing such a dress to this kind of function?

The music slowed down. Theresa turned around and waited for him to come up to her. He stopped
inches away and placed both hands on her waist for a second. What he wanted to do was jerk her
against him and feel her body yield to his. She must have sensed his desire because she trembled
beneath his fingers. Austin swallowed hard as he lifted his right hand and took hers in a firm grip.

Green eyes stared up at him. He wished he knew what she was thinking. Wasn't this what she
wanted? He damn sure wanted it. And more. Much more.

He felt her slide her other hand to his shoulder. She bit her bottom lip. She had a habit of doing that
when she was near him. It drove Austin crazy. He was going to have to kiss her soon. There was no
doubt about it.

Theresa lowered her eyes. She felt stiff and tense as if she were waiting for something awful to
happen.

"Relax," he said in her ear, pulling her closer. "We're just two people dancing like the rest of the
folks here."

"I can't relax when I know you must think I contrived to get you to dance." If she bit that lip any
harder, she was going to draw blood.

"I don't think that."

"Not this time," she said.

"This time I concede that Kelsey outmaneuvered both of us. So loosen up and enjoy the dance. I
certainly intend to."

He tightened his hold on. Her hair smelled fresh and fragrant, a hint of strawberries filled his
nostrils. It had been a long time since he had danced with a beautiful woman. He had forgotten what a
pleasure it was to hold someone in a close embrace and sway to the music.

Theresa finally relaxed and leaned her head against his shoulder. She fit him perfectly. He could feel
her breasts pressed to his chest. Her stockinged legs rubbed against his slacks. Every movement of the
dance brought them into intimate contact.

Austin closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, he saw Patti Garrison dancing with her
husband, Bubba. She had been friends with Deborah all through school, even though Patti had been in
his class. For a minute, Austin felt guilty--like he'd been caught cheating on Deb. When Patti winked
at him and gave a thumbs up, he felt somewhat better and winked back.

Just for tonight, he would concentrate on the woman in his arms. How good she felt, how sweet she
smelled. It wouldn't hurt to enjoy a few dances with her. Talk to her. It wasn't like he wanted a long-
term commitment or anything. Austin held her close and guided her across the gym floor in time to the
music.

Theresa couldn't believe Austin had actually asked her to dance. She knew Kelsey had made it
practically impossible for him not to ask without being rude. He wouldn't want to look bad in front of
his daughter. He was a good, caring father. Except he was blind to what was going on right in front of
his nose. He still didn't have a clue that Kelsey was the one throwing them together.

Theresa wasn't going to worry about that right now. The unbelievable had happened and she was in
Austin's arms. For once, he was being civil. Beggars couldn't be choosers.

The achingly tender love song threaded its way in and around the dancers. Something deep inside of
Theresa responded to every strum of the guitar and low beat of the drums. Austin's arms held her in a
strong embrace. She could hear his heartbeat in her ear as she pressed her head to his shoulder. Feel
it pounding against her. Making her breasts heavy, her nipples taut beneath the lace of her bra.

Their bodies moved in rhythm to the music. His hard and unyielding; hers soft and molding to his
frame. His hand gripped hers in a warm clasp. An electrical charge chased down her arm to her
elbow. Her heart fluttered wildly when he turned her so they wouldn't bump into another couple,
holding her even tighter. She felt his arousal press against her stomach.

Theresa looked up. The hazel eyes were regarding her with hot dark desire. She swallowed hard
when Austin smiled slowly down at her. His hand at her back reached up and tucked her head into his
shoulder again. Then she felt that hand slide gently down to rest on the small of her back.

Her bare skin burned at the intimate touch. He splayed his fingers, reaching toward her derriere.

Ever so gently, he caressed her, pulling her closer to him.

Theresa's hand clutched his neck. She sucked in her breath. Beneath her fingers, his muscles corded
like steel. She wanted to snuggle closer, feel his arousal strain against her. Inside her. She almost
groaned with the yearning and wanting.

Austin tightened his hold. "Easy, baby. This isn't the time or the place." His breath was hot in her
ear.

The music ended. He gave her a quick hug before releasing her. "Let's get some of that punch to cool
us off." Austin's voice sounded rough. His eyes caught and held hers with an intensity that left her
struggling for breath.

Theresa nodded and led the way to the refreshment table.

"Did you two enjoy your dance?" Kelsey handed them both a cup of punch.

"Yes," Theresa said, taking a sip of her drink, trying to still the trembling in her hands and body.

"How about you, Dad?" Was Kelsey trying to gage her dad's reaction?

Austin gulped down half his drink. "It was nice."

Nice? That was an understatement if she ever heard one.

Kelsey frowned and sighed. "Miss Rogers, we're getting low on punch."

Theresa set her cup down. "I'll take care of that right away." She walked around the table where she
had parked the metal cart.

"I'll help you," Austin said.

"That's not necessary." Theresa pushed the cart toward the gym doors.

"But I insist." He came up beside her and placed his hands on the bar, brushing her away with a
bump on the hip.

Theresa let go of the cart and stepped back. She was having trouble controlling her body's response
to Austin's every move. He seemed to want to be near her tonight. Didn't mind touching her. Where
was the angry man she knew? He was confusing the hell out of her.

Austin stopped at the doors and looked back. "Are you coming?"

Theresa squared her shoulders. "Sure." She followed him down the hall.

When they reached the kitchen in the cafeteria, Austin pushed the cart past gleaming stainless steel
counters, huge stoves and ovens. Turning a corner, he rolled the cart down the aisle to the heavy-duty
refrigerators. "I assume you have extra punch stored in one of these?" He forced the simple question
through his dry mouth. Standing there in that sexy black dress, Theresa was wreaking havoc to his
insides and good intentions.

"Of course." Theresa tried to ignore the low seductive tone of Austin's voice. The fierce tumbling in
her stomach told her she wasn't doing a very good job. She started to walk past him to the fridge on
the end, congratulating herself on her sure steps because her knees felt like jelly.

Austin reached out and grabbed her arm, jerking her hard against his body. Theresa barely had time
to protest when his mouth came down on hers.

From the moment he had walked into the gym, Austin had been aware of Theresa's presence. Or non-
presence. When he had finally seen her, his body had turned into a human radar machine. He knew
exactly where she was no matter what part of the gym he was patrolling. The sexual tension vibrated
between them whenever they came into close contact. The dance had been almost more than he could
bear. His body was taut with desire. He was burning up for her.

Gripping the nape of her neck with one hand, he slid the other down Theresa's smooth bare back, not
stopping at the enticing vee, but slipping his fingers beneath the velvet material. He clutched her
rounded bottom and kneaded the firm flesh, swallowing her moan in a deep sensual kiss.

She tasted like pure sweetness, her lips pliant and yielding. He plunged his tongue into her hot mouth
again and again, threading his fingers through her silky hair at the back of her neck. He pushed his
body into hers, grinding his arousal against her belly. Her arms wound themselves around his neck.
She wiggled closer, crushing her breasts against his chest.

Feeling the soft mounds pressed to him made Austin itch to hold them, caress them. He moved
slightly away, stifling her groan of protest with another searing kiss. He slipped his hand between
their bodies, cupping one breast. The pert nipple thrust against his palm. He cursed the layers of
clothing denying him access to her bare skin.

He had to have more. Lifting her in his arms, he set her on one of the clean shiny counters. Her skirt
rode high on her thighs, revealing the lacy edge of her stockings. Austin stood between her legs and
pulled her hard against him. He traced the black lace with trembling fingers as he trailed hot wet
kisses down her throat.

He licked the curve of her neck and collarbone, relishing the sound of her quick intake of breath. He
kissed his way down the low cut dress, easing the fabric away from one breast with his lips, nuzzling
the valley between. Every breath brought her unique scent into his lungs. He knew he was losing the
battle he had fought for so long, but didn't care.

Theresa clutched Austin's hair, pulling him closer, willing him to ease the torment of her body.
Never before had she been so aroused. Never before had she wanted to culminate the act--give
herself to a man. Lose herself in the sensations and pleasures of the body.

She felt his fingers beneath her skirt inching their way upward. A heaviness settled between her
thighs, tingling with anticipation, aching for something. Something surely Austin would give to her.
When his thumb brushed over her panties, her legs spread of their own volition. He slipped his thumb
under the elastic and ever so softly rubbed her hot core.

An unbelievable tension grew in her mid-section. So many new sensations raced through Theresa.
She had a difficult time concentrating on the different pleasures Austin was inflicting on her body.

When his mouth finally found her nipple, Theresa strained upward toward the exquisite pressure. He
gently sucked and licked, increasing the rhythm of his thumb down below. Theresa thought her body
would break from the tension. Just when the pleasure/pain became almost unbearable, her body
exploded in release. She went limp and would have fallen backwards if not for Austin's strong arms
holding her steady.

She kept her eyes closed, wanting to hold on to the extraordinary feelings coursing through her.
Austin gathered her to him, his breath coming in labored gasps. He brushed her hair with a gentle kiss,
his body hard against her.

Theresa sighed deeply. She wished this moment could last forever. She never dreamed she could
feel so alive. But there was a strange yearning still deep inside.

She opened her eyes and looked up at the man she was falling in love with. Suddenly, she felt shy
and a little embarrassed at her abandon. "Um, that was wonderful . . . I never . . ."

Austin shrugged. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Actually, I didn't mean to let it go so far."

Theresa bit her lip. "But you didn't . . . I mean . . . It was all one-sided." She could feel herself
blushing.

Austin kissed her on the nose. "Let's just say you owe me one, sweetheart. As much as I'm enjoying
this little interlude, we need to get the punch--"

"Austin! Theresa? Are y'all back here?"

"Damn," Austin muttered under his breath.

Theresa pushed him away and hopped down from the counter, adjusting her dress to cover herself. "I
can't be found like this," she said with a touch of panic. "I'm a teacher. I'm supposed--"

"Go on, get out of here," Austin said. "I'll take care of this."

He watched Theresa run down the aisle and into the restroom around the corner. He pulled open the
refrigerator door, hoping the cold air would cool down his hot, frustrated body. He couldn't believe
how responsive Theresa had been to his touch. And he couldn't believe how innocent she was. She
must be close to thirty. Surely, she couldn't be a virgin. But her surprised delight in her climax made
him wonder.

"Austin?" Patti Garrison's voice cut through his thoughts.

Stepping back with a container of punch in his hands, Austin kicked the door closed. "Yes?"

"Is that the punch? Kelsey was wondering what was taking you so long. She said you and Theresa
had gone after the punch twenty minutes ago." Patti looked around the kitchen. "Where is Theresa, by
the way?"

Austin set the punch on the cart. "She had something in her eye and went to the restroom to see about
it."

"Maybe I should go see if she's okay."

"No! I mean--she got it out but had to fix her mascara." Austin didn't know what to make of Patti's
expression. His former classmate looked skeptical and a little amused. He didn't like the feelings of
guilt and embarrassment slithering through him. He was too old for this kind of thing. "I really need to
get this punch to Kelsey."

Patti smiled. "Sure thing. I'll walk back with you. I'm sure Theresa will join us as soon as she can."

Austin breathed a sigh of relief. His body still pounded with thwarted desire. He had to get Theresa
in bed soon. Maybe if he had sex with her, he would get over these feelings for her. He refused to
believe their attraction meant anything. He only wanted a tumble in the sack. And if Theresa was
willing, why not?

He pushed the cart toward the gym. Patti was talking about the plans for renovations on the school.
They were almost to the doors when she put a hand on the cart to stop it.

"Austin, I'm glad to see you're finally over mourning for Deborah. I know it was hard for you to lose
her. I know you loved her. I loved her, too. She was one of my best and dearest friends."

Austin didn't say anything. Not many people ever mentioned his wife to him.

"I'm happy you're finally moving on with your life. Twelve years is an awfully long time to grieve. I
can see you're attracted to Theresa. And she's not indifferent to you. How could she be? You McCade
men are a handsome bunch. I should know. I dated your brother, Cameron. Anyway, I think it's
wonderful you've found someone. You two looked like you were meant for each other out on the
dance floor. I hope it all works out."

"Yeah, it will. One way or another," he growled. Patti's comments dampened the remaining threads
of his desire as thoroughly as an ice-cold shower. What had gotten into him? Austin pushed the cart
through the doors.

Patti patted him on the shoulder. "Don't sound so glum. You deserve a little happiness in your life.
Deborah would have wanted it." She smiled at him and walked off to join her husband.

"What took you so long, Dad?" Kelsey asked, as he stopped the cart near the refreshment table. "And
where's Miss Rogers? What did you do to her?"

"Nothing." He helped her pour the punch in the large glass bowl. He'd done a whole hell of a lot to
Theresa, but he wasn't about to tell his daughter. And he wanted to do a whole lot more. Or maybe
not. If Patti was getting the wrong idea, what was Theresa thinking? He'd been a fool to come
tonight." Come on, Kels. We're going home."

"What?" she cried. "Why? And what have you done with Miss Rogers?" Kelsey folded her arms
across her chest and glared at him.

She looked like Deborah when she did that. How could he forget for even one minute what he had
shared with his wife? How could he betray their love?

"Don't argue with me. I want to go. Now." He handed Kelsey her jacket and shrugged on his own. He
ignored the rebellious sparks in his daughter's eyes. "You can either come willingly, or I'll drag you
out. I don't care how embarrassed you are. We're leaving. Well?" He slammed on his Stetson and
waited.

Kelsey nodded, whispering final instructions to her friend Amelia, who was helping with the punch,
then put on her jacket.

"I'm ready," she said, looking at him strangely.

Austin turned on his heel and stalked out of the gym, determined to abandon all thoughts, feelings and
desire for Theresa Rogers, now and forever.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Theresa sat at her desk and rechecked the math paper she was grading. She wasn't having much luck
keeping her mind focused on her students' worksheets. She had been having trouble keeping focused
on anything since homecoming weekend.

She kept reliving the dance she'd shared with Austin. How it had felt to be held in his strong arms,

gliding around the gym to the rhythm of the music. Feeling his hard body pressed to hers.
Remembering how nice he'd acted. For once, free from the torment he always carried with him. He
had been so different.

Theresa blushed when she thought of the passion exploding between them in the cafeteria. She still
couldn't believe what she had done. What she had allowed him to do. Never had she permitted any
man to touch her like Austin had touched her.

She wasn't a prude, but she had never felt anything for the men she had dated, and so had never let
anyone come physically close. Sure, she had been curious. But not curious enough to experiment and
risk her health, especially on someone who hadn't touched her heart.

All of that changed when she met Austin McCade. He had touched her to the core with those hot,
hungry looks directed her way. And she couldn't control her feelings when she was in his arms and he
was kissing her with such savage yearning, with molten desire raging between them.

Still, Theresa couldn't believe what had happened that night. How could she have lost all sense of
decency and propriety when at any moment they could have been caught? And they had almost been
caught. Her heart still fluttered when she remembered Austin's gentle kiss and tender smile when he'd
sent her away, telling her he would deal with the situation. Her heart had been full, her body languid
from his lovemaking. When she had returned to the gym, he hadn't been there. He had left without a
word. Without saying goodbye. Amelia told her how angry Kelsey's father had been. How he
threatened to drag his daughter out if she didn't go willingly.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Theresa remembered Patti Garrison smiling and hinting
about her and Austin's attraction for one another. How everyone had thought he would never show
interest in a woman again. How she had told Austin to go for it and start enjoying life.

Theresa then understood why Austin had left in such a hurry. Patti had reminded him of his devotion
and loyalty to his wife. He must have felt guilty for the passionate interlude in the cafeteria. He had
run away and now those barriers he erected around his heart would be more firmly entrenched.

Maybe it was time to throw in the towel. Theresa knew she couldn't compete with a ghost. Deborah's
spirit would always come between them. Austin couldn't forget her. He had loved his wife
desperately. Theresa had no hope of ever winning some of that love for herself.

Glancing at the clock, she quickly gathered the math assignments into a neat pile. Her off period was
almost over. One more class and she could call it a day. Another day behind her. She had to get a
grip. She had to get over her feelings for Austin McCade. She needed to move on.

The bell rang and students started filing into the room. The class started and Theresa didn't have time
to think about personal problems for a while.

When the final bell sounded and school was over, she breathed a sigh of relief. She had gotten
through the day. Now all she had to do was get through the night. She started straightening the room,
preparing to leave.

"Hey, Miss Rogers." Kelsey dropped her books on a desk in the front row and came over to the
teacher's desk where Theresa was throwing books in her bag. "I was in the office earlier and heard
the news."

Theresa stood to erase the chalkboard. "What news?"

"Here, let me do that." Kelsey took the eraser and applied it vigorously. "Teacher of the year. What
else? Congratulations! They're going to announce it in the morning."

"You're always on top of things, aren't you?" Theresa said with a smile. She really liked Kelsey.
There was a special bond between them that couldn't be denied.

Kelsey shrugged. "I try to be. I think we should celebrate. Let's have a class party at my house.
Grams loves to cook for parties."

Theresa tried to swallow the panic in her throat. She could imagine what Austin would think about a
party in her honor at his house. "Kelsey, I don't think that's really a good idea. Your dad wouldn't like
it."

Kelsey put down the eraser and frowned, then suddenly smiled. "He won't have to know about it.
We'll have it at Grams's house. Dad doesn't have to come."

It was Theresa's turn to frown. "I thought you were trying to get your dad and me together."

Kelsey shrugged. "You figured it out, huh? Does dad know?" She bit her bottom lip.

"I'm pretty sure he doesn't know yet."

"Whew," Kelsey said with a soft whistle. "I've pretty well decided to give up on the idea. After the
homecoming dance, I knew something terrible had happened. Don't get me wrong--I would love to
have you for a mother, but I know I can't force the issue."

Theresa stared at the little girl with the angelic expression on her face. Something wasn't quite right.
And she'd never known Kelsey to give up on anything she'd set her mind to.

"So," Kelsey said. "I'll ask Grams if she's willing to have the party, and I'll send out invitations. It'll
be fun. You deserve a celebration. Teacher of the year! That doesn't happen every day."

Knowing she shouldn't give in, Theresa didn't have the heart to dampen Kelsey's enthusiasm. Getting
the award was an honor. She couldn't disappoint her students. Especially her favorite one.

"Okay, go ahead," she said. "Only keep your dad out of it. He has enough on his mind without all the
fuss of a party. He doesn't seem like the party type anyway."

"You do like him, don't you?" Kelsey asked anxiously.

Theresa could deny it, but didn't. "Yes, I like him very much. Listen sweetie, your dad loved your

mother. He can't let her go. He doesn't want to let her go. I don't know if he'll ever get over her. "

Kelsey sighed heavily. "Well, he needs to get over her. He's not happy. I want him to be happy."

"It's only natural for you to feel that way. But you can't make him happy. It's something he has to do
himself." Theresa finished packing her tote bag. "Walk me out to my car. Did you miss the bus again?"

"No, I have soccer this afternoon."

Theresa turned off the lights. Kelsey seemed distracted as she followed out the door. "How's your
team doing?" Theresa asked, not liking the far away look in the girl's eyes.

Kelsey shook her head, coming out of her trance-like state. "Great. We're in the play-offs."
Suddenly, she smiled. "I'm going to send those invitations as soon as I check with Grams. I'll let you
know when the party is. See you, Miss Rogers."

Theresa shrugged off the odd feeling in her chest. Kelsey was up to something. And it probably
boded ill for a certain teacher and father in Salt Fork, Texas.

****

Austin knocked on Kelsey's bedroom door, then opened it. She was seated at her computer. He
noticed she quickly typed something to change screens, before turning toward him.

"What's up?" she asked. Her cheeks were flushed and she looked guilty as sin.

He stepped into the room. "Supper's ready. What are you doing?"

Kelsey jumped up from her chair. "Reading an email from Aunt Jessie. Girl stuff. Nothing to worry
about. She sure knows a lot about cars, doesn't she?"

Austin frowned. "Of course, she does. She owns the garage in town and can repair almost any engine
blind-folded. What has that to do with anything?"

"Nothing," Kelsey shrugged. "I needed to ask a couple of questions about something. I usually text
her, but with the new baby, it's hard for her to text back. Let's go eat before the food gets cold." She
herded him out of her room and down the hall to the kitchen. Austin sometimes wondered who the
parent really was in this relationship. Kelsey was such a manipulative little thing.

"Do you have any plans this weekend?" Kelsey asked as she set the table for the two of them.

Austin stirred the pot of stew on the stove. "Not that I can think of. We're pulling cotton on the north
farm on Saturday. Should be done by dark. Why?"

"I was planning to spend the night at Grams's on Saturday. I'm having a class party and Grams said

she'd cook for it."

Austin set the pot on the table and sat down. "Why aren't you having it here? And did you think to ask
me beforehand?" He ladled the hot stew into a bowl and handed it to her.

"I didn't think you'd care. Grams's house is bigger and since she's cooking and baking, I thought it
would be easier to have it over there. Is there a problem with that?"

"No, no problem. Only I wish you'd give me more notice of your plans. You might even try asking
permission once in a while. I am your father, after all." He was glad Kelsey was growing up and
becoming independent. But he couldn't get rid of the nagging feeling of being left behind. Or
abandoned. Or not being needed anymore. That was nonsense, of course.

Kelsey smiled. "I'll try to remember, Dad. You don't want to come to the party, do you?"

Austin shook his head. "No, not unless you really want me there. Are any other parents going?"

"Just kids. There's only ten of us, so Grams should be able to keep us under control."

Austin nodded. "I'll be here if you or Grams need me."

"That's good to know, Dad. That's really good to know." Kelsey hopped up and took her bowl to the
sink. "I have some homework I need to do. I'll wash the dishes later." She leaned down and hugged
Austin.

"What's that for?" he asked. "What do you want?"

"Can't a girl hug her dad once in a while?"

"Sure," he said. "Except you usually want something when you start hugging me."

"I just want you to be happy," Kelsey said, then skittered quickly away as he playfully swatted her
bottom.

"Go on," he said, getting up from the table. "Do your homework. I'll take care of the dishes tonight."

"Thanks, Dad. You're the best."

"You're laying it on a little thick, don't you think?"

She turned wide innocent eyes on him. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Austin advanced on her in mock anger.

Kelsey laughed. "Okay, okay. I'm out of here."

Shaking his head ruefully, Austin cleared the table. Kelsey was getting to be a handful. He was going

to have trouble in a few years when she started turning those baby-blues on the unsuspecting boys in
town. Suppressing a shudder, he squirted soap into the sink, turned on the faucet and slipped the
dishes and silverware into the hot sudsy water.

He wouldn't think about that now. It gave him the shivers. His thoughts immediately turned to
Theresa and the shivers she caused. Something else he had been trying not to think about.

Saying he would forget about Theresa and actually doing it were two entirely different matters. He
couldn't get her out of his mind. He couldn't forget that night in the cafeteria. She had been liquid fire
in his arms. He was going crazy with wanting her. Desire fought with guilt in his brain and in another
part of his anatomy. Austin was afraid it was a losing battle. He had never believed himself a slave to
his lusts, but he had never been put through this kind of test before.

If he could keep his emotions and his desires separate, he'd be okay. He wanted Theresa. If he had
sex with her, it wouldn't have to be any different than the other times he had succumbed to his body's
needs with the women at the honky-tonk.

Austin rinsed the plates and stacked them in the drainer. Yeah, right. When had he started lying to
himself?

He knew it would be different with Theresa. That's why he had to stay away from her. But he
definitely needed to do something about the tension and frustration in his body. Maybe it was time to
visit the honky-tonk. What he wanted was a woman who knew the rules of the game. He could work
off some of his mounting desires and come away whole. No risks. Just relief for his tortured body.

Saturday night would be perfect. Kelsey had plans. Austin decided to make a few of his own.

****

"Speech! Speech!" Kelsey cried, raising her glass of grape soda toward Theresa. "C'mon, Miss
Rogers. Give us a speech."

Theresa smiled at the shining faces sitting around the big oak table in the warm, cozy kitchen
belonging to Kelsey's grandmother. "I would think you have enough listening to my speeches everyday
at school."

"Awww, this is different and you know it," Kelsey said. All of her classmates nodded in agreement.
"Everyone has given a salute to you. Now it's your turn."

"Okay, okay." She glanced at Ruth McCade standing near the sink, and the older woman nodded
encouragement. Pushing back her chair, Theresa stood up. She cleared her throat. What could she say?

"Quit stalling," Kelsey said with a grin.

"Quit interrupting," Theresa answered back. She cleared her throat again and lifted her glass.

"Here's to the best group of students I've ever had the privilege of teaching. It's an honor to be voted
Teacher of the Year. Thank you for this lovely party. Now, let's cut the cake."

"Congratulations, Miss Rogers!"

"Hurrah for Miss Rogers!"

"You're the best! You're the best!" Kelsey started the chant and everyone joined in.

Ruth stepped to the table. "All right, all right. That's enough, Kelsey. It's time to serve our guests.
The first piece of cake goes to Miss Rogers, of course."

As Theresa ate her cake, her eyes kept straying around the comfortable kitchen. She tried to imagine
Austin as a child, sitting at this very table, eating home-cooked meals with his family. It was difficult
to picture him young and carefree. With a mother like Ruth, Theresa thought Austin and his siblings
must have had a wonderful childhood. It was obvious he had been loved and well cared for. Too bad
life had thrown him such a curve ball. Making him into a cynical, lonely man.

After everyone finished their dessert, parents started arriving to pick up their kids.

"I really need to be getting home," Theresa said to Ruth. "Thanks for all the good food. It was
delicious."

Ruth smiled. "It was my pleasure, dear. Kelsey adores you. And so do the other kids."

Theresa nodded. "They're a great bunch." Shrugging on her jacket, she grabbed her purse and bag
full of presents. She took the package of leftover cake from Ruth. "Thanks again."

Kelsey bounded in the front door after escorting a few friends to their cars. "You can't leave yet!"
she cried. "You're the guest of honor. You have to say goodbye to everyone. You should be the last to
go."

"Where do you get such notions?" Ruth asked. "Miss Rogers is tired. Don't pester her."

"I'm not pestering her. Am I?" she said to Theresa. Kelsey hugged her fiercely. "I'd never never
pester you."

Theresa hugged the girl tightly. "Of course not. Okay, I'll stay. There's only one or two more needing
to be picked up."

Kelsey nodded. "I'm going to wait outside with Amelia. I'll put those gifts in your car," she said,
taking the large bag. "I'll be right back." She flew out the door.

Ruth shook her head. "Well, I don't know what has gotten into that child. She's acting mighty
peculiar. Begging you to stay, then taking off like that."

"Don't worry about it. I'm used to kids that age," said Theresa. "They're all going through so many

changes--physically and emotionally. It's fascinating to watch them. You never know what they'll say
or do next."

"That's still not cause for rudeness," Ruth said, straightening a pillow on the sofa and gathering up
paper cups and napkins. "Kelsey's getting a little out of hand. I'll have a talk with her."

"A talk with who?" Kelsey asked, coming in from outside. Her blue eyes twinkled and she had a big
grin on her face.

"With you," said her grandmother ruffling Kelsey's hair.

"Sure, Grams. I love to talk to you, but first I need to walk Miss Rogers to her car."

Theresa smiled. "Oh, I can go home now?"

Kelsey nodded. "Yep, everyone has gone. Here, let me carry the cake."

Theresa thanked Ruth again and followed Kelsey outside. The night was clear and chilly. Bright
stars glittered in the dark sky. A stiff wind carried the promise of colder weather.

Kelsey placed the box of cake in the backseat alongside the presents. "I hope you liked your party."

"It was wonderful. Thank you for organizing it." She hugged Kelsey. "Go back inside. You don't
have a coat and it's getting pretty cold."

Kelsey kissed her cheek and ran to the house.

Theresa swallowed a lump in her throat. She really was fond of Kelsey. She hoped she was lucky
enough to have a daughter like her some day. But as things were turning out, it wouldn't be anytime
soon.

Sticking the key in the ignition, Theresa started the car. Or tried to. Nothing happened when she
turned the ignition. Her stomach plummeted. She hated the feeling of helplessness when something
like this happened.

She tried the key again and pumped the gas pedal. Only silence. The motor wouldn't turn over. What
could be wrong? She had taken the car for a tune-up and inspection only two months ago. Surely, it
wasn't anything serious.

With a heavy sigh, Theresa walked up to the house and knocked. She'd have to impose on Ruth and
ask her for a ride to town.

Kelsey answered the door. "Back so soon?"

"My car won't start," Theresa said. "Do you think your grandmother could give me a lift home?"

"Grams doesn't drive after dark. She has night blindness. Come on in. I'll call my dad." Kelsey

opened the screen door.

Theresa's heart hammered in her chest. Austin was sure to think the worse. "Not your dad," she said
quickly. "Can't one of your uncles or somebody drive me?"

Kelsey shook her head. "Uncle Tyler had a hot date tonight. Or that's what he said." She rolled her
eyes and grinned. "And Uncle Dallas is probably already in bed. He always goes to bed real early,
even on Saturdays."

Ruth came in from the kitchen, drying her hands on a towel. "What's wrong, Miss Rogers?"

Kelsey brushed past both of them toward the phone on the wall. "Her car's broken. I'm calling Dad."

"Oh, my," Ruth said. "Sit down, dear. It'll take Austin a few minutes to get here."

Theresa hesitated before sitting on the over-stuffed sofa. "I don't want to impose on anyone."

"It's no imposition. I'd take you myself, except I can't see a thing in the dark. Austin will be glad to
help you."

"I don't think so." Theresa twisted her car keys in her hands. Austin would be angry and think she
had contrived the whole thing. He always thought the worst of her. Except when he was trying to make
love to her.

Theresa couldn't hear what Kelsey was telling her dad, but it didn't sound very promising. Kelsey
was frowning when she hung up the phone.

"He wasn't home," she said. "I had to call him on his cell phone."

"What did he say?" Ruth asked.

Kelsey sat next to Theresa on the sofa. "He'll be here as soon as he can. He was at Billie G's. What
was he doing at Billie G's? He never goes there. Or almost never."

Theresa glanced at Ruth and was surprised when two spots of red colored her plump cheeks. She
looked embarrassed, and Theresa couldn't think why.

Ruth stood and finished straightening up the living room. "Your daddy deserves a little fun," she said
to Kelsey. "You've said so yourself that he doesn't get out enough. Guess he thought since you were
here for the night, he'd go play some pool . . . or something over at the honky-tonk."

"He didn't sound too happy about being interrupted," Kelsey said. Then she shrugged. "Oh well, he'll
get over it. Dad's cool."

Theresa clasped her keys even tighter. "I wish my car hadn't broken down. Now we've disturbed
your father. How did you explain me being here? He didn't know about the party, did he?"

"Oh, he knew about the party," Kelsey said. "He just didn't know the reason."

"And now he does," Theresa said. She couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom hovering over
her. When Austin showed up to take her home, it was going to get ugly. She felt it in her bones.

****

Austin slammed the truck door and stormed through the back door of his mother's house. He
deliberately slowed his step and counted to ten. He didn't want to alarm his mother and daughter.
They were innocent bystanders in all of this. They couldn't know they were harboring a conniving
woman bent on throwing herself at him.

He stopped in the doorway between the kitchen and living room. Theresa was laughing at something
Kelsey had said. Her laughter faded when she spotted him standing there. Kelsey turned and smiled.
Ruth heaved a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness, you've come," his mother said. "Poor Miss Rogers is stranded. Her car won't start
and I can't drive her home. Maybe you can look at her car and see if you can fix it."

Austin watched Theresa's green eyes widen in panic. The thought crossed his mind that she had
deliberately done something to the car. He didn't want to believe that.

"No!" Kelsey said.

"That's not really necessary," Theresa said at the same time. She shot a strange look at Kelsey, then
stood up. "If you could drive me home, I'll have Sam Garza come out tomorrow to see what's wrong
with the car. I don't want to impose on you any further."

After one look at Kelsey, who was nodding in agreement, Austin stepped closer to Theresa. "It's no
trouble. Give me your keys."

"Dad, can't you just take Miss Rogers home?"

He didn't answer. Extending his hand, he waited for Theresa to give him the keys. He could feel the
tension in her body. She was biting that lush bottom lip, her breath coming in short gasps. Was she
was afraid he'd find out what she'd done? What had she expected?

Finally, Theresa dropped the keys into his open palm.

"I'll be right back. I need a flashlight," he said to his mother.

"I'll run get one." Ruth hurried to the kitchen.

"But, Dad--"

"You stay here. You've got some explaining to do, young lady."

"Me? What did I do?" Kelsey asked.

"We'll talk about it later."

Theresa hitched her purse over her shoulder. "I'll come with you."

Her eyes didn't waver when Austin stared at her. She was more brazen than he thought. "That won't
be necessary. It's cold out. I won't be long."

Grabbing the flashlight from his mother, Austin stalked out of the room into the chilly night, the keys
biting into the flesh of his palm.

Jerking the car door opened, he climbed in and jabbed the key into the ignition. Nothing. Zilch.
Nada. Damn, must the battery. He'd check to make sure.

Under the hood, he quickly found the cause of all this mess and cursed under his breath. Had Theresa
thought him so naive that he wouldn't notice she had disconnected one of the battery cables? Slamming
the hood down, Austin made his way back to the house. Easy enough to fix with a wrench. But he
wasn't going to do this the easy way.

"Did you find anything?" Kelsey asked anxiously.

He shook his head and fastened his eyes on Theresa's face. She had a few things to learn about him,
and he planned on teaching her not to toy with him ever again. He gave the keys back to her. "I'll take
you home."

She nodded. Her hands trembled as she dropped the keys in her purse. "Kelsey," she said, "do you
want to come along for the ride?"

"No thanks. I've got . . . uh, homework to do." She hugged Theresa quickly, then ran out of the room.

Austin stared at Theresa as she thanked Ruth for the party. What the hell had that been about?
Inviting Kelsey along? Was she trying to throw him off track? He had her number now, and she was
going to pay the piper.

"I need to get my cake and presents from the back of the car," Theresa said, watching him nervously.

"Sure thing. Goodnight, Ma." Austin kissed his mother on the cheek, then waited at the door for
Theresa. He watched her thank Ruth again. She seemed to hesitate as she turned toward him. She took
a deep breath, lifted her chin, hitched her purse on her shoulder and marched past him into the night.

Austin didn't say a word on the ride to Theresa's house. He was too angry to speak. He thought back
to all the times she had used Kelsey to get to him. All the times she had managed to get him alone. If
Theresa was such a devious bitch, then his dilemma was solved. He'd have sex with her, get her out
of his system and move on. His life could return to normal. He wondered briefly why that didn't give

him more satisfaction.

Pulling into the narrow driveway in front of Theresa's house, he killed the motor. His anger
intermingled with disappointment. For some reason, he hadn't really wanted to believe Theresa was
using Kelsey to get to him.

Theresa shifted in the seat, gathered her bag of gifts and the cake and opened the door. "Thanks for
bringing me home. I'll have Sam take a look at my car tomorrow. He'll either fix it or tow it to the
garage. "She turned away and climbed out of the truck.

Austin watched her walk to her door, her arms full to overflowing. When she dropped the bag of
presents, he was out of the pickup and beside her in a flash.

"What are you doing?" she asked, bending to retrieve the scattered packages.

"What do you think I'm doing?" He helped her gather the gifts and took her keys. Opening the door,
he pushed her inside. On the desk near the couch, a small lamp shed its soft light over the room.
Tossing the keys on a table, he grabbed her hard against him. She dropped the packages and held
herself stiffly in his embrace.

Theresa looked up at him, her eyes wide. "But I thought--"

"You've done enough thinking," he said. "Isn't this what you planned all along? To get me alone?"

She tried to pull away. "No, of course not."

"You're not a very good liar," he said, keeping her close.

"I'm not lying. It's not what you think."

"It never is, is it?" Anger warred with desire. His hands tightened around her arms. By God, he'd
give her what she wanted. What he wanted. His mouth crushed down on hers. No holds barred.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Surprise held Theresa rigid in Austin's arms for a moment. She knew he was angry with her. She
knew he thought badly of her. Probably even held her in contempt. Even so, she yielded to the
pressure and heat of his mouth on hers. Her treacherous body yearned to feel the touch of his hands
gliding over her skin, caressing her, searching out her secrets.

Wrapping her arms around his strong neck, Theresa gave in to the pleasures of the kiss. Austin was

right. She didn't want to think anymore. She just wanted to feel, to lose herself in the passion burning
between them. She leaned against him, reveling in the instantaneous combustion. He gathered her even
closer and rubbed his arousal tauntingly against her stomach.

A moan deep in her throat sounded far away to her ears. All of her senses focused on the delightful
sensations coursing through her body. Austin's tongue pushed inside her mouth, tangling with her own,
making hard quick forages all around, in and out, advancing and retreating.

Austin kissed Theresa with savage intensity. She felt so good in his arms, tasted so sweet, he almost
forgot his fury. He angled his head, forcing her to open wider to him. After her initial resistance, she
had melted into the embrace and kissed him back. All thoughts of what had gone before vanished as
the flames of desire wracked his aching body.

Trembling with need, his body was hard as steel, the woman in his arms soft and acquiescent. He
buried his hands in her silken hair, cupping the back of her head at the nape, his thumb rubbing the
tender skin behind her ear. He broke contact with her mouth and trailed kisses down her neck, tilting
her head back for better access.

She smelled fresh and clean and he inhaled deeply of her scent. His body shuddered with hunger and
yearning. He retraced the path his lips had blazed and took the tempting mouth again, delving deep.

With one hand holding Theresa fast, Austin eased his other under her sweater, raising the fabric
upward until he found the satin and lace of her bra. With feather light touches, he ran his fingers
across the soft mounds, skimming the lacy edge, teasing the nipples until they thrust pertly against the
smooth material.

He swallowed the moan of pleasure erupting from deep within Theresa's throat. Her questing hands
were pulling his shirttails from the waistband of his jeans. His breath caught in anticipation of her
fingers making contact with his skin. When she accidently rubbed against his zipper, he damned near
exploded right then and there.

Austin grabbed her hand before he embarrassed himself. "Not so fast, sweetheart," he whispered
against her lips. "Let's get more comfortable. Where's your bedroom?"

It took a minute for Theresa to surface from the cloud of passion engulfing her senses. She had
difficulty understanding what Austin was saying. His hands were caressing her breasts, rubbing back
and forth across the swollen peaks. Theresa ached to feel his hands on her bare skin. To feel his
naked body on top of her own. She had never wanted to make love as badly as she did at this moment.

Many times, she had imagined lying beneath Austin, his muscular body hovering over her. His mouth
and hands working their magic. Both of them lost in the furor of their passion. She had thought and
dreamed about the moment Austin would take her and make her his. Initiate her into the secrets of
love.

But this was all happening too fast. Too much discord lay between them. Nothing was resolved. He
thought she was a scheming, conniving person. She quickly jerked out of the embrace. "I thought you

were angry with me for tonight," she said, searching his face. His eyes narrowed and his mouth
looked grim.

Austin clenched his fists to keep from pulling her back into his arms. Damn her. She had
orchestrated the whole incident. She had as good as confessed to sabotaging her car on purpose.

"I am angry with you," he said, running his fingers through his hair, striving for control. His body
pulsed with yearning; his groin felt heavy and full. Maybe she just wanted to get everything out in the
open. "Look, I don't like how you're using Kelsey to get to me. But if you want me that badly, here I
am, sweetheart. You know I want you. We're both adults. I warned you what would happen if you
succeeded in your scheming to get me alone."

"And I've told you, I have not been using Kelsey. I'm not the one who's doing all the scheming."

"Don't lie anymore, Theresa. You've won. You've gone to a lot of trouble tonight. Your plan worked.
We're alone. Nothing's stopping us now."

Austin pulled her back into his embrace. He lowered his mouth and nipped at the enticing bottom lip.
Theresa wiggled to get free. He pushed her against the wall. "Stop fighting. You got your wish. Now
relax and let's enjoy each other."

"You're making a big mistake. I don't want this." Theresa pushed with all her might. Austin didn't
budge.

"You want it," he said, pressing his body intimately against hers.

"You've got it all wrong." She struggled to twist out of his arms, turning her head away.

"I've never forced a lady," he said, capturing both of her hands in a vice-like grip and hauling them
above her head. "But, then again, you aren't a real lady, are you?" He grabbed her chin, tilted her head
and kissed her again with brutal intensity.

Up until now, Theresa hadn't been frightened. But as Austin pressed his hard body into hers and with
her back against the wall, her hands imprisoned, frissons of alarm darted along every nerve ending.
She had to do something quickly.

Wrenching her mouth free, she stomped on his foot with all the strength she could muster and at the
same instant, made herself go limp. She slipped from his grasp and slid toward the floor.

"Ouch!" Austin let her go as she scrambled to her feet and dashed to the couch, keeping the sturdy
piece of furniture between them.

"What the hell did you do that for?" he asked, favoring the foot as he faced her. "Stop playing games.
You've got me now."

Theresa eyed him warily. "I don't want you!"

Austin tested his weight on his injured foot. He looked at her with narrowed eyes. "You want me.
Don't lie."

"Okay, I admit I'm attracted to you. But I'm not playing games. And get this through that thick skull of
yours. I haven't been scheming to get you alone."

"How stupid do you really think I am?"

"I don't think you're stupid."

"Don't you? You didn't think I would notice you disconnected the battery cable so your car wouldn't
start?

"What?"

Austin glared at her. "Don't play innocent with me. You know perfectly well what I'm talking about."

"No, I don't. I swear." But Theresa suddenly had a premonition and her heart sank. Oh, Kelsey. What
have you done now?

"That's great. Just great," said Austin. "You've got the innocent act down pat with those big green
eyes wide with surprise. You missed your calling, sweetheart." He advanced toward her and leaned
his fists on the back of the sofa. "What I can't understand is how you thought you were going to get
away with it. It's an amateur's trick at best."

Theresa forgot about being frightened as anger surfaced. "Every time you're in my house, you insult
me," she said, her voice low, her fury mounting. "I've had enough. It's true that I'm attracted to you.
God only knows why. But, I didn't deliberately disable my car. I haven't schemed to get you alone.
And I don't care to be accused, tried and convicted on circumstantial evidence."

"Are you brazen enough to stand there and tell me you didn't disconnect that cable?" Austin didn't
know what to think. His mind reeled at the implications.

"That's exactly what I'm telling you. And I am not the brazen hussy you're accusing me of being."

"Then who?" He asked the question softly. Already, he had a flickering idea about who was
responsible.

Theresa took a deep breath. "I think it's obvious. But you've been so intent in your belief that I'm the
guilty party, you can't see what's been going on right beneath your nose. I'm not the bad guy. I'm the
victim here, too."

Austin stared at Theresa as if seeing her for the first time. "It's Kelsey, isn't it? She's been the one
throwing us together. But why?"

"You need to ask her that question," Theresa said. "I'm not at liberty to discuss it. Whatever you may
think of me, I don't blab what's been told to me in confidence."

Austin looked at Theresa standing on the other side of the couch. Her green eyes sparkled with tears
and she sniffed like she was trying not to cry. He had the overwhelming urge to gather her in his arms
and hold her. To offer her comfort.

"This thing between us," he said. "It won't go away. It's not finished." He skimmed his eyes over her
curves and feminine softness; the familiar knot of hunger twisted his gut. No, it wouldn't go away.

Theresa walked to the door and opened it. "Oh, I think it's finished all right. We're both adults, as
you keep reminding me. Sometimes things don't work out. You have to accept it and move on."

Austin stood before her and searched her face. "You want to accept it and move on?" he asked
quietly.

Swallowing hard, Theresa nodded. She ignored the fluttering in her stomach caused by the heat from
his body being so near. Squashed the urge to feel his arms wrap around her, his mouth devouring her
like he was starving. She didn't want to remember how good it all felt. Didn't want to think that he'd
never kiss her or make love to her.

She didn't want to move on, but she couldn't see a happy ending to all of this. Only misery and
heartache. "You've thought the worst of me from the very beginning," she said. "I think it's best for
both of us to move on."

Austin grabbed the keys from the table. "I'll take care of your car. No need to call Sam. I'll bring it
back tomorrow."

"There's no reason for you to take care of it," Theresa said quickly. "I wouldn't want you to go to any
more trouble."

"No trouble." With one last searching glance, Austin walked out of the house. The screen door
slammed behind him. Theresa closed the door and for the second time that night, she slid to the floor.
Pulling her knees to her chest, she leaned her head against them and cried until there were no more
tears.

****

Austin had a lot to think about on the drive back to the ranch. His brain was spinning from the
discovery that Kelsey, not Theresa, had engineered the whole business. It made everything he
believed about Theresa invalid. Not everything, he reminded himself. She desired him as much as he
desired her. But she was innocent of any deceptive behavior.

Unlike his daughter. Kelsey had been manipulating him for months. And manipulating Theresa, too.
But why? Why was Kelsey throwing them together?

Gripping the steering wheel tightly, Austin sped down the dark highway. He'd have his answers
soon. Kelsey McCade had some explaining to do.

He ignored the sick feeling in his stomach. He refused to believe that Theresa wanted to end a
relationship that had barely begun. The intensity of the attraction between them was incredible. He'd
be a fool to ignore it. That kind of chemistry didn't come along every day.

He could never forget what he had with Deborah, but Deborah was dead. He was not. It was time to
start living again. The thought terrified him. He didn't want to be emotionally involved with anyone. It
was too painful.

The more he thought about it, the more he convinced himself that he would be able to separate his
physical needs from any emotional entanglements. He wasn't looking for love. Just a tumble in bed.

He wanted Theresa in the most intimate way. Not like he had wanted other women over the past
twelve years. He didn't want a feminine body to spill his seed into in order to relieve the sexual
tension and frustration that came with abstinence.

No, he wanted Theresa Rogers. He knew it would be different with her. She made him feel alive.
After walking among the dead for so long, she had awakened a hunger and desire in him.

If he could convince her to forgive him, make her understand what he wanted, then they could pursue
an adult relationship. They could enjoy each other until the passion died out. From now on, Austin
vowed to live in the present, in the moment. He wouldn't think about the future. And he would try not
to think about the past.

The gates to the Diamondback Ranch loomed up in the darkness and Austin turned the truck onto the
dirt road leading to his mother's house. He pushed everything from his mind except his daughter's
many transgressions. She had lied, manipulated, maneuvered, deliberately disabled Theresa's car, and
God knows what else to throw her teacher in his path. Why? One would think Kelsey wouldn't want
another woman in their lives.

Austin parked the truck at the back of the house. He sat for a minute wondering how he would handle
all of this. Obviously, Kelsey was getting out of control. He wasn't doing a very good job raising her.
It wasn't the first time he wished for Deborah's help with their daughter. Although, nothing like this
would have happened if Deb were still alive, he admitted to himself.

Kelsey was sitting at the kitchen table eating a piece of cake. She looked up when Austin walked in
the back door.

"You sure didn't stay long at Miss Roger's house. Did you fight with her again?"

Austin stood at the foot of the old oak table, staring at his daughter. "What do you mean, 'again'?"

Licking her fork, she glanced at him. "Well, something happened at the homecoming dance. You
were mad. You didn't act like a jerk tonight, did you?"

Ruth, busy at the sink, turned around. "Kelsey! You mustn't talk to your father like that."

Kelsey shrugged. "Grams, you haven't seen him around her. He acts like a total--"

"That's enough," Austin said. He walked to her side of the table and stood with arms crossed over
his chest. "The game's up, Kels."

He had the satisfaction of seeing the angelic blue eyes widen in surprise and perhaps a little fear.
For all her intelligence, bravado and seeming self-confidence, Kelsey was still only twelve years old.
He couldn't let himself forget that important fact.

Kelsey bit her lip and set her fork down. "So, you figured it out, huh? Or did Miss Rogers tell you?"

"She didn't rat on you, if that's what you mean?"

Ruth came over to stand near Austin and looked at Kelsey. "What on earth have you been up to,
child?"

Kelsey sat back, crossed her arms and glared at both adults. "I plead the fifth."

"Pleading the fifth is not an option, young lady." Austin pulled out a chair and sat down. "Have a
seat, Ma," he said, indicating the chair he'd scooted out for her.

Ruth sat and twisted the dishtowel in her hands. "Will someone tell me what's going on?"

"I'll tell you what's going on," Austin said, keeping his eyes on Kelsey's face. "My daughter, your
granddaughter, has been trying her hand at a little matchmaking."

"What?" Ruth stared at Kelsey and shook her head sadly. "Matchmaking? You know your father is a
hopeless case. He'll never love a woman like he loved your mother. He's said so a million times."

Austin felt irritation creep along his spine. "Ma, that's not the point here. Kelsey's been lying,
manipulating and scheming to throw Theresa and me together."

"Theresa?" Ruth asked, eyeing him strangely.

"Miss Rogers, damn it." He looked away from his mother's curious gaze.

Ruth turned her attention to Kelsey again. "So, you threw this party to get her over here. Why didn't
you invite your dad? I don't understand."

Kelsey shrugged.

Austin shoved back his chair and stood. He couldn't sit still any longer. The more he thought about
the whole thing, the angrier he became. "I'll explain it to you. She decided to have a party, invited
Theresa over here, and deliberately tampered with her car. Then she called me to come to the rescue,
maneuvering everything and everybody so I would be the one to take Theresa home. And this isn't the
first time she's schemed to throw us together."

Ruth shook her head again. "Oh, my. How did you know what to do to the car to make it not start?"
she asked Kelsey.

"Yeah, I'd like to know that, too," Austin said. "Spill it, Kels."

For a minute, he didn't know if Kelsey was going to cooperate. He wondered what he would do if
she refused to talk. She was too old to spank. He'd have to ground her. He felt like grounding her for
the rest of her life.

Kelsey lowered her gaze. "Aunt Jessie told me," she finally answered in a small voice.

"Good heavens!" Ruth said, fanning herself with the dishtowel.

Austin stopped pacing. "Jessie told you? When? How?"

"I emailed her and asked. She knows everything about motors and cars."

"Do you mean to tell me Jessie's in on this?" Austin said. "Did you tell her why you wanted to know
such a strange piece of information?"

Kelsey sighed. "No, she didn't know the real reason. I told her it was for an assignment in English. A
short story I was writing."

"Oh dear, oh dear," Ruth said softly.

"Another lie." Austin paced around the kitchen again before stopping in front of Kelsey. "Why did
you do it, Kels?"

She looked up at her dad and took a deep breath. "I did it for your own good. I'm not always going to
be around, you know. I'm going to grow up, go away to college, get married some day. You'll be
alone. I don't want you to be all alone. And I want you to be happy. You haven't been happy in a long
time."

Austin pushed away from the table and raked his fingers through his hair again. He didn't know what
he had expected Kelsey to confess to, but it certainly wasn't this.

He stared down at his daughter. "You think Theresa Rogers would make me happy? What do you
want me to do? Marry her?"

Kelsey shrugged. "Miss Rogers is smart, pretty, and has a good sense of humor. I like her.
Everybody likes her. And I've seen the way she looks at you. She likes you. Or, at least she did.
You've probably made her angry or something. Because you act like a--"

"Don't say it," Ruth said.

"Well, it's true," Kelsey mumbled under her breath.

Ruth patted her granddaughter's hand and cast a knowing glance at Austin. "I don't doubt it."

"Thanks for your support," he said, caustically.

Ruth sighed. "You can't help it, dear. You're a man. But that doesn't make it right for Kelsey to call
you names." She turned back to Kelsey. "Darlin', matchmaking rarely works out. People have to find
partners for themselves. If the attraction is mutual, the chemistry just right, then they fall in love. If it's
meant to be, everything turns out fine. If not . . . you can't force people to like or love each other."

"I guess you're right," Kelsey said with a big sigh. "But at the rate Dad's going, I'll never have a
mother."

"You had a mother, and I loved her very much," Austin said.

Kelsey took another deep breath. "Had a mother. I never knew her. My mother is in heaven. You tell
me I'm a lot like her. Well, I don't think she would have wanted you to withdraw from the human race
when she died."

Austin sat back down. "I haven't withdrawn."

Kelsey looked at him with sad eyes. "Haven't you?"

"You don't understand," he said. "You're too young to know about things like this."

"Maybe I am. I've obviously screwed it all up." She raised her chin. "But I'm not too young to know I
want a mother. And I think Miss Rogers would be the perfect mom."

"Why would you want a mother? You have Grams and three very loving aunts."

"It's not the same. No offense, Grams," Kelsey assured her grandmother.

Ruth sniffed into her dishtowel. "I know what you mean, honey."

Kelsey glared at her dad. "You need a wife. Whether you admit it or not, you're lonely. I'm not going
to be around forever."

Austin stood. "I don't want another wife. You don't understand. I can appreciate your efforts on my
behalf, but you've got to stop. You can't manipulate people like you've been doing."

Kelsey picked up her fork. "Oh, all right. But you and Miss Rogers would make a good couple. If
only you would put everything behind you. Don't you like her, Dad? Just a little?"

Austin ruffled his daughter's hair. "Yeah, I like her. I might even ask her out. But don't start getting
any ideas. I don't want to get married again. Understand?"

Shrugging, Kelsey popped the last of the cake into her mouth. "Sure, Dad. I understand."

"And no more pulling strings, telling lies, and scheming. Promise me, Kels," Austin said in a stern
voice.

"Geez, all right. I promise." She took her plate to the sink. "Was she very angry at me for messing

with her car? Do you think she hates me now?"

"She wasn't too thrilled about the whole thing. She doesn't hate you. You'll apologize to her," he
said. "This is serious business, Kels. You can't use people and manipulate them like you've been
doing. It's wrong. Now, get your things. We're going home."

"Home? I'm spending the night with Grams."

"I don't think so," Austin said. "You're grounded for the next two weeks."

"For two weeks? Why?"

"Kelsey, it's wrong to pull people's strings. It's against the law to deliberately disable someone's
car. It's not all your fault. I haven't done my job well. I've been letting you get away with murder. Not
anymore."

"But, Dad--"

"I don't want to hear it. Go get your things."

"Grams?" Kelsey appealed to Ruth.

Ruth shook her head. "Mind you father. You've done wrong, and now you must pay the
consequences. I know your intentions were good, but that doesn't make it right."

Kelsey lifted her chin and sniffed. "I don't know why I went to all this trouble," she said. "I should
have known it was useless. If you want to live the rest of your life alone, see if I care. I don't care.
You hear me! I don't care!" She ran out of the room.

Austin looked at his mother. "She's pretty upset."

"She loves you and worries about you. She had it all figured out. The three of you would be a happy
family. The child's right. You are living a lonely life. You loved Deborah and still grieve for her. I
understand what it is to lose your soul mate, dear."

"I know you do, Ma. You, of all people, should respect my feelings. I can't replace Deb."

"No one can replace Deborah," Ruth said. "But you don't have to live the rest of your life alone."

"I don't see you trying to replace Dad."

"Your father and I had almost thirty years together. Our situations are different. Although, if I met
someone I could love . . ." Ruth shook her head. "You were only twenty-two when Deborah passed
away. You still have your whole life in front of you. And you've met someone, son."

Austin grabbed his hat. "I don't want another wife. I like my life just the way it is. Why can't
everyone accept that and leave me alone?"

CHAPTER NINE

Theresa woke late the next morning. She dragged her body out of the warm bed, pulled on her
sweats, splashed water on her face and drank a glass of orange juice. Glancing out the kitchen
window, she saw there was no frost or ice on the ground. The thermometer read thirty-five degrees.
Chilly, but the sun was shining. There was no excuse to skip her daily run.

Her body felt like it had been pummeled by a steamroller. She'd had a rough night with little sleep
and had tossed and turned until the early hours of the morning.

She wondered again and again how she had let herself fall in love with Austin McCade. Everyone
had warned her about him. But she had refused to listen. Hadn't even tried to guard her heart. And
now it was broken. Smashed into little pieces, wounded beyond repair.

Good lord! She'd been reading too many romance novels. Even her thoughts had taken a
melodramatic turn. No one ever died from a broken heart. She would have to move on with her life,
like she'd told Austin.

Grabbing a sock cap from the counter, she tugged it on her head, stuffed her hair under the edges, and
let herself out the back door. After a couple of stretching exercises to loosen her muscles, she headed
around the house . . . and stopped short. Her car was parked in the driveway. A note, taped to the
windshield, fluttered in the breeze.

Theresa's heart thumped loudly as she slowly walked to the car. Pulling the tape loose, she looked at
the note. The handwriting was dark and bold. Her hand trembled as she read the terse message. Sorry
for the inconvenience. Kelsey won't bother you again. Keys are in the mailbox. Austin.

Short and sweet. To the point. Devoid of any emotion. Just like the man. Except he wasn't short. He
was tall and far too handsome for her peace of mind. And he certainly wasn't sweet.

Crumpling the note in her fist, she stuffed it in a pocket and took off down the road. Maybe, if she ran
hard enough, she could exorcise everything from her mind. Try to forget Austin McCade and his
smoldering good looks. Forget the way he made her toes tingle and her nerves sing with awareness.

She reminded herself that she was going to move on with her life. For twenty-eight years, she'd lived
without a man. She didn't need one now. She was lying to herself, but didn't care. Get over it. Move
on. Theresa repeated the two phrases over and over.

The sun cast its brilliance across the hundred-acre field. The sky was clear and blue, the air cold
enough to make you catch your breath. She ran like she was running from the devil. Pacing her steps,

she kept her eyes straight ahead. It wasn't long until her head cleared and she felt better.

Rounding the corner of the field, Theresa's heart skipped a beat. Up ahead, a blue pickup sat parked
in the middle of the road. Austin stood leaning against the front hood, arms folded across his massive
chest, watching her . . . waiting for her.

Theresa's throat suddenly felt parched and dry. Stomach fluttering, choking back a sob, she forced
herself to keep running. A thrill raced down her spine with the knowledge that Austin had actually
sought her out. A shiver chased it right down knowing that nothing had changed. She made up her
mind to run right past him.

With chin held high, she met the hazel eyes for one long second, then looked straight ahead and
glided past. Her heart thumped in her ears and her breathing was labored. She heard the crunch of
boots on the gravel behind her. A strong hand clamped her arm above her elbow and pulled her to a
stop.

"Oh no, you don't," Austin growled in her ear, as he turned her around to face him.

"Let me go!" Theresa said, struggling to break free.

Austin pulled her close, frustrating the futile attempts to get away. "Tell me you truly want me to let
you go, and I will. Or be honest and admit you want me as much as I want you."

Theresa's looked up into the handsome face and knew she would be lost if she wasn't careful. "What
am I supposed to do? Fall into bed with you when I know there's nothing in it for me?"

He tightened his arms around her, crushing her breasts against his chest. "There's something in it for
you, sweetheart. Satisfaction and pleasure like you've never had before. The kind of attraction we feel
between us doesn't come along every day. Take my word for it. I know."

"I bet you do," she said. Her body was already responding with alarming speed from the intimate
contact with his. Suddenly, she was tired of fighting, both mentally and physically. She stopped
struggling. "You don't even like me. How can you want me so strongly?"

Austin tugged the stocking cap from her head. Her dark hair spilled down to her shoulders. "I like
you." He tangled his fingers in the silky strands. "I'm sorry I've acted like a jerk, as Kelsey delights in
throwing in my face. I like you too much, Theresa. I want you too much. It scares me. I don't want to
like you. I don't want to want you. I've tried to ignore it. Tried to ignore the feelings inside of me. It's
no use. I can't get you out of my mind."

Theresa sighed deeply. It felt so good to be back in his arms. "I can't get you out of mine, either."

Austin cupped the back of her neck and tugged her hair gently, tipping her head back. "I don't know
how much of me I can give you. I loved Deborah with all my heart. I don't know if I can love again.
Don't know if I want to love again. I can give you pleasure in bed. That may be all I'm capable of
sharing. I know it's not fair. You deserve more. Much more."

The hazel eyes watched her with an intensity that left her weak in the knees. How could she have
thought Austin devoid of emotion? He was a walking time bomb of suppressed emotions. She knew
deep in her heart that even if she never won his love, she couldn't pass up the opportunity of making
love with him. Austin was the first man she had ever felt any real attraction for. It was definitely
strong. Even though he didn't love her, he had come a long way. And she loved him.

"I guess the ball's in my court," she said. Reaching her arms around his strong neck, she pulled his
head down closer. "I'm willing to take it to the next level, if you are."

For a moment, his gaze locked with hers. He seemed undecided. "It's a big step, Theresa. For you
and for me. I don't know how it will end up."

"I'll take my chances."

Theresa's breath hitched in her lungs when he smiled. She hadn't felt the impact of his smile very
often. It was a rare occurrence, one to be treasured. He lowered his mouth until it was bare
centimeters from hers. His hot breath scorched her lips. Closing the distance, Austin swiped his
tongue across her mouth and she opened to him. The bottom of her stomach cratered as slivers of
desire gushed through her veins.

Immediately, Theresa sensed a difference in the kiss. It was nothing like the others they had shared.
There was more giving than taking on Austin's part. The hunger hovered near the surface, held at bay.
The shields he so carefully maintained were momentarily let down. She wondered why he had
lowered them in the first place. A man like Austin McCade didn't change overnight. But something
had changed since last night.

Her heart raced. She knew she was taking a big risk because she loved him and he didn't love her.
He had warned her he didn't know how much he could give her. But there was always a chance.
Anything was possible.

Suddenly, Austin deepened the kiss; one hand came around and cupped her breast. The urgency was
back, the flames of desire threatening to rise. He broke contact. His breath coming in short gasps.
Theresa felt the fine trembling in his big body as he held himself in check.

"Let's go to your house. I'll drive you home." He kissed the corners of her mouth and moved down
the column of her throat.

"No," she said, chill bumps leaping to the surface of her skin where his lips forged a path. She
needed a little time to get a handle on the situation. Her mind told her things were happening too fast.
Her body said it didn't matter. It was a struggle, but her mind finally won. She pushed away and
Austin let her go.

For a moment, Theresa didn't know what to say. She had guarded her virginity for such a long time.
Never willing to give it up before now. Should she tell him she'd never done it before? Would he be
glad? Or would he back off, thinking she was some kind of a freak? Better not tell him.

Maybe it wouldn't matter. Maybe he wouldn't be able to tell. But she'd be damned if her first time
was rushed. She wanted it to be romantic and special.

Austin frowned at her. "What's wrong? I thought--"

Theresa covered his mouth with two fingers. "I don't want the first time to be in haste. No, that's not
what I mean. I can't explain it, but I don't want to be in a sweat suit when we make love."

"Darlin', you won't be in anything but your birthday suit when we go to bed," Austin said with a
wicked grin.

Theresa felt her cheeks redden. "I want it to be special. Let me cook dinner for you tonight. I'll wear
something nice. We'll have soft music, candlelight. Please, Austin?"

He nodded. "Okay. Do me a favor, though. Wear that little black number you wore to the
homecoming dance. You owe me one, remember?"

She stuffed the stocking cap back on her head, blushing. "Yes, I remember. Is seven all right?"

"That's fine." He pulled her against him for a quick hard kiss, before he let her get completely away.
He watched her run down the road until she was out of sight.

Austin walked to his truck and climbed in. He hoped he didn't end up hurting Theresa. He liked her
too much. That was the crux to the whole situation. He liked her too much. Ever since he had met her,
warning bells had been ringing in his brain. But he didn't want to listen to his brain. He just hoped to
God he didn't end up hurting himself, either.

****

The rest of the morning and afternoon flew by for Theresa. She cleaned the house, then ran some
errands. Driving to a town an hour away, she purchased some sexy underwear, smiling in anticipation
of Austin's reaction tonight. She wasn't smiling when she made a quick stop at the drugstore for a box
of condoms. Standing before a large display, she shuddered to think what would happen if she bought
this kind of thing in Salt Fork, where everyone knew her.

Theresa frowned at the selection and variety. She wanted the night to be perfect. Condoms weren't
very romantic, but a girl had to be careful in this day and age. She was willing to give up her
virginity, but didn't want to risk getting pregnant. Grabbing a box from the shelf, she tried not to blush
when she checked out.

Back in Salt Fork, she stopped at the grocery store and bought the makings for salad and lasagna. On
the way home, she felt pretty pleased with herself. After she put the lasagna in the oven to bake, she'd
take a nice long bubble bath.

Soaking in the tub, Theresa contemplated her wardrobe. Austin wanted her to wear the black dress.

Images of their encounter in the cafeteria kitchen floated in her mind. Delicious tremors scurried
along her body when she remembered Austin's every touch. Tonight there would be no empty
unfinished feelings. Austin would take her to new heights when they made love. Theresa smiled to
herself as she shaved her legs.

After she dried off with a big fluffy towel, she pulled on her new panties and fastened the front clasp
of the matching lace bra. Sitting at her vanity, Theresa blew her hair dry and curled the ends with a
hot curling iron. She carefully applied makeup and dabbed perfume behind her ears and on her wrists.
Austin wouldn't know what hit him, tough cowboy that he was.

In her closet, she slipped on the black dress and a pair of barely-black stockings. She nearly
panicked when she couldn't find her shoes. Searching everywhere, she finally discovered them under
the bed.

One last look in the mirror told her she was looking her best. It gave her a much needed boost of
confidence, because when she glanced at the clock and realized Austin would be there any second,
she suddenly felt nervous and edgy. All day she had been busy, and now the moment of truth was fast
approaching. There would be no turning back.

The knock on the door made her jump. Taking a deep breath, she stilled her racing heart and
fluttering stomach. Everything would be fine. She crossed her fingers for good luck and went to
answer the door.

****

Once again, Austin found himself standing on Theresa's front porch. Time had dragged since this
morning. Minutes had seemed like hours, the hours like days. His body pounded with sexual
frustration. It was building to a crescendo of hot burning need. He wanted Theresa with an urgency
that frightened him. And if that wasn't bad enough, in one corner of his mind, a voice kept whispering
that he was betraying Deborah.

He seemed to be the only one who had a problem with this. Kelsey didn't mind. Far from it. She'd
done her best to promote a union between him and Theresa. And his mother certainly didn't have a
problem with him seeing Theresa. Why should he feel so guilty?

Shaking the confusing thoughts from his mind, Austin knocked on the door. He wouldn't think about
the past or the future. He had decided to live for the moment and damn the consequences. Now, he just
needed to do it.

Theresa opened the door. Austin's body quickened at the sight of her loveliness.

"Hi," she said with a shy smile, opening the screen door to allow him to enter.

He felt like a tongue-tied teenager. It occurred to him that he hadn't been on a real date since before
his marriage. And this certainly counted as a date. Except he knew where this date was going to end

up. Going to bed was a given tonight, not just a hope like in his younger days.

A tantalizing aroma filled the house. Austin sniffed the air. "What's for dinner? It smells great."

"Lasagna. Come on in."

Austin closed the door behind him. The living room was softly lit by one lamp and several candles
flickering on tables around the room. A Beatles song played quietly in the background.

He followed Theresa into the kitchen. The table was set for two with candles burning in crystal
holders placed in the center. The atmosphere was ripe for seduction. And Theresa was dressed to
seduce. His loins tightened as he admired the lush body in the enticing black dress, with the soft
fabric caressing Theresa's shape, draped ever so subtly, outlining every curve.

Theresa stopped at the counter and turned to face him. "I bought wine to go with the meal. I hope
that's okay."

Austin stood by the table striving to control his rampaging hormones. "I'm more of a beer kind of
guy, but wine's fine." His voice sounded normal, thank God. He felt far from normal. His body was
tense and on the alert.

She poured the wine and handed a glass to Austin. "Why don't you sit while I get the salad."

Opening the refrigerator, she bent to retrieve the bowl of lettuce. Austin almost choked on his wine
when the short dress hiked up, revealing a flash of thigh, teasing his imagination with a glimpse of
black lace at the top of her stockings. He quickly sat down before he did something uncivilized like
throw Theresa on the floor, lift that damn skirt and trace the edge of the lace with his tongue all the
way up to . . .

"I hope you're hungry." Theresa placed the salad on the table along with several small cruets of
dressing.

"Starving," he said, waiting for her to serve herself before serving his own plate. His voice rasped
in his throat.

Theresa looked up quickly and caught Austin staring at her. The blazing heat in his eyes scorched her
right down to her toes. She told herself to get a grip. Her hands were shaking as she poured dressing
on her salad. It was almost impossible to drag enough air into her lungs. How she was going to get
through the meal, she hadn't a clue. And how she was going to let him make love to her in her bed--
she didn't know that either.

Austin reached across the table and closed his fingers around her hand as she set the cruet down. He
hadn't missed the trembling hands and her short gasps of breath. Or the fear and uncertainty in her
eyes. A strange sort of protectiveness rose up within him.

"Both of us are a little nervous tonight," he said. "I haven't done this kind of thing . . . in a long time.
I'll tell you a secret. I haven't had a date since before I was married. Let's try to relax and enjoy each

other's company. Okay?" He rubbed his thumb across her soft palm.

Theresa stared at their hands joined together--his big and brown, hers small and white. The rhythm
of his caress soothed her and aroused her at the same time.

She nodded and withdrew her hand. "I've never done this either," she said, then bit her lip. Good
grief, she'd almost admitted to being a virgin. "I mean . . . I've had dates, but I've never cooked for a
man before." Theresa tried to smile. "Then, I'll try to do justice to this very special meal." Austin
smiled back and it nearly took her breath away.

Quickly, she focused her attention on her salad, taking a bite of lettuce, castigating herself for not
watching what she said.

Dinner was over before Theresa knew it. Austin ate the lasagna with relish, asking for a second
helping. Theresa could barely swallow a bite.

Pushing his plate away, Austin folded his napkin. "That was very good." He finished the wine in his
glass and sat watching Theresa.

She could feel a blush stealing into her cheeks. His eyes were warm with promises. Theresa quickly
picked up the plates and took them to the sink. Everything was going well. Almost too well. She had
planned every aspect of this memorable evening. She wanted it to be perfect. As she rinsed the plates,
she realized she had forgotten one thing.

"Dessert!" She turned toward Austin with a groan. "I forgot dessert."

Austin smiled as he unfolded his tall frame from the dining room chair. He closed the distance
between them and took the dishtowel from her hands. "Babe, I don't want more food. Your sweet
kisses are all the dessert I need."

Taking her in his arms, he slid his hands down the open back of the velvet dress. Her skin was
smooth and soft and warm. Cupping her bottom, he pulled her close and took her mouth in a hungry
kiss.

Theresa held herself stiffly for a moment, all her fears and uncertainties rising to the surface. There
was no turning back if she didn't call a halt right now.

"Relax, Theresa," Austin whispered in her ear. "It'll be good, I promise." He nibbled her earlobe
and traced the column of her throat with his tongue. He sucked gently on the soft spot between her
neck and shoulder and felt her tremble in his arms. Austin kissed his way back to her mouth. "I've
wanted you from the first moment I saw you."

Exquisite shivers of pleasure raced up and down Theresa's spine. Austin worked his magic on her
body, his fingers caressing, his lips trailing a hot blaze of sensation across her skin. Her fears and
uncertainties faded as her body responded to the heat of his touch.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I've wanted you, too." She tiptoed and kissed his hard

mouth, giving herself up to desire. Delighting in the fact that his big body trembled with need like hers
was doing.

Austin broke the kiss and lifted Theresa in his arms. "Where's your bedroom?"

Barely able to breathe, she laid her head on his shoulder. "Down the hall, to the right," she said.

Austin carried her as if she weighed nothing. He had carried her before when she had twisted her
ankle. But this time was different. He was holding her close to his body, as if he never wanted to let
her go.

With quick sure strides, he found the bedroom. Theresa had placed candles all around the room. The
bedspread was turned down, the pillows plumped.

Austin set her on her feet, letting her slide down the length of his body, keeping her in his embrace.
"Wow," he said, looking around the room. "When you said you wanted tonight to be special, you
meant it, didn't you?"

"All I've done is set the tone and the mood. The rest is up to you," she said with a small wicked grin.

Austin felt himself grow hard in response to that grin. If he wasn't careful, he would be through
before they'd begun. "Babe, if you knew what you're doing to me, you'd be cautious with those smiles
you're casting my way."

She opened her eyes wide as she looked up at him. "I know what I'm doing." Standing on tiptoes, she
kissed the corner of his lips.

Austin's arms tightened around her as he pulled her closer to his body, molding her curves to him.
He plunged his tongue into her warm mouth, relishing her sweet taste. Her body molded itself to his
hard frame and her mouth was soft beneath his. With fingers not quite steady, Austin found the zipper
to the dress and slowly eased it down her back and over her bottom.

He slipped his hands under the elastic of her panties and kneaded her silky bare skin, cupping the
firm flesh and pulling her even closer, nestling his arousal between the apex of her thighs.

Theresa unfastened the top buttons of Austin's western shirt and slid her fingers over his chest. A
fine sprinkling of dark hair felt rough beneath her questing hands. Hard muscles rippled under her
fingertips. Every touch, every stroke sent delicious quivers throughout her body.

Austin impatiently pulled the dress away from her shoulders. "I want you out of this dress. I have to
see you." He pushed her away a little to stand in front of him, stripping the black velvet down her slim
torso, letting the dress fall in a puddle around her feet. Her body was perfect, her skin creamy white.
Her breasts were round and full, the nipples pushing pertly against the black lace of her bra. He
swallowed hard as his gaze travelled down her smooth belly and trim waist to the wisp of black satin
that barely covered her. Black lace-topped stockings encased her long legs.

Theresa tried not to cower beneath Austin's hot perusal. She had never stood before a man dressed

in next to nothing. Stepping from the heap of clothing at her feet, she felt herself grow damp and hot
under his blazing eyes.

When he scooped her up in his arms, she let out a little screech. He took her mouth in a fevered kiss
and carried her to the bed. As he gently laid her on the mattress, Theresa promised herself that no
matter what lay ahead, she would have no regrets about this night with Austin.

CHAPTER TEN

Austin followed Theresa down on the bed, stretching his body next to hers. He gathered her in his
arms, his hands sliding down the length of her body, his mouth making sweet love to hers.

After a moment, Theresa pulled back. "You're still dressed," she said, her voice husky and
breathless. Anticipation and need churned in her body. She felt more vulnerable than she'd ever felt in
her entire life. And she wasn't even naked yet.

Slowly grinning, Austin rose from the bed. "I can take care of that." With eyes locked on hers, he
unfastened the rest of the shirt buttons and shrugged it off his shoulders. Stooping down, he removed
his boots and socks, tossing them aside. He straightened and unbuckled his belt, flipping the button of
his slacks loose and easing the zipper down.

Theresa blinked. The rasp of the zipper sounded loud to her sensitive ears. The pants parted,
revealing a long hard bulge straining against the white cotton of his briefs. A strange heaviness settled
low in her tummy and her breasts ached.

Austin peeled the slacks and underwear down his legs in one swift motion. Looking down at the
woman lying there, desire flooded his body. He reminded himself to take it slow and easy as he lay
down beside her again. Her green eyes opened wide and her breath caught in her throat when he
pulled her to him. He rubbed his arousal against that tantalizing scrap of lace covering her mound.

Taking her mouth in a savage kiss, he swallowed the low moan escaping from her lips. He tangled
his fingers in her silky hair, angling her head for better access. His tongue invited hers to play the
primal dance of love. Plunging deep inside, then retreating, only to plunge deeper still. Her response-
-tentative at first, then eagerly following his lead--was all he could wish for.

Austin's hand roamed downward over the satin-smooth skin. Tracing the bra strap on her shoulder,
he boldly cupped one rounded breast and gently kneaded. Theresa's head fell back and he kissed her
neck, sucking and gently nipping with his lips. He pulled away a little, bracing himself on his elbow,
resting his chin on one palm. Slowly, he brushed a finger across the top of the bra, watching Theresa's
response. Her green eyes dilated with yearning as she transferred her gaze to his hand on her breast.

He stroked the lace back and forth, trailing his finger deep into the valley between her breasts. Softly
raking his nails across the bra cups. Theresa's breath rasped in her throat, her body shuddered with
need.

With a quick deft movement, Austin unsnapped the front clasp of the bra. Holding his breath, he
watched the black satin divide; slowly inch apart to reveal more of her beautiful breasts. The lace
caught on the nipples, teasing his imagination. His arousal flexed in response.

With lingering deliberation, he rubbed his finger over one exposed aureole, drawing across the base
of the nipple, easing the lace completely away. Taking the swollen nipple between his thumb and
index finger, he lightly rolled the pink bud until it hardened even more.

Theresa arched her back, thrusting upward, offering herself to him. Austin supported her shoulders
with his hand as he bent to take her in his mouth. Laving the nipple with his tongue, he blew on it, then
flicked it lightly before suckling deeply.

A low moan erupted from deep inside of Theresa as she writhed in his arms. New and wondrous
sensations engulfed her being as his hot mouth worked its magic. All of her mind and body focused on
the sensual attack. She felt a hollow emptiness down below, begging to be filled. Her other breast
ached for his touch.

"Please," she groaned, turning toward him.

Austin smiled as he hovered over the neglected breast. His hot breath scorched the sensitized nipple.
Theresa twisted upward. Still, he hesitated, licking the soft skin around the aureole, spreading kisses
down the sides, then trailing his tongue back up, stopping short of the nipple.

Theresa moaned again and begged him to ease her misery. She almost screamed when he finally
touched the nipple with the tip of his tongue. Again he hesitated, hovered. Just when she thought she
would die from the exquisite torture, he sucked hard, drawing the nipple into his hot mouth, laving his
tongue around and around the turgid bud.

Austin slid his hand slowly down Theresa's body and cupped her between her thighs. She bucked
and panted as he rubbed the mound with soft sure strokes.

Suddenly, he was on his knees. He lifted her shoulders and ripped the bra away. He let her fall
gently back against the pillows and covered her with his body, taking her mouth in hot passion as he
pushed against her, rubbing her provocatively, suggestively, intimately.

Theresa, all inhibitions forgotten, wrapped her legs around Austin's waist and strained upward--
seeking, searching to fill the emptiness and ache at her core.

"That's it. That's good," he whispered, his breath hot on the delicate shell of her ear. He pushed her
deeper into the mattress. He was hard and ready. But he didn't want to end it yet. He wanted to see her
reach her climax before he took her for his own.

Breathing deeply, striving for control, Austin trailed kisses down Theresa's flat belly, stopping to

plunge his tongue in her navel before inching toward that tantalizing wisp of lace teasing his desire.
He kissed the satin triangle, reveling in the dampness and musky scent that told him she was ready for
his entry. But not yet. He wanted her writhing and begging beneath him. Wild in her release before he
plunged deep inside her. Theresa raised her head from the pillow and watched as Austin pulled at the
panties with his teeth, tracing the low line of elastic with his lips, kissing the inside of her thighs.
With the flat of his tongue, he stroked the silky fabric covering her sensitive flesh. He kissed her
mound before slowly peeling the panties down the length of her legs.

Kneeling between her thighs, he rubbed the scrap of satin across the dark triangle of hair, skimming
the lace over her smooth tummy, brushing the silk across both nipples, before finally flinging the
panties aside. Austin bent over Theresa, his eyes locked on hers. He ran his fingers up her legs and
thighs, the skin supple and firm beneath his touch. Gently, he cupped her again, pushing his palm
against her hot woman's flesh, nearly coming undone when Theresa reached for him and stroked him
with trembling fingers.

"Easy, babe," he said, his voice guttural with need. "Let's don't rush this." Clamping his fingers over
her questing hand, he raised her arms above her head as he lowered himself, teasing her with the tip
of his shaft. The sight of their bodies so close together, nearly joined, made sweat break out on his
forehead. Austin took Theresa's mouth in a brutal kiss, rubbing his body intimately against hers.
Tottering on the edge of release, it took a supreme effort to pull back and lift himself away.

With ragged breath, he stroked his fingers downward, caressing her body. Theresa's breath was
ragged, too. Her eyes heavy with desire.

On his knees again, Austin stroked the hot silky flesh between her legs, slipping a finger deep inside.
She was damp and moist and ready. He pulled the delicate folds of skin apart, exposing the most
sensitive flesh of all. With a feather-soft motion, he touched her with the tip of one finger. Bending
down, he dipped his tongue to taste her sweetness, feeling her inner muscles contract around his
finger.

Theresa nearly bucked off the bed. She grabbed the sheets with tight fists, opening her legs wider,
lifting her bottom higher, closer to Austin's hot mouth. Never in her life had she experienced such
exquisite pleasure.

Austin teased the hot flesh, licking the folds of skin around it, his finger probing her depths. She was
hot and tight and wet. "Let go, babe. Let it go," he said.

With soft quick laps of his tongue, he set a sensual rhythm, pushing deeper with his finger as he
teased her closer to the edge. After a minute or two, he stopped, his mouth hovering, his breath hot
against her skin.

Theresa bucked again, thrashing her head back and forth against the pillows. "Now, Austin," she
gasped. "Please!"

Hesitating a mere fraction of a second, he slowly caressed her with soft, light strokes, stopping for a
moment before beginning the slow teasing rhythm again.

Theresa's whole body tensed. She felt like she was perched on a ledge overlooking a deep dark
chasm. Waiting. Anticipating. Once before, she had reached the heights. Every fiber of her being
wanted to reach it again. Her muscles strained and tightened even more. All her senses centered on
Austin's mouth and that tiny core of pleasure.

"Please, Austin," she begged. Sweat broke out all over her body and she thought she might split
down the middle from holding her body so taut. She was on the verge of release . . . ecstasy
tantalizingly close, just beyond reach.

Austin teased her, taunted her flesh, his own body responding to her every moan and gasp. He
increased the pressure, moving the rhythm up a notch.

Theresa's world exploded around her in a shattering blaze of passion. Her entire body throbbed and
trembled as she groaned Austin's name. He continued caressing her swollen flesh, plunging his finger
deeper in time to her inner contractions.

Theresa floated on the sensations carrying her to another time and place. Her body seemed to
disengage from her soul. Sensual feelings swirled in every nerve ending. After several exquisite
heartbeats, her pulsing body slowed down, coming to rest, leaving her limp and replete. But not
complete. There was still that achy emptiness only Austin could fill.

"I need you inside of me," she said, raising up, clutching at his shoulders, trying to pull him down on
top of her.

Austin pushed her into the mattress and smiled, his eyes heavy with desire. "Let me get the
protection." He started to climb out of bed. He had a condom in his slacks.

Theresa grabbed his wrist. "Don't leave me," she cried. "I bought a box. In that drawer." She pointed
to the nightstand.

Austin smiled again. "You thought of everything to make tonight perfect, didn't you?"

Theresa nodded. She watched as he tore open the square packet and slip the latex on. He was so big
and male. For a moment, she doubted the intricacies of the process, but decided to leave it in Austin's
capable hands.

He braced himself over Theresa, nudging against the entrance of her hot moist center. He wanted to
plunge deep inside, but knew it would all be over too soon, so he took his time, leaning down to kiss
her sweet lips. Urging the woman in his arms back to the edge of desire and yearning.

Theresa wiggled impatiently. She needed Austin to fill that emptiness more than she needed her next
breath. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she pulled him down. "I want you inside of me. Now,
Austin. Please." She writhed beneath him, trying to get closer, to make them one.

Austin hovered over her, watching the emotions rippling across her face. He rubbed against her heat,
taunting himself, taunting her, drawing out the sweet agony. He felt her strain against him, her legs
forcing him closer, deeper.

Suddenly, he couldn't hold back another second. He drove his length into her, penetrating her hot
flesh. She was tight and when she moaned in pain, he pulled back and looked down at her. She was
biting her lip, her forehead creased in a frown, and her eyes closed tightly.

"Theresa?" he asked hoarsely, a terrible thought intruding on his sensually numbed brain.

"It's all right," she said, opening her eyes wide. "Don't stop or I'll die." She hugged him close and
pulled his mouth down on hers. She lifted her bottom, then pulled away, only to lift against him again.
Her age-old actions milked him, drawing him deep inside, teasing him to madness.

He banished his doubts and began moving slowly over her body, finding a rhythm, taking and giving
pleasure. Plunging, withdrawing. He slipped his arm under her shoulders, pulling her body closer to
his. He hooked his other arm under her knee, bringing her leg higher. He buried himself deeper,
pumping harder.

Austin angled his body, maneuvering so he could suckle one of Theresa's breasts. She arched her
back, holding his head close. The musty smell of sex hung in the air, shrouding them as they tangled
with the sheets.

His breath coming in labored gasps, he rested his head on the pillow beside Theresa, his body
pumping up and down, impaling himself to the hilt. Release was only a heartbeat away. He felt
Theresa kiss his neck, then suck the sensitive skin next to his collarbone. Her fingernails dug into his
back and she met every thrust, lifting against him. When she bit into his flesh, he was lost.

His whole body tightened, he clenched his buttocks, strained every muscle. One last stroke, one final
plunge and he buried himself inside her, exploding in passion. He hugged Theresa close, taking her
with him over the edge and into paradise.

****

Theresa had never felt so relaxed. So complete. She wanted this moment to last forever. She
welcomed Austin's weight on top of her. He was still inside her, a pleasant sensation of being
fulfilled. She could hear his steady breathing in her ear. She thought he must be dozing. Had it been as
wonderful for him as it had been for her? She was afraid to move. Afraid of interrupting this special
time. Afraid of what was to come. Would the ghost of the past intrude upon them? How would Austin
react? He was a complicated and sensitive man. She loved him so much, it hurt.

For some reason, he had given in to the passion and desire that had been raging between them for the
last several months. Theresa had no regrets. Austin had been a gentle and thorough lover. She was a
virgin no longer, and she was glad she had given him that special gift.

Would he appreciate it? It didn't matter. It had been Theresa's to give. And she was happy she had
waited for Austin. She had never felt sexually attracted to any man before. She had begun to believe

she might be frigid. She grinned in the darkness. She knew better now. No matter what happened, she
would treasure this night forever.

Austin raised his sated body and withdrew gently from Theresa's warmth. He glanced at the sheets.
Dark splotches of blood showed in the flickering candlelight.

"You should have told me you were a virgin," he said, running his fingers through his hair. "I could
have hurt you."

Theresa smiled, reaching up to stroke his cheek. "I didn't know exactly how to bring it up. Does it
matter so much?"

Stretching out beside her, he inhaled deeply. He couldn't tell her the fierce feeling of pride running
through his veins from being her first lover. He wouldn't tell her about any of his feelings. Tomorrow
was soon enough for recriminations and guilt.

He saw the vulnerability in the dark green eyes. Pulling her close so her head rested on his shoulder,
he held her in his arms. "I'm glad I was your first," was all he could say.

"I'm glad you're glad," she said, wiggling closer. "I don't have anything to judge by, but I'd say that
was pretty good sex."

Austin nodded. "Yes, it was good."

"Stay the night with me," she said, running her hands over his lean body. His heart beat a soft rhythm
in her ear.

"I can't stay," he said. "Kelsey knows I came over here to eat dinner. If I don't go home, what will
she think? Besides, we're going to be in enough trouble if anyone sees my truck in your driveway."

"Do you care so much about what people think?"

He shrugged. "People have been talking about me for over twelve years. This is a small town.
Everybody minds everyone else's business. It's not always pleasant to know people are talking about
you."

Theresa snuggled closer. "Well, anyway, you can stay a little while longer."

Austin leaned down and pulled the sheet over them, then settled back with her in his arms. "I'll stay
till midnight."

Theresa giggled. "Afraid you'll turn into a pumpkin? Or a frog?"

In one swift motion, Austin flipped her on her back and covered her body with his. He stared at the
lovely face and knew he would hurt her before it was all over. "I'm no Prince Charming, Theresa," he
said, gripping her shoulders. "And this isn't some kind of fairy tale with a happy-ever-after ending."

Theresa lifted up and kissed his chin. "I know. I'm a big girl remember? I'll take whatever you can
give me."

Desire racked his body as her eyes searched his. He felt himself grow hard again. He wanted to take
her again, possess her, make her his. He was being torn in two. His heart and mind were telling him
one thing, his body something else. He didn't want to hurt Theresa. And he didn't want to get hurt
himself.

"I can give you only one thing," he said, his voice rough as he thrust deep inside her again. "Don't
start thinking I can give you anything else." Anger, guilt, and desire twisted his gut. He didn't want to
think. Only feel. He could lose himself in her, take pleasure from her body, force his past away, not
think of the future.

Theresa was surprised at the barely suppressed violence as Austin took her again. Biting back a
moan as he penetrated her tender flesh, she sensed he was fighting a battle within himself. The pain
she felt was momentary, soon replaced with a deep-seated need burning in response to his love-
making. Theresa bore his weight, meeting his savage thrusts. Hoping she could ease some of his
anguish and suffering. Hoping she could survive.

****

Bright moonlight cast shadows across the graves from the tombstones standing guard in the small
rural cemetery outside of Salt Fork. Austin drove to the end of one lane, cut the engine and climbed
out of his truck. He had left Theresa sleeping in her bed, part of him wanting to stay and wake up with
her in the morning, the other needing to get the hell away.

He walked past several graves, his boots crunching on the dead winter grass, the cold wind chilling
him to the bone. Near the middle of the row, next to an old mesquite tree, stood Deborah's grave.
Moon shadows danced on the surface of the headstone. Austin could see her name clearly etched on
the marble and beneath, the date of her birth and the day she had died.

Barely two decades stretched between the two dates. So short a time. So vibrant a life snuffed out so
quickly.

Austin shrugged his coat tighter around him, trying to get warm. He was cold and numb. The
sensations had nothing to do with the frigid weather. He fell to his knees and leaned on the headstone.
He had betrayed Deborah's love tonight. He had been weak and given in to his body's desires. He had
done it before, but his heart had stayed loyal to Deborah. He had known it would be different with
Theresa. He just hadn't realized how different.

The marble of the tombstone was cold under his bare hands. He traced Deborah's name with stiff
fingers. When she died, he should have died, too. It would have been easier. Easier than living
without her. But he hadn't died. Not physically, at least. He had lived--to take care of the baby girl
Deb had given him. To do his part on the ranch to keep it going. No, he hadn't died. But he hadn't

really been alive all these years, either.

Then he had met Theresa and everything seemed to change. He'd felt a glimmer of life stirring in his
heart. Suddenly, the world looked like a better place. The pain and grief he felt for his wife receded a
little.

Austin gritted his teeth. Nothing had really changed. For a couple of hours tonight, he'd held the dark
feelings at bay. Given in to the carnal pleasures of the body. Sure, it was different with Theresa.
That's what made it all wrong. And risky. He couldn't risk loving her.

It was a vicious circle. Feelings and emotions twirled around inside him, making him feel guilty and
confused. He couldn't give in to the weakness again. He would step off the whirling merry-go-round
while his heart was still whole. He'd have to tell Theresa . . .

He didn't know what he would tell her. She would be hurt, but he'd warned her how it would be. He
could imagine the green eyes dimming with pain. And just as quickly, just as vividly, he could
imagine those eyes heavy with desire.

She had felt so damn good in his arms. Her lithe body had fit perfectly beneath him. She had held
nothing back. And she'd been a virgin. Twenty-eight and still a virgin. Theresa had given herself to
him. And how was he going to repay her? He cursed under his breath.

Rising to his feet, Austin stood and looked down at Deborah's grave. He'd given his heart to Deb
long ago. It had shattered into a million pieces when she had died. Twelve years later, it still hurt. He
couldn't do it again. Couldn't give his heart again.

He decided he'd have to make a clean break with Theresa. He wouldn't see her again. Couldn't give
in to temptation. He'd been a fool to think he could separate his physical need for her from his
emotions. It was all intertwined. Interconnected. He couldn't . . . wouldn't risk loving a woman ever
again.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Theresa watched the last of the students climb on the bus, waved to two little girls peering out the
back window, then walked back to her classroom. It had been a long day filled with parties and
festivities celebrating school letting out for the Christmas holidays. Two glorious weeks of freedom.

Or not so glorious. Theresa had the feeling they would be a long and lonesome two weeks, even if
she decided to visit her parents in Houston. She smiled to herself. There was no if about it. Her
mother had practically ordered her to come home for the holidays. Theresa knew she would go, even

though her heart wouldn't be in the celebrations.

Because her heart was broken and smashed to smithereens. When Austin had left her bed on that
incredible night almost a month ago, her heart had been full and happy. The next day, he had told her
he never wanted to see her again. He had tried to explain about his feelings and how he couldn't risk
loving anyone. How losing Deborah had nearly killed him. And Theresa had tried to understand and
not let the tears fall until after he had left.

Her world had come crashing down around her. She had told him she was a big girl. Had told
herself she could handle everything. She hadn't counted on it hurting so much. She had thought she
could enjoy a nice "fling" with Austin, have some fun, make some memories. But there had been only
the one night with him. One night of love.

Theresa swallowed a sob as she entered her classroom. She stopped in the doorway. Kelsey
McCade sat at her desk, looking glum.

"What's up, Kelsey? Why weren't you on the bus?" Theresa pushed away her morose thoughts and
walked over to the little girl. The little girl who reminded her so much of Austin and what could have
been.

"Oh, Miss Rogers! Why does everything have to suck so much?"

"I beg your pardon?" Theresa sat down at a desk next to her.

Kelsey sighed deeply. "Life sucks." She slumped down in her chair and frowned.

Theresa could certainly relate to that. "Yes, sometimes it does."

"It's not fair."

"No, life's not always fair." Theresa leaned over and gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. "Has
something happened to upset you? I've never seen you so down. You're usually happy and perky.
What's going on, Kelsey? Are you still grounded for tampering with my car? Is that what's wrong?"

She shrugged. "No, my punishment is over. It's not that."

"Then what?"

"I thought when you were grown up, you had it made," she said, still frowning. "But it's complicated
and confusing."

Theresa patted her shoulder. "You're not quite grown up yet. And I know things seem scary and
confusing when you're a teenager, or nearly one in your case. But it gets better after that." She wasn't
exactly lying. It did get better, if you didn't happen to fall in love with a man who couldn't love you
back.

Kelsey raised her blue eyes and looked at her searchingly. "Does it? Really? It doesn't seem like it

to me."

"What's all this about? What's going on?" Theresa knew Kelsey was more mature than the other
students. And she was extremely precocious as well. Life could be rough for girls her age.

"It's about my dad." Kelsey sat straighter and took a deep breath, as if trying to find the courage to
say more. "And you."

Theresa's heart sank. She was aware Kelsey had been trying her hand at matchmaking. Her own
shattered life was directly related to the little girl's actions. Although, she didn't blame her. Theresa
had only herself to blame. She took a deep breath of her own. "Go on."

"The night of the party, when I messed with your car, Dad was super angry. I thought I'd really
screwed things up. But the next day, he said he was going to eat dinner at your house. He seemed so
happy. Whistling under his breath. Smiling, laughing. I'd never seen him like that before. He was
different somehow."

"He was different, wasn't he?" A knot tangled in Theresa's stomach. She remembered it clearly. She
had never seen Austin like that either.

"Then something happened," Kelsey said. "He came home late and in the morning . . . nothing. He
walked around like a zombie. Grams said he was that way when my mother first died." She sighed.
"It's all so confusing. I thought . . . well, it doesn't matter what I thought. Nothing's working out
anyway."

Theresa patted her arm. "I know you hoped your father and I would get together, Kelsey. You're not
the only one who's disappointed and confused."

"He said he liked you. And you like him, don't you?"

Theresa nodded.

"Do you love him?"

Theresa forced air into her lungs. She couldn't lie to Austin's daughter. "Yes."

Kelsey shook her head. "Then what's the problem? You love him. He likes you. That's a start, isn't
it? You could date. He would like you even more. His liking could turn into love. It could, couldn't
it?"

"I don't think your father is capable of loving me back," Theresa said, trying to ignore the stabbing
pains in her heart. "He loved your mother very much. Too much."

"I know all that. He doesn't want to love you. He doesn't even want to like you. It's all very
confusing. And I so wanted you to be my mother." Two large tears rolled down her cheeks. She
leaned her head on the desk and sniffed. Her shoulders shook as she quietly sobbed her heart out.

Theresa ached for the little girl. She ached for herself, too. It all seemed extremely hopeless. But life
must go on. They couldn't force Austin to feel something he couldn't. Theresa went over to Kelsey and
squatted down on her haunches. She hugged her, letting her have her cry.

Kelsey turned and threw her arms around Theresa's neck. "Oh, Miss Rogers! Why did my mother
have to die? Why can't my dad get over her? It's not fair! I love you. Why can't he?"

Holding the little girl in her arms, Theresa wanted to cry, too. Why had she let herself fall in love
with Austin? Kelsey was right. Life did suck.

She stroked the long blonde hair, comforting the child who was close to her heart, despite her
stubborn, frustrating father. Theresa couldn't do anything about Austin, but she sure as hell could do
something for Kelsey.

One more hug and she leaned back, taking Kelsey's chin in her hand, making her meet her eyes.
"Your dad can't love me. I realize that and you have to accept it. Although I'm hurting now, I will go
on with my life. And so will you. No matter what happens, it doesn't affect how I feel about you. You
and I have a special bond. Nothing can change that. I can't be your mom, but I can always be your
friend."

Kelsey wiped the tears from her eyes. "It's not the same," she said with a sniff.

Theresa hugged her again. "I know, sweetheart. There's nothing we can do about it. Your father is
hurting, too. Try to understand." Grabbing a Kleenex, she handed it to Kelsey. "Dry your tears. You
can help me clean up, then we can get out of here. You have a ride home?"

Kelsey blew her nose and tossed the tissue in the garbage. "I can call Grams. It's not the first time
I've missed the bus."

"Don't call your grandmother. Help me gather my books, then I'll give you a lift."

"It's out of your way, Miss Rogers. I don't want to put you to any trouble." Kelsey stuffed books into
the bag Theresa gave to her.

Ruffling the blonde hair, Theresa shrugged and handed Kelsey two more books. "It's no trouble.
What are friends for?"

Kelsey smiled. "Thanks, Miss Rogers."

The road to the Diamondback Ranch snaked through the countryside, stretching for miles, twisting
and turning according to the lay of the land. The fields and pastures stood barren and gray in the cold
winter afternoon.

"What are you going to do for the holidays?" Theresa asked, breaking the silence of the twelve-mile
drive to the ranch.

"Nothing much," Kelsey said. "Grams will cook and bake. The aunts and uncles will come over.

We'll eat lots of good food. Open presents. Go to church. What are you going to do?"

"I'm going home to Houston."

"You're leaving Salt Fork?"

"My parents want to see me for the holidays. It's only natural. I want to see them, too."

"You'll come back, won't you?"

"Of course," Theresa said, glancing at the little girl. "Don't sound so sad, Kelsey. I'll be back."

"Are you driving to Houston? Ten hours is a long time to drive. I know because I've made the trip
several times to visit Uncle Cam when he lived there and to enter my heifers in the Livestock Show."

Theresa smiled. "Have you ever won anything?"

"I've placed third, four years in a row."

"Wow, I'm impressed."

Kelsey shrugged. "Are you driving to Houston?" she asked again.

"I don't know. I was thinking about catching a flight out of Lubbock. Only, I'm not sure I want to
leave my car in the parking lot for that long. Maybe I can get someone to drive me to the airport."

"I've got a better idea. Uncle Tyler can fly you to Lubbock."

"I couldn't impose on him like that." Theresa cringed inside, imagining what Austin would think
about his brother flying her to the airport.

Kelsey swiveled in the seat, tucking a leg under her bottom and faced Theresa. "It wouldn't be an
imposition. And I could go with you. Have you ever flown in a small plane? It is so cool."

"I bet it is," Theresa said. "I've never had the opportunity. But I'm sure your uncle is too busy to take
me to Lubbock."

"I don't think he's too busy this time of year. I'll ask him and if he says yes, you'll go, won't you? It'll
be fun."

Theresa hesitated. Kelsey looked so happy with the idea. After a small struggle with her conscience,
she finally relented. "Okay, but don't coerce him, understand? And no begging or whining. I don't want
to impose. Remember."

"I keep telling you. It won't be imposing." Kelsey smiled. "Besides, what are friends for?"

****

Austin squinted his eyes against the glare from the afternoon sun. He'd been up before dawn and it
was several hours until dark. A tractor was down and two of the field hands had gone home sick. Not
a good day.

Glancing at his watch, he wondered why Kelsey wasn't home from school. The bus had come and
gone over an hour ago. Austin walked across the yard from the implement barn to the house. He'd call
the school and make sure she was okay.

As he stepped onto the porch, he heard a car engine in the distance. Shielding his eyes with one
hand, he spotted a black car coming down the dirt road from the mailbox, riding the terraces toward
the house.

His gut clenched with pain. He knew that car.

He didn't want to see Theresa. Didn't want to talk to her. Didn't want to be near her. He was having a
hell of a time trying to forget her. The past month had seemed like years.

He couldn't forget how she felt in his arms or the sweetness of her kisses. Couldn't forget how well
she lay beneath him. Couldn't forget the mind-numbing pleasure he'd taken from her body. Couldn't
forget any of it.

He was going insane. That was the god-awful truth.

Standing on the porch, Austin waited for Theresa to pull to a stop. Kelsey hopped out of the car.

"Hey, Dad," she said, grabbing her backpack and slinging it over one shoulder.

"Where have you been? And why is Miss Rogers . . . why is she bringing you home?" He saw
Theresa's eyes widen in hurt. He was acting like a bastard, but at this point in time, he didn't really
give a damn.

Kelsey stared at him open-mouthed. "Dad, don't be rude. Just because you don't want to be friends
with Miss Rogers doesn't mean I can't have her for a friend." She turned away, leaning down to tell
her teacher goodbye.

Austin heard Theresa talking, but couldn't distinguish the words. The soft warm timbre of her voice
washed over him, tightening the muscles in his stomach, making him want her with the desperation
that scared him.

Austin climbed down the steps and walked toward the car. "Get in the house, Kelsey."

Theresa lifted her chin as he jerked open the driver's side door and pulled her out. He grabbed her
arm and dragged her in the direction of the barn.

"What are you doing?" Kelsey called from the porch.

"This doesn't concern you," he yelled over his shoulder. "Stay in the house. I mean it, Kelsey."

"What are you doing?" Theresa tried to yank her arm from his strong grasp.

"I want to talk to you," he said between clenched teeth, tightening his hold, hurrying her toward the
back of the barn. He pushed her through the doorway and closed the door to the small office.

"You couldn't talk to me out there?" Theresa rubbed her arm where Austin had held her, watching
him warily as he advanced toward her.

"I didn't want an audience," he said, his eyes blazing with anger and something else. Something
fierce and untamed.

She took a step back, not liking the look on his rugged face. The desk stopped her retreat. There was
no escape.

Austin stood before her. She could smell the healthy sweat of a hard-working man.

"I told you I didn't want to see you again," he said. "And now I find you bringing Kelsey home? What
game are you playing?"

"I'm not playing games. I respect your feelings and understand why you don't want to be involved
with me," Theresa said. "But this is a small town and we're going to see each other, bump into one
another. Kelsey needed a ride home and I gave her one. It's no big deal. Or at least, it wouldn't have
been, if you hadn't made it into one."

"I told you once before what I'd do if you kept coming around me," Austin growled. "I don't want to
get involved with you, but if you keep flaunting yourself, I might take you up on your invitation."

Theresa felt the blood drain from her face. She understood he was hurting inside, fighting his
demons, but he didn't have to hurt her, too.

"You know that's not what I'm doing," she said softly. "There's no need to insult me. I've done
nothing to deserve those hateful words. I know you loved your wife. I respect your feelings and
accept that you can't or won't get involved with me. I feel sorry for you because you're wasting your
life. Throwing away your chances for happiness."

Theresa pushed him out of her way and made for the door. With her hand on the knob, she looked
back. Austin stood facing away from her, his head hanging down. More than anything in the world, she
wanted to go to him, wrap her arms around those broad shoulders and comfort him. Except he didn't
want her. He'd made that perfectly clear.

She bit back a sob. "Kelsey was right, you know. Even though you and I can't be friends, lovers, or
whatever, doesn't mean she and I can't be friends. She needs me, even if you don't."

Austin heard the door close softly behind him. He clenched his hands into fists and leaned them on
the desk. Why couldn't he let go of Deborah? Why couldn't he find the courage to love again? To love

Theresa? For twelve years, he'd been living in limbo. Now, he was living in hell.

****

"Watch your step," Tyler said, helping Theresa into the small plane. "Why don't you sit up front with
me and let Kelsey have the back seat. The view's better."

"Thanks." Theresa took his hand and climbed into the cockpit. The instrument panel with all the
buttons and knobs looked intimidating and complicated.

"Here, Miss Rogers," Kelsey said. "Let me help you buckle in."

Theresa leaned back in the seat, as Kelsey adjusted the straps. The small hands worked competently
locking the buckle and making sure everything was snug.

"There you go," Kelsey said with a smile. She climbed in the back seat and buckled herself in.
"You're going to love this. It's great. Aren't you glad I asked Uncle Tyler to give you a lift?"

Theresa smiled and twisted around to see Kelsey better. "I think your uncle is very sweet. I didn't
expect a lift all the way to Houston."

"He insisted."

"Who insisted on what?" Tyler asked, as he eased his tall frame into the pilot's seat.

Kelsey giggled. "You did. You figured if you were going to fly Miss Rogers to Lubbock, you might
as well fly her all the way home to Houston."

"What can I say? I love to fly." Tyler flipped switches and checked gauges. "Besides, it saves time
and trouble. And it's a hell of a lot more fun than driving!"

"It doesn't save you time and trouble," Theresa said with a frown. "I feel like I'm imposing on your
goodwill."

"No such thing." Tyler flashed his megawatt smile. "Hotshot back there will tell you I'm never
happier than when I'm flying one of my babies."

Kelsey leaned forward. "That's true, Miss Rogers. Uncle Tyler lives to fly. Don't you, Uncle Tyler?"

"That's right."

"Well, I appreciate it all the same."

"No problem. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride," Tyler said with a wink.

Theresa smiled. Tyler McCade was handsome and charming, flirtatious and happy-go-lucky. People
had warned her to watch out for this McCade brother, too. He was a love 'em and leave 'em kind of
guy. Looking for a good time and nothing else. All of his love and commitment was lavished on his
planes. Women were just for fun.

Tyler's killer smile and outrageous wink did nothing for Theresa. No tummy flutterings. No tingling
down to her toes. He was good-looking, but there were no sparks arcing between them. No sizzling
tension like she experienced with Austin.

She wondered if she'd ever find that with another man. Was she doomed to spend the rest of her days
alone? Or would she have to settle for second best? And would that be fair to the man involved?

Pushing the depressing thoughts aside, Theresa sat back and put on the headphones Tyler had pointed
to. She was determined to enjoy this experience with Kelsey and her ever-charming uncle.

It didn't matter that Austin disapproved of the whole expedition. He had given Kelsey permission to
go and that was all that mattered. Theresa hadn't seen him since that afternoon in the barn. She told
herself she didn't miss him. She was getting real good at lying to herself.

"Everybody ready?" Tyler asked, glancing around at his passengers. He adjusted Theresa's headset,
then started the engine. It rumbled to life.

Theresa watched the propeller turn, slowly at first, gaining speed until it was only a whirling blur on
the nose of the plane.

Tyler maneuvered onto the airstrip. "Hold on," he said, as he prepared to take them up in the air. The
small plane sped down the runway, lifting effortlessly into the clear blue West Texas sky.

"Wow!" Theresa said, feeling a sense of wonder and exhilaration as the ground fell quickly away.

"I told you it was great." Theresa heard Kelsey's voice come over the headset. She turned and
smiled at her. Kelsey gave her a thumbs up.

Looking down at the diminishing ground, Theresa saw the square fields, delineated like a giant
puzzle, fitting together to make a natural mosaic of the land. Some of the fields were in cultivation, the
white cotton ready for pulling, bright green winter wheat shimmering in the breeze. Some fields were
left to go back to nature. In between were pastures of bare mesquite trees and prickly pear cactus.

Suddenly, the planed jerked, the engine sputtered, then died.

"Oh, hell," Tyler said as he tried to stabilize the aircraft. "Get those headsets off!" He jerked his
own from his head.

Theresa fumbled with hers, glancing back at Kelsey, who was doing the same. The little girl's blue
eyes dilated wide with fear. Theresa reached back and grabbed her hand for comfort, as she braced
herself for the impact.

The plane dropped fast. Confusion and fear clutched at Theresa's guts. Tyler tried desperately to
hold the plane steady. He looked at her and Theresa knew there was nothing he could do. The ground
rushed toward them. Theresa heard Kelsey scream. Or maybe it was herself. She couldn't be sure of
anything. Only stark terror. Time stood still for a moment. Then everything went black . . .

CHAPTER TWELVE

Austin jumped in his truck, stabbed the key into the ignition, and revved the engine. He tore across
the field in the direction of the crash. He had watched Tyler take off in the distance, anger and
frustration boiling his gut, because he knew Theresa was on board. He realized his feelings were
unreasonable. He couldn't let himself have a relationship with her. He knew he was being petty when
he didn't want Kelsey to have a relationship with Theresa, either.

When the plane dropped from the sky moments after liftoff, Austin's stomach plummeted along with
it. His heart stopped beating. Tyler and Kelsey were on board that plane. Theresa, too. He loved his
brother, and his daughter even more. If anything happened to Kelsey, he would die. He couldn't lose
her like he'd lost Deborah. He couldn't lose Theresa, either. He wouldn't think about that now.

His heart hitched in his constricted chest and slowly began pounding in his head, the minutes oozing
by as the truck bumped over rows of cotton. Austin finally reached the side road along the field and
the going smoothed out somewhat.

When the plane came into sight, he couldn't breathe. His head reeled and his stomach lurched as he
stared at the crumpled heap of metal that had been a sleek aircraft just this morning. Stomping on the
brakes, Austin slammed out of the truck and ran to the plane. He heard crying and thanked God when
he recognized Kelsey's voice.

"Kels! I'm coming, sweetheart." He climbed onto the tilted plane and wrenched open the door.

He would never forget the sight that met his eyes as long as he lived. Kelsey lay sprawled on top of
two inert bodies. Her forehead was bleeding, her eyes dazed with shock.

"Daddy? I can't move. I'm stuck." She reached her arms toward Austin.

"Grab hold of my neck while I pull you out."

Gently he lifted his daughter and held her close as she clung to him. He climbed down and gently set
her on the ground, quickly skimming his hands over her body, checking to see how badly she was
injured.

"Oh, Daddy," she said, wincing at his touch, "I think . . . I think Miss Rogers . . . and Uncle Tyler . .

." She buried her head in her hands and sobbed.

Austin felt like sobbing himself. If Theresa were . . . He couldn't put the thought into words. She
couldn't be. And neither could Tyler. Please God, let them be all right.

"Hold this to stop the bleeding," Austin said, placing his handkerchief against her forehead. "You
stay put while I see about the others."

Climbing back onto the plane, he peered in through the doorway. Theresa lay on top of Tyler, who
was lying perfectly still at the bottom of the aircraft. For a moment, Austin didn't know whether he
should try to move either of them. There wasn't a hospital around for eighty miles. Cameron had his
medical clinic in town, of course, but this required more equipment and medical assistance than his
brother provided.

Luckily, Salt Fork had an emergency ambulance service. Austin quickly pulled out his cell phone
and called 911, giving the information and location. Switching his phone off, he lowered himself into
the cockpit and braced his legs on either side of Theresa.

Seeing her lying there, so still and motionless sucker punched him in the gut. He reached down and
touched her neck with trembling fingers, searching for a pulse. It took a minute before he felt the
reassuring beat. She was still alive.

Theresa's eyes fluttered open. She lifted her head and glanced around until she focused hazily on
Austin's face. She took a deep breath. "Kelsey?" she asked, her voice weak.

"She's fine."

"Thank God!" Her head fell back. She closed her eyes. "And Tyler?"

"I don't know yet," Austin said. "You're lying on top of him."

She tried to move and lift her body, raising forward.

He pushed her back. "Be still. I don't know how badly you're hurt."

"You need to see about Tyler," she whispered.

"I will as soon as I can. Let me think a minute how to go about this."

Austin examined her position as well as Tyler's. He decided not to wait for help; he'd risk pulling
her free from the wreckage himself.

"Okay, I'm going to move you," he said. "Do you think you can hold on to my neck?"

Theresa nodded and raised her arms to him. Austin's stomach clenched at the sight. After all they'd
been through, she trusted him to help her. He wanted to help her. And protect her, take care of her.
Forever. He took a deep breath. He couldn't think about that. Later, when things were calmer, he

knew he had some serious thinking to do. For now, he had to make sure Theresa, Tyler, and Kelsey
were safe.

Gathering Theresa in his arms, he carefully climbed to the ground. Something melted in his chest
when she rested her head against his shoulder.

"I love you," she said, her voice low, her warm breath brushing his neck. "I understand that you can't
love me back. Just . . . wanted you . . . to know."

Austin felt her arms drop from around his neck. Her body went limp as she fainted. He hugged her
close before setting her next to Kelsey.

"Is she alive?" Kelsey stared at her teacher with frightened eyes.

"Yes, she's alive. I think she'll be okay," he said. He hoped he wasn't lying to his daughter. He didn't
really know if Theresa was okay. She could have serious internal injuries.

Running back to the plane, he checked Tyler's situation. He didn't like what he saw. His brother was
lying at an awkward angle with his legs trapped under the twisted metal of the control panel. Austin
checked for a pulse, relieved to find a faint steady beat under his questing fingers.

"Come on, Ty," he said, as he braced himself over the still body. "Goddamnit, don't you dare die on
me!" He gripped one of his brother's shoulders, wanting to shake him awake. But that might do more
harm than good.

Glancing at the pale face, so much like his own, Austin blew out a sigh of relief when a ghost of a
smile creased Tyler's lips.

"You don't have to curse me. I'm not going anywhere," Tyler whispered, keeping his eyes closed.
"Doesn't look like I'll be going anywhere for a long time." A spasm of pain crossed his face.
"Everything hurts like hell. How long before I get free?"

"Not long," Austin said, giving Tyler's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I hear the ambulance coming.
They'll have you out as quickly as possible."

"Good." Tyler heaved a shuddered breath. "Kels and the teacher okay?"

"Yeah. You're all going to be fine," Austin said, and he prayed that it would be true.

****

In the emergency room at the Stamford Hospital, Austin waited with Kelsey until the doctor
examined her. She had suffered minor cuts and abrasions that were quickly attended to. After the
doctor released her, Austin guided Kelsey through the stark white corridors toward the waiting room,
where they met the rest of the family. Dallas and Gillian had driven Ruth to the hospital as soon as

they heard the news. Cameron and Jessie had left the baby with Sarah Sue and rushed over as well.
Cameron had consulted with the doctors; there was no news to report. Tyler had been in surgery all
afternoon.

"What can be taking so long?" Ruth asked, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes.

"He crushed both his legs, Ma," Dallas said. "It'll take time for the doctors to patch him up."

Ruth sniffed and twisted her handkerchief. "Thank goodness, Kelsey is all right!" She hugged her
granddaughter fiercely to her bosom. "I hope Miss Rogers will be okay."

"Me, too, Grams. Me, too," said Kelsey.

Dabbing her eyes again, Ruth blew her nose. "I called the sheriff's office. They'll get hold of the
principal at the school and he'll call Miss Rogers' parents to let them know what happened."

"Good. That's good," Austin said. "Thanks."

Ruth smiled and patted his cheek.

Pacing back and forth across the waiting room, Austin's mind refused to function. Conversation
hummed around him, but the words didn't register. Thank God, Kelsey hadn't been seriously injured.
And he knew Tyler would come out of this. He always did. His youngest brother always seemed to
land on his feet. Although, he had never been this banged up before.

"I'm going to check on Theresa," he said, heading toward the door.

Kelsey hopped up. "Can I go with you?"

Austin looked back over his shoulder. He loved his daughter dearly, but he needed to see Theresa
alone. "Let me check on her first, see how she's doing, then you can come in a little while."

"Please, Dad. She's my friend."

Dallas's new wife, Gillian stepped into the breach. "Stay with me and Grams for a little bit longer.
The doctor told you to rest, didn't he? Your dad will come get you when he's made sure Miss Rogers
is able to see you."

Kelsey nodded and sat back down.

Austin caught Gillian's eye. She smiled and waved him out of the room.

As he walked down the hallway to Theresa's room, Austin finally acknowledged how worried he
was about her. If she were seriously hurt . . . He didn't want anything to happen to her. Not now. Not
ever.

The dimly lit hospital room was deathly quiet, the silence broken only by the monotonous beeping of

the heart monitor. Sitting on the edge of a hard vinyl chair, Austin rested his elbows on his knees,
gripped his hands between his thighs and closed his eyes.

God, he hated hospitals. The smell of antiseptic filled his nostrils. Smothering him, making him
almost gag. He would never forget. Never. In a flash, time rewound itself. He was back beside
Deborah's bed. In this same hospital. Watching her die. Knowing she was leaving him forever.

Alone. Lonely. Lonesome.

A shudder passed through his body. He took a deep breath. It was time to say goodbye to his young
wife. Tuck his love for her in a safe corner of his heart and move on. He knew now, without a doubt,
that it was past time. He was lucky. He'd been given a second chance. And like a fool, he had almost
thrown it away.

Glancing at the bed where Theresa lay, Austin knew his luck might not hold. It might be slipping
away from him yet again. Theresa had not regained consciousness since she'd fainted in his arms
earlier this morning.

He rose from the chair and stared down at the motionless figure resting on the crisp linen sheets. Her
face was pale, an angry bruise forming on one of her cheeks. Plastic tubes ran from both of her arms
to two hanging bags containing plasma and antibiotics. Wires hooked Theresa to the monitors tracking
her vital signs and heart rate.

She wasn't in critical condition, no serious internal injuries, the doctors said. Two broken ribs and a
concussion. Why wouldn't she wake up?

A sound at the door made Austin turn around. Dallas stood there watching him. His older brother
was always watching.

"Tyler make it okay?" Austin asked, looking back at Theresa.

"He's out of surgery. Finally. Doctor said he'll need a lot of rehabilitation and physical therapy. But
he should be up and about before we know it. Cameron's talking to the doctor now."

"That's good," Austin said.

Dallas walked to the foot of the bed. "You love her, don't you?"

Austin looked up and met his brother's eyes. He heaved another sigh. "Yeah, I love her."

"It isn't a sin or a crime."

"I know. It took me a while, and I've finally figured it out." Austin raked his fingers through his hair.
"I didn't want to love her. But . . . I can't help it."

Dallas nodded in understanding. "I didn't want to love Gillian either. I had been burned bad. Not the
same circumstances as you and Deb, but still."

"You're glad you married Gillian, aren't you? No regrets?" Austin looked at his older brother. Dallas
had had a tough time in the romance department. But everything had seemed to turn out fine for him.

"I'm very glad I married Gillian. My only regret is that I fought it for so long. I'm a firm believer in
second chances now," he said with a smile. "Look, if Deborah had lived, you would have spent your
lives together. Happily ever after, I suspect. But she's gone. She wouldn't have wanted you to live the
rest of your days mourning her. You'll always love her. But there's room in your heart to love this
woman, too."

Austin nodded. "I never believed in second chances until now. Until I nearly lost Theresa. I need
her. Kelsey needs her."

Dallas walked around the bed and gripped Austin's shoulder hard, then let his hand fall to his side.
"Speaking of Kelsey--"

Austin looked up quickly. "She's okay, isn't she?"

"Yeah. She's chomping at the bit, though. Wanted to know if she can visit her teacher yet. You've
been gone for quite a while."

Austin nodded. "I'll go get her."

Dallas shook his head. "No, I'll go. You stay here. It's where you belong."

****

Theresa floated on a soft cloud surrounded by thick gray mists. The sensation felt like she was
swimming, only there wasn't any water--only air. Very strange . . .

She'd never been to this place before. She felt detached from her body. Reality suspended around
her. Everything moving in slow motion.

Silence surrounded her. Shrouding her in a cozy blanket. Her heart pounded in her head. She was
alone with herself. This had to be a dream, except she didn't feel like she was asleep. Stranger still .
. .

Through the foggy haze, Theresa strained to see something. Anything. There was nothing. An empty
void. Vacuous space. Swirling streams of mists isolating her in nothingness.

Somewhere from the deep depths of her mind, she tried to dredge up thoughts. Memories. She drew
a blank. Her brain seemed numb. Maybe she was drugged.

Something vague flickered through Theresa's mind. She wasn't swimming or floating. Flying. That's
what she was doing. Flying through the gray fog.

That thought triggered another. Slowly, she tried to break free of the mists. Focus, Theresa. It was so
difficult. So confusing. All this thinking made her head hurt and her entire body ached. Suddenly,
Theresa realized she was hurt. Injured.

Flying. She remembered now. She had been flying with Kelsey and her uncle. The plane had gone
down. She remembered Kelsey screaming. Then nothing. Only blackness.

The mists threatened to suck Theresa back into the waiting vortex. She fought the pulling, swirling
current. Struggled against the strong whirlpool of emptiness.

Another glimmer of memory teased the edges of her brain. Austin had been there. Rescued her. She
remembered his strong arms lifting her, hauling her out of the wreckage.

The mists fell away. Memories floated back. Theresa knew what had happened. She knew where she
was. The hospital. She was in the hospital.

As she surfaced from the mists, she became aware of muffled conversation beside the bed. Keeping
her eyes closed, she listened.

"Why won't she wake up?" a child's voice whispered. A little girl. Theresa sighed in relief. Kelsey
was safe. She had survived the crash. What about Tyler? Was he okay?

"I don't know why she doesn't wake up," a deep voice answered. "She hit her head pretty hard. The
doctor said she should be coming around soon." The low timbre of Austin's voice flowed over
Theresa. Through her. Warming her all over.

Austin and Kelsey were sitting near her bed. But why? Austin had said he never wanted to see her
again. It was all too confusing. Her head ached even more. The mists threatened to engulf her again.

She knew she should open her eyes, but the effort was too painful. Just a little while longer in her
safe foggy cocoon. Everything was coming back to her. If she opened her eyes, she would have to face
the reality of Austin's rejection. She wasn't quite ready yet.

A sob yanked her thoughts back to the two people in the room. Kelsey was crying.

"Oh, Daddy. It's all my fault," Kelsey said through her tears. "I offered Miss Rogers the ride to
Houston in Uncle Tyler's plane. I couldn't have her for my mother, but I thought we could be friends.
And look what happened. I nearly killed her. Like I killed my real mother."

"Oh baby, you didn't kill your mother," Austin said. "It wasn't your fault. Sometimes, bad things just
happen. Life happens and it's not always fair."

"But she died giving birth to me. How can you say it's not my fault?"

"Kelsey, your mother wanted a baby more than anything else in the world. So did I. She was so
happy when she learned she was pregnant. The birth of a child is a miracle. There are a million things
that have to happen right to make a healthy baby. Some of those things weren't right . . . there were

complications. Yes, I lost your mother, but I have you to remember her by."

"Oh Daddy!" Kelsey's heart-wrenching sobs made Theresa want to cry, too. In her mind, she
pictured Austin hugging and comforting his daughter. He might not be able to love another woman, but
he adored his child. That made Theresa want to cry even more.

"Shhh," Austin said. "It's not your fault, baby. I never blamed you."

Kelsey sniffed. "I should have never tried to get you and Miss Rogers together. But I love Miss
Rogers. I don't want her to die. I can't lose her. I just can't!"

"She's not going to die, sweetheart. She's going to be all right. I don't want to lose her either."

Something in Austin's voice made Theresa's heart nearly crater. She struggled to open her eyes and
managed a peek at Austin and Kelsey.

Kelsey pushed away from her father and frowned. "You don't care about Miss Rogers. You've never
cared. Don't pretend you care about her now."

"I'm not pretending, Kels. I do care about her. I want to marry her."

"Yeah, right. Like I believe that," Kelsey said. "The way you've been acting around her. You've been
treating her like a jerk for months."

"I know I have. I didn't want to love her. But I can't help it. I do love her. And I think she loves me."

Kelsey heaved a deep sigh. "Of course she loves you. She told me so. You've made her miserable
though. Do you really want to marry her?"

Austin nodded and Kelsey threw her arms around his neck. She kissed his cheek. "I'm finally going
to have a mother. My wish is going to come true. I've got to tell Grams the news." She ran towards the
door.

Austin stood up. "Kelsey, wait! What if Theresa says no?"

Kelsey turned and grinned. "Oh, give me a break."

After the door swished closed, Austin sat back down. For a moment, he didn't look at her. Did he
really want to marry her? Theresa's heart thumped in her chest.

Austin raised his eyes toward the bed. Theresa met his gaze with a tentative smile. She was afraid.
Scared that what she had overheard had been drug induced. Mixed up in the mists. Wishful thinking on
her part.

He rose and came to stand near her. "You're awake." Taking her hand, he lifted it to his mouth,
brushing it with a whisper of a kiss.

His touch was warm and sure. She loved this man so much. He was a good man. All of the McCade
brothers were good men. "How is Tyler?"

Austin squeezed her hand. "He's good. He's pretty banged up, but he'll recover."

"Thanks goodness." Tears blurred Theresa's vision.

Austin's eyebrows slanted in a frown. "Don't cry. He's fine; I promise. Are you in pain? Do you want
me to call the nurse?"

Theresa sniffed and shook her head.

Austin held her hand close to his heart. "Then what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

She could feel his strong heart beat against her hand. She had waited for this moment, for Austin's
love. Was it real? Or would she wake up and find it had all been a dream? She took a deep breath. "I
heard what you told Kelsey. Is it true?"

He squeezed her hand again, bringing it to his mouth for another kiss. With his other hand, he stroked
her cheek. "Yes, it's true. I love you. And I'm sorry for the way I've been acting."

She turned her head away. She had to ask the question burning in her soul. "What about Deborah?"

Austin gently grasped her chin and made her look at him. Theresa felt the bed dip as he settled on the
edge, keeping her hand in his. "Deborah will always hold a special place in my heart. She was my
first love, my high school sweetheart . . . the mother of my child."

He let go of her hand and leaned toward her, bracing his arms on either side of her head. Theresa
searched the hazel eyes, finding a hunger burning so bright it threatened to consume her. An answering
heat glowed deep inside of her. A glimmer of hope flared in her heart.

"I've mourned Deborah's loss for twelve years," he said. "I've used my grief to protect myself from
caring about another woman. Then you came along and turned my world upside down."

Austin brushed an errant wisp of hair from Theresa's forehead. She felt his fingers tremble as he
tucked it behind her ear.

"I fought my feelings for you." His low voice rasped over Theresa's nerve endings. "I didn't think I
could risk my heart again. The pain from losing Deborah was almost too much to bear. I didn't want to
subject myself to that kind of vulnerability ever again. I told myself what I felt for you was nothing
more than desire and lust."

Theresa watched Austin as he paused, struggling to find the words to express himself. She felt all of
her love for him bubble forth.

Austin took a deep breath. "When I saw Tyler's plane go down, I realized I had been fooling myself.
I didn't have a choice. I cared deeply for you and couldn't live without you."

He leaned even closer. "I love you, Theresa. Will you marry me?"

"Hey, Dad!" Kelsey called, bursting into the room.

Austin groaned and pulled back. Theresa bit her lip, her heart full from his tender declaration.

Kelsey stopped at the foot of the bed. "Grams wants to know when the wedding will be." Her eyes
widened in surprise. "Oh, Miss Rogers! You're awake. Thank God!" She smiled at Theresa. "Isn't it
great? You're going to be my mom after all. Well, when are we going to tie the knot?"

"We?" Austin turned to his daughter in exasperation. "I don't know when we will tie the damned
knot," he said. "I just asked her to marry me, and she hasn't answered yet. With you interrupting us like
this, she might change her mind when she realizes you come with me as a packaged deal."

Kelsey smiled again as she moved closer to the bed. "Yeah, right. She wants to be my mom. Don't
you, Miss Rogers?"

Theresa looked at the little girl standing near her father. Her heart overflowed with the knowledge
that Austin loved her. She wanted nothing more than to be his wife and have Kelsey for a daughter.

"Well, Miss Rogers? What's it going to be? Are you going to marry me and my dad?"

"Kelsey, be quiet!" He smiled an apology at Theresa. "This isn't how I pictured my proposal of
marriage."

Her toes curled under the starchy hospital sheets. All of her aches and pains faded away as a warm
glow of happiness surrounded her heart. Theresa laughed. "Yes, Kelsey. I'll marry you and your dad,
but only if you do me a favor."

Austin searched her face. Theresa winked in reassurance to the question in his eyes.

Kelsey frowned. "What's that, Miss Rogers?"

"You have to stop calling me Miss Rogers."

Kelsey sighed in relief. She grinned and leaned over to kiss Theresa's cheek and hug her, careful not
to bump any of the tubes hooked to Theresa's arms. "Sure thing--Mom."

Theresa choked back tears at the words. She looked over Kelsey's head to the man she loved.
Austin's eyes burned with emotion for her and his daughter. Theresa smiled at him. She lifted her hand
and he caught it, raising it to his lips.

"Hey, you guys aren't going to get all mushy on me, are you?" Kelsey said, pulling back from
Theresa, looking from one to the other of them.

"It's required between people who are going to get married. Or didn't you know?" Austin grabbed
Kelsey and hugged her, then let her go.

Theresa heard Kelsey giggle, but her attention was riveted on Austin as he moved closer, bracing
himself over her until his face was only a couple of inches away from her own.

"I know Kelsey asked you, but now I'm asking you again," he said softly, seriously. "Theresa Rogers,
will you marry me?"

Swallowing a big lump in her throat, Theresa nodded. "Yes. Oh, yes!"

Austin quickly closed the distance and took her lips in a hungry, searing kiss.

"Aw geez!" Kelsey said. "I'm out of here."

EPILOGUE

"I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Kelsey watched her dad kiss his new wife. Her new mother. Applause erupted in the small church.
Kelsey scanned the congregation and saw her friend Amelia give a thumbs up. Her dad continued to
kiss Theresa and Kelsey rolled her eyes. They were always kissing and hugging and holding hands. It
made her feel a little funny in the tummy. It also made her very happy.

For a while there, Kelsey thought her plans weren't going to work out. She had given up hope that
her dad and teacher would get together. Looking at Miss Rogers's--Mom's--glowing face, she was
glad her dad had finally come to his senses. Kelsey knew her dad had loved her mother desperately,
but she had died. And he'd been so sad. So alone.

Now, everything was like it should be. Dad had a new wife. And she had a new mother. It had all
been worth it. The matchmaking business wasn't really so difficult, thought Kelsey. She looked around
the church, speculating about some of the other people she loved. Uncle Tyler leaned on his crutches,
standing next to her dad with a big smile on his face. He caught her eye and winked. Uncle Tyler sure
could use a wife. He dated a lot of girls, but never stayed with one for long. He definitely had
problems in the relationship department.

He also had a big problem about flying. Since the crash, he hadn't been near any of his planes. Of
course, he'd been hurt pretty bad. Rehab and physical therapy didn't leave much time for flying. But
Kelsey had the distinct impression that her uncle was afraid to fly again. She tried not to feel guilty
about any of it, since it had been her idea to fly Miss Rogers--Mom (man, she couldn't get used to
calling her that even though it had been her dearest wish)--to fly Mom to Houston last Christmas.
Everyone assured her it wasn't her fault, but she still felt guilty.

A huge sigh on her right pulled Kelsey's thoughts away from her uncle toward her Aunt Tori, who

was standing next to her in the bridal party. Kelsey stole a glance at her. She didn't look too happy.
Who was she looking at in the congregation? Or trying not to look at? Oh my God! Sam Garza? He
worked at the garage with Aunt Jessie. Was something going on between Aunt Tori and him?

Kelsey shook her head. Why did people make their lives so complicated? It shouldn't be difficult to
find someone to love and marry. When her time came, Kelsey decided she would make it as simple as
possible. She would meet a man and they would know instantly they were meant for each other. Then
they would marry and live their lives happily ever after.

No problem. Not a big deal. Right?

###

For more eBooks by Anne Marie Novark

Go to Amazon.com

***

The Diamondback Ranch Series

Book One: The Doctor Wears A Stetson

Jessie Kincaid was fifteen and innocent when Cameron asked her to the prom. She lost her heart
that night, but his plans didn't change. He left their small town to pursue his dreams.

Seventeen years later, a trip home leads Cameron McCade back to Salt Fork, Texas and the newly
widowed Jessie Divine. Since his return, the fire between them burns as hot as ever. Can they take
up where they left off? Can Jessie risk her heart again?

The Diamondback Ranch Series

Book Two: The Cowboy's Surrender

Copper River Oil Company is drilling for oil on the Diamondback Ranch. Dallas McCade can't do
a thing to stop them, because he doesn't own the mineral rights. To add insult to injury, they've
sent a woman to oversee the operation. Dallas has good reason to distrust women. As soon as he
sets eyes on Gillian Bankston, he loses his temper . . . and his control. That makes him spitting
mad and frustrated as hell.

Gillian has never met a man quite like Dallas. He's as prickly as a cactus, but his kisses are hot
enough to ignite a West Texas wildfire. Gillian's been burned before and wants nothing to do with
love or lust. Battle lines are drawn and it's war between the sexes. Will they surrender to the
powerful attraction neither can deny? Who will be the first to wave the white flag?

***

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***

Return to Stone Creek

Her Reluctant Rancher

by Anne Marie Novark

Living with his stern grandfather taught Trevor Callahan one important lesson: Caring makes a
man weak. Now the old man is dead and Trev returns to Stone Creek for one reason and one
reason only--to sell the Rocking C Ranch. Maybe then he can put his past behind him and move on.

Beth Evans once confused lust for love and vows never to let it happen again. The bookmobile
driver is trying to raise funds to build a new library. The late Hank Callahan bequeathed a million
dollars for the project, but he attached one stipulation: Do not let his grandson sell the ranch.

***

Midnight My Love

A Regency Romance Novel

by Anne Marie Novark

The rakish Viscount Rochdale, Damien Avenall, loved Alexandra Turlington like a little sister; or
so he thought until Alex grew into a lovely and desirable young lady. In a moment of madness, he
kissed her and everything changed between them. Harboring a lifelong distrust of beautiful
women, he believed they could no longer be friends.

Ten years pass and Damien finds himself escorting Alexandra’s critically-wounded brother home
to Willowmede, where he must face the only woman he’s ever truly wanted; the one woman he can
never have. He is determined to exorcise Alex from his heart once and for all, even if it means he
must kiss her again . . . one last time.

Alex often wonders why Damien betrayed their special friendship. His kiss awakened her to
passion, but she knows better than to give her heart to a libertine. Or does she? When the viscount
offers to stay and help nurse her brother back to health, Alexandra discovers her heart has always
belonged to Damien. But this time, she wants more than his friendship. This time, she wants it all.

***

Texan Undercover

by Anne Marie Novark

Sparks fly and computers crash when Claire Maxwell's cybercafe is used for nefarious purposes.
She's thrown into the midst of an undercover operation and doesn't like it one bit. She really
doesn't like being thrown in the company of the hot private eye handling the case. Claire doesn't
believe in love or happily ever after anymore. Can the handsome P.I. change her mind?

Dillon Anderson needs Claire's help to stop a dangerous corporate hacker. What he doesn't need
is the sucker punch of desire whenever she's near. Dillon has always avoided women like Claire,
but avoiding this particular woman proves to be an impossible mission. Can he get the job done
without getting done in himself?

***

You might also enjoy:

Under the Cowboy's Control

by Lynda Chance

Selena Taylor is an American citizen determined to find her grandparents after she loses her
family to the violence of the drug cartel in Mexico. Crossing the border into Texas turns out to be
the easy part. Virtually penniless and enticingly innocent, she soon finds herself at the mercy of
Travis Blake.

Travis is a hard-working, self-made rancher that has never known love or softness of any kind. His
only use for women is sexual, and Selena is caught on his ranch with no way out. While Selena
plots her escape from his control, Travis ruthlessly and methodically tightens his possession and
makes it impossible for her to leave. The struggle that follows is a clash of wills that pits purity
against passion, virtue against vice and love against lust.

and

Dark Moon Rising

by BK Reeves

A futuristic paranormal romance novel (120k words) in a retrospective style reminiscent of the
great science fiction of the 1960s.

In an obscure arm of the Mist Galaxy, light years from old Earth, the Ajoricans (Jories) are life
companions to certain humans with psychic abilities. Time and space obey these cat-like
creatures. They can bend and stop time, see time-to-be, jump vast distances alone, and take their
humans with them.

The true rulers of the Mist Galaxy are the immortal Nidians who took up residence on Moon Aden

eons ago. These winged creatures are tired of life and have brought in humans to help them die.

Captain Lord Rhad Detangi, heir to the ancient Leopard throne, rescues twelve-year-old Princess
Reisa Hyatt-Hale from a hostile takeover of her parents' castle. Able to read minds and manipulate
others by "pushing" them, Rhad discovers Reisa is an empath, who is unaware of her own psychic
powers.

Years later, their lives intertwine again when they are put on a ship bound for the prison planet
Cortania. Reisa is grown up. Her powers have evolved and her feelings have matured. The
compelling presence of Rhad Detangi is an irresistible force she cannot fight.

Rhad has never forgotten the girl he rescued so long ago. The emotional bonds they forged, and
Reisa's ethereal beauty combine to fuel the obsessive need Rhad feels. Can they win against the
evil forces that threaten their worlds? Can her absolute love survive his absolute power?

***

About the Author . . .

Anne Marie is a Texas girl, born and raised. Romance is her passion. She loves to read and write
about men and women falling in love, overcoming life's obstacles, and living happily ever after. She
writes spicy contemporary novels, usually involving a cowboy or two, as well as Regency
historicals.

Anne Marie lives just outside of Houston with her husband who is her best friend and her own special
hero. They have two grown children, two mischievous cats and one sweet puppy dog. Besides
reading and writing, Anne Marie enjoys puttering around in her flowerbeds, going to garage sales,
collecting antiques and watching old movies.

Visit her at www.annemarienovark.com.

Happy Reading!!!