Resisting Pressure (Rhinestone Cowgirls Book 5) (7 page)

“Look, sis, I really respect the fact that you’re getting your life together, working hard and being the best that you can be. Yet, this is a lot like dieting. If you deny yourself from ever having dessert, you’re destined to fail. A little goody once in a while never hurt anyone. If you’re lucky enough to find an entire buffet of desserts without all of the bad calories, why not dive in?”

“Are you dieting again?” Violet shifted her gaze on her sister’s profile.

“Yes, always. But even I enjoy a snack on occasion.” She wagged her brows.

“Crystal, you’re a voluptuous woman. You don’t need to lose.”

“Says the sister that wears a size two,” Crystal huffed. “Besides, it’s not a diet. I’ve been working out and feeling better. Let me ask, what if you just happened to run into this cowboy again? Will you be able to deny yourself more pleasure?”

“We don’t run in the same circles. There’s no way for us to accidently see each other.” Even as the words came out of her mouth, she knew they weren’t the answer to her sister’s question. There was an undeniable emotion wrapping around her, much like his arms had last night that left her questioning everything, especially the rules she’d placed upon herself. Emotions were dangerous, especially when they targeted a man like Keefer. She needed to snip these thoughts in the bud before they blossomed into a full blown idea that there was a future for her with Keefer.

Crystal reached over and laid her hand on Violet’s arm. She jerked and turned her chin. “Sweetheart, you’re not allowing what happened years ago come back again, are you?”

Every bit of warmth, every bit of positive emotion, disappeared from her body, taken over by an ice age freezing her insides. This happened every time the subject of that time, long ago, was mentioned.  Crystal was the only one who knew Violet’s secret. “Of course not. I don’t allow the past to rule my future anymore.” Why couldn’t she even convince herself of this?

“You know I only worry about you.” Crystal’s soft voice almost chased away the demons in Violet. But years of therapy hadn’t even worked to erase the tragedy.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ve got this, Crystal.”

****

  Keefer slid out of the driver’s side of the truck and started across the parking lot of Mickey’s Bar when he saw Buck throw up a hand. The man was standing by the back door smoking. Keefer shifted his direction and headed toward the bartender.

“I see she’s up and running again,” Buck pointed at the truck.

“Yup, back on the road.” Keefer rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“She’s a beauty. I bet the engine purrs.”

Keefer nodded. “Great for hauling trailers. I bought a piece of land not too far from here and she’ll come in handy when I start looking for horses. Only issue is, I have to get the gas gauge fixed.” He smiled.

Buck dropped the cigarette to the ground and snuffed it out with the toe of his boot. “You going to be hiring?”

“Sure will. Here in the next six months. Right now construction is about to start on the house. I plan to move in as soon as possible and watch over things.”

Buck tugged his scraggly beard. “I’m not much for asking favors, but I’ve been thinking about getting out of the bar business, selling this ol’ place. I’m not a spring chicken any longer and would like to give Edie more. I’ve been thinking on this long and hard.”

“You have any experience working a ranch?”

“Born and raised on a ranch. Bought this place fifteen years ago figuring it’d be a nice, peaceful future. The only thing that hasn’t let me down is meeting Edie.”

“Consider yourself hired. Real thankful that you helped us out last night,” Keefer said.

“I didn’t expect to see you back, but glad we got the chance to talk.” Buck pushed off the frame of the door.

Keefer dropped his hand to his side.  “I wouldn’t leave Violet here.”

Buck blinked. “Didn’t she tell you?”

“Tell me what?” His gut wrenched.

“Her sister picked her up almost fifteen minutes ago. Hell, you two probably crossed paths on the road.”

A good three seconds passed before Keefer managed to gain his thoughts enough to plaster a smile on his face. “No, she didn’t tell me.”

“Well, she probably tried to call you but we have shitty service out here, as you know.”

Keefer nodded. “I better get going. Busy day ahead.”

He stomped toward his truck, hating that he felt like he’d been punched in the stomach. Why? After all, he understood what he shared with Violet wasn’t the beginning of a relationship. Wasn’t anything more than a one night stand. So why wasn’t his head convinced?

Sliding behind the steering wheel, he started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot. He should be grateful Violet was gone before he got back. He might have done something stupid and asked her to breakfast, or for a third date, or something far more dangerous. A repeat of last night.

Pulling out onto the road, he pushed his foot into the gas pedal and headed toward the city. Yeah, he was pretty damn lucky.

They had a good night—an amazing night. Now it was time to move forward in his life. He had property. A new job. Commitments. He didn’t have time to allow a gorgeous brunette with luscious curves to get in his way and steer his mind off the rainbow.

Why didn’t the acid burning in his stomach go away?

Why didn’t his heart return to a normal, boring beating?

It would. He was still reeling from post orgasmic release.

A few miles on the interstate, he pulled off the exit and hit a drive-thru for a quick bite to eat and a much needed coffee. He reached for his phone in his pocket and was glad to see he was back in the land of the live-and-kicking. He had service again. Scrolling through the contacts, he found the number he was looking for and hit ‘call’. On the second ring it was answered. “Hey buddy, I wanted to finalize my plans. I’m ready to get out of the city.”

CHAPTER SIX

Three months later

Walters Ranch

Violet glanced at the clock above the mantel and sighed. Ten o’clock. She hadn’t slept this late in a long time. She’d arrived yesterday after her shift at the hospital and was officially on vacation. She couldn’t wait to see Ruby and Jack, and of course all of her Stone cousins. Violet was glad Em was home from the hospital after the car accident and was walking again. She was lucky to be alive

And there was another occasion in the works…

Jobe and Ruby were engaged and the plans were being made for the wedding coming up next month. It was going to be an informal affair but from what Violet had heard so far, it would be the best ceremony the likes of this town had seen. Ruby was madly in love with the cowboy and it was time they came full circle. After all, they shared a child together and the love Jobe had for Jack was off the charts.

Violet dressed, pulled her hair back and took the stairs into the kitchen. There she found Jobe and Ruby’s housekeeper/nanny standing at the counter rolling out dough.

“Serita, how are you this morning?”

The bubbly older woman looked up and gave Violet a cheerful smile. She didn’t know Serita well, but what Violet did know, she liked. Plus, the grandmother was great with Jack and made the best desserts. “Hello, Miss Violet. A fresh pot of coffee just finished. I’ll grab you a cup.”

“That’s okay. I can get it.”

Serita waved a hand through the air. “Nonsense. Have a seat. You didn’t get in until late. Ruby tells me how hard you work all of the time as a nurse. It’s time to allow someone else to do the same for you. When my poor momma was in the hospital, the nurses were all so kind. They were always there, checking momma’s vitals and making sure she was comfortable.”

“Thank you.” Violet slipped onto one of the bar stools, watching the woman grab a cup from the cabinet and fill it to the rim.

“Cream? Sugar?”

“Both.” Once Violet had her coffee, she took a sip, enjoying the rich brew. “Where is everybody? Are they still sleeping?”

“No. They were up at the crack of dawn. Jobe is working and Ruby and Jack are visiting Em. She’s no longer in the wheelchair but still needs help getting around. They hired a nurse to help out, but you know how the Stone women are. They’re like mother hens taking care of sweet Em.” Realizing she was rambling, Serita puffed her short grey locks and smiled. “Ruby wanted me to tell you that she’ll be back by noon.”

“Something smells delicious. Are you making a pie?” Violet’s stomach growled. She hadn’t eaten much yesterday.

“One key lime and two peach for this evening’s barbecue. Little Jack loves my pies and I have a new fan in Keefer. I promised him a batch of cookies. My special recipe.”

Violet had the cup to her lips and when she heard the familiar name, the coffee spilled out all over the bar top. “Who did you say?”

“The new ranch hand. Keefer.” Serita’s gaze crinkled.

Not able to breathe as she processed the woman’s words, she coughed and sputtered. Finally managing her breathing, she inhaled sharply. “Did you say Keefer?” There was no way this was a coincidence.

“Yes. Keefer.”

“Tall, dark haired, rodeo star Keefer Lane?” His name brushed her lips like a caress.

The older woman nodded, smiling. “Yes. Do you know him?”

“I-I…Yes, we’re acquaintances.” A ball of heat formed in her stomach, then oozed down between her thighs. Not good. Not good at all. How did she not know Keefer was here, working?

“Maybe you’d like to take the cookies to him? It’ll give you a chance to catch up.”

“Oh, I don’t want to catch up.” Realizing how her answer revealed too much, she slowed her brain and wished the butterflies would stop fluttering in her stomach. “I mean, we don’t know each other very well.” She knew every inch of his body, if that counted. But she couldn’t tell Serita that, and couldn’t let anyone else know either. The last thing Violet needed was an awkward visit here at the ranch. Unless Crystal told Ruby, but wouldn’t she have warned Violet that he was here working? And why was he here working? He was a rodeo star…not a ranch hand.

“I’ll take the cookies myself. You enjoy your coffee.” Serita grabbed a tin from the table.

“Wait.” Violet slid from the stool so quickly that she almost lost her footing. “I’ll take them. I’d like to get some fresh air anyway.” What choice did she have but to get the unavoidable meeting over as soon as possible?

“That’s a good idea. I can continue working on my pies. The ranch is beautiful and some fresh air and sun will bring the color back to your cheeks. You look awfully pale, my dear.”

Dang body, giving away her internal chaos. If Violet wasn’t careful she’d tell the whole world what she’d done with Keefer just by the expression on her face. “Yes, you’re right. Sun and Keefer, I mean…sun and air, two immune boosters.”
What?

Accepting the cookie tin from the other woman, Violet downed the rest of her coffee, not caring that it burned all the way into her stomach. It didn’t compete with the heat scorching her core. She denied that she was excited to see Keefer. Quite the opposite. This ranch wasn’t big enough for the two of them.

****

“What are you doing here?”

Keefer heard the familiar voice and his gut clenched. Was he imagining that he’d heard her? It came again and he looked up from brushing the horse, his mouth drying. There she stood. Eyes blazing, hands on hip and he was the target of her acrimony. He had a suspicion that she would be coming for the party tonight, yet no matter how much he’d talked himself into not caring, unfortunately, every part of his body cared—a lot. Why did he have to be a sentimental bastard?

He hated how he responded now, seeing her. Hated that every day he thought about her and, at night, dreamed about her. Hated that it was her image burnt into his eyelids when he jacked off, just hoping for an ease in the tension buried deep inside his gut.

Anger rushed over him. He refused to fall into her web again. The woman lived in a bubble and he didn’t have the time to find the right tool to burst through. “Picking flowers. What does it look like I’m doing?” The words came out with a deep growl.

“Great. Now what are you doing working here?”

None of the fire left her gaze, which made him more pissed. It took all of his energy not to show any of his internal emotion. “I was hired.”

She blew out a long breath. “I got as much. What happened to the rodeo circuit?”

He shrugged. “I retired.”

“When?”

“Three months ago.” He could see the wheels turning in her expression.

“Before our second date?”

“Yes.” He dropped the brush into the bucket and patted the horse on the back.

“And you didn’t tell me?” Her chin came up in a tilt that warned him this wouldn’t end too soon.

“Would it have mattered?” He rounded the horse and strolled toward her, but not too close. The last thing he needed was to get a whiff of her erotic scent.

“Yes—no! You can’t be here, Keefer.”

He blinked. “And why the hell not?”

She slid her arms up and folded them over her chest. “Because.”

He smiled. “Some excuse.”

“I’m here. That’s too close,” she snapped.

“Sorry, darlin’, but I’m not quitting. You have nothing to worry about.”

“How many people have you told?” Her hair got caught up in the breeze and he ached to tame it with his touch, but instead, shoved his hands deep into his front pockets. That wouldn’t happen. Now or never!

“Not a soul.”

“I bet!”

“Are those my cookies?” Serita had been spoiling him and he wasn’t complaining.

She stepped across the short distance and shoved the tin into his chest. “You’re just working your charm with every woman, aren’t you?”

He sniffed and left her standing, went back to the horse and took the reins. “Come on, boy.” He led him toward the stables. A second later he heard her footsteps. Yup, just what he thought. She had an agenda.

Once the horse was back in his stall, Keefer turned and almost ran smack dab into her.

“You’re in my personal space,” she said with a rolling of her eyes.

Why didn’t he find that irritating? “I’ve been there before.”

“Let’s not let the little fact that we had sex make both of us miserable.”

“Better be careful, sweetheart. Someone might overhear. Wouldn’t want that, would we?” he teased. Why did she have to be so beautiful? From sparkling dark eyes to smooth skin down a body that could make a man fall to his knees.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to work here?”

He shrugged and brushed past her. “I’m supposed to keep you updated on my whereabouts and activity?” He snorted. Anger again brushed his insides and he realized he wasn’t over the fact that she’d walked away. Hell, he had no right. It was best for both of them.

“When it comes to my sisters, yes.” She caught up to him. He stopped abruptly and she smacked into him. He watched her rub her forehead.

“Violet, this has nothing to do with your sisters. I’m here working, hired by the Walters. Believe it or not, this has nothing to do with you either. I didn’t do this to be closer to you. I made these plans well before our second date. Now we can pretend we don’t know each other if that suits you.” He pulled off his gloves, tossed them onto a nearby workbench and opened the tin box. The smell of freshly baked cookies accosted his senses, almost as delicious as Violet’s scent. “Cookie?” He held the box out for her. She gave her head a quick shake. “Your loss.” He grabbed one and popped it into his mouth. “Mmm.”

“I don’ think it’s possible to act like we don’t know each other.”

“Of course it’s possible. I’m no longer interested. Point blank.” He swallowed the cookie, wishing his throat didn’t feel clogged.

“Well that’s good—what?”

He laughed. “You heard right, princess. We had a good time and now it’s over.”

She squinted. “Okay, but that doesn’t change the past. I’d rather not have everyone know about us.”

“Then don’t tell anyone.” He shrugged.

“Kind of hard when my sister, Crystal, saw the clue you left behind.” Her words were cold enough to freeze lava.

“Clue?”

“The hickey you left on my neck.” She stuck her nose up in the air.

He dropped his gaze to the open V-neck of her T-shirt. Her breasts rose and fell with each breath. His dick twitched and threatened to burst his zipper. His misbehaving body wasn’t cooperating. “Honey, I can’t help that you bruise easily. I wasn’t purposely leaving my mark.”

“Crystal knows and she will be here later for the party.”

“Why are you so worried? We’re consenting adults.” He closed the lid to the tin can and placed it on the bench next to his gloves.

“I’m not here for a repeat.”

“Like I said, I’m no longer interested,” he said it with such certainty that he was proud of himself, just too bad his body pleaded for him to tell the truth.

“Come on, are you actually saying there’s not one interested bone left in your body?” She examined him closely.

“Not one bone.” Although there was a boner that could prove his words wrong.

“I don’t believe you.”

“I’m pretty sure you’ve lost your mind. Are you seeking help for your delusions?”

“Hmm. Delusional, huh?”

“You betcha.” The woman could always land herself into his gut.

She stepped closer, toe to toe. He could see the sparkle in her eyes a second before she stood on tiptoe and pressed her mouth to his. Her hands came up, grabbing the back of his neck, holding him close. He knew what she was doing, but why couldn’t he pull away? Because being this close to her, feeling her lips on his felt too damn good. He wrapped his arms around her waist and dragged her against him, a moan barreling up in his throat. Parts of him tightened and his chest grew heavy with need. But before he knew what was happening, she was gone from his arms and the cooler air had taken her place. He looked at her, curious.

A smile curved her pink lips as her gaze skimmed over him, pausing at his zipper. “I rest my case. This is why you and I can’t be on this ranch together.”

He pulled off his hat and ripped his hand through his hair. “Any damn man would get hard from a kiss like that.”

“But not everyone would allow it to become more. Can you honestly say you don’t want more? That you can think with the correct parts of your body? Because I admit I want more.”

“And you kissed me just to prove a point?”

“Yes.”

At least he never had to ponder his place with her. “What is so crazy wrong with the desire between us? Most people would think it’s the best thing that’s ever happened. And it feels pretty damn good. If you can’t see beyond that self-built tunnel vision, then I’m at a loss.”

A sadness crept over her features that socked him right in the gut. “Trust me, Keefer. What feels good today can only end badly. I’m good at massacring relationships and turning people against me. You’re better off far away from me.”