Second Round Cowboy (Second Chance Series) (6 page)

Leslie clicked her tongue
. “Let me be the judge of that. When it comes to surprises—good surprises—we do like those secrets.”

“I’ve booked a two
week vacation in Cabo San Lucas,” Duke said.

“Ooh
, very nice. I’ve been there. It’s lovely,” she said.

“Wait for him to tell you what he’s done,” Chance added.

Leslie lifted a brow.

“I
planned for Ava to go with us.” Duke shrugged. “No biggie.”

Chance
’s chuckle bounced off the walls. “Trust me, it’s definitely a biggie to take your baby on your honeymoon.”

“But it’s
two weeks.
Two weeks!
I know if I don’t want to be away from Ava that long, Lila certainly wouldn’t want to be.” Duke narrowed his gaze on Chance.

They both turned
to her as if she should referee. “Okay, I see both points,” she said. “A honeymoon is a time for a newly married couple to enjoy one another…privately.” She cleared her throat. “But, I know Lila well enough to say she wouldn’t want to leave her little one that long. I do have a suggestion though—ask Carly what she thinks. She knows Lila.”

“Can’t do,
” Duke said. “Lila will see straight through Carly and know she’s hiding something.”

“Alright then, I’ll make another suggestion. Is there someone, like a nanny or relative, who would love a free trip to Cabo? I mean, who wouldn’t, right?” she said.

“Are you available?” Chance asked.

“No,” she said without a sliver of hesitation. “I’m talking about someone who won’t mind watching Ava in the evening, or when you and Lila will be busy.”

Duke seemed to toss around the thought. “I think our sitter would agree. She’s young and I don’t think she has a boyfriend.”

“There you go then. Perfect plan
. Glad I could help.” Leslie started for the door again.

“Not so fas
t.” Chance got up. “I’ve got something else to run by you.”

“
Men, did you not hear me when I said your ladies are waiting? Isn’t it enough that you both work way too much as it is?” Leslie pushed a sigh through her tight lips.

“Are you nervous about something?” Chance asked.

“No, I’m not.” She couldn’t tell them that her ex-fiancé was in the other room and her sort-of-but-not-quite new boyfriend would be arriving any minute. How had her life gotten so complicated?

“
Okay. I’m looking at buying another stallion. Can I get you to run over to Miller’s Ranch soon and look at him? If you give me the go-ahead, I’ll bring him home.”

“Sure.”

The door swung open and Lila stepped in, an exasperated expression directed at Duke. “Since you would rather hang out in Chance’s office, then I guess I’ll have to come and haul you away. Any argument, Chance?” Her icy stare left no room for hassle. Lila had spunk. It wasn’t too long ago that she couldn’t be in the same room with Chance because they rubbed each other the wrong way. Leslie guessed it had something to do with their similar stubborn streak and strong opinions. Their love for Carly had created a bridge of friendship, one that took great patience on both of their parts.

“No, not at all. We were just finishing up.”
Chance went to his desk and straightened papers, placing them into a folder.

Duke got up, reached f
or Lila’s hand and pulled her against him. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m all yours for the rest of the night. Is Ava still sleeping?”

“No, she woke up a few minutes ago an
d she’s hungry. So is Chancelor. You hear that Chance?” Chance turned. “Carly is waiting on both of you.”

“Can’t keep a child hungry.
” Chance moved toward the door at a faster pace than usual. He’d grown into a wonderful father and his love for his children shown in every layer of his being. His workaholic inclinations were his only downfall. However, truth was, he didn’t work nearly as much as he once did. His wife and kids took priority over his ranch.

“Chow time.”
Leslie followed Chance and she heard laughter from the kitchen. She inhaled deeply and forced a breath through her nose, repeated it several times, but the butterflies remained in her stomach. Although Stryker had never been here before, he seemed at home. It almost felt like family.

“He sure is a handsome cowboy,
” Lila whispered into Leslie’s ear. She caught Lila’s mischievous grin.

In the kitchen,
the hub of the house, Stryker was standing next to Lilly who sat on a barstool. Leslie could swear there was a hint of a smile on the child’s lips.

“
I see we have a new cowboy.” Chance aimed his attention at Stryker as he passed making his way to Carly. Chance wrapped his arm around her waist. “I wasn’t gone too long, was I, sweetheart? Did you already find another man to fill my boots?” Chance chuckled.

“You were gone a while,
and I may have been thinking of trading you in, but he’s here with Leslie.” Carly kissed Chance on his cheek and they stared into each other’s gaze. Leslie believed their love grew each day, as any love should.

Chance
held out his hand to Stryker. “I’m Chance.”

“I’m
Stryker.” They shook hands.

Chance brought his attention
to Leslie. “Is there something you’ve been hiding?”

“
Not at all.” Leslie’s attempt at laughter came out as a gurgle. “Stryker and I…well, we go way back We grew up together in Hollyville. Stryker—” She kept her gaze from him, afraid everyone might see something revealing in her eyes. “—this is Lila’s fiancé, Duke McGraw.”

“Nice to meet you.” Stryker and Duke greeted one another
. The testosterone in the room was strong enough to create a mini army with the three brawny, masculine men with equally strong characters.

Duke took Ava from Lila. “This is our wee one
.” Duke’s smile held a multitude of pride as he introduced his child. Leslie had never seen Duke look as gentle as he did now. The scene before her, two happy couples with their children, tugged at Leslie’s heart.

“I met Ava
already.” Stryker tickled her plump cheek and she erupted into giggles.

“I t
hink our girl is flirting, Lila.” Duke shook his head. “Way too early, young lady.”

“And this is my niece
, Lilly.” Stryker put his hand on Lilly’s shoulder, but the little girl kept her gaze locked on Ava.

“Hi, Lilly
. Nice to meet you.” Chance stepped forward. He certainly could be charming when the need arose, and as he held out his calloused hand, Lilly turned to stare at him. Leslie half expected the child to ignore his effort or run, as many kids would when faced with a burly man like Chance. Instead, she surprised them all by placing her tiny palm against his.

Leslie
looked up and found Stryker smiling.

There was a moment of clarity and
understanding of how much Stryker cared for Lilly. Leslie blinked back tears. Her walls were coming down and she could only lose so much protection at once. She’d have to cling to what barriers were left. Otherwise, she could find herself in a heap of cowboy trouble. “And you’ve met Chancelor, right?” Leslie asked Stryker. She’d grown a fondness for the little guy. “And the baby?”

“
Chasity is still sleeping, thankfully. I think she has less need for sleep than I do.” Carly laughed but Leslie got the feeling that the baby was the reason why there were dark smudges under Carly’s eyes.

“Truth is, Carly is
typically up all night worrying and watching over Chasity like a hawk. The pediatrician told us she thinks the baby has colic,” Chance said.

“Don’t all mothers worry?” Carly frowned.

“Yes we do,” Lila chimed.

Carly shrugged her shoulders, grabbed Chance’s hand.
“Let’s not bore them with the woes of parenthood. We’ll have Leslie so scared she’ll never have a child.” Carly winked at Leslie. “Anyway, dinner is ready. Shall we eat before it gets cold?” Carly asked.

“Let me lead the way.” Chance started into the dining room and everyone trickled along. “I’m starving.” He
grabbed a plate from the sidebar and started helping himself.

Lila motioned for Leslie to step into the foyer.

“All okay?” Leslie asked.

“I have a feel
ing Carly is suffering from post-partum depression,” Lila whispered.

“Depression? She seems happy to me.”

“She does today. She hasn’t been sleeping, she worries all of the time and I don’t remember her being so concerned when Chancelor was a baby.”

“Have you talked to her about this?” Leslie asked.

“Carly would deny feeling anything but joy. I mean, I know she’s happy, but she’s suffered through a lot.”

“Talk to Chance.”

Lila nodded. “I will when I get him alone. By the way, Dillon called and said he couldn’t make it. That wouldn’t have anything to do with that tall drink of water you brought with you would it?” Lila wriggled her brows.

“
No, of course not. Did he say what happened?”

“Only that something came up. But let me just say,
you’re the target of two hot cowboys right now.” She laughed.

“Things aren’t like tha
t with Stryker. He’s an old friend,” Leslie explained.

“Hmm, is that why you act all giddy around him?” Lila teased.

“I don’t—” Seeing Lila’s doubtful expression, Leslie didn’t bother hiding the truth. “Okay, I may be a little awkward because I haven’t seen him in years and he showed up, uninvited. And he’s worried about Lilly and needs my help.”

“Yes, Lilly
is very quiet.”

“She lost her mother,” Leslie
clarified.

Tenderness flooded Lila’s expression. “Oh
, my.” There was a slight catch to her tone.

Leslie knew
, above anyone, Lila would understand. Not only because she was a nurse, but because she’d suffered trauma too. Duke had been in a coma for eighteen months. During that time, Lila had given birth to Ava and had almost given up hope that he’d ever wake. Surprisingly, for many, he did and with the strength of love, they found each other again.

“It’s a very sad situation.”

“If you need anything, just let me know.” Lila laid her hand on Leslie’s arm.

As she followed Lila into the dining room
, her gaze automatically found Stryker who was sitting next to Duke. They were laughing and seemed like old friends. Leslie cringed. How was it possible that he’d just met this group and already he seemed to belong?

Scratch that!

This was only a temporary situation. They were two different people now—two different worlds. He wanted help with Lilly, and she didn’t know what she wanted.

His gaze
met hers.

Had everything gone silent around them?

She could fall mindlessly into his stunning eyes, then allow sweet respite to wrap around them like a warm cocoon. It had been so long since she’d shown any weakness and she’d reached a point where she wanted someone to care—needed someone to kiss her on the cheek, touch her lovingly.

With Stryker came risks.
She couldn’t allow herself back into his arms. No matter how much her core ached or how she yearned to explore his every inch.

Oh brother!
She was in trouble.

CHAPTER FIVE

“LILLY AND I should go,” Stryker said as they pulled up along the street in front of Leslie’s house. He shifted his truck into park, but didn’t kill the engine. “Lilly’s zonked.” She’d fallen asleep on the ride back from Swift Wind.

“Dinner was great. My friends liked you,” Leslie said.

“I liked your friends. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat around and had good conversation.” He thrummed his fingers on the steering wheel, not from impatience, but managing the desire to kiss her goodnight. He didn’t want to confuse things more than they already were.

Liar.
He wanted to mess things up real good and see where the pieces landed. Sometimes jumping off a cliff was the only way one could learn to fly. Hell, he’d taken bigger leaps before and landed on his feet just fine.

“
It’s getting late.” When Leslie didn’t make a move to slide out of the passenger side, he had a feeling she wanted to say something.

“You okay?”
He flipped on the overhead lighting. She had a worried expression.

“No.”
She sighed. “The trip home is too far tonight. You can stay here. I have a guest bedroom.”

Stryker stared at her from across the seat
. He hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off her through dinner. She was beautiful and he loved watching her laugh with her friends. He happened to like them a lot and they seemed to have great relationships. He didn’t want to admit the truth but he felt a tad envious. He’d wanted a similar life with Leslie once upon a time. Had he been way off mark about the love they’d shared?