Taking Charge (Lone Star Burn #4)(20)

With her barrage of questions delivered in her fast Northern accent, David held up a hand to calm Sarah even though she wasn’t in the room with him. “Easy. I didn’t call because there’s nothing to say yet.”

Sarah exclaimed, “Nothing? You drove out to see a woman you’ve been heartbroken about practically the whole time I’ve known you. I want to hear everything.”

“I wasn’t heartbroken. I liked her, that’s all.”

“Really? So you’re on your way back?”

“I’m staying here.”

“What was that? Could you speak up? You’re staying with Lucy?”

“In the bunkhouse. Sarah, don’t go making a big deal over this. She has an empty barn here, and I’ve been considering finding a place of my own. I’ve decided to lease the barn and work some horses here—see how it goes. That’s all there is.”

Sarah let out a gleeful sound. “I can’t wait to tell Melanie. She and Charles had better get married soon, because we’ll probably have another wedding on the horizon by the end of the year. I am so happy for you. You and Lucy are perfect for each other. I’ll call her and say so as soon as I hang up with you.”

“No!” David barked. He then softened his voice. “It would be better if you don’t say anything to anyone right now.” A thought came to him, and he went with it. “We’re working things out. If you push Lucy, she may ask me to leave. Again. You wouldn’t want to be the reason we don’t work out this time, would you?”

Sarah gasped in horror. “No. I hadn’t thought of that. I talk to her all the time, though. I can’t not call her. Should I pretend I don’t know you’re there?”

David rolled his eyes skyward. Stopping Sarah was like trying to hold back the weather. “Don’t lie, just don’t make her feel weird about having me here. Also, have Tony call me. Normally, I would come back and settle things on that side before shipping some horses out here, but I can’t leave right now.”

“Can’t? Is something wrong there?”

“Yes, Sarah, but I don’t have the full picture yet.”

“I’ll have Tony call you. Hey, Mason is flying in next week with Chelle. They’d love to see you, and I’d love to see Lucy.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” David promised.





Chapter Five


Later that evening, Lucy stood by the stove in her kitchen, waiting for the water to boil. She’d spent the late afternoon tweaking her website and telling herself she didn’t care that David was one building away. I doubt the bunkhouse is stocked with anything perishable. I should ask him to join me for dinner.

Bad, bad idea.

I could make him a plate and take it to him.

Or I could do what I know I should, and stay the hell away from him until I get myself under control.

She’d moved the box that had been delivered to her father’s office, but she hadn’t opened it. She didn’t want Wyatt to walk in and see what she’d ordered because she was afraid he’d think she was turning the ranch into a brothel. And if David saw it? He’d think I’m the type of woman who uses those things.

And I’m not.

Am I? She’d been raised to think such things were shameful, but she’d purchased a small vibrator for herself when she moved to the city. She’d looked at it as a private declaration that she was a modern woman—independent and self-sufficient, even in the bedroom.

She’d used it, but that’s where her experience with toys ended. Lucy glanced at the still-cool water. How the heck am I going to market something I know nothing about? I should have chosen to sell candles or bath products. At least I know about those. What was I thinking?

That I need money, that’s what.

Sex is a natural part of life—like breathing. That’s how I should look at this. I’m a modern woman. Forget what my mother would have thought or what my neighbors might think. These are just devices to help a person breathe easier.

They aren’t a replacement for men. Lucy closed her eyes and pictured David. There wasn’t an inch of him that didn’t feel as good as it looked. He had the muscular stature of a man who worked outdoors. His hands were strong but gentle. She shivered with pleasure at the idea of how they would feel on her bare skin.

A knock on the door made Lucy jump and quickly turn. She hit the pan with the side of her hand and expected a burn but felt nothing. She glanced down at the burner and realized she hadn’t turned it on. See, this is a problem. David is a distraction I can’t afford.

Lucy ran a hand through her hair and went to open the door. “Oh, hi, Wyatt.”

Wyatt removed his hat and stepped through the door. “Thought you’d be happier to see me, considering the sale went through. The money was deposited to your account. Here is your receipt.”

Lucy gave herself an inner smack and forced a smile. The sale was done. Relief flooded her. “Sorry, you know I’m glad to see you. It’s been a long day, that’s all.” Wyatt handed the receipt to Lucy. She glanced down at it, then back at him. “Thank you, Wyatt. Do you need a check tonight?”

Wyatt shrugged. “I ain’t worried. Me and the family are moving into the back house tomorrow. My wife is looking forward to being back here. My grandbabies are a bit on the wild side, but if you have a problem with them, bring it to me and not my son and his wife. They don’t believe in disciplining children. Everyone has to feel good about everything all the time, or they think the world is ending. Life ain’t like that. I find that taking them on hunting trips and talking about what they’re doing wrong while I’m skinning something turns them right around.”