Raising Kane (Rough Riders #9)(29)

And I hope…” She waved dismissively. “Forget it.”


“No, Kimi, tell me. You hope what?”


“I hope Kane knows how proud I am of him, not only for helpin’ you out, but for the time he spends with Hayden. I’ve never thought of him as overly responsible besides when it comes to his duties at the ranch.”


“Maybe you should tell him. It’d be good for him to hear it from you.”


“Maybe I will.”


Ginger’s head pounded, a byproduct of thinking about her mother.


Kimi stood. “Come on. Let’s get you a pain pill and tuck you in. I fear my son’d have my hide for talkin’ your ear off when you’re supposed to be restin’.”


“I can’t believe how tired I am.”


“Which is a sign you need to get some shut-eye.”


Kimi stayed by Ginger’s side until she drifted off, offering comfort and silent support. Her last coherent thought was Like mother, like son.


“Hey, Red.” A soft kiss teased her forehead.


“Am I still dreaming?”


“Are we nekkid in this dream?”


“Yes. Completely. Rolling around on satin sheets and you’re kissing me in that panty-drenching way of yours.”


Kane chuckled. “Maybe we’ll have to act out the good parts of the dream later. But it’s time for you to get up.”


Ginger opened her eyes, sighing dreamily that Kane’s handsome face was so close to hers.


“What was that sigh for?”


“Because you’re just so damn pretty, Kane McKay.”


His neck flushed. “How many of them damn drugs did you take?”


“Funny.” She ran the tips of her fingers down the section of skin where the blush met his goatee.


“You could have any woman in town. You have had most of them, to hear your mother talk. So what are you doing with me?”


Hurt flashed in his eyes. She could’ve bitten her tongue for her careless comment.


“My ma was here tellin’ stories about me, was she? Fillin’ you in on all the women I bedded and discarded? Did she tell you that the reason Kade and Sky ended up together was because he pretended to be me after I was an * to her on our first and only date?”


“No. She didn’t mention that one.”


Kane stood abruptly. Angrily. “Don’t matter. We’ve been back awhile. Are you hungry?”


Ginger reached for his hand. “Don’t run off in a fit of pique.”


“Say what?”


“Don’t leave because you’re mad. Kimi didn’t name off your conquests, Kane. She just said you used to be quite the wild one and you’ve mellowed. Now instead of worrying about you being too rowdy, she worries about you being alone too much.”


He frowned. “Ma said that?”


“Yes.”


“I’m alone by choice.”


There was more to his statement, but she didn’t push. Instead, she brought his hand to her mouth and placed a soft kiss in the palm. “So does that ‘alone by choice’ comment include tonight?”


“Is that an invite, counselor?”


“Yes. But I feel the need to point out it is an open-ended invitation.”


Kane’s eyes turned dark with liquid heat. He cupped her chin in his hand, sweeping his thumb across the inside of her lower lip. “Know one thing about me that ain’t mellowed? That I’m in charge even when you’re touchin’ me.”


His bold statement caused her belly to jump. She stared at him, wondering how far he’d take things.


“You look nervous, Red.”


“I’ve never met a man like you.”


“Simple? Or highly experienced?”


“Neither.”


He huffed, “Then what?” a little impatiently.


“You distract me to the point that’s all I can think about…being with you.”


Kane’s lethally sexy grin appeared. “I can live with being a distraction, sugar. In fact, I intend to bump up my attentions and see if I can’t become your obsession.”


Hours later, Ginger reflected on Kane’s words when he waltzed into her bedroom and she realized he could become an obsession.


Hayden had hit the sack earlier than usual. Her father had retreated to his room directly after Hayden.


And now Kane had come to her.


A thrill of anticipation electrified her, starting at her toes, ending at her scalp.


She’d purposely dimmed the lights to enhance the mood. Hoping the ambient glow would mask her physical flaws and her nervousness.


Instantly he flipped on all the switches, growling a warning, “No hidin’ from me. Ever. I like to watch.”


“Watch what?”


“You.” Kane gestured to the edge of the bed. “Sit there.”


“Am I supposed to get undressed?”