Cassie's Cowboy Crave: Witness Protection - Rancher Style (Sweet Montana Bride Series) Read online

  The sound of a light tap woke Shane from his sleep, though it wasn’t enough to help him pry open his eyes. It felt like he’d been sleeping for days, weeks even, as hard as it was to gain a conscious thought. The tapping came again. And just before Shane found it in him to yell at whatever ranch hand was disturbing his sleep, an image of Cassie Lovell slipped into his mind, along with the sound of her name.

  His eyes shot open. “Come in,” he said, voice hoarse from sleep. His eyes shut against his will as he waited.

  The knob squeaked. The door creaked. Soft footsteps padded into his room. Hotel room, he reminded himself.

  “If you want to sleep longer, I can wait.”

  There was something about the sound of her voice that got Shane’s pulse to racing. “What time is it?” he asked, forcing his eyes open once more. He sat up and stretched, looking for a clock as she answered.

  “It’s 11:30.” A small laugh coated the words. “Can’t believe we slept in that late. I don’t even do that on the weekends.”

  Hearing the time should have sent him into full panic over missing more chores at the ranch. But it didn’t. His brothers had asked for it, and they were going to get it. Shane had other things to take care of right now; they’d have to pick up the slack. He only hoped they’d remembered to mend the fence before leading the cattle into the west pasture. Last thing he needed was to come home to a big mess.

  His thoughts were interrupted when he glanced up at Cassie. Her sky-blue eyes were set on him like she was taking inventory. Her gaze moved from his bare chest to his face in a slow crawl, and when their eyes met, a rush of pink settled in her cheeks.

  “If you’re ready to head out I’ll open your blinds and let the sun in for you.” She hurried over to the window, pausing as she grabbed the dowel to move the heavy drapes.

  “Sure,” he said. “Go ahead and open them.”

  The burst of light made him squint as he lay back onto the bed once more, too groggy to get up just yet.

  “You slept in your Levis?” Cassie asked.

  Shane propped himself on his elbows, glancing down at the sheet that covered his lower body. “You looked?” he accused.

  She sneered. “It’s obvious.”

  “Yeah. If you’re looking.” He flung the sheet off his body and rested back once more. “Here, look all you want. I won’t mind, but your boyfriend might.”

  Cassie uttered some noise of disgust, stomping toward the door. “There’s a treadmill downstairs. I’m going to work out,” she said proudly.

  “Thought you said you weren’t a die-hard over the gym.”

  “I’m not. But when I’m stressed out I just … need it more.” Her voice had sounded defensive at first. But as she muttered those last few words, a hint of sadness came through. Shane groaned, wondering why he was such a sucker for the woman.

  “I can’t let you go down there by yourself. Not if the other jurors are dropping off like flies.” He hadn’t meant to sound so crass about the whole thing, but it was the truth and he needed her to grasp it.

  “What are you going to do – sit there and watch me?”

  A smile spread over his face. “Is that an invitation?”

  “You just got done saying I couldn’t go alone. I’m wondering what you plan on doing, because I’m going no matter what.” And with that, Cassie strode back into her room through the open doorway.

  Shane sat up, amused by the exchange, and looked for his tee shirt. He guessed the trip home would have to wait.

  Her remark about him watching her had no doubt been a joke. And Shane hadn’t intended to do that in the least. In fact, he’d noticed the hot tub on their way from the front desk to their room, and had sworn it was right across from the place filled with treadmills and things. The plan was to soak in the heat while Cassie worked up a sweat a safe distance away. He’d keep his eye on the door, make sure all was well.

  Trouble was, the entire wall was made of glass panes. And all he could see was Cassie. Heaven help him, that woman was out to get him. She had to be. It wasn’t enough that she had on a pair of sweats. That should have been just fine to run on a dang treadmill. But no. Upon entering the room, she’d stripped down to some skimpy little under top thing and a pair of shorts.

  So while Cassie ran, perspiration casing the smooth contours of her skin, Shane toyed with thoughts of dousing off in the larger pool. Their time together had only begun, and already he was tortured with thoughts of making her his own. Damn his family for this. Blake and Reese and their happy little lives. Did they not know this could do more damage than good? Had they not realized how much he’d suffered when Natasha left? Even if it was for the best; it still hurt.

  He watched as Cassie used a hand towel to dab at her face. And then her chest and neck. Dark strands of hair had fallen from her ponytail and clung to her flushed cheeks. Shane let out a slow sigh. This girl was beautiful in all the obvious ways, but there was more to her than that. The beauty this woman possessed was the sort that made even the best of men feel like scum in a barrel. It ran deeper than the color of her eyes and the pretty shape of her mouth. It was who she was. How she was. Kind. Caring. Selfless.

  With the shake of his head, Shane vowed to keep his distance. This woman had things the way she wanted them back in the city she loved. She had a man there too. He wouldn’t interrupt her life more than it had been. Good thing work on the ranch was demanding. It wouldn’t be difficult to stay busy away from the home.

  Still, as thoughts of kissing her the night before entered his mind like rain on a pity party, he only hoped her stay wouldn’t last long. He’d do his best to keep his hands and thoughts off her, but he was only a man, after all. And from what he could tell so far, Cassie Lovell was one hell of a woman.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Cassie eyed the rickety wires Shane called a fence, in awe over how large their property was. He’d shown her where the land became theirs miles back, and she was only now able to see the small stretch of homes and barns ahead.

  “We’re coming to the point where I’ll need you to scoot on over here,” Shane said.

  Cassie looked at him in surprise. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean that space there between us, is where a woman sits around here. Next to her man. And since you’re supposed to be my woman, you better get that tush a little closer.”

  She paused for a breath or two, eyeing his face for any signs of teasing. Shane only propped his arm behind the seat and patted the back of it. “I’m waiting…”

  “Women sit there. Right in the center?”

  His eyes stayed set on the road ahead. “Yep.”

  She relented, began sliding toward his side of the truck. It felt awkward scooting closer, sitting in the center when she could be right next to her own door. Plus having him so near had her thinking back to the night before. His handsome smell and tempting kiss.

  His thumb ran along the ridge of her shoulder as she settled in. “This first house you’ll see up on the left is Blake and Reese’s,” he said.

  She was surprised by how new the home was. Modern brick and stone covered the surface, beautiful rust-colored light fixtures lined the large porch, and a cluster of trikes and scooters rested out front by the three car garage. “That’s a nice house,” she said.

  Shane only nodded. Daylight was beginning to fade. The golden sun, brighter than what Cassie was used to, settled low beyond the valley, casting its yellowed light over the land, making it appear blessed somehow. And though spring hadn’t found all things living just yet, the dried up grass and shrubs only added to the rustic feel of the pastures.

  “This property over here on the right is mine. Just haven’t built on it yet.” He nodded toward an unkempt field of dirt. Clusters of overgrown grass stood tall in places.

  “See that fort there?” he asked.

  Cassie glanced at the mound of piled rocks. “Uh, huh.”

  Shane let out a chuckle. “Was our fort back in the day. Used to hide beh
ind it and throw hay-wads at the ranch hands as they came in.” He shook his head. “Mom had her hands full with us boys, I’ll tell you that much.”

  Cassie tried to picture it – Shane and his brothers playing on the land. Running wild and causing mischief. Only it didn’t sound so bad. Harmless compared to the drugs and vandalism kids got into back home. Here it just sounded like boys being boys.

  “Gavin’s place is that way,” he said, pointing toward a narrow path off the road. A large cluster of trees obscured her view of the home. “They’ve got a pool back there.”

  Cassie smiled. “I can’t believe you guys all live so close like this. I can’t even imagine what it must be like.”

  He let out a loaded chuckle. “You won’t have to imagine for long.”

  Ahead she saw what she’d pictured seeing all along. A large red barn, weathered, worn, and magnificent. An older home with white siding and a massive porch stood nearby. Old trucks and parts, tires and trailers lay scattered between them.

  “My folk’s place,” Shane said, pulling into the dirt road.

  A trampoline stood just off the deck in the back of the home, along with an old swing set and teeter totter. Beyond the barn, Cassie saw horses. One with a solid coat of wheat-colored blond. The other a brilliant black. The pair galloped through the spacious field side-by-side, their massive strength evident in every move. It seemed as if the pair were in sync with one another, each gallop or trot in rhythm with the next; the vision was stunning.

  “They’re beautiful,” Cassie said in a whisper. “I think I could watch them run like this all day.”

  “Don’t see many horses in Seattle?” he asked, that dimple sinking into his cheek once more.

  She shook her head. “No. Not where I live, anyway.”

  “Well, the good news is, you’ll have a nice view of their pasture out the kitchen window.”

  Cassie hadn’t noticed, but they were approaching another house. This one faced the dirt road rather than the main one, and looked more like a log cabin than a home. Dark slatted wood made up the box-shaped house. Like the other places she’d seen, this home had a large porch. Only it was lined with massive wood logs – like that of an old fence. As she took in the yellow curtains visible through the front window, one word came to mind: charming. A thick cluster of daisies sat in an old rusted coffee can out front. And a beautiful, wide-back rocking chair rested beside it.

  Shane looked as if he were biting back a comment as he came to a stop, eyeing the place as well. “Probably have a little welcome committee inside.” He climbed out of the truck before turning to look at her. “Are you ready?”

  Cassie tugged at the hem of her five-dollar tee shirt. Straightened her twelve-dollar jeans. And eyed the tennis shoes on her feet. One last deep breath, and she looked back at Shane and the hand he held out for her. His eyes harbored a gentleness she hadn’t anticipated.

  “Okay,” she said. “Ready.”

  ~+~

  Shane could see the reservation in Cassie’s face. And as he assisted her out of the truck, taking her by the hand, he noticed the tension in her grip. “It’s possible no one’s here,” he said, hoping to ease her mind. Though he knew it wasn’t the case. Reese’s minivan was pulled around back. She’d no doubt picked up Jade and Betty on her way over.

  As they stepped up the creaky porch stairs, Shane rested a hand on Cassie’s lower back. Just as he reached to open the screen door, Jaxson tore around the corner on his scooter. The little guy’s eyes got real wide before he hollered, “They’re here!” Jonah skidded to a halt behind him on his big wheel, almost ramming into the rocker to avoid hitting his brother.

  “Uncle Shane’s here with his new bride!” he yelled. The two boys headed back the way they came in a speeding rush. Jonah pedaling like mad. Jaxson carrying his scooter while he ran on foot. Shane pictured the sliding door off the dining room, knowing they were heading that way. He figured the women must be just inside, gathered around the table while gabbing about what the new girl would be like.

  Cassie giggled. “Are those guys your nephews?”

  “Afraid so.” Shane pulled his hat a little lower onto his head. The front door swung open.

  “Come in, come in,” his mom said. Her eyes were lit up like it was Christmas morn, and Cassie was the gift: yet another pretty daughter-in-law, courtesy of the Emerson Protection Program. She reached through the doorway to take hold of her hand. “Cassie, is it?” she asked.

  Cassie smiled widely, seemingly amused by his mother’s bold act. “Yes,” she said.

  “I’m Betty, dear, Shane’s mom. We are so happy to have you. Come on in.”

  Shane barely recognized the place as he looked around. Smelled like soap and flowers and everything looked clean. Spotless. Another good reason to keep the guys downstairs; couldn’t have them messing it all up.

  Jonah stood behind his grandma, staring at Cassie with excitement in his eyes. It took Shane a moment to remember he was supposed to be playing her new husband. “Guys,” he said. “Meet my new wife, Cassie.”

  “Mom said you met her on the internet,” Jaxson said.

  Shane eyed Reese as she appeared in the doorway leading to the kitchen. He gulped, wanting to stay consistent with the story. “Sure did,” he said. “Pretty fine catch, right?” He tightened his arm around Cassie’s waist.

  The boys nodded and stared. “Yeah. She’s pretty.” Jonah’s face turned pink as he said it.

  Cassie bent down to greet them. “Thank you. And what are your names?” Her eyes were wide with wonder, and the sound of her voice had changed in pitch. Higher, younger. Friendly.

  “I’m Jonah, and that’s my brother, Jaxson. We’re both eight.”

  “But I’m the older one,” Jaxson said.

  Jonah glared at his brother. “Barely.”

  “Well come on in and meet everyone.” Betty waved the boys toward the kitchen. “The girls are in here. Jade is feeding the baby, and Reese and I are just fixing to put a double batch of banana bread into the oven.” She glanced over at Cassie with a wide grin. “House-warming gift.”

  Shane tipped his head, knowing Betty had plenty more ‘gifts’ where that came from. “Since I’ve uh, already met the girls and all, I’m going to head out and find the crew.” He eyed the boys as they peeked around the corner, knowing he needed to give them a show. “I’ll bring in your cats and luggage, then I’ll be on my way.” Shane removed his hat and, before Cassie could prepare or protest, reached his hand around the back of her neck. He approached her head-on, planning to kiss those lips of hers, but thought better of it at the last moment. A kiss on the lips would give Betty and Reese too much satisfaction. He tilted his head, kissed her gently on one cheek, and winked at the boys afterward. “You take good care of my girl while I’m away,” he said.

  They nodded anxiously. “We will.”

  Shane replaced his hat. “Later, Ma,” he said, and strode out the door.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  It took Cassie a moment to recover. She’d been certain, just seconds before Shane’s lips landed on her cheek, that he’d planned to kiss her on the mouth – in front of everyone.

  “We know you’ve been through a whole lot to end up here,” Betty said, “but we plan to do all we can so that you enjoy your stay.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “I appreciate that.” Cassie hoped she’d hidden her surprise where Shane’s mother was concerned. Perhaps it was that she’d been raised by her grandmother, or maybe she just pictured women named Betty to have short, white hair and afghans around their shoulders. Whatever the case, Cassie had not expected his mother to be so young-looking. And beautiful. The slender woman wore a pair of tight-fitting jeans and a button-up blouse. Her belt – a thick band of tan leather – held a copper buckle that looked bigger than her hips. She had a full head of golden blonde hair that hung right around her strong, square-shaped jaw.

  Cassie smiled as she noticed her boots, remembering the pair Shane had insisted h
e buy her. She followed Betty into the warmly lit kitchen. A copper hood hovered over the black stove. Surrounding them stood cupboards that were coated with a buttery cream paint; they seemed to give off a light all their own. A different tall, skinny blonde stepped away from the counter. Had Cassie not already known better, she would have sworn it was Betty’s daughter.

  A wide smile spread over the woman’s face as she threw her arms around Cassie. “Welcome,” she said with a hint of a southern drawl. “I’m Reese. We’re thrilled to have you here.”

  “Thanks.” Cassie returned her hug, hoping her efforts didn’t feel as awkward as they seemed.

  Reese released her as she continued, the words nearly flying from her lips. “My boys have talked of nothing else since I told them about you this morning. They thought it was such a big deal they tried to miss school over it.” She laughed.

  “Yeah, well it didn’t work,” grumbled the one named Jaxson, his face puckered with a pout.

  “Oh.” Reese motioned toward the table. “This is Jade and her baby, Kate. Her son, Luke, is on the field with the men.”

  Cassie turned toward the woman seated at the table. While Reese’s skin held a deep tan, like Shane’s, Jade had a more fair complexion that held hints of sun-kissed freckles, matching her strawberry blonde hair. Her baby, wrapped tight in a pink little blanket, seemed mesmerized by her mother. One doughy little hand ran sweetly over the woman’s cheek as she stared in wonder. The sight tugged at a longing place in Cassie’s heart.

  “Welcome to the mad life on Emerson Ranch,” the young mother said, eyes still pasted on her small bundle. “Sorry we’re like, all up in your business. We don’t have to stay if you’d rather be alone.” Jade glanced up and tucked the strands of her red hair behind one ear, revealing a series of piercings.

  Cassie smiled in return; the girl reminded her of Zoe. “Um, no,” she said. “I mean, it’s fine that you’re here. I may as well get to know everyone.”

  “Speaking of that,” Betty said, walking past her. She slid open a drawer, pulled out a pink, frilly apron, and handed it to Cassie. “Dinner will be at our place tonight. Pulled pork. Got it in the smoker back home.”