Lace & Lassos (2 page)

He caught her face in his hands and brought her around to face him again. “Seriously, are you all right?”

She shook her head and he let his hands slip away from her face. “There are things I don’t want to talk about, okay?”

He looked like he wanted to say something, to press her to talk to him, but he didn’t.

She began to move away from the tree but he caught her hands in his. They felt warm and callused from hard work, a cowboy’s hands. Being touched by him again sent swirling sensations through her belly.

“Come say hello to everyone.” He squeezed her hands and gave her his sexy smile that made her want to sigh. His smile was so familiar she felt as if no time had passed at all from the moment she’d walked out the door all those years ago. “They’ll be glad to see you,” he said.

“I—” she started, but he’d already taken her firmly by one hand and was leading her toward the backyard.

She did the only thing she could at that moment. She put on a smile and prepared herself to mingle when it was the last thing in the world she wanted to do.

Chapter 2

Kaitlyn drew her hand away from Wayne’s as they stepped into the backyard. She didn’t want people to think they were together again, because that wasn’t going to happen.

The backyard was enormous with a huge white tent staked out in the center. Beneath the tent was a portable dance floor that had been laid out and people were two-stepping to a lively country western song. Small white lights twinkled from bushes and oak trees and long tables were set out around the tent with oil lamps placed in the center of each table. People sat, stood, or danced, talking and laughing. There had to be over one hundred and fifty people milling in the huge backyard.

Kaitlyn glanced at Wayne and had to look up a bit because he was eight inches taller than her five-seven. “Where are Zane and his new wife?”

Wayne gestured toward the tent. She peered at the crowd then spotted Zane dancing with a pretty woman with dark red hair.

“She’s beautiful,” Kaitlyn said.

“Jessie’s a hell of a woman.” Wayne smiled. “She and Zane make a great couple.”

A flash went through her mind, of her and Wayne having the same kind of party only years ago—if things had been different. She shook off the thoughts and watched Zane and his wife as they moved in and out of sight.

“Kaitlyn?” A man’s voice jerked her attention to her right and she met Wyatt Cameron’s gaze. Before she could respond, Wyatt had her in a bear hug and he kissed her on the cheek. “Damn, it’s good to see you, girl.”

She smiled as Wyatt drew away from her. Wayne’s fraternal twin brother had always been able to make her smile. “How are you holding up since your dad died?” he asked quietly.

“I’m fine.” She worked to keep her expression light. “Thank you.”

“You need anything, you know we’re here for you,” Wyatt said.

She nodded. “I appreciate that.”

Wyatt slapped Wayne on the back. Wyatt was as sexy as Wayne, but had a very different personality. Wyatt held a hint of mischief in his eyes as he looked from her to Wayne.

“Better hold on to her this time,” Wyatt said to Wayne. “Or I’m taking her.”

Heat flushed over Kaitlyn but she couldn’t help another smile. “You’re such a tease,” she said.

“Don’t even think about touching Kait.” Wayne punched Wyatt in the shoulder, but it was a playful brother-to-brother punch. At least she thought it was.

“Have you talked with Zane and Aunt Grace?” Wyatt asked and she shook her head. “What about Danica and Dillon?”

“Danica invited me,” Kaitlyn said. “Just saw her a few moments ago.”

“Hell, you don’t need an invitation,” Wyatt said. “You’re welcome any time.”

“Thanks.” Despite the warnings her head was giving her, to not slip back and let herself be around the Camerons again, she found herself wanting to. As she’d grown up, they’d been like family during times that she’d needed family. But things had changed.

“Are you here for good?” he asked.

She paused and then gave a nod. “I’m taking over the Rocking B.”

The corner of Wayne’s mouth lifted into a sexy grin. “Best news I’ve heard in a while.”

“Great to hear you’ll be around.” Wyatt looked at Wayne. “Better not screw it up this time.”

Heat swept over her entire body. “Wayne and I aren’t together.”

“Are you married?” Wyatt asked. Kaitlyn shook her head and he shrugged. “Then give it some time. You two belong together.”

Her lips parted, but before she could respond, he looked past her and gave a nod in that direction. “There’s Aunt Grace.”

She glanced over her shoulder and saw the elderly woman who’d raised the five Cameron siblings. Kaitlyn faced Wyatt and hugged him again. “I’d better get over there and talk with her.”

“I’ll be seeing you,” he said and drew back.

“Sure,” she said.

Wyatt touched the brim of his western hat and she smiled before turning away and letting Wayne escort her to where Aunt Grace was sitting.

Her skin felt hot as Wayne touched her waist and guided her through the crowd. As they walked he lowered his head and spoke into her ear. “I’m glad to hear you’re back for good.”

This night was not going at all like she’d planned. She’d thought she’d say hello to everyone then leave. She was back in the valley and she knew she’d have to face the Camerons sooner or later, so she’d figured she might as well get it over with. But now Wayne was telling her he still loved her and Wyatt was talking about her and Wayne getting together again… It was all too much.

“Kaitlyn, dear.” Aunt Grace’s blue eyes studied Kaitlyn who knelt on one knee beside the older woman’s chair. “It’s about time you made your way back.”

“I’ve missed you.” Kaitlyn hugged her. The Camerons’ aunt had been like a mother at times to Kaitlyn when she was young after her mother died.

“We’ll sit down and talk sometime soon.” Aunt Grace patted Kaitlyn’s hand that was resting on the arm of her chair. “I think we have a lot of catching up to do.”

A pang went through Kaitlyn and settled in her chest like a hard knot. As much as she cared for Aunt Grace, she didn’t want to share what was going on inside her.

“Your daddy was a hard and lonely man,” Aunt Grace went on. “But I do think he cared about you.”

Yes, her father had cared for her, but they hadn’t stayed in touch much after she left the valley, even though she had tried. It was true he’d been a hard man. After her mother had died when Kaitlyn was young, he had grieved over her mother’s death so much that he hadn’t wanted anything to do with any family or neighbors. It hadn’t been easy growing up without hugs and other outward shows of affection from her daddy.

He’d always been a strange man. It was difficult to think of her father that way, but it was true.

She had planned to try yet again to get him to let her into his life more. He’d been older and sick, and she had known he wouldn’t be around for long. At least now she knew he was in a good place.

Kaitlyn lowered her eyes and looked at the elderly woman’s hand that rested on hers. Age spots dotted the fragile-looking skin. But when she looked up she saw no frailty in Aunt Grace’s eyes. She saw a strong woman with the wisdom of someone who had lived a long and hard, but fruitful life.

“We’ll have a glass of iced tea and a few of Danica’s cookies,” Aunt Grace said with a nod. She looked up at Wayne. “You make sure our Kaitlyn makes her way over here.”

Kaitlyn glanced at Wayne who winked and she felt a strange twist in her belly. Seeing the Camerons again… None of this was going as planned. Say hello to everyone and then slip back into her own world. Instead they were attempting to draw her inside, as if to make her a part of the family again.

“And that boy,” Aunt Grace gestured to Wayne, “Is a war hero. Three medals including the second highest given in the service.”

Kaitlyn’s eyes widened as she looked at Wayne. “That’s amazing.”

Wayne looked uncomfortable. “None of that now, Auntie.”

“I’m proud of you, boy.” She looked him up and down. “From the time you were a little boy I knew you had it in you. Protecting your brothers and sister. Never saw a more dedicated young man.”

Kaitlyn nodded. She’d seen that in him while he was growing up, too.

“We’d better find Zane and Jessie,” Wayne said, clearly wanting to get away from anymore talk about himself.

“All right.” It would get Kaitlyn off the spot, too. She gave Aunt Grace a smile and kissed her soft cheek. “It’s good to see you again,” she said and got to her feet again. “Once I say hello to Zane and his new wife, I need to get back home.”

“Stay a while, girl.” Aunt Grace spoke in a tone that told Kaitlyn the woman would be keeping an eye on her.

Wayne settled his hand on Kaitlyn’s shoulder. “I’ll watch over her,” he said and gave his aunt a quick grin.

“You do that.” Aunt Grace nodded. “This girl is special.”

Kaitlyn’s skin tingled and she resisted looking down to avoid the elderly woman’s gaze. Instead she managed another smile. Wayne gave his aunt a nod and guided Kaitlyn away toward a grouping of tables.

They ran into the youngest Cameron male next. His hair was lighter than his brothers’ but he had the Cameron blue eyes, too, and was just as powerfully built.

Dillon wrapped Kaitlyn in a big bear hug. “Where the hell have you been?”

“In Phoenix.” She smiled at him, feeling somehow happier to have returned. “But now I’m back.”

He raised a brow. “To stay?”

She nodded. “I’m taking over the Rocking B.”

“That’s great.” Dillon grinned then sobered a little as he put his hand on her shoulder. “I was sorry to hear about your dad.”

 “Thank you.” She pushed her hair over her shoulder. “What are you doing these days?”

“Working my ranch.” He gestured east. “Built a place on my portion of Cameron lands,” he said. “Well, it’s good to have you back.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “About damned time.” After one more quick hug, Dillon said, “I’ll let you go so that you can see Zane and Jessie.”

“Good to see you, Dillon.” She was amazed at how much lighter being around the Camerons was making her feel.

“You’ve survived seeing most of the family.” Wayne was smiling when she looked at him. “To think, only Zane and his woman to go.”

“His woman.” Kaitlyn laughed and lightly elbowed Wayne in the side, finding herself enjoying his teasing.

Zane Cameron was just a sexy as his brothers with his blue eyes and black hair and powerful build. He had his arm resting around his beautiful new wife’s waist as they stood and talked to a couple that didn’t look familiar to Kaitlyn. The man and woman congratulated the newlyweds and then moved on.

The moment the couple stepped away, Zane spotted Kaitlyn and a slow grin curved the corner of his mouth. “Well, hell. It’s about time you showed up, girl.”

He enveloped her in a hug, his arms big and warm around her. When they stepped apart, he introduced her to the beautiful redhead. “This is Jessie Porter Cameron,” he said. “My wife.” Pride was evident in his words.

Jessie held out her hand and Kaitlyn took it. “Congratulations,” Kaitlyn said.

“Thank you.” Jessie’s vibrant smile was warm and welcoming. “I take it you go back a ways with my husband?”

“Quite a ways back,” Zane said as he held his wife close. “Kaitlyn’s like family. She’s just been away far too long.” He paused. “We were all sorry to hear about your dad.”

“Thank you,” she said, not knowing what else to say.

“How long are you staying?” Zane asked.

“I’m here for good.” She pushed her hair behind her ear. “I’m taking over my daddy’s ranch.”

“That’s great news.” Zane smiled. “It will be good to have you around again.”

Kaitlyn felt like squirming. She didn’t plan on being around much… Things were just too hard these days.

But the easy ways the Camerons talked to Kaitlyn and talked about her had the effect of making her feel more warm and welcome than she had ever expected.

Another couple came up to congratulate the newlyweds and Kaitlyn and Wayne parted ways with Zane and Jessie.

“We’ll be seeing you later, Kaitlyn,” Zane said like it was a promise.

Several people recognized Kaitlyn and all of them offered condolences. She smiled and thanked them as Wayne stood at her side.

When Kaitlyn and Wayne were alone again, he said, “Now I can have you all to myself.” He smiled down at her and butterflies tickled her belly, as she felt swept away to the past before alcohol had ruined their young lives together.

Before she knew it they were on the dance floor, dancing the two-step. She was rusty—it had been so long since she’d danced, but Wayne was amazing and soon had her dancing as if the years hadn’t passed at all.

The band was great and she found herself laughing and feeling lighter hearted than she had in years, as if every weight on her soul had fallen away. Right now her troubles didn’t seem so important, not important at all.

After several fast tunes and different country-western style dances, the band struck up a slow song. Kaitlyn was still laughing and was out of breath as Wayne brought her into his arms and danced with her head beneath his chin.

Her laughter faded but she couldn’t stop smiling as he held her close and they moved slowly around the crowded dance floor.

“It’s great to have you back.” Wayne murmured the words in her ear.

She felt so good that right then she couldn’t remember why she had been holding him at a distance. She hadn’t been drinking all night, avoiding alcohol like Wayne did. Yet she felt intoxicated. Intoxicated on being with him again, as if no years had passed since the good times, and as if the bad times had never happened.

As he held her close on the dance floor, she breathed in his familiar scent that filled her in a way that made her want him. She knew she shouldn’t even be thinking that way, but right then it didn’t seem to matter. There didn’t seem to be any way she could stop it if she wanted to.

Wayne couldn’t believe he had Kaitlyn in his arms again. Before he’d found out that she was married, he’d prayed that she’d come back to him… Only he’d had to tuck away that hope.