Second Chance Rancher (12 page)

She took another drink, hoping the alcohol would take effect. “I like looking at you, too,” she admitted.

He smiled and took her hand. Bringing it to his lips, he kissed her fingertips. “I'm glad.”

She enjoyed the warmth of his hand. “Thank you for bringing me here, Kase. The hotel and restaurant are...lovely, amazingly beautiful. I just can't think of enough adjectives to describe all this.”

“I'm glad you like it here. I wanted this time to be good for all of us. And I'm not going to mention my daughter's name because this evening is just for us.”

Laurel couldn't help but smile. “I agree, but I'll say one thing about she-who-shall-not-be-named, she was a hoot yesterday at the aquarium. And I loved sharing it with her. Thank you for bringing me along.”

“What about me? Do you like being with me, too?”

His eyes were a bright silver hue, and she felt a little tongue-tied. She blamed it on the wine. “Of course I enjoyed being with you.” She knew she was admitting a lot, but she didn't care.

“And I loved being with both of my girls.”

He leaned forward, just inches from her face. “Your mouth is sexy. If we were alone, I would be kissing you by now.”

Laurel took another drink of wine to help her dry throat. If this was a dream, she wanted it to keep going, and never wake up.

“Yours isn't so bad, either.”

He grinned, and her heart went speeding off. Could he hear it pounding?

“We should probably eat something. Wine on an empty stomach isn't wise.” He motioned for the waiter. Immediately the young man appeared and they both ordered green salads, and for the main course, beef Wellington.

A breadbasket suddenly arrived on the table. Laurel began to nibble away while listening to Kase's plans for the ranch.

“Dad is a proud man, so any of the changes and repairs, I have to do slowly while trying to convince him they're needed. I've repaired several stalls in the horse barn, but what I'd like to do is build another barn, and buy more quality breeding stock.”

She giggled. “Well, if you get the mares, I have the stud.”

Kase's gut tightened as he watched Laurel smile. She was so beautiful. He knew she was nervous the moment they sat down. This had to be awkward for her, but she fit in perfectly for him.

He shook his head. “I think I'll wait until I see what that wild stallion of yours has produced before we do a repeat.”

“You know, I really tried to stop Wind that day,” she said.

“And that would have been reckless,” he said. “You know better than to get in the middle of breeding animals. You could have been trampled.”

She shook her head. “Wind would never hurt me.”

“That day, your stallion had one thing on his mind.”

She smiled innocently at him. “Don't most males?”

He started to argue, but he had nothing, especially if she knew what he was thinking right now.

* * *

T
WO
HOURS
LATER
, full from dinner, they walked a few blocks to a small piano bar where a female singer, Caitlin, performed everything from old forties songs to classic country.

The room was dimly lit and filled with couples more interested in each other than the entertainment.

Kase looked at Laurel across the cozy booth. She was drinking ginger ale with lime, and he had a beer. He'd suggested coming here because he didn't want their evening to end.

“Enjoying yourself?” he asked.

She smiled. “Yes, very much. She has such a pretty voice.”

He leaned close and spoke in her ear. “I'm enjoying just being with you...”

She looked at him, her eyes dark with desire. The music started and Caitlin began a Celine Dion song, “Have You Ever Been in Love.”

Kase placed his arm around Laurel's shoulders and pulled her against him. “I like to feel you close, Laurel.” He kissed her gently, tenderly, as the singer crooned words he wished he had the right to say.

He felt Laurel shiver and his body stirred to life. “I want you, Laurel, more than I've ever wanted anyone...ever.”

He watched her swallow hard. “I want you, too, Kase.”

It was his turn to swallow, his throat suddenly dry. “I want to take you back to the hotel...if you're ready.”

She touched his face. “I've been ready for a long time.”

Chapter Twelve

Around eleven o'clock, Kase took Laurel by the hand as they walked through the hotel doors and silently crossed the lobby to the elevators. The place was quiet, but the staff still greeted them. Those had been the only words spoken so as not to break the spell as they rode upstairs to their suite.

Alone in the elevator, Kase fought to keep from grabbing hold of Laurel. He managed to corral his hunger and escorted her down the hall. Once he opened the suite door, Laurel walked in ahead of him. He suddenly couldn't wait any longer and reached for her. He hesitated only to see if she wanted him to go on. “I'm leaving this up to you, Laurel. If you've changed your mind, just walk into your room. I won't push you into anything.”

She raised up on her toes and placed a soft kiss on his lips, then met him eye to eye. “I want you, Kase.” Her voice was laced with need. “I've always wanted you.”

She pulled his mouth back down to hers. This time the kiss was more demanding, driving his own hunger.

“You got me.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her into his room. Once he set her down beside the bed, he bent and captured her mouth again and again. Although it nearly killed him, he wanted to savor this time, tasting, then delving into a deep kiss that drugged his senses.

A slow heat began burning through his body and he couldn't find a way to stop it. His lips traveled down the curve of her neck, feeling the throbbing pulse.

“I think we have too many clothes on.” He tugged her sweater off her and tossed it on the chair. Next came her top. He tugged the fabric from the waistband of her skirt and up over her head, leaving her in a sheer lace bra.

He swallowed back the dryness. “Oh, Lord, you're beautiful.”

“Not what you expected a cowgirl to wear?”

“It's a nice surprise.”

“I like surprises, too.” Laurel stepped in and began to unbutton his shirt, then removed it, and her hands were on his chest, next her mouth.

He groaned and closed his eyes as she placed soft kisses along his skin. He shivered and managed to tolerate the exquisite agony. He finally put a stop to it. “My turn.”

Capturing her wrists firmly in one hand, he trailed his finger along her lips, continuing down her throat, raising goose bumps along the way as he unhooked her bra in the front, then continued the journey, gliding his fingers over her exposed flesh.

“Beautiful...” he breathed, then leaned down and captured her puckered nipple in his mouth.

Laurel was unraveling as she held Kase's head to her breasts. Slow, silky moans escaped her throat. She loved his hands on her and was quickly becoming frantic with need.

Her heart pounding in her ears, she broke his hold and unfastened her skirt, allowing it to drop to the floor. That left her in only her panties and sandals and a lot of goose bumps. She locked on his gaze, his eyes smoky with desire.

He reached for his belt and removed it, kicked off his shoes, then came his trousers. Once he was in his boxers, he pulled the covers back, then he laid her down on the cool sheet.

She cupped his face. “Make love to me, Kase.”

“Oh, baby, I plan to.”

“Please, hurry.” She raised her body against his and he released a groan, then began to trail kisses down her body, paying special attention to her breasts.

Kase raised his head, then lifted his body over hers and paused. “Look at me, Laurel,” he said in a husky voice. “I want to see your face.”

Laurel obeyed, and a soft groan escaped her lips as she felt her body arch toward his. She breathed his name and they became one...and he took her to heaven.

* * *

K
ASE
BLINKED
AT
the emotion that caught him off guard. He was speechless as to what had just happened between them. He tucked her close to his side, not ready to let her go.

“Are you all right?” he finally asked her.

He felt her smile against his chest and she nodded. “Better than,” she told him.

“Better than what?”

She braced her hands on his chest and lifted her head. “Oh, maybe Christmas morning, my mother's apple pie, best day of training, a new foal being born.”

He couldn't help but laugh. “Okay, so maybe I needed my ego stroked a little.”

In the dim light, he watched as she turned serious. “I've never made love like that, Kase. Ever. No other man has made me feel like you do. How is that?”

He pulled her up to his body and kissed her. He'd never been this happy, and if only things were resolved with Addy, this weekend might have a different outcome. Right now, he had to remain silent with any promises.

Laurel turned serious. “Now I'm going to ask you. Are you all right?”

“How can I not be?” He locked his gaze on her. “I just made love to a beautiful woman I care for very much.”

He held her close, enjoying the aftermath of their loving. It didn't take long for the outside world to intrude, and his thoughts turned to his daughter.

Laurel raised her head. “It's hard not to think about her.”

He started to speak, but she stopped him. “It's okay, really. I'm thinking about Addy, too.” She pressed a kiss against his lips. “That little girl means a lot to me, too. And whatever the judge comes back with tomorrow, I'll be there with you and Addy. I'll do anything to help you keep that little girl. She needs her daddy in her life.”

His heart bursting, Kase rolled over and placed Laurel under him. He brushed away strands of hair from her face. He kissed the corner of her mouth, then the middle and the other side. “You're incredible, Laurel. I have many regrets in my life, and you are the biggest one. I should have never pushed you away.”

She placed a finger over his mouth. “No regrets tonight. There's just you and me. And we're together right now. That's all that matters.”

The moment took on a feeling that left him lighter, freer than he'd felt in a long time. Maybe they all would be given a second chance.

He leaned down and kissed her, and stroked her body to life, hoping he could show her how much he cared. He was in too deep to back away now. Never again would he leave this woman.

* * *

T
HE
NEXT
MORNING
, they woke early and concentrated on getting ready for court. The one good thing about not being able to sleep, he wasn't alone. He had Laurel beside him, eager to distract him with her own special loving.

They got breakfast from room service, then took a cab to the courthouse by eight forty-five to find his lawyer already there. They were back in the judge's chambers. Laurel was going to stay out in the hall, but Kase refused to let her go and talked her into coming inside with them.

Laurel reluctantly agreed but couldn't stop her racing heart. She sat in the back in a chair by the door while Kase went off with his lawyer toward the desk.

When the doors opened again, Ben and Judith Chappell walked in, behind them Mary Beth and Addy. Laurel's heart soared at seeing the child. Immediately the little girl broke away from the nanny and went into her arms. “Laurel! Laurel!” she cried as she hugged her. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too, Addy.” She relished in the feel of having the sweet child close. She kissed her head, then said, “I think your daddy wants to see you, too.”

Addy grinned and the child took off toward Kase. “Daddy!”

Kase caught her in a flying leap. Laurel's throat tightened at seeing the two together. She glanced back to the Chappells and noticed they didn't look happy at the scene.

Judge Steffen came in from the front and everyone stood. Once he seated himself behind the desk, he looked at the Chappells. “I take it you had the child overnight?”

Ben nodded. “Yes, Your Honor. We had a lovely time. We went out to dinner and Addy played in her old bedroom with some of her toys.”

The judge looked at Addy and smiled. “Hello, Addy. My name is Judge Steffen and I was wondering if we could talk.”

At first Addy buried her face in her daddy's shirt. After a few words from Kase, she sat up and nodded.

With the judge's instruction, Mary Beth took the child's hand and walked her up to him. She helped Addy into a seat, then sat down not far from her.

Laurel was relieved that the girl would have someone to go to if she felt panicked.

The judge leaned closer. “Addy, can you tell me how old you are?”

She held up four fingers. “I'm four years old and I go to Saint Theresa Preschool.”

The judge smiled. “Such a big girl.”

“I am. I don't take naps anymore.” With a glare at her grandfather, she sent a clear message.

“Do you have friends at your school?”

She nodded. “Yes, Kelly is my best friend. And sometimes when Chelsea is nice, I play with her, too. But some days she's mean and I have to tell my teacher, Miss Julie.”

“How about at home? Do you like living on a ranch?”

She nodded. “Yes. I'm a cowgirl now. I have boots and a hat I wear when I ride a pony.”

Judith sucked in an audible breath.

Addy hurried to say, “It's okay, Grandma Judy. Laurel walks with me and I have to wear a helmet so I won't get hurt.” She looked up at the judge. “Laurel is the best rider and is the best trainer in the whole world.” Addy turned to Laurel and smiled.

The Chappells' lawyer stood. “I object, Your Honor. It's clear the child has been coached with her answers.”

“Counselor, let me stress again, this is an informal hearing, and a delicate situation.” He nodded toward the child. “So please refrain from any more outbursts.”

Addy agreed with the judge and said, “And you didn't raise your hand. That's rude. That means not nice or polite. That's what Miss Julie taught me at my school.”

Laurel wanted to stand and cheer.
Way to go, Addy. You tell them.

The judge turned back to the child. “Addy, did you enjoy being with your grandparents?”

“They are nice, but I want to go home with my daddy and Papa Gus.”

The judge continued on. “Wouldn't it be nice to have a woman living with you?”

Those blond curls bobbed as the child nodded. “I have Laurel. She's with me and takes care of me sometimes. So does Papa Gus, but he had to get his hip fixed and he couldn't walk. So when Daddy had to come here before, Laurel stayed at the house.”

Judith didn't stay quiet this time. “It's barely been a year, and already Kase has removed our daughter from Addy's life. That's not right.”

“No, Grandma Judy, my mom didn't want me.” Big tears filled the child's eyes. “Laurel loves me. So I want her to be my mom.”

Addy scooted down from the chair and hurried to get to Laurel and climbed into her lap.

The judge looked at her. “Well, Miss Quinn, it seems this child is under the impression that you and her father are going to be a family. Is that true?”

Laurel swallowed and looked at Kase. He smiled and nodded. She'd said she'd do anything, and she didn't hesitate. “Yes, Kase and I have discussed being a family.” She just hadn't said the conversation had been ten years ago.

* * *

T
HE
COURT
DIDN
'
T
adjourn for another hour. After Addy's testimony, the judge had Mary Beth take the child from the room. Kase had tried to assure his daughter that he'd be out soon. He was grateful that Laurel followed them out, too.

Once the door closed, the fireworks began. The Chappells' lawyer went after Kase, accusing him of knowing of Johanna's drug problem and doing nothing to help her. When they hadn't offered any proof of that accusation, Judith went on to testify that her daughter had been left alone for long periods of time. Kase had never been home, not for his wife or child. Then the woman tossed in that Kase had married Johanna only for her money and name.

Kase accounted for every hour he'd worked, and documented the day he'd moved out of the house and began his legal separation from Johanna. He was glad that Laurel wasn't hearing about his failings as a husband and a father.

The worst, the judge hadn't rendered a decision. He told Kase to take his daughter home and he'd be in contact with his decision. Not what Kase wanted to hear. Of course, why was there even a custody hearing?

The Chappells left the courtroom without so much as a goodbye to Addy. Kase took his daughter and Laurel back to the hotel to pack, and within an hour, they were headed back to Hidden Springs. Not the happy ending Kase wanted, but at least he still had his daughter.

With Addy nearly asleep in the backseat, he had time to wonder about the answer Laurel gave the judge. Had she been thinking about them being a family for real, or was it just for the judge? Either way, he couldn't even think about a future, and according to the Chappells, he wasn't good husband or father material. With his past, maybe they were right.

Exhausted, Laurel worked to find a more comfortable position in the car, wishing she could just go to sleep like Addy. No way would her mind stop replaying what had happened in the courtroom.

Had she hurt or helped Kase and Addy's case? She'd never forgive herself if she'd made matters worse. She remembered the glare that Judith Chappell sent her before she walked out. She understood she lost her daughter, and Addy was her granddaughter, but Laurel would do anything to help Kase keep his child.

She reached over the console and touched his hand. “It's going to be okay, Kase. There's nothing to keep the judge from ruling in your favor.”

“You weren't there to hear the Chappells' accusations.” He blew out a tired breath. “I have this feeling they're going to try to dig up something else to incriminate me.”

“Don't think about anything but the fact you're taking Addy home today. It's going to be fine, Kase, I know it.” She prayed that was true.