The Reluctant Lark (16 page)

Rand shook his hand before saying dryly, “You can cut the Randolph Scott bit, Nick. I’ve already tipped your hand to Sheena. What are you doing here, anyway? The last I heard, you were in Las Vegas working out a formula to break the system. Did you finally meet your Waterloo?”

O’Brien grinned. “Nope. It took a bit of research, but I finally found the key. After that it was all downhill. Unfortunately, a large delegation of the casino owners weren’t exactly happy with my accomplishment. I was requested most forcefully to leave.”

Rand shook his head ruefully. “You’re lucky you didn’t get killed. Don’t you ever get tired of taking chances?”

O’Brien shrugged carelessly. “It’s one way of knowing you’re alive.” His flashing aquamarine eyes were suddenly dancing. “It’s just as well that I decided not to make a stand. When I arrived at Crescent Creek, it was only to find that my old buddy had taken off for parts unknown. I’d have been in a hell of a mess if I’d relied on you to back me this time. As it was, I’ve been bored as the devil waiting for you to get back.”

“I rather imagine you’ve kept yourself busy,” Rand said dryly. “How many hands has my foreman put on the sick list this time because of that damned restlessness?”

“Only a few,” O’Brien said absently, his eyes now on Sheena. She felt suddenly uncomfortably naked as she met that piercing gaze. It turned out that she had reason for her uneasiness, for he said slowly, “Sheena Reardon, Ireland’s Mournful Dove. Rand has pictures of you in his study.”

Sheena sighed in exasperation. “It seems that everyone
in the world must know about those photographs,” she said crossly. “I should really hire the man as my publicist.”

Rand’s arm slid around her waist as he said soothingly, “It’s not as bad as all that, dove. I guess I should have expected Nick to remember. He’s never commented on them, so I really thought he hadn’t noticed.” He turned to the younger man. “I suppose that I’d better introduce you formally. Sheena Reardon, this imp of satan is Nick O’Brien, hired hand extraordinaire.”

O’Brien bowed with a graceful panache, his grin flashing warmly. “I’m delighted to meet you, lovely lady. I can see now why Rand decided to become incommunicado if you were anywhere in the vicinity.”

Sheena smiled at O’Brien’s gallantry. She didn’t feel in the least lovely in the jeans and rumpled red plaid shirt she was wearing, but he almost made her believe in his blarney. “Thank you. I’m very glad to meet you, too, Mr. O’Brien.”

“Nick,” he corrected, grinning. “You mustn’t be too formal with the hired help. It makes us uppity.”

“He’s right,” Rand said, grimacing. “Nick’s arrogant enough without encouragement.” Placing his hands on Sheena’s waist, he lifted her up into the jeep. “Did Jesse get the Crawfords moved off the Triple X property?”

“All was done as you commanded, sire,” O’Brien said mockingly. He climbed into the driver’s seat and put the jeep in gear. Rand barely had time to jump into the seat beside Sheena before the vehicle took off like a bucking bronco over the rough, rutted road. Sheena instinctively grabbed Rand by the arm as the jeep sped over the ground at a dizzying pace. “Not that there wasn’t a good deal of speculation at the ranch over your instructions,” O’Brien shouted cheerfully, over the roar, of the motor. “I even admit to a touch of curiosity as to the reason why you would move your manager and his wife out of their residence along with the entire crew and install them at Crescent Creek instead.”
His aquamarine eyes shot them a flashing, sidelong glance. “It’s a very interesting puzzle.”

Rand’s lips curved in a reluctant smile. “And you never could resist a puzzle, could you, Nick?” he asked.

“No, I never could,” O’Brien replied, grinning mischievously. “My mental processes are inherently geared toward problem solving, but don’t give me a hint, let me figure it out for myself.”

“I fully intend to do just that,” Rand said coolly, putting an arm possessively around Sheena’s shoulders. “Enjoy yourself, Nick.”

“I will,” O’Brien assured him, as his booted foot gunned the accelerator to even greater speed. “I will.”

It seemed mere minutes before the jeep left the stark, flat terrain behind and was traversing country that gradually took on a lush greenness. Though the country was nothing like the soft, misty fields of Ireland, it had a strong, serene beauty that Sheena found very pleasing.

The ranch house and outbuildings were equally pleasing, Sheena thought, as the jeep finally roared past the corral and came to a screeching stop before a small white clapboard house, whose roomy front porch sported a cozy, cushioned swing.

“Here we are,” O’Brien announced. He shut off the engine and leaned both arms on the steering wheel. “I think I beat my last speed record on the way here by four minutes.”

“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Rand said dryly, as he stepped down from the jeep and swung Sheena to the ground. “Remind me to fasten our seat belts next time.”

“You’re getting old, Rand,” O’Brien scoffed. “I don’t suppose you’re going to invite me into the house for a drink?”

“That’s right,” Rand returned genially. “Why don’t you get the hell out of here?”

“If you insist,” O’Brien drawled. “I’ll forgive you your churlishness as it’s no doubt generated by your eagerness to be alone with that beautiful Irish colleen at
your side.” He winked at Sheena. “But you should try to conquer that rampant selfishness and let the rest of us poor males enjoy the sight of her. Did you know that there’s a barn dance at the McAlisters’ spread tonight?”

“No, and I can’t say that it particularly interests me. We’ve had a long flight, and we’re a little tired.”

O’Brien’s gaze moved to Sheena. “Your lovely guest doesn’t look at all weary,” he said softly, his voice coaxing. “Wouldn’t you like to experience a piece of real Americana, O stranger to our shores?”

Rand’s hand tightened warningly on her elbow, and Sheena suddenly felt a tinge of rebellion flood her. It was obvious that he didn’t want her to mix with his friends and associates at the neighboring ranch. Perhaps he regarded it as a risk to his plans for her.

“I would indeed, Nick,” she said, giving him a glowing smile. “How nice of you to think of it.”

“Great!” O’Brien turned on the ignition. “I’ll pick you both up at eight and chauffeur you over to the McAlisters’ myself.” Without waiting for a reply, he put the car into gear and tore off across the stable yard without even a backward glance at Challon’s frowning face.

Rand muttered a very explicit obscenity beneath his breath and frowned at Sheena. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions,” he said grimly. “You and Nick may be soulmates at that. You both have a decided attraction for trouble. You knew damn well I didn’t want to go to that party tonight.”

“Yes, I did,” Sheena said coolly. “It couldn’t be because you were afraid that I’d find someone who would help me escape from you, could it?”

Rand shook his head as he propelled her up the porch steps. “Hell, no! I damn well own this particular part of the world. Everyone you’ll meet tonight either owes me favors or would like to receive a few. The only thing you’d gain by making an appeal would be to embarrass both yourself and them.” He opened the unlocked front door and allowed her to precede him
into the small foyer. “I just wanted to avoid Nick as much as possible. When he gets an idea in his head, he worries it like a dog does a bone. I may end up having to tell him the whole story just to get him off my back.”

“What a pity,” Sheena said with dulcet sweetness. “Since he’s evidently such a clever man, perhaps he’ll realize just how criminally foolish this little adventure is.”

“Don’t count on any help from Nick, Sheena,” Rand warned, his golden eyes narrowing menacingly. “He may be a wild devil, but he’s a very loyal friend.”

“Well have to see about that,” Sheena stated flippantly, then swept past him to the staircase to the left of the foyer. “Is my bedroom upstairs? I’d like to shower and change.” She arched an eyebrow mockingly. “I suppose with your usual efficiency you’ve arranged for some clothes for me?”

“
Our
room is at the head of the stairs,” Rand said grimly. “Our room, our bed, our life. Get used to it, dove. From now on we’re a permanent team.”

“Only if I choose it to be so,” Sheena retorted, as she started up the stairs. “I’ll not let you have it all your own way, Rand Challon.” She looked back over her shoulder, her dark eyes challenging. “Well, do I have anything to wear tonight?”

There was a flicker of surprise mixed with what might have been admiration in his eyes. “You’ll find everything you’ll need in the closet in the master bedroom. I had some of your wardrobe transferred this afternoon from the guest room at Crescent Creek.”

“I thought you might have,” Sheena said coolly. “Is there a bathroom upstairs?”

Rand nodded. “Yes, milady,” he drawled, watching her turn and climb the stairs with regal dignity. “Down the hall and to your left. I’ll let you shower first, while I go to the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee. If you’re determined to go out on the tiles tonight, we may need a dose of caffeine. If you’ll recall, we didn’t get much sleep last night.”

He gave a sudden amused chuckle as Sheena uttered an indignant exclamation. He then watched with an odd glint of pride in his eyes as she tilted her small nose in the air and disappeared up the stairs.

It was a wonderful party, Sheena thought hazily, as she moved slowly about the rough wooden floor in Rand’s arms. She couldn’t ever remember being to such a splendid occasion in all her life. The guests were splendid, the food was splendid, and the fruit punch was particularly splendid. Splendid was such a rich, meaningful word, and it exactly fitted her opinion of this wonderful evening, she thought dreamily. She nestled close to Rand’s strong body, vaguely aware that some of the paper lanterns had been extinguished and that the huge barn had taken on a romantic atmosphere that was gloriously incongruous to the mundane surroundings. Glorious was a splendid word, too, she thought happily. She started humming softly along with the musicians, and she heard Rand’s indulgent chuckle beneath her ear.

“How many trips did you make to the punch bowl this evening, dove?” he asked, as his arms tightened around her.

“What?” she asked vaguely, lifting her head to gaze into his golden eyes. What lovely eyes they were. They seemed to encompass all the laughter and tenderness in the world. “I don’t remember. It was very good, though, wasn’t it?”

“Very good.” His voice was serious, but his eyes were twinkling. “And very potent. I should have kept a better eye on you, love. It’s practically traditional for the boys to take turns spiking the punch.”

“It had absolutely no effect on me, whatever,” Sheena told him solemnly. “You see, I’m accustomed to good Irish whiskey.”

“In staggering quantities, no doubt,” Rand said, his lips twitching. “Have you ever heard of white lightning?”

“White lightning?” she asked, her dark eyes widening.

“Never mind, dove. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. Did you have a good time at your first barn dance?”

“Oh, yes.” she breathed enthusiastically. Slipping her arms about his waist, she nestled her head against his black cotton shirt. Rand was all in black, from his shiny black boots and jeans to the simple fitted western shirt that hugged his muscular shoulders with loving detail. The somber garments accentuated his tawny coloring. “I particularly liked the square dancing. It’s a very vigorous folk dance, isn’t it?”

“Very,” he agreed. “Though you’re such a featherweight that I’m afraid those roughnecks got a bit carried away tossing you about.”

“I loved it.” She sighed contentedly. “It was like flying.”

“I know you did,” he said tenderly, “That’s why I didn’t have the heart to step in and put an end to it. You were like a bit of thistledown whirling out of control on the dance floor tonight.”

“I think I looked quite like one of your Texas cowgirls,” Sheena said, looking down happily at her scarlet prairie skirt with its white cotton underskirt and matching off-the-shoulder blouse. Even her small cream leather boots looked quite satisfyingly western.

“Sorry, love, I can’t agree. You look more like my wild gypsy lass than ever.” His face abruptly lost its gentle, teasing expression. “I didn’t see you indulging in any sotto voce machinations. I gather you’re abandoning your plan to escape my evil clutches?”

“Of course not,” she asserted sturdily, her brow wrinkling in a frown. “I have every intention of escaping. I just decided to do it tomorrow.”

“I see. A very wise decision, my dear Scarlett. You just keep on thinking that way.” He stopped in the middle of the dance floor. “Now, I think we’d better get you home while you’re still floating on that pink cloud.”

“All right,” Sheena said agreeably. “But what about Nick?” Rand was propelling her steadily toward the
door, and she looked over her shoulder trying to search out that raven head among the dancers.

“I told Nick that I’d take you home in the jeep and for him to catch a ride back to Crescent Creek with one of the men,” Rand said. They passed outdoors into the surprisingly cool night.

“I like Nick,” she confided, as she did a half step to keep up with him.

“All women like Nick.” They reached the yellow jeep, and Rand swung her up into the passenger seat, then walked around the jeep and slipped lithely behind the wheel. “Now, hush up, and let me get you back to the Triple X before the euphoria turns into a very bad head.”

She shot him an indignant glance and was about to make a cutting rejoiner when he took off with an explosive propulsion that almost rivaled O’Brien’s.

She was smugly triumphant when they did reach the ranch, for she was still as marvelously uplifted as when they had left the dance. Couldn’t the man tell the difference between being tipsy and sheer good spirits? If she was a trifle dizzy when he lifted her down from the jeep, she felt sure it was only the sudden cessation of motion after their wild, careening drive over the rough terrain.

Rand steadied her against his warm, hard body for a moment before he lifted her in his arms and carried her into the house.