Читать онлайн книгу «His Hired Bride» автора Susan Fox
His Hired Bride
Susan Fox
He's her bossThough Eadie's business is slowly but surely going under, she relies on the extra cash she earns working for Hoyt Donovan. Only she has a secret: she's madly in love with him!Then one day everything changesHoyt narrowly escapes death in an accidentand he reassesses his whole life. He wants a wifesome heirsand he knows the perfect woman! Now his plan is to ask Eadie to organize a big white wedding for himwithout her guessing that she's going to be the bride!
The gold ring inside the velvet box had a diamond that, in the right light, was large enough to signal satellites. Eadie snapped the box closed and stood up to lean across the table and set it in front of Hoyt.
Hoyt sat back in his chair to stare at her. He looked stunned. Well, so was she. And maybe insulted. If this was a joke, it was a rotten one she never would have expected from him.
Your ring is beautiful, she said casually. But whos it for?
Susan Fox lives in Des Moines, Iowa. A lifelong fan of Westerns, cowboys and love stories with guaranteed happy endings, she tends to think of romantic heroes in terms of Stetsons and boots.
Fans may visit her Web site at www.susanfox.org (http://www.susanfox.org)
Books by Susan Fox
HARLEQUIN ROMANCE
3777THE MARRIAGE COMMAND
3788BRIDE OF CONVENIENCE
3796A MARRIAGE WORTH WAITING FOR
3828THE BRIDE PRIZE
His Hired Bride
Susan Fox
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE (#uc0c0c48f-9733-546e-8c80-31e9e7a498e0)
CHAPTER TWO (#u09ad355b-0aec-5628-be60-0c156a9dc6bb)
CHAPTER THREE (#u8953abd1-3c3e-5d17-a777-faef9501c710)
CHAPTER FOUR (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ONE
THESE days, Eadie Webb was almost the only person in their part of Texas who got along well with rancher Hoyt Donovan.
Eadie managed that by either staying out of his way or by treating him with relentless good grace. She ignored his surly expressions, bore it patiently when he was terse or blustery, and pleasantly accommodated his every dictate.
She knew precisely why he was out of sorts lately, and it tickled her sense of justice, though shed never confess that to him in so many words. Partly because she was too polite to do so; partly because she didnt want to take the chance that she might somehow hurt his feelings.
Men like Hoyt never owned up to having feelings anyway, at least not the kind that could be hurt, so any truthful remarks she might make about his situation would only enrage him further and increase the misery of everyone who happened to cross his path.
Hoyt Donovan was the most god-awful male chauvinist in Texas, and though he deserved to suffer some sort of consequences for his actions, no one else deserved to suffer with him. Not that Eadie believed he was truly suffering like normal mortals would, but hed probably had his pride dented. And prideparticularly male pridewas all important to men like Hoyt.
But then, hed come by that pride naturally. His blunt, stony looks gave him a rough handsomeness to go with his earthy sensuality, which was patently unfair for females like her who were too lackluster to ever enjoy anything more of them than the view.
Because of his rugged good looks, Hoyt Donovan had been the target of every marriage-minded female in their part of Texas, and women flocked to him like butterflies. If he wasnt in the mood to have his male vanity catered to at that moment, he was arrogant enough to send them scattering with a cranky look or some other, more subtle indication of disinterest.
He could be bad about that, but it didnt seem to make a lasting difference to the butterflies. More taken by surprise than offended or hurt, they recovered quickly and came fluttering back for another chance. He seemed somewhat more attracted to the mercenary ones, and they were usually the ones he put up with the longest, as if he enjoyed an occasional challenge to his unrelenting date em and drop em style. He deserved something for that, but his dating habits were more a by-product of his biggest flaw.
He didnt treat his women badly, and none had ever complained that shed heard about. He periodically sent them flowers between one expensive date and the next, and he almost always sent them a decent piece of jewelry or some interesting trinket after he stopped calling them. Eadies only problem with his generosity was that Hoyt regularly assigned those chores to her, and shed been put in charge of the actual selections.
It wasnt that he didnt show his women a good time, because he did. He knew how to treat a woman like a queen, and he had a diabolical knack for catering to a ladys interests, whether those interests were his or not.
But his ability to dictate the emotional parameters of the relationship, yet remain remote and unmarried, was becoming the stuff of legends. Hed left a prodigious number of broken hearts along his trail, so if he was surly now over finally getting jilted by the one woman hed actually taken seriously, he deserved it.
But the biggest reason Eadie Webb hoped Hoyt Donovan would suffer a bit longer, was that his male tastes ranno, gallopedto beautiful women, and always the most beautiful ones. He liked leggy blondes with haystack hair and puffy lips, exotic brunettes with lush curves, and fiery, green-eyed redheads who wore their costly designer clothes two sizes too small.
He didnt seem to notice that most of his beauties were more self-involved and shallow than he was. Until hed finally met the one whod done him dirt.
Eadie felt ashamed of herself suddenly. She not only owed Hoyt her gratitude for hiring her to work for him a few afternoons a week, she also owed him her complete loyalty and deference because of a discreet act of kindness hed once done for her. Though neither of them had ever spoken about that awful night since or even vaguely referred to it, Eadie felt the bittersweet burden of obligation to him.
Perhaps one of the reasons she felt so little sympathy for his upset of late was that the gentle manthe supremely kind manhed been that night five years ago, had been appearing less and less frequently these days. Thered been times this past year when shed found his sour moods increasingly obnoxious, and she often wondered if shed dreamed what hed done for her way back then.
What no one would ever know and what Hoyt Donovan would never suspect, was that shed fallen in love with him that night five years ago. Completely and irrevocably. Because she had, and because she was the very last woman on earth that beauty-obsessed Hoyt Donovan would ever consider a romantic possibility, Eadie was fully aware that the biggest reason she took such a harsh view of his love life was that she couldnt seem to get past the jealousy she felt, so it gave her more than a little satisfaction to know hed gotten a taste of his own medicine. She wondered if the beautiful Celeste had sent him a parting gift.
It frustrated her that Hoyt couldnt see that his beauties were too in love with themselves to ever truly love him. Hoyt wasnt a stupid man, and shed always been wary of his insights, but he was as dense as a brick on some subjects.
Five years of loving him in secret was a long time. Long enough to prove, even to her, that Hoyt Donovans tastes would never change. It hadnt taken five minutes for Eadie to realize hed never be interested in a plain woman like her, though it had taken her far less than five minutes that awful night to realize she was doomed to love himalmost unconditionallyfor the rest of her life.
Eadie forced herself to ignore the depressing sense of hopelessness she felt as she finished tidying up Hoyts desk. Shed typed his letters and caught up on his bookwork, saving it all to files before obsessively backing them up. Donovan Ranch was a monstrous headache to keep track of. Her three afternoons a week made a respectable dent in the paperwork, but Hoyt took care of the rest himself.
Hed paid her well for the tasks hed hired her to do, and the money came in handy on her own small ranch, though the extra income evaporated by the time she got done paying bills. If things at home continued going downhill, by next year she might have to sell out.
The notion dragged her spirits lower. The idea of having to move to town and take an office job was traumatic. Aside from losing touch with the ranch life shed loved and had grown up with, shed no longer have either a reason or the opportunity to see Hoyt, though that was probably for the best. At twenty-six, the only thing more pitiful than being doomed to achieve old maid status in another few years or less, was to hang around a man she could never have.
The sound of Hoyts heavy bootsteps pounding steadily through the big ranch house startled her and she automatically glanced at the clock. The fact that Hoyt had apparently come back to the house early today wasnt a good sign, not when he was still so riled and cranky. Because his bad mood had grown worse this past week, Eadie had taken greater pains to stay out of his way. Shed hoped to make her escape before he came back to the house, but his sudden arrival thwarted her plan.
From the bedroom end of the house opposite the wing the office was located in, she heard him thunder, Eadie? I need you in here! Now!
The order was as angry as shed ever heard, and Eadie hurriedly finished stacking the handful of letters with their envelopes on his desk blotter to rush out of the room. Hoyt never leveled his bullish temper on her, though he often treated her to a blustery verbal account of the reason for his choler. She suspected he did that because she always listened calmly, and her very calmness seemed to cool him off by the time he was done letting off steam.
And of course, once he finished, he usually saw reason and quickly got over his aggravation. That was one of the things that made her forgive those times when his temper rose high: when he cooled off, Hoyt was truly mellow, and he didnt hold grudges.
The problem in the aftermath of his breakup with the beautiful Celeste was that hed fumed around for weeks now, and as far as she knew, hed not spoken more than a handful of choice words on the subject. Most of what she knew had come from gossip. Which was why shed guessed that his male pride had somehow been soundly assaulted. And why he wasnt showing signs of letting go of a bit of his anger over it anytime soon.
Shed barely made it down the hall and halfway across the big living room before he bellowed out another, Eadieget in here!
She sprinted the rest of the way across the living room to the hall, suddenly shaky because she sensed something new about his anger this time.
As she slowed to rush into what had to be the master bedroom, her shaking increased. Shed never been in the private areas of Hoyts home, and his bedroom was the most private. And intimate. She had only a moment to note the dark luster of the wide headboard of his massive bed before she reached the open door of the master bath and rounded the corner.
The moment she saw him, Eadie realized that for the rest of her life, shed always feel this same wild excitement and rush of happiness at the mere sight of the man.
Hoyt was so big and broad-shouldered, his powerful, work-hardened body the very zenith of masculinity. His larger-than-life presence made the large bathroom feel about a foot wide. Beneath the black Stetson he still wore, his hair was dark and overlong, and his face was almost too rugged and harsh to be considered handsome, though it was.
And she adored him. Truly and simply, Eadie adored everything about Hoyt Donovan, though shed never in a million years confess that to him or to anyone else. Shed taken brutal pains to make sure she never showed it.
The glittering black gaze that missed so little when it wasnt dazzled blind by female beauty, arrowed straight to her heat-flushed face and impacted her startled blue gaze with enough force to make her eyelashes give an involuntary spasm.
Its about time, he growled. I coulda bled to death in here.
Alarmed, Eadies wide gaze dropped to the side of his ripped and bloodied chambray shirt as he turned, then pulled the shirttail out of his jeans and held it up to display the oozing slice in the hard flesh beneath.
Eadies gasp was overridden by his clipped, Hurts like a son-of-a-gun.
His remark was far less profane than it might have been if hed been talking to one of his men, but Eadie barely noticed as she stepped close for a better look.
You need to see a doctor.
Medical stuffs in the cabinet right there. He nodded toward a panel of the wide mirror that spanned the long counter. Clean me up an slap on a patch.
Hoyts voice was loud in the crowded space. His frustration was in the terse order, but the volume of his voice was anger. None of it made much of an impression on Eadie because she knew instantly that his frustration was with the injury and his anger was at himself for being injured in the first place.
It needs stitches, she said as she quickly washed her hands, hastily dried them, then rummaged briefly in the cabinet hed indicated to find antiseptic and sterile gauze pads.
You too squeamish to do it?
The demand was a bit more crabby than angry, and they both knew she was anything but squeamish. Eadie opened the peroxide, then tore open a few of the sterile pad packs to dampen them. She turned toward him to brush the pads gently around the gash to clear away the blood, and answered.
Theres a big difference between cowhide and your hide.
Stitches are stitches. If you can sew up a cow, you can sew me up.
Eadie let herself smile faintly to acknowledge how ridiculous that was. Not the same thing, she murmured as she continued to work.
How come? Now his big voice had gentled a bit more as if his temper was already cooling.
Eadie glanced up to make eye contact. Your hides thicker.
As shed hoped, hed liked that. The lingering anger in his gaze abruptly softened to a glitter. The stern line of his mouth curved slightly. Do tell.
Eadie looked back down at her work, thrilled, flustered, but confident it wouldnt show. Shed had years of practice keeping her face blank, even when Hoyt got that dangerously sexy look that made her ache for him. She knew that sexy look wasnt aimed at her for any special reason. It was just the mans natural state, and nothing to take personally. She directed them both back to the business at hand.
Let me finish here and cover it, then Ill call the doctor and find someone to drive you to town.
Ill drive myself, he growled, and Eadie wasnt surprised. As long as Hoyt was conscious and on his feet, she wouldnt think of arguing with his macho declaration. Hed consider the suggestion polite, but arguing with him about it would somehow put his manhood in question.
Suit yourself.
The silence as she gently worked suddenly seemed odd somehow. There was a tension to it, but the tension could only be hers. After all, taking care of Hoyt like this was a tiny spark of heaven. And that was not only ridiculous, but evidence of how pitiful she was.
Helping Hoyt with paperwork was one thing, but cleaning the small wound on his side seemed intensely personal, at least for her. She was tingling all over and her insides were fluttery. And oh, oh, she loved even a flimsy excuse to stand so close to him, and she couldnt get enough of the smell of leather and sunshine and man.
Meanwhile Hoyt wouldnt even notice the smell of her bargain shampoo. He wouldnt be any more affected by her touch than he would have been if someone had absently brushed against his arm in a crowd. Though she knew that, the longer this small bit of first aid went on, the more intense the tingles and flutters became.
She couldnt help it. Touching him, even like this, was about as good as it got for her. And Hoyts skin was not tougher than cowhide. It was hot and firm on his side, surprisingly silky, and the steely muscle and bone beneath were rocklike. Eadie suddenly felt a primitive feminine craving to touch more of him.
How come your hands are shakin?
The blunt question made her heart jump and Eadie felt her face go a scorching red. She tried to cover it with a faked hint of irritation.
You stomped in bellowing for me like a crazed bull. And since cleaning this has got to hurt, I keep thinking youll bellow again.
That all it is? There was something edgy in his stark question, as if her trembling hands had somehow put him on alert and made him suspicious of her.
Which seemed like nonsense until it dawned on her why hed go on the alert. Considering Hoyts taste for beautiful women, even a faint hint that sexless, Plain-Jane Eadie Webb might be getting a bit excited over this was sure to be a horrifying notion for a lady-killer like Hoyt.
Hurt by the idea, Eadie tried to finish quickly. If hed suspected enough of her feelings to hint so fast that he was repelled, then it was time to counter his impression by rushing this. The doctor would insist on doing a more thorough job anyway, but for now it was clean enough to cover for the ride to town. At least the bleeding had almost stopped.
Eadie tossed the last wad of soiled gauze pads into the sink, then reached for three of the larger gauze packs to tear them open. In moments, she had the big squares pressed against his side and took his hand to lift it to hold the pads in place so she could tape them.
But taking Hoyts big, callused hand was like taking hold of the live end of a broken powerline, and Eadie couldnt tell if her reflex was to yank her hand away or to hold on tighter. When she guided his fingers into place over the gauze pad and let go, her racing heart slowed a good ten beats per second. As desperate to deny the snapping charge shed just gotten as she was to get this over with, she briskly tore off strips of tape to anchor the pad to Hoyts skin.
When she finished, she took an extra second to press a ripple of tape more securely against him. Only she had to know that the ripple was no ripple, but was instead an overwhelming need to touch Hoyt one last, daringly insane time. In the normal course of her life, thered been few opportunities to ever touch him, and she was certain this time was destined to be the last.
Eadie reached for a small dark green towel and handed it to him. Take this along, in case it starts oozing.
She gingerly reached for the corners of the soiled gauze pads and bent to get out the small garbage can from beneath the sink. She transferred the squares to the trash before she put it back under the sink and let the door close. Shed just turned on the hot water tap to wash her hands and squirt some liquid soap from the ceramic dispenser into her palm before it dawned on her that Hoyt was still standing close by, not moving away as shed expected.
Eadie sneaked a peek into the mirror to confirm what she could already see in her peripheral vision. Hoyt was staring solemnly at her, watching her every move. Her gaze dropped back down while she briskly washed her hands, splashed a bit of water against the bowl of the sink to rinse away any spots, then turned off the faucets and stepped away to dry her hands.
Shed not wanted to allow herself to read something ominous in Hoyts profile as hed stared at her, because the fact that he was staring at her couldnt be good. Though her instinct was to get out of his sight as soon as possible, she tried to sound cool about it.
Well, thats it, she said, taking a moment to straighten the hand towel on the bar as she automatically did the same with the larger ones next to it. Clearly Hoyt wasnt the neat freak she was. Be sure to ask the doctor when your last tetanus shot was in case you need another. I was just about to get home.
With that, she turned to walk to the door without looking directly at him, but Hoyt caught her arm. The fresh jolt that he gave her sent her gaze shooting up to his.
Thats it? His dark brows were cranky whorls that confused her.
I said Id call the doctor.
Youre gonna let me drive to town alone?
Eadie studied his stern face a moment, unable to miss his disapproval. You said youd drive yourself.
Youd let me do that? I thought women liked to fuss.
Eadie gave her head a disbelieving shake. Do youwant me to fuss?
He released her arm then and growled, Not if you have to strain yourself.
Eadie stared harder, unable to grasp this, though she was almost amused by it. So you do want me to fuss, she concluded as she tried to come to grips with the idea. How much fussingwould you want?
She almost giggled over how ridiculous that sounded, but didnt dare. Hoyt looked deadly serious!
Now some of his stony expression eased and a bit of the ire in his dark eyes died down, as if her question mollified him.
Considering how froze up you are, slather it on. Ill let you know if its too much. My sides stingin like a son of a buck, and it feels like you cleaned it with acid.
Eadie ignored the crack about her being froze up and instantly felt bad that shed hurt him. She impulsively touched his arm. Im sorry. Can you walk to my truck or do you need help?
I can walk, he grumbled, then added, just steady me till were sure.
Genuinely sorry shed hurt him and anxious to make up for it, Eadie took back the hand towel and moved to his uninjured side. She helped him lift his arm as she ducked beneath it so he could rest it across her shoulders and lean on her if he had to. She hesitantly put her arm around his waist and got a grip on his belt, both to avoid coming in contact with his injured side but also to provide a hold in case his legs somehow did give out.
That idea seemed absurdly far-fetched because Hoyt was so physical and naturally strong, but if he was feeling poorly enough to sacrifice a little male pride to ask for assistance, then he must be feeling bad. He hadnt nicked an artery, but maybe he was a little shocky. Could he have hit his head?
Youre a puny little thing, you know that? How the hell do you do outside work?
Eadie turned her head to briefly look at him before she faced forward to start him toward the door. He didnt sound weak, just irritable. Looked it, too.
Thanks for the compliment. I dont have to be big to use smarts. Lean on me if you need to because its almost closing time at the doctors. You dont want to pay for the emergency room, she said as they walked out into the bedroom.
Youre supposed to coddle me, not worry me about money, he said, vexed.
Sorry.
And it sounds like you dont think Im worth the extra fee.
Eadie tried to be patient with that surprising hint of self-pity. It was out of character. Moneys an automatic worry for me, she said calmly. I forget some folks dont need to worry.
Thats right, its my money, he said, then went on. But how come you worry? Are you saying I dont pay you enough?
Itll be easier to coddle you if you stop talking.
I never noticed meanness in you before, Eadie Webb.
She couldnt help an ironic smile, since he couldnt see it. Im not surprised.
Why arent you surprised?
He was like a child who couldnt stop asking questions. Eadie was patient with him because his relentlessness might be a cover for genuine pain. Youve got better things to do than make a study of me.
Do tell, he said, and the way he drawled it the slightest bit made her smile again. Maybe I ought to use my convalescence to make a study of you. What do you suppose Id find out?
Oh, Lord, what was this about? Her smile faded. It was about nothing, absolutely nothing. Shed do well to remember that.
If you were studying me now, she said, suddenly inspired, youd figure out that Im beginning to doubt you need me to lean on.
You think Im fakin?
Yes, and I wish you wouldnt. Ive got a sink full of dishes and chores in a couple hours, so if you dont really need me, Id just as soon get home.
What if I paid you overtime?
I wouldnt take pay for something like this.
Then I reckon I could do your dishes later.
Eadie giggled over that. Would I have any left that werent broken?
Id buy you a new set. And a dishwasher, too.
Ive got a dishwasher, but I cant use the extra water. Please, lets just get you to town.
Eadie got him to the front door then had a brief argument about whether theyd take her little truck or his big new supercab pickup. She gave in for the sake of time and helped him into his truck before she rushed to the drivers side and got in to start the engine and get the air conditioner going.
She turned to get out and dash to the house to call the doctor, but Hoyt vetoed it. Miss Ed should already have done it, so lets just go.
So Hoyt had been putting her on, at least about wanting her to stitch him up instead of a doctor, since the call to the doctor had already been made. She closed the drivers side door and adjusted the seat so her feet could reach the pedals before she put on her seat belt.
Your legs are short. Hoyts brusque observation made her smile a little as she put the big truck into gear.
Thanks so much for all the fine compliments, boss. Im puny, my legs are too short, Im mean. And lets dont forget how froze I am. Keep that up, and you might turn my head. Of course, that might be just before you got dumped along the highway someplace.
Huh. Those are not coddle words, Edith Regina Webb.
No, they arent, she said and flicked a glance his way. And youve sprung a leak. Better put that towel over it and apply some pressure.
Eadie faced forward and pushed down on the accelerator to rocket down the long driveway to the highway. Once she got on the pavement, she settled back and tried to enjoy the novelty of driving a nearly new pickup with a powerful engine that all but flew them to Coulter City.
CHAPTER TWO
HOYT got right in at the doctors, since theyd arrived just before Doc Harris finished with his last patient of the day. Eadie was surprised when Hoyt asked if she was going in with him. Hed said he wanted her to go in to help him keep the doctors instructions straight, but Eadie was suspicious of that. She went along though, torn between the pleasure of being needed and the feeling that Hoyt was somehow toying with her. He seemed as hale and hearty as usual, so the fact that he wanted her to go in with him was odd.
No sense trying to figure this out, though. Eadie sat down on a chair out of the way and tried not to be conspicuous while the nurse took his vitals, noted them on his chart, then went out. Whatever reason Hoyt wanted her in here, it was sure to seem strange to the doctor.
And maybe suspect. After all, Hoyt was a known ladies man whod had a parade of women through his life. Eadie was his lackluster, part-time secretary who not only worked three afternoons a week for him, but had now trailed into a doctors private examination room with him. Eadie felt no small embarrassment over how that might look to the doctor. Would he think she was imposing on Hoyt to get his attention? Eadie suddenly decided she was willing to risk Hoyts ire by leaving him alone in here.
And of course, the doctor came in just as she stood to go to the door and slip out. He eyed her like some unusual phenomenon.
Well, hello to you, too, Eadie, Doc Harris said as he peered at her over his half-glasses, his kind eyes lively with curiosity. Is there some interesting development between you two?
Eadies face went red-hot. H-Hoytjust wanted me toto come in and get your instructions straight, but I dont need to do that until you finish with him.
The doctor looked at Hoyt. Do you want her in or out while I have a look?
In.
The terse little word was nothing less than an order, and the doctor grinned.
She stays then. Lets get that shirt off and see what weve got. He spared a moment to send Eadie a glance. Might as well have a seat, Eadie. Right over theres fine.
Eadie felt another tide of fierce heat wash into her face and hesitantly went back to the chair to sit down, but kept her gaze fixed on the floor as Hoyt took off his shirt. Doc Harris adjusted the table to an incline so Hoyt could sit back. She could tell the doctor was carefully pulling away the gauze patch. And then she heard it hit the nearby tray as he discarded it.
Ah well, its just a nick, the doctor scoffed. I thought we had something serious here. Eadie could have fed you an aspirin and sewed you up in a flash. Or called the vet.
Eadies gaze flew to the doctors grinning face, then realized he was making light of Hoyts injury as a tease. After all, the gash was almost four inches long, and it was oozing again. Eadie realized then that this was a typical joke between macho males. Doc Harris would have made the same remark if Hoyt had come in with his leg half cut off. And she could tell by Hoyts rugged profile that he was grinning almost proudly. Men!
The doctor went briskly out, leaving the door open. Eadie took a steadying breath, tried to stay where she was and not stare at Hoyts bare chest. Doc Harris came back fairly soon and his nurse trailed in after him with a stainless-steel tray that she exchanged for the one with the discarded bandage.
Doc dismissed his nurse, wishing her good-night, then took care of everything himself. All the while, the two men talked cattle and markets as if they were doing no more than chatting over coffee. Eadie was relieved that they both seemed to have forgotten she was in the room, but she was aggravated to be present for this.
What a ninny shed been to allow Hoyt to put her in this position, and yet she couldnt entirely blame him for that because a large part of her couldnt help giving in to him. Hed truly wanted her in here, whatever his reason, and she couldnt help thinking again about that time years ago when hed come to her rescue.
The two situations werent even remotely alike, except that what hed done for her in her time of trouble and need had automatically guaranteed that shed never refuse to come to his aid during his time of trouble or need. Shed just never considered that his trouble or his time of need would be so relatively minor. She hoped theyd all be this minor.
In truth, being in here with Hoyt gave Eadie a strong taste of what it might be like to be entitled to be with him in things as small as going to the doctor. If she were a wife instead of an employee, shed get to share a multitude of things like this, along with happier things.
And that was just more proof of the shameful fact that she was pathetic enough about Hoyt to grab for every crumb that fell to her, however much her pride squirmed and screamed at the indignity. On the other hand, depending on how things worked out with her little ranch in the next few months, her pride might have at least some hope of relief if she decided to sell out and move to Coulter City. Shed be doing that sooner rather than later if some unforeseen financial crisis popped up.
It took a moment for her to realize the doctor was waving his hand to get her attention.
I thought you were supposed to listen to my instructions?
Eadie cringed a little. Sorry. I was thinking about something else. When was his last tetanus shot?
The doctors smile widened. Good question. Then he winked at Hoyt. Is she always that good at keeping track of you?
Im just a weekly paycheck to her, Doc, Hoyt complained, though his dark eyes glittered with amusement.
Ill look up the date, but Ill call in a script to the pharmacy for an antibiotic and a painkiller. He looked back over at Eadie. Hell need to take the antibiotic till its all gone, of course. Make sure he takes it with food. No booze with the painkiller. No driving. And keep him off machinery and horses while he takes that one. Stitches out in seven days.
The doctor peeled off his latex gloves and discarded them, then washed his hands. He went out as Hoyt gingerly rose to a full sitting position. Eadie got up and retrieved his shirt to hand it to him.
Help me with this, would you? he said, and Eadie sorted out the sleeves and helped him put on his shirt, careful to accommodate him to keep his movements from pulling on the flesh around the stitches.
But, oh, the foolish and dismally unforgettable pleasure of helping Hoyt with a task as casually intimate as putting on his shirt! His hard body was so wholly masculine that her insides quivered like jelly. The fact that she couldnt avoid having the backs of her fingers brush against his hot skin here and there was another pleasure/torment.
Hoyt at least buttoned his own shirt, but didnt tuck it back in. Do you mind running me to the pharmacy to pick up the medicine or do you have to get home?
Weve got time for that, she said as she belatedly forced herself to step back, feeling a little chastened for her earlier declaration that she had dishes and chores to do. She did have to do those things, but there was still plenty of time to keep to schedule, thanks to the doctors quick work.
He came back in then with a syringe and a small vial. Eadie was right on the money about the tetanus shot. Itll probably ache worse than the scratch on your side. Now the doctor gave Eadie a sparkling glance over the top of his half-glasses. You might want to step out for this one, since itll go in his hip.
Eadie nodded, only too glad to comply. That would have been even more over the top and unnecessary than being present for all the rest. She took refuge in the waiting room until Hoyt came out. They walked to the pickup but there was no discernible sign of weakness in Hoyt at all. When they got to the pharmacy he went in by himself while she waited. It wasnt long before hed come back out with a small white bag and they were on their way back to Donovan Ranch.
My thanks for your help, Eadie, Hoyt said, and his mood seemed mellow and almost pleasant. She hadnt seen him like this in weeks, and got the idea that coming with him to Coulter City might have helped do that.
It was a dangerous notion though, and close to lethal to think that she could have a mellowing effect on Hoyt. Yes, her calmness usually did have a strong effect on him, but hed been particularly difficult lately, and shed seemed to have lost the knack. When hed come to the house this afternoon, hed been even more impossibly cross and difficult than usual. Remembering that made her realize his good mood now might be solely because his bad mood had simply burned itself out.
Theyd just got to the Donovan Ranch driveway and turned onto it when Hoyt broke the pleasant silence.
Miss Eds probably gonna go home at her usual time tonight. Is there a chance you could come back after chores to set me up for the night?
Shocked, Eadie glanced over to see the dead seriousness about him. And there was just the faintest impression that he was cradling his side but trying not to be obvious about it, as if, despite the trucks cushy suspension, the light vibration from the graveled driveway made him uncomfortable but he was too macho to let on.
Eadie glanced back at the road ahead and gently slowed the big truck in hope of minimizing his discomfort. Now that it had been a while since hed got the injury, it was probably making itself sharply felt. The local anesthetic had surely worn off, and his side had suffered not only the injury, but the trauma of being stitched.
Yes, he probably was genuinely hurting now. Eadie glanced at Hoyt a second time to see him silently watching her, his dark eyes unreadable as he waited for her to reply.
Her soft, Of course I can, made him give a grim nod so she faced forward again. Thered been no sign of teasing in his gaze this time, no hint that he was putting on.
Of course I can shed said. Eadie suddenly knew then that shed always do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted her to. Heaven help her, shed probably be saying yes to Hoyt Donovan or Of course I can for the rest of her days.
She was like an old-time cowboy who swore allegiance to the brand he rode for, and lived it out come hell or high water until the day he died and was planted under the sod in the ranch cemetery. The dreary knowledge dragged her spirits low.
Before Eadie headed back to Donovan Ranch, she had a quick bite to eat, took a shower and washed her hair. She applied a bit of makeup before she dried her hair and put on a good pair of jeans and a yellow cotton shirt. Eadie would never wear either the yellow shirt or her single pair of designer jeans to work outside, and both were a nice change from what she wore every day of the week except Sunday and special occasions.
It wasnt a big change from her regular jeans and work shirts, which she also wore to do paperwork at Hoyts, but it was something. And shed gotten her shower out of the way because she wanted to be ready for bed when she got home. The only thing left to do was wash her face and go right to sleep. Morning came early at 4:00 a.m., and tomorrow would be a long day.
Tonight would be something out of the ordinary for a workday night, and Eadie felt too foolishly excited about going over to help Hoyt to be sensible about this. Though she was a hopeless case where he was concerned, she would at least be dressed a little nicer tonight and feel good about the way she looked while she was being an idiot.
Eadie knew she didnt look bad. She was plain, but not unattractively so. Her blue eyes were standouts because of her light tan and her dark, shoulder-length hair. She had even features and a nice smile. In truth, shed always been happy about the way shed looked.
Until shed fallen for Hoyt. Knowing about his taste for beauties had caused her to compare herself with some of the most spectacular women in Texas, so of course shed come off looking as plain as an unpainted fence to herself as well as to Hoyt.
She hoped she at least had a nicer personality than some of Hoyts women. Hed always seemed to like her well enough. But then, he also liked his housekeeper, Miss Ed, so his liking wasnt proof of anything in particular. Miss Ed was no beauty herself, but Hoyt hadnt hired her to hang around his house looking beautiful.
Though the very sour Miss Ed was a good woman, she had anything but a Miss Vivacious-Never-Met-A-Stranger personality. Hoyt had hired her because she took care of his house the way he liked and she was a peerless cook, so she got along with him fine.
Eadie got along with him fine, too, despite his prickly moods. He seemed to enjoy talking to her, venting his complaints, getting her opinion, and he appreciated the way she handled the things hed hired her to do for him. Beauty and sparkling wit were irrelevant, though Hoyt sometimes seemed at least charmed by her.
Eadie suspected hed enjoyed their little exchanges today, and in retrospect it was more than a little flattering that hed made her a part of everything after hed got hurt. She ignored the idea that he currently had no adoring beauty to call on, and because it had been nearing closing time at the doctors office, most of his beauties wouldnt have had time to come to the ranch to demonstrate their sympathy anyway.
And Hoyt had asked her to come over tonight. There was no getting around the fact that shed grown even more excited about the out-of-the-blue opportunity the past three hours. Despite her effort to keep her head, Eadie just couldnt seem to keep from losing it yet again over Hoyt. Hope probably did spring eternal because she was surely the most hopefuland hopelessninny on the planet.
Even picturing a disappointing scenario didnt seem to put much of a damper on the lighthearted way she felt. She had no business expecting anything but more crabbiness from Hoyt tonight, and she was certain to face a complete and utter letdown over how ho-hum it would all turn out to be.
But for now, she felt happy. She checked the clock about a half dozen times before she figured it was late enough to start for Donovan Ranch. She went out and got in her little green pickup and once shed made it up the ranch road to the highway, she had a hard time keeping the little truck enough under the speed limit to avoid getting a ticket on the ten-minute trip down the pavement.
When she finally pulled up to the front of the massive, single-story adobe-style Donovan Ranch house, she noted that Miss Eds ancient little car was indeed gone. Though it was just before sunset, a few lights were on here and there in the house.
She went to the front door and pushed on the doorbell, then waited for Hoyt to answer it. When he didnt, she pushed the button again, then waited even longer for a response. Finally she realized he might have taken the painkiller and fallen asleep somewhere in the house. He couldnt have gone to bed and left the lights on, so she debated whether or not to just go on in.
Though shed worked for Hoyt for years now, Eadie never simply walked into the house unannounced, though shed had permission to do so. She regularly arrived just after noon, so she always went around to the kitchen and tapped on the big glass patio doors to get Miss Eds attention before she came in.
Could Hoyt be in trouble? She certainly didnt want to startle him if he just hadnt heard the doorbell, but she was squeamish about just walking in. Leery but concerned, Eadie tried the knob and the door opened easily, so she walked in and called out a light Hello.
When she got no response, she closed the door, then crossed the stone floor of the foyer to the long, carpeted hall that spanned the length of the big house.
Hello, Hoyt. Im here now, she called out, then hesitantly started down the hall toward Hoyts office, peeking in doors on her way past only to find that the big den was empty. She went in and turned off the lights, then came back out and started through the house.
The kitchen and dining room were immaculate, but empty, as was the living room. She glanced out to the big patio in back, but there was no sign of Hoyt. Then she saw his black Stetson hanging on a wall peg in the dim kitchen, and was certain he had to be in the house. Eadie started toward the bedroom wing.
The only light in this part of the house was coming from Hoyts bedroom, so she stopped just short of the doorway to rap her knuckles on the door frame without looking in. If hed just stepped out of the shower in the altogether, she didnt want to compromise his privacy. There was no response, but she heard what sounded like a soft snore.
Eadie cautiously peeked in and saw Hoyt sprawled on his back on the big bed. He had on a fresh shirt that he hadnt tucked in and a different pair of jeans than hed had on that day, but he was fully dressed. His boots were on again, so perhaps hed laid down earlier because he was drowsy then had fallen asleep. Surely Miss Ed didnt know about this, because she might have given him heck for putting his boots up on the beautiful bedspread.
Eadie couldnt let him sleep the night in his clothes, so she started across the carpet to the big bed to touch his shoulder.
Her soft, Hoyt, can you wake up? was a whisper. She gave his shoulder a gentle nudge. Hoyt? Its Eadie. You need to wake up and get ready for bed.
That seemed to rouse him and he began to stir. But the unguarded movement must have hurt because he drawled out a swearword. Eadie decided she had to be a little more firm and spoke in a more normal tone.
Hoyt? You need to wake up. Be careful of your stitches, but wake up. She gave his shoulder another nudge. Hoyt?
His low moan was more a resistant growl than an indication of pain, so she reached for his fingers and, careful not to brush his injured side, which was facing her, she chafed his hand between her palms.
Andoh, Lordy! The feel of his big, callused hand between hers was a guilty pleasure she didnt dare indulge too long.
Come on, Hoyt, she coaxed, almost as much to get him to wake up so she could let go of his hand as to spare him an uncomfortable night. You cant sleep in your clothes. Wake up so you can take them off and get under the covers.
The low growl that answered her was a shock.
You take em off.
Eadie stared down at Hoyts sleep slack face, stunned. Shed stopped chafing his hand between hers and that next second she realized her mouth was hanging open. Had she heard right?
CHAPTER THREE
HOYT had mumbled something to her, but the words had sounded distinctly like You take em off.
Replaying it in her head didnt change a syllable, andhooboy!that was the last order shed ever dreamed Hoyt Donovan would give her. She must have heard it wrong.
H-Hoyt? You need to wake up and get your clothes off for bed.
This time, the growl was more distinct. I said, you take em off if you want em off so bad.
Eadie felt a tickle of amusement over that even as her face went warm. I will not take your clothes off, boss. Just get up and get it over with. It shouldnt take more than a minute, then you can go back to sleep. Come on.
She pulled on his hand a little to prompt him to rise, but his dark eyes sprang open and zeroed in on her.
You should have got here before I fell asleep. Now its gonna hurt like hell to get up again.
Eadie smiled sympathetically. Im sorry. Here, she said as she leaned close to slide her other hand beneath his wide shoulders, Ill help you sit up.
Eadie knew it was a mistake the moment she felt the heat from his body penetrate her clothes. The hard muscle definition of his shoulders instantly imprinted themselves on her arm and palm and fingers. To pay back a little extra misery for her good intentions, the spicy cologne she associated solely with Hoyt filled her nostrils and was mildly intoxicating at this distance.
Hoyts fingers tightened on her hand. Youll help me sit up, huh? You and what forklift?
His minty breath gusted warmly into her face and Eadie struggled not to show her reaction. Are you calling me puny again? Im also wiry.
That got a smile out of him, but Eadie had underestimated the appeal of it happening just inches from her face while she was bent over him.
Youre wearing perfume.
The raspy pronouncement embarrassed her and made her regret her earlier efforts. The last thing she could afford money-wise and pride-wise was for Hoyt to think she was after him. And she rarely wore perfume.
Thats shampoo. I washed my hair.
That why youre late?
Lets get you on your feet, she said, then did her best to lift him.
Hoyt released a gusty breath, but cooperated. Once he was upright, Eadie tried to pull her hand from his, but Hoyt didnt release her.
Hold still. I need the balance, he growled as he slid his legs off the bed and put his booted feet on the floor.
Eadie felt excitement storm through her as her hand stayed in his and she stared down at him, but then she rallied and tried to be all-business.
Did you start the antibiotic?
Done. And the other about an hour ago. You up to getting my boots off?
Eadie could see the weariness about him, so she couldnt refuse. I suppose. One corner of his mouth bent down with displeasure.
If youre gonna go balky on me, I can use the bootjack.
I can do it. Eadie pulled her fingers from his and stepped back to reach down and get a grip on his left boot.
You make me feel like a pest, Eadie, he groused as he lifted his foot to help her.
I dont mean to, she said and pulled the boot off. Youve got to admit though, that our business deal never involved things like this before. She set the boot down then went for the other one.
I thought you said you wouldnt take pay, he went on in the same grumpy, aggrieved tone. Does that mean theres only business between us with no friendship or neighborliness at all?
Eadie pulled off the second boot. Of course theres more than business between us, she said as she picked up the other boot and set them both out of the way. I apologize for making you think otherwise. I wouldnt be here if I didnt care about you, Hoyt.
Thats a relief, he said, though he sounded anything but relieved. But its hard to take it personally when you care about everybody.
There was a strong hint of self-pity and maybe frustration in the way hed said that, and Eadie made a desperate try to ignore it. After all, Hoyt wasnt quite himself, and who knew how the painkiller was affecting him?
How do you really feel about me, Eadie? he asked quietly, and everything inside her went on full alert. I havent exactly been easy to get along with lately.
The admission got her by the heart. It was an acknowledgment that hed been difficult. And the way hed said it was also an admission of regret. But she didnt dare answer the question that preceded it. Not with the truth.
Eadie might have been able to find some way to overlook his question and focus only on the second part of what hed said about not being easy to get along with. She was ready to say something that might lighten things up and get a grudging smile out of him.
The words to do just that were on the tip of her tongue, but then his gaze lifted to hers, and the solemn look she read there not only got her by the heart but squeezed hard. The subject neither of them had spoken about or hinted at for five years was suddenly between them, and Eadie felt compelled to break a little of that years-long silence. The time seemed right, and perhaps Hoyt did need to hear this from her.
Even if youre never easy to get along with again, Hoyt, she began softly, there was a time in my life when you did something for me Ill never forget. No, I dont like the way youve been lately, but I know who you really are deep down. Thats the man Im here for tonight. I might do just about anything for that man.
Eadie felt her heart leap into a panic over the starkly candid confession. She was certain to regret it, but the somberness about Hoyt tonight had brought out the fool in her. Then again, her feelings for Hoyt had steeped in secret for so many years that it wasnt much of a surprise shed let a little of them come out just now. Tonight was something completely new between them, and it was affecting her in dangerous ways.
If revealing even that tiny bit of her feelings to Hoyt made him order her out of his life and never show her face again, it might be a mercy. Five years was a long time, a pathetically long time.
The seconds ticked past as they stared at each other. Eadie couldnt maintain the contact, so she glanced away. If youll stand up, Ill turn down the covers for you. Then Ill get out of here so you can get ready for bed. She made herself look at him again. You do have everything you need for the night, right?
Ill make do.
His dark gaze was pressing deeper and deeper into hers, so she glanced away to reach for the top of the bedspread. As shed hoped, that prompted him to stand, so she briskly pulled down the spread and top sheet before she turned to him.
Even in his sock feet, Hoyt towered over her, and hed never seemed bigger or more blatantly masculine than in those hushed seconds next to his big bed. And sexy. The man oozed it.
Well, Ineed to get home. Ill see you Tuesday, as usual, unless you need me for something before then. She glanced up into his face then away. Take it easy, and mind the doctor. Ill call Miss Ed tomorrow to see how youre coming along.
You wont stop by tomorrow to check on me yourself?
Eadie was as threatened by the question as she was pleased. What aboutafter supper?
Why so late? Is tomorrow a big workday for you?
Yes. It truly was, and now she was a little relieved it would be. She needed some perspective, and hard outdoor work was good for that.
Youve still got folks workin for you?
Eadie shrugged, uneasy with the question. Ive been trading off chores. Ive got work at Junies in the morning to pay back help, then work of my own when Im done there.
You hurtin for money?
Trust Hoyt to just bluntly ask, though it was a shock that he had. Eadie was starting to hurt for money more than she was comfortable with, though no one but her needed to know.
Not that its any of your business, but I just have to cut extra costs. Im still making up for inheritance taxes. Nothing earth-shattering.
No, not earth-shattering, but more like a cliffhanger. Eadie hated to lie, but she was ashamed she hadnt been doing better the past few months. Small ranchers had a hard time, and she was grateful she only had herself to support. Nevertheless, it wasnt something she wanted Hoyt to know about.
If you need somethingwell, you know Im good for it.
Apparently Hoyts antennae were up, because he didnt let it drop. She needed to draw a polite line to ward him off, because she considered the subject of her money troubles highly inappropriate.
Thats kind of you, thanks. And generous. But I can stand on my own.
I mean it, Eadie.
A small smile burst up from the combined dismay and tenderness that was all but breaking her heart. I know.
She dared to touch his arm. Thanks. Eadie barely resisted the urge to let the touch linger. Do I need to lock up on my way out?
I never lock up. The dogs take care of varmints. Its more entertaining than locking the doors.
Eadie gave a laugh. Hoyts dogs were the laziest hounds in that part of Texas. They loved kids and women, but they lived for strangers. Their god-awful baying was more than enough to alert the ranch, whatever time of the day or night.
They barely paid attention to her comings and goings, so if she saw much of them at all, it was when she took a moment to pet them on the back patio on her way in to work, or when Hoyt had them in the den. And that was rare because Miss Ed didnt like dogs in the house.
All right then, she said. Good night.
Ill walk you out.
Eadie shook her head. You will not walk me out. Ive been walking out of this house alone for years now, so I think I can remember the way. Get your clothes off and go to bed.
Hoyt gave her a narrow look. Youre bossier than I ever thought.
Eadies brows went up. You need bossing more than I ever thought. Good night now.
Eadie didnt give him another chance to delay her. Standing by Hoyts big bed in the soft lamplight had put enough pictures in her brain that shed have to blot out, along with the ones of him shirtless in the doctors office.
She made her escape, but just outside the front door she nearly tripped over Mike and Mose, who were sprawled like roadkill just outside the front door. Eadie took a moment to bend down to give them a pat.
So you two do set up a sentry after dark.
Mose rolled over for a belly rub and Mike did the same.
Some watchdogs you are, she scoffed with a laugh as she briefly accommodated their shameless appeal. When she had, she straightened. Back on duty, boys.
Both dogs whined as she went to her pickup and got in, but they subsided quickly enough and went back to their usual watchdog postures. Which was to lie flat on their sides like lumpy, long-eared rugs.
Eadie did take a minute at lunch that next day to call Donovan Ranch to check on Hoyt. Miss Ed filled her in, because Hoyt had company. Eadie tried not to jump to the conclusion that his visitor was a woman, but since Miss Ed didnt say who the company was, shed gotten the impression that one of Hoyts women had dropped by. Could it be the beautiful Celeste?
News traveled fast in and around Coulter City, and the doc had seemed amused that Eadie had been with Hoyt so he might have mentioned it to his wife. Someone was sure to have noticed that Eadie was driving Hoyt around in his new pickup. Since Hoyt never let a woman drive, that would have been noticed faster than anything else.
Hoyt had also gone into the pharmacy by himself, bold as you please, wearing his ripped and bloody shirt with the white bandage peeking through the gap in the cloth, so no doubt everyone knew about that by now, too.
Clearly one of his former girlfriends or possibly some potential new one had come by to look in on him. That meant Eadie wouldnt need to bother. Shed been the gap-girl yesterday afternoon and last night, since Hoyt was between women, but perhaps her time doing that was already done.
By the time Eadie finally finished her work and her usual evening chores, she was filthy, fatigued and famished. There was leftover roast in the refrigerator that shed craved for the past two hours, and there was enough that she wouldnt have to cook.
She was hot and sweaty, and she was still itching from the hay chaff that had been stirred up by the breeze coming through a loft window that had somehow come open. Shed not wanted it to keep flapping, so shed made a quick trip up to close it, then got caught in a swirl of chaff that had gusted off the loft floor as shed reached the top of the ladder.
But that was the least of her problems. She was greasy from a frustratingly long encounter with the tractor that had been elderly when shed graduated high school over eight years ago. It was acting up yet again, an almost weekly occurrence, and Eadie didnt want to think about how much it would cost to fix this time. Whatever was wrong with it now was beyond her modest mechanical abilities. Shed have to get someone out to have a look, because it was a cinch shed never be able to make payments on a loan for a new one. Or even a used one. Since she used it regularly enough, borrowing someone elses was out of the question so a repair was her only choice.
It was things like those and a half dozen other little problems that day that made her wonder how long she could continue on. Eadie had faced hard times before, both when her widowed mother had been alive and theyd done most of the work themselves, and later when Eadie had made a go of things alone in spite of the inheritance taxes shed had to come up with after her mother had passed away six years ago.
That had been crippling enough for someone who was land rich but cash poor, but shed held on with the help of a loan, though it would take another four years to pay it in full.
If she hadnt loved ranch work and country life so dearly, she might have sold out years ago and moved to town. Eadie shunned the thought most of the time, but there were days like today when the thought was hard to reject. Particularly now, when her energy was spent and her fighting spirit felt faint, and it seemed like nothing in life would ever get appreciably better.
.
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Susan Fox
He's her bossThough Eadie's business is slowly but surely going under, she relies on the extra cash she earns working for Hoyt Donovan. Only she has a secret: she's madly in love with him!Then one day everything changesHoyt narrowly escapes death in an accidentand he reassesses his whole life. He wants a wifesome heirsand he knows the perfect woman! Now his plan is to ask Eadie to organize a big white wedding for himwithout her guessing that she's going to be the bride!
The gold ring inside the velvet box had a diamond that, in the right light, was large enough to signal satellites. Eadie snapped the box closed and stood up to lean across the table and set it in front of Hoyt.
Hoyt sat back in his chair to stare at her. He looked stunned. Well, so was she. And maybe insulted. If this was a joke, it was a rotten one she never would have expected from him.
Your ring is beautiful, she said casually. But whos it for?
Susan Fox lives in Des Moines, Iowa. A lifelong fan of Westerns, cowboys and love stories with guaranteed happy endings, she tends to think of romantic heroes in terms of Stetsons and boots.
Fans may visit her Web site at www.susanfox.org (http://www.susanfox.org)
Books by Susan Fox
HARLEQUIN ROMANCE
3777THE MARRIAGE COMMAND
3788BRIDE OF CONVENIENCE
3796A MARRIAGE WORTH WAITING FOR
3828THE BRIDE PRIZE
His Hired Bride
Susan Fox
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE (#uc0c0c48f-9733-546e-8c80-31e9e7a498e0)
CHAPTER TWO (#u09ad355b-0aec-5628-be60-0c156a9dc6bb)
CHAPTER THREE (#u8953abd1-3c3e-5d17-a777-faef9501c710)
CHAPTER FOUR (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ONE
THESE days, Eadie Webb was almost the only person in their part of Texas who got along well with rancher Hoyt Donovan.
Eadie managed that by either staying out of his way or by treating him with relentless good grace. She ignored his surly expressions, bore it patiently when he was terse or blustery, and pleasantly accommodated his every dictate.
She knew precisely why he was out of sorts lately, and it tickled her sense of justice, though shed never confess that to him in so many words. Partly because she was too polite to do so; partly because she didnt want to take the chance that she might somehow hurt his feelings.
Men like Hoyt never owned up to having feelings anyway, at least not the kind that could be hurt, so any truthful remarks she might make about his situation would only enrage him further and increase the misery of everyone who happened to cross his path.
Hoyt Donovan was the most god-awful male chauvinist in Texas, and though he deserved to suffer some sort of consequences for his actions, no one else deserved to suffer with him. Not that Eadie believed he was truly suffering like normal mortals would, but hed probably had his pride dented. And prideparticularly male pridewas all important to men like Hoyt.
But then, hed come by that pride naturally. His blunt, stony looks gave him a rough handsomeness to go with his earthy sensuality, which was patently unfair for females like her who were too lackluster to ever enjoy anything more of them than the view.
Because of his rugged good looks, Hoyt Donovan had been the target of every marriage-minded female in their part of Texas, and women flocked to him like butterflies. If he wasnt in the mood to have his male vanity catered to at that moment, he was arrogant enough to send them scattering with a cranky look or some other, more subtle indication of disinterest.
He could be bad about that, but it didnt seem to make a lasting difference to the butterflies. More taken by surprise than offended or hurt, they recovered quickly and came fluttering back for another chance. He seemed somewhat more attracted to the mercenary ones, and they were usually the ones he put up with the longest, as if he enjoyed an occasional challenge to his unrelenting date em and drop em style. He deserved something for that, but his dating habits were more a by-product of his biggest flaw.
He didnt treat his women badly, and none had ever complained that shed heard about. He periodically sent them flowers between one expensive date and the next, and he almost always sent them a decent piece of jewelry or some interesting trinket after he stopped calling them. Eadies only problem with his generosity was that Hoyt regularly assigned those chores to her, and shed been put in charge of the actual selections.
It wasnt that he didnt show his women a good time, because he did. He knew how to treat a woman like a queen, and he had a diabolical knack for catering to a ladys interests, whether those interests were his or not.
But his ability to dictate the emotional parameters of the relationship, yet remain remote and unmarried, was becoming the stuff of legends. Hed left a prodigious number of broken hearts along his trail, so if he was surly now over finally getting jilted by the one woman hed actually taken seriously, he deserved it.
But the biggest reason Eadie Webb hoped Hoyt Donovan would suffer a bit longer, was that his male tastes ranno, gallopedto beautiful women, and always the most beautiful ones. He liked leggy blondes with haystack hair and puffy lips, exotic brunettes with lush curves, and fiery, green-eyed redheads who wore their costly designer clothes two sizes too small.
He didnt seem to notice that most of his beauties were more self-involved and shallow than he was. Until hed finally met the one whod done him dirt.
Eadie felt ashamed of herself suddenly. She not only owed Hoyt her gratitude for hiring her to work for him a few afternoons a week, she also owed him her complete loyalty and deference because of a discreet act of kindness hed once done for her. Though neither of them had ever spoken about that awful night since or even vaguely referred to it, Eadie felt the bittersweet burden of obligation to him.
Perhaps one of the reasons she felt so little sympathy for his upset of late was that the gentle manthe supremely kind manhed been that night five years ago, had been appearing less and less frequently these days. Thered been times this past year when shed found his sour moods increasingly obnoxious, and she often wondered if shed dreamed what hed done for her way back then.
What no one would ever know and what Hoyt Donovan would never suspect, was that shed fallen in love with him that night five years ago. Completely and irrevocably. Because she had, and because she was the very last woman on earth that beauty-obsessed Hoyt Donovan would ever consider a romantic possibility, Eadie was fully aware that the biggest reason she took such a harsh view of his love life was that she couldnt seem to get past the jealousy she felt, so it gave her more than a little satisfaction to know hed gotten a taste of his own medicine. She wondered if the beautiful Celeste had sent him a parting gift.
It frustrated her that Hoyt couldnt see that his beauties were too in love with themselves to ever truly love him. Hoyt wasnt a stupid man, and shed always been wary of his insights, but he was as dense as a brick on some subjects.
Five years of loving him in secret was a long time. Long enough to prove, even to her, that Hoyt Donovans tastes would never change. It hadnt taken five minutes for Eadie to realize hed never be interested in a plain woman like her, though it had taken her far less than five minutes that awful night to realize she was doomed to love himalmost unconditionallyfor the rest of her life.
Eadie forced herself to ignore the depressing sense of hopelessness she felt as she finished tidying up Hoyts desk. Shed typed his letters and caught up on his bookwork, saving it all to files before obsessively backing them up. Donovan Ranch was a monstrous headache to keep track of. Her three afternoons a week made a respectable dent in the paperwork, but Hoyt took care of the rest himself.
Hed paid her well for the tasks hed hired her to do, and the money came in handy on her own small ranch, though the extra income evaporated by the time she got done paying bills. If things at home continued going downhill, by next year she might have to sell out.
The notion dragged her spirits lower. The idea of having to move to town and take an office job was traumatic. Aside from losing touch with the ranch life shed loved and had grown up with, shed no longer have either a reason or the opportunity to see Hoyt, though that was probably for the best. At twenty-six, the only thing more pitiful than being doomed to achieve old maid status in another few years or less, was to hang around a man she could never have.
The sound of Hoyts heavy bootsteps pounding steadily through the big ranch house startled her and she automatically glanced at the clock. The fact that Hoyt had apparently come back to the house early today wasnt a good sign, not when he was still so riled and cranky. Because his bad mood had grown worse this past week, Eadie had taken greater pains to stay out of his way. Shed hoped to make her escape before he came back to the house, but his sudden arrival thwarted her plan.
From the bedroom end of the house opposite the wing the office was located in, she heard him thunder, Eadie? I need you in here! Now!
The order was as angry as shed ever heard, and Eadie hurriedly finished stacking the handful of letters with their envelopes on his desk blotter to rush out of the room. Hoyt never leveled his bullish temper on her, though he often treated her to a blustery verbal account of the reason for his choler. She suspected he did that because she always listened calmly, and her very calmness seemed to cool him off by the time he was done letting off steam.
And of course, once he finished, he usually saw reason and quickly got over his aggravation. That was one of the things that made her forgive those times when his temper rose high: when he cooled off, Hoyt was truly mellow, and he didnt hold grudges.
The problem in the aftermath of his breakup with the beautiful Celeste was that hed fumed around for weeks now, and as far as she knew, hed not spoken more than a handful of choice words on the subject. Most of what she knew had come from gossip. Which was why shed guessed that his male pride had somehow been soundly assaulted. And why he wasnt showing signs of letting go of a bit of his anger over it anytime soon.
Shed barely made it down the hall and halfway across the big living room before he bellowed out another, Eadieget in here!
She sprinted the rest of the way across the living room to the hall, suddenly shaky because she sensed something new about his anger this time.
As she slowed to rush into what had to be the master bedroom, her shaking increased. Shed never been in the private areas of Hoyts home, and his bedroom was the most private. And intimate. She had only a moment to note the dark luster of the wide headboard of his massive bed before she reached the open door of the master bath and rounded the corner.
The moment she saw him, Eadie realized that for the rest of her life, shed always feel this same wild excitement and rush of happiness at the mere sight of the man.
Hoyt was so big and broad-shouldered, his powerful, work-hardened body the very zenith of masculinity. His larger-than-life presence made the large bathroom feel about a foot wide. Beneath the black Stetson he still wore, his hair was dark and overlong, and his face was almost too rugged and harsh to be considered handsome, though it was.
And she adored him. Truly and simply, Eadie adored everything about Hoyt Donovan, though shed never in a million years confess that to him or to anyone else. Shed taken brutal pains to make sure she never showed it.
The glittering black gaze that missed so little when it wasnt dazzled blind by female beauty, arrowed straight to her heat-flushed face and impacted her startled blue gaze with enough force to make her eyelashes give an involuntary spasm.
Its about time, he growled. I coulda bled to death in here.
Alarmed, Eadies wide gaze dropped to the side of his ripped and bloodied chambray shirt as he turned, then pulled the shirttail out of his jeans and held it up to display the oozing slice in the hard flesh beneath.
Eadies gasp was overridden by his clipped, Hurts like a son-of-a-gun.
His remark was far less profane than it might have been if hed been talking to one of his men, but Eadie barely noticed as she stepped close for a better look.
You need to see a doctor.
Medical stuffs in the cabinet right there. He nodded toward a panel of the wide mirror that spanned the long counter. Clean me up an slap on a patch.
Hoyts voice was loud in the crowded space. His frustration was in the terse order, but the volume of his voice was anger. None of it made much of an impression on Eadie because she knew instantly that his frustration was with the injury and his anger was at himself for being injured in the first place.
It needs stitches, she said as she quickly washed her hands, hastily dried them, then rummaged briefly in the cabinet hed indicated to find antiseptic and sterile gauze pads.
You too squeamish to do it?
The demand was a bit more crabby than angry, and they both knew she was anything but squeamish. Eadie opened the peroxide, then tore open a few of the sterile pad packs to dampen them. She turned toward him to brush the pads gently around the gash to clear away the blood, and answered.
Theres a big difference between cowhide and your hide.
Stitches are stitches. If you can sew up a cow, you can sew me up.
Eadie let herself smile faintly to acknowledge how ridiculous that was. Not the same thing, she murmured as she continued to work.
How come? Now his big voice had gentled a bit more as if his temper was already cooling.
Eadie glanced up to make eye contact. Your hides thicker.
As shed hoped, hed liked that. The lingering anger in his gaze abruptly softened to a glitter. The stern line of his mouth curved slightly. Do tell.
Eadie looked back down at her work, thrilled, flustered, but confident it wouldnt show. Shed had years of practice keeping her face blank, even when Hoyt got that dangerously sexy look that made her ache for him. She knew that sexy look wasnt aimed at her for any special reason. It was just the mans natural state, and nothing to take personally. She directed them both back to the business at hand.
Let me finish here and cover it, then Ill call the doctor and find someone to drive you to town.
Ill drive myself, he growled, and Eadie wasnt surprised. As long as Hoyt was conscious and on his feet, she wouldnt think of arguing with his macho declaration. Hed consider the suggestion polite, but arguing with him about it would somehow put his manhood in question.
Suit yourself.
The silence as she gently worked suddenly seemed odd somehow. There was a tension to it, but the tension could only be hers. After all, taking care of Hoyt like this was a tiny spark of heaven. And that was not only ridiculous, but evidence of how pitiful she was.
Helping Hoyt with paperwork was one thing, but cleaning the small wound on his side seemed intensely personal, at least for her. She was tingling all over and her insides were fluttery. And oh, oh, she loved even a flimsy excuse to stand so close to him, and she couldnt get enough of the smell of leather and sunshine and man.
Meanwhile Hoyt wouldnt even notice the smell of her bargain shampoo. He wouldnt be any more affected by her touch than he would have been if someone had absently brushed against his arm in a crowd. Though she knew that, the longer this small bit of first aid went on, the more intense the tingles and flutters became.
She couldnt help it. Touching him, even like this, was about as good as it got for her. And Hoyts skin was not tougher than cowhide. It was hot and firm on his side, surprisingly silky, and the steely muscle and bone beneath were rocklike. Eadie suddenly felt a primitive feminine craving to touch more of him.
How come your hands are shakin?
The blunt question made her heart jump and Eadie felt her face go a scorching red. She tried to cover it with a faked hint of irritation.
You stomped in bellowing for me like a crazed bull. And since cleaning this has got to hurt, I keep thinking youll bellow again.
That all it is? There was something edgy in his stark question, as if her trembling hands had somehow put him on alert and made him suspicious of her.
Which seemed like nonsense until it dawned on her why hed go on the alert. Considering Hoyts taste for beautiful women, even a faint hint that sexless, Plain-Jane Eadie Webb might be getting a bit excited over this was sure to be a horrifying notion for a lady-killer like Hoyt.
Hurt by the idea, Eadie tried to finish quickly. If hed suspected enough of her feelings to hint so fast that he was repelled, then it was time to counter his impression by rushing this. The doctor would insist on doing a more thorough job anyway, but for now it was clean enough to cover for the ride to town. At least the bleeding had almost stopped.
Eadie tossed the last wad of soiled gauze pads into the sink, then reached for three of the larger gauze packs to tear them open. In moments, she had the big squares pressed against his side and took his hand to lift it to hold the pads in place so she could tape them.
But taking Hoyts big, callused hand was like taking hold of the live end of a broken powerline, and Eadie couldnt tell if her reflex was to yank her hand away or to hold on tighter. When she guided his fingers into place over the gauze pad and let go, her racing heart slowed a good ten beats per second. As desperate to deny the snapping charge shed just gotten as she was to get this over with, she briskly tore off strips of tape to anchor the pad to Hoyts skin.
When she finished, she took an extra second to press a ripple of tape more securely against him. Only she had to know that the ripple was no ripple, but was instead an overwhelming need to touch Hoyt one last, daringly insane time. In the normal course of her life, thered been few opportunities to ever touch him, and she was certain this time was destined to be the last.
Eadie reached for a small dark green towel and handed it to him. Take this along, in case it starts oozing.
She gingerly reached for the corners of the soiled gauze pads and bent to get out the small garbage can from beneath the sink. She transferred the squares to the trash before she put it back under the sink and let the door close. Shed just turned on the hot water tap to wash her hands and squirt some liquid soap from the ceramic dispenser into her palm before it dawned on her that Hoyt was still standing close by, not moving away as shed expected.
Eadie sneaked a peek into the mirror to confirm what she could already see in her peripheral vision. Hoyt was staring solemnly at her, watching her every move. Her gaze dropped back down while she briskly washed her hands, splashed a bit of water against the bowl of the sink to rinse away any spots, then turned off the faucets and stepped away to dry her hands.
Shed not wanted to allow herself to read something ominous in Hoyts profile as hed stared at her, because the fact that he was staring at her couldnt be good. Though her instinct was to get out of his sight as soon as possible, she tried to sound cool about it.
Well, thats it, she said, taking a moment to straighten the hand towel on the bar as she automatically did the same with the larger ones next to it. Clearly Hoyt wasnt the neat freak she was. Be sure to ask the doctor when your last tetanus shot was in case you need another. I was just about to get home.
With that, she turned to walk to the door without looking directly at him, but Hoyt caught her arm. The fresh jolt that he gave her sent her gaze shooting up to his.
Thats it? His dark brows were cranky whorls that confused her.
I said Id call the doctor.
Youre gonna let me drive to town alone?
Eadie studied his stern face a moment, unable to miss his disapproval. You said youd drive yourself.
Youd let me do that? I thought women liked to fuss.
Eadie gave her head a disbelieving shake. Do youwant me to fuss?
He released her arm then and growled, Not if you have to strain yourself.
Eadie stared harder, unable to grasp this, though she was almost amused by it. So you do want me to fuss, she concluded as she tried to come to grips with the idea. How much fussingwould you want?
She almost giggled over how ridiculous that sounded, but didnt dare. Hoyt looked deadly serious!
Now some of his stony expression eased and a bit of the ire in his dark eyes died down, as if her question mollified him.
Considering how froze up you are, slather it on. Ill let you know if its too much. My sides stingin like a son of a buck, and it feels like you cleaned it with acid.
Eadie ignored the crack about her being froze up and instantly felt bad that shed hurt him. She impulsively touched his arm. Im sorry. Can you walk to my truck or do you need help?
I can walk, he grumbled, then added, just steady me till were sure.
Genuinely sorry shed hurt him and anxious to make up for it, Eadie took back the hand towel and moved to his uninjured side. She helped him lift his arm as she ducked beneath it so he could rest it across her shoulders and lean on her if he had to. She hesitantly put her arm around his waist and got a grip on his belt, both to avoid coming in contact with his injured side but also to provide a hold in case his legs somehow did give out.
That idea seemed absurdly far-fetched because Hoyt was so physical and naturally strong, but if he was feeling poorly enough to sacrifice a little male pride to ask for assistance, then he must be feeling bad. He hadnt nicked an artery, but maybe he was a little shocky. Could he have hit his head?
Youre a puny little thing, you know that? How the hell do you do outside work?
Eadie turned her head to briefly look at him before she faced forward to start him toward the door. He didnt sound weak, just irritable. Looked it, too.
Thanks for the compliment. I dont have to be big to use smarts. Lean on me if you need to because its almost closing time at the doctors. You dont want to pay for the emergency room, she said as they walked out into the bedroom.
Youre supposed to coddle me, not worry me about money, he said, vexed.
Sorry.
And it sounds like you dont think Im worth the extra fee.
Eadie tried to be patient with that surprising hint of self-pity. It was out of character. Moneys an automatic worry for me, she said calmly. I forget some folks dont need to worry.
Thats right, its my money, he said, then went on. But how come you worry? Are you saying I dont pay you enough?
Itll be easier to coddle you if you stop talking.
I never noticed meanness in you before, Eadie Webb.
She couldnt help an ironic smile, since he couldnt see it. Im not surprised.
Why arent you surprised?
He was like a child who couldnt stop asking questions. Eadie was patient with him because his relentlessness might be a cover for genuine pain. Youve got better things to do than make a study of me.
Do tell, he said, and the way he drawled it the slightest bit made her smile again. Maybe I ought to use my convalescence to make a study of you. What do you suppose Id find out?
Oh, Lord, what was this about? Her smile faded. It was about nothing, absolutely nothing. Shed do well to remember that.
If you were studying me now, she said, suddenly inspired, youd figure out that Im beginning to doubt you need me to lean on.
You think Im fakin?
Yes, and I wish you wouldnt. Ive got a sink full of dishes and chores in a couple hours, so if you dont really need me, Id just as soon get home.
What if I paid you overtime?
I wouldnt take pay for something like this.
Then I reckon I could do your dishes later.
Eadie giggled over that. Would I have any left that werent broken?
Id buy you a new set. And a dishwasher, too.
Ive got a dishwasher, but I cant use the extra water. Please, lets just get you to town.
Eadie got him to the front door then had a brief argument about whether theyd take her little truck or his big new supercab pickup. She gave in for the sake of time and helped him into his truck before she rushed to the drivers side and got in to start the engine and get the air conditioner going.
She turned to get out and dash to the house to call the doctor, but Hoyt vetoed it. Miss Ed should already have done it, so lets just go.
So Hoyt had been putting her on, at least about wanting her to stitch him up instead of a doctor, since the call to the doctor had already been made. She closed the drivers side door and adjusted the seat so her feet could reach the pedals before she put on her seat belt.
Your legs are short. Hoyts brusque observation made her smile a little as she put the big truck into gear.
Thanks so much for all the fine compliments, boss. Im puny, my legs are too short, Im mean. And lets dont forget how froze I am. Keep that up, and you might turn my head. Of course, that might be just before you got dumped along the highway someplace.
Huh. Those are not coddle words, Edith Regina Webb.
No, they arent, she said and flicked a glance his way. And youve sprung a leak. Better put that towel over it and apply some pressure.
Eadie faced forward and pushed down on the accelerator to rocket down the long driveway to the highway. Once she got on the pavement, she settled back and tried to enjoy the novelty of driving a nearly new pickup with a powerful engine that all but flew them to Coulter City.
CHAPTER TWO
HOYT got right in at the doctors, since theyd arrived just before Doc Harris finished with his last patient of the day. Eadie was surprised when Hoyt asked if she was going in with him. Hed said he wanted her to go in to help him keep the doctors instructions straight, but Eadie was suspicious of that. She went along though, torn between the pleasure of being needed and the feeling that Hoyt was somehow toying with her. He seemed as hale and hearty as usual, so the fact that he wanted her to go in with him was odd.
No sense trying to figure this out, though. Eadie sat down on a chair out of the way and tried not to be conspicuous while the nurse took his vitals, noted them on his chart, then went out. Whatever reason Hoyt wanted her in here, it was sure to seem strange to the doctor.
And maybe suspect. After all, Hoyt was a known ladies man whod had a parade of women through his life. Eadie was his lackluster, part-time secretary who not only worked three afternoons a week for him, but had now trailed into a doctors private examination room with him. Eadie felt no small embarrassment over how that might look to the doctor. Would he think she was imposing on Hoyt to get his attention? Eadie suddenly decided she was willing to risk Hoyts ire by leaving him alone in here.
And of course, the doctor came in just as she stood to go to the door and slip out. He eyed her like some unusual phenomenon.
Well, hello to you, too, Eadie, Doc Harris said as he peered at her over his half-glasses, his kind eyes lively with curiosity. Is there some interesting development between you two?
Eadies face went red-hot. H-Hoytjust wanted me toto come in and get your instructions straight, but I dont need to do that until you finish with him.
The doctor looked at Hoyt. Do you want her in or out while I have a look?
In.
The terse little word was nothing less than an order, and the doctor grinned.
She stays then. Lets get that shirt off and see what weve got. He spared a moment to send Eadie a glance. Might as well have a seat, Eadie. Right over theres fine.
Eadie felt another tide of fierce heat wash into her face and hesitantly went back to the chair to sit down, but kept her gaze fixed on the floor as Hoyt took off his shirt. Doc Harris adjusted the table to an incline so Hoyt could sit back. She could tell the doctor was carefully pulling away the gauze patch. And then she heard it hit the nearby tray as he discarded it.
Ah well, its just a nick, the doctor scoffed. I thought we had something serious here. Eadie could have fed you an aspirin and sewed you up in a flash. Or called the vet.
Eadies gaze flew to the doctors grinning face, then realized he was making light of Hoyts injury as a tease. After all, the gash was almost four inches long, and it was oozing again. Eadie realized then that this was a typical joke between macho males. Doc Harris would have made the same remark if Hoyt had come in with his leg half cut off. And she could tell by Hoyts rugged profile that he was grinning almost proudly. Men!
The doctor went briskly out, leaving the door open. Eadie took a steadying breath, tried to stay where she was and not stare at Hoyts bare chest. Doc Harris came back fairly soon and his nurse trailed in after him with a stainless-steel tray that she exchanged for the one with the discarded bandage.
Doc dismissed his nurse, wishing her good-night, then took care of everything himself. All the while, the two men talked cattle and markets as if they were doing no more than chatting over coffee. Eadie was relieved that they both seemed to have forgotten she was in the room, but she was aggravated to be present for this.
What a ninny shed been to allow Hoyt to put her in this position, and yet she couldnt entirely blame him for that because a large part of her couldnt help giving in to him. Hed truly wanted her in here, whatever his reason, and she couldnt help thinking again about that time years ago when hed come to her rescue.
The two situations werent even remotely alike, except that what hed done for her in her time of trouble and need had automatically guaranteed that shed never refuse to come to his aid during his time of trouble or need. Shed just never considered that his trouble or his time of need would be so relatively minor. She hoped theyd all be this minor.
In truth, being in here with Hoyt gave Eadie a strong taste of what it might be like to be entitled to be with him in things as small as going to the doctor. If she were a wife instead of an employee, shed get to share a multitude of things like this, along with happier things.
And that was just more proof of the shameful fact that she was pathetic enough about Hoyt to grab for every crumb that fell to her, however much her pride squirmed and screamed at the indignity. On the other hand, depending on how things worked out with her little ranch in the next few months, her pride might have at least some hope of relief if she decided to sell out and move to Coulter City. Shed be doing that sooner rather than later if some unforeseen financial crisis popped up.
It took a moment for her to realize the doctor was waving his hand to get her attention.
I thought you were supposed to listen to my instructions?
Eadie cringed a little. Sorry. I was thinking about something else. When was his last tetanus shot?
The doctors smile widened. Good question. Then he winked at Hoyt. Is she always that good at keeping track of you?
Im just a weekly paycheck to her, Doc, Hoyt complained, though his dark eyes glittered with amusement.
Ill look up the date, but Ill call in a script to the pharmacy for an antibiotic and a painkiller. He looked back over at Eadie. Hell need to take the antibiotic till its all gone, of course. Make sure he takes it with food. No booze with the painkiller. No driving. And keep him off machinery and horses while he takes that one. Stitches out in seven days.
The doctor peeled off his latex gloves and discarded them, then washed his hands. He went out as Hoyt gingerly rose to a full sitting position. Eadie got up and retrieved his shirt to hand it to him.
Help me with this, would you? he said, and Eadie sorted out the sleeves and helped him put on his shirt, careful to accommodate him to keep his movements from pulling on the flesh around the stitches.
But, oh, the foolish and dismally unforgettable pleasure of helping Hoyt with a task as casually intimate as putting on his shirt! His hard body was so wholly masculine that her insides quivered like jelly. The fact that she couldnt avoid having the backs of her fingers brush against his hot skin here and there was another pleasure/torment.
Hoyt at least buttoned his own shirt, but didnt tuck it back in. Do you mind running me to the pharmacy to pick up the medicine or do you have to get home?
Weve got time for that, she said as she belatedly forced herself to step back, feeling a little chastened for her earlier declaration that she had dishes and chores to do. She did have to do those things, but there was still plenty of time to keep to schedule, thanks to the doctors quick work.
He came back in then with a syringe and a small vial. Eadie was right on the money about the tetanus shot. Itll probably ache worse than the scratch on your side. Now the doctor gave Eadie a sparkling glance over the top of his half-glasses. You might want to step out for this one, since itll go in his hip.
Eadie nodded, only too glad to comply. That would have been even more over the top and unnecessary than being present for all the rest. She took refuge in the waiting room until Hoyt came out. They walked to the pickup but there was no discernible sign of weakness in Hoyt at all. When they got to the pharmacy he went in by himself while she waited. It wasnt long before hed come back out with a small white bag and they were on their way back to Donovan Ranch.
My thanks for your help, Eadie, Hoyt said, and his mood seemed mellow and almost pleasant. She hadnt seen him like this in weeks, and got the idea that coming with him to Coulter City might have helped do that.
It was a dangerous notion though, and close to lethal to think that she could have a mellowing effect on Hoyt. Yes, her calmness usually did have a strong effect on him, but hed been particularly difficult lately, and shed seemed to have lost the knack. When hed come to the house this afternoon, hed been even more impossibly cross and difficult than usual. Remembering that made her realize his good mood now might be solely because his bad mood had simply burned itself out.
Theyd just got to the Donovan Ranch driveway and turned onto it when Hoyt broke the pleasant silence.
Miss Eds probably gonna go home at her usual time tonight. Is there a chance you could come back after chores to set me up for the night?
Shocked, Eadie glanced over to see the dead seriousness about him. And there was just the faintest impression that he was cradling his side but trying not to be obvious about it, as if, despite the trucks cushy suspension, the light vibration from the graveled driveway made him uncomfortable but he was too macho to let on.
Eadie glanced back at the road ahead and gently slowed the big truck in hope of minimizing his discomfort. Now that it had been a while since hed got the injury, it was probably making itself sharply felt. The local anesthetic had surely worn off, and his side had suffered not only the injury, but the trauma of being stitched.
Yes, he probably was genuinely hurting now. Eadie glanced at Hoyt a second time to see him silently watching her, his dark eyes unreadable as he waited for her to reply.
Her soft, Of course I can, made him give a grim nod so she faced forward again. Thered been no sign of teasing in his gaze this time, no hint that he was putting on.
Of course I can shed said. Eadie suddenly knew then that shed always do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted her to. Heaven help her, shed probably be saying yes to Hoyt Donovan or Of course I can for the rest of her days.
She was like an old-time cowboy who swore allegiance to the brand he rode for, and lived it out come hell or high water until the day he died and was planted under the sod in the ranch cemetery. The dreary knowledge dragged her spirits low.
Before Eadie headed back to Donovan Ranch, she had a quick bite to eat, took a shower and washed her hair. She applied a bit of makeup before she dried her hair and put on a good pair of jeans and a yellow cotton shirt. Eadie would never wear either the yellow shirt or her single pair of designer jeans to work outside, and both were a nice change from what she wore every day of the week except Sunday and special occasions.
It wasnt a big change from her regular jeans and work shirts, which she also wore to do paperwork at Hoyts, but it was something. And shed gotten her shower out of the way because she wanted to be ready for bed when she got home. The only thing left to do was wash her face and go right to sleep. Morning came early at 4:00 a.m., and tomorrow would be a long day.
Tonight would be something out of the ordinary for a workday night, and Eadie felt too foolishly excited about going over to help Hoyt to be sensible about this. Though she was a hopeless case where he was concerned, she would at least be dressed a little nicer tonight and feel good about the way she looked while she was being an idiot.
Eadie knew she didnt look bad. She was plain, but not unattractively so. Her blue eyes were standouts because of her light tan and her dark, shoulder-length hair. She had even features and a nice smile. In truth, shed always been happy about the way shed looked.
Until shed fallen for Hoyt. Knowing about his taste for beauties had caused her to compare herself with some of the most spectacular women in Texas, so of course shed come off looking as plain as an unpainted fence to herself as well as to Hoyt.
She hoped she at least had a nicer personality than some of Hoyts women. Hed always seemed to like her well enough. But then, he also liked his housekeeper, Miss Ed, so his liking wasnt proof of anything in particular. Miss Ed was no beauty herself, but Hoyt hadnt hired her to hang around his house looking beautiful.
Though the very sour Miss Ed was a good woman, she had anything but a Miss Vivacious-Never-Met-A-Stranger personality. Hoyt had hired her because she took care of his house the way he liked and she was a peerless cook, so she got along with him fine.
Eadie got along with him fine, too, despite his prickly moods. He seemed to enjoy talking to her, venting his complaints, getting her opinion, and he appreciated the way she handled the things hed hired her to do for him. Beauty and sparkling wit were irrelevant, though Hoyt sometimes seemed at least charmed by her.
Eadie suspected hed enjoyed their little exchanges today, and in retrospect it was more than a little flattering that hed made her a part of everything after hed got hurt. She ignored the idea that he currently had no adoring beauty to call on, and because it had been nearing closing time at the doctors office, most of his beauties wouldnt have had time to come to the ranch to demonstrate their sympathy anyway.
And Hoyt had asked her to come over tonight. There was no getting around the fact that shed grown even more excited about the out-of-the-blue opportunity the past three hours. Despite her effort to keep her head, Eadie just couldnt seem to keep from losing it yet again over Hoyt. Hope probably did spring eternal because she was surely the most hopefuland hopelessninny on the planet.
Even picturing a disappointing scenario didnt seem to put much of a damper on the lighthearted way she felt. She had no business expecting anything but more crabbiness from Hoyt tonight, and she was certain to face a complete and utter letdown over how ho-hum it would all turn out to be.
But for now, she felt happy. She checked the clock about a half dozen times before she figured it was late enough to start for Donovan Ranch. She went out and got in her little green pickup and once shed made it up the ranch road to the highway, she had a hard time keeping the little truck enough under the speed limit to avoid getting a ticket on the ten-minute trip down the pavement.
When she finally pulled up to the front of the massive, single-story adobe-style Donovan Ranch house, she noted that Miss Eds ancient little car was indeed gone. Though it was just before sunset, a few lights were on here and there in the house.
She went to the front door and pushed on the doorbell, then waited for Hoyt to answer it. When he didnt, she pushed the button again, then waited even longer for a response. Finally she realized he might have taken the painkiller and fallen asleep somewhere in the house. He couldnt have gone to bed and left the lights on, so she debated whether or not to just go on in.
Though shed worked for Hoyt for years now, Eadie never simply walked into the house unannounced, though shed had permission to do so. She regularly arrived just after noon, so she always went around to the kitchen and tapped on the big glass patio doors to get Miss Eds attention before she came in.
Could Hoyt be in trouble? She certainly didnt want to startle him if he just hadnt heard the doorbell, but she was squeamish about just walking in. Leery but concerned, Eadie tried the knob and the door opened easily, so she walked in and called out a light Hello.
When she got no response, she closed the door, then crossed the stone floor of the foyer to the long, carpeted hall that spanned the length of the big house.
Hello, Hoyt. Im here now, she called out, then hesitantly started down the hall toward Hoyts office, peeking in doors on her way past only to find that the big den was empty. She went in and turned off the lights, then came back out and started through the house.
The kitchen and dining room were immaculate, but empty, as was the living room. She glanced out to the big patio in back, but there was no sign of Hoyt. Then she saw his black Stetson hanging on a wall peg in the dim kitchen, and was certain he had to be in the house. Eadie started toward the bedroom wing.
The only light in this part of the house was coming from Hoyts bedroom, so she stopped just short of the doorway to rap her knuckles on the door frame without looking in. If hed just stepped out of the shower in the altogether, she didnt want to compromise his privacy. There was no response, but she heard what sounded like a soft snore.
Eadie cautiously peeked in and saw Hoyt sprawled on his back on the big bed. He had on a fresh shirt that he hadnt tucked in and a different pair of jeans than hed had on that day, but he was fully dressed. His boots were on again, so perhaps hed laid down earlier because he was drowsy then had fallen asleep. Surely Miss Ed didnt know about this, because she might have given him heck for putting his boots up on the beautiful bedspread.
Eadie couldnt let him sleep the night in his clothes, so she started across the carpet to the big bed to touch his shoulder.
Her soft, Hoyt, can you wake up? was a whisper. She gave his shoulder a gentle nudge. Hoyt? Its Eadie. You need to wake up and get ready for bed.
That seemed to rouse him and he began to stir. But the unguarded movement must have hurt because he drawled out a swearword. Eadie decided she had to be a little more firm and spoke in a more normal tone.
Hoyt? You need to wake up. Be careful of your stitches, but wake up. She gave his shoulder another nudge. Hoyt?
His low moan was more a resistant growl than an indication of pain, so she reached for his fingers and, careful not to brush his injured side, which was facing her, she chafed his hand between her palms.
Andoh, Lordy! The feel of his big, callused hand between hers was a guilty pleasure she didnt dare indulge too long.
Come on, Hoyt, she coaxed, almost as much to get him to wake up so she could let go of his hand as to spare him an uncomfortable night. You cant sleep in your clothes. Wake up so you can take them off and get under the covers.
The low growl that answered her was a shock.
You take em off.
Eadie stared down at Hoyts sleep slack face, stunned. Shed stopped chafing his hand between hers and that next second she realized her mouth was hanging open. Had she heard right?
CHAPTER THREE
HOYT had mumbled something to her, but the words had sounded distinctly like You take em off.
Replaying it in her head didnt change a syllable, andhooboy!that was the last order shed ever dreamed Hoyt Donovan would give her. She must have heard it wrong.
H-Hoyt? You need to wake up and get your clothes off for bed.
This time, the growl was more distinct. I said, you take em off if you want em off so bad.
Eadie felt a tickle of amusement over that even as her face went warm. I will not take your clothes off, boss. Just get up and get it over with. It shouldnt take more than a minute, then you can go back to sleep. Come on.
She pulled on his hand a little to prompt him to rise, but his dark eyes sprang open and zeroed in on her.
You should have got here before I fell asleep. Now its gonna hurt like hell to get up again.
Eadie smiled sympathetically. Im sorry. Here, she said as she leaned close to slide her other hand beneath his wide shoulders, Ill help you sit up.
Eadie knew it was a mistake the moment she felt the heat from his body penetrate her clothes. The hard muscle definition of his shoulders instantly imprinted themselves on her arm and palm and fingers. To pay back a little extra misery for her good intentions, the spicy cologne she associated solely with Hoyt filled her nostrils and was mildly intoxicating at this distance.
Hoyts fingers tightened on her hand. Youll help me sit up, huh? You and what forklift?
His minty breath gusted warmly into her face and Eadie struggled not to show her reaction. Are you calling me puny again? Im also wiry.
That got a smile out of him, but Eadie had underestimated the appeal of it happening just inches from her face while she was bent over him.
Youre wearing perfume.
The raspy pronouncement embarrassed her and made her regret her earlier efforts. The last thing she could afford money-wise and pride-wise was for Hoyt to think she was after him. And she rarely wore perfume.
Thats shampoo. I washed my hair.
That why youre late?
Lets get you on your feet, she said, then did her best to lift him.
Hoyt released a gusty breath, but cooperated. Once he was upright, Eadie tried to pull her hand from his, but Hoyt didnt release her.
Hold still. I need the balance, he growled as he slid his legs off the bed and put his booted feet on the floor.
Eadie felt excitement storm through her as her hand stayed in his and she stared down at him, but then she rallied and tried to be all-business.
Did you start the antibiotic?
Done. And the other about an hour ago. You up to getting my boots off?
Eadie could see the weariness about him, so she couldnt refuse. I suppose. One corner of his mouth bent down with displeasure.
If youre gonna go balky on me, I can use the bootjack.
I can do it. Eadie pulled her fingers from his and stepped back to reach down and get a grip on his left boot.
You make me feel like a pest, Eadie, he groused as he lifted his foot to help her.
I dont mean to, she said and pulled the boot off. Youve got to admit though, that our business deal never involved things like this before. She set the boot down then went for the other one.
I thought you said you wouldnt take pay, he went on in the same grumpy, aggrieved tone. Does that mean theres only business between us with no friendship or neighborliness at all?
Eadie pulled off the second boot. Of course theres more than business between us, she said as she picked up the other boot and set them both out of the way. I apologize for making you think otherwise. I wouldnt be here if I didnt care about you, Hoyt.
Thats a relief, he said, though he sounded anything but relieved. But its hard to take it personally when you care about everybody.
There was a strong hint of self-pity and maybe frustration in the way hed said that, and Eadie made a desperate try to ignore it. After all, Hoyt wasnt quite himself, and who knew how the painkiller was affecting him?
How do you really feel about me, Eadie? he asked quietly, and everything inside her went on full alert. I havent exactly been easy to get along with lately.
The admission got her by the heart. It was an acknowledgment that hed been difficult. And the way hed said it was also an admission of regret. But she didnt dare answer the question that preceded it. Not with the truth.
Eadie might have been able to find some way to overlook his question and focus only on the second part of what hed said about not being easy to get along with. She was ready to say something that might lighten things up and get a grudging smile out of him.
The words to do just that were on the tip of her tongue, but then his gaze lifted to hers, and the solemn look she read there not only got her by the heart but squeezed hard. The subject neither of them had spoken about or hinted at for five years was suddenly between them, and Eadie felt compelled to break a little of that years-long silence. The time seemed right, and perhaps Hoyt did need to hear this from her.
Even if youre never easy to get along with again, Hoyt, she began softly, there was a time in my life when you did something for me Ill never forget. No, I dont like the way youve been lately, but I know who you really are deep down. Thats the man Im here for tonight. I might do just about anything for that man.
Eadie felt her heart leap into a panic over the starkly candid confession. She was certain to regret it, but the somberness about Hoyt tonight had brought out the fool in her. Then again, her feelings for Hoyt had steeped in secret for so many years that it wasnt much of a surprise shed let a little of them come out just now. Tonight was something completely new between them, and it was affecting her in dangerous ways.
If revealing even that tiny bit of her feelings to Hoyt made him order her out of his life and never show her face again, it might be a mercy. Five years was a long time, a pathetically long time.
The seconds ticked past as they stared at each other. Eadie couldnt maintain the contact, so she glanced away. If youll stand up, Ill turn down the covers for you. Then Ill get out of here so you can get ready for bed. She made herself look at him again. You do have everything you need for the night, right?
Ill make do.
His dark gaze was pressing deeper and deeper into hers, so she glanced away to reach for the top of the bedspread. As shed hoped, that prompted him to stand, so she briskly pulled down the spread and top sheet before she turned to him.
Even in his sock feet, Hoyt towered over her, and hed never seemed bigger or more blatantly masculine than in those hushed seconds next to his big bed. And sexy. The man oozed it.
Well, Ineed to get home. Ill see you Tuesday, as usual, unless you need me for something before then. She glanced up into his face then away. Take it easy, and mind the doctor. Ill call Miss Ed tomorrow to see how youre coming along.
You wont stop by tomorrow to check on me yourself?
Eadie was as threatened by the question as she was pleased. What aboutafter supper?
Why so late? Is tomorrow a big workday for you?
Yes. It truly was, and now she was a little relieved it would be. She needed some perspective, and hard outdoor work was good for that.
Youve still got folks workin for you?
Eadie shrugged, uneasy with the question. Ive been trading off chores. Ive got work at Junies in the morning to pay back help, then work of my own when Im done there.
You hurtin for money?
Trust Hoyt to just bluntly ask, though it was a shock that he had. Eadie was starting to hurt for money more than she was comfortable with, though no one but her needed to know.
Not that its any of your business, but I just have to cut extra costs. Im still making up for inheritance taxes. Nothing earth-shattering.
No, not earth-shattering, but more like a cliffhanger. Eadie hated to lie, but she was ashamed she hadnt been doing better the past few months. Small ranchers had a hard time, and she was grateful she only had herself to support. Nevertheless, it wasnt something she wanted Hoyt to know about.
If you need somethingwell, you know Im good for it.
Apparently Hoyts antennae were up, because he didnt let it drop. She needed to draw a polite line to ward him off, because she considered the subject of her money troubles highly inappropriate.
Thats kind of you, thanks. And generous. But I can stand on my own.
I mean it, Eadie.
A small smile burst up from the combined dismay and tenderness that was all but breaking her heart. I know.
She dared to touch his arm. Thanks. Eadie barely resisted the urge to let the touch linger. Do I need to lock up on my way out?
I never lock up. The dogs take care of varmints. Its more entertaining than locking the doors.
Eadie gave a laugh. Hoyts dogs were the laziest hounds in that part of Texas. They loved kids and women, but they lived for strangers. Their god-awful baying was more than enough to alert the ranch, whatever time of the day or night.
They barely paid attention to her comings and goings, so if she saw much of them at all, it was when she took a moment to pet them on the back patio on her way in to work, or when Hoyt had them in the den. And that was rare because Miss Ed didnt like dogs in the house.
All right then, she said. Good night.
Ill walk you out.
Eadie shook her head. You will not walk me out. Ive been walking out of this house alone for years now, so I think I can remember the way. Get your clothes off and go to bed.
Hoyt gave her a narrow look. Youre bossier than I ever thought.
Eadies brows went up. You need bossing more than I ever thought. Good night now.
Eadie didnt give him another chance to delay her. Standing by Hoyts big bed in the soft lamplight had put enough pictures in her brain that shed have to blot out, along with the ones of him shirtless in the doctors office.
She made her escape, but just outside the front door she nearly tripped over Mike and Mose, who were sprawled like roadkill just outside the front door. Eadie took a moment to bend down to give them a pat.
So you two do set up a sentry after dark.
Mose rolled over for a belly rub and Mike did the same.
Some watchdogs you are, she scoffed with a laugh as she briefly accommodated their shameless appeal. When she had, she straightened. Back on duty, boys.
Both dogs whined as she went to her pickup and got in, but they subsided quickly enough and went back to their usual watchdog postures. Which was to lie flat on their sides like lumpy, long-eared rugs.
Eadie did take a minute at lunch that next day to call Donovan Ranch to check on Hoyt. Miss Ed filled her in, because Hoyt had company. Eadie tried not to jump to the conclusion that his visitor was a woman, but since Miss Ed didnt say who the company was, shed gotten the impression that one of Hoyts women had dropped by. Could it be the beautiful Celeste?
News traveled fast in and around Coulter City, and the doc had seemed amused that Eadie had been with Hoyt so he might have mentioned it to his wife. Someone was sure to have noticed that Eadie was driving Hoyt around in his new pickup. Since Hoyt never let a woman drive, that would have been noticed faster than anything else.
Hoyt had also gone into the pharmacy by himself, bold as you please, wearing his ripped and bloody shirt with the white bandage peeking through the gap in the cloth, so no doubt everyone knew about that by now, too.
Clearly one of his former girlfriends or possibly some potential new one had come by to look in on him. That meant Eadie wouldnt need to bother. Shed been the gap-girl yesterday afternoon and last night, since Hoyt was between women, but perhaps her time doing that was already done.
By the time Eadie finally finished her work and her usual evening chores, she was filthy, fatigued and famished. There was leftover roast in the refrigerator that shed craved for the past two hours, and there was enough that she wouldnt have to cook.
She was hot and sweaty, and she was still itching from the hay chaff that had been stirred up by the breeze coming through a loft window that had somehow come open. Shed not wanted it to keep flapping, so shed made a quick trip up to close it, then got caught in a swirl of chaff that had gusted off the loft floor as shed reached the top of the ladder.
But that was the least of her problems. She was greasy from a frustratingly long encounter with the tractor that had been elderly when shed graduated high school over eight years ago. It was acting up yet again, an almost weekly occurrence, and Eadie didnt want to think about how much it would cost to fix this time. Whatever was wrong with it now was beyond her modest mechanical abilities. Shed have to get someone out to have a look, because it was a cinch shed never be able to make payments on a loan for a new one. Or even a used one. Since she used it regularly enough, borrowing someone elses was out of the question so a repair was her only choice.
It was things like those and a half dozen other little problems that day that made her wonder how long she could continue on. Eadie had faced hard times before, both when her widowed mother had been alive and theyd done most of the work themselves, and later when Eadie had made a go of things alone in spite of the inheritance taxes shed had to come up with after her mother had passed away six years ago.
That had been crippling enough for someone who was land rich but cash poor, but shed held on with the help of a loan, though it would take another four years to pay it in full.
If she hadnt loved ranch work and country life so dearly, she might have sold out years ago and moved to town. Eadie shunned the thought most of the time, but there were days like today when the thought was hard to reject. Particularly now, when her energy was spent and her fighting spirit felt faint, and it seemed like nothing in life would ever get appreciably better.
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