Chapter Two
“What do you mean, she’s gone?”
Matt popped two more aspirin in his mouth and washed them down with coffee, nearly burning his mouth in the process. A hammer was still pounding steel inside his head and his stomach felt as if he’d had a bad case of the flu. His muscles felt as if tiny elves had pounded nails into them for hours. He was sure he’d have to get better to even die.
“Just what I said. She left. After your big appearance stark naked with your pecker hanging out can you blame her?”
Matt winced. He had only the very vaguest recollection of the scene Amy had described to him twice already, in very graphic terms. He watched her as she moved around the kitchen efficiently, refilling and turning on the huge urn the hands used to fill their thermoses, popping bread in the toaster, cracking eggs into a bowl.
“Well, what did she say? I mean, did she say something about me? Is that why she left?”
Amy stopped moving and turned to him. The anger in her eyes seared him nearly as much as the coffee.
“She didn’t say anything because when I got up this morning she was already out of here. She left me this note. Here.” She yanked a piece of paper from the pocket of her jeans and shoved it at him.
Matt had to squint to focus his eyes. The writing was long and smooth, slightly slanted.
“Amy,
Thanks so much for the invitation. I really enjoyed spending time with you. Sorry to leave like this but I just remembered something I have to take care of. I just think when we see each other again it should be in the city. I’ll call you.
Reenie”
Amy topped off his coffee mug. “So, thanks for being such an entertaining host, big brother. And for running off a friend I just reconnected with after twelve years.”
Matt squeezed his eyes shut. “I’m sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry. I mean it, Amze.”
“You are definitely a sorry piece, Matt Stark. You haven’t gotten that drunk since you were eighteen years old, and Daddy made you work a solid week digging post holes to atone for it.”
“Don’t remind me.” He took another swallow of coffee and wished his eyeballs didn’t feel so singed. Jesus, what had he been thinking about? Nothing apparently.
“Anyway, I’m not the one you should apologize to, but unfortunately she’s not around to hear you.”
“Did you call her?” he wanted to know. “What did she say?”
“Yes, and nothing. She’s letting everything go to the answering machine or voice mail.” Amy took a sip of her own coffee. “I’ll probably be lucky if she ever talks to me again. Sheesh, Matt. How could you do that?”
“It isn’t like I planned it,” he snapped, then rubbed his aching forehead. “God. I can’t believe I made such an ass of myself in front of her.”
“No kidding. Especially since you secretly lusted after her all those years ago.”
His eyebrows lifted. “You knew about that?”
“You have no secrets from me, big brother. I know you too well.” She heaved a sigh. “If you still had any interest in her, I think you pretty much killed your chances last night with your excellent performance. Not to mention the fact that our friendship could be shredded. She’ll probably never come near the ranch again. Or you.”
“Shit.” He rubbed his forehead again. “What’s she doing here now anyway?”
“She’s working in the marketing department at Orion Promotions. New job. She just moved here from California.” She slammed her hand down on the counter, the vibrations sending shards of pain streaking through Matt’s body. “I was trying to reestablish our friendship. And maybe see if the two of you…you know… So much for that.”
Matt frowned. “She came all the way here from California to do marketing work? I thought California was the hub of marketing.”
Amy turned away. “She has…issues. She needed a change.” She turned back to him, angry again. “Which I’d hoped to help her with until last night. Holy hell, Matt. Like I pointed out, she’ll probably never want to have anything to do with me now.”
“Maybe you could try inviting her out here again. I’ll make myself scarce, not even be around.”
“Forget that.” Amy flicked her hand in the air. “I don’t think she likes ranches or cowboys. Certainly not after last night.”
Matt lifted an eyebrow, wincing at the pain from even that miniscule movement of muscle. “You’re kidding, right? I think that’s actually un-American. Anyway, if she feels that way why did she come to Texas?”
“Let’s not discuss that. Her business. And right now I’m in no position to persuade her she might be wrong.”
He was silent for a while, sipping the coffee, willing his system to settle down.
“Anyway, how did I end up on floor in my room last night and not in my bed?”
Amy made a face. “We dragged you. Reenie and I. That was as far as we could take you.”
“Dragged me?” He stared at her. “While I was naked?”
Amy finally laughed. “We didn’t take the time to get you dressed, you idiot.”
He rubbed his butt. “That must be why my ass is so sore this morning.”
“And no less than you deserve.”
“So…you…she…did this while I was still, um, naked?”
She laughed. “I took pity, on her not you, and threw a dish towel over your family jewels.”
“Jesus.” He buried his head in his hands. “Shit, shit, shit.” He looked up. “Okay. I think I should go and apologize to her.”
“What?” Amy whirled around, screeching the word. “Are you crazy? You stay away from her.”
But Matt went on as if she hadn’t said a word. “She can’t be too hard to find if she has a phone.”
Amy punched him on the arm. “Don’t you dare.”
“Ouch!” He rubbed the spot where she’d hit him. Every inch of his body was supersensitive today. “I’m going to make this right.”
“The only way that happens is if you stay out of it. Let me handle it. I’m going to wait until this afternoon then drop by her place and throw myself on her mercy.”
“Hey, not a bad idea. Thanks.” He rose painfully from the bar stool where he’d been sitting, rinsed his cup in the sink and headed toward his bedroom. Throwing himself on Reenie Davenport seemed like a very appealing idea. Especially if the little he’d seen of her last night was in any way correct. She was a woman now in full bloom—at least from his foggy recollection of the night before—not the young college girl he’d first met. And his interest was definitely piqued. At the very least he needed to find out if what he felt was new interest or just a lingering memory. And to do that he’d have to find a way back into her good graces.
“Matt,” Amy shouted after him. “Leave it alone. You’ve embarrassed yourself—and me—enough already.”
Matt shut out her words. A hot shower did a lot for his aching muscles but he was still a long way from being close to normal. He shaved very carefully, aware that his hand still trembled, splashed on aftershave and combed his hair. Clean shirt, hip-cut slacks and his favorite hand-tooled boots and he was ready. He grabbed his Stetson, his wallet and his keys from the dresser and headed toward the front door.
“Tell me you aren’t really going to find her.” Amy stood by the door, arms folded across her chest.
“Out of my way, Amze.” He reached for the door knob. “I don’t need your permission. And I need to do this.”
Amy stepped aside, her face a thundercloud. “You are making a huge mistake. She’ll never ever speak to me again.”
“We’ll see. We’ll just see.”
Matt was afraid Reenie Davenport might have an unlisted phone number and he’d have to call in a few favors, but all he needed was Directory Information and his GPS. Forty-five minutes after pulling out of his driveway he was sitting at the curb in front of a row of townhouses. The neighborhood had been around long enough for the trees to be mature and the brick on the buildings to have weathered and aged some. A nice neighborhood, comfortable for a single woman.
All right, you ass, get out of the car and do your thing.
But he wasn’t exactly sure what his “thing” was going to be with Reenie Davenport. Sad to say the only women he’d spent time with in what seemed like forever beyond those in the ranching community were those who were as much a player as he was. His impression of Reenie was a combination of memory and last night’s hazy impression, but he was pretty sure she was a whole different breed.
He’d rehearsed his speech on the drive in from Willow Creek, ran over it again once more in his mind, finally forcing himself out of his truck and up to Reenie’s front door. His nerves were actually jumping when he pressed the doorbell. And when she opened it his mouth went suddenly dry and his brain emptied out as all his blood flowed south.
Today she had on a pair of tight faded jeans that hugged every mouthwatering curve and a T-shirt that showed not only the outline of her breasts but the hardened points of her nipples. Her thick mane of hair was pulled back in a messy tail, her face was devoid of makeup and she held a dust cloth in one hand.
And she was every man’s wet dream. Certainly his. Every lingering memory he’d had of her, every residual feeling, suddenly came into sharp focus and grabbed him. Immediately his cock stood up at attention and begged to be recognized and his balls felt as if a giant fist was squeezing them. His mouth dried up and he nearly swallowed his own tongue.
Oh, f*ck. I am in big, big trouble.
Reenie stared at the man standing on her doorstep, remembering the few times he’d driven Amy back to college and then spent a few minutes flirting with her. He’d certainly grown up. A lot. Last night she’d been so rattled by the whole situation she’d avoided looking at him as much as possible. But today? Oh, today was a whole different story. He looked fluffed and buffed to within an inch of his life and whatever aftershave he was wearing should be a banned substance. As it drifted past her nose that traitorous pulse in her cunt set up its drumbeat again. Feelings for him that she was sure she’d long forgotten came roaring back in an unwelcome rush. What was it with this guy that all these years later he still made her want to break every self-imposed rule? And what was he doing here anyway?
Self-consciously, she brushed a few strands of stray hair back from her forehead.
“Yes?” Very polished, Davenport.
“Um, hi.”
“Hi.” She stared at him, wishing he’d take off the sunglasses so she could see those come-f*ck-me eyes again.
“So, remember me?”
Reenie felt a smile trying to break out and did her best to squelch it. She let her eyes travel down the length of his body and back up again.
“I don’t know. Take off your clothes and I’ll let you know.”
It was the first time she’d ever seen a man blush. Even his ears turned red. His mouth opened but nothing came out. She was about to lose the battle with the smile.
He cleared his throat. “Okay. I deserve that. And more.”
He swallowed and her eyes were glued to the flex of the muscles in his throat. Even that movement was sexy. The man was damn near lethal, and a definite danger to her in her present no-men state. She could have eased up on him but she was fascinated to see what he’d say or do next, so she just stood in the door and watched him.
He tilted his head slightly. “I admit that wasn’t my finest moment, but I’m trying to make up for it here. Should I get down on my knees? Grovel?” His grin was wicked. “Lick your feet? Or any other part of your body?”
Reenie couldn’t help herself. She burst out laughing. Matt Stark was incorrigible. She wondered if he ever thought about anything besides sex and cattle.
He took off his sunglasses and despite being bloodshot his eyes had that same hot look. “Listen. I really did come to make a sincere apology, Reenie. My behavior last night was, well, reprehensible.”
“Ooh. Reprehensible.” She fanned herself with the dust cloth. “Big words too.” She tilted her head, studying him, wondering why she hadn’t just slammed the door in his face. “I was thinking more like disgusting. Although I do have to say Texas hospitality is very unusual. I don’t think I’ve ever been greeted by a naked drunk.”
“And I don’t usually greet guests at Stark Ranch that way.” He rubbed his jaw. “My only excuse is the deal I closed yesterday was enormous financially. The beef market’s been a little unstable and I have a very large operation to support.” He lifted his hands. “So, big celebration. Too much booze, too little common sense.”
“Uh huh.”
“That’s not my style. Really. I respect women and certainly try never to do anything to embarrass my sister and her friends. Come on, Reenie.” His mouth curved in a boyish little grin. “I’m still the same guy you met when you and Amy were roommates.”
“Not hardly.”
He held up a hand. “I swear to you. So how about a second chance here?”
I should just accept his damn apology, slam the door and go about my business. What’s wrong with me? Why don’t I?
“Okay. Apology accepted. Scram.”
She would have closed the door if he hadn’t reached out a hand and pressed it open.
“Hey. Wait a minute. How polite is that? A guy comes to say he’s sorry and you kick him to the curb?”
She sighed, not bothering to conceal her exasperation. “No offense, but I’ve had my fill of guys like you. So, have a nice life. Bye.”
“Guys like me?” He was still blocking the door, preventing her from closing it. “You mean ranchers?”
“Ha ha. Very funny. I mean men who collect women. Who should be branded with an A for arrogant.” Her smile was almost a sneer. “Or for a*shole. Take your pick. Just leave me alone.”
“Look. Reenie. I’m not going away until I convince you I’m really a nice guy.”
“I guess you’ll be spending a lot of time on the doorstep then.”
But he went right on as if she hadn’t said a word. “So could we pretend it never happened and start all over again?” He held out his hand. “Hi. I’m Matt Stark. You and my sister, Amy, roomed together in college, remember? Nice to see you again.”
How could you stay mad at a guy like this? She pushed thoughts of A*shole Aaron out of her mind and actually found herself smiling. Matt was just impossible. And unfortunately, impossibly sexy. The kick of lust she’d felt when she’d seen him naked surged back in full force. Damn it anyway, she didn’t need another alpha male screwing up her life. But somehow his determination got to her. Okay, she’d play nice and send him on his way.
“Hi.” She took his hand. “Reenie Davenport. Nice to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really have things to do.”
And I have to get away from you before I do or say something stupid.
But he wasn’t budging. His gaze flicked to the dust cloth. “Like cleaning your house? That your idea of fun on a Saturday? Anyway, how dirty can it be? You just moved in.”
Reenie lifted her chin. “I like to keep a clean house.”
He grinned. “God. You sound just like June Cleaver.”
Heat crept up her cheeks. She wanted to pull her T-shirt over her face but that didn’t seem to be too practical. “At least June Cleaver didn’t have naked men falling at her feet.”
The words popped out of her mouth as if her brain had disconnected. Holy hell.
Matt cleared his throat, and Reenie wondered how such a simple sound could be so sexy. At least the part of her brain still functioning wondered. The rest of it seemed not to belong to her anymore. Even A*shole Aaron—and what a great name for him that was—had never had her this revved up. What the hell was the matter with her?
“Let me try this again,” he said. “I probably should have brought flowers and chocolates. So let me just say that I’m humbly sorry for making an ass of myself and embarrassing you last night. Instead of flowers and chocolates I was wondering if I could take you out to lunch.” His mouth kicked up in that grin again. “I promise to be a gentleman and keep my clothes on.”
Lunch? With him? Her mind was yelling no, no, no. No men, remember? But her body was screaming yes. Hot guy.
“Um, well…” She couldn’t seem to make her mouth work properly.
Matt looked around to either side of him. Reenie realized people were outside now taking advantage of the nice weather. Puttering in the miniscule yards. Washing cars. Eyeing Matt with curiosity. “Maybe you could invite me in and we could discuss it a little further.” When she didn’t answer him, he shrugged. “Okay by me, but I thought you might want to take this away from your neighbors.”
Reenie did not want him inside her townhouse. He might be on his best behavior, but she was still too vulnerable and he was too tempting. Nevertheless, she couldn’t make herself send him away.
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
He looked up at the sky. “Nice day. Sunshine. Blue skies. Perfect for eating Tex-Mex food outside under an umbrella. Maybe having a drink. Come on, Reenie. What can it hurt and I’ll feel a lot better.”
“All right,” she said at last, suddenly aware that the neighbors were staring openly. She knew she was stupid for doing it but he made it sound so appealing. And what could happen out in the open? It sure beat dusting and cleaning the bathroom. “You can wait in the living room while I change.”
She opened the door to let him step over the threshold. Thank heavens the first floor was in presentable shape. She’d just unpacked the last of the boxes this morning so she didn’t look like a nomad moving in or moving out.
“That chair is comfortable.” She pointed to the big arm chair where she loved to sit with her laptop, then handed him the television remote. “Since it’s Saturday there must be something on the sports channels to watch.”
He stared at the big-screen television. “Holy cow. I didn’t think women bought televisions like this.”
Reenie had bought it because she loved college football, but she wasn’t about to get into that with him. At least not right now. No discussions about anything. She’d have a polite lunch with him, accept his apology and that would be that.
“Enjoy yourself. I won’t be long.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he smiled. “That’s what they all say.”
He dropped into the chair, placed his Stetson on the table next to it and turned on the television. With his long legs stretched out before him, the fabric of his slacks clung to the muscles she remembered all too clearly from the night before. The dark curls of chest hair peeping over the open neck of his shirt brought back the image of his hard chest and flat abs and his…
Stop! Stop, stop, stop!
Reenie stood there for a moment longer, searching for something to say, then bolted for the stairs.
He looks too damn good sitting in my living room.
She tried to chase away the butterflies in her stomach while she showered and washed her hair.
Lunch. It’s just lunch. Not a date. Not with Mr. Sexy.
She kept up a running dialogue with herself while she blow-dried her hair, smoothing out the wild curls with a big brush, and applied makeup with more care than she took dressing for work.
What to wear? What to wear?
Not too dressy. This was just a Saturday lunch and she certainly didn’t want him to think she was primping for him.
Oh, yeah. Like that’s not what I’m doing right now.
Not too casual either.
She finally settled on a pair of cream-colored slacks and a deep blue short-sleeved sweater that brought out the blue in her hazel eyes. Gold studs at her ears. Feet slipped into the fancy Yellow Box sandals, and she was ready. One last look in the mirror and she almost chucked the whole thing. Who was that stranger with the glowing skin and the heat of expectation flashing in her eyes? Damn. He might think she was actually looking forward to this.
Well, dimwit? Aren’t you?
Purse. Keys. Deep breath.
“All set?” Matt asked, taking one last look at the television screen before turning it off.
When he rose and turned to look at her, the expression on his face, as if he’d just been pole-axed, made all the extra care she’d taken definitely worthwhile.
“Well.” He just stared at her. “Too bad I don’t have a big stick with me. I’ll need it to beat off all the other men. Just remember, you dance with the fella who brung you.”