Tempted by Trouble

chapter FIVE


Matt watched the cloud of dust pick up after the SUV rambled toward the ranch house. He pressed his knees into his horse and trotted across the pasture. He’d called Carolina before leaving, but she hadn’t answered her phone. Not then or any of the other times he called. She had only sent an email confirming her arrival.

He should have talked to her before leaving Miami but being suave wasn’t a skill he had learned at any of the schools he attended.

Trying to tell Carolina everything from the fantasy he kept replaying of her and the connection he felt … well, that didn’t happen. He’d come from a line of silent, brooding men. McLemore men weren’t chatter boxes. Emotions remained deep and silently stowed. He and his brothers were all lucky to get more than a grunt from their father; guess he wasn’t that different.

For once, it wasn’t his business issues that blanketed his thoughts. His mind kept returning to the feel of her against him and what he wanted to do with her. Those thoughts weren’t things he could discuss with his brothers. Since returning from Miami, he opted to commit to outbuilding repairs, cutting wood for fence posts, and drilling post holes in order to avoid thinking about his feelings.

He kept her bottled up inside him. A woman as beautiful as Carolina would be easy to get lost with, both in mind and in the flesh. He’d already laid his heart bare once, only to have it trampled upon by a woman who lied about being married. A f*cked-up mess when her husband confronted him and Matt honestly didn’t know what the hell the guy was talking about. Turned out, Matt’s girlfriend was his wife. In a small town, sordid affairs were common enough, but not forgotten.

Carolina’s driver drove as if late for an appointment. Matt pushed his quarter horse from a cantor into a gallop as her car crossed the cattle guard. She had refused to let him pick her up at the airport. He shot her an email to forego renting a car, but she would have none of it.

Her compromise was to agree using one of his cars while she was here if she felt the need. He’d leave that up to her and give her the pick of whatever car she wanted to drive. Hell, there were enough vehicles here no one ever walked anywhere. If she didn’t want to go by horse, there were golf carts, dirt bikes, four wheelers, tractors, Jeeps, and then streetcars galore, not to mention their own gas pump.

He clenched his jaw, unable to comprehend her decision to hire a driver instead of letting him meet her properly. Or how a “boyfriend” ought to pick up his girl. Pretend or no.

He couldn’t get a clear view as she exited her car, and that irritated him even more. He pressed his lips together. She had a real way of going from nobody to a somebody with a body that irritated him something awful.

He swung down off his horse, looped the reins around the post, and dusted himself off.

“You weren’t joking when you said big,” she smiled. “I like your hat. Not a Stetson.”

“No, I’m a Milano man.” He paused, taking her in. This was the first time he’d glimpsed her with her hair falling in waves and ringlets about her shoulders. “Hope you’re up for this?”

“I think so. The sooner we get started … ” her voice trailed off.

“No. I’ve been unclear. Lunch with the family. You had a long trip. Are you hungry?”

She smiled. “Actually, I’m starved. I hope I don’t embarrass you by my appetite.”

She wore a modest skirt, blouse, and heels. Not like the outfits his mom and sister wore when they gallivanted around the airport. The warm breeze swept up her fragrance. He wanted to lean over and kiss her again, brush his lips over her mouth slowly and taste her.

She was something, all right, standing in front of him, dazzling him. If she only knew the pinnacle of his whole month had been when he kissed her. If he didn’t need to find out if this was a case of extreme bad luck, bovine disease, or something far worse, he’d give into the hunger she’d unlocked.

Standing there, Matt gawked at her, swearing silently. He’d gladly restructure and relax their work agreement. Hell, he’d tear the damn thing up if — and only if — he was confident she wouldn’t run for the hills. “Let me get your bags. I’ve fixed you up with this little number, if you need transportation.”

“Nice. An SUV. Reminds me of home.”

“Wouldn’t want it any other way,” he murmured, surprising himself.

He held out his hand to her. “Girlfriend … remember?” he asked as he lowered his voice. Their hands connected, hers soft and the bones fragile in his hand. His thumb traced the length of her index finger.

“I haven’t forgotten,” she said in a shaky voice.

He pulled her toward him automatically as if she were, in fact, his. The feel of her, soft and yielding, stretched his desire into an elastic band that wrapped around his middle and cinched tight.

“I’m so unbelievably glad you’re finally here,” he said. She shuddered and he added, “We had more cattle die. I’ll be happy to find a solution.” He realized he had to watch his step with her. For whatever reason, as he touched her hand, he knew this wasn’t going to be strictly business, not with this little filly.

They ascended the wide front steps to the veranda. He watched Carolina as her gaze swept over toward a row of rocking chairs made of gnarled wood and frequented in the evening after everyone showered and was ready to wind down for the night. This would be a shock for his family, especially his mother. He had avoided telling them anything, preferring to evade his mother and sister’s inquisition. Now, all they could do was needle him and slyly ask questions. He inhaled. It was Monday, almost lunchtime.

“My mother’s more than likely in the kitchen. We all sit down at lunch and Sunday dinner. No biggie. Remember, only my brothers Brandon and Cory live here with my parents.”

“I remember. The rest of your brothers have families and live around the ranch in their own homes and you promised I’d not be overrun.”

“Except for Miller. His wife refused to stay on the ranch and they live in the Governor’s Club. It’s a golf club community and he has a long drive just to keep her happy. You won’t see him on weekends.”

“My family introduction is ‘hello, this is my mom’,” she shook her head, smiling.

“They’re nothing more than loud and boisterous.”

“I’m Cuban. Loud and energetic is in my DNA. Don’t worry, your ability to live through a wedding with my cousins was torture enough. I think I can survive a handful of brothers.”

“You’ve no choice.” He opened the door for her and removed his hat. He brushed his hair back and tossed his hat onto a peg.

“Good aim,” she said.

He had his sights on her. If she only knew his real target.

His mother oversaw the meal preparation more so than doing the actual cooking. The family was already inside the dining room. Nobody took note of them standing in the doorway until his brother, Brandon, stood up from his place at the table. “Hey, Matt, what’s going on?”

“I want to introduce you all … ”

Everyone turned toward them. Some were holding bowls about to be passed, their expressions and arms frozen. His mother’s southern upbringing won her over her natural curiosity. “Matt, yes. Please introduce your guest.”

“Mom and Dad, I’d like you to meet Carolina Rodriguez,” he said, and led her by the hand over to his mother. His mother’s gaze dropped for a second to his clasped hand. His father cleared his throat. “Welcome, Carolina,” he said.

“Carolina, welcome to our home. I’m Sarah McLemore and this is my husband, Wade McLemore.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Carolina said.

He pulled her around to face the table. “Carolina, that’s Brandon, Cory, Miller, Stephen, Rory, and Tyler.”

Everyone went from mute to talking all at once. “So are you just friends?” Cory asked.

Again, the table went silent. It was almost too funny to bear. “No. Actually, Carolina and I met in Miami. I brought her home to meet you. She’s my girlfriend.”

Tyler choked and took the pressure off them. His mother went to his brother, patting him on the back.

Matt led Carolina to an empty spot at the table, and turned to his brother. “Rory, trade places with me.”

“Sure thing; nice to meet you, Carolina.” Rory executed a broad McLemore smile and dipped his forehead in appreciation to his brother. Rory picked up his plate. “Miller, pass Matt’s clean plate over this way.”

An aged woman entered the dining room. “Miss Louisa, may I introduce my girlfriend to you?”

“Matt, I swear you’re the one who never disappoints. Thank you for miracles.” She held her hand up and then moved slowly over toward Matt. She was as old as their home and had worked here since his grandfather had lived here. Nowadays, she came in from the guesthouse to help serve, but other than that, she was retired.

She snaked her hand around his waist and from behind a pair of thick glasses, her quick eyes held his for a moment. Carolina stood up again and Miss Louisa took hold of her hands, her gaze lingering on Carolina’s face. She let go of Carolina’s hands, patted her arm and joined Matt’s palm over Carolina’s.

Miss Louisa stepped back and declared. “Yes, sir, a wedding is comin’ on. A spring wedding is what I’m saying.” She chuckled. “Sit down and enjoy your meal. I’m sure you’ve got questions to answer, child.” She waved Matt away.

His mother and father exchanged quizzical glances and a shrug. Carolina smiled and took each bowl or platter as they were passed or offered. Today’s menu consisted of fried chicken, green beans, baked corn, sliced tomatoes, coleslaw, and buttermilk biscuits. There were pitchers of iced tea, lemonade, and water. Nothing too complex was ever served at lunch. Not like what he imagined Carolina was served down on South Beach or Flagler Street, from his recent experience.

Carolina and Matt traded glances, and his knee banged against her a few times more from him wanting to keep track of her than having little room in his space. He was aware each time her arm brushed up against his and the few instances their fingers grazed when passing food. The back of his neck burned hotter than if he’d been roping cattle all day.

She laid down her napkin, perfectly able to hold her own even when his brothers teased her, his sister questioned her about the South Florida club scene, and his mother’s queries seemed endless. His father’s beetle-browed stare and taciturn responses, for once, were welcomed.

The meal ended with Miller announcing it was time to get back to work. Most of his family leaned back against their chairs as if waiting. Regardless of how his family attempted to eat and converse, their collective attention was on Carolina. Hell, he’d better get her out of there before someone asked something stupid.

He leaned over against Carolina’s shoulder. Her perfume entranced him, making him forget what he wanted to ask.

“Yes?” She looked at him with a smile on her face. Her wide blue eyes bewitched him. “You wanted something?” Her beautifully sculpted lips lifted into a sensuous curve.

“Are you ready? We should get going.”

“Oh, yes. Everything was delicious.”

His gaze strayed to her mouth. Christ. There was no sense contradicting her by comparing the meal with the shape of her mouth — his idea as to what was delicious.

Matt stood and pulled Carolina’s chair away from the table and once again, his family went mute. He would have enjoyed the view of peering down at Caroline’s womanly curves if it weren’t for the obvious hush that descended over his family. His mother observed him and smiled hesitantly.

He cleared his throat. “We’ll be going now.”

“Thank you so much for lunch, Mr. and Mrs. McLemore,” Carolina said.

“I’m going to show Carolina around and then I’ll bring her bags up to the guest room at my house.” Matt gave his mother a telling glance to say nothing further.

He took advantage of the one privilege Carolina granted him and clasped her hand.

“Just for effect?” she whispered. Her eyes were wide and innocent, and he had to keep the truth to himself.

“Absolutely.” He grabbed hold of his hat without dropping her fingers, enjoying the warmth spreading through his palm and up his arm. Outside, he walked with her to his Jeep and opened the door. “We’ll take a loop around the ranch and then over to the offices.”

Caroline pulled a pair of sunglasses from her pocket and threaded her hair through a band. Nothing like most of the girls who complained about an open-air vehicle. He got in behind the wheel and reached over across her lap to buckle her seatbelt. “Excuse me, I don’t intend on losing you anytime soon.”

Her skin stained a pretty pink and she sucked in her breath. “How large is this part of the ranch?”

He laughed at her. “This part is just over eleven thousand acres. Takes up most of the western side of Annona. We’ve other property that is an entailed part of the ranch through my uncles.”

“Last head count was late spring. When is your next report going to be ready?”

“We’re getting a head count completed. So far it looks like we’re down to eighteen hundred head, plus/minus a hundred. This year, viable calving estimates are at about two hundred sixty. We’re way down on calving. But we’re also due for a fall birthing and our numbers hopefully will go up.”

Talking with Carolina eased his worry unlike the conversation between him and his family. Those talks were emotionally charged, no one agreed upon a solution, and his father did exactly as he wanted without explaining his rationale. They always held a family business meeting in August and this time, either they’d learn to listen to him or they would learn to do without his time and energy. He had sworn he’d solve this problem and then make a decision to stay or go, but to follow along with silent decisions was not in the cards, at least not for him. His brothers could do what they wanted. He’d already found a piece of property to begin his own ranch if his father refused to listen to reason. He didn’t want to force his hand, but he’d not go through this again. Short and straightforward, he’d leave.

They drove in silence for a time and then he pulled into a grove of trees. He parked the car and noted her surprised look. “Come with me. I’ve something to show you.” That’s all he said.

He took her by the hand and she pulled back. “There’s no one here, why the pretense?”

“Maybe I’m not pretending,” Matt said. Her eyes widened. He took her other hand, squeezing her fingertips. “I won’t bite you. Not yet at least,” he teased.

Carolina’s face glowed. She studied him for a second. “Don’t start something you can’t handle is all I’m saying.”

He put his hand on her waist, and her shifting hip grazed his crotch. To feel her against him was a mule kick to his groin. He was so close to saying, “Baby, I’ll show what I’ve got going on right now.” His cock throbbed and pressed against the inside of his jeans.

With her hand enclosed in his, they started down the path. Veering off, they ambled toward a worn trail, following a dusty dirt line in the ground toward a hammock of oaks and walnut trees. There was a faint rush of gurgling sounds before them. The breeze stirred the golden grass, sweeping designs into the surface. Past the tree line, it was shady, and the grass thinned around an embankment where moving water clearly sounded. The connection he felt with Carolina poked and jabbed him when she was away. Now, with her at his side, his edgy restless energy bathed his soul instead of strangling him.

Carolina giggled in delight as they stood on the bank of the spring. “It’s beautiful; so serene.”

“The cattle don’t come down here to drink. There’s electric fencing and this is the highest point of the property. Nothing flows upstream, so it’s crystal clean water. I swim here when it gets hot. I thought maybe you might need a place to escape or get away.” He released her fingers, shoving his hands into his pockets to keep from proving he had no self-control.

“It is lovely,” she said. She bent down and scooped the water between her hands. She rubbed the water over her arms, rivulets running down. Matt watched, mesmerized by the sight of her and being reminded of fairytale water nymphs. Her hair lifted and swirled in the breeze. She stood, her breasts pushing against the thin material of her shirt, her nipples erect, and his cock thickened in his pants. This place was lovely, yes, but in a heartbeat it changed from serene.

Or maybe it was his thoughts. His insides twisted into chaotic knots. He shouldn’t have brought her here. This was torture, tempting himself past the point of breaking. Should he just say the hell with the bet and hand over his keys and his horse?

Hell. Think of something else other than her body. Definitely, something other than laying her down in the grass on a blanket.

He should have taken her straight to the office. Let her begin her job. Made her wear a lab coat to shield him from her curves. It was too late when he’d gotten a whiff of her perfume, glimpsed the curve of her breasts, her skirt hiking up her thighs.

F*ck. He gritted his teeth and moved farther away from her. “I’ve come here since I was a boy. Over there’s my sitting rock. Whenever I had a problem, Miss Louisa would say to go down to my sittin’ rock. It never failed when I was a boy.”

“And now?”

“I don’t know … maybe my problems got too large for the sitting rock. I think I might need a whole boulder today,” he murmured.

Their gazes met. Locked, really. He retraced his footsteps toward her and she froze. He was almost paralyzed by her exquisite beauty. His desire pushed him onward. He came up and squeezed her hand.

“I don’t know. Why is this so hard?”

“It’s not,” he said.

“I don’t know what to think.” She entwined her arm around his, drawing his hand against her soft body. There was nothing he could do except follow suit.

He drew her to him. “I want you so much,” he said. He encircled her waist with his arm.

She pressed her forehead against his shoulder. “Remember our bet,” she murmured. “Give me a week to run the tests. Then we’ll know what you’re dealing with and then maybe you’ll have some answers to all your questions.”

“You win. Fair and square. You might as well take everything I own.” At that moment, she was the only answer he wanted. He feathered his fingers over her jaw, cupping her face, and lightly pressed his mouth down upon hers. It was a kiss that promised what he couldn’t tell her.

As she pulled back, her eyes searched his face, uncertain and questioning. He knew she didn’t want to be put into a position of choosing any more than he did. Before he took this too far, he stopped. Only because if he scared her, he’d lose twice; this woman and more cattle would die. He needed her and wanted her. The duo of his emotions twisted in his stomach, tearing him apart.

“We’d better get going,” he whispered against her mouth. “Open your hands. Go on.” He placed his key ring in her open palm.

“Forget it. The whole bet was rigged,” she murmured. Carolina leaned into him, unaware that her body was far more interesting than anything he owed. He wanted to stay right here and feed this connection they had, in this place they felt so right together. He prodded himself to do what was necessary and get moving to their next stop — the four walls enclosing his office. Brother.

He made himself think about what he’d find tomorrow riding out. The idea of another calf gone took hold and steadied his desire, allowed him distance and control. “Look, before we go, I want you to know that when this is over, I fully intend to ask you out on a date.”

He took back his key ring she held out hooked on her finger. “You mean a real date when I’m back in Miami? How’s that supposed to work out?”

“Don’t sweat the details.” He kissed her fully, deeply, before he separated from her lush body, inhaling ruefully, and walked her back to the Jeep, all too aware of the texture of her lips, her perfume, and his erection. He tunneled his fingers through his hair wondering if he should start sweating the details.

Matt forced his attention elsewhere than on imagining Carolina in his bed. He led her around to the holding pins and pastures, past the open grassy areas that lead out toward the open fields. The land was flat, mostly golden in the summer sun. He drove the Jeep to the end of fence line that kept the house apart from the cattle.

The barns and stables were a series of white buildings. A large building was set off to the side for branding the cattle and holding. There were various pens used for treating the cattle and administering vaccines and medicine, branding and loading the cattle onto trucks when necessary. The offices were inside the smaller building.

“This was the original barn built by my great-grandfather. He started out with just a couple hundred acres and a big plan. By the time my grandfather was born, he had purchased the surrounding land. My grandfather was the one who divided it all into connecting plots for each of his children. My father comes from a family of boys, but no girls. Probably why he doesn’t talk much. Didn’t need to speak much growing up on a ranch where the work was back-breaking and the only time to rest is during meals.”

He flipped on the lights.

“Whoa. This is absolutely not what I expected. It’s so modern,” said Carolina. Seeing her inside his office bordered on surreal.

“Yes, I refurbished the office when I returned from school. It was my only contingency and a mistake that I didn’t stipulate more changes to keep in step with future.”

Her eyebrows winged up, yet she didn’t ask for an explanation. “This is out of the way for many meetings.”

“When the family is all on board, it’s gets pretty rowdy. My uncles are involved as well and their children. It’s a mess to try to explain. More than likely, most everyone is out. This is the week for fence repairs. Obviously, a good time to bring you here. Miller is in charge of the accounting; you should expect that he’ll pop in and out. My cousin, Trish, is responsible for inventory of supplies and equipment. She’s the daughter of my Uncle Calvin, and out on maternity leave at the moment. Then there’s Stockton, my cousin, and he’s overseas on a tour of duty. Their offices are up front.”

“I get it about family. Cubans have the same dilemma with family businesses, especially restaurants. We’re part owner of one on Flagler Street, La Playa. Don’t get me started on who’s who in the world of aunts, uncles and primos … cousins. Where are the samples?”

“In there.” He pointed at a door while moving toward his desk. “Inside that closet. It’s locked. The key is in my desk.” He pulled open the drawer and shook the set of keys.

“Rather trusting, aren’t you?”

“I won’t be played the fool. You’d better follow suit. Trusting got me more dead cattle. Those days are done until I can figure this thing out.”

The inside of the closet was small, no larger than ten feet by twelve, complete with a locked freezer. “We used this up at the house but then found that we could store medicine and sperm inside.”

“Oh, yeah,” she said. “Smart thinking.”

He lifted the freezer door, spreading out the chilled air inside, and saw her inadvertent shiver. “I’ve got a jackets and shirts.”

Carolina touched his arm. “No, I’m fine. Are you always so mindful of everything around you?”

He didn’t answer, opting to take out a large zipper-fastened plastic bag and closed the freezer door. On top of the freezer, he laid out the smaller bags held inside. All were neatly labeled with specimen number and type.

She sidled up to him and picked up each bag, seeming to study each sample. “This is all so organized. How many other samples do you have?”

“Fifteen samples. Fourteen more cows died since we first spoke.”

She stared up at him. Her mouth parted. “From different animals? Distinct sample types?”

“Yes. From different animals. Seventy-five individual samples.”

“I’ve already contacted the lab I use. We’ll need to download the chain of custody. Each sample will need to be listed and then we’ll dry ice these samples overnight. You should have DNA analysis back within the week unless you’d like to expedite the results. They can do other types of pathological reports. How extensive do you want me to go?”

“All the way.”

“That’s thousands of dollars … are you sure? How about we do some preliminary tests and then decide once the results come back?”

“Sounds good. We need a printer and we can begin if you show me where I can set up.”

“Tomorrow we’ll go out and take comparison samples from cattle off the same donor. Then we’ll take samples from cattle that you’ve got from herds that have rarely succumbed to this respiratory condition.”

Matt sobered. “Okay.” He stood in front of the doorway, not wanting to leave and take her into town.

There were no formal plans or structured steps in place to assist him on his next move, only a gut instinct that prodded him. Carolina with her quizzical expression that bounced from serious studious vet to sexy wanton kisser. Crap, all he wanted entailed getting past this mess and getting with her.

He slipped his hand behind her neck and this time it was Carolina who held up a palm against his chest. “You’re not making this easy, Matt. It’s not easy. I don’t want to be easy.”

“No, you’re right. It’s hard.” He didn’t give her a chance to think. He encircled her wrist and swept her palm down and filled in the gap between their bodies. He bent his head, capturing her mouth. Hungrily, he devoured her lips. She moaned against his mouth. He tasted her tongue and cupped the back of her head, giving him the means to thrust his tongue into mouth. Her hands rubbed his arms and clung to his shoulders. The front door slammed shut and he stopped kissing her. Barely.