Expecting The Cowboy's Baby

“Humiliating. Two days before the wedding. Then the guy turned around and married his tennis instructor, just two months later.”

“That’s rough,” he said, understanding Cassie’s dilemma better now. He leaned forward and took both of her hands in his, resting them on her thighs. He ignored the sensation ripping through him from that contact, the sharp pang of desire. He couldn’t act upon his urges. Not now, not with Cassie so vulnerable. He wondered why she hadn’t asked him to the wedding instead of trying to pick up some stranger. “You could have said something yesterday.”

Stark fear entered her eyes and they went amazingly wide. “Oh, I couldn’t ask you. You’re the last man I’d ask.”

Jake flinched, his body tightening. The sting of her pronouncement ran deep, cutting through his heart. He’d been the outcast in school, the foster kid nobody seemed to want. And later he’d been the bastard son of a cold unyielding man. His own father hadn’t wanted him until it was too late. Far too late. Jake had known rejection all of his life. He’d dealt with it in his own way. Somehow it always managed to hurt, though, even when it came from a woman he’d just barely met. He dropped her hands and sat back, wondering how many times he’d have to feel this way. How many more times would the pain of rejection slash through his gut? Hell, he’d given up the battle years ago when Lorie had deserted him, but dammit, he wanted to know why Cassie wouldn’t even consider him. Or had that one night in high school, when he hadn’t showed, been that devastating to her? “Because of what happened in high school?”

Cassie closed her eyes briefly, as though reliving that night, then cast him a somber glare. “Being stood up for homecoming is a pretty big deal for a young girl.”

A tick worked at Jake’s jaw. “I know. But it had nothing to do with you.”

“It was as if you’d just dropped off the planet, Jake. I never heard from you again.”

Jake gritted his teeth. Just when life should have been about cars and girls and going out with your friends, his life had been a mess. And he had pretty much dropped off the planet. His father had finally admitted Jake’s existence that night and had come for him. In one insane instant Jake’s whole life had changed. “It couldn’t be helped, Cassie.” Jake paused. “Is that the only reason you don’t want me taking you to the wedding?”

“Not exactly,” Cassie answered. “I have a much better reason.”

Jake couldn’t wait to hear this one. “I’m listening.”

She looked him dead in the eyes, hers, wide, green and so honest. “It’s because I’m attracted to you.”

Jake flinched again. He took a moment to let that sink in, staring at her, trying to understand what the woman meant, but none of it made sense. It was the last thing he’d expected her to say. “And that’s a bad thing?”

She bobbed her head up and down. “Oh, a very bad thing. You see, I’m a terrible judge of what’s good for me. What happened in high school with you was just the beginning. From then on I made a string of bad choices, always hooking up with the wrong guy. I’ve been hurt, Jake, and I don’t trust my instincts anymore. I’ve made too many mistakes. I refuse to make any more. That’s why that bull rider would have been perfect for me. I didn’t feel a thing for him.”

Jake silently applauded her for that. He slid his hand down his jaw and took a deep breath. Leaning toward her again, he took her hands in his, greatly relieved her rejection hadn’t been entirely because of him or that one night, but because of her own insecurities. He owed this woman and a compelling tug in his heart had him offering to help her. “Listen, Cassie, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to you, too. That’s not the issue here. Besides, tomorrow we’re both going our own separate ways, right?”

Cassie nodded slowly, keeping her gaze fastened to his.

“Let me take you to your brother’s wedding. It’d be like a make up date for the one in our past. We’ll spend the evening together. You’ll be able to enjoy the wedding and then we’ll part company. It’s as simple as that.”

“I don’t know.” She began shaking her head. Jake knew she didn’t really trust him. He couldn’t blame her for that. They really didn’t know each other anymore. All she had to go on was what she knew of him in the past. And he hadn’t left her with a good impression. But Jake felt a compelling need to set this one part of his past to rights.

He couldn’t afford anything more with Cassie Munroe.

“Look, your brother already thinks I’m your date. Why change that?”

Cassie hesitated, drawing in her lower lip, contemplating. Finally she asked, “You really think we can pull it off?”

Jake nodded. “We can manage one evening together, don’t you think? We’ve already spent a night together, and that didn’t turn out so badly, did it?”

She chuckled, the sound a relief to his ears. “No, not really.”

“What time is the wedding?”

“We have to be at the riverboat dock at four-thirty. They’re getting married under the London Bridge in Lake Havasu, so the boat has to leave on time.”

Jake calculated his timetable. “I’ve got a rodeo event scheduled today. I have to compete. I need those points to win the championship. It’s been my goal for five years and this is the closest I’ve come. But I’ll meet you at that dock at four-thirty. It’s a promise.”

Cassie stood and for the first time today she appeared hopeful. “Okay, that’s the best offer I’ve had in months. I’d better get into the shower then.”

He rose from the bed, also. “I’ll get your bags out of the car. Just give me the code this time, okay?”

“Okay, and thanks, Jake.” Cassie stood on tiptoes and brought her lips to his, ready to give him a quick kiss.

On instinct Jake cupped her head, feeling the silkiness of her short hair fall through his fingers. He bent her head up and brought his mouth down, taking a full taste from her lips. She was sweet and giving and her mouth moved with his too well. She made a little whimpering sound that sped his pulse and he deepened the kiss, pressing her closer, realizing that their bodies touched intimately. Jake backed up slightly, holding her away, fearful she’d know the true extent of his desire. He wanted her. But he wasn’t going to do a darn thing about it.

He was righting a past wrong, doing them each a favor, and then they’d part company, just as he’d pledged.

Three

Cassie stood on the boat dock, looking out at the bright blue water of the Colorado River rushing by. Its quick, unyielding flow matched the pace of her heartbeats. With clear skies and a slight breeze, it was the perfect setting for a wedding on a riverboat.

She clutched her black satin purse tight and glanced at her watch, realizing that it was already past four-thirty. Many of the passengers had already boarded, the captain ushering them on with a graceful smile. Cassie closed her eyes and held her breath, taking in warm Nevada air. Any minute now she’d have to board that boat, alone.

No use prolonging the inevitable, she thought. Jake wasn’t a man to be trusted. He’d told her what she wanted to hear at the moment, but he hadn’t followed through. She’d been a fool, once again where Jake Griffin was concerned. Now she had to face Brian’s guests and her ex-fiancé Rick included, alone. So be it. Cassie mustered her courage, fighting off disappointment, and began the lonely climb across the plank leading to the Sundance.

Darn, she’d been looking forward to having Jake accompany her to the wedding, but maybe, in the long run, this was for the best. After the way he had kissed her this morning in the hotel room, Cassie’s mind went on a downward slide. No man had ever kissed her with such immediate urgency and passion. No man had ever made her knees buckle like that before. And no man wore a Stetson the way Jake Griffin did.

All the more reason she should be glad he hadn’t made it on board.

Cassie strode along the lower deck of the boat, smiling at Brian and Alicia’s guests as she approached the crowded cocktail bar. She ordered a drink and waited patiently. She had nothing but time. The wedding ceremony wouldn’t happen for at least an hour. When the boat began to move away from the dock, she sighed with resignation.

Just a few more hours, Cassie, and it will all be over.

“Whiskey sour, for the lady,” the bartender said with a sly wink, sliding the glass her way.

“Thanks.” She picked up her drink, brought the glass to her lips and was ready to take a sip when the drink was gently removed from her hands.

“Don’t think so, Cassie.”

The deep, silky sound of Jake’s voice made her breath catch. Her heart did little joyful flips and shivers of delight carried throughout her body. He’d made it on board. “Jake?”

She turned and was immediately thunderstruck by his appearance. He was dressed in black, from head to toe, starting with that shiny black Stetson she’d had fantasies about, a dark Western suit and newly polished snakeskin boots.

“In the flesh,” he answered, downing her whiskey sour in one giant gulp. “There, less temptation for you.”

She swallowed, noting that he was all the temptation she could manage tonight. “I—I was sure you changed your mind.”

“Nope, just got behind schedule. Rodeo didn’t start on time.”

“Did you win?” she asked, relief at having a date for tonight mingling with her fear at having a date for tonight. At having Jake as her date for tonight. Jeez, it was a definite catch-22 situation. But he was here now, and Cassie had to keep her head. They’d have a pleasant evening, then part ways. Jake hadn’t offered anything else, so she shouldn’t be worried. They could pull off one night together.

But heavens, the man sure cleaned up nicely.

“Yep. I won.” He grinned, a charming lifting of lips that had Cassie remembering how good his kisses were. “I’m in the finals for tomorrow. You said you’ve never been to the rodeo. Why don’t you come?”

“Oh, I couldn’t. I’m leaving for L.A. first thing in the morning.”

He shrugged. “If you change your mind, I’ll leave a pass for you at the gate. Starts at twelve noon.”

“Thanks, Jake. And thanks for coming today.”

He nodded. “You look gorgeous,” he said, and from the appreciative gleam in his eyes Cassie knew it wasn’t just a line. Jake had a way of looking at her that made her feel soft and feminine. At least the two hundred dollars she had spent on the black satin cocktail dress hadn’t been for nothing. Jake seemed to like it on her just fine. “Just promise me, no more hard liquor. Your head must have just settled.”

Cassie laughed. “Well, yes. The throbbing did simmer down about an hour ago. I guess I wasn’t thinking when I ordered that drink.”

And she was barely able to think straight now, having Jake standing so close. He took her hand. “Come on, Cassie. Let’s take us a little stroll on deck.”

Holding hands with Jake had the desired effect. The same people who’d given her sympathetic stares not twenty-four hours ago were now casting her appreciative nods. It shouldn’t matter. It shouldn’t be so all-fired important. And perhaps it wouldn’t have been so bad if the man who had jilted her hadn’t been attending the celebration with his new wife. Cassie could have managed Brian’s wedding otherwise. And Cassie admitted to herself, Jake Griffin was a boost to her ego, even if this whole evening was a sham. He was drop-dead gorgeous, likable and dangerous enough to keep her on her toes. For tonight at least, she’d enjoy having him be her pretend date.

Jake stopped by the railing and, pulling her close enough to brush hips, whispered in her ear, “That’s your ex over there, isn’t it?”

With a slow turn of her head, Cassie spotted Rick with his wife by the bow of the boat. “Yes, how’d you know?”

Jake turned to her, looked into her eyes then bent his head. When he lowered his mouth to hers, Cassie knew he was about to kiss her. A thrilling sensation caught her completely off guard. She put thoughts of Rick, the wedding, the boat—everything—out of her head. Jake’s lips met hers, drawing deep from the contours of her mouth. He wrapped his arms around her waist and she moved into him until their bodies meshed.

The impact stunned her. His nearness. His sexy scent, made up of musk and man. When the brim of his Stetson brushed her head, her legs wobbled and her heart raced with each moment that passed. Being in Jake’s arms did astonishing things to her. She shouldn’t indulge in such pleasurable, exciting, risky things, yet she hadn’t the power to stop it.

Jake broke off the kiss, leaving her trembling. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you. I saw him darting glances when his wife wasn’t looking. Thought we’d give him something worth watching.”

“What? Oh, you mean, Rick?” All was suddenly clear. The kiss was meant for Rick to witness. Jake was playing the part of boyfriend, kissing her in front of the man who’d dumped her, making sure he’d taken a good hard look. It was a sweet gesture but Cassie’s stomach churned bitterly at the deceit. Secretly she’d hoped Jake had kissed her for other reasons, none of them having to do with showing up her ex-fiancé.

“Yes, we gave him something look at,” Cassie agreed quietly. She turned to gaze out at the scenery passing by. White water vanished into blue as the paddle wheel spun around and around, not entirely unlike Cassie’s head at the moment.

An hour later Cassie dried her tears with a wipe of her hankie. Brian had just spoken his vows to Alicia and two had become one on a crystal-blue lake under an ancient, elegant bridge. Jake stood by her side, and when he glanced down at her teary face, he cast her a quick smile and took hold of her hand, entwining her fingers with his. The gentle pressure he applied to her hand was meant to reassure, but it had a different effect entirely. Tingles surfaced, a common occurrence she’d come to know when making contact with Jake, and every nerve in her body was fully, completely aware of the hunky cowboy.

Cassie warned herself not to indulge in her fantasy.

She had to come to grips with reality—Jake was doing her a favor. The wedding was probably the last place he’d choose to be right now. He was a rodeo rider, focused on winning the championship. He had places to go, people to see, a man without roots, it seemed. She’d better remember that her wild attraction to him would be fruitless and a big mistake. She’d witnessed passion in his eyes when speaking of his life with the rodeo. She’d sensed his drive and something underlying on his expression, something guarded, something he kept hidden. Perhaps there was more to his great ambition to win the championship than he would allow a stranger.

After the ceremony Jake led her over to the newlyweds in the reception area, where she hugged Alicia with great affection and kissed her brother’s cheek. “It was a beautiful ceremony. I wish you both all the happiness you deserve.”

Jake shook Brian’s hand and kissed Alicia’s cheek. “Congratulations.”

“I’m so glad you made it to the wedding, Jake,” Alicia said, smiling.

“Jake is with the rodeo, Alicia. He had a competition today and made it just in time,” Cassie offered in explanation.

“Oh, then the captain must be a fan of yours. He said he wouldn’t leave the dock until a very important guest arrived. I take it, that was you, Jake?” Alicia asked, her curiosity written all over her face.

Jake cleared his throat, darting her a glance. “I guess so. Lucky for me, he didn’t shove off right on time.”

Brian leaned in to kiss Alicia’s cheek. “The music is starting up. It’s time for me to take my new wife for a spin on the dance floor. They’re playing our song, sweetheart.”

Cassie watched Brian whisk his bride away. They stepped onto the small parquet dance floor as a five-piece band began to play. After the first song the bandleader welcomed all other couples to join in.

“Well?” Jake asked, a crooked smile gracing his mouth. “You wouldn’t dance with me last night. How about it? Want to dance now?”

He ran his hands up and down her arms; a brief touching that heated her skin instantly. Inwardly she flinched at the raw power he had over her, the way a single touch could make her come alive. She gazed into a set of dark, appealing eyes and knew she should refuse. Jake had been by her side all afternoon, touching her at every turn, creating more heat inside her body than a fiery furnace. He’d been attentive, aware of curious eyes and playing the game, but Cassie had begun to enjoy his attention a little too much. He almost made her forget that this wasn’t real. He’d be leaving after the rodeo tomorrow and she’d return to Los Angeles. They’d head off in different directions and never see each other again.

“I’d love to dance with you,” she blurted.

His grin reminded her of a swashbuckling pirate, of a handsome rogue, but most of all, that particular lifting of his lips reminded her of a devilish outlaw ready to ride into the sunset with the girl.

He lay a possessive hand to the small of her back and led her onto the dance floor. “I don’t remember you asking me to dance last night,” she said as he took her into his arms. She’d better keep a conversation going, she thought, or she’d get too wrapped up in the soft music, the sway of their bodies and the solid, warm feel of him.

“Doesn’t surprise me. You weren’t thinking too clearly yesterday.” There was a note of irritation in his tone.

Cassie pursed her lips. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean,” he said, loosening his hold on her to gaze directly into her eyes. “Brody Taylor would’ve been your worst kind of nightmare, Cassie. I couldn’t stand there another second and watch him manhandle you.”

Cassie lifted her chin with defiance. “I don’t recall any manhandling.”

Jake pulled her in close with a strong tug, causing the air in her lungs to swoosh out. She fell against the solid wall of his chest, her breasts crushing into him. A little groan escaped his throat. He sucked in oxygen then continued. “Exactly my point.”

Cassie didn’t want a lecture from Jake. She didn’t need to be reprimanded. She’d done what she’d had to do last night and only by the grace of good fortune had things worked out in her favor today. Well, she mused, that still remained to be seen. If Jake was going to bully her, then neither of them was going to have a good time tonight. “Nothing would have happened with him, Jake. I knew enough to keep my head, achy as it was.”

“How can you be so sure?”

Why did he care? They’d only just met and he acted as though they were a real couple. From his tone he seemed to be more than a little curious about her answer. Had he been jealous of Brody?

“Because, Mister-Know-It-All Cowboy, I told you before, I didn’t find him the least bit attractive.”

“Rii-iight,” he replied with a twist of his mouth. “The perfect guy for you. Someone who doesn’t make your hair curl.”

He made her hair curl, and her toes and her stomach. Darn him. Why did she have to find him so attractive?

“And I don’t claim to know it all, but I do know what’s on a man’s mind when he’s holding a beautiful woman in his arms.”

He thought she was beautiful. Cassie’s heart fluttered.

“Care sharing those insights with me?”

He shook his head. “Not a chance, honey.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’m not looking for anyone, anyway. I’m through with men.”

“Uh-huh.”

And if he were the type, he would have rolled his eyes, but Cassie heard disbelief in his tone. “You don’t believe me?”

“Nope. You’ve got too much going for you to live the rest of your life alone. You’re hurting right now, but you’ll heal. And then some lucky guy will hog-tie you to him.”

She stopped dancing to make her point. “I’m over the hurt, Jake. I need…space and freedom. I’ve never had that before. Brian’s been wonderful to me, but he’s overprotective. He’s made my life too easy. He’s been accommodating and I’ve allowed it. I think that’s why I’ve made so many errors in judgment lately. It’s my own fault for not being stronger. But now, well…things are about to change.”

“Are they?”

“Yes, they are,” she replied firmly.

“How?”

“I’m giving up my position at Brian’s company. I’ve accepted a job near my hometown that I’m very excited about. I’m through with the big city. I haven’t told Brian yet, so please don’t mention it. I don’t want my older brother to go into cardiac arrest anytime soon, especially right before his honeymoon.”

“What do you do, exactly?”

“I’m an accountant. I’ve always been good with numbers. I’m forever calculating things in my head. It’s almost an obsession.”

He stopped to gaze at her. He spoke softly with an appreciative gleam in his eyes. “You don’t look like an accountant.”

“I, uh…is that a compliment?”

Jake chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”

“And to set the record straight,” she added, “the last thing I want is to have some Neanderthal hog-tie me to him.”

“If you say so,” he said a little too smugly. Heck, what did she care if he didn’t believe her? It wasn’t as though they meant anything to each other. They were reunited acquaintances who would soon say their farewells tonight, and that would be that.

Jake must have been on the same wavelength, because the conversation died and he brought her up close again, pressing her to his solid body.

They moved fluidly across the dance floor, Cassie falling into step with him. He draped his hand down her lower back, dangerously near her derriere, while the other hand played with the ends of her hair. His warm breath caressed her lightly as he nuzzled his nose into her neck, breathing her in, creating exciting thrills throughout her body.

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