Country Thunder: King Creek Cowboys Page 4

  “We’ll go slow.” Miranda adjusted her arms around Justin. “It’s good she’s not afraid of horses—most horses—and she was comfortable enough to go into the corral and spend time with Socks and Star. It’s a great sign.”

  “I appreciate you working with her.” Justin’s body shifted against hers as the trail steepened before it declined.

  “I enjoy my job,” Miranda said. “Kaycee is a sweet girl—it’s kids like her that make it so rewarding.”

  Justin turned his head enough that he could see her. “I can tell how much it means to you.”

  Miranda was so tempted to press her cheek against Justin’s back and totally relax into him.

  It felt way too good being so close to him, as far as she was concerned. What had she done, telling Justin she’d go out with him? She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. She needed to stop overthinking things.

  Live for the moment.

  Everything will be okay.

  “You’d like rafting down the Salt River.” Justin’s deep voice was almost mesmerizing. “It’s through a 2,000-foot granite canyon, and you can’t beat the blooming cactus and wildflowers in the spring. It’s an exciting ride through the whitewater, but it’s enjoyable in a lot of other ways.”

  “Sounds like it.” She looked around her at the beautiful scenery. “Being out in nature like this is one of the best feelings there is.”

  “We’ll make a trip of it.” He said it like a promise. “A three-day rafting trip is good.”

  “Overnight?” Miranda thought about it. “It sounds fun. But I’m not committing to anything.”

  He laughed—his laugh was deep and throaty and soooo sexy.

  Miranda couldn’t help it. She let herself sink against him, her cheek to his jacket. God, it felt good. She hadn’t been this close to a man in a very long time, and she hadn’t even been on any kind of date since she left Craig. This was new territory.

  The trip back down the trail went much too fast—she was enjoying riding with Justin more than she wanted to admit. When they reached her Jeep, she dismounted with Justin’s help, and then he swung off his mount.

  She dug out her keys and unlocked her vehicle, then tossed her backpack inside. She turned back to Justin and found him much closer than she’d expected. For some reason, she hadn’t realized how tall he was until there was only inches between them.

  Her gaze traveled up his muscular chest to his broad shoulders and on to his tanned face and stopped at his mouth. An entirely kissable mouth—firm lips tipped into a sexy grin. She moved her gaze from his mouth to his eyes and saw his amusement in their depths.

  “See something you like?”

  Yes, she most certainly did.

  “I’d better get home.” She looked at the patches of blue through the tree cover. “Sun’s getting low in the sky and I need to put up Star and Socks and feed them.”

  He raised his hand to reach for her face and she flinched.

  A frown creased his features as she forced herself to still. “I’m not going to hurt you, Miranda. I’d never do that.”

  “I know.” Her throat worked as she swallowed. “You just caught me off guard.”

  He stroked the side of her face with his knuckles, his expression concerned. “The bad relationship you mentioned—did he hit you?”

  Miranda looked down, unable to meet Justin’s gaze. The fact she’d stayed with Craig after he started hitting her now humiliated her. At the time she’d been trying to help him through it, but she should have left after the first time he hit her. Not months and many punches later.

  Justin cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him.

  “Yes,” she finally said. “But that and him—it’s a long way behind me, and I’d really rather forget it.”

  Anger tightened his features. The fact that her ex had hit her pissed Justin off to a degree that surprised her. It really shouldn’t have, but it did.

  “As long as you don’t forget that I’m not him,” Justin said in a tight voice. “I’d never hurt you. Ever.”

  “I know.” She smiled gently. “One of the things I can do is read people, and I already know that about you. Someday I’ll tell you about Craig and how I ended up in that situation. But that’s a story for a later time.”

  “Craig.” Justin narrowed his brows. “He’d better hope he never crosses my path. A man who hurts a woman is no man at all.”

  “I’m going home now.” Miranda rested her hand on his arm. “I’m glad we ran into each other here.”

  Some of the heat left his expression. He sucked in a breath and slowly let it out, like he was pulling himself back together. “I’m looking forward to Thursday already.”

  “Me, too.” She smiled. “What time are you picking me up?”

  “Six-thirty work for you?”

  She nodded. “Perfect.” She reached up and kissed his cheek before turning back to her Jeep. He watched her climb in, start the vehicle, and back away. She waved to him and he raised his hand before she pulled away and headed back down the mountain.

  So many thoughts ran through her mind that she could barely keep up. She was going on a date with Justin McLeod, a man who lit her on fire with just a look. She could still smell his intoxicating scent, could still feel his body against hers as he rocked in his seat in front of her on Thunder’s back. Could still feel her arms wrapped around his hard body.

  Wow. Just W.O.W.

  A smile curved her lips. He seemed like the kind of man she’d like to get to know better, the kind of man she’d enjoy spending time with. Come this Thursday, she’d find out if he was.

  Chapter 4

  Justin watched Miranda leave and couldn’t help a broad smile. He’d been sure he’d be able to convince her to go out with him, and sure enough he had. A good bit of luck finding her on the hiking trail.

  Miranda was so damned gorgeous, with crystal blue eyes that he could look at all day long. All that thick, brown hair that he wanted to slide his fingers through, and curves so sexy he wanted to run his hands over every inch of her. And to think he’d have her all to himself day after tomorrow.

  Of course, he wouldn’t pressure her, more than he already had just to get a date with her. But he wanted her in so many ways it made him hard just thinking about it.

  A thought crossed his mind that sent heat through him. Her ex had hit her. He had half a mind to head to Texas just to beat the shit out of the man who’d done it. He pushed that thought to the back of his mind for now.

  He and Thunder headed back to the ranch, Justin whistling as the sure-footed Quarter Horse navigated the way down steep hills and through brush, trees, and cacti.

  When he reached the ranch, he put away Thunder’s saddle and blanket before brushing down the big horse. He spoke to the Quarter Horse in a low voice all the while. Every now and then the horse would snort or bob his head, like he was agreeing or disagreeing.

  After he’d put Thunder in his stall and fed him, Justin strode to his home. Shari only cooked breakfast and lunch, so Justin needed to get dinner made for Kaycee and himself. Shari did a good job keeping the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer stocked, so they at least usually had the basics around.

  Warm smells of garlic met him as he opened up the back door. He smiled as he saw Kaycee at the stove. She was young, but her mother had taught her to cook and she did a fine job.

  “Hi, Dad.” Kaycee looked over her shoulder before turning back to the stove. “I’m making biscuits and hamburger gravy.”

  “Smells like Heaven.” He tossed his Stetson onto the hat rack and went to the sink to wash up. “I do love your biscuits.”

  “Good, ’cause I’m making lots.” Kaycee smiled at him. “It’ll be ready in about half an hour.”

  He dried his hands on a towel. “Need anything before I head off to take a shower?”

  She shook her head. “Nah. I got it.”

  He tugged the end of her braid then left the kitchen for the master bedroom. Within twenty minutes, he�
��d showered and changed, and was back in the kitchen. He could have showered a lot quicker, but the warm water had felt great on his tired muscles.

  While Kaycee finished up dinner, Justin set the small kitchen nook table near the window and poured a couple of glasses of iced tea. They settled in to eat, Justin piling his plate with two fluffy biscuits, each cut in half, and lots of hamburger gravy over it all.

  “How’d you like the therapist?” Justin cut into a biscuit and took a bite.

  “I liked Miranda.” Kaycee took a drink of her iced tea. “Her Morgans are so sweet.”

  “I liked her and her horses, too.” Justin smiled at the thought of the beautiful brunette. He’d always had a thing for brunettes. “I rode Thunder up into the Superstitions this afternoon and came across Miranda.”

  Kaycee looked up from her biscuits. “Was she riding one of her horses?”

  Justin shook his head. “She was hiking on one of the trails.” He took a big bite of biscuit and gravy.

  Kaycee studied him. “Do you want to date her?”

  The question caught Justin off guard and he stopped in mid-chew. Was he that obvious?

  He finished chewing and swallowed. “Already ahead of you.” He flashed a grin. “Taking her out to a place in Scottsdale this Thursday.”

  “Wow.” Kaycee raised her brows. “You work fast, Dad.”

  He laughed. “We had a good conversation when I ran into her. She’s a nice lady.”

  Kaycee drank her iced tea then set down the glass. “Where are you taking her?”

  “Roma Mia.” Justin cut into a biscuit. “It’s a small Italian place. I’ll take you there someday.”

  Kaycee looked thoughtful as she ate. She wiped her mouth with a paper napkin. “Do you think I’ll be able to ride again?” She appeared tense as she spoke. “I want to, but then I get a knot in my belly.”

  “Yes, I do think you will.” Justin spoke quietly. “Give it time, and you’ll do just fine.”

  Kaycee sighed. “I hope you’re right.”

  “You have Miranda to help you,” he said, “And you know you have me.”

  “I know.” Kaycee gave Justin a little smile. “Thank you.”

  No measure existed for the pride Justin felt for his daughter. She might not have been his by birth, but she was in every other way. She was a good kid, actually a young lady now, and he wanted to be the best possible dad he could. Whatever it took, he’d be there for her.

  Miranda studied her reflection. She didn’t want to look too anxious to impress Justin, but she wanted to look good. He’d said nice casual, so she’d picked out a simple blue sheath dress that matched her eyes and reached the tops of her knees. Not too long, and not too short. It had three-quarter lace sleeves and a princess-cut neckline. Simple silver knot earrings and a matching knotted silver bracelet were her only adornments.

  The doorbell rang five minutes early, and she looked out the peephole to see Justin on her doorstep. Him being early was just fine with her. She was ready and she liked a man who wasn’t late.

  She opened the door and couldn’t help but smile as she tipped her head back to look into his eyes.

  “You’re gorgeous.” He sounded and looked almost mesmerized and it made her want to blush and laugh at the same time. It was an odd reaction, but she’d never had a man look at her like Justin was right now.

  “You look pretty good yourself.” She smiled as she looked over the green western shirt covering his broad shoulders and tapered torso, and the dark blue wranglers that no doubt framed his ass perfectly. He wore nice brown boots and a braided belt with a silver buckle. He was so damned sexy, she wanted to invite him in and keep him in.

  She picked her small black purse off of a little table by the front door and plucked a sweater off a coat hook. It was early spring, so the nights could get a little chilly. “I’m ready if you are.”

  He stepped back and she closed the door behind her and locked it. He rested his hand on her waist, and his touch warmed her through. He helped her into his truck before striding around to the driver’s side and climbing in.

  “Have you traveled to the Phoenix area much?” he asked as he drove from her dirt road and onto the main road.

  “Some.” Miranda held her purse tightly in her lap then forced herself to relax her grip. “I’ve been to Mesa and Scottsdale, but that’s about it so far. I’m not crazy about the traffic.”

  “I avoid the city as much as possible.” Justin turned onto the highway. “But every now and then I’ll go. There are so many restaurants in the Valley that you could go to a different one every day of the year for at least a decade.”

  Miranda laughed. “You’ve been to the Italian place?”

  “Yep.” He glanced at her. “I figured I’d take you some place I know is good before we start trying out places we’ve never been to.”

  He was talking like this was the first of many dinners they’d have together. She felt comfortable with him and found she liked him a lot, despite barely knowing the man.

  He glanced from the road to her. “How’d you end up in King Creek when you left Texas?”

  “I decided I wanted to move to Arizona.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I didn’t want to be in a big town, but I wanted to have access to anything I might need if it was necessary. I looked at the small towns outside the Phoenix metro area and ran across King Creek. I looked it up, did some searching, and couldn’t find anyone who offers the kind of service I do, so I figured I’d check it out. I made a trip out here, fell in love with it, and put a down payment on a piece of property. A month later I arrived with my horses in tow, and here I am.”

  “And here you are.” He smiled. “Glad you made it to our neck of the valley.”

  “I am too.” She looked out into the night that was illuminated ahead by city lights. “I can’t imagine going back to Texas.”

  She turned to him. “What about you? Born and raised in King Creek?”

  “Yep.” He glanced at her and back to the road. “It was a good deal farther from Phoenix when I was growing up. The city keeps spreading and I’m afraid one day it will gobble us up like it’s doing with every other part of the valley.”

  “I hope you’re wrong.” She frowned at the thought. “It’s so beautiful out there. It would be a shame for the city to take it over.”

  “If it does, it’ll be awhile,” he said. “But in a decade or two, who knows.”

  She shook her head. “That would be terrible.”

  “I wholeheartedly agree.” He offered her a smile. “What kind of house are you building?”

  “Old Pueblo style.” She watched him as he drove, the green glow of the dashboard lights illuminating his strong features. “The contractor told me it’ll be finished in six months.”

  “That’s a nice little mobile home you’re staying in,” Justin said.

  She shrugged. “Nice enough for a temporary house. But that’s the problem, it feels temporary, too. I want to feel settled and like I’m home. Does that make sense?”

  “Yes, it does.” He looked thoughtful. “I think one reason why Kaycee has settled in so well since she’s been back is that she now has a permanent home. In Toledo, Carrie moved them from apartment to apartment around the city, so Kaycee never had the chance to feel settled or develop friendships. Here she has a home she knows she’s not going to have to leave for another. She’s able to make friends and get involved in afterschool activities, something she didn’t have before.”

  They continued to chat on the forty-minute drive to Old Town Scottsdale. Justin took an exit that led them onto a major street, bright with streetlights. It didn’t take long before he was pulling into the parking lot of a small restaurant with the sign, Roma Mia.

  He parked, then came around to her side of the truck to help her out and escort her into the restaurant. The hostess seated them after Justin asked for a small corner table in a quieter part of the busy place.

  When they were settled in with the
ir menus, and the hostess was putting in their request for a bottle of red wine, Miranda smiled at Justin. “Did you pick this place away from King Creek so that we wouldn’t run into people you know?”

  He gave her a cute little grin. “Last thing I want is to have to share you with anyone, and there are too many people in my hometown who’d pull up a chair just to yack our ears off.”

  “Small towns can be funny that way.” She laughed and turned her gaze to the menu. “What would you recommend?”

  “I’ve had the gnocchi, lasagna, and fettuccini,” he said. “I think anything on their menu would be good.”

  “Hmmm.” She slid her gaze over all of the offerings. “So much to choose from.” She finally decided on the eggplant parmigiana.

  The server arrived with their bottle of wine. She poured a glass for each of them and took their orders before retreating.

  She raised her wine glass. “Cheers.”

  He clinked his glass to hers before adding, “To tonight with a beautiful woman and a great evening ahead.”

  She smiled and met his glass with hers. “To tonight.”

  The wine was rich and rolled over her tongue, warming her to her belly. She found herself glad she wasn’t driving, because she would happily enjoy more than one glass of this wine. Since he’d bought a bottle, she didn’t mind indulging in a second glass.

  Talking with Justin was natural and enjoyable. She couldn’t get enough of his smile or his sexy grin or looking into his eyes. She wondered if she was enjoying herself more than she should, then wondered how could spending the evening with a sexy cowboy be having too much fun?

  Dinner arrived and it smelled absolutely wonderful. Rich, red sauce over tender eggplant—yummy.

  Justin had gone for the raviolis this time and said they were the best he could remember having.

  “I have to say you have good taste.” She picked up her wine glass. “Delicious food and a wonderful atmosphere.”

  “Of course I have good taste.” He picked up his own wine glass. “I asked you out for dinner, after all.”