A Family For The Rancher. Allison B. Collins

even further. She’d done it to save his pride. Rubbing a hand across his stubbled chin, he caught a whiff of something light, feminine. Sniffing his fingertips, he groaned.

      Kelsey’s perfume.

      Everything had happened so fast he hadn’t really paid attention before. Now it was embedded in his nose, and it brought back the feeling of her sitting across his groin. He hadn’t been that turned on in, well...forever.

      His leg ached and he wanted more than anything to sit down. Well, he wanted to take her to bed, but that wouldn’t happen anytime soon.

      With anyone.

      What woman would be interested in him now?

      He didn’t want anyone to see him this way. Kelsey didn’t count; she was a therapist. “That’s all she is, and ever will be,” he told himself.

      Maybe if he said it often enough, he’d believe it.

      The music from the band grew louder with every step he took. A sudden racket from the drums hit fever pitch, and he flinched. The rat-a-tats wouldn’t stop, and he ducked, searching for cover.

      Nowhere to hide...alone.

      He looked at his hand. Where’s my weapon?

      Searching his pockets turned up nothing.

      He needed a gun or a knife.

      Something.

      Anything to fight back.

      A hand clamped down on his shoulder.

      He wrenched his body back, out of the enemy’s grip. Pulled his arm back to throw a punch.

      His dad stood in front of him. “What’s wrong with you? Didn’t you hear me calling?”

      Nash looked around the shadowed yard. Pickup trucks of all sizes lined the driveway; flowers bloomed in the gardens.

      No desert. No rocks.

      No one trying to kill him.

      Nausea gripped his stomach, and he broke out in a clammy sweat. He needed to get back to his cabin. This hadn’t ever happened before. His leg muscles threatened to seize up, and he blew out a breath, tried to lengthen his stride. His right foot hit a gopher hole, and he caught himself before he fell.

      “I’ve been looking for you.”

      His dad’s voice seemed to come from a tunnel, and he tried to focus on answering. “What do you want?”

      “Did you get something to eat?”

      “I’m not hungry.”

      “I didn’t see you up there. Come back and say hello to everyone.”

      “No.”

      “Why the hell not? They’re our guests, and they all know you. Want to see the returning hero.” His dad clapped him on the back.

      A growl erupted from deep within, and he jerked his shoulder away from his dad’s hand, stepped back. “I’m no hero.” Sweat beaded on his forehead, dampened his palms. He needed to get out of there, and now.

      “You get yourself back up to the party and play nice.” His dad stepped closer and peered at Nash’s face. “What’s wrong with you?”

      “Leave me alone.” He did hurry this time, all the way to his truck. He’d thought earlier he could suck it up and go to the barbecue.

      Not now.

      He pulled out of the parking area, the headlights flashing across his dad. Nash’s chest tightened. Was that concern on the old man’s face?

      Nah. Impossible.

      * * *

      KELSEY STOOD ON the edge of the dance floor watching Hunter dance with Maddy. He whirled her around, and she hooted with laughter.

      She smiled. It was good to see her daughter having fun.

      “Maddy sure is taken with Hunter, isn’t she?” her mother remarked.

      “She definitely is.”

      “Why aren’t you taken with Hunter?”

      Suppressing an eye roll, Kelsey said, “Because I don’t want to be taken with any man. I don’t have time for nonsense.”

      “But you’re still young and vital—”

      “Mother, stop it.”

      “I’m just saying, the Sullivans seem to be doing well for themselves. I used the Google earlier to look at their guest ranch, and all the reviews are five star. Wouldn’t hurt to make an effort.”

      “I had a husband, and he died. I don’t think...no, I know I’ll never love anyone that way again.”

      “Who said anything about love? What about security? Having someone to turn to at night? Not being alone again.”

      Kelsey slid her arm around her mother’s shoulder. “I know you miss Dad.”

      “Nonsense. I was talking about you.”

      Reaching deep for patience, Kelsey cut her words off when Nash’s father stopped in front of them.

      “Kelsey, I’m glad you came tonight. I wanted to officially welcome you to the Sullivan Ranch.” His words were for Kelsey, but he hadn’t taken his eyes off her mother. “Who’s this lovely woman with you?” he asked, and took his Stetson off even as he sucked in his stomach.

      Bunny preened and fluffed her blond hair. “Why, how kind of you, Mr. Sullivan. I’m Bunny Randolph, Kelsey’s mother.” She drew out all the syrupy sugar of her Southern upbringing as she spoke.

      Mr. Sullivan took her hand in his and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “It’s a pleasure meetin’ you, ma’am. Just call me Angus. Both of you.”

      Kelsey stood next to them, trying hard not to laugh. Bunny was pouring on the Southern charm, and Mr. Sullivan pulled out his inner cowboy.

      He pressed her hand into the crook of his elbow just as the band slowed the tempo down into a Tennessee waltz. “May I have the pleasure of this dance?”

      “I thought you’d never ask.” Her mother’s voice had gone breathless, and she put an extra swish into her skirts as they walked away, completely ignoring Kelsey.

      “Seems I’m not the only one taken with your family.” Hunter joined her, carrying a sleepy Madison.

      She took her daughter in her arms, and Maddy tucked her head against her shoulder. Her arms strained with the weight, and she tightened her grip, hating that her daughter was growing up so fast. And Rob wouldn’t be there to watch.

      “I better get her home. Do you think someone could bring my mom home after the party?”

      “Don’t worry. I’ll take her home. Although—” he broke off and glanced toward the dance floor “—my dad may beat me to it. They seem to be gettin’ along pretty good.”

      Angus twirled her mom around the floor, then dipped her. Bunny squealed and laughed, beaming up at him.

      There she goes, flirting again. On the one hand, she needed this job, but on the other, she needed to get Nash up to speed so they could move on before Bunny got too attached. Again. She drew men to her like bees to honeysuckle, and she loved it.

      “You go on ahead and take your daughter home. I’ll make sure your mom is fine. Sleep tight.” He kissed her cheek, then smoothed a gentle hand down Maddy’s back.

      “Thanks, Hunter. I appreciate you doing that. And for keeping Maddy entertained. She loved dancing with you. Good night.”

      Once she had Maddy buckled into the car seat, she leaned against the driver door and looked up at the sky. There had to be more than a billion stars. She’d never seen so many, or so clearly. Montana could definitely grow on her. Not