She swallowed at the near hit.

  Eve drew in a steady breath. “Work with me on this one, Sticks, old girl.” In her mind, she counted to three and, with all her might and her muscles quivering, she lifted the saddle as high as she could. She grunted and got it in place.

  “You did it, Eve!”

  “How about that!” She blinked back a fresh bout of tears and grinned from ear-to-ear.

  Conner came to her and pressed a quick kiss on her forehead.

  “Owie. Lump. Remember?” She must have sore spots all over her.

  He backed off, grinning. “Sorry about that. You may get knocked down but you keep going.”

  “That may just be my new motto, cowboy.”

  Or the story of my life.

  The sun never shone. Only clouds opened up and spilled buckets of rain down.

  Conner shook it off, tending to the cattle. He’d checked a few dozen and was pleased with their progress. Together, Eve and he herded the stray ones out of the tangle of brush and back to the herd.

  He glanced at Eve now riding high in the saddle and, like a pro, gazing along the fence line and then to the cows.

  “All clear, Conn.”

  His smile came quick and easy. She surprised him in so many ways. From the expensive wedding dress he’d found her in, he thought she’d be whiny and a diva. Not so. He figured she’d be a spoiled handful and add more work to his duties. Hadn’t happened. In the back of his mind, he imagined her stomping her feet to get her way. Not once.

  Also, he had no idea she’d want to work alongside him instead of holed up alone in the cabin. Even when she’d been afraid of Sticks and the other horses.

  She had spunk and determination. Two things he never knew he admired in a woman before.

  Eve made him proud of her tenacity.

  Out here, she didn’t give up easily.

  That was what bothered him. Why had she given up on her life back home? There was a wannabe groom waiting on her, wondering where she went and why she left. She owed him an explanation, even if he’d done her wrong. And there had to be a family—even a distant one—hurting because she’d turned her back on them, too.

  When the going got tough in real life, Eve took off. Would it be only a matter of time before she did it again?

  Whatever her real name was, she’d run from her loved ones, hiding away in the hill country and leaving them far behind.

  A McCall never did that.

  And this McCall brother could never fully trust anyone who did.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Eve heard the weak, soulful mooing before she spotted the lone calf in the long grass.

  Before she could speak, Conner nudged his horse in that direction. He rode with assurance and speed as Cinnamon Sticks plodded along with the pack horse, Oven Mitts, tethered behind.

  It seemed more reasonable to have Eve lead the pack horse since Conner could be free to tend the more resistance stray cattle into rejoining the herd.

  Now, she was glad when he reached the calf in the pouring rain. She came up on them to find the poor baby was shivering and distraught.

  “Don’t look, Eve.” Conner went to pull out the rope from the supplies.

  “What’s wrong?” She swung down from the saddle and her feet hit the ground with a thud. Going around, she saw that the large cow on her side remained stiff and still. Her calf cried out again, nudging her mother’s side.

  Tears smarted Eve’s eyes. Her chin wobbled.

  “You looked.” Weariness echoed in Conner’s voice as he came up beside her. “We’ll bring the little one back with us and bottle-feed it.”

  “Conn, what will happen to the cow?”

  “We leave her. She goes back to the land. Nothing we can do for her now.” A throb of pain strummed in his words.

  “I don’t like this part.”

  “Me either, Eve.” He coaxed the calf with soft sounds and gently tied the rope around her neck. “She’s small. Undernourished. I don’t think she can walk back on her own.”

  “Carry her?”

  “Only way.” He leaned down and scooped up the calf.

  It cried out more, breaking Eve’s heart. She rushed to Conner’s horse and held the reins. “Let me have her while you get up.”

  “Sure about that? She’s fur and bones, but at least forty pounds.”

  Dismissing his concerns, she grabbed the calf. “You can let go now.” He was right. The weight nearly crushed her, especially when the calf wiggled. “Okay. Any time now.”

  Conner chuckled softly and got back on his horse. “Lift, Eve, like you did the saddle.”

  “That thing was a piece of cake compared to squiggles here.” With all the strength she had, Eve raised the calf. Eve’s arms burned, barely moving six inches.

  Leaning down, he hauled the calf up. “Clear the rope.”

  Together they got the calf settled, the weight of it in his lap and arms. Eve handed over the reins and rushed to mount Sticks. “Go on ahead. I’ll catch up.”

  He pressed his horse and it obeyed, walking briskly away.

  Eve took one last sad look at the cow. “Don’t you worry, little mama. We’ll take good care of your baby for you.” She sniffled and marched Sticks away from the sight with Mitts trailing behind.

  Thankfully, Conner had a swift horse. In less than ten minutes, he was half a mile ahead. She kept a close watch in the direction he was going; she didn’t want to get lost out here in the pounding rain and the growing darkness.

  By the time she’d made it back to the camp nearly two hours later, Eve ached all over. Not a spot on her body didn’t scream in protest from the jarring ride and days in the saddle. She was glad to see the light in the cabin window and smell the burning wood in the air.

  Conner’s horse was already in the lean-to, saddle off. But she knew he didn’t get to do more than give it some feed and water. With trepidation, Eve slid down off Sticks and got to work.

  From memory, she followed Conner’s routine of taking off the supplies and storing them away. Next, she released the buckles on the saddles, holding her breath and praying that Sticks and Mitts didn’t kick her or swat her with their nasty, dirty tails.

  She put out fresh feed and water. Her hand shook. But she went to work brushing them down, including Conner’s horse, Blaze. The smooth, rhythmic motions soothed Eve and her jumpy nerves. The horses neighed or whinnied a few times, startling her.

  Eve laughed at herself. A few more days and she wouldn’t mind it one bit.

  Finished, she double checked ties and whatnots and then headed to the cabin. The delicious scent of beef and gravy hit her when she stepped in. The cozy warmth made her shiver at the change in temperature. “Honey, I’m home.”

  Conner grinned up at her as he sat on the floor beside a sleeping calf, rubbing it’s back. “Dinner is hot and ready.”

  Gulping, she took in his sexy, shirtless self and felt her knees go weak. Eve leaned back against the solid door.

  “You eat. I’ll tend to the horses.”

  “All done.” She wedged off her boots, kicking them to the side. Then she shucked off the rain poncho, hanging it on a nearby peg beside his.

  “Seriously?”

  “I love that shocked expression of yours.” Holy cow, she did! It was sunshine and smiles and pure delight.

  “It’s just you and horses aren’t the friendliest...”

  “Creatures to get along with or together.” Why did her head feel light? She tried to shake it off and move to her side of the cabin where she kept her clothes. She pulled out dry jeans and a shirt. “Don’t look. This is the only place I have to change. And speaking of that, you need to get out of the rest of your wet clothes, too.”

  “In any other situation, I’d take that as an invitation.” His voice, soft and low, sent a shower of want coursing through her blood.

  A rush of heat ignited inside her and spread. She moaned inwardly and gripped the shirt tighter. “Not helping.”

  He was there behind her before she could even think. His body didn’t quite touch hers. “Better?”

  “Hardly.”

  “This is me wanting you and you wanting me.”

  “Nothing more. Or less.” She agreed to this strange line drawn between them.

  “Out here with you I forget things.” His hot breath tickled her neck.

  She frowned. “What things?”

  “That I have promises to keep. To Gramps. My family. This ranch.”

  “You didn’t break any.”

  “Not yet. I’m so damned tempted.”

  Me, too. “There’s only so far that will take you.” She didn’t want this ache. Didn’t know how to stop it with Conner.

  “I’m not the only one with promises. You’re still someone’s bride.”

  “No.” She sucked in air. “I’m not.” Eve turned to face him. “That I’m sure of.”

  “Just a runaway bride? It doesn’t change much. Eve, who are you really? You’re sweet and innocent and sexy and alluring. And I don’t know which one is the real you.”

  His honesty stunned her. No one in her life had demanded that much from her in return. “Maybe I don’t, either, Conn.” She shocked herself at the admission.

  The charged air simmered between them. Conner backed away, running a hand through his hair. “Well, I’m a McCall and I’m damn proud of it, too. I would give my life for my Gramps and my brothers. I would never run or hide to avoid them. Do you know what I’d give to see my mom and dad and my Grams just one more time?”

  Eve felt the backlash. Her cheeks stung. She nodded, accepting it. Finally, it was out in the open. He’d go to hell and back for his family while she threw it away. “You’re right.” She gulped hard. “I’m foolish and young and probably all those things you think. Reckless, for one.”

  “How could you have climbed into a stranger’s truck? Do you know the things that could have happened to you? The creeps out there?” His angry outburst hung in the air.

  She shook now. The things he said were everything she avoided considering.

  “You let me kiss you. That first night, too. I shouldn’t have. I don’t take advantage of women. But, I’m not some rebound cowboy you can toy with, either.”

  “I know...” He wasn’t. Not that. She’d never seen him like that. “You’re not, you know?”

  “Oh, Evie.” Conner groaned, the tension siphoning out of him. He came to her, gathering her close. “Don’t make one mistake after the other.”

  His warm skin felt like silk beneath her palms. Conner’s broad chest cushioned her head as he ran his fingers through her damp hair. And his strong arms were a slice of heaven. But his words brought the shock value she’d needed.

  Emotions were awkward and messy. “I hate confrontation.”

  “You think?”

  She smiled.

  “And the truth.”

  “For me? Is there such a thing?” She tried to tease.

  He chuckled.

  “If there’s one thing you should know is that every moment with you here has been the real me.”

  “That’s a start.”

  Eve gathered her courage and tipped her head back so she could look at him. He was beautiful. Tall, lean and rugged, with a few days of stubble on his jaw, he smiled slowly, lazily. His green eyes flared. Desire curled through her.

  The air hummed with sparks of electricity.

  “If I kiss you now, who will it be?”

  “Me wanting you, Conn.”

  He lowered his head until he brushed his lips across hers, once, twice, and then took her mouth in a fully demanding explosion of heat and want.

  Eve tasted him, the hint of sweetness and hot wicked lust mixed to a bold, heady combination. Intoxicating. Thrilling. Need coiled in her center as warmth rushed through her blood.

  Conner raised his hands and cupped her neck, tilting her head to give him better access to her. He deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue along the seam of her lips, parting them, and then tangling with hers in a deep, wet erotic dance. Eve groaned. He slid his thumbs over hypersensitive spots, making her quiver all the way down to her toes.

  Pressing into her, he was there, hot, hard, and all-consuming. “This is me, Eve. I could give you what you want right now...what we both want. But I won’t.” He trailed kisses over her cheek, along her jaw, and then back to the corner of her mouth.

  “Why not?” She reached out, touching his sides. Muscles and hot skin. Longing ripped through her, sharp and fierce.

  He sucked in a quick breath. “Until you can tell me who you really are. All of it. Know this, I’m not some country guy here for your sole entertainment while you can’t handle your real life. Got it?” He licked his bottom lip as he stepped back, breathing hard.

  A strange yearning took hold at the gesture. Eve longed to lick him there. An ache at the sudden loss swept through her belly. “I never thought you were...”

  Is that what he thought of her?

  Determination forced out desire in his green-eyed gaze.

  Strange how he saw her as lying to him by withholding the complete truth. Wasn’t that what she imagined Gavin had done?

  Eve swallowed hard. Could she justify one and not the other?

  Guilt took root. Conner was right, of course. This was a mistake. They were a mistake. He wanted a country girl. Real and honest.

  She wasn’t. Plain and simple.

  A block of icy fear sat in her chest.

  When Conner discovered the truth of her life, however much it was a sham to her now, he’d never forgive her for deceiving him and his family.

  Eve’s days were numbered...

  Late that night, as the rain pitter-pattered against the roof, Conner looked up from his book on animal husbandry and watched Eve sit in front of the wood stove and feed the calf. The oversized bottle—with a blend of powdered milk and water—nearly swallowed her small, dainty hand.

  He searched close. There was no mark, no sign of a ring ever being on that third finger.

  There were still too many mysteries surrounding his runaway bride. He didn’t like it. His temper earlier could be put down to frustration and pent-up passion. A volatile combination for him.

  Never had he challenged a woman. There was never a just cause. Until her.

  With Eve, she tested and tempted him in the best and worst ways.

  Then that sultry kiss... Combustion happened. Smoke fanned embers until they burst into flames and he couldn’t get enough of her soft, tender lips. The feel of her of silky hair and skin, the taste of her sweet mouth, the sound of her gasps...

  Just thinking about it made he ache with a need so deep and wide it shocked him.

  She giggled. “Look, she’s finally taking it.”

  The slurping noises made Conner grin. Or was it the vision of Eve in nothing but his denim shirt on a bunch of blankets?

  Conner swallowed hard. There was only so much denying he could do.

  In a few days, they’d be back at the ranch and she would have to fess up. Would he like what she had to say? Would she even admit to all she was hiding? He may never know the entire truth.

  Or would Caleb find out something that set the wheels in motion for someone to be waiting there when they returned?

  If it were him, he’d be out looking.

  What would happen when they got back?

  A pool of dread sunk deep in the pit of his belly.

  “I need you to stay here today, Eve.” Conner’s soft words woke her from a heavy slumber. She’d fallen asleep somewhere in the early morning hours.

  How had she gotten to her bunk? He must have put her there. She sat up quick.

  “Whoa now! Remember, no more lumps.”

  She eased her legs out from under the covers and her feet hit the cool floor. Gathering her wits, she took in the silence. “The rain stopped.”

  “About an hour ago.” He handed her a mug of pitch-black coffee and sipped from his own.

  “Have you slept at all?”

  “No rest for the wicked.” His voice held that smile that did crazy things to her insides.

  Eve glanced at the calf nestled in a blanket on its side. Her middle clutched. “Is she sick?”

  “In a way. Heartsick. Missing her mama.”

  Tears smarted her eyes. “Poor thing.”

  “I’ll be back before sundown.” He waited.

  Looking up, she caught her first real glimpse of him this morning. Shadows under his eyes tugged at her. “What can I do to help? Can I tag along at least for a little while?”

  A slow grin inched across his lips.

  Quivers shot straight to her core. God, she wanted to kiss him again. “Is that a maybe?” She held her breath.

  “Take care of our baby, woman.” He winked and she about melted in a puddle.

  Not fair, Conner McCall. Not fair at all...

  Chapter Sixteen

  Eve did everything in her power to get the calf to come outdoors. It didn’t budge.

  “Feeding. Check. Okay, barely. Petting. Check. Peeing. Oh, yeah.” She’d cleaned it up as she held her breath. “Pushing. Tried some. Didn’t want to hurt the little thing...”

  Hours crawled by since Conner had left and she was bored at cleaning the tiny cabin, washing clothes—even his—and hanging them on a rope she’d strung across the porch ceiling, and caring for the calf. Cooped up in the first sunshine in days, Eve wanted to break out.

  She’d fashioned a loose rope around the calf’s neck and to the bunk bed. “I’ll check on Sticks and be right back. No funny business, you hear?”

  The calf didn’t even spare her a glance.

  “What are we going to do with you... Ah, naming. Maybe squiggles.” She grinned. “Now, what would Conner say about that?”

  Dampness hung in the air, but the sun felt good and it dried up little areas. Eve hesitated on closing the door, but she didn’t want a snake slithering in the cabin. She grimaced at the thought of encountering one.

  Her boots squished in the still muddy yard as she made her way to Sticks. She seemed lonely all by herself.

  “Hey, girl.”

  The horse picked up her head and shook it.

 

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