Vicki Thompson – Cowboy Untamed (страница 6)

“And essentially became wild.”

“They did.” As she talked about the cats, her tension gradually eased. “But most of them seem to have retained a connection to people and to this barn. Fred’s the least trusting. He joined the colony late and I don’t think he liked being trapped and neutered.”

“Do you blame him?”

She smiled at his look of horror. “We can’t let them procreate.”

“I get that and I’m all for population control. I just avoid thinking about the process.”

“Are you squeamish?”

“Only when we’re talking about cutting off—”

“Look.” She pointed toward the trees. “Here they come.”

“Where?” Squinting, he scanned the area.

“Over there, moving past the trunk of that big pine. Snow White’s in the lead, as always. Grumpy, Sneezy and Dopey are following her.” The little white female was always easy to spot, while the dappled shade camouflaged the others until they stepped out into the open.

“Okay, I see them.”

“We’re fairly sure those gray tabbies are Snow White’s kittens because of the way she mothers them. And here comes Athena with her brood. They all got her butterscotch coloring except Persephone, the tortoiseshell. There’s Fred, bringing up the rear.”

“He sure does stand out.”

“Yep. He was the hardest to catch. We finally got him in the trap using tuna as bait. I think the others would eat any flavor I put out, but I buy the fish kind because that’s all Fred will eat.”

“You’re partial to him.”

“I am. He’s the smartest one and a survivor. He has several scars from the fights he’s been in, but he beat the odds.” She glanced at the approaching cats. “They seem a little uneasy about you being here. Maybe we shouldn’t talk.”

As they both fell silent, every cat settled down to eat except Fred, who stayed about six feet away with his green eyes fixed on Grady. Sapphire waited in hopes the cat would come forward on his own, but at last she decided he needed to be coaxed.

“Stay very still,” she said, “while I try to sweet-talk him into coming over.”

Grady gave a slight nod.

Leaning forward, she began crooning to the cat. “Come on, sweet Freddie. This man isn’t going to hurt you.” She lowered her voice. “Freddie, Freddie, Freddie. You know you want some. Come on, kitty-cat. That’s a good boy.”

Fred crept up to the bowl and began to eat, his teeth crunching on the small pellets. But that wasn’t the only sound Sapphire heard. The rhythm of Grady’s breathing had changed. She knew that rhythm because she’d heard it last night after he’d kissed her senseless.

She couldn’t imagine why he was reacting that way, unless... She had to smile as she thought of a possible reason. She’d probably sounded damned seductive just now when she’d lured Fred up to the food bowl. Having a man around who was that susceptible to her was flattering. And arousing.

The cats made short work of the food. When it was gone, some moved away from the bowls and began grooming themselves. Snow White and Persephone came over for some head scratches, but Fred grabbed up one last bite before turning and scampering back to the woods as if he couldn’t wait to leave.

“I’m determined to pet him someday.”

“You probably will.” Grady’s breathing was back to normal.

“I think I will, too, eventually.” She gave Athena some attention before she began gathering up the bowls. “Show’s over for this morning, though.”

He picked up the rest of the bowls. “I’ll help you wash these.”

“That’s above and beyond. I know you want to get your area set up.” She didn’t feel ready to share the small space with him again. Besides, one of the other co-op members could show up at any moment and she didn’t want to take a chance on major embarrassment. “I’ll do it.”

He must have heard something in her voice, because he didn’t insist. “Thanks for letting me come along for the feeding routine.”

“You’re welcome. Did you pick any favorites?”

“Either Snow White or Athena. I haven’t decided which.”

“The two mama kitties.”

“Yep.” He held the door for her and followed her into the tiny kitchen. “I’m a real fan of mothers who stick by their kids. Like my mom did.”

She put down the bowls and turned to him in surprise. “But you ended up in foster care at Thunder Mountain Ranch.”

“And consequently, people think she abandoned us. Instead she was in a car accident and Rosie offered to take Liam and me until Mom was on her feet. Once she was okay, we went straight back to her. She’s terrific.”

“Does she live here?”

“Not anymore. She’s in Cody with her new husband. Liam moved there when he got the job with the rafting company. I’d left to work in Alaska, so Liam talked Mom into moving down there with him. She met John in Cody. It all worked out.”

“I can see that.” Her heart squeezed as she thought of how tough those years when his mom was laid up must have been. “I’m glad for you. When we were in high school, all I knew was that you and your brother were at Thunder Mountain. I figured the two of you had no parents, or at least none that were worth anything.”

He grimaced. “That’s the only bad thing about going there. People assume we were neglected. Rosie’s tried to set the record straight, but it’s not easy. Thunder Mountain boys are supposed to be hard-luck cases.”

“And some of them are.”

“Yeah, just not me and Liam.” He walked over to the coffeepot. “I’ll get a cup of coffee and move out of your way.”

“Will you start work on the sculpture for the event?”

“No, I’m saving that for the actual night.” He took a mug out of the cupboard and poured coffee into it. “But I need to get comfortable with the space. Liam said Rosie would love to have one of my pieces, so that’s what I’m going to make first to test the setup.”

“That’s so sweet!”

“I’m a sweet guy.” He grinned. “So if you need me, I’ll be in the back of the barn getting hot and sweaty.” He picked up his coffee and left the kitchen.

Once he was gone, she took a deep breath before turning her focus to the bowls. She’d never washed those bowls so thoroughly. She scrubbed each one until her fingertips wrinkled while she tried to blot out the image of Grady’s smile and his “getting hot and sweaty” comment. He wasn’t going to let up on her.

Well, who could blame him? Last night she’d practically shrink-wrapped herself to his body. She’d barely escaped from the parking lot without begging him to come home with her.

She’d vowed on her way here this morning that this would be a new day and she’d keep her cool. That had lasted until he’d climbed out of his truck in his work clothes. He shouldn’t have been as sexy in those as when he’d been dressed to impress, but apparently, it didn’t matter what that cowboy wore. He had only to show up and she’d respond with a rapid pulse and damp panties.

Her lusty thoughts persisted even though he’d walked to the back of the barn at least fifteen minutes ago. The clank of metal and the hiss of a torch indicated he was working while she stood staring into space and wasting time.

Before his arrival yesterday she’d thought having him in the adjoining stall would be harmless fun, a chance to prove she could flirt without getting involved. Instead it looked as if she’d battle constant temptation with no relief in sight. She’d underestimated her sex drive, as well as his.

Swearing off artists had seemed like a piece of cake when she’d been smarting from the last humiliating breakup. Then Grady Magee had walked into her life. If the gods were testing her, they couldn’t have given her a bigger challenge. He was better looking, sexier and more talented than any of the other four.

She had plans for today, though, and her wheel was waiting. Maybe once she immersed herself in the project, she’d forget that Grady was on the other side of the wall getting hot and sweaty. Yeah, right. Molding slick clay on a revolving wheel was a sensuous experience that would only make the situation worse.

One of the other co-op members was bound to come in shortly. She took courage from that as she walked down the aisle between the stalls. If she went straight into her work area without stopping by his, she might be okay.

The hissing of the torch stopped. “Is that you, Sapphire?”

“It’s me.”

“Could you give me some advice on this thing I’m making for Rosie?”

She could hardly refuse such a request. “Sure.” Besides being flattered that he’d ask her opinion, she was curious about the design. He hadn’t mentioned what he’d planned to create for his foster mother.

She felt the heat before she stepped inside the stall. He hadn’t been kidding about the “hot and sweaty” part. His goggles hung around his neck and moisture had collected in the hollow of his throat. She wanted to dip her tongue into that depression and savor the salty taste.

Or maybe she’d comb his damp hair away from his forehead and unbutton the shirt that clung to his muscular chest. Booted feet braced apart and leather gloves tucked under one arm, he studied a sketch he’d tacked to the wall that separated his stall from hers. He’d laid an assortment of metal pieces on the floor beneath it.

She stifled a groan of frustration. Knowing he was the man who’d created the sculptures she’d seen in galleries had certainly made him appealing. Yet that was nothing compared to being in the same physical environment where he labored over his art. A visceral tug of longing almost made her reach for him. She clenched both hands and fought the impulse.