Six

Stone stared at Nico as he walkedaway.

Images flashed in his mind's eye, some flickering brighter than others. All of them comprised of naked, sweaty bodies moving together.

One night.

That was all it had been. One single night that had forever altered Stone's existence. Wild. Rough. And so fucking hot it was a wonder they hadn't burned the fucking barn down with the heat they generated. It had been by far the most intense encounter of Stone's life. One he'd spent months trying to forget and years refusing to remember. But seeing Nico again brought it all flooding back.

Stone had learned a lot about himself that night.

Fifteen years ago, at the ripe young age of twenty-one, he'd had quite a few sexual encounters under his belt. None that tripped him up the way that one did, and it wasn't because he'd been with a man. Definitely not that. As with just about anything in his life, Stone didn't discriminate. It wasn't in his nature.

Growing up, Stone had created and nurtured a reputation of being the wild one, the unpredictable one. No one knew what to expect from him, and he'd liked it that way. He'd been a playboy all through high school. His only requirement was that they had to be willing, and he had to be interested. He'd never run out of options, and not once did he choose to have a steady partner.

He'd been around the block so many times that when his high school class was coming up with superlative awards, they'd chosen Least Likely To Settle Down as his. They weren't wrong.

It wasn't until he was a few years out of high school that a woman truly caught his eye, and he'd indulged in something that resembled a relationship. He'd never questioned how it happened because whenever he thought about Stevie Shepherd, he had only good memories. To this day, she was by far the sexiest woman he'd ever met. Not because she was gorgeous, although she certainly was that. Or at least she had been back then. He couldn't attest to it now because he hadn't seen her in fifteen years. But, yeah, she'd been hot enough to catch fire. Long blonde hair and big brown eyes, that elfish chin, and that perfect little ass, Stevie had caught his attention immediately. But her chipper personality and never-met-a-stranger attitude had turned him on like nothing else.

To sum it up, he'd been head over heels in love with her.

Stone wouldn't deny that the events of that night had sent him running. He'd pretended it was a job that had lured him away, but the truth was, he'd run. Fast. And he'd forced himself not to look back.

His reputation followed him even after he left for bigger and better things. He'd floated for a few years, moving from ranch to ranch, learning the ropes, sleeping in shitty bunkhouses with assholes who thought he was all hat and no cattle. He'd proven them wrong, working his way up to foreman twice. The first time had resulted from a rather heated affair he'd had with the ranch owner's wife. She'd been particularly fond of him, and he'd been working too hard to give a shit about whether he was crossing lines. He'd held the role for six months before her husband found out and fired him on the spot.

The second time he'd worked his way up had been on merit. That was about the time he'd realized he wasn't getting any younger, and fucking for the sake of fucking was getting in the way of his career growth. He'd lasted four years in a role that taught him so many things before finally getting a job offer he couldn't refuse. He'd hated to leave, but his boss had outright told him he'd reached the proverbial ceiling. He couldn't go any further.

So when Doug Johnson approached him to manage the Double J—known for producing high-performing cattle with a focus on champion bucking bulls—Stone had finally realized there was a dream to be had. He wasn't interested in being the hired help for the rest of his damn life. He wanted to run things. So for the past five years, he'd made it his mission to learn everything he needed to know about operating a ranch with the Double J's prestige.

He wasn't oblivious to the hard work and the ridiculous amount of money that went into a goal of that magnitude, but he was determined. Stone had secured his spot as Doug's right hand in all things and was on track to one day take over since Doug's daughter had no desire to take the reins.

It wasn't until about two years ago that Stone learned the real reason his boss had poached him, and it had nothing to do with his ability to make the man money, although he figured that had been at least part of it. No, the reason Doug Johnson hired him was because he thought Stone was gay—something Stone never refuted—and Doug figured that was the best way to ensure his daughter's virtue remained intact. Never mind that Stone was only one of dozens of men working on the Double J.

Too bad ol' Doug hadn't shared that little nugget with him from the beginning. Maybe then Stone would've made better choices.

No, Stone hadn't set out to get tangled up with Leah Johnson, but not because he wasn't attracted to her. She was certainly fuckable if you were into spoiled, smart-mouthed, overeducated women. She wasn't exactly his type, but he'd learned that pickings were slim when you lived on a ranch.

When he'd first started, Leah had been twenty-three, living at home without a plan for her future. According to her, it wasn't necessary because Daddy was going to take care of her. A few years passed, and he'd developed something of a friendship with her. She didn't have many friends because she thought she was better than most people, but Stone had looked past that. To be honest, he hadn't intended to screw her, but resisting her became damn near impossible when she set her sights on him. He eventually caved, insisting it was only sex. They'd kept their liaisons on the down-low for nearly two years. Then, a month ago, Doug walked in to find Stone and Leah in a rather compromising position. In the main barn.

Doug had been livid, insisting Stone man up and do the right thing, which, according to Doug, involved a wedding ring and a minister. When Stone told him he had no intention of marrying his daughter, the shit hit the fan. And when that declaration reached Leah's ears, Doug wasn't the only one chasing Stone off the property. Unbeknownst to him, Leah thought things were moving toward a walk down the aisle, too, and his rejection resulted in him peering down the business end of a double-barrel shotgun.

Needless to say, he'd high-tailed it.

Now, as he watched Nico's truck turn and head back the way he'd come, Stone was reminded why he'd never even considered settling down with anyone.

That night with Nico and Stevie had been eye-opening for him. He'd gotten his first taste of hardcore, ride 'em till they beg sex, which for many years was what he told himself it was. Deep down, he knew better. In the coldest recesses of his soul, Stone could admit something else happened that night. A connection had been established. One he'd refused to acknowledge because of how potent it had felt. But the timing couldn't have been worse. At that point, none of them had even begun to live their lives, so he'd done the only thing he could do. He'd run like hell.

Seemed he'd gotten really good at doing that.

Stone started toward the barn, wondering whether Nico was married. Had he settled down, gotten himself a wife? Maybe a horde of kids? And what about Stevie? Was there some lucky bastard she went home to every night? They were both a few years younger than him. Most people who intended to settle down likely did so before then. At least, that seemed to be the case for the people Stone knew.

Didn't necessarily mean it had happened for Nico or Stevie.

"Who were you talkin' to?" Reilly asked when Stone reached the barn's porch.

"Nico Daugherty."

"Really?" A huge grin flashed on her face. "He's the one you punched when you thought he dumped Chelsea, right?"

"Yeah."

"It's cool that he's a big-shot landscapin' architect now, right?"

Really? Architect? Why hadn't he made that clear when Stone asked?

"He owns his own business," Reilly continued. "D and S Landscape Solutions. Got an office out by Uncle Curtis's ranch. His sister Niyah just got married to some super smart tech nerd. Adam's his name. Adam Takahashi. They're movin' to California."

Where the hell did this girl store all this information? Jesus.

"He sniffin' ‘round Chelsea again?" Reilly asked.

"Who?"

"Nico." She laughed. "The guy we're talkin' about."

Right.

Stone cocked his head. "Why would you think he's interested in Chelsea?"

She shrugged and spun on her boot heel before walking back inside. "He's single now. He was engaged to a girl he dated for a long time. Melanie somethin'. She's not from here."

Stone assumed she meant specifically from Coyote Ridge.

"They were together for like two years before he popped the question. The engagement didn't last all that long. Rumor is he called it off."

He followed her, trying to pretend he wasn't hanging on every fucking word.

"But I guess he wouldn't be sniffin' ‘round Chelsea."

"Why's that?"

"I heard he broke things off 'cause he's gay," she chattered on as she grabbed one of her boxes.

Stone helped, taking the two beside it and following her. "He's gay?"

"That's what I heard. He broke up with Melanie 'cause he was ready to come outta the closet."

"Did he?"

"What?"

"Come outta the closet?"

Reilly shrugged again. "I haven't seen him hangin' on some guy's arm or nothin'. So maybe. Maybe not."

Stone kept his expression flat as he put the boxes in the trailer.

"Then again, that coulda been an excuse. Maybe he just didn't like her. Or he could be playin' for both teams now." She shrugged. "It happens."

He nearly plowed into her when she stopped suddenly and turned to face him. "You're a switch hitter, aren't you?"

"I don't discriminate," he admitted.

Reilly flashed another smile. "I like that about you."

"Thanks."

She pointed to a stack of boxes. "Help me with those?"

He grabbed the heaviest one and carried it outside. She was only a few steps behind him.

"So why'd you get bounced from the job?"

"Who said I got bounced?"

Reilly chuckled. "You're back here, aren't ya? Seems like a logical explanation."

"Fine. Yeah, I got fired."

"Were you boinkin' the boss's wife again?"

Evidently, there was no mystery left.

"Daughter."

Reilly spun around, grinning like an idiot. "Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"Was she hot?"

"You could say that." Provided she didn't open her mouth and let her idiocy come flying out.

Reilly laughed. "Spoiled, rich-brat hot?"

"Exactly."

"You got caught, huh?"

"Not on purpose."

She laughed again and headed into the house.

"Tell me D went to pick up the pizza," he said before she could interrogate him more. At this rate, he'd have no secrets left.

"He did. Took Tate with him, though. Might be a while. Those two…" Reilly shook her head and laughed again. "I think—"

Stone planted his palm over her mouth, cutting her off before she could tell him something he couldn't unhear.

"You're Tate's best friend," he told her. "So you're obligated to listen to his stories. I'm not. I don't wanna hear it."

She smiled, her eyes crinkling. She said something, but it was too muffled to make out.

He dropped his hand. "What's that?"

"You sure?"

"More than I've ever been."

"Fine. But only 'cause you're just gettin' your sea legs. Once you're settled, I make no promises."

With that, she skipped off to get more of her stuff.

***

When the phone rang, Stevie grabbed thesmall remote and clicked stop to silence the music.

She ensured she had a smile so it reflected in her voice when she said, "D and S Landscape Solutions."

"Hey, Stevie. It's me."

Since Nico was well aware she blasted music when she was alone, she pressed play, and Christian Kane's sexy voice came pouring through the speakers again.

"Aren't you supposed to be somewhere right now?" she asked, snatching her iPad off the counter so she could pull up the calendar. "At the … uh … the place … with the … uh…" She stalled as she flipped to Friday's appointments. There shouldn't be any since, technically, they didn't take appointments on Friday. But Stevie had learned a long time ago that the customer was always right, and if they wanted something done on a Friday, Nico would make it happen.

"The Jamesons," Nico supplied.

As soon as he said the words, she saw the calendar details. Deborah and Owen Jameson. Yep. That was the one.

"So? What'd Deborah say? Did she like the design?" Although Nico's designs were just short of brilliant, Stevie always added a few touches to make them a little more unique—to give them some flair, if you would. She'd been quite proud of the idea she'd come up with for the Jamesons.

"She asked me to give the info to Donovan."

Well, that was disappointing. "Did you?"

"No."

Putting her hand on her hip, Stevie turned to look out the window, pursing her lips. She hated it when Nico got all cryptic on her. Which he did. All the damn time. She tolerated it for several reasons. One, Nico was her business partner and had been since they opened D S Landscape Solutions eight years ago. Two, Nico was Niyah's brother, and since Niyah had been Stevie's best friend since fourth grade, it was part of the BFF code. And three … well, the third reason was something that Stevie and Nico never, ever, ever talked about. At least not when they were sober.

So.

"Should I move the appointment to another day?" Stevie asked before she set down the iPad.

"No. I'll get with Deborah later."

"Okay. Where're you headed now?"

"Anywhere but here," he muttered.

Stevie detected something odd in his tone. "You okay?"

"Not really, no."

"Why?"

He was silent for a moment. Long enough, Stevie glanced at the phone to see if the call had disconnected. It hadn't.

"Nico?"

"Did you know Stone's back?"

Every cell in her body flashed hot. Like nuclear reactor hot. At least a dozen snapshots flashed in her brain, memories from long ago. It happened anytime anyone mentioned the man's name and was usually followed by profound rage. This was part of the reason Stone Jameson was off-limits in terms of conversation topics.

"What do you mean back?" she asked, stepping out onto the porch where it was significantly cooler. It was the middle of January, and they were finally seeing some seasonal temperatures. She tugged at the collar of her sweater, urging the frigid air to get to her skin faster.

"As in, back for good."

Stevie didn't know what to say to that. No, she hadn't known. Now that she did, she wasn't sure why a swarm of intoxicated butterflies was taking up residence in her belly.

"Stevie?"

"Hmm?"

His tone was rife with concern. "You gonna be okay with this?"

"Of course I am," she lied, forcing a smile and tacking on a giggle for good measure.

She had to be, right?

Plus, it wasn't like she was going to see Stone. Sure, Coyote Ridge was a small town, but she didn't venture out much. When she did, she opted for the neighboring towns. And work kept her out and about more often than not. She would simply insist on taking all the clients who didn't live in Coyote Ridge. And for the times she couldn't avoid going into town, she would figure out what Stone drove and scour the parking lots before she stopped. If he were there, she would make herself scarce. It could be done.

"Stevie?"

The sky was overcast, but the day was unusually bright. She stared into the distance, not seeing anything thanks to the mental images still flashing in her head.

"I'm here." She sighed. "How's he look? Let me guess. He got fat."

"Not fat."

"Tell me he's bald." Please, God, let him be bald.

"Nope."

Damn it.

"But he looks old and scraggly, right? Rode hard, put away wet?"

"Sorry. No."

"Does he look … good?"

"Yeah," Nico said, and Stevie could tell it pained him to admit that.

She expected no less. The universe was clearly out to get her.

Then again, this could be a good thing. She hadn't seen Stone in nearly fifteen years. Not since he hightailed it outta town with a promise to call her the next time he dropped in. That call never came, and she knew he'd been back because, as she said, Coyote Ridge was a small town. Hell, the grapevine lit up when Old Man Thompson's tabby cat got Mrs. Devenmore's sweet little Persian pregnant. Of course it went haywire when people came back, even if it were for a quick visit, which Stone had done for many holidays over the years.

"I'm fine," she assured Nico before he could ask her again. "What about you? Did you talk to him?"

"Yeah. For a minute."

"And?"

"And nothin'."

Stevie knew better than to dig deeper. They'd made a pact not to talk about Stone, and they'd done pretty well over the years. A couple of times, they'd indulged, but those nights generally involved significant amounts of alcohol followed by deep regrets to go along with hellish hangovers the next morning. They tried to keep those to a minimum.

"Well, I'm gonna lock up here in a few minutes," Stevie told Nico. "You're headin' home, right?"

"Unless you need me to come in."

"Nope. Nothin' doin' here. Mike and Carlos are finishin' up their jobs."

"Okay. You want me to cook dinner? We can talk."

They both knew she wouldn't say yes because Stevie didn't like to overstep, and she couldn't even count how many times she'd called Nico up over the years, getting him to go out to grab a beer or dinner simply so she didn't sit at home and do something ridiculously stupid. Problem was, she usually did whatever stupid thing she was avoiding anyway.

But tonight, she had a different reason. "It's Friday. I'm havin' dinner with my dad."

"All right. See you when you get home."

"Yep," she said before disconnecting the call.

Taking a deep breath, Stevie went back inside.