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CHAPTER FIVE

FEWER THAN THREE days had passed but that wasn’t enough time for Sally to erase the memory of Ross’s lips against hers. In fact, she’d relived those moments over and over to the point where it had disrupted her study schedule. Yet another example of how letting a man into her life again could derail what she really wanted. She had to put an end to the daydreaming.

Doing well on the MCAT was too important. Instead of focusing on questions and the correct answers, she had been thinking of the tingling sensation having Ross’s arms around her had generated and the throbbing in her center as he’d kissed her. She’d been aware of their attraction but had had no idea how electric it was until his lips had touched hers.

Would Ross try to kiss her again? She had to stop thinking about him.

She had to focus on her studies, work around her emotions as well as the construction being done on her apartment complex. With air hammers going off constantly and the banging of siding falling, she’d quickly learned she couldn’t get any studying done at home.

She’d tried waiting until the workmen quit for the day but that had left her studying well into the night. Once, she’d gone to a coffee shop but even there she had become too distracted. The library had been her last resort, but the chairs weren’t comfortable after an hour or two. She needed her own little nest, a place to spread out her books. What she wanted was for the work on her apartment complex to be completed, but that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.

Now she was dragging her books into the fire station, hoping it would be a slow shift so she could get some studying time in. Pulling her bag out of the car, she headed inside. She groaned long and deep. Ross’s truck was in the parking lot. He was working today. She took a deep breath, trying to settle her heartbeat.

Unfortunately, he was the first person she saw. The living, breathing diversion in her life. To make matters worse, she ran straight into him as he circled the back of the engine while she walked between it and the rescue truck. He grabbed her shoulders, but quickly let go and stepped back. Even that brief touch was enough to set her blood racing.

“Are you okay?” His eyes searched her.

“I’m fine,” she answered around a yawn.

He studied her closer. “You sure? You look tired.”

“Thank you. That’s what every woman wants to hear.” Her voice was overly haughty.

“Hey, that wasn’t a criticism, but concern.”

She shifted her bag. “I’m sorry. I’m just a little on edge. And tired. It’s not your fault. I shouldn’t take it out on you.” Though some of it was his fault.

His voice turned sympathetic. “What’s the problem?”

“I’ve been trying to study and they’re working at my apartment complex. It’s so noisy during the day I’ve been staying up late at night. I’ve taken all next week off to study but I don’t see things getting better. I’ve got to find someplace quiet to concentrate.”

“I told you you’re welcome out at my place.”

Sally’s breath caught. What was he suggesting?

Ross must have seen her look of astonishment because he hurriedly raised a hand. “Hey, it’s not what you’re thinking. I have to be at the training center all next week. So I’ll be working eight to five. The kids are with my parents now. You’d have some peace and quiet to study. By the time I come home in the evenings, they should be done for the day at your place.”

It did sound like a doable plan. An exceptional one. “That’s really nice of you. But I can’t put you out like that.”

“You won’t be putting me out. I won’t even be there. How could you disturb me?”

Ross made it sound as if she would be stupid not to agree. It’d be better than skipping around from one place to the other trying to get some real studying done. Just the thought of sitting on Ross’s porch swing as she worked had its appeal. Yet…

She shook her head. Things between them were already too… She couldn’t put a word to it. Didn’t want to. Going to his house again would only make them more involved. “I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll figure out something.”

“This is what I’m going to do. I’ll leave a key under the mat. If you want to go, go—if you don’t, don’t. Just know you’re welcome.”

One of the firefighters called out to him.

“See you later, Sally.”

He didn’t give her another look, as if they were two old friends and didn’t have that kiss hanging between them. Maybe it hadn’t been as big a deal to him as it had been to her.

After doing her usual shift routine, she managed to get in a few hours of study before the intercom buzzed and the station was called out on a run.

She and Ross shared no conversation outside of what was essential during the accident. She left at noon the next day and returned home to find the construction trucks parked in front of her building. She ground her teeth. This just wasn’t the time in her life for this. She had to find some quiet. It would be another week of bangs and clangs but now they would be right outside her walls. Her test was only four days away. She’d taken time off work to cram all she could into her brain but how much of that could she get done here?

The idea of sitting on Ross’s swing with a breeze blowing and the horses in the pasture popped into her mind. The image was too sweet. She might ace the test if she studied there.

When Ross had suggested she go to his house, she’d had no intentions of doing so, but with the men working on her building in particular it seemed silly not to. If she timed it right, she could arrive just after Ross left for the day and leave before he came home. The worst that could happen was that he’d come home early. Then she’d make an excuse and leave.

The next morning Sally loaded all her books and notes into the car and headed out of town. She needed quiet and Ross’s place offered that. If it meant she had to push away her anxiety over using his place to get quality time in her books, then she’d manage it. The bigger picture was more important. Just turning up his drive eased her nerves.

His home looked just as inviting as it had before. She climbed out of the car. More than that, it sounded as serene as she had hoped. The only noises were from chirping birds and the occasional snort of a horse. Filling her arms with books, she climbed the steps to the porch. She placed her armload on a small table near the swing.

Going to the door, she glanced at the star hanging above and refused to give it any more thought. Doing so would waylay her plans for the day. She didn’t have time for what ifs and maybes. All her plans, dreams and hopes were concentrated on what would happen on Saturday. She must be prepared.

Just as Ross had promised, the key was under the mat. Unlocking the door, she filled a large glass with water, returned outside and set the glass on the table. She picked up a book and settled on the swing. Using the big toe of one foot, she gradually started it to moving.

Time passed quickly and it was soon lunchtime. She’d brought her food and enjoyed it on the porch. Needing to do something to give her mind a rest, she decided to cook Ross dinner in appreciation for giving her this great place to study.

She found enough in the pantry to put together a small chicken casserole and a dessert. Leaving a note of thanks for Ross on the counter, she made a list of items to buy on the way home for tomorrow’s meal and returned to studying.

The next days passed much as the first one. By Friday afternoon, Sally felt confident about the test ahead. She’d managed to get a great quantity of quality studying done. She’d be forever grateful to Ross.

His truck came down the drive as she was on her way to the car to leave. Her breath caught and her heart beat a little faster. He was early.

Ross pulled up beside her, his window down. “Hey, I was hoping I’d see you before you left. I wanted to wish you luck.”

“Thanks. I could use all I can get. I really appreciate you letting me come out here. I don’t know what I’d have done if I hadn’t.”

He put his arm on the window opening and leaned out. “Hey, I’m the one who should be thanking you. The meals have been a nice treat. I’ll miss them.”

“You’re welcome. It’s the least I could do.” She opened her car door.

“How about sharing dinner with me tonight?” His words didn’t sound as confident as she would have expected them to.

Sally considered it for a moment. She was tempted, but she needed to keep her focus. Get a good night’s sleep. Be prepared for tomorrow. Not be distracted. And Ross was undoubtedly a distraction. “Thanks, but I’d better not. I need to get home. Get ready for tomorrow. I have an early morning and even longer day and I still have notes to check.” Now she was overselling her decision.

“I understand. Maybe another time.” There was a note of disappointment in his voice.

“Maybe.” She couldn’t afford to give him encouragement. Or herself any either. She moved to get into the car.

“Good luck tomorrow. I know you’ll do great.”

She gave him a tight-lipped nod as she climbed into her car. “I sure hope so.”

He called, “Hey, Sweet Sally, I have faith in you.”

She liked that idea. Wade had never encouraged her or made her feel confident. That Ross did bolstered her spirit. She felt special. Something she hadn’t experienced where a man was concerned in a long time.

Ross had spent the day doing chores around the place and wondering how Sally was doing on her test. Why it mattered to him so much, he had no idea. Possibly because he knew it mattered to her. He was beginning to care too deeply for Sally. The last time he’d let someone in it had ended badly but for some reason he couldn’t seem to resist Sally’s pull.

He was glad that he could help her by giving her a place to study. The meals had been a pleasant surprise each evening. It had been fun to guess what would be waiting on him next. He feared he could get too accustomed to having a hot meal waiting on him. He’d probably gained five pounds over the week. Because of Sally his home seemed warmer and more inviting.

More than that, knowing Sally had been thinking about him had gotten to him on a level he didn’t want to examine. Damn, he had it bad. He was starting to think like a sappy teenager.

What he should be doing was thinking about being Battalion Chief, planning what he wanted to say at his interview. He would tell the review committee that he wanted to use the position to help implement new and innovative firefighting techniques. He knew personally what fire could do to a person’s life and he wanted to make positive changes where he could. For Austin to become a world-renowned department who used cutting-edge practices. As a member of the higher ranks, he could help make that happen. Maybe help keep a boy and his grandfather from ever being hurt in a fire. He hoped to help change the department for the better and, more important, save lives. That was what getting promotions had always been about for him since he’d started working at the fire department.

Finished with all he had planned to do for the day on the ranch, and thinking through his ideas for the interview, Ross still couldn’t get Sally out of his mind. That afternoon he cleaned up and drove into town. He went by the farm supply store to pick up a few items. After making a couple more stops, he ended up at the fire station. Kody was working. Maybe he had heard from Sally. Just how long did one of those tests last?

He and Kody leaned against Ross’s truck talking about nothing and everything. More than once Ross was tempted to ask him about Sally but stopped himself. He didn’t want to be that obvious about how involved he was in her life.

“Lucy had a great time at your house the other day. Sally said she enjoyed it as well. I had no idea you were such a family man.” Kody grinned.

He’d enjoyed their time together too but he wasn’t going to let Kody know that. “I don’t know about that. I’m pretty sure Sally got the short end of the stick. She did all the work. Three kids to watch is a handful.”

“From everything she said, she had fun. She couldn’t say enough about how much she liked your place.” Kody sounded as if he were making casual conversation but for some reason Ross questioned that.

“Yeah, she came out this past week to study while I was at the training center.”

Kody gave him a speculative look. “She didn’t tell me that.”

Ross shrugged. “She said she needed a quiet place to study, and I offered.”

Kody’s eyes narrowed. “She didn’t say anything to me. Didn’t ask to use my place.”

It was Ross’s turn to grin. “You don’t expect her to tell you everything. You do know she’s a grown woman?”

“Yeah, but I’m her big brother. It’s my job to know what’s going on. She’s had a hard time of it.”

“Little overprotective, are you?” Ross would be as well if Sally belonged to him. That wasn’t going to happen. He couldn’t let it. Still…

Kody huffed. “She says the same thing.” He gave Ross a direct look. “I’m just concerned about her. She’s been hurt badly in the past. I’d hate for her to go through that again.”

Ross held up a hand. “Hey, you’re jumping the gun here. We’re just friends.”

“I’m just sayin’—” Kody’s phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket, looking at the number. “Speak of the devil.” Into the phone he said, “Sweet Pea.” There was a pause, then, “Yeah.” A pause. “Really? Call the auto club and have it towed in. Can you get a taxi home? I hate it but I’m at work.”

“What’s going on?” Ross asked. He sounded more concerned than he should have.

Kody studied him a second. “Sally’s car won’t start.”

“I can go.” He was already heading to the driver’s door.

Kody looked a little surprised. “Okay.” He said into the phone, “Ross is coming after you.” There was quiet. “No, he offered. He’s right here. He should be there in about twenty minutes. You get in the car and lock it. Don’t open it for anyone except the tow driver or Ross.”

“Tell her to stay put. I’m on my way. You text me the address.” Ross hopped into his truck.

Ross shouldn’t have been as happy as he was that Sally was having car trouble but it gave him an excuse to see her.

He made the drive in less than twenty minutes. Sally’s car was parked near a walkway into a large glass-and-brick building on the Austin State University campus. There were only a few other cars in the lot. She was waiting in the car just as Kody had told her. When he pulled up, she got out. Wearing a light blue button-down shirt, jeans and ankle boots, Sally looked younger and more vulnerable than he knew she was.

She gave him a weak smile. “I appreciate you coming.”

“Not a problem. I was at the house when you called. What seems to be wrong?” Sally looked exhausted, as if she had been through the mental mill.

“I don’t know. It just wouldn’t start. I’ve called the auto club and they’re on their way but it’ll be another forty minutes or so.”

“Do you mind giving it a try?”

“Okay.” She turned the key. The engine just made a grinding noise.

Ross opened the hood and moved the battery cables. He leaned around and called, “Try it again.”

The car acted as if it wanted to come to life, then nothing.

Ross closed the hood as he shook his head. “You just got all my mechanical knowledge.”

This time she grinned. “I guess it’s a good thing the tow truck is on the way.”

“Come on over to my truck and we’ll wait there.” He held the passenger door open for her.

Sally acted reluctant for a moment but gathered her purse and joined him in the truck.

Once inside he turned so he could see her face. “So how do you think you did on your test?”

She sighed deeply. “It was harder than I thought it would be. I don’t know how I feel about it. I guess all that’s left to do is cross my fingers.”

He crossed his. “Mine’ll be as well.”

Sally rested her head back on the seat and closed her eyes. “I’m just glad it’s over. I’m exhausted.”

“When was the last time you had something to eat or drink?”

She opened her eyes to slits. “We had a lunch break, but I was too nervous to eat much.”

“You stay put. I’m going to that convenience store across the road to get you a drink and something to eat. When we’ve taken care of your car, we’ll stop and get you something more substantial.” He opened his door and climbed out. “Lock the door while I’m gone. I’ll be right back.”

Sally murmured something but he suspected she was already half-asleep.

Ross made a quick walk across the parking lot to the store. When he returned, Sally was just as he’d assumed she would be—sound asleep. Her chin hung to her chest and she softly snored. Climbing in as quietly as possible, he gently put an arm around her shoulders and brought her head to his shoulder. She settled against him. Everything about the moment seemed right.

He pushed his disappointment away when all too soon the tow truck arrived. “Sally, wake up. The tow truck is here.”

She moaned and burrowed closer to him, all warm and sweet.

“Sweet Sally, come on, wake up.”

“What?” She blinked, looking perplexed.

“The tow truck is here.”

She quickly sat up and shifted away. “Oh, yeah. Sorry.”

“No problem.”

She scooted out her door. He stepped out, joining her and the tow driver.

Half an hour later they were back in his truck and on their way.

Ross glanced at Sally. “I’m going to get you something to eat. Do you have a preference?”

“I want a big juicy burger.” Just as she answered, thunder rumbled. The sky had been slowly darkening.

“Consider it done.”

Ross pulled into the first fast-food place he came to and into the drive-thru line. While they were waiting for their food, the wind picked up. Thunder rolled and lightning flashed in the sky off to the west.

“Sally, I know you’ve had a tough day but would you mind if we run out to my place for just a moment before I take you home? The horses are out and in this weather they get nervous. I hoped it would go north of us but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.”

He handed her their bag of food as she answered, “I don’t mind. With a nap and a burger, I’m ready to go. If I’m not, I need to learn to be, if I want to be a doctor.”

She’d already finished her sandwich by the time they were on the outskirts of town. Ross glanced at her and grinned. “Good?”

There was no repentance in her smile. “I was starving.”

He chuckled. “Would you like to have my other one?” Ross held up a second burger, still in its wrapper.

“No, that’s not necessary,” she said in a sassy tone. “But I’ll have some of your fries if you aren’t going to eat them.”

“Well, that figures.” He placed his container on the seat between them.

“What do you mean?” Her complete attention was on him. He liked it that way.

“They’re the best thing you can order at that place. I like my fries super crispy.”

“I do too.” She plopped the last one of hers into her mouth and reached for his.

As they turned onto his drive, large raindrops hit the window shield. Angry lightning split the sky.

“Looks like it’s going to be an ugly one,” Sally said. “These are the kind of days that go by so fast at the house you don’t know if you’re coming or going. More traffic accidents than you can count.”

Ross laughed and pulled the truck to a stop. “I’ve had more than my share of those days too. This shouldn’t take long. The key is still under the mat. Make yourself at home. I’ll be back in just a few minutes.”

Sally watched Ross sprint off around the house toward the barn. The rain was coming down harder. Thunder and lightning were filling the sky in a regular rotation as she ran to the porch. She opened the door, going in and turning on a light. Stepping to the large picture window at the back of the house where the table was located, she searched for a glimpse of Ross at the barn.

She continued to look out the window as the storm grew. The rain fell hard enough to make it difficult to see. Minutes ticked by, enough she started to worry something had happened to Ross. Just as she was about to go out after him, he came through the back door in a burst of wind and water.

Grabbing a dish towel, she hurried to him and handed it over.

“Thanks.” Ross took it and wiped his face.

“A tree came down on the fence. The horses are out. I’ve got to go after them and fix the fence. I’m sorry about this. You’re welcome to stay here, or I can call you a taxi?” He pulled a kitchen closet door open. Rubber coats hung inside it. On the floor were mucking boots. Ross grabbed a jacket and boots, then went to a chair and started putting on the high-top rubber shoes.

Sally picked up a pair as well.

“What’re you doing?” Ross gave her an incredulous look.

“I’m going with you.” She sat at the table and started removing her shoes.

Ross returned to gearing up. “You don’t need to do that. You’ve already had a long day.”

“I’ll survive. You don’t even know where the horses are. You’re gonna need help.”

Ross opened his mouth.

“I wouldn’t even bother arguing. I’m going.” She pulled on a boot. It was too large but she would make do.

He grinned. “Figures.”

As he shrugged into his coat, she picked out one and did as well.

“Ready?” Ross took two large flashlights off the shelf in the closet.

Sally pulled the cap up over her head. “Ready.”

He nodded and opened the door.

She could hardly see with the storm blocking what little of the sun was still up. The angry sky made what light there was a spooky haze of yellow green. At least it wasn’t completely dark. She didn’t want to go crazy in front of Ross. Her silly childhood fear wouldn’t impress him. At least having the flashlight would help her keep her sanity.

The rain blew sideways as she braced herself against the wind. It didn’t take long for it to blow her cap back. She would just have to get wet. Ross headed toward the barn. She followed. As they went, she saw one of the giant limbs from the oak in the side yard had fallen on the fence.

“What’re we doing in here?” Sally shook her coat as she entered the barn, relieved to get out of the wet for a moment. Her hair was drenched and the front of her jeans soaked.

“I wanted to get a couple of halters and leads.” Ross went into a small tack room.

“Where do you think we’ll find them?”

He called out to her as he moved around in the room. “I don’t know. If the fence was up, I’d say in the trees out in the pasture. With the fence down, I’m not sure. I’m going to try out by the road first. I can’t afford for them to cause an accident. In this weather cars can’t see them.”

Ross’s concern was evident in his voice. He soon joined her again, carrying what he had come after. He handed her one of the halters. “This won’t be a fun trip.”

“I’ve done un-fun things before. Ready when you are.” She wasn’t going to let him stop her from helping, especially after he’d done so much for her.

“Hopefully they didn’t go far.” He had a resigned look on his face as he lowered his head and left the barn.

Sally joined him. He led the way down the drive. The wind let up some but the going was still difficult as they trudged along with their flashlights moving in a back-and-forth pattern in the hopes of seeing the animals. As they came to the paved road, there was still no sign of the horses. She could sense, by the hunch of his shoulders, Ross’s frustration and concern. He moved the beam of light wider.

“I’m going to check those trees across the road,” he shouted.

“Okay.” She joined him and pointed her flashlight that way. There, standing under the trees, were the horses.

They sidestepped as if nervous as she and Ross approached.

Ross put his hand out, indicating she should hang back. He slowly approached them.

Sally could imagine him speaking softly to them. She’d bet he did the same when he made love. Ooh, she needed to concentrate. Thoughts like that did nothing to keep Ross in the friend slot where she had placed him.

Ross waved her forward. He handed her a lead attached to the halter on Juliet and took the halter she carried. She’d been right. He talked to Romeo the entire time he worked. It was solid and reassuring. Something she missed in her life.

“Ready?”

She nodded.

“Hold the halter and the lead.” He demonstrated. “If there’s more lightning, they may balk. They’re pretty skittish.”

Sally made sure to place her hands in the same position that Ross used. She’d been around horses some but never under these conditions. As Ross had suspected, the sky did light up again. Both Romeo and Juliet jumped and flinched but she managed to keep Juliet under control. Romeo reared but Ross soon calmed him.

“Let’s get them in the barn.” He started toward his place and she kept pace.

They made it to the barn without any more mishaps. Being in the dry again was like heaven. Slinging her wet hair out of her face, she looked at Ross. He was every bit as wet as she and it only made him look sexier.

He grinned. “Well, I’m glad that’s over.”

Sally couldn’t agree more.

Ross led Romeo into a stall. She waited. He soon joined her and took Juliet to another stall.

When he returned this time he said, “I’ll still have to go out and see about the fence. Do you mind giving them a couple of cups of oats? You’ll find it in the tack room.”

“I’ll take care of them.” Sally pushed at her hair but a strand stuck to her cheek.

Ross, using a finger, moved it away from her eyes. Their gazes met. “You were great out there, Sweet Sally.” His hands went to her waist and he pulled her to him. “What would I do without you?”

For a second she thought he might kiss her. Thought how it would warm her from the inside out as a hot drink did on a cold night. This close, Ross smelled of rain, earth and healthy male. Alive.

But instead he let her go and left the barn, leaving a honeyed heat coursing through her veins.

Ross had expected Sally to go to the house when she’d finished with the horses but instead she stayed outside to help him. He had pulled the truck over so he could use the headlights to work by. Thankfully the rain had eased.

As he used the chain saw to cut limbs off the tree branch that had broken the fence, Sally pulled the debris out of the way. Wet and with the high pitch of the chain saw ringing in their ears, they worked side by side. They soon had the worst of it off the fence.

Ross cut off the saw. “Why don’t you go on in the house and clean up? I have to get some tools and get this fence back into place. I’ll finish the cleanup later. I’ll be in soon.”

“I can help you.” She kept pulling limbs.

Was there anything that Sally couldn’t do or wouldn’t do? She was a special person. He put the saw in the shed and found the tools he needed to repair the fence. When he returned, she was still cleaning up the area.

Ross started removing the broken barbed wire.

Sally came to him. “What can I do to help?”

He picked up a tool. “Do you know how to handle a claw hammer?”

She lifted her chin. “I sure do.”

He’d given up on encouraging her to get out of the weather. “Then go to the next post and start taking out the staples.”

While he worked on replacing the wire on his post, Sally went to the next one. He joined her and she moved on to the next one. She was good help but he wasn’t surprised by that, though he was thankful. Because of her he wouldn’t be out all night repairing the fence.

An hour later she held the wire as he hammered the last staple into place.

“That’ll do it until morning.” Ross picked up his tools.

“Give me those. I’ll put them away while you move the truck.” Sally reached for the toolbox.

Ross let her have it and off she went to the shed. He found her again just inside the kitchen door, struggling to remove her boot. “Hey, let me help you with that. Hold on to the counter and I’ll pull it off for you.”

“It has been winning.” She leaned her butt back against the counter, held on and lifted her foot.

Ross tugged and the boot slipped off. “Okay, the other one.”

Sally lifted her other foot. He pulled that boot off as well and dropped it on top of the first one with a thump.

“You want help with yours?” she asked.

“No, I can get them.” He started working his boot off. “What I’d really like is for you to head to the shower.”

“I know you’re used to giving orders—”

“All I want is for you not to get sick. I’ll bring you some warm clothes to put on.”

She put her hands on her hips and gave him an indignant look. “I’m made of stronger stuff than that.”

He grinned. “I’ve no doubt of that, but just so I don’t have to worry, humor me. Please? You’re welcome to my shower or you know where the spare one is.”

Sally glared at him for a second, then turned and walked toward the guest bathroom.

Disappointment jolted him. He wished she’d chosen his—with him in it.

Ross shucked off his clothes in his bathroom and pulled on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Going to his chest of drawers, he found a T-shirt and sweatpants for Sally.

He knocked on her bathroom door. The sound of running water reminded him that the only thing between him and a naked Sally was the door. He swallowed, then called, “There’s some clothes on the floor for you.”

“Okay, thanks.”

Ross returned to his bathroom, turned on the shower to cold instead of hot.

When he came out to the living room again, he didn’t expect to find Sally lying on his couch asleep. He shouldn’t have been surprised. She’d had an emotionally hard day taking a life-changing test, then to have car trouble, wrangle horses and fix a fence in a storm. She’d withstood more than most and remained in a positive mood as she’d done them all. She had the right to fall asleep.