Pack your bags for seven days. You’ll need your Wranglers and boots, and some dress clothes as well. A friend of mine named Jace will be coming over to feed for you while you’re gone. He’ll drop by in the morning at eight-thirty so you can show him the ropes.

  What the hell? Was he taking her somewhere? How mysterious could the guy be? Damn, she hated this crap. And yet a part of her was a tiny bit excited. She’d need dress-up clothes? That almost sounded like fun. But, Lord, did he expect her to share his bed? She shuddered. What an idiot she was. Why in the hell did she ever agree to this bet?

  At least in high school, Dane had been a really nice guy. Surely he wouldn’t have changed too much?

  She took such a big gulp of her tea that it scalded her all the way down her esophagus. Tears flooded her eyes. It wasn’t just the pain, it was frustration with her own stupidity, along with a good dose of fear. She was in way over her head, and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it unless she backed out. But she sure wasn’t going to do that. Saving her ranch was a damned sight more important than what she was facing right now.

  Thursday morning, Dane pulled up in front of the old Snowden ranch house. Before he could get out of his truck, the front door flew open and Alexis strode out, pulling a suitcase behind her and holding a carry-on bag. He jumped out of the truck to help her, but she scowled in his direction and called, “I got this, Rodeo. Get back in the truck.”

  She was obviously in a foul temper. He grinned and yelled, “Put them in the back with mine.”

  She ignored him and strode to the rear of the truck. Still scowling, she yanked the tailgate down and then lobbed both cases onto the truck bed.

  He waited as she threw open the passenger side door and climbed into the truck. With a smile, he said, “Good morning.”

  “Is it?” she replied, without looking at him.

  “It surely is. We’re flying to Dallas, and the weather’s supposed to be good there for the whole day,” he said in a hearty voice.

  She scowled at him again. “Do you know how behind here I’ll be after a whole damn week with you?”

  He grinned. “Hey, you made the wager, woman.”

  She closed her eyes and drew in a deep, deep breath. After releasing it slowly, she opened her eyes. “I apologize. I did make the bet, and I lost. Fair’s fair.”

  He nodded. “Now, let’s have a good time.”

  Her brow creased. “I’m not making any promises, Rodeo.”

  He laughed. “You’re a tough nut, Cowgirl, but I’ll crack you.”

  “Huh,” was all she said for the rest of the ride to the Abilene airport. That was just fine with him. She had a lot to accustom herself to, and there was plenty of time for that.

  Alexis rode the elevator up to the luxury accommodations at the Highland Dallas Hotel. The old building had been renovated and made into one of Dallas’s most exclusive hotels. She’d been thrilled to hear that Dane had booked adjoining king rooms. They wouldn’t be sharing a bed! Her prayers had been answered.

  “Settle in, and we’ll have an early lunch since breakfast was hours ago. After that, I’ve scheduled massages for us both. We’ll be in the same room, so you can tell me some of the things you like to do while we’re enjoying ourselves.”

  Her pulse began to race. Wait. She’d never had a massage, but weren’t you usually naked for those? And they’d be in the same room? Oh my God. I’m going to lose it. I just know it. She bit her lip and nodded. He made the plans, and she acquiesced. Those were the terms.

  When she reached her room, he said, “Let’s meet up in an hour. I’ll knock on the connecting door.”

  She nodded and went inside. After setting her suitcase on the luggage rack, she sat on the bed and texted Jennifer:

  We have separate rooms, thank God! But guess what? He scheduled a couple’s massage for this afternoon! You know, in the same room? I’m freaking out!

  Jennifer must have been busy at the counter because it took her a few minutes to answer.

  OMG! How romantic. You’ll have to strip for that though, won’t you? But they use a sheet. You can ask for them to keep you covered, bestie. Just talk to your therapist.

  Oh, thank the Lord.

  I’ll do that. Thank God I texted you. Hey, this hotel is freaking awesome. You should see my room. It’s gorgeous. The outside of the place isn’t fancy, but inside it’s amazing. I can’t believe we’re staying here.

  Jennifer texted:

  That’s really nice of Dane. He obviously wants to pamper you. Just relax and enjoy yourself.

  She’d try. She just hoped that Dane remained a gentleman.

  After a simple lunch at a nearby bistro, it was time to head over to the spa.

  Her heart started to pound as they entered the door. Soothing, instrumental music played in the background, and a large waterfall display on one wall made a bubbling, tinkling sound. The soft lighting added to the relaxing ambiance.

  They were a few minutes early, and the pretty young woman at the reception desk asked them to be seated and gave them some paperwork to fill out.

  “Have you had a massage before, Alexis?” Dane asked as they sat down.

  She shook her head. “This is a first for me.” Just saying it made her heart pound harder.

  Dane smiled. “Really? Well, you’re going to love it. I get massages often when I’m on the road. They really help sore muscles—and besides that, they’re awesome at relaxing you.”

  At this point, she couldn’t imagine ever relaxing again.

  After a few minutes, Dane returned their completed forms to the young woman at the desk. She stepped out of the room, taking the paperwork with her.

  Not long after, a middle-aged man and a young blonde woman walked into the room and introduced themselves. The man, named Brady, said, “Are we ready?”

  Alexis wanted to cry, “No!”, but she nodded instead.

  “You bet,” Dane said.

  The young woman reached out her hand. “Alexis? I’m Ally, and I’ll be working with you today.”

  Thank God! She’d been terrified that the man would be her therapist. “Great. Nice to meet you, Ally.” She shook hands with more confidence than she’d had all day.

  That went straight out the window, however, when they entered the treatment room and Brady pointed to an adjoining door. “That’s the dressing room, and there’s a robe and a sheet on each table. Remove your clothing and lie down, and we’ll be back in a few minutes.” He smiled gently. “Don’t worry. We’ll knock first.”

  As the door shut behind the two therapists, Dane looked at her and asked, “Would you like me to go first?”

  She tried to answer but her throat wouldn’t work. She nodded instead.

  “See you in a minute, then.”

  Alarm bells were ringing in her brain. Naked. Naked. Naked. She shook her head. You’d think I was sixteen instead of a grown woman. Stop it, Alexis. Right now! She took a deep, calming breath and went over to look at the products displayed on an elegant wooden shelf. She couldn’t concentrate on them, however. Visions of Dane stripping naked overwhelmed her. Oh Lord, help me get through the next hour.

  After several moments, Dane, a sheet wrapped around his waist, strode out of the changing room. Her gaze locked on his muscular chest and shoulders and the beginning of a six-pack that showed above the towel. She swallowed hard and forced her eyes upward, meeting his gaze.

  “Your turn—and you’d better hurry. They’ll probably be back in a couple of minutes.” He seemed totally relaxed in his semi-naked state.

  She grabbed her robe and all but ran to the room, shutting and locking the door, then realized how stupid that was. She unlocked it quickly, then took off her T-shirt and jeans. There was plenty of room on the table that held Dane’s folded clothing and, as she finished undressing, she placed hers beside it.

  Once she was wrapped in her robe, however, she froze. Walking out that door seemed impossible.

  She heard voices outside. Oh hell! She grabbed the door handle and yanked it open, keeping her eyes on the floor as she headed straight to her table.

  “We’ll need to take off your robe before you lie down, Alexis,” Ally said quietly from her position beside her at the padded, cream-colored massage table. “Lie on your back, and then I’ll cover you.”

  Then Alexis did look at Dane. He was turned away. She quickly loosened the robe and lay on the table while Ally held up the sheet as a screen. Then she arranged it over her chest and tucked it in under her arms.

  Alexis closed her eyes, concentrating hard on the quiet, soothing music as she listened to Ally’s slow movements around the table. Then she felt her gentle hands begin to rub her cheeks. Alexis was so surprised that her face was being ministered to that her eyes flew open.

  Ally smiled and her fingers moved to Alexis’s forehead, where she stored so much of her stress. Heavenly, blissful feelings swam through her mind, and she let out a long, relaxed sigh.

  She let her mind and body go then, surrendering to the experience. Putting Dane and her nakedness out of her mind completely, she focused on the movements of Ally’s hands and how wonderful they made her feel.

  After what seemed like hours, although she knew it couldn’t be, Ally said, “Okay, now turn over and put your face on the headrest. You’ll be able to breathe through the opening.”

  Relaxed as hell and with a beautiful, otherworldly feeling in her mind, Alexis turned, stealing a quick glance at the other table as she did so.

  Dane lay with his face toward her, his eyes half-closed, dazed with relaxed pleasure. She bit her lip and instantly turned away, lying down on her stomach and putting her face on the headrest. He’d glimpsed her breasts. There was no doubt of it. But now that the worst had happened, she found that it wasn’t the end of the world. She still had half of an amazing massage to look forward to, and that was what mattered most. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and let the quiet music take her away.

  My God, she’s breathtaking. Dane felt the relaxed fog of pleasure lift quickly at the sight of Alexis’s beautiful, full breasts. She knew he’d seen her, and he was sorry for her distress. But he could never regret glimpsing her gorgeous body.

  He quickly turned away, knowing how embarrassed she’d feel. She’d been obviously uncomfortable from the moment they’d walked into the room. He’d had no idea that she’d react that way when he’d scheduled their appointment. At thirty-one years old, he’d expected her to be more worldly, more comfortable in her skin, around a man.

  He’d thought that they could enjoy their massages and maybe visit a bit. He’d been looking forward to getting to know her a little better in the more relaxed atmosphere.

  He could tell that she was thoroughly into the sensations that her body was feeling. It had been a perfect idea to schedule the massages. He only wished that he hadn’t scheduled them together so that she could have relaxed completely from the very beginning.

  He was learning about her, slowly but surely. She wasn’t the type of person who gave away much about herself. He’d pay attention, take his time, and hopefully, one day, he’d see into her heart.

  He tuned back into the magic of Brady’s hands. They were strong and yet gentle, and he was careful not to hurt Dane’s injured ribs. It was amazing how he was able to work around his injured arm and chest and yet still give a fabulous massage.

  When Dane’s time ended, he felt completely relaxed and comfortable in his body in a way that he hadn’t been since his injury. Why hadn’t he gotten a massage before now? He wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  He heard Ally speaking softly to Alexis and kept his eyes averted. In a moment, he detected the sound of bare feet on carpet and the door to the dressing room shutting. He sat up slowly then, and yawned. Massages always made him sleepy.

  Brady and Ally had quietly left the room.

  He imagined a naked Alexis in the dressing room putting on her lacy bra, and he mentally put on the brakes. No way would she be happy about him having those thoughts.

  When she walked out, she seemed more herself.

  He smiled and said, “I’ll be quick.”

  “Take your time, Rodeo.”

  Good. She even sounded like herself now, and there was a lightness to her voice that he’d never heard before.

  A few minutes later, he strode out of the dressing room. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a nap.”

  “Sounds like a great idea,” she said as she followed him out the door.

  “We’re eating here at the hotel tonight. The restaurant is called Knife, and it’s one of the best places to eat in Dallas. It’s known for its steaks too,” he said as he led her toward the elevators. “Let’s rest and then get ready for dinner. I’ll knock on your door at six-thirty. Does that sound okay?”

  She nodded as the elevator dinged and the button lit up. “Sounds great.”

  As they rode up to the third floor, she suddenly took his arm. “Dane?”

  He looked down at her.

  Her eyes were warm and soft, something he’d only seen once before. “Thanks for the massage. I’ve never felt anything like it.” She looked down. “I didn’t know what to expect when I made the bet, but I have to admit”—she met his gaze again—“I’ve been pleasantly surprised, Mr. Rodeo Cowboy.” She smiled as the doors opened.

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” His pulse picked up speed as she continued to hold his arm. Her firm grip reminded him that she was a rancher, and a good one, something that appealed to him immensely. When she let go a moment later, he felt it as a visceral loss. They’d been connected, and that specialness had been severed. He found he wanted that feeling again—and soon.

  She paused at her door and turned to him. “See you in a few, Rodeo.”

  He chuckled. “Get some rest, Cowgirl.”

  Chapter Four

  Alexis wore a short black dress with a scoop neck and three-quarter sleeves. It was one of her favorite dress-up go-tos, and she felt beautiful and sexy in it. Her matching heels were a modest three inches, but she knew that they made her legs look great.

  She finished putting on her gold stud earrings and scanned her image in the mirror. She’d put her hair up in a simple French twist, something that she felt made her look sophisticated rather than the everyday rancher she was. Oh, she knew that she was nice-looking, but in her work shirts and jeans, she didn’t figure she was anything to write home about.

  A knock sounded at the connecting door. She took one last look and sighed. Would Dane be surprised to see her in a dress?

  When she opened the door, his raised eyebrows and slow grin gave her the answer.

  “You look amazing, Alexis. I love the dress,” he said as she entered his room.

  “Thank you. You clean up nice yourself.” That was putting it mildly. With his black dress shirt emphasizing his broad, muscular shoulders, his starched Wranglers, silver trophy buckle, and wearing a black felt Stetson, he was a breathtaking sight.

  He offered her his arm. “We’ll be just in time for our reservations if we hurry.”

  He’d said that Knife was one of the most popular restaurants in Dallas. How long ago had he made the reservation? She was impressed.

  It wasn’t a large place, which made her even more amazed that they’d gotten a reservation. They were seated at one of the tables in the center area of the room, rather than against the bank of windows. “Have you eaten here before, Dane?”

  “No, but I’ve wanted to. Like I said, they’re known for their steaks. What do you think of the place?”

  She glanced around the room. “It’s fresh. Simple. Makes you expect that the food will be the same, I guess. I can’t wait to see the menu.”

  He smiled. “I’m glad we came here tonight. I’m looking forward to relaxing while I eat one of the best steaks in town.”

  Although they both raised cattle and ate beef all the time, it was always a pleasure to eat at a good restaurant where high-quality steaks were cooked to perfection.

  “This is a rare treat for me, Dane. Thank you.” She met his gaze and let the warmth she felt for him show in her eyes.

  “I hope you enjoy yourself this week, Alexis. I’m gonna spoil you rotten.” His smile this time was warm and engaging. “You’ve been working harder than any one person should ever have to since losing your parents, and I want this time to be a relaxing break for you.”

  She felt deeply touched and ashamed that she’d suspected him of ulterior motives. “Thank you, Dane.” Her heart swelled with an unexpected, sensual response. “I’ll do my best to relax and enjoy myself, although I admit that I haven’t had much practice at it.”

  He chuckled. “What rancher has?”

  A waiter approached and asked if they’d like to start with drinks or wine.

  Dane nodded at her. “Alexis?”

  “Lagavulin, neat, please,” she said. The expensive scotch’s thick, malty flavor had always sung her name, although she seldom ordered it. But tonight seemed an evening to celebrate.

  With an admiring curve of his lips, Dane said, “I love a woman who knows her scotch.”

  “I hope you don’t mind. It’s a favorite of mine, and I seldom drink it.”

  “Alexis, of course I don’t mind. Like I said, this week is all about spoiling you.”

  The spark in his eyes set her heart racing. Was she reading more into his expression than he intended?

  A few minutes later, they ordered their meals. She was appalled at the prices, but Dane didn’t bat an eye. He glanced up and noticed the look on her face. “Order anything you like, Alexis. I mean that.” When she still didn’t look convinced, he added, “I won the world finals five times, woman. I’m not some broke cowboy.”

  So she ordered a seventy-dollar filet mignon, just like that.

  “That wasn’t so hard, was it?” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

  She took a sip of her Lagavulin and looked at him over the edge of her tumbler. “I could get used to being spoiled, Cowboy.”

 

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