It didnt help that Cade was still on the ranch, driving her to distraction with his light teasing and hot eyes. He was nothing but a thorn in her side, but granted, he was the sexiest thorn shed ever had. Thank God he wasnt a man to stay in one place long enough for a post office to find him. Hed be off soon, she was sure of it. That was how he was made, with a powerful wanderlust she would never understand.
He scared her, she forced herself to admit, resting her forehead against the glass and staring out into the deep dark night. He definitely scared her. After all, Delia needed no one and had made sure no one needed her. As a result, shed bent people to her will with little to no effort. Teachers, friends. Men.
But not Cade McKnight.
He was truly his own man, one who refused to bow to any authority except his own.
It was frightening to realize she could never control a man like that. But no matter. Despite what hed said about no longer being able to ignore her, she could still ignore him.
Needing air, regardless of how cold it was, she stepped out into the night, onto the deck that Ty had recently rebuilt. She heard bubbles, which she knew came from the newly installed hot tub, and she followed the sound in search of her sisters, seeking what only they had been able to give her.
Acceptance.
She found Zoe and Ty blissfully immersed in the steaming water, entwined. They were kissing-a deep passionate kiss that made Delia sigh theatrically even as something deep within her yearned. Dont you guys ever do anything other than connect your mouths?
Ty lifted his wet head and shot her a wicked grin. Uh-huh.
Zoe smacked him lightly on his chest and smiled up at her sister. Come on in, Dee. It feels terrific on sore muscles.
Tys grin faded. You hurt something?
His concern was touchingand embarrassing, considering it was her bottom that hurt the most from the unaccustomed riding. Zoe and Ty did most of the physical work on the ranch, working the horses and their small herd of cattle. Maddie ran the kitchen, providing all meals. Delias job was managing the reservations and the front desk, which included checking people in and out and keeping up the house.
It wasnt very physical-anyone could have done it. Which was the root of most of her guilt, because she didnt feel she was pulling her weight. She didnt belong and she knew that; she just couldnt admit it to her sisters.
Ty straightened, standing in the tub, a frown marring his brow as water dripped off his well-built frame. He was one of the most handsome men shed ever seen. What did you hurt? he asked.
Zoe snickered and Delia sent her a dirty look. Nothing, she muttered.
Some of his fierceness drained, but none of his curiosity, and finally Zoe took pity on her clueless husband-to-be. She hurt her rear end yesterday during her riding lesson. She shoved back her wet auburn hair. Shes got first-timers butt.
It was my second lesson, Delia corrected with icy dignity.
Ty bit his lip, but his eyes danced with humor. Maybe Cade ought to take it easier on you next time.
Ty and Zoe laughed then, revoltingly disgusting in their happiness.
Speaking of Cade, why is he still here, anyway?
Ty lifted a brow at Delias question, glancing at Zoe before answering. You know hes working.
You mean eating us out of house and home.
Well, technically, thats Maddies fault, Ty countered. Shes too good a cook.
But we dont even know anything about him-his background, where he came fromanything.
Something flickered in Tys eyes. Knowledge of Cade, Delia realized, and whatever it was, it wasnt pleasant.
Shed known from the first time shed looked into Cades dark gaze that hed suffered in his past. But to know the details of that suffering would be to know him far more intimately than she ever intended, especially when she didnt intend to know him at all.
Cades past isnt important to Constance s case or our friendship with him, Ty said carefully. Hes trustworthy and honest, and as far as Im concerned, thats all that matters.
Hes a friend, Zoe agreed softly, reaching for Tys hand and smiling at him with love in her eyes. Without him we wouldnt be here.
I know. Delia sighed, then kicked off her boots, pulled off her socks and crossed to the edge of the tub. Pulling up a chair, she sank into it, set her bare chilled feet into the water and moaned with pleasure.
Moving close, Zoe put her hand on Delias leg. Whats the matter?
Delia shifted away. Nothing.
Delia.
She sighed, rubbed her temples. Everything, she wanted to say. I cant control this place. I cant control what happens to Jacob. I cant control these strange feelings Im having for Cade. I dont know whats wrong. It was a half-truth. Which was as good as a lie, something shed never told to either Zoe or Maddie.
Still standing, Ty divided a look between them. Is this the kind of talk where men arent invited?
It seemed like forever that thered been no one but Zoe and Maddie in Delias life. But now there was Ty, too, and though Delia didnt trust men on principle, Zoe, the tough fiercely independent sister, loved him with all her heart. That made him okay in Delias book. You can stay.
Good, he said with a grateful shiver, sinking back into the water. Not just because I was starting to freeze, which I was, but because as your brother, I have to hear all the gossip or Im completely ineffective when I tease you.
Delia narrowed her eyes. Brother?
Well, yeah. He gently tugged on a lock of her hair. Which means I get to annoy you often, you know. I also get to inspect all future boyfriends and grill them until their eyes cross. And beating up anyone who hurts you is just a given.
The strangest thing happened. Delias heart constricted, making her chest far too tight to breathe. A warmth filled her. To cover that, and all the confusing emotions that went with it, she punched him. I can take care of myself.
Not with a punch like that you cant.
Zoe smiled at the banter, but still watched Delia carefully. Whats really going on, Dee? Why did you ask about Cade?
I just think he can solve this case from his office in Boise. Or maybe from the other side of the country.
I just think he can solve this case from his office in Boise. Or maybe from the other side of the country.
Hes notbothering you in any way, is he? This from Ty, who Delia knew cared deeply about Cade. After all, without Cade, Ty would never have met Zoe. Or any of them for that matter.
No, hes not bothering me, Delia said slowly. Not much other than occupying my every single thought. But as my big brother, would you really beat him up for me if he was?
You better believe it, baby.
Zoe laughed, running her hand over her fiancés straining biceps as he comically flexed for them. Isnt Cade bigger than you?
Its not about brawn, Ty assured her, giving up the pose and laughing when Zoe rolled her eyes. Its all in how you use it.
Zoe shook her head. Men.
Ty kissed her laughing mouth, which made Zoe melt and Deliawell, she melted, too, but she couldnt get sidetracked. Once upon a time it had mattered greatly to Zoe who inherited the Triple M. Delia knew Zoe had wanted to be the heir with all her heart. Unfortunately it wasnt meant to be, and Zoe seemed to have come to terms with it.
Which didnt make this any easier.
Zoe pulled back from Ty. Come on, Delia, tell me whats up.
Its complicated.
Well, were pretty good at complicated, Zoe told her dryly. Our whole life has been complicated.
Yes, but how to explain that her need to be the heir was greater than either of her sisters? That she hated to need anything at all, but to need this, this huge thing, was nearly killing her.
Its the investigation, Zoe guessed. Cades investigation for Constance.
No.
Its Jacob, then. Oh, honey, I wish I could make this all work out, right now.
Me, too. This was so hard. With all her heart, she wanted happiness for Zoe and Maddie. But she also wanted Jacob. How to hurt one sibling over another?
She couldnt.
Shed have to do this on her own, have to prove her worth to the judge. She wouldnt ask her sisters for help unless it became absolutely necessary. Its nothing, she said quietly as the weight of her lies buried her. Im justtired.
Of course you are, with all this worrying over Jacob. You talked to him today?
Yesterday. If one could call it that, for Jacob didnt do much other than respond to her with monosyllabic answers.
Yes, he liked school.
No, he didnt have too much homework.
Yes, he liked sports.
No, he didnt know where the Triple M was.
And given his tone, he didnt care, but there was always the slightest quiver in his voice, the smallest hesitation, and she clung to that, having to believe it did matter to him, that he was just uncertain and afraid.
Time, she reminded herself. He needed time.
I know you want to go to Los Angeles alone, Zoe said. But I wish youd let us come with you.
Delia knew they would drop everything. Theyd cancel guests, theyd spend money they didnt have. Theyd do anything for her, anything at all, including hurting their future.
Delia was many things, but she refused to be that selfish. Ill be fine.
Zoe nodded reluctantly, clearly not believing, but unwilling to push further. Promise if you change your mind, youll tell us. Wed be there, Delia, in a heartbeat.
I know.
With one lithe motion, Zoe was out of the water. I havent seen you this upset in a long time, she said dripping water everywhere. It scares me.
This is upset? Ty looked from one woman to the other. She hasnt even raised her voice.
Delia never raises her voice. Zoe bent to take Delias hand, looking deeply into her eyes. Jacob is yours, honey. The court will see that.
Delia closed her eyes.
And as for Cade
Delias eyes flew open again. That name, she thought darkly. Just that name altered her pulse.
He belongs here, too.
Ty got out of the tub and wrapped his fiancée in a towel. Lets go inside, he decided. Ill get everyone a hot drink and well discuss how much Delia will pay me to kick Cade out on his tough rear end.
Were not kicking anyone out. Zoe was still watching Delia. Honey, you know we cant. Hes a part of this family now, and when you think about it, whatever is bothering you, youll realize we cant hurt his feelings.