not-like-her-at-all reason, she didn’t care. He was offering her something she’d always fantasized about, and Tracy was the kind of man who could deliver. It was thrilling and a little scary, but those feelings—while new and disconcerting—were better than the regret she knew she’d have if she turned him down. Now she just had to get through this party without thinking about all the things he was going to do to her tonight. Not think about the wicked, delicious things he’d described on the way over while she was meeting her sister’s new family and making a good first impression. Alicia tugged on her sundress, feeling naked without her underwear. She wouldn’t think about that either. Good luck with that.
Chapter Five
“You did a good thing today, Tracy. It was just what the doctor ordered.” Tracy finished his beer and glanced over at the ranch foreman. “Sorry to interrupt the schedule for this, Frank. I know you’re busy.” The older man laughed. “Are you kidding? We got more work done today than I expected. The Reyes men needed something to do while their wives cooed over Miguel’s pretty little bride.” He shook his head. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. He’s like a new man.” “Who?” Tracy frowned. “Frank, did you know Miguel was married?” “Hell no. No one did. I meant bringing in the family. He didn’t know half of them yet, and with his father being a no-account and all, I guess he wasn’t looking to. But now look at him. He refused to take the entire day off, helping us with his first branding, and I can’t remember if he’s ever been this relaxed.” Neither could Tracy. He watched Miguel laugh at something one of his uncles had said, his arms full with a wriggling two-year-old and his young wife by his side. He looked different. Happy. More so then he’d been this morning when Tracy had pulled him aside and given him a harsh talking to about his wife’s health and happiness. About responsibility to family. Even as he’d berated the boy, he took responsibility for his own mistakes. He knew his aunt had a difficult time asking for help. He should have been more observant with them. Should have welcomed Miguel with a gathering like this instead of tossing him a job and leaving him to sink or swim on his own. He should have known about Jinny and made sure she was taken care of. Frank patted his shoulder. “Son, I’ve known you since you were shorter and skinnier than I am, which is a damn long time. You have enough on your plate without adding a helping of guilt. The Reyes haven’t been so flush and happy since your grandfather was young and feisty, so you’re doing fine.” He chuckled. “Better than fine, if the way you and the lovely Ms. Bell have been eyeing each other across the yard all day is any indication.” Tracy turned toward the cooler behind him and reached for another bottle. “You’re getting old, Frank. Seeing things.” “Sure I am,” Frank grabbed the bottle out of his hand and toasted him jauntily. “I’m old, boy, but I’m not dead yet. Or deaf. I heard Luca say something about Jinny and Miguel moving into the main house tonight while we build them a little lean-to of their own on the property.” Tracy narrowed his eyes dangerously. “That’s right.” The old man was undeterred. “I also heard her sister will be staying up the mountain with you until the baby is born.” “Is this a question?” “Not at all. Just hoping you think about the fact that you two will be connected by blood when the little one arrives. And Miguel’s wife only has the one sister as her kin. She’d definitely miss her if Ms. Bell wasn’t around on special occasions.” Hell. “Damn it, Frank.” He put down his beer and started walking to the stable. All damn day all he’d been able to think about was getting Alicia back to his house. Hours of the women in his family wondering when he was going to get