Back Where You Belong Read online

  His arm went around her waist as he shifted off her. Pulling her into the curve of his body, he smiled and enjoyed the way Lacy stroked his male ego. Sex the last few years of his marriage had been sporadic and full of complaints. Anna Beth had called him boring and inept. What few women he’d bedded since then were the type of women to say anything. While Lacy was truth personified.

  “I’m glad you had your first climax.” He gave her one hard kiss. “I’m even happier it was with me, even if I wasn’t at my best. My stamina isn’t up to par.”

  He pulled her closer and nuzzled her neck. She smelled of flowers and sex and him. It was a heady blend.

  He propped his elbow on the bed and rested his head on his hand before cupping her cheek with the other. “Do we have the threat of that video behind us? Are you willing to allow it to ruin this?”

  Her turquoise eyes watched him. “No. I’ve probably given it enough power as it is. I think of my life in terms of pre-video and post-video.”

  He smiled and nodded. “That’s how I think of my life, too, I guess. Pre-divorce and post.”

  “Does Olivia’s mother see her very much? She doesn’t talk about her in very glowing terms.”

  “Yeah, I know. Depending on Anna Beth’s schedule, she usually gets her one weekend a month. Then it takes me several days to get Olivia back to normal. Sometimes she’s petulant, and other times she’s sullen after spending time with her mom.”

  “That’s part of being a teenager. Goes with the raging hormones.”

  Tyler laughed. “Oh, don’t even mention hormones around my daughter or the male anatomy. Seems Olivia and her best friend, Cassidy, are worried about my prostate. They figure my lack of a sex life will impair it in some way.”

  Turquoise eyes turned stormy blue. “You won’t…you wouldn’t tell her what happened here between us.”

  “Hell no. What kind of father would do that? What’s between you and me is private.”

  “Good.” She kissed his neck a few times and a part of him stirred to life again.

  “Kids. Once they reach twelve or thirteen, they think they know everything. Which reminds me, I promised Olivia and Cassidy I’d take them to the mall tomorrow. Olivia needs some winter clothes. Want to come along?”

  “Me? Shop with teenagers?”

  “You would be doing me a great service. She claims she needs bigger bras. Wishful thinking, you ask me. Still, the last thing I want to do is go through that ordeal.” He leaned in and kissed that sweet spot under her ear. She shivered in his arms and his groin tightened. “Plus, you can hold my hand during the latest vampire movie I promised the girls.”

  Her palm slapped his chest. “Teenagers and vampires? Oh, you are a cruel man.”

  He leaned in and feathered his lips across hers. “I’ll make it worth your while.” He gently bit her lower lip and watched her eyes cross. “Extra-large popcorn at the theater.”

  Her arms slid around his neck. “Oh, cowboy, for an afternoon of teenage squeals and ‘omigods,’ it better come with extra butter.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  When Lacy opened the back door the next afternoon, two wide-eyed teenagers gave her a thorough once-over. Their scrutiny took in everything, making her glad she’d taken extra pains with her appearance. Dressing for this outing at the mall had turned into a ridiculous flurry of putting on and taking off outfits. Finally, she’d gone with her initial choice—her favorite jeans, boots and a red sweater. She hoped they wouldn’t find the neckline too low.

  By the expression on Tyler’s face when his gaze zeroed in the neckline, he didn’t see a thing wrong with it. Remembering all the intimacies they’d shared the second time they made love last night, the warmth of a blush crept up her neck and across her cheeks. This man made me climax three times. Three. Oh crap, is it bad to think of climaxes in front of his daughter?

  Olivia’s gaze swept from her to her dad. A wide smile spread as she hugged her. “It’s good to see you again, Lacy. This is my best friend, Cassidy.”

  Lacy returned the hug. “Hi, my beauty.” She kissed her dark hair. “Cassidy, it’s nice to meet you.”

  Tyler stepped between the girls and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Girls, look the other way for a sec. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” A duet of giggles followed, while he kissed her. “Got a light jacket? Turned cool overnight.”

  She handed him a denim blazer she had tossed across the back of a kitchen chair, and he helped her on with it.

  “Cool blazer,” Olivia gushed.

  “Thanks. I think I got this at The Gap.”

  “Can we check there, Daddy? There’s a Gap at Westgate.” Dark eyes beseeched Tyler, who instantly turned to male mush.

  “Sure, Angel.”

  When they stepped outside, Lacy was surprised to see a mini-van parked in the driveway. She turned to Tyler. “A van?”

  He shrugged and shot her a crooked smile. “Soccer dad. What can I say?”

  “Hold her hand, Daddy,” ordered Olivia.

  Everyone laughed, which set the tone for the day.

  Like a military general, Olivia herded her dad to The Gap. Both girls tried on jackets and tops and jeans. Their decisions made, Tyler whipped out his bank card. Next, she led them all to another boutique where she chose some long-sleeved tops.

  At a large department store, just as they approached the lingerie department, Olivia turned and pointed to the man bearing armfuls of bags. “No, Daddy. Just us girls.” The two best friends charged ahead to look at bras.

  The look of relief on Tyler’s face was priceless. He tugged his wallet from the back pocket of his jeans. “Lacy, here.” He extracted a couple hundred dollar bills and folded them in her hand. “Get her what she needs.” His voice lowered. “Maybe you need a new bra, too. One of those front opening kind like you wore last night. And thongs. A dozen of them.”

  “Oh, don’t you wish.”

  His gaze dropped to her cleavage and then rose to lock on hers. His ornery smile warmed her heart. “Oh, Sugar, you have no idea how much I wish.”

  She wheeled him around and shoved at his back. “Go. Wait. Think of cold showers.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  As he swaggered away, he glanced over his shoulder, tugged on the brim of his Stetson and favored her with a slow wink. She stood there watching his broad shoulders retreating. He’d been her first serious crush. Now he was back in her life and available. She sighed, remembering how he’d taken his time with her last night. Not at all like her college boyfriend.

  Later, as they moved through the mall on a whirlwind of teenage energy Lacy hadn’t experienced in years, she realized she was having the time of her life. The girls were comical as they gushed over everything. She’d forgotten the extremes of the adolescent years. Everything was either totally cool or totally gross. There were no in-betweens, only extremes. Tyler was considerate with them all, obviously enjoying himself.

  He stopped once to look at a black plaid Western shirt.

  “No, Daddy.” Olivia grabbed his arm and pulled him to another rack. “Here.” She tugged a lavender shirt off the rack and held it out.

  “No freakin’ way.” His expression was one of horror.

  “All you wear is black or navy. You need variety.”

  “And you need your head examined.” He grabbed the black shirt, and seeing one in navy, grabbed it too, shooting his daughter an I-dare-you-to-say-something expression.

  When he laid his choices on the counter for the clerk to ring-up, Olivia slapped the lavender shirt on top. “He’ll take this, too.”

  “Olivia, have pity.” His voice was one of exasperation and resignation.

  She crossed her arms and arched a brown eyebrow. “They have it in apricot.”

  “Sweet Jesus, no!” He quickly turned to the cashier grinning from ear to ear over their exchange. “I’ll take these three and no more. You hear?”

  Lacy stepped beside Olivia and inclined her head. “That lavender
shirt will almost match the lavender sweater you talked me into buying. Odd coincidence, don’t you think?”

  A blush kissed the girl’s cheeks. “I think the two of you dressed in the same colors will be awesome.” She pushed her glasses higher on her nose. “For special occasions, you know.”

  “Uh-huh. Just what are you up to, my beauty?”

  “Daddy’s been so happy this week. I want it to continue. You won’t hurt him will you? He’s been hurt enough already.” Earnest eyes studied her, waiting for a response. Mother hen vibes shimmered off this young girl. The bond between her and her father was visibly strong.

  “You’re very protective of your dad. That’s very grown up of you. I could never hurt him.”

  After carrying their bags to the van, they trooped to the theater. Olivia and Cassidy sat a few rows up while she and Tyler settled in seats near the back. As promised, he’d gotten her a large tub of popcorn with extra butter.

  “What a dangerous combination: Teenagers and shopping malls.” He exhaled a long sigh as his hand scooped some of the snack off the top of the tub. “Have you ever seen anything like those two inside a store?” He motioned with a second fistful in the general direction of the girls. “I swear I just aged ten years.” He shoved more popcorn into his mouth and chewed. “When Olivia held up those torn, frayed jeans with that hellacious price tag, I nearly had a coronary. What’s wrong with plain old Wranglers, I ask you?” He grabbed another handful and crammed it in his mouth. His head tilted as he chewed and thought. “She’s only thirteen. I’ve got—what?—eight, nine more years of this to contend with?” His fist delved into the tub again. “Earrings. My God, she musta bought thirty pair. Hell, she’s only got two ears. And bracelets. Her arm’s only so long.”

  Lacy patted his thigh. “Calm down, Dad. She’s only young once.”

  More popcorn disappeared. “Yeah, but I’ll be broke for life.”

  “Frankly, I found today an enlightening experience.” She fought back giggles.

  He stilled, his gaze fixed on her. “How so?”

  “Big, strong bull rider is putty in the hands of his petite daughter.” She plucked a few kernels of popcorn and ate them, the salty taste a special treat. “She so has you wrapped around her little finger. I never took you for a softie, Tyler Desmond.”

  “She wears on me sometimes. I love her to death, but I worry I’m not raising her right.” He grabbed another handful. “I mean, what do I know about girls? They’re so damn emotional, you know?” His jaw chomped in frustration. “Why did she need three pair of sneakers? Tell me that.”

  Lacy glanced into the tub, now nearly empty, and laughed. When had he eaten last?

  The lights dimmed and previews of coming attractions started. Explosions on the screen caught Tyler’s attention, and for a few minutes he seemed to calm. She watched him out of the corner of her eye. Seeing this side of him was a revelation. Did he really worry about his abilities as a parent? Olivia was bright, polite and charming in her own way. Bossy to an extent, but Lacy imagined one would need to hold her ground living with a strong personality like Tyler. In many ways, he was larger than life.

  A few minutes into the movie, she leaned over and whispered, “Did you get any napkins? My fingers are greasy from the butter.”

  He stared into her eyes for a few beats. “I’ll take care of it,” he whispered. Even in the darkened theater, his brown eyes twinkled. He coiled his hand around her wrist and brought her fingers to his lips. Slowly, with his eyes locked on hers, he sucked her index finger into his mouth. A warm tongue swirled around it, and desire shot straight to her core. Oh. My. God. I’m going to have a climax in this theater.

  Her eyes drifted shut, and she clamped her thighs together. The things this cowboy could do to her.

  He took a slow, torturous journey on each of her fingers. If she got any hotter, the theater would have an explosion to rival the ones on the screen.

  When he finally got through, he wrapped a hand around her neck and drew her in for a kiss. Lips fused and tongues touched. He tasted of butter and popcorn and pure sex.

  When he ended the kiss, he leaned his forehead against hers. “What are we going to do about us? I can’t bring you to my place, not with an impressionable teenager there. We can’t keep grabbing stolen moments at your house on the rare occasions your grandpa is gone. I’m too old to sneak sex on the seat of my truck.”

  “Is our relationship based solely on sex?” Her heart crumbled a little and her chest constricted waiting for his answer. “’Cause, cowboy, I think you could seriously break my heart.” She cupped his cheek. “I guess that’s not very sophisticated of me, to be so open about the extent of my feelings, but open is the only way I know how to be. Grandma used to say if it was worth thinkin’, it was worth sayin’.”

  He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “God bless Grandma. I love that about you. Your openness and honesty.”

  Love? Did he say love? Surely, he didn’t mean it in the category in which her feelings were closeted.

  His warm hand wrapped around her thigh, which only caused more fluttering low in her belly.

  “My emotions for you run deep. So deep they damn near scare me.”

  Heat from his hand penetrated though her jeans and traveled to her core.

  “No. There’s more going on here than sex.” He kissed her again, short nibbles on her lips before he took the kiss deeper and curled the toes in her boots.

  Chapter Fifteen

  After the movie, Tyler told the girls they had an hour to check out the arcade before the van left for home. He ushered Lacy into a Starbucks for a quiet cup of coffee. “What did you think of the movie?”

  She rolled her eyes. “I enjoyed the previews more.”

  He was glad she agreed. “Have you ever seen so many pale looking guys in all your life? They need to be out on the range, working and riding horses.”

  A warm smile spread, reaching her turquoise eyes. “Spoken like a true Texan.” Something caught her eye and her eyebrows furrowed as her smile evaporated. “Is that the girls coming back already? Olivia looks upset?”

  On alert, he swiveled in his chair and watched his daughter. Olivia’s head was down, and she had her arms wrapped around her thin waist in a protective gesture. Cassidy kept shooting looks over her shoulder at whoever was behind them. Both were walking quickly as if to outrun someone. “You’re right. Something’s wrong.” He stood to get a better look at who had them upset.

  He expected to see a pervert. Some dirty old man. All he saw were three giggling girls. Maybe whoever disturbed them wasn’t really following. His gaze swept to his little girl when she charged into the Starbucks sitting area.

  “I’m ready to go. Now.” Her pointy chin jutted in a pugnacious manner.

  He glanced back over his shoulder still seeing no man. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing. I’m ready to go. So’s Cassidy.”

  Lacy turned her concerned gaze on Cassidy. “Who were the girls following you? They look about your age. Friends of yours?” Her voice deceptively calm as she questioned the girl.

  Cassidy shot his daughter a look before she shook her head, her long brown hair swirling slightly with her movement. “No, they’re no friends of ours.”

  Tyler looked over his shoulder in the direction from which they came. What the hell is going on?

  Olivia’s little shoulders hunched further, almost as if she were folding in on herself. “Daddy, I’m tired. Can we please go?” She was starting to whine, a bad sign.

  Lacy took charge of the situation, wrapping her arm around each of the girl’s shoulders. “I’m tired, too, Tyler. These girls nearly shopped me to death. I never thought it could happen, but it did.”

  Olivia leaned her head against Lacy and burrowed herself into the strength of her embrace. An odd feeling of loss pervaded his heart. Usually his daughter turned to him when she was upset.

  “Hey, whatever you girls want. I’m merely the chauffe
ur.”

  On the way to Lacy’s house, whispers buzzed in the back seat like the drone of bees. The two girls had their heads together, gesturing as they spoke in hushed tones. Meanwhile, Lacy stared straight ahead, her lips pursed in that way she had. What was she thinking?

  Finally, as if she’d come to some decision, she swiped a tear running on her cheek. “So be it,” she muttered.

  Why the tears? He covered her hand. “You okay, Lacy?”

  She nodded. “Just coming out of hiding.”

  What did she mean by that?

  Then she shifted in her seat to glance back at the girls. “Did your dad tell you what happened to me in college?”

  Surprised she’d mention it to the girls, Tyler glanced in his rear view mirror. They’d separated as they shook their heads. Slowly, Lacy shared what she’d been through. As she progressed with her story, both extended hands to clasp Lacy’s, almost as if to offer comfort. Soon, all three were crying.

  “You two are the second and third persons I’ve told about this. Your dad was the first, Olivia. I was too ashamed to tell my grandpa or my friends.”

  His daughter’s big brown eyes were locked on Lacy’s. “Why did you decide to tell us?”

  “Because I like you. I like you a lot. And when I saw your face back at the mall, I saw myself. Do you know that awful internet video is still bringing in viewers? The humiliation never ends, it seems.”

  Olivia sat back and crossed her arms. “It’s not fair, is it?”

  “No, my beauty, it’s not. Bullies come in all sizes and ages.”

  “But you’re not heavy. You’re just extra fluffy.”

  Tyler cut his gaze to his rearview mirror. “Now, was that nice?” Would her remark hurt Lacy’s feelings?

  “It’s okay, Tyler. I know what she meant, and she meant it from her heart.” Lacy took his daughter’s hand and patted it. “Is someone bullying you? Either of you?” Her gaze swept from one girl to the other.

  Why would she ask his little girl such a question? Where would she get an idea like that? Who would pick on his daughter? His heart dropped when a pained sob escaped from his angel.