Page 59 of Falling for the Maverick

“Four but one who needs to find his own woman so he can stay out of your business.”

“Amen to that, Shane.”

“Are you eating dinner with the rest of the family?” he asked, pushing to his feet.

Michelle shook her head. “No. I had a late lunch at the Silver Spur, which was satisfying enough to keep me full for the rest of the day.”

Shane kissed her forehead. “Then I’ll see you at breakfast.”

Michelle had decided not to share dinner with her family because she needed some alone time to think about the possibility that she and Lucas could decide that it wasn’t in their best interest to continue to see each other. Dating secretly was exciting, of course. With no commitment…and once it ended, they would be able to go their separate ways to live separate lives. Although she’d told Shane and explained her dilemma about dating Lucas in secret, it wasn’t because she’d wanted to involve him, but to reassure herself that she could resolve her own problem.

* * *

Michelle was unable to meet with Lucas for several days following their dinner in Bronco because he indicated he had several commitments. In addition to his ranching chores, he was occupied with interviewing candidates for positions at Big Doggo, attending to banking matters and taking Flash to the veterinarian. He mentioned they would reconnect again at the upcoming Halloween party.

Michelle searched through her clothes for something to wear to the party, looking for a dress she could wear as a cancan dancer. When she couldn’t find one, she then decided to go as Batwoman, since she had everything she needed. She had a long-sleeved black tee, tights and ballet flats. She used her artistic skills to make ears for a black headband and found a black mask in a large bin stored in her walk-in closet.

Remi had returned to Tenacity to accompany Shane to the party before she would leave the next day to go back to Bronco. Michelle didn’t know why it was so very painful to watch her brother and his wife together; it was what she wanted for herself and Lucas. To be out in public with him and have him look at her as if she was the only woman in the world, and he the only man for her. But would that ever happen?

All the Coreys planned to attend the Halloween party, except Ellis and Tiffany, who were still on their honeymoon, and everyone decided to use separate vehicles, as they weren’t sure of their departure time.

This is where it all began and may end, Michelle thought when she walked into the ballroom at the Tenacity Inn. It was in this very room where she and Lucas had pretended they were a couple when he rescued her from a man who’d thought nothing of touching her inappropriately when they danced together. It had begun innocently enough but got a little more serious when Lucas told her to make it look good. She’d kissed his neck; he picked her up and swung her around; and it all ended with a near kiss that left her unable to catch her breath because of the runaway beating of heart. It had been clear from that scene exactly what was happening in that moment: an undeniable attraction between her and one of the bride’s brothers.

As soon as she entered the ballroom, Michelle recognized Lucas at once by the jaunty angle of his Stetson. Like herself he was dressed in black from head to toe. And it was obvious by his bored expression that he needed rescuing from a group of women who’d backed him into a corner. She made her way through the crowd of guests in costume to arrive at his side.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” she said, smiling, “but, ladies, I’m here to rescue my man.” Michelle emphasized the last two words.

One woman glared at Michelle, then turned back to Lucas. “You’re here with that?”

Lucas reached for Michelle’s hand. “The woman you just referred to as ‘that’ happens to be my date for the night.”

“I’m glad you told her,” Michelle said under her breath as the rude women walked away, “because I wasn’t going to take that.”

Lucas released her hand. “What were you about to do, Catwoman?”

“Batwoman,” she corrected. “Catwoman has a tail, and Batwoman doesn’t.”

“Well, you are wearing ears.”

“If I’d found an orange top and tights, I would’ve come as Marmalade,” Michelle said, her eyes locking with his through her mask. “I’m going to circulate, and if you need rescuing again, just send me a text,” she teased.

She could breathe normally only after walking away to join Amy Hawkins-Aventura. Michelle didn’t know what it was, but something about Lucas wearing all black was a turn-on. Once again he’d become that big dog she wanted to ravish her until she howled in ecstasy.

* * *

Lucas couldn’t take his eyes off Michelle as she circulated around the room, smiling and talking to people who still were strangers to him. Some he’d recognized from his quick trips into town. He’d spend less time on the ranch now that he planned to hire ranch hands to help work the Big Doggo. He’d interviewed four men, selected two and told them once he received the results of their background checks, he would place them on the payroll. He’d also finally informed his father that he was stepping back from monitoring his businesses.

Suddenly, Michelle turned and a slight smile parted her lips. A sensual current passed between them across the room.

Lucas needed to see her one final time before their secret relationship came to an end at the party. Reaching inside his jacket, he took out his cell phone and sent her a text message to meet him outside. He watched as she opened a small wristlet and took out her phone. His gaze never wavered as he watched her read what he’d sent her. She nodded.

He spun around and left the ballroom, heading to the parking lot where he waited for Michelle. The seconds ticked into minutes before he saw her.

* * *

Michelle saw Lucas standing beside his pickup truck and reached up to remove her mask. One second they were staring at each other, the next, they were in each other’s arms. “Take me home, Lucas,” she whispered. “I want to go home with you. Right now.”

Lucas nodded. “Okay, bae. Follow me.”