Cougar in Texas (Rugged and Risque 3)

Over breakfast, she asked, “How long will it take us to get to Dallas tonight?”

“It’s about a four-hour drive from here,” Sam said. “But Dad’s sending the Lear.”

Her gaze snapped up from her plate. “Excuse me?”

With a chuckle, Sam explained, “The G4 is bringing in a group from Houston, so we’re stuck with the second-string airplane.”

“Yeah, right.” Her eyes widened. “Maybe I shouldn’t go.”

Caleb could sense, deep in his bones, the panic skittering through her.

“Now Reese,” Sam said, before Caleb could get a word in. “The thing about our family is that they’re mostly for show. They like to flaunt what they have. So take ’em with a grain of salt. If you let them pick away at you, they’ll use your weakness to their advantage. They’re all highly skilled at manipulation for their own personal benefit.”

Her gaze slid to Caleb and her brow lifted. “One, I’m not showy. Two, I’m not exactly in a place in my life where I feel particularly confident.”

He grinned at her. “Darlin’, I wouldn’t take you if I didn’t think you could hold your own. And as Sam pointed out to me some time ago, if I try to keep you under wraps, it’ll just make them more determined to find fault with you.”

“Just be yourself,” Sam said. “Don’t second-guess anything or wonder if you’ve said the right thing or not. Don’t think twice about it. The more grounded you are, the less likely they’ll be to trip you up. It’s strictly arrogance on their part. Once they know your feet are firmly planted, they won’t try to knock you off ‘em.”

Collecting his empty plate, Sam stood and took it into the kitchen.

Reese said, “He didn’t give that advice to someone who meant something to him, did he?”

“No, he did not. He took the opposite approach, because he was already in hot water over being with Charlotte for nearly two years without telling anyone. Until they starting discussing a wedding. Then he brought her home. My mother was livid—mostly because she was embarrassed he was springing Charlotte on them at a party, where all her friends wondered why she didn’t know he was serious enough about a woman to propose marriage.”

“I can see where that would sting.”

Caleb nodded. “Yes. I agree. But he had a good reason for wanting to keep her from the family. She was very sweet and unpretentious and he didn’t want anyone pushing her buttons, knowing it would fluster her. And hurt her feelings. That’s not going to happen with you, I promise.”

She drew in a deep breath, let it out slowly. “How can you be so sure?”

No doubt, the look he gave her was one of pure admiration. He felt it to the core of his being. “Because I saw you take on your ex-husband. You stand up for yourself, Reese. That’s why no one’s gonna mess with you tonight. Plus,” he leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I won’t let them.”

He kissed her forehead, then went back to his breakfast.

She was quiet a few moments as Sam returned and poured another cup of coffee from the carafe resting on a trivet. Then she stood. “I have to visit Liza. I’m going to need a dress. What’s the attire?”

“Black tie optional,” Sam said. To Caleb he asked, “You did pack your tux, right?”

“In the garment bag hanging in the closet. I know better.” His attention shifted to Reese. “Now don’t feel as though you have to go all out. There’s no one you have to compete with, darlin’.”

“I’m meeting your parents,” she said. “I have no choice but to go all out.”

She picked up her plate and mug and disappeared around the corner.

Sam said, “Think we sufficiently scared the shit out of her.”

“Yeah, but that’s a good thing. She walked away with her shoulders squared, didn’t she? That is not a woman to be backed into a corner. You were right about taking her, and I’m damn glad she agreed. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is how we feel about each other. The family drama can’t split us up.”

Sam’s brow furrowed. He reached for his cup and took a sip of coffee.

Caleb said, “Okay, your silence speaks volumes. But she’s not Charlotte. I’ve seen her in action and I’ve got faith in her. Plus I learned a le

sson from you. I won’t let them do to Reese what they did to Charlotte.”

“I hope not. Just remember they work behind the scenes as much as they operate up front.”

“Point taken. Let’s get moving.” They had work to do at the ranch. They planned to meet up with Reese around six at the B&B so they could be on their way to Austin, where the Lear would be waiting for them.