A Breath of Heaven (El Camino Real Book 1) Read online

  “Cade had best wear a cup over his favorite private parts if he knows what’s good for him. Because I’m will knee him in the nuts if he messes with me,” Abby grumbled just as a blast of icy wind swept through the house. Abby shivered – but not from cold.

  “Now, is that any way to greet an old friend for Christmas?” asked the same deep, husky, sexy voice that haunted her every dream.

  Cade. A thousand emotions hit her like a tsunami. Longing. Lust. Regret.

  “Are you glad to see me, Abilene?” The words were simple. The tone was civil – but she knew he was a master of bull-shit.

  Damn his ornery hide, he also knew she hated the name Abilene. “Glad is not the best word for it, Cade. Irritated would be a more appropriate term.” She didn’t know which was worse, being rude or lying. As far as Cade was concerned, rudeness was Abby’s mode of self-defense. Lying to him was preferable. It was better than embarrassing them both with the truth.

  Cade sauntered to the fireplace to warm his hands, inspecting the family photographs on the mantel. “I told you this wouldn’t work, Jase. Throwing me and Abilene together is like pouring gasoline on a fire. Just stand back and wait for the explosion. Frankly, I’d rather room with a cranky skunk than put up with your sister’s snarly attitude.” He spoke calmly and Abby stewed behind him. Running his hand over the smooth wood, he asked casually. “Why isn’t my photo up here, Abby? I’m family. Aren’t I?”

  Was there a tinge of longing in his voice? Surely not. She slipped back into her usual role of antagonist. Familiar was always best. “Your photo’s on display at the Post Office with all of the other troublemakers. Where else?” Abby braced herself to face her nemesis. She steeled her resolve to react in the manner to which they’d become accustomed a long time ago. Wiping her hands on a dishtowel, she turned. Slowly.

  Wham! And there it was.

  No matter how often she laid eyes on him, no matter if it was from the rodeo arena stands, watching him on TV or sitting across from him at the dinner table, the effect was always the same. Abby’s knees went weak. Her heart pounded. Her nipples hardened and her pussy creamed.

  Cade Tallbull was the sexiest man alive to her. Bar none.

  Also, no one could make her madder faster than this egotistical, arrogant, sanctimonious Don Juan in spurs. “Skunk? Snarly?” Abby put her hands on her hips, flung her hair over her shoulder, narrowed her eyes and threw back her shoulders. “I’ll have you know I’m an absolute living doll. Cade Tallbull. I’m sweet, thoughtful and kind. And if you don’t quit grinning at me like an absolute idiot, I’m going to brain you with this skillet.” She picked one up off the stove and weighed it in her hand as if testing its worthiness to be a weapon.

  Jase picked up one more stick of celery. “Ah, threats of violence is my cue to leave. I’m glad to see you two enjoying each other’s company, just like normal.” Her brother began making his way toward the front door, stepping lightly between them as if traversing a mine field.

  Cade stood behind the brown leather sofa with arms folded, facing Abby as if he were contemplating challenging her to a duel. “Catch you tomorrow, Jase, and thanks for abandoning me in the enemy camp.”

  Abby noticed Cade and Jase exchanging a knowing look. Jase slapped his best friend on the shoulder. “Be careful. I have to warn you, she’s armed.”

  Cade snorted. “Your sister is always armed. She’s lethal. But I do enjoy a challenge. Taming flighty, feisty fillies is my specialty.”

  Jase put on his coat, easing out into the inclement weather as Abby grumbled. Cade ducked and a rosy red apple bounced off the door. “Tame me?” She picked up another apple and considered her target. “You don’t have the balls, Tallbull.” Even as she threw down the gauntlet, Abby knew she’d just made a strategic mistake. She’d just waved a red cape in the face of the biggest bull Alpha in Texas. Damn! Why did he have to be so devastatingly good-looking? Every time she was near him, her whole body went into sexual shell-shock. Six-foot three, two-hundred forty pounds, perfectly ripped, wide shoulders, coal black eyes, dark hair and enough scruff to make him look like an old west desperado. Yea, he was gorgeous and she wanted to run for the hills.

  Cade began to move toward her. Slowly.

  Abby was no fool. She started backing up.

  “Au contraire, my lady.” Cade cupped his oversize package in the palm of his hand and bucked his hips toward her slightly. Abby jumped. “Do I make you nervous, Buttercup?” Cade wanted to lick the fluttering pulse point at the base of her neck so badly he could taste it. “I’m hung, Abby. Don’t ever doubt it. You wanna see? I’ll be glad to show you. I have a yard of hard, a battleship full of balls and enough hair—”

  “For heaven sakes, stop it!” Abby couldn’t take anymore. Before she knew it, he had her backed against the wall - literally. “You Are Out Of Line, Cade,” she growled out every word.

  Placing one big hand on either side of her head, Cade leaned over and looked her right in the eye. She could feel his breath on her face. She could smell him – God, he smelled good. A scant quarter of an inch separated their bodies. Her breasts were swelling. Abby dared not breathe, lest the hungry tips graze his chest.

  Lowering his voice, Cade whispered in her ear. “A moment ago, when you thrust your shoulders back, did you know it made me want to suck your nipples?”

  Her sex wept at his words, clenching with need. “Jerk!” She pushed against his chest, lightly, but he didn’t budge. Abby wasn’t nearly as brave or disinterested as she pretended.

  Cade licked his lips and winked at her. “I bet I could make you tremble, Abilene. Do you remember that one sweet kiss we shared all those years ago? You sure enjoyed it. I can still remember how you whimpered and clung to me, pressing those sweet tits of yours into my chest.”

  Abby stiffened, the memory almost hurt more than she could bear. “The kiss was a mistake, a terrible mistake.” He could never know the truth—never.

  Still bracketing Abby’s body, he let his eyes rove over her face, trying to read her emotions. “No, you’re wrong. The kiss was amazing,” he countered. Cade let his mask of teasing drop. Sighing, he looked almost sad for a moment. “I’ve never understood what happened to change your mind or why just being around me gets your panties in such a twist.” Then, he grinned again – picking up where he left off. His demeanor changed, Cade lost the wistful expression and gave her an evil little smirk. “But let me put your mind at ease, Shortcake. As far as I’m concerned, spending time with you is like going to the dentist. A necessary evil. Because rest assured, I want to be here with you about as much as you want me here.”

  A burning slash of pain almost split Abby in two. Cade’s words stung like a fiery brand was thrust in her side. If he only knew the truth…

  “Fine.” She grated, pushing on his chest once more. His hard, muscled, manly chest. “I understand you completely and I agree. Just stay out of my way while you’re here. Now, move!” She pushed again—hard—and he smoothly stepped to one side.

  Her momentum caused Abby to gallop out into the middle of the floor, much to Cade’s amusement.

  “Steady, Abs, you’re gonna fall on that delectable tush.”

  Cade chuckled. Abby fumed. “Let me show you to your room. And I hope you stay in there!” She ground out her words. “Follow me, Tallbull.”

  “To the ends of the earth, Darlin’.”

  His sexy drawl just made her even more furious. The man was stepping on her very last nerve – and he knew it. “Yea, right.”

  He grabbed his bags and she led the way. There was only one guest room and now she wished it was on the far side of the house instead of right next door to hers. “God, I hope you don’t snore.”

  “Same here.” He glanced in his suite, then turned and went next door to hers. “So, is this your room?” Without waiting for an answer or asking for permission, Cade walked into her sanctum. He didn’t say anything, just looked around at her bed, her belongings.

  Abby felt expose
d, vulnerable. “What do you think you’re doing?” She tapped her foot, making a show of waiting for him to finish.

  “Just checking to see where your bed is located in the room.” He put his palms together, making a point. “The headboards are against the same wall. We can whisper sweet nothings to each other during the night.” He winked at her with a sensual smirk on his handsome face.

  “Oh, joy.” She huffed, unable to keep her gaze locked with his. Abby didn’t need him reading her every thought.

  Looking up at exposed beams, he asked, “So, you still sleep with the ceiling fan blowing?”

  Abby grimaced. What was with the normal conversation? “Yes, you know I can’t sleep without it. It keeps me company.”

  With a sardonic drawl, Cade observed. “I think you need something else to keep you company besides a damn fan – or someone, rather.”

  “Hush. It’s time to show you to your room.” She urged him to his room with a nudge on his arm, following closely behind him. “There are towels in the bathroom and you can adjust the thermostat however you want. I hope you’re comfortable.”

  Cade chuckled. “No, you don’t. No use lying to me. At least you didn’t have time to put itching powder in my sheets.” He placed his suitcase on the bed and opened it, taking out several pairs of jeans and a stack of briefs. “What time’s dinner?”

  Abby stared at those small pieces of cotton and pictured him in them, the material stretched tightly over his cock. Wiping a bead of perspiration from her forehead, she refrained from fanning her face. The man was baiting her and she was falling for it—hook, line and sinker. Damn him. “Dinner will be in about a half hour.” At the door, she looked back, and added, “If you’re brave enough to eat it.”

  Abby slammed the door so hard, Cade winced. But her childish action didn’t keep him from smiling from ear to ear. He’d rather poke this little she-cat and hear her spit and sputter than eat a fine steak washed down by a cold beer. Of course he’d rather make her purr, but all of Cade’s dreams of a future with Abby had ended over a decade ago and he still had no idea why. As always, Miss Abilene Grace King was determined to keep him at arm’s length.

  And it was killing him.

  The pain of losing Abby would hurt his heart till the day he died.

  Cade unzipped the side pocket of his suitcase and took out a little gift he’d bought for his reluctant hostess. He smiled. Despite their battles, he still thought the world of her. She was something else. Abby wasn’t a lazy little rich girl, she was an exceptional woman, one of the most respected veterinarians in East Texas. Growing up on one of the prime ranches in the state, Abby was as entrenched in the cowboy way of life as he was. By all rights, they should be married now with a houseful of kids, not be at odds like two cantankerous cur dogs fighting over a bone.

  Lying back on the bed, he studied his peace offering. The stone reminded him of her eyes. He rubbed the large piece of lapis lazuli carved into the shape of a morning glory flower. Smiling, he imagined how it was going to look hanging around her graceful neck.

  Buzz.

  Cade opened his phone. It was Jase. “Hey, Groom. I’m still alive.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, I had my doubts there for a while.”

  “Me too. Right now, I’m safely ensconced in the guest room. So, what’s the plan?”

  “My plan? Well, the weather’s not cooperating. Shiloh will be here in the morning, but Trace and Trevor won’t make it till the afternoon. I have to keep Pam happy, so I’ve promised her the dance at the lodge is still on.”

  “Sounds good to me. Not even a blizzard’s going to keep people away from El Camino. Good times here are legendary. Did you call your sister or do I need to slip her a note under the door?”

  “Ha! No, I called her, you don’t need to put yourself out.”

  Jase probably realized Cade would love an excuse to knock on her door. “That’s probably smart. How about your plan?”

  Cade sighed. “Now, this is just between me and you, Jase. I don’t want everyone knowing that I’m pulling out all the stops.”

  “Your secret’s safe with me. It’s high time you two buried the hatchet.”

  “Oh, I want to do more than stop fighting – I want to win your sister’s hand.”

  Jase laughed. “Just make sure you don’t pull back a nub – and good luck. If there’s anything I can do – just tell me.”

  “I’ll do it. You can wish me luck.” Cade drawled, hoping he wasn’t making the biggest mistake of his life.

  “Oh, I wish you luck. I’ll see you in the morning, if you survive the night – that is.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it. This is going to be a Christmas to remember.”

  “Yea, my wedding and your funeral.” Jase laughed at his own joke. “No, seriously - remember, Cade, this is your home too. Always has been, no matter whether my sister comes to her senses or not.”

  “Thanks.” Jase’s statement made Cade feel funny. There’d been a time when Abby was the primary one who made him feel as if he belonged in the family. Hanging up the phone, he let his mind wander to days gone by. The King boys and their sister had run the ranch since their parents had retired to a smaller spread in Colorado where they raised registered Palominos. El Camino had always been a special place. Like Jase had said, for all practical purposes, this was his home. He still vividly remembered the time when his father had been gored by a bull at a Wyoming rodeo. Cade had been thirteen and alone. If Sam King hadn’t taken him in, he would’ve ended up in foster care. The Kings had given him a good life and he loved them as much as if they were his blood kin. None of that had stopped him from searching for his mother, however. Even now, not a day went by that he didn’t think of her. Cade kept a PI on retainer to locate her, but so far no luck. By rights he should give up. It had been years, but he just couldn’t. Aside from wanting Abby in his life, finding his mother was the next most important thing to him.

  Cade could still remember the day Sam King had called his wife and told her to set another place at the table. The big rancher had brought him to his house, a scared gangly teenager with no place to go. The Kings had opened their home and made him welcome. Oh, it hadn’t been easy. Even though they treated him like one of their own, there were still folks in the area who took a sick satisfaction out of reminding him he was a half-breed and not quite as good as they were. Some women had gotten their jollies out of teasing him, then pulling back, saying he wasn’t their kind. Of course, things changed when he’d made it big on the rodeo circuit. Now he couldn’t fight the buckle bunnies off with a stick. The only problem was that he didn’t want the buckle bunnies—he only wanted Abby Grace.

  Bam! Bam! Bam! “Damn!” Was she trying to give him a heart attack? Cade almost levitated off the bed.

  “Supper’s ready!” She yelled. “You have five minutes to get in here or I’m throwing your part out to the barn cats.”

  Her voice sounded through the door and he’d swear she was laughing. “I’m coming, she-devil. Keep your panties on.” If she was wearing any. He’d give his eyeteeth to find out. Standing up, Cade slipped the jewelry into his front pocket, not really sure whether he was going to give it to the little shrew or not. Before he left the room, he slipped off his jacket, slinging it on the bed, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt as he made his way down the hall. Cade smiled, he felt like he was about to enter the coliseum for a gladiator match.

  Abby’s cottage, which sat about a half mile from the main house, was comfortable, inviting and smelled like home. He liked it. It had been a while since Cade had spent time in a place like this. Rodeo life was tough. Well, those days were just about behind him. Was he relieved? Hell, if he knew. “Something smells damned good.”

  “I hope you like it.” Abby sat down primly, placed her napkin in her lap, and then couldn’t find a place to put her gaze. Looking at Cade wasn’t an option. She didn’t want to lose her appetite. Abby laughed, amused by her own joke.

  “What are you giggling
about? Have you developed mental illness while I’ve been gone? I‘ve heard early on-set dementia is a common malady for old maids.” He smirked as he settled himself across from her. “You know without sex, your hormones go all wonky.”

  “Old maid?” Abby gasped, breaking her own rule and glaring at him. “I’ll have you know I’m only twenty-six years old. I’m not over the hill, yet, not by a long shot.” His words hurt, but she’d pout later. Now she wanted to fume.

  Cade leaned on the table and stacked his fork on top of the knife. “Let’s think about this rationally.” He motioned toward her with one capable, wide sexy hand. “You say you will never marry and you don’t date. Now, what does that make you exactly?”

  “Smart.” Abby chewed on the inside of her lip and served him his food. “You’re older than me and unmarried. What does that make you?”

  “An eligible bachelor.” He answered confidently, licking his lips. “This food looks amazing. What is it?”

  “A double standard, that’s what it is.” When he stared pointedly at her, she answered. “Veal chops with Rosemary butter, pancetta green beans, lemon barley pilaf and a chocolate amaretto torte.”

  Licking his lips, he surveyed his food. “Hmmmm, you always were a marvelous cook. Did you happen to slip in some Spanish Fly?” He named a drug often used as both an aphrodisiac and as a poison. “If you did, I have to tell you it wasn’t necessary. I’m horny all the time.”

  “Oh, hush, I don’t care if you never get another erection.” She tossed a roll at him, which he caught. “Just eat.”

  “And that, my dear, would be a waste. My pelvic sorcery is legendary.”

  Abby choked, giggling. He always could make her laugh. “I’m sure you are my talented in the pelvic department.” For a while, they ate in companionable silence, ‘til she felt guilty and searched for something non-combative to say. “Congratulations, Cade, I heard you made World Championship Cowboy again.” Heard wasn’t exactly correct. She’d been seated in the stands at his last competition when he received the coveted award. But he didn’t need to know that. She just hoped her surprise came through before Christmas.