Page 16 of The Unbuttoned Ranger (Texas Heat: The Heart of a Texas Ranger #1)

CaDee had no idea where Sharp was taking her, but it had been so long since she’d been on a date she didn’t know how to feel.

Wait…was it a date?

He didn’t ask her out.

She needed to slow her roll.

Looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror she admired the pretty sundress Piper had let her borrow.

The material was light and settled over her new curves.

Since she’d been at the farm, she’d put on weight and muscle.

She hadn’t known the true meaning of tiredness until she started helping Piper.

By the time her head hit the pillow each night she fell into a deep sleep.

She slipped on her sandals and started down the hallway, but Piper called to her from the room that always had the door locked. Although CaDee had found it odd, she didn’t pry. She knew the importance of privacy.

“Can I grab a moment from you?” Piper disappeared inside the room.

At the open doorway, CaDee peered inside. It was a boy’s room—Piper’s son’s room. Now it made sense why she kept it locked away.

“Are you just going to stand there?” Piper said.

Entering, CaDee took in the room’s furnishings, suited to a boy in transition to adulthood. It was like Jonathon had walked out of the room and was returning at any moment.

Piper picked up a framed photograph from the nightstand, swiped the dust off with the tail of her shirt, then set it back down as carefully as she would a rare jewel.

“I’m sorry, Piper. Sharp showed me the cemetery. I had no clue and if I’ve ever been insensitive—”

“No reason to apologize.” She smoothed the wrinkles out of the comforter on the bed.

“For several years after I would come in here and sleep. For days. Sadness had a hold on me and I couldn’t quite shake it.

But life goes on and I had to find my place in it again.

I guess I didn’t realize how it still held me in its grip until you and Carsen showed up.

I’ve missed having laughter in this old house. ”

“Carsen is very fond of you.”

“And I’m very fond of him.” Moisture filled her eyes, but she blinked, and the tears were gone. “My boy loved this room. Carsen can have the room. He needs his own space and so do you.”

“Piper, are you sure?”

She waved a gnarled hand. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m sure.”

“Thank you. Carsen will love it.” CaDee choked back emotion. Piper’s gesture was heartwarming beyond words. “You should show him this evening.”

Piper nodded, one corner of her mouth lifting.

By the time Sharp arrived, CaDee had her emotions back in check. She was sitting at the kitchen island coloring with Carsen when Sharp strode in, carrying a fishing rod and a tackle box. Was he taking her fishing?

“Hi, kiddo.” Sharp tousled Carsen’s hair. “These are yours. Every kid should have a rod.”

Carsen’s eyes widened when Sharp set the box on the table and leaned the rod against the wall. Carsen slid off the stool and stared at the gift like Christmas had come early. “I don’t know how to fish.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do this evening,” Piper said. “I’m not one to brag but the fish will literally jump on my hook.”

“Can I, Mommy?” Carsen’s enthusiasm made his eyes twinkle.

“Yes, just be careful.”

“Can we go now?” Carsen grabbed the tackle box and held it against his chest.

“How about we go out to the shed and find my gear and then we’ll head out?” Piper said.

In her son’s excitement, he didn’t even say goodbye to her, but CaDee wasn’t hurt. To see his joy made her very happy.

“Thank you,” she said to Sharp.

“No problem.” He looked handsome in a blue button down and dark jeans. The ever-present belt and large buckle were in place.

She stood and shook out the dress that landed at her ankles.

Sharp’s admiring gaze sent warmth through her.

The sundress made her feel very feminine. The V-neck dipped low enough between her breasts to show a bit of skin.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“I am.” She didn’t feel a bit anxious or worried leaving Carsen because she knew he was in good hands.

At the truck, Sharp opened the door for her. Once inside, she asked, “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

“And spoil the surprise?” He chuckled.

“It’ll still be a surprise,” she said.

“Can you ever let your guard down and allow someone else to have control?” In typical Sharp fashion, he didn’t mince words.

“Isn’t that a little deep? I just asked where we’re going?”

“Just pointing out what I see.”

“Fine. Don’t tell me. I can handle not knowing.”

As he drove, she took in his profile. He was cleanly shaven and the soft material of the shirt hugged his shoulders. There was something safe and secure in being with him as they drove down the quiet road. She was starting to trust him.

But could she trust him fully?

He didn’t know her. Not her secrets.

Her eyes naturally shifted to his masculine hands.

His long wide fingers were wrapped around the steering wheel.

She took in a shuddering breath. They were nice, unlike Dante’s who had a manicure every week.

Sharp’s hands were tanned. His flat nails were clean and clipped short, but he had a working man’s hands. Manly and rough.

What would it be like to be touched by those hands?

What would it feel like to be wanted by him?

Her throat constricted.

For a moment she allowed her imagination to run wild. She knew she wanted him. It had been too long since she’d been held and desire filled her every part.

“I maintain control because my son and I are all we have,” she said quietly.

Sharp glanced across the seat. “I get it. It’s always been just my pa and me since I was ten.”

“That was when she passed?”

He swiped off his hat and laid it between them. “Yeah.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thanks.” He slowed the truck some as they entered town limits. “I took notice that you enjoy classical music. You play it on the radio for the goats while you’re milking them.”

“They seem to like it as much as I do. My parents introduced me to Ode to Joy by Beethoven when I was a baby. They said it worked to put me to sleep.”

“Where are your parents?”

She felt a familiar ache in her chest. She’d created a rift between herself and her parents when Dante had started being mean.

CaDee couldn’t open up to them and reveal the truth, so she’d distanced herself.

In time, Ray and Millie had accepted her privacy.

“They live in a retirement village in Florida.”

“Do you see them often?”

“No.” And she left it at that, and he didn’t pry.

They pulled in front of the theater.

“Are we watching a play?” she asked.

He didn’t answer but jumped out of the truck and came around to open the door for her. “Be a little more patient.” His smile was heartwarming.

They entered the front lobby of the historical theater. Posters of long-ago actors lined the walls. She admired the ornate plasterwork, gilded details, and tiled floor as he guided her under an archway into the theater decorated with bold, rich patterns.

“Let’s sit here.” Sharp showed her to the plush velvet seating in the back row of the empty theater. The room was lit by chandeliers and sconces, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

She sat. “What are we doing?” she whispered.

He glanced at his watch. “Any time now you’ll see.”

Then the stage lights flicked on and the curtains parted. An elegantly dressed woman took a seat at the piano, arranging her music.

“She’s not Beethoven, but Lucy is talented.”

CaDee sat spellbound as the pianist played pieces from Bach, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky.

At some point, so mesmerized, CaDee reached for Sharp’s hand, squeezing it in a silent thank you but she didn’t let go. The touch felt nice, and right. No one had ever done something so thoughtful for her.

When the pianist left the stage, he said, “Are you ready?”

She nodded, looked back at the stage briefly, and they left.

The weather remained warm outside, but the breeze provided some relief.

“Who is she? She’s very talented.”

“Lucy McCord. She’s quite a local celebrity. She rents the theater one evening a week to come and play.”

“And she didn’t mind that we were there?”

“I get special treatment since I’m nephew. She’s my aunt. Fin’s Creek has some surprises. Maybe you could call it home.”

“I agree, but I’m still not used to the heat.” The dress stuck to her clammy skin.

“You’ll get used to it.”

“I do love it here.”

“Does that mean you intend to stay?” he asked as they walked across the street to his truck.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.”

“The night is still early. You don’t want to go home just yet, do you?” he said, raising an eyebrow.

There came the usual hesitation. She was having a wonderful time, but she hadn’t been out with a man in a long time.

“Come on. We can walk to where we’re going.” Then, as if as natural as the sun kissing the sky, he reached down and took her hand. And she didn’t pull away.

The two settled into an easy rhythm on the sidewalk. A few locals passed by sending curious glances their direction, but the greetings were genuine. CaDee waved and felt herself enjoying the walk with Sharp.

“Something tells me we’re going to be the talk of the town,” she said.

He shrugged. “They’re just curious who you are.”

“Are you sure you want all the attention being seen with the new girl?” she teased.

“I can handle it.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

They stopped in front of a Victorian house. The ornate porch had wind chimes hanging from each corner that played in the breeze. A large wooden sign with the bright letters WELCOME leaned near the door.

Before CaDee could inquire about the house, the screen door opened and two silver-haired women appeared, each wearing vibrant, distinctive attire.

They descended the steps, their sandals tapping against the wooden surface.

Their neatly styled bobs remained unaffected by the breeze.

Each wore large, dangling earrings that matched their outfits.