He laughed.
She stepped into the truck, but her boot slipped on the metal by the door. She started to fall forward. Even as she put out a hand to brace herself, Tucker wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back.
For the second time in as many minutes, she found herself pressed against him in a tight space.
Her body enjoyed the moment, getting all tingly and aware. She knew this was potentially dangerous, not to mention foolish, so she told herself to act as if nothing had happened and everything was fine.
“I’m good,” she said.
“I don’t want my newest employee getting hurt on the job and suing the company,” he told her gruffly as he released her.
“I wouldn’t do that.”
She went to climb into the truck, only to find herself shifting toward him instead. She wasn’t sure if she was the one doing the turning, or if he was helping. Either way, she was suddenly facing him, their bodies still close, his dark eyes staring into hers.
Without wanting to, she found herself moving back through time. Instead of being in a Fool’s Gold parking lot, she was standing in the living room of a Hollywood Hills mansion.
She’d only gone to the party because it was a chance to spend time with Tucker again. Even if Cat was the one to ask her. She’d known the evening would be miserable, but she couldn’t help herself.
Standing in a sea of people she didn’t know, she realized she should have stayed back at the dorm. Despite all the celebrities circling around, she only had eyes for Tucker and he could only see Cat.
Tucker followed her around like a puppy, his tongue practically hanging out. Even with Nevada’s inexperience, she knew he was putting it all on the line. While Cat seemed to like him, her gaze lacked the desperate need Tucker had in his.
“Do I know you?”
Nevada looked at the tall, movie-star-handsome guy walking toward her, only to realize he was a movie star. His summer blockbuster had made millions and he’d been on the cover of People magazine.
“I don’t think so,” she said, wishing she could get half as fluttery at the sight of him as she did when she saw Tucker.
“You could,” he said. “Get to know me.”
He was obviously drunk and maybe a little high, if his dilated pupils were anything to go by.
“No, thanks.”
“I can change your mind.”
He’d grabbed her arm then, tugging her toward the back of the house. She pulled away and was about to use the tricks her brothers had taught her when Tucker appeared at her side.
“Not so fast,” he’d said easily, removing the other man’s hand from her arm. “This one’s with me.”
“Oh, sorry, man. I didn’t know.”
The other guy took off. Tucker pulled Nevada against him.
“I can see you’re not to be trusted on your own,” he told her. “You’ll get eaten alive in a crowd like this. Stick close, kid. I’ll get you out of here in one piece.”
Then he’d kissed her. A light, friendly kiss that had probably meant nothing to him but had rocked her world. She’d wanted to pull him close so she could kiss him again.
Then Cat had strolled up and it was as if Nevada didn’t exist. Tucker had physically stayed in place, but she’d seen the change come over him. In his world, there was only Cat and not Cat. There was no middle ground. No chance for anyone else to matter.
“Nevada?”
She jerked herself back to the present and found that she was pressing against Tucker. His expression was curious.
“You okay?”
“Fine,” she said as she quickly turned and climbed into the truck.
He went around and got in on the other side. “Ready to go back?”
She knew he meant to the job site, so she nodded. But what she was thinking was, no, she wasn’t going back. She was never going to be in that position again. Wanting someone she could never have had been one of the worst experiences in her life.
CHAPTER FIVE
MONDAY MORNING, Nevada saw a car and a small SUV on the side of the road. She was on her way to the job site, north of town, and there wasn’t usually much traffic. Two women stood beside the car. Nevada pulled over to see if she could help.
As she got out of her truck, she recognized the tall, pretty blonde as Heidi Simpson, the goat girl. Heidi and her grandfather had recently moved to the area and purchased the Castle Ranch, just west of the job site. Years before, the ranch had been a viable business, with cattle and horses. She remembered going out to the ranch as a kid for pony rides.
The owner had died and the place had been abandoned until Heidi and her grandfather had bought it. Instead of raising cattle, Heidi had goats and was making artisanal cheese.
“Hi,” Nevada called as she approached the women. “Everything okay?”
Heidi moved toward her, shaking her head. “We have a flat tire.” She pointed to the petite redhead. “This is Annabelle Weiss.”
“The new librarian,” Annabelle said with a wry smile. “I just got into town yesterday and was driving around, getting to know the place. A plan that ended badly.” She motioned to her left rear tire.
“I can call someone from town to come help,” Nevada said, pulling her cell phone out of her pocket.
“No service,” Heidi said. “We’re hit-and-miss out at the ranch, too. But I have a landline, so I was going to take Annabelle there. Do you have the name of someone we should contact?”
“Sure. There are a couple of good garages. Donna’s teenage son is always looking for an excuse to drive the tow truck, so I’d say call her. He’ll be here in a flash.”
“Donna?” Annabelle asked with a frown. “Donna, as in…”
Nevada laughed. “Something for you to get used to here in Fool’s Gold. We are a town of women. For years there weren’t enough men, so a lot of the traditionally male jobs are held by women. The police chief is a woman, as is the fire chief, most of the sheriff’s department and nearly everyone on the city council.” She held out her hand. “Nevada Hendrix.”
Heidi sighed. “Sorry. I should have introduced you. I’m a little scattered. Some of the wild cows got into the goat pen this morning and scared us all.”
“Wild cows?” Nevada asked.
“The cows that seemed to come with the land. They’re feral, assuming cows can be. They’ve been living on their own for years, breeding. The herd is a pretty decent size. I think they’re trying to influence the goats to rebel and go live with them.”
Nevada looked at Annabelle, who raised her eyebrows. “You’re concerned about goat corruption?”
Heidi laughed. “When you put it like that, it sounds pretty silly. But I swear, every time the cows show up, the goats act weird.”
“Maybe they’re territorial,” Annabelle offered. “Maybe they don’t like sharing.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. I’ve never had to deal with wild cows before.”
Nevada grinned. “You should find yourself a handsome cowboy to take care of the problem. You’d have to import him, because we don’t have any around here, but that could be fun.”
“Maybe.” Heidi sounded doubtful. She shrugged and looked at Annabelle. “Okay, let’s go to the ranch and you can make your call.” She turned to Nevada. “Thanks for stopping.”
“You’re welcome. It’s what we do here.”
“I know. One of the reasons I’m happy my grandfather and I settled in the area. People are very friendly. And they’re cheese eaters, which is good for business.”
“Nice to meet you,” Annabelle told her.
“Let me know if I can do anything to help you get settled,” Nevada offered.
“I will.”
They started to head toward their cars when a large truck pulled up next to them. Nevada recognized Charlie, a tall woman with short-cropped hair. Charlie stuck her head out the window.