Free Only His by Susan Mallery Page B

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.
    â€œDo 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.
    â€œI 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.
    â€œYou 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.
    â€œNo, thanks.”
    â€œI 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.
    â€œNot so fast,” he’d said easily, removing the other man’s hand from her arm. “This one’s with me.”
    â€œOh, sorry, man. I didn’t know.”
    The other guy took off. Tucker pulled Nevada against him.
    â€œI 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.
    â€œNevada?”
    She jerked herself back to the present and found that she was pressing against Tucker. His expression was curious.
    â€œYou okay?”
    â€œFine,” 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
    M ONDAY 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.
    â€œHi,” 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.”
    â€œThe 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.
    â€œI can call someone from town to come help,” Nevada said, pulling her cell phone out of her pocket.
    â€œNo service,” Heidi said. “We’re