“Ryder said he’d take us for a horse ride. I thought maybe we’d do that tonight. I can ride, you know.”
“I’m sure you can. But Ryder won’t be back until at least Tuesday.”
“Oh.” Vinton looked crestfallen. “Tuesday morning or Tuesday evening?”
“I don’t know.”
“Relax, Vin,” Nell said. “I’m sure Ryder won’t forget, but you have to remember he has a business to run.”
“Well, not exactly.” Clay pulled out on the road. “He has someone in charge of the business. But I guess they ran into a few problems and needed him. He left early Friday morning.”
Nell felt bad about that, since he wouldn’t have even gotten back to the Sweet Water Ranch until almost four a.m. after not leaving her house until after two.
She threw herself into working, getting her rose in the greenhouse and in enough heat to force it to bud and bloom. It was risky, and she might end up losing it, but it was the perfect centerpiece for the landscaping Roxie had planned. When she’d mentioned it, Roxie had thought it was perfect.
If Ryder made it home on Tuesday, she never saw him. She worked with Roxie the next day, and Roxie must have noticed that a few times Nell had trouble concentrating.
Roxie shuffled the drawings and instructions in her hand. She glanced around. All the landscapers were on the other side of the house as Roxie and Nell had been working on the swirling brick pattern and coordinating it with the low stone wall and fountain that were scheduled to be built early the next week.
As gently as Nell had ever heard her speak, Roxie said, “Sit here with me for a minute.” She indicated one of the stone benches that had been delivered the day before.
Nell bit her lip, hoping that Roxie wasn’t going to give her a lecture about how she was just a country bumpkin and not sophisticated enough for Ryder. She could handle anything but that.
“I don’t think I ever told you about my husband.”
Nell’s head lifted. “No. You haven’t.” And of course Roxie knew that.
She tapped the papers on her leg, lining up the already straight sides. “He was just like Ryder. They were friends, in fact. I don’t want you thinking that I think I’m perfect or anything. Our divorce wasn’t all his fault. But he was busy with his business and making money, and I had a baby and felt like he never spent time with us.”
She sighed, long and deep, fingering the plans in her hand. “I’m sure our story is like a million others.” Her hand waved around then landed softly, touching Nell’s. “I don’t want it to be yours.”
Nell tilted her head.
“I know there’s an attraction between you and Ryder. At first, I resented it because I’d already matched Michelle and Ryder. They’re perfect for each other. They understand each other. She knows his world and is wise in the ways of it.” Her eyes became almost pitying. “You don’t. Trust me when I say I’d love to have you for a sister-in-law, but it just wouldn’t work.”
“I’m sorry I’ve given that impression. Ryder and I have talked about this, and I know that he’s choosing Michelle.” Nell looked down at her lap. “I do appreciate your concern.”
“I don’t want to hurt your feelings. In fact, I felt I needed to say something to protect you. Ryder’s my brother, and I love him, but he’s had beautiful women, on both arms at times. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think you’ve had a lot less experience, and I don’t want to see you get your heart broken.”
The wind blew, ruffling Nell’s short hair. She tucked it behind her ear.
“You should let it grow.”
“I love long hair.”
“Why is yours short?”
“I think my sisters didn’t like it. They kind of pressured me into getting it cut.” Beth had been jealous of her waist-length blond hair and the attention it garnered. She had insisted Nell cut it. Or else.
A growl came from behind them. “I’m not going to say anything about that, although I would like to.”
Roxie stood and whirled around. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”
“I wasn’t sneaking.”
Nell stood more slowly, her heart thumping. She turned. Ryder wore jeans and boots and a cream cowboy hat. His eyes were hot on hers. It wasn’t a friendly look.
She dropped her gaze. “Hi.”
He blew out a frustrated breath. “It’s good to see you too, friend.” He emphasized “friend,” but Nell didn’t look up. Roxie had been very kind, but what she’d just done was warn her away from Ryder. Whether it was for her good, or because Roxie didn’t want Nell coming between Michelle and Ryder, Nell couldn’t say for sure.
“I promised you and the boys a ride. I was hoping you could knock off this afternoon and we could ride out.” There was just a hint of insecurity in his voice, and it made Nell look up. His eyes searched hers, not quite as confident as he normally was.
Nell hated to tell him no. She wanted to ride, and she didn’t want to reject him, but Roxie’s warning had bolstered her own common sense. “I can’t really take off. We’re barely going to squeak in under the deadline as it is.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Roxie’s satisfied smile.
“I can go.” Michelle strode over, elegant and slender even in the jeans and white shirt she wore.
Nell looked back at Ryder. His eyes bored into hers. Her chest tightened, and her breath came fast and shallow. It took more effort than she thought she had, but she turned her whole body away from him.
Her voice was only a little unsteady when she said, “I think the boys and Gina would love to go with you and Michelle.”
“Fine.” His tone was flat. She hated it, but she couldn’t allow herself to look at him. She might end up begging him to take her along. “Guess we’ll go find the kids and saddle the horses.”
“I’ll see you two later.” Michelle gave them a serene smile and slipped over, taking Ryder’s arm and saying something about the weather as they turned to go.
Nell didn’t watch them walk away.
Roxie’s hand landed on her arm. “I know that was hard, but I do think it’s for the best.”
“I’m sure you’re probably right.” Nell knew it wasn’t a matter of being good enough. It was a matter of being right. Still, she couldn’t help feeling a little bit like she was lacking.
“I’m getting the feeling you’re discouraged.” Roxie sighed. “I don’t usually get all sentimental, but I do want to thank you for what you’ve done with Spencer. I think I need to loosen up as a mother and maybe not be afraid to have fun with my son. A thought like that wouldn’t have even entered my mind before you.”
Nell didn’t usually have a problem getting her lips to turn up, but it was a struggle to smile at Roxie. “Thanks. I appreciate you saying so.”
They sat quietly for a few seconds. “Well, let’s get this design figured out. I haven’t been off this ranch in forever. Maybe we can take the boys into Sweet Water for ice cream later.”
“Us?” Nell couldn’t help but ask. She liked Roxie, but she really wasn’t sure that Roxie liked her enough to hang out with her.
“Yes.” She took her hand off Nell’s arm.
“Sure.”
“Okay. Let’s plan on seven.”
After supper, the boys eagerly showered and changed. Gina was with her grandmother, and couldn’t come. Nell had to smile at the boys’ childish enthusiasm. She’d had trouble getting enthused about anything. Although fairly certain that Roxie was right about Ryder, that didn’t make it easier for her to feel okay about turning his invitation down and then having Michelle take her place.
When Nell walked out on the porch in clean jeans and a flowy blouse, she was a little surprised to see one of the cowhands turned landscaper that had been working all day standing there all cleaned up as well.
She greeted him but figured it was none of her business what he was doing there, rather than spending the evening at the cabins where the hired help stayed.
She
’d put one foot on the top step when he said, “Guess we’re going out for ice cream tonight, huh?”
Her eyes blinked about three times, and a hot, hard lump settled in her chest. “Excuse me?”
“Roxie said you and me were taking the boys out for ice cream.” The guy seemed nice, and he looked just as good as any other guy in a nice shirt, jeans, and boots, but he didn’t make her heart thump, and there was no soul pull.
“Did Roxie mention whether she was going?”
“Nope. Said you and me was taking ’em.”
Nell’s jaw tightened, and her hands fisted. If Roxie was in front of her, she’d want to have her fingers squeezing her neck.
The boys came racing around the side of the house. They’d been ready twenty minutes ago, and Nell had finally sent them outside to keep them from asking her every thirty seconds how much longer she was going to be.
“Are you finally ready?” Vinton asked.
“Yay! Let’s go!” Spencer yelled. They ran to the vehicle that was parked in front of the house—an SUV that everyone used to run errands on the ranch.
Nell didn’t want to disappoint the boys, and she didn’t want to hurt this man’s feelings. She turned to him. “I’m sorry. I don’t know your name?”
“Will Shetfield, ma’am.”
“I’m Nell.”
“I know.” The man’s cheeks blushed a cute shade of red. Nell felt bad.
“What did Roxie say, exactly?”
“She said you and the boys would like to go for ice cream and wanted to know if I’d take you.”
It smacked of Roxie trying to set her up, but Nell tried to not be upset. Roxie had her best interests at heart. But if the man truly thought he was just a ride for them, then that’s what she’d do. They’d go for ice cream and have a good time.
However, Roxie wasn’t going to fool her again.
Will turned out to be really nice, and they had a great time. They got ice cream and walked to the park to eat it. The boys played on the playground equipment while Nell and Will talked. Will was also a native North Dakotan, and although they went to different schools, they knew some of the same people. Will had worked at Sweet Water since he graduated, and they had a lot of things in common. There was nothing but friendship between them, but they talked until well after dark.
“I didn’t mean to keep you out so late,” Will said as they pulled in front of the house.
“It’s not a problem. I think we all had a good time.” Nell’s smile was firmly back in place. “You boys need to run up and get your teeth brushed and be ready for bed.”
There was a little bit of grumbling, but they thanked Will and ran into the house.
Nell opened her door. She spoke when Will reached for his door latch as well. “You don’t need to get out. I can get in the house.”
“Nope. I’ll walk you to the door.”
“I’ll take care of it.” Ryder’s voice came out of the darkness. A low, almost angry growl.
Will’s eyes widened. Recognition flashed. Everyone knew the boss of Sweet Water Ranch. It wasn’t hard to read the look on his face. He didn’t want to lose his job over an argument about walking Nell to the door.
His eyes lowered to Nell’s. “Is that okay with you?”
“I can handle it.” She pulled on her latch. “Thanks so much for this evening. We all had a great time.”
“I can stay if you need me,” he said low, concern in his gaze.
“I’m fine. I promise.”
“I’ll see you around tomorrow.”
“Sure.” Nell got out and slammed her door closed. Will pulled slowly away.
“What was that about?” Ryder asked in the same dark tone.
Nell searched the yard, finally finding him standing with arms crossed over and his shoulder leaning against a post that would be used as a light pole for the masked ball.
“You’re asking as a friend?” Nell wasn’t sure where the anger was coming from.
“No.”
She waited. There was a little light coming from the windows of the house, but she couldn’t see his expression.
“I’m asking as a man who’s been stupidly sick with jealousy since you got in the car with another guy and drove away.”
What should she make of that? “My brother and your nephew were with me.”
“My heart went too.”
Nell’s head jerked up.
He pushed off the light pole and strode over, stopping in front of her. “I don’t know if we can figure us out, make it work somehow. I just know tonight was torture for me.”
Something swirled, deep and bottomless, in her soul at those words. “I had a bad afternoon, if that makes you feel better,” Nell offered softly.
A little flash of teeth. “I had a bad afternoon, too.” He grunted. “I had to ride with Michelle, when I really wanted to ride with you.” He put his hands on her shoulders. She felt the buzzing tension thrum through her body. “Why did you go with him tonight?”
Nell lifted a hand in innocence. “It was supposed to be Roxie and me. She switched out.”
“She really wants Michelle and me to end up together.”
Nell stared at the top button of his shirt. Her stomach twisted. “Roxie told me that you’ve been with a lot of girls and, basically, you’ll hurt me because I’m not in your league.”
His lips tightened. She thought he was going to deny it.
But he said, “I guess that’s kind of true.”
“That you’re going to hurt me?”
“No.”
“I thought we could just be friends, but...she thought I would fall in love with you and you would break my heart.” Maybe candor was something she wished she didn’t have so much of.
His hand touched her face lightly, carefully cupping her cheek. “Is you falling in love with me a possibility?”
Nell’s eyes traced the V of his chest where his shirt opened below his neck. “I’m afraid it might be.”
“There’s a real possibility of me doing the same thing with you.”
Her eyes moved to his. His words made her heart jump and kick. Could he be serious?
“I don’t think Roxie thought I should trust you.”
“The last thing in the world I want to do is hurt you.” His hand moved from her cheek into her short hair. “I think...I think you have that power over me, too. I can’t say I like it very much.” He moved closer. “It made me want to chase after you tonight and rip Will out of the car. I want to be the man beside you.”
She didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t the one with a billion-dollar inheritance and a whole ball being set up for her to choose someone to marry. She was just a North Dakota farm girl. Her life was simple, had been simple. And she liked it that way. She didn’t want the complications. But she did want Ryder. With all her heart and soul, she wanted to step into his embrace and truly belong there.
The porch light came on.
Nell stepped back. His hand dropped.
She might want it, but that didn’t make it her reality.
“I’d better go in,” she said, low. Even she could hear the disappointment in her tone.
She turned.
“Nell?”
She stopped but didn’t look back at him. “Yeah?”
“We’re still very good friends?”
Her lips curved, and she laughed. “Yes.”
“Good night.”
Chapter 16
A week later, Ryder got a call from Brad in the middle of the day. They’d been working on putting a new watering system in the back pasture, and when his phone buzzed, he was halfway between the barn and the field going back to get a different wrench. He stopped his ATV and answered.
“Did you get those shoes back?” Brad asked, out of breath.
“Hello, I’m fine, thank you, and all the other pleasantries that you skipped.” Ryder couldn’t help teasing him. He’d just seen Nell at lunch, and she always had a smile, but she had a special one for him whe
re her cheeks got pink and her eyelids drooped just a little. It made his heart sing every time. How could a smile like that not make a man feel amazing?
“This is important.” Brad’s tone was all business.
“The shoes?”
“Yes.”
They weren’t that big of a deal. “In the grand scheme of things, I’m sorry, but they’re not really that important.”
“I don’t think you understand. You need to get the shoes back. You can’t give them to anyone but the woman you’ve chosen to marry.”
“Why not?” Ryder leaned back on his ATV and watched a Golden Eagle lazily ride a thermal.
“I can’t say. Just trust me on this.” Brad seemed to be more upset than the situation warranted.
“Well, I gave them away, and I can’t take them back. You’re having trouble getting me another pair? There didn’t seem to be anything that special about them.”
Brad sighed. “No. I’ve been trying, scheming, flat-out lying, and I can’t get another pair.”
“I don’t see what the big deal is. Just get another pair that’s similar. In fact, never mind. Don’t worry about shoes. She can buy her own.” Ryder didn’t even know why Brad had given him the shoes in the first place. He had too many other things to think about to fuss with footwear.
His phone beeped. “I’ve got another call coming in. Talk to you later.” He switched calls. This one was from the lawyer he’d put on Vinton’s case.
“Hello?
“Ryder. It’s Phillip. I’ve got some preliminary findings for you.”
“Great. Shoot.”
“Child welfare would have to be involved. Neglect would have to be proved. And it will probably end up being traumatic for the child, since he’d need to be moved to a foster home, even if you’re ready and willing to adopt him right away. That’s just protocol.” The lawyer sighed. “My recommendation is forget it. Unless the child is not being cared for, it’s best for him if you don’t rock the boat. It’s going to be a rough road, and you might not, probably won’t, win.”
Well, that was enough to wipe the smile off his face.
A second eagle had joined the first, and their circles looked like a slow, weaving dance. He wondered if they were male and female.
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