Craving a Real Texan--A Western romance

by Charlene Sands

  Madeline? She remembered Lily telling her something about Cade’s ex-girlfriend. She was pre-Bree and, if she recalled correctly, someone Lily wasn’t too fond of.

  Harper slid her hands down her coat to wipe them clean before taking the woman’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “I recognized you from the reality show,” she said. “I’m a loyal fan of One Last Date. But Cade never would watch it. He thought it was insane and thought any woman who had to go on a reality show to find love was well...I’m too nice to say. He hated being dragged into that whole mess with you. He as much as told me so over dinner the other night.”

  Harper hadn’t spent weeks on One Last Date not to recognize a woman with her claws out. Madeline was staking a claim on Cade. But it was news to her that Cade had taken Madeline out to dinner while she was waiting for a call from him. Oh boy, she was such a fool. She’d always vowed not to let women like Madeline get the best of her, but wow, she was good. And from the wicked smile on her face, Madeline knew it.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go.” Harper brushed past her, holding in her anger, her rage, but she couldn’t quite shelve her pain. It spread through her body like wildfire.

  * * *

  Once she arrived back to the kitchen in a pristine white coat and wearing a toque on her head, she had calmed down somewhat. The party had started, and she focused on overseeing the serving of the appetizers.

  Lily wandered into the kitchen twenty minutes later. “Hi, just checking in. Everything’s going smoothly out there. I’m hearing good things from the guests.”

  Harper gave her a solemn nod as she sliced freshly baked bread with a vengeance. “Thanks.”

  “Harper, what’s wrong? I can tell you’re not happy. What’s going on?”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “It is something. I know that look. Remember, you can’t fool me. I’m your bestie since college, and we know each other inside out.”

  She shrugged and set down her knife. “Nothing I want to talk about.”

  Lily grabbed her arm and tugged her out of the kitchen and into the downstairs study, where Lily gave her a stern speak-to-me look. “Something’s wrong. What is it?”

  She sighed. “What do you know about Madeline O’Shea?”

  Lily blinked a few times. “You want to know about Madeline?”

  “Yes, I met her a bit ago and...”

  “She gave you grief,” Lily finished for her. “The truth is, Madeline’s never gotten over losing my brother to Bree. She’s been after Cade ever since Bree passed away.”

  “You mean, Cade dumped her for Bree?”

  “Dumped isn’t the right word. They weren’t getting along and Cade realized she wasn’t the woman for him. She did not take the breakup well. Shortly after, Cade started seeing Bree.”

  “Madeline told me she went out to dinner with Cade this week. Did you know about that?”

  “I wouldn’t worry. Cade does business with her father, and so he sees her occasionally. But it always seems to be about business.”

  “But you’re not sure?”

  “I’m sure of Cade. He’s crazy about you, Harper. I wouldn’t give up on him.”

  “Does he know he’s crazy about me?”

  Lily grinned. “Probably not, but Gage and Mom seem to think so, too.”

  Harper rolled her eyes. What good was it that they all thought so, if Cade was too blind or gun shy to know it? “Lil, I’ve gotta get back to work. Thanks for the talk.”

  “Sure, any time.” Lily kissed her cheek. “You’re kicking butt out there, girl. I’m so proud of you.”

  Harper returned to the kitchen, feeling slightly better. Her sous chefs were all giddy listening to Gage Tremaine sing as they prepared the meals. He had a dynamic voice that streamed into the house. His tone was unique, and it was no wonder he’d become such a superstar. But he’d had his share of scandals lately. Though the Gage she’d met hardly seemed to be such a bad boy. And Lily claimed he was innocent of most things written about him in the tabloids.

  Harper could relate.

  She kept busy throughout the evening, making sure the dishes were going out on time, hearing the rumble of conversations mingling with music and laughter. It put her in a good mood. She liked Rose, who was definitely a powerful woman with a soft spot for her children. She deserved to celebrate her birthday in the best of ways, surrounded by family and good friends. All 150 of them.

  After all the meals were served and dinner was over, Harper breathed a sigh of relief. All they had to do now was sing “Happy Birthday” to Rose and have cake and the other desserts the pastry chef had cooked up, and her work would be done.

  It was a bittersweet moment, having accomplished so much while she also felt so unsettled. She walked over to the double French doors, opening one to hear the full power of Gage’s sultry, deep voice. When the song ended, Gage looked out onto the crowd, finding his mother sitting at a table with her friends. He spoke into the microphone, “Mom, it’s your turn on stage now. Come on up. Cade, Lily and I have something special for you.”

  Harper had to see this. She’d promised Lily she’d come outside the second her work was done. She unbuttoned her white coat and took off her hat, fussing with her hair a bit and straightening out the dress that had been crushed under her uniform. Then she walked out onto the patio. The stage was set back and illuminated with several strategically placed spotlights. Overhead, twinkle lights sparkled.

  Lily took her mom’s arm, while Cade took the other and they escorted her up on stage. The cake was brought over on a cart and placed in front of the stage so everyone could view it. It was a true work of art, thanks to the pastry chef Harper had hired.

  “So, what do you get a mom who has everything?” Gage asked the crowd while taking his mother’s hand. Rose gazed into Gage’s eyes in a tender moment. “You have all three of your kids sing you a birthday song. One that was written just for you.”

  The crowd let out a collective sigh. Tears formed in Harper’s eyes at the love all three had for their mother.

  Gage played the guitar and did most of the singing with Cade and Lily as backup. The ballad was touching and emotional, creating an unforgettable moment. And when it was over, they were all given a standing ovation. “Happy birthday, Mom,” they said over the applause, each one giving Rose a kiss on the cheek.

  Harper clapped so hard her hands hurt and then made her way over to Rose and Lily by the stage. “Happy birthday, Rose.” She kissed her cheek, too.

  “Oh, Harper, thank you. The meal was delicious. I can’t tell you how many people complimented the food. Everything was superb.”

  “I’m happy to hear that.”

  The band played on, and Gage approached the three of them. “Mom, can I have this dance?”

  “Of course, son. Excuse me,” Rose said, smiling. “My son wants to dance with me.”

  “You go, Mom.”

  “Have fun,” Harper said.

  A few seconds later, Nathan came over to say hello, his focus on Lily. He seemed to hang on her every word, and then he quite tactfully asked, “Would one of you ladies care to dance?”

  Harper took a step back. “You go on, Lil. I’m so tired I can barely stand, much less dance.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Of course. Go on, Nathan, take Lily around the dance floor.”

  Harper found a wall to lean against to watch the festivities. Even though she was tired of being on her feet, she tapped her foot in tune with the country sounds, finally able to enjoy the party. Several of the Tremaines’ friends made a special effort to come over to compliment her meal, explaining Rose had pointed her out to them. And not a one of them mentioned seeing her on One Last Date, thank goodness. It was a triumphant moment, boosting her spirits and inspiring her to finish her cookbook.

  She looked around,
searching for Cade. He seemed to have disappeared after the birthday song. Unfortunately, her search ended when he suddenly appeared on the dance floor with Madeline’s arms draped around his neck, her body crushed to his. Even though the music was upbeat, they moved slowly, as if they’d shut out the entire world. And then Cade kissed her, right there on the dance floor, in front of everyone. Harper didn’t know how long the kiss lasted; she wasn’t about to wait around to find out.

  All she knew was that her heart had finally shattered, and there was no hope left. This whole mess was finally over. She walked into the kitchen to give it one final inspection. Luckily her staff had taken care of everything. She didn’t have one more obligation to the Tremaine family, so she grabbed her things and walked straight out the front door.

  * * *

  Cade searched the crowd for Harper. He wanted to spend at least a few minutes with her during the party, but he couldn’t find her. He approached Gage and his mom. “Have you seen Harper anywhere? She’s not in the kitchen and her staff hasn’t seen her, either.”

  “Nope. I haven’t seen her,” Gage said, shaking his head. “But you better hope she didn’t see you with Madeline. That was not cool, bro. What in hell is going on with you?”

  “Madeline? You think she saw me with Madeline?”

  “Everyone near the dance floor saw you locking lips with her,” his mother said, condemnation in her voice.

  “It’s not what you think. Hell, that woman causes nothing but trouble. She’s a damn drama queen.”

  “I hope you’re not talking about Harper,” his mother said.

  Lily approached, her expression grim and aimed directly at him. “What did you do now?”

  “Why, where’s Harper?”

  “She’s at the guesthouse. She wants to leave, ASAP. But she doesn’t have a car and she won’t ask me to leave Mom’s party early. I’m supposed to take her home first thing in the morning, A-hole.” Lily looked toward her mother. “Sorry, Mom.”

  “It’s okay, honey. I agree.”

  All eyes turned to Cade.

  “Are you going to let that girl go?” his mother asked.

  “Man, she’s a keeper, Cade,” Gage said, shaking his head, giving him a don’t-be-a-dumbass look. “Even I recognize that.”

  “I know. I know.” Cade’s gut clenched. He might have blown it with Harper for good, and that would be the worst thing that ever happened to him. Well, except for losing Bree. But losing Harper was right up there on the same level. “I need to talk to her.”

  “She doesn’t want to talk to you. She texted me specifically to keep you away from her.”

  “I have to see her. Tonight. Give me your phone, Lily.”

  “No way.”

  “Cade, what are you up to?” his mother asked suspiciously.

  “I just need to explain. And straighten all this out. But I can’t do it without Lily’s phone and her car keys.”

  “Now you want my keys?”

  “If you want your best friend becoming a part of this family, you’ll give them up.”

  “Really?” Lily grinned, and her entire demeanor changed.

  “Man, you have it bad,” Gage said. “Take pity on the guy and give him what he wants, sis. Or we’ll never hear the end of it.”

  “Okay, but if you do anything to hurt her, I’ll never forgive you,” Lily warned.

  “And I’ll disown you,” his mom said, halfway serious.

  “Then I’ll kick you to the curb like yesterday’s garbage,” Gage said, making his point.

  “Got it. Now hand them over,” Cade said, finally seeing some light.

  He only hoped it wasn’t too late.

  * * *

  Harper let the warm water of the shower rain down, cleaning her body of a full day in the kitchen. The grease, the oil, the scents of herbs and garlic all needed washing away. But so did her aching heart. She wished there was a shower for that. Something that could wipe away her uncontrollable sobs. Something that could free her body of fierce and unyielding pain. She could call Cade Tremaine a jerk, a fool, an idiot, but none of that seemed to make her feel any better. Because she still loved him. Desperately and helplessly. So didn’t that make her the bigger fool? The grander idiot?

  She let the warmth spread over her body until her tears no longer mingled with the water spraying down. Until the warmth gave her courage enough to face the cold reality that Cade was out of her life now.

  For good.

  She stepped out of the shower and dried off with a towel. Her phone buzzed on the countertop, and she picked it up to read a text from Lily. The party broke up early. I can take you home now, if you’re set on leaving tonight.

  It’s late, Lil. I can’t impose on you that way.

  I’ll spend the night at your place and drive home in the morning. No problem.

  Harper glanced at the clock. It was ten thirty. She could be off Tremaine land and in her own bed before midnight. Nothing would make her happier. And Lily would be there in the morning to keep her company. Maybe to help nurse her wounds.

  That’s a good plan, she texted back. Thanks, my friend.

  I’ll be there in thirty minutes.

  Harper made fast work of packing up her stuff. She didn’t have all that much here, so it was easy to gather up her clothes and dump them into her suitcases. Any regrets she had in leaving this place were stifled when the sight of Cade and Madeline kissing entered her mind. Something squeezed tight in her belly every time she thought about Cade. He’d probably wanted to tell her he was getting back with Madeline when they were supposed to talk tonight. So, she was saving him the trouble.

  Damn him.

  The doorbell rang precisely thirty minutes later, and she was more than ready. She grabbed her bags and glanced out the window to see Lily’s car in the driveway. She opened the door. “I can’t thank—” She gasped, stunned to find Cade at her threshold, not Lily. “What are you doing here?” She looked over his shoulder for Lily. “I’m waiting for your sister.”

  Cade took a deep breath, and his lips turned down. “Lily’s not coming.”

  The look on his face frightened her. “Did something happen to her?”

  “No, nothing like that. Lily is fine. Trust me.”

  She laughed in his face. What a joke, asking her to trust him. “I don’t.”

  “I know. I’m sorry about that. That’s why I’m here, to explain and make things right. I knew if I asked to speak with you, you’d slam the door in my face again.”

  “And you’d be right. I saw you tonight with Madeline. You kissed her on the dance floor. So, there’s nothing more to explain. She made it clear how things are between you.”

  Cade’s eyes darkened to coal, and his face twisted up at the mention of Madeline’s name. “She had too much to drink. The next thing I know, she’s dragging me on the dance floor and kissing me. I didn’t want to make a scene in front of all the guests. But if you saw the whole thing, you would’ve seen me give her a stern talking-to afterward. I made it clear that I wasn’t interested in her that way and handed her over to her father. Regardless of what happens between you and me, I still wouldn’t go back to Madeline.”

  He seemed sincere, and she took a moment to digest what he claimed had happened with Madeline. She wasn’t going to deny that his explanation made sense. And maybe she’d jumped to conclusions a teeny, tiny bit too soon. Still, she had doubts. “You lied to me. You pretended to be Lily in the texts.”

  “And you lied to me for days, pretending to be someone you weren’t.”

  “That’s not entirely true, Cade. I am the same person I always was. And I’ve apologized for that many times.”

  “And I’ve forgiven you.” He put out his hand. “Will you take a drive with me?”

  That caught her off guard. “Why?”

  “So we can talk. Reall
y talk. I have something I want to show you. I’ll take your suitcases and drive you back to Barrel Falls myself if you still want that after you hear me out.”

  Harper gave his proposition a moment of thought. It seemed like a win-win. If she didn’t like his explanation, she’d be assured of going home tonight. It was the best she was going to get.

  “Fine.”

  He grabbed her suitcases as she closed up the guesthouse and followed him to Lily’s SUV. He hoisted both bags into the back end, then opened the car door for her. He was still such a gentleman. She was beginning to appreciate all that Southern charm.

  Once she was seated and buckled up, Cade climbed in and started the engine. To her surprise, he whipped the car around, leading away from the main road and heading deeper onto Tremaine land.

  She sat quietly, not asking any questions as they passed the stables and then took off down a bumpy path. One she recognized, perhaps. But it was dark out, the stars above giving only slight illumination. “You know, my family threatened to toss me out on my ass if I didn’t go after you.”

  “Smart family. I like them all.”

  “They like you. Better than they like me, I think.”

  “So, is that what you’re doing? Going after me?”

  He turned to her and nodded. “It took me a while to figure some things out. I admit, I’m slow on the draw at times. Especially after I met a gorgeous brunette who wrapped me around her little finger. It was new to me, being with someone else. Giving of myself. One day, you were this sweet tomboy hiker and herb-loving chef, and the next day I find out you’re one of the biggest reality stars in the country. It threw me off and made me really think about what I was doing with my own life.”

  He stopped the car a short distance from his favorite place by the stream and got out. She didn’t wait for him to open the door for her, but when she exited the car, he took her hand. He faced her as they both leaned one shoulder against the car.

  “Harper, I condemned you for going on that show. I shouldn’t have. It was wrong. I shouldn’t have judged you.”